GK and Current Affairs January 24 2017

Current Affairs - 24 January 2017

Which state will become the Indian state to opt for electronic transmission of postal ballot to service voters?
[A]Goa
[B]Uttar Pradesh
[C]Uttarakhand
[D]Punjab

Ans : Goa
Goa will become the first Indian state to opt for electronic transmission of postal ballot to service voters in the upcoming elections. The returning officers will transfer the postal ballots to service voters by electronic means so that the service voters can download it, fill it and send it via e-mail to returning officer. Notably, Goa has 822 service voters working in defence, paramilitary or diplomatic missions. Apart from this, Goa would also be the first Indian state where all assembly constituencies will be covered by Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. 

The National Tourism Day is celebrated on which day in India?
[A]January 24
[B]January 23
[C]January 25
[D]January 26

Ans : January 25
The National Tourism Day is celebrated every year in India on January 25 to raise awareness of the importance of tourism for the country’s economy. 

“e-health project” will be launched by which state government with support of World Bank (WB)?
[A]Assam
[B]Andhra Pradesh
[C]Karnataka
[D]Kerala

Ans : Kerala
The Kerala government will officially launch the World Bank-aided “e-health” project across the state on January 25, 2017 that envisages the development of Electronic Health Records (HER) of the population and end-to-end automation of all government healthcare institutions, along with the integration of an electronic demographic database. On pilot basis, the project is already running in 12 healthcare institutions in Thiruvananthapuram district that will be scaled up across the state. 

Which committee has recently submitted report on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) act to the Union Government?
[A]N K Singh committee
[B]H R Khan committee
[C]N R Madhav committee
[D]H Devaraj committee

Ans : N K Singh committee
The N K Singh committee has recently submitted its report on revising the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) act to the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his office in North Block in New Delhi. The Union Government will examine the report and take appropriate action. The committee examined the need and feasibility of having a ‘fiscal deficit range’as the target in place of the existing fixed percentage of GDP and make specific recommendations. It also examined the need and feasibility of aligning the fiscal expansion or contraction with credit contraction or expansion respectively in the economy. 

What is the theme of 2017 Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF)?
[A]Freedom to Love: India at 70
[B]Freedom to Dream: India at 70
[C]Freedom to Space: India at 70
[D]Freedom to Life: India at 70

Ans : Freedom to dream: India at 70
The 10th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF)-2017 was held in Jaipur, Rajasthan from January 19, 2017 with the theme is “Freedom to dream: India at 70”. The festival offered lively debates around modern India in the context of its history and future. In the 5-day festival, approx 250 authors, thinkers, politicians, journalists and popular culture icons participated. 

The 2017 Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY) will be implemented through which insurance company?
[A]ICICI Prudential Life Insurance
[B]Life Insurance Corporation of India
[C]New India Assurance
[D]HDFC Standard Life Insurance

Ans : Life Insurance Corporation of India
Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its post-facto approval for launching of 2017 Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY). It is a part of Government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security. The scheme will be implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) during the current financial year to provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions. The scheme will provide an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten years, with an option to opt for pension on a monthly / quarterly / half-yearly and annual basis. 

Who will be the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC)?
[A]S Jaishankar
[B]Rina Mitra
[C]Anshu Sinha
[D]Arun Kuma Jha

Ans : Anshu Sinha
Anshu Sinha, IAS (MH:99), will be the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Khadi & Village Industries Commission (KVIC). She will be appointed for a period upto January 29, 2019. KVIC is a statutory body established by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1995 under the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises. Presently, Arun Kumar Jha is the CEO of KVIC. 

What is the theme of 2017 National Girl Child Day?
[A]End child marriage
[B]Safety and Development of girl child
[C]Adolescent Girls: Issues and Challenges
[D]Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao

Ans : Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has celebrated the National Girl Child Day at a special function in New Delhi with the theme “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP)” on January 24, 2017. The event culminated by regional performances in Hindi, Punjabi, Rajasthani and Malayalam languages by professional troupes of Song and Drama Division. The day is celebrated every year on January 24 in India to raise the awareness among people about all the inequalities faced by the girl child in the society. 

The book “You Got Magic” has been authored by whom?
[A] Neel Madhav
[B]Tishani Doshi
[C]Arun Kolatkar
[D]T D Ramakrishnan

Ans : Neel Madhav
The book “You Got Magic” has been authored by Neel Madhav, an illusionist and mentalist. Through book, the author brought to you wacky and extraordinary tricks with which you can amaze your friends and family. 

The Nagarhole National Park is located in which state?
[A]Karnataka
[B]Andhra Pradesh
[C]Kerala
[D]Tamil Nadu

Ans : Karnataka
The Nagarhole National Park is a national park located in Kodagu district and Mysore district in Karnataka. It is also known as Rajiv Gandhi National Park. The park has rich forest cover, small streams, hills, valleys and waterfalls and has a healthy predator-prey ratio, with many tigers, Indian bison and elephants.

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GK and Current Affairs January 23 2017

Current Affairs - 23 January 2017

Who has won the 2017 Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold Badminton tournament?
[A]Saina Nehwal
[B]P V Sindhu
[C]Beatriz Corrales
[D]Hsu Ya-ching

Ans : Saina Nehwal
Indian ace shuttler Saina Nehwal has won the 2017 Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold Badminton tournament by defeating Thailand’s Pornpawee Chochuwong in the final by 22-20, 22-20 at the Sibu Indoor Stadium in Sarawak, Malaysia. 

Who has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Mauritius?
[A]Navin Ramgoolam
[B]Pravind Jugnauth
[C]Anerood Jugnauth
[D]Cassam Uteem

Ans : Pravind Jugnauth
Recently, Mauritian Prime Minister Sir Jugnauth (86) has officially handed his resignation from the post to President Ameenah Gurib Fakim due to his advanced age and handed over power to his son Pravind despite anger from the opposition which has called for new elections in the island nation. With this, Pravind Jugnauth has become the new Prime Minister of Mauritius on January 23, 2017. Pravind is the leader of the Mouvement Socialiste Militant (MSM), which is the largest party in the National Assembly since December 2014. 

