GK News Updates
15th February - 21st February
India
Army recaptures Delhi water source, caste protests continue in Haryana
Normal supply of water to Delhi from Haryana, which had been disrupted due to the Jat stir, is likely to be restored as security forces have taken control of the Munak Canal after evicting Jat protesters.
India, Nepal sign nine agreements
NEW DELHI: India and Nepal on 20th February signed nine agreements following delegation-level talks led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli
PM Modi inaugurates Housing for All scheme in Chhattisgarh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the Housing for all scheme in Naya Raipur in Chhattisgarh on 22nd February.
PM Modi: 'Fasal Bima Yojana' is a solution to all problems of farmers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana at Kisan Kalyan Mela in Sherpur village in Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh.
World
Syria conflict: Homs and Damascus bomb blasts kill 140
Bomb blasts in the Syrian cities of Homs and Damascus have left at least 140 people dead, monitors and state media say.
Obama imposes new sanctions on North Korea
President Barack Obama signed new sanctions on North Korea into law on 18th February , punishing the regime for its nuclear and missile tests as well as for suspected cyber-hacking incidents.
Business
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley inaugurates non-tax revenue e-portal
With the Prime Minister's Office setting a target to switch at least 90 per cent of all official transactions to paperless mode by the end of 2016, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley launched a new e-platform for non-tax receipts. NTPC made the maiden payment on the portal developed by the Controller General of Accounts, by remitting Rs.989 crore as an interim dividend to the government.
India continues to be a haven of stability and growth:Jayant Sinha,Minister of State for Finance
In his pre-Budget message, Minister of State for Finance, Jayant Sinha on 20th February said the Budget will ensure that India continues to be a haven of stability and growth.
Sports
Brendon McCullum of New Zealand smashes the fastest century in Test history
Brendon McCullum of New Zealand smashed the fastest century in Test history, from just 54 balls, against Australia in Christchurch in his farewell test.
BCCI to consider legal options to safeguard existing structure from Lodha Committee Recommendations
The associations are fine with age restriction clause, and the restriction on the number of terms of administrator, but are opposing over one state, one vote recommendations.
India enter semis in Badminton Asia Team Championships
India men's impressive run in the Badminton Asia Team Championships continued as the hosts booked a semi-final berth with a hard fought 3-2 win over former champions Malaysia, but women's team bowed out after a 0-3 loss to Korea in Hyderabad.
Sci/Tech
TYC-2505-672-1 Stellar System: Longest-lasting stellar eclipse discovered
Scientists have discovered a stellar system TYC 2505-672-1 about 10,000 light years from Earth where every 69 years the bigger star disappears in a near-total eclipse for a record three and a half years.
Obama honours six Indian Americans with Presidential Early Career Awards
President Obama has named six Indian American researchers among 106 individuals as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers, the highest U.S. government honour for young independent researchers.
Environment
The hottest January in modern times was recorded this year
January 2016 has continued a trend of rapid global warming, setting the record for the hottest first month of the year in the history books.
8th February - 14th February
India
Make in India Week: Smooth evacuation, 7,000 escape unhurt after fire in Mumbai event
The silver lining for organizers of the Maharashtra Night event at Girgaum Chowpatty on 14th February evening was that despite the massive fire burning down the entire stage, the fire brigade and police officials together averted a bigger crisis by implementing a swift and effective evacuation
Odd-even rule comes back to Delhi from April 15
The Delhi Government's road rationing scheme will return in April, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on 11th February
India-UAE sign 4 agreements across various sectors
Further strengthening the multifaceted relationship between India and UAE both sides signed 4 agreements.
World
Iran calls for better relations with Saudi Arabia
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammed Javad Zarif said that Iran and Saudi Arabia must overcome years of strained relations and work for stability in Syria and the Middle East.
US election 2016: Trump and Sanders win New Hampshire
Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Bernie Sanders have shaken up the US presidential race with decisive victories in the New Hampshire primary.
North Korea rocket launch: UN Security Council condemns latest violation
The UN Security Council has condemned North Korea's launch of a long-range rocket, after an emergency meeting in New York and calls by the US, South Korea and Japan for talks on how to respond to the isolated country's latest action.
Business
Indian economy to grow at 7.6% in 2015-16 fiscal year
The Indian economy is expected to record a five-year high growth rate of 7.6 per cent in 2015-16 on improved performance in manufacturing and farm sectors.
Oil Minister unveils HydroCarbon Vision 2030 for NE
Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said that oil and gas output from Northeast will double from its current quantity by 2030.
Sports
Indian long-distance runner Kavita Raut clinches South Asian Games marathon gold, books Olympic berth
Indian long-distance runner Kavita Raut qualified for the Rio Olympics in the women's marathon after winning the event in the 12th South Asian Games on 12 February in Guwahati, a perfect end to the country's memorable athletics campaign in the games.
3rd T20 : India beat Sri Lanka by 9 wickets
India beat Srilanka by 9 wickets in the third T20 match at Visakhapatnam on 14th February. India win series 2-1.
Sci/Tech
Gravitational waves discovered : Einstein's legacy
The first direct detection of gravitational waves was announced on 11 February by the Advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).
TRAI rules in favour of Net neutrality
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 8th February barred telecom service providers from charging differential rates for data services, effectively prohibiting Facebook's Free Basics and Airtel Zero platform by Airtel in their current form.
Environment
Pollution breaching right to happy life: President Pranab Mukherjee
"Distressing" pollution levels in cities have "breached" people's right to lead a healthy, happy and productive life, President Pranab Mukherjee said on 9th Februray
1st February - 7th February
India
PM Narendra Modi takes on Opposition for stalling Parliament on his visit to Tamil Nadu
PM Narendra Modi took on the opposition for misleading the people on the issue of reservation and development and for stalling parliament on his one-day visit to Tamil Nadu is due to go to the polls to elect its 15th Assembly by April.
Former Lok Sabha speaker and veteran Congress leader Balram Jakhar passes away
Veteran Congress leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker Balram Jakhar passed away on 3rd February. He was 92. Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was a popular leader who enriched Parliamentary democracy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviews International City Parade
PM Narendra Modi reviews the International City parade as part of International Fleet Review in Vishakhapatnam. Indian Navy showcases operational preparedness and might of its various wings, including that of its marine commandos.
World
Taiwan earthquake: death toll rises with dozens trapped in toppled building
A powerful earthquake in Taiwan has brought down a 17-storey apartment complex full of families gathered for the lunar new year celebrations, with at least 15 people dead and many more feared to be trapped.
India, Thailand lay road map for boosting ties
India and Thailand have laid a roadmap for further strengthening bilateral ties including in the defence sector.
Business
Cabinet announces dates for budget session
The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs has announced the dates for the budget session.
Government may ask Reserve Bank to consider road projects under priority sector list
The government will soon approach the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Raghuram Rajan with a proposal to include road projects under the priority sector list for lending purposes and review the non-performing assets norms to revive Rs. 40,000-crore worth of highway projects that have not taken off due to bureaucratic delays and cost overruns.
Finance Minister addresses Global Investors Meet in Bengaluru
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that India has become a country where there is competitive federalism and each state is competing with the other in order to attract investment while addressing a global investors meet, 'Invest Karnataka 2016' in Bengaluru.
Sports
South Asian Games: Indian contingent dominate medal tally with 24 golds
Host country India continued to dominate on the third day of the 12th South Asian Games as they maintained their top position in the medals tally with 24 Gold medals.
Sci/Tech
NASA, India join hands for astrobiology mission
Even as India prepares for a second mission to Mars, a team of scientists from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Mars Society Australia and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, will mount an expedition to Ladakh this August to study the similarities of certain parts of the region's topography and microbial life to Martian surroundings.
Environment
States to get greater role in wetland management
The Union government has begun revising the existing regulatory framework on wetlands across the country in a bid to enable a greater role and ownership by State governments in their management.
25th January - 31st January 2016
India
Doctors join MCD strike; Delhi Health Minister calls urgent meeting
In the wake of strike called by the MCD workers including doctors over nonpayment of their salaries, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on 31st January held an emergency meeting at his residence to deal with the crisis.
Beating the Retreat ceremony held at Delhi's Vijay Chowk
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were presesnt at the Beating the Retreat celebrations at the historic Vijay Chowk in New Delhi.
President Pranab Mukherjee approves imposition of President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh
President Pranab Mukherjee has approved the recommendation of the Union Cabinet to impose President's Rule in Arunachal Pradesh that's been wracked by political turmoil.
Passport first, verification later for first-timers
Liberalising the passport system, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on 25th January announced the government's decision to do away with police verification for the issuance process, for first-time normal category passport applicants.
