1. Kamal Kishore Goyanka selected for Vyas Samman 2014
Well-known Hindi scholar and writer Dr Kamal Kishore Goyanka has been selected for the prestigious Vyas Samman for the year 2014.
He has been chosen for this award for his research work ‘Premchand Kee Kahaniyo Kaa Kaalkramanusar Adhyayan’.
Vyas Samman
This award is instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation. It was started in 1991.
It is awarded annually in recognition of the hindi literary work published in past 10 years.
The award carries monetary award of 2.5 lakh rupees, a citation and a plaque.
Well-known Hindi scholar and writer Dr Kamal Kishore Goyanka has been selected for the prestigious Vyas Samman for the year 2014.
He has been chosen for this award for his research work ‘Premchand Kee Kahaniyo Kaa Kaalkramanusar Adhyayan’.
Vyas Samman
This award is instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation. It was started in 1991.
It is awarded annually in recognition of the hindi literary work published in past 10 years.
The award carries monetary award of 2.5 lakh rupees, a citation and a plaque.
2. Sanskrit scholar Prabhu Nath Dwivedi wins Sahitya Akademi Award
Eminent Sanskrit scholar Prabhu Nath Dwivedi has been conferred the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for 2014 for his “Kanakalochanaha” collection of short stories.
The collection comprises of 16 short-stories that touch upon various social issues eroding the system.
Eminent Sanskrit scholar Prabhu Nath Dwivedi has been conferred the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for 2014 for his “Kanakalochanaha” collection of short stories.
The collection comprises of 16 short-stories that touch upon various social issues eroding the system.
3. RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan received Governor of the Year Award for 2015
RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan received the Governor of the Year Award for 2015.
RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan received the Governor of the Year Award for 2015.
The award recognises the Governor of a Central Bank who has demonstrated strong leadership during the period under review.The Central Banking Awards for 2015 were announced by the Central Banking Publications on 12 January 2015.
Central Banking Awards for 2015
• Governor of the Year Award: Raghuram Rajan, RBI Governor
• Central Bank of the Year award: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ)
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Jacques de Larosiere former Governor of the Banque de France (1987–1993)
• Economics in Central Banking (inaugural award): Claudio Borio, head of the monetary and economic department at the Bank for International Settlements
4. Big B gets Social Media Person of the Year award
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, an active blogger and user of different social networks, has been named the Social Media Person of the Year, by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
The event is still due to happen in the capital, but since Big B won’t be able to make it there, he was honoured in advance by a representative of the body.
“There is an association of social media for India the IAMAI...and they reward me with the ‘Social Media Person of the Year’ award and it is time really to reward the Ef (Extended Family) for this... you are the ones that have made it possible for me to be given this recognition,” the 72-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.
5. Italy President Napolitano resigns
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano handed in his resignation as head of state on Wednesday, leaving Prime Minister Matteo Renzi with the politically delicate task of finding a successor.
The 89-year-old Napolitano, widely respected outside Italy as a guarantor of stability during the euro zone crisis, had always been expected to step down before the end of his second term in office because of his advanced age.
With elections in Greece due later this month and the European Central Bank under growing pressure to take unprecedented steps to fight the risk of deflation, the change adds to an increasingly uncertain climate in the euro zone.
Italy is struggling to emerge from years of recession and the government faces a series of hurdles to its economic and constitutional reform agenda.
Stalemate over selecting a new head of state could absorb precious political energy and, at worst, undermine Mr. Renzi to the point where he might try to re-establish his authority with an early general election.
No clear front-runner has emerged with potential candidates ranging from former Prime Minister Romano Prodi or current Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan to constitutional court judge Sergio Mattarella. ECB President Mario Draghi, once seen as a candidate, has ruled out leaving his current position.
The new president will be elected in a secret ballot by a full sitting of both houses of parliament, plus representatives of the regions, in a complicated multi-round procedure.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, an active blogger and user of different social networks, has been named the Social Media Person of the Year, by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
The event is still due to happen in the capital, but since Big B won’t be able to make it there, he was honoured in advance by a representative of the body.
“There is an association of social media for India the IAMAI...and they reward me with the ‘Social Media Person of the Year’ award and it is time really to reward the Ef (Extended Family) for this... you are the ones that have made it possible for me to be given this recognition,” the 72-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.
5. Italy President Napolitano resigns
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano handed in his resignation as head of state on Wednesday, leaving Prime Minister Matteo Renzi with the politically delicate task of finding a successor.
