Serena Williams of US won the womens single title of Australian Open 2015Published on: 02-FEB-2015Important for Exam:105 people agreedSerena Williams defeated Maria Sharapova 6-3, 7-6(5) in Melbourne, Australia to clinch sixth title of Australian Open. This was 19th career Grand Slam title for Williams who had never faced defeat by Sharapova since 2004.India successfully test-fired canister-based ICBM Agni-5 missilePublished on: 02-FEB-2015Important for Exam:203 people agreedIndia test-fired the maiden canister-based most potent missile Agni-V with a strike range over 5000 kilometers. It is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead of over one tonne.PETA announced to create India's first fenced elephant sanctuary near BengaluruPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:199 people agreedThe model of the sanctuary was designed by the PETA consultant and elephant expert Carol Buckley and it will come up in an area of 49.5 hectare within the Biological Park which is an extension of the Bannerghatta National Park.GTU launched e-Raksha Research Centre to fight cybercrimePublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:72 people agreedThe centre was launched to curb rising menace of cybercrimes. Centre will encourage research and enhance capability to provide solution for issues related to cyber security.Union Government divested 10 percent stake in Coal India LimitedPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:45 people agreedGovernment divested 63.16 crores shares (10 percent) of CIL through offer for sale (OFS) at a floor price of 358 rupees per share and realized an amount of 22557.63 crore rupees through the disinvestment process.18th National Conference on e-Governance held in GujaratPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:80 people agreedThe main Theme of the Conference was Digital Governance New Frontiers. The focus sector was Skill Development & Employability.Maharashtra approved field trials for GM foodPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:47 people agreedMaharashtra government on the basis of recommendations of Anil Kakodkar committee granted NOCs for open field trials of five genetically modified (GM) crops. The crops are rice, chana (chickpeas), maize, brinjal and cotton.Churches in England opposed Mitochondria Donation Technique to produce babiesPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:24 people agreedThe British government was urged to block the technique of creation of babies from three people by Churches of England. The technique involves addition of a donor woman's mitochondria to another woman's egg.Union Government approved a rehabilitation package of 1102-crore rupees for J&KPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:13 people agreedRehabilitation package of 1102 crore rupees approved for flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir. The fund was sanctioned from the National Disaster Response Fund.Union Government released Commemorative Postage stamps with Swachh Bharat Mission as themePublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:61 people agreedThe Commemorative Postage stamps were released by the Union Ministry for Communications & Information Technology.Paul van Ass appointed as coach of National Mens Hockey teamPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:58 people agreedFormer Dutch National Hockey team coach Paul van Ass was on 30 January 2015 appointed as the head Coach of Indian men's hockey team. He succeeded Terry Walsh of Australia.Kanagasabapathy J Sripavan sworn-in as 44th Chief Justice of Sri LankaPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:25 people agreedJustice Sripavan succeeded Shirani Bandaranayake who resigned on 29 January 2015. She resigned one day after she was reinstated as Chief Justice by the Sri Lankan President on 28 January 2015.RBI constituted High Powered Committee headed by R Gandhi on Urban Cooperative BanksPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:36 people agreedA high Powered Committee chaired by R Gandhi constituted to re-examine and recommend set of businesses, size, conversion and licensing terms for the Urban Cooperative Banking Sector.AP Government decided to file a defamation suit against the State Bank of HyderabadPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:17 people agreedState government will file a defamation suit as SBH has freezed account of Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education.S Lakshminarayanan appointed as Chairman of Shriram Transport Finance Co LtdPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:13 people agreedThe decision to appoint S Lakshminarayanan as Chairman of STFC was taken during a board meeting of the company held at Colombo on 24 January 2015.Krishna Chaudhary appointed as the Director General of ITBPPublished on: 31-JAN-2015Important for Exam:35 people agreedKrishna Chaudhary appointed as the DG of ITBP which was lying vacant since 1 January 2015 after retirement of Subhas Goswami. Chaudhary will be in office till June 2017.DRDO received approval to build missile launch testing facility in the Krishna Delta ComplexPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:51 people agreedThe approval was granted by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife chaired by Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.UNCTAD released Global Investment Trends Monitor ReportPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:40 people agreedThe report highlights that Global Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows declined by 8 percent in 2014 to an estimated 1.26 trillion US dollarsKarnataka Government decided to amend Karnataka Compulsory Primary Education Act, 2012Published on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:29 people agreedThe State Government decided to amend the Section 19(2) of the Act by inserting words Mother Tongue Kannada. This insertion guarantees that Kannada language will become compulsory for children from Class I to V.Union Ministry of Defence announced 2015 Republic Day Parade AwardsPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:121 people agreedThe panels was appointed by the Defence Ministry for assessing the marching contingents from three Services, Para-Military Forces and tableaux from various States/ Ministries/Departments and School Children items from Schools of Delhi as well as outside Delhi.Union Sports Ministry revised the Scheme of Special Awards to medal winnersPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedThe amount of award money for medal winners in Olympic Games (summer and winter) has been enhanced from existing 50 lakh rupees (gold medal), 30 lakh rupees (silver medal) and 20 lakh rupees (bronze medal) to 75 lakh rupees, 50 lakh rupees and 30 lakh rupees respectively.Zomato Media Pvt Ltd acquired Turkey-based firm MekanistPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedOnline restaurant search service provider Zomato Media Pvt Ltd on 29 January 2015 acquired Turkish company Mekanist for an undisclosed sum.Subhash Ghising, the President of Gorkha National Liberation Front (GNLF), diedPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedSubhash Ghising, the person who gave birth to Gorkhaland movement and raised voice for creation of a separate Gorkhaland state for ethnic Gorkha (Nepali) living in Darjeeling District of West Bengal died.Hanumanthu Purushotham took charge as CMD of NRDCPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:32 people agreedEarlier, he was Scientist-G and Head of Knowledge Management Centre at International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials (ARCI), Department of Science and Technology at Hyderabad.Anti-Leprosy Day observed to focus Attention on DiseasePublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:28 people agreedThe day is celebrated in the memory of Mahatma Gandhi in order to re-memorize his selfless efforts and care for the people affected by the infectious disease leprosy.Malaysia declared MH370 flight disappearance an accidentPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:18 people agreedThe declaration was made by the Director General of Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) Azharuddin Abdul Rahman in accordance with standards of annexes 12 and 13 of the International Civil Aviation.ErosNow tied up with RailTel to provide Streaming Services to Rail PassengersPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:20 people agreedWith the help of this tie-up, the railway passengers will soon have access to movies, television content, music videos and audio tracks.Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel launched Taluka Planning AtlasPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:34 people agreedThe Taluka Planning Atlas seeks to enable the local administration in taking effective decisions about the development in respective regions.20th Law Commission submitted 253rd Report titled Commercial Courts Bill 2015 to Union GovernmentPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:70 people agreed20th Law Commission of India headed by Justice (retd) A P Shah submitted its 253rd report entitled Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts and Commercial Courts Bill, 2015 to Union Government.ICC lifted the five-year ban imposed on Pakistans fast bowler Mohammad AmirPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:14 people agreedICC lifted the five-year ban imposed on Mohammad Amir who was jailed and banned for a spot fixing scam along with Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt during Pakistans tour of England in 2010.Shekhar Sen appointed as Chairman of Sangeet Natak AkademiPublished on: 30-JAN-2015Important for Exam:29 people agreedShekhar Sen will succeed Leela Samson as the Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi.Union Government launched Website, Logo, Vision, Mission of NHIDCLPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:109 people agreedThe NHIDCL as a fully owned company of the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India was incorporated on 18 July 2014.Shirani Bandaranayake reinstated as Chief Justice of Sri LankaPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:22 people agreedWith the reinstatement of Bandaranayake, the appointment of Mohan Peiris as Chief Justice of Sri Lanka by former President Mahinda Rajapaksa was cancelled and termed as illegal appointment.World Bank released a report on Social Inclusion and Sustainable Development in Himachal PradeshPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:53 people agreedIt is the first report of its kind for Himachal Pradesh. It is a macro-social account of the states achievements over the past several decades.India to host ICC Twenty20 World Cup in 2016Published on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:40 people agreedThe meeting was chaired by N Srinivasan in the presence of all the full-member and associate representatives.Purple Tea can be produced in Assam: ExpertsPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:50 people agreedAssams Longai area of Cachar district in the Barak Valley and the hilly forested areas of Karbi Anglong district are capable of producing health-rich purple tea. Currently, this variety of tea is produced only in Kenya.CCEA approved HDFC Banks proposal to raise foreign holding limit to 74 per centPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:14 people agreedHDFC Bank would raise the fund through issuing of equity shares to non-resident Indians (NRIs) or foreign institutional investors (FIIs) or foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) subject to aggregate foreign shareholding not exceeding 74 per