Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Starred Articles

Deepika Kumari bags silver in Archery World Cup Final
Sports > Archery World Cup > 26th October
Deepika Kumari bagged her fourth silver medal in five years at the 'Archery World Cup Final' after going down to Korea's Choi Misun. Eyeing her first gold medal in five attempts at the showpiece season-ending event, Deepika won her quarters and semifinals easily but lost 2-6 against the reigning world number one and top-seeded Misun.


Magnitude 7.5 quake strikes northeast Afghanistan, tremors felt in India, Pak
World > Earthquake in Afghanistan > 26th October
A powerful 7.5 earthquake shook Pakistan on 26th October. According to Afghan and Pakistani officials, 237 people died in Pakistan and 74 in Afghanistan in the magnitude-7.5 quake, which was centered deep beneath the Hindu Kush mountains in Afghanistan’s sparsely populated Badakhshan province that borders Pakistan, Tajikistan and China.

Afghan authorities were struggling to reach the hardest-hit areas near the epicenter, located 73 kilometers (45 miles) south of Fayzabad, the capital of Badakhshan province.


RIL first corporate to sign revised listing pact with BSE
Corporate > Reliance Industries - BSE > 27th October
Reliance Industries today became the first corporate to sign the revised listing agreement with the BSE as mandated under the newly introduced Listing Regulation notified by SEBI. With the signing of the agreement with BSE, RIL is the first listed company to conform to SEBI norms.


Others

International Hockey Federation asks IOA to recognise Hockey India as national hockey association
Sports > Hockey > 24th October
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has now formally written to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), requesting it to remove all reference of the now defunct Indian Hockey Federation (IHF) from its records and website, and recognise Hockey India (HI).


After being blamed of blocking deal, India to adopt a balanced approach at WTO meet
Economy > World Trade Organization > 26th October
India plans to adopt a more balanced approach at the upcoming World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial, not taking any hard stance that can come in the way of any agreement, after being blamed of blocking a deal last year.

The country would strongly take up the issue of food security and farmers' interest, especially after the US had last month floated a proposal that sought to dismantle the price support and subsidies of developing countries.


Importers and exporters required to use digital signatures from January 1
Economy > Central Board of Excise and Customs > 26th October
According to the Central Board of Excise and Customs, Importers and exporters will from January 1 have to mandatorily use digital signatures to file documents. With effect from 1.01.2016, all importers and exporters using the services of Customs Brokers for formalities under Customs Act, 1962, will be required to mandatorily file custom documents under the digital signature certificates.


Underworld gangster Chhota Rajan arrested in Bali
World > Chhota Rajan > 26th October
Underworld don Rajendra Sadashiv Nikhalje alias Chhota Rajan, a former aide of fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim, has been arrested by the Indonesian police in the tourist resort of Bali. Chhota Rajan, 56, who had survived two attacks on his life, was shuttling between Australia and Indonesia when Australian authorities alerted the Interpol.


India, Africa cannot be excluded from UN Security Council
World > UN Security Council > 27th October
Swaraj said the 70th session of the UN General Assembly was an opportune moment to achieve concrete results on this long pending issue.
According to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Indians and Africans comprise nearly 2.5 billion people, our nations continue to be excluded from appropriate representation in the institutions of global governance. India and Africa can no longer be excluded from their rightful place of the permanent membership of the UN Security Council.


India positions itself as reliable investment partner for Africa
Economy > Finance > 28th October
At the ongoing India-Africa summit, India is positioning itself as a reliable investment partner for Africa's growing economies based on a model that gives nations a sense of ownership and respects their long-term interests. Though India may lag behind the neighbour in numbers, it is still the fifth-largest investor in Africa, behind the US, France, Malaysia and China.


Centre bans import of human embryos
India > Human Embryos > 28th October
The Indian government has banned the import of human embryos, which is likely to affect the surrogacy business in India. Amending its 2013 notification, which has been challenged in the Supreme Court, the commerce and industry ministry issued a fresh order on October 27 that allows the import of embryos only for research.


Aruna Sundarajan appointed new Steel Secretary
India > Aruna Sundarajan > 28th October
Senior IAS officer Aruna Sundarajan was appointed as Secretary in Ministry of Steel as part of a top-level bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the government. She is among five new Secretaries appointed by the government.

