GK Today Current Affairs December 2015

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General Knowledge Today
Current Affairs: December 2015 [Date-

wise Compendium]
Published Date: January 4, 2016

Published by: GKTODAY.IN
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Current A airs: December 2015 [Date-wise Compendium]
Contents
Month Highlights: December 2015 ................................................................................................................. 3
December 1, 2015 .............................................................................................................................................. 19
1st December: World AIDS Day ............................................................................................................ 19
Russian legendary lm Director Eldar Ryazanov passes away ......................................................... 19
About Eldar Ryazanov .............................................................................................................................. 19
Anil Kumble resigns as chief mentor of Mumbai Indians ................................................................ 20
Indian Railways ink Rs 40000 cr deal of locomotive plants with GE, Alstom in Bihar ........... 20
President gives assent Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2015 ....................................... 20
Union Government launches IPV injection as part of global polio endgame strategy ................ 21
About Polio virus ........................................................................................................................................ 21
Roch Marc Christian Kabore elected as president of Burkina Faso ............................................... 22
Colombian lm Embrace of The Serpent adjudged best lm of 46th IFFI ................................. 22
About International Film Festival of India (IFFI) ................................................................................ 23
India, France launched International Solar Alliance ........................................................................... 23
India ranks 131 on global ICT Development Index : MISR Report ................................................ 23
China hosts 1st BRICS media summit .................................................................................................. 24
December 2, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................ 26
IMF approves China s Yuan as elite reserve currency ...................................................................... 26
About Chinese Currency ......................................................................................................................... 26
Jharkhand Government declares entire state as drought hit ........................................................... 26
President gives assent to Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2015 .................................... 27
German cabinet approves military mandate to ght Islamic State in Syria ................................. 27
Maharashtra is biggest state economy: Brickwork Report .............................................................. 28
RBI keeps repo rate unchanged in 5th bi-monthly monetary policy review ............................... 29
Union Government launches GIAN Scheme to boost higher education ...................................... 29
About Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) Scheme .................................................. 29
Vijay Kumar Choudhary elected as Bihar assembly Speaker .......................................................... 30
December 3, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................. 31
3rd December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities ........................................................ 31
Veteran industrialist MAM Ramaswamy passes away ....................................................................... 31
About MAM Ramaswamy ....................................................................................................................... 31
Union Cabinet approves DTAC agreement with Japan .................................................................... 31
Government gives nod to MoU between India and Israel in the eld of water resources ....... 32
Government gives nod to introduction of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015 ........ 33
Union Cabinet approves pacts with Germany for solar energy ...................................................... 33
Union Cabinet gives nod to establish 6 new IITs .............................................................................. 34
Goa Government launches National Food Security Act, 2013 ....................................................... 35
Justice T. S. Thakur sworn in as 43rd Chief Justice of India .......................................................... 35
About Justice T. S. Thakur ..................................................................................................................... 36
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December 4, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................ 37

Union Government to allow e-Postal Ballot System for Overseas electors .................................. 37
GAIL launches Bhuvan-GAIL Portal for satellite monitoring of pipelines .................................... 37
Britain launches airstrikes against IS-controlled oil elds in Syria ................................................. 38
First India International Science Festival begins at IIT-Delhi .......................................................... 38
Union Government releases postage stamp to mark centenary year of ZSI ............................... 39
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) ............................................................................................... 39
Lok Sabha passes The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 ........................................................ 39
Salient features of The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 ....................................................... 40
44th Navy Day observed on 4 December 2015 ................................................................................ 41
Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation announced .................................................. 41
About Lima to Paris Action Agenda (LPAA) ...................................................................................... 42
December 4, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................ 43
Scientist M. Nair Rajeevan appointed Earth sciences secretary ...................................................... 43
Australia passes Anti-Terrorism law to strip citizenship .................................................................. 43
China announces $60 billion package to Africa during FOCAC ................................................... 43
Uttar Pradesh Government launches rst International festival on Birds ..................................... 44
About National Chambal Sanctuary ..................................................................................................... 44
Delhi Assembly passes Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, 2015 ........................................................................... 44
Himachal Pradesh becomes rst State to launch Rotavirus vaccination project ......................... 45
About Rotavirus ........................................................................................................................................ 46
Married daughters eligible for appointment on compassionate grounds: Allahabad HC ......... 46
CEA Dr Arvind Subramanian Committee suggests GST rate of 17-18 per cent ....................... 46
South Western Railways Zone introduces Biodiesel for trains ........................................................ 47
Biodiesel ...................................................................................................................................................... 47
India s forest & tree cover increased by 5, 081 Sq km: ISFR 2015 ............................................... 48
China s 1st manned electric aircraft gets license for production .................................................... 49
December 6, 7, 2015 ....................................................................................................................................... 50
Union Government launches Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan .................................................................. 50
About Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan ........................................................................................................... 50
Kaher Kazem appointed as President and MD of General Motors India ..................................... 50
World Bank launches $500 million Transformative Carbon Asset Facility ................................. 50
Australia wins Hockey World League Final by defeating Belgium ................................................. 51
Indian Railways ags off rst double decker Goa-Mumbai train .................................................... 51
Union Government releases commemorative coins on Dr B R Ambedkar ................................. 52
Singapore replaces Mauritius as top source of FDI into India ........................................................ 52
Canada sends rst consignment of Uranium to India ....................................................................... 52
India, Pakistan holds NSA level talks in Bangkok .............................................................................. 53
India-Russia joint naval exercise INDRA NAVY-15 begins in Visakhapatnam ............................. 53
About INDRA NAVY-15 ......................................................................................................................... 54
First red alert on pollution declared in Beijing ................................................................................... 54
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December 8, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................ 56

Centre-right MUD coalition wins 2015 Parliamentary election of Venezuela ............................. 56
Lok Sabha passes High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service)
Amendment Bill, 2015 ..................................................................................................................... 56
Maharashtra becomes rst state to allow MLAs raise online question ......................................... 57
Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015 introduced in Lok Sabha to fast track nuclear power
projects ................................................................................................................................................ 57
Pune, Rajkot become interim IPL franchises to replace CSK, RR .................................................. 58
Parliament passes Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015 ............................................. 59
December 9, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................ 60
Indian-American Entrepreneur Frank Islam selected for 2015 Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award
............................................................................................................................................................... 60
About Frank Islam .................................................................................................................................... 60
About UP Ratna Award ........................................................................................................................... 60
Shuttler Carolina Marin wins Female Player of the Year award .................................................... 60
Iran tests Ghadr-110 ballistic missile, breaches UNSC resolution ................................................... 61
Scientists genetically modify Anopheles gambiae mosquito species to ght malaria ................. 61
5th Heart of Asia conference begins in Pakistan ............................................................................... 62
About Heart of Asia conference ............................................................................................................ 63
Lok Sabha passes Indian Trusts (Amendment), Bill 2015 ............................................................... 63
German Chancellor Angela Merkel named 2015 Time s Person of the Year ............................. 63
About Angela Merkel ............................................................................................................................... 63
Time Magazine s Person of the Year title ......................................................................................... 64
Union Cabinet approves Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015 ......................... 64
Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and UK in the eld of cooperation in the energy
sector ................................................................................................................................................... 65
CCEA approves measures to increase Pulses production ............................................................... 66
December 10, 2015 .......................................................................................................................................... 67
India ranks 4th in black money out ows: GFI Report ..................................................................... 67
10 December: Human Rights Day ........................................................................................................ 67
IISc bags US military contract for R&D on solar powered micro-grid ........................................ 68
About Indian Institute of Science (IISc) .............................................................................................. 68
Cabinet approves amendments to The National Waterways Bill, 2015 ........................................ 68
Inland Waterways ..................................................................................................................................... 69
India and Pakistan announces 10-point Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue ................................ 69
Union Government declares Tamil Nadu ood as Calamity of Severe Nature .......................... 70
Israel successfully tests Arrow ballistic missile interceptor .............................................................. 70
December 11, 2015 ........................................................................................................................................... 72
Mauricio Macri sworn in as President of Argentina ......................................................................... 72
About Mauricio Macri ............................................................................................................................. 72
Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet awarded 2015 Nobel Peace Prize ....................................... 72
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India and South Korea ink MoU on taxation treaty .......................................................................... 73

Mexico Government approves world s 1st Dengue fever vaccine named Dengvaxia ................ 73
Prime Minister Narendra Modi releases autobiography of Sharad Pawar ................................... 74
About Sharad Pawar ................................................................................................................................ 74
Pakistan successfully test- res nuclear-capable Shaheen-III ballistic missile ................................ 75
About Shaheen-III ballistic missile ......................................................................................................... 75
Naseeruddin Shah honoured lifetime achievement award at the 12th DIFF ............................... 75
About Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) ................................................................................ 75
India, Japan sign protocol to amend double taxation avoidance pact ........................................... 75
December 12, 2015 .......................................................................................................................................... 77
Union Government slaps anti-dumping duty on stainless steel ...................................................... 77
Salman Rushdie awarded 2015 Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement ....................................... 77
About Salman Rushdie ............................................................................................................................ 77
About Mailer Prize ................................................................................................................................... 78
Union Government inks MoU for establishing IIITs at Ranchi, Nagpur & Pune ....................... 78
Varanasi and Jaipur designated as members of UNESCO s Creative Cities Network ............... 78
About UNESCO Creative Cities Network ........................................................................................... 79
Renowned agro-economist Sharad Joshi passes away ..................................................................... 79
About Sharad Joshi ................................................................................................................................... 79
NGT bans registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi ............................................................ 79
About National Green Tribunal ............................................................................................................ 80
Myanmar s rst UNESCO biosphere reserve Inle Lake launched .................................................. 80
About Inle Lake ......................................................................................................................................... 80
India & Japan sign MoC on High Speed Rail on Mumbai-Ahmedabad sector ............................ 81
India and Japan ink 14 agreements in various elds .......................................................................... 81
December 13, 14, 2015 .................................................................................................................................... 83
Wipro awarded 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award .............................................................................. 83
About Aegis Graham Bell Awards ........................................................................................................ 83
COP 21 adopts historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change ........................................................ 83
Ahmad Javed appointed as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia ................................................................ 84
Losar festival beings in Ladakh region of J&K .................................................................................... 84
Legendary actor Dilip Kumar conferred with Padma Vibhushan .................................................. 85
About Dilip Kumar ................................................................................................................................... 85
J M Sali awarded 2015 South East Asia Write Award ...................................................................... 85
About Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali ......................................................................................................... 85
About Southeast Asian Write Award ................................................................................................... 86
Construction work TAPI gas pipeline project begins ....................................................................... 86
About TAPI Project .................................................................................................................................. 86
Lok Sabha passes Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015 ............................................................ 87
December 15, 2015 .......................................................................................................................................... 89
Union Government appointed L N Reddy Judicial Committee on OROP ................................... 89
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Typhoon Melor hits central Philippines ............................................................................................... 89

Anirban Lahiri wins Order of Merit crown of Asian Tour ............................................................. 89
Vijay Kumar wins gold medal at 59th National Shooting Championship ................................... 90
Indian-origin politician Pravin Gordhan becomes South Africa s Finance Minister .................. 90
About Pravin Gordhan ............................................................................................................................ 90
Rajasthan becomes the rst state to submit smart city plan ............................................................ 91
About Smart Cities Mission ..................................................................................................................... 91
Violinist Itzhak Perlman awarded 2016 Genesis Prize ...................................................................... 91
About Itzhak Perlman .............................................................................................................................. 92
About Genesis Prize ................................................................................................................................. 92
India ranks 130th in 2015 Human Development Index: UNDP ..................................................... 92
About Human Development Index ....................................................................................................... 93
December 16, 2015 .......................................................................................................................................... 94
Apurvi Chandela wins gold medal at National Shooting Championship ..................................... 94
Arctic Region hits record high temperature over land: NOAA ...................................................... 94
Arun Kumar Jain appointed as Chairman of CBDT ......................................................................... 95
About Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) .................................................................................. 95
Combined Commanders Conference held on INS Vikramaditya off Kochi coast ..................... 95
IAEA ends 12 year Iran Nuclear Weapon probe ................................................................................ 95
About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ........................................................................ 96
Saudi Arabia announces 34 nations Islamic coalition to ght terrorism ...................................... 96
About Islamic Military Coalition ............................................................................................................ 96
Pakistan successfully tests nuclear-capable Shaheen-IA ballistic missile ....................................... 97
About Shaheen-IA ballistic missile ........................................................................................................ 97
Supreme Court bans registration of new diesel SUVs, luxury cars in Delhi ................................ 97
SC appoints Virendra Singh as Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh ........................................................... 98
December 17, 2015 .......................................................................................................................................... 99
World Bank offers $1.5 billion loan for Swachh Bharat Mission ................................................... 99
ISRO successfully launches 6 Singapore Satellites onboard PSLV-C29 ....................................... 99
Union Cabinet gives nod to amend Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 ................. 100
India raises concerns over massive subsidization of farm sectors by developed countries at
WTO meet ......................................................................................................................................... 101
Union Cabinet gives nod to MoU with BRICS countries for energy conservation ................... 102
Union Cabinet gives nod for development of Underground Coal Gasi cation ......................... 102
What is Underground Coal Gasi cation (UCG)? ............................................................................. 102
UCG Policy Framework ......................................................................................................................... 102
Union Government gives in principle approval to Google s Loon project ................................. 103
What is Google s Loon project? ........................................................................................................... 103
Reva Khetrapal takes oath as Delhi s Lokayukta .............................................................................. 103
Lok Sabha passes Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015 .................................. 104
December 18, 2015 ......................................................................................................................................... 105
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UNSC unanimously adopt resolution to cut-off supply of funds to IS group ........................... 105
French President Francois Hollande to be chief guest at 67th Republic Day Parade .............. 105
DAC gives nod to purchase of Russian S-400 Air Defence Missile Systems ........................... 106
NSE launches three new group indices .............................................................................................. 106
23 poets and authors chosen for prestigious 2015 Sahitya Akademi Award ............................ 107
About Sahitya Akademi Award ........................................................................................................... 107
Renowned theatre artiste Chatla Sriramulu passes away ............................................................... 108
About Chatla Sriramulu ......................................................................................................................... 108
R K Mathur appointed as Chief Information Commissioner ........................................................ 108
Uttar Pradesh government bans use of polythene bags across the State ................................... 109
December 19, 2015 ......................................................................................................................................... 110
Renowned British Novelist Peter Dickinson passes away ............................................................... 110
About Peter Dickinson ............................................................................................................................ 110
ZSI Scientists discovered a new eel species named Bengal moray eel ......................................... 110
About Bengal moray eel ......................................................................................................................... 110
India s biggest wildlife rescue centre commissioned in Nagpur ..................................................... 111
West Bengal Government approves proposal for formation of 5 new districts .......................... 111
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates top Police Of cers Conference in Gujarat ............................. 112
UN Security Council unanimously adopts resolution on Syria peace plan .................................. 112
Afghanistan becomes 164th member of WTO ................................................................................. 113
December 20, 21, 2015 .................................................................................................................................. 114
President Pranab Mukherjee awarded Garwood Award for Outstanding Global Leader ....... 114
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned Miss Universe 2015 ........................................ 114
About Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach ................................................................................................................ 114
About Miss Universe ................................................................................................................................ 115
Vatican to confer sainthood on Mother Teresa ................................................................................. 115
About Mother Teresa .............................................................................................................................. 115
Barcelona FC wins FIFA Club World Cup for 3rd time .................................................................. 115
About FIFA Club World Cup ................................................................................................................ 115
Chennaiyin FC wins 2015 Indian Super League Football Champions ......................................... 116
About Chennaiyin FC .............................................................................................................................. 116
About Indian Super League (ISL) ........................................................................................................ 116
United States lifts 40-year-old ban on oil export .............................................................................. 116
US Senate rati es IMF reforms as part of a Budget Bill ................................................................. 117
Parliament passes SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2015 ............................. 117
Key features of the Bill ............................................................................................................................ 118
December 22, 2015 ........................................................................................................................................ 120
22nd December: National Mathematics Day .................................................................................... 120
About Srinivasa Ramanujan .................................................................................................................. 120
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum announces retirement ............................................... 120
About Brendon McCullum .................................................................................................................... 120
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Spain s ruling conservative People s Party wins 2015 general election ......................................... 121
India joins select club nations to build LNG ships ............................................................................ 121
PM Narendra Modi ags off rst prototype electric bus for MPs ................................................ 122
Union Defence Ministry launches website for interface with industry and transparency ........ 122
Lok Sabha passes The National Waterways Bill, 2015 .................................................................... 123
Parliament passes Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill .................................. 124
Union Government noti es stricter standards for Coal Based Thermal Power Plants ............ 124
December 23, 2015 ........................................................................................................................................ 126
Pawan Kumar Agarwal appointed CEO of FSSAI ........................................................................... 126
About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ..................................................... 126
Amit Agarwal appointed as CFO of Jet Airways .............................................................................. 126
About Amit Agarwal .............................................................................................................................. 127
Union Cabinet approves to expand visa-free diplomatic travel to more countries ................... 127
CCEA approves Rs 3,000 crore scheme for sheries sector ........................................................ 127
Union Cabinet approves Lucknow Metro project ............................................................................ 128
Union Cabinet approves revised cost estimates of Salma Dam Project in Afghanistan ........... 129
About Salma Dam project ..................................................................................................................... 129
Philippines becomes rst Asian country to approve sale of dengue vaccine Dengvaxia ......... 129
Lok Sabha passes The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015 ............................................ 130
Parliament passes three bills ................................................................................................................... 131
December 24, 2015 ........................................................................................................................................ 132
24th December: National Consumer Day ......................................................................................... 132
Union Government launches two mobile apps for farmers ........................................................... 132
RBI extends deadline to exchange pre-2005 notes to June 30, 2016 ......................................... 133
Union Government s Policy Initiative Development of Industrial / Economic Corridors ....... 133
Indian Navy conducts large scale eet exercise on eastern seaboard .......................................... 134
Dr. Rakesh K. Jain selected for 2015 National Medal of Science ................................................. 135
About Dr. Rakesh K. Jain ....................................................................................................................... 135
About National Medal of Science ........................................................................................................ 135
India s rst indigenously designed & built frigate INS Godavari decommissioned ................... 135
About INS Godavari ............................................................................................................................... 136
December 25, 2015 ........................................................................................................................................ 137
Delhi Government releases blueprint for Odd-Even formula ........................................................ 137
UN designates 5th November as World Tsunami Awareness Day .............................................. 138
25th December: National Good Governance Day ........................................................................... 138
Syed Kirmani nominated for 2015 Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award .............. 139
About Syed Kirmani ............................................................................................................................... 139
About Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award ................................................................. 139
Steve Smith named ICC Test cricketer of Year for 2015 .............................................................. 139
About ICC Awards ................................................................................................................................. 140
North India s rst cable bridge named Atal Setu inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir .......... 140
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About Basohli Cable-Stayed Bridge .................................................................................................... 140

India, Russia ink 16 pacts to expand cooperation in various sectors ............................................ 141
Seychelles government allows India to build Naval Base on its Assumption Island .................. 141
December 26, 2015 ........................................................................................................................................ 143
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates new building of Afghanistan Parliament in Kabul ................ 143
Veteran Bollywood actress Sadhna passes away .............................................................................. 143
Union Government brings 376 drugs under the NLEM ................................................................ 143
Tech Mahindra launches contactless wallet MoboMoney ............................................................. 144
About Near eld communication (NFC) ........................................................................................... 144
Indian Oil Corp tops in 2015 Fortune 500 companies in India list ............................................. 145
December 27, 28, 2015 ................................................................................................................................ 146
China passes its rst Counter-Terrorism law ................................................................................... 146
Renowned American Science- ction writer George Clayton Johnson passes away ................ 146
About George Clayton Johnson ........................................................................................................... 146
China s Parliament adopts country s rst law against domestic violence ................................... 146
Shiva Keshavan wins silver medal at Asian Luge Championship ................................................. 147
Anti-jamming capability of Astra missile successfully tested ......................................................... 147
About Astra missile ................................................................................................................................. 148
China of cially abandons its One Child Policy by passing law ..................................................... 148
Amitabh Kant appointed CEO of NITI Aayog ................................................................................. 149
About NITI Aayog .................................................................................................................................. 149
India asks Iran to expedite procedures of Farzad-B gas eld ....................................................... 149
Ministry of Women and Child Development launches e-of ce .................................................... 150
December 29, 2015 ......................................................................................................................................... 151
Union Civil Aviation Ministry gives nod for four Green eld Airports .......................................... 151
Legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler passes away .............................................................. 151
About Haskell Wexler .............................................................................................................................. 151
Andhra Pradesh Government ink MoU with Microsoft India on technology initiatives .......... 152
Union Government links LPG subsidy to income ............................................................................ 152
Reliance Jio launches 4G telecom service .......................................................................................... 153
About 4G .................................................................................................................................................. 153
Gujarat wins maiden Vijay Hazare title .............................................................................................. 154
About Vijay Hazare Trophy .................................................................................................................. 154
Gujarati litterateur Raghuveer Chaudhary selected for 2015 Jnanpith Award .......................... 154
About Raghuveer Chaudhary ............................................................................................................... 154
About Jnanpith Award ........................................................................................................................... 154
Giorgi Kvirikashvili elected as Prime Minister of Georgia .............................................................. 155
December 30, 31, 2015 .................................................................................................................................. 156
Union Government announces central assistance of Rs. 6,794 crore to three drought-hit states
.............................................................................................................................................................. 156
Russia inks $1 billion deal with HAL to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T helicopters .............. 156
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Haryana Government sets educational quali cation for municipal polls .................................... 156
WHO declares Guinea Ebola free ........................................................................................................ 157
China successfully launches earth observation satellite Gaofen-4 ................................................ 157
About Gaofen-4 Satellite ....................................................................................................................... 158
About Gaofen project ............................................................................................................................. 158
Eminent Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar passes away ............................................................ 158
About Mangesh Padgaonkar ................................................................................................................ 158
LRSAM Barak 8 Missile successfully tested from INS Kolkata .................................................... 159
About Barak 8 missile ............................................................................................................................ 159
BHEL commissions Prayagraj power project unit in Uttar Pradesh ............................................. 159
About Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) ............................................................................. 160
Union Government unveils National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-2020 ....... 160
Union Cabinet approves construction of 69 bridges on Trilateral Highway in Myanmar ..... 160
CCEA approves Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme for textile sector ............. 161
About Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme ................................................................................ 162
Union Cabinet gives nod for India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation deal ........................... 162
Union Cabinet approves Raptor MoU for conservation of migratory birds of prey ................ 163
About Raptor MoU ................................................................................................................................. 163
Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) ........................................................... 163
Compendium of 220 Multiple Choice Questions .................................................................................... 164
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Month Highlights: December 2015

Persons in news Appointments / Elections
Roch Marc Christian Kabore
Roch Marc Christian Kabore has been elected as President of Burkina Faso. In the presidential
election, Kabore from the Movement of People for Progress party won 53.5 per cent of the
vote across 368 communes.
Vijay Kumar Chaudhary
Senior Janta Dal United (JDU) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary has been elected as new
Speaker of Bihar legislative assembly. He was elected unanimously after all parties supported
his candidature including main opposition Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).
Tirath Singh Thaku
Justice Tirath Singh Thakur was sworn in as 43rd Chief Justice of India (CJI). He was
administered oath to the office by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New
Delhi.
M Nair Rajeevan
Distinguished Scientist M Nair Rajeevan (54) has been appointed as Secretary of Union
Ministry of Earth Sciences. His for appointment of this post was cleared by Appointment
Committee of Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Angela Merkel
Time magazine has named German Chancellor Angela Merkel as Person of the Year 2015.
She was named for her role in Europe s crises over migration and Greek debt as she had
provided steadfast moral leadership in a world where it is in short supply.
Mauricio Macri
Mauricio Macri of Republican Proposal Party (RPP) has been sworn in as new President of
Argentina after taking oath in the Congress.
Sharad Pawar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released On My Terms: From the Grassroots to the
Corridors of Power, an autobiography of former Union Minister Sharad Pawar. It
was released on the occasion of 75th birthday of Mr. Pawar at a function held at
the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
Ahmad Javed
Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed senior IPS officer Ahmad Javed as
India s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He is IPS officer of 1980 batch from Maharashtra Cadre.
Prior to this appointment Mr. Ahmad Javed was serving as Mumbai Police commissioner.
Pravin Gordhan
An Indian-origin politician, Pravin Gordhan has been appointed as South Africa s new
Finance Minister.
3
Arun Kumar Jain

Senior revenue service officer Arun Kumar Jain appointed Chairman of Central Board of
Direct Taxes (CBDT). Mr Jain is Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer of a 1978 batch.
Virendra Singh
The Supreme Court has appointed Justice (Retd) Virendra Singh as new Lokayukta of Uttar
Pradesh. The first of its kind order issued by the SC under Article 142 of Constitution the apex
court has invoked its constitutional power and appointed retired HC judge as
UP Lokayukta after state machinery failed to appoint it.
Reva Khetrapal
Former Delhi High Court Judge Reva Khetrapal took oath as Lokayukta of Delhi. She will
become the fourth Lokayukta of Delhi and shall have five years terms as per
Delhi Lokayukta and Uplokayukta Act, 1995.
Francois Hollande
President of France Francois Hollande will be the Chief Guest at the 67th Republic Day
parade of January 26, 2016. Mr. Francois Hollande would be the 5th highest dignitary from
France to be Chief Guest of Indian Republic Day parade.
Radha Krishna Mathur
Former Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur (62) has been appointed as Chief
Information Commissioner (CIC). He succeeds Vijai Sharma as he has retired after
completion of his tenure.
Pawan Kumar Agarwal
Senior IAS officer Pawan Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Food Regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Amitabh Kant
Senior IAS officer Amitabh Kant has been given additional charge as Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili
Giorgi Kvirikashvili has been elected as the 12th Prime Minister of Georgia by the Parliament
of the country. He was elected by the Parliament after then Prime
Minister Irakli Garibashvili had resigned from the post on December 29, 2015 without
explaining his decision.
Places in News
UNESCO s Creative Cities Network (UCCN)
Two Indian cities for first time have been designated as members of UNESCO s Creative
Cities Network (UCCN). Two cities are Varanasi City (Uttar Pradesh): It has been added in
the City of Music category of network. Jaipur City (Rajasthan): It has been added in the City
of Crafts and Folk Art category of network.
4
Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet train

India and Japan have signed historic Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) to introduce High
Speed Rail (HRS) on Mumbai Ahmedabad sector to revolutionize Indian Railways.
Inle Lake
Myanmar has launched the country s first United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve at Inle Lake in Shan state.
TAPI gas pipeline project
Ground breaking ceremony of 1800-kilometre-long Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-
India (TAPI) gas pipeline project was held at the ancient city of Mary of
Turkmenistan. Turkmenistan is believed to have the world s fourth-largest gas reserves and
presently exporting it mainly to China.
Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase 1 A
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved
the Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase 1 A. It will cover a length of 22.878 (approx 23) km
with 22 stations and the metro train will ply between Chowdhary Charan Singh Airport
and Munshi Pulia.
Salma Dam Project
The Union Cabinet has approved the reconstruction and completion of Salma Dam Project in
Afghanistan at the Revised Cost Estimates (RCE) of 1775.69 crore rupees.
Atal Setu
North India s first cable-stayed bridge named Atal Setu was inaugurated on Dunera-Basohli-
Bhadharwah road in Basohali town in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Afghanistan s new Parliament
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new building of Afghanistan Parliament in
the capital city Kabul built by India. It was inaugurated during Narendra Modi s first official
visit to Afghanistan after becoming Prime Minister. He also named one block of Parliament
as Atal Block after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Sports
Anil Kumble
Former Indian Test Captain and ace spinner Anil Kumble has resigned as the Chief Mentor of
Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians with an immediate effect.
Australia
Australia has won the 2014-15 Men s Hockey World League Final by defeating Belgium. In
the final match played at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium, Raipur Australian team defeated
Belgium by 2-1 goals.
Two new IPL franchises
Pune and Rajkot have become the new interim franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
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through the reverse bidding process. They will replace the suspended teams of Chennai Super
Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) for a period of two years.
Carolina Marin
World number one women shuttler Carolina Marin from Spain has won the 2015 Female
Badminton Player of the Year award. She was presented with the award by the Badminton
World Federation (BWF) President Poul-Erik Hoyer in Dubai.
Anirban Lahiri
India s star golfer Anirban Lahiri (28) has won the coveted Order of Merit crown of Asian
Tour for year 2015. In the 2015 season world No. 41, Lahiri has earned $1,139,084 a way
ahead of second-placed Scott Hend of Australia who has earned $491,631.
Vijay Kumar
Olympic medallist Vijay Kumar of Indian Army has won gold medal at the 59th National
Shooting Championship in the men s 25-metre centre fire pistol category.
Apurvi Chandela
Apurvi Chandela from Rajasthan has won a Gold medal in the 59th National Shooting
Championship in 10-metre Air Rifle event in women s category.
Barcelona FC
Barcelona FC has won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup for a record third time. In the final
match played at International Stadium Yokoham in Japan the winning team defeated River
Plate FC by 3-0 goals.
Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC has won the second edition of Indian Super League (ISL) Football
tournament. In the final played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, they defeated hosts
Goa FC by 3-2 goals score.
Brendon McCullum
New Zealand cricket team captain Brendon McCullum has announced his retirement from all
forms of international cricket viz., tests, ODIs and twenty20.
Steve Smith
Australian cricketer Steve Smith has been named Cricketer of the Year for 2015 at the
International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards ceremony in Dubai. With this, Smith became
the 4th Australian and 11th overall player to win the prestigious award named after Sir
Garfield Sobers.
Shiva Keshavan
Seasoned Indian luger Shiva Keshavan has won a silver medal at the 2015 Asian Luge
Championship held in Nagano, Japan. In this edition of championship, the first place was
claimed by Japan s Hidenari Kanayama and the third by South Korea s Dong Hyeon Kim.
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Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy

Gujarat has won the 14th season of prestigious Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy for season
2015 16 for first time in its history of championship. In the final match played at
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Karnataka) they defeated Delhi by 139 runs.
Persons in News: Died
Eldar Ryazanov
Russian legendary film Director and screenwriter Eldar Ryazanov passed away in Moscow,
Russia. He was one of Russia s best-loved Soviet-era film directors and an icon of popular
USSR culture of tragi-comedies.
MAM Ramaswamy
Veteran industrialist and former parliamentarian MAM Ramaswamy passed away in
Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He was the last King of Chettinad and co-founder and past chairman of
the Rs. 10,000 crore Chettinad Group of companies.
Sharad Anantrao Joshi
Renowned agro-economist and veteran leader of farmers Sharad Anantrao Joshi passed away
in Pune, Maharashtra. He was founder of Shetakari Sanghtana (farmers Organisation) an
NGO dedicated to the cause of farmers in Maharashtra.
Chatla Sriramulu
Renowned theatre artiste and writer Chatla Sriramulu passed away
at Secunderabad, Telangana. He was instrumental in the establishment of Rasaranjani, a
popular literary and cultural organisation dedicated to the theatre arts.
Peter Dickinson
Renowned British Novelist Peter Dickinson passed away in Winchester, Hampshire. He was
a prolific novelist best known for children s books and detective stories.
Sadhna Shivdasani
Veteran Bollywood actress Sadhna Shivdasani (mononymously known as Sadhana) passed
away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She was renowned for his style statement and acting prowess
in Bollywood in the 1960s and 70s.
George Clayton Johnson
Renowned American science-fiction writer George Clayton Johnson passed away in Los
Angeles, US. He was best known for dystopian novel Logan s Run, which adapted into a 1976
film starring Michael York and was nominated for two Oscars.
Haskell Wexler
Legendary American cinematographer Haskell Wexler passed away on 27th December 2015
in California, US. He was best known for his work in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo s
Nest and American Graffiti and was one of the film history s most influential
cinematographer.
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Mangesh Padgaonkar
Eminent Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra on after a
brief illness. He was iconic Marathi poet best known for many poetry recitation programmes
and for writing lyrics for many Marathi films.
Science, Technology & Environment
Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) injection
The Union Government has launched inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) injection as part of the
global polio endgame strategy in New Delhi. It was launched as part of India s next step in
Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to fight against polio virus in the country.
ICT Development Index (IDI)
India has been ranked 131 out of 167 nations on ICT Development Index (IDI) that measures
the level of information and communication technology access.
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
India and France have launched International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the Conference of
Parties (CoP21) Climate Conference in Paris, France. The idea of alliance was mooted by
Indian PM Narendra Modi to harness solar power as a major step to mitigate carbon gas
emissions.
Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for
introduction of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015. The bill aims for establishment
of a Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) in Faridabad, Haryana and provide a legal
status to the Centre.
Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation
It was announced by a broad coalition of nations, river basin organizations, business and civil
societies from across the globe during the on-going 2015 United Nations Climate Change
Conference, Conference of Parties (COP-21) in Le Bourget, Paris, France.
International festival on Birds
Uttar Pradesh Government has launched International festival on Birds in a bid to promote
state as an international bird-watching destination. The first-of-its-kind festival was
inaugurated by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at the National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS).
Biodiesel for trains
The South Western Railways (SWR) Zone with headquarters in Hubli, Karnataka has
introduced biodiesel for trains, operating under its zone. The main aim of the initiative is to
reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and carbon footprint and also to make fuel
consumption more efficient.
First prototype pollution free electric bus for MPs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off first prototype pollution free electric bus for
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Members of Parliament. The bus powered by battery has been manufactured in the lines with
Union Government s flagship Make in India campaign.
Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF)
The World Bank has launched a $500 million dollars Transformative Carbon Asset Facility
(TCAF) to help developing countries pay for emission reductions and combat climate change.
It is market-based scheme specially designed to help developing countries and would establish
the world s first programmatic carbon market.
Gene Modification to fight Malaria
Scientists have genetically modified malaria-causing mosquito Anopheles gambiae species to
fight the deadly disease of malaria. They have genetically modified the mosquito species so
that they carry a modified gene disrupting egg production in female mosquitoes.
Dengvaxia: first Dengue fever vaccine
Mexico Government has approved world s first-ever Dengue fever vaccine branded
as Dengvaxia for the public use. Key facts Dengvaxia has been manufactured by French
pharmaceutical manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur.
6 Singapore Satellites successfully launched by ISRO
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed six commercial satellites
from Singapore in their dedicated orbits. These satellites were launched using ISRO s
workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C29).
Google s Loon project
Union Government has given in principle approval to work on Loon project of internet
search engine giant Google for providing Internet connectivity by using large balloons.
Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)
The Union Cabinet has approved a policy framework for development of Underground Coal
Gasification (UCG) in unexplored coal and lignite bearing areas in the country. UCG is a
clean coal extraction technology for extracting energy from the coal seams and lignite
resources which cannot be mined through traditional mining technology.
Plastic ban in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh government has decided to enforce the ban on the use of polythene across the
state to protect the environment and public health.
Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre
India s biggest Wildlife Rescue Centre named as Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre
has been commissioned at Gorewada near Nagpur, Maharashtra. It is managed by the Forest
Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM).
Philippines approves dengue vaccine
Philippines became the first Asian country to approve the sale of the world s first ever dengue
vaccine Dengvaxia in the country.
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MoboMoney
IT major Tech Mahindra has launched first of its kind Tap N Pay contactless digital payment
wallet MoboMoney for the Indian masses. MoboMoney has been billed as India s first
commercial NFC ecosystem rollout that would allow consumers to convert cash into e-cash
for making payments.
Reliance Jio launches 4G telecom service
Reliance Jio has launched 4G (4th Generation) telecom service using LTE (Long Term
Evolution) Technology.
Gaofen-4 observation satellite
China has successfully launched its most sophisticated observation satellite Gaofen-4, as part
of the country s high-definition (HD) earth observation Gaofen project.
India inks Raptor MoU
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on
the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia. This MoU is also called as
the Raptor MoU under the Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS). With
signing it, India will become the 54th signatory to the MoU.
Events & Observances
1st December: World AIDS Day
Every year on 1st December World Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day is
being observed to raise awareness of the pandemic caused by the spread of human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
3rd December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Every year International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is being observed on 3
December to promote an understanding of disability issues. It also seeks to mobilize support
for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
1st BRICS media summit
China hosted the first Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) media summit in
Beijing for creating an alternative media platform for the 5 emerging economies.
ZSI Centenary year
Union Government has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the Centenary
year of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). It is the apex institution on animal (fauna) taxonomy
in India.
1st India International Science Festival (IISF)
The first India International Science Festival (IISF) was hosted at the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT)-Delhi campus. It was organised by Union Ministry of Science and
Technology. The IISF was country s biggest ever Technology and Industrial Expo.
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44th Navy Day