The National Girl Child Day is celebrated on which day in India?
[A]January 22
[B]January 23
[C]January 24
[D]January 25

Ans : January 24
The National Girl Child Day is celebrated every year on January 24 in India to raise the awareness among people about all the inequalities faced by the girl child in the society. 

Jaswant Rai Sharma, who passed away recently, was the renowned poet of which language?
[A]Telugu
[B]Odia
[C]Tamil
[D]Urdu

Ans : Urdu
Jaswant Rai Sharma (89) was the renowned Urdu poet and lyricist, who recently passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. He was known to the world by his pen name “Naqsh Lyallpuri”. Some of his best songs include: “Main to har modh par”, “Na Jane kya hua, jo tune chhu liya” and “Ulfat me zamane ki har rasm ko thukroa”. 

Which stadium will become the first Indian stadium to have stands named after war heroes?
[A]Eden Gardens stadium, Kolkata
[B]Feroz Shah Kotla Ground, Delhi
[C]M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
[D]Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai

Ans : Eden Gardens stadium, Kolkata
The iconic Eden Gardens stadium at Kolkata will become the first Indian stadium to have stands named after the war heroes. The Cricket Association of Bengal President Sourav Ganguly stated that two stands will be dedicated to soldiers and will be renamed after the India and England final ODI on January 22, 2017. Indian Army, which owns the land on which the stadium is located, is yet to finalise the names, which will be unveiled before the next international match. 

Which company has been named as the most innovative company of 2016, as per Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 2016 analysis?
[A]Tesla
[B]Apple
[C]Google
[D]Amazon

Ans : Apple
The technology giant Apple has been named as the most innovative company of 2016, as per Boston Consulting Group (BCG) 2016 analysis. In the list of world’s 50 most innovative companies, Google has been ranked second, followed by Tesla Motors, Microsoft, Amazon, Netflix, Samsung, Toyota, Facebook and IBM. The 11th annual survey of BCG underscores how the world’s most innovative companies have learned how to create entirely new business models faster than competitors, translating that speed into global scale. 

The book “Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life” has been authored by whom?
[A]Junot Diaz
[B]Markus Zusak
[C]William Finnegan
[D]Sunil Khilnani

Ans : William Finnegan
The book “Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life” has been authored by William Finnegan. The novel is an old-school adventure story, an intellectual autobiography, a social history, a literary road movie and an extraordinary exploration of the gradual mastering of an exacting, little-understood art. 

“Wave N Pay” contactless card has been launched by which of the following banks?
[A]State Bank of India (SBI)
[B]ICICI Bank
[C]Axis Bank
[D]Punjab National Bank (PNB)

Ans : Punjab National Bank (PNB)
The Punjab National Bank (PNB) has recently launched a contactless credit card “PNB Wave N Pay” in New Delhi. This card could be used by just waving it across the terminal and the transaction will be through. There is no need to enter any PIN for transactions up to Rs. 2,000. The cardholder also has full Charge Back rights on its misuse. This contactless credit card has been launched on Visa Platinum platform. 

“Aoba Velox-III” satellite, which has been successfully launched into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS), is belonged to which country?
[A]United States
[B]Singapore
[C]United Kingdom
[D]Switzerland

Ans : Singapore
The satellite “Aoba Velox-III” has become the first Singapore satellite which has successfully been launched into space from the International Space Station (ISS). The Aoba Velox-III is a joint project between Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Japan’s Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech). It is a 110-metre habitable human-made satellite that orbits the Earth and can stay in space for 6 months. The satellite will be used to conduct several tests, including on a made-in-NTU micro-propulsion system, a new wireless communication system developed by Kyutech and consumer-grade electronic components in space. 

The 2017 Pakke-Paga Festival has been held in which state?
[A]Arunachal Pradesh
[B]Andhra Pradesh
[C]West Bengal
[D]Mizoram

Ans : Arunachal Pradesh
The 2nd edition of the Pakke-Paga Festival-2017 has been held at Seijosa in East Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh from January 17, 2017 and was inaugurated by the Union minister of state for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju. The purpose of the 3-day festival is to popularise the role played by the community in conserving the endangered species. The festival allowed visitors to adopt a hornbill nest with a minimum annual contribution of Rs 5,000. The 16 wildlife conservation NGOs supported the event, which was organised by the state department of environment and forests and residents of Seijosa. Paga means hornbill in Nyishi language.

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GK & Current Affairs: January 2017

Current Affairs - 21 and 22 January 2017

“Nasha Mukt campaign” has been launched by which state government to make state addiction-free?
[A]Punjab
[B]Haryana
[C]Bihar
[D]Assam

Ans : Bihar
The Bihar government has recently launched a Nasha Mukti campaign to make the state addiction-free with formation of over 11,000 km long human chain across the state. The human chain covered all panchayats of the state and over two crore people participated in this human chain. 

The India Innovation Index (III) will be developed by which international organization to measure innovation performance of Indian states?
[A]International Monetary Fund (IMF)
[B]World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
[C]Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)
[D]Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Ans :World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
The India Innovation Index (III) will be developed by the World Economic Forum (WEF), NITI Aayog, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and Cornell University to measure innovation performance of Indian states. Each partnering organisation will nominate a working group member to work on the index. The first ranking is expected to be released at the India Economic Summit (IEC) in New Delhi on October 4-6, 2017. The index will be based on key pillars of innovation and sub-indices that together will assist in tailoring policies that promote inclusive growth. The pillars include the strength of institutions, capacity of human capital and research, supporting infrastructure and the level of business sophistication, among others. 

