1. Denmark named world’s best country for women

Denmark is the best country in the world for women to live in, according to a survey conducted by American media company US News and World Report.

 The Best Countries for Women, including Sweden, Canada, the Netherlands and , scored highest on a compilation of five country attributes: cares about human rights, gender equality, income equality, safe and progressive.  Algeria and Pakistan – two countries criticized by human rights groups for their treatment of women – are perceived to be the worst countries for females.  Denmark also emerged as the second best country to raise children.

2. 2015 declared the hottest year on record

It’s official: 2015 was the hottest year on record. Global data show that a powerful system, marked by warmed waters in the tropical Pacific Ocean, helped to drive atmospheric temperatures well past 2014’s record highs. Some researchers suggest that broader Pacific trends could spell even more dramatic temperature increases in years to come.

 Released on 20 January, the global temperature data come from three independent records maintained by NASA, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the UK Met Office.  All three data sets document unprecedented high temperatures in 2015, pushing the global average to at least 1 ºC above pre-industrial levels. Although El Niño boosted temperatures late in the year, US government scientists say that the steady increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases continues to drive overall warming.

3. Mauritius offers biofarming technology to India

Eyeing greater economic cooperation with India, Mauritius offered transfer of biofarming technology to the country along with enhanced cooperation in the healthcare sector.

 Possible areas of cooperation were identified at the first joint committee meeting between India and Mauritius for the cooperation in MSME sector. The areas are in line with the pact signed between the two countries on December 13, 2015.  The two sides also agreed to formulate an action plan in the area of coir, khadi and handicraft sectors. "Government of Mauritius has exclusively offered to India for transfer of biofarming technology and also exchange of cooperation in the health sector," the MSME Ministry said.

4. Moldovan parliament appointed Pavel Filip as Prime Minister

Moldovan parliament on 20 January 2016 appointed Pavel Filip as the Prime Minister. He would be the third prime minister of Moldova in less than a year.

 The appointment follows the rise and fall of two prime ministers in 2015, namely Chiril Gaburici( June 2015) and Valeriu Strelet (October 2015).  Pavel Filip, a member of the main pro-European coalition and a former IT and communications minister in the last government, followed the rejection of two previous candidates. His Candidature as a compromise figure was resisted by opposition as he was close aide of Vladimir Plahotniuc.

5. Mosquito-borne Zika virus creates panic over birth defects in Latin America

Mosquito-borne Zika virus has created a panic over thousands birth defects in the Latin America countries.

 New case of child born with the virus has been reported in these countries. However, Brazil is experiencing the largest known outbreak of Zika with most cases in the north-east region.  In this region, babies have been born a with abnormal condition called microcephaly i.e. with abnormally smaller heads which can cause brain damage.

6. Sri Lanka tops in 2015 HDI in South Asia Region

Sri Lanka has maintained its high ranking in 2015 human development index (HDI) in the South Asia Region.

 In the 2015 Global Human Development Report (HDR) released by UN Development Programme (UNDP) Sri Lanka was ranked 73rd with an HDI value of 0.757.

7. 9th National Girl Child Day observed

The 9th ‘National Girl Child Day’ was observed on January 24.

 The Government of India in 2008 declared January 24 of every year to be celebrated as the‘ National Girl Child Day’ with the objective of raising consciousness of the society towards the girl child so that she can be valued and respected.  Government of India has started National Girl Child Day as a national girl’s development mission

8. First Ministerial Meeting of Arab-India Cooperation Forum held at Manama

The first Ministerial Meeting of Arab-India Cooperation Forum was held Manama, capital city of Bahrain.

 The meeting was inaugurated by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and was attended by representatives of 22 Arab League nations. Indian side was represented by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and also Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar.

9. Germany the ‘best country in the world

Germany is the best country in the world, according to new analysis unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos..

 The United States is the most powerful country in the world, with India the leading up-and-coming economy.  Italy is the country with the richest tradition and Brazil is the top nation to visit. Canada tops the list of countries with the best quality of life.

10. India to build satellite tracking station in Vietnam

India will set up a satellite tracking and imaging centre in southern Vietnam that will give Hanoi access to pictures from Indian earth observation satellites that cover the region, including China and the South China Sea, Indian officials said.

 The move, which could irritate Beijing, deepens ties between India and Vietnam, who both have long-running territorial disputes with China.  Hanoi especially has been looking for advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance technologies as tensions rise with China over the disputed South China Sea, they said.

11. 6th National Voters’ Day observed with theme Inclusive and Qualitative Participation

6th National Voters’ Day (NVD) was observed across the country on 25 January 2016 by the Election Commission of India. The theme for the 6th National Voters’ Day is ‘Inclusive and Qualitative Participation’.

 The Commission’s objective through NVD is to increase enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones. The National function of the NVD was held in New Delhi and presided over by President of India, Pranab Mukherjee.  On the occasion, the Chief Election Commissioner Dr. Nasim Zaidi also released a book titled, ‘Belief in the Ballot’ and presented it’s the first copy to the President.

 To celebrate and recognise the contribution of Government department/Agencies to the efforts of ECI for enhancing electoral participation, the election commission has introduced awards. Six newly eligible electors were given their EPICs by President of India.  25 January is the foundation day of the Commission, which came into being on this day in 1950.

12. Denmark is the world’s least corrupt country

Denmark has emerged as the least corrupt country in the world for a fourth consecutive year, according to the non-governmental organisation Transparency International.

