Current Affairs Updates: 18 June 2015

1) India's 'Greatest Architect,' Charles Correa died:

--> Charles Correa, arguably India's greatest contemporary architect, passed away on 16 June 2015 in Mumbai.

--> A proponent of 'open-to-skies' spaces, he liked using local techniques and aesthetics in his buildings.

--> Correa played a defining role in developing architecture of post-Independence India and has designed some of the most outstanding structures.

--> He was the man behind the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial in Ahmedabad and the Madhya Pradesh assembly building,Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur, the Permanent Mission of India at the U.N., New York, Kala Academy in Goa. 

2) Prime Minister launched 'Narendra Modi Mobile App':

--> Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 June 2015 launched the ‘Narendra Modi Mobile App’ to provide instant updates and an opportunity to receive messages and emails directly from him.

--> The Android-based application is also aimed at giving a chance to people to interact with him and share ideas and suggestions.

--> Apart from providing a chance to interact with the Prime Minister and share ideas and suggestions, it will also give latest thoughts from Mr. Modi and his blogs.

3) In a first, AI's 72-seater lands at Kullu-Manali airport:

--> Air India's 72-seater aircraft landed on Kullu-Manali airport at Bhuntar for the first time on 17 June 2015.

--> Earlier, only 48-seater aircraft were operating on the route.

--> Indian Airlines was the first to operate its small aircraft on Delhi-Kullu airway in the late 50s when the airport was built.

4) “Housing for All by 2022" Mission gets cabinet approval:

--> The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 17 June 2015 gave its approval for launch of Housing for All by 2022 aimed for urban areas with following components/options to States/Union Territories and cities:

a) Slum rehabilitation of Slum Dwellers with participation of private developers using land as a resource;

b) Promotion of affordable housing for weaker section through credit linked subsidy;

c) Affordable housing in partnership with Public & Private sectors and

d) Subsidy for beneficiary-led individual house construction or enhancement.

5) Bandhan gets final RBI approval and they will start bank on August 23:

--> Kolkata-based microfinancier, Bandhan Financial Services, received the final approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 17 June 2015 to start a full-fledged bank.

--> After more than a decade, a new private sector lender will start operations from August 23.

6) Maharashtra government approved new anti-spitting law:

--> Maharashtra government on 16 June 2015 approved an anti-spitting law, in a bid to keep the city streets cleaner.

--> Thus Under the proposed law, a fine of Rs. 1000 and provision for one-day community service at a public office or a government office have been made.

--> Maharashtra becomes the first state in India to get an anti-spitting law.

7) World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought observed:

--> The World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is a United Nations observance each June 17.

-->  Its purpose is to highlight ways to prevent desertification and recover from drought.

--> The theme for 2015 is "Attainment of food security for all through sustainable food systems."

8) Archana Ramasundarama appointed Director of National Crime Records Bureau:

--> Archana Ramasundaram was on 17 June 2015 appointed as the Director of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), New Delhi.

--> Ramasundram is an IPS officer of 1980-batch of Tamil Nadu cadre.

9) Japan's Parliament passed a Bill to lower voting age from 20 to 18:

--> Parliament of Japan (Diet) on 17 June 2015 passed a bill to lower the voting age from 20 to 18.

--> The bill that seeks revision of the public office election law was passed by the House of Councilors (upper house) after being approved in the House of Representatives (lower house).

10) G Gurucharan given additional charge as Director General of Bureau of Indian Standards:

--> Senior IAS officer G Gurucharan was on 17 June 2015 given additional charge as Director General, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for three months.

--> He will hold the additional charge till the appointment of a regular incumbent or until further orders.