cent of the post issue paid up capital.Union Cabinet approved MoU on Tourism between India and OmanPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:39 people agreedThe MoU will strengthen cooperation in the field of tourism between tourism ministries of both the countries.Sean Abbott of Australia named as the Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year 2015Published on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:24 people agreedSean Abbott named as Australias young cricketer of the Year 2015. Steve Smith received the Allan Border Medal and was named as Test and ODI player of the year.Kunal Jeswani appointed as CEO of Ogilvy & Mather IndiaPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:10 people agreedThe post of CEO of Ogilvy & Mather India was lying vacant since 2008 when the then CEO Pratap Bose resigned.Malayalam actor Mala Aravindan diedPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedMala Aravindan died on 28 January 2015 following cardiac arrest in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. He was 76.Steve Easterbrook appointed as CEO of McDonalds CorporationPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:10 people agreedSteve Easterbrook will succeed Don Thompson who decided to retire as President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald's on 1 March 2015.Union Cabinet reconstituted Empowered Committee on setting up of Semiconductor Wafer FAB projectsPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:18 people agreedThe Union Cabinet on 28 January 2015 reconstituted the Empowered Committee on setting up of Semiconductor Wafer Fabrication (FAB) manufacturing facilities in the country.CCEA approved mandatory packaging of food-grains, sugar in Jute material for the Jute Year 2014-15Published on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedThe Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 28 January 2015 approved mandatory packaging of food-grains and sugar in Jute material for the Jute Year 2014-15 with certain exemptions.S Jaishankar appointed as the Foreign Secretary of IndiaPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:25 people agreedDr. S Jaishankar appointed as the new Foreign Secretary. He replaced current Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh whose tenure was curtailed by nearly seven months.Australian golfer Kelvin David George Nagle diedPublished on: 29-JAN-2015Important for Exam:16 people agreedKelvin David George Nagle, winner of British Open in 1960 died on 29 January 2015 in Sydney at the age of 94. He held a record of winning 61 tournaments on the Australasian PGA tour.66th Republic Day celebrated across the NationPublished on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:276 people agreedMain theme of 2015 Republic Day Parade was Women Empowerment (Nari Shakti).Apple Inc recorded the highest-ever profit of 18 billion US dollars in corporate history worldwidePublished on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:24 people agreedAccording to S&P analyst Howard Silverblatt, the profit of 18 billion US dollar was the largest profit ever made by a public company in the corporate history worldwide.Hockey Olympian Jaswant Singh Rajput diedPublished on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:21 people agreedHockey Olympian Jaswant Singh Rajput who was part of Indian hockey team that won gold medal in 1948 London and 1952 Helsinki Olympics died on 28 January 2015. He was 88.K Durga Prasad appointed as the Special DG of CRPFPublished on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:26 people agreedUnion Government appointed an IPS officer of 1981 batch from Andhra Pradesh K Durga Prasad as the Special Director General of the CRPF on 27 January 2015.Maharashtra government decided to buy a house in London where BR Ambedkar stayedPublished on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:35 people agreedDr BR Ambedkar house in London where he lived while pursing his higher studies in the London School of Economics during 1921-22 will be purchased by Maharashtra Government.Saina Nehwal won womens single of Syed Modi Grand Prix Gold Badminton Tournament 2015Published on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:54 people agreedShe defeated World Champion Carolina Marin of Spain 19-21, 25-23, 21-16 in the finals played at Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project in Sunderbans got a fresh start with expert assistancePublished on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedRenowned experts in herpetology who introduced global best practices in crocodile conservation gave a fresh start to the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project in Sunderbans.Chandigarh launched a smart city app named Smart ChandigarhPublished on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedThe app was launched to create awareness on consumer rights and responsibilities and provide all types of citizen-centric and public utility services and information to the residents.Wing Commander Puja Thakur became first lady officer to lead Inter-Service Guard of HonourPublished on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:99 people agreedThakur leading the Inter-Service Guard of Honour was in line with the theme of Nari Shakti (Women Power) chosen for the 2015 Republic Day parade.RBI signed an MoU on Supervisory Cooperation with Banco Central do BrasilPublished on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:62 people agreedRBI inked MoU on Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information with Banco Central do Brasil (BCB).Arundhathi Subramaniam won Khushwant Singh Memorial Prize for PoetryPublished on: 28-JAN-2015Important for Exam:30 people agreedPoet Arundhathi Subramaniam won the inaugural Khushwant Singh Memorial Prize for Poetry for her work When God is a Traveller at Jaipur Literature Festival.Alexis Tsipras sworn in as PM of GreecePublished on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedHe became the first prime minister in Greek history to be sworn in without the traditional oath on a Bible and blessing of basil and water from the Greek Archbishop.India-US declared Joint Strategic Vision for the Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean RegionPublished on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:38 people agreedJoint Strategic Vision aimed to promote peace, prosperity and stability in Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean region.Jagannathan Chakravarthi appointed as Chief Financial Officer of Mindtree LimitedPublished on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedJagannathan Chakravarthi was on 23 January 2015 appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of Mindtree Limited with effect from 1 April 2015.Famous Greek Singer Demis Roussos DiedPublished on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:3 people agreedFamous Greek singer Demis Roussos died on 25 January 2015 in Athens, Greek following a brief illnessArgentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme retired from FootballPublished on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:7 people agreed36-year-old legendary Argentine footballer Juan Roman Riquelme retired from football on 26 January 2015. He captained Argentina in 2006 World Cup.Divya Prakash Sinha appointed as Security Secretary in the Union Cabinet SecretariatPublished on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:36 people agreedDivya Prakash Sinha was appointed as Secretary (Security) in the Union Cabinet Secretariat. His appointment was approved by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).Major Mukund Varadarajan, Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh posthumously awarded with Ashok ChakraPublished on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:82 people agreedMajor Mukund Varadarajan and Naik Neeraj Kumar Singh were on 26 January 2015 posthumously awarded with the highest peacetime military honour the Ashok Chakra by President Pranab Mukherjee.President approved conferment of Padma Awards 2015 on 104 personsPublished on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:64 people agreedThe President of India Pranab Mukherjee approved the conferment of Padma Awards 2015 on 104 persons from the fields of art, social work, public affairs, science, trade, medicine, literature, etc.Legendary cartoonist R K Laxman diedPublished on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:27 people agreedLegendary cartoonist and creator of the Common Man in cartoons, R K Laxman died on 26 January 2015 at the age of 93. He was one of the Indias greatest caricaturists.India-US Business Summit held in New DelhiPublished on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:2 people agreedThe Summit was organized by the US India Business Council (USIBC) in partnership with Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).Miss Colombia Paulina Vega crowned Miss Universe 2014Published on: 27-JAN-2015Important for Exam:49 people agreedPaulina Vega of Colombia crowned as Miss Universe 2014. She was crowned by the 2013 pageant winner Venezuelan Gabriela Isler.India and the US released the Joint Statement titled Shared Effort; Progress for AllPublished on: 26-JAN-2015Important for Exam:3 people agreedThe two leaders pledged to translate their commitment of Chalein Saath Saath: Forward Together We Go of September 2014 into action through Sanjha Prayaas; Sab Ka Vikaas: Shared Effort; Progress For All.Former Thailand Premier Yingluck Shinawatra impeachedPublished on: 24-JAN-2015Important for Exam:60 people agreedYingluck is the first Prime Minister to be impeached by parliament in Thailands history. The impeachment was a result of an allegation for failing to stop corruption in rice-pledging scheme.RBI simplified procedure for External Commercial Borrowings PolicyPublished on: 24-JAN-2015Important for Exam:48 people agreedThe directions have been issued under sections 10(4) and 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. Changes are effected during the tenure of the ECB.Goa to host Indo-Russian Musical Festival ZimaFestPublished on: 24-JAN-2015Important for Exam:25 people agreedThe festival will host various world's best DJs and bands like Alisa, Dolphin, Parikrama and DJ sets by Karsh Kale, Mara, Kohra, Janux, XP Voodoo, Christ Burstein FT, Victoria Bourke, Bhavishyavani Future Soundz FT. M. Mat.Prime Minister presented National Bravery Awards 2014 to 24 awardeesPublished on: 24-JAN-2015Important for Exam:51 people agreed8 girls and 16 boys were conferred with National Bravery Awards. Four of them have been awarded posthumously. The awardees receive a medal, certificate and cash incentive. Also, they will participate in the Republic Day parade.National Girl Child Day observed on 24 JanuaryPublished on: 24-JAN-2015Important for Exam:43 people agreedNational Girl Child Day is observed on 24 January 2015 across the nation.SBI signed a loan agreement for 100 million Euro with European Investment BankPublished on: 24-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedEIB is a long-term lending institution of the European Union. The loan will be utilised for lending to private businesses in India. The agreement was signed on 19 January 2015. The agreement was facilitated by SBI Capital Markets.UN SecretaryGeneral appointed Saraswathy Menon in peace-building panelPublished on: 24-JAN-2015Important for Exam:36 people agreedThe others on the seven-member panel, formally known as advisory group on the review of the peace-building architecture, include a retired Pakistani major general, Anis Bajwa and Charles Petrie of France, who headed an internal review panel on UN actions in Sri Lanka.Kerala to get first International