 It scored 91 points out of a possible 100 while North Korea and Somalia remained at the bottom with unchanged scores of 8.  Finland and Sweden ranked second and third respectively on the 2015 Corruption Perceptions Index, while North Korea and Somalia were named the most corrupt out of 196 nations.  India took the 76th spot on the list.

13. International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust observed International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust was observed on 27 January 2016 across the world. The day was proclaimed so by the United Nations General Assembly.

 The theme for the Holocaust remembrance and education activities in the year 2016 including the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony is The Holocaust and Human Dignity.

14. Iran, Airbus signed deal to buy 118 Airbus planes

Iran and Airbus on 28 January 2016 signed two agreements covering new aircraft orders and a comprehensive civil aviation co-operation package. The agreement includes purchase of 118 new Airbus aircrafts.

 The agreement for 118 new aircraft includes 21 A320ceo family, 24 A320neo family, 27 A330ceo family, 18 A330neo (-900), 16 A350-1000 and 12 A380.  The agreements were signed at the Elysee Palace, Paris, during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s official visit to France with French President Francois Hollande.  Iran Air and Airbus signed an agreement for the acquisition of the full range of new Airbus airliners (73 wide-bodied and 45 single aisles). This includes pilot and maintenance training and support services to help the entry into service and efficient operations of these new aircraft.

15. unveiled first stealth fighter aircraft X-2

Japan unveiled its first stealth fighter jet, officials said, with the maiden test flight planned for next month

 The experimental X-2 is expected to make its maiden test flight in February, and boasts radar-resistance features, including a canopy with special stealth-enhancing coating.  It would become the fourth nation to test fly its own stealth jet, a move that could further antagonize neighboring Asian countries who have opposed Prime Minister Shinzo Abes bid to strengthen the role of its armed forces.

16. Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is the world’s best hotel

According to travel website Trip Advisor, Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur is the world’s best hotel of 2016.

 Built over 15 years between 1928 and 1943 after its namesake, the Maharaja Umaid Singh, the palatial hotel is literally fit for an Indian king, as the sprawling property is the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family. The palace features 347 rooms.

17. Bihar, Jharkhand to have six-lane highway: Cabinet

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on Wednesday approved six-laning of portions of the National Highway-2 (NH-2) in Bihar and Jharkhand, estimated to cost Rs.4,918.48 crore.

 The total length of the road will be approximately 222 km,” the release said.  The cost is estimated to be Rs.4,918.48 crore, including cost of land acquisition, resettlement and rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities.

18. CCEA approved setting up of over 5000 MW of Grid-connected Solar PV Power Projects

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 20 January 2016 gave its approval for setting up over 5000 MW of Grid-Connected Solar PV Power Projects on build, own and operate basis.

The work will be implemented by Solar Power Developers (SPDs) with Viability Gap Funding (VGF) under Batch-lV of Phase-ll of the Jawaharlal Nehru National

Solar Mission (JNNSM). The total investments expected under the scheme is about 30000 crore rupees.

19. ‘Nai Manzil’ Scheme Launched in Jammu and Kashmir

The ‘Nai Manzil’ scheme has been launched, for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Najma Heptulla, the Minister of Minority Affairs informed this while briefing the media on the new initiatives of the Ministry for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

 Dr.Najma Heptulla said that the scheme was launched for girls in Srinagar on 20th January, 2016 in three institutions. The institutions are Skill Development Centre, University of Kashmir and two Madarsas (Madarsa Shahi-i-Hamdan in Pampore and Madarsa Imam Sadique in Shadipur ,Bandipora.  Under the scheme girls from minority communities will be imparted three month skill development training in seven identified sectors relevant to the region.

20. 19th National Conference on e-Governance begins in Nagpur

The nineteenth edition of National Conference on e-Governance has begun on 21 January 2016 in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

 This edition of conference has been organized by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in in association with the Government of Maharashtra.  It was inaugurated by the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari and the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions Dr. Jitendra Singh.

21. India submits first Biennial Update Report to UNFCCC

India has submitted its first Biennial Update Report (BUR) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) towards fulfillment of the reporting obligation.

 The BUR has been submitted as per the provisions of the UNFCCC Convention which is obligatory on countries to periodically provide national information.  BUR has been prepared by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (UNFCC) under its NATCOM project funded by Global Environment Facility (GEF).

22. India’s largest and tallest tricolour hoisted at Ranchi

India’s largest tricolour hoisted atop the tallest pole at Pahari Mandir in Ranchi, by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

 It is world’s largest and the highest hoisted Indian flag.  It measures 66 feet in height and 99 feet in width in the proper ratio 2:3. It was hoisted on pole with height of 293 feet. It weighs 80 kg.23. Andhra tops in implementing MGNREGA for 2014-15

Andhra Pradesh has topped in the country in implementing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act for the 2014-2015 in category of transparency and accountability.

 Ayyanna Patrudu, Andhra Pradesh Minister for Panchayat Raj and MGNREGA, said that the award will be given in New Delhi on 2nd of February.24. AP Govt. launched Giriputrika Kalyana Pathakam Scheme for tribal people

The Andhra Pradesh Government launched Giriputrika Kalyana Pathakam Scheme to support the tribal women in their quest for livelihood.

 The scheme was launched by Andhra Pradesh Minister for Social Welfare Ravela Kishore Babu.  To avail the benefits of this scheme, each beneficiary would have to fulfil some mandatory conditions like submission of marriage certificate, income certificate, etc.

