February.2015

Current Affairs Today

Current Affairs

February 2015

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Current Affairs : February 2015 Month Highlights

Persons in news - Appointments / Elections Kanagasabapathy J Sripavan

He was recently appointed as second Tamil Chief Justice of Sri Lanka. The last Tamil chief justice was Herbert Thambiah, who left the position in 1991.

Anish Aggarwal Appointed as Director (Pipelines) at India's largest oil refining and marketing company, Indian Oil

Corporation (IOC). Dr.Nandita Chatterjee

Dr. Nandita Chatterjee has taken charge as the new Secretary in the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA).

Mary McGowan Davis Former US judge Mary McGowan Davis was appointed as the new head of United Nations Human

Rights Councils (UNHRCs) Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict. LC Goyal

LC Goyal has taken charge as the Union Home Secretary. He replaced Anil Goswami, who had resigned following a controversy over the arrest of former Union Minister Matang Singh in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam.

Ajay Banga United States Government has appointed Ajay Banga as member of the Advisory Committee for

Trade Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN). ACTPN is the US presidents private-sector advisory panel on international trade and helps him to coordinate trade related policies and resolve disagreements.

Dr. M.O. Garg Dr M.O. Garg has taken charge as Director General (DG) of the Council of Scientific & Industrial

Research (CSIR). CSIR is governments autonomous research agency, established in 1942. Presently, CSIR has over 4,500 scientists working across 38 laboratories and employs over 9000 scientific and technical personnel.

Pramod Asthana Pramod Asthana is the head of the special investment team (SIT) recently set up by Union Home

Ministry to probe 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases. The SIT is constituted for re-investigation of the 1984 anti-Sikh riot cases on the recommendation of government-appointed committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice G.P. Mathur.

Balasubramaniam Venkataramani Balasubramaniam Venkataramani has been appointed as new MD & CEO of Multi Commodity

Exchange (MCX). He will replace then MD & CEO Manoj Vaish. Arvind Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal was sworn-in as 8th Chief Minister of Delhi. Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Najeeb Jung administered the oath of office and secrecy to him at oath taking ceremony held at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi. In 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, AAP staged a historic victory by sweeping 67 of the 70 seats. This will be Arvind Kejriwals second term as Delhi Chief Minister.

Nitish Kumar Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the Chief Minister (CM) of Bihar for the 4th time. In 2000, for first time

he was made CM of Bihar but had resigned within 7 days. In 2005, he was sworn in as the CM of Bihar for second time and in 2010 for third time. In May 2014 he had resigned from the CM post taking the responsibility of his partys (JDU) dismal performance in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic



Current Affairs : February 2015 Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic is Croatias first female President . She was sworn in on 15 February 2015.

She is Croatias fourth president since its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. Chrishantha de Silva

Sri Lankas President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed Major general Chrishantha de Silva as the new Sri Lankan Army chief.

Zoe Konstantopoulou New speaker of the Hellenic Parliament. Greek Parliament has elected Zoe Konstantopoulou, a

member of the left wing party Syriza as its new speaker. Nickolay Mladenov

Nickolay Mladenov has been appointed by United Nations as new Special Coordinator for Middle East peace Process and Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority.

Places in News Surajkund

Located in Haryana and venue of 29th Surajkund mela. This year's theme state was Chhattisgarh and partner country was Lebanon.

Bannerghata The Bannerghata Biological Park in Karnataka is to be developed as India's 1st solar fenced elephant

sanctuary. The park has joined hand with PETA for this. Sikandara

Located in Uttar Pradesh, near Agra. Site for tomb of Mughal emperor Akbar. Lots of blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) found here but now they are threatened by increasing number of Jackals.

The Uttar Pradesh Government is now taking up a Jackal Research & Translocation Project to relocate the Jackals somewhere else to save the antelopes.

Monrovia Monrovia is capital of African country Liberia, which is struggling with Ebola Virus in recent times.

Here, first large-scale human trials of two experimental vaccines against Ebola virus began in February.

Liberia was worst hit country from Ebola. Most hit are three Western African countries viz. Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Kolkata: First Wi-Fi-enabled metro city Kolkata is slated to become Indias first Wi-Fi-enabled metro city as the service was launched from

Park Street in city by state's chief minister Mamata Banerjee. The government of the state says that it will roll out this facility in phased manner in all wards under Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

Ganjam Ganjam district in Odisha is known for its Ganjam coast, rich in mineral resources. In February 2015,

the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has signed a MoU with public sector Indian Rare Earth Ltd (IRE) to set up a mineral separation plant here.

Mumbai (Permanent Judicial Museum) Permanent Judicial Museum was inaugurated at Bombay High Court as a part of the

Sesquicentennial Celebration (150th year) of the Bombay High Court. It is first of its kind museum in Maharashtra designed by Advocate Rajan Jaykar. It displays antique items associated with the rich history of the 150 year old court. We note that first judicial museum in the country was opened at Supreme Court of India premises in Delhi.

Jamaica Jamaica is a Caribbean country which recently passed a law to decriminalize the possession of small

amounts of marijuana up to 57 grams for personal use. Marijuana is a greenish-gray mixture of the dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds and flowers of Cannabis sativa the hemp plant. Medicinal values of marijuana is used as a drug for controlling pain for medical issues, like cancer, nervous



Current Affairs : February 2015 system diseases, glaucoma, migraines, etc. It also can be used to treat nausea and improve appetites for people with HIV or other chronic illnesses.

Sports Leander Paes & Martina Hingis

Winners of 2015 Australian Open mixed doubles title in Tennis Nicol David

Female squash player of Malaysia. She set a new record by topping the world squash rankings for 106th month. She is first Asian to achieve this record. She was also appointed as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) National Goodwill Ambassador for Malaysia.

Saeed Ajmal Saeed Ajmal is a Pakistani Cricketer, who was suspended by ICC for an illegal bowling action in

September 2014. Now, after bowling retests and remedial work; International Cricket Council (ICC) has cleared his bowling.

Anirban Lahiri Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri has won the Malaysian Open 2015.

Anil Kumble (ICC Cricket Hall of Fame) Former India Captain and ace spinner Anil Kumble has been chosen to be inducted into the ICC

Cricket Hall of Fame. He is the 4th Indian cricketer to be inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. Others are Bishen Singh Bedi, Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar who were inducted into Hall of Fame in 2009.

Chris Gayle first batsman to hit double century in World Cup history West Indies opener batsman Chris Gayle created history by becoming the first batsman to score a

double century in the World Cup. He made this record by scoring 215 runs off just 147 balls in a world cup match against Zimbabwe. India's Sachin Tendulkar is the First cricketer to reach double century landmark. He made 200 runs against South Africa in 2010.

Hero Hockey India League 2015 Ranchi Rays won the third edition of Champions of Hero Hockey India League (HHIL) 2015. Hockey

India League is organized by Hockey India. Number of teams is Five which are franchisee based. Teams have players from India and around the world. The event is sanctioned by International Hockey Federation (FIH).

AB De Villiers South African cricketer AB De Villiers has hit the fastest 150 in one-day internationals (ODIs). He

achieved this feat in 64 balls in World Cup Pool B match against West Indies.

Persons in news: Died Carl Djerassi

Father of the birth control pills. He developed a synthetic molecule norethindrone- a key component of the first birth control pill.

Richard von Weizsaecker Germany's former president. He was president during the reunification of East and West Germany.

Mrinalini Mukherjee She was an acclaimed Indian sculptor and artist, best known for her sculptures, crafted using

knotted hemp ropes and cast bronzes. She was the first Indian artist whose work was displayed at the Sydney Biennale in 1986.

Atmaram Bhende Atmaram Bhende was a veteran Marathi theatre artist and film actor. He was considered the doyen

of Marathi experimental theatre and had graced the Marathi stage for more than six decades. Kesava Reddy



Current Affairs : February 2015 Kesava Reddy was a renowned Telugu novelist, well known for his novels and stories on social

problems of the country. passed away in Nizamabad district of Telangana. He was 68. Louis Jourdan

Louis Jourdan was a French actor, best known for his role in the multi-Oscar winning musical film Gigi of 1958 .

RR Patil Raosaheb Ramrao Patil was former Home Minister of Maharastra. He died of

complicacies due to oral cancer. He was among the longest serving home ministers of Maharashtra i.e. for two times during the NCP-Congress coalition government. For first time in December 2003 to December 2008 and for second time in October 2009 September 2014.

