11th Feb Daily Updates

ICICI Bank launches ‘Pockets’, India’s first digital bank on a mobile phone

The Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India (ICICI) Bank, has launched India’s first digital Bank on mobile phones,Pockets.

This service will enable users to instantly send money to any e-mail id, mobile number, friends on Facebook and bank account.

Key facts

• Anyone, including those who are not customers of ICICI Bank, can download the e-wallet from Google Playstore.
• This digital banking service will be funded from customers any bank account in the country.
• Customers can also choose to add a zero balance Savings Account to this digital wallet, which will allow them to earn interest on their idle money.
• This wallet uses a virtual VISA card which enables the users to transact on any website or mobile application in India.
• Customers can also request for a physical card to use it at any retail outlet.
• The users can pay bills, recharge mobiles, book movie tickets, order food, send physical & e-gifts, split and share expenses with friends by using this e-wallet.

Israel offers expertise to clean up Ganga

i. In an effort to deepen economic cooperation, Israel has offered its expertise and technological capabilities to India in its ambitious drive to clean up the Ganga.

ii. A preliminary offer on this was made by Amit Lang, Director-General of the Ministry of Economy, Israel led  delegation to continue talks on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which both countries had initiated in 2007, as well as expand cooperation in the field of water management, waste water treatment.

iii. Israel has made significant technological advancement in desalination and drip irrigation with the world’s largest desalination plants and recycles 90 per cent of water for agricultural needs.

Manoj Fadnis Appointed as President of ICAI

Institute of Chartered Accounts of India, ICAI appointed Manoj Fadnis as President for fiscal year 2015-16. Debra Reddy is appointed as vice president for the same period. Fadnis is practicing a chartered accountant for the last 28 years. He also worked as ICAI vice president for 2014-15. Mr. Devraj Reddy has the experience of working as central council member twice.

Bob Simon, Veteran Correspondent Died in a Car Crash

Award winner in war reporting and correspondent of 60 Minutes new show Bob Simon died in a car crash. He was 73. New York Post reported that Bob Simons car crashed another vehicle. He is the recipient of many awards in his fifty year career and these include Lifetime Achievement Emmy.

Manish Sisodia is to be Deputy CM of Delhi

Aam Aadmi Party senior leader and ex minister Manish Sisodia is likely to be the new deputy chief minister of Delhi. According to reliable sources, Kejriwal decided to appoint Sisodia who he very close to him as Deputy CM. The sources also revealed that Ram Nivas Goel is going to be the Speaker.

Anil Ambani’s Reliance Group Forays into Defence Sector

Anil Ambani announced that they are entering the defence sector. The market size of defence and aerospace manufacturing sectors are likely to reach $100 billion in the coming ten years. It is revealed that three subsidiaries are incorporated for the foray. Reliance Group is already in power sector and the three new subsidiaries are Reliance Defence System, Defence Technologies and Reliance Defence and Aerospace.

Rolls Royce Ghost Series 2 Car Released in Indian Market

Luxury Cars Manufacturer Rolls Royce released  a new car Ghost series 2 in Indian market. It is priced Rs. 4.5 crores. According to the company, India is one of the five important markets in Asia-Pacific region. India has six Rolls Royce dealers and there are only four in Australia. The company said that it is going to launch another model in India soon.

Ukraine Crisis: Ceasefire Deal Reached at Minsk, Belarus Talks

Cease fire between Russia and Ukraine has been agreed up on. Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France met at Minsk, Belarus and the peace talks continued for sixteen hours. The cease fire will come into effect from Sunday.

Cricket World Cup 2015 Officially Launched with Songs and Dance

Cricket World Cup 2015 is launched in two separate events in New Zealand and Australia, the hosts of this tourney. The opening ceremony events were held at Melbourne in Australia and Christ Church in New Zealand. The launching ceremonies reflected the traditions of Australia and New Zealand. The first match in the tourney will be played between New Zealand and Sri Lanka tomorrow at 3.30 IST.