44th Navy Day was observed on 4 December 2015 to commemorate the success of the
Operation Trident of 1971 India-Pakistan War.
Heart of Asia conference
The fifth edition of Heart of Asia conference, an annual regional gathering of Asian and
other countries commenced in Islamabad Pakistan. Theme of the meeting was Heart of Asia-
Istanbul Process: Enhanced cooperation for countering security threats and promoting
connectivity in the Heart of Asia region.
10 December: Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day (HRD) is marked annually on 10th December to commemorate the day in
1948 when the United Nations (UN) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR). The theme chosen for the year 2015 HRD is Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always .
Losar festival
The festival of Losar has begun in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir to mark the
beginning of New Year in this Himalayan region. 10 day long festival began with illumination
of religious and residential places and by visiting monasteries for prayer. Losar is Tibetan
word for new year and this festival is an important social and religious celebration in Ladakh.
22nd December: National Mathematics Day
Every year 22nd December is observed as National Mathematics Day to celebrate birth
anniversary of great Indian autodidact Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. This year, it will
be the 128th birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan.
24th December: National Consumer Day
In India, 24th December is being observed as National Consumer Day. On this day the
Consumer Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the President. The enactment
of this Act was considered as a historic milestone in the consumer movement in the country.
25th December: National Good Governance Day
In India, National Good Governance Day is observed every year on 25th December on the
birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
5th November: World Tsunami Awareness Day
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution to designate 5th
November every year as World Tsunami Awareness Day. The observance of the day would
help to spread awareness among people across the world in matters related to the dangers of
tsunami.
Defence Related
INDRA NAVY-15
The eighth edition of India-Russia joint naval exercise-INDRA NAVY-15 has begun in
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is a bilateral maritime joint naval exercise between the
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Indian and Russian navies for epitomising the strategic relationship between the two
countries.
Ghadr-110 ballistic missile
Iran has successfully carried out test of medium range Ghadr-110 ballistic missile near
the Chabahar, a port city in southeast of country along the Gulf of Oman. With this, Iran so
far has breached of two United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions which compels
it to refrain from any work on ballistic missiles for 8 years.
IISc bags US military contract
Bengaluru based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has bagged a US military contract for
research and development (R&D) on solar powered micro-grid. The federal contract worth
US 52,900 dollars was awarded to IISc by the US Pacific Air Forces (PAF), Yokota Air Base in
Japan.
Arrow ballistic missile Weapon System
Israel has successfully tested Arrow ballistic missile Weapon System as part of its
defence upgradation measures in the face of regional threats.
Shaheen-III ballistic missile
Pakistan has successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Shaheen-III ballistic missile. It is land-
based surface-to-surface medium range ballistic missile capable of carrying nuclear as well as
conventional warheads up to 2,750 kilometres.
Combined Commanders Conference
Combined Commanders Conference, an annual tri-services event chaired by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi was held on board INS Vikramaditya about 50 kms off Kochi coast.
This was the first time when the conference was held outside New Delhi.
Shaheen-IA ballistic missile
Pakistan has successfully tested the nuclear-capable Shaheen-IA ballistic missile with a range
of 900 km. It is a land-based supersonic and short-to-intermediate range surface-to-surface
guided ballistic missile.
Islamic Military Coalition
Saudi Arabia has launched Islamic Military Coalition, a new military alliance of
34 nations mainly Muslim nations to fight terrorism. It has been established in pursuance of
the objectives and principles of the charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
(OIC) and calls for all member states to cooperate to combat terrorism in all its forms and
manifestations.
S-400 Trium Air Defence Missile Systems
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the purchase of Russian advance
S-400 Trium Air Defence Missile Systems at an estimated cost of 40,000 crore rupees.
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INS Godavari decommissioned

India s first indigenously designed warship INS Godavari has been decommissioned after 32
years of service. It was decommissioned at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai (Maharashtra) after it
completed its full life cycle, meeting all responsibilities and duties assigned in 3 decades of
service.
India s first Naval Base
Seychelles government allowed India to build its first Naval Base on the Assumption Island in
the Indian Ocean region (IOR) as a joint project between both countries. In this regard,
Seychelles government has allocated a plot of land on in its Assumption Island which will
help to enhance mutual security along our western seaboard in IOR.
LRSAM Barak 8
India and Israel jointly developed Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) Barak 8 was
successfully test fired from INS Kolkata.
Finance, Business and Economy
Chinese Currency Yuan
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has included China s Yuan into its elite reserve currency
basket mainly used as an international reserve asset with an effect from effect from 1st
October 2016.
Maharashtra: biggest state economy
As per latest report published by credit rating agency Brickwork Ratings, Maharashtra is the
biggest economy among the states in India. Maharashtra accounts for 16.87 lakh crore rupees
in terms of gross state domestic product (GSDP) and is followed by Tamil Nadu and Uttar
Pradesh.
RBI interest rate
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its fifth bi-monthly monetary policy review has maintained
status quo in key policy interest rate.
Singapore top source of FDI
Singapore has replaced Mauritius as the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into
India during the first half of the current fiscal year 2015-16. India attracted 6.69 billion dollars
FDI from Singapore while it received 3.66 billion dollars from Mauritius.
NSE launches three new group indices
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has launched three separate indices on three corporate
houses of India viz. Tata, Aditya Birla and Mahindra Group.
Afghanistan: 164th member nation of WTO
Afghanistan became 164th member nation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), global
trade body after 11 years of negotiations. WTO has formally approved Afghanistan s
membership proposal at its ongoing 10th ministerial conference in the Nairobi, Kenya.
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India joins select club of nations to build LNG ships

India has joined select club nations to build Liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships after state
owned Cochin Shipyard has received certification in this regard. Cochin Shipyard also
became first shipyard in India to get the nod to build LNG-transporting ships for any client
world-wide.
Indian Oil Corp tops in 2015 Fortune 500 companies
State-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has emerged as the country s biggest company in
terms of annual revenue as per an annual list of 2015 Fortune 500 companies in India. IOC
topped the list for consecutive sixth year with annual revenue of Rs. 4,51,911 crore.
Government Policy and Schemes
GIAN Scheme
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) has launched Global Initiative of
Academic Networks (GIAN) Scheme to boost the quality of higher education in India. GIAN
Scheme aims at improving the quality of higher education in the country through
international collaboration.
6 new IITs
The Union Cabinet has approved proposal of setting up of 6 new Indian Institutes of
Technology (IITs) across the country. The 6 new IITs would be set up in Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala and Karnataka.
Bhuvan-GAIL Portal system
State-run energy major GAIL (India) Limited has launched geo-portal called Bhuvan-GAIL
Portal system for utilising space technology for its pipeline monitoring to address pipeline
safety concerns.
Rotavirus vaccination project
Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to start Rotavirus vaccination
project under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). The project is based on the
analogy of the polio vaccine and will help in controlling the deaths amongst small children
due to Diarrhoea.
Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
Union Government has launched Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), a
nationwide campaign in a bid to achieve universal accessibility to persons with disabilities.
Digital MLAs
The Maharashtra legislature has become the first in the country to launch an online
mechanism for its members to send questions and move different motions in the House. In
this regard state government has launched a website mls.org.in as part of Digital MLAs
initiative in the winter session of state legislature in Nagpur.
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Indo-Pak Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue (CBD)

India and Pakistan have agreed to resume structured dialogue between them through new 10-
point Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue (CBD). The 10-point CBD replaces earlier 8-point
Composite Dialogue Process (CDP) structured dialogue which was also known as Resumed
Dialogue.
L Narasimha Reddy Committee
Union Government has appointed former Chief Justice of Patna High Court Justice
L Narasimha Reddy as head judicial committee on One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme.
The one member judicial committee will look into the implementation of OROP scheme for
retired defence personnel.
National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS) 2015-2020
Union Government has unveiled National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS)
2015-2020 to establish India as a world-class bio-manufacturing hub.
Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved introduction of
Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for technology upgradation of the
textiles industry. The ATUFS replaces existing Revised Restructured
Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (RR-TUFS) to give a boost to textile sector under
Make in India campaign.
Awards
Golden Peacock award
Colombian film Embrace of The Serpent has been adjudged as the best film of the 46th
International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Directed Ciro Guerra of Embrace of The Serpent
was bestowed with the Golden Peacock award and the cash prize of 40 lakh rupees.
Frank Islam: 2015 Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award
Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam (63) has been selected for the
prestigious 2015 Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award. He has been chosen for this award in
recognition of his achievements and outstanding contributions in a foreign country.
2015 Nobel Peace Prize
Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet (NDQ) has been awarded prestigious 2015 Nobel Peace
Prize at a ceremony held in Oslo, Norway. NDQ consists of 4 civil
society organisations viz. Tunisian General Labour Union, Tunisian Confederation of
Industry, Trade and Handicrafts, Tunisian Human Rights League and Tunisian Order of
Lawyers.
Naseeruddin Shah
Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah has been honoured with the lifetime achievement
award at the 12th edition of Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF).
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Salman Rushdie
India-born author Salman Rushdie has been awarded the prestigious 2015 Mailer Prize for
Lifetime Achievement. He has been bestowed with this award for fully exercising his freedom
of creativity and thrived on dialogue and debate.
2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award
Global software major Wipro has been awarded 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award for
developing a solution for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Dilip Kumar
Legendary actor Dilip Kumar (93) has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan,
country s second highest civilian award.
Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali
Indian-origin writer Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali from Singapore has been awarded prestigious
2015 South East Asia Write Award. The award was bestowed upon him at the annual ASEAN
regional award for literary excellence in Bangkok, Thailand.
Itzhak Perlman
Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman (70) has been awarded 2016 Genesis Prize which is
also known as Jewish Nobel prize. He has been bestowed with prestigious prize for his
accomplishments as a musician, teacher and advocate for the disabled and also for his
commitment to his Jewish identity.
2015 Garwood Award for Outstanding Global Leader
President Pranab Mukherjee has been awarded 2015 Garwood Award for Outstanding Global
Leader in Open Innovation from UC Berkeley-Haas School of Business.
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach has been 64th crowned Miss Universe after beating
out contenders from the United States, France, Colombia and Australia.
2015 National Medal of Science of US
Indian American professor Dr. Rakesh K. Jain has been selected for 2015 National Medal of
Science of the United States.
Syed Kirmani: Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award 2015
India s former wicket-keeper batsman Syed Kirmani has been nominated for prestigious
BCCI-instituted Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award 2015. He was conferred with
the award for his contribution to Indian cricket.
Raghuveer Chaudhary
Eminent Gujarati litterateur Raghuveer Chaudhary has been selected for the
51st Jnanpith award. Mr. Chaudhary is the fourth Gujarati litterateur to bag this prestigious
award.
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Miscellaneous Terms and Facts

Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2015
President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill,
2015 of Maharashtra government to allow women to work in factories in night shifts.
The Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2015
President Pranab Mkherjee has given his assent to The Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment)
Bill, 2015. The Amendment Bill passed by the state assembly seeks to amend 10 Acts dealing
with labour laws including The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and The Minimum Wages Act,
1948.
The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015
Lok Sabha has passed The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 by a voice vote to establish
Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). The Bill replaces the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986
and establishes BIS as a national standard body for development of standardization and
assessment and quality assurance of goods, articles, services, processes and systems.
Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015
Parliament has passed the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015. The bill seeks to
amend The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 in order to make cheque-bounce filing of cases
more convenient for check payees (person who receives the cheque).
Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015
Union Government has introduced Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to facilitate and
fast track setting up of new nuclear projects in the country. The Bill seeks to amend the
Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2015
Parliament has passed Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2015 for trying
juveniles as adults. The bill has provision that allows trying of juveniles between the ages of
16 and 18 years as adults for heinous offences.
National Waterways Bill, 2015
Lok Sabha has unanimously passed the National Waterways Bill, 2015 to declare 106
additional inland waterways as National Waterways in addition to the five existing National
Waterways.
The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015
The Lok Sabha has passed The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to allow doubling
of wage ceiling for calculating bonus of factory workers and establishments with 20 or more
workers. The Bill seeks to amend the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965.
India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the India-Australia
Civil Nuclear Cooperation deal that came into force on November 13, 2015.
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December 1, 2015
1st December: World AIDS Day
December 1, 2015
Every year on 1st December World Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day is
being observed to raise awareness of the pandemic caused by the spread of human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) infection.
It also seeks to remember those who have died of the disease by mourning. The theme for year 2015
is Getting to zero, End AIDS by 2030 .
Government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), health officials and individuals around the
world observe the day and often spread awareness and education on AIDS prevention and control.
Background: World Health Organization (WHO) had designated 1st December as World AIDS
Day in 1987. Since then it is observed annually and is one of the eight official global public health
campaigns marked by the WHO.
Common reasons for getting infected with AIDS
Unprotected sex with an infected person.
During pregnancy from mother to child or even breastfeeding.
Through transfusion of blood.
Using of hypodermic needles of infected person to other person.
Russian legendary film Director Eldar Ryazanov passes away
December 1, 2015
Russian legendary film Director and screenwriter Eldar Ryazanov passed away in Moscow, Russia.
He was 88.
He was one of Russia s best-loved Soviet-era film directors and an icon of popular USSR culture of
tragi-comedies that satirised daily life in the erstwhile Soviet Union.
About Eldar Ryazanov
Eldar Ryazanov was born on 18 November 1927 in Kuybyshev (now Samara) in the erstwhile
USSR.
He had directed some of the most popular Soviet Era comedies such as Irony of Fate (1975),
Office Romance (1977) and The Garage (1979).
Comedy film The Irony of Fate is still reckoned to be his most popular film in USSR and still
televised on New Year s Eve in former Soviet countries.
Awards and Honours: In 1984, he was named a People s Artist, a top USSR artistry tittle.
He also has received the USSR State Prize (1977). He has won the Nika Award for Best Director
(1991) for the film Promised Heaven. An asteroid 4258 Ryazanov was named after him.
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Anil Kumble resigns as chief mentor of Mumbai Indians

December 1, 2015
Former Indian Test Captain and ace spinner Anil Kumble has resigned as the Chief Mentor of Indian
Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians with an immediate effect.
His decision follows after Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) crackdown on conflict of
interest in the board. Earlier in November 2015, Indian cricket team director Ravi Shastri was
removed from the IPL Governing Council and selector Roger Binny was asked to leave.
Since January of 2013, Mr. Kumble was associated with Mumbai Indians and in his first year as the
mentor of Mumbai Indians team had won the IPL and the Champions League and once again the IPL
cup in 2015.
Mr. Kumble is one of the two bowlers in history of cricket who had taken all 10 wickets in an
innings and another one is England s Jim Laker. He is also India s highest wicket taker in both Test
matches (619 wickets) and one day Internationals (ODIs) (337 wickets).
Indian Railways ink Rs 40000 cr deal of locomotive plants with GE, Alstom in Bihar
December 1, 2015
Indian Railways has signed 40,000 crore rupees contracts with General Electrics (GE) and Alstom to
set up two locomotive plants in Bihar.
Under this deal, first venture the electric locomotive factory would be set up at Madhepura city and
diesel locomotive would be set up at Marhowrah district of the state.
It is the first major manufacturing investment in Bihar, boosting manufacturing and contributing to
the overall economic growth of state along with creation of new employment opportunities in the
state under flagship Make In India initiative.
This is also the first big Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the Indian railway sector after
government had relaxed FDI norms to 100 per cent in the railway sector in 2014.
President gives assent Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2015
December 1, 2015
President Pranab Mukherjee has given his assent to Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2015
of Maharashtra government to allow women to work in factories in night shifts
The amendment bill amends Section 66(1) (c) of Factories Act, 1948 to ease provisions related to working
of women in night shifts in the state.
Key facts
The amendment of 67-year old Act also makes mandatory for factory managements to ensure
security of women working in night shifts.
Prior to amendment, the section 66(1) (c) of parent Act did not allowed women employees to
work in the factories in night shift between from 7 PM and 6 AM.
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Apart from this, the amendment bill also enables workers to be eligible for paid leave after
working for 90 days in a year instead of the current 240 days or more.
Besides this, the amendment also does not make mandatory for workers to take the
management s permission for working overtime.
In this regard, the amendment bill has increased the working limit to 115 hours from the
current 75 in 3 months.
With this, Maharashtra has joined the list of 6 Indian states that already have allowed women to
work in night shifts or are in the process of doing so. They are Rajasthan, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh,
Punjab and Madhya Pradesh.
Union Government launches IPV injection as part of global polio endgame strategy
December 1, 2015
The Union Government has launched inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) injection as part of the global
polio endgame strategy in New Delhi.
The vaccine was launched by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda in New
Delhi.
It was launched as part of India s next step in Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to fight against
polio virus in the country.
IPV injections do not contain an attenuated vaccine virus which is used in oral polio vaccine (OPV).
Thus it reduces the chances of Vaccine Derived Polio Virus (VDPV).
Key facts
The launching of IPV would enable children to get double protection from polio i.e. orally
and in the form of injection.
UIP initially will cover six states including Uttar Pardesh , Madhya Pardesh , Bihar, Assam,
Punjab and Gujarat in the first phase.
By April 2016, Union Government would switch to IPV alongside the oral polio vaccine
(OPV) to eradicate polio virus in the country.
Henceforth, as part of India s efforts to boost its polio immunization programme babies
getting their third dose of OPV now would be administered an injection with IPV.
It should be noted that India was certified polio-free country on 27 March 2014, but the
immunization programme continues since two of its neighbours Afghanistan and Pakistan still
remain polio-endemic countries.
About Polio virus
Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children
below age of 5.
Transmission: The virus is transmitted from person-to-person. It mainly spreads through
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the faecal-oral route (e.g. contaminated water or food). After entering body, it multiplies in
the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and can cause paralysis.
Symptoms: Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck,
and pain in the limbs. In some cases, it causes permanent paralysis. There is no cure for polio
virus, it can only be prevented by immunization.
Roch Marc Christian Kabore elected as president of Burkina Faso
December 1, 2015
Roch Marc Christian Kabore has been elected as President of Burkina Faso.
In the presidential election, Kabore from the Movement of People for Progress party won 53.5 per
cent of the vote across 368 communes. His nearest competitor Zephirin Diabre, a former economy
and finance minister secured 29.65 per cent votes.
He is the second civilian to become President since the West African country became independent in
1960 from France.
Prior to entering politics Kabore was banker and had worked for the International Bank of Burkina
(BIB). He had served as Prime Minister of Burkina Faso from 1994 to 1996 and also was President of
the National Assembly of Burkina Faso from 2002 to 2012.
Mr. Kabore will now replace the transitional government which was established after Blaise
Compaore, country s longtime President was overthrown in a popular uprising in October 2014
followed by an army-engineered coup.
The coup was against Compaore s attempts to change the country s Constitution to prolong his time
in office after he had already ruled the country for 27 years.
Colombian film Embrace of The Serpent adjudged best film of 46th IFFI
December 1, 2015
Colombian film Embrace of The Serpent has been adjudged as the best film of the 46th International
Film Festival of India (IFFI)
Directed Ciro Guerra of Embrace of The Serpent was bestowed with the Golden Peacock award and
the cash prize of 40 lakh rupees.
Other awards
The Best Director award: Peter Greenway for the Netherlands film Eisenstein in
Guanajuato.
The Best male actor award: Vincent Lindon for the France film The Measure of a Man .
The Best Female actor award: five Female actress for their roles in the Turkey Film
Mustang .
Special Jury Award: Julia Vargas for his film Sealed Cargo .
The ICFT-UNESCO Fellini Award: Kaushik Ganguly s Bengali film Cinemawala .
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About International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

IFFI was founded in 1952 and is held annually in Goa.
It is the biggest state-backed film festival and conducted jointly by Ministry of Information
and Broadcasting, Directorate of Film Festivals and Government of Goa.
This film festival aims at providing a common platform for the cinemas of the world to
project the excellence of the film art.
It seeks to contribute to create awareness for understanding and appreciation of film cultures
of different nations in the context of their social and cultural ethos and promote friendship
and cooperation among people of the world.
India, France launched International Solar Alliance
December 1, 2015
India and France have launched International Solar Alliance (ISA) at the Conference of Parties
(CoP21) Climate Conference in Paris, France.
It was jointly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande in presence
UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon.
The idea of alliance was mooted by Indian PM Narendra Modi to harness solar power as a major step
to mitigate carbon gas emissions.
Key facts
Aims to bring solar rich 121 tropical countries located fully or partly between the Tropic of
Cancer and Capricorn together to tap solar energy.
These tropical countries are potential members of alliance and shall be united by the shared
vision to bring clean, renewable solar energy within the reach of all.
The objective of the alliance is to augment solar power generation in these countries with a
view to contribute global sustainable development.
It would play important role in achieving the objective of keeping global warming below 2
degree Celsius.
It will function from the Gurgaon based National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).
Provide common platform to member countries to share collective ambitions to reduce the
cost of finance and technology needed harness the solar energy.
Alliance would pursue cooperation in training, regulatory issues, building institutions,
common standards and investment among the member countries.
India ranks 131 on global ICT Development Index : MISR Report
December 1, 2015
India has been ranked 131 out of 167 nations on ICT Development Index (IDI) that measures the
level of information and communication technology access.
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It was revealed in UN International Telecommunications Union s (ITU) flagship annual Measuring

the Information Society (MISR) Report.
Key highlights of report
Globally 3.2 billion people are now online i.e. having internet connection representing 43.4
per cent of the world s population.
Worldwide, mobile-cellular subscriptions have reached almost 7.1 billion representing 95 per
cent of the global population.
Top three countries in IDI 2015: South Korea, Denmark and Iceland.
Disparity in Internet access: 81.3 per cent of households in the developed world have
home Internet access, compared to 34.1 per cent in the developing world. It is just 6.7 per
cent in the 48 UN-designated Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
Asia-Pacific Region: It is the most diverse region in terms of ICT development that reflects
stark differences in levels of economic development.
6 economies in this region including the South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan have IDI
rankings in the top 20 of the global distribution.
This region also includes ten of the IDI s least connected countries including India, Pakistan,
Bangladesh and Afghanistan.
India: Mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions in India per 100 inhabitants is 74.48 in 2014.
The percentage of households with computer is 13 per cent, while the percentage of
households with Internet access was 15.33. Further the percentage of individuals using the
Internet has grown to 18 per cent in 2014.
China hosts 1st BRICS media summit
December 1, 2015
China hosted the first Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) media summit in Beijing for
creating an alternative media platform for the 5 emerging economies.
25 media organisations participated in the 2 day summit which aimed to create a new institutional
framework to benefit the media of five emerging economies of BRICS grouping.
Key facts
China s Xinhua news agency is the initiator of the project which adds one more dimension to
the BRICS format.
It was organised in collaboration with The Hindu group of publications, Russia Today
International News Agency, the Brazil Communication Company and South Africa s
Independent Media.
The summit proposed the formation of a BRICS Media Foundation for supporting and
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protecting journalists belonging to the grouping.

In the first summit, leaders of 25 Media organisations from the 5 BRICS countries pitched for
building consensus to deal with climate change, terrorism,and other key global issues.
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December 2, 2015
IMF approves China s Yuan as elite reserve currency
December 2, 2015
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has included China s Yuan into its elite reserve currency basket
mailny used as an international reserve asset with an effect from effect from 1st October 2016.
Decision in this regard was taken by the IMF s executive board meeting for regular five-yearly
review of the basket of currencies that make up the Special Drawing Right (SDR) .
Yuan also known as the Renminbi will be the fifth freely usable currency along with the US Dollar,
British Pound, Japanese Yen and Euro. It was added in the basket after it met all existing criteria for
its inclusion.
Criteria for inclusion in elite reserve currency basket
Export Criterion:Exports of a particular country must have the largest value over a 5 year
period and should play a central role in the global economy.
Freely Usable:The currency must also be a freely usable currency i.e. widely used in
international transactions for making payments and widely traded in the main exchange
markets.
About Chinese Currency
Renminbi which in Mandarin (China s official language) means the people s currency was officially
introduced by the Communist Government of China led by Mao Zedong in 1949 after it came to
power. Prior to Renminbi, Yuan was the official name of Chinese currency which means dollar-
silver coin in Mandarin and was minted by the Spanish empire to trade with China for over 4
centuries.
Jharkhand Government declares entire state as drought hit
December 2, 2015
Jharkhand government has declared the entire state as drought hit in view of less rainfall in 2015
monsoon season and loss of crops.
Decision in this regard was taken at the state Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Raghuvar
Das in Ranchi following Agriculture department s report on drought.
In its report state Agriculture department has reported that 64 blocks of the state have suffered 50
per cent loss in crops and another 62 blocks have suffered 40 per cent loss due to poor monsoon.
It also estimated that drought has resulted loss of rice (dhan) crops by 37.7 per cent, dalhan crops by
16.85 per cent and Makka crops by 27.06 per cent in 2015.
State Cabinet also has decided to send the report on drought status in state to the Union
Government and request it to send a team for assessment of drought in the state.
Earlier in November 2015, in view of drought conditions state government had announced a
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package of 1,398 crore rupees to drought-hit farmers for distribution of seeds, subsidised diesel,
construction of small check dams and other facilities.
President gives assent to Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2015
December 2, 2015
President Pranab Mkherjee has given his assent to The Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment) Bill,
2015.
The Amendment Bill passed by the state assembly to amend 10 Acts dealing with labour laws
including The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and The Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
Key facts
The Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2015 was passed by state assembly to give
impetus to industrialisation in state.
Ban strikes: Empowers state government to ban strikes in public utility services for upto 1
year for first time. This ban can be subsequently extended upto 2 years for any number of
times.
Dispute Settlement: Add provision for out of court settlement between the labourers and
management by paying certain fee to the government.
Redefine contractors: Amends the definition of contractor to include outsourcing agencies,
which in some cases is government itself.
Payment of wages: Mandatory to be paid by cheque instead of cash for establishments
employing 20 persons or more.
Empower employers to change nature of jobs of the employees without prior notice.
Lifts restrictions on sacking of workers and payment of compensation for industrial units
located in Special Investment Regions (SIR) and National Investment and Manufacturing
Zones (NIMZ) permitted under Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
German cabinet approves military mandate to fight Islamic State in Syria
December 2, 2015
The German Cabinet has approved a mandate offering military assistance to fight against the Islamic
State (IS) militant group in Syria.
The mandate aims at supporting France and the international alliance in its fight against the IS
militant group. Now it requires Parliamentary approval to come into force.
This decision was taken by cabinet after an appeal was made by French President Francois Hollande
in the wake of the 13 November Paris attacks carried by the terrorist organisation.
Key facts
The German mission will include sending Tornado reconnaissance jets, a refueling aircraft
and a frigate for one year and can be extended by year.
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Under this mandate Germany could deploy up to 1,200 military personnel to support the
international alliance but they won t actively engage in combat missions.
Germany will send unspecified number of Tornado aircrafts fitted with surveillance
technology for logistics and reconnaissance purpose.
These aircrafts can take high-resolution photos and infrared images at night and in bad
weather and the tanker aircraft for refuelling of planes in mid-air.
A German frigate will help to protect the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the
eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Maharashtra is biggest state economy: Brickwork Report
December 2, 2015
As per latest report published by credit rating agency Brickwork Ratings, Maharashtra is the biggest
economy among the states in India.
Maharashtra accounts for 16.87 lakh crore rupees in terms of gross state domestic product (GSDP)
and is followed by Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
Key highlights of Report
Maharashtra s GSDP has grown by 11.69 per cent in the financial year 2014-15. It earns
approximately 70 per cent of its total receipts through tax revenues highest among the bigger
states and is followed by Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Manufacturing sector: In FY 2014-15, Gujarat and Maharashtra accounted for 27.26 per
cent and 25.18 per cent of GSDP respectively. They led other state economies in terms of
level of contribution from the manufacturing sector.
Other states with higher manufacturing sector share are Tamil Nadu (19.1%), Jharkhand
(18.8%) and Haryana (18.1%).
Services sector: Karnataka leads in the growth of services sector in India. It is largely
attributed to the growth in the IT/BPO/ KPO sector. It is followed by Tamil Nadu,
Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
Fastest-growing states: Bihar (17.06%), Madhya Pradesh (16.86%) and Goa (16.43%).
Slowest-growing states: Telangana (5.3%), Punjab (10.16%), Rajasthan (11%).
Agriculture Sector: Though being mainstay sector of most states employing 40-60 per cent
of the workforce directly or indirectly, it has been neglected sector.
Brickwork Ratings report is based on multi-state research analysis of finances of all the states. It
looks into state government s willingness and ability to honour debt obligations along with analysis
of political, economic, financial, budgetary and institutional parameters.
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RBI keeps repo rate unchanged in 5th bi-monthly monetary policy review
December 2, 2015
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its fifth bi-monthly monetary policy review has maintained status
status quo in key policy interest rate.
The key policy interest rates were kept unchanged on the basis of an assessment of the current and
evolving macroeconomic situation in the country.
The Key policy interest rates are
Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF): unchanged at 6.75 per cent.
Reverse repo rate under the LAF: unchanged at 5.75 per cent
Marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate has unchanged at 7.75 per cent.
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks: Unchanged at 4.0 per cent of net demand
and time liability (NDTL).
Continuation of liquidity under overnight repos at 0.25 per cent of bank-wise NDTL at the
LAF repo rate.
Continuation of liquidity under 14-day term repos as well as longer term repos of up to 0.75
per cent of NDTL of the banking system through auctions.
Union Government launches GIAN Scheme to boost higher education
December 2, 2015
Academic Networks (GIAN) Scheme to boost the quality of higher education in India.
It was launched by Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
campus.
About Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) Scheme
GIAN Scheme aims at improving the quality of higher education in the country through
international collaboration.
Facilitate participation of high quality international academicians for delivering short-term
courses and programs in Indian institutions.
Initially 500 international faculties will be engaged in conducting courses and later in
subsequent years 1000 faculties would be engaged under GIAN throughout India.
Under this scheme, academicians will cover 13 disciplines and 352 courses to be taught in 68
national institutions.
These courses will vary in duration from one to three weeks depending on the subject and
will be free for students of the host institution and available for nominal fees for others.
These courses will be webcasted live for students across the country through web portal
www.gian.iitkgp.ac.in designed by IIT Kharagpur.
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Vijay Kumar Choudhary elected as Bihar assembly Speaker

December 2, 2015
Senior Janta Dal United (JDU) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary has been elected as new Speaker of
Bihar legislative assembly.
The pro-tem Speaker and Congress MLA Sadanand Singh had announced election of Mr. Chaudhary
as the new Speaker.
He was elected unanimously after all parties supported his candidature including main opposition
Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).
Mr.Chaudhary is a five time MLA and represents Sarai Ranjan assembly constituency of Samastipur
district and is a close associate of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar
Previously in Bihar Legislative Assembly, he had severed as JDU Leader of Legislature Party. He also
had served as the Minister for Water Resources, Agriculture and Information & Public Relations
Departments in the cabinet under Nitish Kumar.
During his stint as a legislator from 1982 to 1995, he had served as the Deputy Chairman of Bihar
State Industrial Development Corporation (BSIDC).
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December 3, 2015
3rd December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3, 2015
Every year International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is being observed on 3 December
to promote an understanding of disability issues.
It also seeks to mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The theme for year 2015 of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is Inclusion matters: access
and empowerment for people of all abilities.
United Nations has estimated around one billion people are living with disabilities across the world
and they are facing barriers of inclusion in many key aspects of society.
Background: In 1992, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had passed a resolution 47/3 for
annually observing 3rd December as International Day of Disabled Persons. It was originally called as
International Day of Disabled Persons.
Veteran industrialist MAM Ramaswamy passes away
December 3, 2015
Veteran industrialist and former parliamentarian MAM Ramaswamy passed away in Chennai, Tamil
Nadu. He was 84.
He was the last King of Chettinad and co-founder and past chairman of the Rs. 10,000 crore
Chettinad Group of companies.
About MAM Ramaswamy
MAM Ramaswamy was born on 30 September 1931 into a respected family in the
Nattukottai Chettiar community which is also known as The Rajah Family.
He was famously known as MAMR in political, business and sports circles.
Industrialist: As co-founder and chairman Chettinad, he was credited for steering the group
as one of South India s famous business conglomerates.
Political career: He was a politician from Janata Dal (Secular) party. He was a Member of
the Parliament (MP) in the Rajya Sabha and had represented Karnataka.
Sports: He was an avid horse race enthusiast and had won 600-odd horse racing events.
He was also the first person to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for winning 100
horse racing Classics.
Awards and Honours: He is recipient of Padma Shree.
Union Cabinet approves DTAC agreement with Japan
December 3, 2015
Union Cabinet has approved signing and ratification of a protocol between India and Japan for
amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC).
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It aims at avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on
income.
The protocol incorporates provisions for an effective exchange of information and assistance in
collection of taxes between tax authorities of the two countries. It also includes exchange of banking
information between tax authorities.
DTAC between both countries will facilitate:
Exchange of information on tax matters including bank information and information without
domestic tax interest as per accepted international standards.
Sharing of any information received from Japan to Indian authority in respect of an Indian
resident with other law enforcement agencies.
Offer assistance to each other in matters related to collection of revenue claims as well as for
exemption of interest income from taxation in the source country.
In this regard the claim would be made with respect to debt claims insured by the
government or government-owned financial institutions.
It should be noted that DTAC between India and Japan was signed in 1989 for avoidance of double
taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion through a protocol.
Government gives nod to MoU between India and Israel in the field of water resources
December 3, 2015
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing MoU between India and Israel in the field of
water resources management and development cooperation.
The bilateral cooperation between both countries will benefit them in strengthening the techniques
in efficient use of water, micro-irrigation.
It would also help them in recycling and re-use of waste water, aquifer recharge, desalination and in-
situ water conservation techniques.
Both countries will form a joint working group to monitor the activities to be carried out for the
fulfilment of provisions mentioned in the MoU.
Israel which is one of arid country in West Asia has pioneered different water conservation and
water management techniques to overcome the issue of water scarcity. Its pioneering techniques
include efficiency use of water, micro-irrigation, reuse of waste water, desalination, aquifer recharge
etc.
Background
The Union Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation has
envisaged bilateral cooperation route with other countries in the field water resources development
and management through sharing of policy and technical expertise.
India already has entered into agreements in this regard with countries like Australia, China, Bahrain
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Cambodia, Rwanda, Iran, Fiji and Iraq for water resources management and development
cooperation
Government gives nod to introduction of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015
December 3, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for
introduction of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015.
The bill aims for establishment of a Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) in Faridabad, Haryana
and provide a legal status to the Centre.
Key facts
The Centre is an inter-disciplinary regional hub and institution in life sciences and
biotechnology.
It would offer novel educational and training courses in the interdisciplinary and related areas
of biotechnology.
It would also address designing of new and novel programmes for education and training
purposes that could then be assimilated by the existing universities in India and the Region.
Legal status will empower the centre to function independently as an autonomous body and
as an Institution of National Importance.
RCB will give emphasis on novel education programmes relevant to industry, including bio-
drug discovery science, medicine and nano-science, designer crops, bioengineering and
biomaterials, imaging techniques.
It will also include technology transfer, intellectual property and regulations to fulfil and
overcome the acute shortage of skilled human resources in India in this field.
It would act as a hub of biotechnology expertise in the countries in South Asian Association
for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) region, Asia region to address human resources needs.
Background
Regional Centre for Biotechnology already has been established in 2008 by an executive order of the
Union Government after the approval by the Union Cabinet. Presently it is operational at Faridabad
based NCR Biotech Science Cluster. Enactment of law in this regard would not involve any financial
implications at this stage.
Union Cabinet approves pacts with Germany for solar energy
December 3, 2015
The Union Cabinet has approved an agreement with Germany to expand bilateral cooperation in the
field of solar energy between both countries.
In this regard, Union Cabinet has approved a MoU which was signed in October 2015 between both
countries during Chancellor Angela Merkel s visit to India.
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It was signed to expand bilateral development cooperation in the field of Solar Energy by increasing
use of solar energy through technical and financial cooperation in India.
Under the agreement
Germany will provide concessional loans to India in the range of 1 billion Euros over the next
five years i.e. till 2020.
Concessional loans will be provided through Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW), a
German government-owned development bank.
The loan funds of KfW will be also utilized for providing soft loans to the end-users through
partner banks.
The bilateral cooperation between the two countries will help India meet some part of its ambitious
target generating 100 GW solar power generation capacity under the National Solar Mission (NSM)
by 2022.
MoU for Capital Goods Sector
Union Cabinet also has approved MoU between India and Germany which has been signed for
implementation of Make in India campaign for Capital Goods Sector.
It was signed between Department of Heavy Industries and Germany s Fraunhofer Gesellschaft
which is a leading organisation in Europe for applied industrial research.
The objective of MoU is to provide platform to various PSUs and capital goods sector units in order
to have easy access to capabilities and expertise of Fraunhofer. It would help for identifying and
plugging technology gaps in Indian PSUs in line with 12th Five Year Plan.
Union Cabinet gives nod to establish 6 new IITs
December 3, 2015
The Union Cabinet has approved proposal of setting up of 6 new Indian Institutes of Technology
(IITs) across the country.
The 6 new IITs would be set up in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala
and Karnataka.
Key facts
In its first year, each new IIT will have an initial intake of 180 students and each IIT will have
a sanctioned faculty-student ratio of 1:10.
In the second year, the intake strength would increase to 450 and subsequently in the third
year to 928 (840 Undergraduates, 80 Postgraduates and 8 PhD).
Each new IIT would function from temporary campus for the initial period of 3 years and
later shift permanent campuses in the 4th year.
The Union Cabinet also gave its approval for operationalisation of these new 6 IITs initially by
forming of Societies under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. This provision will be mainly to give
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them legal status till the amendment in The Institutes of Technology (IIT) Act, 1961 is enacted for
their incorporation.
Background: Currently, IIT Act, 1961 contains no provision to enable establishment of new IITs.
So for establishment of every new IIT, enactment of amendment is necessary to the Act from the
Parliament.
Goa Government launches National Food Security Act, 2013
December 3, 2015
Goa Government has launched the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 to benefit more than
one third of the state s population.
It will bring more than one third population of the coastal state into legal entitlements of existing
food security programmes and schemes of Central Government.
Key facts
Around 5 lakh 11 thousand persons in the targeted Public Distribution System (PDS) in Goa
will receive 5 kgs subsidised rice or wheat per person per month.
Rice will be given at the subsidised rate of 3 rupees per kg and wheat at the rate of 3 rupees
per kg to target persons.
For effective implementation of this scheme, state government s civil supplies and
distribution departments have scrutinised the PDS households.
They also have digitised the ration cards and updated the consolidated data with Aadhar card
and other identifications prior to launching the scheme for implementation of NFS Act.
For the implementation of the scheme, Union government will bear a subsidy of 65 crores rupees,
while the state government will spend 25 crores annually.
Background
National Food Security Act, 2013 envisages adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to
people to live a life of dignity under Article 21 of Constitution. It includes the Midday Meal (MDM)
Scheme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme and Public Distribution System
(PDS) under it to provide subsidized food grains.
Justice T. S. Thakur sworn in as 43rd Chief Justice of India
December 3, 2015
Justice Tirath Singh Thakur was sworn in as 43rd Chief Justice of India (CJI).
He was administered oath to the office by President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New
Delhi.
Justice Thakur succeeded incumbent Justice H L Dattu who retired on 2 December 2015 and shall
have the tenure till 4 January 2017 i.e. till he attains 65 age.
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About Justice T. S. Thakur

He was born on January 4, 1952 and is the son of D.D. Thakur, who was a renowned
advocate and eminent judge in the J&K High Court and later served as Union Minister.
Judicial career: Justice Thakur had enrolled as a Pleader in October 1972. Later, he started
practising in the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
He also had worked in Karnataka High Court, Delhi High Court and Punjab and Haryana
High Court. He had worked as Chief Justice (CJ) of both Delhi High Court and Punjab and
Haryana High Court. He was elevated as a judge of the Supreme Court in 2009.
In Supreme Court, Justice Thakur had headed of the bench which dealt with IPL spot-fixing
scam. He also had headed of the bench which is monitoring the probe in the Saradha chit
fund scam case.
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December 4, 2015
Union Government to allow e-Postal Ballot System for Overseas electors
December 4, 2015
Union Government is going to allow e-Postal Ballot System and Proxy voting to Overseas electors as an
alternative voting option.
This information was given by Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda in a written reply in the
Rajya Sabha.
Key facts
The e-Postal Ballot System: It envisages providing blank ballots electronically to the Non
Resident Indian (NRI) voters and thereafter after casting vote they can return it by normal
post.
Proxy voting: It would allow such overseas voters to appoint a proxy after following certain
formalities and exercise his/her franchise.
However to give legal status this proposal, amendment are to be made in The Representation of the
People Act (RPA), 1950 and 1951. But time frame to implement it will come after approval of
amendment to RPA by both the Houses of the Parliament.
GAIL launches Bhuvan-GAIL Portal for satellite monitoring of pipelines
December 4, 2015
State-run energy major GAIL (India) Limited has launched geo-portal called Bhuvan-GAIL Portal
system for utilising space technology for its pipeline monitoring to address pipeline safety concerns.
The project has been developed in collaboration with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), a
unit of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Key facts
The new system integrated with the Bhuvan-GAIL portal would begin live satellite
monitoring of its pipeline s Right of Use (RoU) from January 2016.
It can send alerts to relevant executives through SMS and e-mail regarding the changes noted
along the RoU as well as the arrival of any new satellite photos.
The system has satellite-sensing technology, high-resolution satellites object-oriented image
analysis and other advance space technology for pipeline monitoring applications.
GAIL also has developed an innovative mobile application from which pictures taken from
any mobile phone can be uploaded instantly on the portal.
GAIL s R&D pilot project in this regard was implemented on the 610-km-long Dahej-
Vijaipur pipeline.
Apart from this system GAIL is also seeking alternative methods such as advanced Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles (UAV) which can be integrated with this system. Presently, GAIL is monthly monitoring its
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more than 13,000 km of pipeline network via Helicopter surveys.