Which of the following warships has become the India’s first-ever warship to have ATM on board?
[A]INS Vikramaditya
[B]INS Sindhughosh
[C]INS Arihant
[D]INS Viraat

Ans :INS Vikramaditya
INS Vikramaditya, the largest warship and latest aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy, has become the India’s first-ever warship to have ATM on board. The ATM on the ship docked at the naval base at Karwar will be operated by the State Bank of India (SBI) and will cater to over 1,500 personnel and officers deployed on the ship. The facilities offered by the SBI to the ship include cash withdrawals, generation of mini-statements, access to bank balance details and change of PIN numbers. In future, the facility will be upgraded to a recycler machine with a cash deposit facility. Additionally, facilities like cash transfer, card-to-card transfer, credit card payment, mobile number registration and updation would also be available. The Russian- built INS Vikramaditya was commissioned in Indian Navy in November 2013. 

Which Indian personality has been appointed as a new member of FIFA’s Finance Committee for the period of 2017-2021?
[A]C R Viswanathan
[B]Larsing Sawyan
[C]Subrata Dutta
[D]Praful Patel

Ans :Praful Patel
Praful Patel, the President of All India Football Federation (AIFF), has been appointed as a new member of FIFA’s Finance Committee for the period of 2017-2021. The FIFA finance committee monitors the financial management and advises the FIFA executive committee on financial matters and asset management. It also analyses the FIFA budgets and the financial statements prepared by the FIFA general secretary and submits them to the FIFA executive committee for approval. 

The National Voters’ Day is celebrated on which date in India?
[A]January 25
[B]January 22
[C]January 23
[D]January 24

Ans :January 25
The National Voters’ Day is celebrated every year in India on January 25 every year to mark the foundation day of Election Commission of India (ECI). The significance of this day is to encourage youngsters, who have reached the age of 18, of the country to participate in the electoral process, by enrolling or registering themselves in electoral rolls and to exercise their franchise. 

Which Indian village has been conferred the UNWTO Award for Innovation in the category of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO)?
[A]Khandalavadi village
[B]Govardhan Eco village
[C]Dhasai village
[D]Akodra village

Ans :Govardhan Ecovillage
Govardhan Eco Village (GEV) of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has been conferred the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism, the highest honour given to an NGO for shaping global tourism through sustainable innovative initiatives. This is for the first time India has won such recognition from the UN in the NGO sector. The award was presented to HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, the founder of GEV, at the annual UNWTO ceremony in Madrid, Spain. The headquarters of ISKON is located at Mayapur, West Bengal and it’s purpose is to spread the practice of bhakti yoga towards pleasing the Supreme Lord, Krishna. 

Which Indian personality will become judge in the 2017 Miss Universe pageant?
[A]Sushmita Sen
[B]Priyanka Chopra
[C]Aishwarya Rai
[D]Roshmitha Harimurthy

Ans :Sushmita Sen
Sushmita Sen, the former Miss Universe and Bollywood actress, will be on the judging panel at the 65th edition of Miss Universe pageant-2017 pageant. Sen was the first Indian to win the crown. This year, Roshmitha Harimurthy will represent India at this prestigious contest, which will take place on January 30, 2017 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. 

The book “60 Indian Poets” has been authored by whom?
[A]Amitav Ghosh
[B]Vikram Seth
[C]Jeet Thayil
[D]Arun Kolatkar

Ans :Jeet Thayil
The book “60 Indian Poets” has been authored by Jeet Thayil, which is pure pleasure put together with a poet’s love of his craft and its masters. The book spans 55 years of Indian poetry in English and bridged continents and generations, and seeks to expand the definition of ‘Indian- ness’. 

The 2017 Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) has been held in which state of India?
[A]Assam
[B]Andhra Pradesh
[C]Maharashtra
[D]Uttarakhand

Ans :Uttarakhand
The 2017 Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) has been held at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand to focus on the surgical strikes across the Line of Control, the prevailing situation on the LoC, terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and the emerging security situation. The day-long conference was addressed by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was attended by all army commanders and their equivalents from the Air Force and the Navy. This was the first CCC for the three military chiefs since taking over as head of their services in 2016. 

“FI@School” a novel programme has been launched by which gramin bank to propagate financial literacy among school children?
[A]Uttarbanga Kshetriya Gramin Bank
[B]Kerala Gramin Bank
[C]Assam Gramin Vikash Bank
[D]Rajasthan Gramin Bank

Ans :Kerala Gramin Bank
The Kerala Gramin Bank (KGB) has launched a novel programme “FI@School” to propagate financial literacy among school children. Under the project, every branch of the bank has to identify and enter into a virtual tie up with a school in its locality preferably an upper primary school to organise various programmes such as formation offinancial literacy clubs, account opening camps at schools, junior debit card distribution, financial literacy related classes, distribution of financial literacy booklets, competition on financial literacy, etc.

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GK and Current Affairs January 20 2017

Current Affairs -20 January 2017

The CEPI has officially launched at 2017 World Economic Forum (WEF) to create new vaccines for emerging infectious diseases. What does “CEPI” stands for?
[A]Coalition for Epidemic Preacher Innovations
[B]Coalition for Epidemic Preparative Innovations
[C]Coalition for Epidemic Practicable Innovations
[D]Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations

Ans : Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has officially launched at 2017 World Economic Forum (WEF) to create new vaccines for emerging infectious diseases. The CEPI has been formed with initial funding of $460 million from the governments of Germany, Japan and Norway, as well as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Wellcome Trust. Initially, the CEPI group is targeting the 3 infectious diseases viz. Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-coronavirus, Lassa fever, and Nipah virus. All three have the potential to cause large outbreaks and the goal is to have two potential vaccines for each of these viruses ready before an epidemic hits. The group may also provide support for research on strains of the Ebola, Marburg and Zika viruses. 

