Current Affairs - 22nd March 2014

R K Gupta, new General Manager for Eastern Railway

R K Gupta has taken over as the new GM of eastern railways. Before this he was working as Managing Director of Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Ltd.

Trade pact between EU and Ukraine

The EU and Ukraine signed the much tooted trade pact which was rejected by Ukraine’s previous President Viktor Yanukovich. The president of European Union (EU) Herman Von Rompoy and Ukraine’s PM Arseniy Yatsenyuk signed the pact. As per the terms of the agreement, the European Commission has agreed to provide around €500 million ($689 million) worth of trade benefits to Ukraine, abolishing duties on a wide range of farm goods, textiles and other imports. In return, Ukraine will have to make ostensible changes in the rule of law of its nation as well as establishing true democracy and human rights in the country.

Gramin Banks Revisited, book on Rural banks launched

“Gramin Banks Revisited” is a book written by rural banker NK Thingaliya and it was released recently. At the book launch, deputy governor of RBI H R Khan emphasized on the importance of rural banks in Indian economy. As of now there are 57 RRBs in the country.

21 March, International Day of Forests

21 March was observed as International Day of forests by the United Nations. Theme of this day was “Celebrating Forests for Sustainable Development”. This day is observed to raise awareness about protection of trees and forest conservation. The first water day was observed in 2013 after UN assembly passed a resolution about it in 2012. March 21 is also celebrated as”World poetry Day”.

BIRAC, a govt. of India undertaking celebrates its 2nd year of existence

Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) which is a nonprofit company by the govt. of India has observed its 2nd foundation day. BIRAC was set up by Department of Biotechnology’s interface agency, to help speed up India’s role in the biotech sector, populary known as “bioeconomy”.

UN water for life award, 2014

India won the best “water management practices” with International water management institute – Tata water Policy Programme winning the coveted award from UN office. Singapore based NEWater Programme has won the “best participatory", awareness raising, education practices” award. These awards were given by UN office to mark World Water Day on 22 March.