The 89-year-old Napolitano, widely respected outside Italy as a guarantor of stability during the euro zone crisis, had always been expected to step down before the end of his second term in office because of his advanced age.
With elections in Greece due later this month and the European Central Bank under growing pressure to take unprecedented steps to fight the risk of deflation, the change adds to an increasingly uncertain climate in the euro zone.
Italy is struggling to emerge from years of recession and the government faces a series of hurdles to its economic and constitutional reform agenda.
Stalemate over selecting a new head of state could absorb precious political energy and, at worst, undermine Mr. Renzi to the point where he might try to re-establish his authority with an early general election.
No clear front-runner has emerged with potential candidates ranging from former Prime Minister Romano Prodi or current Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan to constitutional court judge Sergio Mattarella. ECB President Mario Draghi, once seen as a candidate, has ruled out leaving his current position.
The new president will be elected in a secret ballot by a full sitting of both houses of parliament, plus representatives of the regions, in a complicated multi-round procedure.
6. India and Australia signed MoU for skill and infrastructural development in sports
The Sport Education Development Australia (SEDA) and India's Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (IL-FS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 13 January 2015. The agreement was signed by the Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb.
The MoU is aimed at developing the skills of Indian students in various sports and infrastructure as well.
Highlights of the MoU
• The partnership is expected to encourage the development of sports and fitness vocational courses in India.
• SEDA's experience in vocational education programs will help provide Indian students with the specialist skills and experience that they need to gain for employment in the sports.
• The partnership aims to impart training to youngsters in 350 centres across India in 25-26 states.
The Sport Education Development Australia (SEDA) and India's Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (IL-FS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 13 January 2015. The agreement was signed by the Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb.
The MoU is aimed at developing the skills of Indian students in various sports and infrastructure as well.
Highlights of the MoU
• The partnership is expected to encourage the development of sports and fitness vocational courses in India.
• SEDA's experience in vocational education programs will help provide Indian students with the specialist skills and experience that they need to gain for employment in the sports.
• The partnership aims to impart training to youngsters in 350 centres across India in 25-26 states.
7. Pope Francis declares Indian priest Joseph Vaz as saint in Colombo
Pope Francis has declared 17th century Indian priest and missionary Joseph Vaz as saint in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Pope announced it while addressing a holy mass for 5 lakh people at the Gall Face Green in Colombo. Joseph Vaz has become first priest from Sri Lanka, canonised as saint.
8. ISRO Mars Orbiter Mission team wins 2015 Space Pioneer Award
The team of ISRO’s Mars Mission has been awarded 2015 Space Pioneer Award in the Science and Engineering category by National Space Society (NSS).
They are being conferred with this award for achieving the rare feat of entering Mars orbit in maiden attempt.
Mars Orbiter Programme Team will receive the award during NSS’ 34th International Space Development Conference which will be held in Toronto from 20 May 2015.
9. Government sacks DRDO Chief Avinash Chander, 16 months before end of his tenure
Union Government has sacked chief of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Avinash Chander, 16 months before his contract end.
Termination of his contract was approved by Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with effect from 31 January 2015.
He was appointed as DRDO chief in June 2013. He was to retire on 30 November 2014, but government had extended his tenure beyond his retirement on contract basis.
10. Railway Ministry flagged off India’s first CNG train in Haryana
Railway Ministry has flagged off India’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) powered train between Rewari and Rohtak in Haryana.
It was flagged off by Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu at Rewari junction of the Northern Railway zone.
Some facts about CNG train
It is powered by Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU). It is based on dual fuel system- diesel and CNG.
This train is integrated with 1,400 HP engine to run on dual fuel through fumigation technology.
It is capable of running at a speed of 100 km per hour.
Train comprised of two power cars and six car coaches, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory at Chennai with the CNG conversion kit supplied by Cummins.
Its successful implementation, marks a major landmark in adoption of green fuel by Indian Railways.
11. USAID, Gates Foundation to partner with government for Swachchh Bharat Mission
Union Urban Development Ministry, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have agreed to partner in Swachh Bharat programme.
In this regard, USAID has inked a pact with the Urban Development Ministry while BGMF signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
The Memoranda were signed in presence of Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma.
Key facts
As a global partner in Swachh Bharat programme, USAID will assist union governments flagship programme by knowledge exchange and identification and sharing of best practices for water and sanitation services.