Britain launches airstrikes against IS-controlled oil fields in Syria
December 4, 2015
Britain has launched airstrikes against Islamic State (IS)-controlled oil fields in Syria after
parliamentarians in the House of Commons overwhelmingly voted for military action.
In this regard, a motion for voting was forwarded in the House of Commons and it received 397
members votes including 66 opposition Labour member in favour of it.
After the support of Parliament, British warplanes of Royal Air Force conducted six strikes against
IS-controlled Omar oil fields in Syria from its base in Akrotiri, Cyprus.
The ruling government of Britain has taken this decision in lines with the resolution2249 (2015)
passed by United National Security Council (UNSC). The resolution had called on all nations to re-
double and co-ordinate their collection action to prevent further attacks by IS and other extremist
groups.
United States has welcomed the vote by the British Parliament as it would more teeth to the global
anti-terror coalition forces to fight IS militants and expand their strategy to defeat terrorist
group. Russia also has welcomed Britain s decision as it aimed at combating terrorism and the fight
against IS.
First India International Science Festival begins at IIT-Delhi
December 4, 2015
The first India International Science Festival (IISF) has begun at the Indian Institute of Technology
(IIT)-Delhi campus. It has been organised by Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
The IISF is expected to be the country s biggest ever Technology and Industrial Expo. Around 4,000
delegates from India and abroad are expected to take part in the festival.
Key facts
The five day festival (from 5th to 8th December) will showcase the achievements of Indian
scientists and institutions.
It will provide a single platform to explore ways for translating academic research into
industrial applications benefiting the common man.
It also seeks to encourage culmination of scientific temperament among youngsters, especially
school children.
The festival will provide common platform for scientists to interact with each other for
sharing ideas and knowledge.
On the occasion of this festival, Union Ministry of Science and Technology has organised a mass
event in which 2,000 students are going to conduct an experiment at the same venue.
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Union Government releases postage stamp to mark centenary year of ZSI

December 4, 2015
Union Government has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the Centenary year of
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
The postage stamp was released by Union Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in
the presence of Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi.
They also released publications of ZSI- the Centenary Souvenir, Centenary Directory and A Glorious 100.
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
ZSI is the apex institution on animal (fauna) taxonomy in India.
Established: 1 July 1916.
Objective: To promote the survey, exploration, research and documentation on various
aspects of animal taxonomy in the Indian subcontinent. It also seeks advancement of
knowledge on animal taxonomy.
Headquarter: Kolkata. It also has 16 regional centres located in different parts of the country.
Functions under the aegis of Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
(MoEFCC). It activities are coordinated by the Conservation and Survey Division of
MoEFCC.
It has been declared as the designated repository for the National Zoological Collection as per
section 39 of the National Biodiversity Act, 2002
Activities Undertaken: Study of the fauna of states, of conservation areas, of important
ecosystems.
It also undertakes status survey of endangered species, fauna of India and ecological Studies &
Environmental impact assessments.
ZSI publishes Red Data Book on Indian Animals. It was first published in 1983 and is similar
to Red Data Book published by International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural
Resources (IUCN).
Lok Sabha passes The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015
December 4, 2015
Lok Sabha has passed The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 by a voice vote to establish Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS).
The Bill replaces the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 and establishes BIS as a national standard
body for development of standardization and assessment and quality assurance of goods, articles,
services, processes and systems.
The Bill seeks to broaden ambit of BIS and empower Union Government to make it mandatory to
carry the standard mark for certain notified goods, articles, processes, etc.
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Salient features of The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015

Establishment of the BIS: The Bureau would be a national body which will formulate,
certify and implement certain standards of quality for goods, articles, processes, etc.
Technical committees of experts will be constituted by the Bureau for the purpose of
formulating such standards.
Governing Council of BIS would be responsible for the general superintendence,
management and direction of the Bureau.
Certification of goods, articles, services etc: BIS would be a licensing authority for quality
standards which may issue a license or certificate of conformity to the item that conforms to
the Indian standard as set by the Bureau.
For quality assurance and conformity assessment of goods, articles, services, etc. the Bureau
will establish and maintain testing laboratories.
Certification of precious metals: For certification of precious metal articles including gold,
silver, platinum and palladium or their alloys a hallmark will be used.
A hallmark indicates a proportionate content of the precious metal in the metals as per the
Indian standard. Such hallmarked precious metals (articles) will be sold in certified outlets.
Mandatory certification of certain goods: Empowers Union government to notify certain
goods, processes, articles etc which will need to compulsorily carry a standard mark.
Such goods or articles will be notified for (i) public interest or protection of human, animal or
plant health (ii) prevention of unfair trade practices (iii) safety of the ecology and
environment (iv) national security.
Recall of goods, services, articles etc: Empowers the Bureau to recall a good or article
which is already out for supply or sale. This will be done if good or article does not conform
to the particular standard.
Penalties: For improper use of the Indian standard mark, fine of up to five lakh rupees will
be imposed. Prescribed penalties are for (i) Improper use of the standard mark by marking
and testing centres (ii) manufacturing or selling goods and articles not carrying a standard
mark which has been mandated to do so.
Offences by companies: It any company commits an offence under the Bill, then persons
responsible (in charge) for company will be held guilty even if the offence was committed
without their consent, knowledge or connivance.
Appeals: against an order regarding the granting of a certificate or license of conformity or
compounding of offences shall be made to the Director General (DG) of the BIS. Further
appeal against the order of DG will be made to the Union government.
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44th Navy Day observed on 4 December 2015

December 4, 2015
44th Navy Day was observed on 4 December 2015. On this occasion, Chief of Naval staff Robin K
Dhowan along with Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag paid
tributes to martyrs at the Amar Jawan Jyoti in New Delhi.
President Pranab Mukherjee extended his greetings and felicitations to all members of the Indian
Navy and their families on this occasion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his greetings to Indian Navy personnel and saluted
their impregnable spirit and utmost devotion with which they protect our Motherland.
Background
Every year Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4 to commemorate the success of the
Operation Trident of 1971 India-Pakistan War. In this operation Indian Navy sank three Pakistani
vessels near the largest Pakistani port of Karachi. Operation Trident had also resulted in first use of
anti-ship missiles in the Arabian Sea region.
Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation announced
December 4, 2015
Paris Pact on Water and Climate Change Adaptation has been announced by a broad coalition
of nations, river basin organizations, business and civil societies from across the globe.
It was announced during the on-going 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference,
Conference of Parties (COP-21) in Le Bourget, Paris, France.
The announcement was made as part of the Water Resilience Focus event under the Lima to Paris
Action Agenda (LPAA) on climate change.
Paris Pact on water and climate change adaptation
Aims to make water systems which are very foundation of sustainable human development
more resilient to climate change impacts.
It involves a wide geographic coalition of national and cross-border river basin organisations
along with governments, local governments, funding agencies, companies and civil society
Highlights other key partnerships and coalitions to make river basins, aquifers, lakes and
deltas more resilient to climate change and reduce human interference with oceans.
It encompasses individual commitments to implement adaptation plans, strengthening water
monitoring and measurement systems in river basins.
It also seeks at promoting financial sustainability and new investment in water systems
management.
It was signed by almost all countries and have committed for over one billion dollars. India also has
agreed to contribute 20 million dollars to build climate resilience through improved groundwater
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management.
About Lima to Paris Action Agenda (LPAA)
The LPAA on climate change is a joint undertaking of the Peruvian and French COP
(conference of parties) presidencies, UNFCCC Secretariat and the Office of the Secretary-
General of UN.
Aims to strengthen climate action through 2015 and beyond by mobilizing robust global
action towards low carbon and more climate resilient societies.
It seeks to provide enhanced support to the existing initiatives and help to mobilize new
partners by providing them a common platform for the visibility of their commitments,
actions and results in the run up to COP21.
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December 4, 2015
Scientist M. Nair Rajeevan appointed Earth sciences secretary
December 5, 2015
Distinguished Scientist M Nair Rajeevan (54) has been appointed as Secretary of Union Ministry of
Earth Sciences.
His for appointment of this post was cleared by Appointment Committee of Cabinet (ACC) chaired
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Presently, Rajeevan is serving as Director at Pune based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
(IITM).
Earlier he had served in renowned institutions like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
and Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Australia passes Anti-Terrorism law to strip citizenship
December 5, 2015
Australia s Federal Parliament has passed Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia)
Bill, 2015 to strip citizenship of convicted persons on terrorism charges.
The new legislation allows government to strip dual nationals of their citizenship if they are
convicted of terrorism offences.
Key provisions
Those who are found to have fought for banned terrorist group overseas, their citizenship
will be automatically terminated.
The dual nationals would lose their citizenship if the person is convicted of a terrorism
offence and sentenced to at least 6 years of imprisonment
Those who are found engaged in terrorist acts such as providing or receiving training in for
carrying a terrorist attack, recruit or finance terrorists (organisations) or terrorism.
If any person is convicted of terrorism in the previous decade then the new law has
retrospective measures to allow revoking of citizenship convicted terrorists.
Background
As per the Australian Government, the law was deemed necessary due to current terrorist threats
around the world including in Australia from banned terrorist outfit Islamic state. There also has
been increasingly concern about the flow terrorist recruits to Iraq and Syria to join IS extremist
groups from Australia.
China announces $60 billion package to Africa during FOCAC
December 5, 2015
Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced a 60 billion dollars package to African nations during
the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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The package will benefit Africa in 10 major areas (sectors) such as industry, infrastructure,
agriculture, financial services, trade and investment facilitation, green development, poverty
reduction and public welfare, public health, peace and security and people-to-people exchanges.
With this package, China is seeking to expand its investments in resource-rich Africa which can help
it to absorb its excess manufacturing capacity. It is also consider as part of its efforts to re-engage
with the continent and integrate it within its ambitious One Belt and One Road (OBOR) and
Maritime Silk Route connectivity framework.
Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC): It is the summit in which over 50 African
countries are participating. It is also expected to unveil the contours of China s security partnership
with Africa. It would mainly focus on counter-terrorism, peacekeeping and funding to train troops
within the framework of the African Union (AU).
Uttar Pradesh Government launches first International festival on Birds
December 5, 2015
Uttar Pradesh Government has launched International festival on Birds in a bid to promote state as
an international bird-watching destination.
The first-of-its-kind festival was inaugurated by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at the National
Chambal Sanctuary (NCS).
It has been jointly organised by the State Forest department in collaboration with Federation of
Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
The three-day international festival (from 4 to 6 December 2015) on birds will be held the National
Chambal Sanctuary (NCS) in Agra. Over 80 Indian ornithlogists and around 25 top international
bird experts and are participating in the first-of-its-kind festival.
About National Chambal Sanctuary
NCS was set up in 1979 as a riverine sanctuary along the Chambal River.
It is managed by the Wildlife wing of the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and its head-
quartered are located at Agra.
The sanctuary is the main area for the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a fresh water crocodile
species reintroduction programmme in the Chambal River.
The river supports the largest population of the Gharial in the wild in the country. It also
supports more than 320 resident and migrant birds.
Delhi Assembly passes Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, 2015
December 5, 2015
The Delhi Assembly has unanimously passed the Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, 2015 for establishment of
statutory anti-corruption ombudsman.
The Bill provides powers to Lokpal to act against any government functionary including those of the
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Centre and in the national capital territory (NCT) of Delhi through its own investigation wing.
Key provisions of Jan Lokpal Bill, 2015
Composition: Janlokpal will be a three member body with Chairperson and two members.
They would be appointed by on recommendation of selection committee consisting of Chief
Minister, Leader of Opposition and Speaker of Delhi Legislative Assembly.
Jurisdiction: On receiving corruption complaints from the government or from members
of public Janlokpal is empowered to investigate an allegation of corruption in the NCT
including the Chief Minister s office.
It can even probe acts of corruption against Union ministers and central government officials
working in the NCT of Delhi
Investigation time period: The Lokpal will have to complete the investigation within a
period of six months.
Constitution of Special Courts: Delhi Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of
Delhi High Court may constitute special courts as recommended by Janlokpal. The
proceedings instituted by the Janlokpal cannot be stayed by any court.
Quantum of Punishment: Rigorous imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 10 years. In
rarest of rare cases it may be extended to life term.
Those who file false cases against public functionaries would be also punished.
Confiscation of Assets: The assets accumulated through corrupt means will be confiscated.
Janlokpal may also confiscate property belonging to public servant if it has not been disclosed.
Power of transfer or suspension of Public Servant: Janlokpal may recommend
Government to suspend or transfer the public servant for a specified period if it feels that
continuance of public servant under investigation might tamper with evidence or influence
witnesses or affect the investigation.
Whistleblowers Protection: Janlokpal can issue necessary orders to provide full protection
for whistleblowers by protecting confidentiality and providing security. It can also initiate
criminal action against the person involved in harassment of whistleblower.
Himachal Pradesh becomes first State to launch Rotavirus vaccination project
December 5, 2015
Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to start Rotavirus vaccination project
under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
The project was launched by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh from Dharamsala in district Kangra by
administering the Rotavirus vaccine drops to the children aged less than 5 years.
Rotavirus vaccination project is based on the analogy of the polio vaccine. Under it Rotavirus drops
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would be administered to the children at 6, 10 and 14 weeks after birth. The vaccination project will
help in controlling the deaths amongst small children due to Diarrhoea.
About Rotavirus
The Rotavirus is a genus of double-stranded RNA virus in the family Reoviridae. It most
common causative agent of moderate-to-severe diarrhoea (MSD) among infants below 11
months age group in India.
Transmission: The virus spreads from person to person due to bacterial and parasiting
agents that are primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water.
Impact on Health: It causes gastroenteritis after it damages the cells that line the small
intestine and causes gastroenteritis.
Married daughters eligible for appointment on compassionate grounds: Allahabad HC
December 5, 2015
Allahabad High Court in its judgment has made married daughters of deceased government
employees eligible for appointments on compassionate grounds in government jobs.
Ruling in this regard was given by a bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice
Yashwant Verma on a petition filed by a Vimla Srivastava.
The petitioner had challenged the validity of clauses 2C-3 of Uttar Pradesh Recruitment of Government
Servants Dying in Harness Rules. The Clause 2C-3 only allowed unmarried or widowed daughters of
deceased government employees eligible for appointment on compassionate grounds.
Allahabad High Court Judgment
High Court held that clause 2C-3 is unconstitutional and violated fundamental rights.
Observed that when married son could get jobs on compassionate grounds then there is no
reason to deny the same to married daughter.
Pointed out that the exclusion of married daughters violated Article 14 (Right to Equality),
Article 15 (prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of sex, religion, caste etc.) and
Article 16 (equality of opportunity in matters of public employment)
CEA Dr Arvind Subramanian Committee suggests GST rate of 17-18 per cent
December 5, 2015
Chief Economic Advisor Dr Arvind Subramanian led Committee has recommended standard rate for
Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 17 to 18 per cent.
The Committee has submitted its report to Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New Delhi.
Recommendations of Dr Arvind Subramanian Committee
Standard GST rate of 17 to 18 per cent. It is the rate at which most products would likely be
taxed. Not to specify GST rate in Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Revenue-neutral rate of 15 to 15.5 per cent. It is a single rate at which there will be no
46
revenue loss to the centre and states in the GST regime.

Eliminate all taxes on inter-state trade including one per cent inter-state tax on transfer of
goods.
Two options for states: Single rate of 1 per cent or a range of 17-18 per cent. Allocation to
states will depend on revenues raised by Centre and states.
Three-tier GST rate structure: Essential goods will be taxed at a lower rate of 12 per cent.
Demerit goods such as luxury cars, aerated beverages, pan masala and tobacco products will
be taxed at 40 percent and remaining all goods will be taxed at a standard rate of 17 to 18 per
cent.
Excluded real estate, electricity and alcohol and petroleum products while calculating tax rates
but suggests bringing them under the ambit of GST soon.
Background
Union government had set up the committee under chairmanship of CEA Dr. Subramanian in June
2015 to arrive at GST rates by factoring in the economic growth rate, taxpayer base and tax
compliance levels.
Goods and Services Tax (GST)
GST aims to bring uniform indirect tax regime throughout the country by subsuming central
and state indirect taxes into single indirect tax.
It seeks to enhance fiscal federalism by removing indirect tax barriers across states and
integrate the country into a common market, boosting government revenue and reducing
business costs.
South Western Railways Zone introduces Biodiesel for trains
December 5, 2015
The South Western Railways (SWR) Zone with headquarters in Hubli, Karnataka has introduced
biodiesel for trains, operating under its zone.
In this regard, SWR s first train Hubballi-Bengaluru Janshatabdi Express powered by five per cent
biodiesel blended with High Speed Diesel was flagged off from Hubli.
The main aim of the initiative is to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and carbon footprint
and also to make fuel consumption more efficient.
To meet its biodiesel demand, SWR zone has set up Biodiesel filling centres at Hubli, Bengaluru and
Hospet. In next one year all the 13 railway depots within the zone will have their own filling units
and the biodiesel blending will be gradually increased to ten percent.
Biodiesel
Biodiesel is a green fuel that provides quasi-renewable energy for cleaner alternatives as
sustainable fuel for diesel locomotives and reduces dependency on fossil fuel especially diesel.
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It is commonly obtained from crops such as sugarcane, cassava, corn, potato, beetroot and
recently from grapes, banana and dates etc.
Union Government is promoting use of biodiesel in India Railways for the purpose of energy
security, cleaner air and savings in foreign exchange along with employment opportunities in
rural areas.
India s forest & tree cover increased by 5, 081 Sq km: ISFR 2015
December 5, 2015
According to the recently released India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2015, India s forest and tree
cover has been increased by 5081 Square kilometre.
The report was released by the Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi
Key facts
The total forest and tree cover in the country is 79.42 million hectare, which accounts for
24.16 per cent of the total geographical area.
The total forest cover of the country has increased by 3, 775 sq km and the tree cover has
gone up by 1, 306 sq km.
The majority of the increase in forest cover has been observed in open forest category mainly
outside forest areas, followed by Very Dense Forest.
Open Forest area: Increased by 4744 sq km and accounts for 9.14 per cent of the total
geographical area.
Very Dense Forest area: Increased by 2404 sq km and accounts for 2.61 per cent of the total
geographical area.
Total carbon stock: Increased by 1.48 per cent (103 million tonnes) and is estimated to be 7,
044 million tonnes in the country s forest.
Around 40 per cent forest cover in India is in 9 big patches of 10, 000 sq kms and more. The
increase in mangrove cover also has been included in the increase in total forest cover.
State wise maximum increase in forest cover: Tamil Nadu (2, 501 sq km), Kerala (1, 317
sq km) and Jammu & Kashmir (450 sq km).
Largest forest cover in terms of area: Madhya Pradesh (77, 462 sq km), Arunachal Pradesh
(67, 248 sq km) and Chhattisgarh (55, 586 sq km).
Highest percentage of forest cover: Mizoram (88.93%), Lakshadweep (84.56%).
States/UTs having forest cover above 33 per cent: 15 States/UTs have forest cover above
33 percent of the geographical area.
Out of these 7 states/UTs have more than 75 per cent forest cover. They are Mizoram,
Lakshadweep, Andaman & Nicobar Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya and
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Manipur.
8 states have forest cover in between 33 per cent to 75 per cent. They are Tripura, Goa,
Sikkim, Kerala, Uttarakhand, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Chhattisgarh and Assam.
Background
The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2015 is the fourteenth report in the series. It is based on
interpretation of LISS (Linear Imaging Self-Scanning Sensor) III data of indigenous remote sensing
satellite, Resourcesat II. The satellite data interpretation is based extensive and rigorous ground
truthing.
China s 1st manned electric aircraft gets license for production
December 5, 2015
China has granted a license for production of first manned two seater electric aircraft RX1E known
as RX1E by the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
The aircraft has been designed by Shenyang Aerospace University and Liaoning General Aviation
Academy in northeastern Liaoning province.
Key facts
RX1E electric light-sport aircraft and it is China s first manned electric light aircraft.
This plane is powered by lithium batteries and is capable of flying a maximum altitude of
3000 meters.
The plane has a 47-foot wingspan and has a charging time of 90 minutes enables it to fly for
45 to 60 minutes. The plane can take the maximum takeoff weight of 480 kg.
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December 6, 7, 2015
Union Government launches Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
December 7, 2015
Union Government has launched Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan (Accessible India Campaign), a
nationwide campaign in a bid to achieve universal accessibility to persons with disabilities.
It was launched by Union Minister of Finance Arun Jaitley and Union Minister of Social Justice &
Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot on the occasion of International Day of Persons with
Disabilities (3 December).
About Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
Aims to enable persons with disabilities to gain universal access, equal opportunity for
development, independent living and participation in an inclusive society in all aspects of life.
The campaign has been drafted by Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment in line
with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) to which
India is a signatory.
Target set by the campaign: Envisages making all railway stations of A1, A & B categories
and the international airports in the country fully accessible to the disabled by July 2016.
Seeks to convert at least 10% of government owned public transport carriers in the country
fully accessible carriers for disabled persons by March 2018.
Meet at least 50% for issuing all public documents by the Central and State Governments to
meet accessibility standards for persons with disabilities by March 2018.
Kaher Kazem appointed as President and MD of General Motors India
December 7, 2015
Kaher Kazem has been appointed as President and Managing Director General Motors (GM) India
operations.
His appointment will come into effect from 1 January 2015 and shall replace Arvind Saxena who has
decided to retire after leading the company since early 2014
Presently, Kazem is serving as chief operating officer (COO) of GM India since early 2015.Earlier he
had managed the industrial side of the business and was president and MD of GM Uzbekistan from
2012.
Kazem had started his career as a senior engineer with GM Holden in Australia in 1995. Since then
he has held several leadership positions at GM Holden Manufacturing Operations. In 2009, he was
appointed vice president of Manufacturing and Quality for GM Thailand (ASEAN).
World Bank launches $500 million Transformative Carbon Asset Facility
December 7, 2015
The World Bank has launched a $500 million dollars Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF)
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to help developing countries pay for emission reductions and combat climate change.
It is market-based scheme specially designed to help developing countries and would establish the
world s first programmatic carbon market.
Key facts
The scheme will reward countries for reducing emissions by paying a fee for each tonne of
carbon dioxide (CO2) reduced.
The facility will help countries implement their Intended Nationally Determined
Contributions (INDCs).
Of the total 500 million dollars, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland have jointly
pledged an initial 250 million dollars investment.
The scheme would support renewable energy, energy efficiency and waste management
projects as well to cut emissions in cities and from the transport sector.
Australia wins Hockey World League Final by defeating Belgium
December 7, 2015
Australia has won the 2014-15 Men s Hockey World League Final by defeating Belgium.
In the final match played at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium, Raipur Australian team defeated
Belgium by 2-1 goals.
India was placed at third place in this league after defeating world number two and defending
champions Netherlands by 3-2 goals in the penalty shoot-out.
Top three teams of Hockey World League Final
Champions: Australia (1st title).
Runner-up: Belgium.
Third place: India.
In this edition of Men s Hockey World League Final total 8 teams had participated. They were
Australia, India (Host), Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Argentina, Netherlands and Canada.
Indian Railways flags off first double decker Goa-Mumbai train
December 7, 2015
Indian Railways has flagged off the first inaugural service of the Goa to Mumbai double-decker air-
conditioned Shatabdi train.
The fully air-conditioned double-decker train was the first of its kind in the country and was flagged
off from Panaji by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. It would play important role in boosting
tourism in Goa by bringing the tourists over to the coastal state during the peak tourist season.
The train will run thrice a week between Margao Railway Station and the Lokmanya Tilak
Terminus (LTT) in Mumbai. It would cover the distance between two states in around 12 hours and
has total eight compartments with a seating capacity of 120 in each compartment.
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Union Government releases commemorative coins on Dr B R Ambedkar

December 7, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released 2 commemorative coins on Dr B R Ambedkar as part of
the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of the architecture of Indian Constitution.
The coins are of 10 rupee and 125 rupee denomination and were issued on the 60th Mahaparinirvan
Divas of Babasaheb Ambedkar.
The Union government is celebrating 125th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar in the year 2015.
The objective of yearlong celebrations is to make the world aware about the life and the work of
legendary social reformer who is often considered as a champion of the underprivileged.
Earlier in July 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had chaired the first meeting of the National
Committee on Nationwide Celebration of 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. In
September 2015, Union Communications and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had released a
commemorative postal stamp on Dr. Ambedkar.
Singapore replaces Mauritius as top source of FDI into India
December 7, 2015
Singapore has replaced Mauritius as the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India
during the first half of the current fiscal year 2015-16.
It was unveiled by the data during April to September 2015 period released by the Department of
Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
Key facts
India has attracted 6.69 billion dollars FDI from Singapore while it received 3.66 billion
dollars from Mauritius.
Highest foreign investment sector wise : Computer software and hardware (3.05 billion
dollars), trading (2.30 billion dollars), services and automobile (1.46 billion dollars each) and
telecommunications (659 million dollars).
Foreign investment from Singapore has more than doubled from 2.41 billion dollars in the
same period in FY year 2014-15.
Overall, Singapore accounts for 15 per cent of the total inbound FDI received by India during
April 2000 and September 2015. However, Mauritius accounted for 34 per cent of FDI during
the same period.
Canada sends first consignment of Uranium to India
December 7, 2015
Canada has successfully sent the first consignment of 250 tonnes of uranium to India as part of
bilateral civil nuclear cooperation between both countries.
It was shipped by Canada s Cameco Inc, as part of contract with Department of Atomic Energy
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(DAE) that was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi s offical visit to Canada in April 2015.
With this the 41-year-long hiatus in the bilateral nuclear cooperation between both countries finally
came to an end. Canada had completely banned exports of uranium and nuclear hardware to India
after it had conducted first nuclear test on 18 May 1974. It was alleged that India had used Canadian
technology to develop a nuclear bomb for this test.
It should be noted that Canada is the second-largest producer of Uranium globally and is the third
country to supply uranium to India after Russia and Kazakhstan.
Background
The India-Canada civil nuclear contract was signed in line with the Canada-India Nuclear Cooperation
Agreement that took effect in 2013. The agreement was signed after the Nuclear Supplier Group
(NSG) had granted its waiver for use of atomic power for civilian purposes in 2008 ending India s 3
decade long isolation from international nuclear trade.
As per the supply agreement, Canada s Cameco Corporation is going to supply 3,000 metric tonnes
of uranium to India for next five years starting from year 2015. These supplies will be under the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards.
India, Pakistan holds NSA level talks in Bangkok
December 7, 2015
National Security Advisor (NSA) level talks between India and Pakistan were held in Bangkok,
Thailand.
It was attended by India s NSA Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Naseer Khan Janjua. Foreign
secretaries S. Jaishankar (India) and Aziz Ahmad Chaudhary (Pakistan) were also present during the
high level meet.
Key facts
Both sides in the meeting discussed peace and security, terrorism, Jammu and Kashmir and
other issues including tranquility along the Lince of Control.
The dialogue mainly covered issues of key interest to both countries including terrorism for
India and the Kashmir dispute for Pakistan.
They also agreed to carry forward the constructive engagement between both countries.
Background
The NSA level talks come in the backdrop of the recent meeting between Prime ministers of India
and Pakistan in Paris, France on the lines of UNFCCC summit. Earlier in September 2015, the
planned NSA level talks based on 2015 Ufa declaration between both countries was called off at last
moment.
India-Russia joint naval exercise INDRA NAVY-15 begins in Visakhapatnam
December 7, 2015
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The eighth edition of India-Russia joint naval exercise-INDRA NAVY-15 has begun in
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
INDRA NAVY-15 is a bilateral maritime joint naval exercise between the Indian and Russian navies
for epitomising the strategic relationship between the two countries.
About INDRA NAVY-15
The primary aim is to increase interoperability between the navies of two countries and
develop common understanding of procedures for maritime security operations.
The scope includes wide- ranging professional interactions during the Harbour phase and
spectrum of maritime operations during the Sea Phase.
The Harbour Phase encompasses planning conferences ashore and table-top exercises prior to
progressing to sea. The Sea Phase would include various facets of fleet operations.
Indian Navy will be represented by: INS Sahyadri an indigenous frigate, INS Ranvijay a
guided missile destroyer and INS Shakti-a Fleet Support Ship.
It also is represented by INS Sindhuvir a submarine, P81 Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft,
Dornier Short Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer.
Russian Federation Navy (RFN) will be represented by: 4 ships from Vladivostok based
Pacific Fleet. They are Bystry-a destroyer, Varyag-a cruiser, Alatau-a rescue ocean going tug
and Boris Butoma-a fleet tanker.
INDRA NAVY-15 bilateral naval exercise was initiated in 2003. Since then, it has matured over the
years with increasing scope, complexity of operations and level of participation.
The eight edition of exercise will be another milestone in strengthening maritime security
cooperation between the two navies. It will also serve to reinforce the long-standing bond of
friendship between both countries.
First red alert on pollution declared in Beijing
December 8, 2015
The Chinese government has issued its first red alert on pollution (smog) it its Capital Beijing due to
hazardous air quality caused by severe air pollution.
The warning was an upgrade from the previous second highest orange alert. The red alert is the
most serious (highest) warning on a four-tier system of emergency air-pollution response system
was adopted in 2013.
Under the alert
Government has advised schools to be voluntarily close unless they had good air filtration
systems.
Half of private cars in the capital city would be also ordered off the road during the period
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with an odd-even number plate system in force.

The other extra measures to be enforced include halting outdoor construction, banning
fireworks and outdoor cooking.
China, the world s biggest carbon emitter in recent times is grappling with the serious chronic
problem of the air pollution leading to smog in cities. Most of the pollution is caused by the coal-
fired power plants along with vehicle emissions, heating systems and construction and factory work.
Particulate matter (PM) 2.5
Readings of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 particles in Beijing also has climbed 300 micrograms per
cubic meter which is far more than World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of 25 per
cubic meter.
PM2.5 are fine particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter that may occur naturally or from
anthropogenic activities like human industrial processes. They often reach the lungs causing lifelong
respiratory disease and may be fatal if it mixes into the bloodstream.
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December 8, 2015
Centre-right MUD coalition wins 2015 Parliamentary election of Venezuela
December 8, 2015
Opposition Centre-right Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) coalition has won the 2015
Parliamentary elections of Venezuela.
The MUD coalition won at least 99 seats in the 167-seat legislature of the National Assembly by
defeating ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) led by President Nicols Maduro.
In this election, PSUV won 46 seats and remaining candidates from different parties have won 22
seats. With this, the 17 years of socialist ruling regime came to an end which was founded by former
President Hugo Chavez in 1999.
Background
2015 Parliamentary election for the 167 members of the National Assembly of Venezuela was held
on 6 December 2015 and was based on a mixed majoritarian system. Under this system, of the total
167 members, 113 members are elected by first-past-the-post voting in 87 constituencies.
51 seats are elected by closed list of proportional representation based on the 23 states and the
Capital District and the seats are allocated using the d Hondt method. The remaining 3 seats are
reserved for indigenous peoples and are elected by the community.
Venezuela: It is oil-rich Latin American country located on the northern coast of South America.
Presently, the country is facing worst economic slowdown due to due to continuing low price of oil
in the international market as it is its main export commodity. It also has the highest inflation rate
around 100 per cent in 2015 in the South America.
Lok Sabha passes High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of
Service) Amendment Bill, 2015
December 8, 2015
Lok Sabha has passed The High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of
Service) Amendment Bill, 2015
The Bill amends the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1958 and the
High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954.
Key features of Bill
The Bill aims at removing anomalies in pensionary benefits of High Court judges elevated
from the bar.
Seeks to bring uniformity and do away with the indiscrimination of salaries and pensions for
judges elevated from the Bar
Pension payable to HC judges: For the purpose of providing pension, a period of 10 years
will be added from April 2004 to the service of a Judge. This provision would be applicable to
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a HC judge who has been an advocate of a HC for at least 10 years.

Casual leave for SC and HC judges: The casual leave for SC and HC judges will be
computed in a manner to be prescribed. The previous 1954 and 1958 Acts provided leave to
judges on full allowances and half allowances respectively.
Leave allowances of HC judges: Henceforth Judges would have the option of availing leave
on partly full and partly half allowances or full allowances, half allowances specified in the
1954 and 1958 Acts.
Joining time allowance for HC judges: Deletion of provision in 1954 Act that provides for
an allowance at the rate of Rs.1110 per month instead of salary to HC judges in relation to
joining time on his return from leave out of India.
Maharashtra becomes first state to allow MLAs raise online question
December 8, 2015
The Maharashtra legislature has become the first in the country to launch an online mechanism for
its members to send questions and move different motions in the House.
In this regard state government has launched a website mls.org.in as part of Digital MLAs initiative
in the winter session of state legislature in Nagpur.
Key facts
This system has been launched in an effort of state government to move towards complete
digitization of the legislative process that aims at bringing the paper work to minimum.
All MLAs and MLCs have been given unique user names and passwords to access to website
so that they can send their questions and requests online.
Facilitates them to move different motions like calling attention and half-an-hour discussion
questions for legislature sessions.
The system has been designed by the Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL).
Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015 introduced in Lok Sabha to fast track nuclear power
projects
December 8, 2015
Union Government has introduced Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to facilitate and fast
track setting up of new nuclear projects in the country.
It was introduced by Union Minister of State (MoS) for Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh.
The Bill seeks to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
Key provisions of the Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015
Under the Act, a government company is one in which at least 51% of the paid-up share capital is
held by the central government. Paid-up share capital is the capital received by a company from the
issue of shares.
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Redefines paid-up share capital: Expands the definition of paid-up share capital in parent
Act to include joint ventures (JV) of public sector undertakings (PSUs).
The whole of the paid up share capital would be held by one or more PSUs and empowers the
Union government to constitute its Board of Directors for such JV.
Licenses: Henceforth it will only be granted to entities such as a government company or a
department of Union Government.
Under the parent Act, license is required for acquisition, production, use, export and import
of any plant designed for the production and development of atomic energy or research.
License granted will be cancelled if it ceases to be a government company for (i) acquiring
and using substances or minerals from which atomic energy can be obtained (ii) producing
atomic energy etc.
Comment
The amendment to Atomic Energy Act, 1962 has been proposed to facilitate the fast expansion of
nuclear power and its generation in the country to meet electricity demand. The passage of Bill
would enable Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCI) to enter into joint ventures (JVs) with
other public sector undertakings (PSUs) for civil nuclear power projects.
Note: The Atomic Energy Act, 1962 empowers the Union government to produce, develop, control,
and use atomic energy.
Pune, Rajkot become interim IPL franchises to replace CSK, RR
December 8, 2015
Pune and Rajkot have become the new interim franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
through the reverse bidding process.
They will replace the suspended teams of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) for
a period of two years.
The Pune franchise was bought by Kolkata-based company New Rising owned by business tycoon
Sanjiv Goenka, while Intex Mobiles won the bid for the Rajkot franchise.
Mr. Goenka will shell out 10 crore rupees per year to the Board of Cricket Council of India (BCCI)
for the Pune franchise, while Intex Mobiles will pay 16 crore rupees for the two-year.
Reverse bidding process
Both new interim franchises were picked through the reverse bidding process for which the base
price was set at 40 crore rupees. The bidders were to quote an amount less than that and the lowest
bidders were given the franchises.
Now, players from CSK and RR franchises will be divided between two teams of capped and
uncapped draft system. The two new teams will have a minimum of 40 crore rupees and a maximum
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of 66 crore rupees to buy their players.

