when is International Day of Forests observed?

when is International Day of Forests observed?

Options

1) 21 march

2)22 March

3)23 March

4)24 March


answer



1) 21 march




Other details


The International Day of Forests was established on the 2 1st day of March, by resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on November 28, 2012.

Each year, various events celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and trees outside forests, for the benefit of current and future generations

International Day of Forests was observed for the first time on March 21, 2013.

theme 2019  : “Forests and Education – Learn to Love Forests”.

When is World Oral Health Day celebrated?

When is World Oral Health Day celebrated?

Options

1) 20 March

2)21March,

3)22 March,

4)23 March,






answer

1) 20 March


Other details

World Oral Health Day is observed annually on 20 March, and launches a year-long campaign dedicated to raising global awareness of the issues around oral health and the importance of oral hygiene so that governments, health associations and the general public can work together to achieve healthier mouths and happier lives

The official theme of the 2019 World Oral Health Day campaign is ‘Say Ahh: Act on Mouth Health’.

BWF badminton rankings

BWF badminton rankings

Indian badminton  players Lakshya Sen and Riya Mookerjee broke into the top-100 among Men’s and Women’s singles players in the latest World Badminton Rankings.

Making a jump of 28 places, Lakshya Sen is placed 76th.

Riya Mookerjee climbed up 19 spots to be placed 94th.

 In the women's singles rankings, P V Sindhu and Saina Nehwal are static with Sindhu at sixth and Saina at ninth position.

Among men, B Sai Praneeth also moved up three places to 19th.

Kidambi Srikanth remains static and is the best placed Indian in the men's rankings at seventh.

He is followed by Sameer Verma (14th), H S Prannoy (24th), Subhankar Dey (43rd), Parupalli Kashyap (48th), Ajay Jayram (52nd) and Sourav Verma (53rd).

Japan's Kento Momota is leading the men's chart while Chinese Taipei's Tai Tzu Ying is topping the women's singles list.

when is Global Recycling Day celebrated?

when is Global Recycling Day celebrated?

Options

1) March 18

2)March 19

3)March 17

4)March 16

answer

1) March 18


Other details

Global Recycling Day is be held on March 18 every year

Global Recycling Day was created in 2018 to help recognize, and celebrate, the importance recycling plays in preserving our precious primary resources and securing the future of our planet.

 It is a day for the world to come together, and put the planet first.

theme of 2019 as ‘Recycling into the Future’

ICC ODI rankings

  ICC ODI rankings

Indian skipper Virat Kohli and pacer Jasprit Bumrah have retained top positions in the latest ICC ODI rankings.

Kohli remained at the number one spot in the list of batsmen after he scored 310 runs in the recently-concluded home series against Australia which India lost, 2-3. Rohit Sharma remained number two.

Kedar Jadhav's all-round effort helped him move up 11 places to a career-best 24th.

In the Bowlers' list, Bumrah is at the top, followed by New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult at the second spot.

The all-rounders' table continues to be headed by Afghanistan's Rashid Khan. No Indian figures in the top-five.

In the team rankings, India is second, behind leaders England.

what is Idai ?

what is Idai ?

Options

1) Cyclone

2)mountain

3)sea

4)river

answer

1) Cyclone


Other details

Cyclone Idai has affected more than 1.5 million people in the three southern African countries.

Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi have been hit by a  cyclone

Australia to embark on its largest ever defence engagement with which country?

Australia to embark on its largest ever defence engagement with which country?

Options

1) sri lanka

2)bangladesh

3)maldives

4)mauritius

answer

1) sri lanka


Other details

Australia will embark on its largest ever defence engagement with Sri Lanka next week as part of the Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2019.

 more than 1,000 defence personnel will be involved in the exercise comprising of Australian Naval, Army and Air force and their assets.

Australia along with India, Japan and US had formed the Quad to promote their interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

When was World Kidney Day celebrated?

When was World Kidney Day celebrated?

Options

1) 14 March

2)15 March

3)16 March

4)17 March

answer

1) 14 March


Other details

The day is observed annually on the second Thursday in March to create awareness on the importance of kidneys and reducing the frequency and impact of kidney diseases.

The theme this year is, 'Kidney Health for Everyone Everywhere'.

