06 March 2018 Current Affairs
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India-US team test-fires M777 ultra-light howitzers in Pokhran
Joint investigation committee (JIC) comprising US and Indian officials has test-fired M777 ultra-light howitzers (ULH) at Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan. The team will review results of this test soon. The test was conducted in the wake of accident during its trial in September 2017.
Veteran Bollywood actor Shammi passes away
Veteran Bollywood actor Shammi has passed away after prolonged illness. She was 89. Fondly addressed as ‘Shammi aunty’ by Bollywood celebrities, Shammi, whose real name is Nargis Rabadi, started her film career with Malhar as a leading lady and later on moved to the comic genre.
Indian Military ranked 4th strongest in World, USA tops
Out of 133 countries, India is ranked fourth on a global index for its military strength, only the United States, Russia and China are ranked above India on the list, according to the latest report of the Global Firepower index 2017. Neighbouring Pakistan is ranked 13th. India maintained its position above France in the top five military powers in the world. The Indian Army is equipped with 4,426 combat tanks, 6,704 armoured fighting vehicles, and 7,414 towed artillery guns, as per the list.
Top 5 countries in the list are-
1. The USA,
2. Russia,
3. China,
4. India,
5. France.
Govt sets up Subhash Chandra Garg Committee to regulate fintech sector
The Union Government has set up 8 member steering committee look into the development and regulation of the financial technology (fintech) sector in India. It will be headed by Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Garg. The move follows an announcement by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the Budget.
Sri Lanka declares state of emergency
Sri Lanka declared a state of emergency for 10 days, to curb heightening violence targeting the island’s Muslim minority. The development follows days of anti-Muslim attacks in Kandy, located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. Sri Lanka is the second country in the region to promulgate a state of emergency this year. In February, Maldivian President declared Emergency Rule for a fortnight.
Iraq overtakes Saudi Arabia as India’s biggest Oil Supplier
Iraq overtook Saudi Arabia to become India’s top crude oil supplier by supplying 38.9 million tonnes (MT) crude oil in the current financial year. It was fifth of India’s oil needs. India is 80% dependent on imports to meet its oil needs. India had imported 184.4 MT of crude oil during April. Saudi Arabia traditionally has been India’s top oil source but Iraq dethroned it. Saudi Arabia supplied 30.9 MT of crude oil in first 10 months.
Harry Athwal selected for ‘Pride of Birmingham’s Outstanding Bravery Award’
Indian-origin Birmingham man Harry Athwal was selected for this year’s ‘Pride of Birmingham’s Outstanding Bravery Award’. He was awarded for risking his life in order to help a fatally injured young boy in the 2017 Barcelona terror attack. Athwal is among 11 winners who will be presented with their awards at a ceremony at the University of Birmingham.
India’s 1st Helicopter taxi service launched in Bengaluru
India’s first helicopter taxi service was launched in Bengaluru to fly passengers from Kempegowda International Airport to Electronic City. The service is expected to reduce the time taken to cover the distance from 2 hours to 15 minutes. The helicopter will seat up to six people apart from the pilot and the service will cost Rs3,500 plus GST.
Myanmar puts off border agreement with India
Myanmar has indefinitely deferred signing agreement with India to streamline the free movement of people within 16 km along the open border between two countries. It has cited domestic compulsions and has asked for more time for the agreement to be sealed. Background India and Myanmar share 1,643 km unfenced border along four states viz. Arunachal Pradesh (520 km), Nagaland (215 km), Manipur (398 km) and Mizoram (510 km) and permit free movement regime.
W-Power Trailblazers 2018: Forbes India names 25 Women as Trailblazers
Forbes India has released the “W-Power Trailblazers” issue 2018, featuring 25 women stars on the ascendency in business. Now in its second edition, the W-Power Trailblazers throws the light on female role models be it entrepreneurs or professionals who can persuade others to dream bigger and climb higher through their work and leadership.