Background
Earlier, the Supreme Court-appointed Justice (Retd) R.M. Lodha committee had suspended CSK and
RR after it was found the involvement some of their officials and co-owners in the 2013 IPL spot-
fixing scandal.
The committee has suspended both teams for 2 years term and have been allowed back in the league
after serving out their suspension term.
Parliament passes Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015
December 8, 2015
Parliament passed the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015. It was first passed by Lok
Sabha in August 2015 and later in Rajya Sabha in December 2015.
The bill seeks to amend The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 in order to make cheque-bounce
filing of cases more convenient for check payees (person who receives the cheque).
Key features of Bill
Adds provision to specify the territorial jurisdiction of the courts in cases related to bouncing
of cheques which was not present in the parent Act.
It says that cases in this regard need to be filed only in a court in whose jurisdiction the bank
branch of the payee lies.
It also adds provision related to more than one case is filed against the same person before
different courts for bouncing of cheques.
In this matter, the case will be transferred to the court that has appropriate jurisdiction. The
bill also amends the definition of cheque.
Redefines cheque in the electronic form which is signed in a secure system with a digital
signature or using electronic system and drawn in electronic medium using any computer
resource.
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December 9, 2015
Indian-American Entrepreneur Frank Islam selected for 2015 Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award
December 9, 2015
Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist Frank Islam (63) has been selected for the
prestigious 2015 Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award.
He has been chosen for this award in recognition of his achievements and outstanding contributions
in a foreign country. He will be bestowed upon with award by UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at
the inaugural UP Pravasi Diwas on January 4, 2016 in Agra.
About Frank Islam
Frank Islam was born in Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh to a peasant father and had moved to US
when he was only 15 years old. He is an entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist.
In 1994, he had founded an Information Technology (IT) firm the QSS with him as the sole
employee. Later the company employed more than 2,000 employees and its sales was US 300
million dollars before it was sold in 2007.
Later in 2007, he spent rest of his life in philanthropy, both in India and the US. Currently, he
heads the FI Invest Group a firm that he established after selling his IT Company.
Books: He has written two well-regarded books on the American condition. They are
Working the Pivot Points: To Make America Work Again (2013). Renewing the American Dream:
A Citizen s Guide for Restoring Our Competitive Advantage (2010).
Awards and Honours: Martin Luther King Jr Award (2015).
About UP Ratna Award
The award is conferred by the Uttar Pradesh Government on the NRI who hails from state. It is
bestowed on NRI for making significant contribution to the field of science, technology, medicine,
culture, education, public service and commerce in foreign countries. The award carries shawl,
citation certificate and memento.
Shuttler Carolina Marin wins Female Player of the Year award
December 9, 2015
World number one women shuttler Carolina Marin from Spain has won the 2015 Female
Badminton Player of the Year award.
She was presented with the award by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) President Poul-Erik
Hoyer in Dubai.
India s Saina Nehwal along with Zhao Yunlei of China (2014 winner) and another Chinese Bao Yixin
were in race for this annual award in Female category.
Other categories winners
Male Player of the Year award: Chen Long (China).
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Most Promising Player of the Year: Zheng Si Wei (China).

Male Para-Badminton Player of the Year award: Lee Sam Seop (South Korea).
Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year award: Helle Sofie Sagoy (Norway).
Carolina Marn is currently ranked No. 1 in the world by Badminton World Federation Women s
Singles 2015 rankings. She has won in World Championships in women s single category two times
in 2014 and 2015 respectively. She also has won five World Superseries titles.
Iran tests Ghadr-110 ballistic missile, breaches UNSC resolution
December 9, 2015
Iran has successfully carried out test of medium range Ghadr-110 ballistic missile near the Chabahar,
a port city in southeast of country along the Gulf of Oman.
The test was held in November 2015, but was disclosed by the western intelligence agencies in
December 2015. With this Iran so far has breached of two United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
resolutions which compels it to refrain from any work on ballistic missiles for 8 years.
Key facts
Ghadr-110 ballistic missile is an improved and advance version of Shahab 3 missile which is
similar to the precision guided missile that was tested by Iran in October 2015.
It has a range of 1,800 2000 km and is capable of carrying a nuclear warhead as well as
conventional warheads.
Missile test ban
Currently under the 2010 UNSC resolution all ballistic missile tests have been banned in Iran
until a nuclear deal between Iran and P5+1 nations is implemented.
Under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) reached on July 2015 between Iran
and P5+1 nations most sanctions on Iran were lifted in exchange for curbs on its nuclear
program.
But the deal had refrained Iran from working on ballistic missiles designed to deliver nuclear
weapons for up to eight years.
P5+1 nations: It is group of six world powers which had joined together in 2006 to reach diplomatic
efforts with Iran with regard to its nuclear program. The term P5+1 refers to the UNSC five
permanent members China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States plus Germany.
Scientists genetically modify Anopheles gambiae mosquito species to fight malaria
December 9, 2015
Scientists have genetically modified malaria-causing mosquito Anopheles gambiae species to fight
the deadly disease of malaria.
The research was successfully carried by team of researchers led by London based Imperial College
and was published in the journal Nature Biotechnology.
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Key facts
Scientists have genetically modified Anopheles gambiae mosquito species so that they carry a
modified gene disrupting egg production in female mosquitoes.
For this they had used a technology called gene drive which uses the technique of recessive
genes, so that many mosquitoes will inherit only one copy of the gene.
Usually two copies in female Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes are needed for fertility. But the
one copy of the gene makes female infertile by disrupting egg production.
The genes were modified with the help of CRISPR/Cas9 endonuclease which is a type of
DNA cutting tool that modify the very specific parts of the genetic code.
The trait of modified gene can be passed through a population of mosquitoes over time and
can help to drastically reduce or eliminate the malaria-carrying mosquito species.
The findings represent an important scientific step in the ability to develop novel methods of
vector control.
It should be noted that mosquito species Anopheles gambiae are the major carrier of dangerous
malaria parasites in sub-Saharan Africa region where 90 per cent of annual malaria deaths occur.
Every year, malaria infects more than 200 million people and causes more than 430,000 deaths across
the globe.
5th Heart of Asia conference begins in Pakistan
December 9, 2015
The fifth edition of Heart of Asia conference, an annual regional gathering of Asian and other
countries commenced in Islamabad Pakistan.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani jointly inaugurated the
ministerial-level meeting.
Key facts
Theme of the meeting: Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process: Enhanced cooperation for
countering security threats and promoting connectivity in the Heart of Asia region.
Focus of the two day conference: To increase cooperation for countering security threats
and promotion of connectivity in the region.
It is jointly hosted by Pakistan and Afghanistan and would be attended by the high-ranking
delegations from 14 participating states, 17 supporting countries and 12 international and
regional organisations. From India, the Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is
attending the meeting.
Six key areas: The 14 participating states are pursuing confidence-building measures in 6
key areas including counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, disaster management, education,
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trade and investment and regional infrastructure.

About Heart of Asia conference
Heart of Asia Istanbul Process was established 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey.
Seeks to provide a platform to deal common regional issues particularly encouraging security
along with political and economic cooperation among Afghanistan and its neighbours facing
problems of terrorism, extremism and poverty.
14 Member states: Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and UAE.
Lok Sabha passes Indian Trusts (Amendment), Bill 2015
December 9, 2015
The Lok Sabha passed the Indian Trusts (Amendment), Bill 2015 by voice vote.
The Bill seeks to amend the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 to remove the archaic provisions from the 133
year old legislation which have no relevance.
Key facts
The bill seeks to empower the Union Government to notify a class of securities for the
purposes of investment of trust-money by the trustees.
It also seeks to do away with the requirement of case to case approval by the Government for
investment in any security.
The bill also provides greater flexibility and autonomy for the trustees to take decisions on
investment of trust money based on their assessment of the risk return.
Indian Trusts Act, 1882 regulates the functioning of private trusts and trustees in India. It also
outlines the procedure for investment of surplus funds of the trust for future use.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel named 2015 Time s Person of the Year
December 9, 2015
Time magazine has named German Chancellor Angela Merkel as Person of the Year 2015.
She was named for her role in Europe s crises over migration and Greek debt as she had provided
steadfast moral leadership in a world where it is in short supply.
With this, Merkel became only the 4th woman since 1927 to be named winner and the first women
to feature in 29 years. The other women three women to win are Wallis Simpson (1936), Queen
Elizabeth II (1952) and Corazon Aquino (1986).
Islamic State (IS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was named runner-up and US Presidential hopeful
Donald Trump was placed .
About Angela Merkel
Angela Merkel (full name- Angela Dorothea Kasner) was born on 17 July 1954 in Hamburg,
West Germany.
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She is trained as a physicist and had entered politics after the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall.
In 2005 national elections, Merkel became Germany s first female chancellor, and one of the
leading figures of the European Union.
Prior to entering into politics, she was working as research scientist. She was elected as first
women Chancellor of Germany in 2005 and since then is in office.
Time Magazine s Person of the Year title
It is an annual honour that has been bestowed by the magazine. It was started in 1927. Every year it
is announced in the month of December. It is given to person who is most influenced in the news
during the year and is chosen for better or worse cases in the news.
Union Cabinet approves Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015
December 9, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Real Estate
(Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015.
The Bill seeks to protect the interest of consumers, promote fair play in real estate transactions and
ensure timely execution of projects.
It aims at restoring confidence of the real estate sector in the consumers by institutionalizing
accountability and transparency in real estate and housing transactions. It further seeks enable the
real estate sector to access financial and capital markets.
Salient features of the Bill
The provisions of the bill would be applicable both for residential and commercial real estate
projects.
Establishment of Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in all States/Union Territories
(UTs) to regulate real estate transactions.
Mandatory registrations of real estate projects and real estate agents with the RERA.
Mandatory to disclose all registered projects along with details of the project, promoter, land
status, layout plan, agreements, approvals as well as details of real estate agents, architect,
contractors, structural engineer etc.
For timely completion of the project, specified amount will be deposited in a separate bank
account to cover the construction cost.
Establishment of Appellate Tribunal for fast track dispute resolution mechanisms for
settlement of disputes through adjudicating officers.
Empowers only consumer court to hear real estate matters and prohibits civil courts from
taking up matters defined in Bill.
Without consent of consumers, promoters are barred from changing plans and design.
Henceforth RERA would make necessary regulations and the Governments would make rules
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in the matters specified in the Bill.

Comment
The Bill would provide uniform regulatory environment for orderly growth of the real estate
sector and to ensure speedy adjudication of disputes.
It will boost foreign and domestic investments in the Real Estate sector and play important
role in achieving objective of providing Housing for All of Union Government by enhanced
private participation.
It will also promote orderly growth of Real Estate sector in the country through consequent
efficient execution of project, professionalism and standardization.
Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and UK in the field of cooperation in the energy
sector
December 9, 2015
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) on cooperation between India and United Kingdom in the energy sector.
Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in New Delhi.
Under the MoU the areas of cooperation are
The main focus will be on the electricity market structure and the integration of renewable
energy into the grid.
Market reforms, regulatory structures and market competition in the distribution and supply
of electricity. It includes incentives and regulations for Renewable Energy deployment.
Promotion of energy efficiency practice and policies including vehicular fuel efficiency and
industrial energy efficiency.
The integration of renewable energy into the grid. It includes off-shore wind energy and
solar energy and Tidal energy.
Promotion of smart grids, energy storage and new energy technologies along with off-grid
renewable energy services. It also includes capacity building of renewable energy institutions.
The MoU will provide a framework for technical assistance in the energy sector along with in-kind
grant and other support through relevant projects initiated by UK.
The programme under MoU would help to improve energy security and reliability of supply at both
centre and state levels. It would also improve energy access and facilitate sustainable economic
growth.
MoU between India and Indonesia
The Union Cabinet also approved MoU between India and Indonesia in the field of new and
renewable energy. It was signed in Jakarta during the visit of Vice President M. Hamid to Indonesia
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in November 2015.
The MoU seeks to establish the basis for a cooperative institutional framework to promote and
encourage technical bilateral cooperation on new and renewable energy issues.
CCEA approves measures to increase Pulses production
December 9, 2015
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved creation of buffer stock of
pulses to deal with wide fluctuation in prices of pulses and check food inflation.
The buffer stock will be created by the procurement and would be valid for fiscal year 2015-16.
As per decision
The buffer stock will consist about 50000 tonnes of pulses from the kharif crop 2015-16 and
one lakh tonnes from the rabi crop of 2015-16.
The Procurement will be done at market prices through above Minimum Support Price
(MSP) out of the Price Stabilisation Fund.
If the prices fall below MSP, the procurement will be made at MSP under Price Support
Scheme of Department of Agriculture (DoA).
Procuring agencies would be Food Corporation of India (FCI), National Agricultural
Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and Small Farmers Agribusiness
Consortium (SFAC).
The CCEA also decided to import pulses through Union Ministry of Commerce depending on the
requirement.
Comment
Though being the highest producer of pulses in the world, India faces shortage as its domestic
demand outstrips domestic production.
It leads to fluctuation in prices and food inflation. As a short term measure the shortfall of
pulses is usually met from imports.
However, there is need for a long-term solution to meet its demand and increase pulses
production in the country.
Presently, Union government promotes cultivation of pulses mainly through National Food
Security Mission (NFSM) which covers 622 districts in 27 states.
Around 50 per cent of allocation of NFSM is made for pulses. Under it, financial assistance is
given for distribution of quality seeds of new varieties, integrated pest management, water
saving devices, demonstration of improved technology and capacity building of farmers.
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December 10, 2015

India ranks 4th in black money outflows: GFI Report
December 10, 2015
India has been placed at fourth position in black money outflows among the developing and
emerging economies.
It was revealed by Global Financial Integrity s (GFI s) Illicit Financial Flows from Developing
Countries: 2004-2013 Report.
Key facts
Record 1.1 trillion dollars flowed illicitly out of developing and emerging economies in 2013.
Top 10 countries: China (1st), Russia (2nd), Mexico (3rd), India (4th), Malaysia (5th), Brazil
(6th), South Africa (75th), Thailand (8th), Indonesia (9th) and Nigeria (10th).
China tops the list with 139 billion dollars average outflow of black money per annum. It was
around 258.64 billion dollars in year 2013.
China was followed by Russia (104 billion dollars per annum) and Mexico (52.8 billion dollars
per annum).
The illegal capital (black money) outflows are mainly attributed to tax evasion, crime,
corruption and other illicit activity.
In case of India, 51 billion dollars black money outflowed per annum between the decade long
period from 2004 to 2013.
10 December: Human Rights Day
December 10, 2015
Human Rights Day (HRD) is marked annually on 10th December to commemorate the day in 1948
when the United Nations (UN) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
The theme chosen for the year 2015 HRD is Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always . It marks the launch
of a 1 year campaign commemorating two international human rights treaties International Covenant
on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
(ICCPR). Both of the treaties were adopted in 1966.
Background
Human Rights Day was formally established at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) on 4 December 1950.
It was established after UNGA declared Resolution 423(V) by inviting all member states and any other
interested organizations to celebrate the day to the mark the first global enunciation of human rights
and one of the first major achievements of the UN.
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IISc bags US military contract for R&D on solar powered micro-grid

December 10, 2015
Bengaluru based Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has bagged a United States military contract for
research and development (R&D) on solar powered micro-grid.
The federal contract worth US 52,900 dollars was awarded to IISc by the US Pacific Air Forces
(PAF), Yokota Air Base in Japan. Under this contract IISc will develop solar powered micro-grid
with battery and super capacitor energy storage system.
It is considered as one of the rare instances as US military has awarded a federal contract to an Indian
scientific institute known for its high-end cutting edge research.
The announcement of the contract comes on the eve of the meeting between Union Defence
Minister Manohar Parrikar and US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter at Pentagon.
Mr Parrikar is on his maiden visit to the US to discuss ways to deepen the long term strategic
partnership between both nations. Earlier, he had visited the US Pacific Command (PACOM)
headquarters in Hawaii, becoming the the first-ever Indian Defence Minister to visit the key defence
facility of US.
About Indian Institute of Science (IISc)
IISc is a public university for scientific research and higher education located in Bangalore, India. It
was established in 1909 with active support from industrialist and philanthropist Jamsetji Tata.
IISc is widely regarded as India s finest institution in its field. It is the first Indian institute to feature
on Times Higher Education World University Rankings for engineering and technology at 99th
position in the year 2015-16.
Cabinet approves amendments to The National Waterways Bill, 2015
December 10, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to carry out
official amendments in The National Waterways Bill, 2015.
The amendments seek to add 106 additional inland waterways as the national waterways based on
the recommendations Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture and
comments of State Governments.
Key facts
The National Waterways Bill, 2015 repeals the five Acts that declare the existing national
waterways. These existing five national waterways are now covered under the Bill.
The enactment of this Act (Central legislation) will pave way for the inclusion of 106
additional inlands waterways.
Thus the total number of national waterways (NW) numbers will go up to 111 from existing
five national waterways.
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The changes made in former bill include omission of 10 waterways from Kerala. While 17
waterways have been merged with the existing waterways.
18 new waterways have been added. 5 each from Karnataka and Meghalaya, 3 each from
Maharashtra and Kerala, 1 each from Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan).
The declaration of these National Waterways would enable Inland Waterways Authority of
India (IWAI) to develop the feasible stretches for Shipping and Navigation.
Note: Union Government is empowered to make laws on shipping and navigation on inland
waterways which are classified as national waterways by Parliament by law as per Entry 24 of the
Union List of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution.
Inland Waterways
Waterways are the cheapest and environment friendly modes of Transportation. They are most
suitable for carrying heavy and bulky goods. Existing five national waterways are (i) NW 1: between
Allahabad and Haldia (1620 km) on Ganga River (ii) NW 2: between Sadiya and Dubri (891 km) (iii)
NW 3: West Coast Canal (205 km) in Kerala (iv) NW 4: Kakinada Pondicherry stretch River
Godavari and Wazirabad Vijayawada stretch of River Krishna in Andhra Pradesh (v) NW 5:
Talcher Dhamra (620 km) stretch on Mahanadi River.
India and Pakistan announces 10-point Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue
December 10, 2015
India and Pakistan have agreed to resume structured dialogue between them through new 10-point
Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue (CBD).
The 10-point CBD replaces earlier 8-point Composite Dialogue Process (CDP) structured dialogue
which was also known as Resumed Dialogue.
In this regard, both countries have issued a joint statement after a meeting between External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan Prime Minister s Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz in
Islamabad on the side-lines of Hearth of Asia Conference.
10-point Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue (CBD) includes
Peace and security, confidence building measures (CBMs).
Jammu and Kashmir.
Siachen.
Sir Creek Boundary Dispute.
Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project.
Economic and Commercial cooperation.
Counter-terrorism, Narcotics control.
People-to-people exchanges.
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Humanitarian issues.
Religious tourism.
CBD includes all the eight elements of CDP and adds new two elements viz. Humanitarian issues
and Religious Tourism in the agenda to make the peace process between both countries long
lasting.
Joint statement issued also includes
National Security Advisors (NSAs) of both countries to take forward talks on terrorism.
Pakistan committed to expedite 26/11 Mumbai attacks trial.
Secretary-level talks within stipulated time table.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Pakistan in 2016 to participate in the 19th
South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit to be held in Islamabad.
Union Government declares Tamil Nadu flood as Calamity of Severe Nature
December 10, 2015
The Union Government has declared the recent Tamil Nadu flood as a Calamity of Severe Nature.
Central Government s announcement came after Chief Minister J.Jayalalithaa had made a plea to
Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking that the floods be declared as National Disaster.
Under this declaration Parliamentarians are advised to pend up to 1 crore rupees under their MP
Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for reconstruction and rehabilitation works in the in
flood-affected districts.
In this regard, MPs can send approval letters to the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme
Implementation.
Background
The 2015 South Indian floods was a severe natural calamity caused by heavy rainfall on 15 16
November during the annual northeast monsoon seson.
The worst affected areas were are located on the Coromandel Coast region of the South Indian states
of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and the union territory of Puducherry. Chennai, capital city of
Tamil Nadu was particularly hard-hit.
The floods had killed nearly 600 people and displaced over 1.8 million people. The flooding was
attributed to the strong El Nio phenomenon during the El Nio year of 2015
Israel successfully tests Arrow ballistic missile interceptor
December 10, 2015
Israel has successfully tested Arrow ballistic missile Weapon System as part of its defence
upgradation measures in the face of regional threats.
The missile system has been jointly developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the US
aviation giant Boeing.
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Key facts
Arrow 3 is the top-tier system in Israel s missile shield arsenal. It is more powerful compared
to country s lowest-tier defence is the short-range Iron Dome interceptor.
It provides exo-atmospheric interception of ballistic missiles i.e. designed to shoot down
missiles above the atmosphere.
It can hit targets in space that are meant to simulate a nuclear or chemical weapon that could
be launched from Iran, Syria or Hezbollah.
The Arrow ballistic missile project was first launched in 1988 by US as part of the then Star
Wars programme and was abandoned in 1993.
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December 11, 2015

Mauricio Macri sworn in as President of Argentina
December 11, 2015
Mauricio Macri of Republican Proposal Party (RPP) has been sworn in as new President of
Argentina after taking oath in the Congress.
With this he became Argentina s first non-Peronist President in 14 years and the third leader elected
from outside the Peronist movement founded by Juan Peron since the end of the country s
1976-1983 dictatorship.
Background
Earlier in 2015 Presidential election held in November 2015 Mr Macri had won the election by
securing more than 53 per cent votes. He had defeated his rival Daniel Scioli of ruling Peronist Party
who secured 47 per cent votes. His victory had ended the 12 years of leftist rule in Argentina.
About Mauricio Macri
Born on 8 February 1959 in Tandil, Argentina. He is son of Francisco Macri who is one of
Argentina s richest men.
Prior to entering politics, Mr Macri had a long career in business and holds civil engineer
degree.
In 1995, he was elected as president of Boca Juniors Football Club, one of the most popular
football clubs in Argentina.
He used his success at the club as a springboard for his political career and later was re-elected
as President of Club in 1999 and 2003.
Prior to getting elected as President, he was representing City of Buenos Aires in the lower
house of the Argentine congress since 2007.
Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet awarded 2015 Nobel Peace Prize
December 11, 2015
Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet (NDQ) has been awarded prestigious 2015 Nobel Peace Prize at
a ceremony held in Oslo, Norway.
The award was collected by Trade unionist Hassine Abassi, human rights activist Abdessatar Ben
Moussa, Mohamed Fadhel Mahfoudh and Ouided Bouchamaoui.
Earlier in October 2015, Norwegian Nobel Committee has selected NDQ for the prestigious award
for its decisive contribution in building pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the 2011
Jasmine Revolution (It is birth place of Arab Spring). It is also credited with creating a dialogue
between the country s Islamist and secular coalition parties.
NDQ consists following 4 organisations in Tunisian civil society. They are
Tunisian General Labour Union.
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Tunisian Confederation of Industry, Trade and Handicrafts.

Tunisian Human Rights League.
Tunisian Order of Lawyers.
NDQ was established in 2013 as an alternative, peaceful political process at a time when Tunisia was
on the brink of civil war aftermath of revolution. It was formed at a time when the revolution that
overthrew President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in 2011 appeared to be unravelling.
India and South Korea ink MoU on taxation treaty
December 11, 2015
India and South Korea have inked a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) on suspension of
collection of taxes during pendency of mutual agreement procedure.
This MoU will relieve the burden of double taxation for taxpayers in both the countries during the
pendency of Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) proceedings.
Besides, both countries also have agreed that transfer pricing dispute cases will be taken up for MAP
under the revised Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) between India and Korea.
What is Mutual Agreement Procedure?
MAP is an alternate dispute resolution mechanism that allows competent authorities of
particular nation and its treaty partner to negotiate a mutually acceptable settlement.
Under it, two signatory sides can negotiate settlement on a case that can subsequently be
taken off from the formal legal process.
As a resolution process, MAP draws up parameters for taxation in one country for which
credit would be available in another.
Main advantages: MAP is a preferred way used to settle cross-border tax cases globally.
Eliminates of double taxation arising out of transfer pricing tax disputes, characterisation of
income and attribution of profits and existence of Permanent Establishment.
Mexico Government approves world s 1st Dengue fever vaccine named Dengvaxia
December 11, 2015
Mexico Government has approved world s first-ever Dengue fever vaccine branded as Dengvaxia
for the public use.
Key facts
Dengvaxia has been manufactured by French pharmaceutical manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur.
It has been designed to protect people in the 9-45 age groups from all four subtypes of the
virus.
The vaccine was produced as the result of an extensive clinical development programme of
the French company than ran for almost two decades.
Sanofi Pasteur has requested authorisation to roll out the vaccine in 20 countries.
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Comment
Dengvaxia is considered as a historic milestone for the global public health community and, most
importantly for half the world s population that lives at risk of dengue. Prior to introduction of this
vaccine, there was no vaccine to prevent dengue fever.
About Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is a vector-borne disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by
Aedes aegypti mosquitos species.
It is prevalent throughout the tropics and subtropics. Thus, it is also known as mosquito-
borne tropical disease
Symptoms: Severe joint and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, headache, fever, exhaustion
and rash.
Dengue triad i.e. presence of fever, rash, and headache is the common characteristic of
dengue fever.
Prevention: It requires control or eradication of the mosquitoes carrying the virus that
causes dengue. There is no known cure and children are at particular risk.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has mentioned that dengue has become the fastest-growing
mosquito-borne disease as it infects as many as 400 million people and kills 22,000 people every year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi releases autobiography of Sharad Pawar
December 11, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has released On My Terms: From the Grassroots to the Corridors of
Power, an autobiography of former Union Minister Sharad Pawar.
It was released on the occasion of 75th birthday of Mr. Pawar at a function held at the Vigyan
Bhavan in New Delhi.
In his autobiography, Mr Pawar has penned down his detailed experiences of political and social
issues spanning 5 decades of his political career.
About Sharad Pawar
Born on 12 December, 1940 in Katewadi village of Baramati tehsil in Pune district of
Maharashtra.
He is the only leader from Maharashtra who became Chief Minister 3 times from 1978 to
1980, 1988 to 1991 and 1993 to 1995.
He also had held ministerial portfolios in several Congress led Government s at the centre
including Defence (1991 to 1993) and Agriculture (2004 to 2014) Minister.
He also had served as the Chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from
2005 to 2008 and as President of the International Cricket Council (ICC) from 2010 to 2012.
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Pakistan successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Shaheen-III ballistic missile

December 11, 2015
Pakistan has successfully test-fired nuclear-capable Shaheen-III ballistic missile.
The missile was test fired in the Arabian Sea and validated all the desired parameters including
various design and technical parameters of the weapon system.
About Shaheen-III ballistic missile
The Shaheen-III (in English means White Falcon-III) is a land-based surface-to-surface
medium range ballistic
missile.
It is capable of carrying nuclear as well as conventional warheads up to 2,750 kilometres. It
has been designed in response to India s Agni-III missile.
It is multi-stage solid-propellant missile that can hit targets anywhere in India including
Northeast India and Tri-service command of India located in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Shaheen-III is going to replace Pakistan s less advanced liquid-fueled mid-range nuclear
capable Ghauri-III ballistic missile.
In 2014, Pakistan already had test-fired the Shaheen-I (900 km) and Shaheen-II (2000 km) missiles.
Naseeruddin Shah honoured lifetime achievement award at the 12th DIFF
December 11, 2015
Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah has been honoured with the lifetime achievement award
at the 12th edition of Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF).
Along with him French actress Catherine Deneuve, Egyptian actor Ezzat Al Alayli and French-
Tunisian actor Sami Bouajila also won the lifetime achievement award.
About Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)
DIFF is an annual film festival held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It was started in year
2004.
Each year DIFF provides platform and presents new and exciting cinema from the Arab
world, Asia, Africa and beyond.
It is a not-for-profit cultural event, presented and organised by Dubai Entertainment &
Media Organization.
India, Japan sign protocol to amend double taxation avoidance pact
December 11, 2015
India and Japan have signed a Protocol for amending the existing convention for avoidance of double
taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to income taxes.
The existing Convention for avoidance of double taxation and tax evasion was signed between both
countries way back in 1989.
The protocol was signed by Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia behalf of India while Kenji
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Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan signed on behalf of the Government of Japan.

Key highlights
Protocol provides for internationally accepted standards for effective exchange of information
on tax matters.
It includes sharing of bank information and information without domestic tax interest.
Facilitates sharing of the information received from Japan of Indian resident with other law
enforcement agencies with authorisation of the competent authority and vice versa.
Under it both countries shall assist each other in the collection of revenue claims.
It further provides for exemption of interest income from taxation in the source country.
This exemption will be with respect to debt-claims insured by the Government or
Government owned financial institutions.
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December 12, 2015

Union Government slaps anti-dumping duty on stainless steel
December 12, 2015
Union Government has imposed anti-dumping duty on import of cold-rolled flat products of
stainless steel for 5 years from 7 countries.
The government s decision comes on the recommendation of Directorate General of Anti-dumping
and Allied Duties (DGAD) in the wake of rising incidence of dumping. It was hampering the
performance of domestic industry and with steel prices on a decline.
These countries are China, South Korea, United States, South Africa, Thailand and Taiwan and the
European Union.
The highest duty has been imposed on steel imports from China at 57.39 per cent, followed by EU at
52.56 per cent. Imports from Thailand will have the least duty imposed at 4.58 per cent.
Earlier in September 2015 Government had imposed 20 per cent provisional safeguard duty on a
specific hot-rolled imported steel product.
Anti-dumping duty: It is counter import measure used by a country under the multilateral World
Trade Organisation (WTO) regime to protect its domestic producers and market from below-
cost/cheap imports. It varies from product to product and from country to country.
Salman Rushdie awarded 2015 Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement
December 12, 2015
India-born author Salman Rushdie has been awarded the prestigious 2015 Mailer Prize for
Lifetime Achievement.
He has been bestowed with this award for fully exercising his freedom of creativity and thrived on
dialogue and debate.
He was presented with this award by Laurie Anderson at a ceremony held at Pratt Institute in
Brooklyn, New York City.
About Salman Rushdie
Mr Rushdie was born on 19 June 1947 in then Bombay Presidency (now Mumbai).
He has authored 12 novels including the Booker Prize winner novel Midnight s Children and
The Satanic Verses.
His most recent novel is Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights, published in
September 2015.
He is a Fellow of the British Royal Society of Literature, Britain s senior literary organisation.
Awards and Honours: Whitbread Prize for Best Novel (twice), Writers Guild Award,
European Union s Aristeion Prize for Literature, London International Writers Award and
US National Arts Award.
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He holds honorary doctorates and fellowships at six European and six American universities.
He is also an Honorary Professor in the Humanities at MIT and University Distinguished
Professor at Emory University.
About Mailer Prize
Mailer Prize is an American literary award established in 2009 by The Norman Mailer
Center.
The prize is named after renowned American writer Norman Mailer who is considered
among the most influential writers of the second half of the 20th century.
It is awarded to writer whose work over the years has challenged readers perspectives on the
world around them.
Union Government inks MoU for establishing IIITs at Ranchi, Nagpur & Pune
December 12, 2015
The Union Government has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing three
Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIITs) in the country.
The agreement to this effect was signed between Department of Higher Education (DoHE) and
private agencies including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Tata Motors, ADCC Infocad and
Hubtown.
Key facts
These IIITs are being set up at Ranchi (Jharkhand), Nagpur and Pune (Maharashtra).
Apart from the Central Government, these institutions will be operated on a Public-Private-
Partnership (PPP) mode with participation of state government and industry.
These IIITs are expected to bring out high quality Information Technology (IT) manpower
required for building up IT industry in the country.
The admission process in all the three IIITs will be done through Joint Entrance Examination
(JEE)-2016 and shall have intake of 120 students in each institutions.
With this, the total number of IIITs in the PPP mode has gone up to 16.
It should be noted that Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs) are a group of institutes
of higher education mainly focused on information technology. They are established, managed and
funded by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD).
Varanasi and Jaipur designated as members of UNESCO s Creative Cities Network
December 12, 2015
Two Indian cities for first time have been designated as members of UNESCO s Creative Cities
Network (UCCN).
Two cities are
Varanasi City (Uttar Pradesh): It has been added in the City of Music category of network.
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Jaipur City (Rajasthan): It has been added in the City of Crafts and Folk Art category of
network.
It was announced by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. They are among the 47 cities from 33
countries that have been designated as new members of UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
About UNESCO Creative Cities Network
UCCN was launched in 2004. It aims to strengthen cooperation with and among cities that have
recognised creativity as a strategic factor of sustainable development in regards with the economic,
social, cultural and environmental aspects.
The Network covers seven creative fields including Crafts and Folk Arts, Film, Media Arts,
Gastronomy, Design, Literature and Music.
Renowned agro-economist Sharad Joshi passes away
December 12, 2015
Renowned agro-economist and veteran leader of farmers Sharad Anantrao Joshi passed away in
Pune, Maharashtra. He was 81.
He was founder of Shetakari Sanghtana (farmers Organisation) an NGO dedicated to the cause of
farmers in Maharashtra.
About Sharad Joshi
Sharad Joshi was born in 1935 in Satara district of Maharashtra.
Prior to establishing Shetakari Sanghtana in 1979 he had worked with Pune University as
lecturer of Economics and Statistics and later worked with United Nations (UN).
He had served as a member of Advisory Board of the World Agricultural Forum (WAF).
Joshi had spearheaded numerous agitations, protests, fasts throughout the state to highlight
the issue of reasonable prices for agricultural produce.
He was Rajya Sabha member from 2004 to 2010. He was the sole MP in Upper House to vote
against the bill providing 33% reservation for women in Parliament and assemblies.
NGT bans registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi
December 12, 2015
National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered ban on registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi
to curb the growing menace of air pollution in the capital city.
This ruling was given by NGT bench headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar and also
questioned Delhi government s odd-even formula for vehicles to check pollution in the city.
Key facts
The ban on registration of new diesel vehicles will be valid till 6th January 2016 as interim
steps i.e. till the next date of hearing of NGT on Delhi pollution.
NGT also ordered the central and state government to stop buying diesel cars in Delhi.
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On Delhi government s odd-even formula for vehicles, the tribunal mentioned that might
encourage people to buy two cars.
Background
Presently around 23 per cent of the cars registered in Delhi are running on diesel. The cars running
are likely to emit 7.5 times more particulate matter (PM) compared to petrol cars. As per WHO,
emissions from Diesel cars produce more toxic nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and may cause cancer.
Earlier in April 2015, NGT had banned diesel vehicles over 10 years old in the national capital which
has been labelled as one of world s most polluted city. In November 2015, Delhi government had
decided that private vehicles with odd and even registration numbers will ply on odd and even dates
from 1st January 2016 for two week.
About National Green Tribunal
NGT is a special fast-track court to handle the expeditious disposal of the cases pertaining to
environmental issues. It has been established under the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 to assure the
right to a healthy environment of the citizens of India enshrined in Article 21 of Constitution.
Myanmar s first UNESCO biosphere reserve Inle Lake launched
December 12, 2015
Myanmar has launched the country s first United Nation Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve Inle Lake in Shan state.
With this launch Myanmar opens a new chapter in its commitment to bio-diversity and eco-system
conservation.
In June 2015, the lake was officially designated as Myanmar s first biosphere reserve under
UNESCO s Man and the Bioshpere (MAB) programme.
About Inle Lake
Inle Lake is located in Taunggyi district in Myanmar s eastern Shan state.
It is the second largest lake in Myanmar with an estimated surface area of 116 km2.
The wetland ecosystem of this freshwater Inle Lake is home to diverse flora and fauna.
It is home to 267 species of birds, out of which 82 are wetland birds. The Inle Lake is nesting
place for globally endangered Sarus crane.
It also has 43 species of freshwater fishes of which 9 species of fish are found nowhere else in
the world.
Apart from its ecological importance, Inle Lake is also has unique for the way the local
inhabitants have adapted their life style to their environment.
Presently, the lake gets funding from the government of Norway for conservation purpose
under the framework of the Inle Lake Conservation and Rehabilitation project.
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India & Japan sign MoC on High Speed Rail on Mumbai-Ahmedabad sector
December 12, 2015
India and Japan have signed historic Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) to introduce High Speed
Rail (HRS) on Mumbai Ahmedabad sector to revolutionize Indian Railways.
The MoC was signed in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Japanese Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe in New Delhi.
This agreement confirms developing of high speed rail corridor using of Japanese high speed rail
technologies along with financial and technical assistance from Japan.
Under the agreement
The HRS project will be India s first high speed rail line. It is a 508 km line connecting the
cities of Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
The total project cost is 97,636 crores rupees and will be implemented in 7 years. It will
reduce travelling time between the two cities from eight hours to around three.
Japan will extend highly concessional loan of 12 billion dollars and technical assistance on
easy terms for this project through its Shinkansen Technology.
The loan will provided with the interest rate at 0.1 per cent for a period of 50 years with a 15
years moratorium.
The cooperation on this project will also be fixed on transfer of technology and Make in India
initiative. Japan will also assist India in training of personnel for High Speed Rail.
Civil Nuclear agreement
India and Japan also have reached substantive Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of
Nuclear Energy. Under it both sides have confirmed cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear
energy. The final deal will be signed after certain technical and legal issues are thrashed out.
India and Japan ink 14 agreements in various fields
December 12, 2015
India and Japan have inked fourteen agreements in various fields to enhance bilateral co-operation
between both countries.
These agreements were signed during ninth annual Indo-Japan summit talks held in New Delhi. The
summit was jointly held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.
Some important agreements signed are
Agreement in transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology Cooperation: Provides
a framework to enhance defence and security cooperation.
Agreement on security measures for the protection of classified military
information: Ensures the reciprocal protection of classified military information transmitted
to each other.
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Agreement on Amendment Protocol of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement:

Amends the Convention between both countries for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and
the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, signed in 1989.
MoC on Technological Cooperation in Rail Sector: Establishes areas for comprehensive
technological cooperation including sharing of information and best practices.
MoU on technological cooperation on Rail safety: proposes to cooperate in the areas of
safety in train operation and advanced techniques of maintenance along with use of
environment friendly technologies, etc.
MoC on Medical Products Regulation Dialogue and Cooperation Framework: Seeks
to facilitate a constructive dialogue in areas pertinent to raw materials for pharmaceutical use,
biological products, medical devices, quasi-drugs, cosmetic products.
MoC in the field of forests: Enhance cooperation in sustainable forest management, forest
conservation and forest disaster prevention, conservation of biodiversity and effective
utilization of forest resources etc.
Apart from this, both countries also issued a joint statement on India and Japan Vision 2025: Special
Strategic and Global Partnership Working Together for Peace and Prosperity of the Indo-Pacific
Region and the World . India also extended visa an arrival (VoA) facility for Japanese nationals,
including businessmen from 1st March 2016.
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December 13, 14, 2015

Wipro awarded 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award
December 14, 2015
Global software major Wipro has been awarded 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award for developing a
solution for the Internet of Things (IoT).
The award has been bestowed upon Wipro s IoT solution Universal Data Parser (UDP). The UDP
enables flexible adaptation of data streams from a wide range of end devices to IoT platforms and
data stores.
Presently, Wipro is India s third-largest software services firm after Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
and Infosys.
About Aegis Graham Bell Awards
It is India s largest and the only innovation award in the field of Telecom, Internet, Media and
Entertainment (TIME) and Social, Mobility Analytics and Cloud (SMAC).
Established by the Aegis School of Business as a tribute to the father of the telephony, Sir
Alexander Graham Bell.
The award is intended to promote innovation, entrepreneurship in the field of TIME and to
provide recognition for outstanding contributions in this field in India.
COP 21 adopts historic Paris Agreement on Climate Change
December 14, 2015
Conference of the Parties 21 (COP 21) have adopted the historic Paris Agreement on Climate
Change.
It was adopted by 189 countries of total 196 countries under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) that attended the COP 21.
Key facts of Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Facilitates enforcement of global greenhouse gas emission (GHGs) reduction measures in the
post-2020 i.e. in post Kyoto Protocol scenario.
Takes into account the principle of equity (climate justice) and common but differentiated
responsibilities (CBDR) and respective capabilities.
Based on consensus among the members that have incorporated their respective Intended
Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) including India.
Mandatory for all Countries to keep global temperature rising below 2C by 2100 above pre-
industrial levels with an ideal target of keeping temperature rise below 1.5C.
Developed countries to provide 100 billion dollars annually to the developing counterparts
beginning in 2020 and it would increase with time.
Empowers countries to determine how to cut their emissions but mandates that they report
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transparently on those efforts.