World
At least 37 Greece-bound migrants drown off Turkey coast
At least 37 migrants, including women and children, have drowned trying to cross the Aegean Sea from Turkey to Greece.
Zika virus spreading explosively: WHO warns India, other nations
The Zika virus is "spreading explosively" in the Americas and can infect up to four million people, the WHO warned on 29th January as it issued a warning to all countries, including India, who have the vector of Aedes mosquito that also causes Dengue and Chikungunya.
Business
Government releases list of 20 smart cities that are planned
NEW DELHI: The government on 28th January announced the names of the first 20 urban areas that will be developed as smart cities.
Sports
India win T20 series against Australia, clinch top spot in ICC rankings
India finished the Australia tour on a high note as they won the third and final T20 at Sydney to clinch the series 3-0. A superb start by openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, the middle order push by Virat Kohli and Suresh Raina ensured India chased down 197.
Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis win Australian Open women's doubles title
Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis beat the seventh seeded Czech combination of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka to win the Australian Open women's doubles title on 29th January.
Shooter Heena Sidhu earns Rio Olympics spot
World record holder Heena Sidhu earned a quota place for the Rio Olympics; she won a gold medal in the Asia Olympic qualifying competition in New Delhi.
Angelique Kerber of Germany defeated top-ranked Serena Williams of USA to win Australian Open Women's singles title
The German pulled off an incredible 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win over the world No1 to secure her first grand slam title and deny Williams a record-equalling 22nd
Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray in straight sets to win his sixth Australian Open title
World number one Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray in straight sets to win his sixth Australian Open title and condemn the Briton to a fifth final defeat.
Sci/Tech
'Intuitive' computer has a go at mind game, wins hands-down
A computer program has beaten a human champion at the ancient Chinese board game Go, marking a significant advance for development of artificial intelligence. The program had taught itself how to win, and its developers say its learning strategy may someday let computers help solve real-world problems like making medical diagnoses and pursuing scientific research.
18th January - 24th January 2016
India
PM Narendra Modi welcomes French President Francois Hollande at Chandigarh's Rock Garden
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed French President Francois Hollande at Chandigarh's popular Rock Garden on 24th January.
Netaji's family welcomes declassifying of files
NEW DELHI: Family members of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on 23rd January "welcomed" the declassifying of 100 secret files related to the freedom fighter by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged the government to take steps to declassify the "intelligence" files lying with India as well with countries such as Russia, Japan, the US and the UK.
Largest tricolor unfurled at Ranchi
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on 23rd jan hoisted the largest tricolor in the country atop the tallest pole at Pahari Mandir in Ranchi on the occasion of birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
Security agencies on alert amid intrusion threat
Security agencies along the International Border (IB) with Pakistan have been put on high alert after receiving a warning on possible intrusion by terrorists into India. Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba militants may try crossing over to India from several points along the international border with Pakistan abutting Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, the alert says.
World
British PM Cameron backs burqa ban in schools, courts, border crossings
British Prime Minister David Cameron has backed a ban on face-covering veils such as burqas in schools, courts and at border check points in the country but said he will not go as far as what France did to impose a blanket ban.
5 Dead, 2 Injured In Canada High School Shooting: Justin Trudeau
OTTAWA: Five people were killed and two others seriously wounded on 22nd January in a shooting at a high school in Canada's western plains province of Saskatchewan, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
At Least 30 Killed in Snowstorm-Related Deaths
At least 30 people have died as a result of the mammoth snowstorm that pounded the eastern U.S. The deaths occurred in car accidents, from carbon monoxide poisoning, and from heart attacks while shoveling snow
Business
Centre to create Rs 10,000 cr corpus fund for innovation driven enterprises: PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 23rd January said the government will create Rs 10,000 crore corpus fund for development and growth of innovation driven enterprises.
India can stand out with reforms, planning: Arun Jaitley
DAVOS: India can stand out in the gloomy global economic situation with headwinds from China and the US if it continues with "reforms and responsible economic planning", finance minister Arun Jaitley on 22nd January said expressing confidence that the country will prove its resilience.
Sci/Tech
President Obama to Award National Medal of Science to Dr. Rakesh K. Jain
An IIT-Kanpur alumnus, Dr. Jain has been regarded as a pioneer for revealing the barriers to the delivery and worth of molecular and nano-medicines in tumors, evolving new strategies to overcome the barriers.
India launches 5th navigation satellite
SRIHARIKOTA: India on 20th January successfully launched its fifth navigation satellite IRNSS-1E on-board the workhorse PSLV-C31 here, taking another step join a group of nations equipped with own satellite navigation systems like the US-based Global Positioning System (GPS).
Sports
India is now No.1 Test side
The Indian Test team has climbed to the top of the ICC's Test Rankings after South Africa crashed to a 0-2 series defeat against England in Johannesburg on 23rd January.India, which had lost its top ranking to England after the 4-0 whitewash in 2011, got back to the pinnacle by virtue of a 3-0 series win against the Proteas at home, last December.
Final countdown begins for 12th South Asian Games
The final countdown has begun for the 12th South Asian Games to be held in Guwahati and Shillong from February 5-16, 2016.
Sania Mirza-Martina Hingis Named International Tennis Federation World Champions
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) on 19th January named the Indo-Swiss pair of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis as the 2015 ITF women's doubles World Champions.
PV Sindhu wins Malaysia Masters Grand Prix, her first title of 2016
Scottish shuttler Kirsty Gilmour proved no match for India's PV Sindhu, who needed just 32 minutes to crush her opponent in the women's singles final and seal her second $120,000 Malaysia Masters title at the Spice Stadium in Penang on 24th January.
11th January - 17th January 2016
World
President Obama outlines four-point agenda for the future in his last state of union address
U.S. President Barack Obama has outlined a four-point agenda that he said was about focusing on the future beyond the next year - making the economy work for everyone, making technology work for everyone, retaining American leadership in the world "without becoming its policeman," and overcoming the current hostility in U.S. domestic politics.
Tsai Ing-wen elected Taiwan's first female president
Ms Tsai, 59, leads the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that wants independence from China.In her victory speech, she vowed to preserve the status quo in relations with China, adding Beijing must respect Taiwan's democracy and both sides must ensure there are no provocations.
India
PM Narendra Modi unveils "Start-up" India plan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Start-up India movement on 16th January aimed at boosting entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.
Sushma Swaraj meets Palestine Foreign Minister
Swaraj will inaugurate the India-Palestine Digital Learning and Innovation Centre as part of capacity building efforts undertaken by the Indian government in Palestine.
CBSE schools keep junk food off campuses
Schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education(CBSE) are now complying with instructions in a recently-issued circular, which enjoins them to ensure no junk food is provided or sold on the premises.
No evidence to prove odd-even improved Delhi's air quality
NEW DELHI: As the much-debated odd even formula implemented by the Delhi government from January 1 to 15 drew to a close, the first of analysis on its impact has said that there is "no conclusive evidence to prove that the odd-even policy improved Delhi's air quality or reduced traffic congestion".
President Pranab Mukherjee launches Pulse Polio Program-2016
President Pranab Mukherjee on 16th January launched the Pulse Polio programme for 2016 by administering polio drops to children less than five years old, at the Rahstrapati Bhawan.
Sci/Tech
'Second largest' black hole in the Milky Way discovered
TOKYO: A team of Japanese astronomers has discovered an enigmatic gas cloud just 200 light years away from the centre of the Milky Way that can be the possible missing link in the black hole evolution.
Neuroscientist Karl Deisseroth to give lectures in India
Stanford University neuroscientist and psychiatrist Karl Deisseroth, who developed methods that have revolutionised our ability to visualise and manipulate brain circuits, will give lectures in Bengaluru, Chennai, and Delhi this month.
Business
World Bank to help create fund to develop Indian railways
The World Bank and the Indian Railways will work together to create a Railway Development Fund that will partly finance the $142 billion investment plans for the core infrastructure sector announced by the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Beijing allows RBI to enter forex market
China has allowed a second batch of foreign institutions to enter China's interbank foreign exchange market, the country's central bank said on 12th January. Six central banks and international financial institutions, including Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Monetary Authority of Singapore and Bank of International Settlements, are now allowed to trade spot products, forwards, swaps, currency swaps and options in China's domestic foreign exchange market, it said.
Sports
India vs Australia, 3rd ODI: Australia seal series with three-wicket win over India
India, trailing 2-0 in the series, once again failed to stop the Australia batsmen from chasing down their 296-run target and lost the third ODI by three wickets in Melbourne. Australia took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the series after the win which was anchored by Glenn Maxwell with his 96.
