January GA Refresher

JANUARY 2016 GA REFRESHER
RBI
1. RBI asks banks to open more branches in rural areas
Indias central bank on Jan 1 has asked the lenders to open more brick and mortar branches in villages with no
banking facilities and with a population of more than 5,000.
The banking regulator has asked banks to submit a roadmap on how many branches they will be opening by 31
March 2017. Banks have to submit the roadmap by end of January 2016.
2. RBI imposes Rs 1 crore fine on State Bank of Travancore
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a monetary penalty of one crore rupees on State Bank of
Travancore, an SBI associate bank for violation of some of its instructions.
The monetary penalty was imposed on State Bank of Travancore for violation of its instructions including
reporting of data to Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC).
CRILC has been established by RBI to collect, store, and disseminate data on all borrowers credit exposures.
3. RBI relaxes IFSC banking unit norms
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 07 Jan 2016 has relaxed norms for the units of banks operating from
International Financial Services Centres (IFSC).
It has allowed IFSC Banking Units (IBUs) to open foreign currency current accounts of units operating in IFSCs
and of non-resident institutional investors to facilitate their investment transactions.
The RBI has clarified that the IBUs cannot raise liabilities from retail customers including high net worth
individuals (HNIs).
No cheque facility will be available for holders of current accounts in the IBUs.
The exposure ceiling limits of IBUs has been pegged at 5 per cent of the parent banks Tier-I capital in case of a
single borrower and 10 per cent in the case of a borrower group.
4. Rajan wins Central Banker of the Year Award
The Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan on 7 January 2016 was felicitated with the Central Banker
of the Year Award (Global and Asia Pacific) for 2016.
The award was given by the Financial Times Group's monthly publication The Banker.
5. RBI Dy Governor Patel gets second term
Urjit Patel, Deputy Governor of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in-charge of the monetary policy department, has
been re-appointed for a term of three years.
Mr. Patel, 52, who will complete his three-year term on January 10, could become the longest serving deputy
governor in recent times if he serves the full three-year term.
RBI has four Deputy Governors, two are from outside, a commercial banker and an economist while two others
are promoted from within its ranks. The other three Deputy Governors of RBI are: H.R. Khan, S.S. Mundra and
R. Gandhi.
6. RBI raises shareholding in NHB
Reserve Bank of India has increased its shareholding in National Housing Bank by contributing Rs 1,000 crore
towards the paid capital.
The RBI has contributed Rs 1,000 crore towards the paid up capital of the National Housing Bank on January 12,
2016, thereby increasing its shareholding in the NHB from Rs 450 crore to Rs 1,450 crore.
Set up in 1988, NHB is an apex level institution for housing.
The government has set an ambitious target of 'Housing for All' by 2022.
www.bsc4success.com
bsc4success@gmail.com
ECONOMY
1. The Union government and the World Bank signed a $50-million credit agreement for Nai Manzil project aimed at
helping young people from minority communities complete their education and improve their employment opportunities.
The Nai Manzil Scheme is designed as an integrated education and training programme that provides youth from
minority communities skills needed for different tasks in a rapidly changing world.
The agreement was signed by Mr. Kumar and Michael Haney, the World Banks Operations Adviser in India.
2. Cabinet approves conversion of MUDRA into bank
The Cabinet on 06 Jan 2016 approved conversion of MUDRA Ltd, an NBFC, into MUDRA Bank and also setting
up of a Credit Guarantee Fund for loans disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Micro Units Development Refinance
Agency (MUDRA) Yojana.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared creation of a Credit Guarantee Fund for MUDRA loans and to convert
MUDRA Ltd into MUDRA Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) Bank as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of SIDBI.
The Credit Guarantee Fund is expected to guarantee more than Rs. 1 lakh crore worth of loans to micro and small
units in the first instance.
3. WB projects 7.8% growth for India in year 2016
The Global Economic Prospect report published by the World Bank (WB) has projected a robust 7.8 per cent
growth for the Indian economy in the year 2016.
World Bank also predicted that India will be the fastest growing economy in the world in the next three years and
would outpace China.
World Bank says India will grow at a 7.9 per cent growth in the next two years 2017 and 2018.
Among BRICS Nations, China will grow at 6.7 per cent in the year 2016 and 6.5 per cent each in next two years
2017 and 2018.
4. Import cover increases to 9.8 months
The countrys foreign exchange reserves, which were $350.4 billion as on September 2015, were able to support
imports for 9.8 months, up from 8.9 months as on end March, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on 11 Jan
2016 in its Half Yearly Report on Management of Foreign Exchange Reserves.
Import cover is an important indicator of the stability of the currency.
5. SEBI lowers MF exposure limits
The capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has lowered the exposure cap for
such investments by mutual funds.
The SEBI Board has decided to amend the mutual fund regulations so that single issuer limit is reduced to 10 per
cent of the net asset value (NAV) of the scheme, which can be increased to 12 per cent of the NAV but only after
an approval from the trustees.
The sector-specific exposure limit has also been reduced from the current 30 per cent of the NAV to 25 per cent.
6. China allows RBI to enter Forex market
China has allowed a second batch of foreign institutions to enter Chinas interbank foreign exchange market, the
countrys central bank said on 12 Jan 2016.
Six central banks and international financial institutions, including Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Monetary
Authority of Singapore and Bank of International Settlements, are now allowed to trade spot products, forwards,
swaps, currency swaps and options in Chinas domestic foreign exchange market.
www.bsc4success.com
7. Retail inflation inches up to 5.61%

Rising for the fifth straight month, retail inflation or CPI quickened to 5.61 per cent in December, mainly on
costlier vegetables and cereals.
Food inflation too rose to 6.40 per cent during the month.
Retail inflation measured by the consumer price index (CPI) was at 5.41 per cent in November 2015 and 4.28 per
cent in December 2014.
8. IMF cuts global growth forecast
The International Monetary Fund cut its global growth forecasts for the third time in less than a year on 19 Jan
2016, citing a sharp slowdown in China trade and weak commodity prices that are hammering Brazil and other
emerging markets.
The IMF forecast that the world economy would grow at 3.4 per cent in 2016 and 3.6 per cent in 2017, both years
down 0.2 percentage point from the previous estimates made last October.
The IMF projected 7.3 per cent GDP growth for India in 2015-16. IMF retains India's growth forecast for the next
two years and expects Indian economy to grow 7.5% in FY17 and FY18, the fastest among major economies.
China's growth is forecast to slow to 6.3% in 2016 and 6.0% in 2017.
The RBIs forecast for growth this year is 7.4 per cent.
9. India to be fastest growing economy in 2016: UN Report
As per recently released United Nations (UN) World Economic Situation and Prospects 2016 Report, India will
be the fastest growing big economy in the world in 2016.
The report has projected Indias growth rate by 7.3 % in the year 2016 and 7.5 % in 2017 slightly up from an
earlier estimated 7.2 % rate in 2015.
In the South Asia region, Indias economy will account for over 70 % of regions GDP.
10. Bank of India allots shares worth Rs 264 crore to LIC
State-run Bank of India has alloted 2 crore shares to LIC valued at Rs 264.12 crore.
The bank has allotted 2 crore equity shares to Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) on preferential basis at
the price of Rs 132.06 per share.
11. Andhra Bank launches IMPS for money transfer
Andhra Bank has launched Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) at all its branches in association with the National
Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to provide inter-bank electronic fund transfer service capable of
processing person to account remittances on 05 Jan 2016.
A multi-channel, multi-dimensional platform, IMPS makes payments possible within fraction of seconds with all
the standards and integrity maintained for security.
Under the IMPS, a real time instant fund transfer system for inter-bank remittances, the maximum cap of
transaction will be Rs.2 lakh.
The charges will be at the rate of Rs.5 per transaction.
12. SEBI releases Narayan Murthy-panel report
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 20 January 2016 released the first report of the Alternative
Investment Policy Advisory Committee (AIPAC) for comments from the stakeholders.
The 21-member committee was constituted by the SEBI in March 2015, under the chairmanship of N R Narayan
Murthy, to suggest measures for development of the alternative investment funds (AIFs) and startup eco-system
in the country.
13. India slips to 89th on Global Talent Competitiveness Index
India ranked 89th globally in Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) 2015 list of 109 countries in terms of
talent competitiveness of its human capital.
www.bsc4success.com
INSEAD, one of the world's leading and largest graduate business schools, on 19 January 2016 launched the
Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2015-16 - Talent Attraction and International Mobility in Davos,
Switzerland on the sidelines of the 46th annual summit of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Among the 109 countries surveyed, Switzerland (1) topped the list followed by Singapore (2), Luxembourg (3),
the USA (4) and Denmark (5).
Compared to its 78th rank in the 2014-15 report, India slipped 11 places to rank 89th in the GTCI 2015-16.
Indias lower position indicates acute shortage of skilled workforce.
It also ranks at last among BRICS members.
14. India elected to Board of Directors of China-backed AIIB