Countries will assess their progress every five years for meeting their climate commitments
and submit new plans to strengthen.
Ahmad Javed appointed as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
December 14, 2015
Union Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed senior IPS officer Ahmad Javed as India s
Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
His appointment will fill the vacancy of the post of Ambassador in Indian Embassy in Riyadh since
April 2015 after retirement of Hamid Ali Rao.
He is IPS officer of 1980 batch from Maharashtra Cadre. Prior to this appointment Mr. Ahmad Javed
was serving as Mumbai Police commissioner.
India-Saudi Arabia Relations
From trading point of view, oil rich Saudi Arabia is a crucial and important country for
energy starved India from energy security (especially petroleum) perspective.
Saudi Arabia is India s largest supplier of crude oil and accounts for 80 per cent of India s
crude oil import that forms a major component of bilateral trade with the Gulf nation.
It should be noted that Saudi Arabia is followed by Iraq, Nigeria, Venezuela and Iran as India s
top four oil suppliers.
Losar festival beings in Ladakh region of J&K
December 14, 2015
The festival of Losar has begun in Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir to mark the beginning of
New Year in this Himalayan region.
10 day long festival began with illumination of religious and residential places and by visiting
monasteries for prayer. Losar is Tibetan word for new year and this festival is an important social
and religious celebration in Ladakh.
Traditional Celebrations of festival
Following the old tradition, people from Ladakh visit graveyards of ancestor family members
and pray for peace for the departed soul.
Special food items during the festival are prepared to mark the occasion including guthuk, the
soup with nine ingredients, khura are being served.
People visit each other for exchange of Losar greetings. On third day of the festival is people
wait for the night to see the first moon of the New Year
In India, Losar is also celebrated by Yolmo, Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, and Bhutia communities
residing in different regions in the country.
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Legendary actor Dilip Kumar conferred with Padma Vibhushan

December 14, 2015
Legendary actor Dilip Kumar (93) has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan,
country s second highest civilian award.
It was bestowed upon him by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Maharashtra Chief Minister
Devendra Fadnavis at his residence in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Union Government had selected veteran actor for the Padma Vibhushan on the eve of 66th Republic
Day.
About Dilip Kumar
He was born in Peshawar, Pakistan in 1922 and his original name was Muhammad Yusuf
Khan.
He spent his childhood in Maharashtra and left home to start a canteen before he was picked
up as a potential actor.
His debut film was Jwar Bhata (1944) produced by Bombay Talkies. In his acting career
spanning six decades, he had acted in over 60 films including Mela, Naya Daur, Aan, Devdas,
Madhumati and Mughal-E-Azam.
He started a second inning in film industry after a break of 5 years in 1981 he acted in Kranti
and his last appearance was in Qila of 1998.
He is famously known as Tragedy King and Oscar winning filmmaker Satyajit Ray had
described him as the ultimate method actor.
He was nominated as Member of Rajya Sabha in 2000 and remained parliamentarian till 2006.
Autobiography: The Substance and the Shadow written by author and former journalist Udaya
Tara Nayar.
Awards and Honours: Padma Bhushan (1991), Dadasaheb Phalke Award (1994), Pakistan s
highest civilian award Nishan-e-Imtiaz (1998). Guinness World Record for winning the
maximum number of awards by an Indian actor.
J M Sali awarded 2015 South East Asia Write Award
December 14, 2015
Indian-origin writer Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali from Singapore has been awarded prestigious 2015
South East Asia Write Award.
The award was bestowed upon him at the annual ASEAN regional award for literary excellence in
Bangkok, Thailand.
About Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali
Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali (famously known as J M Sali) was born in Madras in 1939.
He had moved to Singapore at the age of 25 after he was invited to be an assistant editor of
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newspaper Tamil Murasu by its founder late G Sarangapani.

In Singapore, he had worked at local broadcasting station and produced books on famous
people including martial art icon Bruce Lee and legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
He has been writing for over 5 decades and has written 57 books, 80 plays and more than 400
short stories.
His short stories like Vellai Kodugal (White Lines), Alaigal Pesuginrana (the Sound Of The Waves)
are being studied by Tamil Literature students in Singapore and Indian universities.
Awards and Honours: He has won several literary awards to his credit including Singapore s
prestigious Cultural Medallion.
About Southeast Asian Write Award
The award was established in 1979. It is being presented annually to poets and writers in Southeast
Asia region. It is especially bestowed upon a writer from a country that is part of the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The award is given for a specific work by an author or awarded
for lifetime achievement.
Construction work TAPI gas pipeline project begins
December 14, 2015
Ground breaking ceremony of 1800-kilometre-long Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India
(TAPI) gas pipeline project was held at the ancient city of Mary of Turkmenistan.
The ground breaking function was attended by Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly
Berdimuhamedow, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif and
Indian Vice President Mohd Hamid Ansari.
Turkmenistan is believed to have the world s fourth-largest gas reserves and presently exporting it
mainly to China.
About TAPI Project
TAPI gas pipeline project is a proposed trans-country natural gas pipeline from Caspian Sea,
Turkmenistan to India through Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Countries involved: The abbreviation TAPI itself indicate its member countries-
Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India.
Distance: The pipe line connects central Asia with south Asia covering 1,800 km.
Reserves: The pipeline begins from Turkmenistan s Galkynysh field (formally known as
South Yoiotan Osman) that has gas reserves are 16 trillion cubic feet.
Project Cost: The estimated construction cost of the project is 10 billion US dollars and is
being funded by Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Capacity: It has capacity to carry 90 million standard cubic metres a day (mmscmd).
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Supply Share: Both India and Pakistan will get supply of about 38 mmscmd whereas
Afghanistan will get 14 mmscmd supply of natural gas.
Supply Life: The life of supply is expected to last for period of 30 years and shall be
operational from 2019.
Runs through: Galkynysh field (Turkmenistan) Herat and Kandahar province
(Afghanistan) Multan via Quetta (Pakistan) and ends at Fazilka in Punjab (India).
Security: Establishment of an inter-government joint security task force (JSTF) has been
recommended to serve as the nucleus of the safety of the pipeline by a security consultant has
recommended.
Comment
The TAPI Project is considered as an important initiative of these four countries to connect energy
rich Central Asia with energy starved South Asia. It marks a new dawn of economic engagement
through regional connectivity by economically integrating region stretching from the Bay of Bengal
to the Caspian Sea.
From India s perspective, TAPI Project will provide an alternative supply source of gas with
dependable reserves leading to enhanced energy security. It will further diversify the fuel basket to
the benefit of Indian economy as it would be used mainly in power, fertilizer and city gas sectors.
Lok Sabha passes Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015
December 14, 2015
The Lok Sabha has unanimously passed the Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill,2015 by voice vote.
The bill seeks to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to facilitate and fast track setting up of new
nuclear projects in the country.
Key provisions of the Bill
Redefines paid-up share capital: Expands the definition of paid-up share capital in parent
Act to include joint ventures (JV) of public sector undertakings (PSUs).
Paid-up share capital is the capital received by a company from the issue of shares.
Government company is one in which at least 51% of the paid-up share capital is held by the
central government.
The whole of the paid up share capital would be held by one or more PSUs and empowers the
Union government to constitute its Board of Directors for such JV.
Licenses: Henceforth it will only be granted to entities such as a government company or a
department of Union Government.
Under the parent Act, license is required for acquisition, production, use, export and import
of any plant designed for the production and development of atomic energy or research.
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License granted will be cancelled if it ceases to be a government company for (i) acquiring
and using substances or minerals from which atomic energy can be obtained (ii) producing
atomic energy etc.
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December 15, 2015

Union Government appointed L N Reddy Judicial Committee on OROP
December 15, 2015
Union Government has appointed former Chief Justice of Patna High Court Justice L Narasimha
Reddy as head judicial committee on One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme.
The one member judicial committee will look into the implementation of OROP scheme for retired
defence personnel.
The Terms of Reference for the Committee
The committee will examine and make recommendations on removal of anomalies arising
In the implementation of the OROP Scheme as notified by the Union Government on 7th
November 2015.
Out of inter-services issues of the 3 forces due to implementation of the scheme.
Implications on service matters in any other matter referred by the Union Government on
implementation of the OROP or other related issues.
In making its recommendations, the Committee shall take into account the financial impact of its
recommendations. The Committee will have its headquarters in Delhi. All administrative support to
the committee will be provided by Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Union Ministry of
Defence. It would have a six-month deadline for submission of its recommendations.
Typhoon Melor hits central Philippines
December 15, 2015
Powerful Typhoon Melor (also known as Nona) has hit the central Philippines battering the coast
with powerful winds with speed of 200 kph followed by intense rainfall.
The eye of tropical cyclone (typhoon) Melor made its landfall over the northern tip of the island of
Samar. It made landfall after undergoing a rapid intensification forcing over 700,000 people to leave
their homes and communities.
Hawaii based Joint Typhoon Warning Centre of US military has categorized the typhoon as a
Category 3 storm.
The year 2015 has been an active one in terms of major tropical storms hitting the Philippines. The
major tropical storms in the year 2015 have been partly attributed to ongoing strong El Nino
phenomenon which has resulted in a significant warming of the surface waters of the central Pacific.
Typhoon Melor now joins Noul, Maysak, Goni, Soudelor, Mujigae and Koppu in the list of
significant typhoons to have struck the Philippines in year 2015.
Anirban Lahiri wins Order of Merit crown of Asian Tour
December 15, 2015
India s star golfer Anirban Lahiri (28) has won the coveted Order of Merit crown of Asian Tour for
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year 2015.
In the 2015 season world No. 41, Lahiri has earned $1,139,084 a way ahead of second-placed Scott
Hend of Australia who has earned $491,631.
With this he became only the fourth Indian golfer to win this coveted award after Jeev Milkha Singh
(2006, 2008), Arjun Atwal (2003) and Jyoti Randhawa (2002).
Anirban Lahiri has won twice on the Asia s premier Tour to be ranked into the world s top-50
golfers. He has posted a top-five finish in a Major (PGA Championship) that helped him to mak his
maiden appearance at the Presidents Cup and earning his PGA Tour card.
Earlier in 2015 Season, Lahiri had won the Malaysian Open and the Indian Open within a span of
three weeks in February 2015. He recorded five other top-10 finishes around the world in the season.
Vijay Kumar wins gold medal at 59th National Shooting Championship
December 15, 2015
Olympic medallist Vijay Kumar of Indian Army has won gold medal at the 59th National Shooting
Championship held in New Delhi.
He won the gold medal in the men s 25-metre centre fire pistol category by shooting a combined
score of 588 over the rapid and precision rounds.
Gurpreet Singh of Indian Army finished second with a 586 score winning silver medal and Pemba
Tamang managed to secure the third place with 582 score winning bronze medal.
Other winners in the Championship are
25m standard pistol event: Gurpreet Singh (Indian Army).
Rapid fire pistol: Pemba Tamang (Indian Army).
Air pistol & Standard pistol events: Achal Pratap Singh Grewal.
It should be noted that Vijay Kumar had won the silver medal in the 25m rapid fire pistol event at
the 2012 Olympics held in London.
Indian-origin politician Pravin Gordhan becomes South Africa s Finance Minister
December 15, 2015
An Indian-origin politician, Pravin Gordhan has been appointed as South Africa s new Finance
Minister.
With this he becomes country s third Finance Minister in a week. He replaces David van Rooyen
who was appointed on 10 November 2015. Earlier President Jacob Zuma had sacked incumbent
Nhlanhla Nene from Finance Ministry.
About Pravin Gordhan
Born 12 April 1949 in Durban. He is trained and worked as a pharmacist in Durban
He was one of the main negotiators in the drafting of South Africa s democratic constitution
from 1991-1994.
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He had served as a commissioner in South Africa s revenue service (SARS) from 1999-2009
Gordhan had served as Finance Minister from 2009-2014 and was widely respected for his
work.
Prior to this appointment he was serving as Minister of Cooperative Governance and
Traditional Affairs.
Rajasthan becomes the first state to submit smart city plan
December 15, 2015
Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to submit smart city plans for three selected cities
to Union Government.
In this regard, state government has submitted smart city Proposals of Udaipur, Kota and Ajmer to
Union Ministry of Urban Development.
Under the proposal the investment outlays proposed by state government for developing these 3
cities as smart cities are Kota 1,493 crore rupees, Ajmer 1,300 crore rupees and Udaipur 1,221 crore
rupees respectively.
State Government is also forwarding Smart city proposal for Jaipur Cilty with an investment
proposed 2,403 crore rupees prior to December 15, 2015 deadline. Overall Rajasthan has proposed a
total investment of 6,457 crore rupees for 5 years for developing these four cities as smart cities.
About Smart Cities Mission
It is flagship scheme of Union Government under which 100 smart cities would be built
across the country in different states.
Aim of the Mission is to efficiently utilise available resources, assets and infrastructure in
order to enhance quality of urban life and provide a clean and sustainable environment.
Each state government has been empowered to shortlist a number of aspirant smart cities
from the state for which proposals and plans would be forwarded to Union Government.
These shortlisted cities would be selected by Union Government on the basis of competition
to ascertain their ability of cities to achieve mission objectives.
Each selected city would get assistance of 100 crore rupees per year for five years from Union
Government to implement the scheme. Special emphasis on participation of citizens in
planning and prioritising urban interventions will be also considered.
Violinist Itzhak Perlman awarded 2016 Genesis Prize
December 15, 2015
Israeli-American violinist Itzhak Perlman (70) has been awarded 2016 Genesis Prize which is also
known as Jewish Nobel prize.
He has been bestowed with prestigious prize for his accomplishments as a musician, teacher and
advocate for the disabled and also for his commitment to his Jewish identity.
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Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu will present the award to Mr. Perlman at the June 23,
2016 award ceremony to be held in Jerusalem.
About Itzhak Perlman
Perlman was born in Tel Aviv in 1945 in then British Mandate of Palestine now Israel.
At age four he was contracted polio and his legs were permanently paralyzed. He uses
crutches or an electric Amigo scooter for mobility and plays the violin while seated.
He had played the violin solo in John Williams Oscar-winning soundtrack for the film
Schindler s List in 1993.
He also has performed with or conducted the world s top symphony orchestras, and has been
a regular guest at White House events.
He has won 16 Grammys award including a lifetime achievement award in 2008. In
November 2015 he was awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation s highest
civilian honour.
About Genesis Prize
Genesis Prize also dubbed as Jewish Nobel prize was established in 2014. It is jointly run in between
the Israeli Prime Minister s office, Private Genesis Prize Foundation and Chairman s office of the
Jewish Agency.
The Prize carrying 1 million US dollars is given annually to an individual who has achieved
professional success, contributed to humanity and shown a strong commitment to Jewish causes and
the state of Israel. Former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was first the recipient of the
prize.
India ranks 130th in 2015 Human Development Index: UNDP
December 15, 2015
India has been placed at 130th position in the 2015 Human Development Index (HDI) among the 188
countries.
It was unveiled in the recently released Human Development Report 2015 by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP).
Key facts
India has been placed at 130th position with 0.609 score in the medium human development
category. In 2014 report country s rank was 135 with 0.586 score.
Improvement in India s 2015 HDI from previous year has been attributed to rise in life
expectancy and per capita income.
India s Life expectancy at birth: It has increased to 68 years in 2014 from 67.6 in the
previous year and 53.9 in 1980.
Gross National Income (GNI) per capita: It has increased to $5,497 in 2014 from $5,180 in
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2013 and $1,255 in 1980. India s GNI per capita increased by about 338 per cent between
1980 and 2014.
Access to knowledge: Expected years of schooling have remained stagnant at 11.7 since
2011. The mean years of schooling at 5.4 has not changed since 2010.
Gender Development Index (GDI): GDI value of India is 0.795 in 2014. The female HDI
value for India is 0.525 in contrast with 0.660 for males.
Gender Inequality Index (GII): India rank at 130th position with value of 0.563 out of 155
countries in the 2014.
India s HDI value increased from 0.362 to 0.609 between 1980 and 2014. It indicates an
increase of 68.1 per cent or an average annual increase of about 1.54 per cent.
India s life expectancy at birth increased by 14.1 years between 1980 and 2014. The mean
years of schooling has increased by 3.5 years and expected years of schooling increased by 5.3
years in the same period.
Top Three Countries: Norway (1st rank), Australia (2nd) and Switzerland (3rd).
India s Neighbours: Sri Lanka (73 rank), China (90), Bhutan (132), Bangladesh (142), Nepal
(145), Pakistan (147) and Afghanistan (171).
BRICS Nations: Russia (50 rank), Brazil (75), China (90), South Africa (116) and India (130).
About Human Development Index
The HDI is an average measure of basic human development achievements in a country measured by
UNDP. It is an average of long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development viz. a
long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living.
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December 16, 2015

Apurvi Chandela wins gold medal at National Shooting Championship
December 16, 2015
Apurvi Chandela from Rajasthan has won a Gold medal in the 59th National Shooting
Championship in Delhi.
She won the gold medal in 10-metre Air Rifle event in women s category by shooting 207.8 score in
the finals. She was followed by Geetakshi Dixit (Rajasthan) at second spot and Anjum Moudgil
(Haryana) at third spot.
Winners of other Categories
Men s 50-metre Rifle 3 Positions event: Chain Singh (Indian Army) won the gold medal.
Gagan Narang (Air India) won the Silver medal.
Junior men s 25m sports pistol: Achal Pratap Singh Grewal (Gold), Gurmeet Singh
(Silver), Aadeithya Johal (Bronze).
Junior women s 10m air rifle: Geetakshi Dixit (Gold), Prachi Pramod Gadkari (Silver) and
Nupur Hagawane Patil (Bronze).
Youth: Nupur Hagawane Patil (Gold), Ayushi Podder (Silver) and Manini Kaushik (Bronze).
Arctic Region hits record high temperature over land: NOAA
December 16, 2015
The average temperature over Arctic land for the year ending in September 2015 was the highest on
record indicating that the Arctic is warming twice as fast as other parts of the Earth.
It was revealed by the annual Arctic Report Card of National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), a federal agency of US for monitoring condition of the oceans and the
atmosphere.
Key facts
The temperatures in areas at latitude 60 degrees north and higher i.e. over Arctic were 1.3
degrees Celsius above average for the year ending in September 2015.
The recorded temperature rise is the warmest since observations began in 1900. Due to
temperature rise the ice in this region is growing thinner each year.
The sea ice coverage in the Arctic has reached its peak in February 2015 and marked the
lowest extent since record-taking began in 1979.
The newly formed thin ice comprises about 70 per cent of the winter ice cover in the Arctic
Ocean compared to about half that in the 1980s.
The rising temperatures are melting snow and ice cover in this region causing the ground
and sea surface to absorb more heat.
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Arun Kumar Jain appointed as Chairman of CBDT

December 16, 2015
Senior revenue service officer Arun Kumar Jain appointed Chairman of Central Board of Direct
Taxes (CBDT).
His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr Jain is Indian Revenue Services (IRS) officer of a 1978 batch. Prior to this appointment he was
serving as acting Chairman of the board following superannuation of Anita Kapur on November 30,
2015. He will have short tenure of two months as Chairman of CBDt till January 2016. Presently, he
is also holding additional charge of Member (Personnel and Vigilance) in the CBDT.
About Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
CBDT is apex policy making body of Income Tax department in India and is the supreme body for
framing policies related to direct taxes. It is a statutory authority established under The Central
Board of Revenue Act, 1963. The composition of CBDT includes Chairman and six members.
Combined Commanders Conference held on INS Vikramaditya off Kochi coast
December 16, 2015
Combined Commanders Conference, an annual tri-services event chaired by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi was held on board INS Vikramaditya about 50 kms off Kochi coast. This is the first
time when the conference was held outside New Delhi.
It was attended by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit
Doval, all three services chiefs and other senior officers of three armed services.
Key facts
The Conference is also known as the Unified Commanders Conference (UCC).
During this conference India s defence policy, doctrine and operational challenges are
discussed in detail.
Prime minister also reviewed exercise like firing of surface-to-surface missile by INS Nirghat during
this conference. Prior to conference PM revived the tri-services guard of honour at Southern Naval
Command.
IAEA ends 12 year Iran Nuclear Weapon probe
December 16, 2015
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has ended its 12-year investigation into concerns that
Iran might be developing nuclear weapons.
In this regard, IAEA Board of Governors have passed a resolution ending its long-running inquiry
against Ian but allowing inspectors to continue to police the country s nuclear programme.
Earlier IAEA has concluded that Iran had conducted nuclear weapons-related research until 2003 and
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to a lesser extent until 2009, but found no evidence was found.

The move is seen as a key step towards lifting UN, EU and US sanctions and a symbolic victory for
Iran. Earlier in July 2015, P5+1 nations and Iran had agreed Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action
(JCPOA) to lift the sanctions.
Under the JCPOA, sanctions against the Iran would be lifted over a series of years in exchange for
curbing its nuclear programme. However, Iran has strongly denied pursuing a clandestine nuclear
weapons programme. It has clearly positioned itself that its nuclear programme civilian purpose and
not for military purpose.
About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
IAEA is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear
energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.
It was established as an autonomous organization in 1957 through its own international
treaty, the IAEA Statute.
The IAEA has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
It is independent of the United Nations but reports to both the United Nations General
Assembly (UNGA) and Security Council (UNSC).
Saudi Arabia announces 34 nations Islamic coalition to fight terrorism
December 16, 2015
Saudi Arabia has launched Islamic Military Coalition, a new military alliance of 34 nations mainly
Muslim nations to fight terrorism.
It has been established in pursuance of the objectives and principles of the charter of the Organization
of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It calls for all member states to cooperate to combat terrorism in all its
forms and manifestations.
About Islamic Military Coalition
The joint operations centre of the coalition will be established in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
The coalition includes nations with large and established armies such as Turkey, Pakistan and
Egypt as well as war-torn countries such as Libya and Yemen.
Member nations: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Bahrain, Turkey, Benin, Togo, Chad, Djibouti, Tunisia, Sudan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gabon,
Somalia, Guinea, Comoros, Palestine, Qatar, Kuwait, Cote d Ivoire, Lebanon, Maldives,
Libya, Mali, Malaysia, Egypt, Morocco, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Yemen.
The establishment of coalition comes amid international pressure on the Gulf Arab states to
do more in the fight against so-called Islamic State.
The new alliance will co-ordinate efforts against extremists in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and
Afghanistan.
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Pakistan successfully tests nuclear-capable Shaheen-IA ballistic missile

December 16, 2015
Pakistan has successfully tested the nuclear-capable Shaheen-IA ballistic missile with a range of 900
km.
The test of the missile was aimed at re-validating several design and technical parameters of the
weapon system. However the location of the test was not disclosed by Pakistan Government.
It is second nuclear capable missile test to be undertaken by Pakistan in December 2015. Earlier
Shaheen-III surface-to-surface ballistic missile with a range of 2,750 km was tested.
About Shaheen-IA ballistic missile
Shaheen-IA ballistic missile (In English means Falcon) is a land-based supersonic and short-
to-intermediate range surface-to-surface guided ballistic missile.
It has been jointly designed and developed by the joint venture (JV) of NESCOM and the
National Defence Complex (NDC).
The missile has optimal range of 750 km and is propelled by a two-stage solid-fuel rocket
motor.
It is capable of carrying both conventional as well as nuclear warhead and is capable of
striking targets deep within India.
Supreme Court bans registration of new diesel SUVs, luxury cars in Delhi
December 16, 2015
Supreme Court has banned the registration of all diesel SUVs (Sports Utility Vechiles) and luxury
cars in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi.
The ban will be valid to SUVs, luxury cars with engine capacity of 2000 cc or more till March 31,
2016. The SC ruling aims at curbing the alarming pollution level in Delhi.
The Supreme Court ruled that
All trucks not bound for Delhi would be not allowed to enter the capital through National
Highways 1 and 8.
Trucks carrying goods for Delhi will have to shell out a steep environment compensation charge
(ECC).
EEC will be of 2,600 rupees for big trucks and 1,400 rupees for light commercial vehicles.
All the private cabs operating in Delhi should convert into Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
by March 1, 2016.
Commercial vehicles registered before 2005 are banned from entering Delhi.
Delhi government and all civic bodies to stop burning of waste. Asked the Central Pollution
Control Board (CPCB) and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to enforce
construction norms strictly to stop builders from polluting the NCR region.
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Presently, over 23 percent (around 8.5 million) of the vehicles on Delhi roads run on diesel and more
than 1,400 new cars are added every day. These diesel vehicles produce much more carcinogenic
nitrogen oxide than petrol cars and are one main source of Particulate Matters.
SC appoints Virendra Singh as Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh
December 16, 2015
The Supreme Court has appointed Justice (Retd) Virendra Singh as new Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh.
The first of its kind order given , the SC has invoked its constitutional power and appointed retired
HC judge as UP Lokayukta after state machinery failed to appoint it. The order was given as per
Article 142 of Constitution.
The Supreme Court observed that
The failure of constitutional functionaries to comply with the orders of the apex court of the
country is deeply regretted and astonishing.
Expressed displeasure that Chief Minister, leader of opposition and Chief Justice of High
Court failed to comply with its order.
Justice (Retd) Virendra Singh is a native of western Uttar Pradesh. He has served as Judge of
Allahabad High Court from 2009 to 2011 and had superannuated in 2011.
Background
The Supreme Court s order came after State Selection Panel of Lokayukta comprising Chief Minister
Akhilesh Yadav, leader of Opposition (LoP) Swami Prasad Maurya and Chief Justice of Allahabad
high court Justice DY Chandrachud could not reach on any consensus.
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December 17, 2015

World Bank offers $1.5 billion loan for Swachh Bharat Mission
December 17, 2015
The World Bank has approved a 1.5 billion dollars loan to support the Union government s flagship
cleanliness drive Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
The loan funds would be used for SBM Support Operation Project and shall support SBM s rural
component known as SBM-Gramin (SBM-G). The loan has a maturity of 18 years including a grace
period of 5 years.
Key facts
SBM Support Operation Project aims at strengthening the implementation of the SBM
initiative of the government.
The project will support SBM-Gramin over a 5 year period using a new performance-based
program.
Two important components of this project are incentivising good performance by states and
the focus on behavioural changes.
Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) will be nodal agency for
overseeing and coordinating role for the programme and support the participating states.
The loan funds will be mainly used to develop the capacity of MDWS in program
management, advocacy, monitoring and evaluation.
Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM): Aims to ensure that all citizens have access to improved sanitation
such as a toilet or latrine. It mainly focuses on changing behaviour of citizens in ending the practice
of open defecation by 2019.
ISRO successfully launches 6 Singapore Satellites onboard PSLV-C29
December 17, 2015
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed six commercial satellites from
Singapore in their dedicated orbits.
These satellites were launched using Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C29) from the first launch
pad of Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
This successful launch coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic
relations between India and Singapore in year 2015.
Key facts
The PSLV-C29 was launched in the core-alone version. The total lift-off mass was of 227.6
tonne that included 600 kg payload weight.
It was overall PSLV s 32nd space flight and the 31st consecutively successful one.
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The major payload was TeLEOS-One remote sensing satellite weighing 400 kg. It would be used
for urban planning and disaster monitoring of Singapore.
The other five satellites included two micro satellites and one nano satellite. These satellites
are VELOX-CI (123 kg), VELOX-II (13 kg) 6U-Cubesat technology demonstrator, Athenoxat-1,
Kent Ridge-1 (78 kg) and Galassia (3.4 kg) 2U-Cubesat.
All of these satellites were successfully launched into a 550 km circular orbit inclined at 15 to
the equator.
So far Antrix Corporation, the commercial arm of ISRO has successfully launched more than 55
foreign satellites of 20 countries into space. Some of its customer countries are US, UK, Japan,
Germany, Switzerland and South Korea.
Union Cabinet gives nod to amend Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950
December 17, 2015
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval for introduction
Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order Amendment Bill, 2015 in the Parliament.
The Bill seeks to amend Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950 in order to modify the list of
Scheduled Castes in respect of 5 States viz. Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala, Odisha and West Bengal.
Key facts
The Bill also modifies the Central List of Other Backward Classes of 3 states viz.
Chhattisgarh, Haryana and Kerala.
Chhattisgarh: Sais, who are also known as Sahis, Sarathi, Soot-Sarathi and Thanwar are
eligible for their inclusion in SC category.
Haryana: Two castes have been included in the SC list. These are Aheria (also called Aheri,
Hari, Heri, Thori and Tur) and Rai Sikh.
Kerala: Peruvannan caste has been included the SC list. While, Malayan community area has
been extended.
Odisha: Bariki and Kummari castes been excluded from the OBC list consequent upon their
inclusion in SC list.
West Bengal: The area restriction of the inclusion of Chain caste has been removed.
After the Bill becomes an Act, the members of these communities will be included in the list
of Scheduled Castes.
They will be able to derive benefits meant for Scheduled Castes under the existing
Government schemes. In addition they will also be entitled to the benefits of reservation in
services and admission to educational institutions.
Background
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The Constitution of India provides certain privileges and concessions to the members of
Scheduled Castes that are notified under the provisions of Article 341 of the Constitution.
Article 341 says that 1st list of Scheduled Castes in relation to a States/UTs has to be issued by
a notified Order of the President after consultation with the respective State Government.
Clause (2) of Article 341 mentions that any subsequent inclusion or exclusion particular
community from the list of Scheduled Castes can be envisaged through an Act of Parliament.
Modalities in regard to modifications in the lists of SCs/STs: In 1999, Union
Government had approved Modalities for considering proposals in regard to modifications in
the lists of SCs/ST. It was amended in June 2002.
Under it amending legislation to the concerned Constitution Order is proposed only in
respect of such proposals of the concerned State Government/UT Administration.
Such proposal must have been agreed to both by the National Commission for Scheduled
Castes (NCSC) as well as Registrar General of India (RGI).
India raises concerns over massive subsidization of farm sectors by developed countries at
WTO meet
December 17, 2015
India has raised concerns over massive subsidization of farm sectors by developed (rich) countries.
These concerns were raised Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman during
the 10th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Concerns raised by India
Pulled up developed (rich) countries for failing to reduce massive agricultural subsidisation
which are generally trade distorting agribusiness subsidies.
Agricultural reforms remain the corner stone of the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) 2001
negotiations.
All member countries must deliver on all three pillars of the negotiations in a balanced and
logical manner of the DDA.
Pitched for special safeguard mechanism (SSM) to protect legitimate interests of poor farmers
and the food security of hundreds of millions in developing countries.
Member countries should not continue with the rhetoric of a development agenda without
an attempt to address issues which are of primary concern to developing economies.
Trade distorting agribusiness subsidies of developed (rich) countries mainly framed by
handful of farm lobbies of some countries is worsening destiny of millions of subsistence
farmers of the developing countries.
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Union Cabinet gives nod to MoU with BRICS countries for energy conservation
December 17, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between India and BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China and
South Africa) countries for energy conservation.
The MoU provides for
Joint scientific and technological research strengthening energy efficiency cooperation among
the member countries based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit.
Capacity building and technology transfer in the field of Energy Savings and Energy
Efficiency along with sharing policies and best practices.
Counterparts for strengthening and further developing of energy saving and energy
efficiency cooperation.
Under the present MoU, the BRICS countries will intend to examine the practicability of
development of the comprehensive programme of cooperation in energy saving.
It will also include promotion of energy efficiency including specific common projects, applicable
methods and instruments of energy saving promotion and energy efficiency increase in their
economies.
Union Cabinet gives nod for development of Underground Coal Gasification
December 17, 2015
The Union Cabinet has approved a policy framework for development of Underground Coal
Gasification (UCG) in unexplored coal and lignite bearing areas in the country.
Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet Committee meeting chaired by the Prime
Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
What is Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)?
UCG is a clean coal extraction technology for extracting energy from the coal seams and
lignite resources which cannot be mined through traditional mining technology.
It is mainly an industrial process which converts coal into product gases such as methane,
hydrogen, CO and CO2 that are combusted for electricity generation.
The gasification process is carried out in non-mined coal seams using injection of oxidants
which brings the product gas to surface through production wells drilled from the surface.
UCG Policy Framework
The UCG policy framework has been framed in line with the existing policy for Coal Bed
Methane (CBM) development on revenue sharing basis.
Development of UCG has been envisaged to provide for energy security and will be adopted
for offering the blocks through competitive bidding.
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Inter-Ministerial Committee under the Union Ministry of Coal with members from
concerned Ministries will be responsible for identification of the areas.
Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL) will be the nodal agency for
all business related proposals and regulations.
Union Government gives in principle approval to Google s Loon project
December 17, 2015
Union Government has given in principle approval to work on Loon project of internet search
engine giant Google for providing Internet connectivity by using large balloons.
The announcement was made by Google CEO Sunder Pichai in New Delhi after meeting Union
Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
The project will be started on a pilot basis and state run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will
be partner with the project in order to expand Internet connectivity in the country.
What is Google s Loon project?
It is Google s ambitious research and development project that aims at providing low-cost
Internet access to rural and remote areas.
Under the project, high altitude floating telecom tower balloons are positioned at a height of 20
km, above earth s surface for transmission of internet services.
Each balloon can provide full wireless broadband internet coverage up to an area of 40 km.
These balloons are mainly powered though solar panels.
These balloons have transceivers which can connect to cell phone networks in order to fill
the gaps in their networks especially in remote areas such as mountains and deserts.
Google already has successfully tested this technology in New Zealand, California and Brazil.
Apart from Project Loon, Google also has partner with the Common Service Centre (CSC) and
Internet Sathi programme (ISP) to expand Internet reach in 3 lakh villages particularly for women
training. Google is also focusing on bringing its various products in many more Indian languages.
Reva Khetrapal takes oath as Delhi s Lokayukta
December 17, 2015
Former Delhi High Court Judge Reva Khetrapal took oath as Lokayukta of Delhi. Lieutenant
Governor Najeeb Jung administered the oath to office at a function held at Raj Niwas.
She will become the fourth Lokayukta of Delhi and shall have five years terms as per Delhi
Lokayukta and Uplokayukta Act, 1995.
Her appointment comes after President Pranab Mukherjee chose her as head of anti-corruption
ombudsman on the recommendations of Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.
Background
Prior to Presidential approval, Justice Khetrapal was chosen as head of anti-corruption ombudsman
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unanimously by a four-member panel. The panel included Lt Governor Najeeb Jung, Chief Minister
Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court G Rohini and Leader of Opposition in Delhi
Assembly Vijender Gupta.
About Reva Khetrapal
Reva Khetrapal had practiced in the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court from 1975 to
1991.
She was elevated to the HC in 2006 and she retired in September 2014. In 1991, she was
appointed sessions judge and additional district.
Later she was posted as special judge (narcotics) in 1994. In 1999, She was also appointed
secretary, Press Council of India (PCI).
Lok Sabha passes Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015
December 17, 2015
The Lok Sabha passed the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015 by voice vote for
speedy disposal of arbitration cases.
The bill seeks to amend Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 to make of commercial disputes more
user-friendly and cost effective which in turn will lead to expeditious disposal of cases.
Key Provisions of Bill
Mandatory for arbitrators to settle disputes within 12 months. This period can be extended
by 6 months only by a court on sufficient cause.
Cut the fees of arbitrators if the court finds that the delay has been caused due to arbitrators.
Rewarding arbitrators with extra fees in case the matter is disposed of within 6 months and
the parties agree to pay more.
Empower arbitration tribunals to grant all kinds of interim measures that courts provide.
Thus giving more teeth to them in order to make tribunals directives enforceable in the same
manner as those of courts.
Background
The amendments to this Bill are based on the Law Commission s recommendations and suggestions
received from stakeholders. Law Commission of India (LCI) in its 246th Report had recommended
various amendments in Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 in order to pave way for India to
become a hub of International Commercial Arbitration.
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December 18, 2015