25. President rule imposed in Arunachal Pradesh

President rule has been imposed in Arunachal Pradesh after President Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday gave his assent to Union Cabinet’s recommendation.

 Justifying the Centre’s move, minister of state for home Kiran Rijiju had earlier said the Cabinet was forced to take the decision because of a Constitutional breakdown as six months had lapsed between two sessions of the state assembly.  On Monday, President Pranab Mukherjee had called home minister Rajnath Singh and put some queries to him on the need for the imposition of President’s rule.

26. Cabinet approves raising of 17 Indian Reserve Battalions by J&K and LWE States

The Union Cabinet under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the raising of 17 India Reserve Battalions (IR Bns) by Jammu & Kashmir and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected States.

 It includes five IR Bns in the state of J&K, four IR Bns in Chhattisgarh, three IR Bns in Jharkhand, three IR Bns in Odisha and two IR Bns in Maharashtra.

27. UP launches helpline number for journalists

Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav launched a dedicated helpline for journalists with number 1800-1800-303.

 Managed by the state’s Information and Public Relation Department, the helpline will help and assist the media persons.  He also launched a computerised file-tracking system to track the development of a file and ensure its time-bound disposal.

28. Union Government launched National Job Portal for Persons with Disabilities The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot on 27 January 2016 launched the National level Job portal www.disabilityjobs.gov.in for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

 The Ministry aims to carry out skill training programme for 5 lakh Persons with Disabilities in next 3 years.

29. CERT-In inks cyber security agreements with 3 nations Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has signed cybersecurity agreement with its counterparts in , and Japan.

 In this regard, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has apprised the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed between CERT-In and 3 nations.

30. Rajasthan Govt inks MoU to join UDAY Scheme Rajasthan Government along with its power distribution companies (DISCOMS) has signed a MoU to join UDAY (Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana) Scheme.

 State DISCOMS part of this MoU are Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVNL), Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (JVVNL) and Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited (AVNL).

31. India successfully test fired Akash missile at Chandipur India on 28 January 2016 test fired its indigenously-built surface-to-air Akash missile from complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR).at Chandipuri in Odisha. It was as part of a user trial mission.

 Three rounds of test were carried out by Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel

aiming at para-barrel targets.

32. IPS officer Aparna Kumar became India's first civil servant to scale Mount Vinson Massif Aparna Kumar, IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre, became India's first civil servant to scale Mount Vinson Massif, the highest peak in the Antarctica.

 She hoisted the Tricolour and the flag of the Uttar Pradesh Police Service on Mount Vinson Massif.  She set out on the Antarctic expedition on 5 January 2016, accompanied by a 10-member team of mountaineers from various countries.

33. Govt. releases list of 20 smart cities The Union government today announced the names of the first 20 urban areas that will be developed as smart cities.

 “Implementation of smart cities plan will showcase integrated planning. The investment of Rs 50,802 crores has been proposed in selected smart cities and towns during the five-year period,” said minister of urban development Venkaiah Naidu, while announcing the list.  There are five capital cities among the 20 smart cities chosen which are as follows –  Bhubaneswar, Pune, Jaipur, Surat, , Ahmedabad, Jabalpur, Vishakapatnam, Sholapur, Davangere, Indore, New Delhi (New Delhi municipal council area), Coimbatore, Kakinada, Belagavi, Udaipur, Guwahati, Chennai, Ludhiana, Bhopal.

34. Commemorative Coin of 150 rupees & Circulation Coin of 10 rupees on Lala Lajpat Rai released

Ministry of Culture on 28 January 2016 released a commemorative coin of 150 rupees and a circulation coin of 10 rupees on Lala Lajpat Rai.

 The Commemorative Coin of 150 rupees is made of Quaternary alloy with diameter of 44 mm and weight of 35 grams.  The Circulation coin of 10 rupees is made of bi-metallic material with diameter of 27 mm and weight of 7.71 grams. The coin was released by Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of state (Independent charge) Minister of Tourism & Culture at New Delhi on the occasion of 150th birth anniversary of Lala Lajpat Rai.

35. to host global skill summit

Kerala will host a three-day ‘Nypunyam International Skill Summit and Skill Fiesta 2016’ next month with a view to bridging the gap between the job market requirement and the skill level of available workforce.

 The event will unfold on February 5, according to Tom Jose, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Labour and Skills, Kerala. The focus will be

on improving the skill levels and bringing them up to world standards in tune with the Prime Minister’s initiative for skilling 500 million young people by 2020.  The skill summit will gather an array of top industry leaders, key government officials, policy makers and analysts functioning in the sector.

36. RBI asks banks to stop Rs 1,000 notes without security thread

The RBI today said it has received complaints about notes of Rs 1,000 denomination without the security thread being in circulation and has asked banks not to issue them in case these are found.

“We have received complaints regarding banknotes in the denomination of Rs 1,000 printed by Currency Note Press, Nashik, on the paper (without security thread) supplied by Security Paper Mill (Hoshangabad),” an RBI spokesperson said.

 The Reserve Bank has informed all the banks in region not to issue such notes if found in stock and to provide exchange value to the customer who approaches with such a note, if it is otherwise genuine.  Currency Note Press, Nashik is a Unit of Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited (SPMCIL) under administrative control of the Finance Ministry.

