GK & CA
Collection of weekly GK & CA since year 2016.
February, 2016
125
Jurassic fossil site discovered in Argentina
Paleontologists in Argentina have announced the discovery of a major Jurassic-era fossil site. The site, which spans (60,000 sq. km) in Patagonia, came to light this week with the publication of a report in the journal Ameghiniana .
Mon, 29 Feb, 2016124
President to declare Kerala as first digital state
With high e-literacy rate and mobile penetration (32 m connections) and It is also the first to complete the national optic fiber network project which helps to provide high-speed internet in all gram panchayats and remote areas.
Mon, 29 Feb, 2016123
Ex-DRDO DG Dr Avinash Chander awarded Aryabhata Award
Dr Avinash Chander, former scientific advisor to the defence minister and ex-DRDO chief, today received the prestigious Astronautical Society of India's Aryabhata Award.
Mon, 29 Feb, 2016122
Fast-acting anti-rabies drug set for India launch
The first fast-acting anti-rabies drug of the world, which instantly deactivates the rabies virus and provides immediate protection in severe dog bite cases, is set for a launch in India.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016121
Kanavu Variyam to get Remi Award
Kanavu Variyam, a Tamil movie directed by a Chennai-based techie Arun Chidambaram, has gone on to win the prestigious Remi Award in the US. the film is about the most familiar problem faced by people in Tamil Nadu: incessant power cuts.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016120
New defence industry body to promote R&D
Defence companies have come together to form a new industry association that focuses on indigenous design and development, taking a cue from the new procurement policy of the government that promotes domestic R&D with special incentives.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016119
Barack Obama to honour 6 Indian-American scientists
US President Barack Obama to honour six Indian Americans, who have made to the list of 106 scientists and engineers, with the highest US government prize for young independent researchers.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016118
Jharkhand gets first mega food park
In order to give an impetus to the growth of the food processing sector in Jharkhand, the first mega food park in the state promoted by Jharkhand Mega Food Park Pvt. Ltd.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016117
India's first robot Brabo
A Tata group company, TAL Manufacturing Solutions, has unveiled India's first ever robot called Brabo It has already been showcased in the Make in India week and is expected to be launched before May 2016.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016116
Third Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation
The third edition of the Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation will start from April 12 and this time, India will play the host. The meeting aims at promoting awareness about tiger conservation across Asia and the world.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016115
Geographical Identification tag for Bengali sweets
GI tag for four traditional sweetmeat being sought are Moa of Jainagar, Sarpuria of Krishnagar, Sitabhog and Mihidana of Burdwan, delicacies of the state with a view to protect them from imitations and for exporting them in future.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016114
Pak parliament-first in world to run entirely on solar power
Pakistan parliament became the first in the world to completely run on solar power, a venture supported by China with $55 million funding. This Project was launched last year when Chinese President Xi Jinping visited.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016113
WTO rules against india in solar case
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has ruled in the US favour and against India's domestic content requirements for solar products under the national solar mission.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016112
US launches anti-dumping probe
A US investigative body has decided to go ahead with its anti-dumping investigations into a certain category of tyres imported from India and Sri Lanka that may have a damaging effect on domestic industry even as it let China off the hook.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016111
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh composed SPVs for Smart Cities
As per the statement of Ministry of Urban Development, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have leading the charts in establishing the Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) for the implementation of smart city plans.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016110
World's major deltas are shrinking: study
More than two-thirds of the world's 33 major deltas are sinking and the vast majority of those have experienced flooding in recent years, primarily a result of human activity, a new study has found.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016109
China, India change the game
Asia's oil markets are being upended as India's and China's refiners overtake once-dominant buyers like Japan and challenge the United States as the world's biggest consumer.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016108