Delhi men register first win over National basketball championship
Host Karnataka succumbed to its second defeat in the men’s section of the senior National basketball championship, after a 84-73 loss to Delhi, here on 11th January.
Virat Kohli fastest to 24 ODI centuries, 7000 runs
Virat Kohli on 17th January became the fastest to register 24 hundreds and pile up 7,000 runs in one-day cricket, surpassing the twin milestones in just his 161st innings.
Environment
Carving out a model for enhancing Carbon dioxide sinks
In the Paris Summit (United States Conference on Climate Change), held during December 2015, India has strongly advocated climate justice and adhered to the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) on the issue of climate change actions. Intended nationally determined contributions (INDCs) for the period 2021-30 were presented which aimed at propagation of healthy, green and sustainable path to economic development, reduction of emission intensity of its GDP by 33 per cent to 35 per cent by 2030 from the 2005 level, increasing the share of non-fossil-fuel-based energy resources to 40 per cent and creation of carbon sinks of 2.5-3 billion tones of CO2 equivalent.
4th January - 10 January 2016
World
Sri Lankan Government taking steps to ensure human rights and freedom
The Sri Lankan government, which has joined hands with international community in the last one year, is taking initial steps towards "ensuring human rights and freedom" for all Sri Lankans, according to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Pakistan pledges full support on Pathankot
After a second high-level meeting chaired by Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan on 8th January pledged to cooperate with India in investigating terror attack on Pathankot air base.
India
Delhi Govt scraps management quota in nursery admission
Much to the respite of parents running for nursery admission, the Delhi Government has scrapped the management quota in the private schools. The only quota that will now remain is the 25 per cent seats set aside for children from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on 6th January.
Union Human and Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani inaugurates World Book Fair
Union Human Resources Development Minister Smriti Irani on 9th january inaugurated the 24th World Book Fair in the capital.
Sci/Tech
NASA mission finds 100 new alien planets
NASA's revamped planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft has discovered more than 100 confirmed planets orbiting other stars.
Business
Government to ensure access to social security: Jaitley
Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley, said the government's priority was to ensure access to health and social security benefits to three labour groups organised, unorganised and those not employed or below the poverty line.
Finance Minister hails manufacturing sector growth
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on 8th January inaugurated two-day Bengal Global Business Summit-2016 in Kolkata. Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has been invited as a special guest at the event by the state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Sports
Sania, Martina start off 2016 with Brisbane title
BRISBANE: Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis carried the dominance of 2015 into the new season, winning their sixth consecutive title by lifting the WTA Brisbane trophy, here on 9th January
Environment
Poor air quality persists in Delhi even after odd-even experiment with cars
The Delhi government's claim that pollution in the Capital has reduced over the past week is at odds with data of the daily average levels as well as peak values of particulate matter (PM).
28 December 2015 - 3 January 2016
World
Pakistan Army chief visits Kabul on an optimistic note
Pakistan's Army Chief General Raheel Sharif arrived in Kabul on 28th December 2015, to hold talks with the Afghan leadership on security issues, including reviving stalled peace talks with the Taliban.
High time India, Pakistan set aside hostilities: Nawaz Sharif
PM Nawaz Sharif has said that it is "high time" India and Pakistan set aside their hostilities, even as he expressed confidence that the spirit of goodwill generated by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi's visit to Lahore will persist.
India
Modi winds up Mann Ki Baat for 2015 with 'Start Up India'
More than 3,000 suggestions, many of them after Mr. Modi's surprise visit to Lahore on Christmas Day, were received by the portal. Instead, Mr. Modi decided to frame a new nomenclature to refer to the differently-abled people and lauded a mason in Madhya Pradesh for donating free labour for building more than 100 toilets in his district.
Odd-even formula: Even day for Delhiites on 2nd January
2nd January is the second day of the odd-even formula in Delhi; the first day of the rule seems to have worked to decongest vehicular traffic and bring down pollution levels in the national capital.
Earthquake measuring 6.7 on Richter Scale hits Manipur; 6 dead, over 50 injured
An earthquake, measuring 6.7 on the Richter Scale, occurred at 4.37 a.m, on 4th January and had its epicentre in Manipur's Tamenglong district bordering. Bangladesh. Myanmar and Bhutan felt the quake too.
5 terrorists, 3 jawans killed in gunbattle at Air Force base in Pathankot
In a pre-dawn attack, a group of heavily-armed terrorists, struck at the Air Force base in Pathankot, leading to a fierce gun battle in which three security personnel were killed along with five attackers.
Sci/Tech
Modi promises more resources for scientific research
PM Narendra Modi exhorted scientists and researchers to tackle climate change, the challenges from urbanization and play their role in encouraging start-ups.
2016 could be the year of Virtual Reality
Following years of hype, 2016 looks to be the year that Virtual Reality (VR) actually becomes real as firms like HTC, Sony and Samsung propose to launch equipment this year to make this possible.
Business
Government extends tax residency rule deadline
A deadline for comments on the draft guidelines to determine the tax residency of a foreign company has been extended to January 9.
Petrol prices down by 63 paise per litre, diesel by Rs 1.06 per litre
Petrol prices were cut on 31st December by 63 paise per litre and diesel by Rs 1.06 per litre, the third reduction in December on back of softening in global oil rates.
Sports
BCCI's top award for Kohli
India's Test captain Virat Kohli has won the Cricketer-of-the-Year 2015 award. The award is named after the former India captain and all-rounder Polly Umrigar.
21 Dec - 27 Dec 2015
World
Tornadoes in US claim 40 lives; blizzard warning in several parts
Devastating tornadoes, severe floods and heavy snow across United States have caused deaths and disruption across Texas and other parts of the country.
India
PM Narendra Modi makes a surprise visit to Pakistan
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has met his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif during a surprise visit to the Pakistani city of Lahore.
PM Narendra Modi visits Russia for summit talks
PM Narendra Modi made a two-day visit to Russia. As part of the 16th Annual India-Russia Summit, he and President Vladimir Putin held a one-on-one meeting in Moscow. The two countries signed 16 pacts to expand cooperation in various sectors, including nuclear and defense. On his way back the PM stopped in Kabul and also made a surprise visit to Lahore to meet PM Nawaz Sharif. This was the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Pakistan in over a decade.
10 killed as BSF aircraft crashes in Delhi
Ten people, including two pilots of a chartered aircraft of the Border Security Force (BSF) died after the aircraft crashed near the Delhi airport soon after taking off on 22nd Dec morning.
'Let govt try it': Delhi High Court refuses to stay odd-even formula
The Delhi high court on 23rd Dec refused to stay the AAP government's odd-even rule for private cars, a radical road rationing formula to reduce the number of vehicles in the Capital grappling with heavy air pollution.
Sci/Tech
How chemists plan to sniff out bombs
The suicide bombers in the Paris attacks used an explosive that is relatively easy to synthesise at home. Chemists, however, are leading an effort to develop sensors to sniff it out.
Business
Finance Minister sets priority for New Year, structural reforms at top
Voicing "great satisfaction" over the performance of the Indian economy in "a year of turmoil and volatility" globally, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has dismissed grumblings about the economy not having taken off as "cynicism -- a way of life in India".
Sports
Australia captain Steve Smith wins ICC's Cricketer of the Year award
Australia captain Steve Smith has been named cricketer of the year by the International Cricket Council, winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.
Sania-Martina team named 2015 Women's Doubles World Champions
The formidable pairing of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis was named as Women's Doubles World Champions by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in recognition of their stupendous success in season 2015.
Environment
Green norms may sound death knell for the domestic textile industry
The textile industry has flagged concerns about an Environment Ministry move to mandate virtually all textile firms to reduce their effluent discharge to zero. The argument is that such a stipulation goes beyond what the developed world follows and would make Indian firms even more noncompetitive at a time when export orders are shrinking.
14 Dec - 20 Dec 2015
World
Sri Lanka to convert its Parliament to 'Constitutional Assembly' next year
On January 9, as Sri Lanka's President Maithripala Sirisena begins his second year in office, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will move a resolution in Parliament to convert the House into a 'Constitutional Assembly' (CA). This is to start the process of drafting a Constitution to replace the current one, in place since 1978.
Beijing issues second red alert as choking smog sets in again
Beijing issued its second-ever red alert for smog and put its emergency response plan into action once again as severe pollution hit China's capital .
Beijing emerges as a bridge-builder between Kabul and Islamabad
An all-weather friend to Pakistan and now a major source of support for Afghanistan, China has positioned itself as a credible bridge-builder between Kabul and Islamabad in order to advance the Afghan peace process.
