Current affairs- March 22,2016
Rajasthan celebrates first IT Day, launches connectivity network
Rajasthan recently (21st May) celebrated its first IT day.
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The first IT Day was based on
the theme ‘Promotion of IT Start-ups’, in line with the State’s focus on empowering start-ups.
On the occasion of Rajasthan’s first IT Day, the State government
has launched RajNET — a wide area network connecting the State capital with all
9,894 gram panchayats and 183 municipal areas.
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RajNET aims to strengthen
connectivity and allow the inclusion of remote areas through Information
Technology.
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Built as a multimode
connectivity network (through VSAT and terrestrial linkage), RajNET facilitates
voice, video and data connection, enabling effective delivery of citizen
services like Bhamashah, e-Mitra and MNREGA across the State, including its
remotest areas.
Nepal, China sign first-ever transit treaty
Nepal and China have signed 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoU),
including the transit and transportation treaty during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s ongoing visit to the
country.
New
Rail and Port link:
New Rail link: China has agreed to Nepal Prime Minister K P Oli’s request to
build a strategic railway link between the two countries through Tibet to
reduce land-locked Nepal’s total dependence on India.
Port: With the latest agreement, Nepal will be able to use the Chinese
sea port for third-country trade through the nearest Tianjin port that is 3,000
km from Nepal border. This will end the Himalayan nation’s total dependency on
an Indian sea port for third-country trade links. India’s Calcutta port is
1,000 km from from Nepal.
Background:
Oli’s high-profile visit comes as Nepal seeks to open more supply
routes from China amid fears of a repeat of recent nearly six-month long
crippling blockade when the Indian-origin Madhesis blocked Nepal’s trade-routes
with India, throwing normal life out of gear.
India at present has two rail lines under construction and three
more are being planned to increase Nepal’s trade ties. India and Nepal have 25
crossing points, two integrated checkpoints and 2 more checkpoints were under
construction.
‘Google Tax’: Govt panel for levy on e-com through emails, blogs
A committee on e-commerce has recommended a tax on digital
transactions such as emails, blogs and downloads.
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The committee was set up by the
Central Board of Direct Taxes.
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The committee has recommended a
tax of 6-8% on 13 services, in a bid to prevent tax avoidance by
multinationals.
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The recommendations are based
on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting guidelines of The Organisation for Economic
Co-operation and Development (OECD) – which provides economic solutions to
member nations.
Some B2B services on which the committee has recommended
equalisation levy of 6-8% include:
§ Online advertising or any
services, rights or use of software for online advertising, including
advertising on radio & television.
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Digital advertising space.
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Designing, creating, hosting or
maintenance of website.
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Digital space for website,
advertising, e-mails, online computing, blogs, online content, online data or
any other online facility.
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Any provision, facility or
service for uploading, storing or distribution of digital content.
World Water Day
World Water Day is being observed globally today (22nd March). It is to mark the
importance of water to human civilisation and nature. It is part of Decade for
Water (2005-2015) activity by the United Nations.
2016 Theme: “Water and Jobs”
Background:
The United Nations General Assembly designated March 22 as World
Water Day in 1993 following a resolution taken in Rio, Brazil in 1992 when
demands were made to designate a special day for water resources.
Facts
The fast patrol vessel (FPV) of the Indian Coast Guard, ICGS Arnvesh, was recently commissioned. It is the 16th of the 20 in this
category being built by the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL).
1.
The Indian navy has for the
first time deployed the Boeing P 8I, one of its advanced maritime reconnaissance aircraft, to
Seychelles for surveillance of the island nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone. It
is the first such deployment of the Boeing P 8I to a foreign country. P 8I is the military version of Boeing 737-800. India is one of the few countries, other than the US, that uses
P 8I.