37. World Bank to provide $250-mn loan for Kosi Basin project

India today signed a $250 million loan agreement with the World Bank for Bihar Kosi Basin Development project, aimed at enhancing resilience to floods and increase agriculture productivity.

 The primary beneficiaries will be rural producers and households in the Kosi River Basin who are regularly exposed to floods, it added.  It is a loan for an implementation period of 5 years and the Bihar government is the implementing agency.

38. ISRO, Kuwait Institute signed MoU on cooperation in space exploration

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research (KISR) on 20 January 2016 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes.

 It will allow use of data from Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites by KISR for initiating a few research and application projects. It will also enable Training and Building and launching of remote sensing and communication satellites on commercial terms.  It will provide impetus to explore newer research activities and application possibilities in the field of remote sensing; satellite communication; satellite navigation and exploration of outer space.

39. Indian Olympic Association signs IOS Sports & Entertainment as its marketing partner

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) on Thursday announced that sports management firm IOS Sports & Entertainment will be its exclusive commercial and marketing rights partner for the next two years.

 This is the first time in the history of IOA that any professional sports marketing agency has been appointed to generate sponsorship revenues for the Indian contingent that will participate in the Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro from August 5 to 21.  IOS is targeting a minimum revenue of Rs.10-Rs.12 crore through principle and associate sponsors as well as partners for the upcoming Rio Olympics.

40. Google Launches First Public Wifi Service in India

Google, in partnership with Indian Railways, launched its first free high-speed public WiFi service in the country at the Mumbai Central Railway Station today.

 Passengers travelling from Mumbai Central railway station will be able to use Google’s wifi service.  The deadline set by SundarPichai, CEO of Google was January for the first railway station. During his vist to India, he also added that by the end of 2016, more than 100 stations will be covered.

41. India to be fastest growing economy at 7.3% in 2016: UN

A United Nations world economy report said India will be the world’s fastest growing large economy at 7.3 per cent in 2016 and improving further to 7.5 per cent in the following year.

 It said some economic indicators, such as industrial production, remain volatile. The report said South Asia is expected to be the world’s fastest-growing region in 2016 and 2017.

42. Tran Serv launches India's first social mobile wallet Udio

India’s digital payment startup company Tran Serv has launched country’s first Social Mobile Wallet named Udio.

 It enables users to do squaring of dues, sharing dinner bills or a cab ride and also to pay electricity and gas bills and make DTH & mobile recharges.

43. Airbus Group & Mahindra to manufacture helicopters

As part of ‘Make in India’ initiative, an agreement was signed between Airbus Group and Mahindra to manufacture helicopters.

 The deal was signed in presence of Francois Hollande and Narendra Modi.

44. France to assist India to develop 3 smart cities

Three MoUs were signed under the ‘Smart city’ theme for city-specific urban development between French Development Agency with the state governments for the cities of Chandigarh, Nagpur and Puducherry.

45. India, France sign Rafale fighter plane accord

India signed an inter-governmental agreement today to buy 36 French-built Rafale fighter planes at Hyderabad House in Delhi.

 The deal, worth an estimated $9 billion, was to have been the centrepiece of a visit to India by French President Francois Hollande, invited as guest of honour for Tuesday’s Republic Day parade.  India had scaled back the original plan to buy 126 Rafale jets to meet its air force’s urgent needs, but Modi and Hollande had to step into the deal after commercial negotiations between plane-maker Dassault Aviation and Indian officials collapsed.

46. Now, you can pay online for LPG refills

Now, LPG users can pay online for their cylinder refills on the website www.mylpg.in soon after booking their refill for delivery. This is the latest part of the online refill booking facilities that the three public sector oil marketing companies have introduced in the past two years.

 The facility was launched here on Sunday by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas. Pradhan said his ministry is also considering creating an EMI payment model for new gas connections bought by non-bpl customers.  The ministry is already running a pilot programme that gives a 50 per cent government rebate to below poverty line families when they buy their first gas connection.

47. India-France inked 16 pacts including chopper venture

India and France on 24 January 2016 inked 16 agreements at the India-France Business Summit in Chandigarh. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) covered a wide range of sectors like urban development, urban transport, water and waste treatment and solar energy.

 The agreements were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande, who began his three-day visit to India.  Hollande is the Chief Guest at the 67th India’s Republic Day (26 January 2016) celebrations. He is the fifth French leader to be a chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations, maximum number from any country so far.

48. RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan joins WEF task force

Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan has joined a World Economic Forum task force to examine the future of the global financial system.

 The task force also includes Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, along with bankers and policymakers from across the world.  The task force will continue to explore these themes and others throughout 2016, with the ultimate objective of publishing a more comprehensive suite of recommendations and actions during the Annual Meeting 2017 in Davos,” the WEF said.

49. Ratan Tata invests in start-up Teabox

Ratan Tata has invested in specialty tea firm Teabox, thereby continuing his long series of investments in various start-ups globally in the recent past.

 Teabox Founder and CEO Kaushal Dugar said: “We have grown up admiring and respecting his (Tata’s) vision and business acumen on scaling the Tata group to a global level. His direct guidance and experience in the tea industry will surely help us grow Teabox to be the first global premium tea brand from India.”  Founded in 2012, Teabox delivers teas from Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri and Nepal to the entire world. Within three years of its existence, Teabox claims to have delivered over 30 million cups worth of tea to customers in 93 countries.

50. India, Armenia sign protocol amending DTAC

India and Armenia signed Protocol amending the India-Armenia Double Taxation Avoidance Convention in New Delhi.