India
Pilot project to convert 10 diesel buses to electric ones in Delhi and Maharashtra
NEW DELHI: Amid the growing concern around air pollution in cities across India due to increased consumption of diesel for transportation, the Central Government has decided to roll out a pilot to convert 10 diesel or CNG buses run by state governments to electric ones. Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi are likely to get these buses in the next 3-4 months with an investment of about Rs 10-12 crore.
Good governance: CBSE books to be made available online for free, says Smriti Irani
NEW DELHI: All CBSE books and learning material will be made available online for free as part of the Centre's good governance efforts, HRD Minister Smriti Irani said here on 19th Dec 2015.
Upgrade defence technology constantly for edge in military capability: President
President Pranab Mukherjee on 19th Dec called for constant defence technology upgrades for India to maintain an edge in military capability over its adversaries. Mukherjee made the call to young military technocrats while telling them to harness the latest defence technologies and ensure that the Indian Army benefits from these.
Dilip Kumar honoured with Padma Vibhushan
Dilip Kumar, Indian cinema's one of the greatest actors, has been conferred with the Padma Vibhushan on 13th Dec at a special function held in Mumbai.
Sci/Tech
Study shows that the Earth's tilt influences climate change
The Earth's tilt that shifts every 41,000 years influences climate change by affecting the world's heaviest rain-belt, a new study that analyzed data from the past 282,000 years has found.
ISRO launches six Singaporean satellites
The Indian Space Research Organisation on 16th Dec put Singapore's first commercial earth-observation satellite in space through a launch on the polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV). The TeLEOS-I, a 400-kg satellite, was joined by five other smaller satellites, all from Singapore, on the PSLV-C29 mission.
Business
As economy slows, China urges G20 to focus on domestic reforms
China, the host for the 2016 G20 meet and holder of the rotating presidency, urged member countries to pursue structural reforms to spur global economic growth even as the Asian giant's economy slowed. Macro-economic expansionary policies such as monetary easing remain a 'temporary response' to the global financial crisis of 2008, it said.
Google to heavily invest in India
Google to heavily invest in India, train two million developers on Android platform: Sundar Pichai. Declaring that India stood on the cusp of a "crossover moment" for Google, its India-born CEO Sundar Pichai said while the country had improved when it comes to ease of doing business, it needs to get a "whole lot better".
PM Narendra Modi to inaugurate Make in India Week in Mumbai on February 13, 2016
PM Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Make in India Week in Mumbai on February 13, a mega event in which the government expects participation of over a 1,000 companies and delegates from over 60 countries.
Sports
Indian squad for Australia: Yuvi's comeback; Dhoni to lead
Yuvraj Singh & Manish Pandey were included in Indian team for the tour of Australia announced by BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur on 20th Dec.
7 Dec - 13 Dec 2015
World
China pollution: First ever red alert in effect in Beijing
Schools in Beijing are closed and outdoor construction halted as the Chinese capital's first ever pollution "red alert" came into effect.
Four Indians vie for $1 million prize for outstanding teachers
Four Indian teachers have been shortlisted for a $1 million annual prize, dubbed the 'Nobel Prize for teaching,' for their outstanding contribution to the profession.The Varkey GEMS Foundation Global Teacher Prize is dubbed the 'Nobel Prize for teaching'
Beijing emerges as a bridge-builder between Kabul and Islamabad
An all-weather friend to Pakistan and now a major source of support for Afghanistan, China has positioned itself as a credible bridge-builder between Kabul and Islamabad in order to advance the Afghan peace process.
Saudi Arabia's women vote in election for the first time
Women in Saudi Arabia have cast their first votes in the country's history, in municipal elections. Women were also standing as candidates, another first, despite the conservative kingdom being the only nation where women are not allowed to drive. A total of 978 women have registered as candidates, alongside 5,938 men.
India
Sushma Swaraj arrives in Pakistan: Bilateral ties, Afghanistan in focus
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Islamabad on 8th Dec afternoon, to participate in the ministerial session of the Heart of Asia conference on Afghanistan. For the crucial two-day visit to the Pakistani capital Islamabad, Ms. Swaraj is being accompanied by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar, MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup, and Gopal Baglay, Joint Secretary in charge of Pakistan in the MEA.
Sci/Tech
NASA plans to exit space station in order to explore deeper space
As all good things must come to an end,NASA's long space ride with the International Space Station (ISS) in low-Earth orbit will also touch the finish line in a decade from now.
Business
TAPI gas pipeline finally off the ground
Vice President Hamid Ansari, Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif and leaders from Turkmenistan and Afghanistan on 13th Dec broke the ground in Turkmenistan for the ambitious USD 7.6 bn TAPI pipeline project which will provide energy-hungry India gas to run its power plants.
Prime Minister addresses India-Japan Business Leaders Forum
PM Narendra Modi and the Japanese premier spoke at Business Leaders Forum in Delhi. Both leaders highlighted the scope for taking business partnerships between the two countries to the next level.
Sports
India scores biggest ever win against South Africa
On a pitch demanding discipline, India banked on its infallible warhead Ravichandran Ashwin's five-wicket haul to trounce a defiant South Africa by a record margin of 337 runs on the fifth day of the fourth and final Test at the Feroz Shah Kotla grounds in New Delhi on 7th Dec.
Dubai Super Series: Saina Nehwal crashes out
Saina Nehwal lost her third and final round-robin game to defending champion Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei 21-16, 18-21,14-21 to bow out of contention for the semi-finals of the World Superseries Finals on 11th Dec. Saina won the first game 21-16.
India rise to second place in ICC Test rankings after 3-0 series win over South Africa
India moved into the second place of the ICC Test Championship table after completing a 3-0 drubbing of South Africa in the four-Test series, which concluded with the fourth match in New Delhi on 7th Dec.
Environment
Historic climate deal sealed in Paris; aims to keep global temperatures from rising well below 2°C limit
A landmark climate change deal was on 12th Dec clinched with the approval of India, China and the US, after days of tough negotiations here with the legally- binding pact seeking to limit global warming to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius and committing USD 100 billion a year from 2020 to help developing nations.
30 Nov - 6 Dec 2015
World
13th Amendment to be basis of constitutional reforms: Chandrika Kumaratunga
The 13th Constitutional Amendment, [enacted subsequent to the 1987 agreement between India and Sri Lanka], would certainly form part of the basis of constitutional reforms to address the country's ethnic question, according to Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, former Sri Lankan President.
California: 14 killed in shooting
There's been another mass shooting in the US. This time in California, 14 lives have been lost in the senseless violence which prompted US President Barack Obama once again to push for gun control but the issue remains hugely debated and is unlikely to be addressed with the US headed for Presidential elections next year.
India
Gandhiji maker of our nation: President
President Pranab Mukherjee on 1st Dec 2015 inaugurated a new Archives and Research Centre at Sabarmati Ashram in Gujarat.
Chennai hit by fresh rain and deadly flooding
Fresh rains in Chennai have caused serious flooding, with flights and trains suspended and hundreds of homes without power.
Accessible India Campaign rolled out
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6th Dec released two commemorative coins, as part of the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Sci/Tech
NASA probe beams sharpest ever images of Pluto
NASA's New Horizons spacecraft has sent back some of the sharpest images of Pluto, showing a wide variety of cratered, mountainous and glacial terrains, which may be the best close-ups of the icy-dwarf planet that humans could see for decades.
Business
Over 66 lakh benefited under MUDRA Yojna: Prime Minister
Over Rs 42,520 crore has been disbursed under the MUDRA Yojna to more than 66 lakh borrowers, of which nearly a third are women, PM Narendra Modi said.
Gold Monetisation Scheme purely voluntary: Finance Ministry
The Finance Ministry said that the Gold Monetisation Scheme is purely voluntary for individuals and institutions, and they can take their own decision to monetise the gold held by them.
Sports
Hockey World League: India beat Netherlands on penalties in thrilling finish
The Indian hockey team maintained their calm in a high scoring encounter in Raipur to edge past Netherlands in the penalty shootout 3-2 to claim the bronze medal in Hockey World League Final held on 6th Dec 2015
India and Virat Kohli create history at Kotla as they trash SA by 337 runs
Virat Kohli today created history on his home ground-Feroz Shah Kotla,by becoming the first Indian captain to win a Test series 3-0 against South Africa
Environment
Karnataka hamlet is India's first smokeless village
Vyachakurahalli of Gauribidanur taluk in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka became India's first smokeless village. Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) piloted the 'Mission Smokeless village' project to protect the health of the women of the village. All households were given LPG connections. The use of firewood has been completely discontinued
Progressive Paris Agreement will unlock green funds, says by Business Coalition
India stands to gain from massive renewable energy investments and achieve energy efficiency in key sectors under a Climate Agreement, a global coalition of business organizations working on low carbon economic growth has said.