Ms. Sundarajan, a 1982 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre, is presently Administrator, Universal Service Obligation Fund under Department of Telecommunications. She has been appointed in place of Rakesh Singh, who superannuated on September 30.



Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Starred Articles

World Polio Day observed globally
Days > World Polio Day > 24th October
World Polio Day was observed on 24 October 2015. The day was observed to create awareness about the hazards of the crippling disease. The Day was established by Rotary International over a decade ago to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis.


Indian Navy to open doors for increased role of women
India > Indian Navy > 26th October
The Indian Navy is set to open the doors soon for increased role of women on its rolls but has made it clear that there will be no combat positions yet. The move comes on the heels of the government announcing law week its decision to induct women as fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force.


Deepika Kumari bags silver in Archery World Cup Final
Sports > Archery World Cup > 26th October
Deepika Kumari bagged her fourth silver medal in five years at the 'Archery World Cup Final' after going down to Korea's Choi Misun. Eyeing her first gold medal in five attempts at the showpiece season-ending event, Deepika won her quarters and semifinals easily but lost 2-6 against the reigning world number one and top-seeded Misun.


Others

Yes Bank inks partnership with Snapdeal and Blue Dart to facilitate faster seller payments
Banking and Insurance > Yes Bank - Snapdeal & Blue Dart > 21st October
Private sector bank Yes Bank has inked a partnership with Snapdeal, India's largest online marketplace in terms of sellers transacting on its platform, and leading logistics and transportation company Blue Dart, which will see the financial institution make 'strategic interventions in the financial supply chains' of the latter two companies.


Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe awarded with 2015 Confucius Peace Prize
Awards > 2015 Confucius Peace Prize > 22nd October
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was on 22 October 2015 awarded with the 2015 Confucius Peace Prize by China for supposedly injecting fresh energy into the global quest for harmony.

He was awarded for overcoming a number of difficulties and for contributing to building the government, economy and order in the country while continuing to work at the age of 91 actively for African peace.


BJP to celebrate Accession Day of J&K on Oct 26
Days > Accession Day of J&K > 24th October
BJP announced that it will celebrate the Accession Day of Jammu and Kashmir with India on October 26. This Day should be celebrated like other festivals, BJP State General Secretary, Organisation, Ashok Kaul said. Accession Day carries great significance for the nationalist people as it was on this day when the then Maharaja Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession to become part of the greatest democracy of the world.


Andhra Pradesh Congress launches campaign 'Matti Satyagraham'
Politics and Government > Matti Satyagraham Campaign Launched > 24th October
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) today launched 'Matti Satyagraham' programme to protest against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for its alleged failure to fulfill the promises made to the state during bifurcation.

As part of the programme, a fistful of soil (matti) would be gathered from each of the 16,000 villages and 3,000 municipal wards of the state, sacred temples, mosques and churches and would be sent by post to the Prime Minister.


AR Rahman receives Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award
Awards > Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award > 26th October
Renowned music composer A R Rahman was conferred with Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award in Mumbai on 26th October. Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai presented the fifth Hridaynath Mangeshkar Award to Rahman on the 78th birthday of Pandit Hridaynath Mangeshkar, well-known composer and the younger brother of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle.


Government releases Hindi atlas book on indigenous 'Mars Orbiter Mission'
Books > Mars Orbiter Mission > 26th October
Hindi language can help spread awareness about India's achievements in various space missions within the country, the government has released the first ever Hindi atlas book on India's indigenous "Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM)".


Hamilton takes third F1 title after US thriller
Sports > Racing > 26th October
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the world championship with his victory at the Formula One US Grand Prix on 25th October in Austin, Texas. Lewis Hamilton joined the elite group of triple Formula One world champions on Sunday after winning a thrilling US Grand Prix that kept the crowd on tenterhooks right to the very end.


Nestle restarts Maggi noodles production in India
India > Nestle Restarts Maggi Production > 27th October
Nestle announced on 27th October that it had restarted production of Maggi noodles in India after a government ban was overturned, in a major step towards getting the hugely popular brand back on shelves. India’s food safety watchdog slapped a nationwide ban on the noodles in June, saying lead levels exceeded statutory limits. Earlier this month Nestle said the laboratory tests had found that Maggi noodles were safe to eat.


