Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Starred Articles

Terror attacks Pathankot air force base, India-Pakistan thaw
India > Pathankot Terror Attack > 03rd January
A week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unannounced trip to Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif’s home in Lahore to signal the willingness at the top to revive ties between the two countries, heavily-armed terrorists, suspected to be members of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad, attacked the Pathankot airbase.

Security forces, including commandos of the National Security Guard and Army and Indian Air Force personnel, engaged the terrorists, and gunbattles through the day left at least four terrorists and three security personnel dead. Sources confirmed that six terrorists were killed till now.



Diplomatic crisis deepens in West Asia
World > Saudi Embassy > 04th January
Saudi Arabia's execution of leading Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr sparked a violent protest at the Saudi Embassy in Iran's capital, Tehran. Saudi Arabia then quickly severed ties with its longtime regional rival.

The cleric was an outspoken critic of the Saudi government, calling for more rights for the country's marginalized Shiite community. Sudan and Kuwait have also severed ties with Iran and given Iranian diplomats two weeks to leave the country.


North Korea leader touts 'thrilling sound' of hydrogen bomb in test order
World > Hydrogen Bomb Test > 06th January
The North Korea had conducted its first "successful" miniaturised hydrogen bomb test — a shock announcement that drew condemnation from its neighbours including its major ally China. The test was initially detected by international seismology centres as a 5.1-magnitude tremor next to the North's main Punggye-ri nuclear test site in the northeast of the country.


Others

From January 1, UK to stop financial aid to India
Politics and Government > UK-India > 31st December
From January 1, 2016, India will no longer receive financial aid from the UK, a decision which was taken by the British government in 2012 after a domestic outcry about India's growing economic status. The transition has taken three years during which the existing financial grant projects were completed and the unutilized funds moved into what are called "technical assistance" projects.


India offers no duty cuts on steel to China, Australia and New Zealand
Economy > Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement > 31st December
India has not offered any duty cut on steel to China, Australia and New Zealand as part of the ongoing negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. To protect steel and other manufacturing sectors, the country has not come out with any duty reduction for these three countries.


PSBs to strengthen exam for clerical posts
Banking and Insurance > Public Sector Banks > 03rd January
Finance Ministry has asked Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to strengthen written examination for recruitment of clerical and sub-staff posts as there will be no interviews for such appointments. The decision to change the recruitment process follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive that there was no need for holding interviews for lower level posts.


Government plans to make PAN as Business Identification Number for companies and firms
Corporate > Business Identification Number > 04th January
In a step towards a single-window clearance mechanism at the central level, the government plans to make the permanent account number (PAN) as the Business Identification Number (BIN) for companies and firms. The move is aimed at doing away with the need for separate registration with authorities ranging from the registrar of companies to the direct and indirect tax wings, the labour department and for export and import.


Pakistan arrests 42 IS supporters
World > Islamic State Group > 04th January
At least 42 militants allegedly linked to Islamic State group have been arrested in Pakistan's Punjab province as part of a campaign to "wipe the threat of IS" from the country. The arrests were made during a series of raids by counter-terrorism officials to nab the alleged supporters and activists of the dreaded terrorist group in Pakistan.


Sushil Agarwal becomes Aditya Birla group CFO
Corporate > Aditya Birla Group > 05th January
Aditya Birla Group has brought changes in its senior management team with Grasim Industries CFO and whole-time director Sushil Agarwal being elevated to the additional role of group CFO. Sushil Agarwal will hold the additional responsibility of group CFO


Obama to introduce gun control measures bypassing Congress
World > Gun Control Measures > 05th January
US President Barack Obama is set to introduce a series of gun control executive measures, including expanding background checks, bypassing the Congress in a bid to control mass shooting menace that has claimed over 100,000 lives in the last decade.


Indian peacekeepers awarded medals for courage in Liberia
Politics and Government > UN Mission in Liberia > 06th January
Indian peacekeepers in Liberia, including a women contingent, were honoured with medals for their courage and service in maintenance of peace and security in the West African country. The 125-strong Indian Formed Police Unit along with 12 Indian personnel of the UN Police serving in the UN Mission in Liberia ( UNMIL) were awarded medals during a parade ceremony held recently in Congo Town in Montserrado County.