Rajinder Puri Rajinder Puri was veteran journalist, cartoonist and political activist. He drew cartoons for

international daily The Statesman in 1956-57. Later he drew cartoons briefly for international newspapers like The Guardian and The Glasgow Herald (195859).

He has authored many books which includes India 1969: a crisis of conscience (1971), India the wasted years: 1969-1975 (1975), Government that works and how! (1989), Recovery of India (1992), Bulls Eye (2004).

Daggubati Ramanaidu Daggubati Ramanaidu was a Veteran multilingual film producer. He was popularly known as movie

mogul and was the only Indian filmmaker to produce movies in so many languages including in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi and English.

Nirad Mahapatra Nirad Mahapatra was an Eminent filmmaker from Odisha. He was best-known for his cultural,

ecological and industrial documentaries. He made into international fame with his very first film Maya Miriga. In 1984 the film had won a Rajat Kamal at the National Film Awards. Later it won a special jury award at the Cannes Film Festival.

R.C Sakthi R.C Sakthi was a popular Tamil director, known as mentor of famous actor Kamal Haasan. He had

launched Kamal Hassan with lead role in his Tamil directorial debut Unarchigal in 1972. Rana Bhagwandas

Rana Bhagwandas was First Hindu Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP). He was the first Hindu and the second non-Muslim to head of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. First non-Muslim CJP was Alvin Robert Cornelius (He was Christian).

Science, Technology & Environment SMAP

Refers to Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) launched by NASA to observe soil mositure. It can measure moisture from top 2 inches of soil, while revolving around earth at 426 miles away from earth.

The idea is to create high resolution global map, which might help in drought monitoring, predict floods, assist crop productivity, weather forecasting and linking water, Energy and Carbon Cycles.

Mitochondrial Donation Technique UK parliament is set to become the first country to legalize creation of three-parent IVF designer

babies using Mitochondrial Donation Technique. A bill was passed in House of Commons in this regard.

Mitochondrial Donation Technique uses a modified version of In vitro fertilization (IVF) of addition of healthy mitochondria from donor women to an egg from other women with defective mitochondria. Then it is fertilized with mans sperm.



Current Affairs : February 2015 In this process, healthy mitochondria is passed to a child from the mother and thus prevents new

born babies from brain damage, muscle wasting, heart failure and blindness due to defective mitochondria.

Ulva Paschima Bast / Cladophora goensis Bast These are the names of two beneficial algal species Ulva Paschima Bast and Cladophora goensis

Bast recently discovered off the west coast of India. Both of these are endemic to west coast of India and have excellent carbon capture properties and medicinal values.

SpaceX Falcon 9 SpaceX Falcon 9 is an unmanned rocket that was successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Air

Force Station, Florida on its third attempt. It took Deep Space Climate Observatory satellite with it, which will be used by US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to monitor the Sun.

Friends for Life project This project was launched by Kerala based Muthoot Group in partnership with World Wide Fund

(WWF) for Nature-India as a part of its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) works. The aim of the project is effective management of human-elephant conflict (HEC) to protect the habitats of Asian elephants in six states as 4 priority landscapes and 1 priority site earmarked by WWF-India.

These priority landscapes include North Bank landscape in Arunachal Pradesh, Kaziranga and Karbi-Anglong in Assam, Terai Arc landscape in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, Western Ghats landscape in Tamil Nadu and Kerala and also some parts of northern West Bengal.

Events & Observations Bharat Rang Mahotsav

17th Edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav launched in National School of Drama, New Delhi. This festival is conducted since 1999 and is known as largest theatre festival of India.

World Wetlands Day World wetland day (WWD) is observed on 2nd February every year. This date marks the adoption of

Ramsar Convention on wetlands in 1971 at Ramsar in Iran. The theme for the world wetland day 2015 was Wetlands for our future. There are more than 2100 Ramsar wetlands around the world. Maximum Ramsar sites are in UK and

largest area covered by Ramsar wetlands is in Canada. International Mother Language Day

International Mother Language Day (Bhasha Divas) was observed across the world, on 21 February. This year's theme was Inclusion in and through education: Language counts. The year 2015 is the 15th anniversary of International Mother Language Day. The Day is observed yearly by UNESCO member states and at its headquarters to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Vanaj - India's first National Tribal Festival The first National Tribal Festival Vanaj was organized in New Delhi. Idea of this festival is to bridge

the gaps of social divide and promote tribal culture in India. 3rd Tortoise Festival

3rd Tortoise Festival was organised on the banks of Hajong Lake in Dima Hasao district of Assam by Dima Hasao Environment and Forest Department. Hajong Lake is popularly known as the tortoise lake, is a natural habitat of the few unique tortoise i.e. hill terrapins.

National Science Day: February 28 Every year February 28 is celebrated as the National Science Day i.e. Rashtriya Vigyan Diwas (

). This day marks the epoch-making discovery of Raman Effect by Indian physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (CV Raman) on February 28, 1928.

Re-Invest-2015, New Delhi



Current Affairs : February 2015 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Renewable Energy Global Investors Meet and

Expo (Re-Invest) 2015 in New Delhi. The aim of the meet was to evolve innovative financial models for funding and to ensure the partnership of states and the Centre in harnessing renewable energy. This year's partner country was "Germany".

First World Ocean Congress, Kochi Kochi is Kerala was the venue of First World Ocean Science Congress. This year's theme was

"Protect Oceans for Posterity and Blue Economy." It was organized by Swadeshi Science Movement, Vijnana Bharati, Kerala Chapter and the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS).

Fourth River Festival, Hoshangabad Hoshangabad district in Madhya Pradesh was venue of the fourth River festival that was organized

at Bandrabhan bank of Narmada River in the district. It was an environment oriented event. 10th Aero India, Bangaluru

10th edition of Aero India was organized at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The show witnessed the mind-boggling performance of Sarang aerobatic team from the Indian Air Force (IAF) flying the Dhruv helicopters. This is a biennial air show and aviation exhibition held in Bangaluru at the Yelahanka Air Force Station.

RIC Forum Meet, Beijing China's capital. It was venue of latest meet of RIC [Russia-India-China]forum. In the latest meeting,

Russia, India and China have called for an early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT).

Towards Zero Poaching in Asia , Kathmandu A symposium, Towards Zero Poaching in Asia concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal on 6th February

2015. Nepal had celebrated two zero poaching years i.e. in 2011 and 2014. In both years no single

critically endangered rhino was killed and for past three years not a single tiger was killed. Nepal was able to achieve remarkable success in wildlife conservation mainly due to its three C

policies, commitment, collaboration and coordination of conservation efforts undertaken by local communities and the security forces.

Defense Related Raad

Ra'ad is the name of Pakistan's indigenously developed Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM). It was tested successfully by Pakistan.

Its range is 350 kilometers and has stealth capabilities due to its cruise technology. LCA-Tejas

The successful launch of Naval Prototype 2 (NP2) variant of LCA Tejas was carried out in Bengaluru. Naval variant LCA Tejas has a complex landing gear design, which is significantly different from the Air Force version of LCA.

Amogh Amogh is the name of a high-speed patrolling ship recently indicted by Indian coast guard. This

ship will be stationed off Paradip coast in Odisha. With this, there are six patrolling ships with the Indian Coast Guard.

BrahMos supersonic cruise missile The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was successfully test fired from Navys indigenously built

destroyer INS Kolkata. BrahMos supersonic cruise missile designed and developed by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture of India and Russia. Missiles name has been derived from the names of two rivers, Indias Brahmaputra River and Russias Moskva River. BrahMos has already been inducted into the Indian Army and Navy. While, the Air Force version is in final stage of trial.

Prithvi-II missile



Current Affairs : February 2015 India successfully test-fired its nuclear capable Prithvi-II surface-to-surface missile from a test range

at Chandipur in Odisha. Prithvi Surface to surface ballistic missile has two variants viz. Prithvi-I for the Army; Prithvi-II for the Indian Air Force; and also the Dhanush for the Navy. This 350 kilometer range missile is a single stage, liquid propelled missile with payload capacity of 500-1000Kg.

TROPEX 2015 Indian Navys Theatre Level Readiness and Operational Exercise (TROPEX) exercise concluded on 27

February 2015. In TROPEX-2015, around 50 ships and submarines, along with 70 aircrafts from the three Naval Commands participated. It also saw the participation of units from the India Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard.

Finance, Business and Economy Key Policy Rates

In the sixth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement, RBI kept the policy rate same but reduced SLR from 22.0% to 21.5%. Later, in the first week of March, RBI reduced repo also.