11 Indian crew of ship hijacked
A ship Maximus with Ten Indian crew of a ship, which was hijacked by pirates off the Ivory Coast, have been rescued with the help of the Nigerian navy.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016107
RBI extends currency swap arrangement with SAARC nations
Under the arrangement, RBI is to offer swap arrangement up to an overall amount of $2 billion both in foreign currency and Indian rupee.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016106
Vardhan releases Seismic microzonation reports
This scientific endeavours help to minimise the impact of earthquakes by proper assessment of Seismic hazard, implementation of safe building construction codes and adopting appropriate land-use planning.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016105
Cancellation of 26 NBFCs
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the certificate of registration of the 26 (twenty six) non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016104
Copper can destroy MRSA and MSSA superbugs
Copper targets various cellular sites, not only killing bacterial and viral pathogens, but also rapidly destroying their nucleic acid genetic material so there is no chance of mutation occurring and nothing to pass on to other microbes.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016103
IBSAMAR 2016
The primary aim of the exercise is to increase interoperability amongst the three navies, navies of Brazil, India and South Africa, as well as develop common understanding and procedures for maritime security operations.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016102
India, Pak had agreed to Ireland model
Former Union minister and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah claimed that the borders of J&K can't be redrawn and even New Delhi had agreed to an 'Ireland model of resolution for the state.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016101
Game changer DPP coming soon
The much anticipated Defence Procurement Policy 2016 is likely to be announced with game-changing reforms that encourage greater role for Indian industry in military research and production. It aims to vastly reduce procedural delays.
Thu, 25 Feb, 2016100
Vietnam invites India to explore resources
Vietnam has invited India to explore and exploit natural resources within its 200-nauticalmile exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea region.
Thu, 25 Feb, 201699
Influenza can hide from human immune system- Recent study
The influenza virus that affects mainly the nose, throat, bronchi contains a protein that helps in outsmarting the immune system, which can track viruses and alert the body of the entry of foreign virus into the human cells to multiply.
Thu, 25 Feb, 201698
International conference on Antimicrobial Resistance
India is committed to combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). it is imperative that all stakeholders connected with AMR contribute to pave the way for effective action to combat AMR.
Thu, 25 Feb, 201697
Haryana become first state to complete Aquifer mapping
Haryana to soon become the first state in the country to have aquifer mapping done for its groundwater resources by May. An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing rock, from which groundwater can be extracted.
Thu, 25 Feb, 201696
India remains world's largest arms importer
The latest data on international arms transfers released by a global think-tank, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), shows India's arms imports remain three times greater than those of its rivals China and Pakistan.
Thu, 25 Feb, 201695
India’s first nuclear submarine ready for operations
India's first nuclear armed submarine INS Arihant is ready for full fledged operations, having passed several deep sea diving drills as well as weapons launch tests.
Thu, 25 Feb, 201694
Ex-CJI Justice HL Dattu will be next Chairperson of NHRC
Former Chief Justice of India Justice Handyala Lakshminarayanaswamy Dattu selected as the next Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission.
Thu, 25 Feb, 201693
PM Modi launches Rurban Mission
Under the Rurban Mission 300 rural centres, catering to at least four adjoining villages each, will be developed as urban clusters with modern facilities.
Mon, 22 Feb, 201690
Jal Manthan 2016
The two day event will have consultations and discussions on River Basin Approach for Sustainable development, Ground water, Water security and Principles of allocation of water.
Sat, 20 Feb, 201689
India Nepal ties
India and Nepal ties for success of Nepal's new Constitution will depend on consensus and dialogue and India was for peace, stability and overall development of the Himalayan nation.
Sat, 20 Feb, 201688
Prasar Bharati signs historical MoU with EBC
Prasar Bharati has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with Empressa de Brazil Communicacao (EBC) in connection with several broadcast related activities including exchange of programmes, news and co-production.
Sat, 20 Feb, 201687
US writer Harper Lee passes away
Harper Lee, whose debut novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, immortalized her name with its story of justice and race in a small Southern town and became a classic of American literature.