India, one of the founding members of the AIIB, has been elected to the board of directors of the China-sponsored
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank on 17 Jan 2016, which is expected to begin loan approvals before the end of
this year.
Earlier, Dinesh Sharma, Additional Secretary of Ministry of Finance was elected to the 12-member board for
which a secret ballot was held on 16 Jan 2016.
It is the first Board of Directors of AIIB in which 57 nations are founding members including India.
It should be noted that Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is the designated governor of the AIIB from India.
15. NITI Aayog unites with IDFC
The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog united with the IDFC Bank Ltd to conduct an
enterprise survey of manufacturing firms on 17 January 2016.
The primary objective of this Survey is to assess the business regulatory environment in each State and Union
Territories (UTs) and identify policy and regulatory hurdles faced by businesses in the States/UTs.
16. Govt inks loan agreement with World Bank
Union Government has signed a loan agreement with World Bank for the Neeranchal National Watershed Project
to improve watershed management in rural rain fed areas.
The loan credit will support the watershed activities of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) in
selected sites in 9 states.
These states are Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh,
Odisha and Rajasthan.
World Bank will provide loan of US$ 178.50 million with a maturity of 25 years, including a 5 year grace period.
The project is implemented by the Union Ministry of Rural Development over a six-year period (2016-21) to
achieve objectives PMKSY.
17. World Bank releases World Development Report
The World Bank on 14 January 2016 has released World Development Report 2016: Digital Dividends in
Washington DC, the USA.
The report explored the impact of the internet, mobile phones, and related technologies on economic development
across the world including India.
The report suggested that Digital development strategies need to be broader than ICT (information and
communication technology) strategies.
World Bank appreciated the Aadhaar scheme as it saved 1 billion US dollars by bringing down corruption.
18. Xi officially launches AIIB
China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), in which India and 56 countries have joined as
founding members, was formally opened on 16 Jan 2016 by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
In all 57 countries have joined as founding members, while the US and Japan have stayed out.
The bank was formally established in Beijing on December 25, 2015.
Chinese Finance Minister, Lou Jiwei, was elected as the first Chairman of the AIIB council.
www.bsc4success.com
Chinas former Finance Minister, Jin Liqun, was elected the first AIIB president.
With authorised capital of $100 billion and subscribed capital of $50 billion, Beijing-based AIIB will invest in
sectors including energy, transportation, urban construction, and logistics as well as education and healthcare.
China, India and Russia are the three largest shareholders, taking a 30.34 per cent, 8.52 per cent, 6.66 per cent
stake respectively in the newly formed bank.
Their voting shares are calculated at 26.06 per cent, 7.5 per cent and 5.92 per cent.
19. Standalone health insurance company Apollo Munich on 28 Jan 2016 announced its partnership with Axis Bank for
offering bank customers customised insurance policies. Besides, Apollo Munich Health Insurance has distribution
partnership with Canara Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and Citi.
20. India gets more voting rights in IMF reforms
In long-pending reforms that came into effect on Wednesday, emerging and developing economies gained more
influence in the governance architecture of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Indias voting rights increase to 2.6 per cent from the current 2.3 per cent, and Chinas, to six per cent from 3.8, as
per the new division.
Russia and Brazil are the other two countries that gain from the reforms.
More than six per cent of the quota shares will shift to emerging and developing countries from the U.S. and
European countries. Russia and Brazil also have gained from the reforms.
The combined quotas or the capital resources of IMF also have doubled due to reforms to $659 billion from
current $329 billion.
China will have the 3rd largest IMF quota and voting share after the US and Japan.
The reforms bring India and Brazil into the list of the top 10 members of IMF, along with the U.S, Japan, France,
Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, China and Russia.
Canada and Saudi Arabia slip below the top ten in the process.
21. Govt lowers GDP growth rate to 7.2%
Government has marginally revised downward the economic growth for 2014-15 to 7.2 per cent from the earlier
estimate of 7.3 per cent after factoring in latest data on agriculture and industrial production.
GDP growth rate for 2013-14 has also revised downwards to 6.6 per cent from earlier estimate of 6.9 per cent.
NEWS (NATIONAL)
1. Kamlesh Chandra Committee to study wage structure of Gramin Dak Sevaks
The Union Government has constituted a committee to examine the wage structure, service conditions of the
Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) in the Department of Posts (DoP).
It is one member committee comprising of Kamlesh Chandra, Retired Member of Postal Services Board.
The Committee will be assisted by Senior Administrative Grade Officer T.Q. Mohammad who will act as
Secretary to the GDS Committee.
2. Shyam Benegal Committee to revamp Censor Board of Film Censors
The Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has constituted a committee headed by noted film-maker
Shyam Benegal to look into revamp the film certification nuances by Censor Board of Film Censors (CBFC).
The committee is tasked to suggest recommendations provide a holistic framework and interpretation of
provisions of Cinematograph Act, 1952 and Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 1983.
www.bsc4success.com
3. Pakistani singer Adnan Sami has been granted Indian citizenship with effect from January 1 following his request to the
Centre to legalise his status in the country on humanitarian grounds.
Mr Sami will be given citizenship under Section 6 (I) of the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955 under the category
citizenship by naturalisation.
4. PNB launches host of digital banking solutions
State-owned Punjab National Bank on 02 Jan 2016 has launched host of digital banking solutions including green
PIN and enhancement of its mobile app.
The bank launched mobile apps enabling the customer to locate PNB ATM with PNB ATM Assist.
The Android app facilitates the customer to use GPS and reach the nearest PNB ATM, it also assists customer to
instantly lodge operational issues, reducing the resolution time considerably, PNB MD Usha Ananthasubramanian
said.
Green PIN facility was also launched under which customer can obtain duplicate PIN for debit card instantly
through SMS request.
The bank has installed cash acceptor cum ATM at their Sansad Marg branch where customers can deposit cash up
to Rs. 2 lakh per transaction and can avail the ATM feature.
5. SEBI puts in place new form for ASBA
With a checklist regime kicking in for initial public offerings (IPOs), capital markets regulator the Securities and
Exchange Board of India (SEBI), has put in place a new form for ASBA (Application Supported by Blocked
Amount) facility.
ASBA facility has become mandatory for all categories of investors applying for a public issue for making
payment from 01 Jan 2016.
SEBI has prescribed white colour form for Resident Indian, NRIs applying on a non-repatriation basis and blue
colour form for NRIs, Foreign Venture Capital Investor, Foreign Institutional Investors, their Sub-Accounts (other
than sub-accounts which are foreign corporates or foreign individuals bidding under the QIB Portion), on a
repatriation basis.
6. Mahindra & Mahindra inaugurated a bio-CNG facility to create carbon neutral ecosystem at Mahindra World City
(MWC). Spread over 1,000 square metres, the facility will convert eight tonnes of food and kitchen waste generated daily
at MWC, into 1,000mW of raw biogas.
7. PM Modi inaugurates Indian Science Congress in Mysuru
The 103rd edition of the Indian Science Congress got underway in Mysuru on 03 Jan 2016 with Prime Minister
Narendra Modi calling on Indian scientists to keep the economy, environment, energy, empathy and equity at the
heart of their endeavors in the interest of impactful science.
The impact of science will be the most when scientists and technologists keep the principles of what I call Five Es
at the centre of their enquiry and engineering.
8. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on 1 January 2016 signed the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for web-based monitoring of Indo-German
Watershed Development projects.
9. LPG-Like DBT Scheme for Kerosene from April 1
The Central Government will roll out a LPG-like direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme for kerosene from April 1.
The scheme will be implemented in selected 26 districts of eight states, including Chhattisgarh, Haryana,
Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajasthan.
Under the scheme, people will buy kerosene at market rate, but will get subsidy directly in their bank accounts.
www.bsc4success.com
10. PM releases "The Z Factor"

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 January 2016 released a book titled The Z Factor: My Journey as the
Wrong Man at the Right Time in New Delhi written by Subhash Chandra.
The book is the autobiography of the promoter of Essel/ Zee Group Subhash Chandra.
11. Govt. releases Rs. 274 cr. for developing Tier II, III cities in TN
The Government had released Rs. 274.48 crore for developing 32 Tier II and III cities in Tamil Nadu under Atal
Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT).
Under the Union governments plan to develop 100 cities under Smart Cities scheme, eight big cities, including
Chennai, had been selected for which, the Centre had sanctioned Rs. 1,652 crore.
12. The Union Cabinet has apprised of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Indian Space Research
Organization (ISRO) and Kuwait Institute of Scientific Research (KISR) on cooperation in the exploration of outer space
and use of outer space technology for peaceful purposes.
13. LIC offers longer cover under Jeevan Labh
LIC is offering a New Year gift to the public in the form of a limited-premium, non-linked and with-profit
endowment assurance plan Jeevan Labh from 04 Jan 2016.
The highlight of the plan is that premium is payable for a limited period while risk is covered for the whole policy
term.
The plan is available from ages 8 to 59 years with a choice of policy term of 16, 21 and 25 years and premiumpaying terms of 10,15 and 16 years respectively.
Minimum basic sum assured is 2 lakh with maximum basic sum assured having no limit.
14. India to implement BS-VI norms from April 2020
In a bid to curb vehicular pollution, the government on 06 Jan 2016 decided to implement stricter emission norms
of Bharat Stage (BS) VI from April 1, 2020, by skipping BS-V altogether.
The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin
Gadkari, which was attended by Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete and
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar.
At present, BS-IV auto fuels are being supplied in whole of northern India, parts of Rajasthan and western UP.
The rest of the country has BS-III grade fuel.
15. Union Government reserves 33% posts of women constables in CAPFs
The Union Government has reserved 33 per cent posts of Constables for women in Central Armed Police Forces
(CAPFs) to enhance their representation.
The proposal in this regard was approved by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and shall come into with
immediate effect.
33 percent reservation of women constable level posts would be in CRPF and CISF and 14-15 percent posts
would be in border guarding forces that is BSF, SSB & ITBP.
14. Cabinet approves conversion of MUDRA into bank
The Cabinet on 06 Jan 2016 approved conversion of MUDRA Ltd, an NBFC, into MUDRA Bank and also setting
up of a Credit Guarantee Fund for loans disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Micro Units Development Refinance
Agency (MUDRA) Yojana.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared creation of a Credit Guarantee Fund for MUDRA loans and to convert
MUDRA Ltd into MUDRA Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) Bank as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of SIDBI.
The Credit Guarantee Fund is expected to guarantee more than Rs. 1 lakh crore worth of loans to micro and small
units in the first instance.
www.bsc4success.com
15. Capital Asset Management (RCAM) has received nod from Competition Commission of India (CCI) to acquire
Goldman Sachss mutual funds and exchange-traded funds business in India.
16. Union Govt launches Ganga Gram Yojana in Uttar Pradesh
The Union Minister of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti on 5 January
2016 launched Ganga Gram Yojana at Village Puth in Hapur district of Uttar Pradesh (UP).
Under the scheme, 1600 villages of UP situated along the banks of river Ganga will be developed.
These villages will be developed under the Sichewal model. Sichewal is situated in Punjab, where cooperation of
the villagers has been solicited for the water management and waste disposal.
17. Novo Nordisk names Sachin Tendulkar as brand ambassador for Changing Diabetes
Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has announced Indian cricket star Sachin Tendulkar as brand
ambassador for the disease awareness campaign 'Changing Diabetes' initiated by it in India.
Changing Diabetes is an initiative to raise awareness, improve access to care and address psycho-social aspects
of diabetes to improve peoples lives.
18. Govt. approves closure of HMT Watches
The Union Cabinet on 06 Jan 2016 approved the closure of the iconic HMT Watches and offered a voluntary
retirement scheme (VRS) to its employees as per the 2007 pay scales.
19. Cabinet approves MoU with Singapore to manage airports
The Union Cabinet on 06 Jan 2016 approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore for
operating and maintaining the terminal building of airports at Jaipur and Ahmedabad.
This is the first time the Airports Authority of India will award operation and maintenance contract to any entity
for terminal building.
The city side and airside of Jaipur and Ahmedabad airports will continue to be managed by the AAI.
The MoU envisages collaboration with Singapore in areas such as traffic development, commercial development,
master planning and design, training and development, cargo handling and management among others.
20. Union Cabinet approves Stand Up India Scheme for women and SC/ST
The Union Cabinet has approved the Stand Up India Scheme to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled
Caste/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) and Women entrepreneurs.
The Scheme seeks to facilitate at least two such projects on an average one for each category of entrepreneur per
bank branch.
The Stand-up India is component of Start-up India, Stand up India slogan anchored by Department of Financial
Services (DFS) to encourage Greenfield enterprises by Women and SC/ST entrepreneurs.
It will refinance window through Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) with an initial amount
10,000 crore rupees.
21. Overseas Indian Affairs Ministry merges with MEA
In order to avoid duplication of work and to improve efficiency, the government on 07 Jan 2016 merged the
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) with the Ministry of External Affairs.
The decision to merge MOIA with MEA was taken as senior diplomats wanted officials dealing with foreign
workers-related issues and emergencies to have better diplomatic back-up and coordination.
The merger is expected to increase efficiency in MEAs emergency work abroad.
22. Watan Ko Jano initiative for J&K youths
Wattan Ko Jano, an initiative being carried out by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in coordination with the
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Government on 6 January 2016.
www.bsc4success.com
The initiative came in news after more than 240 youth in the age-group of 15 to 24 from J&K met with Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
The initiative aims at exposing youth from the state to the vibrant development and vitality of culture of people
residing in other states of the country.
23. Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro bagged orders worth Rs 49,666 crore this fiscal, Rs 5,421 crore
in the first week of January alone, implying that economic recovery is visible.
24. Shatrughans biography Anything But Khamosh releases
BJP leader Shatrughan Sinhas biography, "Anything But Khamosh" written by very famous journalist author
Bharathi S Pradhan released on 07 Jan 2016.
25. Premji most generous Indian
Wipro Ltd chairman Azim Hashim Premji, unsurprisingly, was ranked the most generous Indian of the year for
the third time in a row on the Hurun India Philanthropy List 2015 released on 08 Jan 2016.
Premji donated Rs.27,514 crore for education through the eponymous Azim Premji Foundation.
Mr. Premji is followed by Nandan Nilekani and wife, Rohini Nilekani, with donations of Rs. 2,404 crore, while
Infosys co-founder N.R. Narayana Murthy stood third with donations of Rs. 1,322 crore.
26. Tata Steel has been declared as the winner of Prime Ministers Trophy for being the Best Performing Integrated Steel
Plant in the country for the performance year 2013 2014.
27. Indian Oil ties up with logistics start-up firm Fortigo
Country's largest oil marketing company Indian Oil on 11 Jan 2016 announced its partnership with logistics startup firm Fortigo, aimed at providing technology based solutions to small truck owners.
28. Indian-origin girl tops Mensa test in UK
An 11-year-old Indian-origin girl in the UK has achieved the top possible score of 162 on an IQ test of Mensa,
becoming one of the youngest brainiest students in the country.
Mumbai-born Kashmea Wahi achieved the top score of 162 out of 162, putting her in the league of scientists
Albert Einstein and Steven Hawking and in the top 1 per cent of the countries brightest.
The Cattell III B Mensa test is a well-known international evaluation process and Kashmea stumbled upon it
while browsing her iPad.
29. 11th World Hindi Day observes on 10 January
The 11th World Hindi Day was celebrated on 10 January 2016.
The day was first observed on 10 January 2006.
Objective of this day is to promote use of Hindi language abroad.
30. The government on 11 Jan 2016 unveiled a concerted action plan to reduce road accidents by half, by mandating
safety air bags in all passenger vehicles, spending Rs. 11,000 crore to fix fatal road spots and cracking down on bogus
driving licences.
31. Cabinet approves new crop insurance scheme
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 Jan 2016 approved a crop insurance scheme
that would replace the existing ones to ensure that farmers pay fewer premiums and get early claims for the full
sum insured.
The new crop insurance scheme, to be implemented from the kharif season this year, will replace the existing two
schemes National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified NAIS which have some inherent
drawbacks.
www.bsc4success.com
32. India inks Loan Agreement with World Bank