Axis Bank elevates V Srinivasan to DMD
Banking and Insurance > Axis Bank > 27th October
Axsi Bank, India's third largest private sector lender elevated V Srinivasan as as deputy managing director of the bank with immediate effect. According to the bank Srinivasan who was already a whole time director on the bank's board has been redesignated as deputy managing director.



Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Starred Articles

DRDO Missile Complex renamed as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
Science and Technology > DRDO Missile Complex
The country’s prestigious DRDO Missile Complex in Hyderabad was on 15 October 2015 renamed as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar during an event at Research Centre Imarat on the occasion of the 84th Birth Anniversary of Dr Kalam, the Missile Man.


Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi conferred Harvard University’s 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Award
Awards > Humanitarian of the Year Award
Nobel Peace Prize winner of 2014 Kailash Satyarthi was on 16 October 2015 conferred with the 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Award. The award is given annually by the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations of the Harvard University. He was awarded for his continuing contribution to the cause of child rights and abolition of child slavery.


Egypt, Japan, Ukraine elected as non-permanent UNSC members
World > UNSC members
The UN General Assembly has elected Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay to serve as non-permanent members on the Security Council for two-year terms beginning January 1 next year. The new members, elected in one round of voting here yesterday, will serve until December 31, 2017.


Ex-cabinet secretary Alok Rawat appointed as 1st male member of National Commission for Women
Politics and Government > National Commission for Women
Former Cabinet Secretary Alok Rawat has been appointed as the first male member of the National Commission for Women, filling the fourth seat in the five-member body. A 1977 batch Sikkim cadre IAS officer, Rawat has served as Director/Joint Secretary in Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways; Secretary (UPSC); Secretary (Coordination and Public Grievances) in the Cabinet Secretariat and Secretary in Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuv.



Others

India among top 10 acquirers in US market this year
World > U.S Market
India has been ranked among top 10 acquirers in the US market this year with 16 deals valued at $1.7 billion, says Baker & McKenzie. Majority of these deals were in the pharma sector, with six transactions totalling $1.5 billion.


Hindustan Unilever bags Company of the Year award in ET Awards 2015
Awards > ET Awards
Hindustan Unilever bagged the Company of the Year award in ET Awards 2015. The Indian unit of the Anglo-Dutch giant grew 10 per cent in 2014-15, at almost double the rate of the overall market. Hindustan Unilever (HUL) sold more products in India than its global rivals Procter & Gamble, Nestle, Colgate, GSK Consumer and Reckitt Benckiser put together.


LLP incorporation certificate to have national emblem
Economy > LLP incorporation
The government has amended certain rules pertaining to Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) entities, which now require to have national emblem on their certificate of incorporation. The changeshave been made by the Corporate Affairs Ministry which is implementing the LLP Act.


Justin Trudeau to become Canada's next Prime Minister
World > Canada's Next Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau has fulfilled the great expectations he was born into, following in the footsteps of his storied father to become Canada's next prime minister. Now, he has the chance to restore the late Pierre Trudeau's Liberal legacy. Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party won a resounding victory in election, gaining an outright parliamentary majority.


World to turn blue for United Nations' 70th birthday
World > UN 70th birthday
Around 200 iconic monuments and buildings around the world, from Australia's Sydney Opera House to the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt will be lit up blue - the official colour of the UN- as part of a global campaign to mark the 70th anniversary of the world body.


HCL acquires Concept to Silicon Systems
Corporate > Acquisition
HCL Technologies Ltd has under a definitive agreement acquired a Bengaluru-based privately held engineering services firm, Concept to Silicon Systems (C2SiS), for an undisclosed sum.


Syria's President Bashar al-Assad visits Russia
World > Assad Moscow visit
Syria's President Bashar al-Assad has visited Moscow on his first overseas trip since the civil war broke out in his country in 2011.During the surprise visit, he held talks with President Vladimir Putin. Russia launched air strikes in Syria last month against the so-called Islamic State (IS) and other militant groups battling Mr Assad's forces.





Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Starred Articles

Al-Quds University conferred Honorary Doctorate on President Pranab Mukherjee
India > Honorary Doctorate - President Pranab Mukherjee > 14th October
Al-Quds University on 13 October 2015 conferred Honorary Doctorate on President Pranab Mukherjee at a ceremony held in Ramallah. On the occasion, the President announced the setting up of an India-Chair in the Al Quds University.