So, the current key rates stand as follows: Repo rate: 7.50%; CRR: 4%; SLR: 21.5%; Reverse Repo Rate: 6.50% (it is always 100 basis points below RR); Marginal Standing Facility (8.50%) and Bank Rate 8.75%

LRS Limit doubled In the monetary policy statement, RBI has also enhanced the limit for foreign exchange (FOREX)

remittances under Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) to $250,000 (Rs. 1.5 crore) per person per year. This limit was doubled compared to earlier limit of $125,000 per person per year.

Under the LRS, Indians can open, maintain and hold foreign currency accounts with banks outside India for carrying out transactions, without permission from the RBI.

Top FDI destination in the world - China As per United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, China has

overtaken the United States (US) as the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). US was on top as foreign investment destination for past 11 years i.e. since 2003. Top three FDI

destination now are China, Hong Kong and United States. Micromax Mobile : Largest seller of mobiles in India

Micromax Mobile has emerged for the first time has largest seller of mobiles in India. It has taken over the top slot from Samsung. It has 22% market share, followed by Samsung at 20%. This company has been able to capture market mainly because of its cheap smartphones. It is headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana, India.

GIPCs International Intellectual Property Index: India at 29th The U.S. Chamber of Commerces Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) has released its third

annual international intellectual property (IP) index list. In this list India is placed at 29th rank among the 30 countries. While, US has been placed at the top in the list and Thailand at last position.

World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) 2015 In the World Press Freedom Index (WPFI), India was placed at 136th rank out of 180 nations. Finland

is the top country. This index is created by France-based international non-governmental organization Reporters Without Borders (RWB), or Reporters Sans Frontires (RSF).

HAL-IAF contract for supply of Dornier Aircrafts Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Rs. 1,090-crore contract for supplying 14 Dornier-

228 (Do-228) aircrafts to the Indian Air Force (IAF). NMDFC

NMDFC (National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation) provides loans at concessional rates for self employment to minorities. It was recently in news as the Union government has increased its authorized capital from Rs. 1500 crore to Rs. 3000 crore.

Internet.org



Current Affairs : February 2015 Facebook and Indias Reliance Communications Limited (RCOM) have jointly launched Internet.org,

a Facebook-led initiative to bring internet to everyone in the world. Under this initiative both companies aim to bring the power of Internet to a billion people in India in order to increase internet inclusion and encourage more Indians to go online.

Pockets ICICI Bank has launched Indias first digital Bank on mobile phones, Pockets. This service will enable

users to instantly send money to any e-mail id, mobile number, friends on Facebook and bank account.

Chennai Super Kings Cricket (CSKC) Limited India Cements has transferred the Indian Premier League (IPL) team- Chennai Super Kings Cricket

(CSK) franchise to its new subsidiary Chennai Super Kings Cricket (CSKC) Limited. Under the ownership of India Cements, CSK led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, had won IPL tournament twice. For first time in IPL Season 3 (2011) and second time in IPL Season 4 (2012).

Apple : First company to reach a market value of $700 billion. Apple Inc. has become the first company to reach a market value of $700 billion. This California

based technology giant designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software, online services, and personal computers.

Global Fund to supply ARV (anti-retroviral) drugs Global Fund to supply ARV (anti-retroviral) drugs was established in 2002. It operates in a

partnership model between governments, civil society, private sector and people to accelerate the end of diseases such as AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. India company Cipla was selected as its panel supplier.

Government Policy and Schemes CoD scheme of Indian Railways

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched cash on delivery (CoD) system for rail ticketing.

With this initiative, passengers can now book a rail ticket online and get it delivered at home where the payment can be made.

Haryana launches E-registration of Properties Haryana government has launched e-registration of properties in all tehsils and sub-tehsils of the

state. E-registration project seeks to bring transparency and curb corruption in tehsils of state. Jeevan Amrut Yojana (Maharashtra) Jeevan Amrut Yojana of Maharashtra is a "blood on call scheme", which was launched in 2014. The

state government wants to strengthen the network of blood storage units in Rural Areas instead of current mechanism of transporting blood through motor cycles.

Sukanya Samridhi Yojna Sukanya Samridhi Yojna under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign was launched in January

2015 from Haryana. All the girls of under 10 age, from all kinds of families in India can open Sukanya Samridhi Account in Post offices and in the Banks. This account will be opened by girls parents or legal guardians.

In the account, a minimum of one thousand Rupees and maximum of One lakh fifty thousand Rupees can be deposited annually, upon which interest of 9.1% will be accrued.

When the girl child attains the age of 18 years, she herself would become eligible to operate the account. Under the scheme, the girl child can withdraw 50 per cent of the money after reaching age of 18 for higher education. The 18 years deadline will also help preventing child-marriages.

National Deworming initiative It was launched from Jaipur and aims to protect 24 crore children from worms. Albendazole

tablets will be given to all targeted children in first phase.Worms interfere with nutrient uptake in



Current Affairs : February 2015 small children causing parasitic infestation. It leads to severe complications among the children resulting in anemia, malnutrition and improper mental and physical development.

About Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) Union government has warned States to complete Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC) before

15 March 2015. The SECC was started in June 2011 through a comprehensive door-to-door enumeration across the country. It was started to

Generate authentic information on a large number of social and economic indicators relating to households across the country to rank them on their Socio- Economic status.

Enable caste-wise population enumeration of the country and their socio economic condition. It also included education status of various castes and sections of the population.

It was conducted by the Registrar General of India. CCTNS

CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System) is a Union government project which aims to connect the police stations of the country to facilitate collection, storage, retrieval, analysis, transfer and sharing of data and information at the police station and between the police station and the State Headquarters and the Central Police Organizations. Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to launch this project.

SLACC Project SLACC (Sustainable Livelihoods and Adaption to Climate change ) is a World Bank led project which

aims at improving the adaptive capacity of the rural poor particularly women farmers engaged in farm-based livelihoods to cope with climate change and scale up the demonstrated best practices. In India, the SLACC is being implemented with National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA).

Soil Health Card Scheme The Prime Minister has laucnhed nationwide Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme from Suratgarh town of

Sriganganagar district, Rajasthan. During the launch PM gave slogan- Swasth Dharaa. Khet Haraa (Healthy Earth, Green Farm). This is a centrally-sponsored nationwide scheme which aims to help farmers to improve the productivity of farms by providing them basic information for use of nutrients or fertilizers. The card carries crop-wise recommendation of fertilisers that are required for farm lands. It also helps farmers identify health of soil and judiciously use soil nutrients.

Madad (Portal) Union Government has launched Consular Grievances Monitoring portal

named MADAD (Help)- Because You Are Us. MADAD an e-portal will help Indian citizens living abroad to file consular grievances online on the services offered by the Indian Missions and Posts abroad.

14th Finance Commission Recommendations on Devolution Government has accepted FCs recommendation to increase the devolution of tax receipts from the

Centre to the states to 42 percent. Previously, 13th FC had pegged the states share at 32 per cent. The share of States in the Centres net tax receipts will go up by Rs. 1,78,000 crore in 2015-2016. It is the largest ever change in percentage of devolution.

14th Finance Commission was constituted in January 2014. Commissions chairman was former RBI governor Y V Reddy

National Sports Awards Scheme- amendments On the basis of recommendations made by a committee headed by Kapil Dev, Government has

amended the rule for National Sports Awards which include Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, Arjuna Award, Dhyan Chand Award and Dronacharya Awards. Henceforth, the Selection Committee for Arjuna award will be headed by a Retired judge of Supreme Court or High Court. One of its member will be an expert of Para sports. The award will be given only to one sportsperson / coach per discipline.



Current Affairs : February 2015 Awards

National Award for Excellent work in MGNREGA- Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh bags 10th national award for excellent work in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural

Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Madhya Pradesh has over 1 crore MGNREGA job-card holders and tops in the construction of

permanent assets. This state has also implemented Electronic Fund Management System for NREGA wage disbursal.

King Faisal International Prize : Dr. Zakir A. Naik wins 2015 Indias Dr. Zakir A. Naik wins the 2015 King Faisal International Prize (KFIP) in category of Service

to Islam. dedicated men and women whose contributions make a positive difference. Bhalchandra Nemade - Jnanpith Award 2014

Bhalchandra Nemade is an eminent Marathi writer. He has been selected for Jnanpith Award 2014. He is 50th recipient, 4th Marathi writer to get this award. Other three recipients are Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar (1974), Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar (1987) and Vinda Karandikar (2003). Jnanpith award is given for lifetime contribution to Indian literature.