Sat, 20 Feb, 201686
Cyclone Winston approaches Fijian capital
Tropical Cyclone Winston is bearing down on the main island of Fiji ,Winston had earlier tracked south and west of Fiji, causing extensive damage on the Vava'u island group.
Sat, 20 Feb, 201685
Christine Lagarde appointed as IMF chief
The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) selected 60-year-old Lagarde to serve as IMF Managing Director for a second five-year term.
Sat, 20 Feb, 201684
Five ‘hot’ Jupiter-like planets discovered
Scientists have discovered five new Jupiter-like planets that are similar in characteristics to our solar system's biggest planet and orbit very close to their host stars.
Sat, 20 Feb, 201683
ISRO upbeat as indigenous cryo engine passes test
Based on last year's GSLV Mark III's experimental flight, modifications have been done to solid rocket S-200 motors to change dynamic pressure and forces and ground tests.
Sat, 20 Feb, 201682
Make in India boost
Lockheed Martin is ready manufacture F-16 aircraft in India and support the ongoing talks between the two countries to set up the first manufacturing facility, one of the largest projects under the 'Make in India' initiative.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201681
Global teacher prize, Indian among contenders
An Indian teacher who runs a not-for-profit school in Mumbai for girls from the city’s red light areas was named in the top 10 shortlist for a global prize for teachers.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201680
Panel to investigate violence
This select panel to investigate big abortion providers in response to the now debunked videos produced by the Center for Medical Progress (CMP), which falsely accused Planned Parenthood of illegal activities.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201679
Maharashtra gets first all-women panchayat
The village has taken a lead in women’s political participation by becoming first in the State to adopt 100% political representation for women at the gram panchayat level.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201678
West Bengal government launched Utkarsh Bangla Scheme
West Bengal government had launched the Utkarsh Bangla Scheme for school dropouts at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata.The aim of the scheme is to give vocational training to school dropouts.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201677
Sameer Anjaan enters Guinness Book of Records
He was rewarded for writing the most number of songs for Bollywood films. Sameer, who has been penning songs for the last 30 years, is also the first lyricist to bag this honor.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201676
SBI opens ‘Japan Desk’ in New Delhi
State Bank of India (SBI) launched Japan Desk, a first-of-its-kind initiative to facilitate Japanese corporates looking to invest here with banking and advisory services.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201675
58th Grammy Award
The 2016 Grammy Awards were held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. 1989 - Best album, Thinking Out Loud - Best Song of the year, Uptown Funk - Record of the year and many more.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201674
Environment Minister launches ENVIS portal
Environment Information System(ENVIS). The purpose of the scheme is to integrate country-wide efforts in environmental information collection, collation, storage, retrieval and dissemination through ENVIS website.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201673
Google's 'Project Loon' began its first test at Shrilanka
Google's balloon-powered high-speed internet service began at Shrilanka, Google’s initial goal with the project is of establishing a ring of uninterrupted connectivity at latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201672
Govt plans disaster recovery framework
India will soon have a disaster recovery framework to help authorities plan restoration of pre-disaster living conditions of the affected population, which include involvement of private sector and securing cultural heritage.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201671
Westinghouse may ink preliminary deal with NPCIL
The NPCIL and the US energy major Westinghouse Electric Company are likely to sign yet another preliminary agreement for four more additional reactors to be installed at the proposed atomic power plant at Mithi Virdi in Gujarat.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201670
New NASA telescope to help unlock secrets of universe
NASA has started work on a new telescope with a view 100 times bigger than that of Hubble Space Telescope that may help unravel the mysteries of dark matter and advance the search for alien life.
Fri, 19 Feb, 201669
India launches lightest gun
Boosting the 'Make in India' initiative, the Rifle Factory Ishapore, has developed country's lightest revolver Nidar which weighs merely 250 grams, which is exclusively designed for women.
Thu, 18 Feb, 201668
Sindh becomes first province to adopt Hindu Marriage Bill
A province in Pakistan has become the first in the largely Muslim country to give Hindus the right to register their marriage officially.