It calls for universal health coverage for prevention and early treatment of kidney diseases. 

where will Special Olympics World Games 2019 be held?

where will Special Olympics World Games 2019  be held?

Options

1)  UAE

2)Baharain

3)Kuwait

4)Qatar

answer

1)  UAE

other details

Special Olympics World Games 2019 which is being held from March 14 to March 21 in UAE, has made history by welcoming a record-breaking 200 nations ahead of the Games.

Of the 200 nations, 195 will compete in the Games and five will observe.

It is being held in West Asia for the first time. 7,500 athletes will take part in 24 Olympic-style sports over seven days. 

British Parliament rejects Brexit deal for second time

British Parliament rejects Brexit deal for second time

British Parliament will vote on a new motion today to decide if the UK should leave the EU within the March 29 deadline without any deal in place.

 The British Prime Minister Theresa May made the statement last night soon after she suffered yet another massive Parliament defeat over Brexit.

MPs rejected May's withdrawal agreement by 149 votes, leaving the deadline for the deal hanging in the balance. Legislators in the House of Commons voted against the deal by 391 to 242.


EU ambassadors will meet in Brussels today to assess the vote, the bloc's contingency plans and to discuss whether to grant a delay to Brexit if London asks for one.

Marshall Islands will release digital currency in 2019

Marshall Islands will  release digital currency in 2019

the Marshall Islands’ is gearing to release its new digital currency called the “SOV” in 2019

Neema, the Israel-based company is partnering with the Marshall Islands government to develop the digital currency.

The final launch date will be decided by the Marshall Islands government’s Legal Tender Committee.

Mohammad Shtayyeh named as Prime Minister of which country?

Mohammad Shtayyeh named as Prime Minister of which country?

options

1) Palestine

2)bahrain

3)qatar

4)kuwait

answer

1) Palestine


other details

Mohammad Shtayyeh has been named as Palestinian Prime Minister by President of Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

The announcement comes six weeks after Rami al-Hamdallah tendered his resignation 

 

woman from which country has been officially named oldest person?

woman from which country has been officially named oldest person?

Options

1) Japan

2)china

3)korea

4)none of the above

answer


1) Japan


Other details

A 116-year-old Japanese woman has been honoured as the world's oldest living person by Guinness World Records.

The global authority on records officially recognised Kane Tanaka in a ceremony today at the nursing home where she lives in Fukuoka, in southwest Japan.

Bill Shine was communications director in which country?

Bill Shine was communications director in which country?

Options

1) US

2)UK

3)france

4)germany

answer

1) US


Other details

US has said today Former Fox News executive Bill Shine has resigned as President 's communications director. 

when is international Women's Day celebrated?

when is international Women's Day celebrated?

Options

1) 8 March

2)7 March

3)9 March

4)6 March

answer

1) 8 March


Other details

International Women's Day is celebrated on March 8 every year. It is a focal point in the movement for women's rights.

A Women's Day on February 28,  1909 was first organized in New York.

the 1910 International Socialist Woman's Conference suggested a Women's Day be held annually.

The United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day in the International Women's Year, 1975.

In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly invited member states to proclaim March 8 as the UN Day for women's rights and world peace

Venezuelan govt announced to expel ambassador of which country?

Venezuelan govt announced to expel  ambassador of which country?

Options

1) germany

2)france

3)spain

4)italy

answer

1) germany


Other details

The Venezuelan government has announced to expel German ambassador Daniel Kriener from the country.

WHICH country will introduce direct flights to two Indian cities ?

WHICH country will introduce direct flights to two Indian cities ?

Options

1) Israel

2)France

3)Germany

4)Spain

answer

1) Israel


Other details

Israel's Arkia Airlines will introduce direct flights to two Indian cities -- Goa and Kochi from September 2019.

 Arkia will operate the new flights from September 2019 onwards using recently acquired Airbus 321 neo LR. 

which country Plans To End India's Preferential Trade Treatment?

which country Plans To End India's Preferential Trade Treatment?

options

1) US

2)UK

3)France

4)Germany

answer

1) US

Other details

US is  taking this step because, after intensive engagement between the United States and the Government of India,  India has not assured the United States that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to the markets of India.

