NATIONAL NEWS
Indian-Sri Lankan Joint Military Exercise MITRASHAKTI–VI Begins
In a bid to further cement the relationship between armies of both the nations, a contingent of Indian Army left for Sri Lanka to participate in 6th edition of joint military exercise “Mitra Shakti”, involving practicing tactical level operations in an international Counter Insurgency and Counter Terrorist environment under UN mandate.
- Exercise Mitra Shakti-VI will go a long way in further cementing relationship between both the nations and will act as a catalyst in bringing bonhomie at grassroots levels amongst both the armies.
- Extra info.:
Sri Lanka Capitals: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
India achieves 84 % reduction in TB deaths among HIV patients: UN
India has achieved an 84 per cent reduction in tuberculosis deaths among people living with HIV by 2017. According to the Joint United Nations Programme on the UNAIDS, it is the highest recorded decline among over 20 nations and it is also three years ahead of the 2020 deadline.
- UNAIDS has urged countries to step up action to meet the 2020 target of reducing TB deaths among people living with HIV by 75 per cent, as outlined in the 2016 United Nations Political Declaration on Ending AIDS. World Health Organisation estimates show that globally, TB deaths among people living with HIV have fallen by 42 per cent since 2010.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
INS Kadmatt at Langkawi, Malaysia to Participate in LIMA-19
Indian Navy's frontline anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvette INS Kadmatt reached at Langkawi in Malaysia, on a seven-day official visit, to participate in Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition.
- The ship would be participating in numerous activities planned as part of LIMA 19 during the seven days at Langkawi, including the International Fleet Review (IFR) by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, maritime and air demonstration, Sea Exercises with 29 other participating navies, cultural exchange programmes, cross visits to ships, sporting events.
- Extra info.:
Malaysia Capital: Kuala Lumpur
Currency: Malaysian ringgit
Norway gets world's first wireless charging station for taxis
Norway's capital Oslo will become the first city in the world to install wireless charging systems for electric taxis, hoping to make recharging quick and efficient enough to speed the takeup of non-polluting cabs.
- From 2023 onward all taxis in Oslo will have to be zero emission and Norway wants all new cars to be zero emission by 2025.
- Extra info.:
Norway Capital: Oslo
Currency: Norwegian krone
BANKING & FINANCE
RBI slaps Rs 2 crore penalty on PNB
The RBI has slapped a penalty of Rs 2 crore on Punjab National Bank (PNB) for non-compliance of regulatory directions with regard to SWIFT operations. SWIFT is a global messaging software used for transactions by financial entities.
- Earlier this year, the Reserve Bank had imposed penalties worth Rs 71 crore on 36 public, private and foreign banks for non-compliance with various directions on time-bound implementation and strengthening of SWIFT operations. However, the list did not include PNB.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
RBI appoints five-member committee to deepen digital payments
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has said that the central bank of the country has appointed 5-member committee under the chairmanship of Nandan Nilekani to further deepen digital payments and enhance financial inclusion through Fintech.
- The objective of the conclave is to shape India’s continued ascendancy in FinTech, build the narrative for future strategy and policy efforts, and to deliberate steps for comprehensive financial inclusion.
SPORTS
Conor McGregor announces retirement from MMA
Conor Mcgregor, the Irish UFC star, announced his retirement from Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, last fought at UFC 229 in October, falling in a lightweight title fight to Khabib Nurmagomedov by fourth-round submission.
- He was suspended and fined by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) after that fight for his alleged role in a post-bout scuffle.
Nikki Bella announces retirement from WWE
Actress-wrestler Nikki Bella has announced her retirement from the WWE. The 35-year-old now happily wants to put her WWE jersey away to focus on other things. Bella made her WWE debut back in 2007, her SmackDown debut with her twin sister, Brie Bella was in 2008, and has won the Divas Championship twice.
OBITUARIES
Rafi Eitan, Mossad spy involved in capturing Eichmann passes away
Rafi Eitan, the legendary Israeli spy who led the operation to capture the architect of the Holocaust, Adolf Eichmann, has passed away aged 92. Eitan was among the founders of Israel’s revered intelligence agencies.
- In 1960, Eitan led the Mossad operation to capture Eichmann in Argentina and bring him to trial in Jerusalem.
IMPORTANT DAYS
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Every year on 25 March, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade offers the opportunity to honour and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system. The International Day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice.
