Explanation :
On March 28, 2018, Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved following bilateral agreements between India and Zambia. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will strengthen relations between India and Zambia and add new dimensions in the field of judicial reforms. It is to be noted that social, cultural and commercial relations between India and Zambia have developed in the positive direction during recent years.

Explanation :
Union cabinet has approved certain amendments to the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill. NMC is expected to replace the much criticised Medical Council of India. Punishment for any unauthorised practice of medicine has been made severe by including a provision for imprisonment of up to one year along with a fine extending up to Rs 5 lakh. Besides, a bridge course for AYUSH practitioners that would have allowed them to prescribe allopathic medicines has also been scrapped. Final MBBS examination would be held as a common exam throughout India and would serve as an exit test to be called the National Exit Test (NEXT). These amendments are based on recommendations made by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare.

Explanation :
On 28th March 2018, the government announced that, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has tied up with Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop a green corridor covering 16.55 km in Varanasi. On 28th March 2018, a MoU was signed by NHAI and AAI for the construction of a green corridor along Varanasi Bypass covering 16.55 km of NH 56 and NH 29. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways said that, AAI would provide funds worth Rs 5 crore for plantations and maintenance work under their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) funds for 5 years. The NHAI and AAI have joined hands under “Adopt a Green Highway Programme” as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative of AAI. It is a step taken by Green Highways Division of NHAI to involve corporates, public sector units, governmental organisations and institutions under CSR and public private partnership for creating green corridor along National Highways.

Explanation :
Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated Rajasthan’s first mega food park M/s Greentech Mega Food Park Private Ltd, at Roopangarh Village in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The Greentech Mega Food Park has been established at a cost of Rs 113.57 crore. It will benefit nearly 25,000 farmers in that region. The park has been constructed in an area of 85.44 acres. It has central processing centre and 4 Primary Processing Centres (PPCs) at Jaipur, Nagaur, Tonk and Churu. The park will have facilities for primary processing and storage near the farms. The Central Processing Centre (CPC) will have facilities like Cold Storage, Deep Freeze, Dry Warehouse for Raw Materials, Dry Warehouse for Finished Goods, Pack House, Steam Generator etc. She said that the Park will offer direct and indirect employment to over 5,000 persons.

Explanation :
On 28th March 2018, the External Affairs Ministry announced that, India has increased its annual contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from $1.5 million to $5 million for a period of 3 years from 2018-19. This announcement was made by India at the extraordinary Ministerial Conference held in Rome on 15th March 2018. India has increased its annual contribution due to the unexpected financial crisis being faced by UNRWA. It is said that the, four-time increase in India’s contribution is based on External Affairs Ministry’s commitment to increase support to UNRWA at the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial meeting held at Palestine on 19th September 2017. It is also a part of India’s increased engagement with Palestine, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Palestine on 10th February 2018.

Explanation :
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will soon roll out limited edition coins of Rs 350 denomination to mark the 350th Birth Anniversary of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Circumference of the coin will be 44 millimetres and the weight of the coin could vary from 34.65 grams to 35.35 grams. It will be made up of Quaternary Alloy – Silver (50 per cent), Copper (40 per cent), Nickel (5 per cent) and Zinc (5 per cent). The front face of the coin shall bear the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar in the centre with the legend “Satyamev Jayate” inscribed below. Lion Capital on the front face will be flanked by word “Bharat” in the Devanagari script on the left and word “INDIA” in English on the right periphery. The front face shall also bear the Rupee symbol and denominational value “350” in International Numerals below the Lion Capitol.

Explanation :
On 28th March 2018, SEBI accepted most of the recommendations of Uday Kotak Committee on Corporate Governance. SEBI accepted 40 recommendations out of the 80 odd recommendations proposed by the Uday Kotak committee. Nearly 18 suggestions were rejected, such as sharing information with promoters and significant shareholders, an increase in the number of independent directors on board, minimum compensation to independent directors and more board meetings. The SEBI committee was formed to review corporate governance rules in June 2017. It is headed by Uday Kotak and has 21 members. The committee submitted its report on 5th October 2017. The committee had suggested the implementation of its proposals in phases

Explanation :
Google has acquired Tenor, a GIF search engine for Android, iOS and desktop. Cathy Edwards, Director of Engineering, Google Images, said that, Tenor would introduce GIFs in Google Images and services like Gboard easily. It will help users to find and share GIF images easily. It is said that, Tenor would continue to operate as a separate brand. Google did not reveal the amount for which it acquired Tenor. Tenor said that, its founders David McIntosh, Erick Hachenburg and Frank Nawabi will continue to lead the company.