23 - 29 Nov 2015
World
UN climate conference begins in Paris
High-level climate talks have begun in Paris with the goal of a long-term deal to reduce man-made emissions. A total of 151 world leaders have converged on Paris to launch the two-week talks in hopes of giving an impetus for an ambitious agreement.
Obama, Hollande seek shift in Russian strategy before joint action
President Barack Obama met with President Francois Hollande of France in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on 24th Nov. USA and France said they would like Russia to be part of their joint efforts to fight the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, but put the onus on Russia to prove its credentials by giving up its support to Syrian President Bashar Al-AssadHigh-level climate talks have begun in Paris with the goal of a long-term deal to reduce man-made emissions. A total of 151 world leaders have converged on Paris to launch the two-week talks in hopes of giving an impetus for an ambitious agreement.
India
India, Singapore enter into strategic partnership
India and Singapore signed a joint declaration envisaging a Strategic Partnership which, besides broadening engagement in existing areas of cooperation, aims to catalyse new ones ranging from political, defence and security cooperation to economic, cultural and people-to-people contacts.
Helicopter crash kills seven near Katra,near Vaishno Devi shrine
A helicopter crash near the Vaishno Devi shrine, killed seven people, including the pilot.
Sci/Tech
India test-fires supersonic interceptor missile
India on 23 Nov test-fired its indigenously developed supersonic interceptor missile from the Abdul Kalam Island (Wheeler Island) off the Odisha coast.
Business
Govt reaching out to opposition to pass GST bill: Finance Minister
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said that government is reaching out to opposition to pass the important GST bill.
India among 4 nations to sign trade pact
Sri Lanka, India, Malta and Mauritius have come together to establish a Commonwealth Trade Finance Facility to boost trade and investment flows, particularly for developing nations of the Commonwealth.
Sports
India win Nagpur test by 124 runs; clinches the series
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed 12 wickets in the match as India defeated South Africa by 124 runs with two days to spare in the third Test at Nagpur on Friday to clinch the four-Test series 2-0 and end the Proteas' nine-year-long unbeaten streak away from home.
India beat Pak 6-2 to lift junior men's hockey Asia Cup
Indian junior men's hockey team thrashed arch-rival Pakistan 6-2 to win the Junior Men's Asia Cup at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium in Kuantan, Malaysia on 22 Nov. Harmanpreet Singh was the top scorer with four goals. With the win India equalled Pakistan's record of three victories in the Cup's eighth edition. India were also champions in 2004 and 2008 while Pakistan were winners in 1987, 1992 and 1996.
19 - 26 Oct 2015
World
European leaders discuss refugee crisis at Brussels summit
European leaders met for a summit in Brussels to try to agree a plan for managing large numbers of refugees making their way through Turkey, Greece and the western Balkans desperate to reach places such as Germany and Scandinavia before winter.
India
Prior to Africa forum meet, India polishes its UNSC pitch
India and Africa must work together to ensure UN Security Council reforms, says External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, calling this a 'major issue' for the two countries as the UN celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Government approves induction of women fighter pilots in IAF
In a revolutionary step towards women empowerment, the Defence Ministry on 24 October, approved the induction of women into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force.
Sci/Tech
A step closer to producing an efficient, broad-based malaria vaccine
Scientists have identified as small segment of malarial parasite protein that has the potential to prevent malaria caused by different species and strains of Plasmodium falciparum.
New technique to detect magnetic fields inside stars
Using a technique similar to medical ultrasound, astrophysicists have for the first time developed a way to determine the presence of strong magnetic fields deep inside pulsating giant stars.
Business
Sensex Turns Flat on Profit-Taking in Banking Stocks
The Sensex and Nifty moved higher on Monday, tracking gains in other Asian markets. BSE Sensex moved over 100 points higher while Nifty jumped above 8,300 before paring gains on profit-taking in banking stocks.
Sports
Three tons hand SA series, India its worst loss
Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers - all hit centuries as South Africa thrashed India by 214 wins on 25 October to clinch the five-match one-day international series.
12 - 18 Oct 2015
World
Nepal has a new PM
Khadga Prasad Oli, the Communist Party leader, was elected as Nepal's new prime minister.
Angus Deaton wins Nobel Prize in Economics
Angus Deaton, a Brtish-American economist at Princeton University won the Nobel prize for Economics "for his analysis of consumption, poverty, and welfare".
Thousands of migrants surge into Slovenia as Hungary closes border
Thousands of migrants surged into tiny Slovenia on 17 October as an alternative route opened in Europe for them after Hungary sealed its border for their free flow, adding another hurdle in their frantic flight from wars and poverty toward what they hope is a better life in Western Europe.
Marlon James wins Man Booker Prize for fiction
Marlon James, the Jamaican novelist, has won the prestigious Man Booker Prize for Fiction for "A Brief History of Seven Killings" his fictional retelling of the 1976 attempted murder of Bob Marley.
India
Voting begins in Bihar elections
On 12 Oct, voting began in the first phase of Bihar elections for 49 assembly constituencies. A total of 1.35 crore voters are eligible to vote in this direct contest between BJP-led NDA and the Nitish-Lalu Grand Alliance.
The Supreme Court strikes down NJAC act as flawed
The NDA government's intense desire to make the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) fully functional did not bear fruit as the Supreme Court refused to permit the NJAC to discharge its core function: appointment of judges to the SC and high courts.
Stream of authors return Sahitya Academy Awards
Six more authors including Kashmiri writer Ghulam Nabi Khayal have decided to return their Sahitya Academy awards as part of the spiralling protests of literatures against the 'rising intolerance' following rationalist M M Kalburgi's killing.
Sci/Tech
NASA's spacecraft spots enormous 'coronal hole' in the Sun
NASA's orbiting Solar Dynamics Observatory has mapped an enormous coronal hole - a gap in the Sun's outer layer and magnetic field - which is the size of 50 Earths and is releasing an extra-fast solar wind in Earth's direction.
NASA tests umbrella-like heat shield for future Mars missions
Researchers at NASA have successfully tested an umbrella-like heat shield, called ADEPT, that could protect future Mars exploration vehicles from extreme heat when entering the red planet's atmosphere.
Environment
UP: Gangetic dolphins doubled in 3 yrs
The number of Gangetic dolphins has doubled in UP. The dolphin census 2015 counted 1,263 dolphins against the 671 in 2012.
Sports
PV Sindhu loses Denmark Open final to Olympic champ Li Xuerui of China
On 18 October, P V Sindhu's dream run at the Denmark Open ended in agony as the Indian shuttler suffered a straight-game defeat against Olympic champion Li Xuerui of China in the final of the USD 650,000 Super Series Premier badminton event in Denmark.
South Africa beat India by 18 runs in Rajkot
On 18 October, South Africa beat India by 18 runs in the third ODI to go 2-1 up in the five-match series.
Novak Djokovic wins Shanghai Masters title
On 18 October, Novak Djokovic won his ninth title of 2015 with a straight-sets victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the Shanghai Masters. The world number one is enjoying a stellar year and, competing in his 13th consecutive final, proved too strong for Tsonga, prevailing 6-2 6-4. It sealed a fifth Masters crown of the season for Djokovic, equalling his 2011 haul when he won 10 tournaments overall.
28 Sept - 04 Oct 2015
World
Nine dead in shooting at college in US state of Oregon
A gunman went on a shooting rampage at a college in the US state of Oregon, killing nine people and wounding seven before he died in a shootout with police. The shooter - was identified by US media as Chris Harper Mercer, 26 - opened fire in a classroom at Umpqua Community College in rural Roseburg.
Landslide devastates Guatemala City, hundreds missing
At least 131 people were killed in mudslides that smashed into a village outside Guatemala City.
India
Haj stampede: Death toll of Indians rises to 58
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted that 58 Indians lost their lives and 78 are missing in Haj tragedy that occurred on 24th of last month.
Business first as Angela Merkel meets Narendra Modi
German Chancellor Angela Merkel arrived with a delegation on a two-day visit to India. She will hold bilateral talks with PM Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 5 October.The discussions between the two leaders will cover a wide range of issues including security and defence, with special focus on boosting trade ties.
Economy
RBI Chief Raghuram Rajan: Need long-term goals to shield farm sector from vagaries of nature
India needs to set long-term goals to insulate the farm sector from the vagaries of nature, said RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan.