Thu, 18 Feb, 201667
National Capital Goods policy 2016
The government unveiled a National Capital Goods Policy to give an impetus to the capital goods sector and a leg up to the Make in India initiative. This is for the first time that a national policy has been framed for the sector.
Thu, 18 Feb, 201666
Russian helicopter firm eyeing contract with India
Sixty contracted helicopters will be supplied from RH's existing manufacturing facilities in Russia planning to work out with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), making it one of the biggest investment venture under 'Make in India' initiative.
Wed, 17 Feb, 201663
China is to relocate world's largest radio telescope
More than 9,000 people before the unveiling of the world’s largest radio telescope later this year.
62
State to get women entrepreneurs tech park
The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) will soon prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for setting up a state-of-the-art women entrepreneurs park with world-class facilities.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201661
Sikkim India's greenest city
Sikkim is India’s greenest state with largest forest cover and now the first organic state of the nation.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201660
Protecting a vital biosphere reserve
The Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve (NBR) and adjoining forest areas span a vast area of over 6,000 sq km across the three states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201659
F-16 Fighting Falcon
A single-engine multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) for the United States Air Force (USAF). No longer being purchased by USAF, but for exports - India protests F-16 sale to Pakistan
Sat, 13 Feb, 201658
Storm Imogen
It is the name given to the storm that hit this season of UK. Storm Imogen brought some very strong winds across southern parts as it moved eastwards over the UK.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201657
Maharashtra Most Internet ready state in India
A study by IAMAI showed, Maharashtra is the most internet-ready state in India, followed by Karnataka, Gujarat, Telengana and Tamil Nadu.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201656
UNESCO Medals
8 eminent scientists received the UNESCO Medals for contributions to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnologies held at UNESCO headquarters, Paris.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201655
Handloom tag for Chettinad cotton saree
The type of saree, old Kandangi pure silk sarees, has won the ‘India Handloom’ tag for its unique designs and identity.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201654
facebook Free basic in India to go
A free data services restricted to a few websites. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its “Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations” - banning differential pricing arrangements.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201653
Google is shutting down Picasa
Google will be shuttering Picasa to shift its focus to the new Google Photos service - Google Photos
Sat, 13 Feb, 201652
Gravitational Waves detected, confirming Einstein’s theory
Scientists announced that they had heard and recorded the sound of two black holes colliding a billion light-years away, a fleeting chirp that fulfilled the last prediction of Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201651
Cyber defence
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) on 10 February 2016 signed an agreement to improve cooperation in Cyber Defence.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201650
National Deworming Day - 10th Feb 2016
The de-worming initiative, The measures taken to address hygiene and sanitation and improving the health of children as well as that of the country.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201649
World's Largest Solar Plant
The Solar plant has been launched in Morocco, which will produce energy for more than one million Moroccan households.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201648
Subhash Mukhopadhyay - creator of first IVF baby in India
A physician who created India's first (world's second ) child using in-vitro fertilisation; Durga born 67 days after the first IVF baby in UK. His life/death has inspired the movie Ek Doctor Ki Maut, directed by Tapan Sinha
Sat, 13 Feb, 201647
12th South Asian Games 2016 - India won 237 medals
India won 139 Gold, 78 Silver and 20 Bronze medals so far in 12th South Asian Games 2016.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201646
Smart card scheme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon launch a smart card scheme for over 40 crore unorganized workers in the country to provide them various social security benefits like insurance and pension.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201645
An Indian-origin scientist has developed a smart chip
This Smart chip can be paired with neural implants for efficient wireless transmission of brain signals, thus alleviating the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201644
PM Narendra Modi Launched 'Make In India' Week in Mumbai
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mumbai, where he launched the 'Make in India' Week, a week-long series of events to showcase India as a preferred manufacturing destination to the world.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201643
Odd - Even scheme in Delhi
- The odd-even scheme will comeback in Delhi from April 1.