US intends to end India's preferential trade treatment under a program that allows $5.6 billion worth of Indian exports to enter the United States duty free.

The US Trade Representative's Office said removing India from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program would not take effect for at least 60 days after notifications to Congress and the Indian government, and it will be enacted by a presidential proclamation.

The US goods and services trade deficit with India was $27.3 billion in 2017, according to the US Trade Representative's Office.

Medha Narvekar has been appointed as Vice President and Secretary of which University?

Medha Narvekar has been appointed  as Vice President and Secretary of which University?

Options

1) Pennsylvania

2)columbia

3)harvard

4)massachusetts

answer

1) Pennsylvania


Other details

ndian American Medha Narvekar has been appointed as the Vice President and Secretary of the University of Pennsylvania.

Narvekar, an MBA from Wharton School, will be taking over the new position on 1st July.

she served as senior associate vice president of the Pennsylvania Development and Alumni Relations

where was a meeting of all the trade ministers of 16 countries of RCEP group organized?

where was a meeting of all the trade ministers of 16 countries of RCEP group organized?

Optins

1) Cambodia

2)Thailand

3)India

4)china

answer

1) Cambodia

other details

The 16 members of RCEP group including India and China have agreed to intensify the ongoing negotiations for a proposed mega trade agreement to resolve all issues and conclude the talks this year.

The progress of negotiations were reviewed during a meeting of all the trade ministers of 16 countries in Cambodia

Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership is a proposed free trade agreement between the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the six Asia-Pacific states with which ASEAN has existing free trade agreements.

Founded: 20 November 2012

The RCEP 16 countries

    the 10 members of ASEAN
         Indonesia
         Malaysia
         Philippines
         Singapore
         Thailand
         Brunei
         Vietnam
         Laos
         Myanmar
         Cambodia
    plus the three additional members of ASEAN Plus Three
         China
         Japan
         South Korea
    plus the three additional members of ASEAN Plus Six
         India
         Australia
         New Zealand

according to moody Indian economy is expected to grow at what rate?

according to moody Indian economy is expected to grow at what rate?

Options

1) 7.3

2)7.1

3)7.2

4)7.0

answer

1) 7.3


other details

according to the US-based rating agency – Moody’s quarterly Global Macro Outlook which was released on 1st March, 2019, Indian economy is expected to grow at 7.3 per cent in 2019 and 2020.

which cricketer received received knighthood?

which cricketer received received knighthood?

Options

1) Alastair Cook

2)James Anderson

3)Stuart Broad

4)Joe Root

answer

1) Alastair Cook


Other details

Alastair Cook is the first cricketer since former England captain Ian Botham in 2007 to receive the knighthood

Alastair Cook received knighthood for his services to cricket from the Queen at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.

Cook along with former England rugby skipper Bill Beaumont was knighted during the ceremony.

Cook scored 12,472 runs from 161 Tests and is leading run-scorer for England in the longest format of the game.

Cook has 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries in Tests.

He played 92 ODIs and four T20Is, scoring 3271 runs in the limited-over formats.

when is World NGO Day 2019 celebrated?

when is World NGO Day 2019 celebrated?

Options

1) 27  February


1) 26  February


1) 25  February


1) 24  February

answer

1) 27  February


Other details

World NGO Day is an international calendar day annually observed on the 27th of February.

Officially recognized and declared by the 12 member countries of the IX Baltic Sea NGO Forum of the Council of the Baltic Sea States in 2010 and first time marked by the UN,  EU leaders and international organizations in 2014

PepsiCo’s former CEO Indra Nooyi joined Board of Directors of which company?

PepsiCo’s former CEO Indra Nooyi joined  Board of Directors of which company?

Options

1) Amazon

2)Google

3)Microsoft

4)Facebook

answer

1) Amazon


Other details

PepsiCo's India-born former CEO Indra Nooyi has joined Amazon's board of directors, the online retail giant has said.

Nooyi, who stepped down as CEO of Pepsico in October last year

Early this month, Starbucks executive Rosalind Brewer joined the Amazon Board.

  Nooyi would be a member of the audit committee.

She was Pepsico CEO from October 2006 to October 2018, where she also served as the Chairman of its board of directors from May 2007 to February 2019.