India emerges top FDI destination leaving behind China, US
In the first half of 2015, India is at number one, attracting roughly $3 billion more than China and $4 billion more than the US.
Environment
Climate change can alter the planet's shape
As melting glaciers erode the land, global warming could alter the shape of the planet, a new study says.
Sci/Tech
Student's high-tech smart glove translates sign language into text and speech
A 'smart glove' that translates sign language from hand gestures to visual text on a screen and audible dialogue has been developed by a Goldsmiths, University of London student, Hadeel Ayoub. She's now working on an app to enable real-time translation of the text into other languages.
Sports
Ronaldo crosses the 500-goal mark
Cristiano Ronaldo scored the 81st and 82nd Champions League goals of his career to give Real Madrid victory over Malmo at the Swedbank Stadium in Sweden. These goals took Ronaldo past the 500 career goals milestone.
Sania-Martina win Wuhan Open title
Ace Indian tennis star Sania Mirza continued her superb run with Swiss partner Martina Hingis as the duo clinched its seventh title together by winning the Wuhan Open women's doubles trophy here on 3rd October.The top-seeded pair eased past the Romanian team of Irina-Camelia Begu and Monica Niculescu 6-2, 6-3 in the title clash.
Shashank Manohar elected unopposed as BCCI President
Lawyer-turned-administrator Shashank Manohar was elected unopposed as the BCCI President ushering in a new era in the Cricket Board and ending N Srinivasan's clout in the cash-rich body.
21 - 27 Sept 2015
World
Hungary army gets new powers as Europe struggles with refugees
Hungary today gave the army drastic new powers to stem illegal migration ahead of a series of crunch EU meetings this week on how to deal with the unrelenting stream of refugees entering Europe.
India
Haj Stampede: Death toll of Indian pilgrims rises to 35
In the stampede that took place at the annual Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, 35 Indians have lost their lives.
First Indo-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue begins
The first ever Ministerial of the India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue began in Washington to identify possible areas for future cooperation in key strategic areas of defence, security and energy.
Government to withdraw draft encryption policy
On 22nd September, the Narendra Modi government withdrew the controversial draft encryption policy that proposed to make it mandatory for every citizen to save all digital communications, including emails and chats, for a period of 90 days.
India, United States and Japan decide to elevate their trilateral partnership to ministerial level
India, United States and Japan decide to elevate their trilateral partnership to the ministerial level. US Secretary of State John Kerry said the first meeting is to be held next week.
Economy
Govt clears USD 2.5 billion deal for military helicopters
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the US, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today cleared a nearly USD 2.5 billion dollar deal for 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers with American aviation giant Boeing.
SEBI fines PACL Rs 7,269 cr for illegal raising of funds
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on Tuesday fined a Pearl Group company, PACL for over 7000 crore for illegal raising of funds.
Sci/Tech
ISRO to launch its first Astronomical Observation Satellite, ASTROSAT
ASTROSAT, the first fully dedicated Indian astronomical satellite to study heavenly objects will blast off from Sriharikota on September 28.
New 'super material' may be used in bulletproof vests
Chinese scientists have developed a 'super material' that is light as a balloon but as strong as metal and can be used in bulletproof vests and military tanks.
Sports
BCCI President Jagmohan Dalmiya passes away
On 20th September, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Jagmohan Dalmiya passed away in Kolkata. The former International Cricket Council (ICC) chief was 75.
MS Dhoni to lead India in T20s and ODIs against South Africa
MS Dhoni will lead India in three T20 matches and the first three One-Day Internationals against South Africa in a series beginning October.
14 - 20 Sept 2015
World
Migrant crisis: Germany starts temporary border controls
Germany has introduced temporary controls on its border with Austria to cope with the influx of migrants.
8.3-magnitude quake strikes Chile
On 15th September, an earthquake with the magnitude of 8.3 on the Richter Scale hit the coast of Chile, shaking buildings in the capital city of Santiago and killing five people.
Tsipras' left-wing Syriza party wins Greek vote, to form coalition
A jubilant Alexis Tsipras vowed to continue fighting for his country's pride and to quickly form a coalition government after his left-wing Syriza party comfortably won Greece's third national vote this year on 20 September, even as the nation faces twin crises of greater economic austerity and a flood of migrants from North Africa and the Middle East.
India
NDA announces seat sharing for Bihar polls
On 14th September, The NDA finalized the seat sharing for Bihar Assembly polls, BJP will contest in 160 out of 243 seats.
NCERT introduces web portal for geography students
The National Council of Educational Research & Training (NCERT) has developed a web portal that will help students to learn geography through interactive activities.
'Metro Man' E Sreedharan in UN high level advisory group
'Metro Man' E Sreedharan has been invited to the United Nations' High Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport (HLAG-ST).
Sci/Tech
Sheikh Hasina wins UN award on climate change
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been declared as one of the winners of the UN Champions of the Earth award in recognition of her "leadership and vision" in making climate change an issue of national priority.
'Champions of Change' award for Indian origin Shwetha Prabhakaran
Swetha Prabhakaran, an Indian-American teen entrepreneur and founder CEO of Everybody Code Now! will receive the prestigious 'Champions of Change' award at the White House.
Economy
Indian Oil Corporation to invest Rs 1.75 trillion over 7 years
On 15th September, the country's largest oil refinery, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), said it will be investing Rs 1.75 trillion over the next seven years to expand output by 54% to around 100 million tonnes per annum.
Sports
Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer to win 2015 US Open
Novak Djokovic clinched his third Grand Slam title of 2015 and the 10th career major with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 triumph over sentimental favorite Roger Federer in the US Open final.
7 - 13 Sept 2015
World
Japan reopens radiation-hit town
Japan is inviting residents to return to a town evacuated in 2011 after the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster. Naraha is the first town to allow people to return permanently, following several years of decontamination work.
EU passes emergency plan to relocate 40,000 refugees
On 9th September, the European Parliament passed an emergency plan to relocate 40,000 refugees after members voted on a proposal made by the European Commission in May.
India
BSNL to offer minimum 2 Mbps speed from Oct 1
Starting October 1, over one crore BSNL landline broadband users will be able to surf the Internet at a minimum speed of 2 megabits per second (2Mbps), at no extra cost.
Explosion in MP's Jhabua: Death toll rises to 89, over 100 injured
On 12th September, at least 89 people were killed and nearly 100 injured after a massive blast caused by mining explosives stored in a building ripped through a crowded area in Petlawad town.
President confers Gandhi Peace Prize 2014 to ISRO
On 9th September, President Pranab Mukherjee conferred the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2014 to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Sci/Tech
Nasa to develop Star Trek-Style 'Tractor Beam'
NASA has joined hands with an American technology company to develop a Star Trek-style 'tractor beam' that can manipulate objects in space.
World's oldest fossil sea turtle discovered
Scientists at the Senckenberg Research Institute in Frankfurt have discovered the world's oldest fossil sea turtle known to date. The fossilized reptile is at least 120 million years old - which makes it about 25 million years older than the previously known oldest specimen.
Scientists decode humble tulsi
A team of researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru, has produced the first draft genome of the plant, which can help them identify the genes responsible for production of compounds with potential medicinal properties. The medicinal properties of tulsi are attributed to specialized compounds produced as a part of its defence mechanism
Economy
NPCI launches new RuPay credit cards co-branded with Mudra Bank
In a move to increase penetration of RuPay Cards, soon National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) will roll out a new credit card that will be co-branded with Mudra Bank.
Sports
US Open 2015: Leander Paes, Martina Hingis lift mixed doubles title
On 11th Sept, the fourth seeded pair of Leander Paes and Martina Hingis of Switzerland won the mixed doubles title in the US Open after beating American pair of Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Sam Querrey 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 in the final in New York. He thus became the format's most successful male player in the Open era. The 42-year-old Paes has now won nine Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.
US Open 2015: Flavia Pennetta beats Roberta Vinci in final
On 12th Sept, Flavia Pennetta beat fellow Italian Roberta Vinci to win her first Grand Slam title at the US Open, and then announced her retirement. The 33-year-old Pennetta, the 26th seed, won 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 to become only the second Italian woman to win one of the tennis majors.
US Open 2015: Sania-Hingis win women's doubles title
On 13th Sept, top seeds Sania Mirza of India and Martina Hingis of Switzerland beat the fourth-seeded pair of Casey Dellacqua of Australia and Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan 6-3, 6-3 to win the US Open women's doubles title at the US Open in New York. The win marked the Indo-Swiss pair's second Grand Slam title as a team this season after their title triumph at Wimbledon.
