Daily Current Affairs 15.05.2014 : PA Exam

1. Admiral Robin K Dhowan took over as the 22nd Chief of Indian Navy. At the time of being appointed as the chief of Navy, he was serving the Indian Navy as its acting Naval Chief. He is a successor of Admiral DK Joshi, who resigned on 26 February 2014.
2. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) panel announced that Cherrapunji in India regained the world record for highest rainfall in 48 hours with 2493 millimeters. The previous highest rainfall in Cherrapunji was recorded on 15–16 June 1995. The previous world record for 48-hour rainfall was held by La Reunion Island in the Indian Ocean.
3. The 61st National Film Awards for 2013 was announced in New Delhi by the Directorate of Film Festivals. Ship of Theseus directed by Anand Gandhi was selected as the Best feature film. Best popular film providing wholesome entertainment award was given to Bhaag Milkha Bhaag that was produced and directed in 2013 by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra.
4. Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the Election VIsitors Programme (EVP) 2014. The EVP 2014 was launched as a part of South-South Cooperation initiative of the ECI in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
5. Google bought Titan Aerospace, a maker of high-altitude solar-powered drones. It has acquired the drone making company to bring internet access to the remotest parts of the world and also to solve problems related to it.
6. A memoir entitled “Crusader or Conspirator? Coalgate and other Truths” authored by former Coal Secretary PC Parakh was released in New Delhi. In the book the author has claimed that the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was running a government in which he had little political authority.
7. Indian Railways launched a portal, RAILSAVER with an aim to improve energy efficiency in Indian Railways.  This initiative in form of RAILSAVER will facilitate railways in saving energy upto 15 percent by the year 2020, through improved energy efficiency measures as laid down in Railway’s vision document.
8. Government of India (GOI) extended the Tourist Visa-on-Arrival Scheme to the citizens of the South Korea (ROK) with effect from 15 April 2014. The PM of India Manmohan Singh had conveyed this assurance to South Korean President Madame Park Geun-hye during her State Visit to India in January 2014.
9. State Bank of India launched digital banking facilities for the convenience of SBI customers. SBI has launched the facility of TAB banking for customers opening of Savings Bank accounts and another for Housing Loan applicants.
10. Indian judokas won 12 medals at the seventh South Asia Judo Championships held in Kathmandu, Nepal from 10 April 2014 to 13 April 2014. The 12 medal haul included10 Gold, one Silver and one Bronze medal.