Institute of MusicPublished on: 23-JAN-2015Important for Exam:88 people agreedKerala Culture Minister K C Joseph on 22 January 2015 announced setting up of the International Institute of Music in Kerala.Telugu comedian Mailavarapu Surya Narayana passed awayPublished on: 23-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedTollywood Actor and comedian Mailavarapu Surya Narayana passed away on 23 January 2015 following multi-organ failure.Saudi Arabia King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz diedPublished on: 23-JAN-2015Important for Exam:44 people agreedSaudi Arabia King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz passed away on 23 January 2015 following a brief illness.R V Easwar appointed as Interim Chairman of DDCAPublished on: 23-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedFormer High Court judge Justice R V Easwar was on 22 January 2015 appointed as Interim Chairman of the Delhi and Districts Cricket Association (DDCA).Emami International FZE acquired 66.67 percent controlling stake in Fravin Pty LimitedPublished on: 23-JAN-2015Important for Exam:9 people agreedEmami International FZE, a subsidiary of Emami Group, on 22 January 2015 acquired 66.67 percent controlling stake in Australia-based Fravin Pty Limited.PM Narendra Modi launched Sukanya Samridhi Yojana under BBBP campaignPublished on: 23-JAN-2015Important for Exam:644 people agreedSukanya Samridhi Yojana will enable parents to open bank accounts of girls who are under 10 years of age.Dubais Maze Tower listed in Guinness World RecordsPublished on: 23-JAN-2015Important for Exam:51 people agreedDubais Maze Tower was listed in the Guinness World Record for being the worlds largest vertical maze. The maze tower was built by Al Rostamani Group of Dubai.Suzlon Energy announced to sell 100 percent stake in its German subsidiary Senvion SEPublished on: 22-JAN-2015Important for Exam:13 people agreedThe 100 percent stake was sold to US-based company Centerbridge Partners for 7200 crore rupees. The proceeds from sale of stake will be utilised towards debt reduction.Apple Inc acquired British startup firm Semetric LimitedPublished on: 22-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedApple Inc on 21 January 2015 acquired United Kingdom based startup firm Semetric Ltd to add music analytics tool in its devices.Jasjit Ahluwalia appointed as Dean of School of Public Health at Rutgers UniversityPublished on: 22-JAN-2015Important for Exam:4 people agreedAhluwalia will assume the office as Dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health from April 2015. Currently, he is a professor of internal medicine and epidemiology at the University of Minnesota.Pakistan's Ex-Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri penned a book titled Neither a Hawk nor a DovePublished on: 22-JAN-2015Important for Exam:49 people agreedThe book will be published by Penguin in India at the end of January 2015. The book is based upon the relations between India and Pakistan.Union Government launched National Heritage Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY)Published on: 22-JAN-2015Important for Exam:102 people agreedThe Union Ministry of Urban Development on 21 January 2015 launched the HRIDAY campaign that seeks to preserve and rejuvenate the rich cultural heritage of the country.Shanta Kumar Committee on FCI restructuring submitted its report to the Prime MinisterPublished on: 22-JAN-2015Important for Exam:96 people agreedShanta Kumar Committee on 21 January 2015 submitted its report on restructuring of Food Corporation of India (FCI) to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Snapdeal signed 50:50 Joint Venture with DEN to launch TV Commerce channel DEN Snapdeal TV shopPublished on: 22-JAN-2015Important for Exam:29 people agreedThrough this joint venture, Snapdeal aims to create a multi-nodal electronic shopping avenue for customers and it aims to take the DEN TV shop to 100 million households across IndiaWhatsApp unveiled a new service for sending messages from a Web browserPublished on: 22-JAN-2015Important for Exam:71 people agreedThe mobile messaging application WhatsApp on 21 January 2015 unveiled a new service for sending messages from a Web browser.CII and Alibaba signed agreement to provide global platform to Indian SMEsPublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:50 people agreedAlibaba.com and CII will collaborate and develop various trade opportunities and online promotions to facilitate greater economic engagement between Indian and Chinese small and medium enterprises (SMEs).NTCA released report on Status of Tigers in India, 2014Published on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:127 people agreedThe largest increase was recorded in the Western Ghats Landscape complex comprising Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Tamil Nadu with 776 tigers (up from 402 in 2006).ILO released a report titled World Employment and Social Outlook Trends 2015Published on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:449 people agreedThe report warned that unemployment will continue to rise in the coming years, as the global economy has entered a new period combining slower growth, widening inequalities and turbulence.Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna made it to Guinness World RecordsPublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:197 people agreedOut of the total account opened, 5.68 crore accounts belonged to male and 5.82 crore account belonged to females. In percentage terms, 49.37 % accounts belonged to male while 50.63% accounts belonged to females.India signed an agreement on transfer of sentenced persons with Hong KongPublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:30 people agreedUnder the agreement, the two sides will exchange sentenced prisoners in each other's jurisdiction. The agreement will mostly apply to Indian prisoners as there are very few Hong Kong residents in Indian prisons.Doctors sucessfully performed the first organ transplant on a newborn baby in BritainPublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:59 people agreedNews of the operation has been revealed in an article in the Archives of Diseases in Childhood in the third week of January 2015. This case has set a milestone in the care of newborns in the Britain.Oxfam released study tittled Wealth: Having it All and Wanting MorePublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedThe study highlighted that the wealthiest 1% will soon own more than the rest of the world's population by 2016. Currently, 85 billionaires have the same wealth as the bottom half of the worlds population.Indian Novelist Vikram Chandra named among the finalists of NBCC awardsPublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:34 people agreedNovelist Vikram Chandra named among the finalists for NBCC Awards for his non-fiction work Geek Sublime: The Beauty of Code, the Code of Beauty.Netherlands, Thailand inked MoU with Sikkim to help in development of floriculturePublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:106 people agreedState government of Sikkim Government reached an understanding with Governments of the Netherlands and Thailand for development of floriculture in the state.Periyar Tiger Reserve won NTCA biennial awardPublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:52 people agreedFor encouraging local public participation in managing the reserve, Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala won the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) biennial award.Hindi Novel Farishta authored by Kapil IsapuriPublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:34 people agreedKapil Isapuri, the Hindi novelist of Farishta accused filmmakers of PK for plagiarism. He has sought punitive damages of 1 crore rupees along with the credit of his work from the filmmakers.EU decided to lift ban on import of mangoes from IndiaPublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:27 people agreed28-member European Union decided to lift ban on the import of mangoes from India. The proposal to lift the ban was unanimously voted by the European Commission standing committee on plant health.17 Skill Development Centres launched by Chief Minister of Andhra PradeshPublished on: 21-JAN-2015Important for Exam:20 people agreedTo impart training and to hone skills of youth, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched 17 Skill Development Centres (SDC) in Andhra Pradesh.Four ICG vessels commissioned at Mormugao Port of VascoPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:29 people agreedFour Indian Coast Guard (ICG) vessels namely ICG Amogh, ICG Ameya, Charlie 413 and Charlie 414 commissioned by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at Mormugao Port of Vasco in Goa.Ayonika Paul, Annu Raj Singh won gold at 4th Gun for Glory Shooting ChampionshipPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedThe championship was held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi in Pune from 15 January 2015 to 21 January 2015.ONGC inked MoC in Hydrocarbons and Energy with Pan-IITPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:18 people agreedIn response to Make in India initiative of Prime Minister, ONGC and Pan-IIT signed MoC to enhance exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbons and alternate sources of energy.World Economic Situation and Prospects 2015 report released by UNESCAPPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:43 people agreedUNESCAP released WESP 2015 report and projected that regional growth will pick up in 2015-16, as average GDP growth will accelerate from 5.0 percent in 2014 to 5.3 percent in 2015 and 5.7 percent in 2016.Scientists developed two new global maps to provide help in search for fresh farmlandPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:9 people agreedIt offered two types of data that experts argue is essential for the search. Now, two new global maps may provide some help in the search for fresh farmland.EU decided to appeal a decision by ECJ to remove Hamas from terror listPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedEU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini decided to appeal in a meeting with other foreign ministers from the 28 EU-member states.India signed MoU with South Africa for developing Youth EnterprisesPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:23 people agreedNational Small Industries Corporation Limited on 19 January 2015 signed a Memorandum of Understanding of Cooperation with the Black Business Council of South Africa.WHO released Global Status Report on Non-communicable Diseases 2014Published on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:17 people agreedAs per Global Status Report on Non-communicable Diseases 2014, every year 16 million people die prematurely before the age of 70.NHRC issued notice to UP Government over Hooch TragedyPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:18 people agreedNational Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on 19 January 2015 issued notice to Uttar Pradesh Government over hooch tragedy in Malihabad near Lucknow and its bordering Unnao district.Union Government banned mobile handsets with fake, duplicate identity numbersPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:36 people agreedUnion Government prohibited imports of all kind of mobile handsets with fake or duplicate Unique Identity Numbers. The move will help the security agencies to track callers using different SIM cards.Filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani appointed as Chairman of CBFCPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:17 people agreedUnion Government