WBCS Current Affairs 07/02/2015 to 14/02/2015
Posted: Sat Feb 14, 2015 11:29 am1.Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (CCSHAU) has been selected for the prestigious Mahindra Samridhi India Agri Award 2015.
CCSHAU was selected for this year’s award for
Its contribution in increasing agriculture productivity, rural prosperity and agriculture development of Haryana.
Developing two single cross maize hybrids HM-12 and HM-13 and a wheat variety WH-1105 under the innovative farming technology in year 2014. These hybrids are high yielding, disease resistant and environment friendly and capable of reducing the cost of cultivation.
2.Indian pharmaceutical giant, Cipla has been awarded $188.95 million (around Rs. 1,172 crore) Contract by Global Fund to supply ARV (anti-retroviral) drugs.
3.Micromax Informatics has appointed Ashish Agrawal as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
4.Fourth River festival has begun at Bandrabhan bank of Narmada River in Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh.
Three day festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Theme of this year’s river festival is River, its catchment area, chemicals and crisis.
In this year’s festival more than 100 participants will discuss topics like effects of chemicals used in agriculture on forests, wild life and human beings. Success stories on natural farming will also be part of discussion.
5. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) for re-investigation of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases mainly in Delhi and other States.
Members: Three-member SIT will be headed by Pramod Asthana, an IPS officer of 1986 batch. It will have retired district and sessions judge Rakesh Kapoor and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police in Delhi Police Kumar Gyanesh as its members.
Function: Newly-constituted SIT has been empowered to examine afresh evidence in cases which had even been closed. It will also look into all serious criminal cases relating to the riots, examine evidence and even re-open cases and file charge sheets in the courts concerned.
Three-member SIT has been given six months to complete its work, including filing of charge sheets in nearly three-decade old cases.
6.Renowned Telugu novelist Kesava Reddy has passed away in Nizamabad district of Telangana. He was 68
7. In recently released World Press Freedom Index (WPFI), India was placed at 136th rank out of 180 nations surveyed worldwide in terms of press freedom in 2015.
In WPFI 2015, India has shown improvement from its rank of 140 in 2014. However, India’s absolute score has declined from 40.34 to 40.49.
Top 10 countries: Finland (1st), Norway (2nd), Denmark (3rd), Netherlands (4th), Sweden (5th), New Zealand (6th), Austria (7th), Canada (8th), Jamaica (9th), Estonia (10th).
India’s Neighbours: Sri Lanka (165th), Pakistan (159th), Afghanistan (122th), China (176th), Bangladesh (146th).
About World Press Freedom Index (WPFI)
World Press Freedom Index is produced by France-based international non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders (RWB), or Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF).
The WPFI ranks the performance of countries according to index calculated based upon various parameters.
These parameters include media pluralism and independence, respect for the safety and freedom of journalists, and the legislative, institutional and infrastructural environment in which the media operate.
WPFI aims to promotes and defends freedom of information and freedom of the press.
8.An Indian-origin scientist Gurpreet Singh has won prestigious $500,000 National Science Foundation CAREER award.
He has won this award for his research on Scalable liquid exfoliation processing of ultrathin two-dimensional metal dichalcogenides nanosheets for energy storage devices.
This CAREER award will help him to study large-scale production of ultrathin sheets, a few atoms thick and several micrometres wide using transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
9. Himachal Pradesh government has launched Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) Project in the state.
This project will enable the State Police to raise the benchmark of professional efficiency besides catching interstate criminals more quickly.
It was launched by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh from State Police Headquarters in Shimla.
10. Indian Navy had conducted Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster relief (HADR) exercise in Lakshadweep Islands (Kavaratti, Aggatti, Kalpeni and Androth).
HADR was Indian Navy’s large scale exercise to test its readiness for handling a tsunami like disasters in order to provide immediate succour and relief to the affected people.
It involved participation of more than 20 Indian Naval Ships from the Western and Eastern Fleet along with various aircraft of the Indian Navy.
11. Unmanned SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has been successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on its third attempt.
It was carrying unmanned Deep Space Climate Observatory satellite. This satellite will be used by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to monitor the Sun.
It will particularly monitor changes in solar wind and provide warnings on hazardous outbursts from our star to warn forecasters. In turn it will help forecasters to predict changes which affect satellites, power grids and communication systems.
12. US technology giant Apple Inc. became the first company to reach a market value of $700 billion.
It was able to hit this milestone after its shares rose 1.9 per cent and closing at $122.02, which in turn increased company’s market value to $710 billion.
13. India Cements has transferred the Indian Premier League (IPL) team- Chennai Super Kings Cricket (CSK) franchise to its new subsidiary Chennai Super Kings Cricket (CSKC) Limited.
This decision was taken by India Cements Vice-Chairman and Managing Director (MD) N Srinivasan led company’s Board of Directors meeting held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
While demerging CSK, the Board has approved a reorganisation plan for the newly formed subsidiary. This move will also help shareholders of India Cements exercise their choice- to own only the cement business or the cricket franchise or both
With this decision, CSK will be first franchise team in IPL history to be owned by the shareholders of a company.
Background
Earlier in September 2014, the Board of Directors India Cements had approved the proposal to demerge Chennai Super Kings (CSK) into a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, by transferring its net assets at cost.
Under the ownership of India Cements, CSK led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had won IPL tournament twice. For first time in IPL Season 3 (2011) and second time in IPL Season 4 (2012).
14. Union government has warned States to complete Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) before 15 March 2015.
