February 15: Make in India week held in Mumbai was supposed to showcase India`s cultural heritage.But what was on display on that night was hot fire all over the stage at Girgaum Chowpatty.Although the fire has been dozed off, the incident has made international headlines with foreign media reporting on the fire accident even as the CM Devendra Fadnavis has ordered an inquiry.For more other news, here is the latest current affairs updates for February15, 2016.
National News:
Mysuru was named as one of the cleanest cities in India.The results were announced as part of the Swachh Sarvekshan survey conducted in 476 indian cities.The other cities that made to top 10 were Greater Mumbai, Tiruchirapalli, Chennai, Pune, Navi Mumbai, New Delhi Municipal Council, Nashik, Pimpri Chindwad & Chandigarh.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) gave its approval to the controversial railway link between the Hubbali – Ankola in Karanataka.
India`s cheapest smartphone will be launched by Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikkar on February 17.The phone named ‘Freedom 251’ costs Rs.500 & is manufactured by Ringing bells.
The 7th Joint Military Training Exercise – LAMITYE 2016 between Indian Army & Seychelles People’s Defence Forces (SPDF) will be conducted at Seychelles Defence Academy (SDA), Victoria, Seychelles from 15 to 28 February 2016.
BSE Sensex rose by 568 points to reach 23,554.12 — this was the index’s biggest single day gain in more than a year.The other benchmark index Nifty closed the day at 7,162.95
International News:
Sri Srinivasan could become the first Indian-American to be on the Bench of the US Supreme Court after the sudden death of Justice Antonin Scalia.
Dubai plans to build the world’s largest shopping mall despite an economic slowdown looming in the region, but would assess market demand before proceeding with the project’s later stages.
Canada, United States (US) & Mexico have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Climate Change and Energy Collaboration to tap into energy cooperation among the 3 countries.
New Appointments
Dr. Vilas A. Tonapi has been appointed as Director of Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR).
Rasna chairman Piruz Khambatta was named as the ambassador of the ‘Make in India’ initiative by Government of India.
Awards & Honours:
The 69th British Academy Films Awards (BAFTAs) for the year 2015 were announced at the Royal Opera House in London.
President Pranab Mukherjee presented the Infosys Prize 2015 to 6 winners – Prof.Umesh Waghmare, Prof Jonardon Ganeri, Dr Amit Sharma, Prof Mahan MJ, Prof G Ravindra Kumar and Dr.Srinath Raghavan.
Golden Beaver Best Film Award (institutional category) was awareded to ‘Nagaland is changing, But…’, a film on conservation efforts by villagers.
Sports News:
Anand won the 1st taekwondo gold for India after defeating Afghanistan’s Ramesh Hossani in the final of the U-87 kg category in the 12th South Asian Games.
Sania Mirza & Martina Hingis won the 2016 St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Obituaries:
Biraja Prasad, the youngest Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer to be appointed as India’s Ambassador to any country passed away.He was India’s Ambassador to Tajikistan.
Rajamani, a popular southern composer died in Chennai.He had scored for successful Malayalam films like “Ekalavyan”, “Commissioner”, “The King”, “Aram Thampuran” and “Narasimham”.
Banking & Economy:
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, has said the Government will soon reduce its stake in public sector banks to 51%,
Band Page has been acquired by YouTube for a reported $8 million.
Bengaluru based SnapBizz said it has raised an undisclosed round of funding from industrialist Ratan Tata.
Oracle, the computer software maker is planning to set up a campus in Bengaluru & also start an initiative for indian students to help develop computer science skills.