Union Government has signed 250 million dollars Financing Agreement with World Bank for Bihar Kosi Basin
Development Project on 21 Jan 2016.
The loan has been sanctioned by the World Banks concessionary lending arm International Development
Association (IDA).
The loan has implementation period of 5 years and Bihar Government is the implementing agency.
33. Girls First resilience program notably improves wellbeing of adolescent girls
CorStone India Foundation on 20 Jan 2016 presented the outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) of its
flagship Girls First resilience program, which aimed to cultivate resilience among marginalized adolescent girls
in India.
Conducted in 2013-14, the Girls First RCT involved 3500 girls and 74 facilitators across 76 schools in rural
Bihar, demonstrating significant positive impact on mental and physical health, education, social skills and
relationships.
The program has resulted in improvements in girls emotional and physical wellbeing, safe water practices, and
self-advocacy for gender and educational rights.
34. The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and United Kingdom for
Cooperation in the field Public Administration and Governance Reforms.
35. 5000 MW of Grid-connected Solar PV Power Projects
The Union Cabinet approved Rs. 5,050 crore of viability gap funding for 5,000 MW of grid-connected solar
projects.
The additional 5,000 MW of power will generate an estimated 8,300 million units a year that could that provide
power to almost 2.5 million households.
36. Policy on Promotion of City Compost
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to Policy on Promotion of City Compost.
This policy will help in circulating compost produced from city waste for the purpose of farming and agriculture.
For increasing production and consumption of City Compost, provision for Market development assistance of Rs.
1500 per tonne of city compost has been added.
37. Union Cabinet approves:
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 20 Jan 2016 has given its approval:
Amendments of Power Tariff Policy
The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal of the Union Ministry of Power for amendments in the Power
Tariff Policy 2006.
The comprehensive amendments bring required changes for holistic view of the power sector and also to achieve
the objectives of Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) with the focus on 4 Es.
These 4 Es are: Electricity for all, Environment for a sustainable future, Efficiency to ensure affordable tariffs,
Ensure financial viability and Ease of doing business to attract investments.
24X7 power supply will be ensured to all consumers.
By March 2022, 8% of electricity consumption shall be from solar energy in order to promote renewable energy
and energy security.
Reduce power cost to consumers through expansion of existing power plants.
100% power procurement produced from Waste-to-Energy plants in order to give big boost to Swachh Bharat
Mission.
www.bsc4success.com
38. Ministry of Shipping initiates Project Green Port

Weighing in the environmental perspective for sustained growth, the Ministry of Shipping on 19 Jan 2016 has
started Project Green Ports which will help in making the Major Ports across India cleaner and greener.
Project Green Ports will have two verticals - one is Green Ports Initiatives related to environmental issues and
second is Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.
The Green Port Initiatives include twelve initiatives which will be implemented under strict time bound fashion in
order to achieve the targets.
39. Indian Oil Corporations latest refinery in Paradip, Odisha, the first in over a decade for the nations largest fuel
major, started production of petrol from the Rs. 34,555-crore facility on 18 Jan 2016.
40. PM Narendra Modi launches Start-up India, Stand-up India action plan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unveiled the Start-up India, Stand-up India action plan in New Delhi to boost
startup ventures in the country.
The main aim of action plan is to give impetus to innovation and encourage the talent among young people and
remove onerous government regulations and red tape.
A separate fund will be created with 10000 crore rupees corpus for development and growth of innovation driven
enterprises.
It will be 2500 crore rupees a year for four years.
Start-up profits to be tax-free for 3 years and also no labour inspections for 3 years of launch of the venture.
Easy exit policy for start-ups with 90 days under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Bill, 2015.
Mobile apps, portal for register start-ups in a day from 1st April 2016.
Establishing Credit guarantee fund and special scheme for women entrepreneurs.
Public-private partnership (PPP) model for 35 new incubators, 7 new research parks, 31 innovation centres at
national institutes and 5 new Bio clusters will be set up to help Biotech Sector.
Capital gains tax to be exempted for venture capital investments.
41. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 came into force 15 January 2016.
In this regard, Union Ministry of Woman and Child Development has issued orders for enforceable of Act.
The Act had received President Pranab Mukherjees assent on December 31, 2015 after it was passed by the
Parliament.
Aims at ensuring protection, proper care, development and social reintegration of children in difficult
circumstances by adopting a child-friendly approach.
Permits trying of juveniles between the ages of 16 and 18 years as adults for heinous offences. Establishment of
Child Welfare Committees (CWC) along with Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB) in each district
42. IndusInd Bank ties up with PayU India
IndusInd Bank has tied up with online payment solution firm, PayU India.
This will help provide customers the full suite of consumer banking products online as well as payment
innovations.
The partnership is aimed at bridging the gap between conventional banking and new online payment systems.
43. Govt launches four mobile health services
Aiming to enhance access and make schemes more cost effective and robust, the government on 15 Jan
2016 launched four mobile health services, including M-Cessation which reaches out to those who want to quit
tobacco through text messages on mobile phones.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda launches the four services (m-Health) - 'Kilkari, Mobile Academy, M-Cessation
and TB Missed Call initiative.
www.bsc4success.com
These are part of the government's Digital India programme and are in line with the commitment to prioritise
public health.
The m-Health initiatives launched today will enhance access, make our services cost effective and our systems
more robust.
Under 'Kilkari', which means 'a baby's gurgle', delivery of free and weekly 72 audio messages about pregnancy,
child birth and child care will be given directly to mobile phones of the families from the second trimester of
pregnancy until the child is one year old.
Mobile Academy is a free audio training course designed to expand and refresh the knowledge base of Accredited
Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and improve their communication skills.
M-Cessation aims at reaching out to those willing to quit tobacco use and support them towards successful
quitting through text messages sent via mobile phones.
44. SBI opens first branch in South Korea

Country's largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) said it has opened its first branch in South Korea.
The Seoul branch is expected to play an important role in strengthening economic partnership between the two
nations.
The branch will offer a range of services to corporates in trade finance, bilateral and syndicated loans and
corporate deposits etc, apart from retail banking.
45. 15 January: Indian Army Day
Indian Army Day is being observed every year on 15 January in India.
This year it will be the 68th Indian Army Day.
46. Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 13 January 2016 approved the New Crop
Insurance Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to boost the agricultural sector.
The theme of the Scheme is One Nation One Scheme.
The new crop insurance scheme, to be implemented from the kharif season this year, will replace the existing two
schemes National Agricultural Insurance Scheme (NAIS) and Modified NAIS which have some inherent
drawbacks.
Farmers will pay a uniform premium of only 2 percent for all Kharif crops and 1.5% for all Rabi crops.
47. Govt inaugurates Second Liquid Chemical Berth
Union Government has inaugurated Second Liquid Chemical Berth of Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) at Pir Pau,
Mumbai.
The berth is a modern state- of -art facility built at an expense of 127 crore rupees.
It is equipped with Quick Release Mooring Hooks (QRMHs) and also with 4 mooring dolphin.
It is designed to handle 55000 DWT (deadweight tonnes) vessels carrying liquid bulk chemicals and POL
(Petroleum, Oil, & Lubricants) products.
48. Cabinet approves MoU between India and Maldives
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and
Maldives on cooperation in the field of Health.
The MoU was signed in January, 2014 for facilitating greater cooperation between both the nations and to
develop human resources in healthcare.
49. SBI enters into wealth management space
State Bank of India, the country's largest bank on 14 Jan 2016 became the first public sector lender to launch
wealth management service, a space dominated by private and foreign players, to cater to fast-growing affluent
segment of the country.
www.bsc4success.com
The bank also inaugurated a dedicated branch for start-ups which will provide advisory services to the budding
entrepreneurs.
The wealth management offering SBI Exclusif and the start-up branch SBI InCube were rolled out in
Bengaluru.
SBI Exclusif will offer many firsts in wealth banking like the first e-Wealth Center that can deliver quality
relationship management services remotely for extended hours.
Through the SBI InCube, the bank will be helping, guiding and counselling the new entrepreneurs in starting a
new company or business enterprise, which so far was not available in the banking industry.
50. ICICI Bank unveils two new home loan initiatives

ICICI Bank on 14 Jan 2016 has launched two new initiatives -- a fully online home loan approval in 8 working
hours, and a mobile app for part disbursement of home loans for under construction projects -- to commemorate
the milestone of crossing Rs. 1 lakh crore in mortgage loans.
Under Express Home Loans, the bank will give online approval for home loans within eight working hours.
With this offering customer can now make their applications, upload KYC and income documents, and receive
the final home loan approval anywhere at their convenience.
This service is available for all salaried customers as well as non-ICICI Bank customers.
The second initiative helps individuals taking home loans for under construction projects to get subsequent
disbursements (after the first disbursement) through the Banks iLoans mobile application in a completely
paperless way from the convenience of their home or office.
51. Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan on 12 January 2016 was bestowed honorary life membership of Kolkatas soccer
outfit Mohammedan Sporting.
52. State owed telecom service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched the high speed 4G (Fourth
Generation) telecom services at Chandigarh in Punjab circle.
With this launch, BSNL became fifth telecom service provider in India to launch 4G service after Airtel (1st),
Aircel (2nd), Vodafone (3rd) and Reliance Jio (4th).
BSNL 4G network will be able to provide high speed data upto 100 Mbps.
53. Panagariya committee to fast-track bullet train project
Union Government has constituted a committee to fast track the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor,
meant for connecting two cities with bullet trains.
It will be 500km long and will be connecting both trains at the cost of the project will be 98,000 crore rupees.
Japan will invest 78,000 crore rupees making it largest foreign investment in railway sector of India.
54. 20th National Youth Festival inaugurates
The 20th National Youth Festival was on 12 January 2016 inaugurated by Union Road Transport and Highways
Minister Nitin Gadkari at Rajyostav Sthal in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh to mark the National Youth Day.
The five day long annual festival is celebrated by the Union Government in partnership with a state government
on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda.
For the 20th National Youth Festival, Chhattisgarh was chosen as the partner state with the theme India Youth for
Skill, Development and Harmony.
55. Indias largest and tallest tricolour hoisted at Ranchi
Indias largest tricolour was hoisted atop the tallest pole at Pahari Mandir in Ranchi, by Defence Minister
Manohar Parrikar.
This flag will remain hoisted for 24 hours and shall be illuminated with the help of twenty sodium vapour lights at
night. It is worlds largest and the highest hoisted Indian flag.
www.bsc4success.com
The flag is 66 feet in height and 99 feet in width in the proper ratio 2:3. It was hoisted on pole with height of 293
feet. It weighs 80 kg.
56. Union Cabinet clears Presidents rule in AP

The Union cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recommended imposition of Presidents Rule in
Arunachal Pradesh under Article 356 (1) of the Constitution.
Proposal in this regard has been forwarded to President Pranab Mukherjee after Union Government felt that
Congress ruled state is heading for a constitutional breakdown.
Union Government took this decision after state assembly failed to comply with the provisions of Article 174
(sessions of the state legislature, prorogation and dissolution) of the Constitution.
57. State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has got environmental clearance for drilling 45
development wells and other related infrastructure involving a cost of over Rs. 53,000 crore in the Krishna-Godavari basin
in Andhra Pradesh.
58. National Voters' Day observes
The Election Commission of India has celebrated the 6th National Voters Day throughout the State with the
theme Inclusive and Qualitative Electoral Participation on January 25.
ECI has organised National level function in New Delhi in which President Pranab Mukherjee was the Chief
Guest. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi also released the book titled Belief in the Ballot and
presented the first copy to the President.
59. India celebrates 67th Republic Day
India celebrated 67th Republic day on 26th January 2016 by displaying its cultural diversity, economic progress
and military prowess were on display at Rajpath, New Delhi.
In the national Capital, President Pranab Mukherjee unfurled the national flag and took salute of the parade at
Rajpath.
French President Francois Hollande was chief guest of Republic Day function.
With this he became the 5th highest dignitary from France to be Chief Guest of Indian Republic Day parade.
For the first time in the history of Republic Day parade foreign contingent participated.
It was 76-member contingent 35th Infantry Regiment of the French Army led by Lt Col Paul Bury.
60. Govt approves hybrid annuity model for highway projects
The government on 27 Jan 2016 approved hybrid annuity model for building roads to fast-track highway projects,
revive the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode and attract more investments in the sector.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its
approval for the Hybrid Annuity Model as one of the modes of delivery for implementing the Highway Projects.
Under this model, the government will provide 40 per cent of the project cost to the developer to start work while
the remaining investment has to be made by the developer.
61. India and ADB Sign $80 Million Loan Agreement
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India on 28 Jan 2016 signed an $80million loan
agreement to continue improving infrastructure in two North Eastern State Capital cities.
The loan is the third tranche of a $200 million financing facility under the North Eastern Region Capital cities
Development Investment Program and will be used for investments in water supply, solid waste management and
sanitation in Agartala and Aizwal.
It will also support urban reforms, benefiting nearly a million people in the two cities.
www.bsc4success.com
62. Govt announces list of first 20 smart cities under 'Smart Cities Mission'
The list of 20 smart cities out of the 98 shortlisted for the 'Smart Cities Mission' was released on 28 Jan 2016.
These 20 cities will be the first to receive funds, thus kickstarting the process of developing them into 'smart
cities'.
The next two years will see the inclusion of 40 and 38 cities, respectively.
The investment of Rs 50,802 crore has been proposed in selected smart cities and towns during the five-year
period.
Here's the list:
63. UP IPS Aparna Kumar scales tallest peak in Antarctica