DRDO Missile Complex renamed as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex
Science and Technology > DRDO Missile Complex > 15th October
The country’s prestigious DRDO Missile Complex in Hyderabad was on 15 October 2015 renamed as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Missile Complex by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar during an event at Research Centre Imarat on the occasion of the 84th Birth Anniversary of Dr Kalam, the Missile Man.


Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi conferred Harvard University’s 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Award
Awards > Humanitarian of the Year Award > 16th October
Nobel Peace Prize winner of 2014 Kailash Satyarthi was on 16 October 2015 conferred with the 2015 Humanitarian of the Year Award. The award is given annually by the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations of the Harvard University. He was awarded for his continuing contribution to the cause of child rights and abolition of child slavery.


Others

Arun Jaitley chosen 'Finance Minister of the Year, Asia' by Emerging Markets
Politics and government > Finance Minister of the Year > 14th October
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was chosen as 'Finance Minister of the Year, Asia' by London-based publication Emerging Markets in October 2015. The magazine in an article said that Jaitley too deserves some recognition for India’s relative economic success over the last 18 months. It says that without his decisions and stewardship of India’s financial direction, India would not have achieved what it has.


RBI to fund Rs 2,000 crore to push financial inclusion
Banking and Insurance > RBI > 15th October
RBI today announced merger of two funds to create a new Financial Inclusion Fund with a corpus of Rs 2,000 crore to support 'developmental and promotional activities' for expanding reach of banking services.

After completion of initial five years, RBI has now decided to merge both the Financial Inclusion Fund and Financial Inclusion Technology Fund into a single Fund -- Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF).


Myanmar signs ceasefire with eight armed groups
World > Myanmar Signs Ceasefire Agreement > 15th October
Myanmar's government and eight armed ethnic groups signed a ceasefire agreement, the culmination of more than two years of negotiations aimed at bringing an end to the majority of the country's long-running conflicts.


World Food Day observed with the theme Social Protection and Agriculture
Days > World Food Day > 16th October
World Food Day (WFD) was observed across the world on 16 October 2015 with the theme Social Protection and Agriculture. The day is observed with an aim to raise public awareness about hunger challenges and encourage people worldwide to take action in the fight against hunger.


Zaheer Khan calls it quits
Sports > Cricket > 16th October
Zaheer Khan retires from international cricket after 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is. He spoke to a long list of teammates and coaches before firming up his decision to retire. He had a word with Ashish Nehra, Ajit Agarkar, Javagal Srinath, all new-ball partners, Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh, both spinners, Sudhir Naik and T.A. Sekhar among coaches, his parents, and Sachin Tendulkar.


International Day for the Eradication of Poverty observed globally
Days > International Day for the Eradication of Poverty > 17th October
The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty was observed globally on 17 October 2015 with the theme Building a sustainable future: Coming together to end poverty and discrimination. The Day was designated to promote people’s awareness of the need to eradicate poverty and destitution worldwide, particularly in developing countries.


RBI, Central Bank of UAE sign pact on information sharing
Banking and Insurance > RBI - Central Bank of UAE Pact > 19th October
The Reserve Bank of India has signed an information sharing pact with the Central Bank of UAE. The Reserve Bank, signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information with the Central Bank of UAE, United Arab Emirates.


Maggi ban lifted in Karnataka, Gujarat
India > Maggi Ban Lifted > 19th October
Two days after Maggi samples passed all the tests in three laboratories designated by Bombay high court, Karnataka and Gujarat governments said they would lift the ban on the Nestle product. According to Karnataka minister UT Khader the lack of clarity upon the permissible limits of monosodium glutamate (MSG) and lead "forced" the government to withdraw the ban on Maggi.


India to Launch Six Singapore Satellites in December
Science and Technology > Launch of Six Singapore Satellites > 19th October
India would launch six satellites from Singapore, including a dedicated 500 kg earth observation spacecraft, in mid-December. The 500 kg dedicated satellite (TeLOS-1)will be a commercial launch for Singapore Technologies Electronics Ltd while five other smaller satellites are from Singapore universities.


