Daily G.K. Buzz - 25th April 2015

Nation Today

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s Healthcare Portal

i. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 April 2015 inaugurated India’s Healthcare Portal at the SAAARC Trade Mart in the Global Exhibition on Services, in ITPO, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

ii. The portal is an authentic and dynamic information source which can effectively be used by any treatment seeker/potential medical tourist from across the globe.

World Today

Massive earthquake in Nepal; over 450 killed

i. A powerful earthquake struck Nepal killing at least 479 people across a swath of four countries.

ii. The quake’s epicenter was 80 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu, and it had a depth of only 11 kilometers, which is considered shallow in geological terms. 

iii. The nine-storey Dharahara Tower, one of Kathmandu’s landmarks built by Nepal’s royal rulers as a watchtower in the 1800s and a UNESCO-recognized historical monument collapsed in the quake.

iv. The sustained quake also was felt in India’s capital of New Delhi and several other cities.

Turrialba Volcano erupted in Costa Rica

i. Turrialba volcano in Costa Rica erupted on 24 April 2015. The eruption led to rise of a column of gas and ash in the sky and forced closure of the airport in the capital city San Jose.

ii. The blast from the Turrialba volcano in the east of the Central American country came after the Calbuco volcano in Chile erupted twice on 22 April and 24 April 2015.

Days and Dates

World Malaria Day observed on 25th April

Theme - "Invest in the Future. Defeat Malaria"

i. The day is observed to recognise the global efforts to control malaria. It is an occasion to highlight the need for continued investment and sustained political commitment for malaria control and elimination

ii. World Malaria Day was instituted by World Health Organization (WHO) Member States during the 2007 World Health Assembly.

MOU's and Mergers

Russia, Argentina signed agreements on economic & energy co-operation

i. Russia and Argentina on 23 April 2015 signed a series of framework agreements on economic and energy co-operation.

ii. The agreements were inked during the two-day visit of Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner to Moscow.

iii. Kirchner and Russian President Vladimir Putin termed the agreements as a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology inks MoU with Snapdeal

i. National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) on 23 April 2015 signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with e-commerce giant Snapdeal to roll out digital marketing courses.

ii. The MoU aims at helping small and medium enterprises/businesses and artisans who want to take the online route to become entrepreneurs. 

iii. Snapdeal by being a knowledge partner will provide inputs on the course and will facilitate industry interactions for the participants.