Pranav Dhanawade's 1009 leaves world cricket fraternity gushing
Sports > Cricket > 06th January
Pranav Dhanawade, a 15-year-old, scored 1,009* at an alarming clip, hitting 129 fours and 59 sixes in his 327-ball innings that lasted 396 minutes. Pranav shared two 500-run partnerships - 546 for the opening wicket and 530 for the second wicket.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Starred Articles

From January 1, UK to stop financial aid to India
Politics and Government > UK-India > 31st December
From January 1, 2016, India will no longer receive financial aid from the UK, a decision which was taken by the British government in 2012 after a domestic outcry about India's growing economic status. The transition has taken three years during which the existing financial grant projects were completed and the unutilized funds moved into what are called "technical assistance" projects.


PSBs to strengthen exam for clerical posts
Banking and Insurance > Public Sector Banks > 03rd January
Finance Ministry has asked Public Sector Banks (PSBs) to strengthen written examination for recruitment of clerical and sub-staff posts as there will be no interviews for such appointments. The decision to change the recruitment process follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive that there was no need for holding interviews for lower level posts.


Terror attacks Pathankot air force base, India-Pakistan thaw
India > Pathankot Terror Attack > 03rd January
A week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an unannounced trip to Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif’s home in Lahore to signal the willingness at the top to revive ties between the two countries, heavily-armed terrorists, suspected to be members of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Muhammad, attacked the Pathankot airbase.

Security forces, including commandos of the National Security Guard and Army and Indian Air Force personnel, engaged the terrorists, and gunbattles through the day left at least four terrorists and three security personnel dead. Sources confirmed that six terrorists were killed till now.



RBI imposes Rs 1 crore fine on State Bank of Travancore
Banking and Insurance > RBI > 04th January
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had imposed a Rs 1 crore penalty on State Bank of Travancore for violation of its instructions, on reporting of data to Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC).


Others

Indian Navy successfully test fires Barak-8 long range missile from INS Kolkata
India > Barak-8 Missile > 30th December
In a boost to India’s maritime prowess, the Navy successfully test-fired the nearly 70 KM range Surface to Air Missile Barak 8 from INS Kolkata, paving the way for installation of the system, developed jointly by India and Israel, on board country’s frontline warships. The firing was undertaken on the Western Seaboard by INS Kolkata, wherein the missile successfully intercepted an aerial target at extended ranges.


Dr Gyanendra D Bandgaiyan appointed DG of National Centre for Good Governance
India > National Centre for Good Governance > 31st December
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Dr. Gyanendra D. Bandgaiyan, former Chief Economist, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), as Director General, National Centre for Good Governance under the Department of Personnel & Training.


TOI Sportsperson of the Year: Sania Mirza's triumphal march
Sports > TOI Sportsperson of the Year > 31st December
Sania Mirza's indomitable spirit and relentless quest for glory made her the face of Indian sporting success in 2015. She won a stupendous 10 doubles titles, 9 of them, including 2 Grand Slams, with Martina Hingis and also became the first woman from the country to reach the world No. 1 ranking.


India offers no duty cuts on steel to China, Australia and New Zealand
Economy > Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement > 31st December
India has not offered any duty cut on steel to China, Australia and New Zealand as part of the ongoing negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. To protect steel and other manufacturing sectors, the country has not come out with any duty reduction for these three countries.


Atul Sobti appointed as the new CMD of BHEL
India > Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited > 01st January
Atul Sobti has been working as a board director in Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) was appointed as the chairman and managing director (CMD) of the company. Sobti, was responsible for spearheading and strategising for the power sector business of BHEL and under his stewardship, BHEL’s power business has achieved major milestones.


World Braille Day observed on 4 January
Days > World Braille Day > 04th January
World Braille Day was observed across the world on 4 January 2016 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Louis Braille. To mark this occasion, NGOs, as well as other organizations came together to raise awareness about the apathy towards visually impaired people and to help them be equal with the rest of the people.


India successfully test-fired indigenously developed MBRL Pinaka II at Pokhran
India > MBRL Pinaka II > 04th January
Amament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) in the last week of December 2015 successfully test-fired Pinaka II multi barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) System. The three-day long user assisted trials were conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan.