It will also provide technical support and promote public private partnership (PPP) and spend about $2.50 million per year on these activities.
While, BMGF as a partner will provide technical and management support in the implementation of the mission.
It will provide coordination of decentralised and non-sewered sanitation solutions, implementation and management through skill development focusing on towns located along the Ganga river at a cost of $2.50 million annually.
Thus it can be said that Government’s Swachchh Bharat Mission got global boost, which will take sanitation beyond construction of toilets and offers holistic solutions towards cleanliness.
Pope Francis has declared 17th century Indian priest and missionary Joseph Vaz as saint in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Pope announced it while addressing a holy mass for 5 lakh people at the Gall Face Green in Colombo. Joseph Vaz has become first priest from Sri Lanka, canonised as saint.
8. ISRO Mars Orbiter Mission team wins 2015 Space Pioneer Award
The team of ISRO’s Mars Mission has been awarded 2015 Space Pioneer Award in the Science and Engineering category by National Space Society (NSS).
They are being conferred with this award for achieving the rare feat of entering Mars orbit in maiden attempt.
Mars Orbiter Programme Team will receive the award during NSS’ 34th International Space Development Conference which will be held in Toronto from 20 May 2015.
9. Government sacks DRDO Chief Avinash Chander, 16 months before end of his tenure
Union Government has sacked chief of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Avinash Chander, 16 months before his contract end.
Termination of his contract was approved by Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with effect from 31 January 2015.
He was appointed as DRDO chief in June 2013. He was to retire on 30 November 2014, but government had extended his tenure beyond his retirement on contract basis.
10. Railway Ministry flagged off India’s first CNG train in Haryana
Railway Ministry has flagged off India’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) powered train between Rewari and Rohtak in Haryana.
It was flagged off by Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu at Rewari junction of the Northern Railway zone.
Some facts about CNG train
It is powered by Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU). It is based on dual fuel system- diesel and CNG.
This train is integrated with 1,400 HP engine to run on dual fuel through fumigation technology.
It is capable of running at a speed of 100 km per hour.
Train comprised of two power cars and six car coaches, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory at Chennai with the CNG conversion kit supplied by Cummins.
Its successful implementation, marks a major landmark in adoption of green fuel by Indian Railways.
11. USAID, Gates Foundation to partner with government for Swachchh Bharat Mission
Union Urban Development Ministry, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have agreed to partner in Swachh Bharat programme.
In this regard, USAID has inked a pact with the Urban Development Ministry while BGMF signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
The Memoranda were signed in presence of Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma.
Key facts
As a global partner in Swachh Bharat programme, USAID will assist union governments flagship programme by knowledge exchange and identification and sharing of best practices for water and sanitation services.
It will also provide technical support and promote public private partnership (PPP) and spend about $2.50 million per year on these activities.
While, BMGF as a partner will provide technical and management support in the implementation of the mission.
It will provide coordination of decentralised and non-sewered sanitation solutions, implementation and management through skill development focusing on towns located along the Ganga river at a cost of $2.50 million annually.
Thus it can be said that Government’s Swachchh Bharat Mission got global boost, which will take sanitation beyond construction of toilets and offers holistic solutions towards cleanliness.
12. Madagascar Government led by Prime Minister Kolo Roger resigned
Madagascar Prime Minister Kolo Roger and his government resigned from their position. The resignation was accepted by Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampianina on 13 January 2015.
However, the reason for the resignation was not disclosed by the government. This is the first change of government in Rajaonarimampianina's Presidency.
The resigning government members will continue to work as Caretaker Government until the creation of the new government. The government led by Kolo Roger consists of 30 ministers and one Secretary of State.
Kolo Roger was elected as Prime Minister of Madagascar in April 2014.
13. RBI and ECB signed MoU on cooperation in Central Banking
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the European Central Bank (ECB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of central banking.
The MoU was signed by RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram Rajan and ECB President Dr. Mario Draghi.
Feature of the Memorandum of Understanding
• It provides a framework for regular exchange of information, policy dialogue and technical cooperation between the two institutions
• Technical cooperation may take the form of joint seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest in the field of central banking
Madagascar Prime Minister Kolo Roger and his government resigned from their position. The resignation was accepted by Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampianina on 13 January 2015.
However, the reason for the resignation was not disclosed by the government. This is the first change of government in Rajaonarimampianina's Presidency.