Where is the headquarters of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA)?
[A]Indonesia
[B]India
[C]Mauritius
[D]Australia

Ans :Mauritius
The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member-States has recently finalised MoU for cooperation in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) sector in New Delhi. Around 29 delegates from 14 IORA attended the 2-day workshop to finalise the MoU. The member countries agreed to have a common MoU to help each other in the development in SMEs in the region. The focus areas of the MoU are to finalise linkages and alliances amongst SMEs organizations, associations and various institutions engaged in SME development in their countries. The IORA is an international organisation consisting of coastal states bordering the Indian Ocean. It is a regional forum, tripartite in nature, bringing together representatives of Government, Business and Academia, for promoting co-operation and closer interaction among them. The headquarters of the IORA is located at Ebene city, Mauritius. 

Who has been sworn-in as the new President of Gambia?
[A]Dawda Jawara
[B]Adama Barrow
[C]Yahya Jammeh
[D]Saihou Sabally

Ans :Adama Barrow
Adama Barrow, a member of the United Democratic Party (UDP), has been sworn-in as the 3rd President of Gambia at a ceremony in the Gambian embassy in Dakar, Senegal on 19th January 2017 after winning the presidential election of 2016. Prior to his presidential campaign, he was the treasurer of the UDP and operated a real estate agency. 

The book “Story of an Escape” was authored by whom?
[A]Konijeti Rosaiah
[B]Govind Singh Gurjar
[C]Surjit Singh Barnala
[D]P S Ramamohan Rao

Ans :Surjit Singh Barnala
The book “Story of an Escape” was authored by Surjit Singh Barnala, the former chief minister of Punjab, who recently passed away. The novel is about his experiences of living a disguised life in various locations of India. 

Which of the following cities has topped the 2017 JLL City Momentum Index (CMI)?
[A]Bengaluru
[B]Ho chi Minh City
[C]Hyderabad
[D]Shanghai

Ans :Bengaluru
India’s technology centre, Bengaluru has become the most dynamic city out of 137 cities as per the 4th annual edition of JLL City Momentum Index (CMI) 2017. The other cities that made to the top 10 list are: Ho chi Minh City (2-Vietnam ), followed by Silicon valley (USA), Shanghai (China), Hyderabad (India), London (UK), Austin (USA), Hanoi (Vietnam), Boston (USA) and Nairobi (Kenya). According to the index released by the Chicago-based cities research centre, JLL measures population, connectivity, technology, research & development, education, construction, real estate investment and property prices as the main criteria for choosing the most dynamic cities. Other Indian cities in the list are Hyderabad at 5th position, Pune (13), Chennai (18), Delhi (23) and Mumbai (25). 

Who much amount has been sanctioned by the World Bank (WB) for Tripura Power Upgradation project?
[A]Rs 1,400 crore
[B]Rs 1,548 crore
[C]Rs 1,231 crore
[D]Rs 1,376 crore

Ans :Rs 1,376 crore
The World Bank (WB) has recently sanctioned Rs.1,376 crore for the complete upgradation and improvement of the power system network in Tripura. Under the project, the large number of 132KV and 33KV substations will be constructed and upgraded into 5 phases. The SPML Infra Ltd has got contract of the first phase and Rs 461 crore would be spent in it. 

Which team has won the 2017 Pro Wrestling League (PWL)?
[A]Punjab Royals
[B]Haryana Hammers
[C]Mumbai Maharathi
[D]UP Dangal

Ans :Punjab Royals
Punjab Royals has bagged the Pro Wrestling League 2017 by defeating Haryana Hammers in the final by 5-4 in New Delhi. 

Who will be the Chief Guest for the 2017 Republic Day of India?
[A]Mohammadin bin Zayed Al Nahyan
[B]Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
[C]Mirza Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan
[D]Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan

Ans :Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of United Arab Emirates (UAE), will be the Chief Guest for the 2017 Republic Day of India. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials and captains of industry. 

The International Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic plants of India has been held in which city?
[A]Chennai
[B]Shillong
[C]New Delhi
[D]Pune

Ans :New Delhi
The 2-day International Symposium on Medicinal and Aromatic plants of India has been held in New Delhi on January 19, 2017. The international symposium has been organized by the Ministry of AYUSH and its purpose to identify major policy, institutional and regulatory issues covering production, consumption and marketing system (PCMS) with focus on environmental, legal, social, R&D, economic, trade, industry, infrastructure, cultivation and marketing aspects. Approx 300 prominent members of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants Community have attended the conference. 

Where is the headquarters of the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI)?
[A]Pune
[B]New Delhi
[C]Kolkata
[D]Mumbai

Ans :Mumbai
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) is a self-regulatory voluntary organization of the advertising industry in India. It is a non-Government body and it’s headquarters is located at Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is in news because Ministry of AYUSH and ASCI has recently signed MoU to co-regulate misleading advertisements in the AYUSH sector.

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What is today history January 26

Today in History : January 26

1699 : The Treaty of Karlowitz ends the war between Austria and the Turks.

1720 : Guilio Alberoni is ordered out of Spain after his abortive attempt to restore his country’s empire.

1788 : A fleet of ships carrying convicts from England lands at Sydney Cove in Australia. The day is since known as Australia’s national day.

1861 : Louisiana secedes from the Union.

1863 : President Lincoln names General Joseph Hooker to replace Burnside as commander of the Army of the Potomac.

1875 : Pinkerton agents, hunting Jesse James, kill his 18-year-old half-brother and seriously injure his mother with a bomb.

1885 : General “Chinese” Gordon is killed on the palace steps in Khartoum by Sudanese Mahdists in Africa.

1924 : Petrograd is renamed Leningrad.

1934 : Germany signs a 10-year non-aggression pact with Poland, breaking the French alliance system.

1942 : American Expeditionary Force lands in Northern Ireland.

1943 : The first OSS (Office of Strategic Services) agent parachutes behind Japanese lines in Burma.

1964 : Eighty-four people are arrested in a segregation protest in Atlanta.

1969 : California is declared a disaster area after two days of flooding and mud slides.

2005 : Condoleezza Rice is appointed to the post of secretary of state. The post makes her the highest ranking African-American woman ever to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet.

