Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
Contents
Month Highlights: December 2015 ................................................................................................................. 3
December 1, 2015 .............................................................................................................................................. 19
1st December: World AIDS Day ............................................................................................................ 19
Russian legendary lm Director Eldar Ryazanov passes away ......................................................... 19
About Eldar Ryazanov .............................................................................................................................. 19
Anil Kumble resigns as chief mentor of Mumbai Indians ................................................................ 20
Indian Railways ink Rs 40000 cr deal of locomotive plants with GE, Alstom in Bihar ........... 20
President gives assent Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2015 ....................................... 20
Union Government launches IPV injection as part of global polio endgame strategy ................ 21
About Polio virus ........................................................................................................................................ 21
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Roch Marc Christian Kabore elected as president of Burkina Faso ............................................... 22
Colombian lm Embrace of The Serpent adjudged best lm of 46th IFFI ................................. 22
About International Film Festival of India (IFFI) ................................................................................ 23
India, France launched International Solar Alliance ........................................................................... 23
India ranks 131 on global ICT Development Index : MISR Report ................................................ 23
China hosts 1st BRICS media summit .................................................................................................. 24
December 2, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................ 26
IMF approves Chinas Yuan as elite reserve currency ...................................................................... 26
About Chinese Currency ......................................................................................................................... 26
Jharkhand Government declares entire state as drought hit ........................................................... 26
President gives assent to Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2015 .................................... 27
German cabinet approves military mandate to ght Islamic State in Syria ................................. 27
Maharashtra is biggest state economy: Brickwork Report .............................................................. 28
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged in 5th bi-monthly monetary policy review ............................... 29
Union Government launches GIAN Scheme to boost higher education ...................................... 29
About Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) Scheme .................................................. 29
Vijay Kumar Choudhary elected as Bihar assembly Speaker .......................................................... 30
December 3, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................. 31
3rd December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities ........................................................ 31
Veteran industrialist MAM Ramaswamy passes away ....................................................................... 31
About MAM Ramaswamy ....................................................................................................................... 31
Union Cabinet approves DTAC agreement with Japan .................................................................... 31
Government gives nod to MoU between India and Israel in the eld of water resources ....... 32
Government gives nod to introduction of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015 ........ 33
Union Cabinet approves pacts with Germany for solar energy ...................................................... 33
Union Cabinet gives nod to establish 6 new IITs .............................................................................. 34
Goa Government launches National Food Security Act, 2013 ....................................................... 35
Justice T. S. Thakur sworn in as 43rd Chief Justice of India .......................................................... 35
About Justice T. S. Thakur ..................................................................................................................... 36
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Roch Marc Christian Kabore has been elected as President of Burkina Faso. In the presidential
election, Kabore from the Movement of People for Progress party won 53.5 per cent of the
vote across 368 communes.
Senior Janta Dal United (JDU) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary has been elected as new
Speaker of Bihar legislative assembly. He was elected unanimously after all parties supported
his candidature including main opposition Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).
Justice Tirath Singh Thakur was sworn in as 43rd Chief Justice of India (CJI). He was
administered oath to the office by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New
Delhi.
M Nair Rajeevan
Distinguished Scientist M Nair Rajeevan (54) has been appointed as Secretary of Union
Ministry of Earth Sciences. His for appointment of this post was cleared by Appointment
Committee of Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Angela Merkel
Time magazine has named German Chancellor Angela Merkel as Person of the Year 2015.
She was named for her role in Europes crises over migration and Greek debt as she had
provided steadfast moral leadership in a world where it is in short supply.
Mauricio Macri
Mauricio Macri of Republican Proposal Party (RPP) has been sworn in as new President of
Argentina after taking oath in the Congress.
Sharad Pawar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released On My Terms: From the Grassroots to the
Corridors of Power, an autobiography of former Union Minister Sharad Pawar. It
was released on the occasion of 75th birthday of Mr. Pawar at a function held at
the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
Ahmad Javed
Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed senior IPS officer Ahmad Javed as
Indias Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He is IPS officer of 1980 batch from Maharashtra Cadre.
Prior to this appointment Mr. Ahmad Javed was serving as Mumbai Police commissioner.
Pravin Gordhan
An Indian-origin politician, Pravin Gordhan has been appointed as South Africas new
Finance Minister.
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Senior revenue service officer Arun Kumar Jain appointed Chairman of Central Board of
Direct Taxes (CBDT). Mr Jain is Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer of a 1978 batch.
Virendra Singh
The Supreme Court has appointed Justice (Retd) Virendra Singh as new Lokayukta of Uttar
Pradesh. The first of its kind order issued by the SC under Article 142 of Constitution the apex
court has invoked its constitutional power and appointed retired HC judge as
UP Lokayukta after state machinery failed to appoint it.
Reva Khetrapal
Former Delhi High Court Judge Reva Khetrapal took oath as Lokayukta of Delhi. She will
CHAND MEENA
| 51062 five years terms as per
become the fourthDINESH
Lokayukta
of | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
Delhi and shall have
Delhi Lokayukta and Uplokayukta Act, 1995.
Francois Hollande
President of France Francois Hollande will be the Chief Guest at the 67th Republic Day
parade of January 26, 2016. Mr. Francois Hollande would be the 5th highest dignitary from
France to be Chief Guest of Indian Republic Day parade.
Former Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur (62) has been appointed as Chief
Information Commissioner (CIC). He succeeds Vijai Sharma as he has retired after
completion of his tenure.
Senior IAS officer Pawan Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Food Regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Amitabh Kant
Senior IAS officer Amitabh Kant has been given additional charge as Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili
Giorgi Kvirikashvili has been elected as the 12th Prime Minister of Georgia by the Parliament
of the country. He was elected by the Parliament after then Prime
Minister Irakli Garibashvili had resigned from the post on December 29, 2015 without
explaining his decision.
Places in News
Two Indian cities for first time have been designated as members of UNESCOs Creative
Cities Network (UCCN). Two cities are Varanasi City (Uttar Pradesh): It has been added in
the City of Music category of network. Jaipur City (Rajasthan): It has been added in the City
of Crafts and Folk Art category of network.
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India and Japan have signed historic Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) to introduce High
Speed Rail (HRS) on Mumbai Ahmedabad sector to revolutionize Indian Railways.
Inle Lake
Myanmar has launched the countrys first United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve at Inle Lake in Shan state.
Ground breaking ceremony of 1800-kilometre-long Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-PakistanIndia (TAPI) gas pipeline project was held at the ancient city of Mary of
Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan is believed to have the worlds fourth-largest gas reserves and
CHAND
MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
presently exporting itDINESH
mainly
to China.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved
the Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase 1 A. It will cover a length of 22.878 (approx 23) km
with 22 stations and the metro train will ply between Chowdhary Charan Singh Airport
and Munshi Pulia.
The Union Cabinet has approved the reconstruction and completion of Salma Dam Project in
Afghanistan at the Revised Cost Estimates (RCE) of 1775.69 crore rupees.
Atal Setu
North Indias first cable-stayed bridge named Atal Setu was inaugurated on Dunera-BasohliBhadharwah road in Basohali town in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new building of Afghanistan Parliament in
the capital city Kabul built by India. It was inaugurated during Narendra Modis first official
visit to Afghanistan after becoming Prime Minister. He also named one block of Parliament
as Atal Block after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Sports
Anil Kumble
Former Indian Test Captain and ace spinner Anil Kumble has resigned as the Chief Mentor of
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians with an immediate effect.
Australia
Australia has won the 2014-15 Mens Hockey World League Final by defeating Belgium. In
the final match played at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium, Raipur Australian team defeated
Belgium by 2-1 goals.
Pune and Rajkot have become the new interim franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
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Carolina Marin
World number one women shuttler Carolina Marin from Spain has won the 2015 Female
Badminton Player of the Year award. She was presented with the award by the Badminton
World Federation (BWF) President Poul-Erik Hoyer in Dubai.
Anirban Lahiri
Indias star golfer Anirban Lahiri (28) has won the coveted Order of Merit crown of Asian
Tour for year 2015. In the 2015 season world No. 41, Lahiri has earned $1,139,084 a way
ahead of second-placed Scott Hend of Australia who has earned $491,631.
Vijay Kumar
Olympic medallist Vijay Kumar of Indian Army has won gold medal at the 59th National
Shooting Championship in the mens 25-metre centre fire pistol category.
Apurvi Chandela
Apurvi Chandela from Rajasthan has won a Gold medal in the 59th National Shooting
Championship in 10-metre Air Rifle event in womens category.
Barcelona FC
Barcelona FC has won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup for a record third time. In the final
match played at International Stadium Yokoham in Japan the winning team defeated River
Plate FC by 3-0 goals.
Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC has won the second edition of Indian Super League (ISL) Football
tournament. In the final played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, they defeated hosts
Goa FC by 3-2 goals score.
Brendon McCullum
New Zealand cricket team captain Brendon McCullum has announced his retirement from all
forms of international cricket viz., tests, ODIs and twenty20.
Steve Smith
Australian cricketer Steve Smith has been named Cricketer of the Year for 2015 at the
International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards ceremony in Dubai. With this, Smith became
the 4th Australian and 11th overall player to win the prestigious award named after Sir
Garfield Sobers.
Shiva Keshavan
Seasoned Indian luger Shiva Keshavan has won a silver medal at the 2015 Asian Luge
Championship held in Nagano, Japan. In this edition of championship, the first place was
claimed by Japans Hidenari Kanayama and the third by South Koreas Dong Hyeon Kim.
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Gujarat has won the 14th season of prestigious Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy for season
201516 for first time in its history of championship. In the final match played at
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Karnataka) they defeated Delhi by 139 runs.
Persons in News: Died
Eldar Ryazanov
Russian legendary film Director and screenwriter Eldar Ryazanov passed away in Moscow,
Russia. He was one of Russias best-loved Soviet-era film directors and an icon of popular
USSR culture of tragi-comedies.
MAM Ramaswamy
Veteran industrialistDINESH
and CHAND
former
parliamentarian
MAM
Ramaswamy passed away in
MEENA
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was the last King of Chettinad and co-founder and past chairman of
the Rs. 10,000 crore Chettinad Group of companies.
Renowned agro-economist and veteran leader of farmers Sharad Anantrao Joshi passed away
in Pune, Maharashtra. He was founder of Shetakari Sanghtana (farmers Organisation) an
NGO dedicated to the cause of farmers in Maharashtra.
Chatla Sriramulu
Peter Dickinson
Renowned British Novelist Peter Dickinson passed away in Winchester, Hampshire. He was
a prolific novelist best known for childrens books and detective stories.
Sadhna Shivdasani
Renowned American science-fiction writer George Clayton Johnson passed away in Los
Angeles, US. He was best known for dystopian novel Logans Run, which adapted into a 1976
film starring Michael York and was nominated for two Oscars.
Haskell Wexler
Legendary American cinematographer Haskell Wexler passed away on 27th December 2015
in California, US. He was best known for his work in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoos
Nest and American Graffiti and was one of the film historys most influential
cinematographer.
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Mangesh Padgaonkar
Eminent Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra on after a
brief illness. He was iconic Marathi poet best known for many poetry recitation programmes
and for writing lyrics for many Marathi films.
Science, Technology & Environment
The Union Government has launched inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) injection as part of the
global polio endgame strategy in New Delhi. It was launched as part of Indias next step in
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to fight against polio virus in the country.
India and France have launched International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the Conference of
Parties (CoP21) Climate Conference in Paris, France. The idea of alliance was mooted by
Indian PM Narendra Modi to harness solar power as a major step to mitigate carbon gas
emissions.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for
introduction of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015. The bill aims for establishment
of a Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) in Faridabad, Haryana and provide a legal
status to the Centre.
It was announced by a broad coalition of nations, river basin organizations, business and civil
societies from across the globe during the on-going 2015 United Nations Climate Change
Conference, Conference of Parties (COP-21) in Le Bourget, Paris, France.
Uttar Pradesh Government has launched International festival on Birds in a bid to promote
state as an international bird-watching destination. The first-of-its-kind festival was
inaugurated by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at the National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS).
The South Western Railways (SWR) Zone with headquarters in Hubli, Karnataka has
introduced biodiesel for trains, operating under its zone. The main aim of the initiative is to
reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and carbon footprint and also to make fuel
consumption more efficient.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off first prototype pollution free electric bus for
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The World Bank has launched a $500 million dollars Transformative Carbon Asset Facility
(TCAF) to help developing countries pay for emission reductions and combat climate change.
It is market-based scheme specially designed to help developing countries and would establish
the worlds first programmatic carbon market.
Mexico Government has approved worlds first-ever Dengue fever vaccine branded
as Dengvaxia for the public use. Key facts Dengvaxia has been manufactured by French
pharmaceutical manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed six commercial satellites
from Singapore in their dedicated orbits. These satellites were launched using ISROs
workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C29).
Union Government has given in principle approval to work on Loon project of internet
search engine giant Google for providing Internet connectivity by using large balloons.
The Union Cabinet has approved a policy framework for development of Underground Coal
Gasification (UCG) in unexplored coal and lignite bearing areas in the country. UCG is a
clean coal extraction technology for extracting energy from the coal seams and lignite
resources which cannot be mined through traditional mining technology.
Uttar Pradesh government has decided to enforce the ban on the use of polythene across the
state to protect the environment and public health.
Indias biggest Wildlife Rescue Centre named as Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre
has been commissioned at Gorewada near Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is managed by the Forest
Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM).
Philippines became the first Asian country to approve the sale of the worlds first ever dengue
vaccine Dengvaxia in the country.
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MoboMoney
IT major Tech Mahindra has launched first of its kind Tap N Pay contactless digital payment
wallet MoboMoney for the Indian masses. MoboMoney has been billed as Indias first
commercial NFC ecosystem rollout that would allow consumers to convert cash into e-cash
for making payments.
Reliance Jio has launched 4G (4th Generation) telecom service using LTE (Long Term
Evolution) Technology.
China has successfully launched its most sophisticated observation satellite Gaofen-4, as part
DINESH CHAND
MEENAearth
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
of the countrys high-definition
(HD)
observation Gaofen
project.
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on
the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia. This MoU is also called as
the Raptor MoU under the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS). With
signing it, India will become the 54th signatory to the MoU.
Events & Observances
Every year on 1st December World Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day is
being observed to raise awareness of the pandemic caused by the spread of human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Every year International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is being observed on 3
December to promote an understanding of disability issues. It also seeks to mobilize support
for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Union Government has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the Centenary
year of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). It is the apex institution on animal (fauna) taxonomy
in India.
The first India International Science Festival (IISF) was hosted at the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT)-Delhi campus. It was organised by Union Ministry of Science and
Technology. The IISF was countrys biggest ever Technology and Industrial Expo.
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44th Navy Day was observed on 4 December 2015 to commemorate the success of the
Operation Trident of 1971 India-Pakistan War.
The fifth edition of Heart of Asia conference, an annual regional gathering of Asian and
other countries commenced in Islamabad Pakistan. Theme of the meeting was Heart of AsiaIstanbul Process: Enhanced cooperation for countering security threats and promoting
connectivity in the Heart of Asia region.
Human Rights Day (HRD) is marked annually on 10th December to commemorate the day in
DINESH
CHAND (UN)
MEENA adopted
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
1948 when the United
Nations
the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR). The theme chosen for the year 2015 HRD is Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always.
Losar festival
The festival of Losar has begun in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir to mark the
beginning of New Year in this Himalayan region. 10 day long festival began with illumination
of religious and residential places and by visiting monasteries for prayer. Losar is Tibetan
word for new year and this festival is an important social and religious celebration in Ladakh.
Every year 22nd December is observed as National Mathematics Day to celebrate birth
anniversary of great Indian autodidact Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. This year, it will
be the 128th birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan.
In India, 24th December is being observed as National Consumer Day. On this day the
Consumer Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the President. The enactment
of this Act was considered as a historic milestone in the consumer movement in the country.
In India, National Good Governance Day is observed every year on 25th December on the
birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution to designate 5th
November every year as World Tsunami Awareness Day. The observance of the day would
help to spread awareness among people across the world in matters related to the dangers of
tsunami.
Defence Related
INDRA NAVY-15
The eighth edition of India-Russia joint naval exercise-INDRA NAVY-15 has begun in
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is a bilateral maritime joint naval exercise between the
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Iran has successfully carried out test of medium range Ghadr-110 ballistic missile near
the Chabahar, a port city in southeast of country along the Gulf of Oman. With this, Iran so
far has breached of two United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions which compels
it to refrain from any work on ballistic missiles for 8 years.
Bengaluru based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has bagged a US military contract for
research and development (R&D) on solar powered micro-grid. The federal contract worth
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
US 52,900 dollars was awarded to IISc by the US Pacific Air Forces (PAF), Yokota Air Base in
Japan.
Israel has successfully tested Arrow ballistic missile Weapon System as part of its
defence upgradation measures in the face of regional threats.
Pakistan has successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Shaheen-III ballistic missile. It is landbased surface-to-surface medium range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear as well as
conventional warheads up to 2,750 kilometres.
Pakistan has successfully tested the nuclear-capable Shaheen-IA ballistic missile with a range
of 900 km. It is a land-based supersonic and short-to-intermediate range surface-to-surface
guided ballistic missile.
Saudi Arabia has launched Islamic Military Coalition, a new military alliance of
34 nations mainly Muslim nations to fight terrorism. It has been established in pursuance of
the objectives and principles of the charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
(OIC) and calls for all member states to cooperate to combat terrorism in all its forms and
manifestations.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the purchase of Russian advance
S-400 Trium Air Defence Missile Systems at an estimated cost of 40,000 crore rupees.
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Indias first indigenously designed warship INS Godavari has been decommissioned after 32
years of service. It was decommissioned at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai (Maharashtra) after it
completed its full life cycle, meeting all responsibilities and duties assigned in 3 decades of
service.
Seychelles government allowed India to build its first Naval Base on the Assumption Island in
the Indian Ocean region (IOR) as a joint project between both countries. In this regard,
Seychelles government has allocated a plot of land on in its Assumption Island which will
help to enhance mutual security along our western seaboard in IOR.
LRSAM Barak 8
India and Israel jointly developed Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) Barak 8 was
successfully test fired from INS Kolkata.
Finance, Business and Economy
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has included Chinas Yuan into its elite reserve currency
basket mainly used as an international reserve asset with an effect from effect from 1st
October 2016.
As per latest report published by credit rating agency Brickwork Ratings, Maharashtra is the
biggest economy among the states in India. Maharashtra accounts for 16.87 lakh crore rupees
in terms of gross state domestic product (GSDP) and is followed by Tamil Nadu and Uttar
Pradesh.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its fifth bi-monthly monetary policy review has maintained
status quo in key policy interest rate.
Singapore has replaced Mauritius as the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into
India during the first half of the current fiscal year 2015-16. India attracted 6.69 billion dollars
FDI from Singapore while it received 3.66 billion dollars from Mauritius.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has launched three separate indices on three corporate
houses of India viz. Tata, Aditya Birla and Mahindra Group.
Afghanistan became 164th member nation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), global
trade body after 11 years of negotiations. WTO has formally approved Afghanistans
membership proposal at its ongoing 10th ministerial conference in the Nairobi, Kenya.
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India has joined select club nations to build Liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships after state
owned Cochin Shipyard has received certification in this regard. Cochin Shipyard also
became first shipyard in India to get the nod to build LNG-transporting ships for any client
world-wide.
State-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has emerged as the countrys biggest company in
terms of annual revenue as per an annual list of 2015 Fortune 500 companies in India. IOC
topped the list for consecutive sixth year with annual revenue of Rs. 4,51,911 crore.
Government Policy and Schemes
GIAN Scheme
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has launched Global Initiative of
Academic Networks (GIAN) Scheme to boost the quality of higher education in India. GIAN
Scheme aims at improving the quality of higher education in the country through
international collaboration.
6 new IITs
The Union Cabinet has approved proposal of setting up of 6 new Indian Institutes of
Technology (IITs) across the country. The 6 new IITs would be set up in Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala and Karnataka.
State-run energy major GAIL (India) Limited has launched geo-portal called Bhuvan-GAIL
Portal system for utilising space technology for its pipeline monitoring to address pipeline
safety concerns.
Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to start Rotavirus vaccination
project under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). The project is based on the
analogy of the polio vaccine and will help in controlling the deaths amongst small children
due to Diarrhoea.
Union Government has launched Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), a
nationwide campaign in a bid to achieve universal accessibility to persons with disabilities.
Digital MLAs
The Maharashtra legislature has become the first in the country to launch an online
mechanism for its members to send questions and move different motions in the House. In
this regard state government has launched a website mls.org.in as part of Digital MLAs
initiative in the winter session of state legislature in Nagpur.
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14
India and Pakistan have agreed to resume structured dialogue between them through new 10point Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue (CBD). The 10-point CBD replaces earlier 8-point
Composite Dialogue Process (CDP) structured dialogue which was also known as Resumed
Dialogue.
Union Government has appointed former Chief Justice of Patna High Court Justice
L Narasimha Reddy as head judicial committee on One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme.
The one member judicial committee will look into the implementation of OROP scheme for
retired defence personnel.
Colombian film Embrace of The Serpent has been adjudged as the best film of the 46th
International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Directed Ciro Guerra of Embrace of The Serpent
was bestowed with the Golden Peacock award and the cash prize of 40 lakh rupees.
Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam (63) has been selected for the
prestigious 2015 Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award. He has been chosen for this award in
recognition of his achievements and outstanding contributions in a foreign country.
Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet (NDQ) has been awarded prestigious 2015 Nobel Peace
Prize at a ceremony held in Oslo, Norway. NDQ consists of 4 civil
society organisations viz. Tunisian General Labour Union, Tunisian Confederation of
Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, Tunisian Human Rights League and Tunisian Order of
Lawyers.
Naseeruddin Shah
Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah has been honoured with the lifetime achievement
award at the 12th edition of Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF).
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15
Salman Rushdie
India-born author Salman Rushdie has been awarded the prestigious 2015 Mailer Prize for
Lifetime Achievement. He has been bestowed with this award for fully exercising his freedom
of creativity and thrived on dialogue and debate.
Global software major Wipro has been awarded 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award for
developing a solution for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Dilip Kumar
Legendary actor Dilip Kumar (93) has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan,
countrys second highest civilian award.
Indian-origin writer Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali from Singapore has been awarded prestigious
2015 South East Asia Write Award. The award was bestowed upon him at the annual ASEAN
regional award for literary excellence in Bangkok, Thailand.
Itzhak Perlman
Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman (70) has been awarded 2016 Genesis Prize which is
also known as Jewish Nobel prize. He has been bestowed with prestigious prize for his
accomplishments as a musician, teacher and advocate for the disabled and also for his
commitment to his Jewish identity.
President Pranab Mukherjee has been awarded 2015 Garwood Award for Outstanding Global
Leader in Open Innovation from UC Berkeley-Haas School of Business.
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach has been 64th crowned Miss Universe after beating
out contenders from the United States, France, Colombia and Australia.
Indian American professor Dr. Rakesh K. Jain has been selected for 2015 National Medal of
Science of the United States.
Indias former wicket-keeper batsman Syed Kirmani has been nominated for prestigious
BCCI-instituted Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award 2015. He was conferred with
the award for his contribution to Indian cricket.
Raghuveer Chaudhary
Eminent Gujarati litterateur Raghuveer Chaudhary has been selected for the
51st Jnanpith award. Mr. Chaudhary is the fourth Gujarati litterateur to bag this prestigious
award.
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President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill,
2015 of Maharashtra government to allow women to work in factories in night shifts.
President Pranab Mkherjee has given his assent to The Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment)
Bill, 2015. The Amendment Bill passed by the state assembly seeks to amend 10 Acts dealing
with labour laws including The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and The Minimum Wages Act,
1948.
Parliament has passed the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015. The bill seeks to
amend The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 in order to make cheque-bounce filing of cases
more convenient for check payees (person who receives the cheque).
Union Government has introduced Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to facilitate and
fast track setting up of new nuclear projects in the country. The Bill seeks to amend the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Parliament has passed Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2015 for trying
juveniles as adults. The bill has provision that allows trying of juveniles between the ages of
16 and 18 years as adults for heinous offences.
Lok Sabha has unanimously passed the National Waterways Bill, 2015 to declare 106
additional inland waterways as National Waterways in addition to the five existing National
Waterways.
The Lok Sabha has passed The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to allow doubling
of wage ceiling for calculating bonus of factory workers and establishments with 20 or more
workers. The Bill seeks to amend the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965.
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the India-Australia
Civil Nuclear Cooperation deal that came into force on November 13, 2015.
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December 1, 2015
1st December: World AIDS Day
December 1, 2015
Every year on 1st December World Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day is
being observed to raise awareness of the pandemic caused by the spread of human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) infection.
It also seeks to remember those who have died of the disease by mourning. The theme for year 2015
is Getting to zero, End AIDS by 2030.
Government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), health officials and individuals around the
world observe the day and often
spread
and education on| 51062
AIDS prevention and control.
DINESH
CHANDawareness
MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
Background: World Health Organization (WHO) had designated 1st December as World AIDS
Day in 1987. Since then it is observed annually and is one of the eight official global public health
campaigns marked by the WHO.
Common reasons for getting infected with AIDS
Unprotected sex with an infected person.
During pregnancy from mother to child or even breastfeeding.
Through transfusion of blood.
Using of hypodermic needles of infected person to other person.
Russian legendary film Director and screenwriter Eldar Ryazanov passed away in Moscow, Russia.
He was 88.
He was one of Russias best-loved Soviet-era film directors and an icon of popular USSR culture of
tragi-comedies that satirised daily life in the erstwhile Soviet Union.
19
Former Indian Test Captain and ace spinner Anil Kumble has resigned as the Chief Mentor of Indian
Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians with an immediate effect.
His decision follows after Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) crackdown on conflict of
interest in the board. Earlier in November 2015, Indian cricket team director Ravi Shastri was
removed from the IPL Governing Council and selector Roger Binny was asked to leave.
Since January of 2013, Mr. Kumble was associated with Mumbai Indians and in his first year as the
mentor of Mumbai Indians team had won the IPL and the Champions League and once again the IPL
cup in 2015.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Mr. Kumble is one of the two bowlers in history of cricket who had taken all 10 wickets in an
innings and another one is Englands Jim Laker. He is also Indias highest wicket taker in both Test
matches (619 wickets) and one day Internationals (ODIs) (337 wickets).
Indian Railways ink Rs 40000 cr deal of locomotive plants with GE, Alstom in Bihar
December 1, 2015
Indian Railways has signed 40,000 crore rupees contracts with General Electrics (GE) and Alstom to
set up two locomotive plants in Bihar.
Under this deal, first venture the electric locomotive factory would be set up at Madhepura city and
diesel locomotive would be set up at Marhowrah district of the state.
It is the first major manufacturing investment in Bihar, boosting manufacturing and contributing to
the overall economic growth of state along with creation of new employment opportunities in the
state under flagship Make In India initiative.
This is also the first big Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Indian railway sector after
government had relaxed FDI norms to 100 per cent in the railway sector in 2014.
President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2015
of Maharashtra government to allow women to work in factories in night shifts
The amendment bill amends Section 66(1) (c) of Factories Act, 1948 to ease provisions related to working
of women in night shifts in the state.
Key facts
The amendment of 67-year old Act also makes mandatory for factory managements to ensure
security of women working in night shifts.
Prior to amendment, the section 66(1) (c) of parent Act did not allowed women employees to
work in the factories in night shift between from 7 PM and 6 AM.
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
20
December 1, 2015
The Union Government has launched inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) injection as part of the global
polio endgame strategy in New Delhi.
The vaccine was launched by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda in New
Delhi.
It was launched as part of Indias next step in Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to fight against
polio virus in the country.
IPV injections do not contain an attenuated vaccine virus which is used in oral polio vaccine (OPV).
Thus it reduces the chances of Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (VDPV).
Key facts
The launching of IPV would enable children to get double protection from polio i.e. orally
and in the form of injection.
UIP initially will cover six states including Uttar Pardesh , Madhya Pardesh , Bihar, Assam,
Punjab and Gujarat in the first phase.
By April 2016, Union Government would switch to IPV alongside the oral polio vaccine
(OPV) to eradicate polio virus in the country.
Henceforth, as part of Indias efforts to boost its polio immunization programme babies
getting their third dose of OPV now would be administered an injection with IPV.
It should be noted that India was certified polio-free country on 27 March 2014, but the
immunization programme continues since two of its neighbours Afghanistan and Pakistan still
remain polio-endemic countries.
21
Roch Marc Christian Kabore has been elected as President of Burkina Faso.
In the presidential election, Kabore from the Movement of People for Progress party won 53.5 per
cent of the vote across 368 communes.
His nearest competitor Zephirin Diabre, a former economy
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
and finance minister secured 29.65 per cent votes.
He is the second civilian to become President since the West African country became independent in
1960 from France.
Prior to entering politics Kabore was banker and had worked for the International Bank of Burkina
(BIB). He had served as Prime Minister of Burkina Faso from 1994 to 1996 and also was President of
the National Assembly of Burkina Faso from 2002 to 2012.
Mr. Kabore will now replace the transitional government which was established after Blaise
Compaore, countrys longtime President was overthrown in a popular uprising in October 2014
followed by an army-engineered coup.
The coup was against Compaores attempts to change the countrys Constitution to prolong his time
in office after he had already ruled the country for 27 years.
Colombian film Embrace of The Serpent adjudged best film of 46th IFFI
December 1, 2015
Colombian film Embrace of The Serpent has been adjudged as the best film of the 46th International
Film Festival of India (IFFI)
Directed Ciro Guerra of Embrace of The Serpent was bestowed with the Golden Peacock award and
the cash prize of 40 lakh rupees.
Other awards
The Best Director award: Peter Greenway for the Netherlands film Eisenstein in
Guanajuato.