She was elected to PepsiCo's board of directors and became its President and Chief Financial Officer in 2001, and held leadership roles in finance, corporate strategy and development, and strategic planning after joining PepsiCo in 1994.

Nooyi has served as a director of Schlumberger Limited since April 2015.

2019 Oscar Winners

2019 Oscar Winners

Best Picture: “Green Book”

Director: Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma”

Actor: Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Actress: Olivia Colman, “The Favourite”

Supporting Actor: Mahershala Ali, “Green Book”

Supporting Actress: Regina King, “If Beale Street Could Talk”

Original Screenplay: “Green Book”

Adapted Screenplay: “BlackKklansman”

Foreign Language Film: “Roma”

Animated Feature: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”

Sound Editing: “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Visual Effects: “First Man”

Film Editing: “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Animated Short: “Bao”

Live Action Short: “Skin”

Documentary Short: “Period. End of Sentence.”

Original Score: “Black Panther”

Original Song: “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born”

Production Design: “Black Panther”

Cinematography: “Roma”


Costume Design: “Black Panther”

Makeup and Hairstyling: “Vice”

Documentary Feature: “Free Solo”

Sound Mixing: “Bohemian Rhapsody”

which country announced three-day annual navy drill from Friday in a vast area of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean?

which country announced three-day annual navy drill from Friday in a vast area of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean?

Options

1) Iran

2)saudi arabia

3)UAE

4)none of the above

answer

1) Iran


Other details

Iran will launch a three-day annual navy drill from Friday in a vast area of the Gulf and the Indian Ocean

The drill will be held in the waters of Strait of Hormuz, Makran coast, Oman Sea and the north of the Indian Ocean, covering 2 million square kilometres and going on for three days

named  as "Velayat 97," the drill will showcase Iran's submarines, warships, helicopters and drones,

which country became the first team from Asia to win a Test series in South Africa?

 which country became the first team from Asia to win a Test series in South Africa?


Options

1) Sri Lanka

2)India

3)Bangladesh

4)Afghanistan

answer

1) Sri Lanka


Other details

Sri Lanka defeated South Africa by 8 wickets in the second Test at Port Elizabeth on Saturday to clinch a historic 2-0 Test series win.

With this victory, they also became the first team from Asia to win a Test series in South Africa.

Sri Lanka's series win is one of the biggest upsets in recent cricket history.

South Africa had won their previous seven series at home and had won 16 out of 19 home Tests.

 Sri Lanka, by contrast, had lost six and drawn one of their previous seven Tests before arriving in South Africa.

 

Which country declared year-long state of emergency?

Which country declared year-long state of emergency?

Options

1) Sudan

2)Egypt

3)Ethiopia

4)Eritrea

answer

1) Sudan


Other details

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has declared a year-long state of emergency, dissolving the cabinet and local governments throughout the country.


 Sudan's parliament will postpone constitutional amendments that would allow president to particiapate for another term in a presidential election in 2020.

president's term ends in 2020

 

Which country unveiled world’s first female AI news anchor?

Which country unveiled  world’s first female AI news anchor?

Options

1) china

2)Japan

3)Russia

4)France

answer

1) china


Other details

 China’s state-owned TV channel Xinhua unveiled the world’s first ever artificial intelligence (AI) female news anchor

In November 2018, China introduced the world’s first male AI news anchor, Qiu Hao, that can mimic human facial expressions and mannerisms while reading out reports.

when is International Mother Language Day celebrated?

when is International Mother Language Day celebrated?

Options

1) 21  February

2)22  February

3)23  February

4)24  February

answer

1) 21  February

Other details

International Mother Language Day is being celebrated today.

The day is observed on the 21st of February every year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.

Since 2019 is also the International Year of Indigenous Languages,
the theme of this year’s Mother Language Day is Indigenous Languages as a factor in development, peace and reconciliation.

At least 43 per cent of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered.

Only a few hundred languages have genuinely been given a place in education systems and the public domain.

 According to UN data, a language disappears every two weeks taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage.

UNESCO has been celebrating International Mother Language Day for nearly 20 years with the aim of preserving this linguistic diversity and promoting mother tongue-based multilingual education.

Progress is being made in this direction with a growing understanding of its importance, particularly in early schooling. 

Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Otto Lagerfeld was a German creative director, fashion designer, artist, photographer and caricaturist who lived in Paris.

He was known as the creative director of the French fashion house Chanel, a position he held from 1983 until 2019, and was also creative director of the Italian fur and leather goods fashion house Fendi, and of his own eponymous fashion label.

He collaborated on a variety of fashion and art-related projects.

Israel will launch its first moon mission this week

Israel will launch its first moon mission this week

Israel is to launch its first moon mission this week, sending an unmanned spacecraftto collect data to be shared with NASA.

Accordingto a report, the 585-kilogram Beresheet (Genesis) spacecraft is to lift off atopa Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida at around 0145 GMT on Friday.Mission control will be in Yehud, near Tel Aviv.


So far only Russia, the United States and China have sent their spacecraft to themoon

The Chinese spacecraft made the first ever soft landing on the far sideof the moon on January 3.

Indian-origin global negotiator appointed director of renowned academic institution in South Africa

Indian-origin global negotiator appointed director of renowned academic institution in South Africa

An Indian-origin global negotiator has been appointed as the director of a renowned academic institution in South Africa.

Professor Faizel Ismail will take charge as the director of the University of Cape Town's (UCT) Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance from Professor Alan Hirsch in July.

Ismail is known for his role in negotiating major agreements for South Africa, including with the Southern African Customs Union as well as the Trade and Development Agreement with the European Union.

Ismail, a professor at the UCT's School of Economics, has in the past served as an ambassador to the World Trade Organisation and a senior advisor to the Minister of Trade and Industry.

World Pangolin Day 2019

World Pangolin Day 2019

The EIGHTH annual World Pangolin Day was celebrated on 16 February 2019

World Pangolin Day is an opportunity  to  raise awareness about these unique mammals — and their plight.

Pangolin numbers are rapidly declining in Asia and Africa.





There are eight species of pangolin: Four Asian species and four African species

US will declare national emergency to build US-Mexico border wall

US will declare national emergency to build US-Mexico border wall

US  will sign the government funding bill, and as it has stated before, it will also take other executive action - including a national emergency - to ensure we stop the national security and humanitarian crisis at the border

US will sign an executive order declaring a national emergency, which will empower it to fund the construction of a massive wall along the US-Mexico border to prevent illegal immigrants from entering the country and curb drug smuggling.

The move would help get USD 5.6 billion for the construction of the wall

William Barr sworn in as US Attorney General

William Barr sworn in as US Attorney General

In United States, William Barr was sworn for second time as the nation’s Attorney General, taking the helm of the Justice Department

the Senate voted 54-45 to confirm his appointment. Mr. Barr,

Barr also served as the Attorney General from 1991 to 1993 during President George H.W. Bush’s administration

he takes place of  Jeff Sessions.

World Radio Day

World Radio Day

World Radio Day is an observance day held annually on 13 February to celebrate radio as a medium.

It was proclaimed on 3 November 2011 by UNESCO's 36th General Conference after originally being proposed by the Kingdom of Spain.

The day is observed every year on the 13th of February to celebrate radio as a forum for information and entertainment, as a bridge of communication for remote communities and its role in empowering people.

The theme of this year's World Radio Day is Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace Broadcasts that provide a platform for dialogue and democratic debate over issues, such as migration or violence against women, can help to raise awareness among listeners and inspire understanding for new perspectives in paving the way for positive action.

EU members of UNSC asked for humanitarian access to eastern Ukraine's area

EU members of UNSC asked for humanitarian access to eastern Ukraine's area

European Union members of the UN Security Council have asked for humanitarian access to eastern Ukraine's areas held by separatists.


The countries said in a statement, some 3.5 million people require humanitarian aid and protection due to widespread mine contamination, escalating psychological trauma and lack of access to basic services.


They urged all parties to the conflict, to re-establish full access for all international humanitarian organizations to the non-government-controlled areas and allow speedy delivery of humanitarian assistance.


The statement was read to reporters by Jonathan Allen, Britain's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, on behalf of the eight EU countries including Britain, France, Germany and Sweden.

