Indian Railways launches Bharat Darshan Tourist train for pilgrims

 

Indian Railways has launched the Bharat Darshan Tourist train for pilgrims to visit Shirdi, Tirupati, Jagannath Puri, Gangasagar, Baidyanath Dham and Jyotirlingams among others. 

• The tourist train comprises 10 coaches and bookings are being done by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation).
•  The service offers budget-friendly package for pilgrims.
•  The package includes train journey, road transportation, accommodation, sightseeing at tourist locations and onboard and off-board meals.

Atomic oxygen detected in Martian atmosphere

Scientists have detected atomic oxygen in the atmosphere of Mars for the first time since the last observation 40 years ago. 

• It was detected using an instrument on-board the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). 
• The detected atomic oxygen was found in the upper layers of the Martian atmosphere known as the mesosphere.
•  It was detected by using the German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies (GREAT), an advanced detector on one of the observatory’s instruments. 

UN launches Multi-Partner Trust Fund for Zika virus response

 

The United Nations has launched UN Zika Response Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF) to finance critical unfunded priorities in the response to the Zika outbreak. 

• The fund was launched by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States.
•  It aims to provide a rapid, flexible and accountable platform to support a coordinated response from the UN system and partners.
•  It will directly support the Zika Strategic Response Framework developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in consultation with UN agencies, partners and international epidemiological experts.

Single emergency number ‘112’ to be operational throughout India from January 1, 2017

 

The single emergency number ‘112’ will be operational throughout India from January 1, 2017 to help people reach immediate services of police, ambulance and fire department. 

• In this regard, Union Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad approved the provision of a single number for various emergency services. 
• The single emergency number will be similar to the ‘911’ all-in-one emergency service in the United States and 999 of United Kingdom (UK). 
• It will be accessible even through those SIMs and landlines whose outgoing call facility has been stopped or temporarily suspended. 
• A person in distress will need to call only 112, which will direct the call to concerned departments immediately for help.

Mickey Arthur appointed as Pakistan cricket team’s head coach

Former South African cricketer Mickey Arthur has been appointed as Pakistan cricket team’s head coach.

•  It was announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). 
• With this appointment he fills the role vacated by Waqar Younis’ resignation in April 2016 following Pakistan’s early exit from the T20 World Cup.

Pakistan wins 2016 Asia Kabaddi Championship Cup

Pakistan has won the third edition of the Asian Kabaddi Championship 2016 (Circle Style) by defeating India.

•  In the final match held at Pakistan Ordinance Factory Sports Complex in Wah Cantonment, Pakistan (defending champion) defeated India by 50-31 points.
•  This is Pakistan’s second successive win in the Asian Kabaddi title as they had won it in 2012.

Asia Kabaddi Cup :

• Kabaddi is a contact sport that originated in ancient India,
• Kabaddi originated in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where it is derived from group hunting and village defense.
• The Asia Kabaddi Cup has been held twice in consecutive years.

Somnath Ghosh named as next Ambassador to Tajikistan

 Somnath Ghosh has been named as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Tajikistan.

•  Presently he is serving as Ambassador of India to Mangolia. 
• He will succeed Biraja Prasad who passed away in February this year.

Tajikistan :

• Capital: Dushanbe
• Currency- Somoni 
•  President - Imomali Rakhmon
• Prime minister: Kokhir Rasulzoda