UP cadre IPS Officer Aparna Kumar has become the country's first civil servant to scale Mount Vinson Massif,
the highest peak in the Antarctica. She achieved the feat on January 17.
She hoisted the Tricolour and the flag of the Uttar Pradesh Police Service on Mount Vinson Massif.
She set out on the Antarctic expedition on 5 January 2016, accompanied by a 10-member team of mountaineers
from various countries.
64. Volume II of memoirs of President Pranab Mukherjee releases
The second volume of memoirs of President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee titled "The Turbulent Years 19801996 was released on January 28, 2016 at a function held in Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The book was released by Vice President of India, Mohd. Hamid Ansari before an invited audience.
The first volume of Presidents memoir titled "The Dramatic Decade- the Indira Gandhi Years" was released on
11 December 2014.
65. Union Govt forms expert panel to review Specific Relief Act, 1963
Union Law Ministrys Legislative Department has constituted an expert committee to review the Specific Relief
Act, 1963.
It will have chairman and 5 members and submit its report within three months i.e. till April 2016.
NEWS (STATES)
1. Telangana launches e-Vahan Bima Scheme
Government of Telangana on 2 January 2016 launched e-Vahan Bima Scheme to issue motor insurance policy in
digital form.
With the launch of this scheme, Telangana became the first state in the country to legally accept insurance policy
in digital form.
www.bsc4success.com
2. Alstom delivers 'Made in India' coaches to Kochi Metro

Alstom, the French transportation equipment maker, rolled out the first set of railway coaches for the Kochi Metro
project from its facility at Sri City in Andhra Pradesh.
3. Jayalalithaa launches Amma seeds scheme for farmers
Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has launched the scheme Amma Seeds which is aimed at providing quality seeds,
the state government said on 02 Jan 2016.
She had proposed the scheme in 2014, saying quality, certified Amma Seeds would be available through Amma
Service Centres across the state.
The motive of the scheme was to encourage farmers to use certified seeds.
4. Jharkhand first among 15 early birds for UDAY
Jharkhand, a mineral-rich but energy-deficit state has become first state in country to sign Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme with Union Government.
The Scheme was launched on 20th November 2015 to help financially stressed Distribution companies
(DISCOMs) to supply adequate power at affordable rates.
It aims for financial turnaround and revival of Power DISCOMs and also ensures a sustainable permanent
solution to the problem.
5. Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) on 5 January 2015 commissioned the 600 MW Kakatiya Thermal Power Plant
Stage-II at Bhoopalapally in Warangal district of Telangana.
6. Jharkhand land bank portal inaugurated
Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das on 04 Jan 2016 inaugurated the state's land bank web portal,
jharbhoom.nic.in that would help investors know land-related information.
Stating that setting up of land bank would help investors get information through district-wise nodal officers, Das
said their mobile numbers and email ID would be available on the website.
7. Centre allows Jallikattu
The Centre on 08 Jan 2016 allowed the conduct of jallikattu in Tamil Nadu by altering a 2011 Ministry of
Environment notification by exempting the sport from performances for which the bulls should not be used.
The ban on the sports was lifted few days before the traditional harvest festival will begin in Tamil Nadu.
Jallikattu is celebrated around pongal in southern state of Tamil Nadu.
8. AMRUT Mission for Punjab and Uttarakhand
The Union Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) on 7 January 2016 approved the Atal Mission for
Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) for Punjab and Uttarakhand for the year 2015-16.
The plans were approved by an inter-ministerial Apex Committee under the State Annual Action Plans (SAAP).
Punjab Government will invest 720 crore rupees in improving basic urban infrastructure in 16 cities.
9. Laman Diva is Make in India Week logo
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on 08 Jan 2016 unveiled Laman Diva as the logo of the first
Make in India Week scheduled to be held in Mumbai between February 13 and 18, which will be inaugurated by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Laman Diva or Nanda Deep, has great relevance in our culture as a symbol of auspicious beginning, peace,
prosperity, growth.
"Laman Diva" is a lamp designed using cogs and wheels.
10. International Kite festival starts in Ahmedabad
Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on 10 January 2016 inaugurated the 28th edition of International Kite
Festival at Sabarmati River front in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
www.bsc4success.com
The Kite festival of Gujarat marks Uttarayan, the day when winter begins to turn into summer.
Uttarayan is the sign for farmers that the sun is back and that harvest season is approaching which is called
Makara Sankranti.
11. Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas holds in New Delhi

The 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) was held on 9 January 2016 in New Delhi.
The event was inaugurated by the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and attended by Priti Patel, MoS for
Employment, United Kingdom.
The day was celebrated by the MEA, across the world, through its missions/posts abroad.
The 13th PBD was held in Gujarat marked the 100th year of Mahatma Gandhis return to India from South
Africa.
12. National Youth Day observes on 12 Jan
National Youth Day is celebrated in India on 12 January on the 153rd birthday of Swami Vivekananda.
In 1984 the Government of India declared the day as the National Youth Day and since 1985 the event is
celebrated in India every year.
The National Youth Day is observed all over India at schools and colleges, with processions, speeches,
recitations, music, youth conventions, seminars, Yogasanas, presentations, competitions in essay-writing,
recitations and sports on 12 January every year.
Swami Vivekananda's lectures and writings, deriving their inspiration from Indian spiritual tradition and the broad
outlook of his Master Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, are the source of inspiration and have motivated numerous
youth organizations, study circles and service projects involving the youth.
13. Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), the corporate entity of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, on 11 January 2016 signed
a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Andhra Pradesh government. The MoU envisages investment of around
38500 crore rupees to take up various projects at Visakhapatnam.
14. Kullu folk dance in Guinness Book
The Nati folk dance of Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh in second week of January 2016 was listed in the
Guinness Book of World Records as the largest folk dance in the world.
Nati entered in the book as the largest folk dance in terms of participants number.
Total 9892 women participated in this folk dance in their traditional colourful Kulluvi on 26 October 2015 during
International Dussehra festival.
15. Telangana becomes first State to make gender education compulsory
Telangana has become the first State in the country to introduce compulsory gender education at the graduate
level.
In this regard, state government has introduced bilingual textbook titled Towards a World of Equals on a pilot
basis in engineering colleges.
These engineering colleges are affiliated to the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU-Hyderabad).
16. Nai Manzil Scheme launches in Jammu and Kashmir
The Nai Manzil scheme was on 20 January 2016 launched for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir.
The scheme was launched for girls in Srinagar in three institutions- Skill Development Centre, University of
Kashmir and two Madarsas.
The two Madarsas are Madarsa Shahi-i-Hamdan in Pampore and Madarsa Imam Sadique in Shadipur, Bandipora.
Nai Manzil Scheme is an integrated Education and Livelihood Initiative for the Minority Communities. It was
announced by the Union Budget 2015-16.
The scheme aims to benefit the minority youths who are school-dropouts or educated in the community education
institutions like Madrasas.
www.bsc4success.com
17. The nineteenth edition of National Conference on e-Governance has begun on 21 January 2016 in Nagpur,
Maharashtra.
18. Jodhpur's Umaid Bhawan Palace names the world's best hotel of 2016
A dazzling Indian palace fit for a maharaja has taken the top spot in TripAdvisors 2016 Travelers Choice
Awards, receiving glowing reviews from guests who gave it top marks and were effusive with their praise.
In the 14th edition of the travel sites Travelers Choice Awards, the Umaid Bhawan Palace was named the best
hotel of 2016, with a five out of five bubble rating among its 840 guests.
Built over 15 years between 1928 and 1943 after its namesake, the Maharaja Umaid Singh, the palatial hotel is
literally fit for an Indian king, as the sprawling property is the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal family.
Umaid Bhawan Palace was called Chittar Palace during its construction due to use of stones drawn from the
Chittar hill where it is located. It has 347 rooms.
19. Six-laning of NH-2 in Bihar and Jharkhand
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved development of the six laning of AurangabadBihar/Jharkhand Border- BarwaAdda section on National Highway-2 in Bihar and Jharkhand.
The estimated cost of the project is 4918.48 crore rupees including cost of land acquisition, resettlement and
rehabilitation and other pre-construction activities.
The total length of the road will be approximately 222 km.
20. Maharashtra govt inks MoU with Tata Trust
Maharashtra Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tata Trust for a skill training
programme for the youth in the state.
This programme has been undertaken under the state governments ambitious Kushal Maharashtra, Rojgaryukt
Maharashtra initiative.
21. Govt sanctions 33000 crore rupees in Tamil Nadu
Union Government on 19 January 2016 sanctioned 33000 crore rupees for the development of infrastructure
projects in Tamil Nadu.
Union Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari announced the sanctioned amount and at
his discretion, he announced additional 17000 crore rupees.
With this, the total amount sanctioned was raised to 50000 crore rupees.
The infrastructure projects include construction of Rail-Over-Bridges, upgradation of state highways into National
Highways and major bridges in the state.
22. Bihar Govt approves 35 per cent job reservation for women
Bihar Government on 19 Jan 2016 has formally approved 35 per cent reservation for women in government jobs
in the state.
State cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna approved 35 per cent reservation for women,
which will be applicable in all government jobs including reserved and unreserved category.
There is also 50 percent reservation for women as primary school teachers and in the Panchayati Raj system.
23. Sikkim becomes the first fully organic state of India
Sikkim has formally become Indias first fully organic state of India on 18 Jan 2016 after it successfully
implemented organic farming practices on around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land.
The declaration was made by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi while inaugurating the Sikkim Organic Festival
2016 in Gangtok, Sikkim.
PM also handed the Organic Certificate to Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling.
www.bsc4success.com
PM also launched three new orchid species developed in Sikkim which is also known as the Land of Flowers viz.
Cymbidium Sardar (named after Sardar Patel), Cymbidium Deen Dayal (named after Deen Dayal Upaddhyay)
and Cymbidium Namo (named after Narendra Modi).
24. Amma Call Centre launches

In an attempt to make governance more accessible to the public, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on 19 Jan 2016
has launched Amma Call Centre, which would function round the clock to receive calls from citizens.
The call centre, which would receive calls made through the toll-free number 1100, would be manned by 138
persons in the initial phase to receive at least 15,000 calls per day.
25. Amritsar in Guinness Book of World Records
An offbeat message against drugs delivered through a dance performance by 8,726 students from 40 schools has
earned Amritsar a place in Guinness Book of World Records on January 14.
The performance of students attired in the same dress held at Khalsa College, on October 3, 2015 for an antidrugs awareness campaign has added another feather to the cap of the holy city.
The initiative was taken by Amritsar-based choreographers Pankaj and Preeti.
26. MP CM awarded with Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was awarded with Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellowship
for his contribution in development and international harmony on 13 Jan 2016.
It was awarded by Fellowship Chairman Mr. Eddie Teo in Singapore.
He is the fourth Indian to receive this fellowship. Previously, former vice-chairman of Planning Commission
Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former union minister for investments Arun Shourie and chief minister of undivided
Andhra Pradesh Chandra Babu Naidu had received this fellowship.
27. MP Govt signs MoUs with Singapore
Madhya Pradesh (MP) Government on 14 January 2016 signed four MOUs with Singapore to collaborate in urban
planning, skill development, clean energy and food processing.
The MoU on setting up 1000 megawatt wind energy plant in western part of the state.
28. BHEL commissions 520 MW Vizag Power Project
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) on 11 January 2016 announced that it commissioned the first unit of the
2x520 MW Vizag thermal power project in Andhra Pradesh.
While the project, which is located in Visakhapatnam, is owned by the Hinduja National Power Company Limited
(HNPCL), it is being executed by BHEL on engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) basis.
29. AP inks MoUs
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on 12 Jan 2016 announced that they would hold Davos-type interface with
stakeholders regularly to extend the benefits of development to the common man after signing pacts worth Rs.
4.78 lakh crore with investors from India and the Middle East, the United States, China and other countries.
The pacts were signed during the three-day CII Partnership Summit titled Sunrise Andhra Pradesh Investment
Meet concluded at APIIC Harbour Park.
Agreements for setting up a Rs.5,000 crore naval facility at Rambilli by Anil Ambanis ADA Group and for a
Rs.38,000-crore expansion project by RINL were also signed.
30. HP celebrates 46th Statehood Day
The 46th Statehood Day of Himachal Pradesh was celebrated with great gaiety on 25 Jan 2016.
On 18 December 1970 the State of Himachal Pradesh Act was passed by Parliament and the new state came into
being on 25 January 1971.
Thus Himachal emerged as the eighteenth state of the Indian Union.
www.bsc4success.com
31. Rajasthan signs MoU to join UDAY scheme