The resigning government members will continue to work as Caretaker Government until the creation of the new government. The government led by Kolo Roger consists of 30 ministers and one Secretary of State.
Kolo Roger was elected as Prime Minister of Madagascar in April 2014.
13. RBI and ECB signed MoU on cooperation in Central Banking
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the European Central Bank (ECB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of central banking.
The MoU was signed by RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram Rajan and ECB President Dr. Mario Draghi.
Feature of the Memorandum of Understanding
• It provides a framework for regular exchange of information, policy dialogue and technical cooperation between the two institutions
• Technical cooperation may take the form of joint seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest in the field of central banking
14. Zomato acquired US based food portal Urbanspoon
Zomato acquired the US based food portal Urbanspoon for an undisclosed amount in an all-cash deal.
The acquisition of Urabanspoon establishes Zomato's presence in Australia and Canada, the UK and New Zealand. With this, Zomato will be present in 22 countries across the world.
This is the sixth acquisition of Zomato in six months. Earlier, Zomato acquired dominant restaurant search players in New Zealand, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Italy.
Zomato also announced to increase its restaurant coverage from about 300000 restaurants to more than 1 million restaurants.
With this, the traffic of Zomato is expected to more than double from about 35 million visits per months to more than 80 million visits per month. This will make it the largest restaurant search company in the world.
Chief Executive Officer of Zomato: Deepinder Goyal
Zomato acquired the US based food portal Urbanspoon for an undisclosed amount in an all-cash deal.
The acquisition of Urabanspoon establishes Zomato's presence in Australia and Canada, the UK and New Zealand. With this, Zomato will be present in 22 countries across the world.
This is the sixth acquisition of Zomato in six months. Earlier, Zomato acquired dominant restaurant search players in New Zealand, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Italy.
Zomato also announced to increase its restaurant coverage from about 300000 restaurants to more than 1 million restaurants.
With this, the traffic of Zomato is expected to more than double from about 35 million visits per months to more than 80 million visits per month. This will make it the largest restaurant search company in the world.
Chief Executive Officer of Zomato: Deepinder Goyal
1. Kamal Kishore Goyanka selected for Vyas Samman 2014
Well-known Hindi scholar and writer Dr Kamal Kishore Goyanka has been selected for the prestigious Vyas Samman for the year 2014.
He has been chosen for this award for his research work ‘Premchand Kee Kahaniyo Kaa Kaalkramanusar Adhyayan’.
Vyas Samman
This award is instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation. It was started in 1991.
It is awarded annually in recognition of the hindi literary work published in past 10 years.
The award carries monetary award of 2.5 lakh rupees, a citation and a plaque.
Well-known Hindi scholar and writer Dr Kamal Kishore Goyanka has been selected for the prestigious Vyas Samman for the year 2014.
He has been chosen for this award for his research work ‘Premchand Kee Kahaniyo Kaa Kaalkramanusar Adhyayan’.
Vyas Samman
This award is instituted by the K.K. Birla Foundation. It was started in 1991.
It is awarded annually in recognition of the hindi literary work published in past 10 years.
The award carries monetary award of 2.5 lakh rupees, a citation and a plaque.
2. Sanskrit scholar Prabhu Nath Dwivedi wins Sahitya Akademi Award
Eminent Sanskrit scholar Prabhu Nath Dwivedi has been conferred the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for 2014 for his “Kanakalochanaha” collection of short stories.
The collection comprises of 16 short-stories that touch upon various social issues eroding the system.
Eminent Sanskrit scholar Prabhu Nath Dwivedi has been conferred the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for 2014 for his “Kanakalochanaha” collection of short stories.
The collection comprises of 16 short-stories that touch upon various social issues eroding the system.
3. RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan received Governor of the Year Award for 2015
RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan received the Governor of the Year Award for 2015.
RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan received the Governor of the Year Award for 2015.
The award recognises the Governor of a Central Bank who has demonstrated strong leadership during the period under review.The Central Banking Awards for 2015 were announced by the Central Banking Publications on 12 January 2015.
Central Banking Awards for 2015
• Governor of the Year Award: Raghuram Rajan, RBI Governor
• Central Bank of the Year award: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ)
• Lifetime Achievement Award: Jacques de Larosiere former Governor of the Banque de France (1987–1993)
• Economics in Central Banking (inaugural award): Claudio Borio, head of the monetary and economic department at the Bank for International Settlements
4. Big B gets Social Media Person of the Year award
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, an active blogger and user of different social networks, has been named the Social Media Person of the Year, by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
The event is still due to happen in the capital, but since Big B won’t be able to make it there, he was honoured in advance by a representative of the body.