Explanation :
On 28th March 2018, Lt Gen Harpal Singh was appointed as Director General Border Roads (DGBR). In 1982, Lt Gen Harpal Singh was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers. Later, he commanded a Border Roads Task Force in Jammu & Kashmir valley. He has worked as Chief Engineer of Project Dantak (Border Roads Organisation) at Bhutan, Chief Engineer (Navy), Mumbai and Chief Engineer HQ Eastern Command. He has served as Directing Staff at the College of Defence Management, Secunderabad. Before taking charge as Director General Border Roads (DGBR) he was Director General Military Training at Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (Army).

Explanation :
Director Shekhar Kapur has been appointed as the chairman of the central panel of the 65th National Film Awards. The central panel of 65th National Film Awards consists of a chairperson and 10 other members which includes five regional chairpersons.

Explanation :
On 27th March 2018, Abiye Ahmed was elected as the new prime minister of Ethiopia. Abiye Ahmed has been elected as prime minister of Ethiopia following the resignation of Hailemariam Desalegn last month. The council of the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) elected Abiye Ahmed as chairperson to succeed Hailemariam Desalegn. This automatically made Abiye Ahmed as the prime minister of Ethiopia. He is 41 years old. He joined the House of Representatives in 2010. Earlier, he was a lieutenant colonel in the Ethiopian National Defense Force.

Explanation :
On 29th March 2018, Rosemary DiCarlo was named UN Political Chief, becoming the first female UN Political Chief. Rosemary DiCarlo replaces Jeffrey Feltman. Rosemary DiCarlo is a former deputy US ambassador to the United Nations. She was also deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian affairs and director for United Nations affairs at the national security council in Washington. She has been the president of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy since 2015. Her areas of expertise are Russia, former Soviet Union and the Middle East. She speaks Russian and French.

Explanation :
On 28th March 2018, lyricist and film director Sreekumaran Thampi was selected for the J C Daniel award. J C Daniel Award is Kerala’s highest award for contributions to Malayalam cinema. The award consists of Rs 5 lakh cash prize, citation and statuette. Kerala Culture minister A K Balan said that, J C Daniel Award will be given to Sreekumaran Thampi at the Kerala State film awards function at Kollam, Kerala. The award committee consisted of actor Madhu, director Sathyan Anthikkad, Chalachitra Academy chairman, Kamal and Cultural secretary, Rani George. Sreekumaran Thampi entered Malayalam film industry in 1966. He has produced 25 films, directed 29 films, and scripted 85 films in Malayalam. He has also written thousands of songs.

Explanation :
On March 29, 2018, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched India’s latest communication satellite GSAT-6A on board Geosynchronous rocket GSLV-F08 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.ISRO said that the GSAT-6A was similar to the GSAT-6 put into orbit in 2015. It is a high power S-band communication satellite built on I-2K satellite bus. GSAT-6A weighs 2140 kg and has mission life of 10 years. It has a six-metre wide antenna that would unfurl once it is in space. It will provide mobile communication to India through, multi-beam coverage facility.

Explanation :
Scientists have discovered a hot, metallic, Earth-sized planet named “K2-229b” that orbits a dwarf star located 260 million light years away. K2-229b is nearly 20 % larger in size than Earth and has a mass which is nearly two-and-a-half times greater. Its day side temperature is more than 2000 degrees Celsius. It is located very close to its host star 0.012 AU. This distance is nearly a hundredth of the distance between the Earth and the Sun. 0.012 AU is a medium-sized active K dwarf in the Virgo Constellation. K2-229b orbits the star every 14 hours. Researchers from Aix-Marseille Universite in France and the University of Warwick in the UK utilized the K2 telescope and used Doppler spectroscopy technique to discover K2-229b.