reconstituted Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and named Filmmaker Pahlaj Nihalani as its chairman. Nihalani succeeded Leela Samson.Haiti president announced formation of new government under Prime Minister Evans PaulPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:6 people agreedHaitian President Michel Martelly on 18 January 2015 announced the formation of new government that will be led by newly elected Prime Minister Evans Paul.ONGC won 10th Savio Cup All India Basketball tournamentPublished on: 20-JAN-2015Important for Exam:13 people agreedOil & Natural Gas Corporation defeated Indian Overseas Bank to win the Savio Cup All India Basketball 2015. Final match was played at Don Bosco School court in Matunga, Mumbai.Prime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay visited IndiaPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:45 people agreedPrime Minister of Bhutan Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay visited India.Twitter appointed Taranjeet Singh as Head of Sales for its India operationPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:17 people agreedAs Head of Sales, his responsibilities would include increasing commercial opportunities for Twitter in India and to work closely with brands and agencies to maximise value of real-time marketing.Former PM Manmohan Singh adopted Pachim Bekeli Gaon Panchyat under Sansad Adarsh Gram YojanaPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:111 people agreedFormer PM Manmohan Singhon adopted Pachim Bekeli Gaon Panchyat under Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojna.Parliament of Europe adopted resolution on two Italian marinesPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedParliament of Europe adopted a resolution calling on India to allow the return of two Italian marines Massimiliano Latorre and Salvatore Girone.HDFC Bank featured among world's 50 most valuable banks in 2014Published on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:45 people agreedRelbanks compiled and released the list of 66 largest banks in the world by market capitalisation as on 31 December 2014. Indias SBI, HDFC and ICICI are featured in the list.Hyderabad to host World Congress on Information Technology in 2018Published on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:42 people agreedThe decision to hold the event was taken during a meeting between Chief Minister of Telangana K Chandrasekhar Rao and NASSCOM on 16 January 2015National Immunization Day for the year 2015 observed on 18 JanuaryPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:57 people agreedNational Immunization Day for the year 2015 was observed across India.Viktor Troicki won Mens Single title of Sydney International Tennis TournamentPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedViktor Troicki of Serbia won Mens Single title of Sydney International Tennis Tournament.Nissan and NASA partnered to Jointly Develop and Deploy Autonomous Drive VehiclesPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:9 people agreedNASA and Nissan announced formation of a five-year research and development partnership to jointly develop advance autonomous vehicle systems and prepare it for commercial application of the technology.Eicher Motors appointed Rudratej Singh as President of Royal EnfieldPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedEarlier, he was based in Singapore with Unilever as Vice-President South Asia, HPC & Foods Marketing Operations.Paladugu Venkata Rao, former Minister of Andhra Pradesh, diedPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:5 people agreedAt the time of his death, he was serving as Member of Legislative Council for second time. His term was to end in 2017.Jimjang Deru created national record in weightlifting in 56-kg categoryPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:7 people agreedWeightlifter Jimjang Deru created a national record in weightlifting by lifting 238 kilograms under the 56 kilograms category at 10th Youth National Weightlifting Championship held in Yamuna Nagar, Haryana.Pankaj Advani won National Billiards title for seventh timePublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:27 people agreedThis was his seventh Senior National Billiards Championship. Advani, the 12-time world champion has won the previous six titles in 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2005.Indigenously-built Light Combat Aircraft Tejas handed over to IAFPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:21 people agreedThe LCA Tejas Series Production-1 (SP1) was handed over to Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal Arup Raha in Bengaluru by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.South Africa's AB de Villiers hit fastest century in ODIsPublished on: 19-JAN-2015Important for Exam:30 people agreedSouth Africa batsman and ODI captain AB de Villiers hit a century off 31 balls to record the fastest ever one-day international ton. He surpassed Corey Andersons record of a century off 36 balls scored on 1 January 2014.Petra Kvitova won womens single title of Sydney International Tennis tournamentPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedThis is the 15th career title won by former Wimbledon Champion and World No 4 Kvitova. She won the Wimbledon Championship twice in 2011 and 2014 respectively.The US and UK announced cooperative measures in combating cyber threatsPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:2 people agreedThe measures include better threat information sharing and the creation of a new joint cyber task force which will have a physical presence in both the countriesYear 2014 ranked as Earth's hottest year since 1880Published on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedThe year 2014 was ranked as the Earths hottest year since 1880 as per the two separate analyses done by NASA scientists and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) scientists.Mark Knowles, Ellen Hoog named FIH Player-of-the-year 2014Published on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:6 people agreedMark Knowles and Ellen Hoog were named as the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Player of the Year 2014 in men and women category, respectively.Flash floods in Malawi; hundreds killedPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:5 people agreedFlash floods struck Malawi in the third week of January 2015. The flood caused by the torrential rain has swept away several houses and have killed at least 170 people.Japan committed 2620 crore rupees Overseas Development Assistance loan to IndiaPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:7 people agreedJapan committed 2620 crore rupees development loan assistance to India for PPP infrastructure financing project of IIFCL.Deep Kumar Upadhyay appointed as Nepal's ambassador to IndiaPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedNepali Congress leader Deep Kumar Upadhyay was on 16 January 2015 appointed as Nepal's ambassador to India.CCEA approved revised buffer norms of foodgrains for better management of food stocksPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:4 people agreedCCEA chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16 January 2015 approved revision in buffer norms of foodgrains in the Central Pool.Sania Mirza, Bethanie Mattek-Sands won womens doubles title of Sydney InternationalPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:9 people agreedIndo-American tennis pair, Sania Mirza and Bethanie Mattek-Sands won doubles title at the Sydney International Tennis Tournament 2015 by defeating Americans pair Abigail Spears and Raquel Kops-Jones in the summit clash 6-3, 6-3.Book on Sonia Gandhi titled The Red Sari written by Javier Moro released in IndiaPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedThe Red Sari, an unauthorized biography of Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi, was released by Roli Books in India.HAL Chairman R K Tyagi conferred with JGBS-Top Rankers Excellence AwardPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:7 people agreedHindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Chairman R.K. Tyagi was on 16 January 2015 conferred with the JGBS-Top Rankers' Excellence Award for CEO of the year 2014.21st Screen Awards announcedPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:16 people agreed2015 Screen Awards were announced in Mumbai. Shahid won the Best Actor (male) trophy for Haider and Priyanka won Best Actor (female) for Mary Kom.Andrey Baryshpolets won the 13th Parsvanth International Grandmasters Chess TournamentPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedUkrainian Grandmaster Andrey Baryshpolets won the 13th Parsvanth International Grandmasters Chess Tournament on 16 January 2015.National Conclave on ending Under-nutrition among Tribal Children concludedPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:9 people agreedNational Conclave on ending under-nutrition among tribal children concluded.Union Government launched two schemes to support Scheduled CastesPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:98 people agreedUnion Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 16 January 2015 launched two schemes Venture Capital Fund for Scheduled Castes and Green Business scheme.Stephen Constantine appointed as head coach of India's men football teamPublished on: 17-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedAll India Football Federation (AIFF) appointed Englishman Stephen Constantine was as the head coach of Indian mens football team. He will also be in charge of India under-23 football team.China to launch construction of five new nuclear reactors with total capacity of 5 Gigawatts in 2015Published on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:7 people agreedChina will launch the construction of at least five new nuclear reactors with a total capacity of more than 5 Gigawatts.Veteran freedom fighter Ghelubhai Naik passed awayPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:16 people agreedLegendary social activist and freedom fighter Ghelubhai Naik passed away on 16 January 2015 following a brief illness in Dang District, Gujarat.J & K selected for the National Award of e-Governance for Best District Level initiativePublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:16 people agreede-Panchayat project of J&K was selected for the National Award for e-Governance for the best district-level initiative in Citizen-Centric Service Delivery through ICT.First set of RIC readers handed over to Chiefs of Indian Navy and Coast GuardPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:5 people agreedFirst set of Resident Identity Card (RIC) readers were handed over to Navy Chief Admiral R K Dhowan and Coast Guard Director General Vice-Admiral A G Thapliyal by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.Trade deficit of India declined to ten month low in December 2014Published on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:10 people agreedTrade deficit of India declined to ten month low of 9.43 billion US dollars in December 2014.China Food and Drug Administration approved new vaccine to treat PoliomyelitisPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedChinese drug regulator China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) on 15 January 2015 approved a new vaccine S-IPV to treat the Poliomyelitis.RBI issued final guidelines for banks to act as Insurance brokersPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:23 people agreedFinal guidelines that allow banks to act as insurance brokers were issued by Reserve Bank of India on 15 January 2015.Noted RTI activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal conferred with Giraffe Hero award 