“There is an association of social media for India the IAMAI...and they reward me with the ‘Social Media Person of the Year’ award and it is time really to reward the Ef (Extended Family) for this... you are the ones that have made it possible for me to be given this recognition,” the 72-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.
5. Italy President Napolitano resigns
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano handed in his resignation as head of state on Wednesday, leaving Prime Minister Matteo Renzi with the politically delicate task of finding a successor.
The 89-year-old Napolitano, widely respected outside Italy as a guarantor of stability during the euro zone crisis, had always been expected to step down before the end of his second term in office because of his advanced age.
With elections in Greece due later this month and the European Central Bank under growing pressure to take unprecedented steps to fight the risk of deflation, the change adds to an increasingly uncertain climate in the euro zone.
Italy is struggling to emerge from years of recession and the government faces a series of hurdles to its economic and constitutional reform agenda.
Stalemate over selecting a new head of state could absorb precious political energy and, at worst, undermine Mr. Renzi to the point where he might try to re-establish his authority with an early general election.
No clear front-runner has emerged with potential candidates ranging from former Prime Minister Romano Prodi or current Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan to constitutional court judge Sergio Mattarella. ECB President Mario Draghi, once seen as a candidate, has ruled out leaving his current position.
The new president will be elected in a secret ballot by a full sitting of both houses of parliament, plus representatives of the regions, in a complicated multi-round procedure.
Megastar Amitabh Bachchan, an active blogger and user of different social networks, has been named the Social Media Person of the Year, by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).
The event is still due to happen in the capital, but since Big B won’t be able to make it there, he was honoured in advance by a representative of the body.
“There is an association of social media for India the IAMAI...and they reward me with the ‘Social Media Person of the Year’ award and it is time really to reward the Ef (Extended Family) for this... you are the ones that have made it possible for me to be given this recognition,” the 72-year-old posted on his blog srbachchan.tumblr.com.
5. Italy President Napolitano resigns
Italian President Giorgio Napolitano handed in his resignation as head of state on Wednesday, leaving Prime Minister Matteo Renzi with the politically delicate task of finding a successor.
The 89-year-old Napolitano, widely respected outside Italy as a guarantor of stability during the euro zone crisis, had always been expected to step down before the end of his second term in office because of his advanced age.
With elections in Greece due later this month and the European Central Bank under growing pressure to take unprecedented steps to fight the risk of deflation, the change adds to an increasingly uncertain climate in the euro zone.
Italy is struggling to emerge from years of recession and the government faces a series of hurdles to its economic and constitutional reform agenda.
Stalemate over selecting a new head of state could absorb precious political energy and, at worst, undermine Mr. Renzi to the point where he might try to re-establish his authority with an early general election.
No clear front-runner has emerged with potential candidates ranging from former Prime Minister Romano Prodi or current Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan to constitutional court judge Sergio Mattarella. ECB President Mario Draghi, once seen as a candidate, has ruled out leaving his current position.
The new president will be elected in a secret ballot by a full sitting of both houses of parliament, plus representatives of the regions, in a complicated multi-round procedure.
6. India and Australia signed MoU for skill and infrastructural development in sports
The Sport Education Development Australia (SEDA) and India's Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (IL-FS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 13 January 2015. The agreement was signed by the Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb.
The MoU is aimed at developing the skills of Indian students in various sports and infrastructure as well.
Highlights of the MoU
• The partnership is expected to encourage the development of sports and fitness vocational courses in India.
• SEDA's experience in vocational education programs will help provide Indian students with the specialist skills and experience that they need to gain for employment in the sports.
• The partnership aims to impart training to youngsters in 350 centres across India in 25-26 states.
The Sport Education Development Australia (SEDA) and India's Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (IL-FS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 13 January 2015. The agreement was signed by the Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb.
The MoU is aimed at developing the skills of Indian students in various sports and infrastructure as well.
Highlights of the MoU
• The partnership is expected to encourage the development of sports and fitness vocational courses in India.
• SEDA's experience in vocational education programs will help provide Indian students with the specialist skills and experience that they need to gain for employment in the sports.
• The partnership aims to impart training to youngsters in 350 centres across India in 25-26 states.