If states fail to complete the exercise before 15th March, the central assistance to states for building rural houses and welfare pensions will be blocked.
In this regard, Union Ministry of Rural Development has issued a note which strictly mentions that for year 2015-16 and onwards, SECC data will be the base for selecting the beneficiaries for the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
If states failed to select the beneficiaries from this data base will not receive financial assistance.
Background
Union government’s tough decision came in the wake of a PIL petition filed by human rights’ body People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).
In the PIL petition PUCL had alleged that non-completion of SECC by states and UTs is the main reason for delay in implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
It should be noted that some states even have failed to publish the draft list of the census.
About Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC)
The SECC was started in June 2011 through a comprehensive door-to-door enumeration across the country.
It was started to
Generate authentic information on a large number of social and economic indicators relating to households across the country to rank them on their Socio- Economic status.
Enable caste-wise population enumeration of the country and their socio economic condition. It also included education status of various castes and sections of the population.
It was conducted by the Registrar General of India, Union Ministry of Rural development and Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA).
15. 35th National Games mascot Ammu- the Great Hornbill, has made into the Limca Book of Records.
It made into the record books owing to a play Kalikkunna Kuttikalkkayi Bharatham Kathirikkunnu (India Awaits Children Who Play) in which Ammu is featured as lead role.
16. First National Deworming Day was observed on 10 February.
On the eve of the National Deworming Day, Union Ministry for Health & Family Welfare launched the National Deworming initiative.
It was launched by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
National Deworming initiative
Aim: To protect more than 24 crore children in India between the age of 1 to 19 years from intestinal worms. It also aims target intestinal parasitic worms among the children to achieve status of being Worm-free.
It is one of the largest programmes in the world undertaken to deworm children.
In the first phase, about 14 crore children will be covered across eleven States/UT. They are, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Tripura.
Albendazole tablets will be given to all targeted children in first phase. Dosage of half tablet to 1-2 years children and one full tablet for 2-19 years will be given.
While in second phase, nearly 10 crore children will be targeted between 11 February and 14 February 2015.
17.The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has revised the Scheme of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar.
This scheme was introduced by government in 2009 to encourage involvement of corporates and sports promotion boards in the development of sports in the country.
Revised Scheme of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
According to the revised plan, this scheme will be given in following four categories. They are
Identification and nurturing of budding/young talent.
Encouragement of sports through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Employment of sportspersons and sports welfare measures.
Sports for Development.
The revised Scheme, prescribes the eligibility criteria for all four categories.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Corporates now can spend and provide funds for promotion and development of sports from the funds earmarked for CSR.
In this regard, training to promote rural sports, nationally recognized sports, Paralympic sports and Olympic sports have been included in the Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): In case of NGOs, who are working in promotion and development of sports, a separate category, Sports for Development has been provided for the NGOs in order to recognize their contributions.
18. The Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank, has launched India’s first digital Bank on mobile phones, Pockets.
This service will enable users to instantly send money to any e-mail id, mobile number, friends on Facebook and bank account.
19. Union Government is planning to infuse Rs. 6,990 crore in 9 Public Sector Banks (PSB’s) for enhancing their capital and meeting the global risk norms.
In this regard, Government has allocated Rs.11,200 crore in the Union Budget 2014-15, for the first tranche of capital infusion in these banks.
Capital infusion in PSBs was decided on the basis of the performance of the bank. In this case efficiency parameters for all PSBs for last three years were put together. PSBs which were above the average, were considered for capital infusion.
Two parameters were chosen to find efficiency parameters of all PSBs. They were weighted average of return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) during the last financial year.
9 PSBs are: State Bank of India (Rs 2,970 crore), Bank of Baroda (Rs 1,260 crore), Punjab National Bank (Rs 870 crore), Canara Bank (Rs 570 crore), Syndicate Bank (Rs 460 crore), Allahabad Bank (Rs 320 crore), Indian Bank (Rs 280 crore), Dena Bank (Rs 140 crore) and Andhra Bank (Rs 120 crore).
20. ndia’s Reliance Communications Limited (RCOM) has partnered with social networking giant Facebook to offer free internet access.
Both companies have launched Internet.org, a Facebook-led initiative to bring internet to everyone in the world.
21. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to increase the Authorised Share Capital of the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC).
As per this decision, NMDFC’s Authorised Share Capital has doubled from Rs. 1500 crore to Rs. 3000 crore.
Cabinet also gave its approval to revise the shareholding pattern from present 65:26:9 to 73:26:1 among the Centre, States/Union Territories and Individuals/Institutions respectively. Further, approval was also given for restructuring of the NMFDC’s business model.
About National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)
NMFC is Central Sector Public Enterprise (CPSE) under the aegis of Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.
It was constituted in 1994 as a non-profit making company under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956.
Function: NMDFC provides loans at concessional interest rates for self-employment and economic development activities to backward sections of minority communities having family income up to Rs. 1,03,000 in urban areas and Rs. 81,000 in rural areas.
In this case minority communities are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis. It also includes Jains as they have been notified as a minority community recently in 2014.
22. Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared the results of Delhi Legislative Assembly election 2015.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) headed by social activist turned politician Arvind Kejriwal with 67 seats has emerged as the largest party in the house of 70 seats.
Arvind Kejriwal is going to take oath as Chief Minister on 14 February 2015 at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi.
Key facts
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) – Won record 67 seats with record vote share of 54.2% percent. It should be noted that AAP 1st party in Delhi to win with record 67 seats with more than 50% vote share in history of assembly elections.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Won 3 seats with vote share of 32.3% percent.