Government plans to make PAN as Business Identification Number for companies and firms
Corporate > Business Identification Number > 04th January
In a step towards a single-window clearance mechanism at the central level, the government plans to make the permanent account number (PAN) as the Business Identification Number (BIN) for companies and firms. The move is aimed at doing away with the need for separate registration with authorities ranging from the registrar of companies to the direct and indirect tax wings, the labour department and for export and import.


Important win for Indian football
Sports > Football > 05th January
India scripted a great comeback win against Afghanistan to win the SAFF Suzuki Cup football championship at the Greenfield stadium. Very much the underdog at the start of the final, the young Indian side showed a lot of character to author one of the finest wins in the history of Indian football. Stephen Constantine, a hard man to please credited the victory to the whole team and to the whole of India.



Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Starred Articles

India paid Rs 400 crore to international agencies, Japan, Germany for unutilized external loans
Economy > International Agencies
India has paid over Rs 400 crore in the last four years as commitment charges to the Asian Development Bank, Japan, Germany and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for unutilised external loans taken to fund development projects.


Iraqi Army Defeats ISIS in Its First Major Victory Over The Militant Group In Ramadi
World > Iraq
The Iraqi army's capture of Ramadi, the provincial capital lying west to Baghdad, comes as a huge victory for the US-backed forces in the country especially after the capital was razed to ground by the militants nearly 18 months ago. The takeover of Ramadi by the Iraqi troops has finally deprived the ISIS of its political stronghold. The militants had seized it in May which had prompted the US to rethink its strategy against the Islamic State.


China launches 'most sophisticated' observation satellite Gaofen-4
World > China
China successfully launched its "most sophisticated" observation satellite, Gaofen-4, as part of the country's high-definition earth observation project. Gaofen-4 was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the southwestern province of Sichuan aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket.


Suicide blast in govt office in Pakistan, 22 dead, 40 injured
World > Pakistan
A suicide bomber attacked a government office in Pakistan, killing at least 22 people and wounding more than 30, officials said. The attacker targeted a branch of the National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra), which issues government ID cards, in the northwestern town of Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.


Intelligence alert regarding terror attacks by Lashkar-e-Taiba on PM Modi, Parliament
India > Terror attack
Intelligence agencies have issued an alert regarding terror attacks by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) at various locations in the country during New Year. According to the intelligence reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Parliament building may be on the radar of the terror group.


Others

Pawan Kumar Agarwal appointed as CEO of FSSAI
India > FSSAI
Senior IAS officer Pawan Kumar Agarwal was on 22 December 2015 appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Pawan Kumar Agarwal is a 1985 batch IAS officer of West Bengal cadre. He is presently serving as the Joint Secretary in Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.


30th National Consumers Right Day observed
Days > National Consumers Right Day
30th National Consumers Right Day was observed across India on 24 December 2015. The day provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of the consumer movement and the need to make every consumer more aware of their rights and responsibilities.


Gautam Bambawale appointed High Commissioner of India to Pakistan
India > High Commissioner of India to Pakistan
Gautam H Bambawale, presently the Indian ambassador to Bhutan, has been appointed the next High Commissioner of lndia to the lslamic Republic of Pakistan. Bambawale will replace TCA Raghavan in Islamabad. His appointment comes at time when India and Pakistan have decided to start a comprehensive bilateral dialogue earlier this month during the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Islamabad.


Agriculture Ministry launches two mobile apps for farmers
Politics and Government > Mobile Apps for Farmers
In a bid to let farmers harvest the best of mobile technology, the Agriculture Ministry had launched two mobile apps for farmers. According to Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh by launching the apps the government would launch a new crop insurance scheme next month, which would aim speedy disposal of claims with very less premiums.


Indigenously developed Air-to-Air missile Astra successfully test fired
India > Air-to-Air Missile Astra
Indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, Astra, was on 25 December 2015 successfully test fired. The test was conducted by the Indian Air Force off the coast of Odisha near the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Balasore. In addition to this air trial, the missile underwent successful ground based trials in early December 2015 near Pune.


Good Governance Day observed on 25 December
Days > Good Governance Day
Good Governance Day was observed on 25 December 2015 across the country. The day was observed to mark the birth anniversary of former-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.