7. Pope Francis declares Indian priest Joseph Vaz as saint in Colombo
Pope Francis has declared 17th century Indian priest and missionary Joseph Vaz as saint in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Pope announced it while addressing a holy mass for 5 lakh people at the Gall Face Green in Colombo. Joseph Vaz has become first priest from Sri Lanka, canonised as saint.
8. ISRO Mars Orbiter Mission team wins 2015 Space Pioneer Award
The team of ISRO’s Mars Mission has been awarded 2015 Space Pioneer Award in the Science and Engineering category by National Space Society (NSS).
They are being conferred with this award for achieving the rare feat of entering Mars orbit in maiden attempt.
Mars Orbiter Programme Team will receive the award during NSS’ 34th International Space Development Conference which will be held in Toronto from 20 May 2015.
9. Government sacks DRDO Chief Avinash Chander, 16 months before end of his tenure
Union Government has sacked chief of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Avinash Chander, 16 months before his contract end.
Termination of his contract was approved by Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with effect from 31 January 2015.
He was appointed as DRDO chief in June 2013. He was to retire on 30 November 2014, but government had extended his tenure beyond his retirement on contract basis.
10. Railway Ministry flagged off India’s first CNG train in Haryana
Railway Ministry has flagged off India’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) powered train between Rewari and Rohtak in Haryana.
It was flagged off by Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu at Rewari junction of the Northern Railway zone.
Some facts about CNG train
It is powered by Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU). It is based on dual fuel system- diesel and CNG.
This train is integrated with 1,400 HP engine to run on dual fuel through fumigation technology.
It is capable of running at a speed of 100 km per hour.
Train comprised of two power cars and six car coaches, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory at Chennai with the CNG conversion kit supplied by Cummins.
Its successful implementation, marks a major landmark in adoption of green fuel by Indian Railways.
11. USAID, Gates Foundation to partner with government for Swachchh Bharat Mission
Union Urban Development Ministry, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have agreed to partner in Swachh Bharat programme.
In this regard, USAID has inked a pact with the Urban Development Ministry while BGMF signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
The Memoranda were signed in presence of Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma.
Key facts
As a global partner in Swachh Bharat programme, USAID will assist union governments flagship programme by knowledge exchange and identification and sharing of best practices for water and sanitation services.
It will also provide technical support and promote public private partnership (PPP) and spend about $2.50 million per year on these activities.
While, BMGF as a partner will provide technical and management support in the implementation of the mission.
It will provide coordination of decentralised and non-sewered sanitation solutions, implementation and management through skill development focusing on towns located along the Ganga river at a cost of $2.50 million annually.
Thus it can be said that Government’s Swachchh Bharat Mission got global boost, which will take sanitation beyond construction of toilets and offers holistic solutions towards cleanliness.
Pope Francis has declared 17th century Indian priest and missionary Joseph Vaz as saint in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Pope announced it while addressing a holy mass for 5 lakh people at the Gall Face Green in Colombo. Joseph Vaz has become first priest from Sri Lanka, canonised as saint.
8. ISRO Mars Orbiter Mission team wins 2015 Space Pioneer Award
The team of ISRO’s Mars Mission has been awarded 2015 Space Pioneer Award in the Science and Engineering category by National Space Society (NSS).
They are being conferred with this award for achieving the rare feat of entering Mars orbit in maiden attempt.
Mars Orbiter Programme Team will receive the award during NSS’ 34th International Space Development Conference which will be held in Toronto from 20 May 2015.
9. Government sacks DRDO Chief Avinash Chander, 16 months before end of his tenure
Union Government has sacked chief of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) Avinash Chander, 16 months before his contract end.
Termination of his contract was approved by Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with effect from 31 January 2015.
He was appointed as DRDO chief in June 2013. He was to retire on 30 November 2014, but government had extended his tenure beyond his retirement on contract basis.
10. Railway Ministry flagged off India’s first CNG train in Haryana
Railway Ministry has flagged off India’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) powered train between Rewari and Rohtak in Haryana.
It was flagged off by Union Minister for Railways Suresh Prabhu at Rewari junction of the Northern Railway zone.
Some facts about CNG train
It is powered by Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU). It is based on dual fuel system- diesel and CNG.
This train is integrated with 1,400 HP engine to run on dual fuel through fumigation technology.
It is capable of running at a speed of 100 km per hour.
Train comprised of two power cars and six car coaches, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory at Chennai with the CNG conversion kit supplied by Cummins.
Its successful implementation, marks a major landmark in adoption of green fuel by Indian Railways.