The Best male actor award: Vincent Lindon for the France film The Measure of a Man.
The Best Female actor award: five Female actress for their roles in the Turkey Film
Mustang.
Special Jury Award: Julia Vargas for his film Sealed Cargo.
The ICFT-UNESCO Fellini Award: Kaushik Gangulys Bengali film Cinemawala.
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India and France have launched International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the Conference of Parties
(CoP21) Climate Conference in Paris, France.
It was jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande in presence
UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon.
The idea of alliance was mooted by Indian PM Narendra Modi to harness solar power as a major step
to mitigate carbon gas emissions.
Key facts
Aims to bring solar rich 121 tropical countries located fully or partly between the Tropic of
Cancer and Capricorn together to tap solar energy.
These tropical countries are potential members of alliance and shall be united by the shared
vision to bring clean, renewable solar energy within the reach of all.
The objective of the alliance is to augment solar power generation in these countries with a
view to contribute global sustainable development.
It would play important role in achieving the objective of keeping global warming below 2
degree Celsius.
It will function from the Gurgaon based National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
Provide common platform to member countries to share collective ambitions to reduce the
cost of finance and technology needed harness the solar energy.
Alliance would pursue cooperation in training, regulatory issues, building institutions,
common standards and investment among the member countries.
India has been ranked 131 out of 167 nations on ICT Development Index (IDI) that measures the
level of information and communication technology access.
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China hosted the first Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) media summit in Beijing for
creating an alternative media platform for the 5 emerging economies.
25 media organisations participated in the 2 day summit which aimed to create a new institutional
framework to benefit the media of five emerging economies of BRICS grouping.
Key facts
Chinas Xinhua news agency is the initiator of the project which adds one more dimension to
the BRICS format.
It was organised in collaboration with The Hindu group of publications, Russia Today
International News Agency, the Brazil Communication Company and South Africas
Independent Media.
The summit proposed the formation of a BRICS Media Foundation for supporting and
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December 2, 2015
IMF approves Chinas Yuan as elite reserve currency
December 2, 2015
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has included Chinas Yuan into its elite reserve currency basket
mailny used as an international reserve asset with an effect from effect from 1st October 2016.
Decision in this regard was taken by the IMFs executive board meeting for regular five-yearly
review of the basket of currencies that make up the Special Drawing Right (SDR) .
Yuan also known as the Renminbi will be the fifth freely usable currency along with the US Dollar,
British Pound, Japanese Yen and Euro. It was added in the basket after it met all existing criteria for
its inclusion.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Criteria for inclusion in elite reserve currency basket
Export Criterion:Exports of a particular country must have the largest value over a 5 year
period and should play a central role in the global economy.
Freely Usable:The currency must also be a freely usable currency i.e. widely used in
international transactions for making payments and widely traded in the main exchange
markets.
Jharkhand government has declared the entire state as drought hit in view of less rainfall in 2015
monsoon season and loss of crops.
Decision in this regard was taken at the state Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Raghuvar
Das in Ranchi following Agriculture departments report on drought.
In its report state Agriculture department has reported that 64 blocks of the state have suffered 50
per cent loss in crops and another 62 blocks have suffered 40 per cent loss due to poor monsoon.
It also estimated that drought has resulted loss of rice (dhan) crops by 37.7 per cent, dalhan crops by
16.85 per cent and Makka crops by 27.06 per cent in 2015.
State Cabinet also has decided to send the report on drought status in state to the Union
Government and request it to send a team for assessment of drought in the state.
Earlier in November 2015, in view of drought conditions state government had announced a
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
26
President Pranab Mkherjee has given his assent to The Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment) Bill,
2015.
The Amendment Bill passed by the state assembly to amend 10 Acts dealing with labour laws
including The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and The Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
Key facts
The Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2015 was passed by state assembly to give
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
impetus to industrialisation in state.
Ban strikes: Empowers state government to ban strikes in public utility services for upto 1
year for first time. This ban can be subsequently extended upto 2 years for any number of
times.
Dispute Settlement: Add provision for out of court settlement between the labourers and
management by paying certain fee to the government.
Redefine contractors: Amends the definition of contractor to include outsourcing agencies,
which in some cases is government itself.
Payment of wages: Mandatory to be paid by cheque instead of cash for establishments
employing 20 persons or more.
Empower employers to change nature of jobs of the employees without prior notice.
Lifts restrictions on sacking of workers and payment of compensation for industrial units
located in Special Investment Regions (SIR) and National Investment and Manufacturing
Zones (NIMZ) permitted under Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
The German Cabinet has approved a mandate offering military assistance to fight against the Islamic
State (IS) militant group in Syria.
The mandate aims at supporting France and the international alliance in its fight against the IS
militant group. Now it requires Parliamentary approval to come into force.
This decision was taken by cabinet after an appeal was made by French President Francois Hollande
in the wake of the 13 November Paris attacks carried by the terrorist organisation.
Key facts
The German mission will include sending Tornado reconnaissance jets, a refueling aircraft
and a frigate for one year and can be extended by year.
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As per latest report published by credit rating agency Brickwork Ratings, Maharashtra is the biggest
economy among the states in India.
Maharashtra accounts for 16.87 lakh crore rupees in terms of gross state domestic product (GSDP)
and is followed by Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
Key highlights of Report
Maharashtras GSDP has grown by 11.69 per cent in the financial year 2014-15. It earns
approximately 70 per cent of its total receipts through tax revenues highest among the bigger
states and is followed by Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Manufacturing sector: In FY 2014-15, Gujarat and Maharashtra accounted for 27.26 per
cent and 25.18 per cent of GSDP respectively. They led other state economies in terms of
level of contribution from the manufacturing sector.
Other states with higher manufacturing sector share are Tamil Nadu (19.1%), Jharkhand
(18.8%) and Haryana (18.1%).
Services sector: Karnataka leads in the growth of services sector in India. It is largely
attributed to the growth in the IT/BPO/ KPO sector. It is followed by Tamil Nadu,
Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
Fastest-growing states: Bihar (17.06%), Madhya Pradesh (16.86%) and Goa (16.43%).
Slowest-growing states: Telangana (5.3%), Punjab (10.16%), Rajasthan (11%).
Agriculture Sector: Though being mainstay sector of most states employing 40-60 per cent
of the workforce directly or indirectly, it has been neglected sector.
Brickwork Ratings report is based on multi-state research analysis of finances of all the states. It
looks into state governments willingness and ability to honour debt obligations along with analysis
of political, economic, financial, budgetary and institutional parameters.
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
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RBI keeps repo rate unchanged in 5th bi-monthly monetary policy review
December 2, 2015
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its fifth bi-monthly monetary policy review has maintained status
status quo in key policy interest rate.
The key policy interest rates were kept unchanged on the basis of an assessment of the current and
evolving macroeconomic situation in the country.
The Key policy interest rates are
Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF): unchanged at 6.75 per cent.
Reverse repo rate under the LAF: unchanged at 5.75 per cent
Marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate has unchanged at 7.75 per cent.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks: Unchanged at 4.0 per cent of net demand
and time liability (NDTL).
Continuation of liquidity under overnight repos at 0.25 per cent of bank-wise NDTL at the
LAF repo rate.
Continuation of liquidity under 14-day term repos as well as longer term repos of up to 0.75
per cent of NDTL of the banking system through auctions.
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has launched Global Initiative of
Academic Networks (GIAN) Scheme to boost the quality of higher education in India.
It was launched by Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
campus.
29
Senior Janta Dal United (JDU) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary has been elected as new Speaker of
Bihar legislative assembly.
The pro-tem Speaker and Congress MLA Sadanand Singh had announced election of Mr. Chaudhary
as the new Speaker.
He was elected unanimously after all parties supported his candidature including main opposition
Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).
Mr.Chaudhary is a five time MLA and represents Sarai Ranjan assembly constituency of Samastipur
district and is a close associate of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Previously in Bihar Legislative Assembly, he had severed as JDU Leader of Legislature Party. He also
had served as the Minister for Water Resources, Agriculture and Information & Public Relations
Departments in the cabinet under Nitish Kumar.
During his stint as a legislator from 1982 to 1995, he had served as the Deputy Chairman of Bihar
State Industrial Development Corporation (BSIDC).
30
December 3, 2015
3rd December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3, 2015
Every year International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is being observed on 3 December
to promote an understanding of disability issues.
It also seeks to mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The theme for year 2015 of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is Inclusion matters: access
and empowerment for people of all abilities.
United Nations has estimated around one billion people are living with disabilities across the world
and they are facing barriers ofDINESH
inclusion
many
key aspects of society.
CHAND in
MEENA
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
Background: In 1992, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had passed a resolution 47/3 for
annually observing 3rd December as International Day of Disabled Persons. It was originally called as
International Day of Disabled Persons.
Veteran industrialist and former parliamentarian MAM Ramaswamy passed away in Chennai, Tamil
Nadu. He was 84.
He was the last King of Chettinad and co-founder and past chairman of the Rs. 10,000 crore
Chettinad Group of companies.
Union Cabinet has approved signing and ratification of a protocol between India and Japan for
amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC).
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
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Government gives nod to MoU between India and Israel in the field of water resources
December 3, 2015
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing MoU between India and Israel in the field of
water resources management and development cooperation.
The bilateral cooperation between both countries will benefit them in strengthening the techniques
in efficient use of water, micro-irrigation.
It would also help them in recycling and re-use of waste water, aquifer recharge, desalination and insitu water conservation techniques.
Both countries will form a joint working group to monitor the activities to be carried out for the
fulfilment of provisions mentioned in the MoU.
Israel which is one of arid country in West Asia has pioneered different water conservation and
water management techniques to overcome the issue of water scarcity. Its pioneering techniques
include efficiency use of water, micro-irrigation, reuse of waste water, desalination, aquifer recharge
etc.
Background
The Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has
envisaged bilateral cooperation route with other countries in the field water resources development
and management through sharing of policy and technical expertise.
India already has entered into agreements in this regard with countries like Australia, China, Bahrain
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
32
Government gives nod to introduction of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015
December 3, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for
introduction of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015.
The bill aims for establishment of a Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) in Faridabad, Haryana
and provide a legal status to the Centre.
Key facts
The Centre is an inter-disciplinary regional hub and institution in life sciences and
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
biotechnology.
It would offer novel educational and training courses in the interdisciplinary and related areas
of biotechnology.
It would also address designing of new and novel programmes for education and training
purposes that could then be assimilated by the existing universities in India and the Region.
Legal status will empower the centre to function independently as an autonomous body and
as an Institution of National Importance.
RCB will give emphasis on novel education programmes relevant to industry, including biodrug discovery science, medicine and nano-science, designer crops, bioengineering and
biomaterials, imaging techniques.
It will also include technology transfer, intellectual property and regulations to fulfil and
overcome the acute shortage of skilled human resources in India in this field.
It would act as a hub of biotechnology expertise in the countries in South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region, Asia region to address human resources needs.
Background
Regional Centre for Biotechnology already has been established in 2008 by an executive order of the
Union Government after the approval by the Union Cabinet. Presently it is operational at Faridabad
based NCR Biotech Science Cluster. Enactment of law in this regard would not involve any financial
implications at this stage.
The Union Cabinet has approved an agreement with Germany to expand bilateral cooperation in the
field of solar energy between both countries.
In this regard, Union Cabinet has approved a MoU which was signed in October 2015 between both
countries during Chancellor Angela Merkels visit to India.
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
33
The Union Cabinet has approved proposal of setting up of 6 new Indian Institutes of Technology
(IITs) across the country.
The 6 new IITs would be set up in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala
and Karnataka.
Key facts
In its first year, each new IIT will have an initial intake of 180 students and each IIT will have
a sanctioned faculty-student ratio of 1:10.
In the second year, the intake strength would increase to 450 and subsequently in the third
year to 928 (840 Undergraduates, 80 Postgraduates and 8 PhD).
Each new IIT would function from temporary campus for the initial period of 3 years and
later shift permanent campuses in the 4th year.
The Union Cabinet also gave its approval for operationalisation of these new 6 IITs initially by
forming of Societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This provision will be mainly to give
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
34
Goa Government has launched the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 to benefit more than
one third of the states population.
It will bring more than one DINESH
third population
of the coastal state into legal entitlements of existing
CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
food security programmes and schemes of Central Government.
Key facts
Around 5 lakh 11 thousand persons in the targeted Public Distribution System (PDS) in Goa
will receive 5 kgs subsidised rice or wheat per person per month.
Rice will be given at the subsidised rate of 3 rupees per kg and wheat at the rate of 3 rupees
per kg to target persons.
For effective implementation of this scheme, state governments civil supplies and
distribution departments have scrutinised the PDS households.
They also have digitised the ration cards and updated the consolidated data with Aadhar card
and other identifications prior to launching the scheme for implementation of NFS Act.
For the implementation of the scheme, Union government will bear a subsidy of 65 crores rupees,
while the state government will spend 25 crores annually.
Background
National Food Security Act, 2013 envisages adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to
people to live a life of dignity under Article 21 of Constitution. It includes the Midday Meal (MDM)
Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and Public Distribution System
(PDS) under it to provide subsidized food grains.
Justice Tirath Singh Thakur was sworn in as 43rd Chief Justice of India (CJI).
He was administered oath to the office by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New
Delhi.
Justice Thakur succeeded incumbent Justice H L Dattu who retired on 2 December 2015 and shall
have the tenure till 4 January 2017 i.e. till he attains 65 age.
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December 4, 2015
Union Government to allow e-Postal Ballot System for Overseas electors
December 4, 2015
Union Government is going to allow e-Postal Ballot System and Proxy voting to Overseas electors as an
alternative voting option.
This information was given by Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda in a written reply in the
Rajya Sabha.
Key facts
The e-Postal Ballot System: It envisages providing blank ballots electronically to the Non
Resident Indian (NRI)
voters
and
thereafter
after casting vote
DINESH
CHAND
MEENA
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062they can return it by normal
post.
Proxy voting: It would allow such overseas voters to appoint a proxy after following certain
formalities and exercise his/her franchise.
However to give legal status this proposal, amendment are to be made in The Representation of the
People Act (RPA), 1950 and 1951. But time frame to implement it will come after approval of
amendment to RPA by both the Houses of the Parliament.
State-run energy major GAIL (India) Limited has launched geo-portal called Bhuvan-GAIL Portal
system for utilising space technology for its pipeline monitoring to address pipeline safety concerns.
The project has been developed in collaboration with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), a
unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Key facts
The new system integrated with the Bhuvan-GAIL portal would begin live satellite
monitoring of its pipelines Right of Use (RoU) from January 2016.
It can send alerts to relevant executives through SMS and e-mail regarding the changes noted
along the RoU as well as the arrival of any new satellite photos.
The system has satellite-sensing technology, high-resolution satellites object-oriented image
analysis and other advance space technology for pipeline monitoring applications.
GAIL also has developed an innovative mobile application from which pictures taken from
any mobile phone can be uploaded instantly on the portal.
GAILs R&D pilot project in this regard was implemented on the 610-km-long DahejVijaipur pipeline.
Apart from this system GAIL is also seeking alternative methods such as advanced Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles (UAV) which can be integrated with this system. Presently, GAIL is monthly monitoring its
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
37
Britain has launched airstrikes against Islamic State (IS)-controlled oil fields in Syria after
parliamentarians in the House of Commons overwhelmingly voted for military action.
In this regard, a motion for voting was forwarded in the House of Commons and it received 397
members votes including 66 opposition Labour member in favour of it.
After the support of Parliament, British warplanes of Royal Air Force conducted six strikes against
IS-controlled Omar oil fields in Syria from its base in Akrotiri, Cyprus.
The ruling government of Britain has taken this decision in lines with the resolution2249 (2015)
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
passed by United National Security Council (UNSC). The resolution had called on all nations to redouble and co-ordinate their collection action to prevent further attacks by IS and other extremist
groups.
United States has welcomed the vote by the British Parliament as it would more teeth to the global
anti-terror coalition forces to fight IS militants and expand their strategy to defeat terrorist
group. Russia also has welcomed Britains decision as it aimed at combating terrorism and the fight
against IS.
The first India International Science Festival (IISF) has begun at the Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT)-Delhi campus. It has been organised by Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
The IISF is expected to be the countrys biggest ever Technology and Industrial Expo. Around 4,000
delegates from India and abroad are expected to take part in the festival.
Key facts
The five day festival (from 5th to 8th December) will showcase the achievements of Indian
scientists and institutions.
It will provide a single platform to explore ways for translating academic research into
industrial applications benefiting the common man.
It also seeks to encourage culmination of scientific temperament among youngsters, especially
school children.
The festival will provide common platform for scientists to interact with each other for
sharing ideas and knowledge.
On the occasion of this festival, Union Ministry of Science and Technology has organised a mass
event in which 2,000 students are going to conduct an experiment at the same venue.
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
38
Union Government has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the Centenary year of
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
The postage stamp was released by Union Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in
the presence of Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi.
They also released publications of ZSI- the Centenary Souvenir, Centenary Directory and A Glorious 100.
Lok Sabha has passed The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 by a voice vote to establish Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS).
The Bill replaces the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 and establishes BIS as a national standard
body for development of standardization and assessment and quality assurance of goods, articles,
services, processes and systems.
The Bill seeks to broaden ambit of BIS and empower Union Government to make it mandatory to
carry the standard mark for certain notified goods, articles, processes, etc.
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44th Navy Day was observed on 4 December 2015. On this occasion, Chief of Naval staff Robin K
Dhowan along with Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag paid
tributes to martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in New Delhi.
President Pranab Mukherjee extended his greetings and felicitations to all members of the Indian
Navy and their families on this occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings to Indian Navy personnel and saluted
their impregnable spirit and utmost devotion with which they protect our Motherland.
Background
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Every year Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4 to commemorate the success of the
Operation Trident of 1971 India-Pakistan War. In this operation Indian Navy sank three Pakistani
vessels near the largest Pakistani port of Karachi. Operation Trident had also resulted in first use of
anti-ship missiles in the Arabian Sea region.
Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation has been announced by a broad coalition
of nations, river basin organizations, business and civil societies from across the globe.
It was announced during the on-going 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference,
Conference of Parties (COP-21) in Le Bourget, Paris, France.
The announcement was made as part of the Water Resilience Focus event under the Lima to Paris
Action Agenda (LPAA) on climate change.
Paris Pact on water and climate change adaptation
Aims to make water systems which are very foundation of sustainable human development
more resilient to climate change impacts.
It involves a wide geographic coalition of national and cross-border river basin organisations
along with governments, local governments, funding agencies, companies and civil society
Highlights other key partnerships and coalitions to make river basins, aquifers, lakes and
deltas more resilient to climate change and reduce human interference with oceans.
It encompasses individual commitments to implement adaptation plans, strengthening water
monitoring and measurement systems in river basins.
It also seeks at promoting financial sustainability and new investment in water systems
management.
It was signed by almost all countries and have committed for over one billion dollars. India also has
agreed to contribute 20 million dollars to build climate resilience through improved groundwater
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December 4, 2015
Scientist M. Nair Rajeevan appointed Earth sciences secretary
December 5, 2015
Distinguished Scientist M Nair Rajeevan (54) has been appointed as Secretary of Union Ministry of
Earth Sciences.
His for appointment of this post was cleared by Appointment Committee of Cabinet (ACC) chaired
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Presently, Rajeevan is serving as Director at Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
(IITM).
Earlier he had served in renowned
institutions
like Tata Institute of
Fundamental Research (TIFR)
DINESH CHAND
MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
and Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Australias Federal Parliament has passed Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia)
Bill, 2015 to strip citizenship of convicted persons on terrorism charges.
The new legislation allows government to strip dual nationals of their citizenship if they are
convicted of terrorism offences.
Key provisions
Those who are found to have fought for banned terrorist group overseas, their citizenship
will be automatically terminated.
The dual nationals would lose their citizenship if the person is convicted of a terrorism
offence and sentenced to at least 6 years of imprisonment
Those who are found engaged in terrorist acts such as providing or receiving training in for
carrying a terrorist attack, recruit or finance terrorists (organisations) or terrorism.
If any person is convicted of terrorism in the previous decade then the new law has
retrospective measures to allow revoking of citizenship convicted terrorists.
Background
As per the Australian Government, the law was deemed necessary due to current terrorist threats
around the world including in Australia from banned terrorist outfit Islamic state. There also has
been increasingly concern about the flow terrorist recruits to Iraq and Syria to join IS extremist
groups from Australia.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced a 60 billion dollars package to African nations during
the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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43
Uttar Pradesh Government has launched International festival on Birds in a bid to promote state as
an international bird-watching destination.
The first-of-its-kind festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at the National
Chambal Sanctuary (NCS).
It has been jointly organised by the State Forest department in collaboration with Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
The three-day international festival (from 4 to 6 December 2015) on birds will be held the National
Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) in Agra. Over 80 Indian ornithlogists and around 25 top international
bird experts and are participating in the first-of-its-kind festival.
The Delhi Assembly has unanimously passed the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, 2015 for establishment of
statutory anti-corruption ombudsman.
The Bill provides powers to Lokpal to act against any government functionary including those of the
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
44
Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to start Rotavirus vaccination project
under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
The project was launched by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh from Dharamsala in district Kangra by
administering the Rotavirus vaccine drops to the children aged less than 5 years.
Rotavirus vaccination project is based on the analogy of the polio vaccine. Under it Rotavirus drops
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45
About Rotavirus
The Rotavirus is a genus of double-stranded RNA virus in the family Reoviridae. It most
common causative agent of moderate-to-severe diarrhoea (MSD) among infants below 11
months age group in India.
Transmission: The virus spreads from person to person due to bacterial and parasiting
agents that are primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water.
Impact on Health: It causes gastroenteritis after it damages the cells that line the small
intestine and causes gastroenteritis.
DINESH CHAND MEENA
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Allahabad High Court in its judgment has made married daughters of deceased government
employees eligible for appointments on compassionate grounds in government jobs.
Ruling in this regard was given by a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice
Yashwant Verma on a petition filed by a Vimla Srivastava.
The petitioner had challenged the validity of clauses 2C-3 of Uttar Pradesh Recruitment of Government
Servants Dying in Harness Rules. The Clause 2C-3 only allowed unmarried or widowed daughters of
deceased government employees eligible for appointment on compassionate grounds.
Allahabad High Court Judgment
High Court held that clause 2C-3 is unconstitutional and violated fundamental rights.
Observed that when married son could get jobs on compassionate grounds then there is no
reason to deny the same to married daughter.
Pointed out that the exclusion of married daughters violated Article 14 (Right to Equality),
Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of sex, religion, caste etc.) and
Article 16 (equality of opportunity in matters of public employment)
CEA Dr Arvind Subramanian Committee suggests GST rate of 17-18 per cent
December 5, 2015
Chief Economic Advisor Dr Arvind Subramanian led Committee has recommended standard rate for
Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 17 to 18 per cent.
The Committee has submitted its report to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi.
Recommendations of Dr Arvind Subramanian Committee
Standard GST rate of 17 to 18 per cent. It is the rate at which most products would likely be
taxed. Not to specify GST rate in Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Revenue-neutral rate of 15 to 15.5 per cent. It is a single rate at which there will be no
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
46
The South Western Railways (SWR) Zone with headquarters in Hubli, Karnataka has introduced
biodiesel for trains, operating under its zone.
In this regard, SWRs first train Hubballi-Bengaluru Janshatabdi Express powered by five per cent
biodiesel blended with High Speed Diesel was flagged off from Hubli.
The main aim of the initiative is to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and carbon footprint
and also to make fuel consumption more efficient.
To meet its biodiesel demand, SWR zone has set up Biodiesel filling centres at Hubli, Bengaluru and
Hospet. In next one year all the 13 railway depots within the zone will have their own filling units
and the biodiesel blending will be gradually increased to ten percent.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a green fuel that provides quasi-renewable energy for cleaner alternatives as
sustainable fuel for diesel locomotives and reduces dependency on fossil fuel especially diesel.
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47
Indias forest & tree cover increased by 5, 081 Sq km: ISFR 2015
December 5, 2015
According to the recently released India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2015, Indias forest and tree
cover has been increased by 5081 Square kilometre.
The report was released by the Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Key facts
The total forest and tree cover in the country is 79.42 million hectare, which accounts for
24.16 per cent of the total geographical area.
The total forest cover of the country has increased by 3, 775 sq km and the tree cover has
gone up by 1, 306 sq km.
The majority of the increase in forest cover has been observed in open forest category mainly
outside forest areas, followed by Very Dense Forest.
Open Forest area: Increased by 4744 sq km and accounts for 9.14 per cent of the total
geographical area.
Very Dense Forest area: Increased by 2404 sq km and accounts for 2.61 per cent of the total
geographical area.
Total carbon stock: Increased by 1.48 per cent (103 million tonnes) and is estimated to be 7,
044 million tonnes in the countrys forest.
Around 40 per cent forest cover in India is in 9 big patches of 10, 000 sq kms and more. The
increase in mangrove cover also has been included in the increase in total forest cover.
State wise maximum increase in forest cover: Tamil Nadu (2, 501 sq km), Kerala (1, 317
sq km) and Jammu & Kashmir (450 sq km).
Largest forest cover in terms of area: Madhya Pradesh (77, 462 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh
(67, 248 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55, 586 sq km).
Highest percentage of forest cover: Mizoram (88.93%), Lakshadweep (84.56%).
States/UTs having forest cover above 33 per cent: 15 States/UTs have forest cover above
33 percent of the geographical area.
Out of these 7 states/UTs have more than 75 per cent forest cover. They are Mizoram,
Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and
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48
China has granted a license for production of first manned two seater electric aircraft RX1E known
as RX1E by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
The aircraft has been designed by Shenyang Aerospace University and Liaoning General Aviation
Academy in northeastern Liaoning province.
Key facts
RX1E electric light-sport aircraft and it is Chinas first manned electric light aircraft.
This plane is powered by lithium batteries and is capable of flying a maximum altitude of
3000 meters.
The plane has a 47-foot wingspan and has a charging time of 90 minutes enables it to fly for
45 to 60 minutes. The plane can take the maximum takeoff weight of 480 kg.
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December 6, 7, 2015
Union Government launches Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
December 7, 2015
Union Government has launched Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), a
nationwide campaign in a bid to achieve universal accessibility to persons with disabilities.
It was launched by Union Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley and Union Minister of Social Justice &
Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot on the occasion of International Day of Persons with
Disabilities (3 December).
Kaher Kazem has been appointed as President and Managing Director General Motors (GM) India
operations.
His appointment will come into effect from 1 January 2015 and shall replace Arvind Saxena who has
decided to retire after leading the company since early 2014
Presently, Kazem is serving as chief operating officer (COO) of GM India since early 2015.Earlier he
had managed the industrial side of the business and was president and MD of GM Uzbekistan from
2012.
Kazem had started his career as a senior engineer with GM Holden in Australia in 1995. Since then
he has held several leadership positions at GM Holden Manufacturing Operations. In 2009, he was
appointed vice president of Manufacturing and Quality for GM Thailand (ASEAN).
The World Bank has launched a $500 million dollars Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF)
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
50
Australia has won the 2014-15 Mens Hockey World League Final by defeating Belgium.
In the final match played at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium, Raipur Australian team defeated
Belgium by 2-1 goals.
India was placed at third place in this league after defeating world number two and defending
champions Netherlands by 3-2 goals in the penalty shoot-out.
Top three teams of Hockey World League Final
Champions: Australia (1st title).
Runner-up: Belgium.
Third place: India.
In this edition of Mens Hockey World League Final total 8 teams had participated. They were
Australia, India (Host), Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Argentina, Netherlands and Canada.
Indian Railways has flagged off the first inaugural service of the Goa to Mumbai double-decker airconditioned Shatabdi train.
The fully air-conditioned double-decker train was the first of its kind in the country and was flagged
off from Panaji by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. It would play important role in boosting
tourism in Goa by bringing the tourists over to the coastal state during the peak tourist season.
The train will run thrice a week between Margao Railway Station and the Lokmanya Tilak
Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai. It would cover the distance between two states in around 12 hours and
has total eight compartments with a seating capacity of 120 in each compartment.
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51
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released 2 commemorative coins on Dr B R Ambedkar as part of
the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of the architecture of Indian Constitution.
The coins are of 10 rupee and 125 rupee denomination and were issued on the 60th Mahaparinirvan
Divas of Babasaheb Ambedkar.
The Union government is celebrating 125th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar in the year 2015.
The objective of yearlong celebrations is to make the world aware about the life and the work of
legendary social reformer who is often considered as a champion of the underprivileged.
Earlier in July 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had chaired the first meeting of the National
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Committee on Nationwide Celebration of 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In
September 2015, Union Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had released a
commemorative postal stamp on Dr. Ambedkar.
Singapore has replaced Mauritius as the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India
during the first half of the current fiscal year 2015-16.
It was unveiled by the data during April to September 2015 period released by the Department of
Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
Key facts
India has attracted 6.69 billion dollars FDI from Singapore while it received 3.66 billion
dollars from Mauritius.
Highest foreign investment sector wise : Computer software and hardware (3.05 billion
dollars), trading (2.30 billion dollars), services and automobile (1.46 billion dollars each) and
telecommunications (659 million dollars).
Foreign investment from Singapore has more than doubled from 2.41 billion dollars in the
same period in FY year 2014-15.
Overall, Singapore accounts for 15 per cent of the total inbound FDI received by India during
April 2000 and September 2015. However, Mauritius accounted for 34 per cent of FDI during
the same period.
Canada has successfully sent the first consignment of 250 tonnes of uranium to India as part of
bilateral civil nuclear cooperation between both countries.
It was shipped by Canadas Cameco Inc, as part of contract with Department of Atomic Energy
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
52
National Security Advisor (NSA) level talks between India and Pakistan were held in Bangkok,
Thailand.
It was attended by Indias NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Naseer Khan Janjua. Foreign
secretaries S. Jaishankar (India) and Aziz Ahmad Chaudhary (Pakistan) were also present during the
high level meet.