- Over eighty per cent respondents were in favour of the rule.
42
US, South Korea, Japan boost military ties
The top military officers from the United States, South Korea and Japan said they agreed at a meeting to step up information-sharing and coordination of security efforts in light of increasing North Korean nuclear and missile threats.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201641
Flood alerts from Google for India
Google will make public emergency alerts for floods available in India as part its efforts to make critical information more accessible around natural disasters.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201640
Ministry signs MoU with Chhattisgarh Govt
Indian Railways, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chhattisgarh Government to establish a joint venture for laying tracks and expedite implementation of railway projects in the state.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201639
NRI service from Bhandan bank
- Bandhan Bank has introduced NRI banking services to tap overseas remittance business.
- Chandra Shekhar Ghosh is Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bhandan Bank.
38
Mysuru Zoo's deer will be soon part of Night Safari
Spotted deer from Mysuru zoo will soon be part of the famed night safari at the Singapore zoo, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201637
V. Malvika won 400m freestyle
12th South Asian Games: V. Malavika won Women 400m freestyle at the Dr. Zakir Hussian swimming pool, Sarasujai.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201636
Greenhouse gas emissions rules
A UN panel has proposed long-sought greenhouse gas emissions standards for airliners and cargo planes. The standards would be to impose binding energy efficiency and carbon dioxide reduction targets for the aviation sector.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201635
12th South Asian Games
The Indian compound archery team and the mixed pair claimed three gold medals.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201634
China-India border cooperation agreement
The exercises are designed to implement the Chinese-India border cooperation agreement, to jointly safeguard peace and stability in these areas.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201633
U.S. on North Korea satellite launch
An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council condemned North Korea’s launch of a satellite in violation of the UN restrictions on ballistic missile technology that are in place against it.
Sat, 13 Feb, 201632
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Petro Chemical Plant
PM Inaugurated Rs. 10,000-crore petrochemical plant in Dibrugarh that will make raw material for manufacturing plastic and a wax making unit at an oil refinery.
Fri, 05 Feb, 201631
License to gene editing technique
Scientists in London have been granted permission to edit the genomes of human embryos for research.
Fri, 05 Feb, 201630
Garg CEO of Corporation Bank
Govt of India Appointed Mr. Jai Kumar Garg as Chief Executive Officer of Corporation Bank.
Fri, 05 Feb, 201629
34th National Rowing Championship
Held at Hyderabad and Organised by Rowing Federation of India, where 20 States participated in it.
Fri, 05 Feb, 201628
Infosys to build Worlds Tallest Clock Tower
- The height of the tower would be 135 metres, making it taller than Big Ben (96 m) in London, Hoover Tower (87 m) in California and McGraw Tower (53 m) in Cornell.
Fri, 05 Feb, 201627
Former President APJ Abdul Kalam's book launched
- Former President APJ Abdul Kalam's book Transendence launched in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Fri, 05 Feb, 201626
LIC launches its e-services
- Life Insurance Corporation launches Its E-Service to access policy related information.
- Which helps to policy holders to make payment anytime anywhere.
25
30th Surajkund craft Mela
The rich showcase of regional handicrafts and traditions, Telangana selected as the theme state.
Fri, 05 Feb, 201624
India to Participate in Cobra Gold 2016
- India confirmed that, it will participate in Cobra Gold 2016 multilateral amphibious exercise and Operation Maitri counter-insurgency operations.
- It is the largest Asia-Pacific military exercise and held in Thailand every year.
23
Taiwan Election
- In recent Taiwan Election, Ms Tsai Ing wen leads the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that wants independence from China.
- Tsai Ing wen is first female President of Taiwan.
22
Giriputrika Kalyana Pathakam Scheme
This is a scheme designed to provide a onetime financial assistance of Rs.50,000 to each tribal woman who gets married.
Fri, 05 Feb, 2016