NATIONAL NEWS
India and France to hold 'Varuna' naval exercise off Goa coast
India and France will conduct their largest ever naval exercise ‘Varuna’ in May 2019. The objective of this exercise is to expand the strategic partnership between India and France in the Indian Ocean region (IOR).
- Varuna Naval Exercise will take place off Goa and Karwar from 1 May 2019. The exercise will witness the participation of aircraft carriers, destroyers, submarines and fighters.
- Extra info.:
France Capital: Paris
Currency: Euro
Exim Bank funds projects worth USD 267 mn in Rawanda
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said Exim Bank has provided soft loans of USD 266.60 million to Rawanda for various projects. The funding, done in three separate tranches to Rawanda, is to support agricultural projects, development of special economic zones (SEZs) and for financing road project in the African nation.
- Exim Bank will provide USD 100 million for financing the development of two SEZs and expansion of the Kigali SEZ in Rwanda; USD 100 million for financing three agriculture project schemes -- Warufu Multipurpose Project, Mugesera Irrigation Project and Nyamukana Irrigation Project.
- Extra info.:
Rawanda Capital: Kigali
Currency: Rwandan franc
Exim Bank Headquarters: Mumbai
Managing director: David Rasquinha
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NASA Astronaut Christina Koch to set Longest Spaceflight Record by a Woman
NASA astronaut Christina Koch is set to spend the longest duration in space by a woman, surpassing the previous record of 288 days in spaceflight by astronaut Peggy Whitson.
- Koch will also enter the list of the most illustrious women in the field of astronomy, alongside the likes of Sunita Williams and Katie Bouman. With over a month in space already, Koch’s return to Earth is set for some time in February 2020.
BUSINESS & ECONOMY
Indiabulls gets IRDAI nod for non-life business
Indiabulls Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Indiabulls Integrated Services, received preliminary approval from insurance regulator IRDAI to foray into the life insurance business.
- The company is in the process of putting in place the necessary systems and move ahead with the next step of filing its application for registration (R2) with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) to undertake life insurance business in India.
- Extra info.:
IRDAI Headquarters: Hyderabad
Chairperson: Subhash Chandra Khuntia
Airtel Payments, Bharti Axa tie up for 2-wheeler insurance
Airtel Payments Bank announced a two-wheeler insurance policy in partnership with Bharti Axa General Insurance. Customers can also avail towing services at no extra cost on claim intimation in the event the insured vehicle breaks down.
- The insurance is currently available on "MyAirtel" app and at over 40,000 banking points of Airtel Payments Bank. Customers without an Airtel Payments Bank account may also avail this policy.
AWARDS
150 Indian peacekeepers in S Sudan awarded medal of honour for dedicated service
A total of 150 Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have received medals of honour for their dedicated service and sacrifice. The medals were given to the 150 Indian peacekeepers serving in United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Malakal during a ceremony filled with parades and performances by a piped band.
- Indian peacekeepers serving with the mission have undertaken numerous training sessions of community animal health workers, providing value addition training for farmers to help them make the most of their produce.
APPOINTMENTS
V.P. Pathak took over as Member (Materials Management) of Railway Board
Indian Railway Stores Service Officer of 1980 batch VP Pathak has taken over as Member (Materials Management) Railway Board. Prior to his assuming the post, the officer had been working as Director General (RS), Railway Board since June 12, 2018.
- Mr Pathak graduated in Civil engineering with Honours from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad in 1979.
OBITUARIES
Jerrie Cobb, NASA's 1st female astronaut candidate passes away
NASA's first female astronaut candidate, pilot Jerrie Cobb, has passed away. Cobb died in Florida at age 88. In 1961, Cobb became the first woman to pass astronaut testing.
- Cobb served for decades as a humanitarian aid pilot in the Amazon jungle. She emerged in 1998 to make another pitch for space, as NASA prepared to launch John Glenn on shuttle Discovery at age 77.
Scotland all-rounder Con de Lange passes away at 38
Scotland all-rounder, Con de Lange, who had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, passed away at the age of 38. South Africa-born played 21 internationals for Scotland, made his debut in T20 international in June 2015 against Ireland.
- In June 2017, De Lange achieved his career best figure 5-60 against Zimbabwe which handed Scotland their first one-day international victory against a Full Member.
Former Chief Secretary of Gujarat H K Khan passes away
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of former Gujarat Chief Secretary HK Khan. Known for outstanding administrative skills and firm grip on policy matters, Khan made an indelible contribution to Gujarat’s growth.
- Khan served as an IAS officer in the Gujarat cadre for nearly three decades and was the Chief Secretary of Gujarat from 1990 to 1992.
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