The Rajasthan Government and its power distribution companies or discoms signed a pact with the Centre on 27
Jan 2016 under the Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) aimed at relieving the debt burden of the most
indebted discoms in the country.
Rajasthans discoms have a total debt of Rs.80, 500 crore which is 18.7 per cent of the countrys total discom debt
of Rs.4.3 lakh crore.
32. The Human Resource Development Ministry on 28 Jan 2016 appointed Ashok K. Roopanwal, a former judge of the
Allahabad High Court, as the one-man commission of inquiry into the circumstances that led to the January 17 suicide of
Hyderabad University research scholar Rohit Vemula.
33. Puducherry Lt Governor AK Singh launches MITRA app
Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Ajay Kumar Singh has launched the MITRA application to ensure protection
of women, children and the elderly in time of distress.
MITRA (Mobile Initiated Tracking and Rescue) application has been developed by Puducherry Police department
in association with National Informatics Centre (NIC).
It is smartphone (Android) based application that helps women to end emergency SOS (alert) messages when they
are in danger or distress.
The application gets launched automatically and sends SMS having users precise location to the nearest police
station and to their 3 registered numbers. It does not require an internet connection and presently is available only
in smart phones.
NEWS (WORLD)
1. World Braille Day observes
World Braille Day was observed across the world on 4 January 2016 to commemorate the birth anniversary of
Louis Braille.
To mark this occasion, NGOs, as well as other organizations came together to raise awareness about the apathy
towards visually impaired people and to help them be equal with the rest of the people.
2. India-Nepal friendship bus service resumes after gap of 27 years
A friendship bus service between India and Nepal was flagged off via Champawat district in Uttarakhand after a
gap of 27 years.
The resumed bus service has been regularised and will run between Kanchanpur in Nepal close to the Banbasa
border in Champawat district and Anand Vihar in New Delhi. People travelling in these buses do not require any
special documents to travel.
3. Tiger Global emerges biggest investor in Indian businesses
Tiger Global Management emerged as the biggest investor in Indian businesses in 2015 on 3rd Jan 2016.
The New York-based investment company, doing so through venture capital funds in Indian e-commerce startups, put in as much as $2.58 billion (Rs 17,100 crore) across 34 deals in 2015.
www.bsc4success.com
4. Sri Lanka, Pakistan agree to expand FTA

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have agreed to expand their bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) by inclusion of services
and investment.
The expansion of FTA would help companies of the two nations to form joint ventures (JV) for exports to other
nations.
5. French Army to participate in Republic Day parade
For the first time in the history of India, a strong contingent of French Army will march down the Rajpath on
Republic Day along with Indian troops in the presence of President Francois Hollande who is the chief guest for
this year's celebrations.
French Army is already in India for a joint military exercise, 'Shakti 2016'.
This will be the fifth time that a French leader will be a Chief Guest at Indias Republic Day celebrations the
maximum number from any country so far followed by Bhutan.
6. Nepal elected as UNICEF's executive board member
Nepal has been elected to the UNICEF Executive Board, representing the group of Asia-Pacific countries for the
term 2016-2018.
Nepal's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN Durga Prasad Bhattarai, has also been unanimously
elected as Vice-President to the Bureau of the Executive Board on 9 Jan 2016.
7. Economist Paul Kaba Thieba was named as the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso by the President Roch Marc Christian
Kabore.
8. NASA mission finds 100 new alien planets
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASAs) revamped planet-hunting Kepler spacecraft has
discovered more than 100 planets orbiting other stars.
The Kepler spacecraft discovered these alien planets during its second-chance K2 mission by using the transit
method.
Kepler was launched in March 2009 and was tasked with determining how commonly, Earth-like planets occur
throughout the Milky Way galaxy.
9. Sri Lanka tops in 2015 HDI in South Asia Region
Sri Lanka has maintained its high ranking in 2015 human development index (HDI) in the South Asia Region.
In the 2015 Global Human Development Report (HDR) released by UN Development Programme (UNDP) Sri
Lanka was ranked 73rd with an HDI value of 0.757.
Rankings of other seven South Asian Countries are Maldives (104), India (130), Bhutan (132), Bangladesh (142),
Nepal (145), Pakistan (147) and Afghanistan (171).
10. Japan on 22 January 2016 lifted sanctions on Iran, falling in line with major world powers. The announcement was
made by Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga.
11. Google, Railtel launches free public Wi-Fi service
Google India and Indian Railways telecom arm RailTel has launched free Rail Wire Public Wi-Fi service for
railway passengers at the Mumbai Central Station.
This service was launched by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. With this, Mumbai Central has become the
first railway station in India to have free high-speed Wi-Fi Internet facility.
12. 2016 NTI Nuclear Security Index releases
Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), a US-based think-tank, released the 2016 Nuclear Security Index with the theme
Building a Framework for Assurance, Accountability, and Action.
www.bsc4success.com
The Index assessed global nuclear security conditions in 176 countries in two areas - the potential theft of
weapons-usable nuclear materials and the potential sabotage of nuclear facilities.
Among the 24 states with one kilogram or more of weapons-usable nuclear materials in the world, while Australia
was adjudged as the safest, India was among the least safe with the 21st rank.
Australia (1), Switzerland (2), Canada (3), Poland (4) were in the top four safest, While Pakistan (22), Iran (23)
and North Korea (24) were the most unsafe.
13. 4th India Africa Hydrocarbons Conference begins

The fourth edition of India Africa Hydrocarbons Conference (IAHC) has begun on January 21, 2016 in New
Delhi.
The two day conference aims at enhancing greater cooperation between India and African continent in the field of
Hydrocarbons. It also seeks to explore opportunities, bridge boundaries and boost bilateral trade between India
and Africa.
14. World Economic Forum meeting starts in Davos, Switzerland
The annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting has started on 20 Jan 2016 in Swiss resort of Davos,
Switzerland with participation of political leaders and business from around the world.
In this edition of WEF meeting, the agenda includes the outlook of the global economy and measures to fight
terrorism.
WEF is an international institution founded by Klaus Schwab that works to improve the state of the world through
public-private cooperation. It was established in 1971 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
15. UNWTO releases World Tourism Barometer
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) on 18 January 2016 released the World Tourism Barometer, which
reviewed trends in tourism at the regional and global level for 2015 and enumerated prospects for 2016.
As per the publication, international tourist arrivals grew by 4.4 percent in 2015 to reach a total of 1184 million in
2015.
In numbers, around 50 million more travelers were recorded in 2015 compared to that 2014.
16. France declares economic emergency
French President Francois Hollande has declared a state of economic emergency to redefine Frances economic
and social model.
Under the ambit emergency, government has proposed series of economic measures to boost long-stagnant
economic growth and reduce chronic unemployment.
Loosening rigid working time rules including 35-hour workweek and a bonus of 2,000 euros to small businesses
that hire young people.
Integrate youth from Frances troubled suburbs especially minorities who face job discrimination into the global
economy.
Training half a million jobless workers, greater use of apprenticeships and aiding companies for hiring young
workers.
17. Zinnia becomes first flower grown in space
The first flower 'Zinnia' has finally bloomed in outer space.
The flower was grown as part of an experiment astronauts are conducting on how plants grow in microgravity.
Besides the flower, the team also grew lettuce in space, after a failed first attempt.
The flowers were grown inside the Veggie lab aboard International Space Station (ISS) which was installed in
early May 2014.
With the success of this experiment, Zinnia has become the first flowering plant grown outside Earth's
atmosphere.
www.bsc4success.com
The system, according to scientists, uses red, blue, and green LED lights to simulate sunlight, making the
successful growth of the flower you see above possible.
18. US lifts nuclear sanctions on Iran

United States (US) has removed a wide range of nuclear sanctions against Iran after it has meet its commitments
to roll back its nuclear programme.
These sanctions were lifted after International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Iran has met its
commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) or Vienna agreement with P5+1 country
signed in July 2015.
P5+1 country include the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) viz. USA, Russia, China,
UK, France and non- permanent member Germany.
19. China launches first online database on monks authenticity
For the first time, China on 18 Jan 2016 has launched an online system to check the authenticity of top Tibetan
Buddhist monks, amid growing incidents of fraud involving religious leaders.
The first list of 870 verified Tibetan monks, also known as Living Buddhas, was published on the official
website of the State Administration for Religious Affairs.
The 7th Drukhang Living Buddha Drukhang Thubten Khedrup, vice-president of the Buddhist Association of
China (BAC) launched the database.
20. Sahayog Kaijin 2016 Indo-Japan exercise begins
The 15th edition of bilateral exercise by the Indian Coast Guard and its Japanese counterpart titled SahayogKaijin 2016 has begun off the coast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu in the Bay of Bengal from 15 Jan 2016.
Sahayog-Kaijin bilateral exercise is a part of the cooperative arrangements between two Coast Guards for the last
15 years.
It is biennial bilateral exercise held once in two years and the venue would shift in both countries on alternate
occasions.
21. WHO declares Liberia Ebola free
The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced on 14 Jan 2016 that the Ebola epidemic that has ravaged West
Africa for two years was over after Liberia, the last affected country, received the all-clear.
WHO stressed though that the job is not over, warning more flare-ups are expected.
One of the most feared diseases in the world, Ebola killed more than 11,000 people across West Africa after it
surfaced in southern Guinea in December 2013.
22. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa wins Presidential Election of Portugal
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on 24 January 2016 won the Presidential election of Portugal.
Sousa, popularly known as Professor Marcelo and aged 67 is the one-time leader of the center-right Social
democrats. He will succeed President Anibal Cavaco Silva.
23. Denmark is least corrupt
An anti-corruption watchdog, the Transparency International (TI) has released Transparency Internationals
Corruption Perceptions Index.
Denmark remained at the top of Transparency Internationals Corruption Perceptions Index, a closely watched
global barometer, for the second consecutive year as the country perceived as least corrupt.
India stands at 76th position in the index with its CPI score at 38.
North Korea and Somalia remained at the bottom with unchanged scores of 8.
The index is based on expert opinions of public sector corruption, looking at a range of factors like whether
governmental leaders are held to account or go unpunished for corruption, the perceived prevalence of bribery,
and whether public institutions respond to citizens needs.
www.bsc4success.com
Among the SAARC countries, Pakistan is the only country that improved its Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)
score with its score at 30.
24. India, France ink 14 pacts for cooperation various fields

India and France have singed 14 pacts for enhancing the bilateral cooperation in various fields including defence,
space, railways, education etc.
These agreements were signed between the two countries after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra
Modi and French President Francois Hollande.
Both have focussed on inter-governmental issues. The two countries have signed a MoU on purchase of 36 Rafale
fighter jets.
25. India and Armenia sign Protocol amending DTAC
India and Armenia has signed a Protocol to amend the existing Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC)
to curb instances of tax evasion.
The Protocol amends the Article on Exchange of Information for tax in the bilateral DTAC signed between India
and Armenia and has been in existence since September 2004.
It has been amended to bring it in line with the updated provisions in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD) Model.
26. India becomes Worlds largest Rice exporter
India has overtaken Thailand as the worlds largest rice exporter in the year 2015 by shipping (exporting) 10.23
million tonnes of rice.
It was announced by the Bangkok based Thai Rice Exporters Association Chairman Charoen Laodhammatas.
SCIENCE, DEFENCE and TECHNOLOGY