2015Published on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:27 people agreedRenowned Indian RTI activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal was on 15 January 2015 conferred with the Giraffe Hero award 2015 by a US-based NGO The Giraffe Heroes Project.Siddhartha Chatterjee appointed as CTO of Persistent Systems LtdPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:6 people agreedSiddhartha Chatterjee was on 14 January 2015 appointed as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Persistent Systems Ltd with effect from 14 January 2015 itself.Baba Ramdev appointed as state brand ambassador of Haryana GovernmentPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedBaba Ramdev appointed as brand ambassador of Haryana Government.Xiaomi launched its new phablet Mi NotePublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:13 people agreedChinese smartphone maker Xiaomi on 15 January 2015 unveiled its flagship phablet Mi Note in Beijing, China.Chief Election Commissioner Veeravalli Sundaram Sampath demitted his officePublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:21 people agreedVeeravalli Sundaram Sampath, Chief Election Commissioner demitted his office on 15 January 2015 after attaining the upper age limit to hold the post as per the Constitution of India.Indian-Americans Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri and Deven J Parekh nominated to key posts in USPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:9 people agreedUS President Barack Obama nominated two Indian-Americans Jonodev Osceola Chaudhuri and Deven J Parekh to key posts in US.Leela Samson resigned as Chairperson of Central Board of Film CertificationPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedChairperson of Central Board of Film Certification Leela Samson resigned from her office on 16 January 2015.Tarun Rai appointed as CEO of J Walter Thompson South AsiaPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:3 people agreedTarun Rai was appointed as CEO of J Walter Thompson South Asia.Indian cricket teams new ODI kit launchedPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:13 people agreedIndian Cricket team and Nike unveiled the new ODI Kit at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Nike is the main kit sponsor of Team India.Wholesale price Index-based Inflation raised 0.11 percent in December 2014Published on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedThe wholesale price index based inflation raised marginally to 0.11 percent in December 2014 from zero percent in November 2014.Sandip Das resigned as MD of Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd to join Reliance Retail LtdPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:3 people agreedDas will mentor the Jio division of Reliance Retail in developing a long-term evolution (LTE) device ecosystem for Reliance Jios growth in the telecom space.Hari Shankar Brahma appointed as the New Chief Election CommissionerPublished on: 16-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedHari Shankar Brahma was appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of Election Commission. He succeeds V.S. Sampath who demitted the office after attaining the age of 65, the upper age limit under the Constitution for holding the post.A P Singh resigned as member of Union Public Service CommissionPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedA P Singh resigned as member of Union Public Service Commission.ICC Cricket World CupPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:69 people agreedBrett Lee announced his retirement from all forms of cricketPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedAustralian cricketer Brett Lee on 14 January 2015 announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after a 20-year career.Amitabh Bachchan presented with Social Media Person of the Year award 2015Published on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:27 people agreedActor Amitabh Bachchan was on 13 January 2015 presented with the Social Media Person of the Year Award 2015 by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).67th Army Day observed on 15 JanuaryPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:25 people agreedIndia on 15 January 2015 observed the 67th Army Day.DGFT imposed 100 crore rupees fine on Riddhi Siddhi Bullion for violation of RBI normsPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:17 people agreedThe order was issued by Kavita Gupta, additional director general of foreign trade, Mumbai. The order also cancelled its nominated agency certificate (NAC). NAC is the mandatory document needed for direct import of precious metals.Appointment Committee of Cabinet approved Anupam Shrivastava as CMD of BSNLPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:17 people agreedHis appointment was pending from long. The Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB) had shortlisted Anupam Shrivastava for the post of CMD of BSNL in 2013.World Bank Group released Global Economic Prospects (GEP) Report, January 2015Published on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:14 people agreedAccording to the report, global growth in 2014 has been disappointing as in previous three years; however, developing countries should see an uptick in growth in 2015.Union Government identified five areas for Varanasi-Kyoto partnershipPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedUnion Government has identified five areas for rejuvenating the holy city under the Kyoto-Varanasi partnership deal that was entered between India and Japan in August 2014.RBI relaxed Forex Hedging Norms for Exporters and ImportersPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedThe Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 14 January 2015 relaxed the Forex Hedging Norms under Sections 10(4) and 11(1) of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.NFL, EIL and FCIL signed agreement to form Ramagundam Fertilizers and Chemicals LtdPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedThe Joint Venture agreement is aimed at setting up new Ammonia and Urea plants at the existing site of Ramagundam Fertilizer plant in District Karimnagar in Telangana.Critically endangered Forest Owlet sighted in Betul, Madhya PradeshPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:13 people agreedCritically endangered forest owlet (Athene blewitti) sighted in a new location at Betul district of Madhya Pradesh by a Pune-based conservation society.RBI cut Repo Rate by 0.25% in sixth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement 2014-15Published on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:99 people agreedRBI cut its main lending rate (repo rate) by 0.25 per cent with immediate effect in its sixth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy that was announced on 15 January 2015.Scientists discovered hybrid insecticide-resistant mosquito in MaliPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:27 people agreedA team of researchers led by Gregory Lanzaro have discovered a super mosquito hybrid in the West African country of Mali that is resistant to insecticide-treated bed netsPrabhu Nath Dwivedi named as the winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award 2014 for SanskritPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedEminent Sanskrit scholar Prabhu Nath Dwivedi was on 14 January 2015 named as the winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award 2014 for Sanskrit language.Bhakti set world record by swimming 1.4 miles in 52 minutes in the Antarctic OceanPublished on: 15-JAN-2015Important for Exam:57 people agreedBhakti Sharma, the open water swimming champion of India set a world record by swimming 1.4 miles in 52 minutes in one degree temperature in the Antarctic Ocean.Japan approved its largest ever Defence Budget for 2015Published on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedThe Cabinet of Japan headed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved its largest ever defence budget for 2015 on 14 January 2015.Union Government reconstituted Pollution Control Board Working GroupPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:26 people agreedUnion government reconstituted pollution control board working group to simplify procedures to get consent certificates and categorisation of industries.NGT gave directions to clean Yamuna under Maily se Nirmal Yamuna Revitalization Plan 2017Published on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedThe directions were given by the principal bench of NGT presided over by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar. The tribunal's judgment came on a petition by Manoj Misra of Yamuna Jiye Abhiyan against pollution in the Yamuna and covering of drains in Delhi.Pope Francis cannonised Joseph Vaz, the first saint of Sri LankaPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:6 people agreedPope Francis cannonised Saint Joseph Vaz in presence of hundreds of thousands of people packed on a Colombo oceanfront during his visit to Sri Lanka.Maharashtra Cabinet decided to disburse aid to drought-hit farmers by 26 January 2015Published on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedThe decision to provide 2000 crore rupees as aid to drought-affected farmers was taken by the Maharashtra Cabinet on 7 January 2015.India - China trade deficit increased to 37.8 billion US dollars in 2014Published on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedIndia China trade deficit increased to 37.8 billion US dollars in 2014 despite the increase in bilateral trade by 7.9 percent.Chinese archaeologists discovered Buddhist relics in Hubei Province of Central ChinaPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedThe relics were discovered by a team of archaeologists led by Chen Qianwan, Head of the archaeology institute of Xiangyang City.ABC of Swine InfluenzaPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:56 people agreedSwine Influenza has been in news in the month of December 2014 and January 2015. The national capital Delhi has so far witnessed 41 cases of swine flu with 4 deaths.NGO Pratham released 10th Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2014)Published on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:55 people agreedNGO Pratham released 10th Annual Status of Education Report (ASER 2014) notes that overall situation with basic reading continues to be extremely disheartening in India.Supreme Court sought assistance of Premier institutes to find missing childrenPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:16 people agreedThe Supreme Court sought assistance of Premier institutes to find missing children every year.Bengaluru FC beat Dempo to lift Football Federation CupPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:6 people agreedBengaluru FC defeated Goa's Dempo Sports Club 2-1 to win their maiden football Federation Cup. In the final clash was played at the Nehru Stadium Margao, Goa.India and Australia signed MoU for skill and infrastructural development in sportsPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:14 people agreedThe 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.Tamil Novel Madhorubhagan written by Perumal MuruganPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:18 people agreedTamil novelist Permual Murugans book Madhorubhagan (One Part Woman) counght under controversies for description of Hindus half-female god, Ardhanareeswara.Legendary Odia actor Hara Patnaik diedPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:13 people agreedVeteran Odia actor and director Hara Patnaik passed away on 13 January 2015 following a brief illness in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.Idukki in Kerala became first District of India to have Complete Rural Broadband CoveragePublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:46 people agreedAs part of it, 8 Block Offices & 52 Gram Panchayats of the Idukki district were connected on Optical Fiber and one Gram Panchayat, namely Edamalakudy, was connected through VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal).Chinese scientists published first genetic map of Tibetan Highland BarleyPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:16 people agreedThe research by Chinese scientists assembled 3.89 billion of the estimated 4.5 billion base pairs of the chemicals that make up DNA in the barley genome, and included 39197 protein coding genes.First Border Haat of Tripura opened at Srinagar-Feni borderPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:14 people agreedThird border haat along the India-Bangladesh frontier was inaugurated at Srinagar-Feni border. The haat will boost local trade and people-to-people contacts.Madagascar Government led by Prime Minister Kolo Roger resignedPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:13 people agreedMadagascar Prime Minister Kolo Roger's resignation was accepted by President Hery Rajaonarimampianina on 13 January 2015.Arvind Panagariya took charge as Vice-Chairman of NITI AayogPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:36 people agreedArvind Panagariya took charge as Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayothe first vice-chairman of the NITI Aayog.Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistans chief Maulana Fazlullah designated as global terrorist by USPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedMaulana Fazlullah, the chief of Pakistani Taliban was designated as a global terrorist by US Department of State. US designated him as a global terrorist after TTP claimed responsibility for the attack on an army school in Peshawar.Union Ministry of Health proposed COTPA (Amendment) Bill 2015Published on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:35 people agreedThe Union Ministry of Health proposed the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) (Amendment) Bill 2015.Google launched Flight Search Tool in IndiaPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:31 people agreedFlight Search Tool allows you to search directly for flights within Google to quickly find, compare and book flights from your mobile device, tablet or desktop.Union government sacked DRDO Chairman Avinash ChanderPublished on: 14-JAN-2015Important for Exam:31 people agreedUnion Government removed Chairman of DRDO Avinash Chander, 16 months before his contract was to end. Decision of termination of his contract was taken by appointments committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Supreme Court issued notice to Union Government on voting rights for inter-state migrantsPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:7 people agreedThe Supreme Court gave notice to Union Government on voting rights for inter-state migrants.Ministry of Railways inaugurated Indias first CNG powered trainPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:203 people agreedUnion Railway minister Suresh Prabhu inaugurated Indias first compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered train.Seventh Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2015 held in GandhinagarPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:36 people agreedThe Seventh Vibrant Gujarat Summit was held from 11 January to 13 January 2015 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat and it was organised by the Government of Gujarat.SEBI proposed easier norms for domestic mutual fund managersPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:27 people agreedThe proposed norms aimed to make it easier for domestic mutual funds to manage offshore pooled assets.World Bank signed tripartite agreement for smart cities initiatives during Vibrant Gujarat SummitPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:24 people agreedThe agreement was signed on the sidelines of Vibrant Gujarat Summit being held in Gandhinagar. On the occasion, the State government released a special Vibrant Gujarat postal cover.ISRO Mars Orbiter Mission Team won the 2015 Space Pioneer AwardPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:52 people agreedThe Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) Team of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on 12 January 2015 won the 2015 Space Pioneer Award in the Science and Engineering categoryZomato acquired US based food portal UrbanspoonPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedZomato announced to acquire Urbanspoon- US based food portal for an undisclosed amount in an all-cash deal.RBI and ECB signed MoU on cooperation in Central BankingPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:44 people agreedReserve Bank of India and the European Central Bank inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of central banking. The MoU provides a framework for regular exchange of information, policy dialogue and technical cooperation.RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan received Governor of the Year Award for 2015Published on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:83 people agreedRBI Governor Raghuram Rajan received the Governor of the Year for 2015.CSO released Quick Estimates of Index for Industrial Production for November 2014Published on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedIndias Index of Industrial production (IIP) grew 3.8 percent in November 2014. IIP was released by Central Statistics Office of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation for the month of November with base 2004-05.Deepak Parekh appointed as Chairman of BAE Systems India (Services) Private LimitedPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedDeepak Parekh was on 12 January 2015 appointed as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of BAE Systems India (Services) Private Limited with effect from 1 January 2015.President signed Ordinance to amend Mines and Minerals Development & Regulation Act, 1957Published on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:18 people agreedAn ordinance that amends the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act, 1957 received assent of President Pranab Mukherjee. It paved way for introduction of competitive bidding for allocation of mines other non-coal minerals.Charlie Hebdo: a French satirical weekly magazinePublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:21 people agreedFrench satirical weekly magazine Charlie Hebdo was in news in first week of January 2015 after being attacked by three masked gunmen. 12 people of the office were killed in the attack.Australia launched Online Visa Pilot Programme for Indian business and tourism visitorsPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:18 people agreedAustralia on 12 January 2015 launched Online Visa Pilot Programme to make it easier for Indian business and tourism visitors to apply online visa for travelling Australia.Dima Hasao District of Assam got its first broad gauge railway trackPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedA goods train with 43 wagons reached the main railway station of the Dima Hasao district using this broad gauge railway track.Golfer Anirban Lahiri voted Asian Tours 2014 Players Player of the YearPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedIndian professional golfer Anirban Lahiri voted as the 2014 Players Player of the year in Asian Tour for his successful exploits on the Asian Tour.Alur Seelin Kiran Kumar appointed as Chairman of ISROPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:67 people agreedKiran Kumar became eighth Chairman of ISRO after succeeding K Radhakrishnan who retired on 31 December 2014.Cristiano Ronaldo won the 2014 FIFA Ballon d'Or AwardPublished on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:33 people agreedReal Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo on 12 January 2015 won the 2014 FIFA Ballon dOr award for the best footballer of the year in the world.Election Commission of India announced dates of Delhi Assembly Elections 2015Published on: 13-JAN-2015Important for Exam:21 people agreedDelhi Assembly elections 2015 will be held on 7 February 2015 and results will be declared on 10 February 2015. The dates were announced by Chief Election Commissioner VS Sampath.13th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas 2015 concluded in GujaratPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:65 people agreedThe event concluded with giving away Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awards to 15 members of the Indian Diaspora by the Vice-President Hamid Ansari.Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha appointed as 21st chief justice of BangladeshPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:36 people agreedJustice Surendra Kumar Sinha's appointment was confirmed by the Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid as per Article 95(1) of the Bangladesh Constitution.Actor and comedian Taylor Negron diedPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:4 people agreedActor and comedian Taylor Negron died on 10 January 2015 after battling with the cancer for long time.Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic won the 2015 Presidential elections of CroatiaPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:21 people agreedKolinda belongs to the conservative Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) party and is a former Assistant Secretary General at NATO and former Croatian ambassador to the United States.Adani Enterprises & SunEdison signed JV to build solar park in MundraPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:28 people agreedAdani Enterprises and US-based SunEdison signed a joint venture (JV) to build the solar park at Mundra, Gujarat in India.Swedish actress Kerstin Anita Marianne Ekberg diedPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:6 people agreedSwedish-born actress Kerstin Anita Marianne Ekberg died on 11 January 2015 following a brief illness in Italy.Andhra Pradesh constituted Fourth State Finance CommissionPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:18 people agreedAndhra Pradesh government constituted the Fourth State Finance Commission under the Chairmanship of M L Kantha Rao, the Professor of Economics and Dean S K University.US House of Representative passed legislation approving construction of Keystone XL Oil PipelinePublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedUS House of Representatives passed a legislation that approves construction of a controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline with 266-153 votes.Tech Mahindra signed definitive agreement to acquire Swiss firm SOFGEN Holdings LimitedPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:35 people agreedThe deal is aimed at boosting the financial services offering by Tech Mahindra so as reach the top line target of 5 billion US dollar by 2015.SDSC-SHAR director MYS Prasad chosen for Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Award 2015Published on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:38 people agreedThe director of Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota Range (SHAR) MYS Prasad was on 10 January 2015 selected for the Vikram Sarabhai memorial award 2015.Australia won 4-match Border-Gavaskar Test series, 2-0Published on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedIndia lost 4-match Border-Gavaskar Test series, 0-2 from Australia. The third and fourth match of the series was drawn.Roger Federer won Brisbane International Tennis titlePublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:36 people agreedIn the finals played at Brisbane in Australia, he defeated third seeded Milos Raonic of Canada 6-4, 6-7 (2), 6-4.Misbah-ul-Haq announced to retire from ODIs after Cricket World Cup 2015Published on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:9 people agreedMisbah started his ODI career in 2002. He has played 153 ODIs and scored 4669 runs at an average of 42.83. He has been the captain of Pakistan in 78 games, out of which Pakistan won 41 games.US to host international Anti-terror Summit on 18 February 2015Published on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:38 people agreedUS Attorney General Eric Holder announced that an Anti-terror Summit will be held in Washington. The summit will be held on 18 February 2015.National Youth Day observed across India on 12 JanuaryPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:10 people agreedIndia observed National Youth Day on 12 January 2015 to mark 152nd birth anniversary of social reformer, philosopher and thinker Swami Vivekananda.Sultanpur National Park shut down after migratory birds found deadPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:18 people agreedThe Sultanpur National Park was shut down for one week after 47 migratory birds were found dead in the park. The bird sanctuary is a seasonal wetland that attracts around 200 species of migratory birds.Stanislas Wawrinka won Chennai Open title of TennisPublished on: 12-JAN-2015Important for Exam:21 people agreedSwitzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka defeated Slovenian qualifier Aljaz Bedene to win Chennai Open title of tennis for a third time. In the title clash, Wawrinka defeated Bedene 6-4 6-3.Sindhushree Khullar appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of NITI AayogPublished on: 10-JAN-2015Important for Exam:32 people agreedSenior bureaucrat Sindhushree Khullar was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog with effect from 1 January 2015.Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari presented Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2015Published on: 10-JAN-2015Important for Exam:94 people agreedVice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari on 9 January 2015 presented the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards 2015 to sixteen personalities.Yu Min honoured with State Preeminent Science and Technology Award 2014Published on: 10-JAN-2015Important for Exam:24 people agreedChinese nuclear physicist Yu Min was on 9 January 2015 presented with the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award 2014 by Chinese President Xi Jinping.Maithiripala Sirisena sworn-in as 7th President of Sri LankaPublished on: 10-JAN-2015Important for Exam:9 people agreedPallewatte Gamaralalage Maithripala Yapa Sirisena (Maithiripala Sirisena) was on 9 January 2015 sworn-in as the 7th President of Sri Lanka.Legendary Gospel performer Andrae Crouch diedPublished on: 10-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedVeteran gospel performer and songwriter Andrae Crouch died on 8 January 2015 following a heart attack in the Los Angeles.Actor Rodney Sturt Taylor passed awayPublished on: 10-JAN-2015Important for Exam:6 people agreedAustralian actor Rodney Sturt Taylor died on 7 January 2015 following a brief illness in Los Angeles.Presidential rule imposed in Jammu and KashmirPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedPresident Pranab Mukherjee approved the recommendation of Governor of Jammu and Kashmir N N Vohra as deadlock over the formation of the new government continued in J & K.Vistara airline started domestic flight operation in IndiaPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:39 people agreedVistara airline a joint venture of Tata-SIA started its flight operation in India.Maithripala Sirisena won 2015 Presidential Elections of Sri LankaPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:35 people agreedMithripala Sirisena won presidential elections 2015 of Sri Lanka that was announced by the Election Department.Kotak Mahindra Bank secured shareholders approval for merger with ING Vysya BankPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:28 people agreedKotak Mahindra Bank secured its shareholders approval for amalgamation of ING Vysya Bank. It was announced by the Kotak Mahindra Bank.K K Paul sworn in as sixth Governor of UttarakhandPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:27 people agreedHe succeeded Governor Aziz Qureshi who was appointed as the Governor of Mizoram on 30 December 2014.Freedom fighter Perin Romesh Chandra diedPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:18 people agreedFreedom fighter Perin Romesh Chandra died on 8 January 2015 following a prolonged illness.DMRC launched first public bicycle sharing scheme for Delhi Metro usersPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedThe scheme aims to provide pollution free last-mile connectivity to DMRC commuters. The eco-friendly project was inaugurated from the Saket Metro Station in south Delhi.Egypt to hold parliamentary elections in March 2015Published on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedEgypt will hold parliamentary elections in two phases that was announced by the Egypt election commission.All-women contingent of Indian defence to march past for the first time on 2015 Republic Day paradePublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:34 people agreedThe all-women contingent would comprise of 150-odd women army officers who will give a salute to the President of India. The chief guest of 2015 Republic Day will be the US President Barack Obama.Vaccine Raksha Blu for bluetongue disease launchedPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:38 people agreedIndian Immunologicals Limited launched, Raksha Blu, the first vaccine for bluetongue disease in India. Bluetongue disease is a non-contagious, insect-borne, viral disease that affects sheep, goats, buffalo, deer, dromedaries and antelope across the country.Commemorative Postage Stamps released to mark 100 Years of Mahatma Gandhis Return to IndiaPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedPrime Minister Narendra Modi released Commemorative Postage Stamp to mark 100 Years of Mahatma Gandhis Return from South Africa to India.The Lunchbox nominated for BAFTA 2015 under Non-English Best Film CategoryPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:36 people agreedThe film is competing with Polish-Danish drama film Ida, Russian drama Leviathan, Brazilian-British adventure drama thriller film Trash, and Belgian drama Two Days, One Night.India to provide 60 million dollar LoC to Guyana for road infrastructure projectsPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:17 people agreedPrime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to provide 60 million dollars Line of Credit to Guyana for its road infrastructure projects and passenger ferry service.Modibo Keita appointed as the Prime Minister of MaliPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedModibo Keita was on 8 January 2015 appointed as the Prime Minister of West African nation Mali. His appointment was confirmed by Mali's President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.Haryana Government appointed Yash Pal Singhal as Haryana DGPPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:6 people agreedHe took over the post with immediate effects. He succeeded S N Vashisht who has been posted as Director General of State Vigilance Bureau.Former Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Rajkumar Manisana passed awayPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:5 people agreedRetired Gauhati High Court Chief justice Rajkumar Manisana passed away on 8 January 2015 following a brief illness.The Indian Parliament A Critical Appraisal written by Sudha Pai and Avinash Kumar releasedPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedBook titled The Indian Parliament A Critical Appraisal authored by Prof. Sudha Pai and Avinash Kumar was released by Vice President Hamid Ansari on 8 January 2014.Kailash Satayarthi dedicated his Nobel Peace Prize to the NationPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:30 people agreedThe medal was dedicated by Satyarthi to the President at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Medal will be put up on display at the Rashtrapati Bhavan museum.Teixobactin, a new antibiotic discoveredPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:32 people agreedScientists from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts discovered a new antibiotic named Teixobactin capable of fighting infections that kill hundreds of thousands of people each year.India to provide 69 million rupees assistance to Nepal for goitre controlPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:28 people agreedIndian Government on 8 January 2015 decided to provide 69 million rupees to Nepal as assistance to launch the Iodine Deficiency Disorder Control Programme (IDDCP)PM Narendra Modi inaugurated Dandi Kutir museumPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:66 people agreedNarendra Modi on 8 January 2015 inaugurated a state-of-the-art museum Dandi Kutir opposite Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, Gujarat on the occasion of the 13th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas.Jharkhand Assembly adopted resolution on opening High Court bench in DumkaPublished on: 09-JAN-2015Important for Exam:12 people agreedResolution urging Jharkhand government to send a proposal to Union Government for setting up a high court bench in the second capital of the state, Dumka was adopted unanimously.Quikr launched instant messenger Quikr Nxt to enable seamless transactionsPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedThe messenger will allow users to chat using the website or mobile app. The messenger has been integrated into Quikrs mobile app, mobile site and website.Australian airline Qantas named worlds safest by AirlineRatings.comPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedThe airline was lauded for amassing an extraordinary record of firsts in safety history and operations over its 94-year history.IT services firm Synechron acquired Paris-based Team TradePublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedSynechron specializes in software integration and business consulting. The acquisition by the New York-Based Synechron is to expand its footprints in Europe.Union Government launched National Toll Free Helpline to assist the drug dependent personsPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:58 people agreedThe helpline was launched by the Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Thaawar Chand GehlotChina included potatoes as staple diet after rice, wheat and cornPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedThe decision was based upon an attempt to ensure food security, ease the pressure on the environment and increase the income of farmers.NASA Kepler Space Telescope made 1000th Exoplanet DiscoveryPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:35 people agreedUsing Kepler data, scientists reached this millenary milestone after validating that eight more candidates spotted by the planet-hunting telescope are, in fact, planets.AMCA: Indias own fifth generation fighter aircraftPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:52 people agreedIt was revealed by the sources from Defence Ministry that the preliminary design stage of the futuristic fighter aircraft is over and the development work on the project is expected to start in 2015.Pakistan-India Dosti bus service operation restricted up to Wagah borderPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:24 