Justin Trudeau to become Canada's next Prime Minister
World > Canada's Next Prime Minister > 20th October
Justin Trudeau has fulfilled the great expectations he was born into, following in the footsteps of his storied father to become Canada's next prime minister. Now, he has the chance to restore the late Pierre Trudeau's Liberal legacy. Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party won a resounding victory in election, gaining an outright parliamentary majority.



Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Starred Articles

Women pilots may fly supersonic fighters in 2-3 years says IAF chief
India> Women Officers
A major break from the rigid combat-exclusion policy for women in the armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha announced that IAF will now allow women officers to fly fighters. The IAF's proposal will be discussed at a meeting called by defence minister Manohar Parrikar with the three Service chiefs.


List of Nobel Prize Winners 2015
Awards > Nobel Prize Winners 2015
Nobel Prizes 2015 was announced by the Nobel Assembly from 5 October to 12 October 2015. The prizes were announced in different sections, namely Physics, Chemistry, Physiology, Literature, Peace and Economics.


Iran Parliament approves Nuclear Deal with world powers
World > Iran
Iran's parliament approved the country's nuclear deal with world powers, paving the way for the historic agreement curbing Tehran's atomic programme to take effect and for sanctions to end. The vote came after fierce debate over the terms of the accord, which was struck on July 14 but has faced a rough ride from hardliners in Tehran and in the US Congress.


Citizenship given to 14,864 people who opt to stay in India
India > Indian Citizenship
India has accorded citizenship to 14,864 persons who were living in the enclaves on the Bangladesh side, as part of a recent landmark land boundary agreement signed by Narendra Modi government with the neighbouring country. The process of swapping enclaves on both the sides were going on for last few months in Cooch Behar, West Bengal, which was being monitored by ministry of home affairs.


Others

India in talks with Peru for free trade pact and to widen trade base with Latin American nations
Economy > Foreign Trade
On October 12, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian Army (IA) began a joint counter-terrorism exercise, codenamed Hand-in-Hand 2015, at Kunming Military Academy in Yunnan province located in south-western China. The aim of the exercise is to develop joint operating capability, share useful experience in counter-terrorism operations and to promote friendly exchanges between the armies of India and China.


BJP MLAs thrash legislator who hosted ‘beef party’ in JK
India > JK assembly
BJP legislators thrashed independent MLA Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rashid inside the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly for holding a beef protest in Srinagar on Wednesday. Rashid's protest was a part of a series of such beef parties organised across the country following the lynching of Mohammed Akhlaq in Uttar Pradesh's Dadri area last week.


Sekhar Basu to be the next chairman of Atomic Energy Commission
India > Atomic Energy Commission
Renowned scientist Sekhar Basu was on Friday appointed as chairman of Atomic Energy Commission.
Basu, who is presently director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and chief executive of the Nuclear Recycle Board (NRB), will replace RK Sinha who superannuates on October 23 and he will have a tenure till September 19, 2016. Basu has also been appointed Secretary, department of atomic energy.


UN proposes unity government to end Libya conflict
World > Libya conflict
The UN envoy for Libya has announced a national unity government for Libya after months of talks between the North African country's two rival governments. Bernardino Leon told reporters that the names of candidates for the national unity government have been decided. Leon said the prime minister for the new government is Fayez Sarraj, a member of the Tripoli-based administration.


Fourth International Day of the Girl Child observed across the world
Days > Fourth International Day of the Girl Child
The Fourth International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) was observed across the world on 11 October 2015 with the theme The Power of Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030. To mark the occasion campaigns, meetings and workshops were held to across the world to raise awareness about importance of girl child and steps to promote gender equality.


KP Sharma Oli becomes Nepal's new prime minister
Politics and Government > Nepal's New Prime Minister
Nepal's parliament has chosen Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli as the new prime minister, sweeping him into a number of challenges from rebuilding recently earthquake-hit areas and calming street protests, to soothing tensions with neighbouring India.


China and India Hold Joint Military Exercise
World > China - India Joint Military Exercise
On October 12, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian Army (IA) began a joint counter-terrorism exercise, codenamed Hand-in-Hand 2015, at Kunming Military Academy in Yunnan province located in south-western China. The aim of the exercise is to develop joint operating capability, share useful experience in counter-terrorism operations and to promote friendly exchanges between the armies of India and China.


