Haley sworn as US Ambassador to the United Nations
Nikki Haley sworn in as the US Ambassador to the United Nations, becoming the first from the influential Indian-American community to serve on a Cabinet rank position in any US Presidential administration. She was sworn by Vice- President Mike Pence.
Wall along US Border with Mexico
Donald Trump signed directives to build a wall along the US border with Mexico and to crack down on US cities that shield illegal immigrants proceeding quickly on sweeping and divisive plans to curb immigration and boost national security.
India and UAE today elevated their bilateral ties to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. Both countries signed 14 agreements including one on cooperation in defence manufacturing and technology with a focus on armament and transfer of expertise, maritime transportation and economic activities. Another significant agreement was on India allowing the UAE to fill half of an underground crude oil storage facility at Mangalore. This is India’s emergency oil reserve to safeguard against global instability. The deal between Indian Strategic Petroleum reserves limited ( ISPRL), and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was announced. UAE is India’s fifth biggest oil supplier.
Apple ready with blueprint for manufacturing Iphones in India
Apple Inc today indicated to the government that it is ready with a blueprint to begin manufacturing Iphones in India , but wants fiscal concessions, including customs duty waiver on import of components. Apple executives made a detailed presentation to an inter- ministerial group headed by Department of Industrial Polilcy and Promotion secretary, Ramesh Abhishek. The presentation was made by senior executives of the company, including Global Vice- President Priya Balasubramanian. Apple alsow wants relaxation in the mandated 30% local sourcing of components.
Wipro acquires Brazil- based InfoSERVER
Wipro Ltd. announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire Brazil based IT Services provider InfoSERVER SA for $8.7 million.
Professor Kashi Nath Pandita, former director of the Centre for Central Asian Studies, University of Kashmir, has been awarded Padma Shri in the field of literature and education. He is the only person from J&K to get the award this year. The Iranian embassy in New Delhi honoured him with the Saadi award in 2011 and the President awarded him in 1995 for his outstanding contribution to classics and strengthening of the Indo- Iranian cultural relations.
Bolt loses relay gold
Jamaica’s Usain Bolt has lost one of his nine Olympic gold medals and his perfect triple treble of Games’ sprint victories after team mate Nesta Carter was found guilty of doping at the 2008 Beijing games. Carter was found to have taken the prohibited substance methylhexaneamine. Trinidad and Tobago are set to be promoted to gold in the Beijing 4 x 100, in which Jamaica set a then world record, with Japan moving up to silver and fourth placed Brazil earning Bronze. The Jamaican team is disqualified from the men’s 4 x 100 m relay event.
Six persons- four members of a family and an army officer were killed in three avalanches triggered by heavy snowfall in the Kashmir valley. Major Amit Sagar was killed when an avalanche swept a camp housing unit of the Territorial Army at a Sonamarg resort in Ganderbal district.
National Anthem norms for disabled.
Differently- abled people who are unable to stand, will have to display ‘maximum attentiveness’ , while persons with hearing disabilities or are visually challenged will have to stand up when the national anthem is played. These are the part of guidelines issued by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Only people with intellectual disabilities are amongst those who are relaxed to some extent.
Gallantry awards on Republic day for surgical strike heroes
Nineteen soldiers of the 4 and 9 Para, the special forces’ unit which undertook the daring cross- border surgical strike, have been awarded Gallantry medals, including a Kirti Chakra, while their commanding officers have been given Yudh Sewa Medal. Major Rohit Suri of 4 para, Havildar Prem Bahadur Resmi Magar of the Gorkha Rifles got the Kirti Chakra. Col Kapil Yadav, commanding officer of 9 para, and Col Harpreet Sandhu, commanding offer of 4 para, were awarded the Yudh Sewa medal, awarded to mark a high degree of distinguished services in an operational content.