57th Annual Grammy Awards 2015 The best album of the year award has been won by "Morning Phase" by Beck Hansen". There are

two Indians in the awardees list this year viz. Ricky Kej (form album Winds of Samsara) and Neela Vaswani (for Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up For Education And Changed The World (Malala Yousafzai).

68th BAFTA Awards 2015 The best film award has gone to Boyhood. Best director is Richard Linklator (Boyhood), best actor

Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) and best actress is Julianne Moore (Still Alice). John Maynard Keynes Prize 2015 - Amartya Sen

Eminent Indian economist and Nobel laureate Amartya Sen has been awarded the inaugural Charleston-EFG John Maynard Keynes Prize 2015. The aim of this prize is to honour individuals from around the world who continue to embody Keynes extraordinary attributes.

Revised rules: Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar Government has revised the Scheme of Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar. According to the revised

plan, this scheme will be given in following four categories viz. Identification and nurturing of budding/young talent; Encouragement of sports through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Employment of sportspersons and sports welfare measures and Sports for Development.

87th Academy Awards Best Picture award was won by Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). Best actor

award was won by Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) and Best Actress award was won by Julianne Moore (Still Alice).

Miscellaneous Terms and Facts About Indian Coast Guard

Indian Coast Guard is Indias statutory multi-mission organization that protects countrys maritime interests and enforces maritime law. It has jurisdiction over the territorial waters of India, including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone(EEE). It was established on 18 August, 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 and operates under the aegis Ministry of Defence.

World's most expensive art work: Nafea Faa Ipoipo Paul Gauguin is a French artists, whose painting of two Tahitian girls named as Nafea Faa Ipoipo

(When Will You Marry) was sold for 300 million dollars. This is world's most expensive work of art sold so far.

About Maritime Silk Road (MSR)



Current Affairs : February 2015 The 21st century MSR project is an initiative by China to resurrect the ancient maritime Silk Road. It

is perceived to be an attempt by China to ameliorate relations with South and Southeast Asia- in this case the focus is on maritime trade security.

The project will prioritize construction ports and infrastructure, industrial parks in strategically significant countries in Southeast Asia, the Mideast, Africa, Europe and the Indian Ocean region, which includes Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

China has already begun building of port projects in Gwadar (Pakistan), Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and Chittagong (Bangladesh) respectively.

China has announced a USD 40 billion Silk Road fund which became operational in February 2015 for attracting small countries in the projects.

Henn-na Hote Henn-na Hote (means Strange Hotel) is Worlds first humanoid robot-staffed hotel in Nagasaki,

Japan. It is slated to be opened in July 2015. he hotel will be staffed with actroid androids which are human-like robots.

Ammu 35th National Games mascot Ammu- the Great Hornbill, has made into the Limca Book of

Records. It made into the record books owing to a play Kalikkunna Kuttikalkkayi Bharatham Kathirikkunnu (India Awaits Children Who Play) in which Ammu is featured as lead role.

Kotak-ING Vysya Merger The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has given its approval to proposed Rs 15,000-crore

merger deal between Kotak Mahindra Bank and ING Vysya Bank.



Current Affairs : February 2015 Compendium

February 1 , 2015 Sri Lankan President appoints K Sripavan as Chief Justice February 1, 2015 Sri Lankas President Maithripala Sirisena has appointed Kanagasabapathy J Sripavan as Chief Justice. K Sripavan an ethnic-Tamil took oath as the 44th Chief Justice and replaces Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake, who had resigned a day after she was reinstated. He is second Tamil to hold be Chief Justice. The last Tamil chief justice was Herbert Thambiah, who left the position in 1991. 29th Surajkund International Crafts Mela begins in Haryana February 1, 2015 The 29th Surajkund International Crafts Mela was organized at Surajkund. This year, the theme state was Chhattisgarh and partner country was Lebanon. The mela showcased the tribal heritage and culture from forests of Bastar. This mela had started in 1987 and is held every year in first half of February. The artistes from Chhattisgarh showcased various folk dances namely Panthi, Rawat Nacha Pandwani, Chaitra, Kaksar, Saila and Soowa. Lebanon as partner nation of the Mela showcased its ancient heritage of creating crafts in style. 18 countries participated in the mela this year. Leander Paes & Martina Hingis clinch 2015 Australian Open mixed doubles title February 1, 2015 Leander Paes and his Swiss teammate Martina Hingis have won 2015 Australian Open mixed doubles title. In the final they defeated Canadian-French team of Daniel Nestor and Kristina Mladenovic, in straight sets, 6-4 and 6-3. This is their first Grand Slam of the season. With this win Leander Paes clinched his 15th Grand Slam title. Father of Birth Control Pill Carl Djerassi passes away February 1, 2015 Renowned chemist Carl Djerassi has passed away in San Francisco, United States (US). He was 91. He was famously known as the father of the birth control pills for his contribution to the development of oral contraceptive birth pills. About Carl Djerassi

He was born on 29 October 1923. In 1951, he had led a research team in Mexico City that developed a synthetic molecule norethindrone- a key component of the first birth control pill.

Later, he had submitted many research papers on birth control pills. It includes a public policy article about the global implications of U.S. contraceptive research in 1969 and another article about the feasibility of a birth control pill for men in 1970.

It should be noted that the first birth-control pill approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) was Enovid, developed Frank Colton at G.D. Searle & Co and not by him. He was also professor emeritus of chemistry at Stanford University and had written many poems, short stories and plays with an emphasis on mixing science and literature. Some of the poems reflected his life as a chemist.

Awards: For his work on the contraceptive pills he was awarded USs prestigious award National Medal of Science (1973), National Medal of Technology (1991). He was also inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 1978 for his research. Germanys ex-President Richard von Weizsaecker passes away February 1, 2015 Germanys former President Richard von Weizsaecker has passed away on 31 January 2015. He was 94. He was in office as President for 10 years, from 1984 to 1994. His tenure also spanned the period of German reunification (Reunion of East and West Germany).



Current Affairs : February 2015 Richard von Weizsaecker He was a soldier in the German army in World War II. Later, he was a member of the Christian Democratic Union. In 1980s, he had served as the governing mayor of West Berlin. He was elected as President for first time in 1984. In 1989, he was elected unopposed to a second term. During his second term he oversaw the initial years of a reunited Germany as President (largely a ceremonial presidency). As a President he had won widespread praise worldwide for his efforts to persuade Germans to confront their Nazi past. In 1986, he had addressed a joint session of the UK parliament thus becoming the first German to do so. Indias 1st solar fenced elephant sanctuary to come up near Bengaluru February 1, 2015 Indias 1st solar fenced elephant sanctuary will come up near Bengaluru, Karnataka. It was announced by an international animal rights and conservation group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). In this regard, PETA and the Bannerghatta Biological Park, Karnataka have joined hands. Key facts about solar fenced elephant sanctuary

Its main objective is to allow elephants in this park to move around freely within the secure area to curb man- animal conflicts in this area. It will cover 49.5 hectare area within the Biological Park which is an extension of the Bannerghatta National Park.

Designed by the PETA consultant and elephant expert Carol Buckley and basically includes solar electric fence and a state-of-the-art emergency corral made of steel pipes.

Local caregivers will be also trained on the principles of protected contact. It will allow safe interaction between human beings and elephants by keeping them separated by a barrier.

It will also replace age-old routine of physical punishment techniques to manage the elephants, by positive reinforcement techniques.

February 2 , 2015 Jackal research and translocation project launched in Uttar Pradesh February 2, 2015 Wildlife SOS in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh (UP) Forest Department and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is launching Jackal Research & Translocation Project in UP. Under this project, study and translocation of 30-35 wild jackals from Akbars Tomb in Sikandra, Agra to safe natural habitat will be undertaken. Jackal Translocation Project

It seeks to protect Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) population in Akbars tomb as well as jackals. Recent surveys have shown that jackal population has increased inside the Akbars tomb premises. It had resulted in decrease in population of Blackbucks as jackals were preying on the young fawn

of the black bucks. This project will help to reduce unnatural proximity between these two species by translocating jackal to other safe natural habitat and save almost 100 blackbucks. NASA launches SMAP satellite to observe soil moisture February 2, 2015 National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite to observe soil moisture. It was launched from the Delta 2 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) satellite

SMAP satellite is three-year mission which will measure the amount of moisture in soil.

