#Daily #current #affairs

7.9-earthquake leaves Nepal devastated

A massive 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck east of Pokhara in Nepal on Saturday, causing widespread damage to buildings in the capital Kathmandu and killing more than 100 people in the country. The US Geological Survey (USGS) initially said the temblor measured at 7.7 but later upgraded it to 7.9-magnitude. It said the quake hit at 11:56 am local time (0611 GMT) at a shallow depth of 15 km. The quake was followed by at least four aftershocks ranging in magnitude from 6.6 to 4.8.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates India’s Healthcare Tourism Portal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s Healthcare Tourism Portal www.indiahealthcaretourism.com at the ‘SAAARC Trade Mart’ in the Global Exhibition on Services (GES). It was inaugurated on the occasion of three-day Global Exhibition on Services (GES) that commenced in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Rajya Sabha passes The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014

Rajya Sabha unanimously passed The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014 by voice vote. It should be noted that it was a private member’s bill moved by DMK MP Tiruchi Shiva to protect the rights of transgender persons. It is the first private members bill to be passed in 46 years. In the past, 14 Private Members’ Bills have been passed. Now, the bill will go to the Lok Sabha for the passage.

Key features of the Bill

·         Seeks to provide framework for the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive national policy for ensuring overall development of the transgender persons and their welfare.

·         Two percent reservation in primary, secondary and higher education and in government jobs. Establishment of Employment Exchange, National and State Commissions for Trasngender Persons and Special Transgender Rights Courts.

·         No child who is transgender will be separated from his or her parents on the grounds of being a transgender except on an order of competent court. Penalty for hate speech against transgender persons includes imprisonment extending upto one year and with fine.

·         This bill will help government take necessary steps in order to ensure that transgender persons enjoy the right to life with dignity and to personal liberty guaranteed by the Constitution.