GK and Current Affairs Updates

Japan unveiled its first radar-evading stealth aircraft, aiming to close a gap with neighbors such as China and Russia, which have been flying fighter planes equipped with the technology for more than five years.

The plane would perform its first test flight as early as mid-February.At 14 meters (46-feet) in length, the ¥40 billion ($340 million) red and white-painted X-2 is smaller than a standard jet fighter. It is unarmed and its engines are under powered. Analysts say it would take many years for Japan to develop it into an actual warplane.

Lt Governor of Puducherry AK Singh on 28 January 2016 launched the MITRA mobile application to ensure safety and security of women in the Union Territory. MITRA (Mobile Initiated Tracking and Rescue) application has been developed by Puducherry Police department in association with National Informatics Centre (NIC).The Android based application can send emergency SOS messages when in danger or emergency.

Nitish Kumar has been chosen for the K Veeramani Award for Social Justice 2015 for his contribution towards social justice as Chief Minister. The award is given away by Periyar International, a Chicago-based voluntary organisation. 

The annual award has been instituted by US-based Periyar International, an organisation of non-resident followers of Dalit icon Periyar EV Ramasami. The award has been named after K Veeramani, the President of Dravidar Kazhagam Party who had opposed to the caste system and had dedicated his life to the welfare of socially disadvantaged. Carrying a p aque and cash worth rupees 1 lakh, previous recipients include late Prime Minister VP Singh, Sitaram Kesri, M Karunanidhi and Mayawati.

Daughter of legendary writer Nayani Subbarao, well known Telugu litterateur Nayani Krishnakumari passed away recently in her home in Hyderabad. Besides being a well known literary figure, she was an academic who taught in Chennai, Osmania University and finally at the Potti Sriramulu Telugu University.

The winning duo secured the Australian Open Doubles title by defeating the Czech combination of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka. This is the third successive Grand Slam doubles title victory for Sania and Martina and their maiden Australian Open title as a pair adding to their Wimbledon and US Open title victories in 2015. Continuing their superb form this year, Sania and Martina extended their unbeaten run to 36 with this  title triumph. 

Veteran actress Waheeda Rehman was honoured with a special award for her contribution to  the film industry as curtains came down on Yashwant International Film Festival. The “6^th  Yashwant International Film Festival-2016,” is a joint venture of Yashwantrao Chavan  Pratishthan and Pune Film Foundation.  

In the past, Ms Rehman has been awarded two Filmfare awards for best actress and a  Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. She was also honored with the Padma Bhushan for her tremendous contribution to Indian Cinema in 2011.

Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra was awarded the Diploma of Honour and President's Button by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) as an acknowledgment to his  contribution as an athlete" to the sport.The 33-year-old Beijing Olympic gold medallist was bestowed the honour by ISSF President Olegario Vazquez Rana on the sidelines of the Asia Olympic Qualifying Competition at the  Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi. Bindra, who shot to fame after clinching the gold medal in 10m air rifle in the summer of 2008 in Beijing, is also the chairman of ISSF’s Athletes Committee.

Former Australian MP and ultra-long distance runner Pat Farmer set off on a 4,600 km marathon run of the country, during which he will promote bilateral ties besides aiding a charity for education of the girl child. 

Emerging and developing economies gained more influence in the governance architecture of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). India’s voting rights increase to 2.6 per cent  from the current 2.3 per cent, and China’s, to six per cent from 3.8, as per the new  division. Russia and Brazil are the other two countries that gain from the reforms. More  than six per cent of the quota shares will shift to emerging and developing countries  from the U.S. and European countries.

As part of the reforms, for the first time, the IMF’s Executive Board will consist  entirely of elected Executive Directors, ending the category of appointed Executive  Directors. Currently the members with the five largest quotas appoint an Executive  Director, a position that will cease to exist

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an organization of 188 countries, working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international  trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around  the world. Formed in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, it came into formal existence  in 1945 with 29 member countries and the goal of reconstructing the international payment system. With its headquarters at Washington D.C., its Managing Director currently is Christian Lagarde.

Micro blogging site Twitter has appointed Leslie Berland as its Chief Marketing Officer  (CMO) of the company. Prior to this appointment, she was working at American Express (AmEx) as executive vice-president of global advertising, marketing and digital partnerships. She had joined AmEx in 2005 and had overseen its advertising, sponsorships, media, content and brand identity.