people agreedPak-India Dosti bus service was restricted up to Wagah Border that was announced by the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation.Hike Messenger acquired Zip phone to launch free voice callingPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:16 people agreedChat application Hike messenger on 8 January 2015 acquired US-based free voice-calling company Zip Phone to launch free voice calling. However, the details of acquisition were not disclosed.ICICI Bank launched Contactless credit and Debit cardsPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:25 people agreedICICI Bank launched contactless credit card and debits called Coral Contactless Credit Card and Expressions Wave Debit Card.ICC announced Associate & Affiliate panel of umpires for the year 2015Published on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:10 people agreedICC on 7 January 2015 announced 11-member ICC associate and affiliate panel of international umpires for the year 2015. The panel was named by the associate and affiliate selection committee.Atul Khare appointed as the UN Under-Secretary-GeneralPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:27 people agreedAtul Khare will succeed Ameerah Haq of Bangladesh as the United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General, Department of Field Support (DFS).New Zealand won Test series 2-0 against Sri LankaPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedNew Zealand by defeating Sri Lanka by 193 runs won the 2-match test series on 7 January 2014. The second test was played at Basin Reserve in Wellington.Praj Industries bagged contract from Kakira Sugars to build largest ethanol plant of UgandaPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:5 people agreedPraj industries bagged an order from Ugandas Kakira Sugars for production of fuel ethanol (60000 liters per day) and premium grade extra neutral alcohol (Beverage Alcohol).India to host World Bridge Championships 2015Published on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:42 people agreedIndia will host the 42nd World Bridge Championships that will be held in Chennai from 26 September 2015 to 10 October 2015.Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers approved 100 percent production of Neem-Coated UreaPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:20 people agreedThe Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers allowed fertiliser firms to produce 100 percent Neem-Coated Urea to boost income of the farmers.French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdos Paris office attacked by terroristsPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:24 people agreedThe killed persons include Editor-in-Chief Stephane Charbonnie (known as Charb) and cartoonists Jean Cabu Cabut (known as Cabu), Tignous and Wolinski, as well as Charlie Hebdo contributor and French economist Bernard Maris.Scientists discovered two Earth-like planets Kepler 438b and Kepler 442bPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:50 people agreedThe Scientists at the Harvard-Smithsonian Centre for Astrophysics have discovered two Earth-like planets Kepler 438b and Kepler 442b.102nd Indian Science Congress held in MumbaiPublished on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:67 people agreedThe 102nd Indian Science Congress was held in Mumbai with the theme: Science and Technology for Human Development.President signed ordinance to amend the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988Published on: 08-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedOrdinance that amends the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 paves the way for plying of e-rickshaws on roads of the NCT was signed by the President.Whole plant therapy can beat malaria parasites' drug resistance: StudyPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:14 people agreedResearcher said that the new treatment is based on a use of the whole plant (WP) Artemesia annua, from which the current pharmaceutical drug artemisinin (AN) is extracted.Russian President issued decree to enable foreign soldiers to serve in Russian MilitaryPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:7 people agreedEarlier, they were required to get Russian citizenship to serve in Russian Military, or a paper granting them Russian citizenship rights, but now they can serve legally without Russian citizenship.Russian Popov Ivan won 7th Chennai International Open Grandmaster Chess titlePublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:17 people agreedThe winner Popov Ivan was awarded the cash purse of two lakhs rupees, while Runner-up Dzhumaev Marat of Uzbek GM got one lakh fifty thousand rupees and third placed GM Mozharov Mikhail of Russia secured a cash award of one lakh fifteen thousand rupees.CCI cleared PepsiCo Indias proposal to sell its bottling plants to franchisee Varun BeveragesPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedPepsiCo India and Varun Beverages entered into the deal on 15 November 2014 following which they had approached CCI for its approval.Prime Minister released commemorative coin to mark 175th birth anniversary of Jamsetji TataPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:54 people agreedThe reverse face of the coin bears the image of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata in the centre, with the inscription 175 in Devnagri script.Dinesh Oraon of BJP unanimously elected Speaker of Jharkhand Legislative AssemblyPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:7 people agreedHe is the 10th Speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly since the State came into being on 15 November 2000Amitabh Bachchan named as the Brand Ambassador of AP health sectorPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:30 people agreedBollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan on 6 January 2015 named as the Brand Ambassador of Andhra Pradesh (AP) health sector.Pakistan Parliament passed 21st Constitutional Amendment, Army Act Amendment BillsPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedBoth houses of Pakistans Parliament passed the 21st Constitution Amendment Bill 2015 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2015 and cleared the way for establishment of military courts in the country.Indian Junior weightlifters ended their campaign by bagging 14 medalsPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:20 people agreedIndian weightlifters bagged a total of 14 medals including 6 Gold Medals in the 17th Asian Youth (boys & girls), 22nd Junior Women and 29th Junior Men Asian Weightlifting Championships 2015 at Doha, Qatar.Raosaheb Patil Danve appointed as the Maharashtra BJP PresidentPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:2 people agreedAmit Shah appointed Raosaheb Patil Danve as the new BJP President of Maharashtra. He succeeds Devendra Fadnavis.President signed Ordinance to amend Citizenship Act, 1955Published on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:25 people agreedOrdinance that amends Citizenship Act, 1955 and provides life-long Indian visa facility to PIOs was signed by the President on 6 January 2014. The ordinance was signed before the three-day meet of Indian diaspora in Gujarat during Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2015.US firm Digipas launched smart luggage lock called eGeeTouchPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedUS company Digipas on 4 January 2015 launched the first smart luggage lock eGeeTouch at the International Consumer Electronics Show 2015.Subramanium committee recommended single window system for environment projectsPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:5 people agreedHigh-level committee (HLC) headed by former Cabinet Secretary T S R Subramanium in its recommendation suggested single window clearance mechanism for green nods as corporates seek short cuts to get clearance for their environment projects.Nilesh Shah resigned as MD & CEO of AXIS Capital LimitedPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedShah with over 20 years of experience in capital markets has worked with the investment bank for nearly four years.Avijit Ghosh took over the charge of CMD of Heavy Engineering CorporationPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:5 people agreedHis appointment was confirmed by the Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) under the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The board had recommended his name on 26 June 2014.Rare plant species Chlorophytum palghatense found in Palakkad district of KeralaPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:17 people agreedThe Scientists at the Centre for Medicinal Plants Research in Kerala discovered a rare plant species named Chlorophytum palghatense at the Dhoni hills in Palakkad district of Kerala.Ishpreet Singh Chadha won National Sub-Junior Snooker title 2015Published on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:15 people agreedIshpreet Singh Chadha of Maharashtra on 6 January 2015 won his maiden National Sub-Junior Snooker title 2015 at the BRC Gloster National Billiards & Snooker Championship 2015.Bihar Government increased maternity leave period to 180 days from 135 daysPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:16 people agreedBihar Government increased the duration of maternity leave to 180 days and also made provisions for 730 days of child care leave. These leaves will be allowed for two children during entire service period.Tencent Holdings Limited launched China's first online bank WeBankPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:19 people agreedChinese Internet giant Tencent Holdings Limited on 6 January 2015 launched China's first online bank named WeBank to boost small businesses.Larry Page named Business Person of the Year 2014Published on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:20 people agreedFortune magazine declared the Larry Page, chief executive officer and co-founder of Google as the Business person of the Year for 2014.Facebook Inc acquired voice recognition startup company Wit.aiPublished on: 07-JAN-2015Important for Exam:11 people agreedFacebook Inc on 5 January 2015 acquired startup company Wit.ai in an attempt to develop voice recognition.Union Cabinet approved promulgation of ordinance for amending MMDR Act, 1957Published on: 06-JAN-2015Important for Exam:21 people agreedUnion Cabinet approved promulgation of ordinance to amend the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act of 1957.Tonino Lamborghini Mobile launched smartphone 88 Tauri costing 6000 US dollarsPublished on: 06-JAN-2015Important for Exam:8 people agreedThe luxurious handset sporting 5-inch high-definition display was launched ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.Forbes released its fourth annual The 30 Under 30 ListPublished on: 06-JAN-2015Important for Exam:26 people agreed44 Indians and people of Indian-origin, including technology wizards, inventors and policymakers, have been named in the listNomura forecasted Indian Economic growth at 5.5 percent for FY 2015-16Published on: 06-JAN-2015Important for Exam:33 people agreedThe firm also forecasted that Indian Economy will also recover in FY 2015-2016. The recovery is likely to get support from easing inflationary pressures and measures towards economic reforms.Union Government nominated 17 Telugu personalities as brand ambassadors of Swachh Bharat campaignPublished on: 06-JAN-2015Important for Exam:34 people agreedUnion Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu nominated 17 Telugu personalities as brand ambassadors of Swachh Bharat campaign.BCCI announced 15-man Indian cricket team for World Cup 2015Published o