The satellite is built to measure moisture in the top 2 inches (5 centimeters) of soil. It can measure the moisture content of the soil from its spot in orbit about 426 miles (685 kilometers) above Earths surface.

SMAP satellite will produce high-resolution global maps from space and data collected from it will help scientists to monitor droughts and improve flood forecasts.

NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory located in Pasadena, California is responsible for SMAP satellite project management, system engineering, mission operations and the ground data system.



Current Affairs : February 2015 SMAP is going to take real-time measurements that will be incorporated into forecasts and replace

current drought mapping and flash flood guidance mechanism as it issued based on computer modeling.

Applications: It will help to monitor drought, predict floods, assist crop productivity, weather forecasting and linking water, Energy and Carbon Cycles.

Bharat Rang Mahotsav begins in New Delhi February 2, 2015 The 17th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav has begun in New Delhi. It is a theatre festival, organized by National School of Drama (NSD). It was inaugurated by Culture Minister Dr Mahesh Sharma and National Award-winning actor and NSD alumnus Om Puri. This years edition will showcase more than 200 national and international theatre performances. International performances will include theatre productions from countries like Poland, Israel, USA, France and Bangladesh. Bharat Rang Mahotsav

It was established in 1999 as an annual theatre festival of National School of Drama (NSD). Originally it was founded to show case, works of Indian theatre practitioners but later it got

international fame and attracted international performers as well. Now it is acknowledged as the largest theatre festival of Asia.

National School of Drama (NSD) is Indias premier theatre training institute operating under the aegis of Union Ministry of Culture. Malaysias Nicol David sets world No.1 squash record February 2, 2015 Malaysias female professional squash player Nicol David has set a new record by topping the world squash rankings for 106th month. She is first Asian to achieve this milestone and has overtaken previous 105th month record set by four time world champion Susan Devoy from New Zealand which was set in February 1993. For first time she had topped Womens Squash Association (WSA) list in January 2006. Nicol David

She is considered as one of the greatest female squash players of all time and first squash player to win the World Junior title twice, in 1999 and 2001

Her glittering professional squash career includes a record of eight World Championship titles, two Commonwealth Games gold medals and four Asian Games gold medals.

8 World Championship titles: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. She also has won 8 Asian Squash Championship in year 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010

and 2011. She was WSA Player of the Year on seven occasions i.e. from 2005-2010 and 2012.

She was also appointed as United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) National Goodwill Ambassador for Malaysia. Anish Aggarwal takes over as Director (Pipelines) at Indian Oil Corporation February 2, 2015 Anish Aggarwal has taken charge as Director (Pipelines) at nations largest oil refining and marketing company, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Previously, he was Executive Director (Operations) at the IOCs Pipelines Division. Anish Aggarwal

As Executive Director (Operations), he was leading a IOC team that looked into operations and maintenance of companys 11,221 kms long pipeline network across country for transporting crude oil and petroleum products.

He also had headed the IOCs Western Region Pipelines as Executive Director and was responsible for operations of offshore crude oil terminals in this region.



Current Affairs : February 2015 He is an engineering graduate and also holds post graduate management degree from

Management Development Institute, Gurgaon. He has over 30 years of work experience in IOC especially in pipeline projects.

Pakistan successfully test-fires new cruise missile Raad February 2, 2015 Pakistan has conducted a successful flight test of the indigenously developed Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM)Raad. This successful launch has helped Pakistan to achieve strategic standoff capability both on land and at sea. Key facts about Raad missile

Designed to operate with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircrafts like Dassault Mirage III ROSE and JF-17 combat aircraft.

Range of 350 kms and stealth capabilities due to its cruise technology. High maneuverability capabilities that can deliver nuclear and conventional warheads with pin-point

accuracy. Low altitude missile designed to attack fixed enemy installations such as radar posts, command

nodes and stationary surface to air missile launchers at stand-off range World Wetlands Day is being observed on 2 February February 2, 2015 Every year World wetland day (WWD) is observed on 2 February. The theme for the world wetland day 2015 is Wetlands for our future. Significance of Day

This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands also called as Ramsar Convention on 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.

Each year on this day government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and groups of citizens at all levels of the community raise public awareness of wetland values and their benefits. They also spread awareness about Ramsar Convention in particular.

Background For first time, WWD was celebrated in year 1997 and since then it is observed every year. The theme for the world wetland day 2014 was Wetlands and Agriculture. Some facts

Currently there are 2,186 wetlands of international importance sites under the Ramsar Convention known as Ramsar Sites covering around 208,449,277 hectares km.

The maximum Ramsar sites are located in UK i.e. 168. The largest area covered by the Ramsar sites is in Canada. The number of parties to the Ramsar Convention is 168. Ramsar Sites in India are 26 (as of September 2012).

First major trials of Ebola vaccine begins in Liberia February 2, 2015 The first large-scale human trials of two experimental vaccines against Ebola virus has begun in Liberias capital Monrovia. With help of these vaccines, scientists are aiming to immunise more than 30,000 volunteers, including front-line health workers in Liberia. These trials are taking place after smaller studies determined that the vaccines were safe for human use. However, it is not yet clear whether these trial vaccines will offer protection against the disease. Background

As per World Health Organisation (WHO) Ebola outbreak (which started in July 2014) has infected more than 22,000 people and claimed more than 8,800 lives in three Western African countries Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.



Current Affairs : February 2015 Liberia was worst hit by this outbreak and alone had reported more than 3,600 deaths. But in past

few months number of cases has been steadily decreased. Previously without any vaccine, health workers in these nations had fought the outbreak with old-

fashioned public health measures which included isolating the sick, tracking and quarantining those who had contact with them, and setting up teams to safely for disposing death bodies of infected.

RIC Forum calls for early conclusion of Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism February 2, 2015 Russia, India and China have called for an early conclusion of negotiations on the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism in the RIC Forum held in Beijing. In this regard, a joint communiqu was issued by 3 nations in the 13th trilateral meeting of foreign ministers, under this forum. Indias External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Chinese foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian foreign Minister Sergey Levrov had participated in the meeting. Key highlights of RIC Forum

Condemned terrorism- Participating countries strongly condemned terrorism in all forms. They even mentioned that there can be no ideological, political, racial, ethnic or any other justification for acts of terrorism.

Join efforts to combat terrorism- Ministers affirmed the need for all countries to join efforts in combating terrorism under the auspices of United Nations.

Support to India- Russia and China supported Indias aspiration to play a greater role in the United Nations. They also welcomed Indias application for full membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Economic front- All members expressed their support for the forthcoming WTO 10th Ministerial conference in December 2015, to expand their cooperation in several areas including agriculture, medical services and disaster relief.

Other Issues- They also discussed various issues including efforts to counter the threat of use of information and communication technologies for military and terrorism purposes, preventing arms race in outer space, solution to Iranian nuclear issue, latest developments in Syria, Israel- Palestine conflict and current crisis in Ukraine.

The next trilateral meeting of the RIC Forum will be held in Russia later in 2015.

February 3, 2015 IRCTC launches cash on delivery system to book train tickets on pilot basis February 3, 2015 Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has launched cash on delivery (CoD) system for rail ticketing. With this initiative, passengers can now book a rail ticket online and get it delivered at home where the payment can be made. IRCTC has launched this CoD scheme on pilot basis. Initially, this service will be available in more than 200 cities. Passengers can book a rail ticket 5 days prior to commencement of journey. But CoD scheme will charge additional Rs 40 for the delivery of each Sleeper Class ticket, Rs 60 for an AC class ticket. In this case, passengers can book tickets on IRCTC mobile application or on web-portal BookMyTrain.com. IRCTC has authorized Anduril Technologies through their web-portal (BookMyTrain.com) to provide CoD services. Madhya Pradesh gets 10th national award for excellent work in MGNREGA February 3, 2015 Madhya Pradesh has been awarded the 10th national award for excellent work in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Union Rural Development Minister Virendra Singh presented the award to states Panchayats and Rural Development Minister Gopal Bhargava at the MGNREGA summit held on the occasion of MNREGA Divas (observed on 2 February) in New Delhi.



Current Affairs : February 2015 Madhya Pradesh was chosen for this award for convergence of MGNREGA scheme and other schemes, which led to permanent construction of assets and providing opportunities for earning permanent income. MNREGA Implementation in Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, there are 1 crore 2 lakh MGNREGA job-card holder families. State also has topped in construction of permanent assets through MGNREGA convergence in the

country. It accounts for 74 percent construction of permanent assets. State also has implemented Electronic Fund Management System, in order to ensure transparency

in accountancy and immediate payment of wages to labourers. About Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

MGNREGA is social security measure that aims to guarantee the right to work and create durable assets (such as roads, canals, ponds, wells).

