CURRENT GK
1.With ‘nuclear option,’ Senate ends Democratic blockade of Trump court pick :-
Senate Republicans on Thursday crushed a Democratic blockade of President Donald Trump’s U.S. Supreme Court nominee in a fierce partisan brawl, approving a rule change dubbed the “nuclear option” to allow for conservative judge Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation by Friday.
2.Searches against govt. officials in 10 States :-
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday carried out searches in 10 States against senior government officials who face corruption charges in cases registered by various enforcement agencies, including one related to the alleged ‘memorial’ scam during the Mayawati government in Uttar Pradesh.
The development comes days after the agency cracked down on shell companies across 16 States as part of the Central government’s drive against black money.
3.Centre to seek parliament nod for RDA :-
The Centre will likely attempt at securing legislative backing to the Rail Development Authority (RDA) next year to give more teeth to the country’s first rail regulator that will initially be set up through an executive order.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved setting up the rail regulator responsible for recommending passenger fares, setting performance standards for rail operations and creating level playing policy for private sector participation through an executive order.
4.“One-China” policy in focus during Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal :-
The visit of the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh has sharpened the focus on India’s commitment to the “One-China” policy, amid accusations by the Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday that the Tibetan leader’s visit to the “disputed areas” was fueling tensions between the two neighbours.
5.Acer ties up with RCB as technology partner for IPL :-
PC and tablet-maker Acer announced its association with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as its technology partner for the 10th season of Indian Premier League (IPL).
It is the second year in a row that Acer has partnered with RCB as their official technology partner, the company said in a statement here.
6.Airtel sacks its V-P for code of conduct violation :-
Telecom major Bharti Airtel has terminated the services of its Vice-President and Head of Alliances Pallab Mitra for alleged violation of code of conduct.
“All employees are hereby advised that the company has terminated the services of Pallab Mitra, Vice-President and Head-Alliance, with immediate effect for violation of the company’s code of conduct,” Airtel Chief Human Resource Officer B Srikanth said in a communication to employees.
7.US strikes Syria air base: Call on civilized nations to end slaughter and bloodshed in Syria, says Donald Trump :-
In retaliation to the chemical weapons attack in Syria on Tuesday, United States launched a barrage of missile cruise attacks on a Syrian air base. Speaking at a press conference, US President Donald Trump said that he ordered a targeted military strike on Syria’s airfield. “Bashar Al-Assad used deadly nerve agent to kill many civilians. Tonight I ordered a targeted military strike on airfield in Syria from which the chemical attack was launched.” Calling on other nations to join hands against the on-going civil war in Syria, Trump said,”I call on all civilized nations in seeking to end the slaughter and bloodshed in Syria.”
- 1.37 crore who don’t file returns are now on Income Tax radar :-
ARMED WITH information on cash deposits of over Rs 2 lakh by tax assessees through a newly inserted column in the income-tax returns for 2017-18, the tax department has started the process of scrutinising and matching details with those provided earlier by banks and financial institutions.
9.Bangladesh give Mashrafe Mortaza fitting farewell, beat Sri Lanka by 45 runs :-
Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka by 45 runs in their second Twenty20 to fittingly draw the series 1-1 on Thursday.
The test and one-day international series were also drawn.
Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza won the toss and elected to bat first in his final T20.
- TRAI asks Jio to withdraw 3-month offer :-
Reliance Jio on Thursday decided to withdraw its ‘Jio Summer Surprise’ offer after the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) advised the Mukesh Ambani-led firm to withdraw the three-month ‘complimentary’ offer.
On March 31, Reliance Jio, which was expected to charge for its services from April 1, 2017, extended the deadline for buying Jio’s ₹303 plan until April 15, 2017. Subscribers who bought the ₹99 Prime membership till April 15, 2017, with a plan of ₹303 or higher, were eligible for the ‘Jio Summer Surprise’ offer and its subscribers were entitled to get free services for three months, starting April 15.