Key facts
Both sides in the meeting discussed peace and security, terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir and
other issues including tranquility along the Lince of Control.
The dialogue mainly covered issues of key interest to both countries including terrorism for
India and the Kashmir dispute for Pakistan.
They also agreed to carry forward the constructive engagement between both countries.
Background
The NSA level talks come in the backdrop of the recent meeting between Prime ministers of India
and Pakistan in Paris, France on the lines of UNFCCC summit. Earlier in September 2015, the
planned NSA level talks based on 2015 Ufa declaration between both countries was called off at last
moment.
53
The Chinese government has issued its first red alert on pollution (smog) it its Capital Beijing due to
hazardous air quality caused by severe air pollution.
The warning was an upgrade from the previous second highest orange alert. The red alert is the
most serious (highest) warning on a four-tier system of emergency air-pollution response system
was adopted in 2013.
Under the alert
Government has advised schools to be voluntarily close unless they had good air filtration
systems.
Half of private cars in the capital city would be also ordered off the road during the period
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December 8, 2015
Centre-right MUD coalition wins 2015 Parliamentary election of Venezuela
December 8, 2015
Opposition Centre-right Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) coalition has won the 2015
Parliamentary elections of Venezuela.
The MUD coalition won at least 99 seats in the 167-seat legislature of the National Assembly by
defeating ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) led by President Nicols Maduro.
In this election, PSUV won 46 seats and remaining candidates from different parties have won 22
seats. With this, the 17 years of socialist ruling regime came to an end which was founded by former
President Hugo Chavez in 1999.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Background
2015 Parliamentary election for the 167 members of the National Assembly of Venezuela was held
on 6 December 2015 and was based on a mixed majoritarian system. Under this system, of the total
167 members, 113 members are elected by first-past-the-post voting in 87 constituencies.
51 seats are elected by closed list of proportional representation based on the 23 states and the
Capital District and the seats are allocated using the dHondt method. The remaining 3 seats are
reserved for indigenous peoples and are elected by the community.
Venezuela: It is oil-rich Latin American country located on the northern coast of South America.
Presently, the country is facing worst economic slowdown due to due to continuing low price of oil
in the international market as it is its main export commodity. It also has the highest inflation rate
around 100 per cent in 2015 in the South America.
Lok Sabha passes High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of
Service) Amendment Bill, 2015
December 8, 2015
Lok Sabha has passed The High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of
Service) Amendment Bill, 2015
The Bill amends the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958 and the
High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954.
Key features of Bill
The Bill aims at removing anomalies in pensionary benefits of High Court judges elevated
from the bar.
Seeks to bring uniformity and do away with the indiscrimination of salaries and pensions for
judges elevated from the Bar
Pension payable to HC judges: For the purpose of providing pension, a period of 10 years
will be added from April 2004 to the service of a Judge. This provision would be applicable to
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
56
The Maharashtra legislature has become the first in the country to launch an online mechanism for
its members to send questions and move different motions in the House.
In this regard state government has launched a website mls.org.in as part of Digital MLAs initiative
in the winter session of state legislature in Nagpur.
Key facts
This system has been launched in an effort of state government to move towards complete
digitization of the legislative process that aims at bringing the paper work to minimum.
All MLAs and MLCs have been given unique user names and passwords to access to website
so that they can send their questions and requests online.
Facilitates them to move different motions like calling attention and half-an-hour discussion
questions for legislature sessions.
The system has been designed by the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL).
Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015 introduced in Lok Sabha to fast track nuclear power
projects
December 8, 2015
Union Government has introduced Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to facilitate and fast
track setting up of new nuclear projects in the country.
It was introduced by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh.
The Bill seeks to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Key provisions of the Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015
Under the Act, a government company is one in which at least 51% of the paid-up share capital is
held by the central government. Paid-up share capital is the capital received by a company from the
issue of shares.
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
57
Pune and Rajkot have become the new interim franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
through the reverse bidding process.
They will replace the suspended teams of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) for
a period of two years.
The Pune franchise was bought by Kolkata-based company New Rising owned by business tycoon
Sanjiv Goenka, while Intex Mobiles won the bid for the Rajkot franchise.
Mr. Goenka will shell out 10 crore rupees per year to the Board of Cricket Council of India (BCCI)
for the Pune franchise, while Intex Mobiles will pay 16 crore rupees for the two-year.
Reverse bidding process
Both new interim franchises were picked through the reverse bidding process for which the base
price was set at 40 crore rupees. The bidders were to quote an amount less than that and the lowest
bidders were given the franchises.
Now, players from CSK and RR franchises will be divided between two teams of capped and
uncapped draft system. The two new teams will have a minimum of 40 crore rupees and a maximum
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
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Parliament passed the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015. It was first passed by Lok
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Sabha in August 2015 and later in Rajya Sabha in December 2015.
The bill seeks to amend The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 in order to make cheque-bounce
filing of cases more convenient for check payees (person who receives the cheque).
Key features of Bill
Adds provision to specify the territorial jurisdiction of the courts in cases related to bouncing
of cheques which was not present in the parent Act.
It says that cases in this regard need to be filed only in a court in whose jurisdiction the bank
branch of the payee lies.
It also adds provision related to more than one case is filed against the same person before
different courts for bouncing of cheques.
In this matter, the case will be transferred to the court that has appropriate jurisdiction. The
bill also amends the definition of cheque.
Redefines cheque in the electronic form which is signed in a secure system with a digital
signature or using electronic system and drawn in electronic medium using any computer
resource.
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December 9, 2015
Indian-American Entrepreneur Frank Islam selected for 2015 Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award
December 9, 2015
Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam (63) has been selected for the
prestigious 2015 Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award.
He has been chosen for this award in recognition of his achievements and outstanding contributions
in a foreign country. He will be bestowed upon with award by UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at
the inaugural UP Pravasi Diwas on January 4, 2016 in Agra.
World number one women shuttler Carolina Marin from Spain has won the 2015 Female
Badminton Player of the Year award.
She was presented with the award by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) President Poul-Erik
Hoyer in Dubai.
Indias Saina Nehwal along with Zhao Yunlei of China (2014 winner) and another Chinese Bao Yixin
were in race for this annual award in Female category.
Other categories winners
Male Player of the Year award: Chen Long (China).
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
60
Iran has successfully carried out test of medium range Ghadr-110 ballistic missile near the Chabahar,
a port city in southeast of country along the Gulf of Oman.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
The test was held in November 2015, but was disclosed by the western intelligence agencies in
December 2015. With this Iran so far has breached of two United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
resolutions which compels it to refrain from any work on ballistic missiles for 8 years.
Key facts
Ghadr-110 ballistic missile is an improved and advance version of Shahab 3 missile which is
similar to the precision guided missile that was tested by Iran in October 2015.
It has a range of 1,800 2000 km and is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead as well as
conventional warheads.
Missile test ban
Currently under the 2010 UNSC resolution all ballistic missile tests have been banned in Iran
until a nuclear deal between Iran and P5+1 nations is implemented.
Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) reached on July 2015 between Iran
and P5+1 nations most sanctions on Iran were lifted in exchange for curbs on its nuclear
program.
But the deal had refrained Iran from working on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear
weapons for up to eight years.
P5+1 nations: It is group of six world powers which had joined together in 2006 to reach diplomatic
efforts with Iran with regard to its nuclear program. The term P5+1 refers to the UNSC five
permanent members China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States plus Germany.
Scientists have genetically modified malaria-causing mosquito Anopheles gambiae species to fight
the deadly disease of malaria.
The research was successfully carried by team of researchers led by London based Imperial College
and was published in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
61
The fifth edition of Heart of Asia conference, an annual regional gathering of Asian and other
countries commenced in Islamabad Pakistan.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani jointly inaugurated the
ministerial-level meeting.
Key facts
Theme of the meeting: Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process: Enhanced cooperation for
countering security threats and promoting connectivity in the Heart of Asia region.
Focus of the two day conference: To increase cooperation for countering security threats
and promotion of connectivity in the region.
It is jointly hosted by Pakistan and Afghanistan and would be attended by the high-ranking
delegations from 14 participating states, 17 supporting countries and 12 international and
regional organisations. From India, the Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is
attending the meeting.
Six key areas: The 14 participating states are pursuing confidence-building measures in 6
key areas including counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, disaster management, education,
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
62
The Lok Sabha passed the Indian Trusts (Amendment), Bill 2015 by voice vote.
The Bill seeks to amend the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 to remove the archaic provisions from the 133
year old legislation which have no relevance.
Key facts
The bill seeks to empower the Union Government to notify a class of securities for the
purposes of investment of trust-money by the trustees.
It also seeks to do away with the requirement of case to case approval by the Government for
investment in any security.
The bill also provides greater flexibility and autonomy for the trustees to take decisions on
investment of trust money based on their assessment of the risk return.
Indian Trusts Act, 1882 regulates the functioning of private trusts and trustees in India. It also
outlines the procedure for investment of surplus funds of the trust for future use.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel named 2015 Times Person of the Year
December 9, 2015
Time magazine has named German Chancellor Angela Merkel as Person of the Year 2015.
She was named for her role in Europes crises over migration and Greek debt as she had provided
steadfast moral leadership in a world where it is in short supply.
With this, Merkel became only the 4th woman since 1927 to be named winner and the first women
to feature in 29 years. The other women three women to win are Wallis Simpson (1936), Queen
Elizabeth II (1952) and Corazon Aquino (1986).
Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was named runner-up and US Presidential hopeful
Donald Trump was placed .
63
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Real Estate
(Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015.
The Bill seeks to protect the interest of consumers, promote fair play in real estate transactions and
ensure timely execution of projects.
It aims at restoring confidence of the real estate sector in the consumers by institutionalizing
accountability and transparency in real estate and housing transactions. It further seeks enable the
real estate sector to access financial and capital markets.
Salient features of the Bill
The provisions of the bill would be applicable both for residential and commercial real estate
projects.
Establishment of Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in all States/Union Territories
(UTs) to regulate real estate transactions.
Mandatory registrations of real estate projects and real estate agents with the RERA.
Mandatory to disclose all registered projects along with details of the project, promoter, land
status, layout plan, agreements, approvals as well as details of real estate agents, architect,
contractors, structural engineer etc.
For timely completion of the project, specified amount will be deposited in a separate bank
account to cover the construction cost.
Establishment of Appellate Tribunal for fast track dispute resolution mechanisms for
settlement of disputes through adjudicating officers.
Empowers only consumer court to hear real estate matters and prohibits civil courts from
taking up matters defined in Bill.
Without consent of consumers, promoters are barred from changing plans and design.
Henceforth RERA would make necessary regulations and the Governments would make rules
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
64
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) on cooperation between India and United Kingdom in the energy sector.
Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in New Delhi.
Under the MoU the areas of cooperation are
The main focus will be on the electricity market structure and the integration of renewable
energy into the grid.
Market reforms, regulatory structures and market competition in the distribution and supply
of electricity. It includes incentives and regulations for Renewable Energy deployment.
Promotion of energy efficiency practice and policies including vehicular fuel efficiency and
industrial energy efficiency.
The integration of renewable energy into the grid. It includes off-shore wind energy and
solar energy and Tidal energy.
Promotion of smart grids, energy storage and new energy technologies along with off-grid
renewable energy services. It also includes capacity building of renewable energy institutions.
The MoU will provide a framework for technical assistance in the energy sector along with in-kind
grant and other support through relevant projects initiated by UK.
The programme under MoU would help to improve energy security and reliability of supply at both
centre and state levels. It would also improve energy access and facilitate sustainable economic
growth.
MoU between India and Indonesia
The Union Cabinet also approved MoU between India and Indonesia in the field of new and
renewable energy. It was signed in Jakarta during the visit of Vice President M. Hamid to Indonesia
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The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved creation of buffer stock of
pulses to deal with wide fluctuation in prices of pulses and check food inflation.
The buffer stock will be created by the procurement and would be valid for fiscal year 2015-16.
As per decision
The buffer stock will consist about 50000 tonnes of pulses from the kharif crop 2015-16 and
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
one lakh tonnes from the rabi crop of 2015-16.
The Procurement will be done at market prices through above Minimum Support Price
(MSP) out of the Price Stabilisation Fund.
If the prices fall below MSP, the procurement will be made at MSP under Price Support
Scheme of Department of Agriculture (DoA).
Procuring agencies would be Food Corporation of India (FCI), National Agricultural
Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and Small Farmers Agribusiness
Consortium (SFAC).
The CCEA also decided to import pulses through Union Ministry of Commerce depending on the
requirement.
Comment
Though being the highest producer of pulses in the world, India faces shortage as its domestic
demand outstrips domestic production.
It leads to fluctuation in prices and food inflation. As a short term measure the shortfall of
pulses is usually met from imports.
However, there is need for a long-term solution to meet its demand and increase pulses
production in the country.
Presently, Union government promotes cultivation of pulses mainly through National Food
Security Mission (NFSM) which covers 622 districts in 27 states.
Around 50 per cent of allocation of NFSM is made for pulses. Under it, financial assistance is
given for distribution of quality seeds of new varieties, integrated pest management, water
saving devices, demonstration of improved technology and capacity building of farmers.
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India has been placed at fourth position in black money outflows among the developing and
emerging economies.
It was revealed by Global Financial Integritys (GFIs) Illicit Financial Flows from Developing
Countries: 2004-2013 Report.
Key facts
Record 1.1 trillion dollars flowed illicitly out of developing and emerging economies in 2013.
Top 10 countries: China
(1st), Russia (2nd), Mexico (3rd), India (4th), Malaysia (5th), Brazil
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
(6th), South Africa (75th), Thailand (8th), Indonesia (9th) and Nigeria (10th).
China tops the list with 139 billion dollars average outflow of black money per annum. It was
around 258.64 billion dollars in year 2013.
China was followed by Russia (104 billion dollars per annum) and Mexico (52.8 billion dollars
per annum).
The illegal capital (black money) outflows are mainly attributed to tax evasion, crime,
corruption and other illicit activity.
In case of India, 51 billion dollars black money outflowed per annum between the decade long
period from 2004 to 2013.
Human Rights Day (HRD) is marked annually on 10th December to commemorate the day in 1948
when the United Nations (UN) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The theme chosen for the year 2015 HRD is Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always. It marks the launch
of a 1 year campaign commemorating two international human rights treaties International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR). Both of the treaties were adopted in 1966.
Background
Human Rights Day was formally established at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) on 4 December 1950.
It was established after UNGA declared Resolution 423(V) by inviting all member states and any other
interested organizations to celebrate the day to the mark the first global enunciation of human rights
and one of the first major achievements of the UN.
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Bengaluru based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has bagged a United States military contract for
research and development (R&D) on solar powered micro-grid.
The federal contract worth US 52,900 dollars was awarded to IISc by the US Pacific Air Forces
(PAF), Yokota Air Base in Japan. Under this contract IISc will develop solar powered micro-grid
with battery and super capacitor energy storage system.
It is considered as one of the rare instances as US military has awarded a federal contract to an Indian
scientific institute known for its high-end cutting edge research.
The announcement of the contract comes on the eve of the meeting between Union Defence
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Minister Manohar Parrikar and US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter at Pentagon.
Mr Parrikar is on his maiden visit to the US to discuss ways to deepen the long term strategic
partnership between both nations. Earlier, he had visited the US Pacific Command (PACOM)
headquarters in Hawaii, becoming the the first-ever Indian Defence Minister to visit the key defence
facility of US.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to carry out
official amendments in The National Waterways Bill, 2015.
The amendments seek to add 106 additional inland waterways as the national waterways based on
the recommendations Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture and
comments of State Governments.
Key facts
The National Waterways Bill, 2015 repeals the five Acts that declare the existing national
waterways. These existing five national waterways are now covered under the Bill.
The enactment of this Act (Central legislation) will pave way for the inclusion of 106
additional inlands waterways.
Thus the total number of national waterways (NW) numbers will go up to 111 from existing
five national waterways.
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Inland Waterways
Waterways are the cheapest and environment friendly modes of Transportation. They are most
suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods. Existing five national waterways are (i) NW 1: between
Allahabad and Haldia (1620 km) on Ganga River (ii) NW 2: between Sadiya and Dubri (891 km) (iii)
NW 3: West Coast Canal (205 km) in Kerala (iv) NW 4: KakinadaPondicherry stretch River
Godavari and WazirabadVijayawada stretch of River Krishna in Andhra Pradesh (v) NW 5:
TalcherDhamra (620 km) stretch on Mahanadi River.
India and Pakistan have agreed to resume structured dialogue between them through new 10-point
Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue (CBD).
The 10-point CBD replaces earlier 8-point Composite Dialogue Process (CDP) structured dialogue
which was also known as Resumed Dialogue.
In this regard, both countries have issued a joint statement after a meeting between External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan Prime Ministers Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in
Islamabad on the side-lines of Hearth of Asia Conference.
10-point Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue (CBD) includes
Peace and security, confidence building measures (CBMs).
Jammu and Kashmir.
Siachen.
Sir Creek Boundary Dispute.
Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project.
Economic and Commercial cooperation.
Counter-terrorism, Narcotics control.
People-to-people exchanges.
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The Union Government has declared the recent Tamil Nadu flood as a Calamity of Severe Nature.
Central Governments announcement came after Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa had made a plea to
Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking that the floods be declared as National Disaster.
Under this declaration Parliamentarians are advised to pend up to 1 crore rupees under their MP
Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for reconstruction and rehabilitation works in the in
flood-affected districts.
In this regard, MPs can send approval letters to the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation.
Background
The 2015 South Indian floods was a severe natural calamity caused by heavy rainfall on 1516
November during the annual northeast monsoon seson.
The worst affected areas were are located on the Coromandel Coast region of the South Indian states
of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the union territory of Puducherry. Chennai, capital city of
Tamil Nadu was particularly hard-hit.
The floods had killed nearly 600 people and displaced over 1.8 million people. The flooding was
attributed to the strong El Nio phenomenon during the El Nio year of 2015
Israel has successfully tested Arrow ballistic missile Weapon System as part of its defence
upgradation measures in the face of regional threats.
The missile system has been jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the US
aviation giant Boeing.
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Mauricio Macri of Republican Proposal Party (RPP) has been sworn in as new President of
Argentina after taking oath in the Congress.
With this he became Argentinas first non-Peronist President in 14 years and the third leader elected
from outside the Peronist movement founded by Juan Peron since the end of the countrys
1976-1983 dictatorship.
Background
Earlier in 2015 PresidentialDINESH
election
held in November 2015 Mr Macri had won the election by
CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
securing more than 53 per cent votes. He had defeated his rival Daniel Scioli of ruling Peronist Party
who secured 47 per cent votes. His victory had ended the 12 years of leftist rule in Argentina.
Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet (NDQ) has been awarded prestigious 2015 Nobel Peace Prize at
a ceremony held in Oslo, Norway.
The award was collected by Trade unionist Hassine Abassi, human rights activist Abdessatar Ben
Moussa, Mohamed Fadhel Mahfoudh and Ouided Bouchamaoui.
Earlier in October 2015, Norwegian Nobel Committee has selected NDQ for the prestigious award
for its decisive contribution in building pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the 2011
Jasmine Revolution (It is birth place of Arab Spring). It is also credited with creating a dialogue
between the countrys Islamist and secular coalition parties.
NDQ consists following 4 organisations in Tunisian civil society. They are
Tunisian General Labour Union.
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India and South Korea have inked a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) on suspension of
collection of taxes during pendency of mutual agreement procedure.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
This MoU will relieve the burden of double taxation for taxpayers in both the countries during the
pendency of Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) proceedings.
Besides, both countries also have agreed that transfer pricing dispute cases will be taken up for MAP
under the revised Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Korea.
What is Mutual Agreement Procedure?
MAP is an alternate dispute resolution mechanism that allows competent authorities of
particular nation and its treaty partner to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement.
Under it, two signatory sides can negotiate settlement on a case that can subsequently be
taken off from the formal legal process.
As a resolution process, MAP draws up parameters for taxation in one country for which
credit would be available in another.
Main advantages: MAP is a preferred way used to settle cross-border tax cases globally.
Eliminates of double taxation arising out of transfer pricing tax disputes, characterisation of
income and attribution of profits and existence of Permanent Establishment.
Mexico Government approves worlds 1st Dengue fever vaccine named Dengvaxia
December 11, 2015
Mexico Government has approved worlds first-ever Dengue fever vaccine branded as Dengvaxia
for the public use.
Key facts
Dengvaxia has been manufactured by French pharmaceutical manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur.
It has been designed to protect people in the 9-45 age groups from all four subtypes of the
virus.
The vaccine was produced as the result of an extensive clinical development programme of
the French company than ran for almost two decades.
Sanofi Pasteur has requested authorisation to roll out the vaccine in 20 countries.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released On My Terms: From the Grassroots to the Corridors of
Power, an autobiography of former Union Minister Sharad Pawar.
It was released on the occasion of 75th birthday of Mr. Pawar at a function held at the Vigyan
Bhavan in New Delhi.
In his autobiography, Mr Pawar has penned down his detailed experiences of political and social
issues spanning 5 decades of his political career.
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Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah has been honoured with the lifetime achievement award
at the 12th edition of Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF).
Along with him French actress Catherine Deneuve, Egyptian actor Ezzat Al Alayli and FrenchTunisian actor Sami Bouajila also won the lifetime achievement award.
India and Japan have signed a Protocol for amending the existing convention for avoidance of double
taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to income taxes.
The existing Convention for avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion was signed between both
countries way back in 1989.
The protocol was signed by Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia behalf of India while Kenji
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Union Government has imposed anti-dumping duty on import of cold-rolled flat products of
stainless steel for 5 years from 7 countries.
The governments decision comes on the recommendation of Directorate General of Anti-dumping
and Allied Duties (DGAD) in the wake of rising incidence of dumping. It was hampering the
performance of domestic industry and with steel prices on a decline.
These countries are China, South Korea, United States, South Africa, Thailand and Taiwan and the
European Union.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
The highest duty has been imposed on steel imports from China at 57.39 per cent, followed by EU at
52.56 per cent. Imports from Thailand will have the least duty imposed at 4.58 per cent.
Earlier in September 2015 Government had imposed 20 per cent provisional safeguard duty on a
specific hot-rolled imported steel product.
Anti-dumping duty: It is counter import measure used by a country under the multilateral World
Trade Organisation (WTO) regime to protect its domestic producers and market from belowcost/cheap imports. It varies from product to product and from country to country.
India-born author Salman Rushdie has been awarded the prestigious 2015 Mailer Prize for
Lifetime Achievement.
He has been bestowed with this award for fully exercising his freedom of creativity and thrived on
dialogue and debate.
He was presented with this award by Laurie Anderson at a ceremony held at Pratt Institute in
Brooklyn, New York City.
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Union Government inks MoU for establishing IIITs at Ranchi, Nagpur & Pune
December 12, 2015
The Union Government has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing three
Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs) in the country.
The agreement to this effect was signed between Department of Higher Education (DoHE) and
private agencies including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tata Motors, ADCC Infocad and
Hubtown.
Key facts
These IIITs are being set up at Ranchi (Jharkhand), Nagpur and Pune (Maharashtra).
Apart from the Central Government, these institutions will be operated on a Public-PrivatePartnership (PPP) mode with participation of state government and industry.
These IIITs are expected to bring out high quality Information Technology (IT) manpower
required for building up IT industry in the country.
The admission process in all the three IIITs will be done through Joint Entrance Examination
(JEE)-2016 and shall have intake of 120 students in each institutions.
With this, the total number of IIITs in the PPP mode has gone up to 16.
It should be noted that Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) are a group of institutes
of higher education mainly focused on information technology. They are established, managed and
funded by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD).
Two Indian cities for first time have been designated as members of UNESCOs Creative Cities
Network (UCCN).
Two cities are
Varanasi City (Uttar Pradesh): It has been added in the City of Music category of network.
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Renowned agro-economist and veteran leader of farmers Sharad Anantrao Joshi passed away in
Pune, Maharashtra. He was 81.
He was founder of Shetakari Sanghtana (farmers Organisation) an NGO dedicated to the cause of
farmers in Maharashtra.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered ban on registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi
to curb the growing menace of air pollution in the capital city.
This ruling was given by NGT bench headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar and also
questioned Delhi governments odd-even formula for vehicles to check pollution in the city.
Key facts
The ban on registration of new diesel vehicles will be valid till 6th January 2016 as interim
steps i.e. till the next date of hearing of NGT on Delhi pollution.
NGT also ordered the central and state government to stop buying diesel cars in Delhi.
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NGT is a special fast-track court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to
environmental issues. It has been established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 to assure the
right to a healthy environment of the citizens of India enshrined in Article 21 of Constitution.
Myanmar has launched the countrys first United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve Inle Lake in Shan state.
With this launch Myanmar opens a new chapter in its commitment to bio-diversity and eco-system
conservation.
In June 2015, the lake was officially designated as Myanmars first biosphere reserve under
UNESCOs Man and the Bioshpere (MAB) programme.
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India & Japan sign MoC on High Speed Rail on Mumbai-Ahmedabad sector
December 12, 2015
India and Japan have signed historic Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) to introduce High Speed
Rail (HRS) on Mumbai Ahmedabad sector to revolutionize Indian Railways.
The MoC was signed in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Japanese Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe in New Delhi.
This agreement confirms developing of high speed rail corridor using of Japanese high speed rail
technologies along with financial and technical assistance from Japan.
Under the agreement
The HRS project will be Indias first high speed rail line. It is a 508 km line connecting the
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
cities of Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
The total project cost is 97,636 crores rupees and will be implemented in 7 years. It will
reduce travelling time between the two cities from eight hours to around three.
Japan will extend highly concessional loan of 12 billion dollars and technical assistance on
easy terms for this project through its Shinkansen Technology.
The loan will provided with the interest rate at 0.1 per cent for a period of 50 years with a 15
years moratorium.
The cooperation on this project will also be fixed on transfer of technology and Make in India
initiative. Japan will also assist India in training of personnel for High Speed Rail.
Civil Nuclear agreement
India and Japan also have reached substantive Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of
Nuclear Energy. Under it both sides have confirmed cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear
energy. The final deal will be signed after certain technical and legal issues are thrashed out.
India and Japan have inked fourteen agreements in various fields to enhance bilateral co-operation
between both countries.
These agreements were signed during ninth annual Indo-Japan summit talks held in New Delhi. The
summit was jointly held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.
Some important agreements signed are
Agreement in transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation: Provides
a framework to enhance defence and security cooperation.
Agreement on security measures for the protection of classified military
information: Ensures the reciprocal protection of classified military information transmitted
to each other.
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Global software major Wipro has been awarded 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award for developing a
solution for the Internet of Things (IoT).
The award has been bestowed upon Wipros IoT solution Universal Data Parser (UDP). The UDP
enables flexible adaptation of data streams from a wide range of end devices to IoT platforms and
data stores.
Presently, Wipro is Indias third-largest software services firm after Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
and Infosys.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Conference of the Parties 21 (COP 21) have adopted the historic Paris Agreement on Climate
Change.
It was adopted by 189 countries of total 196 countries under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that attended the COP 21.
Key facts of Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Facilitates enforcement of global greenhouse gas emission (GHGs) reduction measures in the
post-2020 i.e. in post Kyoto Protocol scenario.
Takes into account the principle of equity (climate justice) and common but differentiated
responsibilities (CBDR) and respective capabilities.
Based on consensus among the members that have incorporated their respective Intended
Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) including India.
Mandatory for all Countries to keep global temperature rising below 2C by 2100 above preindustrial levels with an ideal target of keeping temperature rise below 1.5C.
Developed countries to provide 100 billion dollars annually to the developing counterparts
beginning in 2020 and it would increase with time.
Empowers countries to determine how to cut their emissions but mandates that they report
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Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed senior IPS officer Ahmad Javed as Indias
Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
His appointment will fill the vacancy of the post of Ambassador in Indian Embassy in Riyadh since
April 2015 after retirement of Hamid Ali Rao.
He is IPS officer of 1980 batch from Maharashtra Cadre. Prior to this appointment Mr. Ahmad Javed
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
was serving as Mumbai Police commissioner.
India-Saudi Arabia Relations
From trading point of view, oil rich Saudi Arabia is a crucial and important country for
energy starved India from energy security (especially petroleum) perspective.
Saudi Arabia is Indias largest supplier of crude oil and accounts for 80 per cent of Indias
crude oil import that forms a major component of bilateral trade with the Gulf nation.
It should be noted that Saudi Arabia is followed by Iraq, Nigeria, Venezuela and Iran as Indias
top four oil suppliers.
The festival of Losar has begun in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir to mark the beginning of
New Year in this Himalayan region.
10 day long festival began with illumination of religious and residential places and by visiting
monasteries for prayer. Losar is Tibetan word for new year and this festival is an important social
and religious celebration in Ladakh.
Traditional Celebrations of festival
Following the old tradition, people from Ladakh visit graveyards of ancestor family members
and pray for peace for the departed soul.
Special food items during the festival are prepared to mark the occasion including guthuk, the
soup with nine ingredients, khura are being served.
People visit each other for exchange of Losar greetings. On third day of the festival is people
wait for the night to see the first moon of the New Year
In India, Losar is also celebrated by Yolmo, Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, and Bhutia communities
residing in different regions in the country.
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Legendary actor Dilip Kumar (93) has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan,
countrys second highest civilian award.
It was bestowed upon him by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis at his residence in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Union Government had selected veteran actor for the Padma Vibhushan on the eve of 66th Republic
Day.
Indian-origin writer Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali from Singapore has been awarded prestigious 2015
South East Asia Write Award.
The award was bestowed upon him at the annual ASEAN regional award for literary excellence in
Bangkok, Thailand.
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The Lok Sabha has unanimously passed the Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill,2015 by voice vote.
The bill seeks to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to facilitate and fast track setting up of new
nuclear projects in the country.