UNSC unanimously adopt resolution to cut-off supply of funds to IS group
December 18, 2015
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted resolution cut off supply of
revenue flows to Islamic State (IS) militant group.
Decision in this regard was taken at the first-ever meeting of finance ministers of 15 member states
to support a diplomatic push to end the war in Syria.
Key facts
The resolution has been drafted by United States and Russia, calls on governments to ensure
that they have adopted laws to make the financing of IS a serious criminal offence.
It also calls for enhanced actions against from closing financial system loopholes to stopping
the abuse of charitable causes.
It stressed that already existing resolution mandating member states to ensure that financial
assets are not transferred to terrorists by persons within their territory.
Called for increased international cooperation in sharing information and closer
collaboration with the private sector to identify suspect transactions.
The UNSC also called on Member States to promote enhanced vigilance by persons within their
jurisdiction to detect any diversion of explosives, raw materials and components that can be used to
manufacture improvised explosive devices or unconventional weapons.
French President Francois Hollande to be chief guest at 67th Republic Day Parade
December 18, 2015
President of France Francois Hollande will be the Chief Guest at the 67th Republic Day parade of
January 26, 2016.
It was announced by Union Ministry External Affairs (MEA) after the French President accepted the
invitation to witness Republic Day celebration as chief guest.
Mr. Francois Hollande would be the 5th highest dignitary from France to be Chief Guest of Indian
Republic Day parade after Prime Minister Jacques Chirac (1976), President Valry Giscard d Estaing
(1980), President Jacques Chirac (1998) and President Nicolas Sarkozy (2008).
With this invitation, France now holds distinction of being the guest of honour for the maximum
five times of Indian Republic Day parade followed by Bhutan (four times); Mauritius and
USSR/Russia (three times each).
Earlier Chief guests of Republic Day parades: 2015-Barack Obama (US President), 2014- Shinzo
Abe (Japanese Prime Minister), 2013-Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (King of Bhutan), 2012-
Yingluck Shinawatra (Then Prime Minister of Thailand), 2011- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Then
President of Indonesia).
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DAC gives nod to purchase of Russian S-400 Air Defence Missile Systems
December 18, 2015
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has cleared the purchase of Russian advance S-400 Trium Air
Defence Missile Systems at an estimated cost of 40,000 crore rupees.
Decision in this regard was taken by DAC meeting chaired by Union Defence Minister Manohar
Parrikar in New Delhi. DAC approval for defence deal comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra
Modi s visit to Russia later in December 2015.
India would buy 5 units of the S-400 Trium air defence missile systems that are capable of destroying
incoming hostile missiles, aircraft and even drones within a range of up to 400 km. This purchase
will give a major boost to the national air defence capacity and make India only the second buyer of
the missile system after China. The S-400 System is also capable of taking out ballistic missiles and
hypersonic targets.
DAC also gave approval for
Indian Army s proposal for the purchase of 6 regiments of the Pinaka rocket system under the
Make in India category for 14,600 crore rupees.
Each regiment of the Pinaka rocket system comes with 18 launchers and every launcher has
the capability of firing 12 rockets at the same time.
Indian Army s demand for 571 light bullet-proof vehicles to be used in counter-terrorism and
counter-insurgency operations. It was cleared at a cost of 310 crore rupees.
Purchase of 120 trawls to be used on Russia-origin T-72 and T-90 tanks under Buy Global
category for 450 crore rupees.
It should be noted that DAC is the apex body of Union Defence Ministry for clearing defence
procurement proposals forwarded by the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
NSE launches three new group indices
December 18, 2015
The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has launched three separate indices on three corporate houses of
India viz. Tata, Aditya Birla and Mahindra Group.
The first of its kind three separate indices based on corporate houses have been designed to reflect
the performance of companies belonging to the respective corporate group. Each of three indices
will comprise all the companies of the respective business group.
The three separate indices are
Nifty Tata Group Index: It includes 25 companies across 12 sectors with a total market
capitalisation of 7.51 lakh crore rupees. It represents 7.83 per cent of the total market
capitalisation of companies listed on the NSE.
Nifty Aditya Birla Group Index: It consists of eight companies across seven sectors with
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the market capitalisation of 2.08 lakh crore rupees. It represents 2.17 per cent of the total
market capitalisation of companies listed on the NSE.
Nifty Mahindra Group Index: It consists of seven companies with a market capitalisation
of about 1.64 lakh crore rupees. It represents 1.71 per cent of the total market capitalisation of
companies listed on NSE.
These three indices have been created by the NSE s group company India Index Services & Products
Ltd (IISL). The company is planning to launch indices on other corporate groups and third-party
products based on such indices.
23 poets and authors chosen for prestigious 2015 Sahitya Akademi Award
December 18, 2015
Sahitya Academy has announced the names of 23 poets and authors who will be conferred the
prestigious 2015 Sahitya Akademi Award.
This award has recognised premier works in 23 Indian languages that includes 6 books of short
stories, 6 of poetry, 4 novels, 2 books each of essays, criticism and plays and 1 memoir.
23 Awardee s are:
Poetry: Brajendra Kumar Brahma (Bodo), Dhian Singh (Dogri), Ramdarash Mishra (Hindi),
K.V. Tirumalesh (Kannada), Kshetri Rajan (Manipuri) and Ram Shankar Awasthi (Sanskrit).
Short stories: Kula Saikia (Assamese), Man Mohan Jha (Maithili), Gupta Pradhan (Nepali),
Bibhuti Pattanaik (Odia), Maya Rahi (Sindhi) and Volga (Telugu).
Novels: Cyrus Mistry (English), Jaswinder Singh (Punjabi), K R Meera (Malayalam) and
Madhu Acharya Ashawadi (Rajasthani).
Essays: Rasik Shah (Gujrati) and A. Madhavan (Tamil).
Plays: Uday Bhembre (Konkani), Rabilal Tudu (Santali).
Books on criticism: Bashir Bhadarwahi (Kashmiri) and Shamim Tariq (Urdu).
Memoirs: Arun Khopkar (Marathi).
All 23 awardees were chosen by a distinguished jury representing 23 Indian languages. The final
approval was given by the Executive Board of the Sahitya Akademi chaired by its President Dr.
Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari.
They will be presented with awards at a special function during the Festival of Letters the annual
function of the Akademi. The award in Bengali language will be announced later.
About Sahitya Akademi Award
Sahitya Akademi Award ( ) is conferred on writers of outstanding works
in one of the twenty-four major Indian languages (22 Scheduled Languages+ English and
Rajasthani).
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24 major Indian languages are: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, English, Gujarati, Hindi,
Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi,
Rajasthani, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
The award consists of a casket containing an engraved copper-plaque, a shawl and a cheque
of 1 Lakh rupees.
Renowned theatre artiste Chatla Sriramulu passes away
December 18, 2015
Renowned theatre artiste and writer Chatla Sriramulu passed away at Secunderabad, Telangana. He
was 84.
He was instrumental in the establishment of Rasaranjani, a popular literary and cultural organisation
dedicated to the theatre arts.
About Chatla Sriramulu
He was born on December 5, 1931 in Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) in then Madras
Presidency.
In early days of his career he was a railway employee but later shifted to towards the theatre.
Sriramulu had acted and directed more than 100 plays and wrote several books. His famous
work is play Maro Mahenjodaro .
He also acted in two Tollywood movies, Swpana and Chiranjeevi s Nyayam Kavali . He had
trained popular Telugu actors Venkatesh and Nagarjuna in acting.
Awards and Honours: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1982) and was awarded Best Actor
twice by Andhra Nataka Kala Parishad.
London based British Drama League had awarded him with certificate of Producer and
Teacher in 1970. He was the first artiste from Andhra Pradesh to receive Emeritus
Fellowship from the Human Resources Department (HRD) of Union Government.
R K Mathur appointed as Chief Information Commissioner
December 18, 2015
Former Defence Secretary Radha Krishna Mathur (62) has been appointed as Chief Information
Commissioner (CIC).
He will have tenure of about three years (2017) till he attain the age of 65. He succeeds Vijai Sharma
as he has retired after completion of his tenure.
Conventionally, the senior-most Information Commissioner is chosen as CIC. However, Mr Mathur
appointment was made away from the convention of appointing senior-most serving Information
Commissioner as CIC.
Background
President Pranab Mukherjee had approved the appointment R K Mathur as CIC after receiving
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proposal of Prime Minister led selection committee as per The Right To Information (RTI) Act,
2005. The selection committee included Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Chairman), Leader of the
Largest Opposition Party in Lok Sabha, Mallikaarjun Kharge and Union Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley.
About R K Mathur
R K Mathur is a retired IAS officer of Tripura cadre. He had served as Defence Secretary for two
years. He also had served as Secretary Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSME) and Defence Production and Supplies.
Uttar Pradesh government bans use of polythene bags across the State
December 18, 2015
Uttar Pradesh government has decided to enforce the ban on the use of polythene across the state to
protect the environment and public health.
Decision in this regard was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav as
per the directives of Allahabad High Court to prohibit its usage.
Key facts
The ban prohibits manufacturing, importing, purchasing and storage of all kinds of plastic
carry bags in state.
Henceforth, no shopkeeper, wholesaler or retailer in the state would be able to use, store or
purchase plastic carry bags for eatable or non-eatable items.
However, the ban will not be applicable on carry bags used for packaging purposes. State
Government is also looking at alternative material that can be distributed to the people.
Background
On November 18, 2015 Allahabad High Court had directed the state government to issue a
notification for complete ban on the sale of polythene across the state by December 31, 2015 in view
of its negative impact on people s health as well as environment.
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December 19, 2015

Renowned British Novelist Peter Dickinson passes away
December 19, 2015
Renowned British Novelist Peter Dickinson passed away in Winchester, Hampshire. He was 88. He
was a prolific novelist best known for children s books and detective stories.
He was the first author to receive twice the prestigious Carnegie medal in 1979 and 19080 awarded
annually by librarians for the outstanding new children s book in Britain.
About Peter Dickinson
Peter Dickinson was born on 16 December 1927 in Livingstone, Northern Rhodesia (Now
Zambia).
Writing Career: In his entire career, he had written around 60 books which have been
translated into 53 different languages.
His debut novel for children The Weathermonger was published in 1968 of Changes trilogy and
was followed by Heartsease (1969) and The Devil s Children (1970). His last novel In The Palace Of
The Khans was published in 2012.
Awards and Honours: He was the first and only author till date to win the Crime Writers
Association Gold Dagger award for two consecutive novels Skin Deep (1968) and A Pride Of
(Heroes 1969). His two novels Tulku (1979) and City of Gold (1980) had won the Carnegie Medal.
ZSI Scientists discovered a new eel species named Bengal moray eel
December 19, 2015
Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have a discovered a new species of eel named
Bengal moray eel (Gymnothorax mishrai) along the coast of Digha in Purba Medinipur district of
West Bengal.
The Eels are mainly snake-like fishes with fins and gills and are mostly found at bottom of rivers and
seas.
About Bengal moray eel
Bengal moray eel species is a marine fish species. It is 32.4 cm long and brown in colour.
Their body does not have any patterns.
This species belonging to moray eel has 134 vertebral bones and has been categorised among
the short, brown, patterned moray eels.
The fish is edible like other eel species that are mainly consumed in India is limited to the
coastal areas.
There are around 800 species of eels species found across the world and India is home to 150-200 of
these fish species.
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India s biggest wildlife rescue centre commissioned in Nagpur

December 19, 2015
India s biggest Wildlife Rescue Centre named as Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre has been
commissioned at Gorewada near Nagpur, Maharashtra.
The centre was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in presence of State
Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.
Key facts
Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre is managed by the Forest Development
Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM).
Nagpur based Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries (MAF) University is also part of this centre.
The centre is spread over 30 hectres and has been created on the lines of Gujarat based Gir
National Park which is also one of the biggest and best wildlife centre in the country.
It has four wards veterinary hospital that would house sick, injured and rescued animals. It
has burial ground in the same premises.
The hospital has state-of-art facilities and is equipped with x-ray machine, operation theatre
etc.
It has cages for herbivorous animals and would house Deer, Sambars and Nilgais. It also has
two enclosures to house 10 Tigers at a time and also separate enclosure for Panthers.
It has enclosure that can house over 100 Birds of mixed species. It also has separated
enclosure for housing Pythons including Cobra, Rat Snakes and vipers.
The centre also has enclosures for housing 10 small mammals like Wolf, wild Dogs, Jackal.
West Bengal Government approves proposal for formation of 5 new districts
December 19, 2015
West Bengal Government has approved proposal for formation of five new districts in the state.
With this the total number of districts of Bengal will increase to 25.
Decision in this regard was taken by state Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mamata
Banerjee in Kolkata.
Five new districts are
Kalimpong district: It would be carved out by bifurcating Darjeeling district in north
Bengal.
Sundarbans district: Currently stretches across parts of the North and South 24 Parganas
districts. It shall consists of part of world s largest mangrove forest.
Basirhat district: It would be formed out of North 24 Parganas district.
Burdwan (Industrial) district: It would be established by bifurcating existing Burdwan
district.
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Jhargram district: It will be carved out of West Midnapore district.

These new districts will take six months to one year s time to come into existence after State
administration gets formal permission from court and create the basic infrastructure.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates top Police Officers Conference in Gujarat
December 19, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally inaugurated the All-India conference of Directors
General of Police (AICDGPs) at Dhordo in white Rann of Kutch region near Bhuj, Gujarat.
Three day conference was inaugurated in the presence of Union Minister for Home Rajnath Singh,
Minister of State for Home Kiran Rijju and Haribhai Patel.
Key facts
The annual conference for second time organised out of New Delhi and has been organised
by Intelligence Bureau (IB).
Director General of Police (DGPs) of all the state and Head of other security agencies are
participating in this conference.
It will be also attended by IGs of state/UTs, heads of National Investigation Agency (NIA),
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), IB, Narcotics department and various police training.
DGs and IGs of paramilitary forces like Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police
Force-CRPF and Central Industrial Security Force are also participating in the conference.
Key issues to be discussed: Police Reforms, Radicalisation, Social Media s effect on Law and
Order, security, Disaster management, Women Safety and tourist police, Inter-state police
coordination etc.
UN Security Council unanimously adopts resolution on Syria peace plan
December 19, 2015
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously adopted a resolution No. 2254
outlining a peace process in Syria.
The resolution endorses an international roadmap for a Syria peace process to end Syria s five-year-
long civil war.
Key facts
The resolution endorses formal talks on a political transition between the President Bashar
al-Assad led Syrian government and opposition in early January 2016.
Calls for implementation of a ceasefire in parallel with the talks on a political transition.
Offensive and defensive actions against such terrorist groups in Syria such as ISIS will
continue.
Calls for establishment of credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance in Syria within six
months.
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Free and fair elections to be held in Syria under UN supervision within 18 months.
Afghanistan becomes 164th member of WTO
December 19, 2015
Afghanistan has become 164th member nation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), global
trade body after 11 years of negotiations.
WTO has formally approved Afghanistan s membership proposal at its ongoing 10th ministerial
conference in the Nairobi, Kenya.
In this regard, Protocol of Accession (PoA) was signed by WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo
and Afghanistan s First Deputy Chief Executive Mohammad Khan Rahmani.
The final accession to become a full member will come in to effect after PoA is ratified by
Afghanistan Parliament till June 2016. It will be the 36th least developed country (LDC) to join the
global trade body.
Advantages for Afghanistan
By joining WTO, landlocked war-shattered Afghanistan hopes to reap the benefits of the
WTO membership for its post-conflict reconstruction.
Trade-led growth will help to create new economic opportunities in world s poorest
economy and create jobs especially for women and in turn help to reduce poverty.
Post-conflict reconstruction will certainly contribute in a major way to reduce extremism and
achieve regional peace and security.
Special Note: During the 10th ministerial conference in the Nairobi, Kenya two new
members were added viz. Liberia (163rd) and Afghanistan (164th).
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December 20, 21, 2015

President Pranab Mukherjee awarded Garwood Award for Outstanding Global Leader
December 21, 2015
President Pranab Mukherjee has been awarded 2015 Garwood Award for Outstanding Global Leader
in Open Innovation from UC Berkeley-Haas School of Business.
The award was presented by Prof. Solomon Darwin, Executive Director Garwood Center for
Corporate Innovation at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The award was presented to Pranab Mukherjee for
Promoting open innovation, organizing first Festival of Innovation at the Rashtrapati
Bhavan.
Launching the first Innovations Scholars In-Residence programme to promote the spirit of
innovation
Hosting and gathering global innovators at the first-ever Global Roundtable on the Inclusive
Innovations at Rashtrapati Bhavan
Providing a thriving creative atmosphere for grassroots innovation activities that will have
the potential to transform the global landscape, etc.
The University of California, Berkeley is one of the most prestigious educational institutes in the
world. It has established Garwood Award to acknowledge individuals who have embraced, supported
and encouraged open innovation in a significant and impactful way.
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned Miss Universe 2015

December 21, 2015
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach has been 64th crowned Miss Universe after beating out
contenders from the United States, France, Colombia and Australia.
She was crowned by 2014 Miss Universe winner Paulina Vega of Columbia. Miss USA Olivia Jordan
has been named the second runner-up.
About Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is a Filipino-German actress, model, beauty writer and beauty pageant
titleholder born to German father and Filipino mother.
She had started working actress as at age 11 under the screen name Pia Romero. She had
appeared in films such as Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003), All My Life (2004) and All About
Love (2006).
Presently, she is working as stylist and writer for the lifestyle section of a leading newspaper
in the Philippines.
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About Miss Universe

It is an annual international beauty pageant that is run by the Miss Universe Organization. It was
founded in 1952 by the California clothing company Pacific Mills.
Along with the Miss World and Miss Earth contests, Miss Universe is one of the three largest beauty
pageants in the world and one of the most anticipated beauty pageants worldwide.
Vatican to confer sainthood on Mother Teresa
December 21, 2015
Mother Teresa, a Roman Catholic religious sister and missionary will be given Sainthood i.e. will be
made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church in September 2016.
In this regard, Pope Francis has approved a decree recognising a second miracle attributed to Mother
Teresa s intercession with God.
Earlier in 2003, Mother Teresa was beatified by then late Pope John Paul. Beatification requires one
miracle and is the last step before sainthood.
The second miracle of Mother Teresa has been attributed to the intercession which is required for
canonisation. It involved the inexplicable healing of a man who was suffering from a deadly brain
disease.
About Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa is founder of Kolkata based Missionaries of Charity that helps poor on the
streets of Kolkata.
Through the charity organisation, she had spent around 45-years serving the poor, sick,
orphaned and dying on the streets of Kolkata.
She was born as Anjez Gonxhe Bojaxhiu on 26 August 1910 in Skopje (Now in Macedonia)
then part of the Kosovo Vilayet in the Ottoman Empire. She died at the age of 87 in 1997 in
Kolkata.
Awards: Padma Shri (1962), Nobel Peace Prize (1979), Bharat Ratna (1980).
Barcelona FC wins FIFA Club World Cup for 3rd time
December 21, 2015
Barcelona FC has won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup for a record third time.
In the final match played at International Stadium Yokoham in Japan the winning team defeated
River Plate FC by 3-0 goals.
Three goals for Barcelona FC were scored by Lionel Messi (36 minute), Luis Suarez (49 minute) and
Neymar (68 minute).
Earlier Barcelona FC had won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 and 2011 and it is their fifth
trophy of season 2015.
About FIFA Club World Cup
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The FIFA Club World Cup is an international men s association football competition
organised by the Fdration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
It was established in 2000 and formerly was known as the FIFA Club World Championship.
The inaugural FIFA Club World Cup was won by Corinthians FC of Brazil.
Chennaiyin FC wins 2015 Indian Super League Football Champions
December 21, 2015
Chennaiyin FC has won the second edition of Indian Super League (ISL) Football tournament.
In the final played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, they defeated hosts Goa FC by 3-2 goals
score.
Till the 87th minute of final match Goa was leading by 2-1 goals but the self goal from their keeper
Laxmikant Kattimani in the 90th minute and Colombian Stiven Mendoza s strike seconds later
helped Chennai win the title.
Awards of 2015 ISL
Golden boot Award: John Stiven Mendoza Valencia (Chennaiyin FC). Scored tournament s
highest scorer of 13 goals.
Golden Glove Award: Apoula Edima Edel Bete (Chennaiyin FC).
Muthoot Group Fair Play Award: Mumbai FC.
Hero of the League award: John Stiven Mendoza Valencia (Chennaiyin FC).
About Chennaiyin FC
Chennaiyin FC is Chennai (Tamil Nadu) based ISL franchise. The franchise is owned by Indian
cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Vita Dani and Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan.
About Indian Super League (ISL)
The ISL football league was launched in 2013 to promote football in India on the lines of
Indian Premier League and Twenty20 formats of Cricket.
ISL s mission is to make India a global football power and promote the game so that India
qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It is supported by the AIFF (All India Football Federation). It uses a city based franchise
system like IPL.
Atletico de Kolkata had won the inaugural ISL football tournament in 2014.
United States lifts 40-year-old ban on oil export
December 21, 2015
The United States (US) has lifted a 40 year ban on oil exports marking a historic shift for the
booming US oil industry.
This decision was taken as part of a 1.1 trillion dollars spending bill to fund US government until
2016 received assent of President Barack Obama
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This move will help in economic growth and in turn create jobs along with new revenues, prosperity
and enhanced energy security for other countries. It would pave the way for energy deficient
countries including India to open up another frontier and diversify import basket of oil from US.
Background
The ban of crude oil exports was born of oil shock of 1973-1974 due to Arab oil embargo that had
sent global shooting up of oil prices. The ban was first imposed in 1975 after Arab members of the
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting (OPEC) Countries had banned oil exports to the US in
retaliation for its support of Israel during the Arab-Israeli war. The ban was imposed by US mainly
for seeking greater energy independence. US also had created an emergency stockpile of crude oil the
Strategic Petroleum Reserve in 1975.
US Senate ratifies IMF reforms as part of a Budget Bill
December 21, 2015
The United States (US) Senate has ratified reforms in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to
boost the representation of emerging economies as part of a budget bill.
The reforms ratified in the legislation are in line with the proposed 2010 Quota Reforms and now it
will go to President Barack Obama for assent.
These proposed reforms are the biggest change in the governance of the Fund since it was
established after World War Two in 1945 after the Bretton Woods Conference.
Proposed reforms in the Bill
Put four emerging markets Brazil, China, India and Russia among the IMF s top 10
shareholders and give emerging markets more influence at the global lender.
Gives emerging markets more voting power and double the Fund s resources.
China s vote at the IMF would increase to 6 per cent from 3.8 per cent. It would make it the
third-largest shareholder from its previous sixth position.
The voting power and quota shares of the IMF s poorest member countries will be protected.
IMF s Board will entirely consist of elected Executive Directors. It will end the current
category of appointment of Executive Directors by five largest quotas holders.
Quotas of all 188 members will increase as the Fund s quota resources rise to about 477 billion
special drawing rights (SDR) from 238.5 billion.
India s voting rights will also rise to 2.6 per cent from the current 2.3 per cent. US s quota
share drop from 16.7 per cent to 16.5 per cent but it will retain its veto power.
The biggest losers in these proposed reforms are European economies which will see their
voting rights diminished.
Parliament passes SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2015
December 21, 2015
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Parliament has passed The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities)
Amendment Bill, 2015.
The bill was first passed in Lok Sabha in August 2015 and later in Rajya Sabha in December 2015.
Now it will go for presidential assent.
Key features of the Bill
The bill seeks to amend parent law i.e. The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention
of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
It aims to prohibit the commission of offences against members of the SCs and STs and adds
provisions for establishing special courts for the trial cases of such offences and the
rehabilitation of victims.
Actions to be treated as offences: The Bill adds new categories of actions to be treated as
offences committed by non SCs and STs and amends certain existing categories.
Impeding certain activities related to voting especially vote or not vote for a particular
candidate will also be considered an offence.
Addition of new offences: (i) Garlanding SCs and STs with footwear (ii) Compelling to do
manual scavenging or dispose carry animal or human carcasses. (iii) Abusing SCs/STs in
public by caste name (iv) Disrespecting any deceased SCs/STs person held in high esteem or
attempting to promote feelings of ill-will against SCs/STs (iv) Threatening or imposing
economic and social boycott.
Offences in case of sexual exploiting of SC or ST woman: It will be considered as an
offence in case of (i) Using acts, words or gestures of a sexual nature against SC/ST woman.
(ii) Touching an SC/ST woman intentionally in a sexual manner without her consent (iii)
Practice of dedicating an SC/ST women as a devadasi to a temple.
Following activities will be considered an offence: Preventing SCs/STs using common
property resources, entering any places of public worship that is open to the public, and
entering an education or health institution.
In case of any violation of any provisions mentioned in this act the courts will presume that
the accused non SC/ST person was aware of the caste or tribal identity of the victim, unless it
is proved.
Public servants role:The Bill add provision specifying duties of public servants which
includes (i) registering a FIR or complaint (ii) public servant must read out the information
given oral complaint by SC/ST person before taking the signature of the victim and giving
copy of this information to the victim.
It should be noted that parent Act has provision mentioning that public servant (non SC/ST)
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neglecting his duties related to SCs/STs will be punished with imprisonment for a term of 6
months to 1 year.
Establishments of Courts: The Bill adds provision specifying establishment of Exclusive
Special Court and Special Court at the district level to try offences mentioned under this Act.
Exclusive Public Prosecutor and Public Prosecutor will be appointed for every Exclusive
Special Court and Special Court.
Rights of victims and witnesses:The bill adds new chapter dealing with the rights of
victims and witness. It mentions that it shall be the duty of the state to make arrangements
for the protection of victims and their dependents and the witnesses. It also mentions that
state should specify a scheme to ensure the implementation of rights of victims and witnesses.
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December 22, 2015

22nd December: National Mathematics Day
December 22, 2015
Every year 22nd December is observed as National Mathematics Day to celebrate birth anniversary
of great Indian autodidact Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan.
This year, it will be the 128th birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan.
About Srinivasa Ramanujan
Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on 22nd December, 1887 in Erode district of Tamil Nadu.
He was considered as doyen of number theory, infinite series, mathematical analysis, and
making formulas and equations without any formal training in pure mathematics.
Key contributions: As a mathematical genius, he had compiled more than 3900 mathematical
results and equations.
His Ramanujan Prime and Ramanujan theta discoveries had inspired further research on this
mathematical subject.
Along with British Mathematician Hardy, Ramanujan had discovered the smallest number
represented as sum of two cubes 1729 which is known as Hardy-Ramanujan number.
Background
In 2011, Union Government had declared 22nd December as National Mathematics Day to celebrate
Ramanujan s 125th birth anniversary. Government also had declared year 2012 as National
Mathematics Year.
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum announces retirement
December 22, 2015
New Zealand cricket team captain Brendon McCullum has announced his retirement from all forms
of international cricket viz., tests, ODIs and twenty20.
He will retire after playing the two home test series against Australia in February 2016. Presently, he
is New Zealand s captain in all three forms of the international cricket and also batsman and wicket-
keeper.
About Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum was born on 27 September 1981 in Otago. He hails from a cricketing
family as his father Stuart McCullum had played first-class cricket for Otago and his brother
Nathan McCullum had represented New Zealand.
ODI Career: His debut was in 2001 against Australia at Sydney at age of 20. He had scored
5909 runs from 254 matches. This score include 5 centauries and 31 half-centauries. He had
taken 258 catches and did 15 stumpings as a wicketkeeper.
Test Career: His test debut was in 2003 against South Africa. Overall he has played 99 tests
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so far and scored 6273 runs.

He has scored 11 centuries and 31 half-centuries at an average of 38.48. He is only New
Zealand batsman to score only triple century. He had taken 194 catches and made 11
stumpings.
T20 Internationals Career: He is the first and only player to score two Twenty20
International centuries so far and overall 2000 runs.
Indian Premier League career: He had played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise till
2014 and was picked up by Rajkot for 2016 and 2017 editions.
Captaincy: He had successfully led the New Zealand team in its first ever ICC Cricket World
cup final in 2015 against Australia.
Awards and Honours: He was conferred with the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for year
2014-15.
Spain s ruling conservative People s Party wins 2015 general election
December 22, 2015
Ruling conservative People s Party (PP) of Spain led Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy by has won the
2015 general election of the country.
In the general election, PP won the 123 seats by securing in the lower house of the 350-member
Parliament and securing 28.7 percent vote share.
However, it has fallen short of absolute majority which can be achieved by any party that wins
minimum 176 seats. Now the People s Party has to form a coalition government with support of
other political parties to govern for another four-year term.
Results of other parties
The Socialists which won 90 seats with 22 percent vote share.
Anti-austerity Podemos Party along with its allies won 69 seats with 20.6 percent vote share.
Liberal Ciudadanos party (LCP) won 40 seats with 13.8 percent vote share.
In the earlier outgoing parliament People s Party was having 186 seats in the lower house of the
Parliament.
India joins select club nations to build LNG ships
December 22, 2015
India has joined select club nations to build Liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships after state owned
Cochin Shipyard has received certification in this regard.
Cochin Shipyard also became first shipyard in India to get the nod to build LNG-transporting ships
for any client world-wide.
Key facts
In this regard, Cochin Shipyard has signed a license agreement with French technology
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company Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT).

GTT holds patented technology for LNG ships and provides the certification in design
engineering and membrane-type containment systems for the transportation and storage of
LNG.
GTT would provide technology for the cryogenic containment and handling system which is
most critical part of an LNG ship as the LNG is carried at a temperature of -163 degrees.
This license agreement authorises Cochin Shipyard to use the membrane type technologies of
GTT for any liquid gas carriers, more particularly the LNG carriers.
With this India joins the league other nations including South Korea, Japan and China building LNG
transportation ships. It also opens a new chapter in ship-building technology in India and marks a
big step for Make in India.
PM Narendra Modi flags off first prototype electric bus for MPs
December 22, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off first prototype pollution free electric bus for Members of
Parliament.
The bus powered by battery has been manufactured in the lines with Union Government s flagship
Make in India campaign.
Key facts
The 15-seater eco-friendly bus is coloured in green and blue. It has Go Green message on it.
It is powered by lithium battery developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
and is very economical.
The bus is a collaborative effort between the Union Transport Ministry and Pune-based
technology company KPIT.
It has been converted from diesel to electric and will be used to ferry Parliamentarians.
The noiseless bus can save carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions up to 48,000 kg a year. That s
equal to planting 2400 plants annually and will also save diesel worth Rs. 10 lakh a year.
Union Defence Ministry launches website for interface with industry and transparency
December 22, 2015
Union Ministry of Defence has launched a new Make in India website www.makeinindiadefence.com to
make defence acquisition process simpler and to provide an interface with industry.
The website was launched by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi. It was
launched in line with Union Government s ambitious goal in the process of creating a level playing
field with more transparency in defence sector procurements.
Key facts
The website provides information related to all procedural and policy issues relevant for
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defence manufacturing industry in the country.

It will act as an enabler for the industry to get the latest news and notification regarding
various aspects of the defence production.
It provides link to industrial programmes and promotion policies of various states and union
territories. It would make defence acquisition process simpler and transparent.
The portal also gives an opportunity to an individual company to seek clarifications or ask
questions that would be answered within three working days.
Union Defence Minister also announced that the new revised Defence Procurement Procedure
(DPP) will be declared by January 2016. The new DPP aims to have 40 per cent of defence
procurement under Make in India initiative from the current 30 per cent and raising it to 70 per cent
indigenisation in the next five years.
Lok Sabha passes The National Waterways Bill, 2015
December 22, 2015
Lok Sabha has unanimously passed the National Waterways Bill, 2015 by voice vote after it was
introduced by Union Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The bill aims at declaring 106 additional inland waterways as National Waterways in addition to the
five existing National Waterways.
Key facts
The National Waterways Bill, 2015 repeals the five Acts that declare the existing national
waterways. These existing five national waterways are now covered under the Bill.
The enactment of this Act (Central legislation) will pave way for the inclusion of 106
additional inlands waterways.
Thus the total number of national waterways numbers will go up to 111 from existing five
national waterways.
The Schedule mentioned in the Bill also specifies the extent of development to be undertaken
on each waterway.
Declaration of these National Waterways would enable Inland Waterways Authority of India
(IWAI) to develop the feasible stretches for Shipping and Navigation.
Inland waterways comprise mainly rivers, lakes, canals, creeks and backwaters. It extends about
14,500 km across the country. However, potential of this mode of transport has not been fully
exploited so far.
Advantages
Inland waterways are recognised as a fuel efficient, cost effective and environment friendly
mode of transport.
The statutory status to the inland waterways would pave for investments in inland waterways
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transportation sector which has been neglected in the past.