Objective: To ensure livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

Initially, it was started in 200 districts on 2 February 2006, since then it has covered all the districts of India from April 2008.

Dr.Nandita Chatterjee takes charge as Secretary in Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation February 3, 2015 Dr. Nandita Chatterjee has taken charge as the new Secretary in the Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA). She will succeed Anita Agnihotri who was transferred to the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in recent secretary-level bureaucratic reshuffle. Prior to this appointment Dr.Nandita Chatterjee was a Member-Secretary of National Commission for Women (NCW). Dr.Nandita Chatterjee

Nandita Chatterjee is an IAS Officer of 1980 batch and belongs to West Bengal Cadre. She holds Masters degree in Economics and Masters in Development Economics. She also holds

Doctoral Degree in Sociology and Anthropology. At National level, she had served in the Union Government for the Ministries of Rural Development

and Environment & Forests. At International level, she had served in the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and

World Health Organisation (WHO) for over six years. Her last international assignment was in Afghanistan as Capacity Development Advisor, UNDP.

Acclaimed sculptor and artist Mrinalini Mukherjee passes away February 3, 2015 Acclaimed Indian sculptor and artist Mrinalini Mukherjee has passed away in New Delhi. She was 65. She was best known for her sculptures, crafted using knotted hemp ropes and cast bronzes. Mrinalini Mukherjee

Ms. Mukherjee was daughter of seminal Santiniketan artists Benode Behari and Leela Mukherjee.

She had studied painting at M S University in Baroda between 1965 and 1970 and later undertook a post diploma in mural design under K G Subramanyan.

She was the first Indian artist whose work was displayed at the Sydney Biennale in 1986. In 1994, her art sculptures were displayed in the Museum of Modern Art, Oxford and later travelled

all over United Kingdom. In 2013, her work was included in the The Body in Indian Art, an exhibition curated by Naman Ahuja

at Bozar in Brussels. RBI Doubles the FOREX Remittance Limit under Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) February 3, 2015



Current Affairs : February 2015 The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its monetary policy review has enhanced the limit for foreign exchange (FOREX) remittances under Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) to $250,000 (Rs. 1.5 crore) per person per year. This limit was doubled compared to earlier limit of $125,000 per person per year. Under the LRS, Indians can open, maintain and hold foreign currency accounts with banks outside India for carrying out transactions, without permission from the RBI. Background RBI has taken this decision after reviewing the external sector outlook as Indias foreign exchange reserves touched all-time high at $322.135 billion in mid-January 2015 and further exercise in macro prudential management. Earlier in 2013, RBI had reduced the limit for FOREX remittances under this scheme to $75,000 as the rupee came under strong pressure. But later, in June 2014, it was again raised the limit to $125,000 (Rs. 75 lakh). China overtakes US as top foreign investment destination: UNCTAD report February 3, 2015 As per United Nations Conference of Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report, China has overtaken the United States (US) as the top destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). US was on top as foreign investment destination for past 11 years i.e. since 2003. Key facts from UNCTAD report

In 2014, foreign firms had invested 128 billion dollars in China compared to 86 billion invested in the US.

The growth in Chinas foreign investment had benefited the services sector as manufacturing had slowed in 2014.

Hong Kong stood at the second spot after China and ahead of US with foreign investment of 111 billion dollars.

Globally, foreign investment had fallen by 8% to a total of $1.26trillion in 2014. The reasons cited for this decline was partly due to the fragility of the global economy due geopolitical risks.

In 2014, the foreign investment in developing nations had increased by 4%, whereas developed nations saw a decline of 14 percent, mostly due to the large fall in the US.

Top 10 foreign investment destinations in 2014

Rank Country FDI* 1 China 128

2 Hong Kong 111

3 United States 86

4 Singapore 81

5 Brazil 62

6 United Kingdom 61

7 Canada 53

8 Australia 49 9 Netherlands 42

10 Luxembourg 36

* Billion Dollars

February 4, 2015 MPs in UK vote to legalise three-person babies using Mitochondrial Donation Technique February 4, 2015



Current Affairs : February 2015 Members of Parliament (MPs) in United Kingdom (UK) have voted to legalise law for creation of three-parent IVF designer babies using Mitochondrial Donation Technique. In this regard, MPs in House of Commons during free vote, voted in favour of amendment bill to amend Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act, 1990 by 382 to 128 votes. With this historic move, UK is now set to become the first country to introduce law to allow the creation of babies from three people. Now this amendment bill needs to be passed in House of Lords. What is Mitochondrial Donation Technique?

It uses a modified version of In vitro fertilisation (IVF) to combine the DNA of the two parents with the healthy mitochondria of a donor woman. This technique was first pioneered by scientists at Newcastle University, UK.

This technique involves addition of healthy mitochondria from donor women to an egg from other women with defective mitochondria. Then it is fertilized with mans sperm.

In this process, healthy mitochondria is passed to a child from the mother. Advantage: It does not allow passage of defective mitochondria from mother to babies. Thus,

preventing new born babies from brain damage, muscle wasting, heart failure and blindness due to defective mitochondria.

Mitochondria: It is a tiny compartment inside cell within the body that converts food in usable energy. It is also called as the powerhouse of the cell. Hindol Senguptas book shortlisted for prestigious Hayek Prize February 4, 2015 Indian Journalist-writer Hindol Senguptas book Recasting India: How Entrepreneurship is Revolutionizing the Worlds Largest Democracy, has been shortlisted for the U.S. prestigious Hayek Prize, 2015. His book on entrepreneurial ventures in India is among the six books in race for this prestigious award. Other shortlisted books include The Forgotten Depression: 1921: The Crash that Cured Itself by James Grant; The Rule of Nobody: Saving America from Dead Laws and Broken Government by Philip K. Howard; The Market and Other Orders (The Collected Works of F A Hayek) by F.A. Hayek, edited by Bruce Caldwell; Putins Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia by Karen Dawisha; and The Tyranny of Experts: Economists, Dictators, and the Forgotten Rights of the Poor by William Easterly. About Hayek Prize It is awarded each year to writers whose work best celebrates the principles of Austro-Hungarian Nobel laureate in economics, Friedrich von Hayek. This prize is awarded by Manhattan Institute and carries monetary prize of $50,000. Haryana government launches e-registration of properties February 4, 2015 Haryana government has launched e-registration of properties in all tehsils and sub-tehsils of the state. It was launched by Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar to mark the completion of 100 days of his government. Previously in January 2015, pilot project of this system was implemented successfully in eight tehsils. About Haryanas e-registration of properties system

Under the new system, documents for land registration will be submitted at e-Disha centres. At e-Disha centres, a helpdesk will provide information regarding stamp duty and collector rates. Then help desk will fix the appointment date of applicants with tehsildars for registration of sale

deed. Thus, e-registration project seeks to bring transparency and curb corruption in tehsils of state.

Dr. Zakir A. Naik wins 2015 King Faisal International Prize February 4, 2015



Current Affairs : February 2015 Indias Dr. Zakir A. Naik has won the prestigious 2015 King Faisal International Prize (KFIP) in category of Service to Islam. It was announced by Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and KFIP Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Othaimeen. About Dr. Zakir A. Naik

Zakir A. Naik is public speaker on the subject of Islam and comparative religion. Sometimes he is referred as a televangelist because of his work at Peace TV. He has published booklet versions of lectures on Islam and comparative religion

Before becoming a public speaker, he was trained as a medical doctor. He is founder and President of the Islamic Research Foundation of India. He is also the founder of

the Islamic International School in Mumbai and United Islamic Aid, which provides scholarship to poor and destitute Muslim youth.

Awards: He has been conferred with many awards including Islamic Personality of 2013, Malaysias Distinguished International Personality Award (2013), Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work (2013).

About King Faisal International Prize (KFIP) KFIP is an annual award presented to dedicated men and women whose contributions make a

positive difference and sponsored by King Faisal Foundation. It is awarded in five categories: Service to Islam; Islamic studies; Arabic Language and Literature;

Science; Medicine. Each prize consists of a handwritten Arabic certificate summarizing the laureates work, a

commemorative 24-carat, 200-gram gold medal and a cash award of 750,000 Saudi riyal (US$ 200,000).