 The Protocol amends the Article on exchange of information for tax purposes to bring it in line with the updated provisions in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD Model.  It will enable the two countries to exchange information related to financial and banking transactions and facilitate them in addressing tax evasion.  It is also expected to further strengthen India’s efforts to curb generation of black money.

51. HCL Tech acquires P2P, HCLTSS for Rs 101 crore

HCL Technologies, one of the leading software exporters, announced has acquired 100 percent stake in Point to Point and Point to Point Products (jointly referred to as P2P) and HCL Training and Staffing Services (HCLTSS) for a consideration of approx Rs 101 crore.

 The company has acquired P2P for approx Rs 77.98 crore (GBP 8 million) and HCLTSS for Rs 23.

52. Cognizant acquires KBACE Technologies United States (US) based software services exporter Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS) has acquired cloud-based computing firm KBACE Technologies.

 This acquisition will help Cognizant to strength and expands its digital capabilities from its critical business applications to cloud- based IT infrastructures.  As part of the acquisition, KBACE Technologies’ 400 consultants and implementation experts will become part of Cognizant.

53. 3 Indians Make It To The List Of 50 Richest People In The World A study done by Wealthx in partnership with Business Insider reveals the top 50 richest people in the world.

 While Microsoft founder and renowned philanthropist Bill Gates retains his spot as the richest person in the world with a net worth of US$87.4 billion, there are some new names on the list.  Reliance group chairman Mukesh Ambani is the richest Indian and 27th richest man in the world with a net worth of $24.8 billion. Wipro founder Azim Premji and Dilip Shanghvi, founder of Sun pharma, were ranked at the 43rd and 44th place with assets worth $16.5 billion and $16.4 billion respectively. This also makes them the top 3 richest Indians.

54. India to provide 300 MW to Nepal in 18 months

India agreed to supply 300 MW of electricity to energy-starved Nepal in the next one-and- a-half year as the two sides decided to expedite construction of cross- border transmission lines and boost bilateral cooperation including in power trade.

 Energy secretaries of the two countries agreed that Nepal will import 80

MW electricity from India through Muzaffarpur- Dhalkebar transmission line in the next three weeks.  Nepal, currently reeling under an energy shortage, has been facing a power outage for 14 hours daily.

55. Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra replaceAamir Khan as 'Incredible India' brand ambassadors

The selection of the two actors follows the Centre's decision to discontinue the contract of actor Aamir Khan, who had angered the BJP-led government with his remarks on perceived intolerance in the country. Khan had promoted Indian tourism for a decade as the brand ambassador.

 Khan had late last year stirred a controversy after he expressed "alarm and despondency" over rising instances of intolerance in the country in the past few months and said that his wife (Kiran Rao) even asked if they should move out of India as she feared for the safety of their children.

56. Ravi Chellam took charge as Executive Director of Greenpeace India

Noted environmentalist Ravi Chellam on 20 January 2016 took charge as the Executive Director of Greenpeace India, a Non-Government Organization (NGO). Chellam succeeds former Executive Director Samit Aich, who had resigned in June 2015 following an internal review of the organization's handling of two sexual harassment cases.

 Chellam is a wildlife biologist and conservation scientist by training. He has undertaken governance roles in various conservation organizations. Prior to joining Greenpeace, he has worked with the Wildlife Institute of India and United Nations Development Programme.  Earlier in 2015, the government suspended Greenpeace’s foreign funding licence and froze its domestic bank accounts for alleged rule violations.

57. IRS officer Atulesh Jindal appointed as Chairman of CBDT

Senior revenue service officer Atulesh Jindal on 21 January 2016 was appointed chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

 Jindal will succeed A K Jain, who completes his term at the end of January 2016.

 The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of Jindal as chairman of the apex policy-making body of the income tax department.  Jindal is a 1978 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. He is currently working as member (revenue) in the CBDT. He will have a tenure of six-months until he retires in July 2016.

 The Central Board of Direct Taxes is a statutory authority functioning under the Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963. The officials of the Board in their ex-officio capacity also function as a Division of the Ministry dealing with matters relating to levy and collection of direct taxes.

58. Amit Shah re-elected BJP president

BJP chief Amit Shah became the party President again today. Top party leaders led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a bevy of Union ministers and chief ministers of BJP-ruled states proposed his name for the party president’s post during the nomination process.

 Among others who have proposed Mr. Shah’s name are Union minister Rajnath Singh, Anant Kumar and J.P. Nadda, M. Venkaiah Naidu, besides BJP chief ministers Vasundhara Raje, Raghubar Das, Shivraj Singh Chauhan and others.

59. Alice Vaidyan, new CMD of GIC Re

Alice Vaidyan has been appointed Chairman and Managing Director of General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re), the National Reinsurer. She will hold office till July 31, 2019.

 GIC Re is the 14th largest reinsurer globally and is presently the only reinsurance company in India.

60. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa won Presidential Election of Portugal

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on 24 January 2016 won the Presidential election of Portugal. Sousa, a centre-right Social Democrats candidate and a former journalist, won the election by securing 52 percent of votes.