It would provide a cheaper mode of transport and reducing traffic burden and congestion on
roads and railways.
It would play pivotal role in reducing logistic cost of transportation of goods and ultimately
lead to reduction in their price in the market benefiting trade, industry, farmers, fishermen.
Being clean mode of transportation it will also help in reducing pollution.
Parliament passes Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill
December 22, 2015
Parliament has passed Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill, 2015 for trying
juveniles as adults.
The bill was first passed in Lok Sabha in May 2015 and later in Rajya Sabha in December 2015. Now
it will go for presidential approval to come into force.
Key facts
The bill has provision that allows trying of juveniles between the ages of 16 and 18 years as
adults for heinous offences.
The legislation aims at ensuring protection, proper care, development and social
reintegration of children in difficult circumstances by adopting a child-friendly approach.
The bill empowers Juvenile Justice Boards (JJB) to examine the nature of crime and decide
whether it was committed as a child mind or as an adult mind.
Based upon the preliminary inquiry of JJB, juvenile offender will be either sent for
rehabilitation or will be tried as an adult.
The Bill also seeks to consolidate and amend the law related to children alleged and found to
be in conflict with law and children needing care and protection.
It also has provision for the establishment of Child Welfare Committees (CWC) along with
JJB in each district. The CWC will determine institutional care for juvenile in need of care
and protection.
Union Government notifies stricter standards for Coal Based Thermal Power Plants
December 22, 2015
The Union Government has notified the revised standards for coal-based Thermal Power Plants in
the country with the primary aim of minimising pollution
In this regard, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued
notification and proposed theses standard to be implemented in a phased manner.
Key facts
These new standards are based on the recommendation of the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) after consultations with different stakeholders.
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For implementation of revised standards Thermal power plants are categorised into 3
categories (i) Installed before 31st December, 2003 (ii) Installed after 2003 and up to 31st
December, 2016 and (iii) Installed after 31st December, 2016.
The new standards are aimed at reducing emission of sulphur dioxide (7.3 Kg/MWh), PM10
(0.98 kg/MWh) and Oxide of nitrogen (4.8 kg/MWh).
It would in turn help in bringing about an improvement in the Nation Ambient Air Quality
(AAQ) index around and in thermal power plants.
The technology employed for controlling of proposed emission limit of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2)
and Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) will also help in reducing mercury emission at about 70-90%.
Limiting the use of water in thermal power plant for water conservation as thermal power
plant is a water-intensive industry. In turn it would also lead to a reduction in energy
requirement for drawl of water.
The standards have been made stringent for recently installed plants, compared to earlier ones and
most stringent standards will be for those plants to be set up in future.
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December 23, 2015

Pawan Kumar Agarwal appointed CEO of FSSAI
December 23, 2015
Senior IAS officer Pawan Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of
Food Regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
He will succeed Yudhvir Singh Malik who was appointed as Additional Secretary in National
Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog in September 2015.
Pawan Kumar Agarwal is IAS officer of 1985 batch of West Bengal cadre. Presently he is serving as
joint secretary in Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
Prior to his appointment, FSSAI Chairman Ashish Bahuguna was holding the additional charge of
CEO of the FSSAI.
About Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
FSSAI is a nodal statutory agency responsible for protecting and promoting public health in
India through the regulation and supervision of food safety.
FSSAI was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and operates under
aegis of Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
Functions: FSSAI has been established to lay down science based standards for various food
products in order ensure availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. It
also regulates the manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food products for
human consumption.
Structure: It is led by a non-executive Chairperson. The executive head of FSSAI is the Chief
Executive Officer.
Headquarters: New Delhi. It also has 8 regional offices located in Delhi, Guwahati, Mumbai,
Lucknow, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Cochin and Chennai It has 4 referral laboratories and 72
local laboratories located across India.
Amit Agarwal appointed as CFO of Jet Airways
December 23, 2015
Private air carrier Jet Airways has appointed Amit Agarwal as its new full time Chief Financial
Officer (CFO).
His appointment will fill the vacancy of full time CFO of Jet Airways which was vacant since March
2014 after then CFO Ravishankar Gopalakrishnan parted ways with the airline.
In his new role, Amit Agarwal will be responsible for all financial and fiscal management aspects of
the airlines business. With this appointment he also joins the operating committee that has been
tasked by the airline s board of directors to lead the airline s growth strategy.
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About Amit Agarwal

Amit Agarwal is Chartered Accountant (CA) by profession with more than 24 years of rich
experience and had worked in India, Europe and North America.
He is a seasoned finance professional with knowledge and insights of Indian and international
markets.
Prior to joining Jet Airways, was working Suzlon Energy as the CFO and used to manage
company s finances and drive its turnaround initiatives.
Prior to Suzlon, he had had worked Arcelor Mittal Europe and Essar Steel at various senior
designation.
Union Cabinet approves to expand visa-free diplomatic travel to more countries
December 23, 2015
The Union Cabinet has given its nod to the Model Agreement on exemption from visa requirements
for the holders of diplomatic and official passports.
Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in New Delhi.
This move would facilitate visa-free entry, stay up and transit for holders of diplomatic and official
passports of either country to 90 days (or less) in any period of 180 days (or more) in India or
signatory country for holders of diplomatic and official passports of either country.
This decision was taken is part of India s ongoing efforts to expand the envelope of visa-free travel
for holders of diplomatic and official passports to other countries of the world. So far, India has
signed visa free agreements with 69 countries. There are still more than 130 countries with which
India is yet to sign or enter into similar Agreements.
Investment of Rs. 5,000 crore by ONGC Limited in ONGC Videsh Limited
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) also has given its approval for investment of
5,000 crore rupees by Oil and Natural Gas Company Limited (ONGC) into the equity share capital of
ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL).
This investment would be done through conversion of existing loan of equivalent amount into
equity and will help strengthen the capital base of OVL. It will also enhance the ability of ONGC to
undertake overseas Exploration and Production (E&P) business in turn contributing to improve the
energy security of the country.
CCEA approves Rs 3,000 crore scheme for fisheries sector
December 23, 2015
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for implementation of an
umbrella scheme for integrated development and management of fisheries.
It is Central Sector Scheme on Blue Revolution that will be implemented at an outlay of 3,000 crore
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rupees for a period of five years in all the states including North East States and Union Territories.
Key facts
The scheme will cover will cover multi-dimensional activities for development and
management of inland fisheries, aquaculture and marine fisheries.
All activities under ambit of it would be undertaken by the National Fisheries Development
Board (NFDB) towards realizing Blue Revolution.
The scheme aims at development and management of fisheries and aquaculture sector to
ensure a sustained annual growth rate of 6 to 8 percent.
It focuses mainly on increasing productivity and production from aquaculture and fisheries
resources both inland and marine keeping in view the overall sustainability, bio-security and
environmental concerns.
Components of Scheme: (a) National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and its
activities (b) Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture. (c) Development of Marine
Fisheries, Post-Harvest Operations and Infrastructure. (d) Strengthening of database and
Geographical Information System (GIS) of the Sector. (e) Institutional Arrangement for
Sector (f) Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and other need-based Interventions.
It provides for suitable convergence and linkages with the Sagarmala Project of the Ministry
of Shipping, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), MGNAREGA, National Rural
Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) etc.
Encourage increasing entrepreneurship development, private investment, Public Private
Partnership (PPP) and better leveraging of institutional finance for Fisheries Sector.
Union Cabinet approves Lucknow Metro project
December 23, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Lucknow Metro
Rail Project Phase 1 A.
It will cover a length of 22.878 (approx 23) km with 22 stations and the metro train will ply between
Chowdhary Charan Singh Airport and Munshi Pulia.
Key facts
The cost of the project will be 6,928 crore rupees which will be supported by Union
Government with 1,300 crore rupees in the form of equity and subordinate debt.
The Project will be implemented by Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) which will be
jointly owned company of Union Government and Uttar Pradesh Government with equal
share of 50:50.
Out of the total route length, 19.438 km will be elevated route while underground route
length will be 3.440 km. It will have total 19 elevated and three underground metro stations.
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The project will come under the legal framework of the Metro Railways (Construction of
Works) Act, 1978; Railways Act, 1989 and Metro Railways (Operation and Maintenance)
Act, 2002.
Background
Lucknow has been experiencing mounting pressure on its transport infrastructure as it is witnessing
an annual growth of 8.35 percent in vehicular population. It has witnessed tremendous growth in the
last two decades and the population of Lucknow Urban Agglomeration is 29 lakhs as per census of
India 2011. The population of Lucknow Metropolitan Area is over 50 lakhs.
Union Cabinet approves revised cost estimates of Salma Dam Project in Afghanistan
December 23, 2015
The Union Cabinet has approved the reconstruction and completion of Salma Dam Project in
Afghanistan at the Revised Cost Estimates (RCE) of 1775.69 crore rupees.
Decision in this regard was taken at the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in New Delhi.
Key facts
Salma Dam Project in Afghanistan is scheduled to be completed by June 2016. It is one of
important project implemented to generate goodwill for India in Afghanistan.
Central Public Sector Unit M/s. WAPCOS under the aegis of Union Ministry of Water
Resources is executing the project.
The completion of this project will address the energy requirements and irrigation needs of
western Afghanistan leading to the overall economic development of the region.
The project cost was revised due to the foreign exchange rate variation between US dollar
and Indian rupee. Consultancy charges, escalation, training of Afghan personnel etc also have
increased the cost of project.
About Salma Dam project
Salma Dam project is situated on the upper reaches of Hari Rud River in Herat province of western
Afghanistan. The project involves construction of a 107.5 meter high earth and rock fill dam and a
42 MW power House with three units with each having capacity of 14 MW. It also has a provision
for irrigation of 75,000 hectares of land by releasing water from dam.
Philippines becomes first Asian country to approve sale of dengue vaccine Dengvaxia
December 23, 2015
Philippines became the first Asian country to approve the sale of the world s first ever dengue
vaccine Dengvaxia in the country.
The Dengvaxia vaccine has been manufactured by French pharmaceutical manufacturer Sanofi
Pasteur. It has been designed to protect people in the 9-45 age groups from all four subtypes of the
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virus.
Key facts
The Dengvaxia vaccine was produced as the result of an extensive clinical development
programme of the French company than ran for almost two decades. Sanofi Pasteur has
requested authorisation to roll out the vaccine in 20 countries.
Earlier it secured its first regulatory approval in Mexico a fortnight ago and is currently being
reviewed by around 20 countries in Asia and Latin America.
Clinical tests of the vaccine carried out on 40,000 people from 15 countries by the company
has shown that vaccine can immunise two-thirds of people aged 9-45.
It was also found that the vaccine is capable of reducing the risk of hospitalisation of person
infected by dengue virus by 80 percent.
Comment
It is hoped the vaccine could eventually help prevent millions of deaths from dengue which is
considered as the world s fastest growing mosquito borne disease mainly due to climate change. The
World Health Organization (WHO) has mentioned that around 400 million people are infected
worldwide every year by the dengue virus and two-thirds are in Asia.
Lok Sabha passes The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015
December 23, 2015
The Lok Sabha has passed The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015 to allow doubling of
wage ceiling for calculating bonus of factory workers and establishments with 20 or more workers.
The Bill seeks to amend the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 and was introduced in Lok Sabha by the
Minister of State (MoS) for Labour and Employment.
Key provisions of Bill
Eligibility of Employees: Seeks to raise the eligibility limit for payment of bonus from a
salary of Rs 10,000 to Rs 21,000 a month. The parent Act mandates payment of bonus to
employees whose salary or wage is up to Rs 10,000 per month.
Calculation of bonus: The Bill seeks to raise this calculation ceiling of bonus to Rs. 7,000
per month from present from Rs 3500 per month ceiling or as per the minimum wage
notified for the employment under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (whichever is higher).
The parent Act clearly mentions that the bonus is payable to an employee in proportion to his
or her salary or wage.
Prior publication of rules: The Bill seeks to mandate prior publication of rules made by the
Union Government in the Official Gazette to allow for more public consultation.
Retrospective effect: The Bill will have retrospective effect and will come into force on
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April 1, 2015.
The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965: It provides for the annual payment of bonus to employees of
certain establishments including factories and other. Under the Act, bonus is calculated on the basis
of the employee s salary and the profits of the establishment.
Parliament passes three bills
December 23, 2015
Parliament has passed three bills in ongoing winter session. These bills were passed by the Rajya
Sabha without discussion after they were earlier passed by Lok Sabha.
These 3 bills are
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015: Facilitates an arbitrator will have
to settle a case within 18 months. After the completion of 1 year, certain restrictions will be
put in place to ensure that the arbitration case does not linger on. Read more
Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015: Empowers the Union government to produce,
develop, use and control atomic energy. Read more
The Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division
of High Courts Bill, 2015: Enables the creation of commercial divisions in High courts and
commercial courts at the district level.
Proposes to set up Commercial Appellate Divisions in all High courts to hear appeals against
the orders of commercial divisions of High Courts, commercial courts and also appeals arising
from arbitration matters that are filed before the High courts.
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December 24, 2015

24th December: National Consumer Day
December 24, 2015
In India, 24th December is being observed as National Consumer Day. On this day the Consumer
Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the President.
The enactment of this Act was considered as a historic milestone in the consumer movement in the
country. This Act aims to provide consumers with effective safeguards against different types of
exploitation such as defective goods, unsatisfactory services and unfair trade practices.
This day provides an opportunity for individuals to highlight the importance of the consumer
movement and the need to make every consumer more aware of their rights and responsibilities.
It should be also noted that World Consumer Rights Day is observed on 15th March every year.
Some facts about Consumer Protection Act, 1986
It provides consumers with speedy and inexpensive redressal grievances mechanism and specific
relief or award of compensation.
It recognizes six of the eight rights of the consumer as provided in the UN charter. It envisages
following rights of consumers (i) Right to Protection. (ii) Right of Information. (iii) Right of Choice.
(iv) Right of Hearing. (v) Right of Redressal. (vi) Right of Education.
Union Government launches two mobile apps for farmers
December 24, 2015
Union Government has launched two mobile applications namely Crop Insurance and
AgriMarket Mobile to benefit farmers
These apps were launched by Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh
in New Delhi to celebrate the birth anniversary of former Prime Ministers Choudhary Charan Singh
and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Key facts
The main purpose for developing these Apps is to provide all relevant information to farmers
and other stake holders in real time to create conducive environment for raising farm
productivity and income to global levels.
Crop Insurance mobile app: It will help farmers find out complete details about insurance
cover available in their area. It will also help farmers to calculate the insurance premium for
notified crops, coverage amount and loan amount.
Farmers can use this app to get details and information about normal sum insured, premium
details, extended sum insured and subsidy information of any notified crop in any notified
area.
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AgriMarket Mobile app: It can be used by farmers to get the market prices of crops in the
mandi within 50 km radius of the device. It can automatically tracks the location of person
using mobile GPS and fetches the market prices of crops in those markets.
RBI extends deadline to exchange pre-2005 notes to June 30, 2016
December 24, 2015
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the deadline for exchanging pre-2005 currency notes of
various denominations by another six months to June 30, 2016.
From January 1, 2016 such facility for exchanging pre-2005 currency notes will only be available at
identified bank branches and Issue Offices of the RBI.
Earlier in June 2015, RBI had set the last date for public to exchange pre-2005 banknotes notes as
December 31, 2015. It is fourth time RBI has extended the deadline for exchanging pre-2005
currency notes since March 2014.
Till date RBI has shredded over 164 crore pre-2005 currency notes of various denominations,
including of Rs 1,000 with the face value of around Rs 21,750 crore in its regional offices.
Reasons for withdrawing pre-2005 notes from circulation
Security: pre-2005 notes have fewer security features as compared to 2005 and post-2005
currency notes. Thus, lesser will be the chances of its counterfeiting newer currency notes. It
will also remove fake currency notes in circulation which were being pumped in Indian
economy were copies of pre-2005 notes.
Flushing out black money: The spillover effect of the RBI s decision will be to flush out
black money. Money has value only as long as it is a medium of exchange and store of value.
It loses its value when it ceases to be a medium of exchange.
A disincentive for cash hoarders: With the RBI s announcement, currency hoarders will
be left with no option but to liquidate their unaccounted holdings by spending or exchanging
them. Thus, this is a well thought out exercise by the RBI to capture the money flows into
the system and also help flush out counterfeit notes.
International standard practice: It is an international standard practice to remove old
series notes.
Union Government s Policy Initiative Development of Industrial / Economic Corridors
December 24, 2015
Union Government has adopted the strategy of developing integrated industrial/economic corridors
across the country in partnership with respective State Governments for boosting industrial
development.
This information was given by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of
Commerce & Industry Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.
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It was also announced that National Industrial Corridor Development Authority (NICDA) with its
headquarter in Pune (Maharashtra) has not been constituted yet.
The five industrial/economic corridors are
Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC): The project spans the 6 states viz.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
This corridor lies along the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) of the railways. It
would initially have 8 nodes (cities) in the six DMIC states for development purpose.
Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC): It has three industrial nodes (cities) viz.
Ponneri (Tamil Nadu), Tumkur (Karnataka) and Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).
Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC): One node (city) has been identified for
master planning viz. Dharwad (Karnataka).
Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC): Two nodes (cities) for master planning have
been identified. They are Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Srikalahasti-Yerpedu
(Andhra Pradesh).
Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC): Feasibility study with respect to the
Inception Report of this corridor has been completed.
Indian Navy conducts large scale fleet exercise on eastern seaboard
December 24, 2015
Indian Navy has conducted a large scale Fleet exercise on the eastern seaboard to maintain high levels
of combat readiness and counter emerging threats.
The exercises were conducted across a vast geographical area on the eastern seaboard extending from
Northern Bay of Bengal to Andaman Sea.
Key facts
In this large scale naval exercise as many as 24 ships, over 10 aircraft and 2 submarines
participated.
The exercise fleet included the nuclear submarine Chakra as well as units from India s
strategic Andaman and Nicobar Command.
The P8I Long Range Maritime reconnaissance aircraft and Hawk Fighter aircraft were also
integrated into the exercise.
A ship with the Kamov 31 Air Early Warning helicopter from the Western Naval Command
was also deployed for the exercise.
Two weeks exercise mainly was to hone war fighting skills and concepts of Indian Navy. It
also dove-tailed various aspects of maritime warfare.
A wide range of weapons were fired from various platforms including Surface to Surface
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missiles (SSMs), Surface to Air missiles (SAMs) and Land Attack Missiles (LAMs).
Chinese activities in IOR
The large scale naval Fleet exercise comes amid of increasing Chinese activities in the Indian Ocean
Region (IOR). In the past few years, there have been increased sightings of Chinese submarines in
the IOR region including a nuclear attack boat.
Indian security establishment have been sceptically about the Chinese presence in IOR, though they
are claiming that they have deployed submarines and attack boats as part of their anti-piracy task
force.
Dr. Rakesh K. Jain selected for 2015 National Medal of Science
December 24, 2015
Indian American professor Dr. Rakesh K. Jain has been selected for 2015 National Medal of Science
of the United States.
He will be presented this top award along with 16 other winners by President Barack Obama at a
White House ceremony in January 2016. All of them were chosen for this award for their individual
achievement and leadership in advancing the fields of science and technology
About Dr. Rakesh K. Jain
Rakesh K. Jain is currently working as professor at Harvard Medical School and also is the
director of tumour biology laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital.
He is regarded as a pioneer in the area of tumour micro-environment and widely recognized
for his seminal discoveries in tumor biology, in vivo imaging, bioengineering, drug delivery
and bench-to-bedside translation.
He holds B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from IIT-Kanpur. He has received around 75
awards for his contribution to engineering and medical field.
He is also member of all three branches of the US National Academies viz. National Academy
of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering and also of
American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
About National Medal of Science
It is an annual award established in 1959 by United States Government. It is bestowed by the US
President to individuals in science and engineering. These individuals must have made important
contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the fields of behavioural and social sciences,
chemistry, engineering, biology, mathematics and physics.
India s first indigenously designed & built frigate INS Godavari decommissioned
December 24, 2015
India s first indigenously designed warship INS Godavari has been decommissioned after 32 years of
service.
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It was decommissioned at Naval Dockyard in Mumbai (Maharashtra) after it completed its full life
cycle, meeting all responsibilities and duties assigned in 3 decades of service.
After decommissioning, the ship would be used as a target to practice missile firing for final burial at
sea.
About INS Godavari
INS Godavari was the first of the three in her Class of guided-missile frigates and was
commissioned into Indian Navy on 10 December 1983.
The ship was considered as a symbol of India s growing military might and self-reliance. It
was first of three Godavari Class frigates, others being Ganga and Gomati
Naval Operations: In its three decades of service, the warship took part in major naval
operations including Operation Jupiter (1988) in Sri Lanka, Operation Shield and Operation
Bolster (1994) for de-induction of Indian Army from Somalia, Patrol of Gulf of Aden (PoG) in
2009 and anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden in 2011.
It was also part of Operation Cactus in 1988 where India successfully thwarted a coup d tat
against the Maldivian government.
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December 25, 2015

Delhi Government releases blueprint for Odd-Even formula
December 25, 2015
Delhi government has released a detailed blueprint for its ambitious Odd-Even formula for road-
rationing plan to check pollution in the national capital.
The Odd-Even formula plan seeks to curb the number of vehicles plying in the national capital by
limiting four-wheelers on alternate days.
To ensure effective implementation of the plan, Delhi government is planning to deploy 10,000
volunteers around the city.
Key facts
Under it cars with licence plates ending in an odd number will ply on odd dates and those
ending with an even number can run on even dates.
The odd-even scheme will be on a trial basis from 1 to 15 January, 2015. It will be between
8am and 8pm and on Sunday no restrictions are applied. The penalty in case of a violation is
Rs. 2,000.
During this implementation, public transport including buses and the Metro will be run at
high frequency. Residents are being urged to carpool in order to reduce pressure on public
transport.
The government plans to run 6,000 more buses to accommodate those who can t drive their
cars.
Exemptions: The list of 20-plus exemptions from the restrictions include emergency
vehicles, fire engines, ambulances, hospitals, hearses, prisons, VIPs, enforcement vehicles and
defence ministry vehicles.
Among VIPs, leaders of the opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Chief Ministers of
states, Judges of the Supreme Court and high court and Lokayukta are exempt.
CNG and electric vehicles are also exempt. Two-wheelers and Vehicles driven by or occupied
by handicapped persons and Female driver are also exempt.
Outstation vehicles including those coming from the National Capital Region (NCR) have
not been exempted from the scheme.
Comment
Such odd-even scheme has been implemented include Paris (France), Beijing (China) and Mexico
City (Mexico). However from their experience it is seen that right way to approach the problem of
pollution is to strengthen public transport and last-mile connectivity.
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UN designates 5th November as World Tsunami Awareness Day

December 25, 2015
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution to designate 5th November
every year as World Tsunami Awareness Day.
The observance of the day would help to spread awareness among people across the world in matters
related to the dangers of tsunami and shall stress on the importance of early warning systems in
order to mitigate damage from the devastating natural calamity.
The proposal in this regard was first mooted by the Government of Japan after the 3rd UN
Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai (Japan) in March 2015.
Significance of the Day: November 5 has been selected by UNGA to coincide with the annual
anniversary of the 1854 Inamura-no-hi or Fire of Inamura event. On this day of that year a
Japanese villager through his quick action saved countless lives when he set fire to sheaves of rice,
thus warning people of the imminent danger of a tsunami. Note: The International Day for Disaster
Reduction has been observed annually on October 13 to highlight tsunami.
Some facts
Japan had suffered heavy losses as a result of tsunamis in the past and the most recently Great East
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on 11 March 2011. It had claimed over 15,000 lives and also had
disrupted the nuclear power industry and left many thousands homeless.
While on 26 December 2004 i.e. on Boxing Day, the Indian Ocean tsunami had claimed arounf
230000 lives. The devastating tsunami was formed due to earthquake with its epicenter off the west
coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It had affected lives and the natural environment in six countries in the
region including India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Somalia and Thailand.
25th December: National Good Governance Day
December 25, 2015
In India, National Good Governance Day is being observed every year on 25th December on the
birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
In order to mark the occasion of this day on the 91st birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee several
programmes were organized nationwide and new initiatives were announced.
It should be noted that this day is also being observed as Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
(PMGSY) Divas.
Background
Earlier in December 2014, Union Government had announced that National Good Governance Day
will be observed on the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee i.e. 25th December
each year. It was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BJP Parliamentary Board
meeting held New Delhi.
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Syed Kirmani nominated for 2015 Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award
December 25, 2015
India s former wicket-keeper batsman Syed Kirmani has been nominated for prestigious BCCI-
instituted Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award 2015.
He was conferred with the award for his contribution to Indian cricket. He was a member of the
Indian team that won the World Cup in 1983 for the first time.
Background
Syed Kirmani was selected for this prestigious award by the Awards Committee of BCCI consisting
of BCCI President Shashank Manohar, Secretary Anurag Thakur and N Ram, former Editor-in-chief
of The Hindu Group.
About Syed Kirmani
Kirmani was one of India s finest wicket keepers and had played 88 Tests and 49 ODIs for
India.
He holds distinction of 198 dismissals as a wicket keeper in 88 Tests and had scored 2759 runs
including two centuries, at an average of 27.04
Kirmani had played 49 ODIs for India and scored 373 runs. The main highlight being the
126-run rearguard partnership he shared with Kapil Dev in the World Cup game against
Zimbabwe in Turnbridge Wells.
He had served as chairman of the national selection committee in 2000 and also vice-
president of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) after his playing career.
Union Government has conferred Padma Shree award on him for his contribution to sports.
About Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award
The award has been instituted by BCCI to celebrate the birth centenary of Col. Cottari Kanakaiya
Nayudu, the country s first Test captain. The annual Lifetime Achievement Award honours
individuals for their unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket on and off the field. The Award
comprises a trophy, citation and cheque for 25 lakh rupees.
Steve Smith named ICC Test cricketer of Year for 2015
December 25, 2015
Australian cricketer Steve Smith has been named Cricketer of the Year for 2015 at the
International Cricket Council (ICC) Awards ceremony in Dubai.
With this, Smith became the 4th Australian and 11th overall player to win the prestigious award
named after Sir Garfield Sobers. He was also adjudged the Test Cricketer of the Year for 2015.
During the voting period, which ran from September 2014 to September 2015, Steve Smith has
finished as the leading run-scorer in Tests with 1,734 runs in 25 innings of 13 matches at an average
of 82.57. This included seven centuries and six half-centuries.
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In One-Day Internationals format for same voting period, Smith had scored 1,249 runs at an average
of just under 60 with four centuries and eight half-centuries in 26 matches.
South Africa s ODI captain AB de Villiers was named the ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2015 for
the second time in a row.
Other Categories ICC awards
ICC Emerging player of the year: Josh Hazlewood (Australia).
Best T20 performance of the year: Faf du Plessis (South Africa).
Spirit of Cricket award: Brendon McCullum (New Zealand).
ICC Associate player of the year: Khurram Khan (UAE).
Umpire of the year: Richard Kettleborough (England).
Women s ODI Cricketer of the Year: Meg Lanning (Australia).
T20I Women s Cricketer of the Year: Stefanie Taylor (West Indies).
About ICC Awards
The ICC Awards is a set of sports awards for the game of cricket recognising and honouring the best
international cricket players of the previous 12 months. The Awards has been institutionalised by
International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2004 and since then awarded annually.
North India s first cable bridge named Atal Setu inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir
December 25, 2015
North India s first cable-stayed bridge named Atal Setu was inaugurated on Dunera-Basohli-
Bhadharwah road in Basohali town in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir.
It was inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar along with Union Minister Dr
Jitendra Singh and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag.
About Basohli Cable-Stayed Bridge
Basohli Cable-Stayed Bridge is 592-metre long and has been constructed over Ravi River on
Dunera- Basohli-Bhadharwah road.
The work of bridge started in September 2011. It has been constructed by Border Roads
Organization (BRO) at a cost of Rs 145 crore.
It is a joint venture (JV) of Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) and SP
Singla Construction group.
It will provide close connectivity among the three states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh and Punjab. It would boost connectivity and tourism among the three states.
The bridge is strategically important from the defence point of view as well. It is fourth of its
kind in the country and first in North India and Jammu and Kashmir.
Other three major cable-stayed bridges in the country are: (i) Vidyasagar Setu Over the
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Hoogly River in Kolkata (West Bengal). (ii) Bandra-Worli Sea Link (Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link)
Mumbai (Maharashtra). (iii) New Yamuna Bridge- Over Yamuna River in Allahabad (Uttar
Pradeh).
India, Russia ink 16 pacts to expand cooperation in various sectors
December 25, 2015
India and Russia have inked 16 cooperation agreements to expand cooperation in various sectors to
give a major push to their strategic ties.
These agreements were signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi s two days official visit to
Russia. The agreements were signed in the nuclear energy, hydrocarbons, solar energy, railways and
visas sectors.
Some of the signed agreements are
Agreement on Cooperation in the field of Helicopter Engineering: It includes joint
manufacture of Kamov 226 helicopters on the lines of Make in India campaign.
Programme of Action Agreed Between for Localization of Manufacturing in India
for Russian-Designed Nuclear Reactor Units: It would felicitate construction of 12
atomic plants with involvement of local companies in India under the Make-in-India
programme.
The cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy is a cornerstone of the Russia-India
strategic partnership.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on technical cooperation in railway sector
MoU for construction of solar energy plants in India: It was signed between Solar
Energy Corporation of India and Russian Energy Agency regarding.
MoU for Cooperation for geologic survey, exploration and production of hydrocarbons
onshore and on the continental shelf of the Russian Federation. Similar agreement was also
signed between Rosneft Oil Company of Russia and Oil India Limited and Indian Oil
Corporation Limited.
Apart from this, extensive talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for the world to unite against terrorism without
distinction and discrimination between terrorist groups. Russia conveyed its strong support to
India s bid for permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Seychelles government allows India to build Naval Base on its Assumption Island
December 25, 2015
Seychelles government allowed India to build its first Naval Base on the Assumption Island in the
Indian Ocean region (IOR) as a joint project between both countries.
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In this regard, Seychelles government has allocated a plot of land on in its Assumption Island which
will help to enhance mutual security along our western seaboard in IOR.
India s first Naval Base project has acquired significance following China acquiring its first African
naval base in Djibouti (near Horn of Africa) in November 2014.
Significance
On completion, the naval base would be used by the defence forces both countries. It would
help India to exercise greater control over the strategic western region of IOR to the piracy-
prone eastern African coastline that commands vital energy (oil) sea transport lines.
This naval base will be staging posts for a large maritime security network that India is
setting up with the help of the various IOR partner countries.
Other developments
From March 2016, India is also set to acquire a fully operational coastal radar system (CRS) in
Seychelles. It would further enhance India s ability to gather intelligence and assist in
surveillance operations in IOR especially vital energy lanes near Seychelles.
India is also steadily increasing its maritime and security cooperation with Seychelles. It is
also providing new patrol vessels to Seychelles in mid-January 2016.
Security operation in the IOR also has helped Seychelles to secure itself in the Contact Group
for Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS), which will hold its first meeting in Mumbai
(Maharashtra) in January, 2016.
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December 26, 2015

PM Narendra Modi inaugurates new building of Afghanistan Parliament in Kabul
December 26, 2015
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new building of Afghanistan Parliament in the
capital city Kabul built by India.
It was inaugurated during Narendra Modi s first official visit to Afghanistan after becoming Prime
Minister. He also named one block of Parliament as Atal Block after former Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee.
Prime Minister also handed over 4 Mi-25 attack helicopters to Afghanistan Air Force symbolising a
shift in India s position on supplying offensive equipment.
Afghanistan parliament building was constructed by India at a cost of US 90 million dollars as a
symbol of India s support to Afghanistan s democracy and civil reconstruction.
The construction of Parliament building was started in 2009 and it had missed its completion
deadlines at least 3 times since 2011. This project along with $300 million Salma dam project (called
the India-Afghanistan friendship dam) in Heart province has generated much goodwill for India.
Veteran Bollywood actress Sadhna passes away
December 26, 2015
Veteran Bollywood actress Sadhna Shivdasani (mononymously known as Sadhana) passed away in
Mumbai, Maharashtra. She was 74.
She was renowned for his style statement and acting prowess in Bollywood in the 1960s and 70s.
About Sadhna
Sadhana Shivdasani was born on September 2, 1941 in Karachi (now in Pakistan) in then
British India.
She was highest paid actress in Hindi cinema from 1962-65 with Vyjanthimal and the third
highest paid with Nanda from 1970-1973.
Her debut in Bollywood was with the film Shree 420 as Chorus girl. She has worked in films
like Love in Simla, Parakh, Hum Dono, Waqt, Woh Kaun Thi.
Her fringe haircut was famously known as the Sadhna cut inspired from British actress
Audrey Hepburn at that time.
Awards and Honours: She was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by IIFA in 2002.
Union Government brings 376 drugs under the NLEM
December 26, 2015
The Union Government has added 106 drugs including that of HIV/AIDS, Cancer and Hepatitis C to
the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
In this regard, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare s core committee has revised the
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NLEM. The committee was headed by V.M. Katoch, former secretary of Department of Health
Research.
The revision includes addition of 106 essential medicines and deletion of 70 medicines. With this
total number of essential medicines in the list has gone up to 376 from earlier 348 medicines. This
move will ensure their availability across the country at affordable prices.
The new list takes cues from the World Health Organisation (WHO s) 2015 list of essential drugs
and medicines that satisfies the priority healthcare needs of people and ensure affordability.
What are Essential medicines?
Essential medicines are those that satisfy the priority health care needs of the country s
population. They are listed with reference to the levels of healthcare namely primary,
secondary and tertiary. They are generally based on the country s disease burden, priority
health concerns, affordability concerns etc.
In India NLEM (formed in 2011) decides the essential medicines. It is a dynamic list and is
reviewed every 3 years to include or exclude drugs as relevant to the newest medical
innovations and aligned to the current market competition.
It should be noted that National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Union
Ministry of Chemical and Fertiliser decides the ceiling prices essential medicines under The
Drug (Prices Control) Order 2013.
Tech Mahindra launches contactless wallet MoboMoney
December 26, 2015
IT major Tech Mahindra has launched first of its kind Tap N Pay contactless digital payment wallet
MoboMoney for the Indian masses.
MoboMoney has been billed as India s first commercial NFC ecosystem rollout that would allow
consumers to convert cash into e-cash for making payments.
Key facts
MoboMoney is a prepaid wallet issued in the form of a Near Field Communication (NFC)
contactless tag that could be used to Tap N Pay for goods and services.
This facility would be available on a network of NFC enabled merchant point of sale (POS)
machines.
Customers without an NFC-enabled phone also can enjoy this facility to purchase goods.
The e-money loaded into the customer s digital wallets can then be used make payments,
recharges, make bill payments as well as pay online.
About Near field communication (NFC)
NFC is a short-range high frequency wireless communication technology. It basically is a set of
protocols that enable two electronic devices (one usually us a portable device such as a smartphone)
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to establish radio data communication with each other by bringing them closer typically, 10 cm (4 in)
from each other.
Indian Oil Corp tops in 2015 Fortune 500 companies in India list
December 26, 2015
State-run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has emerged as the country s biggest company in terms of
annual revenue as per an annual list of 2015 Fortune 500 companies in India.
IOC topped the list for consecutive sixth year with annual revenue of Rs. 4,51,911 crore. IOC was
followed by Mukesh Ambani-led private sector Reliance Industries at the second place with a
revenue of Rs. 3,82,565 crore.
Top ten companies are
Indian Oil Corp (IOC):4,51,911 crore annual revenue.
Reliance Industries: Rs 3,82,565 crore annual revenue.
Tata Motors: Rs 2,67,025 crore annual revenue. It has jumped to third slot from fifth place
in 2014.
State Bank of India (SBI): Rs 2,57,289 crore annual revenue. It was ranked sixth in 2014.
Bharat Petroleum (BPCL): Rs 2,40,367 crore annual revenue. In 2014, it was placed at the
third spot.
Hindustan Petroleum: Rs 2,13,380 crore annual revenue.
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC): Rs 1,65,161 crore annual revenue.
Tata Steel: Rs 1,41,669 crore annual revenue.
Hindalco Industries: Rs 1,06,897 crore annual revenue.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS): Rs 98,368 crore annual revenue.
Key facts
This year s list of the country s 500 largest corporations was compiled by the global business
magazine Fortune s Indian edition.
Total revenue of all firms has grown a mere 2.7 per cent and profits fell by 5.9 per cent
compared with 2014.
In this edition of list there are as many as five energy companies in the top 10. Besides, there
are a total of five state-run companies in the top-ten.
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December 27, 28, 2015

China passes its first Counter-Terrorism law
December 28, 2015
China s National People s Congress Standing Committee, the top organ of China s parliament has
adopted the country s first counter-terrorism law.
The legislation was approved with large majority at the end of a week-long bimonthly session
China s National People s Congress Standing Committee.
Key facts
The law expanded the definition of the term terrorism and is the latest attempt of China to
address terrorism at home and help maintain world security.
The law grants overarching powers to security agencies and also allows the military to
venture overseas on counter-terror operations.
Under the new law a separate clause makes terrorism a crime including fabricating it and
disseminating information on fabricated terrorist incidents.
The law allows news media only to report on the personal details of on-scene workers,
hostages or authorities response to terrorist activities and it will require approval from
counter-terrorism authorities.
It is mandatory for technology firms to give sensitive data like encryption keys to the
government when asked for under this law.
Renowned American Science-fiction writer George Clayton Johnson passes away
December 28, 2015
Renowned American science-fiction writer George Clayton Johnson passed away in Los Angeles,
US. He was 86.
He was best known for dystopian novel Logan s Run, which adapted into a 1976 film starring
Michael York and was nominated for two Oscars.
About George Clayton Johnson
Johnson was born on July 10, 1929 in Cheyenne, United States. Prior to becoming writer he
had worked as a telegraph operator and draftsman in the United States Army.
He had co-written Logan s Run novel in 1967 and was adapted in film that was nominated for
best cinematography and art direction Oscars.
He had penned the first Star Trek television episode that was broadcasted in 1966. His
notable work includes Logan s Run, Ocean s 11, The Twilight Zone, Star Trek.
China s Parliament adopts country s first law against domestic violence
December 28, 2015
China s Parliament has adopted the country s first law against domestic violence that prohibits any
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form of domestic violence, including psychological abuse.