Key provisions of the Bill
Redefines paid-up share capital: Expands the definition of paid-up share capital in parent
Act to include joint ventures (JV) of public sector undertakings (PSUs).
Paid-up share capital is the capital received by a company from the issue of shares.
Government company is one in which at least 51% of the paid-up share capital is held by the
central government.
The whole of the paid up share capital would be held by one or more PSUs and empowers the
Union government to constitute its Board of Directors for such JV.
Licenses: Henceforth it will only be granted to entities such as a government company or a
department of Union Government.
Under the parent Act, license is required for acquisition, production, use, export and import
of any plant designed for the production and development of atomic energy or research.
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Union Government has appointed former Chief Justice of Patna High Court Justice L Narasimha
Reddy as head judicial committee on One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme.
The one member judicial committee will look into the implementation of OROP scheme for retired
defence personnel.
The Terms of Reference for the Committee
The committee will examine and make recommendations on removal of anomalies arising
In the implementation
of the OROP Scheme as notified by the Union Government on 7th
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
November 2015.
Out of inter-services issues of the 3 forces due to implementation of the scheme.
Implications on service matters in any other matter referred by the Union Government on
implementation of the OROP or other related issues.
In making its recommendations, the Committee shall take into account the financial impact of its
recommendations. The Committee will have its headquarters in Delhi. All administrative support to
the committee will be provided by Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Union Ministry of
Defence. It would have a six-month deadline for submission of its recommendations.
Powerful Typhoon Melor (also known as Nona) has hit the central Philippines battering the coast
with powerful winds with speed of 200 kph followed by intense rainfall.
The eye of tropical cyclone (typhoon) Melor made its landfall over the northern tip of the island of
Samar. It made landfall after undergoing a rapid intensification forcing over 700,000 people to leave
their homes and communities.
Hawaii based Joint Typhoon Warning Centre of US military has categorized the typhoon as a
Category 3 storm.
The year 2015 has been an active one in terms of major tropical storms hitting the Philippines. The
major tropical storms in the year 2015 have been partly attributed to ongoing strong El Nino
phenomenon which has resulted in a significant warming of the surface waters of the central Pacific.
Typhoon Melor now joins Noul, Maysak, Goni, Soudelor, Mujigae and Koppu in the list of
significant typhoons to have struck the Philippines in year 2015.
Indias star golfer Anirban Lahiri (28) has won the coveted Order of Merit crown of Asian Tour for
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Olympic medallist Vijay Kumar of Indian Army has won gold medal at the 59th National Shooting
Championship held in New Delhi.
He won the gold medal in the mens 25-metre centre fire pistol category by shooting a combined
score of 588 over the rapid and precision rounds.
Gurpreet Singh of Indian Army finished second with a 586 score winning silver medal and Pemba
Tamang managed to secure the third place with 582 score winning bronze medal.
Other winners in the Championship are
25m standard pistol event: Gurpreet Singh (Indian Army).
Rapid fire pistol: Pemba Tamang (Indian Army).
Air pistol & Standard pistol events: Achal Pratap Singh Grewal.
It should be noted that Vijay Kumar had won the silver medal in the 25m rapid fire pistol event at
the 2012 Olympics held in London.
An Indian-origin politician, Pravin Gordhan has been appointed as South Africas new Finance
Minister.
With this he becomes countrys third Finance Minister in a week. He replaces David van Rooyen
who was appointed on 10 November 2015. Earlier President Jacob Zuma had sacked incumbent
Nhlanhla Nene from Finance Ministry.
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Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to submit smart city plans for three selected cities
to Union Government.
In this regard, state government has submitted smart city Proposals of Udaipur, Kota and Ajmer to
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman (70) has been awarded 2016 Genesis Prize which is also
known as Jewish Nobel prize.
He has been bestowed with prestigious prize for his accomplishments as a musician, teacher and
advocate for the disabled and also for his commitment to his Jewish identity.
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India has been placed at 130th position in the 2015 Human Development Index (HDI) among the 188
countries.
It was unveiled in the recently released Human Development Report 2015 by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP).
Key facts
India has been placed at 130th position with 0.609 score in the medium human development
category. In 2014 report countrys rank was 135 with 0.586 score.
Improvement in Indias 2015 HDI from previous year has been attributed to rise in life
expectancy and per capita income.
Indias Life expectancy at birth: It has increased to 68 years in 2014 from 67.6 in the
previous year and 53.9 in 1980.
Gross National Income (GNI) per capita: It has increased to $5,497 in 2014 from $5,180 in
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Apurvi Chandela from Rajasthan has won a Gold medal in the 59th National Shooting
Championship in Delhi.
She won the gold medal in 10-metre Air Rifle event in womens category by shooting 207.8 score in
the finals. She was followed by Geetakshi Dixit (Rajasthan) at second spot and Anjum Moudgil
(Haryana) at third spot.
Winners of other Categories
Mens 50-metre Rifle
3 Positions event: Chain Singh (Indian Army) won the gold medal.
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Gagan Narang (Air India) won the Silver medal.
Junior mens 25m sports pistol: Achal Pratap Singh Grewal (Gold), Gurmeet Singh
(Silver), Aadeithya Johal (Bronze).
Junior womens 10m air rifle: Geetakshi Dixit (Gold), Prachi Pramod Gadkari (Silver) and
Nupur Hagawane Patil (Bronze).
Youth: Nupur Hagawane Patil (Gold), Ayushi Podder (Silver) and Manini Kaushik (Bronze).
The average temperature over Arctic land for the year ending in September 2015 was the highest on
record indicating that the Arctic is warming twice as fast as other parts of the Earth.
It was revealed by the annual Arctic Report Card of National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), a federal agency of US for monitoring condition of the oceans and the
atmosphere.
Key facts
The temperatures in areas at latitude 60 degrees north and higher i.e. over Arctic were 1.3
degrees Celsius above average for the year ending in September 2015.
The recorded temperature rise is the warmest since observations began in 1900. Due to
temperature rise the ice in this region is growing thinner each year.
The sea ice coverage in the Arctic has reached its peak in February 2015 and marked the
lowest extent since record-taking began in 1979.
The newly formed thin ice comprises about 70 per cent of the winter ice cover in the Arctic
Ocean compared to about half that in the 1980s.
The rising temperatures are melting snow and ice cover in this region causing the ground
and sea surface to absorb more heat.
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94
Senior revenue service officer Arun Kumar Jain appointed Chairman of Central Board of Direct
Taxes (CBDT).
His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr Jain is Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer of a 1978 batch. Prior to this appointment he was
serving as acting Chairman of the board following superannuation of Anita Kapur on November 30,
2015. He will have short tenure of two months as Chairman of CBDt till January 2016. Presently, he
is also holding additional charge of Member (Personnel and Vigilance) in the CBDT.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
CBDT is apex policy making body of Income Tax department in India and is the supreme body for
framing policies related to direct taxes. It is a statutory authority established under The Central
Board of Revenue Act, 1963. The composition of CBDT includes Chairman and six members.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has ended its 12-year investigation into concerns that
Iran might be developing nuclear weapons.
In this regard, IAEA Board of Governors have passed a resolution ending its long-running inquiry
against Ian but allowing inspectors to continue to police the countrys nuclear programme.
Earlier IAEA has concluded that Iran had conducted nuclear weapons-related research until 2003 and
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
95
Saudi Arabia has launched Islamic Military Coalition, a new military alliance of 34 nations mainly
Muslim nations to fight terrorism.
It has been established in pursuance of the objectives and principles of the charter of the Organization
of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It calls for all member states to cooperate to combat terrorism in all its
forms and manifestations.
96
Pakistan has successfully tested the nuclear-capable Shaheen-IA ballistic missile with a range of 900
km.
The test of the missile was aimed at re-validating several design and technical parameters of the
weapon system. However the location of the test was not disclosed by Pakistan Government.
It is second nuclear capable missile test to be undertaken by Pakistan in December 2015. Earlier
Shaheen-III surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 2,750 km was tested.
Supreme Court bans registration of new diesel SUVs, luxury cars in Delhi
December 16, 2015
Supreme Court has banned the registration of all diesel SUVs (Sports Utility Vechiles) and luxury
cars in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi.
The ban will be valid to SUVs, luxury cars with engine capacity of 2000 cc or more till March 31,
2016. The SC ruling aims at curbing the alarming pollution level in Delhi.
The Supreme Court ruled that
All trucks not bound for Delhi would be not allowed to enter the capital through National
Highways 1 and 8.
Trucks carrying goods for Delhi will have to shell out a steep environment compensation charge
(ECC).
EEC will be of 2,600 rupees for big trucks and 1,400 rupees for light commercial vehicles.
All the private cabs operating in Delhi should convert into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
by March 1, 2016.
Commercial vehicles registered before 2005 are banned from entering Delhi.
Delhi government and all civic bodies to stop burning of waste. Asked the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to enforce
construction norms strictly to stop builders from polluting the NCR region.
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97
The Supreme Court has appointed Justice (Retd) Virendra Singh as new Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh.
The first of its kind order given , the SC has invoked its constitutional power and appointed retired
HC judge as UP Lokayukta after state machinery failed to appoint it. The order was given as per
Article 142 of Constitution.
The Supreme Court observed that
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
The failure of constitutional functionaries to comply with the orders of the apex court of the
country is deeply regretted and astonishing.
Expressed displeasure that Chief Minister, leader of opposition and Chief Justice of High
Court failed to comply with its order.
Justice (Retd) Virendra Singh is a native of western Uttar Pradesh. He has served as Judge of
Allahabad High Court from 2009 to 2011 and had superannuated in 2011.
Background
The Supreme Courts order came after State Selection Panel of Lokayukta comprising Chief Minister
Akhilesh Yadav, leader of Opposition (LoP) Swami Prasad Maurya and Chief Justice of Allahabad
high court Justice DY Chandrachud could not reach on any consensus.
98
The World Bank has approved a 1.5 billion dollars loan to support the Union governments flagship
cleanliness drive Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
The loan funds would be used for SBM Support Operation Project and shall support SBMs rural
component known as SBM-Gramin (SBM-G). The loan has a maturity of 18 years including a grace
period of 5 years.
Key facts
SBM Support Operation
aims| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
at strengthening the
implementation of the SBM
DINESHProject
CHAND MEENA
| 51062
initiative of the government.
The project will support SBM-Gramin over a 5 year period using a new performance-based
program.
Two important components of this project are incentivising good performance by states and
the focus on behavioural changes.
Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) will be nodal agency for
overseeing and coordinating role for the programme and support the participating states.
The loan funds will be mainly used to develop the capacity of MDWS in program
management, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Aims to ensure that all citizens have access to improved sanitation
such as a toilet or latrine. It mainly focuses on changing behaviour of citizens in ending the practice
of open defecation by 2019.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed six commercial satellites from
Singapore in their dedicated orbits.
These satellites were launched using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C29) from the first launch
pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
This successful launch coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic
relations between India and Singapore in year 2015.
Key facts
The PSLV-C29 was launched in the core-alone version. The total lift-off mass was of 227.6
tonne that included 600 kg payload weight.
It was overall PSLVs 32nd space flight and the 31st consecutively successful one.
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99
Union Cabinet gives nod to amend Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950
December 17, 2015
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for introduction
Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order Amendment Bill, 2015 in the Parliament.
The Bill seeks to amend Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 in order to modify the list of
Scheduled Castes in respect of 5 States viz. Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal.
Key facts
The Bill also modifies the Central List of Other Backward Classes of 3 states viz.
Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Kerala.
Chhattisgarh: Sais, who are also known as Sahis, Sarathi, Soot-Sarathi and Thanwar are
eligible for their inclusion in SC category.
Haryana: Two castes have been included in the SC list. These are Aheria (also called Aheri,
Hari, Heri, Thori and Tur) and Rai Sikh.
Kerala: Peruvannan caste has been included the SC list. While, Malayan community area has
been extended.
Odisha: Bariki and Kummari castes been excluded from the OBC list consequent upon their
inclusion in SC list.
West Bengal: The area restriction of the inclusion of Chain caste has been removed.
After the Bill becomes an Act, the members of these communities will be included in the list
of Scheduled Castes.
They will be able to derive benefits meant for Scheduled Castes under the existing
Government schemes. In addition they will also be entitled to the benefits of reservation in
services and admission to educational institutions.
Background
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100
India raises concerns over massive subsidization of farm sectors by developed countries at
WTO meet
December 17, 2015
India has raised concerns over massive subsidization of farm sectors by developed (rich) countries.
These concerns were raised Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman during
the 10th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Concerns raised by India
Pulled up developed (rich) countries for failing to reduce massive agricultural subsidisation
which are generally trade distorting agribusiness subsidies.
Agricultural reforms remain the corner stone of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) 2001
negotiations.
All member countries must deliver on all three pillars of the negotiations in a balanced and
logical manner of the DDA.
Pitched for special safeguard mechanism (SSM) to protect legitimate interests of poor farmers
and the food security of hundreds of millions in developing countries.
Member countries should not continue with the rhetoric of a development agenda without
an attempt to address issues which are of primary concern to developing economies.
Trade distorting agribusiness subsidies of developed (rich) countries mainly framed by
handful of farm lobbies of some countries is worsening destiny of millions of subsistence
farmers of the developing countries.
101
Union Cabinet gives nod to MoU with BRICS countries for energy conservation
December 17, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China and
South Africa) countries for energy conservation.
The MoU provides for
Joint scientific and technological research strengthening energy efficiency cooperation among
the member countries based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit.
Capacity building and technology transfer in the field of Energy Savings and Energy
Efficiency along with sharing policies and best practices.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Counterparts for strengthening and further developing of energy saving and energy
efficiency cooperation.
Under the present MoU, the BRICS countries will intend to examine the practicability of
development of the comprehensive programme of cooperation in energy saving.
It will also include promotion of energy efficiency including specific common projects, applicable
methods and instruments of energy saving promotion and energy efficiency increase in their
economies.
The Union Cabinet has approved a policy framework for development of Underground Coal
Gasification (UCG) in unexplored coal and lignite bearing areas in the country.
Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet Committee meeting chaired by the Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
102
Union Government has given in principle approval to work on Loon project of internet search
engine giant Google for providing Internet connectivity by using large balloons.
The announcement was made by Google CEO Sunder Pichai in New Delhi after meeting Union
Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
The project will be started on a pilot basis and state run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will
be partner with the project in order to expand Internet connectivity in the country.
Former Delhi High Court Judge Reva Khetrapal took oath as Lokayukta of Delhi. Lieutenant
Governor Najeeb Jung administered the oath to office at a function held at Raj Niwas.
She will become the fourth Lokayukta of Delhi and shall have five years terms as per Delhi
Lokayukta and Uplokayukta Act, 1995.
Her appointment comes after President Pranab Mukherjee chose her as head of anti-corruption
ombudsman on the recommendations of Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.
Background
Prior to Presidential approval, Justice Khetrapal was chosen as head of anti-corruption ombudsman
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103
The Lok Sabha passed the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015 by voice vote for
speedy disposal of arbitration cases.
The bill seeks to amend Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 to make of commercial disputes more
user-friendly and cost effective which in turn will lead to expeditious disposal of cases.
Key Provisions of Bill
Mandatory for arbitrators to settle disputes within 12 months. This period can be extended
by 6 months only by a court on sufficient cause.
Cut the fees of arbitrators if the court finds that the delay has been caused due to arbitrators.
Rewarding arbitrators with extra fees in case the matter is disposed of within 6 months and
the parties agree to pay more.
Empower arbitration tribunals to grant all kinds of interim measures that courts provide.
Thus giving more teeth to them in order to make tribunals directives enforceable in the same
manner as those of courts.
Background
The amendments to this Bill are based on the Law Commissions recommendations and suggestions
received from stakeholders. Law Commission of India (LCI) in its 246th Report had recommended
various amendments in Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 in order to pave way for India to
become a hub of International Commercial Arbitration.
104
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted resolution cut off supply of
revenue flows to Islamic State (IS) militant group.
Decision in this regard was taken at the first-ever meeting of finance ministers of 15 member states
to support a diplomatic push to end the war in Syria.
Key facts
The resolution has been drafted by United States and Russia, calls on governments to ensure
that they have adoptedDINESH
lawsCHAND
to make
the financing of IS a serious criminal offence.
MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
It also calls for enhanced actions against from closing financial system loopholes to stopping
the abuse of charitable causes.
It stressed that already existing resolution mandating member states to ensure that financial
assets are not transferred to terrorists by persons within their territory.
Called for increased international cooperation in sharing information and closer
collaboration with the private sector to identify suspect transactions.
The UNSC also called on Member States to promote enhanced vigilance by persons within their
jurisdiction to detect any diversion of explosives, raw materials and components that can be used to
manufacture improvised explosive devices or unconventional weapons.
French President Francois Hollande to be chief guest at 67th Republic Day Parade
December 18, 2015
President of France Francois Hollande will be the Chief Guest at the 67th Republic Day parade of
January 26, 2016.
It was announced by Union Ministry External Affairs (MEA) after the French President accepted the
invitation to witness Republic Day celebration as chief guest.
Mr. Francois Hollande would be the 5th highest dignitary from France to be Chief Guest of Indian
Republic Day parade after Prime Minister Jacques Chirac (1976), President Valry Giscard dEstaing
(1980), President Jacques Chirac (1998) and President Nicolas Sarkozy (2008).
With this invitation, France now holds distinction of being the guest of honour for the maximum
five times of Indian Republic Day parade followed by Bhutan (four times); Mauritius and
USSR/Russia (three times each).
Earlier Chief guests of Republic Day parades: 2015-Barack Obama (US President), 2014- Shinzo
Abe (Japanese Prime Minister), 2013-Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (King of Bhutan), 2012Yingluck Shinawatra (Then Prime Minister of Thailand), 2011- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Then
President of Indonesia).
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105
DAC gives nod to purchase of Russian S-400 Air Defence Missile Systems
December 18, 2015
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the purchase of Russian advance S-400 Trium Air
Defence Missile Systems at an estimated cost of 40,000 crore rupees.
Decision in this regard was taken by DAC meeting chaired by Union Defence Minister Manohar
Parrikar in New Delhi. DAC approval for defence deal comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra
Modis visit to Russia later in December 2015.
India would buy 5 units of the S-400 Trium air defence missile systems that are capable of destroying
incoming hostile missiles, aircraft and even drones within a range of up to 400 km. This purchase
will give a major boost to the national air defence capacity and make India only the second buyer of
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
the missile system after China. The S-400 System is also capable of taking out ballistic missiles and
hypersonic targets.
DAC also gave approval for
Indian Armys proposal for the purchase of 6 regiments of the Pinaka rocket system under the
Make in India category for 14,600 crore rupees.
Each regiment of the Pinaka rocket system comes with 18 launchers and every launcher has
the capability of firing 12 rockets at the same time.
Indian Armys demand for 571 light bullet-proof vehicles to be used in counter-terrorism and
counter-insurgency operations. It was cleared at a cost of 310 crore rupees.
Purchase of 120 trawls to be used on Russia-origin T-72 and T-90 tanks under Buy Global
category for 450 crore rupees.
It should be noted that DAC is the apex body of Union Defence Ministry for clearing defence
procurement proposals forwarded by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has launched three separate indices on three corporate houses of
India viz. Tata, Aditya Birla and Mahindra Group.
The first of its kind three separate indices based on corporate houses have been designed to reflect
the performance of companies belonging to the respective corporate group. Each of three indices
will comprise all the companies of the respective business group.
The three separate indices are
Nifty Tata Group Index: It includes 25 companies across 12 sectors with a total market
capitalisation of 7.51 lakh crore rupees. It represents 7.83 per cent of the total market
capitalisation of companies listed on the NSE.
Nifty Aditya Birla Group Index: It consists of eight companies across seven sectors with
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
106
23 poets and authors chosen for prestigious 2015 Sahitya Akademi Award
December 18, 2015
Sahitya Academy has announced the names of 23 poets and authors who will be conferred the
prestigious 2015 Sahitya Akademi Award.
This award has recognised premier works in 23 Indian languages that includes 6 books of short
stories, 6 of poetry, 4 novels, 2 books each of essays, criticism and plays and 1 memoir.
23 Awardees are:
Poetry: Brajendra Kumar Brahma (Bodo), Dhian Singh (Dogri), Ramdarash Mishra (Hindi),
K.V. Tirumalesh (Kannada), Kshetri Rajan (Manipuri) and Ram Shankar Awasthi (Sanskrit).
Short stories: Kula Saikia (Assamese), Man Mohan Jha (Maithili), Gupta Pradhan (Nepali),
Bibhuti Pattanaik (Odia), Maya Rahi (Sindhi) and Volga (Telugu).
Novels: Cyrus Mistry (English), Jaswinder Singh (Punjabi), K R Meera (Malayalam) and
Madhu Acharya Ashawadi (Rajasthani).
Essays: Rasik Shah (Gujrati) and A. Madhavan (Tamil).
Plays: Uday Bhembre (Konkani), Rabilal Tudu (Santali).
Books on criticism: Bashir Bhadarwahi (Kashmiri) and Shamim Tariq (Urdu).
Memoirs: Arun Khopkar (Marathi).
All 23 awardees were chosen by a distinguished jury representing 23 Indian languages. The final
approval was given by the Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi chaired by its President Dr.
Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari.
They will be presented with awards at a special function during the Festival of Letters the annual
function of the Akademi. The award in Bengali language will be announced later.
107
Renowned theatre artiste and writer Chatla Sriramulu passed away at Secunderabad, Telangana. He
was 84.
He was instrumental in the establishment
of Rasaranjani, a popular literary and cultural organisation
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
dedicated to the theatre arts.
Former Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur (62) has been appointed as Chief Information
Commissioner (CIC).
He will have tenure of about three years (2017) till he attain the age of 65. He succeeds Vijai Sharma
as he has retired after completion of his tenure.
Conventionally, the senior-most Information Commissioner is chosen as CIC. However, Mr Mathur
appointment was made away from the convention of appointing senior-most serving Information
Commissioner as CIC.
Background
President Pranab Mukherjee had approved the appointment R K Mathur as CIC after receiving
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108
Uttar Pradesh government bans use of polythene bags across the State
December 18, 2015
Uttar Pradesh government has decided to enforce the ban on the use of polythene across the state to
protect the environment and public health.
Decision in this regard was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav as
per the directives of Allahabad High Court to prohibit its usage.
Key facts
The ban prohibits manufacturing, importing, purchasing and storage of all kinds of plastic
carry bags in state.
Henceforth, no shopkeeper, wholesaler or retailer in the state would be able to use, store or
purchase plastic carry bags for eatable or non-eatable items.
However, the ban will not be applicable on carry bags used for packaging purposes. State
Government is also looking at alternative material that can be distributed to the people.
ackground
B
On November 18, 2015 Allahabad High Court had directed the state government to issue a
notification for complete ban on the sale of polythene across the state by December 31, 2015 in view
of its negative impact on peoples health as well as environment.
109
Renowned British Novelist Peter Dickinson passed away in Winchester, Hampshire. He was 88. He
was a prolific novelist best known for childrens books and detective stories.
He was the first author to receive twice the prestigious Carnegie medal in 1979 and 19080 awarded
annually by librarians for the outstanding new childrens book in Britain.
ZSI Scientists discovered a new eel species named Bengal moray eel
December 19, 2015
Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have a discovered a new species of eel named
Bengal moray eel (Gymnothorax mishrai) along the coast of Digha in Purba Medinipur district of
West Bengal.
The Eels are mainly snake-like fishes with fins and gills and are mostly found at bottom of rivers and
seas.
110
Indias biggest Wildlife Rescue Centre named as Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre has been
commissioned at Gorewada near Nagpur, Maharashtra.
The centre was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in presence of State
Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.
Key facts
Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre is managed by the Forest Development
Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM).
Nagpur based Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries (MAF) University is also part of this centre.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
The centre is spread over 30 hectres and has been created on the lines of Gujarat based Gir
National Park which is also one of the biggest and best wildlife centre in the country.
It has four wards veterinary hospital that would house sick, injured and rescued animals. It
has burial ground in the same premises.
The hospital has state-of-art facilities and is equipped with x-ray machine, operation theatre
etc.
It has cages for herbivorous animals and would house Deer, Sambars and Nilgais. It also has
two enclosures to house 10 Tigers at a time and also separate enclosure for Panthers.
It has enclosure that can house over 100 Birds of mixed species. It also has separated
enclosure for housing Pythons including Cobra, Rat Snakes and vipers.
The centre also has enclosures for housing 10 small mammals like Wolf, wild Dogs, Jackal.
West Bengal Government has approved proposal for formation of five new districts in the state.
With this the total number of districts of Bengal will increase to 25.
Decision in this regard was taken by state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mamata
Banerjee in Kolkata.
Five new districts are
Kalimpong district: It would be carved out by bifurcating Darjeeling district in north
Bengal.
Sundarbans district: Currently stretches across parts of the North and South 24 Parganas
districts. It shall consists of part of worlds largest mangrove forest.
Basirhat district: It would be formed out of North 24 Parganas district.
Burdwan (Industrial) district: It would be established by bifurcating existing Burdwan
district.
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111
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally inaugurated the All-India conference of Directors
General of Police (AICDGPs) at Dhordo in white Rann of Kutch region near Bhuj, Gujarat.
Three day conference was inaugurated in the presence of Union Minister for Home Rajnath Singh,
Minister of State for Home Kiran Rijju and Haribhai Patel.
Key facts
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
The annual conference for second time organised out of New Delhi and has been organised
by Intelligence Bureau (IB).
Director General of Police (DGPs) of all the state and Head of other security agencies are
participating in this conference.
It will be also attended by IGs of state/UTs, heads of National Investigation Agency (NIA),
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), IB, Narcotics department and various police training.
DGs and IGs of paramilitary forces like Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police
Force-CRPF and Central Industrial Security Force are also participating in the conference.
Key issues to be discussed: Police Reforms, Radicalisation, Social Medias effect on Law and
Order, security, Disaster management, Women Safety and tourist police, Inter-state police
coordination etc.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a resolution No. 2254
outlining a peace process in Syria.
The resolution endorses an international roadmap for a Syria peace process to end Syrias five-yearlong civil war.
Key facts
The resolution endorses formal talks on a political transition between the President Bashar
al-Assad led Syrian government and opposition in early January 2016.
Calls for implementation of a ceasefire in parallel with the talks on a political transition.
Offensive and defensive actions against such terrorist groups in Syria such as ISIS will
continue.
Calls for establishment of credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance in Syria within six
months.
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112
Afghanistan has become 164th member nation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), global
trade body after 11 years of negotiations.
WTO has formally approved Afghanistans membership proposal at its ongoing 10th ministerial
conference in the Nairobi, Kenya.
In this regard, Protocol of Accession (PoA) was signed by WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo
and Afghanistans First Deputy Chief Executive Mohammad Khan Rahmani.
The final accession to become a full member will come in to effect after PoA is ratified by
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Afghanistan Parliament till June 2016. It will be the 36th least developed country (LDC) to join the
global trade body.
Advantages for Afghanistan
By joining WTO, landlocked war-shattered Afghanistan hopes to reap the benefits of the
WTO membership for its post-conflict reconstruction.
Trade-led growth will help to create new economic opportunities in worlds poorest
economy and create jobs especially for women and in turn help to reduce poverty.
Post-conflict reconstruction will certainly contribute in a major way to reduce extremism and
achieve regional peace and security.
Special Note: During the 10th ministerial conference in the Nairobi, Kenya two new
members were added viz. Liberia (163rd) and Afghanistan (164th).
113
President Pranab Mukherjee has been awarded 2015 Garwood Award for Outstanding Global Leader
in Open Innovation from UC Berkeley-Haas School of Business.
The award was presented by Prof. Solomon Darwin, Executive Director Garwood Center for
Corporate Innovation at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The award was presented to Pranab Mukherjee for
Promoting open innovation, organizing first Festival of Innovation at the Rashtrapati
Bhavan.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Launching the first Innovations Scholars In-Residence programme to promote the spirit of
innovation
Hosting and gathering global innovators at the first-ever Global Roundtable on the Inclusive
Innovations at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Providing a thriving creative atmosphere for grassroots innovation activities that will have
the potential to transform the global landscape, etc.
The University of California, Berkeley is one of the most prestigious educational institutes in the
world. It has established Garwood Award to acknowledge individuals who have embraced, supported
and encouraged open innovation in a significant and impactful way.
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach has been 64th crowned Miss Universe after beating out
contenders from the United States, France, Colombia and Australia.
She was crowned by 2014 Miss Universe winner Paulina Vega of Columbia. Miss USA Olivia Jordan
has been named the second runner-up.
114
Mother Teresa, a Roman Catholic religious sister and missionary will be given Sainthood i.e. will be
made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church in September 2016.
In this regard, Pope Francis has approved a decree recognising a second miracle attributed to Mother
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Teresas intercession with God.
Earlier in 2003, Mother Teresa was beatified by then late Pope John Paul. Beatification requires one
miracle and is the last step before sainthood.
The second miracle of Mother Teresa has been attributed to the intercession which is required for
canonisation. It involved the inexplicable healing of a man who was suffering from a deadly brain
disease.
Barcelona FC has won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup for a record third time.
In the final match played at International Stadium Yokoham in Japan the winning team defeated
River Plate FC by 3-0 goals.
Three goals for Barcelona FC were scored by Lionel Messi (36 minute), Luis Suarez (49 minute) and
Neymar (68 minute).
Earlier Barcelona FC had won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 and 2011 and it is their fifth
trophy of season 2015.
115
Chennaiyin FC has won the second edition of Indian Super League (ISL) Football tournament.
In the final played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, they defeated hosts Goa FC by 3-2 goals
score.
Till the 87th minute of final match Goa was leading by 2-1 goals but the self goal from their keeper
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Laxmikant Kattimani in the 90th minute and Colombian Stiven Mendozas strike seconds later
helped Chennai win the title.
