current affairs : 19-feb-15

19-FEB-2015

Current Affairs

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PM Narendra Modi launches ‘Soil Health Card’ scheme

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday launched a nationwide scheme to analyse the soil of farms in the country scientifically from Sriganganagar district of Rajasthan.

The scheme aims at providing Soil Health Cards to over 14 crore farmers over the next three years, to check for the overuse of fertilisers on farm land.

Under the scheme, farmers will be issued a card after the scientific analysis of the soil of their farms.

The card would contain all basic information and crop-wise recommendations of nutrients or fertilizers required for farms of different soil types.

The card will carry crop-wise recommendation of fertilizers required for farm lands and other inputs to increase the productivity of individual farmer.


Central Government launched e-Biz portal

The government has launched a single window e-Biz portal for 11 Central government services to bring transparency and ease of doing business in the country.

The portal will provide four services from Ministry of Corporate Affairs, two services of Central Board of Direct Taxes, two services of Reserve Bank of India and one service each from Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Employees Provident Fund Organization and Petroleum and explosives Safety Organization. A business user can avail the service any time.

The Centre has also identified 10 pilot states for the implementation of these single-window services to expand this project across the country.

The government is also planning to roll-out more than 200 services related to investors and businesses in next few years.


BEL to invest Rs 500 cr on setting up Weaponized system manufacturing unit

Bharat Electronics Limited will invest up to 500 crore rupees on setting up Weaponized system manufacturing unit near Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh.

The Chairman and Managing Director of BEL S K Sharma said that the unit will produce Akash missile defence systems.

Akash missile has been cleared by the Army. BEL has got orders to produce eight squadrons of Akash missile.


India successfully test-fires nuclear capable Prithvi-II missile

India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile from a test range at Chandipur in Odisha.

With a strike range of 350 km, Prithvi-II is capable of carrying 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads and is thrusted by liquid propulsion twine engines.

It uses advanced inertial guidance system with manoeuvering trajectory.


RBI lifts ban on import of gold coins, medallions by banks

The Reserve Bank of India have given banks a free hand to import gold.

Nominated banks have been allowed to import gold on “consignment basis” and lend it to local jewellers.

Under this system, banks source or borrow gold from international bullion banks and lend the yellow metal to domestic jewellers.The borrowing and the lending rates are fixed simultaneously. It not only enables banks to earn good margin, but also ensures supply to the domestic market.

RBI has also clarified that the obligation to export under the 20:80 scheme will continue to apply for unutilised gold imported before November 28, 2014.

Under the scheme, aimed at curbing the import of gold, 20% of the imported gold had to be exported before buying new gold.


Nepal celebrated 65th Democracy Day on 18th February

President Dr.Ram Baran Yadav , Prime Minister Sushil Koirala extended their best wishes to countrymen.

Democracy Day or Rashtriya Prajatantra Diwas is celebrated in country to commemorate the day of the end of 104-year-long Rana autocracy on February 18, 1951.

The day is observed throughout the country with a number of special programs. A military parade is held of Nepalese Army at Tundikhel on the occasion every year . Traditionally people illuminate their home and establishments with lights and hold fireworks displays during the night of the celebration


Anil Kumble to be inducted in ICC Cricket Hall of Fame

Former India Captain and ace Leg Spinner Anil Kumble has been chosen to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame with all times greatest cricketers.

Anil Kumble who is now the Chairman of the ICC Cricket Committee, is the fourth India cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame.

He joins the ranks of illustrious cricketers like Bishen Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar who were inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.

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current affairs : 19-feb-15

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