IMD to use supercomputer to forecast monsoon based on dynamical model
The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has announced that India Meteorological Department (IMD) will use supercomputer to forecast India’s annual summer monsoon. The forecast made by a supercomputer will be based on a dynamical monsoon model and will be operational from year 2017.
28 July: World Hepatitis Day
The World Hepatitis Day is being observed every year on July 28 around the globe to spread awareness about viral hepatitis. Significance of the Day: It seeks to encourage diagnosis, prevention and treatment of Hepatitis. Provide a single global platform to raise awareness about hepatitis and influence real change in disease prevention, testing and treatment 2016 Theme: “Elimination”. It focuses on elimination of hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.
India-US ink $1 billion deal to buy four Poseidon-8I aircraft
India has signed a defence deal with United States worth over $1 billion to purchase four additional Poseidon-8I (P8I) long-range maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. This deal is a follow-up order to the eight P-81 aircrafts that are already bought by India in a direct deal with Boeing’s Indian subsidiary in 2009. The acquisition of additional four P-8I aircraft will give the Indian Navy much-needed punch to build up its naval surveillance capabilities.
Lohmann, Morris, Muralidaran and Rolton to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has selected Muttiah Muralidaran, Karen Rolton, Arthur Morris and George Lohmann to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. These four iconic cricketers were voted by the ICC Cricket Hall of Famers as well as members of the media.
They will be presented with commemorative caps to honour their contribution to the game of cricket in order to mark their induction. With this, Muralitharan becomes the first Sri Lankan cricket player to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.
Michel Barnier appointed as Chief Brexit Negotiator by European Union Commission
The European Union (EU’s) executive has appointed Michel Barnier, as its Chief Negotiator for the United Kingdom’s exit from the bloc. Michel Barnier is former French Financial Services Commissioner. He was appointed under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union.
Union Cabinet increases limit for foreign investment in Stock Exchanges from 5% to 15%
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for raising foreign shareholding limit from current 5% to 15% in Indian Stock Exchanges. The decision brings the investment limit of foreign entities at par with that of domestic institutions. This enhanced limit is for a stock exchange, depository, banking company, insurance company and commodity derivative exchange.
Additionally, the Union Cabinet also gave its approval for foreign portfolio investors to acquire shares through initial allotment, besides secondary market, in the stock exchanges.
Union Cabinet approves key changes to GST Constitutional Amendment Bill
The Union Cabinet has approved amendments to the GST (goods & services tax) constitutional amendment Bill in order to incorporate suggestions made by states. This decision follows a crucial meeting of the Empowered Committee of State Finance Ministers on GST with Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
Union Cabinet approves Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and Cambodia
The Union Cabinet has approved Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and Cambodia to boost trade and business. Decision in this regard was taken during the Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Union Cabinet approves setting up of new AIIMS in Bhatinda
The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of a new AIIMS at Bhatind, Punjab under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY).
The medical institution will have a hospital with capacity of 750 beds which will include Emergency Beds, Private Beds, ICU Speciality & Super Speciality beds and AYUSH beds.
