Govt approves extension of PM-KISAN scheme to all farmer; clears pension for farmers, traders

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The newly-sworn in NDA government has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) to all the farmers in the country. Earlier the benefit of the scheme was applicable to farmers having two hectares of land.

Nearly 14 crore 50 lakh farmers will be now covered under the revised scheme. The Minister said, total burden on the exchequer will be over 87,000 crore rupees for the year 2019-20.

Six thousand rupees per year is being given in three instalments to the farmers, under the scheme.

NOTE:Farmers over 60 will also be eligible for getting an additional Rs.3000 per month.

ADB commits USD 350 mn loan for Chhattisgarh road improvement project

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Multi-lateral funding agency Asian Development Bank (ADB) Friday said it has okayed USD 350 million loan for road project in Chhattisgarh.

Asian Development Bank (ADB). Source:abc.net.au

Total project cost is USD 521.69 million of which the government will finance USD 171.69 million.

World No-Tobacco Day 2019

World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) is observed around the world every year on 31 May. It is intended to encourage a 24-hour period of abstinence from all forms of tobacco consumption around the globe.

Make Every Day World No Tobacco Day. Source:who.int

Theme:"Make Every Day World No Tobacco Day".

NOTE:In 2019, WNTD focused on its theme on 'Tobacco and lung health'

ISRO, Air Force join hands to select and train 3-member crew for Gaganyaan mission

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ISRO and IAF(Indian Air Force) sigs agreement to select and train 3 Astronauts for the 'Gaganyaan' mission which is planning to be launched on December 2021,by sending 3 Astronauts into the space for atleaset 7 Days under the Rs. 10,000 Crore worth project.

Gaganyaan. Source:intoday.in

GSLV Mk-3 will be used in this mission.

Lamar Odom launches a new book ‘Darkness to light’

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Khloe Kardashian’s ex-husband and Former Basketball player Lamar Odom released a new book titled ‘Darkness to light’, which reportedly will reveal dark secrets of his life.

‘Darkness to light’ by Lamar Odom. Source:amazon.com

PM Modi hikes National Defence Fund scholarship assistance

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved changes to the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme for wards of deceased defence personnel under the National Defence Fund.Mr. Modi approved the increase from Rs.2,000 to Rs.2,500 a month for boys and from Rs.2,250 to Rs.3,000 a month for girls.

NOTE: This is the first scheme he approved after assuming the office for the second term.

Modi govt decides to give shopkeepers, retail traders Rs 3,000 as pension

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The Modi government in its first Cabinet meeting after assuming office for the second term had approved a new scheme, which assures minimum monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to all shopkeepers, retail traders and self employed persons after attaining the age of 60 years, fulfilling its poll promise.

An official also said that,"All shopkeepers and self employed persons as well as retail traders with GST turnover below Rs 1.5 crore and aged between 18-40 years can enrol for the scheme".

Govt approves extension of PM-KISAN scheme to all farmer; clears pension for farmers, traders

Short Detail

The Modi government in its first Cabinet meeting after assuming office for the second term had approved a new scheme, which assures minimum monthly pension of Rs 3,000 to all shopkeepers, retail traders and self employed persons after attaining the age of 60 years, fulfilling its poll promise.

An official also said that,"All shopkeepers and self employed persons as well as retail traders with GST turnover below Rs 1.5 crore and aged between 18-40 years can enrol for the scheme".

Sachin Bansal Gets Onboard To Modernise Ujjivan Small Finance Bank

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Flipkart cofounder Sachin Bansal has joined the board of Bengaluru-based Ujjivan Small Finance Bank.

Sachin Bansal. Source:cloudinary.com

L&T Finance Holdings launches 'Sabse Khaas Loan' for two-wheeler customers

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L&T Finance, a subsidiary of L&T Finance Holdings, launched 'Sabse Khaas Loan' for two-wheeler customers.

The borrowers can choose from 3 different EMI tenures 6, 12 and 18 months with interest rates between 7.99 per cent and 8.99 per cent.

