Tata Power signs MoU with Russia’s SEUK to tap opportunities in the energy sector

India’s second largest private power producer Tata Power has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russia’s largest coal producer Siberian Coal Energy Company (SUEK). As part of the agreement, both companies will cooperate on identifying and targeting opportunities in the energy sector in Russia and other geographies of common interest to develop mutually beneficial transactions. This is the first time that the Indian firm is poised to enter the Russian zone.

Takahiro Hachigo appointed as new President and CEO of Honda

Japanese automaker Honda Motor Co has appointed Takahiro Hachigo as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will assume charge in June 2015 and replace Takanobu Ito, who had stepped down from the top most post in an unexpected move on 23 February 2015. Takahiro Hachigo is presently Honda’s Managing Director.

Bank staff get 15% hike, 6 monthly offs

Branches of public sector banks, the RBI and insurance companies will be shut alternate Saturdays and all sundey according to the terms of an agreement between employee unions and the Indian Banks Association. Following a breakthrough in negotiations, which resulted in a 15% wage hike for bank employees, unions have withdrawn a call for a four-day strike beginning February 25.

Rana Bhagwandas first Hindu Chief Justice of Pakistan passes away

Rana Bhagwandas, the first Hindu to serve as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, died in Karachi. The Federal Cabinet offered its condolences on his sad demise and a one-minute silence was observed. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Justice Bhagwandas was a firm believer of rule of law, democracy and principles.

Ram Niwas Goel elected Speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly

Ram Niwas Goel is an MLA of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) from Shahdara constituency. He was elected unanimously by the Assembly. Bandana Kumari of AAP was elected as the Deputy Speaker.

Union Ministry of Youth Affairs makes amendments in National Sports Awards Schemes

A retired judge of either Supreme Court or High Court will now head the Selection Committee for Arjuna Awards as the government has revised the schemes of various awards it present to sports persons. From now onwards, a sportsperson of eminence or a sports administrator or sports expert belonging to para sports will also be a member of Arjuna Awards’ selection committee. As per the amendments brought in by the government, not more than one sportsperson of eminence or coach from a particular sporting discipline shall be a member of the Selection Committee. The step has been taken to avoid any bias in favour of a particular discipline.