Explanation :
On 29th March 2018, 17th Sub-junior National Wushu Championship started in Jammu. 17th Sub-junior National Wushu Championship is conducted for 4 days. It is organised by the the Wushu Association of India jointly with J&K State Sports Council at MA Stadium. The championship was inaugurated by J&K Youth Services and Sports Minister Imran Raza Ansari at a ceremony at Police auditorium, Jammu. Around 37 teams are taking part in the championship. It includes more than 1000 boys and girls from all over India and 12 boys from Army.

Explanation :
On 28th March 2018, Muskan Bhanwala won gold medal in the Women’s 25m Pistol event at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Sydney, Australia.Women’s 25m Pistol event: Muskan Bhanwala is 16 years old. She scored 35 hits and won gold medal in the Women’s 25m Pistol event. This is India’s fourth individual gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Cup. China’s Sihang Qin scored 34 hits and bagged the silver medal. Thailand’s Kanyakorn Hirunphoem scored 26 hits and won bronze medal. Another Indian shooter Manu Bhaker finished in the fourth position with 18 hits.

Explanation:
On March 28, 2018, NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant launched the baseline ranking for the Aspirational Districts based on published data of 49 indicators across five developmental areas of Education, Health and Nutrition, Agriculture and Water Resources, Basic Infrastructure and Financial Inclusion and Skill Development. Mr. Kant also announced that the ‘Champions of Change’ Dashboard (created by NITI Aayog in partnership with the Government of Andhra Pradesh) for real-time data collection and monitoring will be open for public viewing from April 1, 2018. District Collectors of all the aspirational districts will be able to input the latest available data of their respective districts through this Dashboard. Besides, in order to exemplify the spirit of competitive federalism, Delta Ranking (ranking based on incremental progress) of Districts will be available from May 2018.

Explanation:
As per findings of National Annual Rural Sanitation Survey (NARSS) 2017-18, about 77% homes in rural areas of India have got toilets and over 93 per cent households in villages who have access to toilets are using them. NARSS 2017-18, was conducted by an independent verification agency selected by Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the World Bank support project to the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G). The survey was conducted between mid-November 2017 to mid-March 2018 and covered 92040 households in 6136 villages of India. The survey also re-confirmed the Open Defecation Free (ODF) status of about 96% of villages which were declared and verified as ODF by various districts and states. The report outlined that 70% of the villages surveyed had minimal litter and minimal stagnant water.

Explanation:
On March 26, 2018, a meeting between Union Commerce and Industry Minister, Suresh Prabhu and China’s Trade Minister Zhong Shan was held in New Delhi. This meeting was held under the aegis of the China-India joint-group on Economic Relations, Trade, Science & Technology. During the meeting, both the countries agreed to renegotiate a bilateral investment agreement and jointly prepare a road map to reduce the massive trade imbalance in favour of China. It is to be noted that India’s goods trade deficit with China for the first ten months of 20017-18 stands at $52 billion as against $0.6 billion in 2000-01. This meeting was held in the backdrop of US plan to impose $50-billion tariffs on Chinese goods, a move which trade experts believe, would trigger a global trade war.

Explanation:
Union Ministry of Power partnered with the Union Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship to train the manpower in six states for speedy implementation of SAUBHAGYA scheme. SAUBHAGYA (Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojna) aims to achieve universal household electrification in all parts of India in a time bound manner. Training the manpower in six states – Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh – under this initiative, will be undertaken as a special project under Central Government’s Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Training will be provided to around 47000 Distribution Lineman-Multi Skills and 8500 Technical Helpers to meet the requirement of power sector. This partnership will be instrumental in addressing the issue of lack of trained manpower, which has been the main constraint in speedy implementation of the Government’s electrification programme under SAUBHAGYA.