While other big parties like Indian National Congress (INC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) etc were not able to win single seat in this election.
Background
2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly election was held on 7 February 2015 to elect 70 members of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Voter turnout for this election was recorded 67.14%, it was highest voter turnout in history of Delhi Legislative Assembly elections.
In this election Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Indian National Congress (INC) had contested 70 seats. While, Bharatiya Janata Party had contested 67 seats and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had contested 3 seats.
23. Eminent Indian economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has been awarded the inaugural Charleston-EFG John Maynard Keynes Prize 2015.
He was chosen for this award for his ground-breaking work that has profound impact on the formation of development policy worldwide and outstanding contribution to society.
Amartya Sen will receive £7,500 to commission a work of art. He will also give the annual Charleston-EFG Keynes Lecture on the topic The Economic Consequences of Austerity at the Charleston Festival on 23 May 2015.
24. First World Ocean Science Congress (WOSC) concluded in Kochi, Kerala.
The four-day-long event had started in Kochi on 5 February 2015.
Key facts about World Ocean Science Congress (WOSC)-2015
Themes of WOSC-2015: Protect Oceans for Posterity and Blue Economy.
It was organized by Swadeshi Science Movement, Vijnana Bharati, Kerala Chapter and the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS).
Eminent oceanographers, environmentalists, naval exponents and maritime industrialists from across the world participated in the event.
First edition of WOSC-2015 witnessed to deliberate findings on sustainable means to utilise ocean resources without causing damage to the oceans and their marine life.
It also witnessed presentation of 450 technical papers in 13 sessions by 86 Indian institutions and 14 foreign institutions.
25. World’s first humanoid robot-staffed hotel is set to open in Nagasaki, Japan in July 2015.
The Henn-na Hotel which means Strange Hotel will be employing Robots as its staff and other advanced technologies in order to significantly reduce operating costs.
26. Vodafone India has appointed Naveen Chopra as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Prior to this appointment, Chopra was Director of Vodafone Business Services (VBS).
27. M Ravindran
M Ravindran has taken over as the Chairman of Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL).
He has replaced K K Gupta, Director (Marketing) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), who has relinquished the charge upon completion of his two-year tenure.
Presently M Ravindran is Director (Human Resources) of state-owned gas utility GAIL (India) Limited.
28. Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and Rajasthan Government have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for developing solar parks in state with a capacity of 10,000 MW.
In this regard, both AEL and state owned Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) have agreed to form a joint venture (JV) to develop these solar parks in state within next ten years. Of these, solar parks of 5,000 MW capacity will be developed in the next five years.
29. China has launched first cruise liner to sail via its ambitious transcontinental initiative Maritime Silk Road (MSR).
The cruise liner sailed off from the Beihai port located in southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
On its maiden voyage, cruise liner will visit three South-East Asian nations including Malaysia, Vietnam and the Gulf of Thailand.
This cruise liner is 135-metre-long 20-metre-wide ship and can accommodate about 400 people. It also equipped with wireless Internet access.
About Maritime Silk Road (MSR)
The 21st century MSR project is an initiative by China to resurrect the ancient maritime Silk Road. It is perceived to be an attempt by China to ameliorate relations with South and Southeast Asia- in this case the focus is on maritime trade security.
The project will prioritize construction ports and infrastructure, industrial parks in strategically significant countries in Southeast Asia, the Mideast, Africa, Europe and the Indian Ocean region, which includes Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
China has already begun building of port projects in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Chittagong (Bangladesh) respectively.
China has announced a USD 40 billion Silk Road fund which became operational in February 2015 for attracting small countries in the projects
30.Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has survived a spill vote of confidence on his leadership in the Liberal Party.
In a Liberal party room voting, the ruling Liberal Party voted to defeat the leadership spill motion by 61 to39 votes. The party decided to not open up the top positions to contenders.
Tony Abbott was elected as the Prime Minister of Australia in September 2013.
31.Distinguished journalist Vinod Mehta has been conferred Yash Bharti Samman by Uttar Pradesh Government.
Yash Bharti Samman is Uttar Pradesh’s highest civilian award.
32. The 68th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) held at the Royal Opera House in London.
This year the BAFTA awards were conferred for the outstanding performances in films and documentaries screened at British Cinemas in 2014.
Winners of the 68th Annual BAFTA Awards
Best Film: Boyhood.
Outstanding British Film: The Theory of Everything.
Best Director: Richard Linklater (Boyhood).
Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything).
Best Actress: Julianne Moore (Still Alice).
Best Supporting Actor: K. Simmons (Whiplash).
Best Supporting Actress: Julianne Moore (Still Alice).
Best Original Screenplay: The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Theory of Everything.
Best Editing: Whiplash.
Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki (Birdman).
Best Production Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Best Costume Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Best Original Music: The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Best Makeup and Hair: The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Best Sound: Whiplash.
Best Visual Effects:Interstellar.
Best Film Not in the English Language:Ida.
Best Animated Film: The Lego Movie.
Best Documentary: Citizenfour.
Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer: Stephen Beresford (Writer) and David Livingstone (Producer).
Best British Short Film: Boogaloo and Graham.
Best British Short Animation: The Bigger Picture.
The EE Rising Star Award: Jack O’Connell.
Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: BBC Films.
Most awards: The Grand Budapest Hotel (5).
Most nominations: The Grand Budapest Hotel (11).
About British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)
Formed: 1947.
