29 March 2016 Current Affairs
US museum Returns 10th century Rama statue To Cambodia
United States returned an ancient decapitated statue of Hindu god Rama stolen from Cambodia during the South East Asian country’s civil war in the 70s. The sandstone Torso of Rama statue, which stands 157 centimetres tall and is missing its head, arms and feet, was formally handed over at a ceremony in Phnom Penh attended by government officials, the US ambassador and the director of the Denver Museum of Art. In May last year, a 10th century stone statue of Hanuman was returned to Cambodia by the Cleveland Museum of Art. In January, a 7th century stone sculpture of Harihara, a deity that combines aspects of Vishnu and Shiva, was returned by France and reattached to its body for display at a museum in Phnom Penh, more than 130 years after it was spirited away.
“Union Govt Permits 100 percent FDI In e-commerce”
Union Government on 29 March permitted 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) under the automatic route for retail trading, or B2C (business-to-consumer) transactions, in the marketplace model of e-commerce. At present, 100% FDI is permitted in B2B (business-to-business) transactions under the automatic route. This notification has been long-awaited by e-commerce firms, such as Flipkart Ltd, Snapdeal and Amazon India, and brick-and-mortar companies. The notification is expected to redefine the way online retail is done in India.
Haryana Assembly Passed Jat quota Bill
The Haryana Assembly on 29 March passed the Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Bill, 2016 to provide reservation for Jats and four other communities in government jobs and education. Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar moved the Bill in the House to give statutory status to Backward classes Block ‘A’, Backward classes Block ‘B’ and Backward classes Block ‘C’ — by enacting the Haryana Backward Classes (Reservation in Services and Admission in Educational Institutions) Act, 2016 and requested the Central government to include this Act in 9th Schedule read with Article 31B of the Constitution of India.
Singer P.Susheela Enters Guinness World Records
Legendary playback singer P. Susheela Mohan created a new world record for singing highest number of songs. She has now been recognised by both the Guinness Book of World Records for singing most number of songs in Indian languages. Guinness Book of World Records officially credited her for singing record 17,695 songs (solo, duet and chorus backed songs) in twelve Indian languages. Asia Book of Records also has recognised her for singing close to 17, 330 songs. It bestowed certificate and a badge of honour to the singer for the most number of single studio recordings. She has five National Awards to her credit, besides the coveted Padma Bhushan honour, which was presented to her in 2008.