 The outcome is likely to help maintain political balance after the inconclusive parliamentary ballot in October 2015. His closest rival, Socialist Antonio Sampaio da Novoa, conceded defeat after picking up around 23 percent of the vote. Left Bloc candidate Marisa Matias had 10 percent.  Sousa, popularly known as ‘Professor Marcelo’ and aged 67 is the one-time leader of the center-right Social democrats. He will succeed President Anibal Cavaco Silva.  Earlier in October 2015 presidential election, a centre-right coalition won the most votes but lost its overall majority in November 2015. It was replaced by an alliance of left-wing parties that rejected its austerity programme in parliament.

61. SC Appoints Justice Sanjay Mishra as UP Lokayukta The Supreme Court on Thursday appointed Justice Sanjay Mishra, a former judge of the Allahabad High Court, as the Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh.

 The apex court bench comprising Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice Prafulla C. Pant appointed Mishra as the Lokayukta and recalled the December 16, 2015, order appointing Justice Virendra Singh for the post.  Recalling the sequence of events leading to the appointment of Virendra Singh as the Lokayukta on December 16, 2015, the court regretted that constitutional authorities -- the chief minister, Leader of Opposition (LoP), and the chief justice of the Allahabad High Court -- despite prolonged meetings could not decide on a simple issue of the appointment of the Lokayukta.

62. Gurdeep Singh appointed as CMD of NTPC

Gurdeep Singh on 28 January 2016 was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of NTPC Ltd. Singh will be the first person to be appointed to the top job at a Maharatna company through a search committee route.

 Gurdeep Singh is currently serving as the managing director of Gujarat State Electricity Company Limited (GESC). He started his career in NTPC in 1987.  He was earlier associated with Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation, Powergen and IDFC Projects in different capacities.  During his tenure at GESC, Singh spearheaded several key reforms in Gujarat, the major being innovative solar power programmes such as the solar power plant over the Sardar Sarovar canal.

63. J. S. Deepak appointed new Telecom Secretary

J.S. Deepak has been appointed the secretary of the Department of Telecommunications.

 He is currently the secretary of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology. The decision was approved by the appointments committee of the union Cabinet.  He will succeed Rakesh Garg, who has been moved as the secretary of the minority affairs ministry.

64. Oscar for Indian-origin actor, producer Rahul Thakkar in technical category

Like every year, the world is excitedly awaiting the Oscar Awards this year. But before the are announced on February 28, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present 10 scientific and technical achievements during its annual Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation on February 13.

 Rahul Thakkar will be presented with the Technical Achievement Award for his contribution to cinema through "groundbreaking design", as announced on the official Oscar Awards website.  The award goes to "Richard Chuang and Rahul Thakkar for the groundbreaking design, and to Andrew Pilgrim, Stewart Birnam and Mark Kirk for the review workflows and advanced playback features, of the DreamWorks Animation Media Review System," the Academy said.

65. Padma Vibhushan for Rajinikanth, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Actor Rajinikanth, media baron Ramoji Rao, former J&K Governor Jagmohan and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar awarded Padma Vibhushan.

 Former CAG Vinod Rai, Bollywood actor Anupam Kher and singer Udit Narayan awarded Padma Bhushan.

 Former US Ambassador to India Robert D Blackwill, sports persons Saina Nehwal and Sania Mirza and Indu Jain of Bennett Coleman & Co get Padma Bhushan.  Senior lawyer Ujjwal Nikam, actors Ajay Devgn and Priyanka Chopra get Padma Shri.  Reliance Industries founder late Dhirubhai Ambani awarded Padma Vibhushan.

66. Chennupati Jagadish awarded Australia’s highest civilian honour

Australia has awarded its highest civilian honour, the Companion of the Order or Australia (AC) to India-origin scientist and professor Chennupati Jagadish.

 Professor Jagadish is currently the head of the Semiconductor Optoelectronics and Nanotechnology Group at the Australian National University. He was given the award in recognition for his service to physics and engineering.  Professor Jagadish’s projects include a new class of lasers that can help in telecommunications and “new lightweight solar cells with increased efficiency”.

67. Rekha conferred with Yash Chopra Memorial award

Veteran actress Rekha was honoured with the Yash Chopra Memorial Award on Monday evening in Mumbai for her contribution to the industry.

 The award was presented by Maharashtra Governor C. Vidyasagar.

 Rekha, 61, who worked with Chopra in 1981 romance “Silsila”, will be given the honour on February 2 next year by the Governor of Maharashtra in a glittering ceremony in Mumbai.  Previous recipients include Melody Queen Lata Mangeshkar and megastar Amitabh Bachchan.

68. Henri Tiphagne selected for Amnesty International Human Rights Award 2016 Indian lawyer and human rights defender Henri Tiphagne selected for the 8th Human Rights Award by Amnesty International Germany. The award is a recognition of Tiphagne’s exceptional commitment to human rights.

 He will be conferred with the award at an official ceremony on 25 April 2016 at the Maxim Gorki Theatre in Berlin, Germany.  He is the founder of the organization People’s Watch, one of the most notable human rights organizations in India.  People’s Watch has been researching and documenting human rights violations, as well as providing legal representation to those affected, for over 20 years. The organization also actively supports human rights education.

69. David Warner wins Allan Border Medal 2016 Australian batsman David Warner defeated captain Steve Smith for the prestigious Allan Border Medal for 2016.

 Warner polled 240 votes from players, umpires and media representatives to beat 2015 winner and skipper Steve Smith on 219. Pace bowler Mitchell Starc was third on 183 votes.  Warner also won the Test Player of the Year Award with 30 votes ahead of Smith on 24.