Born on January 26

1715 : Claude Helvétius, French philosopher.

1826 : Julia Dent Grant, wife of Ulysses S. Grant.

1880 : Douglas MacArthur, U.S. general in World War I, World War II and Korea.

1893 : Bessie Coleman, pioneer aviator.

1944 : Angela Davis, American activist.

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Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd jobs

Jr. Engineering Assistant/ Jr. Materials Assistant/ Junior Technical Assistant in Chennai. 

Last Date to apply: 28 Feb 2017 

Eligibility : Diploma, BE/B.Tech
 
Location : Chennai

Jr. Engineering Assistant/ Jr. Materials Assistant/ Junior Technical Assistant Job vacancies in Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd

CPCL invites applications from bright, young and energetic persons of Indian Nationality for the following Non-supervisory positions. 

Position Code/ Position & Vacancies

Total 94 Posts

1. Jr. Engineering Assistant-IV (Production)

No. of Vacancies : 41 (UR-21, OBC-10, SC-10)

2. Jr. Quality Control Analyst-IV (Quality Control)

No. of Vacancies : 7 (UR-4, OBC-2, SC-1)

3. Jr. Engineering Assistant-IV (Mechanical)

No. of Vacancies : 12 (UR-6, OBC-3, SC-2, ST-1)

4. Jr. Engineering Assistant-IV (Electrical)

No. of Vacancies : 6 (UR-3, OBC-2, SC-1)

5. Jr. Engineering Assistant-IV (Instrumentation)

No. of Vacancies : 4 (UR-2, OBC-1, SC-1)

6. Jr. Engineering Assistant-IV (P&U-Mechanical)

No. of Vacancies : 12 (UR-6, OBC-3, SC-3)

7. Jr. Engineering Assistant-IV (P&U-Electrical)

No. of Vacancy : 1 (UR)

8. Junior Technical Assistant-IV (Fire & Safety)

No. of Vacancies : 7 (UR-4, OBC-2, SC-1)

9. Jr. Materials Assistant-IV (Purchase/Store)

No. of Vacancy : 1 (UR)

10. Jr. Marketing Assistant-IV (Marketing)

No. of Vacancies : 3 (UR-1, OBC-1, SC-1)

Hiring Process : Written-test

Job Role: Engineer (Core, Non-IT) - Indian government jobs

For details of eligibility criteria, qualification, experience, compensation & benefits, general terms & conditions, etc., please log on to website www.cpcl.co.in

(Ref : The Hindu Empower, Dated : 25th January, 2017)

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Indian Ordnance Factories jobs

Apprentices Across India

Last Date to apply: 10 Feb 2017 

Eligibility : Certificate Course (ITI), 10th Pass (SSC)
 
Location : Anywhere in India

Apprentices Jobs recruitment in Indian Ordnance Factories

Online applications are invited from Indian citizens for engagement of 55th Batch (for Non-ITI & ITI candidates) of Trade Apprentices under the 'Apprentices Act 1961’ in Ordnance & Ordnance Equipment Factories located in different States across India. 

 

Number of Vacancies : 6948 (Trade Apprentices (ITI) – 3621, Trade Apprentices (Non-ITI) – 3327)

Eligibility For Non-ITI Category :  Madhyamik Passed (10th Class or Matric standard or equivalent) with minimum 40% marks in aggregate with 40% marks in each of mathematics & Science.

For ITI Category : Should have passed ITI trade test from any institute recognized by NCVT (SCVT or any other authority specified through Gazette Notification of Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship/Ministry of Labour & Employment, with duration as per the Apprentice Act, 1961) and should possess the qualification as on the last date of online application.

Age Limit : Between 14 to 22 years as on the last date of submission of online application. Age Relaxation:- SC/ST: 5 years, for OBC: 3 years, for Physically Handicapped (PH) / Physically Challenged (PC): 10 years.

Selection Procedure : Written Examination

Hiring Process : Written-test

Job Role: Mechanic / Fitter / Production - Indian government jobs

Candidates should Apply Online.

Important Dates

Submission of On-line Application Starts from: 20/01/2017

Closing date of submission of On-line Application: 10/02/2017

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Indian Army jobs 2017

SSC Judge Advocate General Branch Entry Scheme Across India. 

Last Date to apply: 22 Feb 2017

Eligibility : LLB
 
Location : Anywhere in India

JAG Entry Scheme 19th Course October 2017 Short Service Commission (NT) Course for Law Graduates (Men and Women)

The Indian Army is looking for Law Graduates Married/Unmarried Men and Women for Grant of Short Service Commission in the Indian Army for Judge Advocate General Branch.
Vacancies : Men-10 post, Women-04 posts

Educational Qualification : Minimum 55% aggregate marks in LLB Degree (three years professional after graduation or five years after 10+2 examination). The candidates should be eligible for registration with Bar Council of India/State. Candidate should be from a College/University recognized by Bar Council of India.

Age : 21 to 27 yrs

Salary : Rs. 21,000/-

Physical Standards :

(a) Height & Weight : The minimum acceptable height and weight for men is 157.5 cms with correlated weight and for women candidate is 152 cm and 42 kg. In case of candidates belonging to the North East and hilly areas like Gorkhas. Nepalese, Assamese and Garhwalis, the height is relaxed by 5 cms and weight commensurate with reduced height. In case of candidates from Lakshadweep, the minimum acceptable height is reduced by 2cms.

