Current Affairs 16th March 2018

Current Affairs 16th March 2018 - Important Points

• Which counrty tops the list of World Happiness Index 2018 - Finland
• World Consumer Rights Day 2018 observed globally on - 15th March
• Indian export subsidy schemes challanged at WTO by - USTR
• India's rank on WEF Energy Transition Index 2018 - 78

Current Affairs 16th March 2018 - Details

Which counrty tops the list of World Happiness Index 2018 - Finland

On 14th March 2018, World Happiness Index was released. It was published by United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
As per this report, Finland is the happiest country in the world. This year main focus of the happiness index was on migration within and between countries too. Top 10 countries are :

• Finland,
• Norway,
• Denmark,
• Iceland,
• Switzerland,
• Netherlands,
• Canada,
• New Zealand,
• Sweden and
• Australia.

If we talk about India then it was placed at 133rd place. Last year India position was 122nd.

World Consumer Rights Day 2018 observed globally on - 15th March

On 15th March 2018, World Consumer Rights Day was observed across the globe. This is an annual event which is observed with an aim to promote basic rights of consumers and to ensure that these rights are respected and protected.

Theme of World Consumer Day 2018 was "Making Digital Marketplaces Fairer". Several events were organised acorss India and world.

Important to mention here that National Consumer Day is observed on 24th December every year.

Indian export subsidy schemes challanged at WTO by - USTR

USTR ( US Trade Representative ) has opposed Indian export subsidy schemes at the World Trade Organisation (WTO). As per them it will harm American workers as it is not equal scheme.

They claim that due to subsidy given to Indian exporters they are able to trade their goods are cheaper rate which is harming the manufacturers in USA. Important to mention here that India is exempted from certain duties and taxes viz. Textiles, IT Products, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals etc.

India's rank on WEF Energy Transition Index 2018 - 78

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) on 15th March 2018 released the report naming 'Fostering Effective Energy Transition', ranking 114 countries on how well they  are able to balance energy security and accessing with affordability and environmental sustainability.

India has been ranked India at the 78th position in the report's Energy Transition Index whereas Sweden stood first in this Index.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Norway took the second position along with Switzerland at the third rank.
• Finland ranked 4th, Denmark (5th), the Netherlands (6th), the United Kingdom (7th), Austria (8th), France (9th) and Iceland (10th).
• Russia stood at 70th position, China at 76th place.