First prize was awarded to Sayyid Abul Aala Maududi in the year 1979 for his service to Islam. 2015 KFIP other awardees are

Chemistry- Professor Omar Mwannes Yaghi (US) and Professor Michael Gratzel (Switzerland), Islamic studies- Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Kaki. Medicine- Jeffrey Ivan Gordon (US).

Maharashtra government planning to revamp Jeevan Amrut Yojana February 4, 2015 Maharashtra Government is planning to revamp the Jeevan Amrut Yojana (blood-on-call) scheme to make it more beneficial to people. State government is seeking to strengthen the network of blood storage units in rural areas instead of current mechanism of transporting blood through motorcycles. About Jeevan Amrut Yojana

It is first of its kind scheme in the country, launched in 2014. It aimed at facilitating blood supply to patients scheduled to undergo surgeries and medical

procedures in remote areas. The patients, who need the blood, have to pay 450 rupees towards the cost of blood and 50 rupees

to 100 rupees as transportation cost depending on the distance after the request (for blood) is placed by the hospital concerned.

Upon receiving the call, the required blood and blood components are transported on motorcycle to hospitals and nursing homes, in specially fitted cold storage boxes.

Bihar Government to provide free education till PG to SC/ST and girl students February 4, 2015 Bihar government has decided to provide free education to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and girl students till Post Graduation (PG) level in the state. This decision was taken at the state cabinet meeting headed by Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi. Now no fee will be taken from the SC/ST and girl students at the time of admission in government universities and colleges in state. State government will reimburse the financial loss to such universities/colleges after admitting students as per this decision.



Current Affairs : February 2015 The move will cost the State exchequer Rs. 29 crore annually and benefit over four lakh students belonging to the three categories in the State.

February 5, 2015 Micromax overtakes Samsung in Indias smartphone market: Canalys Report February 5, 2015 According to market research firm Canalys report, Indias Micromax Mobile has overtaken Korean tech giant Samsung as the largest seller of smartphones in India for the first time. As per Canalys report, Micromax accounted for 22% of Indias smartphone market share in the October-December 2014 quarter (Q4, 2014). While, Samsungs market share has fallen down to 20%. Micromaxs smartphone market share in India is 4.7% and Samsungs 4.4 in Q4, 2014. Micromax was able to overtake Samsung because of its cheap smartphone segment that catered Indias local smartphone market preference. Micromax and Samsung were followed by two other Indian budget smartphone brands, Karbonn and Lava. It should be noted that, India is the worlds third-largest smartphone market after China and United States. About Micromax

Micromax is consumer Electronics Company with the business of manufacturing of Mobile phones, Smartphones, Tablet Computers and LED Televisions. It is headquartered in Gurgaon, Haryana, India

It was started in 2000 as an IT software company and worked on embedded platforms. Later it started manufacturing low cost mobile and featured smartphones.

Micromax is the tenth largest handset seller in the world as of Q3 2014. Infosys appoints Roopa Kudva as independent member of board February 5, 2015 Indias second largest software services firm, Infosys has appointed Roopa Kudva as an independent member on its board of directors. At present, she is managing director (MD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Crisil, a subsidiary of global rating agency- Standard & Poors. About Roopa Kudva

Kudva had joined Crisil in 1992 and was appointed its MD and CEO in 2007. She also had worked with Standard & Poors in Paris as its Director at Financial

Institutions Ratings covering the Middle-East, Eastern Europe, and Mediterranean countries. Kudva holds a postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM) from Indian Institute of Management,

Ahmedabad (IIM-A). She is also a member of several policy-level committees relating to Indian governments financial

system, including committees of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

Ajay Shukla takes charge as new Member (Traffic) in Railway Board February 5, 2015 Ajay Shukla has taken additional charge as the Member (Traffic) in the Railway Board. He will replace D P Pande who had retired from this post on 31 January 2015. Currently, Ajay Shukla is an Additional Member (Commercial) Railway Board. About Ajay Shukla

Ajay Shukla is senior officer of 1979 batch of Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS). He has rich and varied experience of working on several important posts in Indian

Railway like Chief Passenger Traffic Manager and Chief Safety Officer in Northern Railway, and Divisional Railway Manager in Dhanbad among others.

For his outstanding service he has won various prestigious Awards which includes DRMs Award, General Manager Award, Railway Ministers Award, and Railway Boards Silver Medal for Rajbhasha.

India ranked second last in GIPCs International Intellectual Property Index February 5, 2015



Current Affairs : February 2015 The U.S. Chamber of Commerces Global Intellectual Property Center (GIPC) has released its third annual international intellectual property (IP) index list. In this list India is placed at 29th rank among the 30 countries. While, US has been placed at the top in the list and Thailand at last position. Key facts

In this edition of IP Index, India has scored a low 7.23 out of maximum 30 points. While, US topped with score of 28.53 among the 30 countries surveyed, making it the global leader in protecting IP.

It should be noted that in 2012 and 2014 GIPC Index, India was ranked last in the list, due to deterioration of IP climate in country.

But in 2015 GIPC Index, India has moved up by 1 position to 29th rank because of steps taken by the Union Government to address the concerns of international community related to the IP rights.

About GIPCs Intellectual property (IP) index It was started in 2012 and the first edition compared national IP environment in 11 economies. Now, this index is represented by 30 countries around the world which represents 80 per cent of the worlds gross domestic product (GDP). It is based upon 30 measurable criteria which includes patent, copyright and trademark protections, enforcement, and engagement in international treaties. Mary McGowan Davis appointed as new head UNHRC Gaza probe February 5, 2015 Former US judge Mary McGowan Davis was appointed as the new head of United Nations Human Rights Councils (UNHRCs) Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict. She will replace William Schabas who had resigned after Israel accused him of a conflict of interest for the consultancy work he done for the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) in October, 2012. Earlier, McGowan Davis had served as a justice on New Yorks Supreme Court, and chaired the UN follow-up committee to probe into the 2008-2009 war between Israel and Hamas. Background

Earlier in August 2014, UNHRC had appointed three members Independent Commission of Inquiry on the 2014 Gaza Conflict. This commission was tasked to probe possible war crimes and human rights violations during a month long conflict in Gaza in July 2014.

In this month long conflict more than 2,100 Palestinians, most of them civilians, 67 Israeli soldiers and 6 civilians in Israel were killed.

It was headed by William Schabas and included Amal Alamuddin and Doudou Diene as members. LC Goyal takes charge as the Union Home Secretary February 5, 2015 LC Goyal has taken charge as the Union Home Secretary. He replaced Anil Goswami who had resigned following a controversy over the arrest of former Union Minister Matang Sinh in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam. Goyal was appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for two year term. About LC Goyal

He is a 1979-batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre. At the time of his appointment, he was serving as Union Rural Development Secretary. Earlier, Goyal had served in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) as Joint Secretary (Internal Security).

Gujarat Handloom Corporation inks MoU with eBay February 5, 2015 Gujarat State Handloom and Handicraft Development Corporation (GSHHDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global e-commerce giant eBay.

The main objective of this MoU is to expand sales base of handloom and handicraft products of Gujarat to online market from current retail shop sales.

In order to increase the online market share, GSHHDC is also planning to launch its own e-commerce portal under Garvi-Gurjari brand to reach out to a bigger customer base and boost sales in overseas markets.



Current Affairs : February 2015 GSHHDC is also planning to tie-up with domestic e-commerce majors as Flipkart and Snapdeal.

As of now, GSHHDCs sales are from offline market through their 23 showrooms and exhibitions across India. As expansion plan, GSHHDCs within next three years is aiming to open 300 stores. Two beneficial algal species discovered off the west coast of India February 5, 2015 Recently, two beneficial algal species Ulva Paschima Bast and Cladophora goensis Bast were discovered off the west coast of India. They were discovered by Dr. Felix Bast and two research students working with him. These findings were published in the journals PLOS One and Indian Journal of Marine Sciences. Key Characteristics of discovered algal species

Carbon capture properties- These species have excellent carbon capture properties i.e. ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. So it can be used as bio-fuels and help reduce global warming.

Endemic- Both of them are endemic species to the western coast of India. So, their cultivation is not going to cause any environmental harm and reduces the risk of bio invasion in this region.

Bloom forming- Both species being bloom forming they have spontaneous growth. So there is no need for any expensive cultivation systems such as photobioreactors or extensive use of fertilizers/pesticides. They can grow sporadically at shorelines and can sequester CO.

Medicinal values- Both species have similar characteristic like other algal species which have Kahalalide-F , used in in clinical trials against prostate and breast cancers. So they can be used in Pharmaceutical products.

