22 March 2019 Current Affairs
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Sudin Dhavalikar, Vijay Sardesai Appointed Goa Deputy CMs
Sudin Dhavalikar and Vijai Sardesai were appointed deputy chief ministers in the BJP led government in Goa. The development came soon after Chief Minister Pramod Sawant proved the majority of his two-day old government in the state Assembly floor test without any hiccups.
Integral Coach Factory of Chennai became the World’s Largest Rail Coach Manufacturer
Indian Railways Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has surpassed the top Chinese manufacturers after creating a 40% record increase in its production. With this, Indian Railway’s oldest and premier coach manufacturing unit becomes the single largest rail coach manufacturer in the world.
New Zealand Bans Assault Weapons
New Zealand has imposed an immediate ban on assault weapons following the Christchurch massacre that claimed the lives of 50 mosque-goers. Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern announced assault rifles and military-style semi-automatic weapons would be banned with immediate effect, making a pledge to ensure that nothing like Christchurch massacre ever occurs in the Pacific nation again.
Kazakhstan Renames Its Capital Astana to Nursultan
Kazakhstan has renamed its capital Astana to Nursultan to honour outgoing leader Nursultan Nazarbayev. The announcement regarding this was made by the new president Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and was approved by the parliament of Kazakhstan. Nursultan Nazarbayev served nearly 30 years as leader of the oil-rich nation.
Physicist Marcelo Gleiser wins Templeton Prize 2019
Brazilian physicist and astronomer Marcelo Gleiser has been awarded the 2019 Templeton Prize, worth $1.4 million, for his work blending science and spirituality. Gleiser, 60, is the first Latin American to win the award. Previous winners of the award, started in 1972 by late global investor Sir John Templeton, include the Dalai Lama and Mother Teresa.
Fitch Cuts India GDP Growth Forecast for FY20 to 6.8%
Fitch Ratings cut India’s economic growth forecast for the next financial year starting April 1, to 6.8% from its previous estimate of 7%, on weaker than expected momentum in the economy. The rating agency has also cut growth forecasts for FY20 and FY21 to 7% from 7.3% and 7.1% from 7.3%, respectively.
22 March: World Water Day
The World Water Day designated by the United Nations is celebrated on 22nd March every year. The first World Water Day was commemorated in 1993. The theme for World Water Day 2019 is ‘Leaving no one behind’. This is an adaptation of the central promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: as sustainable development progresses, everyone must benefit. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water for all by 2030.
Former SC judge Satya Brata Singh passes away
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Satya Brata Sinha passed away following age related ailments. Justice Sinha, 75, was appointed as a judge of the apex court in 2002 and he retired in 2009. He was earlier designated as a senior advocate by the Patna High Court and in 1987, he became a judge there.