Headquarters: London.
Purpose: To supports, promotes and develops the art forms of the moving image – film, television and video games – by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public.
33.The 57th Annual Grammy Awards were announced at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Category
Album
Artist
Best album of the year
Morning Phase Beck Hansen
Best record of the year
Stay With Me Sam Smith
Best song of the year
Stay With Me
James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith
Best new artist
-
Sam Smith
Children’s Album
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education And Changed The World (Malala Yousafzai)
Neela Vaswani
Best Pop solo performance
Happy (Live)
Pharrell Williams
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Say Something A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera
Indian’s in 57th Annual Grammy Awards
This year two Indians have won Grammy Awards. They are
Ricky Kej- His collaborated album Winds of Samsara won the Best New Age Album Trophy.
Neela Vaswani- She won award in Children’s Album category for her album I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education And Changed The World (Malala Yousafzai).
34. German sportswear major Adidas Group has appointed Damyant Singh as its Brand Director in India.
He will succeed Tushar Goculdas, who was recently appointed as the Brand Director-Adidas Emerging Markets.
Damyant Singh has rich experience as marketing professional and has broad and strong knowledge of the Adidas brand, the Indian sports market and consumers.
35. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has constituted three sub-groups of Chief Ministers within National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.
It was announced by PM while he was chairing the first meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog in New Delhi.
First sub-group- It will study the 66 centrally-sponsored schemes and recommend which schemes should continue, which should be transferred to states, and which to discontinue.
Second sub-group- It will focus on skill development and creation of skilled manpower within states.
Third sub-group- It will decide on the institutional mechanisms to be evolved for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, so that cleanliness becomes a part of life in perpetuity.
Key highlights of first meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog
In this meeting, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Lt Governors of Andaman and Nicobar and Delhi, and the Chief Ministers of the rest of the states participated.
PM has asked all the states to create two task forces under the aegis of the NITI Aayog, one to focus on poverty alleviation, and the other to focus on future development of agriculture in the states.
First meeting also focused on issues related to growth, investment, decentralisation and poverty alleviation.
PM also stressed on the role of the states and emphasised how Jan Dhan Yojana and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan had become successful with cooperation of the states.
36.Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao
Union Government’s Sukanya Samridhi Yojna under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign has begun in Jaunpur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
The first account under the scheme was opened in the name of a three-year old girl Vedika Tiwari in this district by her parents.
Sukanya Samridhi Yojna under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign
It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 January 2015 in Haryana to enhance the strength and honour of the girl children across the country.
This scheme encompasses all the girls of every economic strata under 10 years of age to open Sukanya Samridhi Account in Post offices and in the Banks. This account will be opened by girls parents or legal guardians.
In the account, a minimum of one thousand Rupees and maximum of One lakh fifty thousand Rupees can be deposited annually, upon which interest of 9.1% will be accrued.
When the girl child attains the age of 18 years, she herself would become eligible to operate the account.
Under the scheme, the girl child can withdraw 50 per cent of the money after reaching age of 18 for higher education. The 18 years deadline will also help preventing child-marriages.
37. Union Government has notified that India’s Civil Liability Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010 or CLND rules will not be amended.
In this regard, a detailed paper titled ‘Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 and related issues‘ was released by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
This paper says that the foreign suppliers of the reactors cannot be sued for damages by the victims of a nuclear accident.
However, the suppliers can be held liable by the operator, who has the right of recourse that could be operationalized through the contract between the operator and the supplier.
Governments decision comes after the understanding was reached with the US, during President Barack Obama’s recent visit.
About Civil Liability Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010
CLND Act, 2010 was passed by the Parliament in August 2010.
This Act limits the liability of the operator in case of nuclear accident and secures the operator the right to recourse under certain circumstances and provides a mechanism to compensate victims of nuclear damage.
In November 2011 under the parent Act, Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Rules were notified. These Rules stipulate certain mandatory clauses for contracts that secure the operator the right to recourse.
It also prescribe the procedure to provide compensation to victims in case of nuclear incidents.
38. Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri has won the Malaysian Open 2015.
With this win Anirban Lahir secured his breakthrough European Tour title.
39. Veteran Marathi theatre artist and film actor Atmaram Bhende has passed away in Pune, Maharashtra. He was 91.
40. A painting of two Tahitian girls named as Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry) by the French artist Paul Gauguin has been sold for 300 million dollars.
41. Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for setting up closed-circuit television (CCTV) based surveillance in Mumbai.
The MoU worth Rs 949 crore was signed by the company and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
42. Indian Coast Guard has inducted a high-speed patrolling ship Amogh into its fleet.
Amogh will be stationed off Paradip coast in Odisha.
It can travel at maximum speed of 63 km per hour
The ship has facilities like firing gun, rubber boats including one motor-run, GPS system and upgraded radar system.
Amogh will be utilized by Indian Coast Guard during emergency situations such as accident and natural calamities besides security purposes.
With the induction of this ship, the number of patrolling ships of the Coast Guard reached six.
About Indian Coast Guard
Indian Coast Guard is India’s statutory multi-mission organization that protects country’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law.
It has jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone(EEE).
It was established on 18 August, 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 and operates under the aegis Ministry of Defence.
43. Dr M.O. Garg has taken charge as Director General (DG) of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).
CCSHAU was selected for this year’s award for
Its contribution in increasing agriculture productivity, rural prosperity and agriculture development of Haryana.