Awards of 2015 ISL
Golden boot Award: John Stiven Mendoza Valencia (Chennaiyin FC). Scored tournaments
highest scorer of 13 goals.
Golden Glove Award: Apoula Edima Edel Bete (Chennaiyin FC).
Muthoot Group Fair Play Award: Mumbai FC.
Hero of the League award: John Stiven Mendoza Valencia (Chennaiyin FC).
About Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC is Chennai (Tamil Nadu) based ISL franchise. The franchise is owned by Indian
cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Vita Dani and Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan.
The United States (US) has lifted a 40 year ban on oil exports marking a historic shift for the
booming US oil industry.
This decision was taken as part of a 1.1 trillion dollars spending bill to fund US government until
2016 received assent of President Barack Obama
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The United States (US) Senate has ratified reforms in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to
boost the representation of emerging economies as part of a budget bill.
The reforms ratified in the legislation are in line with the proposed 2010 Quota Reforms and now it
will go to President Barack Obama for assent.
These proposed reforms are the biggest change in the governance of the Fund since it was
established after World War Two in 1945 after the Bretton Woods Conference.
Proposed reforms in the Bill
Put four emerging markets Brazil, China, India and Russia among the IMFs top 10
shareholders and give emerging markets more influence at the global lender.
Gives emerging markets more voting power and double the Funds resources.
Chinas vote at the IMF would increase to 6 per cent from 3.8 per cent. It would make it the
third-largest shareholder from its previous sixth position.
The voting power and quota shares of the IMFs poorest member countries will be protected.
IMFs Board will entirely consist of elected Executive Directors. It will end the current
category of appointment of Executive Directors by five largest quotas holders.
Quotas of all 188 members will increase as the Funds quota resources rise to about 477 billion
special drawing rights (SDR) from 238.5 billion.
Indias voting rights will also rise to 2.6 per cent from the current 2.3 per cent. USs quota
share drop from 16.7 per cent to 16.5 per cent but it will retain its veto power.
The biggest losers in these proposed reforms are European economies which will see their
voting rights diminished.
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Every year 22nd December is observed as National Mathematics Day to celebrate birth anniversary
of great Indian autodidact Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
This year, it will be the 128th birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan.
New Zealand cricket team captain Brendon McCullum has announced his retirement from all forms
of international cricket viz., tests, ODIs and twenty20.
He will retire after playing the two home test series against Australia in February 2016. Presently, he
is New Zealands captain in all three forms of the international cricket and also batsman and wicketkeeper.
120
2014-15.
Ruling conservative Peoples Party (PP) of Spain led Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy by has won the
2015 general election of the country.
In the general election, PP won the 123 seats by securing in the lower house of the 350-member
Parliament and securing 28.7 percent vote share.
However, it has fallen short of absolute majority which can be achieved by any party that wins
minimum 176 seats. Now the Peoples Party has to form a coalition government with support of
other political parties to govern for another four-year term.
Results of other parties
The Socialists which won 90 seats with 22 percent vote share.
Anti-austerity Podemos Party along with its allies won 69 seats with 20.6 percent vote share.
Liberal Ciudadanos party (LCP) won 40 seats with 13.8 percent vote share.
In the earlier outgoing parliament Peoples Party was having 186 seats in the lower house of the
Parliament.
India has joined select club nations to build Liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships after state owned
Cochin Shipyard has received certification in this regard.
Cochin Shipyard also became first shipyard in India to get the nod to build LNG-transporting ships
for any client world-wide.
Key facts
In this regard, Cochin Shipyard has signed a license agreement with French technology
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PM Narendra Modi flags off first prototype electric bus for MPs
December 22, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off first prototype pollution free electric bus for Members of
Parliament.
The bus powered by battery has been manufactured in the lines with Union Governments flagship
Make in India campaign.
Key facts
The 15-seater eco-friendly bus is coloured in green and blue. It has Go Green message on it.
It is powered by lithium battery developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
and is very economical.
The bus is a collaborative effort between the Union Transport Ministry and Pune-based
technology company KPIT.
It has been converted from diesel to electric and will be used to ferry Parliamentarians.
The noiseless bus can save carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions up to 48,000 kg a year. Thats
equal to planting 2400 plants annually and will also save diesel worth Rs. 10 lakh a year.
Union Defence Ministry launches website for interface with industry and transparency
December 22, 2015
Union Ministry of Defence has launched a new Make in India website www.makeinindiadefence.com to
make defence acquisition process simpler and to provide an interface with industry.
The website was launched by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi. It was
launched in line with Union Governments ambitious goal in the process of creating a level playing
field with more transparency in defence sector procurements.
Key facts
The website provides information related to all procedural and policy issues relevant for
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Lok Sabha has unanimously passed the National Waterways Bill, 2015 by voice vote after it was
introduced by Union Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The bill aims at declaring 106 additional inland waterways as National Waterways in addition to the
five existing National Waterways.
Key facts
The National Waterways Bill, 2015 repeals the five Acts that declare the existing national
waterways. These existing five national waterways are now covered under the Bill.
The enactment of this Act (Central legislation) will pave way for the inclusion of 106
additional inlands waterways.
Thus the total number of national waterways numbers will go up to 111 from existing five
national waterways.
The Schedule mentioned in the Bill also specifies the extent of development to be undertaken
on each waterway.
Declaration of these National Waterways would enable Inland Waterways Authority of India
(IWAI) to develop the feasible stretches for Shipping and Navigation.
Inland waterways comprise mainly rivers, lakes, canals, creeks and backwaters. It extends about
14,500 km across the country. However, potential of this mode of transport has not been fully
exploited so far.
Advantages
Inland waterways are recognised as a fuel efficient, cost effective and environment friendly
mode of transport.
The statutory status to the inland waterways would pave for investments in inland waterways
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Parliament has passed Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2015 for trying
juveniles as adults.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
The bill was first passed in Lok Sabha in May 2015 and later in Rajya Sabha in December 2015. Now
it will go for presidential approval to come into force.
Key facts
The bill has provision that allows trying of juveniles between the ages of 16 and 18 years as
adults for heinous offences.
The legislation aims at ensuring protection, proper care, development and social
reintegration of children in difficult circumstances by adopting a child-friendly approach.
The bill empowers Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB) to examine the nature of crime and decide
whether it was committed as a child mind or as an adult mind.
Based upon the preliminary inquiry of JJB, juvenile offender will be either sent for
rehabilitation or will be tried as an adult.
The Bill also seeks to consolidate and amend the law related to children alleged and found to
be in conflict with law and children needing care and protection.
It also has provision for the establishment of Child Welfare Committees (CWC) along with
JJB in each district. The CWC will determine institutional care for juvenile in need of care
and protection.
Union Government notifies stricter standards for Coal Based Thermal Power Plants
December 22, 2015
The Union Government has notified the revised standards for coal-based Thermal Power Plants in
the country with the primary aim of minimising pollution
In this regard, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued
notification and proposed theses standard to be implemented in a phased manner.
Key facts
These new standards are based on the recommendation of the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) after consultations with different stakeholders.
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Senior IAS officer Pawan Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Food Regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
He will succeed Yudhvir Singh Malik who was appointed as Additional Secretary in National
Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog in September 2015.
Pawan Kumar Agarwal is IAS officer of 1985 batch of West Bengal cadre. Presently he is serving as
joint secretary in Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Prior to his appointment, FSSAI
Bahuguna was| 51062
holding the additional charge of
DINESHChairman
CHAND MEENAAshish
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
CEO of the FSSAI.
Private air carrier Jet Airways has appointed Amit Agarwal as its new full time Chief Financial
Officer (CFO).
His appointment will fill the vacancy of full time CFO of Jet Airways which was vacant since March
2014 after then CFO Ravishankar Gopalakrishnan parted ways with the airline.
In his new role, Amit Agarwal will be responsible for all financial and fiscal management aspects of
the airlines business. With this appointment he also joins the operating committee that has been
tasked by the airlines board of directors to lead the airlines growth strategy.
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The Union Cabinet has given its nod to the Model Agreement on exemption from visa requirements
for the holders of diplomatic and official passports.
Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in New Delhi.
This move would facilitate visa-free entry, stay up and transit for holders of diplomatic and official
passports of either country to 90 days (or less) in any period of 180 days (or more) in India or
signatory country for holders of diplomatic and official passports of either country.
This decision was taken is part of Indias ongoing efforts to expand the envelope of visa-free travel
for holders of diplomatic and official passports to other countries of the world. So far, India has
signed visa free agreements with 69 countries. There are still more than 130 countries with which
India is yet to sign or enter into similar Agreements.
Investment of Rs. 5,000 crore by ONGC Limited in ONGC Videsh Limited
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) also has given its approval for investment of
5,000 crore rupees by Oil and Natural Gas Company Limited (ONGC) into the equity share capital of
ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL).
This investment would be done through conversion of existing loan of equivalent amount into
equity and will help strengthen the capital base of OVL. It will also enhance the ability of ONGC to
undertake overseas Exploration and Production (E&P) business in turn contributing to improve the
energy security of the country.
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for implementation of an
umbrella scheme for integrated development and management of fisheries.
It is Central Sector Scheme on Blue Revolution that will be implemented at an outlay of 3,000 crore
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The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Lucknow Metro
Rail Project Phase 1 A.
It will cover a length of 22.878 (approx 23) km with 22 stations and the metro train will ply between
Chowdhary Charan Singh Airport and Munshi Pulia.
Key facts
The cost of the project will be 6,928 crore rupees which will be supported by Union
Government with 1,300 crore rupees in the form of equity and subordinate debt.
The Project will be implemented by Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) which will be
jointly owned company of Union Government and Uttar Pradesh Government with equal
share of 50:50.
Out of the total route length, 19.438 km will be elevated route while underground route
length will be 3.440 km. It will have total 19 elevated and three underground metro stations.
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Union Cabinet approves revised cost estimates of Salma Dam Project in Afghanistan
December 23, 2015
The Union Cabinet has approved the reconstruction and completion of Salma Dam Project in
Afghanistan at the Revised Cost Estimates (RCE) of 1775.69 crore rupees.
Decision in this regard was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in New Delhi.
Key facts
Salma Dam Project in Afghanistan is scheduled to be completed by June 2016. It is one of
important project implemented to generate goodwill for India in Afghanistan.
Central Public Sector Unit M/s. WAPCOS under the aegis of Union Ministry of Water
Resources is executing the project.
The completion of this project will address the energy requirements and irrigation needs of
western Afghanistan leading to the overall economic development of the region.
The project cost was revised due to the foreign exchange rate variation between US dollar
and Indian rupee. Consultancy charges, escalation, training of Afghan personnel etc also have
increased the cost of project.
Philippines becomes first Asian country to approve sale of dengue vaccine Dengvaxia
December 23, 2015
Philippines became the first Asian country to approve the sale of the worlds first ever dengue
vaccine Dengvaxia in the country.
The Dengvaxia vaccine has been manufactured by French pharmaceutical manufacturer Sanofi
Pasteur. It has been designed to protect people in the 9-45 age groups from all four subtypes of the
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The Lok Sabha has passed The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to allow doubling of
wage ceiling for calculating bonus of factory workers and establishments with 20 or more workers.
The Bill seeks to amend the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 and was introduced in Lok Sabha by the
Minister of State (MoS) for Labour and Employment.
Key provisions of Bill
Eligibility of Employees: Seeks to raise the eligibility limit for payment of bonus from a
salary of Rs 10,000 to Rs 21,000 a month. The parent Act mandates payment of bonus to
employees whose salary or wage is up to Rs 10,000 per month.
Calculation of bonus: The Bill seeks to raise this calculation ceiling of bonus to Rs. 7,000
per month from present from Rs 3500 per month ceiling or as per the minimum wage
notified for the employment under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (whichever is higher).
The parent Act clearly mentions that the bonus is payable to an employee in proportion to his
or her salary or wage.
Prior publication of rules: The Bill seeks to mandate prior publication of rules made by the
Union Government in the Official Gazette to allow for more public consultation.
Retrospective effect: The Bill will have retrospective effect and will come into force on
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Parliament has passed three bills in ongoing winter session. These bills were passed by the Rajya
Sabha without discussion after they were earlier passed by Lok Sabha.
These 3 bills are
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015: Facilitates an arbitrator will have
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
to settle a case within 18 months. After the completion of 1 year, certain restrictions will be
put in place to ensure that the arbitration case does not linger on. Read more
Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015: Empowers the Union government to produce,
develop, use and control atomic energy. Read more
The Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division
of High Courts Bill, 2015: Enables the creation of commercial divisions in High courts and
commercial courts at the district level.
Proposes to set up Commercial Appellate Divisions in all High courts to hear appeals against
the orders of commercial divisions of High Courts, commercial courts and also appeals arising
from arbitration matters that are filed before the High courts.
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In India, 24th December is being observed as National Consumer Day. On this day the Consumer
Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the President.
The enactment of this Act was considered as a historic milestone in the consumer movement in the
country. This Act aims to provide consumers with effective safeguards against different types of
exploitation such as defective goods, unsatisfactory services and unfair trade practices.
This day provides an opportunity for individuals to highlight the importance of the consumer
movement and the need to make
every
more aware of their
rights and responsibilities.
DINESH
CHANDconsumer
MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
It should be also noted that World Consumer Rights Day is observed on 15th March every year.
Some facts about Consumer Protection Act, 1986
It provides consumers with speedy and inexpensive redressal grievances mechanism and specific
relief or award of compensation.
It recognizes six of the eight rights of the consumer as provided in the UN charter. It envisages
following rights of consumers (i) Right to Protection. (ii) Right of Information. (iii) Right of Choice.
(iv) Right of Hearing. (v) Right of Redressal. (vi) Right of Education.
Union Government has launched two mobile applications namely Crop Insurance and
AgriMarket Mobile to benefit farmers
These apps were launched by Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh
in New Delhi to celebrate the birth anniversary of former Prime Ministers Choudhary Charan Singh
and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Key facts
The main purpose for developing these Apps is to provide all relevant information to farmers
and other stake holders in real time to create conducive environment for raising farm
productivity and income to global levels.
Crop Insurance mobile app: It will help farmers find out complete details about insurance
cover available in their area. It will also help farmers to calculate the insurance premium for
notified crops, coverage amount and loan amount.
Farmers can use this app to get details and information about normal sum insured, premium
details, extended sum insured and subsidy information of any notified crop in any notified
area.
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Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the deadline for exchanging pre-2005 currency notes of
various denominations by another six months to June 30, 2016.
From January 1, 2016 such facility for exchanging pre-2005 currency notes will only be available at
identified bank branches and Issue Offices of the RBI.
Earlier in June 2015, RBI had
set the last date for public to exchange pre-2005 banknotes notes as
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
December 31, 2015. It is fourth time RBI has extended the deadline for exchanging pre-2005
currency notes since March 2014.
Till date RBI has shredded over 164 crore pre-2005 currency notes of various denominations,
including of Rs 1,000 with the face value of around Rs 21,750 crore in its regional offices.
Reasons for withdrawing pre-2005 notes from circulation
Security: pre-2005 notes have fewer security features as compared to 2005 and post-2005
currency notes. Thus, lesser will be the chances of its counterfeiting newer currency notes. It
will also remove fake currency notes in circulation which were being pumped in Indian
economy were copies of pre-2005 notes.
Flushing out black money: The spillover effect of the RBIs decision will be to flush out
black money. Money has value only as long as it is a medium of exchange and store of value.
It loses its value when it ceases to be a medium of exchange.
A disincentive for cash hoarders: With the RBIs announcement, currency hoarders will
be left with no option but to liquidate their unaccounted holdings by spending or exchanging
them. Thus, this is a well thought out exercise by the RBI to capture the money flows into
the system and also help flush out counterfeit notes.
International standard practice: It is an international standard practice to remove old
series notes.
Union Government has adopted the strategy of developing integrated industrial/economic corridors
across the country in partnership with respective State Governments for boosting industrial
development.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of
Commerce & Industry Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
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133
Indian Navy has conducted a large scale Fleet exercise on the eastern seaboard to maintain high levels
of combat readiness and counter emerging threats.
The exercises were conducted across a vast geographical area on the eastern seaboard extending from
Northern Bay of Bengal to Andaman Sea.
Key facts
In this large scale naval exercise as many as 24 ships, over 10 aircraft and 2 submarines
participated.
The exercise fleet included the nuclear submarine Chakra as well as units from Indias
strategic Andaman and Nicobar Command.
The P8I Long Range Maritime reconnaissance aircraft and Hawk Fighter aircraft were also
integrated into the exercise.
A ship with the Kamov 31 Air Early Warning helicopter from the Western Naval Command
was also deployed for the exercise.
Two weeks exercise mainly was to hone war fighting skills and concepts of Indian Navy. It
also dove-tailed various aspects of maritime warfare.
A wide range of weapons were fired from various platforms including Surface to Surface
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134
Indian American professor Dr. Rakesh K. Jain has been selected for 2015 National Medal of Science
of the United States.
He will be presented this top award along with 16 other winners by President Barack Obama at a
White House ceremony in January 2016. All of them were chosen for this award for their individual
achievement and leadership in advancing the fields of science and technology
Indias first indigenously designed & built frigate INS Godavari decommissioned
December 24, 2015
Indias first indigenously designed warship INS Godavari has been decommissioned after 32 years of
service.
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Delhi government has released a detailed blueprint for its ambitious Odd-Even formula for roadrationing plan to check pollution in the national capital.
The Odd-Even formula plan seeks to curb the number of vehicles plying in the national capital by
limiting four-wheelers on alternate days.
To ensure effective implementation of the plan, Delhi government is planning to deploy 10,000
volunteers around the city.
Key facts
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Under it cars with licence plates ending in an odd number will ply on odd dates and those
ending with an even number can run on even dates.
The odd-even scheme will be on a trial basis from 1 to 15 January, 2015. It will be between
8am and 8pm and on Sunday no restrictions are applied. The penalty in case of a violation is
Rs. 2,000.
During this implementation, public transport including buses and the Metro will be run at
high frequency. Residents are being urged to carpool in order to reduce pressure on public
transport.
The government plans to run 6,000 more buses to accommodate those who cant drive their
cars.
Exemptions: The list of 20-plus exemptions from the restrictions include emergency
vehicles, fire engines, ambulances, hospitals, hearses, prisons, VIPs, enforcement vehicles and
defence ministry vehicles.
Among VIPs, leaders of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Chief Ministers of
states, Judges of the Supreme Court and high court and Lokayukta are exempt.
CNG and electric vehicles are also exempt. Two-wheelers and Vehicles driven by or occupied
by handicapped persons and Female driver are also exempt.
Outstation vehicles including those coming from the National Capital Region (NCR) have
not been exempted from the scheme.
Comment
Such odd-even scheme has been implemented include Paris (France), Beijing (China) and Mexico
City (Mexico). However from their experience it is seen that right way to approach the problem of
pollution is to strengthen public transport and last-mile connectivity.
137
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution to designate 5th November
every year as World Tsunami Awareness Day.
The observance of the day would help to spread awareness among people across the world in matters
related to the dangers of tsunami and shall stress on the importance of early warning systems in
order to mitigate damage from the devastating natural calamity.
The proposal in this regard was first mooted by the Government of Japan after the 3rd UN
Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai (Japan) in March 2015.
Significance of the Day: November 5 has been selected by UNGA to coincide with the annual
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
anniversary of the 1854 Inamura-no-hi or Fire of Inamura event. On this day of that year a
Japanese villager through his quick action saved countless lives when he set fire to sheaves of rice,
thus warning people of the imminent danger of a tsunami. Note: The International Day for Disaster
Reduction has been observed annually on October 13 to highlight tsunami.
Some facts
Japan had suffered heavy losses as a result of tsunamis in the past and the most recently Great East
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on 11 March 2011. It had claimed over 15,000 lives and also had
disrupted the nuclear power industry and left many thousands homeless.
While on 26 December 2004 i.e. on Boxing Day, the Indian Ocean tsunami had claimed arounf
230000 lives. The devastating tsunami was formed due to earthquake with its epicenter off the west
coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It had affected lives and the natural environment in six countries in the
region including India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Somalia and Thailand.
In India, National Good Governance Day is being observed every year on 25th December on the
birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In order to mark the occasion of this day on the 91st birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee several
programmes were organized nationwide and new initiatives were announced.
It should be noted that this day is also being observed as Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
(PMGSY) Divas.
Background
Earlier in December 2014, Union Government had announced that National Good Governance Day
will be observed on the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee i.e. 25th December
each year. It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BJP Parliamentary Board
meeting held New Delhi.
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Syed Kirmani nominated for 2015 Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award
December 25, 2015
Indias former wicket-keeper batsman Syed Kirmani has been nominated for prestigious BCCIinstituted Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award 2015.
He was conferred with the award for his contribution to Indian cricket. He was a member of the
Indian team that won the World Cup in 1983 for the first time.
Background
Syed Kirmani was selected for this prestigious award by the Awards Committee of BCCI consisting
of BCCI President Shashank Manohar, Secretary Anurag Thakur and N Ram, former Editor-in-chief
of The Hindu Group.
Kirmani was one of Indias finest wicket keepers and had played 88 Tests and 49 ODIs for
India.
He holds distinction of 198 dismissals as a wicket keeper in 88 Tests and had scored 2759 runs
including two centuries, at an average of 27.04
Kirmani had played 49 ODIs for India and scored 373 runs. The main highlight being the
126-run rearguard partnership he shared with Kapil Dev in the World Cup game against
Zimbabwe in Turnbridge Wells.
He had served as chairman of the national selection committee in 2000 and also vicepresident of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) after his playing career.
Union Government has conferred Padma Shree award on him for his contribution to sports.
Australian cricketer Steve Smith has been named Cricketer of the Year for 2015 at the
International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards ceremony in Dubai.
With this, Smith became the 4th Australian and 11th overall player to win the prestigious award
named after Sir Garfield Sobers. He was also adjudged the Test Cricketer of the Year for 2015.
During the voting period, which ran from September 2014 to September 2015, Steve Smith has
finished as the leading run-scorer in Tests with 1,734 runs in 25 innings of 13 matches at an average
of 82.57. This included seven centuries and six half-centuries.
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North Indias first cable bridge named Atal Setu inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir
December 25, 2015
North Indias first cable-stayed bridge named Atal Setu was inaugurated on Dunera-BasohliBhadharwah road in Basohali town in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
It was inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar along with Union Minister Dr
Jitendra Singh and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag.
140
India and Russia have inked 16 cooperation agreements to expand cooperation in various sectors to
give a major push to their strategic ties.
These agreements were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis two days official visit to
Russia. The agreements were signed in the nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, solar energy, railways and
visas sectors.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Some of the signed agreements are
Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Helicopter Engineering: It includes joint
manufacture of Kamov 226 helicopters on the lines of Make in India campaign.
Programme of Action Agreed Between for Localization of Manufacturing in India
for Russian-Designed Nuclear Reactor Units: It would felicitate construction of 12
atomic plants with involvement of local companies in India under the Make-in-India
programme.
The cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy is a cornerstone of the Russia-India
strategic partnership.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technical cooperation in railway sector
MoU for construction of solar energy plants in India: It was signed between Solar
Energy Corporation of India and Russian Energy Agency regarding.
MoU for Cooperation for geologic survey, exploration and production of hydrocarbons
onshore and on the continental shelf of the Russian Federation. Similar agreement was also
signed between Rosneft Oil Company of Russia and Oil India Limited and Indian Oil
Corporation Limited.
Apart from this, extensive talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for the world to unite against terrorism without
distinction and discrimination between terrorist groups. Russia conveyed its strong support to
Indias bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Seychelles government allows India to build Naval Base on its Assumption Island
December 25, 2015
Seychelles government allowed India to build its first Naval Base on the Assumption Island in the
Indian Ocean region (IOR) as a joint project between both countries.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new building of Afghanistan Parliament in the
capital city Kabul built by India.
It was inaugurated during Narendra Modis first official visit to Afghanistan after becoming Prime
Minister. He also named one block of Parliament as Atal Block after former Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee.
Prime Minister also handed over 4 Mi-25 attack helicopters to Afghanistan Air Force symbolising a
shift in Indias position on supplying
offensive
equipment.
DINESH CHAND
MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
Afghanistan parliament building was constructed by India at a cost of US 90 million dollars as a
symbol of Indias support to Afghanistans democracy and civil reconstruction.
The construction of Parliament building was started in 2009 and it had missed its completion
deadlines at least 3 times since 2011. This project along with $300 million Salma dam project (called
the India-Afghanistan friendship dam) in Heart province has generated much goodwill for India.
Veteran Bollywood actress Sadhna Shivdasani (mononymously known as Sadhana) passed away in
Mumbai, Maharashtra. She was 74.
She was renowned for his style statement and acting prowess in Bollywood in the 1960s and 70s.
About Sadhna
Sadhana Shivdasani was born on September 2, 1941 in Karachi (now in Pakistan) in then
British India.
She was highest paid actress in Hindi cinema from 1962-65 with Vyjanthimal and the third
highest paid with Nanda from 1970-1973.
Her debut in Bollywood was with the film Shree 420 as Chorus girl. She has worked in films
like Love in Simla, Parakh, Hum Dono, Waqt, Woh Kaun Thi.
Her fringe haircut was famously known as the Sadhna cut inspired from British actress
Audrey Hepburn at that time.
Awards and Honours: She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by IIFA in 2002.
The Union Government has added 106 drugs including that of HIV/AIDS, Cancer and Hepatitis C to
the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
In this regard, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfares core committee has revised the
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143
IT major Tech Mahindra has launched first of its kind Tap N Pay contactless digital payment wallet
MoboMoney for the Indian masses.
MoboMoney has been billed as Indias first commercial NFC ecosystem rollout that would allow
consumers to convert cash into e-cash for making payments.
Key facts
MoboMoney is a prepaid wallet issued in the form of a Near Field Communication (NFC)
contactless tag that could be used to Tap N Pay for goods and services.
This facility would be available on a network of NFC enabled merchant point of sale (POS)
machines.
Customers without an NFC-enabled phone also can enjoy this facility to purchase goods.
The e-money loaded into the customers digital wallets can then be used make payments,
recharges, make bill payments as well as pay online.
144
Indian Oil Corp tops in 2015 Fortune 500 companies in India list
December 26, 2015
State-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has emerged as the countrys biggest company in terms of
annual revenue as per an annual list of 2015 Fortune 500 companies in India.
IOC topped the list for consecutive sixth year with annual revenue of Rs. 4,51,911 crore. IOC was
followed by Mukesh Ambani-led private sector Reliance Industries at the second place with a
revenue of Rs. 3,82,565 crore.
Top ten companies are
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
145
Chinas National Peoples Congress Standing Committee, the top organ of Chinas parliament has
adopted the countrys first counter-terrorism law.
The legislation was approved with large majority at the end of a week-long bimonthly session
Chinas National Peoples Congress Standing Committee.
Key facts
The law expanded the definition of the term terrorism and is the latest attempt of China to
address terrorism at home
and help maintain world security.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
The law grants overarching powers to security agencies and also allows the military to
venture overseas on counter-terror operations.
Under the new law a separate clause makes terrorism a crime including fabricating it and
disseminating information on fabricated terrorist incidents.
The law allows news media only to report on the personal details of on-scene workers,
hostages or authorities response to terrorist activities and it will require approval from
counter-terrorism authorities.
It is mandatory for technology firms to give sensitive data like encryption keys to the
government when asked for under this law.
Renowned American science-fiction writer George Clayton Johnson passed away in Los Angeles,
US. He was 86.
He was best known for dystopian novel Logans Run, which adapted into a 1976 film starring
Michael York and was nominated for two Oscars.
Chinas Parliament has adopted the countrys first law against domestic violence that prohibits any
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146
Seasoned Indian luger Shiva Keshavan has won a silver medal at the 2015 Asian Luge Championship
held in Nagano, Japan.
In this edition of championship, the first place was claimed by Japans Hidenari Kanayama and the
third by South Koreas Dong Hyeon Kim.
The race was conducted in two heats that were closely contested by athletes. In the first heat Shiva
Keshavan was a mere 2/10th of a second behind, but in the second heat minor technical snags cost
him the gold medal. In the previous editions of the event, Shiva had won two gold, silver and two
bronze medals for India.
It should be noted that Luge is one of the three Olympic sliding sports. It is the fastest and most
dangerous sports on ice and is part of Winter Olympic program since 1964.
Scientist from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently have successfully
tested crucial anti-jamming capability of the Astra missile.
During the trials missiles ECCM (electronic counter-counter measure) features to overcome any
jamming was successfully evaluated. This test was conducted after the missiles RF seeker and other
electronic components were sought to be jammed in the earlier trials.
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147
China has officially abandoned its One Child Policy amid deepening demographic crisis of shrinking
workforce and aging population in the worlds second largest economy.
In this regard 159-member National Peoples Congress Standing Committee, the top organ of
Chinas Parliament has passed revised Law on Population and Family Planning.
The new law allows couples to have two children from January 1, 2016 and marks the ending its
over three decades old One Child Policy.
Chinas One Child Policy
This forced policy was introduced in 1978 and was implemented since 1980 in order to curb
the population and limit demands for water and other resources.
Its main aim was to rein in population growth in order to alleviate social, economic and
environmental problems in China.
The controversial policy had restricted most of Chinese couples to only a single offspring
and prevented over 400 million births in over 3 decade span.
Internationally it was criticized because it involved serious human rights violations including
forced abortions and also was debated it has resulted in Chinas economic boom.
Comment
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148
Senior IAS officer Amitabh Kant has been given additional charge as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.
Decision in this regard was taken by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Mr. Kants appointment comes after incumbent NITI Aayog CEO Sindhushree Khullars extended
tenure is coming on 31st December 2015.
Amitabh Kant is IAS officer of 1980 Batch of Kerala Cadre. Presently, he is serving as Secretary,
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and is expected to retire in March 2016.