First Rafale combat aircraft to be part of IAF Chief's 'Golden Arrows' squadron

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The first Rafale combat aircraft would be inducted into the Indian Air Force's 'Golden Arrows' 17 Squadron which was commanded by Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa during the Kargil war in 1999.

Plaque of the 'Golden Arrows' 17 Sqaudron. Source:dnaindia.com

GSLV Mk-3 will be used in this mission.

Annie Zaidi won Nine Dots Prize 2019, gets $100,000 prize money

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The Mumbai-based Annie Zaidi won Nine Dots award worth $100,000

Annie Zaidi won Nine Dots Prize 2019. Source:Instaghub.com

SWIFT India and South Asia Regional Conference 2019

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The SWIFT India and South Asia Conference was held successfully on 9 May 2019 at the St Regis Mumbai.

SWIFT India and South Asia Regional Conference 2019 Source:Instaghub.com

Theme:"Digitisation in Transition:The future of innovation and cyber security".

Tripura to host 10th National Science Film Festival of India in 2020

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In an effort to raise awareness about science and environment through films, the 10th National Science Film Festival of India (NSFFI) will be organised in Tripura on January and February 2020.

10th national science film festival 2019. Source:indianexpress.com

The NSFFI debuted in Chennai eight years ago in 2011. It has covered almost all regions of the country since then including Bhubaneshwar, Kolkata, Bangalore, Lucknow, Mumbai, Guwahati and Mohali. with Tripura it will mark the Film Fest's 2nd time in a North Eastern region.

Meet Chandrani Murmu: The Tribal Woman Who Is Now India’s Youngest Ever MP

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The 25-Year-Old Chandrani Murmu have created history by becoming India's youngest MP,from the Keonjhar seat in Odisha.

Chandrani Murmu. Source:feminisminindia.com

IIT Guwahati signs MoU with ISRO to set up first-of-its-kind space technology centre in the Northeast

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IIT Guwahati has signed an MoU with The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to set up an IITG-ISRO Space Technology Cell (STC) at the institute.

The IIT Guwahati - ISRO space technology centre would be first of its kind in the North-east region. Source:indiatoday.in

‘Forbidden’ planet discovered in Neptunian Desert

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Astronomers say they have discovered a rogue exoplanet with its own atmosphere in the Neptunian Desert. The new planet is Called NGTS-4b, nick-named ‘The Forbidden Planet’ is smaller than Neptune but three times the size of Earth

The 'Forbidden Planet' has been found in the 'Neptunian Desert' by researchers | Photo Credit: Twitter/warwicknewsroom. Source:thehindu.com

NOTE:The Neptunian Desert is the region close to stars where no Neptune-sized planets are found.

Fitch affirms long-term ratings of SBI, BOB and PNB at 'BBB-' with stable outlook

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International rating agency Fitch Ratings affirmed long-term issuer default ratings (IDRs) of six banks including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank at 'BBB-', with a stable outlook.

Fitch Ratings. Source:intoday.in

The agency also affirmed BBB- the rating of Bank of Baroda (New Zealand), Canara Bank and Bank of India (BOI).

International Everest Day

This is the 66th M.T.Everest day, celebrated because In 1953 on this day Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay have became the first men to climb M.T.Everest.

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2019

The "International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers", May 29, is "an international day to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication, and courage and to honor the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace."

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2019. Source:awarenessdays.com

Theme:"Protectig Civilians,Protecting Peace".

Conference call: Inside the 72nd World Health Assembly

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The 72nd World Health Assembly was helf in Geneva,Switzerland from May 20th to May 28th 2019.

72nd world health assembly,Geneva. Source:PC Gamer

Theme:"Universal Health Coverage,leavig no one behind".

Most competitive economy: India moves up to 43rd place; Singapore reaches top

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India has moved up one place to rank as the world's 43rd most competitive economy on the back of its robust economic growth,while Singapore tops the list from being the 3rd fiddle last year.

Most competitive economy list 2019. Source:IMD business school

Sri Lanka, Japan, India sign deal to develop East Container Terminal at Colombo Port

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Sri Lanka, Japan and India on Tuesday signed an agreement to jointly develop the East Container Terminal at the Colombo Port. The joint initiative is estimated to cost between $500 million and $700 million.