Developing two single cross maize hybrids HM-12 and HM-13 and a wheat variety WH-1105 under the innovative farming technology in year 2014. These hybrids are high yielding, disease resistant and environment friendly and capable of reducing the cost of cultivation.
2.Indian pharmaceutical giant, Cipla has been awarded $188.95 million (around Rs. 1,172 crore) Contract by Global Fund to supply ARV (anti-retroviral) drugs.
3.Micromax Informatics has appointed Ashish Agrawal as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO).
4.Fourth River festival has begun at Bandrabhan bank of Narmada River in Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh.
Three day festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Theme of this year’s river festival is River, its catchment area, chemicals and crisis.
In this year’s festival more than 100 participants will discuss topics like effects of chemicals used in agriculture on forests, wild life and human beings. Success stories on natural farming will also be part of discussion.
5. Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) for re-investigation of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases mainly in Delhi and other States.
Members: Three-member SIT will be headed by Pramod Asthana, an IPS officer of 1986 batch. It will have retired district and sessions judge Rakesh Kapoor and Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police in Delhi Police Kumar Gyanesh as its members.
Function: Newly-constituted SIT has been empowered to examine afresh evidence in cases which had even been closed. It will also look into all serious criminal cases relating to the riots, examine evidence and even re-open cases and file charge sheets in the courts concerned.
Three-member SIT has been given six months to complete its work, including filing of charge sheets in nearly three-decade old cases.
6.Renowned Telugu novelist Kesava Reddy has passed away in Nizamabad district of Telangana. He was 68
7. In recently released World Press Freedom Index (WPFI), India was placed at 136th rank out of 180 nations surveyed worldwide in terms of press freedom in 2015.
In WPFI 2015, India has shown improvement from its rank of 140 in 2014. However, India’s absolute score has declined from 40.34 to 40.49.
Top 10 countries: Finland (1st), Norway (2nd), Denmark (3rd), Netherlands (4th), Sweden (5th), New Zealand (6th), Austria (7th), Canada (8th), Jamaica (9th), Estonia (10th).
India’s Neighbours: Sri Lanka (165th), Pakistan (159th), Afghanistan (122th), China (176th), Bangladesh (146th).
About World Press Freedom Index (WPFI)
World Press Freedom Index is produced by France-based international non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders (RWB), or Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF).
The WPFI ranks the performance of countries according to index calculated based upon various parameters.
These parameters include media pluralism and independence, respect for the safety and freedom of journalists, and the legislative, institutional and infrastructural environment in which the media operate.
WPFI aims to promotes and defends freedom of information and freedom of the press.
8.An Indian-origin scientist Gurpreet Singh has won prestigious $500,000 National Science Foundation CAREER award.
He has won this award for his research on Scalable liquid exfoliation processing of ultrathin two-dimensional metal dichalcogenides nanosheets for energy storage devices.
This CAREER award will help him to study large-scale production of ultrathin sheets, a few atoms thick and several micrometres wide using transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs).
9. Himachal Pradesh government has launched Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System (CCTNS) Project in the state.
This project will enable the State Police to raise the benchmark of professional efficiency besides catching interstate criminals more quickly.
It was launched by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh from State Police Headquarters in Shimla.
10. Indian Navy had conducted Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster relief (HADR) exercise in Lakshadweep Islands (Kavaratti, Aggatti, Kalpeni and Androth).
HADR was Indian Navy’s large scale exercise to test its readiness for handling a tsunami like disasters in order to provide immediate succour and relief to the affected people.
It involved participation of more than 20 Indian Naval Ships from the Western and Eastern Fleet along with various aircraft of the Indian Navy.
11. Unmanned SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has been successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida on its third attempt.
It was carrying unmanned Deep Space Climate Observatory satellite. This satellite will be used by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to monitor the Sun.
It will particularly monitor changes in solar wind and provide warnings on hazardous outbursts from our star to warn forecasters. In turn it will help forecasters to predict changes which affect satellites, power grids and communication systems.
12. US technology giant Apple Inc. became the first company to reach a market value of $700 billion.
It was able to hit this milestone after its shares rose 1.9 per cent and closing at $122.02, which in turn increased company’s market value to $710 billion.
13. India Cements has transferred the Indian Premier League (IPL) team- Chennai Super Kings Cricket (CSK) franchise to its new subsidiary Chennai Super Kings Cricket (CSKC) Limited.
This decision was taken by India Cements Vice-Chairman and Managing Director (MD) N Srinivasan led company’s Board of Directors meeting held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
While demerging CSK, the Board has approved a reorganisation plan for the newly formed subsidiary. This move will also help shareholders of India Cements exercise their choice- to own only the cement business or the cricket franchise or both
With this decision, CSK will be first franchise team in IPL history to be owned by the shareholders of a company.
Background
Earlier in September 2014, the Board of Directors India Cements had approved the proposal to demerge Chennai Super Kings (CSK) into a wholly-owned subsidiary of the company, by transferring its net assets at cost.
Under the ownership of India Cements, CSK led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had won IPL tournament twice. For first time in IPL Season 3 (2011) and second time in IPL Season 4 (2012).
14. Union government has warned States to complete Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) before 15 March 2015.
If states fail to complete the exercise before 15th March, the central assistance to states for building rural houses and welfare pensions will be blocked.
In this regard, Union Ministry of Rural Development has issued a note which strictly mentions that for year 2015-16 and onwards, SECC data will be the base for selecting the beneficiaries for the Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
If states failed to select the beneficiaries from this data base will not receive financial assistance.