China adopted Anti-Terrorism Bill, 2015; First counter-terrorism law in history
World > Anti-Terrorism Bill 2015
China’s National People's Congress Standing Committee, country’s top legislature, on 27 December 2015 approved Anti-Terrorism Bill, 2015 to address terrorism at home and help maintain world security. It is country’s first counter-terrorism law and will enter into force in January 2016.


India-Iran strategic partnership discussed at first Joint Commission Meeting
Politics and Government > India-Iran Partnership
The first India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) since the historic nuclear deal and decision to ease sanctions from Tehran discussed measures to expand economic and strategic partnership including increasing oil imports from the Persian Gulf country besides disbursement of pending oil payments, investments by Delhi in Iran's hydro-carbon sector and tried to iron out irritants to seal the contract for key Chabahar Port by next month.


Modi government to rename new-look Indira Awaas Yojana to Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana
Economy > Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana
The Modi government is renaming yet another welfare programme to remove its association with the Gandhi family. This time it's the Indira Awaas Yojana, which aims to build homes for the rural poor. It's to be renamed the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana.


Bihar CM bans sirens in VIP vehicles in Patna
India > Bihar
In light of the rising noise pollution in Patna, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar banned the use of hooters in vehicles, except in those of the Governor, Patna high court Chief Justice, fire engines and ambulances. Kumar stressed on the measures at a home department review meeting to contain noise pollution by blaring hooters of vehicles belonging to VVIPSs and VIPs, and also directed putting in place measures to end unnecessary blaring of horns by regular vehicles.


China launches 'most sophisticated' observation satellite Gaofen-4
Science and Technology > Gaofen-4 Satellite
China today successfully launched its "most sophisticated" observation satellite, Gaofen-4, as part of the country's high-definition earth observation project. Gaofen-4 was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the southwestern province of Sichuan aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket.


Karnataka's prisons dept to tie up with Flipkart, Amazon for Make-in-Prison mission
India > Karnataka
The Karnataka state's prisons department plans to tie up with e-commerce giants Flipkart, Amazon and other online platforms to sell products made by prisoners at Bengaluru's Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. The made-in-prison initiative will be a first in India, although the concept is common in countries like the UK, USA, Netherlands, Germany and Peru, which have even branded such products.


Indian Navy successfully test fires Long Range Barak 8 missile from INS Kolkata
India > Navy
The Indian Navy on Wednesday successfully conducted the maiden firing of its newly developed Long Range Barak 8 Surface-to-Air Missile (LR SAM), crossing a significant milestone in enhancing its anti-air warfare capability.


Iraqi PM visits Ramadi after declaring Isis will be 'terminated' in 2016
World > Iraq
Iraq prime minister Haider al-Abadi arrived in Ramadi a day after his government declared the city liberated from Islamic State. Abadi kicked off his tour with meetings with security and provincial officials. The recapture of the city, where the Iraqi flag was raised on Monday over government buildings that had served as Isis’s base in Ramadi, marks a key victory against the jihadis.


Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Starred Articles

Indigenously developed Air-to-Air missile Astra successfully test fired
India > Air-to-Air Missile Astra > 25th December
Indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, Astra, was on 25 December 2015 successfully test fired. The test was conducted by the Indian Air Force off the coast of Odisha near the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Balasore. In addition to this air trial, the missile underwent successful ground based trials in early December 2015 near Pune.


India paid Rs 400 crore to international agencies, Japan, Germany for unutilized external loans
Economy > International Agencies > 25th December
India has paid over Rs 400 crore in the last four years as commitment charges to the Asian Development Bank, Japan, Germany and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for unutilised external loans taken to fund development projects.


Good Governance Day observed on 25 December
Days > Good Governance Day > 25th December
Good Governance Day was observed on 25 December 2015 across the country. The day was observed to mark the birth anniversary of former-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.


China adopted Anti-Terrorism Bill, 2015; First counter-terrorism law in history
World > Anti-Terrorism Bill 2015 > 27th December
China’s National People's Congress Standing Committee, country’s top legislature, on 27 December 2015 approved Anti-Terrorism Bill, 2015 to address terrorism at home and help maintain world security. It is country’s first counter-terrorism law and will enter into force in January 2016.


Others

Pawan Kumar Agarwal appointed as CEO of FSSAI
India > FSSAI > 23rd December
Senior IAS officer Pawan Kumar Agarwal was on 22 December 2015 appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Pawan Kumar Agarwal is a 1985 batch IAS officer of West Bengal cadre. He is presently serving as the Joint Secretary in Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.


