Top 5 Current Affairs: 21 January 2019

Bharat Ratna CNR Rao chosen for first Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials

Eminent Indian scientist, Chintamani Nagesa Ramachandra Rao, popularly known as CNR Rao, was on January 18, 2019 chosen for the first Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Research by the Centre for Advanced Materials of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The award will be presented to Rao by Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the ruler of one of UAE's seven emirates Ras Al Khaima at the International Workshop on Advanced Materials on February 25, 2019.

India likely to surpass UK in world's largest economy rankings: PwC

India is likely to surpass the United Kingdom in the world's largest economy rankings in 2019, as per a report by global consultancy firm PwC.

As per PwC's Global Economy Watch report, while the UK and France have regularly switched places owing to similar levels of development and equal populations, India's climb up the rankings is likely to be permanent.

Indians over 65 and under 15 years can use Aadhaar Card to visit Nepal, Bhutan

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs on January 20, 2019 announced that Aadhaar Cards are now valid travel documents for Indians under 15 and over 65 years travelling to Nepal and Bhutan. However, Indians belonging to the age bracket of 15 to 65 years will not be able to use Aadhaar to travel to the two neighbouring countries.

Indian citizens going to Nepal and Bhutan don’t need a visa if they have a valid passport, a photo identity card issued by the Government of India or the Voter’s ID card issued by the Election Commission.

Rio de Janeiro named as first World Capital of Architecture for 2020

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has named the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro as the World Capital of Architecture for 2020.

The announcement was made by UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture Ernesto Ottone R, Thomas Vonier, President of the International Union of Architects (UIA) and Verena Vicentini Andreatta, Municipal Secretary of the City of Rio for Urbanism, on January 18, 2019.

15th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas begins at Varanasi

The 15th edition of the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) began at Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on January 21, 2019, giving a chance to the Indian diaspora to participate in the ongoing Kumbha Mela.

For the first time in the history of Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, the event is being held in Varanasi, the cultural and spiritual capital of India.