Current Affairs Daily Digest – January 26 2020
1. Ganga-Volga Dialogue held with Russia to enhance Connectivity
The Ganga-Volga Dialogue was held between India and Russia in New Delhi. The dialogue focused in providing interface between the civilizations of the countries. The Dialogue also focused on Digital Connectivity, culture, tourism, healthcare, manufacturing technology, economy, entrepreneurship, etc. The aim of the dialogue is very similar to the International North-South Transport Corridor.
2. Diplomat Joao Vale de Almeida is appointed as first post-Brexit UK ambassador
Portuguese diplomat Joao Vale de Almeida was appointed as the head of future EU diplomatic mission to the UK after Brexit on 24 January. The UK’s exit was scheduled for 31 January 2020.
Joao Vale de Almeida – Almeida will head the first EU delegation to the UK as of the first day of February. Joao Vale de Almeida is an experienced EU diplomat. He has experience as the European union’s U.S. ambassador in 2010-2014.
3. International Customs Day is observed on 26 January
International Customs Day (ICD) is observed on 26 January every year. The day recognizes the role of custom officials and agencies in maintaining border security. The day marks the anniversary of the formation of the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC).
4. Republic Day is celebrated on 26 January
Republic Day is celebrated on 26 January every year. India celebrates 71st Republic Day on 26 January 2020. It marks the day when India declared itself a Sovereign, Democratic and Republic state. Republic Day is a national holiday in India. The Republic day is celebrated with the salute of 21 guns in New Delhi before the President of India.
5. PETA-funded project takes early steps to create humane source of diphtheria antitoxin
The first steps have been taken towards ending the use of horses in India and other countries in the creation of antitoxins used to treat diphtheria, said the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
The reference is to the creation of recombinant human antibodies capable of blocking the poisonous toxin that causes diphtheria. These new antibodies are derived from a non-animal source, a progressive departure from existing practices, were it was got from horses.
6. 2-day ‘Innovation Festival’ begins at Science Centre in Itanagar
In Arunachal Pradesh, the two-day ‘Innovation Festival’ kicked off at the Science Centre. The festival is being organized by the Arunachal Pradesh State Council for Science & Technology in collaboration with the National Innovation Foundation.
7. Madhya Pradesh govt made the reading of Preamble of Constitution mandatory in schools
After Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, state government has made the reading of Preamble of the Constitution mandatory in schools on every Saturday. The Department of School Education stated that orders in this regard have been issued to District Education Officers.
8. First-ever carnival of peace and harmony held in Shillong as part of the week long Meghalaya Day Celebrations
Meghalaya capital Shillong witnessed the First-ever carnival of peace and harmony as part of the week long Meghalaya Day Celebrations.
Led by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, the carnival procession passed through the busy streets of Shillong city showcasing different ethnic communities of the State and neighbouring regions
9. World’s largest meditation centre coming up in Hyderabad
The world’s largest meditation centre and the global headquarters of the Heartfulness Institute will be inaugurated on January 28. To mark the 75th anniversary of the organisation, Kanha Shanti Vanam will be dedicated to the first guide of Heartfulness, fondly called Lalaji by the present global guide Daaji.
Baba Ramdev, the popular yoga guru, will be present on the occasion and address about 40,000 abhyasis or practitioners.
10. Siemens to acquire C&S Electric for Rs 2,100 crore
Siemens India has agreed to acquire Delhi-based electrical and electronic equipment maker C&S Electric for cash consideration of Rs 2,100 crore in its biggest acquisition in the country till date outside the group.
The deal will help Siemens strengthen position as a supplier of low-voltage power distribution and electrical installation technology in the country. “Joining forces with C&S Electric allows us to bring a more comprehensive portfolio that addresses needs of ..
11. Aunties, uncles, tube lights among 26 new Indian words in Oxford dictionary
Aunties, uncles and tube lights have made it to the latest edition of the world’s best selling dictionary, Oxford with 26 new Indian English words being added to a total of 384 existing ones.
The 384 words in the 10th edition of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary come with an Indian English label, including 22 new additions in print and 26 in the online edition. These include headwords and also some individual meanings or idioms.
However, the Oxford Dictionaries Hindi Word of the Year for 2018 – Nari Shakti.
