12th April 2016

A.12 April: International Day of Human Space Flight

1.Every year 12th April is being observed as the International Day of Human Space Flight to commemorate the date of the first human space flight in the history of mankind. 

2.On this day in 1961, Yuri Gagarin, a Soviet Union (USSR) cosmonaut undertook first successful first human space flight. 

3.This historic event opened the way for space exploration for the benefit of all humanity. 

4.In Russia and some other former USSR countries, this historic day is celebrated as Cosmonautics Day. 

5.2016 is the 55th anniversary of First Human Space Flight. 

Background 

1.The United Nations (UN) had declared 12 April as the International Day of Human Space Flight after UN General Assembly had passed its resolution A/RES/65/271 of 7 April 2011. 

2.The day seeks to celebrate each year at the international level the beginning of the space era for mankind.
B.RBI gives nod to Bharti Airtel’s payments Bank Unit 

1.The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given its in-principle approval to Bharti Airtel’s payments bank venture — Airtel M Commerce Services Ltd (AMCS). 

2.With this AMCS has become the first entity to receive final approval from the RBI to start a payments bank. 

3.Airtel M Commerce is a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, a telecom company. 

4.Private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank has upto 19.9 per cent stake in Airtel M Commerce. 

Note: The Payments Banks are not allowed to lend. Hence, a tie-up with banks will help them source loans for their customers.

C.Danny Willett wins 2016 US Masters Golf  

1.Danny Willett (28) from England won the prestigious 2016 US Masters Golf tournament. 

2.It was his first major championship with a score of 283 (−5) and three strokes ahead of runners-up Lee Westwood (UK) and the defending champion Jordan Spieth (US). 

3.With this victory, Willett became the first European golfer to win the Masters since 1999, and the first from England since Nick Faldo’s similar win in 1996.

4.Defending champion Spieth had led by five shots as he had approached the 10th but later he dropped six shots in three holes. 

5.He tied for second spot with Lee Westwood. 2016 US Masters Golf was the 80th edition of the Masters Tournament held at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia.
D.India, Maldives sign six agreements in different sectors
1.India and Maldives have signed six agreements in different sectors to boost bilateral relations between both maritime neighbouring countries. 

2.These agreements were inked after comprehensive talks between visiting Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. 

3.The bilateral agreements were signed in the fields of avoidance of double taxation, conservation and restoration of ancient mosque, tourism and defence. 

4.Agreements signed are Agreement for Avoidance of Double Taxation of income derived from International Air Transport. 

5.Agreement for the Exchange of Information with respect to Taxes: It envisages mutual assistance for exchange of information concerning taxes relevant to the administration and enforcement of the domestic. 

6.It also includes exchange of information relevant to the assessment, determination and collection of such taxes, the recovery and enforcement of tax claims, or the investigation and prosecution of tax matters.