16 April 2016 Current Affairs for Competition Exams

Bhimrao Ambedkar Awas Yojana launched for widows
On 14 April 2016 Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das launched the Bhimrao Ambedkar Awas Yojana. The Yojana is launched for widows.
The main aim of the scheme is to create equality and harmony in society, ensuring all round development.
The widows would also get pension under the scheme.


National Agriculture Market launched
On 14 April 2016 Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the pilot of e-NAM, the e-trading platform for the National Agriculture Market, for the farmers.
It was launched on 125th birth anniversary of Baba Saheb Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar.
This project will operate through an online portal which is being linked to the mandis of the States.
The farmers can sell or buy the agricultural products online using this portal.
The farmers will be provided farmer helpline services 24X7 for obtaining information related to this portal.


SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Rules, 2016
On 14 April 2016 Union Government notified the Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST) (Prevention of Atrocities (PoA)) Amendment Rules, 2016.
The amendments are done in the principal rules of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules, 1995.
These amendments include;
• New offences of atrocities like tonsuring of head, moustache, garlanding with chappals, etc.
• Addition of certain IPC offences like hurt, grievous hurt, intimidation, kidnapping, etc.
• Power of Special Courts and Exclusive Special Courts, to take direct cognizance of offence.
• Addition of chapter on the Rights of Victims and Witnesses.


Panagarh airbase renamed after former IAF chief Arjan Singh
On 16 April 2016 Panagarh Air Force Base of West Bengal was renamed as Air Force Station Arjan Singh.
This can be termed as a rare honour to the nation’s oldest soldier Marshal of Air Force Arjan Singh.
The decision of rechristening the Air Force Station was announced by the Chief of Air Staff Arup Raha at a function in New Delhi to mark 97th birthday of the Marshal Arjan Singh.


Union Cabinet approved India to become a formal member of SAWEN
South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) is a Regional network consist of eight countries in South Asia namely;
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
On 13 April 2016 Union cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi approved India to become a formal member in the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN).
Its aim is to combat wildlife crime by attempting common goals and approaches for combating illegal trade in the region.