US Open 2015: Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in final
On 13 Sept, world number one Novak Djokovic beat Roger Federer in four dramatic sets to win his second US Open and 10th Grand Slam title. The Serb won 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 in New York. He ends the year by winning three of the four tennis majors.
Wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav Books India's Olympic Place for 2016 Rio Games
On 13th Sept, Narsingh Pancham Yadav secured an Olympic berth after he bagged a bronze medal in the men's 74kg freestyle category at the World Wrestling Championship in Las Vegas.
Yuki Bhambri wins Shanghai Challenger
On 13th Sept, Yuki Bhambri geared up for India's Davis Cup tie against Czech Republic by winning his first Challenger level singles title of the season when he won the final against local favourite Di Wu in the Shanghai. He won 3-6 6-0 7-6(3) in a gruelling two-hour contest.
31 Aug - 07 Sept 2015
World
Syria's conflict: thousands displaced, heritage destroyed
Syria's conflict has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions, but it has also seen the country's irreplaceable heritage dug up and sold, damaged by war and wilfully destroyed.
India, UAE sign 5 MoUs in various fields
On 4th September, India and UAE further cemented their ties by signing 5 important agreements, including two MoUs in the field of Telecommunication.
India
Centre launches online LPG connection scheme Sahaj
In another boost to government's Digital India campaign, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry on 30 August, launched the Sahaj online LPG service, which will help consumers avoid hassles in getting new connections.
Rajiv Mehrishi replaces LC Goyal as home secretary
On 31 August, PM Narendra Modi appointed senior IAS officer Rajiv Mehrishi as Union home secretary, replacing incumbent LC Goyal.
Government announces decision to implement OROP
Bringing relief to lakhs of ex-servicemen, the Modi Government has announced the decision to implement OROP, 'one rank one pension', for the armed forces. The benefit will be given from 1 July 2014 with 2013 as the base year for the calculation of pension. Pension will be re-fixed every five years.
Economy
DAC gives go ahead for further talks with France on Rafale deal
On 2nd September, the Defence Acquisition Council gave the go ahead to further negotiations for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, talks for which had got stalled, reviving hopes of the deal going through.
Goverment to auction 69 small and marginal oil and gas fields
The Government will auction 69 small and marginal oil and gas fields surrendered by state-run ONGC and Oil India to private firms on a new revenue sharing model, offering operators full marketing and pricing freedom.
Sci/Tech
NASA starts year-long mission to simulate life on Mars
Six NASA recruits have shut themselves inside a dome in Hawaii to begin a year-long isolation programme that will simulate life on Mars to help the US space agency prepare for the pioneering mission to the red planet.
Google unveils brand new company logo
Google is refining its famous logo as it prepares to become a part of a new holding company, called Alphabet. The revised design features a more rounded typeface and the same mix of blue, red, yellow and green that Google has been using throughout its nearly 17-year history, though the hues are slightly different shades.
Sports
England beat Australia by 5 runs in one-off T20I
On 31st August, England took three wickets in a tight final over from Ben Stokes to seal a five-run win over Australia in a one-off Twenty20 international, continuing its impressive summer of results against the tourists.
India beat Sri Lanka by 117 runs to win Test series 2-1
On 1st September, India clinched their first Test series victory in Sri Lanka in 22 years after cashing in on debutant Kusal Perera's rush of blood to turn a match that was hanging in the balance in their favour, pulling off a fighting 117-run victory in the deciding final Test.
24 - 30 August 2015
World
Historic moment as Britain reopens embassy in Iran after four years
On 23rd August, in a significant development that marks immense improvement in Iran-West relations, the United Kingdom reopened its embassy in Tehran.
India
NITI Aayog to set up expert group
NITI Aayog will soon set up an expert group to prepare a model 'land leasing law' which can be adopted by states as per their local needs.
Government launches telemedicine initiative 'Sehat'
To provide healthcare facilities in rural areas, the government today launched a telemedicine initiative in collaboration with Apollo Hospitals under which people can consult doctors through video link.
Gujarat Patel rally turns violent; curfew announced in Ahmedabad and Surat
On 25 August, rioting broke out in some parts of Ahmedabad and Surat after the agitation by the Patel community seeking reservation under OBC quota turned violent.
Economy
As stocks crash in China the world markets also take a plunge
On 24 August, the Indian stock markets plunged 1,625 points to 25,991.75 and the rupee crashed to 66.65, the lowest since September 2013 due to heavy selling by funds amid global sell-off as worries about China's economy deepened.
Sci/Tech
Facebook hits new peak of 1 billion users in a single day
For the first time over a billion people used Facebook on a single day, according to company founder Mark Zuckerberg. The "milestone" was reached on 24 August, when 1 in 7 people on Earth used Facebook to connect with their friends and family, he said in a post from his profile.
Sports
World Athletics Championships: Bolt, Jamaica triumph in 4x100m final
Usain Bolt surged to a third gold medal in under a week at the 2015 World Athletics Championships on 29 Aug, anchoring Jamaica to victory in the men's 4x100 meter relay final.
India win Colombo test by 278 runs against Sri Lanka
On 24th August, R Ashwin's five wicket haul helped India win the Colombo test by 278 runs against Sri Lanka. The win helps India tie the 3 match series one all after the 2nd test.
Government announces National Sports Awards for 2014-2015
The Union Government announced the names of recipients of Dronacharya Awards, Dhyan Chand Awards and Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar. The awardees received the awards from the President Pranab Mukherjee at a special function at Rashtrapati Bhawan held on 29 August 2015 - The National Sports Day.
Sania Mirza gets Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award
Sania Mirza was conferred the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, the country's highest sporting honour, on 29 August at the Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi. She received a medal, certificate and cash prize of Rs. 7.5 lakh.
17 - 23 August 2015
World
Bangkok: Death toll climbs to 22 in bomb blast outside Hindu shrine
The death toll in a powerful bomb blast outside a popular Hindu Erawan shrine in the heart of the Thai capital rose to 22 with more than 120 injured, even as the country's defence minister said investigators were closer to determining who set off the device.
Sri Lanka's PM defeats former president Rajapaksa in general elections
Sri Lanka's prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, leader of the United National Party (UNP), defeated former president Mahinda Rajapaksa in the general elections. He was sworn in again as prime minister on 20 August. The UNP coalition won 106 seats, just 7 short of a simple majority in the 225-member assembly but enough to form a government.
Greek PM resigns, calls for early polls
On 21 August, the Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras submitted his resignation and that of his cabinet to President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, and asked that elections be held on the soonest possible date. The resignation comes after a divide within the governing left-wing Syriza party over the terms of the country's latest bailout that Tsipras negotiated, Greece's third since 2010.
India
PM announces Rs 1.25 lakh cr package for Bihar
PM Narendra Modi announced a development package worth 1.25 lakh crore rupees for poll-bound state of Bihar. This includes forty thousand crores for the on-going development projects.
Cochin airport becomes the first solar powered airport in India
The Cochin airport becomes the first airport in India to run on solar power. Spread over 50 acres the solar power project for the airport is estimated to generate approximately 50,000 units of electricity daily.
Pakistan calls off NSA-level talks with India
Pakistan calls off NSA-level talks with India, says conditions set by India are unacceptable.
Sci/Tech
Mangalyaan sends home stunning 3D pictures of canyon on Mars
Mangalyaan, which is India's first interplanetary mission has recently sent home stunning three-dimensional images of the Valles Marineris, a 5,000 kilometers long canyon on the Red Planet.
New species of scorpion identified
A new species of scorpion has been identified from the surrounding areas of Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Western Ghats in the Idukki district, by a group of scientists from the Western Ghat Regional Centre (Kozhikode) of the Zoological Survey of India.
Radical! Neon Found on the Moon
NASA's LADEE spacecraft has made the first-ever detection of neon in the wispy lunar atmosphere, which is properly known as an "exosphere" because it's so thin - about 100 trillion times less dense than that of Earth at sea level.
Economy
E-commerce industry makes $1.2m revenue in every 30 seconds
The global e-commerce industry generates over $1.2 million revenue in every 30 seconds with Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter contributing $5,483, $4,504 and $4,308 respectively, reveals a joint study conducted by The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) and Deloitte.
Sports
Anirban Lahiri creates history by finishing tied 5th in PGA Championship
Anirban Lahiri scaled a new high for Indian golf by finishing tied for fifth at the PGA Championship, the first time an Indian golfer has finished in the top-five of one of golf's four Majors.
Ashes 2015: England lose fifth Test by innings but win series 3-2
Australia wins the fifth Test at the Oval to dampen England's celebrations.
