February 22, 2014

20th February 2014 - Current Affairs Updates

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International Affairs

UN Security Council presented with draft resolution on humanitarian aid for Syria but Russia so far does not back it, raising risk of veto.
The Homeland Security Department has warned airlines that terrorists could try to hide explosives in shoes. It's the second time the government has issued a warning about possible attempts to smuggle explosives on a commercial jetliner.
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama feels the India-China 'rivalry' is neither good for Asia nor for the cause of the Tibetans there is real room to develop trust between the two neighbours.
According to an annual Gallup poll Seventy-two per cent Americans view India favourably - a four per cent increase from last year while North Korea has become the country least liked in the US.

National Affairs

After the day-long debate, protesting MPs, chanting of slogans and the Prime Minister announcing special package for Seemandhra, the Rajya Sabha has passed the Telangana Bill.
A Parliamentary Committee has asked Jammu and Kashmir Government to examine a demand for granting minority status to Kashmiri Pandits in view of their "pitiable condition" after they were forced to leave the Valley due to militancy.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh announced a six-point development package for successor states of Andhra Pradesh including grant of special category status and tax incentives to Seemandhra.
The government has approved the establishment of 14 new Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIIT).
Congress stalwart Gegong Apang, who served as the second longest serving chief minister in the country with a record 22 years,mostly with the party, has resigned and joined the BJP.
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa claimed that Tamil Nadu has the lowest crime rate in the country and that her government is committed to maintaining law and order in the state.

Science & Technology

Scientists are developing gen-next batteries that capture the energy of our everyday movements, such as walking, to convert it into electricity to power cellphones and other devices.
The first night trial of Agni-I ballistic missile has been postponed indefinitely for the second time.The missile was to be tested for the first time for night launch by the Strategic Forces Command.
Union Cabinet gave its approval for continuation of Nano mission; a mission on Nano Science and Technology in its second phase in the 12th Plan Period (2012-17) and sanctioned Rs 650 crore for the purpose.
Google said it will host a two-day workshop in Bangalore later this week focused on designing and creating Android applications in Indian languages.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Google announced availability of virtual tours for 30 Indian monuments.
Country's largest software services firm TCS said it has bagged a global IT infrastructure management deal from Diageo, a leading premium drinks maker.
Google Inc is exploring a major expansion of super-fast cable TV and Internet web to deliver its content and services by extending its nascent Fiber network to 34 more cities across the United States.

Business & Economy

Social networking giant Facebook will have to shell out $2 billion if its acquisition of the instant messaging service Whatsapp fails to get necessary approvals.
Air India, JetLite and SpiceJet suffered operating losses of Rs 3,159.6 crore, Rs 246.8 crore and Rs 279.8 crore respectively in 2012-13, Lok Sabha was informed.
Apex Court summons Sahara group Chief for not refunding investors money despite its order ; Allows SEBI to sell properties of the group.
Shares of Bharti Airtel came under selling pressure soon after media reports said that its Nigeria unit lost a legal battle against Econet Wireless

Sports