(b) Visual Standards : For male candidate distance Vision (Corrected) better eye 6/6 and worse eye 6/18. Myopia should not be more than 3.5D and hypermetropia not more than 3.5D including Astigmatism. For women candidates the minimum acceptable visual acuity are Distant Vision(corrected) better eye 6/6, worse 6/18. Myopia of not more than minus 5.5 including Astigmatism. Internal examination of the eye will be done by means of ophthalmoscope to rule out any disease of the eye. 'A candidate must have good binocular vision. The colour vision standard will be CP-III (Defective safe). A candidate should be able to recognize red and green colours. Candidates who have undergone or have the evidence of having undergone Radial Keratotomy to improve the visual acuity will be permanently. rejected. In order to detect PRK/LASIK all the candidates at SMB will be subjected to the measurement of Axial length by A-Scan biometer. Candidates aged 20 years or above who have undergone Laser Surgery for correction of refractive error will be considered for commission in Army If they fulfill following criteria:-

(i) Uncomplicated stable LASIK/Excimer (PRK) laser procedure done for. Myopia or Hypermetropia, with stable refraction for a period of six months after the procedure.
(ii) A healthy retina.
(iii) Corrected vision should be 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye, with maximum residual refraction of : ± 1.50 in any meridian for myopia or hypermetropia.
(iv) Axial length within permissible limits.


Selection Procedure : The selection procedure is as follows -

(a) Shortlistinq of Applications Integrated HO of MoD (ArmY) reserves the right to shortlist applications and to fix cutoff percentage of marks without assigning any reason After shortlisting of applications, the Centre allotment will be intimated to the candidate via their email. After allotment of Selection Centre. candidates will have to log in to the website and select their SSB dates on a first come first served basis. through the link forwarded via email

(b) Only shortlisted eligible candidates depending on the cutoff percentage will undergo SSB at Selection Centres Allahabad(UP). Bhopal(MP). Bangalore (Karnataka) and Kapurthala (PB) by psychologist. Group Testing Officer and Interviewing Officer. Call up letter for SSB interview will be issued by respective Selection Centre on candidates registered e-mail id and SMS only Allotment of Selection Centre is at the discretion of DG Rtg, IHQ of MoD (Army) and NO request for changes are entertained in this regard.

Hiring Process : Written-test

Job Role: HR / Admin - Indian government jobs

Interested candidates should apply online from 23/01/2017 1000 HRS and will be closed on 22/02/2017 at 1000 HRS.
Click Here For Job Details

 
Apply Online

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Indian Army jobs 2017

SSC NCC Special Entry Scheme Across India

Last Date to apply: 15 Feb 2017

Eligibility : Any Graduate
 
Location : Anywhere in India

Last Date : 15 Feb 2017

SSC NCC Special Entry Scheme 42nd Course- Oct 2017 Short Service Commission (NT) For Men & Women (Including Wards Of Battle Casualities of Army Personnel)

Applications are invited for following courses :

(a) NCC Special Entry Scheme 42nd Course Oct 2017 ; Short Service Commission (NT) for  Men & Women (including wards of battle casualties of Army personnel)

NCC Special Entry Scheme 42nd Course- Oct 2017 Short Service Commission (NT) For Men & Women (Including Wards of Battle Casualities of Army Personnel)

Applications are invited from UNMARRIED/MARRIED male and UNMARRIED female and also from the Wards of Battle Causalities of Army Personnel, for grant of Short Service Commission in the Indian Army.

Vacancies :

(a) NCC MEN.: 50 (45 for General Category and 05 for Wards of Battle Casualties of Army personnel only).

(b) NCC Women. : 04 (03 for Women general category and 01 for Wards of Battle

Educational Qualification  :

(a) For NCC 'C' Certificate Holders  : (aa) Degree of a recognized University or equivalent with aggregate of minimum 50% marks taking into account marks of all the years.

(ab) Those studying in final year are also allowed to apply provided they have secured minimum 50% aggregate marks in the first two/three years of three/four years degree course respectively. Such students will need to secure overall aggregate of minimum 50% marks if selected in interview failing which their candidature will be CANCELLED.  The candidates studying in the final year of graduation should complete their examinations related to the degree, like, written, practicals, viva-voce, projects backlogs etc prior to 01 Oct 2017. They should be able to produce the degree within 12 weeks from the date of commencement of training at OTA, Chennai. Such candidates will be inducted for training at OTA, Chennai on additional bond basis for recovery of the cost of training as notified from time to time as well as stipend and pay and allowances paid, in case they fail to produce the requisite degree certificate.

(ii) Service in NCC: Should have served for minimum two academic years in the senior Division/Wing of NCC.

(iii) Grading: Should have obtained minimum of ‘B' Grade in ‘C’ Certificate Exam of NCC.

For Ward of Battle Casualties of Army Personnel :  Degree of a recognized University or equivalent with aggregate of minimum 50% marks taking into account marks of all the years. (ii) NCC 'C' certificate NOT required. Casualties of Army personnel only).

Age Limit : For NCC candidates (including wards of Battle Casualties) 19 to 25 years (born not earlier than 02 Jul 92 and not later than 01 Jul 98).

Salary Structure : The candidates will be given a stipend of Rs 21,000/- p.m (Rs 15,600/- as pay in pay Band plus Grade Pay of Rs 5,400/-).

Physical Standards :

(a) Height and Weight: The minimum acceptable height is 157.5 cms with corelated weight and for women candidate is 152 cms and 42 Kg. In case of candidates belonging to the North East and Hilly Areas like Gorkhas, Nepalese, Assamese and Garhwalis, the height is relaxed by 5 cms and weight commensurate with reduced height. In case of candidates from Lakshadweep the minimum acceptable height is reduced by 2 cms.

(b) Visual Standards: Distance Vision (Corrected) : Better eye 6/6 ; Worse eye 6/18. Myopia should not be more than -3.5D and manifest hypermetropia not more than +3.5D including Astigmation. Internal examination of the eye will be done by means of ophthalmoscope to rule out any disease of the eye. A candidate must have good binocular vision. The colour vision standard will be CP-III (Defective safe). Candidates should be able to recognise white, signal red and signal green colours correctly as shown by Martin’s Lantern at a distance of 1.5 metre or read the requisite plate of ishihara Book/Tokyo Medical College Book. Candidates who have undergone or have evidence for having undergone Radial Keratotomy, to improve the visual acuity will be permanently rejected for all the services

Training : (a) Duration of Training is 49 weeks training at OTA, Chennai, on successful completion of which Candidates will be granted commission in the rank of Lt. Candidates will not be allowed to live with parents / guardian. Candidates must not marry until they complete the full training at OTA.

