15th January 2015 - Important Current Affairs updates

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International Affairs

• India and the United States are expected to sign Memoranda of Understanding on cancer research and Ebola control when U.S. President Barack Obama arrives here later this month.
• Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare - J.P. Nadda
• The world’s newest jetliner, the Airbus A350, began first commercial flight today carrying its first paying passengers from the Gulf Arab nation of Qatar.
• It marks the debut of the relatively lightweight, twin-aisle, long-range plane, which promises to connect smaller cities with major aviation hubs nonstop at a cheaper cost for airlines.
• The A350 is the third and final major new aircraft in a decade.
• First there was the double-decker Airbus A380 (world’s largest passenger jet) and second was Boeing 787.
• A U.S. federal district judge has dismissed the case brought by the American Justice Center, a human rights group, against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for his alleged role in the 2002 anti-Muslim pogrom in Gujarat, at a time when he was the was the Chief Minister of the state.

National Affairs

• Today (15th January) is Indian Army Day
• It was on this day in 1949 when Lt. General (later Field Marshal) KM Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army post Independence. 
• This day inspires the troops to continue to enrich the glorious traditions of the Indian Army with their dedication and sacrifice.
• This Day also marks a day to salute the valiant soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the country and the people living in it.
• Important Names to Remember :
• Army Chief General - Dalbir Singh Suhag
• Chief of Naval Staff - Admiral Robin K Dhowan
• Air Chief Marshal - Arup Raha
• Former IPS officer Kiran Bedi, today joined the BJP and is going to be the face of the party in the crucial Delhi elections next month.

Sports

• Australian pace bowler Brett Lee (38) today announced he is to retire from all forms of cricket after a 20-year career.
• Indian cricket team's new One-Day International kit was unveiled in Melbourne today.
• The new light weight kit combines high performance innovation with sustainability.
• Each kit is made out of an average of 33 recycled plastic bottles.
• Official apparel sponsor - Nike

Business & Economy

• In a surprise move, the Reserve Bank of India today cut down repo rate by 25 basis points to 7.75% from 8%, with immediate effect, yielding to growing signs of slowing inflation and a flagging recovery.
• Check current Bank Rates as of today from here
• The Ministry of Power has approved an investment of Rs 996 crore for augmentation of transmission facilities.
• "In order to serve the growing needs of research and development in the Indian power sector including, development of advanced testing facilities, the government has accorded investment approval of Rs 996 crore for CPRI," an official statement said today.
• This will also support establishment of new test facilities in existing laboratories of CPRI, located at Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkota, Guwahati, Noida and Nagpur.
• CPRI - capital projects of Central Power Research Institute

New Appointments

• Harishankar Brahma has been appointed the new Chief Election Commissioner of India.
• He will take over the charge tomorrow from V S Sampath who demitted office today.
• Presently, Mr Brahma is the senior most Election Commissioner. 
• A 1975 IAS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre Mr. Bramha hails from Assam.

Read more Daily Current Affairs updates from here

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