Current Affairs

World Telecoms Day 2018: Let’s Bring the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence to All

The ITU, a United Nations telecoms arm, has adopted “Enabling the positive use of Artificial Intelligence for All” as this year’s theme.

Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is taking centre stage with a lot of impact on people’s lives.

In recent years there has been significant progress in AI technology.



Guwahati now has India's first solar powered railway station

New Delhi: Guwahati now has India's first railway station run by solar power. The project of installing solar panels was commissioned last year in April 2017.

Around 2352 solar modules with a capacity of generating 700 kwp has been set up over the roof of the Guwahati railway station. Solar panels have been installed at the roof-top solar power plant.



Railways to install ‘panic button’ in trains for women safety

With a view to strengthen security of women passengers in trains, the North Eastern Railway (NER) plans to deploy women police personnel on trains during night hours as well as install ‘panic buttons’ in coaches.

Since the railways is focussing on “women and child safety” this year, it plans deployment of women police personnel in sub-urban trains during night hours besides recruitment of women in the RPF among others, chief PRO of NER, Sanjay Yadav told PTI.

With reports of mishappenings with women travelling alone in trains, the railways also proposes to have ‘panic buttons’ in the coaches which will be linked with the guard coach, Mr. Yadav said.



Nagaland board higher secondary Class 12th examination results 2018 to be declared tomorrow on nbsenagaland.com

The Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) will announce its Class 12th board examination results tomorrow (18th May). Eligible students who appeared for the exams may check their results on the official board website, nbsenagaland.com.

According to a report on The Indian Express, around, 15,281 students had registered for the HSSLC (higher secondary school leaving certificate) board examination this year, of whom 11,339 were in the Arts stream, while 1,360 were Commerce students and 2,582 gave the Science exam.



Indore Scores a ‘Clean’ Win, Ranks First in Swachh Survekshan 2018

The results of Swachh Survekshan 2018 are in, and Indore has once again emerged as India’s cleanest city, followed by Bhopal and Chandigarh, in the government’s cleanliness survey.

Hardeep Singh Puri, the Minister of State for Housing, announced the results on Wednesday, 16 May. The survey acts a quick fact-check to understand the level of cleanliness across all cities.



Yeddyurappa's Low-Key Oath In Karnataka, Court Battle Still On

BENGALURU, KARNATAKA:  BJP's BS Yeddyurappa took oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka today after a rollercoaster day and a night-long court-room battle. The rare post-midnight sitting of the court took place after the Congress and ally JD(S) challenged Governor Vajubhai Vala's decision to invite the BJP to form government despite the strength of alliance numbers.
The BJP has 105 seats in comparison to the 117 lawmakers of the alliance in the 224-member assembly. Mr Yeddyurappa has 15 days to prove his majority. The court said while it is allowing the oath to proceed, it would be "subject to the outcome of the case".


WHO plan to eliminate industrially-produced trans-fatty acids from global food supply

WHO today released REPLACE, a step-by-step guide for the elimination of industrially-produced trans-fatty acids from the global food supply.

Eliminating trans fats is key to protecting health and saving lives: WHO estimates that every year, trans fat intake leads to  more than 500,000 deaths of people from cardiovascular disease.

Industrially-produced trans fats are contained in hardened vegetable fats, such as margarine and ghee, and are often present in snack food, baked foods, and fried foods. Manufacturers  often use them as they have a longer shelf life than other fats. But healthier alternatives can be used that would not affect taste or cost of food.



SC ASKS JAL TO DEPOSIT RS 1,000 CRORE BY JUNE 15

 Supreme Court today asked realty firm Jaiprakash Associates Limited (JAL) to deposit an additional Rs 1,000 crore with its Registry by June 15 to provide refunds to the hassled home buyers.
 
On submission of this amount, the liquidation proceedings against Jaypee Infratech Limited (JIL), a subsidiary of holding company JAL, shall remain stayed, a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra said.
 
The bench, which also comprised Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud, said if there was any default in depositing the money by June 15, the statutory proceedings against JIL, which has been facing insolvency proceedings, shall proceed.
 


Varanasi flyover collapse: 4 suspended, FIR lodged against UP Bridge Corp, senior govt officials

Amid allegations of bodies being handed over to relatives after charging Rs 300 at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Hospital mortuary, the Yogi Adityanath government ordered for the suspension of four senior officials, including the Chief Project Manager, in connection with Tuesday’s over-bridge collapse tragedy in Varanasi. An FIR was also lodged against UP Bridge Corporation Limited, its officials and contractors.

At least 18 persons were killed and 25 others were injured under the debris when two beams of the under-construction flyover came crashing after a pillar gave way on Tuesday evening.



Mark Tully to get Red Ink Award

Senior journalist Mark Tully will be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Red Ink Awards in Mumbai on May 18. Tully worked with the BBC for three decades and was the broadcaster’s Chief of Bureau for Delhi for 20 years.

In a statement, the Mumbai Press Club, said Tully has been recognised for his “long and outstanding contribution to Indian journalism”.