Cost of Training : The entire cost of training is at Government expense. In case the GC is withdrawn from training academy due to reasons other than medical ground or the reasons not beyond the control, he will be liable to refund cost of training @ Rs 8785/- per week (or as notified from time to time) for the period of his stay at OTA, Chennai.

Posting: Personnel granted Short Service Commission are liable to serve anywhere in India and abroad.

Selection Procedure : The selection procedure is as follows:

(a) Shortlisting of Applications. Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) reserves the right to shortlist applications and to fix cutoff percentage of marks without assigning any reason.

(b) Only shortlisted eligible candidates depending on the cutoff percentage will undergo SSB at Selection Centres, Allahabad(UP), Bhopal(MP), Bangalore (Karnataka) and Kapurthala (PB) by psychologist, Group Testing Officer and Interviewing Officer. Call up letter for SSB interview will be issued by respective Selection

(c) Candidates will be put through two stage selection procedure. Those who clear Stage I will go to Stage II. Those who fail in stage I will be returned on the same day.

Hiring Process : Written-test

Job Role: HR / Admin - Indian government jobs

Interested candidates should apply Online only from 17th January 2017 at 1000 Hrs and will be closed on 15th February 2017 at 1000 Hrs.

 
Click Here For Job Details

 
Apply Online

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GK and Current Affairs January 25 2017

Current Affairs - 25 January 2017

What is the theme of the 2017 National Voters Day (NVD)?
[A]Empowering young and future events
[B]Inclusive and qualitative participation
[C]Easy Registration, Easy Correction
[D]Ethical Voting

Ans : Empowering young and future events
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has celebrated the 7th National Voters’ Day (NVD) on January 25, 2017 across country with the theme of “Empowering young and future events” to enhance participation of citizens in the electoral process. The National level function was held in New Delhi. The NVD is celebrated every year in India on January 25 to mark the foundation day of ECI, which came into being on this day in 1950. The purpose of the NVD is to increase enrollment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones. The Day is also utilized to spread awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the electoral process.

Which committee of Chief Ministers (CMs) has recently submitted report on preparing road map for rapid adoption of digital payment methods to the Union Government?
[A]Raman Singh committee
[B]Sarbananda Sonowal committee
[C]Chandrababu Naidu committee
[D]Nitish Kumar committee

Ans :Chandrababu Naidu committee
The Committee of Chief Ministers (CMs), which was formed to prepare the road map for rapid adoption of digital payment methods, has recently submitted its interim report to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The committee, which was headed by N Chandrababu Naidu, has suggested insurance for all digital transactions to safeguard the interest of people going cashless. The committee has recommended Rs 1,000 subsidy for purchase of smartphones by non-tax assesses and small merchants and abolishment of the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) to make digital payments cheaper than cash. The committee has also suggested to levy Banking Cash Transaction Tax (BCTT) on transactions of Rs. 50,000 and above to curb use of cash for large transactions. 

“Khelegi toh Khilegi” the pan-India initiative for girls football has been launched by which organisation?
[A]Nurturing Excellence in Sports Trust (NEST)
[B]Indian Football Association (IFA)
[C]All India Football Federation (AIFF)
[D]Football Players’ Association Of India (FPAI)

Ans :Nurturing Excellence in Sports Trust (NEST)
The Nurturing Excellence in Sports Trust (NEST) has recently launched “Khelegi toh Khileg” the pan-India initiative for girls football between the age of 10 to 15 years along with the National Yuva Cooperative Society (NYCS) in India. The purpose of the initiative is to empower the girl child and using football as a tool to break gender stereotypes, improve self-esteem and develop leadership skills. The first event was held at Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi where over 700 girls took part from across Delhi NCR. The programme was flagged off by Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and MP Meenakshi Lekhi. The NEST is a non-profit organization to support young talented athletes across India who did not have the required resources to compete favorably at the international level and to create sports icons for the future. 

Which Indian airport has won the 2016 Golden Peacock Award for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the transportation sector under the Aviation category?
[A]Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
[B]Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
[C]Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
[D]Delhi International Airport Limited

Ans :Delhi International Airport Limited
The Delhi International Airport (Private) Limited (DIAL) has won the “Golden Peacock Award” for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the transportation sector under the Aviation category for the year 2016. The Delhi Airport has also been adjudged the world’s number one airport in ACI ASQ survey in 25- 40 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA) category for two consecutive years – 2014 and 2015. 

Which country has successfully launched its first-ever military communications satellite “Kirameki -2” into orbit?
[A]Brazil
[B]South Africa
[C]Japan
[D]South Sudan

Ans :Japan
Japan has successfully launched its first-ever military communications satellite “Kirameki -2” from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Tanegashima Space Center with the help of H-2A carrier rocket to boost the broadband capacity of its Self Defence Forces (SDF). The purpose of the satellite is to improve communications infrastructure via providing a direct high-speed connection between the ground, naval and air forces of Japan. The satellite will cover the area of the Indian Ocean and is set to be used by the Japanese UN peacekeepers in South Sudan and against Somalian sea pirates. The Kirameki-2 is an X-band communications satellite with a 15-year lifespan built by DSN Corporation for the Japanese Ministry of Defense. 

The world’s largest solar park has been built by which country?
[A]China
[B]India
[C]Bhutan
[D]Myanmar

Ans :China
The world’s largest solar park has been built at the Longyangxia Dam in the western province of Qinghai in China. The Longyangxia Dam Solar Park occupies 27 sq km and built at a cost of about 6bn yuan. The solar park can produce about 850 MW of power in Qinghai province. 