India has emphasised to Iran for early completion of all necessary procedures for its participation in
the Farzad-B gas field worth 5 billion US dollars.
Indias request was forwarded by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Iranian Minister for
Economic Affairs and Finance Ali Taiebnia in the Joint Commission Meeting.
Discussions in Joint Commission Meeting
Both counties also reviewed the progress in trade and economic cooperation and a number of
related matters,and discussed the possibilities in cooperation in Railways among other areas.
Iranian side suggested participation of Indias public and private sectors in development of
Chabahar Port and Chabahar Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and in setting up industrial units in it.
While India mentioned that Chabahar port will facilitate linking Afghanistan and Central
Asia with India which will result in enhanced trade and commerce.
India considers Iran as an important partner and expressed satisfaction at the growing
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149
Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has introduced e-office, an initiative
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
which will help provide efficient services to the people by digitizing more than 12,000 files.
It was formally launched by WCD Minister Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in New Delhi on the lines with
the spirit of Good Governance initiative of Union Government.
Key facts
The e-office project of the Ministry was initiated in July, 2015 and more than 12,000 files of
the Ministry have been digitized.
Various modules of this e-office are Knowledge Management System, File Management
System, Leave Management System and Tour Management System.
Personnel Information Management System module of this e-office is likely to start from the
1 January, 2016. All the attached offices of the ministry are also going to come under the eoffice platform.
The e-office will result in substantial decrease of processing time which will directly affect the
delivery mechanism of the WCD Ministry. It would also result in better accountability and
transparency and will ultimately result in higher manpower efficiency.
150
The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has given clearance for four greenfield airports in two states.
Of the total four approved greenfield airports, three will be in Andhra Pradesh and one at
international airport at Dholera in Gujarat.
Key facts
In Andhra Pradesh greenfield airport will be developed at Nellore and Kurnool districts of
under a public-private partnership.
These two of the threeDINESH
airports
proposed at Andhra Pradesh are likely to be no-frills one.
CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Ministry also has given site clearance for the Bhogapuram airport in Andhra Pradesh which is
about 40 km from Visakhapatnam (Vizag).
The international airport at Dholera in Ahmedabad is expected to reduce the air traffic load at
the existing Ahmedabad airport.
Earlier Union Environment Ministry had given the environmental clearance to 1,378 crore
rupees Dholera airport project.
Greenfield Airport: It is a new airport which is constructed on an undeveloped site. It is built from
scratch on a new location because the existing airport is unable to meet the traffic requirements.
Brownfield projects: These projects are usually undertaken to modify or upgraded from existing
facilities.
Legendary American cinematographer Haskell Wexler passed away on 27th December 2015 in
California, US. He was 93.
He was best known for his work in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and American
Graffiti and was one of the film historys most influential cinematographers.
151
Andhra Pradesh Government ink MoU with Microsoft India on technology initiatives
December 29, 2015
Andhra Pradesh Government has signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with tech giant
Microsoft India on various technology initiatives for governance.
The MoU was signed after a meeting between the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and
Microsofts CEO Satya Nadella in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The technology provided by the Microsoft would be utilized by state government to check school
dropouts, improve agricultural productivity and providing better citizen services.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Key features of MoU
The MoU seeks to improve use of Information and communications technology (ICT) drive
for digital inclusion and provide better IT-based services to citizens.
For digital inclusion Microsoft India will provide technical knowledge to Andhra Pradesh
Government and support building three proof-of-concept (PoC) solutions.
PoC solutions would be supported by applying Microsoft Azure Machine Learning and
Advanced Visualization method in the fields of agriculture, eCitizen services and education.
These solutions would use the lab method for data gathering, analysis, predictive analysis and
policy planning which would be built and deployed to address specific problems within each
of the fields to achieve better outcomes for the State.
The company will set up a Centre for Excellence (CoE) in Visakhapatnam to train state
Governments key IT executives.
Union Government has announced to link LPG subsidy to income of consumers in order to ensure
that the subsidy benefits go to the targeted group.
Henceforth, the LPG subsidy will not be available to LPG consumers if the consumer or his/her
spouse has taxable income of more than ten lakh rupees. This income would be as per the previous
financial year computed under Income Tax Act, 1961.
This decision will be given effect to initially on self-declaration basis of LPG consumers while
booking cylinders January 2016.
This move will affect at least 60 lakh LPG consumers of the total 16.5 crore LPG consumers in the
country and Government will save upto Rs. 113 crore from this decision.
Background
Earlier under the Give it Up campaign many LPG consumers had given up their subsidy voluntarily
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152
Reliance Jio has launched 4G (4th Generation) telecom service using LTE (Long Term Evolution)
Technology.
The service was launched by companys Chairman Mukesh Ambani on the 83rd birth anniversary of
Dhirubhai Ambani, founder of the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) in Navy Mumbai, Maharashtra.
This initial phase of 4G service was launched for limited to 85000 employees and their families of the
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company. However the commercial services to begin by April 2016 throughout country.
Features
The Jio 4G Service has three-pronged features focusing on broadband networks, affordable smart
phones and the availability of rich content and applications. It seeks to provide unique combination
of high speed data up to 1 gigabyte per second (Gbps), telecom, media, digital commerce and
payment services.
Indias 4G profile
With this launch Reliance Jio became fourth telecom service provider in India to launch 4G service.
Sunil Bharti Mittal led Airtel was first telecom service provider in the country to launch 4G service
using LTE Technology in Kolkata in 2012. It was followed by Aircel in July 2014 (in 4 circles Andhra
Pradesh, Assam, Bihar and Odisha) and Vodafone India on 8th December 2015 in Kochi, Kerala.
About 4G
4G LTE is wireless communications standard developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership
Project (3GPP).
Standards: 4G LTE is one of several competing 4G standards along with WiMax (IEEE 802.16)
and Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB). Presently two standards are commercially used world-wide
viz. LTE and Mobile WiMax standard.
WiMax standard was first commercially in South Korea in 2007 and LTE standard was first
used in Norway and Sweden in 2009.
Speed: Designed to provide up to 10x speeds of 3G networks for mobile devices such as
tablets, smartphones, netbooks and wireless hotspots etc. It can provide internet speed of at
least 100 Mbit per second (Mbps) to 1 Gbps.
Services: 4G technologies are designed to provide IP (Internet Protocol)-based voice, data
and multimedia streaming at high speed.
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153
Gujarat has won the 14th season of prestigious Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy for season 201516 for
first time in its history of championship.
In the final match played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Karnataka) they defeated Delhi by
139 runs.
Eminent Gujarati litterateur Raghuveer Chaudhary has been selected for the 51st Jnanpith award.
Mr. Chaudhary is the fourth Gujarati litterateur to bag this prestigious award after Uma Shankar
Joshi (1967), Pannalal Patel (1985) and Rajendra Shah (2001).
154
Giorgi Kvirikashvili has been elected as the 12th Prime Minister of Georgia by the Parliament of the
country.
He was elected by the Parliament
after then Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili had resigned from the
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post on December 29, 2015 without explaining his decision.
The new government under the leadership of Giorgi Kvirikashvili was approved by Georgias
Parliament by 86 votes to 28 against it. Now President Giorgi Margvelashvili will officially ratify this
decision.
Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili had served as Georgias Vice Prime Minister
since July 2013 and Minister of Foreign Affairs since September 2015. He was also Minister of
Economy and Sustainable Development from October 2012 till September 2015.
Kvirikashvilis new government has pledged to push ahead the ruling Georgian Dream coalitions
policy of seeking closer ties with the West by endorsing its full membership in the European Union
(EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and pursuing a pragmatic and peaceful policy
towards Russia which was shattered by a brief 2008 war.
155
Union Government has approved financial aid of Rs. 6,794 crore for three statesMaharashtra,
Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh affected by drought in year 2015 due to deficit rainfall.
Of the total financial aid, government has approved Rs.3,100 crore for Maharashtra, Rs.1,672 crore
for Chhattisgarh and Rs.2,022 crore for Madhya Pradesh.
Maharashtra, which had declared drought bout 15% of the state i.e. in more than 15,000 villages and
had demanded Rs.4,003 croreDINESH
in central
CHAND assistance.
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Seven other statesKarnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand and Uttar
Pradesh also have been declared drought this year due to rainfall deficit. In 2015, the drought has
affected crops spread over an area of 19 million hectare in just seven states. In all, 18 states have been
recorded deficit rainfall this year.
Earlier in November 2015, Union Government had approved Rs.1,540 crore for Karnataka which
was the first state in the country to declare a drought in August 2015.
Russia inks $1 billion deal with HAL to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T helicopters
December 30, 2015
Russias Rostech State Corporation has signed one billion US dollar deal with Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T light helicopters.
These helicopters will be manufactured under make in India initiative and shall replace the ageing
fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
This is the first Russian-Indian high-tech project implemented by the Indian government within the
framework of the Make in India programme with the help of Russia.
Under this manufacturing deal Rostech State Corporation will organize in India the production of
Russian Ka-226T and its modifications in around 200 units. It will also carry out maintenance,
operation and repair of helicopters.
This deal comes after an agreement was signed between the two countries on cooperation in the
field of helicopter manufacturing during recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia.
Kamov 226T light helicopters will be mainly used to move troops and equipment to high-altitude
locations like Siachen. This work was earlier carried by outdated fleet of Cheetah and Chetak
choppers which had claimed a number of lives in mishaps.
Haryana Government has decided to fix a minimum educational qualification for aspirant of
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156
World Health Organization (WHO), a UN health agency has declared Guinea Ebola-free after no
new cases were reported. Now the country enters into 90-day period of heightened surveillance of
WHO.
In Guinea, the deadly disease had killed more than 2,500 people and had completely shattered
countrys economy and countrys health and education sectors.
Criteria for declaring a nation Ebola-free
WHO can declare a country Ebola free after no new cases are reported from human-to-human
transmission over two incubation periods of virus i.e. 21 days. Earlier, WHO had declared Liberia
Ebola-free in September 2015 and was followed by Sierra Leone in November 2015.
Ebola outbreak
Guinea was birthplace of deadliest Ebola outbreak in history and was initially centred on countrys
remote south-eastern region of Nzerekore in 2013. Later it had spread to its neighbouring countries
Liberia and Sierra Leone and also seven other countries. After it began in 2013 it has killed more
than 11,300 people in these three worst hit western African nations. Liberia with 4809 deaths was
worst hit among these three western African nations in this deadly outbreak.
China has successfully launched its most sophisticated observation satellite Gaofen-4, as part of the
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157
Eminent Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra on after a brief
illness. He was 86.
He was iconic Marathi poet best known for many poetry recitation programmes and for writing
lyrics for many Marathi films.
158
State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commissioned a 660 MW unit of Prayagraj
Super Thermal Power Project at Bara town in Allahabad district of Uttar Pradesh.
This is the first supercritical thermal unit to be commissioned in the state to achieve capacity
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159
Union Government has unveiled National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS) 2015-2020
to establish India as a world-class bio-manufacturing hub.
It was unveiled by the Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi.
Key facts
NBDS intends to launch a major mission under the Make in India programme backed with
significant investments for the creation of new biotech products.
It also seeks to create a strong infrastructure for Research and Development and
commercialization and also empower Indias human resources scientifically and
technologically.
The key elements of the Strategy are building a skilled workforce and enhance research
opportunities in basic, disciplinary and inter-disciplinary sciences.
Its major component will be training of work force and this includes dual degree programmes
which will cover both the aspect of core science and business applicability.
It will also focus on enhancing research opportunities in basic, disciplinary and interdisciplinary sciences and also foster global and national alliances.
The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of 69 Bridges including Approach Roads on the
Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa (TKK) road section of the Trilateral Highway in Myanmar.
Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in New Delhi. These bridges will be constructed at a cost of Rs.371.58 crore and shall impart all
weather usability to the TKK road section.
Key facts
TKK road section seeks to improve connectivity between India and Myanmar and facilitate
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160
CCEA approves Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme for textile sector
December 31, 2015
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved introduction of Amended
Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for technology upgradation of the textiles industry.
Decision in this regard was taken by CCEA meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi
in New Delhi.
The ATUFS replaces existing Revised Restructured Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (RRTUFS) to give a boost to textile sector under Make in India campaign.
ATUFS targets
Employment generation (including women) and global export by encouraging garment and
apparel industry.
Promote Technical Textiles which is a sunrise sector for export and employment creation.
Improvement in quality and productivity by promoting conversion of existing looms to
better technology looms.
Encourage better quality in textile processing industry and keep check on import of fabrics by
the garment sector.
Two broad categories of ATUFS
Apparel, Garment and Technical Textiles sectors would be provided on capital investment
with fifteen per cent subsidy. However, it will be subject to a ceiling of Rs. 30 crore for
entrepreneurs over a period of five years.
Remaining sub-sectors of textile sectors would be provided subsidy at a rate of 10 percent.
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161
Union Cabinet gives nod for India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation deal
December 31, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the India-Australia Civil
Nuclear Cooperation deal that came into force on November 13, 2015.
The deal along with the administrative arrangement for implementing the accord will bolster Indias
energy security by supporting the expansion of nuclear power in the country.
Background
India and Australia had started talks on the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement in 2012
after Australia had lifted the long-standing ban on selling uranium to energy-starved India.
The cooperation agreement was signed between two countries in September 2014 to sell
uranium as a nuclear fuel for peaceful power generation.
India-Australia Nuclear Cooperation deal follows similar agreements signed by India with the
US and France after western sanctions were lifted in 2008.
Currently, India has nuclear energy agreements with 11 countries and imports uranium from France,
Russia, Kazakhstan and Canada (since December 2015). Australia has about 40 per cent of the
worlds uranium reserves and annually exports nearly 7,000 tonnes of nuclear fuel. It is third largest
uranium producing country after Kazakhstan and Canada.
Nuclear Energy in India
Presently, nuclear energy just contributes 3 per cent of electricity generation in India. The energy
starved country has less than two dozen small reactors at six sites with a capacity of 4,780 MW of its
total power capacity. India is seeking to diversify its electricity generation and is planning to increase
its nuclear capacity to 63,000 MW by 2032 by adding nearly 30 new reactors.
Comment
With this, India became India the first country to buy Uranium from Australia without being a
signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). It also marks Indias step toward achieving
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162
Union Cabinet approves Raptor MoU for conservation of migratory birds of prey
December 31, 2015
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on the
Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia.
This MoU is also called as the Raptor MoU under the Convention on Conservation of Migratory
Species (CMS). With signing it, India will become the 54th signatory to the MoU.
163
1. Which of the following films has won the prestigious Golden Peacock award at the IFFI 2015?
[A]Mustang
[B]The Measure of a Man
[C]Embrace of the Serpent
[D]Eisenstein
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Colombian lm Embrace of The Serpent has been adjudged as the best lm of the 46th
International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Director Ciro Guerra of Embrace of The Serpent was
bestowed with the Golden Peacock award and the cash prize of 40 lakh rupees. The Best Director
award is given to Peter Greenway for the Netherlands lm Eisenstein in Guanajuato. The Best
male actor award is given to Vincent Lindon for the France lm The Measure of a Man. The Best
Female actor award is given to ve female actress for their roles in the Turkey Film Mustang.
The special Jury Award is given to Julia Vargas for his lm Sealed Cargo. The ICFT-UNESCO
Fellini Award is presented to Kaushik Gangulys Bengali lm Cinemawala.
Answer: 100%
Explanation:
According to the extant FDI policy in India, FDI up to 100% under the automatic route is
permitted in companies engaged in e-commerce provided that such companies would engage
only in Business to Business (B2B) e-commerce. As per the recent rules, a manufacturer is
permitted to sell its products manufactured in India through e-commerce retail. A single brand
retail trading entity operating through brick and mortar stores, is permitted to undertake retail
trading through e-commerce.
3. Which of the following companies has launched the Safe Move-Traffic Safety Campaign?
[A]Mahindra & Mahindra
[B]Ashok Leyland
[C]Hyundai Motor India
[D]TVS Motor
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164
4. Which of the following currency has been added to the IMFs SDR currency basket, recently?
[A]Indian Rupee
[B]Australian Dollar
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[C]Renminbi
[D]Swiss Franc
Answer: Renminbi
Explanation:
The Special drawing rights (SDR) is a type of international reserve asset maintained by the
International Monetary Fund (IMF). The value of SDR is based on the basket of key international
currencies. The SDR basket currencies are reviewed by IMF every ve years. Recently,
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has included Chinas Yuan or Renminbi into its elite reserve
currency basket mainly used as an international reserve asset with an eect from 1st October
2016. The other four currencies used in the SDR currency basket are U.S. dollars, euros, pounds
sterling and Japanese yen.
5. Which of the following foreign borrowings are considered under External Commercial
Borrowings(ECBs) in India?
[A]Buyers credit
[B]Suppliers credit
[C]Bank loans
[D]All the above
165
6. Who of the following has won the 1st FIDE World Online Women Blitz Championship?
[A]Dronavalli Harika
[B]Humpy Koneru
[C]Mary Ann Gomes
[D]Padmini Rout
7. Which of the following countries has been ranked at the top of ITUs ICT Development Index
(IDI) 2015?
[A]Switzerland
[B]China
[C]South Korea
[D]Singapore
8. Which of the following countries has imposed economic sanctions against Turkey, recently?
[A]United States (US)
[B]France
[C]Russia
[D]Germany
Answer: Russia
Explanation:
Recently, Russia has imposed economic sanctions against Turkey, a NATO member over the
issue of downing of a Russian Sukhoi 24 warplane on the Syrian border. In this regard, Russian
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree adopting a series of retaliatory economic measures
against Turkey with an eect from 1st January 2016. The economic sanctions covers ban on
166
9. Eldar Ryazanov, who passed away recently, was related which of the following fields?
[A]Physicist
[B]Films
[C]Sports
[D]Architecture
Answer: Films
Explanation:
DINESH and
CHAND
MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
Russian legendary lm Director
screenwriter
Eldar Ryazanov
(88) passed away recently in
Moscow, Russia. He was one of Russias best-loved Soviet-era lm directors and an icon of
popular USSR culture of tragi-comedies that satirised daily life in the erstwhile Soviet Union.
Eldar Ryazanov was born on 18 November 1927 in Kuybyshev (now Samara) in the erstwhile
USSR. He had directed some of the most popular Soviet Era comedies such as Irony of Fate
(1975), Oce Romance (1977) and The Garage (1979). Comedy lm The Irony of Fate is still
reckoned to be his most popular lm in USSR and still televised on New Years Eve in former
Soviet countries. In 1984, he was named a Peoples Artist, a top USSR artistry tittle. He also has
received the USSR State Prize (1977). He has won the Nika Award for Best Director (1991) for the
lm Promised Heaven. An asteroid 4258 Ryazanov was named after him.
10. Which of the following countries has been ranked first in the latest Global Workforce Happiness
Index?
[A]Belgium
[B]Norway
[C]Costa Rica
[D]South Africa
Answer: Belgium
Explanation:
Belgium ranks as the top country for employee happiness. It was revealed by the Global
Workforce Happiness Index of Universum, a global employer brand research rm. Universum has
surveyed 2,50,000 professionals in 55 markets and calculated the Global Workforce happiness
Index based on several factors such as employees satisfaction at current job, the likelihood of
recommending their current employer etc.
11. Which of the following countries has the worlds largest pension fund?
[A]China
[B]United States
[C]Japan
[D]United Kingdom
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167
12. Who of the following has been elected as the new President of Burkina Faso?
[A]Blaise Compaore
[B]Thingbai Kabore
[C]Zephirin Diabre
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[D]Roch Marc Christian Kabore
13. Which of the following organisations has launched an initiative titled Anticipate, Absorb,
Reshape to build climate resilience?
[A]G20
[B]Greenpeace
[C]United Nations
[D]BRICS
168
Answer: Football
Explanation:
The Polish professional footballer, Mr. Robert Lewandowski awarded with four separate ocial
Guinness World Record certicates for scoring ve goals in 9-minutes for German Football Club
Bayern Munich against Wolfsburg.
DINESH CHAND
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
15. On which date, the International
DayMEENA
for the
Abolition of Slavery
is observed?
[A]November 15
[B]November 30
[C]December 2
[D]December 10
Answer: December 2
Explanation:
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed on December 2 every year with an
objective to raise awareness about slavery and its impact on the society. According to the
International Labour Organization (ILO) presently there are an estimated 21 million forced labour
victims worldwide, who creates US$ 150 billion in illegal prots in the private economy each
year. On 2 December 1949, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly approved the resolution
Convention for the Suppression of the Trac in Persons and of Exploitation of the Prostitution of
Others.
16. Who among the following is the CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation?
[A]Sheryl Sandberg
[B]Marissa Mayer
[C]Susan Desmond-Hellmann
[D]Reed Hastings
169
18. Margi Sathi, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Sports
[B]Educationalist
[C]Theatre artist
[D]Environmentalist
19. Which of the following organisations has launched the Transformative Carbon Asset Facility
(TCAF)?
[A]WTO
[B]World Bank
[C]BRICS
[D]SCO
170
20. Which of the following metropolitan development authorities has won the E-India award at EIndia Summit 2015?
[A]Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
[B]Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority
[C]Bangalore Development Authority
[D]Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority
21. On which date, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed?
[A]September 21
[B]October 10
[C]December 3
[D]December 15
Answer: December 3
Explanation:
Every year International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is being observed on 3 December
to promote an understanding of disability issues. It also seeks to mobilize support for the dignity,
rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The theme for year 2015 of International Day of
Persons with Disabilities is Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities.
United Nations has estimated around one billion people are living with disabilities across the
world and they are facing barriers of inclusion in many key aspects of society. In 1992, United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had passed a resolution 47/3 for annually observing 3rd
December as International Day of Disabled Persons. It was originally called as International Day
of Disabled Persons.
22. Which of the following campaigns has been launched by the Union Government for differentlyabled people?
[A]Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
[B]Sulabh Bharat Abhiyan
[C]Sojanya Bharat Abhiyan
[D]Sanskirti Bharat Abhiyan
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171
23. The proposed Dholera International airport will come up in which city?
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[A]Mumbai
[B]Kochi
[C]Jaipur
[D]Ahmedabad
Answer: Ahmedabad
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has given an environment
clearance to the proposed Dholera International airport in Ahmedabad district. The proposed
airport will be established in Ahmedabad districts Navagam village, which is 15 km from
Dholera. It will cater to the regions of Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Nadiad, Kheda and Anand.
The project will be developed in three phases with an estimated cost of around Rs 1,712 crore, of
which the rst phase will cost Rs 716 crore. By January 2016, the project is expected to receive
the in-principle approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry of Government of India (GoI).
24. Which of the following space agencies has launched the LISA Pathfinder?
[A]Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
[B]NASA
[C]European Space Agency
[D]China National Space Administration
172
26. For what purpose, the GIAN scheme has been launched by the Union Government?
[A]To boost higher education
[B]To boost rural health
[C]To boost telecom sector
[D]To boost solar sector
27. Which of the following companies has signed a MoU with Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide
mid-day meal in Odisha?
[A]Airtel
[B]Idea Cellular
[C]Wipro
[D]Infosys
173
28. According to the latest Brickwork Ratings report, which of the following states economy is
biggest in India in FY 2014-15?
[A]Tamil Nadu
[B]Maharashtra
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[C]Kerala
[D]Punjab
Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation:
As per the latest report published by credit rating agency Brickwork Ratings, Maharashtra is the
biggest economy among the states in India in the FY 2014-15. Maharashtra accounts for Rs.
16.87 lakh crore in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and is followed by Tamil Nadu
and Uttar Pradesh. In terms of GSDP, the fastest-growing states of India are Bihar (17.06 %),
Madhya Pradesh (16.86 %) and Goa (16.43 %).
29. Which of the following banks is the first Indian bank to introduce Display Debit cards?
[A]HDFC Bank
[B]Axis Bank
[C]ICICI Bank
[D]State Bank of India
30. M. A. M. Ramaswamy, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Industrialist
[B]Journalist
[C]Space Scientist
[D]Painter
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
174
Answer: Astronaut
Explanation:
The British astronaut Tim Peake will attempt to run the London Marathon in space. On 24 April
2016, he will run 26.2 miles on a treadmill aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the same
day as more than 30,000 runners will take part in the London Marathon. He will be only the
second Briton in space after Helen Sharman in 1991. He will be the rst Briton on board the ISS.
Earlier, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams ran the Boston Marathon on board the ISS in 2007.
32. Which one of the following companies has joined with ISRO to launch satellite-based portal to
monitor its pipelines?
[A]ONGC
[B]HPCL
[C]GAIL (India) Ltd.
[D]BPCL
33. As per the latest report of NITI Aayog, which of the following states has emerged as the fastest
growing economy in India in 2014-15?
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175
Answer: Bihar
Explanation:
According to the latest report of the NITI Aayog, Bihar has emerged as the fastest growing
economy at 17.06 per cent growth rate in 2014-15. NITI Aayogs data takes into account growth
rate of states on Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Bihar is followed by Madhya Pradesh
(16.86%) and Goa (16.43%). Maharashtra grew by 11.69 per cent to become the biggest state
with Rs 16.87 trillion economy.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Answer: December 4
Explanation:
Recently, the 44th Indian Navy Day was celebrated on December 4, 2015 to commemorate the
success of Operation Trident of Indian Navy that was carried out during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
On December 4, 1971, the Indian Navy carried out Operation Trident, which was a devastating
attack on Pakistan Naval Headquarters of Karachi. The attack irreparably damaged destroyers
and oil storage tanks at the Karachi port. To commemorate this, December 4 is celebrated every
year as the Indian Navy Day.
35. In which of the following states the union government will introduce e-transfer of wages under
MGNREGA from January 2016?
[A]Bihar
[B]Uttar Pradesh
[C]Kerala
[D]Tamil Nadu
Answer: Kerala
Explanation:
The Union government will introduce the system of e-transfer of wages to the MGNREGA scheme
beneciaries from January 1, 2016 in Kerala. This will try to prevent the leakages in the scheme.
If it is successful, then e-transfer of wages will also be introduced in other states. For smooth
fund ow, the electronic Fund Management System (e-FMS) has been made mandatory from
176
36. Which of the following organisations has signed an Integrity Pact with Transparency
International India (TII)?
[A]Jute Corporation of India Ltd. (JCI)
[B]Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation (HHEC)
[C]National Textile Corporation (NTC)
[D]Cotton Corporation Of India Ltd. (CCI)
The Central public sector enterprise, National Textile Corporation Limited (NTC Ltd) has become
the rst textile corporation to sign Integrity Pact (IP) with Transparency International India (TII). It
owns 23 working textile mills which produce yarn and fabric. Integrity Pact ensures that all
activities and transactions between an organisation and their suppliers are handled in a fair,
transparent and corruption-free manner. It prohibits any kind of bribing, favours or any other
unethical practices with close monitoring by honorary Independent External Monitors (IEMs).
37. What is the revised Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) from
January 1, 2016?
[A]60% of outstanding advances
[B]70% of outstanding advances
[C]75% of outstanding advances
[D]80% of outstanding advances
38. The first India International Science Festival (IISF) 2015 has started in which city?
[A]Kochi
[B]Pune
[C]Mumbai
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177
40. Which of the following cities is the host for the first International Bird Festival?
[A]Agra
[B]Kota
[C]Indore
[D]Kolkata
Answer: Agra
Explanation:
To promote Uttar Pradesh as an international bird watching destination, the state government is
hosting the rst International Bird Festival at the National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS), Agra from
December 4. It will come to an end on December 6. The festival is being celebrated between the
ravines of Chambal and Yamuna. It is being conducted by the state forest department, in
collaboration with FICCI.
178
42. The Bharatvani project is set to be launched by which of the following education governing
body?
[A]University Grants Commission
[B]National Council of Educational Research and Training
[C]Central Board of Secondary Education
[D]Council of Indian School Certificate Examination
43. Fatema Mernissi, who passed away recently, hails from which country?
[A]Iraq
[B]Morocco
[C]Egypt
[D]Syria
Answer: Morocco
Explanation:
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
179
Fatema Mernissi(75) passed away recently. She was a Moroccan feminist writer and sociologist.
She was best known for her focus on reconciling traditional Islam with progressive feminism. Her
most celebrated book, Beyond the Veil, reviewed Islam from a feminist perspective rejecting its
age-old patriarchal interpretations.
44. Who has won the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 2015?
[A]Kimi Raikkonen
[B]Lewis Hamilton
[C]Jenson Button
[D]Nico Rosberg
German Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg has won for the Mercedes team the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2015. It was Rosbergs third consecutive victory a career rst for the German and his sixth of
the season. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a Formula One race which was announced in the year
2007 at the Abu Dhabi F1 Festival in the UAE.
45. Which of the following countries will host the next Commonwealth summit CHOGM in 2018?
[A]Mauritius
[B]India
[C]United Kingdom
[D]Sri Lanka
46. Who is the current World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to India?
[A]Carissa F. Etienne
[B]Zsuzsanna Jakab
[C]Henk Bekedam
[D]Matshidiso Moeti
180
Recently, Dr. Henk Bekedam, a Dutch national and medical doctor by training, has taken charge
as the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to India. He has worked for 19 years with
WHO as its representative in China and Egypt, director of Health Sector Development in the WHO
Western Pacic Region Oce in Manila, Philippines, and as team leader of the health sector
reform project in Cambodia.
47. Who of the following is honoured with 2015 Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF)
Outstanding Business Achiever award?
[A]G M Rao
[B]Hinduja Brothers
[C]Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[D]Cyrus Mistry
48. The headquarters of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) are located in which city?
[A]Bangalore
[B]Dehradun
[C]Kolkata
[D]Bhuvaneshwar
Answer: Kolkata
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Government has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the
Centenary year of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The postage stamp was released by Union
Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in the presence of Union Environment
Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi. They also released publications of ZSI- the Centenary
Souvenir, Centenary Directory and A Glorious 100. ZSI is the apex institution on animal (fauna)
taxonomy in India. It was established on 1 July 1916. Its headquarters is in Kolkata. It also has 16
regional centres located in dierent parts of the country.