US team in Beijing for trade talks

US team in Beijing for trade talks

US negotiators met their Chinese counterparts in Beijing on Monday for a new round of high-stakes trade talks, hoping to reach a deal before the March 1 deadline set by US in the backdrop of the IMF warning

The talks will include officials from the agriculture, energy and commerce departments.


In December, Washington suspended for three months its plan to increase tariffs on USD 200 billion worth of Chinese imports to 25 per cent from the current 10 per cent to allow time for negotiators to work out a trade spat.


Washington is demanding far-reaching changes from China to address commercial practices.

US says, practices which China is using, are deeply unfair, including theft of American intellectual property.


China has offered to boost its purchases of US goods during the truce, but is likely to resist calls for structural changes to its industrial policy including slashing government subsidies.

Grammy Awards 2019

Grammy Awards 2019


Song Of The Year: This is America - Childish Gambino
Best Country Album: Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves
Best Pop Solo Performance: Joanne (Where Do You Think You're Goin'?) - Lady Gaga
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Shallow - Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album: My Way - Willie Nelson
Best Pop Vocal Album: Sweetener - Ariana Grande
Best Dance Recording: Electricity - Silk City & Dua Lipa Featuring Diplo & Mark Ronson
Best Dance/Electronic Album: Woman Worldwide – Justice
Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: Steve Gadd Band - Steve Gadd Band
Best Rock Performance: When Bad Does Good - Chris Cornell
Best Metal Performance: Electric Messiah - High On Fire
Best Rock Song: Masseduction - St. Vincent
Best Rock Album: From The Fires - Greta Van Fleet
Best Alternative Music Album: Colors – Beck
Best R&B Performance: Best Part - H.E.R. Featuring Daniel Caesar
Best Traditional R&B Performance: Bet Ain't Worth The Hand - Leon Bridges (TIED WITH) How Deep Is Your Love - PJ Morton Featuring Yebba
Best R&B Song: Boo'd Up - Ella Mai
Best Urban Contemporary Album: Everything Is Love - The Carters
Best Rap Performance: King's Dead - Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake (TIED WITH) Bubblin - Anderson .Paak
Best Rap/Sung Performance: This Is America - Childish Gambino
Best Country Solo Performance: Butterflies - Kacey Musgraves
Best Country Duo/Group Performance: Tequila - Dan + Shay
Best Country Song: Space Cowboy - Kacey Musgraves
Best New Age Album: Opium Moon - Opium Moon
Best Improvised Jazz Solo: Don't Fence Me In - John Daversa Big Band Featuring DACA Artists
Best Jazz Vocal Album: The Window - Cécile McLorin Salvant
Best Jazz Instrumental Album: Emanon - The Wayne Shorter Quartet
Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album: American Dreamers: Voices Of Hope, Music Of Freedom - John Daversa Big Band Featuring DACA Artists
Best Latin Jazz Album: Back To The Sunset - Dafnis Prieto Big Band
Best Gospel Performance/Song: Never Alone - Tori Kelly Featuring Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin & Victoria Kelly, songwriters
Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song: You Say - Lauren Daigle; Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram & Paul Mabury, songwriters
Best Gospel Album: Hiding Place - Tori Kelly
Best Contemporary Christian Music Album: Look Up Child - Lauren Daigle
Best Roots Gospel Album: Unexpected - Jason Crabb
Best Latin Pop Album: Sincera - Claudia Brant
Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album: Aztlán – Zoé
Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano): ¡México Por Siempre! - Luis Miguel
Best Tropical Latin Album: Anniversary - Spanish Harlem Orchestra
Best American Roots Performance: The Joke - Brandi Carlile
Best American Roots Song: The Joke - Brandi Carlile
Best Americana Album: By The Way, I Forgive You - Brandi Carlile
Best Bluegrass Album: The Travelin' Mccourys - The Travelin' McCourys
Best Traditional Blues Album: The Blues Is Alive And Well - Buddy Guy
Best Music Film: Quincy - Quincy Jones, Alan Hicks & Rashida Jones
Best Music Video: This is America - Childish Gambino
Best Spoken Word Album: Faith - A Journey For All: Jimmy Carter
Best Comedy Album: Equanimity & The Bird Revelation - Dave Chappelle
Best Children's Album: All The Sounds - Lucy Kalantari & The Jazz Cats
Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media: The Greatest Showman - Hugh Jackman (& Various Artists)
Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media: Black Panther - Ludwig Göransson
Best Song Written For Visual Media: Shallow - Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
Best Contemporary Blues Album: Please Don't Be Dead - Fantastic Negrito
Best Folk Album: All Ashore - Punch Brothers
Best Regional Roots Music Album: No 'Ane'I Kalani Pe'a
Best Reggae Album: 44/876Sting & Shaggy
Best World Music Album: Freedom - Soweto Gospel Choir
Best Musical Theater Album: The Band's Visit - Etai Benson, Adam Kantor, Katrina Lenk & Ari'el Stachel
Best Instrumental Composition: Blut Und Boden (Blood And Soil) - Terence Blanchard
Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella: Stars And Stripes Forever - John Daversa
Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals: Spiderman Theme - Mark Kibble, Randy Waldman & Justin Wilson
Best Recording Package: Masseduction - Willo Perron, art director (St. Vincent)
Best Boxed Or Special Limited Edition Package: Squeeze Box: The Complete Works Of "Weird Al" Yankovic - Meghan Foley, Annie Stoll & Al Yankovic
Best Historical Album: Voices Of Mississippi: Artists And Musicians Documented By William Ferris
Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical: Colors - Beck
Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical: Pharrell Williams
Best Immersive Audio Album: Eye In The Sky - 35th Anniversary Edition - Alan Parsons
Best Remixed Recording: Walking Away (Mura Masa Remix) - Alex Crossan, remixer (Haim)
Best Album Note: Voices Of Mississippi: Artists And Musicians Documented By William Ferris - David Evans
Best Contemporary Classical Composition: Kernis: Violin Concerto - Aaron Jay Kernis
Best Classical Compendium: Fuchs: Piano Concerto

