Changing the way of learning…

Daily Current Affairs Capsule 26th January 2019

1. Karthyayani Amma becomes Commonwealth Of Learning Goodwill Ambassador

96-year-old Karthyayani Amma has been selected as the Commonwealth of Learning Goodwill Ambassador for India.

 The Commonwealth of Learning is an intergovernmental organisation of The Commonwealth headquartered in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  It aims to promote distance education and open learning among its 53 member nations.  She topped Aksharalaksham literacy examination conducted by Kerala State Literacy Mission.

2. Nation celebrates 70th Republic Day

India celebrates its 70th Republic Day.

 South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parade.  This year celebration marks the 150th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, the theme of this year tableaux is Gandhi.  The tableau of sixteen States and Union Territories and six Central Ministries participated in the Republic Day Parade.

3. Uttar Pradesh celebrated it's 69th foundation

Uttar Pradesh celebrated it's 69th foundation day on 24 January.

 To celebrate the occasion the main function was organised at Awadh Shilp Gram in Lucknow.  Uttar Pradesh was earlier known as United Province but through a Gazette notification, it got its name of Uttar Pradesh on January 24, 1950.

Points to Remember

 Capital : Lucknow  Governor : Ram Naik  Chief Minister : Yogi Adityanath  Lok Sabha Seats : 80

 Rajya Sabha Seats : 31

4. Fourth edition of Bharat Parv begins in Delhi

Fourth edition of Bharat Parv, showcasing the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat began at Red Fort in Delhi.

 It will continue till 31st January.  The five day event is a part of Republic Day Celebrations.  The objective of this festival is to generate a patriotic fervour and promote rich cultural diversity of the country.

5. IndiGo appoints Ronojoy Dutta as CEO

Ronojoy Dutta has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IndiGo.

 Dutta would be taking the charge of CEO from the company’s co-founder and interim CEO Rahul Bhatia.  Dutta was President of United Airlines, where he worked for nearly twenty years  Dutta also served as the President of Air Sahara for two years.

6. Padma Awards 2019 announced

President Ram Nath Kovind conferred the Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian awards of the category.

 The awards were conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.  The list, which was approved by the President, comprises of four Padma Vibhushan, 14 Padma Bhushan and 94 Padma Shri awardees.  Recipients of Padma Vibhushan awards are as follows:  Ms. Teejan Bai  Shri Ismail Omar Guelleh  Shri Anilkumar Manibhai Naik  Shri Balwant Moreshwar Purandare

7. Pranab Mukherjee, Nanaji Deshmukh, Bhupen Hazarika to be conferred with Bharat Ratna

Social activist Nanaji Deshmukh, singer Bhupen Hazarika and former President Pranab Mukherjee will be conferred with country's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna.

 Nanaji Deshmukh and Bhupen Hazarika will be awarded with the honour posthumously.

Points to Remember

 Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India.  The Bharat Ratna awardee receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President of India and a medallion in the form of a Peepal leaf.

8. Famous Hindi writer Krishna Sobti passes away

Famous Hindi writer and essayist, Krishna Sobti passed away. She was 94.

 She had won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1980 for her novel Zindaginama.  She was awarded the Jnanpith in 2017 for her contribution to Indian literature.  Some of her celebrated works include Daar Se Bichhudi, Mitro Marjani, Zindaginama, Dil-o-Danish etc.