30th National Consumers Right Day observed
Days > National Consumers Right Day > 24th December
30th National Consumers Right Day was observed across India on 24 December 2015. The day provides an opportunity to highlight the importance of the consumer movement and the need to make every consumer more aware of their rights and responsibilities.


Gautam Bambawale appointed High Commissioner of India to Pakistan
India > High Commissioner of India to Pakistan > 24th December
Gautam H Bambawale, presently the Indian ambassador to Bhutan, has been appointed the next High Commissioner of lndia to the lslamic Republic of Pakistan. Bambawale will replace TCA Raghavan in Islamabad. His appointment comes at time when India and Pakistan have decided to start a comprehensive bilateral dialogue earlier this month during the visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Islamabad.


Agriculture Ministry launches two mobile apps for farmers
Politics and Government > Mobile Apps for Farmers > 24th December
In a bid to let farmers harvest the best of mobile technology, the Agriculture Ministry had launched two mobile apps for farmers. According to Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh by launching the apps the government would launch a new crop insurance scheme next month, which would aim speedy disposal of claims with very less premiums.


Globe Soccer Awards 2015 conferred
Awards > Globe Soccer Awards 2015 > 27th December
The Globe Soccer on 27 December 2015 presented the sixth edition of Globe Soccer Awards 2015 to the winners at a ceremony held in Dubai, UAE. Awarded for excellences in the field of football, Globe Soccer Awards are the first and only awards for the Best Club Director and the Best Agent of the Year.


340,000 bank employees across the country to strike work on January 8
Banking and Insurance > Strike Work > 28th December
On January 8, around 34,000 bank employees across the country would strike work to protest the violation of bilateral settlement by the five associate banks of State Bank of India. The five associate banks of the SBI are State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala, State Bank of Hyderabad and State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur.


India Post 's payment bank to start from March 2017
Banking and Insurance > India Post Payment Bank > 29th December
According to Union Minister for Communications and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad, the India Post Payment Bank will start operations in March 2017. Several Indian and foreign financial institutions such as the World Bank and Deutsche Bank have approached the state-owned postal department for a tie-up.


India-Iran strategic partnership discussed at first Joint Commission Meeting
Politics and Government > India-Iran Partnership > 29th December
The first India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) since the historic nuclear deal and decision to ease sanctions from Tehran discussed measures to expand economic and strategic partnership including increasing oil imports from the Persian Gulf country besides disbursement of pending oil payments, investments by Delhi in Iran's hydro-carbon sector and tried to iron out irritants to seal the contract for key Chabahar Port by next month.


Modi government to rename new-look Indira Awaas Yojana to Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana
Economy > Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana > 29th December
The Modi government is renaming yet another welfare programme to remove its association with the Gandhi family. This time it's the Indira Awaas Yojana, which aims to build homes for the rural poor. It's to be renamed the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana.


China launches 'most sophisticated' observation satellite Gaofen-4
Science and Technology > Gaofen-4 Satellite > 29th December
China today successfully launched its "most sophisticated" observation satellite, Gaofen-4, as part of the country's high-definition earth observation project. Gaofen-4 was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the southwestern province of Sichuan aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket.



Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Starred Articles

Indo-Japan N-deal to boost India's renewable energy plans
India > Indo-Japan N-deal
India's recent agreement with Japan on developing environmentally-friendly nuclear energy for civilian use is the right step and will boost the country's renewable energy plans, the IEA said in Singapore.


India to contribute $500,000 to UN emergency response fund
India > UN emergency response fund
India will contribute $500,000 to a UN rapid response funding mechanism for the 2015-16 period to support global humanitarian relief operations. India had contributed $500,000 to the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in 2014 and announced a similar contribution for the 2015-16 period.


Former Defence Secretary R K Mathur appointed new Chief Information Commissioner
Politics and Government > Chief Information Commissioner
Former Defence Secretary R K Mathur has been appointed as Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), breaking away from the convention of appointing the head from among the serving Information Commissioners. He will have tenure of about three years, till he attains the age of 65 years.


