Current Affairs 21st January 2015

Current Affairs 21st January 2015

Updated : 21-Jan-2015

Current Affairs 21st January 2015 - Important Points
Current Affairs 21st January 2015 - Details
On import of which Fruit from India, EU decided to lift ban - Mangoes
On 20th January 2015, European Union (EU) decided to lift ban from importing of mangoes from India after seven months after it was voted unanimously by the European Commission's standing committee on plant health. So after this decision India will be able to export mangoes again.

Though to get this ban lifted India made significant improvements in plant health controls and certification system, But aubergines, bitter gourds, snake gourds and patra leaves will remain suspended subject to sustained improvements in plant pest control.
Do You Know :
India is biggest producer of Mangoes.
Which Tiger Reserve won NTCA biennial awar - Periyar Tiger Reserve
On 20th January 2015, Periyar Tiger Reserve which is located in Kerala won the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) biennial award. This award was awarded to NTCA for encouraging local public participation in managing the reserve.
India Eco-Development project was started in 1996 which was followed by setting up of Periyar Foundation in 2006 which involved participation of 75 communities including 15 tribal groups.
Which two countries signed MoU with Sikkim to help it in development of floriculture - Netherlands and Thailand
On 20th January 2015, MoU was inked between Governments of the Netherlands and Thailand with State government of Sikkim for development of floriculture in the Sikkim. This MoU will help Sikkim to reach out to the international market as Netherlands and Thailand will be providing expertise and technology to develop hybrid Sikkim's Cymbidium and other orchids and also cut flower along with the marketing and transportation of flowers.

With which country India signed agreement on transfer of sentenced persons - Hong Kong
On 20th January 2015, Agreement was signed between India and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on transfer of sentenced persons. Two sides will exchange sentenced prisoners in each other's jurisdiction.
Which scheme made it to Guinness World Records - Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna
On 20th January 2015, Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY) made it to Guinness Book of World Records by opening 11.50 crore accounts under it in a short span of five months.
Out of total accounts 5.68 crore (49.37%) accounts belonged to male and 5.82 crore (50.63%) account belonged to females. Govt has also decided that it will transfer annual subsidy of around 51029 crore rupees directly to bank accounts of 15.45 crore beneficiaries, plugging system leakages.
Do You Know :
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August 2014.