49. Which of the following defence forces of India has conducted the exercise Drad Sankalp?
[A]Indian Army
[B]Indian Navy
[C]Indian Airforce
[D]None of the above
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181
50. Which of the following vaccines is used in injectable inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) programme
of India?
[A]BharatIPV vaccine
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[B]ShanIPV vaccine
[C]NirmIPV vaccine
[D]SanofiIPV vaccine
Answer: December 7
Explanation:
The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on December 7 annually. It is observed to make people
realize it is as much their responsibility as the governments to take care of the families and
dependents of the armed forces personnel staying away from them to ght for the country.
Former Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru on December 7, 1954 said that a way to
indicate the appreciation of armed forces serving our country is by contributing to the Flag Day
Fund. Along with collecting funds from Indians for the welfare of the Indian armed forces
personnel, it is a day to honour the soldiers, airmen and sailors of India.
182
53. Which country is the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India in the first half of
2015-16 fiscal year?
[A]Mauritius
[B]Singapore
[C]Japan
[D]United Kingdom
Answer: Singapore
Explanation:
Singapore has replaced Mauritius as the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India
during the rst half of the current scal year 2015-16. It was unveiled by the data during April to
September 2015 period released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
India has attracted 6.69 billion dollars FDI from Singapore while it received 3.66 billion dollars
from Mauritius. Overall, Singapore accounts for 15 per cent of the total inbound FDI received by
India during April 2000 and September 2015. However, Mauritius accounted for 34 per cent of
FDI during the same period.
54. Who of the following would be honoured with 2015 Person of the Year award by London-based
Asian Lite newspaper?
[A]Janaky Athi Nahappan
[B]Abdool Razack Mohamed
[C]K T Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeulla
[D]Kantilal Jivan
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183
55. Which of the following companies has launched SME Council in India to help small businesses?
[A]Flipkart
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[B]Snapdeal
[C]Facebook
[D]Google India
Answer: Facebook
Explanation:
Recently, Facebook has set up a SME Council in India to help small ventures from various
industries share feedback and discuss ideas around leveraging technology to grow their
enterprise. This is the second SME Council set up by Facebook globally, the rst one being in the
US. Presently, more than 45 million small businesses actively use Facebook Pages to connect to
their consumers.
56. Which of the following countries has won the 2014-15 Mens Hockey World League?
[A]India
[B]Australia
[C]Belgium
[D]Argentina
Answer: Australia
Explanation:
Australia has won the 2014-15 Mens Hockey World League Final by defeating Belgium. In the
nal match played at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium, Raipur, Australian team defeated
Belgium by 2-1 goals. India was placed at third place in this league after defeating world number
two and defending champions Netherlands by 3-2 goals in the penalty shoot-out.
57. Which of the following state governments has decided to celebrate Gita Jayanti Mahotsava
throughout the state?
[A]Punjab
[B]Haryana
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
184
Answer: Haryana
Explanation:
The Haryana Government has decided to celebrate Gita Jayanti Mahotsava throughout the
state from December 19 to 21, 2015. To organise the festival, a district level celebration
committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioners. A sum of
Rs.10 lakh would be provided to each district by the Information, Public Relations and Culture
Aairs department for setting up of exhibition, tentage, craft work, boarding and lodging of
artist, refreshment and other related miscellaneous expenses.
DINESHisCHAND
MEENA
dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
58. Which of the following states
the first
to| join
the UDAY scheme
of union government?
[A]Jharkhand
[B]Rajasthan
[C]Tamil Nadu
[D]Andhra Pradesh
59. Which of the following Indian states has been featured in the Atlas Choices 10 of the Best
Winter Sun Locations of the World?
[A]Jammu and Kashmir
[B]Goa
[C]Himachal Pradesh
[D]Uttarakhand
Answer: Goa
Explanation:
Recently, Goa has been listed in the top 10 Best Winter Locations of the World by the
international agency Atlas Choices. The other tourist destinations that are included in the list
are Cape Town, Melbourne, Barbados, Miami, Saint Kitts, Punta Cana, Santiago, Tenerife and
Boracay Island. The Atlas Choice is an international car booking agency with extensive
knowledge in tourist spots. Beside this, Goa is also in the list of the Most Popular Domestic
185
60. According to the latest Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR 2015), what per cent of the total
geographical area is covered by forest in India?
[A]20.36%
[B]21.34%
[C]23.28%
[D]24.16%
Answer: 21.34%
Explanation:
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
According to the recently released India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2015, the total forest cover
of the country has increased by 3, 775 sq km, the tree cover has gone up by 1, 306 sq km. The
total forest and tree cover is 24.16% of the total geographical area whereas only forest cover is
21.34% of the countrys geographical area. The total carbon stock in the country s forest is
estimated to be 7044 million tonnes, an increase of 103 million tonnes.
61. The Central Research Institute in Yoga and Naturopathy will be set up in which of the following
Indian states?
[A]Kerala
[B]Maharashtra
[C]Gujarat
[D]Odisha
Answer: Odisha
Explanation:
The Central Research Institute in Yoga and Naturopathy will be set up in Khordha District,
Odisha. It will be set up by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN),
which is an autonomous body under Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare. It is an apex body in the eld of Yoga and Naturopathy, actively engaged in promotion,
propagation, research, education, training and publication work.
62. What is the underlying theme of the Kala Ustav event, which is being held under the aegis of
Union HRD Ministry in New Delhi?
[A]Apna Desh, Apni Sanskirti
[B]Unity of Mankind
[C]Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
[D]Save Tree, Save Future
186
Recently, the four-day Kala Ustav event began at Bal Bhawan in New Delhi with the underlying
theme of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. The event is being organised by National Council of
Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The event brings together students from across
India, who will showcase their respective cultures through dance, music, visual art and theatre.
63. Which of the following countries will host the Heart of Asia conference in 2016?
[A]Pakistan
[B]Bhutan
[C]India
[D]Sri Lanka
Answer: India
Explanation:
The 2015 Heart of Asia conference is hosted by Islamabad, Pakistan. The focus of the 5th
conference is to increase cooperation for countering security threats and promotion of
connectivity in the region. From India, the external aairs minister Ms. Sushma Swaraj is
attending the ministerial-level meeting. The 14 countries viz. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan,
China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey,
Turkmenistan and the UAE had launched the initiative launched in 2011 for encouraging
economic and security cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for dealing with the
common problems of terrorism, extremism and poverty. India will host the 2016 Heart of Asia
conference on Afghanistan.
64. Which of the following states is the first to allow the MLAs to raise online questions?
[A]Kerala
[B]Maharashtra
[C]odisha
[D]Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Maharashtra state legislature has become the rst in the country to launch an online
mechanism for legislators to send questions and move dierent motions in the House. The
website mls.org.in has been launched as part of Digital MLAs initiative in the winter session of
state legislature in Nagpur. To access the website, all MLAs and MLCs have been given unique
user names and passwords so that they can send their questions and requests online. The
system also facilitates them to move dierent motions like calling attention and half-an-hour
discussion questions for legislature sessions. This facility is designed by the Maharashtra
Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) and available on Unicode and can be accessed in
Marathi.
187
Answer: December 5
Explanation:
The International Volunteer Day is observed on December 5. The theme for this years
observance is The world is changing. Are you? Volunteer!. The day is viewed as a unique
chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their eorts, to share their values, and to
promote their work among their communities, NGOs, UN agencies, government authorities and
the private sector.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
66. Which of the following organisations is the first from India to join the World Banks Zero
Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative?
[A]ONGC
[B]IOCL
[C]NTPC
[D]Essar Oil Ltd
Answer: ONGC
Explanation:
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has become the rst oil company from India
to join the World Banks Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative. The Zero Routine Flaring by
2030 is a global initiative to end routine gas aring at oil production sites around the world. The
Governments that support the Initiative would provide a legal, regulatory, investment and
operating environment that is conducive to upstream investments and to the development of
viable markets for utilization of the gas and the infrastructure necessary to deliver the gas to
these markets. This will provide companies the condence and incentive as a basis for investing
in are elimination solutions. Till date, 45 governments, companies and organizations has joined
Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative.
67. The I-LTEO programme is launched by which of the following union ministries?
[A]Ministry of HRD
[B]Ministry of Culture
[C]Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
[D]Ministry of Commerce
188
68. The headquarters of National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) are located at which city?
[A]Kochi
[B]Chennai
[C]Bengaluru
[D]Hyderabad
Answer: Chennai
Explanation:
Recently, the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has launched Wind Energy Resources Map
of India at 100 meter above ground level and solar radiation map at ground level on online
Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. The Wind and Solar Resource Maps will not only
help and guide the wind and solar power developers and other stakeholders in identifying
potential areas for the development of wind & solar power projects in the country but also help
the central and state agencies in planning and developing the infrastructure including
transmission system, required for installing renewable power projects in these potential areas.
The NIWE is an autonomous R&D instituted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(MNRE).
69. At which of the following places, India is developing its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)?
[A]Mangaluru
[B]Chennai
[C]Kolkata
[D]Mumbai
Answer: Mangaluru
Explanation:
In the rst phase, India is developing Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) at Vishakapatnam,
Mangaluru and Padur (near Mangaluru). In the second phase India is planning to develop the
SPRs at Chandikhol (Odisha), Bikaner (Rajasthan) and Rajkot (Gujarat). The SPRs acts as a
valuable buer against short term oil supply disruptions as well as to buy and store oil when
prices are low and release them to reners when there is a spike in global rates.
70. Who of the following is the winner of the 2015 BWF Female Player of the Year Award?
[A]Bao Yixin
[B]Zhao Yunlei
[C]Carolina Marin
[D]Saina Nehwal
189
71. Who has been named as the 2015 Time Magazines Person of the Year?
[A]Angela Merkel
[B]Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[C]Donald Trump
[D]Hassan Rouhani
72. Who has won the 2015 The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award in the engineering
category?
[A]S Chandrasekhar
[B]Sandip Trivedi
[C]U Ramamurty
[D]Jagdish Ladha
Answer: U Ramamurty
Explanation:
The professor of the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bengaluru, Mr. U Ramamurty has won the
2015 The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award in the engineering category. The other
Indians who got the award this year are Mr. Jagdish Ladha (International Rice Research Institute,
New Delhi) in the agricultural sciences category and Mr. Sandip Trivedi (Tata Institute for
Fundamental Research, Mumbai) in the physics category. The TWAS is a global science academy
based in Trieste, Italy, working to advance science and engineering for sustainable prosperity in
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
190
73. Who of the following will be conferred with the inaugural Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award?
[A]Manoj Bhargava
[B]Rajesh Singh
[C]Frank Islam
[D]Vinod Arora
Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Frank Islam (63) has been chosen for the
inaugural Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award for his achievements and outstanding contributions in a
foreign country. He was born in Uttar Pradeshs (UP) Azamgarh district and studied at Aligarh
Muslim University. He will be honoured by UP Chief Minister Mr. Akhilesh Yadav at the inaugural
UP Pravasi Diwas in Agra on January 4, 2016. The UP Ratna award has been instituted to
recognise achievements and outstanding contributions of NRIs who hail from the state.
74. Which of the following countries will host the 2nd World Internet Conference (WIC)?
[A]India
[B]China
[C]USA
[D]United Kingdom
Answer: China
Explanation:
The 2nd World Internet Conference (WIC) (or Wuzhen Summit) will be held in Wuzhen, Zhejiang
province of China from December 16-18, 2015. The theme of the 2015 WIC is An Interconnected
World Shared and Governed by AllBuilding a Cyberspace Community of Shared Destiny. The
Conference will be a platform for building a cyberspace community of shared destiny, advocating
worldwide respect to diversity, focusing on mutual development, forging consensus and
confronting risks jointly.
75. What is the name of the first official stock exchange launched by Myanmar?
[A]Myanmar stock Exchange (MSX)
[B]Naypyidaw Stock Exchange (NSX)
[C]Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX)
[D]Mandalay Stock Exchange (MnSX)
191
Recently, Myanmar has launched its rst stock exchange Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX).
Initially, it will be open only to Myanmar companies and investors, and future law changes will
eventually allow foreigners to invest in Myanmar shares. The exchange is founded by the stateowned Myanmar Economic Bank, Daiwa Securities and Japan Exchange Group, a company that
operates the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The trading in the exchange is expected to begin in
February or March 2016.
76. Currently, which of the following countries is the largest oil supplier to India?
[A]Iran
[B]Iraq
[C]Kuwait
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[D]Saudi Arabia
77. Which of the following countries has successfully launched the Ghadr-110 ballistic missile?
[A]Afghanistan
[B]Iran
[C]Turkey
[D]Pakistan
Answer: Iran
Explanation:
Recently, Iran has successfully test red medium range Ghadr-110 ballistic missile near the
Chabahar, a port city in southeast of country along the Gulf of Oman. It is an improved and
advance version of Shahab 3 missile. It has a range of 1,800 2000 km and is capable of carrying
a nuclear warhead as well as conventional warheads.
Answer: December 9
Explanation:
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
192
The International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually on December 9. The theme of
this year is Break the corruption chain. This years joint international campaign focuses on how
corruption undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to human rights violations, distorts
markets, erodes quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human
security to ourish.
79. Which of the following organisations has released the report titled Asian Economic
Integration Report 2015?
[A]ADB
[B]IMF
[C]ASEAN
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[D]World Bank
Answer: ADB
Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released a report titled Asian Economic Integration
Report 2015: How Can Special Economic Zones Catalyze Economic Development?. The report
examined current trends in trade, nance, migration, remittances and other economic activities
in the region, with a special chapter on the role of special economic zones (SEZs).
Answer: Shooting
Explanation:
ONGCs Shweta Singh has clinched the gold medal in the womens 10m air pistol at the 59th
National Shooting Championship. It was the sixth national womens air pistol gold for Shweta.
She was followed by Yashaswini.
81. Who has been named as the 2015 Time Magazines Person of the Year?
[A]Angela Merkel
[B]Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
[C]Donald Trump
[D]Hassan Rouhani
193
82. Who has won the 2015 The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award in the engineering
category?
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[A]S Chandrasekhar
[B]Sandip Trivedi
[C]U Ramamurty
[D]Jagdish Ladha
Answer: U Ramamurty
Explanation:
The professor of the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bengaluru, Mr. U Ramamurty has won the
2015 The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award in the engineering category. The other
Indians who got the award this year are Mr. Jagdish Ladha (International Rice Research Institute,
New Delhi) in the agricultural sciences category and Mr. Sandip Trivedi (Tata Institute for
Fundamental Research, Mumbai) in the physics category. The TWAS is a global science academy
based in Trieste, Italy, working to advance science and engineering for sustainable prosperity in
the developing world. Every year, the Academy awards 8 prizes of worth $15,000 each in the
elds of agricultural sciences, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering sciences,
mathematics, medical sciences and physics.
83. Who of the following will be conferred with the inaugural Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award?
[A]Manoj Bhargava
[B]Rajesh Singh
[C]Frank Islam
[D]Vinod Arora
194
84. Which of the following countries will host the 2nd World Internet Conference (WIC)?
[A]India
[B]China
[C]USA
[D]United Kingdom
Answer: China
Explanation:
The 2nd World Internet Conference (WIC) (or Wuzhen Summit) will be held in Wuzhen, Zhejiang
DINESH CHAND
MEENA
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
51062 WIC is An Interconnected
province of China from December
16-18,
2015.
The theme of the |2015
World Shared and Governed by AllBuilding a Cyberspace Community of Shared Destiny. The
Conference will be a platform for building a cyberspace community of shared destiny, advocating
worldwide respect to diversity, focusing on mutual development, forging consensus and
confronting risks jointly.
85. What is the name of the first official stock exchange launched by Myanmar?
[A]Myanmar stock Exchange (MSX)
[B]Naypyidaw Stock Exchange (NSX)
[C]Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX)
[D]Mandalay Stock Exchange (MnSX)
86. Currently, which of the following countries is the largest oil supplier to India?
[A]Iran
[B]Iraq
[C]Kuwait
[D]Saudi Arabia
195
87. Which of the following countries has successfully launched the Ghadr-110 ballistic missile?
[A]Afghanistan
[B]Iran
[C]Turkey
[D]Pakistan
Answer: Iran
Explanation:
Recently, Iran has successfully test red medium range Ghadr-110 ballistic missile near the
Chabahar, a port city in southeast of country along the Gulf of Oman. It is an improved and
advance version of Shahab 3 missile. It has a range of 1,800 2000 km and is capable of carrying
a nuclear warhead as well as conventional warheads.
Answer: December 9
Explanation:
The International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually on December 9. The theme of
this year is Break the corruption chain. This years joint international campaign focuses on how
corruption undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to human rights violations, distorts
markets, erodes quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human
security to ourish.
89. Which of the following organisations has released the report titled Asian Economic
Integration Report 2015?
[A]ADB
[B]IMF
[C]ASEAN
[D]World Bank
Answer: ADB
Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released a report titled Asian Economic Integration
196
Answer: Shooting
Explanation:
ONGCs Shweta Singh has clinched the gold medal in the womens 10m air pistol at the 59th
National Shooting Championship. It was the sixth national womens air pistol gold for Shweta.
She was followed by Yashaswini.
91. Who of the following has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)?
[A]Sanjay Leela Bhansali
[B]Shyam Benegal
[C]Naseerudin Shah
[D]Lata Mangeshkar
92. Which of the following cities of India have been designated as members of UNESCOs Creative
Cities Network (UCCN)?
[A]Varanasi and Jaipur
[B]Hyderabad and Dharmashala
[C]Mysore and Agra
[D]Haridwar and Jaisalmer
197
93. Who of the following has been conferred with the 2015 Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement?
[A]Don Delillo
[B]Salman Rushdie
[C]Laurie Anderson
[D]Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
The Indian-born author, Mr. Salman Rushdie (68) has been honoured with the prestigious 2015
Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement. The prize honours those writers who fully exercise their
freedom of creativity and thrive on dialogue and debate. The American experimental
performance artist, Laurie Anderson presented the award to Mr. Rushdie at a ceremony held at
Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York City. Rushdie is the author of many novels viz. Grimus, Two
Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights, Booker Prize winner Midnights Children, The
Satanic Verses, etc.
94. On My Terms: From the Grassroots to the Corridors of Power, is the autobiography of who of
the following?
[A]Lal Thanhawla
[B]Ram Jethmalani
[C]Sharad Pawar
[D]Okram Ibobi Singh
95. Who has been appointed as the Chairman of 2016 World Travel & Tourism Council, India
Initiative (WTTCII)?
[A]Nikhil Verma
[B]Kapil Chopra
[C]Manav Thadani
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198
96. Which of the following countries will host the 2016 ICC Womens World Twenty20?
[A]India
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[B]England
[C]South Africa
[D]West Indies
Answer: India
Explanation:
Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the groups and schedule of the
ICC World Twenty20 India 2016, which will be staged across eight venues in India from 8 March
to 3 April. The mens event will carry a total prize money of $5.6million, while the total prize
money for the womens event is $400,000.
97. Inle Lake, is the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of which of the following countries?
[A]Nepal
[B]Bhutan
[C]Myanmar
[D]Maldives
Answer: Myanmar
Explanation:
Myanmar has launched its rst UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Inle Lake in Shan state. The Inle
Lake was designated as UNESCO Biosphere reserve in Paris in June 2015. With this, Myanmar
fullled its commitment to bio-diversity and eco-system conservation under the UNESCOs Man
and Biosphere Programme.
98. Which of the following companies has become the global partner of the International Cricket
Council (ICC) from 2016 to 2020?
[A]Movilnet
[B]Digicel
[C]OPPO
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199
Answer: OPPO
Explanation:
Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has declared a new global partnership with
OPPO on a 4-year deal which runs from 2016 until 2020. The OPPO Electronics Corp. is a Chinese
electronics manufacturer based in Dongguan, Guangdong province of China. It is a young and
dynamic company and is one of the worlds leading electronic and technology service providers.
It has a strong presence in more than 20 countries and a signicant number of regions
worldwide, including Australia, China, USA and right across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South
Asia and Southeast Asia.
Answer: December 9
Explanation:
The UN has observed the rst-ever International Day of Remembrance of Genocide on December
9. The day marks an anniversary of the signing of the 1948 genocide Convention. This
convention was one of the 1st United Nations (UN) conventions to address humanitarian issues.
The International Day is established pursuant to the UNGA Resolution 69/323 of September 11,
2015, which calls for a manifestation of a collective sense of a duty before all victims of the
crime of genocide.
100. What is the Indias position in the Global Illicit Financial Flows Report 2004-13?
[A]Second
[B]Third
[C]Fourth
[D]Fifth
Answer: Fourth
Explanation:
The Global Illicit Financial Flows Report 2004-13 is released by Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a
research and advisory group based in Washington. The report ranked India as the fourth- biggest
source of black money. According to the report, China tops the list for 2004-2013, with $139
billion average illicit nancial ow per annum, followed by Russia ($104 billion per annum) and
Mexico ($52.8 billion per annum).
101. Sharad Joshi, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
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200
Answer: Agro-economist
Explanation:
The veteran Agro-economist, prolic journalist and stalwart farmer leader, Sharad Anantrao Joshi
(81) passed away in Pune, Maharashtra. He was the founder of Shetakari Sanghtana (farmers
Organisation), an NGO dedicated to the cause of farmers in Maharashtra. He was also the
member of the Rajya Sabha during the period 2004 and 2010. Mr. Joshi was the only MP in Rajya
Sabha to vote against the DINESH
bill providing
33%
reservation for women
CHAND MEENA
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062 in Indian parliament and
assemblies. He argued that it was much preferable to make women strong electorally rst
through the entire Panchayat Raj system before partial reservations were introduced at the
Centre and State levels.
102. Which of the following organisations has won the 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award?
[A]Wipro
[B]Tata Consultancy Services
[C]Reliance
[D]Flipkart
Answer: Wipro
Explanation:
The global software major, Wipro Limiteds IoT solution Universal Data Parser (UDP) has won
the 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovation in the eld of Internet of Things (IoT). The UDP
enables exible adaptation of data streams from a wide range of end devices to IoT platforms
and data stores. The Aegis Graham Bell Award is Indias largest and the only innovation award in
the eld of Telecom, Internet, Media and Entertainment (TIME) and Social, Mobility Analytics and
Cloud (SMAC). The award is intended to promote innovation, entrepreneurship in the eld of
Telecom, Internet, Media & Edutainment (TIME) and to provide recognition for outstanding
contributions in this eld in India.
Answer: Sikkim
Explanation:
The Lasoong festival is the most popular festival of Sikkim. It is usually celebrated at the end of
201
104. Which of the following countries has successfully test fired the nuclear-capable Shaheen-III
missile?
[A]Iran
[B]Saudi Arabia
[C]Pakistan
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[D]Syria
Answer: Pakistan
Explanation:
Recently, Pakistan has successfully test-red the medium-range Shaheen-III surface-to-surface
ballistic missile. The missile can carry nuclear warheads within a range of 2,750 kms. Shaheen-I
is also capable of carrying nuclear as well as conventional warheads and has a range of 900 kms
while the Shaheen-II missile can also carry nuclear and conventional warheads up to a range of
1,500 kms.
Answer: Shooting
Explanation:
Elizabeth Susan Koshy from Kerala has won gold in the Womens 50m Rie 3 Positions at the
59th National Shooting Championships held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting range in New Delhi.
Beside her, Anjum Moudgil from Haryana has won the silver and N Gaayathri from Tamil Nadu
bagged bronze in the championship. For Elizabeth, it is the hat-trick.
106. Who of the following Indian-origin writer has won the prestigious South East Asia Write
Award 2015?
[A]Anita Desai
[B]Jhumpa Lahiri
[C]Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali
[D]Salman Rushide
202
107. Which of the following states is hosting the 26th conference of the Southern Zonal Council?
[A]Andhra Pradesh
[B]Kerala
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[C]Karnataka
[D]Telangana
108. Who of the following is the current President and CEO of the World Resources Institute
(WRI)?
[A]Andrew Steer
[B]James Gustave Speth
[C]James A. Harmon
[D]Susan Tierney
203
Answer: December 11
Explanation:
The International Mountain Day is observed every year on December 11. It has been observed
every year to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the
opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build alliances that will bring
positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world. This years theme is
Promoting mountain products
forCHAND
better
livelihoods.
DINESH
MEENA
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
110. Indias largest National Cancer Institute is set up in which of the following states?
[A]Andhra Pradesh
[B]Haryana
[C]Gujarat
[D]West Bengal
Answer: Haryana
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Health Minister has laid the foundation stone for Indias largest National
Cancer Institute at AIIMS campus in Haryanas Jhajjar district. The Cancer Institute in Badsa will
be independent Indias largest government-funded hospital project. The project is planned to
be completed within three years. The Cancer Institute will be modelled after the National Cancer
Institute (NCI) of USA and the government has already entered into a MoU with NCI USA during
the visit of Prime Minister to USA in October 2014.
111. Who of the following will head the Judicial Committee on One Rank One Pension (OROP)
scheme?
[A]Y V Reddy
[B]L Narasimha Reddy
[C]Sanjay Mishra
[D]Wykrhm Reddy
204
Answer: Tikhor
Explanation:
The 12th South Asian Games 2016 will be jointly hosted by Guwahati and Shillong from February
6-16, 2016. TIKHOR, a one-horned rhino, is the mascot of the games. It carries the message
and aspiration of peace, stability, amity and progress in the South Asian region. Tikhor is a
popular character from Burhi Aair Sadhu (Grand Mothers Tales). The book is the rst compilation
of childrens folk stories by Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezboruah, a doyen of modern Assamese
literature. The logo of the event is a ower with eight petals representing the 8- participating
nations. The theme song of the games is Ei prithivi ekhan krirangan/krira hol shantir prangan
(This world is a playground and sports is a symbol of peace). The song was written by Bhupen
Hazarika in 1995.
113. For what purpose, Operation Smile-II will be launched across India?
[A]To track missing children
[B]To eliminate child labour
[C]To reduce malnutrition in children
[D]To improve education facilities to children
114. For what purpose, E-Pathshala web portal has been launched the Union HRD Ministry?
[A]To evaluate performance of schools
[B]To host educational resources for students
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205
115. Which of the following has been presented with the 2015 Asian Tours Order of Merit crown?
[A]Scott Hend
[B]Jyoti Randhawa
[C]Arjun Atwal
[D]Anirban Lahiri
116. Which of the following countries has hosted the International Neutrality Conference?
[A]India
[B]Sri Lanka
[C]Turkmenistan
[D]Pakistan
Answer: Turkmenistan
Explanation:
To mark the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistans status of permanent neutrality, the International
conference on policy of neutrality has been hosted by Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The importance
of this conference is to highlight the neutrality of Turkmenistan for strengthening peace and
security with a high quality of life. From Indian side, Vice-President Mr. Hamid Ansari has
attended the conference.
206
118. As per the 2015 Human Development Report (HDR), what is the Indias rank in Human
Development Index (HDI) for 2014?
[A]121
[B]130
[C]132
[D]138
Answer: 130
Explanation:
According to the 2015 Human Development Report (HDR) released by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), Indias rank on Human Development Index (HDI) rose by a
notch in 2014 to 130 th from 131st a year earlier. The list is topped by Norway followed by
Australia, Switzerland, Denmark and Netherlands. The Human Development Index (HDI) is an
average measure of basic human development achievements in a country. It is a summary
measure for assessing long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development a
long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living.
119. On which date, the National Energy Conservation Day is observed in India?
[A]January 11
[B]December 14
[C]March 15
[D]June 29
Answer: December 14
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
207
120. Which of the following countries has been hit by the powerful Typhoon Melor, recently?
[A]Indonesia
[B]Maldives
[C]Philippines
[D]Myanmar
Answer: Philippines
Explanation:
Recently, the central region of Philippines has been hit by the powerful Typhoon Melor. Locally it
is also known as Nona. Every year, Philippines is hit by an average of 20 tropical storms, most of
them many are deadly.
121. Who of the following has been awarded the 2016 Genesis prize?
[A]Jonathan Zalman
[B]Michael Bloomberg
[C]Michael Douglas
[D]Itzhak Perlman
122. Who of the following has been declared as Sports Illustrateds 2015 Sportsperson of the Year?
[A]Madison Bumgarner
[B]Peyton Manning
[C]Serena Williams
[D]Tiger Woods
208
123. Who of the following has been named as the 2015 European Tour Golfer of the Year?
[A]Phil Mickelson
[B]Justin Rose
[C]Rory McIlroy
[D]Jordan Spieth
The World No. 3 Golfer, Rory McIlroy has won the 2015 European Tour player of the Year award
for the third time. He became only the seventh player in European Tour history to be crowned
European No 1 in consecutive campaigns.
124. Indias first National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has been set up in
which city?
[A]Mumbai
[B]New Delhi
[C]Hyderabad
[D]Chennai
Answer: Politician
Explanation:
Recently, South African government has appointed Indian-origin politician Pravin Gordhan as the
South Africas new Finance Minister. He succeeded Mr. David van Rooyen. Prior to this
appointment, Mr. Godhran was the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Aairs.
209
126. Who of the following has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement awards by the West
Bengal government?
[A]Ajoy Chakrobarty and Dwijen Mukhyopadhyay
[B]Shantanu Moitra and Shibaji Chattopadhyay
[C]Kumar Sanu and Bappi Lahiri
[D]Shantanu Moitra and Ajoy Chakrobarty
The veteran music composer Bappi Lahiri and singer Kumar Sanu has been honoured with the
Lifetime Achievement awards by the West Bengal government. The Bishesh Sangeet Samman
was awarded to Dwijen Mukhyopadhyay, Ajoy Chakraborty and Sandhya Mukherjee. The
Bollywood musician Shantanu Moitra was honoured with Maha Sangeet Samman along with
Mohammad Aziz, Kumar Bose and Shibaji Chattopadhyay. Sriradha Bandyopadhyay, Dileep
Kumar Bose, Fakir Alamgir and Nachiketa were given Special Sangeet Samman.