Explanation:
Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli’s wax figure will soon be unveiled at Madame Tussauds, Delhi. Madame Tussauds wax museum in Delhi is known for the portrayal of the famous names in the world of entertainment, sports, history and politics. The main Madame Tussauds wax museum is in London and smaller museums are located in a number of other major cities of the world including New York, Berlin, Beijing, Tokyo, Singapore and Sydney. Kapil Dev, Sachin Tendulkar and Critiano Ronaldo are other sportsperson featured at Madame Tussauds Delhi.

Explanation :
On March 27, 2018, SAP (Systems, Applications & Products in Data Processing) signed a Statement of Intent (SOI) with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM). NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is Indian Government’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship across Indian schools, universities and industries. Under AIM, Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATLs) have been established in schools across India to foster curiosity, creativity and imagination in young generation. As part of the SOI, SAP will adopt 100 Atal Tinkering Laboratories (ATL) during 2018 to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education among secondary school children across India, specifically in Rajasthan, Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is to be noted that AIM currently has similar partnerships with Intel and IBM and SAP has thus become the third partner for the programme.

Explanation:
With production of 1423 billion units (BU) in Financial Year 2016, India was the third largest producer of electricity in the world. Over seven years to 2017, electricity production in India grew by 34%. India now produces more electricity than Japan and Russia, which had 27% and 8.77% more electricity generation capacity installed, respectively, than India seven years ago. According to a report by India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), a trust established by the commerce ministry, Electricity production in India stood at 1003.525 BU between April 2017-January 2018.

Explanation:
The CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) has extended the deadline for the PAN-Aadhaar linking from the current last date of 31 March 2018 to 30 June 2018. The order issued by CBDT said that, the deadline for PAN-Aadhaar linking for filing I-T returns is extended till 30 June 2018. This order by CBDT has been issued after the Supreme Court judgment that was made earlier this month, ordering extension of the March 31deadline for linking Aadhaar with several other services. This is the fourth extension offered by the government for individuals to link their Permanent Account Number (PAN) with their biometric ID (Aadhaar). Previous deadlines were 31 July 2017, 31 August 2017 and 31 December 2017.

Explanation:
On 25th March 2018, Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, Asia’s largest Tulip garden, in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, was opened for visitors. The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is located on the foothills of the Zabarwan mountain range along the banks of Dal Lake. Jammu and Kashmir Floriculture minister Javed Mustafa Mir said that, the floriculture department has planted 12.25 lakh Tulip bulbs of 40 varieties and colours in the garden.

Explanation:
On 27th March 2018, the 15th meeting of the India-US Counterterrorism Joint Working Group was held in New Delhi. The India delegation was led by Ministry of External Affairs Joint Secretary Mahaveer Singhvi. US delegation was led by U.S. State Department’s Principal Deputy Coordinator for Counterterrorism, Alina L. Romanowski. Threats posed by terrorist groups throughout the world and in their respective regions including cross border terrorism in the South Asian region were reviewed by the working group. Both countries ensured to strengthen information exchange on world’s most dangerous terrorist groups and individuals. They discussed efforts to curb the funding and operations of regional and global terrorist organizations.

Explanation:
Seychelles’ opposition coalition (which holds a majority in Seychelles Parliament) stated that it would not ratify a deal signed with India to build military infrastructure on its Assumption Island. Agreement on Assumption Island Project in Seychelles was signed in 2015 during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Seychelles. However, owing to opposition, a revised agreement, including several amendments was prepared in January 2018. Now the opposition is not ready to ratify it as in past few months there has been public protests in Seychelles against this projects based on fear that India would appropriate the Assumption Island.

Explanation:
SBI Cards announced that it has partnered with Indian Medical Association (IMA) to launch ‘Doctor’s SBI Card’, which has been designed to complement the distinct lifestyles and needs of doctors. SBI Cards is a joint venture between India’s largest bank, State Bank of India and The Carlyle Group, while IMA is the voluntary representative organisation of Doctors. Among other features just like regular cards, unique proposition of ‘Doctor’s SBI Card is the professional indemnity insurance cover of Rs 10 lakh to protect doctors against professional risks and liabilities. This is an industry-first feature which covers legal and defense costs as well as out of court settlements and court awards emanating on account of unforeseen events of claims raised by patients or related parties.

Explanation :
Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India have signed $80 million loan agreement to modernize technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions in State of Himachal Pradesh. Funds procured through this loan will be used to conduct short-term and long-term training programs in growth areas including electronics, automobiles, pharmaceutical, tourism and hospitality, health care etc Relevant and good quality TVET programs will be developed which will improve employment prospects of nearly 65000 youths by 2022. Funds will be deployed in establishing a polytechnic for women, seven Rural Livelihood Centres, six city Livelihood Centers and upgrade 11 employment exchanges into model career Centres.

Explanation:
Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) in India will facilitate to set up ‘WomenInTech (WIT) Forum that will work towards encouraging women to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). WIT Forum will not only work towards creating awareness among young women about career opportunities in STEM but will also provide scholarships for economically weaker section. It will also provide mentoring and upskilling to increase the employability of women in STEM careers. Professional consultancy network Deloitte is the knowledge partner for this initiative. In the context of this news, it is important to note that nearly 2.5-3 million new jobs will be created in the IT and IT enabled services sector by 2025.

Explanation :
On 27th March 2018, Justice Jawad Rahim was appointed as the acting chairperson of National Green Tribunal (NGT) by the Supreme Court. Justice Jawad Rahim is a judicial member of National Green Tribunal (NGT). He will perform his duties as acting chairperson of NGT until a regular appointment is made. He will also participate in the selection process of other members of the NGT. However, it has been made clear that his appointment is an interim arrangement and a regular appointment will be made soon for the post of the Chairman of NGT.

Explanation:
Pradosh Kumar Rath has been shortlisted as the new chairman cum managing director (CMD) of RINL (Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd). At present, Pradosh Kumar Rath, is Director (Operations) at RINL. Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) selects candidates for top positions at public sector units. PESB had interviewed six candidates including Pradosh Kumar Rath for the chairman cum managing director position at RINL. Pradosh Kumar Rath was selected as the top choice by PESB on 27th March 2018. Pradosh Kumar Rath’s appointment is subject to clearance by the Central Vigilance Commission and the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. If his appointment gets clearance, Pradosh Kumar Rath will get a 3 year tenure at RINL as CMD. RINL’s current CMD P Madhusudan will retire on 31st May 2018.

Explanation:
On 27th March 2018, Indu Bhushan was appointed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission. Indu Bhushan is the Director General of East Asia Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines. He has been appointed as CEO of Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission for 2 years. Earlier, he was Director General of the Strategy and Policy Department in ADB. He joined ADB in 1997.

Explanation:
Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer Sanjiv Kumar announced that, cricketer Rahul Dravid will be the state election icon for Karnataka Assembly polls. Sanjiv Kumar said that, disabled government employees will be appointed as polling staff in selected polling stations for the first time. He added that, 450 all-women polling stations will be set up. The Election Commission of India has announced a single phase poll for the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on 12th May 2018. The Karnataka Legislative Assembly comprises 224 members. Votes will be counted on 15th May 2018.

Explanation:
On 28th March 2018, Win Myint was elected as President of Myanmar by Myanmar’s parliament. Win Myint replaces Htin Kyaw as President of Myanmar. Last week Htin Kyaw resigned citing health reasons. Win Myint is 66 years old. He is former speaker of Myanmar’s House of Representatives. He is a member of National League for Democracy. He was made a vice-president of Myanmar last week. On 28th March 2018, the Myanmar Parliament voted for the three vice-presidents to elect one of them to the post of President. Win Myint secured 403 votes and defeated Myint Swe who obtained 211 votes and Henry Van Tio who got 18 votes.

Explanation:
President Ram Nath Kovind presented Gallantry Awards and distinguished service decorations at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. President Kovind presented three Kirti Chakra, 17 Shaurya Chakra, 14 Param Vishisht Seva Medals (PVSM), one Uttam Yudh Seva Medal (UYSM) and 22 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals (AVSM). These awards were announced on the eve of Republic Day. Kirti Chakra is the second highest peacetime gallantry award (After Ashok Chakra), presented for valour, courageous action or self-sacrifice away from the field of battle.