Background
Union government’s tough decision came in the wake of a PIL petition filed by human rights’ body People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL).
In the PIL petition PUCL had alleged that non-completion of SECC by states and UTs is the main reason for delay in implementation of National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.
It should be noted that some states even have failed to publish the draft list of the census.
About Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC)
The SECC was started in June 2011 through a comprehensive door-to-door enumeration across the country.
It was started to
Generate authentic information on a large number of social and economic indicators relating to households across the country to rank them on their Socio- Economic status.
Enable caste-wise population enumeration of the country and their socio economic condition. It also included education status of various castes and sections of the population.
It was conducted by the Registrar General of India, Union Ministry of Rural development and Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA).
15. 35th National Games mascot Ammu- the Great Hornbill, has made into the Limca Book of Records.
It made into the record books owing to a play Kalikkunna Kuttikalkkayi Bharatham Kathirikkunnu (India Awaits Children Who Play) in which Ammu is featured as lead role.
16. First National Deworming Day was observed on 10 February.
On the eve of the National Deworming Day, Union Ministry for Health & Family Welfare launched the National Deworming initiative.
It was launched by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
National Deworming initiative
Aim: To protect more than 24 crore children in India between the age of 1 to 19 years from intestinal worms. It also aims target intestinal parasitic worms among the children to achieve status of being Worm-free.
It is one of the largest programmes in the world undertaken to deworm children.
In the first phase, about 14 crore children will be covered across eleven States/UT. They are, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Tripura.
Albendazole tablets will be given to all targeted children in first phase. Dosage of half tablet to 1-2 years children and one full tablet for 2-19 years will be given.
While in second phase, nearly 10 crore children will be targeted between 11 February and 14 February 2015.
17.The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has revised the Scheme of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar.
This scheme was introduced by government in 2009 to encourage involvement of corporates and sports promotion boards in the development of sports in the country.
Revised Scheme of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar
According to the revised plan, this scheme will be given in following four categories. They are
Identification and nurturing of budding/young talent.
Encouragement of sports through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Employment of sportspersons and sports welfare measures.
Sports for Development.
The revised Scheme, prescribes the eligibility criteria for all four categories.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Corporates now can spend and provide funds for promotion and development of sports from the funds earmarked for CSR.
In this regard, training to promote rural sports, nationally recognized sports, Paralympic sports and Olympic sports have been included in the Schedule VII of the Companies Act, 2013.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs): In case of NGOs, who are working in promotion and development of sports, a separate category, Sports for Development has been provided for the NGOs in order to recognize their contributions.
18. The Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank, has launched India’s first digital Bank on mobile phones, Pockets.
This service will enable users to instantly send money to any e-mail id, mobile number, friends on Facebook and bank account.
19. Union Government is planning to infuse Rs. 6,990 crore in 9 Public Sector Banks (PSB’s) for enhancing their capital and meeting the global risk norms.
In this regard, Government has allocated Rs.11,200 crore in the Union Budget 2014-15, for the first tranche of capital infusion in these banks.
Capital infusion in PSBs was decided on the basis of the performance of the bank. In this case efficiency parameters for all PSBs for last three years were put together. PSBs which were above the average, were considered for capital infusion.
Two parameters were chosen to find efficiency parameters of all PSBs. They were weighted average of return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) during the last financial year.
9 PSBs are: State Bank of India (Rs 2,970 crore), Bank of Baroda (Rs 1,260 crore), Punjab National Bank (Rs 870 crore), Canara Bank (Rs 570 crore), Syndicate Bank (Rs 460 crore), Allahabad Bank (Rs 320 crore), Indian Bank (Rs 280 crore), Dena Bank (Rs 140 crore) and Andhra Bank (Rs 120 crore).
20. ndia’s Reliance Communications Limited (RCOM) has partnered with social networking giant Facebook to offer free internet access.
Both companies have launched Internet.org, a Facebook-led initiative to bring internet to everyone in the world.
21. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its approval to increase the Authorised Share Capital of the National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC).
As per this decision, NMDFC’s Authorised Share Capital has doubled from Rs. 1500 crore to Rs. 3000 crore.
Cabinet also gave its approval to revise the shareholding pattern from present 65:26:9 to 73:26:1 among the Centre, States/Union Territories and Individuals/Institutions respectively. Further, approval was also given for restructuring of the NMFDC’s business model.
About National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC)
NMFC is Central Sector Public Enterprise (CPSE) under the aegis of Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.
It was constituted in 1994 as a non-profit making company under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956.
Function: NMDFC provides loans at concessional interest rates for self-employment and economic development activities to backward sections of minority communities having family income up to Rs. 1,03,000 in urban areas and Rs. 81,000 in rural areas.
In this case minority communities are Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Parsis. It also includes Jains as they have been notified as a minority community recently in 2014.
22. Election Commission of India (ECI) has declared the results of Delhi Legislative Assembly election 2015.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) headed by social activist turned politician Arvind Kejriwal with 67 seats has emerged as the largest party in the house of 70 seats.
Arvind Kejriwal is going to take oath as Chief Minister on 14 February 2015 at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi.
Key facts
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) – Won record 67 seats with record vote share of 54.2% percent. It should be noted that AAP 1st party in Delhi to win with record 67 seats with more than 50% vote share in history of assembly elections.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – Won 3 seats with vote share of 32.3% percent.
While other big parties like Indian National Congress (INC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) etc were not able to win single seat in this election.
