*CURRENT AFFAIRS (26:02:2014)

1. Indian-Americanscientist Sangeeta Bhatia developed a quick, simple
and affordable paper test to detect cancer.
- The breakthrough may replace expensive tests like mammograms and colonoscopy.
- The diagnostic, much like a pregnancy test, is based on urine sample.
- She is professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and
Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
2. RBI constituted Bimal Jalan panel, meant to shortlist applications
for new bank licences, submits its report.
- Licences are now expected to be allotted by the end of March.
- Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank were the last two Private Banks to
get banking licences from the RBI in 2003-04.
3. India is all set to conduct a dry run study on International
North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) rail link in March.
- The massive network passes through Nhava Sheva (Mumbai)- Bandar
Abbas (Iran)- Tehran-Bandar Anzali (Iran) and Astrakhan(Russia).
4. Renowned painter Prokash Karmakar breathes his last at 81.
- Lalit Kala Akademi National Award (1968) was one among many honours
he received for his paintings.
5. Government to set up Urban Institute of India, under the Ministry
of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation.
- Its to foster inclusive and sustainable development and effective
capacity building in the urban sector.
- It would be an autonomous and not-for-profit institution