A general view of Colombo Port City construction site. Source:thehindu.com

As per the agreement , the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) retains 100% ownership of the East Container Terminal (ECT), while the Terminal Operations Company, conducting its operations, will be jointly owned by the 3 countries. Also,Sree Lanka will be having a 51% stake in thw whole project.

NSIC inks MoU with MSME Ministry, eyes 22 pc rise in revenue to Rs 3,100 Cr

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The National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) has signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ministry for 2019-20.

National Small Industries Corporation. Source:wikipedia.org

With this, NSIC is eyeing a 22 percent increase in revenue to Rs 3,100 crore in 2019-20 from Rs 2,540 crore in 2018-19.

FDI inflows record first decline in six years in FY19

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Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India declined by 1 per cent to $44.37 billion in the 2018-19 financial year, registering the first fall in the last six years, as the wave of foreign fund flows into the telecom, pharma and other sectors subsided, official figures showed.

Last time FDI registered a contraction was in 2012-13 when foreign fund inflows declined of 36 per cent to $22.42 billion from $35.12 billion in 2011-12.

Indore's Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar airport gets 'international' status

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Indore's Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar airport declared as an international airport.

Indore's Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar airport. Source:newstracklive.com

The airport, named after Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore, is considered as the busiest airport in Central India. It has been bestowed Worlds Standardization Certification by the United Kingdom. Since March 24, 2018, it has been facilitating round the clock operations.

Honda Motorcycle ties-up with IDFC First Bank

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Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has signed MoU with IDFC First Bank for retail financing for vehicles.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India has signed MoU with IDFC First Bank. Source:ET Auto

Under the arrangement, a customer can avail benefits such as loans up to 100 per cent of the vehicle cost, zero processing fee, down payment of Rs 999, attractive interest rate, extended loan tenure within 48 hours, among others.

India has 20 health workers for 10000 people, study finds

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India has 20.6 health workers per 10,000 people, a study based on National Sample Survey Organisation reveals. Although it is less than the World health Organisation’s minimum threshold of 22.8, the numbers have increased from 19 health workers per 10000 people in 2012.

Puerto Williams, Chile now world's southernmost city, not Ushuaia, Argentina

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Puerto Williams has nudged out Ushuaia, a neighbor in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, to become the world's southernmost city.

Puerto Williams, Chile. Source:Chile Travel

Indian Army Introduces New Restrictions on Buying Cheaper Cars From CSD

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The Indian Army has imposed restrictions on its officers and jawans with respect to purchasing cheaper cars from the CSD(Canteen Stores Department) Canteen.

A csd canteen. Source:The Economic Times

As per these restriction, Indian Army officers can now only buy a vehicle valued up to ₹12 lakh from the CSD Canteen and that too only once in eight years.

Indian Army jawans, on the other hand, can buy a car up to ₹6.5 lakh once during their service and once after their retirement from the CSD canteen.

Russia launches new icebreaker as country focuses on economic potential of the Arctic

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Russia rolled out a new nuclear-powered icebreaker named Ural as it signals its further efforts to take advantage of the Arctic’s economic potential.

Russia's icebreaker Ural. Source:ottawacitizen.com

The Russian news agency TASS reported that besides breaking ice for convoys in the Arctic, the ships will help ensure transportation of hydrocarbons from the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas to the Asia Pacific market. The 173-metre long vessel has a new and improved reactor and a new turbine system so it can operate over its 40-year-lifespan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that by 2035 Russia expects to operate 13 heavy icebreakers. Nine of those would be nuclear-powered.

Albino panda caught on camera in China in world first

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A nature reserve in China,The Wolong national nature reserve in the south-western province of Sichuan has captured what is believed to be the world’s first image of an albino panda.

Albino panda. Source:Bloomberg

India Elected To Executive Board Of First UN-Habitat Assembly

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Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs announced that India has bee elected to the Executive board of first ever UN-Habitat Assembly.