Background
2015 Delhi Legislative Assembly election was held on 7 February 2015 to elect 70 members of the Delhi Legislative Assembly. Voter turnout for this election was recorded 67.14%, it was highest voter turnout in history of Delhi Legislative Assembly elections.
In this election Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Indian National Congress (INC) had contested 70 seats. While, Bharatiya Janata Party had contested 67 seats and its ally Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) had contested 3 seats.
23. Eminent Indian economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has been awarded the inaugural Charleston-EFG John Maynard Keynes Prize 2015.
He was chosen for this award for his ground-breaking work that has profound impact on the formation of development policy worldwide and outstanding contribution to society.
Amartya Sen will receive £7,500 to commission a work of art. He will also give the annual Charleston-EFG Keynes Lecture on the topic The Economic Consequences of Austerity at the Charleston Festival on 23 May 2015.
24. First World Ocean Science Congress (WOSC) concluded in Kochi, Kerala.
The four-day-long event had started in Kochi on 5 February 2015.
Key facts about World Ocean Science Congress (WOSC)-2015
Themes of WOSC-2015: Protect Oceans for Posterity and Blue Economy.
It was organized by Swadeshi Science Movement, Vijnana Bharati, Kerala Chapter and the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS).
Eminent oceanographers, environmentalists, naval exponents and maritime industrialists from across the world participated in the event.
First edition of WOSC-2015 witnessed to deliberate findings on sustainable means to utilise ocean resources without causing damage to the oceans and their marine life.
It also witnessed presentation of 450 technical papers in 13 sessions by 86 Indian institutions and 14 foreign institutions.
25. World’s first humanoid robot-staffed hotel is set to open in Nagasaki, Japan in July 2015.
The Henn-na Hotel which means Strange Hotel will be employing Robots as its staff and other advanced technologies in order to significantly reduce operating costs.
26. Vodafone India has appointed Naveen Chopra as Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Prior to this appointment, Chopra was Director of Vodafone Business Services (VBS).
27. M Ravindran
M Ravindran has taken over as the Chairman of Indraprastha Gas Limited (IGL).
He has replaced K K Gupta, Director (Marketing) of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd (BPCL), who has relinquished the charge upon completion of his two-year tenure.
Presently M Ravindran is Director (Human Resources) of state-owned gas utility GAIL (India) Limited.
28. Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) and Rajasthan Government have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for developing solar parks in state with a capacity of 10,000 MW.
In this regard, both AEL and state owned Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) have agreed to form a joint venture (JV) to develop these solar parks in state within next ten years. Of these, solar parks of 5,000 MW capacity will be developed in the next five years.
29. China has launched first cruise liner to sail via its ambitious transcontinental initiative Maritime Silk Road (MSR).
The cruise liner sailed off from the Beihai port located in southwest China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
On its maiden voyage, cruise liner will visit three South-East Asian nations including Malaysia, Vietnam and the Gulf of Thailand.
This cruise liner is 135-metre-long 20-metre-wide ship and can accommodate about 400 people. It also equipped with wireless Internet access.
About Maritime Silk Road (MSR)
The 21st century MSR project is an initiative by China to resurrect the ancient maritime Silk Road. It is perceived to be an attempt by China to ameliorate relations with South and Southeast Asia- in this case the focus is on maritime trade security.
The project will prioritize construction ports and infrastructure, industrial parks in strategically significant countries in Southeast Asia, the Mideast, Africa, Europe and the Indian Ocean region, which includes Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
China has already begun building of port projects in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Chittagong (Bangladesh) respectively.
China has announced a USD 40 billion Silk Road fund which became operational in February 2015 for attracting small countries in the projects
30.Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has survived a spill vote of confidence on his leadership in the Liberal Party.
In a Liberal party room voting, the ruling Liberal Party voted to defeat the leadership spill motion by 61 to39 votes. The party decided to not open up the top positions to contenders.
Tony Abbott was elected as the Prime Minister of Australia in September 2013.
31.Distinguished journalist Vinod Mehta has been conferred Yash Bharti Samman by Uttar Pradesh Government.
Yash Bharti Samman is Uttar Pradesh’s highest civilian award.
32. The 68th British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) held at the Royal Opera House in London.
This year the BAFTA awards were conferred for the outstanding performances in films and documentaries screened at British Cinemas in 2014.
Winners of the 68th Annual BAFTA Awards
Best Film: Boyhood.
Outstanding British Film: The Theory of Everything.
Best Director: Richard Linklater (Boyhood).
Best Actor: Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything).
Best Actress: Julianne Moore (Still Alice).
Best Supporting Actor: K. Simmons (Whiplash).
Best Supporting Actress: Julianne Moore (Still Alice).
Best Original Screenplay: The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Best Adapted Screenplay: The Theory of Everything.
Best Editing: Whiplash.
Best Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki (Birdman).
Best Production Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Best Costume Design: The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Best Original Music: The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Best Makeup and Hair: The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Best Sound: Whiplash.
Best Visual Effects:Interstellar.
Best Film Not in the English Language:Ida.
Best Animated Film: The Lego Movie.
Best Documentary: Citizenfour.
Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer: Stephen Beresford (Writer) and David Livingstone (Producer).
Best British Short Film: Boogaloo and Graham.
Best British Short Animation: The Bigger Picture.
The EE Rising Star Award: Jack O’Connell.
Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema: BBC Films.
Most awards: The Grand Budapest Hotel (5).
Most nominations: The Grand Budapest Hotel (11).
About British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA)
Formed: 1947.
Headquarters: London.