Usain Bolt wins 100m title at the World Championships in Beijing
Usain Bolt of Jamaica produced perhaps his greatest performance of all to beat clear favourite Justin Gatlin of USA to retain his world 100m title.
10 - 16 August 2015
World
India-born Sundar Pichai is new Google CEO
In a significant restructuring at Google, India-born Sundar Pichai has been named the CEO of the technology giant.
China blasts toll rises to 112, more than 90 still missing
The death toll from the twin blasts in the eastern Chinese port city of Tianjin rose to 112 after authorities recovered more bodies from the debris, with 95 people still missing
Indonesian passenger wreckage found in remote Papua region
Indonesian searchers believe they have located debris from a passenger plane that crashed in a mountainous area with 54 people on board. The ATR42-300 turboprop aircraft was operated by Trigana Air Service. All those on board were Indonesian.
India
Parliament monsoon session ends with no business
On 13 August, the monsoon session of the parliament ended. The BJP and congress slugfest did not allow any work to be done. Top industrialists, including Rahul Bajaj and Adi Godrej are among the 23,000 people who have signed an online petition to end the Parliament logjam.
Freedom fighter, author, poet Kayyar Kinhanna Rai passes away
On 10th August, freedom fighter, author and poet Kayyar Kinhanna Rai passed away at his residence in Badiyadka in Kasargod district of Kerala.
PM Narendra Modi to connect with 2.6 million Indians in UAE
PM Narendra Modi is expected to connect with the Indian diaspora in the UAE by addressing meet of nearly 40,000 expats and woo the energy-rich country's sovereign fund to invest in sectors like aviation, telecom, ports and road transport during his upcoming visit to the Gulf nation on Aug 16-17.
O P Rawat appointed as new Election Commissioner
On 13th August, President Pranab Mukherjee appointed Om Prakash Rawat, a former Madhya Prdesh cadre IAS officer, as the Election Commissioner.
Sci/Tech
Scientists calculate speed of ice formation
For the first time, researchers have directly calculated the rate at which water crystallises into ice in a realistic computer model of water molecules.
Taj Mahal gets Twitter account
The world famous Taj Mahal has become the first historical monument to have an official handle on the micro-blogging site, Twitter. Tourism industry sources in Agra said the Twitter handle will help authorities to have a better interaction with tourists and the feedback will help to address grievances.
Economy
Reserve Bank to transfer Rs 65,896 crore surplus to Centre
The Reserve Bank of India will transfer its surplus profit of Rs 65,896 crore to the Centre, which is about 25% more than the amount given last year.
Oil ministry kicks off sale of swadeshi diesel
On 10th August, the oil ministry launched commercial sale of 'swadeshi diesel' with the aim of reducing oil imports and carbon emission as well as providing an alternative or additional source of income to farmers. This blended fuel named B5 - made of diesel blended with 5% non-edible oil extracted from palm stearin, will be sold at Delhi, Vishakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Haldia.
Sports
Sri Lanka beat India by 63 runs in the 1st Test
In an extraordinary twist to the game, India on Saturday capitulated to a 63-run defeat in the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka scripted one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Test history.
Abhishek Verma wins gold in Archery World Cup
On 15th August, Abhishek Verma clinched the gold medal in the compound men's individual event at the World Archery Championships in Wroclaw, Poland. He beat Iranian archer Esmail Ebadi 148-145.
Saina Nehwal becomes first Indian ever to reach World Championship final
Saina Nehwal became the first Indian ever to reach the World Badminton Championship final. On 16th August, however, Saina Nehwal, the world number two, was defeated by world number one Carolina Marin of Spain. Saina lost 16-21, 19-21 in the women's singles final at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships being played at Jakarta.
3 - 9 August 2015
World
Emergency declared in Myanmar as flood situation worsens
Myanmar has declared an emergency. Heavy monsoon rain has battered vast swathes of the country in recent weeks, destroying tens of thousands of homes and fields and leaving people stranded in remote villages. Authorities are struggling to reach flooded areas.
Japan remembers Nagasaki atomic bomb, 70 years on
An emotional memorial service has been held in the Japanese city of Nagasaki where US forces dropped an atomic bomb during World War II, 70 years ago.
India
13 day 'Bharat Parv' begins in Delhi celebrating the culture of different states of India
On 3rd August, Minister of State for Culture (Independent Charge), Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma inaugurated the "Bharat Parv" in New Delhi. It is a celebration of the culture and cuisine of different states of India.
Government and Nagaland's NSCN(I-M) sign historic peace accord
The Government of India and the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muviah) signed a historic accord thereby bringing to an end six decades of insurgency. The accord will pave the way for faster development of the North East.
India, Mozambique sign MoU in renewable energy
During the official visit of Filipe Nyusi, President of Mozambique to India, the two countries signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in New and Renewable Energy Sector.
Economy
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged at 7.25%; CRR unchanged
The Reserve Bank of India has kept its policy rates unchanged, with Governor Raghuram Rajan saying that inflation is at elevated levels and banks are yet to pass on the full benefits of previous rate cuts.
Sci/Tech
NASA deploys new system to avoid traffic jams at Mars
Five active spacecrafts are now orbiting the Red Planet, including one from India, leaving NASA with no option but to beef up traffic monitoring, communication and manoeuvre planning to ensure that Mars orbiters do not collide with one another. The newly-enhanced collision-avoidance system from NASA accurately warns if two orbiters approach each other too closely.
Manish Kumar, an Indian-American develops membrane to aid water purification
An Indian-American, Manish Kumar, has developed a self-assembling synthetic membrane that can aid in better water purification, drug delivery and DNA recognition by transporting a billion water molecules per channel per second. Manish Kumar is an assistant professor of chemical engineering in the Pennylvania State University.
India's biggest telescope inaugurated in Udaipur
On 4th August, India's biggest multi-application solar telescope (MAST) was inaugurated at the Udaipur Solar Observatory by Prof U R Rao, the chairman of the governing council of the Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad.
Sports
England win Ashes 2015: Hosts crush Australia at Trent Bridge
On 8 August, England regained the Ashes after wrapping up a spectacular victory over Australia on the third morning of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge. The hosts took Australia's three remaining second-innings wickets in 39 minutes to win by an innings and 78 runs. England's second successive three-day triumph gives them an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series with one match to play.
27 July - 2 August 2015
India
Telangana to launch Rs 25,000 cr village development plan
Telangana Government will be spending a massive Rs 25,000 crore over the next 5 years for implementation of a new programme that aims at strengthening the Panchayat Raj system and boosting village-level development in the State.
APJ Abdul Kalam passes away
APJ Abdul Kalam, former presidsent of India, eminent scientist and educationist, passed away on 27th July, after collapsing during a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management in Shillong.
Gujarat becomes first Indian state to make voting compulsory in local body polls
The Gujarat government issued a notification in Ahmedabad on making voting compulsory for people of the state during elections to local self-governing bodies.
Gurdaspur attack: 3 militants killed after gunfight at police station
On 27th July, three terrorists were shot dead, 11 hours after they stormed a police station in Punjab's Gurdaspur district and fought an intense gunbattle with security forces.
Government finalises list of new icons for postage stamps
The BJP-led NDA government has decided that leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Ram Manohar Lohia, Jaiprakash Narayan, B R Ambedkar, Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Deen Dayal Upadhyay and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad will be seen on postage stamps of daily use.
Economy
Union Cabinet approves amendments to GST Bill
On 29th July, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill to compensate states for revenue loss for five years once the new nationwide uniform tax regime kicks in.
Sci/Tech
Six new species of spiders found in Kerala yet again
Six new spider species have been discovered in Kerala as a result of research conducted by the Biodiversity Research Centre of Christ College, Irinjalakuda.
Sports
Paytm bags BCCI title sponsorship rights for all international series
Paytm, India's largest mobile commerce firm has secured the title title rights from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for all international and domestic cricket in India over the next 4 years.
Indian women bag silver at World Archery Championships
The Indian women's recurve team squandered a two-set lead and went down to top seed Russians in the shoot-off to bag a silver medal at the World Archery Championships in Copenhagen.
Ashes 3rd Test: England beat Australia by 8 wickets
On 31st July, Ian Bell delighted a capacity crowd at his Warwickshire home ground with a sparkling unbeaten fifty as England beat Australia by eight wickets to win the third Test at Edgbaston.
Differently-abled boy from India wins gold at Special Olympics World Games
On 31st July, Ranveer Singh Saini, a 14-year-old autistic golfer from India, achieved this feat in the GF Golf-Level 2 Alternate Shot Team Play event. He was nine shots clear of joint second placed teams, along with his partner Monica Jajoo in Los Angeles.