127. Galkynysh natural gas field is located in which of the following countries?
[A]Iran
[B]Iraq
[C]Kuwait
[D]Turkmenistan
Answer: Turkmenistan
Explanation:
The Galkynysh natural gas eld located in Turkmenistan is the worlds second largest gas eld.
The gas eld will provide the gas for the upcoming 1,814-km TAPI pipeline. The TAPI pipeline is
the joint venture of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Recently, Turkmenistan has
started work on its part of the pipeline.
128. Which of the following stock exchange companies of India has launched the CSR platform
Sammaan?
[A]National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.
[B]Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
[C]MCX Stock Exchange
[D]Bangalore Stock Exchange
210
129. Who of the following has received the prestigious International Human Rights Award for the
year 2015?
[A]John Carol
[B]Leo Cornelio
[C]Maria Stephen
[D]Fulton Sheen
Leo Cornelio SVD, the Archbishop of Bhopal, received the prestigious International Human Rights
Award for the year 2015 at the India Islamic Centre, New Delhi in a ceremony organised by All
India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice. The Award titled Ambassador of
peace was presented in the presence of various dignitaries from all over India as well as
globally.
130. Who of the following is the author of the book titled flood of Fire?
[A]Jhumpa Lahiri
[B]Anita Desai
[C]Amitav Ghosh
[D]Vikram Seth
131. Which of the following organisations has sanctioned $1.5 billion loan to support the Swachh
Bharat Mission (SBM)?
[A]World Bank
[B]IMF
[C]ADB
[D]Japan Bank for International Cooperation
211
132. Which of the following countries satellites have been successfully launched by using ISROs
PSLV-C29?
[A]Canada
[B]Singapore
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[C]Indonesia
[D]Saudi Arabia
Answer: Singapore
Explanation:
Recently, the ISROs Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C29 has successfully launched six
commercial satellites from Singapore into their orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Of the six satellites, the 400 kg earth observation satellite called
TeLEOS-1 is the main passenger for the PSLV rocket. Thus, the mission is called TeLEOS mission
by ISRO.TeLEOS-1 is Singapores rst commercial earth observation satellite designed and
developed by ST Electronics. The other ve co-passenger satellites are VELOX-C1 (123 kg),
VELOX-II (13 kg), Kent Ridge-1 (78 kg), Galassia (3.4 kg) and Athenoxat-1. This is the 32nd ight
of PSLV and 11th ight of the launch vehicle in core-alone conguration, which is without the
use of solid strap-on motors.
133. Which of the following countries has formed the 34 nations Islamic Anti-terror Coalition?
[A]Iran
[B]Iraq
[C]Saudi Arabia
[D]Egypt
134. Which of the following Indian states Lokayukta has been appointed by Supreme Court of India
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
212
135. Which of the following countries has successfully tested Shaheen-IA ballistic missile?
[A]Iran
[B]Pakistan
[C]Israel
[D]Turkey
Answer: Pakistan
Explanation:
Pakistan has successfully tested the nuclear-capable Shaheen-IA ballistic missile with a range of
900 km. It is a land-based supersonic and short-to-intermediate range surface-to-surface guided
ballistic missile, jointly designed and developed by the joint venture of NESCOM and the National
Defence Complex (NDC). The missile is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear
warheads to a range of 2,750 km.
136. Which of the following companies is the title-sponsor for 2016 Hockey India League?
[A]Star Plus
[B]Coal India Ltd.
[C]Jaypee Group
[D]Steel Authority of India Ltd.
213
Answer: China
Explanation:
The 14th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) prime ministers meeting was held in
Zhengzhou, China. The prime
ministers
vowed
to strengthen cooperation
in renewable energy
DINESH
CHAND MEENA
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062
and environmental protection in a bid to reduce energy consumption and curb greenhouse gas
emissions. They also suggested that the SCO expand cooperation with observers, dialogue
partners and other international groups. They approved the SCO 2016 budget and decided to
convene the 2016 prime ministers meeting in Kyrgyzstan.
138. On which date, the Vijay Diwas is celebrated across the India?
[A]December 14
[B]December 16
[C]December 18
[D]December 20
Answer: December 16
Explanation:
The 44th anniversary of Vijay Diwas is celebrated in India on December 16, 2015 to mark Indias
victory over Pakistan in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. The day is celebrated to honour the
martyrs of the 1971 war between the two countries. On this day in 1971, about 93,000 Pakistani
soldiers surrendered to the Indian forces. This historic victory led to creation of Bangladesh.
139. Who of the following has been honoured with the Garwood Award for Outstanding Global
Leader in Open Innovation?
[A]Narendra Modi
[B]Pranab Mukherjee
[C]Arun Jaitley
[D]Rajnath Singh
214
142. Chatla Sriramulu, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Marine Scientist
[B]Politician
[C]Theatre artist
[D]Sportsperson
215
143. Who of the following has been appointed as new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)?
[A]Suraj Desai
[B]M A Khan Yusufi
[C]R.K. Mathur
[D]Basant Seth
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
144. Which of the following committees has been appointed to look into dispute between ONGC
and RIL on KG gas fields?
[A]Pradhan Committee
[B]AP Shah Committee
[C]MB Shah Committee
[D]Deshmukh Committee
145. Who of the following has been conferred with 2015 Sanctuary Legend Award?
[A]Norma Alvares
[B]Ashok Kumar
[C]Varad Giri
[D]Param Jit Singh
2016 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | www.gktoday.in
216
Answer: December 18
Explanation:
The International Migrants Day is observed annually on December 18 by the international
community to recognize and celebrate the rights of migrants around the world. The year 2015
marked the 25th anniversary of the UNs International Convention on the Protection of the Rights
of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. It was approved by the UN General
Assembly on Dec. 18, 1990. The year 2015 will be remembered as a year of human suering and
migrant tragedies. Millions of people have been exploited and abused by human trackers and
become the targets of xenophobic policies and alarmist rhetoric. The theme of this year is
#IAmAMigrant as a powerful social media hashtag.
147. Which of the following countries is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)?
[A]Sudan
[B]Afghanistan
[C]Bhutan
[D]Ethiopia
Answer: Afghanistan
Explanation:
Recently, the landlocked Asian country, Afghanistan has ocially became the 164th member
nation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), to join the global trade body after 11 years of
negotiations. Formally, the WTO has approved Afghanistans membership proposal at its ongoing
10th ministerial conference in the Nairobi, Kenya. Before Afghanistan, Liberia has ocially joined
the WTO at the conference on December 16, 2015. At present, Bhutan is the only SAARC
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217
148. Who of the following has been chosen for 2015 Sahitya Akademi Award for Sanskrit?
[A]Ram Shankar Awasthi
[B]Dhian Singh
[C]Rasik Shah
[D]Shrikant Bahulkar
149. Which of the following American Universities has launched the APJ Abdul Kalam Fellowship
for Indian students?
[A]Harvard University
[B]University of South Florida
[C]University of California, Berkeley
[D]University of Chicago
218
Answer: Shooting
Explanation:
Recently, Apurvi Chandela has won the womens gold in 10m air rie in the 59th National
shooting championship. Geetakshi Dixit clinched the silver, one point behind Apurvi.
Answer: December 24
Explanation:
In India, 24th December is observed as National Consumer Day. On this day the Consumer
Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the President. The enactment of this Act was
considered as a historic milestone in the consumer movement in the country. The theme of the
2015 National Consumer Rights Day is Safe & Healthy Food: Combating Food Adulteration.
World Consumer Rights Day is observed on 15th March every year.
152. Which of the following teams has won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup?
[A]Sanfrecce Hiroshima
[B]Barcelona FC
[C]River Plate
[D]Auckland City
Answer: Barcelona FC
Explanation:
Barcelona FC has won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup for a third time by defeating River Plate by
3-0 goals at International Stadium Yokoham in Japan. It is the fth trophy of Barcelona FC in the
2015 season. Earlier, Barcelona FC had won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 and 2011.
153. The Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre is located at which state of India?
[A]Gujarat
[B]Odisha
[C]Rajasthan
[D]Maharashtra
Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation:
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219
Indias biggest Wildlife Rescue Centre Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre has been
commissioned at Gorewada near Nagpur, Maharashtra. Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue
Centre is managed by the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM). Nagpur
based Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries (MAF) University is also part of this centre. The centre is
spread over 30 hectares and has been created on the lines of Gujarat based Gir National Park
which is also one of the biggest and best wildlife centre in the country.
154. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who has won the 2015 Miss Universe title, hails from which country?
[A]Portugal
[B]Philippines
[C]Spain
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[D]USA
Answer: Philippines
Explanation:
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (26) has won the 2015 Miss Universe crown at the 64th
Miss Universe pageant held in Las Vegas, the USA. She is a professional model, actress, host and
TV personality.
155. Which of the following teams has won 2015 Indian Super League Football tournament?
[A]Goa FC
[B]Kerala Blasters Football Club
[C]Chennaiyin Football Club
[D]Mumbai City Football Club
156. Which of the following countries has approved worlds first dengue vaccine?
[A]United Kingdom
[B]Canada
[C]Mexico
[D]France
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220
157. Who of the following has won the 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year?
[A]Dan Carter
[B]Jessica Ennis-Hill
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[C]Kevin Sinfield
[D]Andy Murray
158. What is Indias rank on Forbes annual list of the best countries for business in 2015?
[A]28
[B]40
[C]61
[D]97
Answer: 97
Explanation:
India has ranked a low 97th out of 144 nations on Forbes annual list of the best countries for
business in 2015, scoring poorly on metrics like trade and monetary freedom and tackling
challenges like corruption and violence. Denmark topped the list of the 144 nations on the Best
Countries of Business in 2015 list by Forbes.
159. Which of the following countries hosted the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial
Conference of 2015?
[A]India
[B]Kenya
[C]Canada
[D]Switzerland
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221
160. Who of the following has won the Under-19 Singapore Squash Open?
[A]Vivek Khosla
[B]Abhay Singh
[C]Rajan Singh
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[D]Surendar Naik
Answer: Odisha
Explanation:
Recently, the Odisha Government has launched Anwesha scheme to provide free education to
SC/ST students from remote areas in urban area public schools. As per the scheme, every year
5000 children from backward castes will pursue quality education in leading English medium
schools. In the rst phase, the scheme will be operational in 17 tribal-dominated districts of
Odisha. The state government will bear all expenses of the children like school fees, uniform,
books, hostel, transportation, etc. In future, the facility will be extended to two lakh more
students.
162. Which of the following inquiry commissions has been appointed to probe Delhi and District
Cricket Association (DDCA) scam?
[A]More Commission
[B]Sisodiya Commission
[C]Subramaniam Commission
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222
163. Which of the following countries has launched the DAMPE satellite?
[A]China
[B]Russia
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[C]Japan
[D]USA
Answer: China
Explanation:
Recently, China has launched the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) satellite to shed light on
mysterious dark matter. The purpose of the satellite is to search for smoking-gun signals of dark
matter, invisible material. It was Chinas rst space telescope and launched on a Long March 2-D
rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The satellite would be place in a sunsynchronous orbit at a height of 500 kilometres to observe the direction, energy and electric
charge of high-energy particles in space. It has a nicknamed Wukong after the Monkey King
with penetrating eyes in the Chinese classical ction Journey to the West.
164. Who of the following is the first Indian to score Pro-Boxing hat-trick?
[A]Akhil Kumar
[B]Vijender Singh
[C]Jitender Kumar
[D]Sushil Kumar
223
Answer: December 22
Explanation:
The Indian mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on 22 December 1887. In
recognition of his contribution to Mathematics, December 22 has been observed as the National
Mathematics Day in India since 2012.
166. The headquarters of National Institute of Mental Health And Neurological Sciences
(NIMHANS) are located at which city?
[A]Bangalore
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[B]Ahmedabad
[C]Chandigarh
[D]Kolkata
Answer: Bangalore
Explanation:
Recently, the National Institute of Mental Health And Neurological Sciences (NIMHANS) has been
declared as an Institute of National Importance by an act of parliament. It is a medical institution
located in Bangalore to provide state of art and specialized care in the areas of mental health,
neurological and neurosurgical problems.
167. Salma Dam project is being under reconstruction in which of the following countries?
[A]Nepal
[B]Bhutan
[C]Afghanistan
[D]Bangladesh
Answer: Afghanistan
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the reconstruction and completion of Salma Dam
Project in Afghanistan at a revised cost estimate of Rs 1,775.69 crore. The dam project is
situated on the upper reaches of Hari Rud River in Herat province, it involves construction of a
107.5 metre high earth and rock ll dam and a 42 MW powerhouse with three units of 14 MW
each. It also has provision for releasing water for irrigation of 75,000 hectares of land. The
project is scheduled to be completed by June, 2016. M/s. WAPCOS, a central public sector unit
under the Ministry of Water Resources, is executing the project. The availability of power and
water through the project is expected to lead to the overall economic development of the
western region of Afghanistan and generate goodwill for India.
168. Which of the following is the Indias first licenced shipyard to make LNG ships?
[A]Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
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224
169. In which of the following states, Kambala (annual Buffalo race in muddy fields) events are
conducted?
[A]Telangana
[B]Odisha
[C]Karnataka
[D]Tamil Nadu
Answer: Karnataka
Explanation:
Recently, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has written to Karnataka Chief Secretary and
Deputy Commissioners of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts to take immediate steps to stop
the Kambala (annual Bualo race in muddy elds) events in the current season. The AWBI said
that the Supreme Court judgement of May 7, 2014, banning all bull races in the country was still
in force. Kambala season in the coastal region of Karnataka begins in November and lasts till
March. Five events have already been held this year starting with Surya Chandra Kambala at
Bangadi in Dakshina Kannada on November 21.
170. Who of the following are named as 2015 womens doubles World champions by the
International Tennis Federation (ITF)?
[A]Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Elena Vesnina
[B]Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Lucie Safarova
[C]Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis
[D]Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina
225
171. Which of the following new method is introduced by the RBI to calculate banks lending rate to
borrowers?
[A]OCLR
[B]MCLR
[C]IMLR
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[D]PSLR
Answer: MCLR
Explanation:
To ensure better transmission of its rate cut to borrowers, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
introduced the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) to calculate the banks lending
rate to borrowers. All rupee loans sanctioned and credit limits renewed w.e.f. April 1, 2016 will be
priced with reference to the MCLR method. Currently, many banks follow average cost of funds
or blended cost of funds (liabilities) method for calculating the base rate. The MCLR
methodology will help the borrowers to reap the benet of lower lending rates. It will also
improve transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining interest rates on
advances.
172. Which of the following states will host the 2019 National Games of India?
[A]Gujarat
[B]Maharashtra
[C]Andhra Pradesh
[D]Himachal Pradesh
173. Which of the following is the first Asian country to approve worlds first-ever dengue vaccine
Dengvaxia?
[A]India
[B]China
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226
Answer: Philippines
Explanation:
Philippines has became the rst Asian country to approve the sale of the worlds rst ever
dengue vaccine Dengvaxia in the country. The Dengvaxia vaccine has been manufactured by
French pharmaceutical manufacturer Sano Pasteur. It has been designed to protect people in
the 9-45 age groups from all four subtypes of the virus.
174. Which of the following Indian states is the first to take up PPP Projects for rehabilitation of
slum dwellers?
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[A]Maharashtra
[B]Gujarat
[C]Odisha
[D]Tamil Nadu
Answer: Gujarat
Explanation:
Gujarat has become the rst state in the country to take up Public-Private Partnership Projects
for an in-situ redevelopment of slums in urban areas under the recently launched Prime
Ministers Awas Yojana (Urban).
Answer: November 5
Explanation:
Recently, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution to designate
November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day every year. The purpose of tsunami day is to
raise awareness among people in the world of the dangers of tsunami and stressing the
importance of early warning systems in order to mitigate damage. The November 5 has been
selected by UNGA to coincide with the annual anniversary of the 1854 Inamura-no-hi or Fire of
Inamura event. On November 5 of that year a Japanese villager through his quick action saved
countless lives when he set re to sheaves of rice, thus warning people of the imminent danger
of a tsunami. Note: The International Day for Disaster Reduction has been observed annually on
October 13 to highlight tsunami.
176. Who of the following has been chosen for the 2015 C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award?
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227
Answer: Ravi
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has inaugurated the cable stayed-bridge
on river Ravi at Basholi area of Kathua district of Jammu province. The 592-metre-long Basholi
bridge is rst of its kind in North India. It will provide close connectivity between the three states
of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The other three cable-stayed bridges are
of India are Hooghly Bridge at Kolkata, Naini Bridge in Allahabad and Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link in
Mumbai.
178. Who of the following has won the 2015 ICC Cricketer of the Year?
[A]Steven Smith
[B]AB de Villiers
[C]Virat Kohli
[D]Brendon McCullum
179. Which of the following countries announced to adopt Chinese Yuan as its legal currency?
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228
Answer: Zimbabwe
Explanation:
Recently, the Zimbabwe government has announced that it will ocially make the Chinese yuan
as legal currency after Beijing conrmed that it would cancel $40m in debts. As per the decision,
Yuan will be a function of trade between China and Zimbabwe and acceptability with customers
in Zimbabwe.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
180. Who of the following has been bestowed with the 2015 National Medal of Science of the United
States (US)?
[A]Sandeep Tyagi
[B]Gautam Dingara
[C]LS Ashok
[D]Rakesh K. Jain
181. Which of the following companies has launched contactless digital payment wallet
MoboMoney?
[A]Vodafone
[B]Paytm
[C]Tech Mahindra
[D]Airtel
229
Answer: December 25
Explanation:
India observed its second National Good governance day on December 25, 2015 to create
awareness among the Indian people of accountability in government. On this occasion, the Union
Health ministry has launched four information technology driven initiatives to mark good
governance day. The initiatives include IT-based programmes focused on maternal and child
care, tobacco control and tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment. National Good governance day
was established in 2014 to observe the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Answer: Weightlifting
Explanation:
Recently, Korada Ramana bagged gold medals in the mens 56kg categories in the Senior
National Weightlifting Championships at the SAI centre in Patiala. Apart from him, Sanjita Chanu
has also won gold in the womens 48 kg in the championship.
Answer: Russia
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230
185. Which of the following has declared Cow as Personality of the Year 2015?
[A]Facebook
[B]Google
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[C]Yahoo India
[D]Microsoft
186. Sadhana Shivdasani, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Politician
[B]Journalist
[C]Scholar
[D]Actress
Answer: Actress
Explanation:
Veteran Bollywood actress and style icon, Sadhana Shivdasani (74) passed away on December
25, 2015 at Mumbai, Maharashtra. The legendary actress introduced the fringe hairstyle in the
Indian lm industry, which was famously known as Sadhana cut. She was known for lms like
Mera Saaya,, Love in Simla, Parakh, Hum Dono, Waqt, Geeta Mera Naam, Who Kaun Thi, Ek Phool
Do Mali, Intaquam, etc.
187. Who of the following Indian-American doctor has been named the first Poet Laureate by the
U.S state of Ohio?
[A]Sneha Chetty
[B]Nandita Kothari
[C]Amit Majmudar
[D]Seema Jain
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231
188. Which of the following organisations has released the report Migration and Remittances
Factbook 2016?
[A]IMF
[B]World Bank
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[C]OECD
[D]Asian Development Bank
189. Sri Venkateswara Veda Patasala is located in which of the following states?
[A]Kerala
[B]Andhra Pradesh
[C]Karnataka
[D]Tamil Nadu
190. Which of the following countries allowed India to construct its Naval Base in Assumption
Island?
[A]Tanzania
[B]Indonesia
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232
Answer: Seychelles
Explanation:
India is building its rst Naval Base on the Assumption Island of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean
Region (IOR) as a joint project between both countries. Indias rst Naval Base project has
acquired signicance following China acquiring its rst African naval base in Djibouti (near Horn
of Africa) in November 2014. From March 2016, India is also set to acquire a fully operational
coastal radar system (CRS) in Seychelles. It would further enhance Indias ability to gather
intelligence and assist in surveillance operations in IOR especially vital energy lanes near
Seychelles.
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
Answer: Luge
Explanation:
Recently, the Indian luger, Shiva Keshavan has clinched a silver medal at the 2015 Asian Luge
Championship held in Nagano, Japan. The rst place was grabbed by Japans Hidenari Kanayama
and the third place is grabbed by South Koreas Dong Hyeon Kim. Shiva Keshavan is a ve time
Olympian and the rst Indian representative to compete in luge at the Winter Olympic Games.
192. Who of the following has been awarded with the Best Player of the Year at the 2015 Globe
Soccer Awards?
[A]Lionel Messi
[B]Cristiano Ronaldo
[C]Frank Lampard
[D]Yasser Al-Shahrani
193. Who of the following has been bestowed with the 2015 Atal Samman Award?
[A]Nilesh Mishra
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233
195. George Clayton Johnson, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following
fields?
[A]Politician
[B]Journalist
[C]Marine Scientist
[D]Fiction Writer
234
197. Which of the following is the first bank to tie up with Indian railways to sell rail tickets through
its website?
[A]State Bank of India
[B]ICICI Bank
[C]Axis Bank Ltd
[D]Punjab National Bank
198. Which of the following is the second state in India to set up the Zoroastrian jury?
[A]Maharashtra
[B]Telangana
[C]Gujarat
[D]Kerala
Answer: Telangana
Explanation:
Telangana has become the second State after Maharashtra to set up the Zoroastrian jury. The
15-member Zoroastrian jury will aid the settlement of marriage and divorce of the Parsi people in
235
199. The first ever Iranshah Udvada Utsav(IUU) was organized in which of the following states?
[A]Maharashtra
[B]Telangana
[C]Gujarat
[D]Rajasthan
Answer: Gujarat
Explanation:
The rst ever Iranshah Udvada Utsav(IUU) was organised in Udvada, Navasari of Gujarat from
MEENA
| dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com
| 51062 the world. The plan is to
December 25-27. Udvada DINESH
is theCHAND
holiest
place
for Paris from across
develop Udvavda as pilgrim centre. Iranshah Udvada Utsav is the brainchild of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. The IUU was jointly organised by the Foundation for Development of Udavada
(FDU) and the Udavada Samast Anjuman (USA), which have eminent Parsi leaders as members.
200. Which of the following teams has won 2015 Pro Wrestling League title?
[A]Uttar Pradesh Warriors
[B]Bengaluru Yodhas
[C]Mumbai Garuda
[D]Haryana Hammers
201. Haskell Wexler, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Cricketer
[B]Politician
[C]Scientist
[D]Cinematographer
Answer: Cinematographer
Explanation:
The Oscar-winning cinematographer and documentary lmmaker, Haskell Wexler (93) passed
away in California, USA. He was best known for his work in lms like Whos Afraid of Virginia
Woolf?, One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, Days of Heaven, Bound for Glory, In the Heat of the
Night, American Grati, etc. Wexler was one of the lm historys most inuential
cinematographers in a survey of the members of the International Cinematographers Guild.
236
Answer: Gujarat
Explanation:
Gujarat has won its rst Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy by defeating Delhi in the nals by 139 runs
at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. The 2015-16 Vijay Hazare Trophy is the 14th season
of this tournament, that was hosted by Karnataka from December 10 to 28, 2015. The trophy is a
MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
List A cricket tournament inDINESH
India,CHAND
is also
known as the Ranji One Day Trophy and is named after
the famous Indian cricketer Vijay Hazare.
203. Who of the following has been honoured with the 2015 Jnanpith award?
[A]Ramakant Rath
[B]Raghuveer Chaudhary
[C]Leeladhar Mandloi
[D]Shamim Hanfi
204. Gaofen-4 satellite has been successfully launched by which of the following countries?
[A]China
[B]Japan
[C]Russia
[D]North Korea
Answer: China
Explanation:
Recently, China has successfully launched its most sophisticated Earth-observation satellite,
Gaofen-4. It is Chinas rst geosynchronous orbit HD optical imaging satellite and the worlds
most sophisticated HD geosynchronous orbit remote sensing satellite. It was launched from the
Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the southwestern province of Sichuan through a Long
237
205. The second edition of the All Light India International Film Festival (ALIIFF) will be held in
which city?
[A]Hyderabad
[B]Bengaluru
[C]Chennai
[D]Mumbai
Answer: Hyderabad
Explanation:
The second edition of the All Light India International Film Festival (ALIIFF) and Indywood Film
Market will be held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad from August 17 to 21, 2016. The lm
festival will witness participation from more than 70 countries, 1,000 international delegates,
3,000 lm market delegates and more than 1,500 lm submissions.
206. Which of the following committees suggested initiatives on Medium-term Path on Financial
Inclusion?
[A]Kishor P. Kharat Committee
[B]Deepak Mohanty Committee
[C]Y. K. Gupta Committee
[D]Arun Pasricha Committee
207. Who has been designated as the new Prime Minister of Georgia?
[A]Giorgi Kvirikashvili
[B]Tamar Beruchashvili
[C]Mikheil Janelidze
[D]Irakli Garibashvili
238
208. Which is of the following countries is hosting the 2015 South Asian Football Federation Cup?
[A]India
[B]Sri Lanka
[C]Bangladesh
[D]Maldives
Answer: India
Explanation:
The 2015 South Asian Football Federation Cup (SAFF Championship) is the 11th edition of the
SAFF Championship, the biennial international mens football championship of South Asia
organized by SAFF. It is being held in India from 23 December 2015 to 3 January 2016.
209. In context to Indias defence system, Varunastra refers which one of the following?
[A]Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
[B]Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
[C]Advanced heavy weight Torpedo
[D]Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Answer: China
Explanation:
Asias largest underground railway station has been opened in Chinas southern city of
Shenzhen. The three-storey Futian High-speed Railway Station would cover an area of 147,000
square meters and have seating for 3,000 passengers. It is also the worlds second largest
underground railway station, only after the Grand Central Station in New York, the USA.
239
212. Which of the following States is planning to construct the first ever underwater road tunnel in
the country?
[A]Tamil Nadu
[B]Gujarat
[C]Andhra Pradesh
[D]Kerala
Answer: Wrestling
Explanation:
Rising India wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Ritu Phogat have won gold medals in Mens 65kg and
Womens 48kg Freestyle categories respectively at the Senior National Wrestling Championship
240
214. Which of the following committees suggested initiatives on Revisiting & Revitalizing PPP
Model?
[A]Dinesh Pachori Committee
[B]Arun Pasricha Committee
[C]Vijay Kelkar Committee
[D]Deepak Mohanty Committee
Recently, the Union Ministry of Finance has released the Vijay Kelkar Committee report on
Revisiting and Revitalising Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model. The committee stated that
speeding up of the PPP model is urgently required for India to grow rapidly and generate a
demographic dividend for itself and also to tap into the large pool of pension and institutional
funds from aging populations in the developed countries.
215. Mangesh Padgaonkar, who passes away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Scientist
[B]Journalist
[C]Sportsperson
[D]Poet
Answer: Poet
Explanation:
The iconic Marathi poet and Padma Bhushan recipient, Mangesh Keshav Padgaonkar (86) passed
away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Some of his famous works are Kavita Manasanchya, Manasasathi,
Radha, Kabira, Dharanrtya, etc. He received several awards including the Sahitya Academy
Award (1980) for his collection of poems Salam, the MP Literary Conference Award in 1956,
Maharashtra Bhushan Award (2008), etc.
216. Who of the following Indian-origin person has been honoured with Knighthood by Queen
Elizabeth II?
[A]Samir Desai
[B]Harpal Singh Kumar
[C]Rekha Mehr
[D]Joginder Singh
241
217. The headquarters of the Reporters Without Borders (RWB), an international NGO, are located
at which city?
[A]New York
[B]Paris
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[C]London
[D]Berlin
Answer: Paris
Explanation:
The Paris-headquartered Reporters Without Borders (RWB) is an international NGO that promotes
and defends freedom of information and freedom of the press. According to RWB, India is Asias
deadliest country for journalists. Globally, 110 journalists were killed in connection with their
work or for unclear reasons in 2015. Out of those 110 journalists, 9 were Indian journalists. These
journalists had been murdered in India for reporting on organised crime and its links with
politicians and others for covering illegal mining.
218. Subir Sen, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Singer
[B]Painter
[C]Human rights activist
[D]Scholar
Answer: Singer
Explanation:
The renowned singer, Subir Sen passed away recently in Kolkata. He was known for his
renditions in many Hindi and Bengali lms. Some of his well-known songs include Dheere chalao
zara with Lata Mangeshkar in Aas Ka Panchhi and Humein un rahon parchalna hai in
Masoom. In the 1950s, Sen added a unique romantic touch to hit Bengali songs such as
Monalisa tumi ki bolona.
242
Answer: Iran
Explanation:
Recently, India told to Iran for early completion of all necessary procedures for its participation in
the $5 billion Farzad-B gas eld. The Farzad-B gas eld, located in Persian Gulf, has an estimated
reserve of 12.8-trillion cubic feet. A consortium headed by ONGC Videsh discovered the Farzad-B
gas eld in 2008 in the Farsi oshore block.
220. Which of the following countries new Parliament building is built by India?
[A]Bhutan
[B]Afghanistan
DINESH CHAND MEENA | dineshmeena.tiss@gmail.com | 51062
[C]Nepal
[D]Maldives
Answer: Afghanistan
Explanation:
Recently, Indian Prime Minister has inaugurated the Afghan parliament building that was
constructed by India with a cost of USD 90 million. The Parliament building project, initially
conceived to cost 45 million, was started by India in 2007 as a mark of friendship and
cooperation to help rebuild Afghanistan.
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