Purpose: To supports, promotes and develops the art forms of the moving image – film, television and video games – by identifying and rewarding excellence, inspiring practitioners and benefiting the public.
33.The 57th Annual Grammy Awards were announced at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
Category
Album
Artist
Best album of the year
Morning Phase Beck Hansen
Best record of the year
Stay With Me Sam Smith
Best song of the year
Stay With Me
James Napier, William Phillips & Sam Smith
Best new artist
-
Sam Smith
Children’s Album
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education And Changed The World (Malala Yousafzai)
Neela Vaswani
Best Pop solo performance
Happy (Live)
Pharrell Williams
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
Say Something A Great Big World With Christina Aguilera
Indian’s in 57th Annual Grammy Awards
This year two Indians have won Grammy Awards. They are
Ricky Kej- His collaborated album Winds of Samsara won the Best New Age Album Trophy.
Neela Vaswani- She won award in Children’s Album category for her album I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education And Changed The World (Malala Yousafzai).
34. German sportswear major Adidas Group has appointed Damyant Singh as its Brand Director in India.
He will succeed Tushar Goculdas, who was recently appointed as the Brand Director-Adidas Emerging Markets.
Damyant Singh has rich experience as marketing professional and has broad and strong knowledge of the Adidas brand, the Indian sports market and consumers.
35. Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has constituted three sub-groups of Chief Ministers within National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.
It was announced by PM while he was chairing the first meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog in New Delhi.
First sub-group- It will study the 66 centrally-sponsored schemes and recommend which schemes should continue, which should be transferred to states, and which to discontinue.
Second sub-group- It will focus on skill development and creation of skilled manpower within states.
Third sub-group- It will decide on the institutional mechanisms to be evolved for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, so that cleanliness becomes a part of life in perpetuity.
Key highlights of first meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog
In this meeting, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and Lt Governors of Andaman and Nicobar and Delhi, and the Chief Ministers of the rest of the states participated.
PM has asked all the states to create two task forces under the aegis of the NITI Aayog, one to focus on poverty alleviation, and the other to focus on future development of agriculture in the states.
First meeting also focused on issues related to growth, investment, decentralisation and poverty alleviation.
PM also stressed on the role of the states and emphasised how Jan Dhan Yojana and Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan had become successful with cooperation of the states.
36.Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao
Union Government’s Sukanya Samridhi Yojna under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign has begun in Jaunpur district in the state of Uttar Pradesh.
The first account under the scheme was opened in the name of a three-year old girl Vedika Tiwari in this district by her parents.
Sukanya Samridhi Yojna under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign
It was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 January 2015 in Haryana to enhance the strength and honour of the girl children across the country.
This scheme encompasses all the girls of every economic strata under 10 years of age to open Sukanya Samridhi Account in Post offices and in the Banks. This account will be opened by girls parents or legal guardians.
In the account, a minimum of one thousand Rupees and maximum of One lakh fifty thousand Rupees can be deposited annually, upon which interest of 9.1% will be accrued.
When the girl child attains the age of 18 years, she herself would become eligible to operate the account.
Under the scheme, the girl child can withdraw 50 per cent of the money after reaching age of 18 for higher education. The 18 years deadline will also help preventing child-marriages.
37. Union Government has notified that India’s Civil Liability Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010 or CLND rules will not be amended.
In this regard, a detailed paper titled ‘Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act 2010 and related issues‘ was released by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
This paper says that the foreign suppliers of the reactors cannot be sued for damages by the victims of a nuclear accident.
However, the suppliers can be held liable by the operator, who has the right of recourse that could be operationalized through the contract between the operator and the supplier.
Governments decision comes after the understanding was reached with the US, during President Barack Obama’s recent visit.
About Civil Liability Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010
CLND Act, 2010 was passed by the Parliament in August 2010.
This Act limits the liability of the operator in case of nuclear accident and secures the operator the right to recourse under certain circumstances and provides a mechanism to compensate victims of nuclear damage.
In November 2011 under the parent Act, Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Rules were notified. These Rules stipulate certain mandatory clauses for contracts that secure the operator the right to recourse.
It also prescribe the procedure to provide compensation to victims in case of nuclear incidents.
38. Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri has won the Malaysian Open 2015.
With this win Anirban Lahir secured his breakthrough European Tour title.
39. Veteran Marathi theatre artist and film actor Atmaram Bhende has passed away in Pune, Maharashtra. He was 91.
40. A painting of two Tahitian girls named as Nafea Faa Ipoipo (When Will You Marry) by the French artist Paul Gauguin has been sold for 300 million dollars.
41. Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) for setting up closed-circuit television (CCTV) based surveillance in Mumbai.
The MoU worth Rs 949 crore was signed by the company and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
42. Indian Coast Guard has inducted a high-speed patrolling ship Amogh into its fleet.
Amogh will be stationed off Paradip coast in Odisha.
It can travel at maximum speed of 63 km per hour
The ship has facilities like firing gun, rubber boats including one motor-run, GPS system and upgraded radar system.
Amogh will be utilized by Indian Coast Guard during emergency situations such as accident and natural calamities besides security purposes.
With the induction of this ship, the number of patrolling ships of the Coast Guard reached six.
About Indian Coast Guard
Indian Coast Guard is India’s statutory multi-mission organization that protects country’s maritime interests and enforces maritime law.
It has jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone(EEE).
It was established on 18 August, 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 and operates under the aegis Ministry of Defence.
43. Dr M.O. Garg has taken charge as Director General (DG) of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR).