Current Affairs-GK March 3-4, 2016

PM Modi Launches ‘Setu Bharatam’ Project, To Boost Infrastructure

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched Rs 50,000-crore "Setu Bharatam" programme to build bridges for safe and seamless travel on National Highways. With this the government aims to make all national highways free of railway crossings by 2019.

  

• Under this project, 208 new road over bridges or road under bridges places have been identified for construction and nearly 10200 crore rupees will be spent on it. While around 1500 bridges will be widened, rehabilitated or replaced that are over 50 to 60 years old. The cost of rebuilding the old bridges is expected to be about 30000 crore rupees.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker PA Sangma Passes Away

• PA Sangma, who was the Lok Sabha Speaker from 1996 to 1998 and one of the co-founders of Nationalist Congress Party passed away today following a heart attack he was 68.

• Purno Agitok Sangma was born on 1 September 1947 in village Chapahati in the picturesque West Garo Hills District of the State of Meghalaya in North East India. One of the greatest leaders from Northeast in national politics, he has been elected to the Lok Sabha eight times since 1977. After completing his graduation from St. Anthony's College, he went to Dibrugarh University in Assam for his Masters degree in International Relations. Subsequently, he also obtained a degree in Law.

Aadhaar Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

• The government introduced the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Bill, 2016, in the Lok Sabha, which seeks to make the use of Aadhaar mandatory for availing of government subsidies but at the same time tries to address concerns regarding privacy and protection of personal information.

• The bill also provides provisions wherein institutions, after paying a fee, can authenticate the identity of a person. But for this, the institution should have the consent of the Aadhaar number holder.

• It directs UIDAI to have sufficient security of identity information and authentication record of individuals. It also directs UIDAI to ensure that agencies, consultants and its employees are bound by confidentiality and do not leak any information.

South Korea, US open missile shield talks

• South Korea and the US were set to open talks today on the possible deployment – vehemently opposed by China – of an advanced US missile defence system to counter the growing threat from North Korea.

• South Korea’s defence ministry said initial discussions would focus on potential locations, as well as cost-sharing and a timeline for installation of the THAAD system.

UNSC imposes tough sanctions against North Korea over nuclear test

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted the toughest sanctions ever imposed on North Korea in response to its fourth nuclear test and rocket launch.
• In this regard, the 15-member council passed a resolution drafted by the United States and backed by China.
• All countries must inspect cargo in all airports and sea ports destined for and coming from North Korea.
• Ban or severe restrictions on exports of iron and iron ore, coal, gold, titanium and rare earth minerals from North Korea and prohibits the supply.
• Tightens an arms embargo by banning sales of small arms and bars vessels suspected of carrying illegal goods for North Korea from ports.
• Countries working in North Korea’s financial and banking sector are obliged to freeze assets of companies and other entities linked to its missile and nuclear programmes.

Manoj Kumar to get Dada Saheb Phalke Award

• Veteran film actor and director Manoj Kumar is to be conferred the 47th Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2015

• MIB India tweeted on Friday: “Veteran film actor Shri Manoj Kumar to be conferred Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2015”. A link carrying the details of the award was also shared on the micro-blogging site.

• The award is conferred by the Government of India for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.

Jitu Rai wins Gold medal in 50m pistol event at ISSF World Cup

• Ace Indian shooter Jitu Rai has won Gold medal in the 50m Pistol Men final event at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Cup held in Bangkok, Thialand.

• He won the medal by scoring 191.3 points in the final round and beating two of the strongest members of the Chinese Olympic team, Pang Wei and Wang Zhiwei.

• Chinese shooter Pang won the Silver medal with 186.5 points, while his teammate Wang Zhiwei won the Bronze medal with 165.8 points.

• This win is considered as a stage of success for Jitu Rai, who is the winner of the 2014 Asian Games. He is currently ranked 5th in the world in the 50m Pistol Men’s event.