Earth's north magnetic pole is drifting

Earth's north magnetic pole is drifting

Scientists have found that Earth's north magnetic pole has been drifting so fast in the last few decades that past estimates are no longer accurate enough for precise navigation.

The magnetic north pole is wandering about 34 miles (55 kilometres) a year.

 It crossed the international date line in 2017, and is leaving the Canadian Arctic on its way to Siberia.

University of Colorado geophysicist Arnaud Chulliat, lead author of the newly issued World Magnetic Model, has opined that the constant shift is a problem for compasses in smartphones and some consumer electronics.

Airplanes and boats also rely on magnetic north, usually as backup navigation.

However he said GPS isn't affected because it's satellite-based.


Since 1831 when it was first measured in the Canadian Arctic it has moved about 1,400 miles (2300 kilometres) toward Siberia. Its speed jumped from about 9 mph (15 kph) to 34 mph (55 kph) since 2000.

The reason is turbulence in Earth's liquid outer core. There is a hot liquid ocean of iron and nickel in the planet's core where the motion generates an electric field, said University of Maryland geophysicist Daniel Lathrop, who wasn't part of the team monitoring the magnetic north pole.


The magnetic south pole is moving far slower than the north

In general Earth's magnetic field is getting weaker, leading scientists to say that it will eventually flip, where north and south pole changes polarity, like a bar magnet flipping over.

It has happened numerous times in Earth's past, but not in the last 780,000 years.

When it reverses, it won't be like a coin flip, but take 1,000 or more years

British actor Albert Finney

British actor Albert Finney

Albert Finney was an English actor, producer and director of film, television and theatre.

He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began to work in the theatre as a Shakespearean actor before attaining prominence on screen in the early 1960s

he was a recipient of BAFTA, Golden Globe, Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Awards, Finney was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor

EU-backed group to discuss 'Good Faith' plan for Venezuela Crisis

EU-backed group to discuss 'Good Faith' plan for Venezuela Crisis

European and Latin American leaders will meet in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo tomorrow to discuss a plan to solve the deepening crisis in Venezuela, but will stay away from direct intervention.

The gathering comes on the heels of a separate meeting of the harder-line Lima Group in Canada, which called for international action against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to pressure him to step down.

Venezuela’s collapse under Maduro, with the country plunged into poverty and driving some 3 million people to flee abroad, has forced nations worldwide to take a stance, particularly after opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself president last month.

US nominates US treasury diplomat David Malpass to head World Bank

US nominates US treasury diplomat David Malpass to head World Bank

USA,  has nominated senior Treasury official David Malpass as the next chief of the World Bank.

He would replace Jim Yong Kim as the president if voted by the Directors of the World Bank Group.

The position of Managing Director of International Monetary Fund has gone to Europe.

 In his current capacity as the Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs, 62-year-old Malpass oversees the working of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans to countries of the world for capital projects. It comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and the International Development Association. The World Bank is a component of the World Bank Group.

Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States

Membership: 189 countries (IBRD); 173 countries (IDA)

 International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the International Development Association (IDA)

Parent organization: World Bank Group

Donald Trump nominated acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt as Interior Secretary

Donald Trump nominated acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt as Interior Secretary

United States President Donald Trump has nominated acting Interior Secretary David Bernhardt as the Interior Secretary.

Bernhardt will replace Ryan Zinke, if the Senate approves his nomination.

Zinke resigned in December amid investigations.

Nayib Bukele claimed victory in El Salvador's presidential election

Nayib Bukele claimed victory in El Salvador's presidential election

Former mayor of San Salvador, Nayib Bukele has claimed victory in the El Salvador's presidential election.

With most votes counted, the former mayor of the capital city had nearly 53 per cent of the vote with his closest rival,  Carlos Calleja garnering 32 per cent votes.

Nayib Armando Bukele Ortez is a Salvadoran politician and businessman, and the president elect of El Salvador as of 3 February 2019.

 He was elected as Mayor of Nuevo Cuscatlán on 11 March 2012.

 He was also elected as mayor of San Salvador on 1 March 2015, and took office on 1 May 2015

El Salvador is a small Central American nation.

Capital: San Salvador
Currency: United States Dollar

Human Fraternity Conference

 Human Fraternity Conference

The Human Fraternity Conference that kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Sunday is a rare global alliance that will reaffirm the values of tolerance and to fight destructive forces like terrorism, extremism and hate

 a gathering of more than 600 religious figures from across the world are taking part

The two-day Human Fraternity Conference being held at Emirates Palace, is one of its kind inter-faith gathering in the UAE capital that brings together 'cultures, faiths and civilizations' with an aim to foster tolerance and inter-faith dialogue.

The conference will address three main themes:

 Principles of Human Fraternity,

Common Responsibility to achieving Human Fraternity

 and Human Fraternity: Challenges and Opportunities.

World Wetlands Day

World Wetlands Day occurs annually on February 2nd, marking the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2, 1971.

Established to raise awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet, WWD was celebrated for the first time in 1997 and has grown remarkably since then.

Each year, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and groups of citizens at all levels of the community, have taken advantage of the opportunity to undertake actions aimed at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits.

Some of these benefits include: biologically diverse ecosystems that provide habitat for many species, serve as buffers on the coast against storms and flooding, and naturally filter water by breaking down or transforming harmful pollutants

This year's theme is Wetlands and Climate Change

China agrees to make key concessions to expand American imports

China agrees to make key concessions to expand American imports

China has agreed to make key concessions to expand American imports in agriculture, energy, manufacturing and services, the main demands of US

 during the two-day high-level talks in Washington, the two sides discussed trade balance, protection of intellectual property rights, non-tariff barriers, service sector, and agriculture.

The two sides also agreed to take effective measures to promote a more balanced development of bilateral trade.

US, said that China must open its market to American manufacturing and agricultural goods if it hopes to strike a trade deal with the US.

The talks in Washington were first face-to-face cabinet-level talks between the US and China since the two countries in December last year struck a three-month long truce in their trade war.

Should the talks fail, tariffs on 200 billion US dollars of Chinese imports are set to increase from 10 per cent to 25 per cent.

World Leprosy Eradication Day

World Leprosy Eradication Day

World Leprosy Day is observed internationally every year on the last Sunday of January to increase the public awareness of the Leprosy or Hansen's Disease.


 Leprosy is one of the oldest recorded diseases in the world.

 It is an infectious chronic disease that targets the nervous system, especially the nerves in the cooler parts of the body - the hands, feet, and face.

 Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease is a highly contagious infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae

 theme 2019  ‘ending discrimination, stigma, and prejudice’.