Daily GK Updates - 28th March, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. IM-PDS scheme approved for implementation: A new central sector scheme namely “Integrated Management of Public Distribution System” has been approved for implementation during 2018-19 and 2019-20. The key objectives of the scheme are to integrate PDS systems of States/UTs with Central System, the introduction of National Portability etc. The new scheme will bring more transparency and efficiency in distribution of foodgrains.

2. Department of Posts launches “Cool EMS Service”: Department of Posts has launched the “Cool EMS Service” which will come into force from 29th March. Cool EMS service is one-way service from Japan to India which allows customers in India to import Japanese food items for personal use which is allowed under Indian regulations Initially, Cool EMS Service will be available in Delhi only.

3. Govt approves guarantee for IRFC Bonds: Ministry of Finance has approved Government guarantee of Rs. 5,000 crore in the current financial year for Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) bonds to be subscribed by Life Insurance Corporation, LIC. The guarantee fee for the aforesaid amount has also been waived by Ministry of Finance. The decision will ease the flow of borrowed funds for Ministry of Railways to undertake projects.

4. India’s first insect museum opened in TN: An insect museum which is fully dedicated to insects and is claimed to be the first of its kind in the country was opened in Tamil Nadu. It would display insects preserved as specimens as also live ones depicting their different developmental stages, images, videos and models of their unique behaviour, habits and habitats. The theme of the museum is “Bugs are kings”.

5. President confers the Gallantry Awards: President Ram Nath Kovind presented Gallantry Awards and distinguished service decorations at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President presented three Kirti Chakra, India’s second highest military decoration and 17 Shaurya Chakra in the grand ceremony. President Kovind honoured Kirti Chakra to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Commandant Chetan Cheetah.

6. Rs 350 coin to be released: The government will come out with a Rs 350 commemorative coin to mark the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, which was celebrated in 2016. The reverse side will bear the picture of “Takht Shri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib” in the centre. He was born on 2 December 1666 in Patna. The years ‘1666’ and ‘2016’ in international numerals will be on the left and right periphery of the coin.

7. Indu Bhushan is the CEO of Ayushman Bharat: Indu Bhushan was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Centres ambitious Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission (ABNHPM). He is the Director General of East Asia Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines. The ABNHPM has the benefit cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year.

8. India and ADB sign loan agreement for the development of Himachal Pradesh: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India signed $80 million loan to help modernize technical and vocational education and training institutions ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh. The Project will establish a polytechnic for women, 6 city Livelihood Centers, and 7 Rural Livelihood Centers. The project will support the skill initiatives of Government of Himachal Pradesh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World Theatre Day observed on 27th March: World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on the 27th March by ‘International Theatre Institute’ Centres and the International Theatre Community. World Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute. One of the most important of these is the circulation of the World Theatre Day Message. The first World Theatre Day Message was written by Jean Cocteau in 1962.

2. UAE becomes the first Arab Country to have Nuclear Power: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrated the completion of the first-ever Nuclear Power Plant not only in the country but the whole Arab Gulf Region. The $20 billion Barakah Plant west of Abu Dhabi has been constructed by a consortium led by Korea Electric Power Corp in nine years. It’s one of the four nuclear reactors being constructed with South Korea’s cooperation.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1. Microsoft opens Garage innovation site in India: Microsoft inaugurated Garage facility, a maker space for employees, its first in Hyderabad and the 2nd largest in the world after its Redmond Garage facility. Microsoft Garage provides a platform to employees who want to explore ideas, build prototypes or experiment with existing products. India is Microsoft’s 2nd largest work location after Redmond, which employees close to 45,000 people.