Explanation::
Two Indian activists Mirnalini Dayal and Yogesh Kumar have been selected among 20 finalists for the Commonwealth Youth Awards 2018 for their contribution towards achieving gender equality. Mirnalini Dayal and Yogesh Kumar have been selected from across 53 Commonwealth member-countries. Mirnalini Dayal has been chosen for her work as a campaign leader for ‘Health Over Stigma’. Yogesh Kumar has been shortlisted for establishing the social enterprise ‘Even Cargo’. Both the finalists are based in Delhi. They were selected for their work towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal No. 5 on gender equality. The Commonwealth Youth Awards 2018 recognises people from 15 to 29 years of age whose work had a remarkable impact on their communities.

Explanation:
On March 27, 2018, US space agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced that during 2018, it will launch two new satellite missions to enhance the view of Earth’s frozen regions. Firstly, NASA in collaboration with German Research Centre for Geosciences will launch the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission (as a continuation of the original GRACE mission) which will track fluctuations in Earth’s gravity field in order to detect changes in mass, including the mass of ice sheets and aquifers. Thereafter, Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) will be launched to measure the changing elevation of ice around the world. ICESat-2 will use a highly advanced laser instrument. These missions are significant as it will offer insights into changes in Cryosphere (portions of Earth’s surface where water is in solid form viz. sea ice, glaciers, ice caps etc.) which are impacting lives of people all around the world.

Explanation:
On 27th March 2018, All India Football Federation (AIFF) launched “Scout-Me”, a mobile based scouting application to discover future players. AIFF has become the first National Sports Federation to launch a mobile based scouting application to discover future players. Scout-Me app will make the scouting process easy. Scout-Me app has been developed by Kush Pandey. Kush Pandey is 17 years old. He is a football enthusiast. He had represented Delhi at the National Championships. He also leads his school football team.

Explanation:
On 28th March 2018, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched a new portal which enables EPFO pensioners to obtain pension-related information. This portal will help users to obtain details like pension payment order number, payment order details, passbook information and other related information. It will also help pensioners to check the status of their life certificate. It will also furnish details and reason for stoppage of pension. The enhanced “Track eKYC” facility for the convenience of members has also been introduced to verify status of Aadhaar seeded against their Universal Account Number (UAN). The facility can be accessed at Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)’s website: http://www.epfindia.gov.in

Explanation:
Steve Smith and David Warner were banned from playing for Australia by Cricket Australia after the ball-tampering scandal during the Cape Town Test against South Africa. It was found out that sandpaper was used in an attempt to rough up the ball. Opener Cameron Bancroft has been given a nine-month ban for executing the plan in the third South Africa Test. Steve Smith has been banned from captaining the Australian national team for two years. It is said that, David Warner, former vice-captain, will never be considered for any leadership position in the future. Steve Smith and Cameron Bancroft will have to wait 12 months for them to be considered for a leadership role.

Explanation:
V. Sriharsha, a reputed journalist, died due to cardiac arrest, in New Delhi. V. Sriharsha was 62 years old. He worked as a media consultant with the GMR Group after he had retired as Bureau Chief of ETV (Delhi). Earlier, he had worked with The Indian Express, Pioneer and Deccan Chronicle.

Explanation:
Ministry of Communications has introduced the Cool EMS Service between Japan and India with effect from 29.03.2018 that will allow Indian customers to import Japanese food items for personal use. Cool EMS service is a one-way service from Japan to India. It enables customers in India to import Japanese food items for personal use as allowed under Indian regulations. In the initial phase, Cool EMS Service is made available only in Delhi. Food items will be carried by Japan Post in special cool boxes containing refrigerant to preserve the food. Recipient has to collect the parcel from Foreign Post office, Kotla Road, New Delhi within the prescribed time period. Features such as track and trace, etc. of Express Mail Service (EMS) are also available for Cool EMS service.

Explanation:
On March 26, 2018, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswamy, unveiled an insect museum at the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore. The museum is fully dedicated to insects and claimed to be the first of its kind in India. It has been set up over 6691 sqft area at the cost of Rs. 5 crore. Insects preserved as specimens and also live ones, depicting different developmental stages are displayed at this museum. The lobby of this insect museum depicts the theme, “BUGS ARE KINGS”. The museum has state-of-the-art amenities including a mini auditorium to screen insect movies and documentary films.