1. China creates three new Army units to modernize military
China has created three new military bodies as part of reforms to modernize its military and improve its fighting
capacity.
State television showed on 02 Jan 2016 President Xi Jinping giving military flags to the leaders of the three new
units a general command for the Peoples Liberation Army, a missile force and a strategic support force. Mr.
Xi and PLA officers and soldiers sang the national anthem at the inauguration ceremony on 31 Dec 2015.
Mr. Xi said the three new units had been created as part of a modernization reform and to realize the Chinese
dream of a strong military.
2. India, Pakistan exchange lists of nuclear facilities
India and Pakistan have exchanged the list of their nuclear installations and facilities under the Agreement on the
Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations.
This exchange is done on 1st of January every year between the two neighbouring countries that bars them from
attacking each others atomic facilities.
This is the 25th consecutive exchange of such list between the two countries, the first one having taken place on 1
January 1992.
It was signed on 31st December 1988 and entered into force on 27 January 1991.
www.bsc4success.com
3. Periodic table gets four new elements

The periodic table has been given four new elements, changing one of science's most fundamental pieces of
knowledge.
Elements 113, 115, 117 and 118 will now be added to the table's seventh row and make it complete, after they
were verified by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry on 30 December. But they are yet to
receive their final names or symbols.
The new elements were discovered by team from Japan, Russia and the USA, who will all get to name their own
new elements.
The decision was taken by the IUPAC as the four elements met the discovery of elements of the IUPAP/IUPAC
Transfermium Working Group (TWG) 1991 Discovery Criteria.
All of the four new admissions are man-made.
For the moment, the elements are named after their number: element 113 is called ununtrium (which means 113ium), and has the symbol Uut. Element 115 is referred to as ununpentium or Uup; 117 is called ununseptium or
Uus; and 118 is called ununoctium or Uuo.
4. Indian Army tests Pinaka II multi-barrel rocket launcher system
The Indian Army has successfully completed user-assisted trials of Pinaka II, a multi-barrel rocket launcher
(MBRL) system, at Pokhran field firing range in Rajasthan, India.
Carried out over three days, the trials were carried out by the Indian Defence Research and Development
Organisation's (DRDO) Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) laboratory.
Designed to replace the army's Russian-built BM-21 Grad launchers, the Pinaka is capable of destroying
opposition communication centres, air terminal complexes, and gun / rocket locations, as well as solid structures
and bunkers.
5. Paytm buys Shifu for $8mn
The mobile wallet and e-commerce platform Paytm on 04 Jan 2016 announced the acquisition of Delhi-based
startup Shifu, a consumer behaviour prediction platform, for $8 million.
Shifu analyses the smartphone usage patterns of users and makes personalised and relevant recommendations to
them.
Through the acquisition, Paytm aims to leverage the tech infrastructure of Shifu to enrich the customer experience
it offers to its users.
6. North Korea successfully tests fire Hydrogen Bomb
North Korea announced on 06 Jan 2016 that it had successfully carried out its first hydrogen bomb test, a
development that, if confirmed, would mark a stunning step forward in its nuclear development.
The announcement triggered swift international condemnation but also scepticism, with experts suggesting the
apparent yield was far too low for a thermonuclear device.
A hydrogen, or thermonuclear device, uses fusion in a chain reaction that results in a far more powerful explosion
than the fission blast generated by uranium or plutonium alone.
7. BioQ Pharma ties up with Cipla
California based BioQ Pharma Inc. has signed a distribution, supply and development agreement with
pharmaceutical major Cipla Ltd for registration and commercialization of its Ropivacaine infusion pharmaceutical
in India.
BioQ Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of
single-use, large volume and ready-to-use infusible pharmaceuticals.
8. Uber launches start-up mentorship programme uberEXCHANGE
Taxi-hailing app Uber on 06 Jan 2016 announced a new start-up mentorship programme in the country in
partnership with Invest India called uberEXCHANGE.
www.bsc4success.com
The programme will address issues that entrepreneurs face, like fund-raising, product design, engineering and
how to scale up a business.
9. Boost for Indian Navy's firepower: INS Kadmatt commissioned

Adding to Indian Navy's firepower, INS Kadmatt, the second ship of Project 28 (P28) class anti-submarine
warfare (ASW) corvettes, was commissioned on 07 Jan 2016.
With the changing power dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region, INS Kadmatt will augment the mobility, reach
and flexibility of Indian Navy.
INS Kadmatt has been indigenously designed by Indian Navy's in-house organisation, Directorate of Naval
Design and constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, Kolkata.
10. ICICI Bank to partner FINO PayTech
ICICI Bank will partner FINO PayTech to foray into the payments bank space.
For example, State Bank of India and Kotak Mahindra Bank has picked up stake in the payments banks that will
be floated by Reliance Industries and the Bharti Group, respectively.
The ICICI Group, with about 16 per cent stake in FINO Paytech, a business correspondent, is the largest domestic
shareholder.
FINO Paytech has received in principle licence from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to start a payment bank.
RBI regulations allow universal banks to invest up 30 per cent in payments bank.
11. Indo-French military exercise 'Shakti-2016' begins
India and France on 8 January 2016 started their eight-day counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency joint
exercise Shakti-2016 in Rajasthan.
This is the third edition in the series of bilateral exercises under this banner and is being held in Mahajan Field
Firing Ranges in Rajasthan's Bikaner.
The exercise will be focused on counter terrorism operations in backdrop of semi-urban terrain under United
Nations Mandate.
12. Landmark unveils e-commerce venture
Dubai-based retail and hospitality conglomerate Landmark Group, has introduced its e-commerce initiative
LandmarkShops.in in India.
With this new initiative, customers can browse and shop over 10,000 products across women, men and kids
apparel, footwear, accessories and beauty products through the e-commerce site.
13. Quikr merges CommonFloor
Online classifieds portal Quikr on 07 Jan 2016 announced the merger of real estate listing company
CommonFloor.com, making the combined entity the biggest in the space.
Sumit Jain is the co-founder and CEO, CommonFloor.com.
Pranay Chulet, CEO and founder, Quikr, has publicly stated that the company is two years away from being
profitable and if not for the marketing spends, Quikr would have already been profitable.
14. South Korea's adopted a resolution for fourth nuclear test
South Korea's Parliament on 8 January 2016 adopted a resolution, denouncing the Democratic People's Republic
of Korea (DPRK)'s fourth nuclear test, urging the DPRK to dismantle its nuclear programme.
The resolution passed at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea was unanimously through the National
Assembly two days after Pyongyang announced its first successful test of a hydrogen bomb.
The resolution denounced the DPRK's nuclear test as a serious provocative act threatening the lives and safety of
South Koreans and the peace in Northeast Asia and the world.
www.bsc4success.com
15. Chinas country code domain ".cn" becomes worlds largest

Chinas country code domain .cn has become the worlds most commonly used in the internet with 16.36
million users, surpassing Germanys .de domain.
cn is managed through a branch of the Ministry of Industry and Information.
16. DRDO successfully test fires New Tank Ammunition
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully test fired the new Penetration-Cum Blast
(PCB) and Thermobaric (TB) Ammunition tank at Chandipur, Odisha.
This was specially designed for Arjun Main Battle Tank (MBT).
17. DAC approves major changes in DPP
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has approved
major changes in the new Defence Procurement Procedure (DDP) 2016.
These changes were made in DPP 2016 to streamline defence acquisitions and give a big impetus to
indigenisation of Defence sector through the Make in India initiative.
Some of the changes were based on recommendations of the expert committee headed by former Home Secretary
Dhirendra Singh.
18. CIRB Hisar becomes second institute to clone buffalo
Scientists at the Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) in Hisar, Haryana have successfully produced
a cloned buffalo offspring named Cirb Gaurav.
CIRB scientists have achieved this feat under the project entitled- Cloning for conservation and multiplication of
superior buffalo germplasm.
With this achievement, CIRB becomes the Indias second and worlds third institute to produce cloned buffalo.
Karnal (Haryana) based National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) was the Indias first institute to produce a
cloned calf.
19. IBM inks MoU with NRSC
Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) has signed a MoU with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) on 21 Jan
2016 to monitor the mining activities in the country through satellite technology.
20. PSLV-C31 launches IRNSS-1E
PSLV-C31 successfully launched IRNSS-1E, the fifth satellite of the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite
System, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), SHAR, Sriharikota on 20 Jan 2016 morning.
PSLV-C31 for the eleventh time, used XL version of PSLV.
IRNSS-1E with a lift-off mass of 1425 kg carried navigation payload and ranging payload. The configuration of
IRNSS-1E is similar to that of IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C and 1D launched by PSLV-C22, PSLV-C24, PSLV-C26 and
PSLV-C27 in July 2013, April 2014, October 2014 and March 2015 respectively.
21. Remote cardiac monitor wins Google tech contest
Cardiac Design Labs, a startup that has come up with an innovation to help cardiac patients in rural India access
critical care through a wearable device, came out triumphant at a live contest hosted by tech firm Google at the
Startup India event.
The Bengaluru-based firm combines communications and heart monitoring technology and is designed for use in
rugged rural conditions.
The patient can be monitored from home.
The cardiologist will be able to remotely interact and diagnose the patient using his cell phone.
The firm has built MIRCaM, comprehensive suite that comprises of wearable sensors, doctor's terminal, patients
bedside and a mobile app.
www.bsc4success.com
22. Final SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 successfully launches Jason-3

The NASA's SpaceX has launched an international ocean research mission on 17 Jan 2016 via its Falcon 9 rocket,
the final F9 to fly in the v1.1 configuration, from Californias Vandenberg Air Force Base in the USA.
The rocket carried the ocean monitoring satellite Jason-3 on board.
The satellite will examine the topography of the ocean floor to help study effects of climate change or humaninduced changes on the ocean. Jason-3 is a 510-kilogram (1,120 lb) spacecraft.
23. Chinese scientists develop new bio-artificial liver
Chinese scientists have developed a new bio-artificial liver that can help patients to survive from liver failure long
enough for an organ transplant.
The bio-artificial liver is based on human liver cells and has been designed to be attached outside a patients body.
24. NASAs solar-powered Jupiter probe sets new distance record
NASAs Juno mission to Jupiter broke the record to become humanitys most distant solar-powered emissary,
when the spacecraft reached about 793 million kilometres from the Sun.
The previous record-holder was the European Space Agencys Rosetta spacecraft, whose orbit peaked out at the
792-million-kilometre mark in October 2012, during its approach to comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
Juno will arrive at Jupiter on July 4 this year. Over the next year the spacecraft will orbit the Jovian world 33
times, skimming to within 5,000 kilometres above the planets cloud tops every 14 days.
25. Nag anti-tank missile successful test fired
The indigenously-built third generation anti-tank missile Nag was successfully test fired at Mahajan Field Firing
Range in Rajasthan.
During the test, the missile successfully hit the target 4 km away during a night trial validating enhanced
capability of Imaging-Infrared seeker (IIS).
It mainly guides the missile to the target.
Indigenously developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated
Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
It is fire-and-forget anti-tank missile.
HeliNa is a helicopter-launched version of Nag missile.
Operational range: 500m to 4km (Land version), 7-10km (Air-launched).
It has been incorporated with advance Active Imaging infra-red (IIR) seeker.
It has been incorporated with HEAT (High explosive anti-tank) warhead also the top-attack all-weather fire-andforget system capable of destroying modern tanks with armoured protection by nullifying their ERA (explosive
reactive armour).
26. Lenovo unveils first smartphone under Google's Tango
Lenovo Group Ltd. has unveiled a new smartphone that can see and maps out its surroundings with help from the
US-based companys 3D technology named Project Tango.
Googles Project Tango is a technology platform that uses advanced computer vision, depth sensing, and motion
tracking to create on-screen 3D experiences, allowing users to explore their physical environment via their device.
27. The first Ministerial Meeting of Arab-India Cooperation Forum was held in Manama, capital city of Bahrain.
28. TranServ, a leading digital payments company, has launched India's 1st Social Mobile Wallet, Udio.
29. Ariane 5 launches Intelsat 29e on first Arianespace flight of 2016
Intelsat, the commercial satellite giant, on 27 January 2016 announced that Inteslat 29e, the first of the Intelsat
EpicNG high throughput satellites, was successfully launched.
www.bsc4success.com
The satellites were launched from French Guiana aboard an Ariane 5 vehicle.
The high throughput platform should provide customers with superior connections at a lower cost.
Intelsat 29e is the first satellite of Intelsats next generation, all digital EpicNG satellite platform, which combines
wide beams and spot beams with frequency reuse technology and the sectors most advanced digital payload.
30. CERT-In inks cyber security agreements with 3 nations

Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has signed cyber security agreement with its
counterparts in Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.
In this regard, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has apprised the Memorandum of
Understandings (MoUs) signed between CERT-In and 3 nations.
These MoUs are related to cybersecurity and shall promote closer cooperation for exchange of knowledge and
experience.
CERT-In (headquarter- New Delhi) is nodal department under the aegis of Union Ministry of Communications
and Information Technology that deals with cyber security threats like hacking and phishing in India.
31. United States (US) based software services exporter Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTS) has acquired cloud-based
computing firm KBACE Technologies. This acquisition will help Cognizant to strength and expands its digital
capabilities from its critical business applications to cloud-based IT infrastructures.
32. Akash missile successfully test fires
Indigenously-built surface-to-air Akash missile was successfully test fired from complex-3 of the Integrated Test
Range (ITR) at Chandipuri in Odisha.
It was as part of a user trial mission in which 3 rounds of test were carried out by Indian Air Force (IAF) aiming
at para-barrel targets.
Akash (in English it means sky) is a mid-range surface-to-air missile (SAM).
Indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the Integrated
Guided-Missile Development Programme (IGMDP).
The missile has supersonic speeds ranging from Mach 2.8 to 3.5.
It has capability to carry warhead of 60 kg.
It can engage aerial targets up to a range of approximately 25 kms.
33. Japan unveils first stealth fighter jet
Japan on 28 January 2016 unveiled countrys first stealth fighter aircraft X-2.
The domestically-built fighter aircraft seeks to augment defence capabilities of the country that is surrounded by
China and Russia that already have radar-evading aircraft technology.
X-2 is expected to undergo its first test-flight in February 2016.
The X-2, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, measures 14.2 metres (47 feet) long and 9.1 metres wide and
was built as a successor to the F-2 fighter jets developed jointly with the United States.
Presently, only the United States, Russia and China have been internationally recognised as having successfully
developed and flown manned stealth jets.
www.bsc4success.com
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Maru Bharat Saru Bharat (My India Noble India) Acharya Ratnasundersuriswarji Maharaj
Family Life Akhil Sharma
Hangwoman KR Meera (translated by J Devika)
The Book of Gold Leaves Mirza Waheed
The Lives of Others Neel Mukherjee
She Will Build Him A City Raj Kamal Jha
Odysseus Abroad Amit Chaudhuri
Flood of Fire Amitav Ghosh
Sleeping on Jupiter Anuradha Roy
Seahorse Janice Pariat
The Patna Manual of Style Siddharth Chowdhury
When the River Sleeps Easterine Kire
The Phoenix Moment: Challenges Confronting the Indian Left Praful Bidwai
Eat Dust: Mining and Greed in Goa Hartman De Souza
The Marvels Brian Selznick
Career of Evil Robert Galbraith
This Unquiet Land: Stories from Indias Fault Lines Barkha Dutt
The Last Raja of West Pakistan Priyajit Debsarkar
Red River Blue Hills Ankush Saikia
Swimmer among the Stars Kanishk Tharoor
The New Xenobhobia Tabish Khair
Sikhs: The Untold Agony of 1984 Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay
Kalkatta Kunal Basu
Ancestral Affairs Keki Daruwala
The Girl on the Train Paula Hawkins
Legal Confidential: Adventures of an Indian Lawuyer Ranjeev C Dubey
For King and Another Country Shrabani Basu
One Point Two Billion Mahesh Rao
The Private Life of Ms Sharma Ratika Kapur
AWARDS
Padma Awards 2016
President Pranab Mukherjee has announced the names of recipients of year 2016 Padma awards. He approved conferment
of 112 Padma Awards. Padma Awards - one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three
categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. The list comprises of 10 Padma Vibhushan, 19
Padma Bhushan and 83 Padma Shri Awardees. 19 of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from
the category of foreigners, NRIs, PIOs (include one posthumous) and 4 Posthumous awardees.
The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and
engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc. Padma Vibhushan is
www.bsc4success.com
awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of high order and Padma
Shri for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.
To View the list of Padma Awardees: CLICK HERE
National Bravery Awards
National Bravery Award-winning boys and girls on 26 Jan 2016 drew applause from the audience at the Republic Day
parade here for saving human lives in dangerous situations. As 23 out of the 25 award winners were driven in a jeep at the
parade, the spectators clapped and cheered them for their courageous feats. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had presented
the awards to the proud winners on 24 Jan 2016. Two of them have been decorated with the award posthumously. The
winners were also felicitated by President Pranab Mukherjee, Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, Lieutenant Governor of
Delhi Najeeb Jung and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag.
The coveted Bharat Award, the highest of the National Bravery Awards, has been posthumously awarded to
Gaurav Kawduji Sahastrabuddhe from Maharashtra who sacrificed his life during an attempt to save four of his
friends.
The prestigious Geeta Chopra Award has been conferred on 8 year old Km. Shivampet Ruchitha of Telangana
who displayed exemplary valour in saving two precious lives when a train hit her school bus.
The Sanjay Chopra Award has been given to 16 year old Master Arjun Singh of Uttarakhand who displayed
outstanding bravery in fighting a tiger to save his mother.
To View the list of National Bravery Awards -2015: CLICK HERE
AWARD
AWARDEE
REMARKS
Sangita Kalanidhi award 2015
Sanjay Subramanyam
The awards was bestowed by

Mathematicians
Manjula
Bhargav
eASIA award 2015

Executive Chairman of Wipro
2015 Costa Novel Prize
US best seller Novel
Central Banker of the Year
Award(Global and Asia Pacific)
Business Standard Banker of

the Year for 2014-15
Hilton Asian Tour Golfer
2015 Harikrishna Devsare
Baalsahitya Award
Oscar for Technical
Achievement
Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy
2016 DSC Prize
The Hindu Prize 2015
www.bsc4success.com
Drug Authentication and

Verification Application (DAVA)
T K Kurien
Kate Atkinson
Go Set a Watchman
Raghuram Rajan
She received the prize for the

book A God in Ruins
The book is authored by
Harper Lees
The award was given by the
Financial
Times
Group's
monthly
publication
The
Banker.
Shikha Sharma
Miguel Tabuena
Balkrishna Garg
Rahul Thakkar
Uttar Pradesh
Anuradha Roy
Easterine Kire
She won DSC Prize for her

novel Sleeping on Jupiter.
She is a Novelist from
Nagaland.
Lorenzo Natali Media Prize
Neerja Bhanot Award
UNICEF Humanitarian Award
National
Awards
on
eGovernace
K Veeramani Social Justice
Award
Yash Chopra Memorial Award
Ankit Anand
Subhashini Vasanth
David Beckham
EPFO
Order of Australia.
PEN/Allen
Foundation
Literary Service Award
ODI Player of the Year
Allan Border Medal
2016 William E. Colby Award
Sajeev Koshy
J.K Rowling
Nitish Kumar
Rekha
Glen Maxwell
David Warner
Nisid Hajari
Gallantry awards 2016

President Pranab Mukherjee has conferred the countrys highest peacetime gallantry award Ashok Chakra to
Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami posthumously.
On the eve of 67th Republic Day celebrations President has approved 365 Gallantry awards and other Defence
decorations to Armed Forces personnel and others.
It includes one Ashoka Chakra, 2 Kirti Chakras and 8 Shaurya Chakras.
Awardees
Ashok Chakra: - Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami (Posthumous), 9 PARA (Special Force)
Kirti Chakra: - Subedar Mahendra Singh, Sena Medal, 9 PARA (Special Force)
Sepoy Jagdish Chand (Posthumous), 546 DSC Platoon
Shaurya Chakra: - Colonel Santosh Yashwant Mahadik (Posthumous), Sena Medal, 41 Rashtriya Rifle (PARA)
Major Praphul Kumar Bhardwaj, 12 PARA (Special Force)
Major Anurag Kumar, 9 PARA (Special Force)
Major Sandip Yadav, 55 Rashtriya Rifle (Armed)
Lieutenant Harjinder Singh, 3 KUMAON
Naik Satish Kumar (Posthumous), 21 Rashtriya Rifle (Guards)
Naik Kheem Singh Mehra, 21 KUMAON
Sepoy Dharma Ram (Posthumous), 1 Rashtriya Rifle (MAHAR)
Kirti Chakra is the second highest peace time gallantry award i.e. awarded for valour, courageous action or selfsacrifice away from the field of battle.
Shaurya Chakra is third highest peace time gallantry award generally awarded for counterinsurgency operations
and actions against the enemy during peace-time.
www.bsc4success.com
APPOINTMENTS
CMD OF BHEL
Central Mine Planning & Design
Institute Ltd (CMPDI)
CEO of Wipro
Chief Information Commissioner
(CIC)
Chairman of General Motors
Board of Directors
Chief of (UNHRC)
General President of 105th ISCA
Chairman of Internet and Mobile
Association of India
Chairman of Film and Television
Institute of India (FTII)
Odisha Governments Technical
Advisor
Vedanta Ltd New Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) of Diversified
Metals (India).
Competition Commission of India
(CCI)
Indias new ambassador to Israel
New COO of Wipro
Non-Executive Director of Airtel
Registrar General and Census
Commissioner of India
Flipkart New CEO
Vice President of Micromax
Airbus Group VP
Moldova Prime Minister
ED of Greenpeace India
Chairman of CBDT
Brand Ambassadors of Incredible
India
ED of ICICI Bank
CEO and MD of Tata Motors
Chief Marketing Officer of Ola
www.bsc4success.com
Appointee
Atul Sobti
Shekhar Saran
Abid Ali Neemuchwala
R K Mathur
Remarks
He is sworn in as the 8th CIC

by the President of India.
Mary Barra
Filippo grandi
Achyuta Samanta
Kunal Shah
He is the founder of Free

Charge
Gajendra Chauhan
Sam Pitroda
Samir Cairae
D.K. Sikri
Pavan kapoor
Bhanumurthy BM
Rakesh Bharti Mittal
Sailesh
Binny Bansal
Vikas Thapar
Ashish Saraf
Pavel Filip
Ravi Chellam
Atulesh Jindal
Amitabh Bachchan , Priyanka
Chopra
Vishakha Mulye
Guenter Butschek
Raghuvesh Sarup
Taiwan's first female president

Chairman of Assocham Karnataka
Regional Council
CMD of GIC Re
CMO of Twitter Inc
UP Lokayukta
Telecom Secretary
CMD of NTPC
MSME Secretary
VP of Micromax
Chief Commissioner for Persons
with Disabilities (CCPD)
Tsai Ing-wen
R Shivakumar
Alice Vaidyan
Leslie Berland
Justice Sanjay Mishra
J.S Deepak
Gurdeep Singh
K K Jalan
Vika Thapar
Dr. Kamlesh Kumar
SPORTS
1. India wins the 2015 SAFF championships
India on 3 January 2016 won of the South Asian Football Federation Cup (SAFF) championships.
In the title clash played at Trivandrum International Stadium of Kerala, India defeated defending champions
Afghanistan 2-1.
India has been the most successful side in the tournaments history by winning the title in seven of the 11 editions.
2. ONGC wins 26th Lal Bahadur Shastri Hockey tournament
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on 3 January 2015 won the 26th Lal Bahadur Shastri Hockey
tournament.
To win the title, the ONGC defeated Indian Railways 3-0 on penalties in the final match held at the Shivaji
Stadium in New Delhi.
The Player of the tournament was awarded to Simrandeep Singh (Railways).
3. Australia pulls out of U-19 World Cup
Australia on 5 January 2016 withdrew from the Under-19 World Cup Tournament in Bangladesh. It pulled-out
citing security reasons.
The tournament is scheduled to happen from 22 January to 14 February 2016.
ICC announced that Australia will be replaced by Ireland team the runners-up in the qualifying tournament in
Kuala Lumpur in October 2015.
4. Apurvi Chandela set world record in 10m air rifle at Swedish Cup Grand Prix
Indian ace shooter Apurvi Chandela has set a new world record in the womens 10 metre air rifle event with a
shooting score of 211.2 at the 2015 Swedish Cup Grand Prix.
Chandela has already qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
5. ICC announces MoneyGram as Event Partner
The ICC and MoneyGram International, a leading global provider of money transfer services, on 11 Jan
2016 announced an eight-year deal which confirms MoneyGram as an event partner for ICC events from 20162023.
In the current eight-year cycle, the alliance promises to reach greater heights, as the ICC will stage an impressive
17 tournaments, including six majors two ICC World Twenty20 tournaments, two editions of the ICC
Champions Trophy and two ICC Cricket World Cups.
www.bsc4success.com
6. Sania Mirza, Martina Hingis win 2016 WTA Brisbane Title