70. Nisid Hajari won 2016 William E. Colby Award for Best Military Book

Nisid Hajari on 28 January 2016 won the 2016 William E. Colby Award for his book, Midnight’s Furies: The Deadly Legacy of India’s Partition.

 Hajari will be presented with the award and honorarium at Norwich University, the USA in April 2016.  The Midnight’s Furies: The Deadly Legacy of India’s Partition covers the 1947 partition of India and the violence that surrounded that event. Hajari oversees Asia coverage for Bloomberg View, the editorial page of Bloomberg News.

71. Naresh Bedi has been honoured with V Shantaram Life Time Achievement Award

Wildlife film maker & Padma Shri awardee Naresh Bedi has been honoured with V Shantaram Life Time Achievement Award during the inauguration of 14th edition of Mumbai International Festival for Documentary, Short and Animation – MIFF 2016.

 The award was presented by Maharashta CM Devendra Fadnavis and MoS for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore  The award is instituted in memory of legendary film maker V Shantaram, who was head of the Films Division in the past. It is comprised of a trophy, shawl and a cash prize of Rs 5 lakhs.

72. Tom Hanks named America’s most popular movie star

Tom Hanks has been crowned America’s favorite movie star in a new online countdown.

 He also stolen the title in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2013.

73. Bihar CM to get Veeramani award for social justice

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been selected for K Veeramani award for social justice by the Periyar International.

 The annual award has been instituted by US-based Periyar International, an organization of non-resident followers of Dalit icon Periyar EV Ramasami.

 He has been chosen for this award for his immense contribution for the cause of social justice especially for upliftment of weaker and marginalised sections of the society.

74. Morton Mower, Michael Marmot win 2015 Prince Mahidol Award

Morton Mower (US), Sir Michael Marmot (UK) have won the prestigious 2015 Prince Mahidol Award for their outstanding achievements in the international healthcare sector.

 Thailand’s kiing Bhumibol Adulyadej bestowed the awards on both of them at a ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand.

75. Uttar Pradesh won 2014-2015 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Uttar Pradesh on 20 January 2016 won its maiden Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy with a 38-run win over two- time champions Baroda in the final played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

 It was Uttar Pradesh’s ninth straight win in the tournament, including five in the preliminary league phase and three more in the super league stage.

76. Nathan Hauritz announces retirement

Australia off-spinner Nathan Hauritz announced his retirement from competitive cricket on Tuesday, bringing the curtain down on a 15-year career during which he represented the national side in all three formats.

 The 34-year-old failed to take a wicket in that clash, against Perth Scorchers, and conceded 29 runs in his two overs.

77. Lleyton Hewitt retired from International Tennis

An emotional Lleyton Hewitt brought the curtain down on his 18-year singles career as he lost to David Ferrer in the second round of the Australian Open.

 Former world No 1 Hewitt went down in straight sets to Ferrer, the eighth seed in Melbourne, in two hours and 34 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena.  The Aussie battler said goodbye in typical fashion: received a code violation for an audible obscenity and tried to get a line judge removed after getting foot- faulted.

78. Chanderpaul retired from international cricket

Shivnarine Chanderpaul has called time on his international career after making his debut nearly twenty two years ago. Chanderpaul notified West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) about his decision through an email.

 Chanderpaul finishes his career as the second highest run-getter (11867) for West Indies in Tests, just 86 short of Brian Lara's record.

79. India defeat Pakistan in first Blind T20 Asia Cup

India defeated Pakistan in the first ever championship of Blind T20 Asia Cup.

 India batted first and finished their innings with 208 runs while losing 5 wickets in 20 overs.Pakistan’s chase came up short as they were able to score only 164 runs.

80. PV Sindhu wins Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold Badminton title

India’s Ace Shuttler, PV Sindhu has won the Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold Badminton title.

 She defeated Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour 21-15, 21-9 in the final at Penang this afternoon.  Sindhu had an easy final where she dominated right from the start to seal the match in straight games. This is Sindhu’s Fifth career Grand prix gold and first title of the year 2016.

81. Izumo Takuto and Zhu Chengzhu won ITTF World Junior Circuit Finals

Japan's Izumo Takuto and Hong Kong's Zhu Chengzhu on 24 January 2016 became champions in the boys' and girls' categories, respectively, in the 11Even Sports 2015 ITTF World Junior Circuit Finals at the Abhay Prashal Stadium, Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

 The three-day event came to its conclusion when Takuto hardly dropped a sweat beating Carlos Vedriel from Spain 4-0 in a one-sided final while Zhu overcame stiff resistance to beat Park Seri of Korea 4-2. Each winner took home 3800 US dollars while the runners-up received 2100 US dollars each.  The International Table Tennis Federation is the governing body for all international table tennis associations. The role of the ITTF includes overseeing rules and regulations and seeking technological improvement for the sport of table tennis.

82. Pakistan Cricketer Imran Farhat retired from International Cricket Pakistan Opener Imran Farhat retired from international cricket. He made the announcement after getting No-Objection Certificate from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

 With this, he would be eligible to play a T20 tournament for retired cricketers called Masters Champions League (MCL).  It is the PCB’s policy that players who sign for the MCL have to completely retire from International Cricket. However, they can play the domestic cricket.

83. Sania Mirza, Martina Hingis won 2016 Australian Open women's doubles tennis title

Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis on 29 January 2016 won the 2016 Australian Open title of tennis in the women’s doubles category.

