Current Affairs April 18-19, 2015

‘Sholay’ released in Pakistan for the first time

Bollywood super hit movie “Sholay”, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, released in theatres in Pakistan for the first time after 40 years of its India release in India.

Patna High Court celebrated its 100 years of establishment

Patna High Court is celebrating 100 years of its establishment. The court came into existance in the year 1916.

World Heritage day celebrated

18th April is World Heritage Day. This day is celebrated to increase the public's awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage and pledge to protect and conserve it, as well as draw attention to its vulnerability.

Google designed Handwriting Input tool

Google has designed a new app to test your onscreen penmanship. It has been named as Google Handwriting Input, the app allows users to ‘write’ on a smartphone or tablet screen. It automatically interprets letters from 82 languages and transforms them into standard digital text.

LIC increased its Stake in Infosys

State owned life insurer, LIC has increased its stake in Infosys to 4.81 percent. LIC purchased shares worth over Rs 300 crores in the January-March quarter. Taking into account the current market value of Infosys shares, the 0.12 percentage point hike in LIC's holding in the company would be worth about Rs 317 crore.

Nasim Zaidi appointed as new CEC 

Nasim Zaidi assumed charge as the 20th Chief Election Commissioner of India. He succeeded H.S. Bramha who retired on 18th April 2015 after completing his term. Nasim Zaidi is a retired IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre of 1976 batch.

Sitaram Yechury elected as new CPI(M) general secretary

Sitaram Yechury, Rajya Sabha member was elected as the next general secretary of Communist Party of India (Marxist). He became the fifth general secretary of CPI (M) which is a 50 year old party. Yechury joined the Students Federation of India (SFI) in 1974 then after a year he joined Communist Party of India (Marxist).

International Paralympic Committee has derecognises the Paralympic Committee of India

After the news of shoddy treatment to athletes during the National Para-Athletics Championships held in Ghaziabad from March 20 to 22, 2015, The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has suspended the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) for indefinite period. Earlier also Paralympic Committee of India has been suspended by International Paralympic Committee.

But someone who are worst affected by this decision are the players who also had to adjust in bad facilities and also will not able to participate in any event now. Following the ban, the Paralympic Committee of India has been barred from participating in any event. 

Source: The Indian Express, The Hindu