Current affairs- July 16, 2016
Census 2011 records rise in literacy among
disabled
New numbers released from Census 2011 show that literacy among disabled has increased in the country.
Highlights:
- More than half of the total disabled population in India are now literate. The literacy rate among the disabled has increased from 49.3% in 2001 to 54.5% in 2011. However, this is significantly lower than the overall literacy level of India which stands at 74%.
India slips on business optimism index: survey
Business Optimism Index, part of Grant Thornton International Business Report (IBR) for
April-June 2016, was recently released. The survey took note of 2,500 businesses
across 36 economies.
Highlights:
- India slipped to the third position, during April-June, after remaining on top globally for the two preceding quarters.
- Companies in India were mainly concerned about the delays in key reforms like the goods and services tax, non-resolution of tax disputes and the banking sector’s performance.
Ulaanbaatar Declaration adopted:
The 11th edition of the Asia-Europe Meeting Summit (ASEM11) was recently concluded in Ulaanbaatar.
- The theme of the Summit is ‘20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity‘.
Highlights:
- The declaration has reaffirmed ASEM’s commitment for greater partnership through informal political dialogue and initiatives in economic and socio-cultural fields.
- It also has expressed its commitment for united fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
- The declaration will also focus on maritime security cyber security.
UNESCO declares Nalanda Mahavihara World Heritage
Site:
UNESCO has declared Bihar’s much awaited ancient site – the ruins
of Nalanda Mahavihara – a World Heritage Site.
- With the inclusion of Nalanda, this would be the second UNESCO Heritage Site in Bihar after Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya.
Madhya Pradesh becomes first state to have
‘Happiness Department’
Madhya Pradesh has become the first state in the country to set up
‘Happiness Department’.
Key facts:
- The department will work to ensure “happiness in the lives of common people” on the lines of Bhutan.
- A panel of experts will be formed in the newly-constituted department which will give suggestions to ensure happiness in the lives of the people.
World Happiness Report:
The World Happiness Report 2016 by the UN ranks India at 118th
among 156 countries, behind Somalia (76), China (83), Pakistan (92), Iran
(105), Palestinian Territories (108) and Bangladesh (110).