United Nations Human Settlements Programme. Source:wikipedia.com

The first session of the UN-Habitat Assembly started on May 27 at the headquarters of UN-Habitat in Nairobi and will go on till May 31.

RBI extends RTGS transfer timings

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The Reserve Bank of India has increased the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) time window for customer transactions (initial cut-off) from 4.30 pm to 6 pm.

The timing has been changed under Section 10 with Section 18 of the Payment and Settlements Systems Act 2007(Act 51 0f 2007).

IOB launches ‘Bank on Wheels’ in 13 TN districts

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Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) on launched ‘Bank on Wheels’ in 14 of its lead districts in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, along with Vijayawada of Andra Pradesh.

‘Bank on Wheels’ by IOB. Source:newindianexpress.com

US removes India, Switzerland from its currency monitoring list

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The Trump administration removed India and Switzerland from its currency monitoring list of major trading partners,where as a list of 9 countries including China,South Korea,Germany and Japan still stays on the list.

John Bailey launches Hindi version of Oscar Academy's publication 'Digital Dilemma'

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John Bailey, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences e-launched the Hindi version of an Academy Publication, 'Digital Dilemma', in New Delhi.

John Bailey launching Hindi version of Oscar Academy's publication 'Digital Dilemma'. Source:newindianexpress.com

Saudi Arabia lifts export ban on fruits and vegetable from Kerala

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Saudi Arabia lifts export ban on fruits and vegetable from Kerala,which it imposed on 2018 due to Nipah Virus.

Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh declared a banned terrorist organisation

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Bangladesh-based terror outfit the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) is now banned by the Centre under the anti-terror law UAPA.

Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh declared a banned terrorist organisation. Source:opindia.com

The notification said the group planned to sread its network in South India with an overarching motive to establish Caliphate in the Indian subcontinent.

India witnesses a decline in mobile internet speeds, rank falls to 121: Ookla

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India is witnessing a dip in mobile internet speeds, as per the latest data by Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index. This has brought down the country’s ranking to 121 from 120 in the previous month.

India witnesses a decline in mobile internet speeds, rank falls to 121. Source:whatphone.com.au

In December 2018, India ranked at 108 and it fell to 119 in January 2019 and then it remained steady with 120 position for the month of February and March 2019.

As per Ookla, India has a dip in mobile speeds with average download speed clocked at 10.71 Mbps. The upload for India was clocked at 4.20 Mbps. The report shows that Norway is currently leading the pack with an average download speed of 65.41 Mbps followed by Canada and South Korea with average download speeds of 64.42 Mbps and 63.81 Mbps respectively.

Mean while in the braodbad speed sticks at 68th position at 29.5Mbps in Downlaod and 24.84Mbps in Updload speed.

India's GDP to grow at 6.9% in FY19, says India Ratings

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India’s GDP growth during the fiscal 2018-19 is expected at 6.9 per cent, marginally lower than CSO’s advance estimate of 7 per cent, said India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra).

India Ratings. Source:autonewspress.com

Prem Singh Tamang, aka PS Golay, sworn in as Sikkim CM: SKM chief was convicted of corruption under Chamling govt

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The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) president Prem Singh Tamang(PS Golay), took oath as the new and 6th Chief Minister of Sikkim,by suceeding the longest serving Sikkim CM Pawan Kumar Chamling.

PS Golay, sworn in as Sikkim CM. Source:dnaindia.com

His party secured 17 out of 32 seats in the Assebmly election against Sikkim Democratic Front(SDF) which was the ruling party for over 25 years.

IAF Chief Dhanoa leads ‘Missing Man’ formation in Mig-21

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Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) B.S. Dhanoa paid tribute to Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja who lost his life 20 years back during the Kargil conflict by flying a ‘missing man’ formation in a Mig-21.

‘Missing Man’ formation. Source:The Hindu

ACM BS Dhanoa led a four aircraft, MiG-21 ‘Missing Man’ formation flypast at AF station Bhisiana, in Bhatinda to honour the valour and supreme sacrifice of men killed in action during Operation Safed Sagar at Kargil.

