09 February 2013 Current Affairs
Bhutan Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley visited India
The Bhutan Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley along with Lyonpo Khandu Wangchuk, Minister in-charge of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Economic Affairs and Foreign Secretary Yeshey Dorji visited India from Feb 7-9.
Significant letter by Gandhiji to be auctioned in Britain
A letter written by Mahatma Gandhi, described as “an incredibly important document in world history”, is to be auctioned in Britain on February 14.The letter is estimated at 10,000-15,000 pounds ($15,697-$23,543).The three-page typewritten correspondence was sent to the British rulers by the father of the Indian nation while he was under house arrest in 1943 in Pune.
Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru hanged
On 09 Frebruary 2013, the 2001 Parliament attack case convict Mohammed Afzal Guru was hanged and buried inside the Tihar jail complex.
Strong 6.9 earthquake strikes Colombia
According to the U.S. Geological Survey report, a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit southwestern Colombia on 09 February 2013. The quake’s epicenter was 7 miles southwest of Pasto and was 92 miles deep. It was felt as far as 123 miles away in Quito, Ecuador.
South Sudan Bishop Taban won UN Peace Award
On 9 February A South Sudan’s Bishop Emeritus Paride Taban has won a coveted 2013 UN peace prize ( Sergio Viera de Mello Prize ) in recognition of his efforts to build trust among warring communities in the conflict-torn region.Vieira de Mello, the UN’s former human rights chief, was killed in a bombing in Iraq in 2003. The annual prize in his honour is awarded to a person, community or institution that has made an exceptional contribution to reconciliation of communities or groups in conflict, and whose example can be duplicated elsewhere.
Indian American Subra Suresh Named President of Carnegie Mellon
On 9 February US President Obama’s top science official and Indian American Padma Shri awardee Dr Subra Suresh has been appointed as the new president of Carnegie Mellon University. He will succeed Dr. Jared L. Cohon, who led the university to unprecedented growth during his 16-year tenure. Dr Suresh will assume office on July 1 after Dr Cohon would step down on June 30, this year.
Ratan Tata Elected To ” National Academy of Engineering “
On 9 February Ratan Tata, chairman emeritus of the Tata Group, has been elected as a member of the prestigious ‘ National Academy of Engineering ‘ of the US along with 10 new foreign members.This is the highest professional distinction accorded to an engineer in the US.Ratan Tata has been selected for his outstanding contributions to industrial development in India and the world.