Ace Indian tennis player Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis have won the 2016 WTA Brisbane
International Tennis trophy in the womens doubles category.
In the final match played at Brisbane (Australia), the top seeded duo defeated German pair of Angelique Kerber
and Andrea Petkovic.
It was sixth title in a row of Indo-Swiss pair after the US Open, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Beijing and WTA Finals in
the womens doubles category.
Womens Singles: Victoria Azarenka (Belarus) has won the 2016 WTA Brisbane International tennis trophy in the
Womens Singles Category. In the final match she defeated Angelique Kerber of Germany.
Mens Singles: World No. 14 Milos Raonic from Canada has won the 2016 WTA Brisbane International Tennis trophy in
the mens single category. In the final match played at Brisbane (Australia), he defeated Roger Federer
(World No. 3) from Switzerland.
Henri Kontinen (Finland) and John Peers (Australia) have won the 2016 WTA Brisbane International Tennis
trophy in the mens double category. In the final match, they defeated Australian team of James Duckworth and
Chris Guccione.
7. Wawrinka wins 2016 Chennai Open title
World No. 4 Stanislas Wawrinka from Switzerland on 10 Jan 2016 has won the 2016 Chennai Open title of
tennis.
In the summit clash at Nungambakkam tennis stadium in Chennai, he defeated the Aljaz Bedene from Slovenia by
6-3, 6-4 score.
The Chennai Open is currently part of the ATP World Tour 250 series of the Association of Tennis Professionals
(ATP) World Tour.
8. Lionel Messi wins Ballon d'Or award 2015
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi on 11 January 2016 has won the Ballon d'Or trophy for the worlds best football
player for the fifth time overall.
In the 2014-15 seasons, Messi had played 61 games in which he scored 52 goals, and gave 26 assists.
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo was second with 27.76 percent votes, while his Barcelona team-mate Neymar
stood at the third position with 7.86 percent votes.
The FIFA Ballon d'Or award is an annual association football award given by FIFA to the male player who has
performed the best in the previous calendar year.
2015 winners
FIFA Ballon d'Or: Lionel Messi
FIFA Women's World Player of the Year: Carli Lloyd
FIFA Puskas Award: Wendell Lira
FIFA World Coach of the Year (Men's): Luis Enrique
FIFA World Coach of the Year (Women's): Jill Ellis
FIFA FIFPro World XI: Neuer, Silva, Marcelo, Ramos, Alves, Iniesta, Modric, Pogba, Messi, Neymar,
Ronaldo
FIFA Fair Play Award: All football organisations supporting refugees
9. After more than two decades and 164 Test matches, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, one of West Indies' finest batsmen, has
retired. Chanderpaul finishes as the second-highest West Indian Test run-maker, 86 runs short of Brian Lara: Lara got
11,953 (11,912 for West Indies and the rest for the ICC World XI), while Chanderpaul scored 11,867 (all for West
Indies).
www.bsc4success.com
10. Ivan Popov claims 14th Delhi International Chess Title

Russias Ivan Popov suffered a surprise last-round loss but was not to be denied the 14th Delhi International Open
chess title.
Popov claimed the winners trophy and Rs. three lakh.
Popov clinched the title on a superior tie-break score ahead of runner-up Hungarian Attila Czebe and third-placed
Neverov.
11. BCCI imposes life ban on Ashok Chandila
Haryana offspinner Ashok Chandila was slapped with a life ban for his involvement in the 2013 IPL spot-fixing
scandal, while Mumbai batsman Hiken Shah was handed a five-year suspension for making a corrupt approach to
a fellow player as the BCCI disciplinary committee sealed their fate after a meeting in Mumbai on 18 Jan 2016.
Chandila was found guilty of spot-fixing during his stint with Rajasthan Royals, was handed a tougher
punishment for violating the codes pertaining to accepting bribes, fixing, underperforming, trying to induce a
fellow player and betting.
12. Services and Railways won the men's and women's titles respectively at the 66th Senior National Basketball
Championship on 16 Jan 2016.
13. Delhi Acers beat Mumbai Rockets to clinch PBL
Delhi Acers on 17 January 2016 emerged victorious over Mumbai Rockets by 4-3 in the summit clash to clinch
the Premier Badminton League (PBL) title.
Premier Badminton League is a franchise league, managed and commercially owned by the Badminton
Association of India. Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is the brand ambassador of the league.
14. Apia International Sydney 2016
Sania-Martina duo win Sydney International
Womens Doubles Title:
Ace Indian tennis player Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis have won the 2016 WTA Apia
International title in the womens doubles category.
In the final match played at Sydney (Australia), the top seeded duo defeated French pair Caroline Garcia and
Kristina Mladenovic by 16, 75, [105] score.
Womens Single Title: Svetlana Kuznetsova (Russia) has won by defeating Mnica Puig of Puerto Rico.
Men's Singles Title: Viktor Troicki of Serbia has won by defeating Grigor Dimitrov of.
Mens Doubles Title: J. Murray (GBR) and his partner B. Soares (BRA) have won by defeating the pair R. Bopanna
(IND) and F. Mergea (ROU).
15. The former Barcelona and AC Milan player Ronaldinho was announced as the Brand Ambassador of the Nagjee
International Club Football Tournament.
16. Sindhu wins Malaysia Masters title
Ace Indian Shuttler Pusarla Venkata Sindhu (World No.12) has won the 2016 Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold
Badminton title.
In the final match played at Penang she defeated Scotlands Kirsty Gilmour (World No.20) by 21-15, 21-9 score.
This was Sindhus second title in Malaysia Masters Grand Prix which and earlier she had won in 2013.
17. Malaysia Masters Grand Prix
Mens singles Title: Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia).
www.bsc4success.com
Mens doubles Title: Markus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (Indonesia).
Womens doubles Title: Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi (Japan).
Mixed doubles Title: Zheng Siwei and Li Yinhui (China).
18. India on 24 January 2016 won the first T20 Asia cup cricket for Blind. In the final clash played at Jawaharlal Nehru
stadium of Kochi, India defeated Pakistan by 44 runs.
19. Izumo and Zhu wins ITTF World Junior Circuit Finals
Japans Izumo Takuto and Zhu Chengzhu of Hong Kong emerged the boys and girls champions in the 11Even
Sports 2015 ITTF World Junior Circuit Finals at the Abhay Prashal here on 24 Jan 2016.
Each winner took home 3800 US dollars while the runners-up received 2100 US dollars each.
20. 14-year old Ishika Shah on 26 January 2016 won the 12th Sub-Junior National Snooker championship title in Indore,
Madhya Pradesh by defeating Anushi Sethby 50-2, 50-33 in the final match.
21. FIH announces winners of the Hockey Stars Awards 2015
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has announced the winners of its Hockey Stars awards for 2015,
which sees Netherlands pair Lidewij Welten and Robert Van der Horst pick up the women and men Player of the
Year awards respectively.
Netherlands made it a hatrick of award wins as Joyce Sombroek picked up the womens Goalkeeper of the Year
for the second year in a row, while Irelands David Harte won the mens Goalkeeper of the Year.
The Rising Star of the Year awards went to Great Britains Lily Owsley and Germanys Chrisopher Rhr, the
latter picking up this award for the second time in his career.
22. Sania, Martina duo win Aussie Open
In a perfect climax to their stupendous run, Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis were crowned the Australian Open
womens doubles champions after they tamed the spirited Czech duo of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka
in straight sets for their 36th win in a row.
It was their third consecutive Grand Slam title for Sania and Martina, having won the Wimbledon and US Open in
the 2015 season.
23. Navneet Kaur of Punjab clinched the honours in the womens single sculls in the 34th senior national rowing
championship at Hussain Sagar Lake, Hyderabad on 28 Jan 2016.
Later, Navneet and Harpreet Kaur won the womens doubles sculls timing 7:42.94 seconds.
In the men single scull, Nasiks Santosh Kadale won his maiden national gold.
24. Angelique Kerber stuns Serena Williams to win Australian Open
Angelique Kerber became the first German to win a Grand Slam title since her childhood idol Steffi Graf in 1999
when she upset world number one Serena Williams 6-4 3-6 6-4 to clinch the Australian Open on 30 Jan 2016.
IMPORTANT DAYS
January
1 January: Army Medical Corps Establishment Day

8 January: African National Congress Foundation Day
9 January: Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
10 January: World Laughter Day, World Hindi Day
www.bsc4success.com
12 January: National Youth Day (Birth Day of Swami Vivekanand)

15 January: Army Day
18 January: National Immunization Day (Polio Day)
23 January: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary
24 January: National Girl Child Day
25 January: International Customs Duty Day, National Tourism Day, National Voters Day
26 January: Republic Day
27 January: International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust
30 January: (Martyr's day) Mahatma Gandhi's Martyrdom Day, National Cleanliness Day
OBITUARY
Veteran Communist party of India
Former Chief Justice of India (CJI)
J&K Chief Minister
Noted Gujarati writer and poet
Noted Hindi writer and journalist
The 69-year-old British Singer
First female Formula One driver
A B VArdhan
Sarosh Homi Kapadia
Mufti Mohammad Sayeed
Labshankar Thakar
Ravindra Kalia
David Bowie
Maria Teresa de Filippis
Noted Danseuse
Senior Journalist
Kannada filmmaker
Eagles co-founder
worlds oldest man
Former Sikkim Governor
Veteran British character actor
Retired Lieutenant General
Acclaimed stage actor
Former Negro Leagues Player
Eminent tabla player
Pioneer of artificial intelligence
Senior journalist
Noted Telugu litterateur
Mrinalini Sarabhai
Aroon Tikekar
Geethapriya
Glen Frey
Yasutaro Koide
Ventrapragada Rama Rao
Alan Rickman
Jacob-Farj-Rafael JFR
Brian Bedford
Monte Irvin
Pandit Shankar
Marvin Minsky
T.N Gopakumar
Nayani Krishnakumari
ALL THE BEST !!
www.bsc4success.com

January GA Refresher

Enviado por

Dados do documento

Descrição original:

Direitos autorais

Formatos disponíveis

Compartilhar este documento

Compartilhar ou incorporar documento

Opções de compartilhamento

Você considera este documento útil?

Este conteúdo é inapropriado?

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

January GA Refresher

Enviado por

Direitos autorais:

Formatos disponíveis

JANUARY 2016 GA REFRESHER

7. Retail inflation inches up to 5.61%

14. India elected to Board of Directors of China-backed AIIB

10. PM releases "The Z Factor"

32. India inks Loan Agreement with World Bank

38. Ministry of Shipping initiates Project Green Port

44. SBI opens first branch in South Korea

50. ICICI Bank unveils two new home loan initiatives

56. Union Cabinet clears Presidents rule in AP

63. UP IPS Aparna Kumar scales tallest peak in Antarctica

2. Alstom delivers 'Made in India' coaches to Kochi Metro

11. Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas holds in New Delhi

24. Amma Call Centre launches

31. Rajasthan signs MoU to join UDAY scheme

4. Sri Lanka, Pakistan agree to expand FTA

13. 4th India Africa Hydrocarbons Conference begins

18. US lifts nuclear sanctions on Iran

24. India, France ink 14 pacts for cooperation various fields

SCIENCE, DEFENCE and TECHNOLOGY

3. Periodic table gets four new elements

9. Boost for Indian Navy's firepower: INS Kadmatt commissioned

15. Chinas country code domain ".cn" becomes worlds largest

22. Final SpaceX Falcon 9 v1.1 successfully launches Jason-3

30. CERT-In inks cyber security agreements with 3 nations

BOOKS & AUTHORS

Sangita Kalanidhi award 2015

The awards was bestowed by

eASIA award 2015

Business Standard Banker of

Drug Authentication and

She received the prize for the

She won DSC Prize for her

Gallantry awards 2016

He is sworn in as the 8th CIC

He is the founder of Free

Taiwan's first female president

6. Sania Mirza, Martina Hingis win 2016 WTA Brisbane Title

10. Ivan Popov claims 14th Delhi International Chess Title

1 January: Army Medical Corps Establishment Day

12 January: National Youth Day (Birth Day of Swami Vivekanand)

ALL THE BEST !!

Você também pode gostar