Srei Equipment Finance ties up with Oriental Bank of Commerce

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Srei Equipment Finance, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Srei Infrastructure Finance has tied up with Oriental Bank of Commerce to offer loans for purchase of equipment under a co-lending arrangement.

Under the arrangement, financing of construction, mining and allied equipment, medical equipment, commercial vehicles and farm equipment will be covered. The funds will be sourced through iQuippo,a digital market place of Kanorias Foundation.

Now, invest in mutual funds directly from WhatsApp: Motilal Oswal becomes first AMC in India to tie up with Facebook owned platform

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Motilal Oswal Asset Management Company (Motilal Oswal AMC) has become the first AMC(Asset Management Company) in India to introduce mutual funds (MFs) to WhatsApp.

Motilal Oswal. Source:zeebiz.com

Meghalaya: Chief minister Conrad launches Aroma Mission

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Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Monday launched the Aroma Mission at Byrwa in Ri-Bhoi district with an aim to strengthen the livelihood condition of farmers and create employment opportunities in the state.

Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma launches Aroma Mission at Byrwa in Ri-Bhoi district. Source:nenow.in

Aroma Missio is a project with a worth of Rs.18 Crore focusing on Agriculture and it's allied sectore.

First All-Women IAF Crew Fly Mi-17 Helicopter In Battle Training Mission

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Three women Indian Air Force officers were part of the country's first all-women crew to fly a medium lift helicopter Mi-17 V5.

All-Women IAF Crew Fly Mi-17 Helicopter. Source:ndtvimg.com

Flight Lieutenant Parul Bhardwaj (Captain), Flying Officer Aman Nidhi (co-pilot) and Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal (Flight Engineer) flew the chopper, which took off from a forward air base in South Western air command.

Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh declared a banned terrorist organisation

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Bangladesh-based terror outfit the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) is now banned by the Centre under the anti-terror law UAPA.

Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh declared a banned terrorist organisation. Source:opindia.com

The notification said the group planned to sread its network in South India with an overarching motive to establish Caliphate in the Indian subcontinent.

Archery World Cup: Indian men's compound team wins bronze

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Indian men's compound team of Abhishek Verma, Rajat Chauhan and Aman Saini won the bronze after defeating Russia in the playoffs at Archery World Cup Stage 3 in Antalya, Turkey.

India's bronze medal-winning trio — Aman Saini, Rajat Chauhan and Abhishek Verma. Source:sportstar.thehindu.com

Govt to merge CSO with NSSO to create new stats body

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The government has approved the merger of National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

Govt to merge CSO with NSSO to create new stats body under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). Source:Business Today

The new entity will be treated as the National Statistical Organisation (NSO).

Government restricts bio-fuel imports

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The government has restricted the import of bio-fuels including ethyl alcohol, bio-diesel and petroleum oils for all purposes and their import will require import licence from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

Mahesh Mangaonkar wins Sekisui Open title

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India's Mahesh Mangaonkar defeated Spain's Bernat Jaume to win the Sekisui Open title for the second time in his career,which was held in Kriens, Switzerland.

Mahesh Mangaonkar. Source:asianage.com

Now, an ambulance for trees: Chennai gets a tree ambulance to relocate, revive trees

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The ‘ambulance’ will ply on the roads, taking tree exerts to various parts of the city to revive and hopefully even replant hundreds of uprooted trees.

Tree Ambulance. Source:nxtpix.com

The ambulance will help in planting trees that have been uprooted, and offer other services such as a seed bank, distribution of plants, and helping citizens in tree plantation drives. It also shifts trees from one location to another and conducts surveys of trees.

Over 25 States sluggish on drawing plastic waste disposal plans; face ₹1-cr penalty

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Over 25 State governments may have to pay environment compensation of Rs.1 crore each for not submitting their action plans on systematic disposal of plastic waste to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) as the April 30 deadline set by the National Green Tribunal(NGT) has expired.

National Green Tribunal(NGT) has directed all States as well as Union Territories except for Andra Pradesh,Sikkim,Puducherry and West Bengal to submit the report.