Science & Defence

1. India successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Agni-1

• India has successfully test-fired nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile as part of a user trial from a test range off the Odisha coast.
• The trial was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC) of the Indian Army from Launch Pad 4 of the Integrated Test Range(ITR) at Abdul Kalam Island in Balasore, Odisha.
• Ground radars, telemetry stations, and naval ships positioned close to the intended impact point monitored the course of the missile.
• Agni-I is a single stage, solid fuel, road and rail mobile, short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) developed by DRDO of India under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program.

2. Japan launches the smallest rocket ever to carry tiny satellite into orbitAgni missiles consist of one (short range) or two stages (intermediate range).

• These are rail and road mobile and powered by solid propellants.

• The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has launched the world’s smallest rocket from the Uchinoura Space Center in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan.
• The objective of the launch for testing the ability of JAXA to launch low-cost rockets that can put microsatellites into space at affordable rates.
• The rocket measuring 10 meters in length, 50 centimeters in diameter and some 2.6 tons in weight.
• The satellite was developed by the University of Tokyo to capture images of the Earth’s surface.

International Appointments

3. Jerome H Powell sworn in as 16th Chairman of Federal Reserve

• Jerome H. Powell took the oath of office as the 16th Chairman of the Federal Reserve for a four-year term.
• The oath was administered by Vice Chairman Randal K. Quarles in the Board Room.
• He succeeded Janet Yellen, the first woman to lead the US central bank.
• Earlier, Mr. Powell served as a member of the Board of Governors.
• In November 2017, Powell was nominated for the post by President Donald Trump.

Note:

• The Federal Reserve System is the central banking system of the United States.
• It was created on December 23, 1913, with the enactment of the Federal Reserve Act, after a series of financial panics (particularly the panic of 1907) led to the desire for central control of the monetary system in order to alleviate financial crises.

Important Dates

4. 6^th February: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 

• International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation is a United Nations-sponsored annual awareness day that takes place on February 6 as part of the UN’s efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation.
•  It was first introduced in 2003.

National Affairs

5. PM Modi to go on 4-day visit to Palestine, UAE, Oman on 9th February

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will go on four days visit to Palestine, UAE, Oman on 9^th February.
• This will be the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister toPalestine.
• During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold discussions on matters of mutual interest with their leaders, apart from participating in many community events.
• In Dubai (UAE), Prime Minister would be addressing the Sixth World Government Summit being at which India has been extended ‘Guest of Honour’ status.
• Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.
• At Oman, he will address a community event at a stadium in Muscat.

6. Maharashtra govt approves new wildlife sanctuary at Ghodazari

• The Maharashtra Govt. has approved ‘Ghodazari’ in Chandrapur district as a new wildlife sanctuary in the state.
• The decision was taken at the 13th meeting of the Maharashtra State Board for Wildlife chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Note:

• Wildlife sanctuaries are established by IUCN category IV protected areas.

7. Railways to phase out diesel locos in Delhi by March 2019

• According to the railway board, no diesel locomotive will be allowed in the Delhi area after March 2019.
• They also released the news bulletin ’GARVITA’ and launched a mobile app for public transparency.
• Railways will be completely LED lit in the next eight months.
• The railway ministry has set a target of 2022 to switch to electric locomotives completely by phasing out their diesel counterparts with a focus on increasing speed.