Explanation:
On 27th March 2018, Tribal Affairs Minister, Jual Oram launched “E-Tribes India” in New Delhi. The Launch of E-Tribes India includes http://www.tribesindia.com, http://www.trifed.in and Retail Inventory Software and M-commerce app. ‘Tribes India’ Banners were also launched at Amazon, Snapdeal, Paytm & GeM. Also TRIFED’s Handbook for Retail Trade and TRIFED’s quarterly magazine ‘Tribes Haat’ were inaugurated. TRIFED has developed its own e-commerce website: tribesindia.com. This website offers sale of all TRIFED products. Their Android App can also be downloaded from Google store (Tribes India). TRIFED has entered into agreements with Snapdeal and Amazon to sell their products on http://www.snapdeal.com and http://www.amazon.com. Ministry of Commerce has also enabled the sale of TRIFED products on http://www.gem.gov.in. Tribes India products are also available on Flipkart and Paytm.

Explanation:
The Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD) has approved ‘Study in India’ programme to attract foreign students to study in India. This programme has several objectives including doubling India’s market share of global education exports from less than 1 percent to 2 percent and improving global ranking of Indian educational institutes. Under this programme, meritorious foreign students will be given free waiver by respective institutes based on pre-defined criteria. Top 25% students will be given 100% waiver in tuition fees, next 25% will be given 50% waiver and another 25% below that will get 25% waiver. It is to be noted that inflow of foreign students under this programme will not affect the number of seats which are meant for Indian students. Besides, expenditure on fee waiver will have to be borne by respective Institute by adjusting it against the existing fund allocation. However, Government has approved brand promotion expenditure of Rs. 150 crores for the ‘Study in India’ programme for 2018-19 and 2019-20.

Explanation:
On March 22, 2018, External Publicity and Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) launched an initiative, ‘Videsh Aaya Pradesh ke Dwaar’ in Hyderabad, Telangana with an aim to bring the domain of foreign policy closer to the people. Under this initiative, MEA will hold direct interaction with the local media (having wide readership profile) in different cities across India. Through these interactions, MEA will communicate foreign policy priorities in simple terms and will highlight the benefits accruing to the common people through diplomatic efforts. Besides, a pool of media professionals interested in foreign policy will also be created.

Explanation :
Union Defence Ministry has released a draft policy aimed at promoting the domestic defence industry and positioning it to achieve a turnover of Rs 170000 crore in military goods and services by 2025. The aim of aim policy on Defence Production is to make India self-reliant in terms of Defence Production and also to emerge as one of the top five manufacturers of defence platforms in the world. Besides, increasing domestic defence production, another goal is to achieve export of Rs 35000 crore in military equipment and services by 2025. These goals are to be achieved with active participation of public as well as private sectors. Government has identified 12 military platforms and weapons systems for production, in which India will strive to attain self-reliance. These platforms/systems include fighter aircraft, warships, medium lift and utility helicopters, land combat vehicles, gun systems, missile systems, small arms, ammunition and explosives, electronic warfare (EW) systems, surveillance systems and night fighting enablers. The draft policy states that licensing process for defence industries and tax regime for domestic manufacturing will also be liberalised.

Explanation:
On 23rd March to 1st April 2018, SARAS AajeevikaMela 2018 is held in Hall No. 7, PragatiMaidan, New Delhi. The SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018 is organized by DAY-NRLM (Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission). SHG (Self Help Group) women from all states of India display and sell their products in the SARAS Aajeevika Mela 2018. More than 350 stalls have been set up. The stalls feature handlooms, handicrafts, artefacts and heritage products, tribal ornaments, decorative items, metallic products, earthen utensils, paintings, organic food items, spices, processed food products, soft toys, utility items, brass and wrought iron products etc. Cultural programmes are also organized as a part of the Mela. Also workshops on soft skills, packaging, managing consumers etc. are also held during the mela.