The book “The Future of India” has been authored by whom?
[A]Bimal Jalan
[B]C Rangarajan
[C]Y Venugopal Reddy
[D]Bipin Ganatra

Ans :Margaret Moran
The book The Future of India” has been authored by Bimal Jalan, the former Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Through book, author argues that it is the interface between politics, economics and governance, and their combined effect on the functioning of Indian democracy, which will largely determine India’s future. 

Who has been bestowed with the first-ever Hugo Chavez Prize for Peace and Sovereignty of Venezuela?
[A]Barack Obama
[B]Vladimir Putin
[C]Nicolas Maduro
[D]Juan Manuel Santos

Ans :Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has been bestowed with the Venezuela’s first-ever Hugo Chavez Prize for Peace and Sovereignty for his fight for peace. Putin received miniature replica of Chavez statue. The new peace prize was created by the president of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro in honour of the late socialist leader Hugo Chavez. 

Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has recently won a record 7th Dafabet Masters title, is belonged to which country?
[A]United States
[B]Germany
[C]United Kingdom
[D]France

Ans :United Kingdom
British snooker professional, Ronnie O’Sullivan has won a historic seventh Dafabet Masters title by defeating Joe Perry by 10-7 at Alexandra Palace in London, United Kingdom (UK). With this win, O’Sullivan surpassed Stephen Hendry’s tally of six Masters Trophies. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. He is noted for his rapid playing style, mercurial temperament and his ambivalent relationship with the sport, from which he has taken prolonged sabbaticals and repeatedly threatened to retire. 

“Ababeel” ballistic missile has been successfully launched by which country?
[A]India
[B]Bangladesh
[C]Afghanistan
[D]Pakistan

Ans :Pakistan
Pakistan has successfully conducted the first flight test of a new nuclear-capable surface-to-surface ballistic missile “Ababeel” on 24th January 2017, which has a maximum range of 2,200 km. The missile can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads and is claimed to use Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRV).The purpose of Ababeel is to ensure survivability of Pakistan’s ballistic missiles in the growing regional Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) environment in reference to the Indian Prithvi and Ashwin BMD systems.

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What is today history January 25

Today in History : January 25

1533 :  Henry VIII marries Anne Boleyn.

1787 :  Small farmers in Springfield, Massachusetts led by Daniel Shays, revolt against tax laws. Federal troops break up the protesters of what becomes known as Shay’s Rebellion.

1846 :  The dreaded Corn Laws, which taxed imported oats, wheat and barley, are repealed by the British Parliament.

1904 :  Two-hundred coal miners are trapped in their Pennsylvania mine after an explosion.

1915 :  Alexander Graham Bell in New York and Thomas Watson in San Francisco make a record telephone transmission.

1918 :  Austria and Germany reject U.S. peace proposals.

1919 :  The League of Nations plan is adopted by the Allies.

1929 :  Members of the New York Stock Exchange ask for an additional 275 seats.

1930 :  New York police rout a Communist rally at the Town Hall.

1943 :  The last German airfield in Stalingrad is captured by the Red Army.

1949 :  Axis Sally, who broadcasted Nazi propaganda to U.S. troops in Europe, stands trial in the United States for war crimes.

1951 :  The U.S. Eighth Army in Korea launches Operation Thunderbolt, a counter attack to push the Chinese Army north of the Han River.

1955 :  Columbia University scientists develop an atomic clock that is accurate to within one second in 300 years.

1956 :  Khrushchev says that he believes that Eisenhower is sincere in his efforts to abolish war.

1959 :  American Airlines begins its first coast-to-coast flight service on a Boeing 707.

1972 :  Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to U.S. Congress, announces candidacy for president.

1972 :  Nixon airs the eight-point peace plan for Vietnam, asking for POW release in return for withdrawal.

1984 :  President Reagan endorses the development of the first U.S. permanently-manned space station. 

Born on January 25

1759 :  Robert Burns, Scottish poet (“Auld Lang Syne,” “Comin’ Thru the Rye.”)

1882 :  Virginia Woolf, English author (Mrs. Dalloway and Orlando).

1933 :  Corazon Aquino, president of the Philippines

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What is today history January 24

Today in History : January 24

1458 : Matthias Corvinus, the son of John Hunyadi, is elected king of Hungary.

1639 : Representatives from three Connecticut towns band together to write the Fundamental Orders, the first constitution in the New World.

1722 : Czar Peter the Great caps his reforms in Russia with the “Table of Rank” which decrees a commoner can climb on merit to the highest positions.

1848 : Gold is discovered by James Wilson Marshall at his partner Johann August Sutter’s sawmill on the South Fork of the American River, near Coloma, California.

1903 : U.S. Secretary of State John Hay and British Ambassador Herbert create a joint commission to establish the Alaskan border.

1911 : The U.S. Cavalry is sent to preserve the neutrality of the Rio Grande during the Mexican Civil War.

1915 : The German cruiser Blücher is sunk by a British squadron in the Battle of Dogger Bank.

1927 : A British Expeditionary force of 12,000 is sent to China to protect concessions at Shanghai.

1931 : The League of Nations rebukes Poland for the mistreatment of a German minority in Upper Silesia.

1945 : A German attempt to relieve the besieged city of Budapest is finally halted by the Soviets.

1946 : The UN establishes the Atomic Energy Commission.

1951 : Indian leader Nehru demands that the UN name Peking as an aggressor in Korea.

1965 : Winston Churchill dies from a cerebral thrombosis at the age of 90.

1980 : In a rebuff to the Soviets, the United States announces its intentions to sell arms to China.

1982 : A draft of Air Force history reports that the United States secretly sprayed herbicides on Laos during the Vietnam War.

Born on January 24

1712 : Frederick II (the Great), King of Prussia; noted for his social reforms and leading Prussia in military victories.

1732 : Pierre de Beaumarchais, French dramatist (The Barber of Seville, The Marriage of Figaro).

1862 : Edith Wharton, U.S. novelist who wrote Ethan Frome and The Age of Innocence.

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