Current Affairs - 1st April 2014

NCDEX to launch futures contract for bajra

NCDEX has decided to launch futures contract for bajra and has become the first in the world to do so. This will be world’s first bajra futures contract and will start from April 1. Bajra, also known as pearl millet, is cultivated in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat. It is used mainly for animal feed and production of alcohol.

SC commutes death sentence for Devinder Singh Bhullar

Supreme Court has commuted the death sentences of khalistani terrorist Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar to life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds keeping in mind his mental status and inordinate delay in execution of the punishment.

Heena Sindhu wins silver medal at ISSF World Cup

Indian shooter Heena Sindhu won the silver medal in women’s 10m air pistol tournament at ISSF World Cup held at USA. She, the world number two air pistol shooter, is the only Indian pistol shooter to bag 3 medals in World Cup.

Fiscal Deficit estimates

As per a recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) , fiscal deficit which is the difference between government’s revenue and expenditure has been 114.3% of the revised target (5.24 crore) for the past 11 months of 2013-14. It becomes 5.3% GDP.

India and Russia tie up for anti tank ammunition

India has signed a deal of Rs. 2600 crore with Russia to procure 66,000 anti tank shells to overcome the shortage anti tank ammunition including in the latest T-90 tanks. India will take Mango 66,000 tank shells from Russian government.

4th Miami Masters

Novak Djokovic defeated Rafael Nadal in the final of Miami masters whereas in women’s category, Serena Williams beat Li Na of China to clinch the title.

Euro Zone inflation comes to a great low

The inflation of Euro Zone dropped to 0.5% in March as compared to 0.7% in February. It is much lower than the target of 25 by European Central Bank. This situation may drag the 18 nation Euro Zone towards deflation and can have repercussions on world economy.