16 March 2017 - Daily Current Affairs
Annual Krishi Unnati Mela begins in New Delhi
- The three-day annual ‘Krishi Unnati Mela’ has begun at Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi, with a focus on doubling farmer’s income.
- The main objective of the Mela is to create awareness among farmers about the latest agriculture-related technological developments.
- Lakhs of farmers and agriculture scientists will participate in the Mela.
- Tomorrow, PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Jaivik Kheti Portal and confer ‘Krishi Karman Award’ to best performing states, Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Krishi Vigyan protsahan awards.
- The main theme pavilion will be based on Doubling of farmers income by 2022.
PM Modi inaugurates 105th Indian Science Congress in Imphal
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 105th session of Indian Science Congress, at Manipur University in Imphal, Manipur.
- The five-day Science Congress is an annual congregation of science professionals from across the globe.
- The theme of this year’s edition of the Science Congress is “Reaching the Unreached through Science and Technology”.
- He also laid the foundation stone of the National Sports University, 1000 Anganwadi Centres, 19 residential complexes for teachers, doctors, nurses, and other development projects.
- The Prime Minister also inaugurated the Luwangpokpa Multi-Sports Complex, Rani Gaidinliu Park, and other development projects.
Haryana Assembly passes a bill proposing death penalty in the rape case of girls below 12 years
- Haryana state Assembly has passed “the Criminal Law (Haryana Amendment) Bill -2018” proposing death penalty or rigorous imprisonment of not less than 14 years for rape or gang rape of girls below 12 years.
- The punishment of 14 years may be extended to life imprisonment.
- The law also proposes punishment not less than 2 years and up to 7 years in case of assault with intent to outrage the modesty of a girl.
- The punishment for stalking has also been proposed for second conviction which shall be not less than 3 years and up to 7 years.
CBEC to organize camps across the country to fast-track GST refunds to exporters
- The Central Board ofa Excise and Customs (CBEC) is organizing fortnight-long camps across the country to fast-track GST refunds to exporters.
- Earlier, the exporters have been complaining of delay in the GST refunds, which have blocked their working capital.
- GST was rolled out across the country from 1st of July last year.
- The CBEC has already given refunds to the tune of 5 thousand crore rupees but as much as 70% of total refunds to exporters is still stuck.
India is the 133rd happiest country in the world
- According to sixth World Happiness Report-2018, India ranks at 133rd rank in 156 countries by their happiness levels, and 117 countries by the happiness of their immigrants.
- Burundi (East Africa) is the unhappiest place in the world and Pakistan (75th), China (86th) and Nepal (101st).
- The study reveals the US has slipped to 18th place, five places down on 2016.
Note:
- The World Happiness Report is published as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Solution Network.
- It ranks countries on various quality of life parameters—social support, GDP per capita, heath-life expectancy, freedom, generosity and absence of corruption.
S.N
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Top happiest countries
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Least happiest countries
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1.
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Finland
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Burundi
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2.
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Norway
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Central African Republic
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3.
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Denmark
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South Sudan
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4.
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Iceland
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Tanzania
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5.
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Switzerland
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Yemen
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Nitin Gadkari inaugurates 5th Nadi Mahotsava at Bandrabhan in MP
- The Union minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the 5th Nadi Mahotsava at Bandrabhan of Hoshangabad District of Madhya Pradesh.
- The pioneering event Nadi Mahotsava started by late Union Minister Anil Madhav Dave’
- The two-day mahotsava with various sessions of discussion is taking place for the conservation of Narmada river.
- Water scarcity is not the problem in the country but uplifting downtrodden residing in villages on the banks of rivers is a challenge.
Exports in February up 4.5% to $25.8 billion: Commerce Secy
- According to Commerce Secretary Rita Teaotia, India's exports grew by 4.5% in February-2018 to 25.8 billion Dollar(last year 24.7 billion Dollar).
- During April to February period of the current fiscal, exports recorded a growth of 11% to $273 billion.
- Imports also rose by 10.4% to $37.8 billion during the last month.
NCRB launches ‘Citizen Services’ mobile app
- The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has launched a mobile app “Citizen Services” on the occasion of its 33rd Inception Day.
- The application has been developed in-house by the NCRB.
- The application comprises a bouquet of 9 essential police related services for the citizen.
Qatar announces 50 million Dollars donation to UNRWA
- Qatar has announced a 50 million USD donation to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency(UNRWA) for Palestine Refugees during the extraordinary ministerial meeting in Rome, Italy.
- Qatar has also announced to continue finance projects implemented by the UNRWA.
- Qatar is facing a nine-month boycott by its Gulf allies.