Demand in RS for immediate passage of juvenile bill
Politics and Government > Juvenile Justice Act
A demand for expeditious passage of the amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act to allow children between 16-18 years to be tried as adults in heinous crime cases was made in the Rajya Sabha, soon after the Supreme Court dismissed a plea against the release of the juvenile offender in the December 16 gang-rape case.


Others

Banks open over 19 crore accounts under PM Narendra Modi's Jan Dhan Yojana
Banking and Insurance > Jan Dhan Yojana
Banks have opened 19.21 crore accounts under the government's ambitious financial inclusion scheme Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana with deposit of more than Rs 26,819 crore. According to the finance ministry, RuPay cards have been issued to 16.51 crore customers and that two lakh accounts are opened every day.


India ranks 97th on Forbes' best countries for business list
India > Forbes' List
India has ranked a low 97th out of 144 nations, behind Kazakhstan and Ghana, on Forbes' annual list of the best countries for business in 2015, scoring poorly on metrics like trade and monetary freedom and tackling challenges like corruption and violence. Denmark topped the list of the 144 nations on the Best Countries of Business in 2015 list by Forbes.


Sahitya Akademi awards announced for the year 2015
Awards > Sahitya Akademi Awards
Sahitya Akademi on 17 December 2015 announced the Sahitya Akademi Awards for the year 2015 in 23 languages. Poetry and short story writers dominated the awards. Among the winning books are six poetry collections, six books of short stories and four novels, besides two books each of essays and criticism.


PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Make in India Week on February 13
Politics and Government > Make in India Week
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Make in India Week in Mumbai on February 13. The event would be inaugurated on February 13 by the Prime Minister. The theme of the event will be innovation, design and sustainability. The main aim of the event is to attract more FDI into the country.


India ranks 97th on Forbes' best countries for business list
Economy > Business List
India has ranked a low 97th out of 144 nations, behind Kazakhstan and Ghana, on Forbes' annual list of the best countries for business in 2015, scoring poorly on metrics like trade and monetary freedom and tackling challenges like corruption and violence.


RBI cancels registration certificate of 3 NBFCs
Banking and Insurance > RBI
The Reserve Bank has cancelled registration certificate of three non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). The three NBFCs are Bengaluru-based Malpani Holdings Private Ltd, Sachsons Leasing and Finance of New Delhi and Mumbai based Tej Gaurav Finance Limited.


Chennaiyin FC stun FC Goa 3-2 to win Indian Super League
Sports > Football
Chennaiyin FC stunned FC Goa 3-2 to emerge winners in the second edition in Fatorda. It was a shocking end to the match where Goa seemed to have done enough to steal the winner. Chennaiyin FC celebrated their win in front of a near empty stadium.


Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned Miss Universe 2015
World > Miss Universe 2015
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach of the Philippines was crowned Miss Universe 2015. Wurtzbach beat as many as 80 contestants, including India's Urvashi Rautela who didn't find a spot even in the top 15.


Government introduces bill for bankruptcy law in Parliament
Economy > Bill for Bankruptcy Law
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley introduced the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code in Parliament on Monday, looking to modernise an outdated system and allow speedy exits from failed businesses


India & US to talk on giving access to each other's military bases
Other > India - US Pact
India has agreed to reopen talks with the US on a pact to allow each other access to their military bases and ports, signalling a strategic shift from the UPA position to not take any such step for fear of conveying an impression of a military alliance.

The proposed pact, which is called the Logistics Support Agreement (LSA), allows both sides to make changes to each other's facilities in a way that it allows for easier conduct of military exercises besides expanding their scope and ambition


Landslide devastates Chinese industrial park, 91 missing
World > China
At least 91 people were missing after a huge mound of mud and construction waste collapsed at a business park in southern China and buried 33 buildings in the country's latest industrial disaster.

Serena Williams and Djokovic named players of the year by ITF
Sports > Tennis
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) named Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic as the women’s and men’s player of the year respectively. Both won three of the four Grand Slams in 2015 and are well clear in the world rankings.


Wipro to buy US-based Viteos Group for $130 million
Corporate > Wipro
India's third largest software exporter has agreed to buy US-based back-office outsourcing firm Viteos Group for $130 million, continuing with its traditional " string of pearls" acquisition strategy of making several buyouts of small companies that are a strategic fit. The acquisition will be completed in the quarter ending March 31, 2016.