It should be noted that, this discovery was the first molecular study on Indian algae, and first algal species discoveed in past 40 years.

February 6, 2015 Kolkata becomes Indias first Wi-Fi-enabled metro city February 6, 2015 Kolkata is slated to become Indias first Wi-Fi-enabled metro city as the service was launched from Park Street in city. This 4th Generation (4G) free Wi-fi service was launched by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Free Wi-fi service will be will be rolled out in phased manner in all the wards under Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) as well as adjacent areas of Kolkata. The whole city is expected to come under Wi-Fi coverage by mid-April in 2015. Private telecom operator, Reliance Jio is providing the 4G enabled service Wi-fi s in the city. US President appoints Ajay Banga as member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations February 6, 2015 United States (US) President Barack Obama has appointed Indian CEO Ajay Banga as member of the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations (ACTPN). ACTPN is the US presidents private-sector advisory panel on international trade and helps him to coordinate trade related policies and resolve disagreements. This appointment came along with several other appointments to key US administration posts. About Ajay Banga

At present, Ajay Banga is chairman of the US India Business Council. Since 2009, he is president and CEO of MasterCard. Prior to joining MasterCard, he had held various

senior management roles in Citigroup from 1996 to 2009 and has served as CEO of Citigroup Asia Pacific.

Ajay Banga also served as Director for Marketing and Business Development at PepsiCo Restaurants International India from 1994 to 1996.



Current Affairs : February 2015 He had started his career at Nestle India, where he served in various sales and management roles

from 1981 to 1994. At present he is a member of the Board of Directors of MasterCard and The Dow Chemical

Company. He holds a postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM) from Indian Institute of Management,

Ahmedabad (IIM-A). He also has received a BA degree from St Stephens College of Delhi University. Tunisia Parliament approves first coalition government after Arab Spring February 6, 2015 Tunisia Parliament has approved the first historic coalition government after the Arab spring. In this regard, 166 out of 204 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favor of the new cabinet proposed by the Prime Minister Habib Essid. The new coalition Government comprised of liberal Nida Tounes party, moderate Islamist Ennahda party and the Free Patriotic party. In the coalition government, Nidaa Tounes party holds 6 portfolios, including the foreign ministry. While, the interior, defence and justice portfolios have been given to independents. Ennahda party holds labour ministry and three secretary of state posts. Background In October election 2014, Nidaa Tounes party had won the most seats in countrys first free presidential and Parliamentary elections in the wake of 2011 Arab Spring. They had formed a coalition government after the election. While, Beji Caid Essebsi was elected as President. Arab Spring Tunisia was birth place of Arab Spring which started in 2011 to overthrow countrys long time dictator Ben Ali. Later it spread to many parts of the Arab countries like Egypt, Libya, Syria and Yemen. In every country except Tunisia the revolution had turned violent. In case of Syria it turned into civil war. Eminent Marathi writer Bhalchandra Nemade selected for Jnanpith Award 2014 February 6, 2015 Eminent Marathi writer Bhalchandra Nemade has been selected for Jnanpith Award 2014. He is the 4th Marathi writer to receive the honour and is the 50th recipient of Jnanpith award. With this award he joined the league of noted Marathi writers who have won Jnanpith award. They are

Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar (1974) for his work Yayati. Vishnu Vaman Shirwadkar (1987). He is famously known as Kusumagraj. Vinda Karandikar (2003).

About Bhalchandra Nemade He was born in 1938 in the village of Jalgoan district of Maharashtra. He completed his bachelors degree from Fergusson College, Pune and received PhD and D.Lit.

degrees from North Maharashtra University. He has taught English, Marathi, and comparative literature at various universities including the

School of Oriental and African Studies at London and retired from Mumbai Universitys Gurudeo Tagore Chair for comparative literature studies.

In the 1960s, he had edited Marathi magazine Vacha. His work

Novel Collection- Kosla, Bidhar, Hool, Jarila, Jhool, Hindu- Jagnyachi Samruddha Adgal. Poem Collection- Melody, Dekhani. Criticism Collection- Teekaswayamvar, Sahityachi Bhasha, Tukaram, The Influence of English on

Marathi : A Sociolinguistic and Stylistic Study, Indo-Anglian Writings: Two Lectures, Prasaranga Prakashan, Mysore, Nativism (Desivad).

Awards- He has received Sahitya Akademi Award (1990) for his critical work Teeka Svayanwar. He is also recipient of Padma Shri (2011).



Current Affairs : February 2015 About Jnanpith Award

Jnanpith award is one of the prestigious literary awards in India. The name of award is taken from Sanskrit words Jnana and Pitha (knowledge-seat).

It was instituted in 1961 and presented by Bharatiya Jnanpith, a trust founded by the Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain family.

The award is given to any Indian citizen who writes in any 22 official languages of India mentioned in VIII Schedule of Constitution of India. The award includes 11 lakh rupees and a citation plaque and a bronze replica of Saraswati.

Prior to 1982, the award was only given for a single work by a writer. But since 1982, the award is given for lifetime contribution to Indian literature.

HAL signs contract with IAF to supply 14 Dornier-228 aircrafts February 6, 2015 Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a Rs. 1,090-crore contract for supplying 14 Dornier-228 (Do-228) aircrafts to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The contract also includes supplying six reserve engines, a flight simulator and associated equipment to IAF. These 14 aircrafts will be manufactured by the HALs Transport Aircraft Division at Kanpur. Key facts about Dornier Do-228 aircraft

The Dornier Do-228 was designed and developed by Dornier GmbH in the late 1970s.

The aircraft cockpit allows for two-person operation and can carry 19 passengers in the commuter version.

It is reliable, multipurpose and fuel efficient aircraft. It has special feature to operate from smaller airfields because of its light weight design and a

retractable tricycle landing gear. HAL Dornier-228 production background

HAL holds the license to locally produce the Do-228 aircraft. Since 1983, HAL has produced more than 125 Do-228 aircraft.

Earlier, HAL had supplied this aircraft to Indian Armed Forces and also exported them to Indian Ocean nations of Seychelles and Mauritius.

In 2014, HAL had supplied one Do-228 aircraft to Bangalore-based Electronics and Radar Development Establishment (LRDE) for testing its new radars on flight.

Symposium: Towards Zero Poaching in Asia concludes in Nepal February 6, 2015 A symposium, Towards Zero Poaching in Asia concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal on 6th February 2015. Symposium: Towards Zero Poaching in Asia

This five-day anti-poaching symposium started on 2 February 2015, was hosted by the Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation of Nepal.

It was co-hosted by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Global Tiger Forum (GTF), National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN)

This event had brought together global anti-poaching experts and delegates from countries like Bangaladesh, Bhutan, China, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam.

In this event, experts shared best anti-poaching practices, tools and technologies with the aim of launching a coordinated Asia-wide push to stop poaching.

Among the Tiger Range Countries that participated in this Zero Poaching in Asia symposium, Nepal is the only country to achieve zero poaching.

Nepals achievement of Zero-poaching Nepal had celebrated two zero poaching years i.e. in 2011 and 2014.



Current Affairs : February 2015 In both years no single critically endangered rhino was killed and for past three years not a single

tiger was killed. Nepal was able to achieve remarkable success in wildlife conservation mainly due to its three C

policies, commitment, collaboration and coordination of conservation efforts undertaken by local communities and the security forces.

Nepals wildlife Nepal, which shares the Terai Arc landscape with India, has rich bio-diversity and rare flora and

fauna. It is home to endangered animals like tigers, rhinos, elephants and gangetic dolphins. It has 10 national parks, three wildlife reserves and six conservation areas that cover more than

13,000 square miles in total. As per the previous animal census there are 534 endangered rhinos and 198 tigers in Nepal.

Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) is Nepals nodal agency to monitor its rich biodiversity.

Micromax appoints Shubhajit Sen as new chief marketing officer February 6, 2015 Indias largest mobile vendor, Micromax has appointedShubhajit Sen as its chief marketing officer (CMO). His appointment seeks to boost its marketing efforts as it looks to further improve its position in the surging smart phone market in the country. As the CMO, Sen will be leading all marketing efforts for the company across markets while strengthening the overall brand communication. About Shubhajit Sen He is an economics graduate from Delhi University and holds a postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM) from Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A). He had started his career in 1992 with Glaxo Smith Kline (GSK) as a management trainee and advanced through the organization. He has rich experience of 21 years w

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