Jamaica’s Marlon James Wins Man Booker Prize
Awards > Man Booker Prize
A fictional history of the attempted murder of Bob Marley in 1976 has given Jamaica its first ever Man Booker winner. Marlon James has become the first Jamaican author to win the prize in its 47-year history for his 686-page epic A Brief History of Seven Killings.


Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Starred Articles

83rd Air Force Day observed across India
Days > 83rd Air Force Day > 8th October
The Air Force Day 2015 was on 8 October 2015 observed across India. This is the 83rd celebration of the Day that began in 1932. This prestigious occasion was marked with celebrations at the Hindon Air Force Station in Ghaziabad. The day was observed to increase the awareness about the importance of Indian air force in any organization of the national security by both officially and publicly.


Fourth International Day of the Girl Child observed across the world
Days > Fourth International Day of the Girl Child > 11th October
The Fourth International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) was observed across the world on 11 October 2015 with the theme The Power of Adolescent Girl: Vision for 2030. To mark the occasion campaigns, meetings and workshops were held to across the world to raise awareness about importance of girl child and steps to promote gender equality.


KP Sharma Oli becomes Nepal's new prime minister
Politics and Government > Nepal's New Prime Minister > 11th October
Nepal's parliament has chosen Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli as the new prime minister, sweeping him into a number of challenges from rebuilding recently earthquake-hit areas and calming street protests, to soothing tensions with neighbouring India.


List of Nobel Prize Winners 2015
Awards > Nobel Prize Winners 2015 > 12th October
Nobel Prizes 2015 was announced by the Nobel Assembly from 5 October to 12 October 2015. The prizes were announced in different sections, namely Physics, Chemistry, Physiology, Literature, Peace and Economics.


Others

Bandhan Bank to add 105 branches in next five months
Banking and Insurance > Bandhan Bank > 8th October
Newly-opened private sector lender Bandhan Bank said it plans to launch 105 more branches in next five months as part of its expansion drive. The bank, which started operations on August 23, has 523 branches at present.


Indian fighter jets to have women pilots soon, says Air Force chief Arup Raha
India > Indian Air Force > 8th October
Soon, probably within the next two to three years, Indian women pilots will be able to tear into the skies in supersonic fighter jets, breaking the sound barrier with sonic booms. Signalling a major break from the rigid combat-exclusion policy for women in the armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha announced that IAF will now allow women officers to fly fighters.


HDFC Bank launches nationwide campaign to go digital
Banking and Insurance > HDFC Bank > 9th October
Private sector lender HDFC Bank launched a nationwide campaign to position itself as a premier digital bank. The three-month long campaign delves into HDFC Bank's products and offerings. The theme of the campaign is that digital banking is enabling customer convenience as never before.


World Post Day observed globally
Days > World Post Day > 9th October
World Post Day was observed globally on 9 October 2015 with the theme Posts claim their place in the changing communication landscape. The day marks the date of establishment of Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874 in Bern, Switzerland.


Sekhar Basu to be the next chairman of Atomic Energy Commission
India > Atomic Energy Commission > 9th October
Renowned scientist Sekhar Basu was on Friday appointed as chairman of Atomic Energy Commission.
Basu, who is presently director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) and chief executive of the Nuclear Recycle Board (NRB), will replace RK Sinha who superannuates on October 23 and he will have a tenure till September 19, 2016. Basu has also been appointed Secretary, department of atomic energy.


World Mental Health Day
Days > World Mental Health Day > 10th October
World Post Day was observed globally on 10 October 2015. People with anxiety disorder struggle to remember the last time they felt relaxed. It is important to address the issue early before it leads to more serious types of mental health disorders.


Yes Bank gets RBI nod for mutual fund, AMC and trustee company
Banking and Insurance > Yes Bank > 12th October
Private sector lender Yes Bank said it has got the Reserve Bank’s approval to set up a mutual fund, asset management company (AMC) and a trustee company. Asset management companies and trustee companies will be wholly owned subsidiaries of Yes Bank.


China and India Hold Joint Military Exercise
World > China - India Joint Military Exercise > 12th October
On October 12, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian Army (IA) began a joint counter-terrorism exercise, codenamed Hand-in-Hand 2015, at Kunming Military Academy in Yunnan province located in south-western China. The aim of the exercise is to develop joint operating capability, share useful experience in counter-terrorism operations and to promote friendly exchanges between the armies of India and China.