Current Affairs Daily Digest – January 09 2020
1. Harshvardhan Sadgir won the 2020 Maharashtra Kesari title
Indian wrestler Harshvardhan Sadgir won the Maharashtra Kesari title in the 63rd wrestling event at Balewadi near Pune on 7 January 2020. He defeated his opponent Shailesh Shelek of Latur to claim the title.
2. Worlds highest railway bridge to be built by 2021 December
The government has set a fresh deadline for the completion of the world’s highest railway bridge that connects Kashmir to the rest of India by December 2021. It is the most challenging project in the post-independent history of the Indian Railways. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project is important in order to provide an alternative and reliable transportation system to Jammu and Kashmir. It will connect Kashmir Valley to the Indian Railways.
3. Titanic wave of star-forming gases spotted in Milky Way
Scientists from Harvard University have discovered a titanic wave of star-forming gases practically in the Milky way on 7 January 2020. The astronomers reported that the massive structures are located in the Milky Way galaxy’s spiral arm closest to Earth.
4. Cabinet approves to confer National Importance status to Gujarat Ayurveda University campus
The Union Cabinet chaired by the PM Narendra Modi approved to confer the Institution of National Importance status to the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, Jamnagar. It will be given the status by conglomerating Ayurveda Institutes at Gujarat Ayurveda University campus, Jamnagar.
5. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas is observed on 9 Janauary
The 16th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) is observed on 9 January 2020. The day is celebrated to recognize the overseas Indians who have contributed to the development of India.
Reason for celebrating the day on 9 January – January 9 was chosen for the celebration of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas because on this day in 1915, Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa and led India’s freedom struggle.
6. World Bank’s Global Economic Prospect: World Economic Growth projected at 2.5%
The World Bank released its Global Economic Prospect. According to its forecast, the world is expected to grow economically at the rate of 2.5%. This is the lowest prediction since that predicted in 2008-09, 3.1%. By then, the global financial crisis derailed the economy.
7. Cabinet approves India-Mongolia Agreement on exploration of outer space
The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Modi approved the agreement between India and Mongolia to explore outer space for civilian and peaceful purposes. The countries signed the agreement in September 2019.
8. Cabinet approves North East Natural Gas Pipeline Grid
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the North East Gas Pipeline Grid. The pipeline is to be constructed for around 1,656 km. The gas pipeline grid is to be developed in eight states of the North East Region namely Manipur, Meghalaya, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim, Nagaland and Tripura.
9. Operation Sankalp: Indian Navy commences maritime security operations for merchant vessels in Strait of Hormuz
The Indian Navy said that they have commenced security operations called ‘Operation Sankalp’ in order to ensure safe passage of Indian Flag Vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
The operation is being progressed in close coordination with all stakeholders including the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Shipping and Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the official statement said. “Regular inter-ministerial meetings have been held to review the evolving maritime security situation in the Gulf region.”
10. IBM appoints Sandip Patel as MD of India, South Asia operations
IBM has appointed Sandip Patel as the new Managing Director of its India and South Asia (ISA) operations. He will succeed Karan Bajwa who will pursue opportunities outside IBM, the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
11. Cabinet approves India’s MoUs with UK, Sweden and BMGF
The Union Cabinet approved Memorandum of Understandings India had signed with United Kingdom, Sweden and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The BMGF agreed to work with the Ministry to strengthen health sector of the country. It focuses on reducing child mortality, morbidity, maternal mortality and neonatal mortality.
12. Virat Kohli retains top spot; Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara slip in ICC Test rankings
India skipper Virat Kohli retained his top spot among batsmen while Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane slipped in the latest ICC Test rankings issued. With 928 points, Kohli is way ahead of second-placed Australian maestro Steve Smith (911), the ICC said in a statement.
13. Cabinet approves strategic sale of Neelachal Ispat
The Union Cabinet today approved a proposal to divest equity shares of four PSUs – MMTC, NMDC, BHEL and MECON – in Neelachal Ispat Ltd. The strategic buyer will be identified through a two-stage auction procedure. Neelachal Ispat is a joint venture company, in which four central public central enterprises – MMTC, NMDC, BHEL and MECON – and two state PSUs of Odisha government, IPICOL and OMC, are shareholders.
