1.International Affairs
Dubai: Arab Gulf’s first coal-based power plant
The first coal-based power plant of an Arab Gulf country is being developed in Saih Shuaib, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The Hassyan clean coal power station has a capacity of 2,400MW
It will produce electricity to meet the needs of at least 2,50,000 households.
2.Economy
ICICI Lombard acquisition of Bharti Axa General approved by IRDAI
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has approved the merger of Bharti AXA General Insurance with ICICI Lombard.
The merged entity will have 8.7 per cent market share of the general insurance market.
IRDAI was founded in 1999 and headquartered in Hyderabad.
Quick Fact: Subhash Chandra Khuntia is the chairperson of IRDAI
3.Economy
YES Bank launches ‘SMS Pay’ on POS Terminals
YES Bank has launched an ‘SMS Pay’ functionality on POS terminals.
This will allow merchants to accept contactless and remote payments from customers.
YES Bank has collaborated with French payment services company Worldline to launch the SMS Pay service.
Quick Fact: Prashant Kumar is the MD and CEO of YES Bank.
4.Sports
Virat Kohli becomes the fastest cricketer to reach 22000 international runs
Virat Kohli has broken Sachin Tendulkar’s record of being the fastest cricketer to reach 22000 international runs.
He has achieved this feat in his 462nd innings, compared to Sachin’s 493rd.
Virat Kohli is also the only batsman with an average of over 50 across all formats.
Quick Fact: Virat Kohli has become the 8th batsman overall and the 3rd Indian (after Tendulkar and Dravid) to reach 22,000 international runs.
5.Person in News
British Actor David Prowse passes away
David Prowse is famous for playing the character of Darth Vader in the original Star Wars trilogy.
The voice of the character was voiced by James Earl Jones.
Prowse was selected as Darth Vader for his imposing physique of 6 ft 7 in.
