WEST BENGAL
The first East-West Metro train
East-West Metro trains run on a communication-based train control and signalling system.
The latter has no posts or fixed blocks.
The running trains pick up signals from the tracks, which open for a train only after the earlier train has moved.
If the tracks ahead are clogged, the train will automatically come to a halt.
Sri Lanka’s Army Chief, Shavendra Silva blacklisted by US
The United States has blacklisted Sri Lanka’s Army Chief, Shavendra Silva, for human rights violations including extrajudicial killings during the last phase of the country’s civil war in 2009
Lt. Gen. Silva is credited with leading an Army division against Tamil Tiger rebels in the final phases of the island nation’s 26-year-long brutal civil war, which ended in 2009.
A United Nations panel has accused Lt. Gen. Silva’s division of suspected extrajudicial executions of unarmed rebels in the final week of the war and systematic torture of people in custody.
Ammendmenet to the Arms Act, 1959
The Home Ministry has relaxed guidelines for Arjuna awardees and sportspersons participating in international and national shooting competitions for possessing and carrying guns after the amendments to the Arms Act.
International medallists or renowned shooters can possess up to 12 rifles in calibre .22 (also known as .22 Long Rifle), centre fire rifles with calibre up to 8 mm, including all calibre lower than 8 mm, pistols or revolvers of calibre up to and including 9 mm and shotguns of calibre up to 12 bore.
Rajiv Bansal appointed as CMD of Air India
Rajiv Bansal appointed as Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India, which is in the process of divestment by the Centre.
Conservation plan for Konark temple
Government is planning to restore and preserve the nearly 800-year-old Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
The 13th Century temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, had been filled with sand and sealed by the British authorities in 1903 in order to stabilise the structure
‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’ exhibition
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Kashi Ek Roop Anek’, a cultural arts and handicrafts exhibition, at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Hastakala Sankul
‘Kashi Ek Roop anek’ will showcase products from over 10,000 artisans from all over Uttar Pradesh.
Artists and weavers at the event will also be imparted skills for improving the quality and branding of their wares suitable for the larger national and international markets.