 To win the title, the top seeded Indo-Swiss pair defeated seventh seeded Czech duo Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka 7-6, 6-3 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. With the win over the Czech duo, they extended their unbeaten run to 36.  For Sania-Hingis pair, it was their maiden Australian Open title and the third successive Grand Slam doubles title after their victories in the 2015 Wimbledon and US Open.

84. Ishika Shah won 12th Sub-Junior National Snooker championship title

14-year old Ishika Shah won the 12th Sub-Junior National Snooker championship title in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

 To win the title, she defeated Anushi Seth by 50-2, 50-33 in the final match.  To reach the finals, she defeated the defending champion Doyel Dey in the semi-final. Incidentally, Ishika lost the title to Doyel in the summit clash held in Kolkata in 2015.

85. Angelique Kerber wins Australia Open 2016 women’s single title

Germany’s Angelique Kerber stunned world number one Serena Williams in three sets to win her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

 She defeated Serena Williams by 6-4 3-6 6-4 in the final of Australia Open 2016 women’s single title at Melbourne park.  The 28-year-old is the first German to win a major singles title since Steffi Graf at the 1999 French Open.

86. Eminent dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai passes away

Eminent dancer Mrinalini Sarabhai, wife of the late Dr Vikram Sarabhai, father of India’s space programme, passed away here on Thursday following age-related health complications. She was 97.

 Ms Sarabhai, a Padma Bhushan awardee for her contributions to and other classical dance forms, was hospitalised here on Wednesday, Kartikeya, said.

87. Ravindra Reddy, founder Chairman of MTAR, passed away

Ravindra Reddy, founder Chairman of MTAR, which supplies critical indigenously developed systems for India’s space and nuclear programmes, passed away at the age of 77.

 From a small machine shop in Bala Nagar industrial area of Hyderabad, MTAR grew under his leadership to manufacture rocket engines that powered Mangalyaan (Indian mission to Mars).

88. Italian film director Ettore Scola died

Italian director Ettore Scola passed away on 19 January 2016 following a prolonged illness in Rome. He was 84. As a filmmaker, he was considered to be among the last of a generation of Italian greats with a keen eye for the issues facing his country.

 One of his most acclaimed films was the 1977 A Special Day that was nominated for an Oscar for best foreign film. A Special Day won the Golden Globe for best foreign film in 1977. His several Oscar-nominated films chronicled the growing pains, class divisions and frustrated idealisms of 20th century Italy.

89. Shankar Ghosh, eminent Tabla player passed away

Eminent Tabla player Pandit Shankar Ghosh passed away in Kolkata following a prolonged illness. He was 80.

 He was trained by legendary Pandit Gyan Prakash Ghosh, Ustad Feroz Khan, Pandit Anath Nath Bose and Pandit Sudarshan Adhikari.  He followed the Farukhabadgharana of Hindustani classical music. He also performed with vocalists such as Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Pandit Omkarnath Thakur, Pandit Vinayakrao Patwardhan, Girija Devi and Akhtari Bai.

90. actor Kalpana passes away in Hyderabad

National award-winning actress Kalpana, who appeared in 300 films including recent superhit “Charlie”, died this morning in Hyderabad due to a heart attack. She was 51. Kalpana Ranjani was in Hyderabad to shoot a Telugu film and was scheduled to leave for Kerala later today.

 She was declared brought dead at a hospital around 7 am, sources told PTI. Kalpana had received the National award for best supporting actress for her performance in “Thanichala Njan” (2012).  Sister of actors Urvashi and Kalaranjini, Kalpana forayed into Malayalam films as a child actor in “Vidarunne Mottukul” in 1977. Among her other Malayalam hits are “Ennum Eppuzhum”, “Karnavar”, “Dolfins”, “ Days” and “Spirit“. “Kakki Sattai”, “Idhaya Thiruda”, “Sathi Leelavathi” and “Chinna Veedu” are among her Tamil films.  Malayalam actors K P A C Lalitha, Kaviyoor Ponnamma and Innocent, MP, expressed shock at the demise of the actress, who was best known for her comic roles in South Indian films.

91. Arindam Sen Gupta passed away Arindam Sen Gupta, managing editor of , passed away early on Thursday after a brief but brave battle against cancer.

 ·Sen Gupta had a long and distinguished association with the TOI group, which he rejoined in 1991 after a previous stint from 1988 to 1990. He joined The Economic Times as coordinating editor

92. Army chief who also made his mark as Governor: K.V. Krishna Rao passes away

Former Jammu and Kashmir governor and retired chief of Army staff, General K V Krishna Rao, passed away on Saturday. He was 93.

 General Rao was commissioned in the Army in August 1942 and served in Burma, North West Frontier and Baluchistan during the Second World War. He was part of Lord Mountbatten’s Punjab Boundary Force during Partition, which saved lives in both East and West Punjab during extensive rioting.  He saw action as a Company Commander with 3 Mahar, the infantry battalion he later commanded, in the Jammu and Kashmir operations of 1948.

93. PM Narendra Modi released book titled The Z Factor written by Subhash Chandra

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 January 2016 released a book titled The Z Factor: My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time in New Delhi.

 The book is the autobiography of the promoter of Essel/ Zee Group Subhash Chandra.  It is a candid memoir of a ‘truly desi’ self-made businessman who came to Delhi at age twenty with seventeen rupees in his pocket.  Now, Subhash Chandra has a net worth of 6.3 billion US dollars and annual group revenues of about 3 billion US dollars.

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