NATIONAL NEWS
Pandit Birju Maharaj passes away
Legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj passed away on January 17, 2022 after suffering a heart attack. He was 83. Pandit Birju Maharaj’s grandson Swaransh Mishra confirmed the unfortunate news. Pandit Birju Maharaj was also a renowned classical singer. He was honoured with India’s second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan in 1986.
PM Modi to deliver ‘State of the World’ special address today at WEF
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to deliver the ‘State of the World’ special address at the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Davos Agenda today, January 17, 2022. PM Modi will address WEF at 8.30 pm IST through video conferencing. The virtual event will be held from January 17-21.
Lakshya Sen beats world champion to win India Open 2022
Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen won the men’s singles final at the ongoing India Open 2022 on January 16, 2022 at the KD Jadhav Stadium in New Delhi. Sen defeated Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew, who is also the world champion, in two straight sets of 24-22, 21-17 in the finals. This is the first time that Lakshya Sen has won the title in his career. The 20-year-old said after his win that this is the biggest World Tournament that he has managed to win. Earlier, Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy had won the men’s doubles finals of India Open 2022 after defeating the Indonesian duo of Hendra Setiawan and Mohammad Ahsan in straight games of 21-16, 26-24.
Mammooty tests COVID-19 positive
Veteran Malayalam actor Mammooty has tested positive for COVID-19. The 70-year-old took to Twitter to share the name. He informed that he has a light fever but otherwise he is fine. He is self-isolation at home as per the directions of the concerned authorities. Mammooty has been filming for his upcoming project titled ‘CBI 5’ for now.
Grandest flypast to take place over Rajpath on Republic Day parade
During the Republic Day parade, five Rafale will fly over the Rajpath in the Vinaash formation. PRO Wing Commander of the Indian Air Force, Indranil Nandi informed that the Indian Navy’s MiG29K and P-81 Surveillance aircraft will fly in Varuna formation. Nandi also added that 17 jaguar aircraft will also fly in the shape of 75 to celebrate the Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav. This will be the grandest flypast to take place over Rajpath with 75 aircraft including the planes from the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and Navy. The preparations are in line with the upcoming Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav celebrations.
Postal stamp released to mark 1 year of vaccination programme
The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya released a commemorative stamp on January 16, 2022, to mark the first anniversary of India’s vaccination programme. The stamp released by the Government signifies the remarkable work done by the frontline healthcare workers and scientific community to protect people against pandemic. On the occasion, the Health Minister also informed that 93% of the people above the age of 18 years are vaccinated with the first dose and 70% of the population is fully vaccinated. Prime Minister Modi had launched the COVID-19 vaccination drive on January 16, 2021. It was the world’s largest vaccination programme covering the entire country.
Republic Day celebrations to begin from January 23 every year
The Republic Day celebrations in India will now begin from January 23 every year instead of the 24th. The decision has been taken to include the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Subhash Chandra Bose. The Birth Anniversary of Subhash Chandra Bose is observed as Parakram Divas in India. The latest move is in line with PM Modi’s vision of celebrating the important aspects of India’s rich history and culture. Earlier, the Government had also announced to celebrate August 14 as the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day and 31st October as Ekta Divas National Unity Day.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Australia claim Ashes series 4-0
Australia defeated England by 146 runs in the fifth Ashes Test at the Blundstone Arena on January 16, 2022. With the win, Australia beat England in the five-match Ashes series and claimed it 4-0.
US President Biden, Japanese PM to hold talks on January 21st
US President Joe Biden is scheduled to virtually meet Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on January 21, 2022. The two leaders are expected to discuss issues related to QUAD, a grouping that also includes India and Australia. The two leaders will seek to further deepen their ties and strengthen the US-Japan alliance.
China builds an artificial low-gravity research center
China has built an artificial low-gravity research facility. The gravity in the place can be controlled with the use of powerful magnets by scientists to such low levels that it can successfully simulate the moon’s gravity. The facility in China, which will be officially launched in the coming months, can make gravity disappear.
ICC U19 World Cup 2022 schedule
The 14th edition of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup is currently underway in the West Indies. The tournament began on January 14th with the opening match between West Indies and Australia. The final of the ICC U19 World Cup will be played on February 5th at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound in Antigua.