11. USAID, Gates Foundation to partner with government for Swachchh Bharat Mission
Union Urban Development Ministry, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Bill and Milinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) have agreed to partner in Swachh Bharat programme.
In this regard, USAID has inked a pact with the Urban Development Ministry while BGMF signed a Memorandum of Cooperation.
The Memoranda were signed in presence of Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and US Ambassador to India, Richard Verma.
Key facts
As a global partner in Swachh Bharat programme, USAID will assist union governments flagship programme by knowledge exchange and identification and sharing of best practices for water and sanitation services.
It will also provide technical support and promote public private partnership (PPP) and spend about $2.50 million per year on these activities.
While, BMGF as a partner will provide technical and management support in the implementation of the mission.
It will provide coordination of decentralised and non-sewered sanitation solutions, implementation and management through skill development focusing on towns located along the Ganga river at a cost of $2.50 million annually.
Thus it can be said that Government’s Swachchh Bharat Mission got global boost, which will take sanitation beyond construction of toilets and offers holistic solutions towards cleanliness.
12. Madagascar Government led by Prime Minister Kolo Roger resigned
Madagascar Prime Minister Kolo Roger and his government resigned from their position. The resignation was accepted by Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampianina on 13 January 2015.
However, the reason for the resignation was not disclosed by the government. This is the first change of government in Rajaonarimampianina's Presidency.
The resigning government members will continue to work as Caretaker Government until the creation of the new government. The government led by Kolo Roger consists of 30 ministers and one Secretary of State.
Kolo Roger was elected as Prime Minister of Madagascar in April 2014.
13. RBI and ECB signed MoU on cooperation in Central Banking
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the European Central Bank (ECB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of central banking.
The MoU was signed by RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram Rajan and ECB President Dr. Mario Draghi.
Feature of the Memorandum of Understanding
• It provides a framework for regular exchange of information, policy dialogue and technical cooperation between the two institutions
• Technical cooperation may take the form of joint seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest in the field of central banking
Madagascar Prime Minister Kolo Roger and his government resigned from their position. The resignation was accepted by Madagascar President Hery Rajaonarimampianina on 13 January 2015.
However, the reason for the resignation was not disclosed by the government. This is the first change of government in Rajaonarimampianina's Presidency.
The resigning government members will continue to work as Caretaker Government until the creation of the new government. The government led by Kolo Roger consists of 30 ministers and one Secretary of State.
Kolo Roger was elected as Prime Minister of Madagascar in April 2014.
13. RBI and ECB signed MoU on cooperation in Central Banking
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the European Central Bank (ECB) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of central banking.
The MoU was signed by RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram Rajan and ECB President Dr. Mario Draghi.
Feature of the Memorandum of Understanding
• It provides a framework for regular exchange of information, policy dialogue and technical cooperation between the two institutions
• Technical cooperation may take the form of joint seminars and workshops in areas of mutual interest in the field of central banking
14. Zomato acquired US based food portal Urbanspoon
Zomato acquired the US based food portal Urbanspoon for an undisclosed amount in an all-cash deal.
The acquisition of Urabanspoon establishes Zomato's presence in Australia and Canada, the UK and New Zealand. With this, Zomato will be present in 22 countries across the world.
This is the sixth acquisition of Zomato in six months. Earlier, Zomato acquired dominant restaurant search players in New Zealand, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Italy.
Zomato also announced to increase its restaurant coverage from about 300000 restaurants to more than 1 million restaurants.
With this, the traffic of Zomato is expected to more than double from about 35 million visits per months to more than 80 million visits per month. This will make it the largest restaurant search company in the world.
Chief Executive Officer of Zomato: Deepinder Goyal
Zomato acquired the US based food portal Urbanspoon for an undisclosed amount in an all-cash deal.
The acquisition of Urabanspoon establishes Zomato's presence in Australia and Canada, the UK and New Zealand. With this, Zomato will be present in 22 countries across the world.
This is the sixth acquisition of Zomato in six months. Earlier, Zomato acquired dominant restaurant search players in New Zealand, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Italy.
Zomato also announced to increase its restaurant coverage from about 300000 restaurants to more than 1 million restaurants.
With this, the traffic of Zomato is expected to more than double from about 35 million visits per months to more than 80 million visits per month. This will make it the largest restaurant search company in the world.
Chief Executive Officer of Zomato: Deepinder Goyal
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