Current Affairs 2019

ISRO successfully launches earth observation satellite RISAT-2B [22 May 2019]

Indian space agency ISRO scripted history by successfully launching earth observation satellite RISAT-2B that would enhance the country's surveillance capabilities among others. The RISAT-2B (Radar Imaging Satellite-2B), meant for application in fields such as surveillance, agriculture, forestry and disaster management support, was released into the orbit around 15 minutes after the lift-off. It would replace the RISAT-2, which was successfully launched in 2009.

Pakistan appoints Moin-ul-Haq as India's new envoy [21 May 2019]

Career diplomat Moin-ul-Haq has been appointed as Pakistan's new High Commissioner to India to start a new process of engagement with the country where a new government will be formed soon, amid strained relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Rafael Nadal beats Novak Djokovic in Italian Open [20 May 2019]

Rafael Nadal exacted the perfect form of revenge on Novak Djokovic after storming his way to a record 34th ATP Masters 1000 title at the Italian Open.

In a first for Asia, Taiwan Bill legalises same-sex marriages [18 May 2019]

Taiwan's Parliament legalised same-sex marriage in a landmark first for Asia as the government survived a last-minute attempt by conservatives to pass watered-down legislation. Lawmakers comfortably passed a Bill allowing same-sex couples to form "exclusive permanent unions" and another clause that would let them apply for a "marriage registration" with government agencies.

GS Lakshmi becomes first female ICC match referee [15 May 2019]

India’s GS Lakshmi has become the first female match referee after the International Cricket Council (ICC) named the 51-year-old in its list of elite match officials.

Beckenbauer named Football for Friendship ambassador [15 May 2019]

Two-time Ballon d’Or holder Franz Beckenbauer has been named the global ambassador of the Football for Friendship forum, to be held in Madrid later this month. The German legend will meet the participants of the forum and, based on personal experiences, present case studies that are relevant to achieving high professional success for beginner-level athletes.

DRDO Successfully Conducts Flight Test of ABHYAS [13 May 2019]

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted successful flight test of ABHYAS - High-speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) from Interim Test Range, Chandipur in Odisha. The flight test was tracked by various RADARS & Electro Optic Systems and proved its performance in fully autonomous way point navigation mode. The configuration of ABHYAS is designed on an in-line small gas turbine engine and uses indigenously developed MEMS based navigation system for its navigation and guidance. The performance of the system was as per simulations carried out and demonstrated the capability of ABHYAS to meet the mission requirement for a cost effective HEAT.

Emperor Naruhito takes the throne, and a new era arrives in Japan [01 May 2019]

The new emperor, Naruhito, who received the sacred imperial regalia that represents his rightful succession to the world’s oldest monarchy, takes the place of an enormously popular monarch.

Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria takes over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff [01 May 2019]

Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC took over as Vice Chief of the Air Staff. The Air Marshal is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy. He was commissioned in the fighter stream of IAF on 15 Jun 1980 and won the coveted ‘Sword of Honour’ for standing first in the overall order of merit.He has over 4250 hours of experience on twenty six types of fighters and transport aircraft with the unique distinction of being an Experimental Test Pilot, aCat ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and a Pilot Attack Instructor.

Indian and French Navies conduct Varuna 19.1 Bilateral Exercise Off Goa coast [01 May 2019]

The first part of the Indo-French joint naval exercise, Varuna 19.1 will be conducted off the Goa coast from 1st to 10th May 19. The upcoming 17th edition includes participation of the French Navy’s aircraft carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle, two destroyers, FNS Forbin and FNS Provence, the frigate FNS Latouche-Treville, the tanker FNS Marne and a nuclear submarine. From the Indian side, the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, destroyer INS Mumbai, the Teg-class frigate, INS Tarkash, the Shishumar- class submarine, INS Shankul, and the Deepak- class fleet tanker, INS Deepak, will be participating in this exercise.