The legislation was approved at the end of a week-long bimonthly session of the National People s
Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, the top organ of China s parliament.
Key facts
The law aims at bringing traditionally silent abuse victims, including couples who are in live-
in relationship under legal protection.
It prohibits any form of domestic violence in China and formally defines domestic violence.
It streamlines the process for obtaining restraining orders including measures long advocated
by anti-domestic abuse groups.
Under this bill, victims and those in immediate danger of domestic violence can file for a
personal protection order that must be granted by court or denies within 72 hours.
In urgent cases, the court must take decisions must within 24 hours. The order granted by
court may prohibit the abuser from harassing, stalking or contacting the applicant and his or
her close relatives.
For violation of protection order, the abuser may be fined up to 1,000 yuan and detained for
up to 15 days or face criminal charges in serious offences.
Shiva Keshavan wins silver medal at Asian Luge Championship
December 28, 2015
Seasoned Indian luger Shiva Keshavan has won a silver medal at the 2015 Asian Luge Championship
held in Nagano, Japan.
In this edition of championship, the first place was claimed by Japan s Hidenari Kanayama and the
third by South Korea s Dong Hyeon Kim.
The race was conducted in two heats that were closely contested by athletes. In the first heat Shiva
Keshavan was a mere 2/10th of a second behind, but in the second heat minor technical snags cost
him the gold medal. In the previous editions of the event, Shiva had won two gold, silver and two
bronze medals for India.
It should be noted that Luge is one of the three Olympic sliding sports. It is the fastest and most
dangerous sports on ice and is part of Winter Olympic program since 1964.
Anti-jamming capability of Astra missile successfully tested
December 28, 2015
Scientist from Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently have successfully
tested crucial anti-jamming capability of the Astra missile.
During the trials missiles ECCM (electronic counter-counter measure) features to overcome any
jamming was successfully evaluated. This test was conducted after the missile s RF seeker and other
electronic components were sought to be jammed in the earlier trials.
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With some more trials to be carried in future including air launch trial with a warhead, the missile
will be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2015.
About Astra missile
Astra missile is indigenously developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO) and is one of the smallest weapon systems developed by it.
It is radar homing missile fuelled by single stage solid fuel and has payload capacity of 15 kg
conventional explosives.
It is air-to-air beyond-visual-range (BVR) all-weather missile that can be launched from
different altitudes.
It possesses Shot Kill Probability (SSKP) with range of 60-km plus that makes it one of the
most reliable in its class of weapon systems.
It is capable of engaging and destroying highly maneuverable supersonic aerial targets and can
destroy enemy aircraft at supersonic speed of 1.2 Mach to 1.4 Mach.
It can engage targets in head-on up to 80 km and tail-chase up to 20 km modes. It can reach
up to altitude of 110 km when fired from an altitude of 15 km.
DRDO and Indian Air Force is looking to integrate the missile with fighter aircraft including
Sukhoi-30 MKI, Mirage-2000, MiG-29, Jaguar and the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
China officially abandons its One Child Policy by passing law
December 28, 2015
China has officially abandoned its One Child Policy amid deepening demographic crisis of shrinking
workforce and aging population in the world s second largest economy.
In this regard 159-member National People s Congress Standing Committee, the top organ of
China s Parliament has passed revised Law on Population and Family Planning.
The new law allows couples to have two children from January 1, 2016 and marks the ending its
over three decades old One Child Policy.
China s One Child Policy
This forced policy was introduced in 1978 and was implemented since 1980 in order to curb
the population and limit demands for water and other resources.
Its main aim was to rein in population growth in order to alleviate social, economic and
environmental problems in China.
The controversial policy had restricted most of Chinese couples to only a single offspring
and prevented over 400 million births in over 3 decade span.
Internationally it was criticized because it involved serious human rights violations including
forced abortions and also was debated it has resulted in China s economic boom.
Comment
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The new law was adopted as part of China s efforts to relax the family planning laws in a
response to an ageing population and to manage the demography of the country.
This decision aims to help China to reduce its gender imbalance as the One Child Policy had
caused a dramatic gender imbalance due to forced sterilizations, infanticide and sex-selective
abortions.
Amitabh Kant appointed CEO of NITI Aayog
December 28, 2015
Senior IAS officer Amitabh Kant has been given additional charge as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
of National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog.
Decision in this regard was taken by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by
Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
Mr. Kant s appointment comes after incumbent NITI Aayog CEO Sindhushree Khullar s extended
tenure is coming on 31st December 2015.
Amitabh Kant is IAS officer of 1980 Batch of Kerala Cadre. Presently, he is serving as Secretary,
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and is expected to retire in March 2016.
About NITI Aayog
Union Government had replaced erstwhile six decade old Planning Commission with a new
institution named National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) on 1 January 2015. This
new institution aims to serve as Think Tank of the Government. Noted Economist Arvind
Panagariya was appointed Vice Chairman of the NITI Aayog. Economist Bibek Debroy and former
DRDO chief V K Saraswat were appointed as full-time members.
India asks Iran to expedite procedures of Farzad-B gas field
December 28, 2015
India has emphasised to Iran for early completion of all necessary procedures for its participation in
the Farzad-B gas field worth 5 billion US dollars.
India s request was forwarded by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to Iranian Minister for
Economic Affairs and Finance Ali Taiebnia in the Joint Commission Meeting.
Discussions in Joint Commission Meeting
Both counties also reviewed the progress in trade and economic cooperation and a number of
related matters,and discussed the possibilities in cooperation in Railways among other areas.
Iranian side suggested participation of India s public and private sectors in development of
Chabahar Port and Chabahar Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and in setting up industrial units in it.
While India mentioned that Chabahar port will facilitate linking Afghanistan and Central
Asia with India which will result in enhanced trade and commerce.
India considers Iran as an important partner and expressed satisfaction at the growing
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bilateral interaction in diverse area including energy, shipping, ports and railways.
Background
Joint Commission Meeting between both countries comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi
reiterated keen desire to expand economic cooperation with Iran after meeting Iranian President
Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Ufa
(Russia) in July 2015. Both the nations also had inked a pact to develop the Chabahar port earlier in
May 2015 after Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had visited Iran.
Ministry of Women and Child Development launches e-office
December 28, 2015
Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has introduced e-office, an initiative
which will help provide efficient services to the people by digitizing more than 12,000 files.
It was formally launched by WCD Minister Maneka Sanjay Gandhi in New Delhi on the lines with
the spirit of Good Governance initiative of Union Government.
Key facts
The e-office project of the Ministry was initiated in July, 2015 and more than 12,000 files of
the Ministry have been digitized.
Various modules of this e-office are Knowledge Management System, File Management
System, Leave Management System and Tour Management System.
Personnel Information Management System module of this e-office is likely to start from the
1 January, 2016. All the attached offices of the ministry are also going to come under the e-
office platform.
The e-office will result in substantial decrease of processing time which will directly affect the
delivery mechanism of the WCD Ministry. It would also result in better accountability and
transparency and will ultimately result in higher manpower efficiency.
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December 29, 2015

Union Civil Aviation Ministry gives nod for four Greenfield Airports
December 29, 2015
The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has given clearance for four greenfield airports in two states.
Of the total four approved greenfield airports, three will be in Andhra Pradesh and one at
international airport at Dholera in Gujarat.
Key facts
In Andhra Pradesh greenfield airport will be developed at Nellore and Kurnool districts of
under a public-private partnership.
These two of the three airports proposed at Andhra Pradesh are likely to be no-frills one.
Ministry also has given site clearance for the Bhogapuram airport in Andhra Pradesh which is
about 40 km from Visakhapatnam (Vizag).
The international airport at Dholera in Ahmedabad is expected to reduce the air traffic load at
the existing Ahmedabad airport.
Earlier Union Environment Ministry had given the environmental clearance to 1,378 crore
rupees Dholera airport project.
Greenfield Airport: It is a new airport which is constructed on an undeveloped site. It is built from
scratch on a new location because the existing airport is unable to meet the traffic requirements.
Brownfield projects: These projects are usually undertaken to modify or upgraded from existing
facilities.
Legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler passes away
December 29, 2015
Legendary American cinematographer Haskell Wexler passed away on 27th December 2015 in
California, US. He was 93.
He was best known for his work in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest and American
Graffiti and was one of the film history s most influential cinematographers.
About Haskell Wexler
Haskell Wexler was born on February 6, 1922 in Chicago, US. He was known for his work on
films like Coming Home and In the Heat of the Night.
He had worked as director of photography on films including The Best Man and Mulholland
Falls. He also produced and directed 1969 s Medium Cool.
He was also recognised for his documentary work on the Emmy-winning Paul Jacobs and the
Nuclear Gang and Interviews with My Lai Veterans for which he won Academy Award.
Awards and Honours: He has won Oscar awards for films Who s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?
(1966) and Bound for Glory (1976). In addition was nominated for Oscars for his
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contributions to One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest, Matewan and Blaze. He was first
cinematographer to receive star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1996.
Andhra Pradesh Government ink MoU with Microsoft India on technology initiatives
December 29, 2015
Andhra Pradesh Government has signed a Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with tech giant
Microsoft India on various technology initiatives for governance.
The MoU was signed after a meeting between the Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and
Microsoft s CEO Satya Nadella in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The technology provided by the Microsoft would be utilized by state government to check school
dropouts, improve agricultural productivity and providing better citizen services.
Key features of MoU
The MoU seeks to improve use of Information and communications technology (ICT) drive
for digital inclusion and provide better IT-based services to citizens.
For digital inclusion Microsoft India will provide technical knowledge to Andhra Pradesh
Government and support building three proof-of-concept (PoC) solutions.
PoC solutions would be supported by applying Microsoft Azure Machine Learning and
Advanced Visualization method in the fields of agriculture, eCitizen services and education.
These solutions would use the lab method for data gathering, analysis, predictive analysis and
policy planning which would be built and deployed to address specific problems within each
of the fields to achieve better outcomes for the State.
The company will set up a Centre for Excellence (CoE) in Visakhapatnam to train state
Government s key IT executives.
Union Government links LPG subsidy to income
December 29, 2015
Union Government has announced to link LPG subsidy to income of consumers in order to ensure
that the subsidy benefits go to the targeted group.
Henceforth, the LPG subsidy will not be available to LPG consumers if the consumer or his/her
spouse has taxable income of more than ten lakh rupees. This income would be as per the previous
financial year computed under Income Tax Act, 1961.
This decision will be given effect to initially on self-declaration basis of LPG consumers while
booking cylinders January 2016.
This move will affect at least 60 lakh LPG consumers of the total 16.5 crore LPG consumers in the
country and Government will save upto Rs. 113 crore from this decision.
Background
Earlier under the Give it Up campaign many LPG consumers had given up their subsidy voluntarily
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but Government felt that consumers in the higher income bracket should get LPG cylinders at the
market price. So far, 57.50 lakh LPG consumers have opted out of LPG subsidy voluntarily under the
campaign that aims to ensure that the subsidy benefits go to the targeted group.
Reliance Jio launches 4G telecom service
December 29, 2015
Reliance Jio has launched 4G (4th Generation) telecom service using LTE (Long Term Evolution)
Technology.
The service was launched by company s Chairman Mukesh Ambani on the 83rd birth anniversary of
Dhirubhai Ambani, founder of the Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) in Navy Mumbai, Maharashtra.
This initial phase of 4G service was launched for limited to 85000 employees and their families of the
company. However the commercial services to begin by April 2016 throughout country.
Features
The Jio 4G Service has three-pronged features focusing on broadband networks, affordable smart
phones and the availability of rich content and applications. It seeks to provide unique combination
of high speed data up to 1 gigabyte per second (Gbps), telecom, media, digital commerce and
payment services.
India s 4G profile
With this launch Reliance Jio became fourth telecom service provider in India to launch 4G service.
Sunil Bharti Mittal led Airtel was first telecom service provider in the country to launch 4G service
using LTE Technology in Kolkata in 2012. It was followed by Aircel in July 2014 (in 4 circles Andhra
Pradesh, Assam, Bihar and Odisha) and Vodafone India on 8th December 2015 in Kochi, Kerala.
About 4G
4G LTE is wireless communications standard developed by the 3rd Generation Partnership
Project (3GPP).
Standards: 4G LTE is one of several competing 4G standards along with WiMax (IEEE 802.16)
and Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB). Presently two standards are commercially used world-wide
viz. LTE and Mobile WiMax standard.
WiMax standard was first commercially in South Korea in 2007 and LTE standard was first
used in Norway and Sweden in 2009.
Speed: Designed to provide up to 10x speeds of 3G networks for mobile devices such as
tablets, smartphones, netbooks and wireless hotspots etc. It can provide internet speed of at
least 100 Mbit per second (Mbps) to 1 Gbps.
Services: 4G technologies are designed to provide IP (Internet Protocol)-based voice, data
and multimedia streaming at high speed.
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Gujarat wins maiden Vijay Hazare title

December 29, 2015
Gujarat has won the 14th season of prestigious Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy for season 2015 16 for
first time in its history of championship.
In the final match played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Karnataka) they defeated Delhi by
139 runs.
About Vijay Hazare Trophy
It is annual limited-overs cricket domestic competition started in 2002 03 and is played
among state teams from the Ranji Trophy plates.
The trophy is also known as the Ranji One Day Trophy and is named after the famous Indian
cricketer Vijay Hazare.
Tamil Nadu has won the trophy for record 4 times i.e. in seasons 2002 03, 2004 05, 2008 09
and 2009 10.
Gujarati litterateur Raghuveer Chaudhary selected for 2015 Jnanpith Award
December 29, 2015
Eminent Gujarati litterateur Raghuveer Chaudhary has been selected for the 51st Jnanpith award.
Mr. Chaudhary is the fourth Gujarati litterateur to bag this prestigious award after Uma Shankar
Joshi (1967), Pannalal Patel (1985) and Rajendra Shah (2001).
About Raghuveer Chaudhary
Born: 5 December 1938 in Bapupura near Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
He is novelist, poet, critic and a Gandhian and his talent has been influenced by works of
Gowardhan Ram Tripathi , Kaka Kalelkar and Suresh Joshi.
His work: He has authored more than 80 books and some of his notable novels include
Amrita, Venu Vatsala, Purvarang and Laagni Samjyaa Vinaa Chuuta Padvanu.
He also had worked as a columnist for numerous newspapers such as Sandesh, Janmabhumi,
Nirikshaka and Divya Bhaskar. He was a teacher at the Gujarat University until his retirement
in 1998.
Awards and Honours: He has received numerous accolades including Sahitya Acadmi
Award for his novel Trilogy Uparvaas in 1977.
About Jnanpith Award
Jnanpith Award is one of the prestigious literary awards in country and its name has been
taken from Sanskrit words Jnana and Pitha which means knowledge-seat.
It was instituted in 1961 and is presented annually by Bharatiya Jnanpith trust founded by the
Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain family that owns the Times of India newspaper group.
It is bestowed upon any Indian citizen who writes in any 22 official languages of India
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mentioned in VIII Schedule of Constitution of India.

Prior to 1982, the award was only given for a single work by a writer. But after 1982, the
award is given for lifetime contribution to Indian literature.
Award Carries: Includes cash prize of 11 lakh rupees, a citation plaque and a bronze replica
of Saraswati.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili elected as Prime Minister of Georgia
December 30, 2015
Giorgi Kvirikashvili has been elected as the 12th Prime Minister of Georgia by the Parliament of the
country.
He was elected by the Parliament after then Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili had resigned from the
post on December 29, 2015 without explaining his decision.
The new government under the leadership of Giorgi Kvirikashvili was approved by Georgia s
Parliament by 86 votes to 28 against it. Now President Giorgi Margvelashvili will officially ratify this
decision.
Prior to becoming Prime Minister, Giorgi Kvirikashvili had served as Georgia s Vice Prime Minister
since July 2013 and Minister of Foreign Affairs since September 2015. He was also Minister of
Economy and Sustainable Development from October 2012 till September 2015.
Kvirikashvili s new government has pledged to push ahead the ruling Georgian Dream coalition s
policy of seeking closer ties with the West by endorsing its full membership in the European Union
(EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and pursuing a pragmatic and peaceful policy
towards Russia which was shattered by a brief 2008 war.
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December 30, 31, 2015

Union Government announces central assistance of Rs. 6,794 crore to three drought-hit
states
December 30, 2015
Union Government has approved financial aid of Rs. 6,794 crore for three states Maharashtra,
Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh affected by drought in year 2015 due to deficit rainfall.
Of the total financial aid, government has approved Rs.3,100 crore for Maharashtra, Rs.1,672 crore
for Chhattisgarh and Rs.2,022 crore for Madhya Pradesh.
Maharashtra, which had declared drought bout 15% of the state i.e. in more than 15,000 villages and
had demanded Rs.4,003 crore in central assistance.
Seven other states Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Jharkhand and Uttar
Pradesh also have been declared drought this year due to rainfall deficit. In 2015, the drought has
affected crops spread over an area of 19 million hectare in just seven states. In all, 18 states have been
recorded deficit rainfall this year.
Earlier in November 2015, Union Government had approved Rs.1,540 crore for Karnataka which
was the first state in the country to declare a drought in August 2015.
Russia inks $1 billion deal with HAL to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T helicopters
December 30, 2015
Russia s Rostech State Corporation has signed one billion US dollar deal with Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T light helicopters.
These helicopters will be manufactured under make in India initiative and shall replace the ageing
fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
This is the first Russian-Indian high-tech project implemented by the Indian government within the
framework of the Make in India programme with the help of Russia.
Under this manufacturing deal Rostech State Corporation will organize in India the production of
Russian Ka-226T and its modifications in around 200 units. It will also carry out maintenance,
operation and repair of helicopters.
This deal comes after an agreement was signed between the two countries on cooperation in the
field of helicopter manufacturing during recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Russia.
Kamov 226T light helicopters will be mainly used to move troops and equipment to high-altitude
locations like Siachen. This work was earlier carried by outdated fleet of Cheetah and Chetak
choppers which had claimed a number of lives in mishaps.
Haryana Government sets educational qualification for municipal polls
December 30, 2015
Haryana Government has decided to fix a minimum educational qualification for aspirant of
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contesting urban local bodies (ULB) elections in the state on the lines of panchayat polls.
Decision in this regard was taken by state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manohar Lal
Khattar in Chandigarh.
Proposed qualification
Minimum educational qualification for male candidates would be matriculation while for
females it would be middle pass.
Male belonging to scheduled caste should be middle pass and in case of women belonging to
scheduled caste must be primary pass.
Candidates should have functional toilet at home and they should not be defaulter of
cooperative bank loans and electricity department.
In this regard, state legislature is going to amend section 13 A of Haryana Municipal Act, 1973 and
section 8 of Haryana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994.
Earlier government has amended the Panchayati Raj Act to set minimum educational qualification
for candidates to contest panchayat polls. The decision was challenged in the Supreme Court, but the
apex court had pronounced decision in favour of State government.
WHO declares Guinea Ebola free
December 30, 2015
World Health Organization (WHO), a UN health agency has declared Guinea Ebola-free after no
new cases were reported. Now the country enters into 90-day period of heightened surveillance of
WHO.
In Guinea, the deadly disease had killed more than 2,500 people and had completely shattered
country s economy and country s health and education sectors.
Criteria for declaring a nation Ebola-free
WHO can declare a country Ebola free after no new cases are reported from human-to-human
transmission over two incubation periods of virus i.e. 21 days. Earlier, WHO had declared Liberia
Ebola-free in September 2015 and was followed by Sierra Leone in November 2015.
Ebola outbreak
Guinea was birthplace of deadliest Ebola outbreak in history and was initially centred on country s
remote south-eastern region of Nzerekore in 2013. Later it had spread to its neighbouring countries
Liberia and Sierra Leone and also seven other countries. After it began in 2013 it has killed more
than 11,300 people in these three worst hit western African nations. Liberia with 4809 deaths was
worst hit among these three western African nations in this deadly outbreak.
China successfully launches earth observation satellite Gaofen-4
December 30, 2015
China has successfully launched its most sophisticated observation satellite Gaofen-4, as part of the
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country s high-definition (HD) earth observation Gaofen project.

It was launched aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in
the southwestern province of Sichuan. It was the 222th space flight of the Long March rocket series
and China s 19th space mission in year 2015.
About Gaofen-4 Satellite
Gaofen-4 is China s first geosynchronous orbit high-definition optical imaging satellite and
world s most sophisticated HD geosynchronous orbit remote sensing satellite.
It is located at the orbit 36,000 km away from the earth and moves synchronously with the
earth.
It will be used for surveillance of geological disasters and forest disasters, disaster prevention
and relief and meteorological forecast.
About Gaofen project
It is an ambitious space project of China that aims to launch seven high-definition observation
satellites before 2020. Gaofen-1 was the first satellite of the project series which was launched in
April 2013. Presently, Gaofen-1 and Gaofen-2 satellites part of Gaofen project series are orbiting
around the earth at low orbits around 600-700km.
Eminent Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar passes away
December 30, 2015
Eminent Marathi poet Mangesh Padgaonkar passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra on after a brief
illness. He was 86.
He was iconic Marathi poet best known for many poetry recitation programmes and for writing
lyrics for many Marathi films.
About Mangesh Padgaonkar
Born on 10 March 1929 in Vengurla, Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra. He had received a
Master of Arts (MA) degree in Marathi and Sanskrit from the University of Bombay.
Padgaonkar had served as an editor at the US Information Service (USIS) both in Mumbai
from 1970 to 1990.
He had 40 publications to his credit of which US Library of Congress has acquired 31
publications.
He had peened famous Marathi songs Ya Jaganyawar Shatada Prem Karawe, Shukratara
Mand Wara and Bhatukalichya Khelamadhali.
Padgaonkar also had penned University of Pune s theme song Punyamayee De Amha Akshar
Vardaan in 1983.
He had translated works of Mirabai (6th century mystic poet and devotee of Krishna) and
published a book Mira in 1965. He also had translated Bible: The New Testament in Marathi
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in 2008.
He translated works of Surdas and Kabir in Marathi and also Shakespeare s plays The Julius
Ceasar, Tempest and Romeo and Juliet.
Awards and Honours: Sahitya Academy Award (1980) for his collection of poems Salam, MP
Literary Conference Award (1956), Maharashtra State Award in 1953 and 1955, Maharashtra
Bhushan Award (2008) and Padma Bhushan (2013). He was President of the second Vishwa
Marathi Sahitya Sammelan held in Dubai in 2010.
LRSAM Barak 8 Missile successfully tested from INS Kolkata
December 30, 2015
India and Israel jointly developed Long Range Surface to Air Missile (LRSAM) Barak 8 was
successfully test fired from INS Kolkata.
The firing trial of the LR SAM has been jointly carried out by the Indian Navy, Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries.
This successful test marks a significant milestone in enhancing Indian Navy s Anti Air Warfare
capability and also India-Israel relations.
About Barak 8 missile
LRSAM Barak 8 missile in Hebrew language means Lightning. It is an advanced, long-range
missile defence and air defence system.
Its main features are long range, active radar seeker missile, vertical launch and multiple
simultaneous engagements.
For the LRSAM, DRDO has developed dual pulse propulsion system along with other safety
arm mechanisms for Solid Propulsion system.
The LRSAM programme consists of Missiles, Weapon Control System, MFSTAR (Radar),
Vertical Launcher unit and two- way data link.
It is capable to counter a wide variety of air-borne threats such as anti-ship missiles, aircraft,
UAVs and drones as well as supersonic cruise missiles.
Barak 8 missiles will be incorporated onboard of the Kolkata Class Destroyers and also on all future
major warships of the Indian Navy. This missile along with the Multi-Functional Surveillance and
Threat Alert Radar (MF STAR) would provide these ships the capability to neutralize aerial threats
at extended ranges.
BHEL commissions Prayagraj power project unit in Uttar Pradesh
December 31, 2015
State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commissioned a 660 MW unit of Prayagraj
Super Thermal Power Project at Bara town in Allahabad district of Uttar Pradesh.
This is the first supercritical thermal unit to be commissioned in the state to achieve capacity
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addition on attaining full load.

It is Greenfield thermal power project is owned by Prayagraj Power Generation Company Limited
(PPGCL), a subsidiary company of Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited.
Super-critical units are generally eco-friendly and more efficient thermal power plants as they
consume less coal as fuel.
About Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
BHEL is a power plant equipment manufacturer completely owned by Union Government. It is
largest engineering and manufacturing company of its kind in India. It was established in 1964 and
was awarded a Maharatna Company status in 2013.
Union Government unveils National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-2020
December 31, 2015
Union Government has unveiled National Biotechnology Development Strategy (NBDS) 2015-2020
to establish India as a world-class bio-manufacturing hub.
It was unveiled by the Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi.
Key facts
NBDS intends to launch a major mission under the Make in India programme backed with
significant investments for the creation of new biotech products.
It also seeks to create a strong infrastructure for Research and Development and
commercialization and also empower India s human resources scientifically and
technologically.
The key elements of the Strategy are building a skilled workforce and enhance research
opportunities in basic, disciplinary and inter-disciplinary sciences.
Its major component will be training of work force and this includes dual degree programmes
which will cover both the aspect of core science and business applicability.
It will also focus on enhancing research opportunities in basic, disciplinary and inter-
disciplinary sciences and also foster global and national alliances.
Union Cabinet approves construction of 69 bridges on Trilateral Highway in Myanmar
December 31, 2015
The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of 69 Bridges including Approach Roads on the
Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewa (TKK) road section of the Trilateral Highway in Myanmar.
Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi in New Delhi. These bridges will be constructed at a cost of Rs.371.58 crore and shall impart all
weather usability to the TKK road section.
Key facts
TKK road section seeks to improve connectivity between India and Myanmar and facilitate
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movement of goods and traffic.

The project will be implemented in Engineering Procuring and Construction (EPC) mode
through Project Management Consultant (PMC).
It will be closely monitored by the Indian Embassy in Yangon, PMC and the Union Ministry
of External Affairs (MEA).
The project is envisaged to be completed by mid-2019 and is also part of the route for the
proposed Imphal-Mandalay bus service.
Background
Union Government had agreed to undertake construction of 71 bridges on the TKK road section of
the Trilateral Highway at the request of Government of Myanmar during the visit of then Prime
Minister Manmohan Singh to Myanmar in May 2012.
Myanmar Government had started work on constructing two bridges on its own as these bridges
needed urgent attention. The balance of constructing remaining 69 bridges will be undertaken by
Indian Government.
CCEA approves Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme for textile sector
December 31, 2015
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved introduction of Amended
Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS) for technology upgradation of the textiles industry.
Decision in this regard was taken by CCEA meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi
in New Delhi.
The ATUFS replaces existing Revised Restructured Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (RR-
TUFS) to give a boost to textile sector under Make in India campaign.
ATUFS targets
Employment generation (including women) and global export by encouraging garment and
apparel industry.
Promote Technical Textiles which is a sunrise sector for export and employment creation.
Improvement in quality and productivity by promoting conversion of existing looms to
better technology looms.
Encourage better quality in textile processing industry and keep check on import of fabrics by
the garment sector.
Two broad categories of ATUFS
Apparel, Garment and Technical Textiles sectors would be provided on capital investment
with fifteen per cent subsidy. However, it will be subject to a ceiling of Rs. 30 crore for
entrepreneurs over a period of five years.
Remaining sub-sectors of textile sectors would be provided subsidy at a rate of 10 percent.
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However, it would be subject to a ceiling of Rs.20 crore.

The amended scheme would attract investment to the tune of one lakh crore rupees in textile sector
and create over 30 lakh jobs. A budgetary provision of Rs.17,822 crore has been approved of which
Rs. 12,671 crore is for committed liabilities under the ongoing RR-TUFS scheme and Rs. 5,151 crore
is for new cases under ATUFS.
About Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme
TUFS was introduced by the Union Government in 1999 to facilitate new technology for making the
Indian textile industry globally competitive and to reduce the capital cost for the textile industry. The
scheme was earlier amended for continuation during the 12th Five year Plan into Revised
Restructured Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme .
Union Cabinet gives nod for India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation deal
December 31, 2015
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the India-Australia Civil
Nuclear Cooperation deal that came into force on November 13, 2015.
The deal along with the administrative arrangement for implementing the accord will bolster India s
energy security by supporting the expansion of nuclear power in the country.
Background
India and Australia had started talks on the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement in 2012
after Australia had lifted the long-standing ban on selling uranium to energy-starved India.
The cooperation agreement was signed between two countries in September 2014 to sell
uranium as a nuclear fuel for peaceful power generation.
India-Australia Nuclear Cooperation deal follows similar agreements signed by India with the
US and France after western sanctions were lifted in 2008.
Currently, India has nuclear energy agreements with 11 countries and imports uranium from France,
Russia, Kazakhstan and Canada (since December 2015). Australia has about 40 per cent of the
world s uranium reserves and annually exports nearly 7,000 tonnes of nuclear fuel. It is third largest
uranium producing country after Kazakhstan and Canada.
Nuclear Energy in India
Presently, nuclear energy just contributes 3 per cent of electricity generation in India. The energy
starved country has less than two dozen small reactors at six sites with a capacity of 4,780 MW of its
total power capacity. India is seeking to diversify its electricity generation and is planning to increase
its nuclear capacity to 63,000 MW by 2032 by adding nearly 30 new reactors.
Comment
With this, India became India the first country to buy Uranium from Australia without being a
signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). It also marks India s step toward achieving
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international acceptability for its nuclear programme despite not ratifying the NPT.
Union Cabinet approves Raptor MoU for conservation of migratory birds of prey
December 31, 2015
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to sign Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on the
Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia.
This MoU is also called as the Raptor MoU under the Convention on Conservation of Migratory
Species (CMS). With signing it, India will become the 54th signatory to the MoU.
About Raptor MoU
It is an agreement under Article IV paragraph 4 of the Conservation of Migratory Species
(CMS) and is not legally binding on signatory parties.
The MoU seeks willingness of the signatory states for working for conservation of the raptor
species and their habitats.
The Raptors MoU extends its coverage to 76 species of birds of prey out and an action plan
has been formulated that envisages the conservation action for Raptor species.
Of the total 76 species of birds that fall in Raptor MoU, 46 species occur in India including vultures,
falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, kites, harriers, etc.
Benefits of singing Raptor MoU
Help India to gain knowledge in effectively managing the habitats of to 76 species of birds
under ambit of it.
It is also in conformity with the provisions of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 wherein the birds
have been accorded protection in India.
Concert trans-boundary efforts for conservation of migratory birds through interaction with
other signatory countries of the MoU with the CMS.
Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)
The CMS (also known as Bonn Convention) under the aegis of the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) aims to conserve migratory species throughout their range. India had become a
party to the CMS since 1st November 1983. Pakistan and Nepal are the Indian neighbours who are
signatories to this MoU.
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Compendium of 220 Multiple Choice Questions

Below 220 Questions were published in GKToday s Current A airs Quiz Section from December 1
to 31, 2015.
1. Which of the following films has won the prestigious Golden Peacock award at the IFFI 2015?
[A]Mustang
[B]The Measure of a Man
[C]Embrace of the Serpent
[D]Eisenstein
Answer: Embrace of the Serpent
Explanation:
Colombian lm Embrace of The Serpent has been adjudged as the best lm of the 46th
International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Director Ciro Guerra of Embrace of The Serpent was
bestowed with the Golden Peacock award and the cash prize of 40 lakh rupees. The Best Director
award is given to Peter Greenway for the Netherlands lm Eisenstein in Guanajuato. The Best
male actor award is given to Vincent Lindon for the France lm The Measure of a Man . The Best
Female actor award is given to ve female actress for their roles in the Turkey Film Mustang .
The special Jury Award is given to Julia Vargas for his lm Sealed Cargo . The ICFT-UNESCO
Fellini Award is presented to Kaushik Ganguly s Bengali lm Cinemawala .
2. What per cent of FDI is allowed in E-Commerce sector in India?

[A]49%
[B]51%
[C]75%
[D]100%
Answer: 100%
Explanation:
According to the extant FDI policy in India, FDI up to 100% under the automatic route is
permitted in companies engaged in e-commerce provided that such companies would engage
only in Business to Business (B2B) e-commerce. As per the recent rules, a manufacturer is
permitted to sell its products manufactured in India through e-commerce retail. A single brand
retail trading entity operating through brick and mortar stores, is permitted to undertake retail
trading through e-commerce.
3. Which of the following companies has launched the Safe Move-Traffic Safety Campaign ?
[A]Mahindra & Mahindra
[B]Ashok Leyland
[C]Hyundai Motor India
[D]TVS Motor
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Answer: Hyundai Motor India

Explanation:
India s second largest passenger car manufacturer Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has launched
Safe Move-Tra c Safety Campaign under its CSR initiative. The campaign is launched in
association with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The four main pillars of the
campaign are safe move, green move, happy move and easy move. The campaign is launched to
promote best practices of road and tra c safety habits among children.
4. Which of the following currency has been added to the IMF s SDR currency basket, recently?
[A]Indian Rupee
[B]Australian Dollar
[C]Renminbi
[D]Swiss Franc
Answer: Renminbi
Explanation:
The Special drawing rights (SDR) is a type of international reserve asset maintained by the
International Monetary Fund (IMF). The value of SDR is based on the basket of key international
currencies. The SDR basket currencies are reviewed by IMF every ve years. Recently,
International Monetary Fund (IMF) has included China s Yuan or Renminbi into its elite reserve
currency basket mainly used as an international reserve asset with an e ect from 1st October
2016. The other four currencies used in the SDR currency basket are U.S. dollars, euros, pounds
sterling and Japanese yen.
5. Which of the following foreign borrowings are considered under External Commercial
Borrowings(ECBs) in India?
[A]Buyer s credit
[B]Supplier s credit
[C]Bank loans
[D]All the above
Answer: All the above
Explanation:
The ECBs are de ned as money borrowed from foreign resources including the following:
Commercial bank loans, Buyers credit and suppliers credit, Securitised instruments such as
Floating Rate Notes and Fixed Rate Bonds , and Credit from o cial export credit agencies and
commercial borrowings from the private sector window of Multilateral Financial Institutions such
as International Finance Corporation (Washington), ADB, AFIC, CDC, etc. Recently, the Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) has liberalised foreign currency borrowing norms for Indian companies. RBI
has allowed pension funds, insurance funds, sovereign wealth funds to become potential lenders
to Indian rms. This measure will help to more Indian rms to raise foreign funds. The RBI also
raised the limit for small value external commercial borrowings(ECBs) with minimum average
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maturity of three years to $50 million from $20 million earlier.
6. Who of the following has won the 1st FIDE World Online Women Blitz Championship?
[A]Dronavalli Harika
[B]Humpy Koneru
[C]Mary Ann Gomes
[D]Padmini Rout
Answer: Dronavalli Harika
Explanation:
India s Chess champion Dronavalli Harika has won the inaugural FIDE World Online Women Blitz
Championship, the nal of which was held in Rome, Italy. The other nalist form India, Padmini
Rout nished at ninth position.
7. Which of the following countries has been ranked at the top of ITU s ICT Development Index
(IDI) 2015?
[A]Switzerland
[B]China
[C]South Korea
[D]Singapore
Answer: South Korea
Explanation:
South Korea has been ranked at the top of UN International Telecommunications Union s ICT
Development Index (IDI) 2015. It was revealed in UN ITU s agship annual Measuring the
Information Society (MISR) Report. Denmark and Iceland are ranked at second and third place
respectively. Indian ranked at 131 position in the report. According to the report, globally 3.2
billion people are now online i.e. 43.4 per cent of the world s population.
8. Which of the following countries has imposed economic sanctions against Turkey, recently?
[A]United States (US)
[B]France
[C]Russia
[D]Germany
Answer: Russia
Explanation:
Recently, Russia has imposed economic sanctions against Turkey, a NATO member over the
issue of downing of a Russian Sukhoi 24 warplane on the Syrian border. In this regard, Russian
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree adopting a series of retaliatory economic measures
against Turkey with an e ect from 1st January 2016. The economic sanctions covers ban on
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imports from Turkey, work of Turkish companies in Russia and any Turkish nationals working for
Russian companies.
9. Eldar Ryazanov, who passed away recently, was related which of the following fields?
[A]Physicist
[B]Films
[C]Sports
[D]Architecture
Answer: Films
Explanation:
Russian legendary lm Director and screenwriter Eldar Ryazanov (88) passed away recently in
Moscow, Russia. He was one of Russia s best-loved Soviet-era lm directors and an icon of
popular USSR culture of tragi-comedies that satirised daily life in the erstwhile Soviet Union.
Eldar Ryazanov was born on 18 November 1927 in Kuybyshev (now Samara) in the erstwhile
USSR. He had directed some of the most popular Soviet Era comedies such as Irony of Fate
(1975), O ce Romance (1977) and The Garage (1979). Comedy lm The Irony of Fate is still
reckoned to be his most popular lm in USSR and still televised on New Year s Eve in former
Soviet countries. In 1984, he was named a People s Artist, a top USSR artistry tittle. He also has
received the USSR State Prize (1977). He has won the Nika Award for Best Director (1991) for the
lm Promised Heaven. An asteroid 4258 Ryazanov was named after him.
10. Which of the following countries has been ranked first in the latest Global Workforce Happiness
Index?
[A]Belgium
[B]Norway
[C]Costa Rica
[D]South Africa
Answer: Belgium
Explanation:
Belgium ranks as the top country for employee happiness. It was revealed by the Global
Workforce Happiness Index of Universum, a global employer brand research rm. Universum has
surveyed 2,50,000 professionals in 55 markets and calculated the Global Workforce happiness
Index based on several factors such as employee s satisfaction at current job, the likelihood of
recommending their current employer etc.
11. Which of the following countries has the world s largest pension fund?
[A]China
[B]United States
[C]Japan
[D]United Kingdom
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Answer: Japan
Explanation:
Japan s $1.2 trillion Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF) is the world s largest pension
fund. It was originally set up in 2001. In 2006, there was organisational change and it was reset
up as an independent administrative institution with mission to manage and invest the reserve
funds of the employees pension.
12. Who of the following has been elected as the new President of Burkina Faso?
[A]Blaise Compaore
[B]Thingbai Kabore
[C]Zephirin Diabre
[D]Roch Marc Christian Kabore
Answer: Roch Marc Christian Kabore
Explanation:
Mr. Roch Marc Christian Kabore (58) has won the 2015 Presidential elections of the West African
country, Burkina Faso. Earlier Mr. Kabore had served as Prime Minister and head of the National
Assembly under President Mr. Blaise Compaore, who was toppled by an uprising in October 2014
after 27 years in power. Burkina Faso is a landlocked country and is one of the smaller
economies in the region highly dependent on mining and commodities, particularly gold.
13. Which of the following organisations has launched an initiative titled Anticipate, Absorb,
Reshape to build climate resilience?
[A]G20
[B]Greenpeace
[C]United Nations
[D]BRICS
Answer: United Nations
Explanation:
Recently, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon along with 13 agencies of
the UN system has launched the new initiative titled Anticipate, Absorb, Reshape to build
climate resilience in the world s most vulnerable countries. The 13 UN organisations participating
in the Initiative are FAO, UNEP, UNFCCC, UN-Habitat, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNOPS, UNISDR,
WFP, OCHA, WHO, and WMO. The initiative has been launched during the United Nations climate
change conference (COP21) in Paris. The initiative will enhance the ability of the countries to
anticipate climate hazards, absorb consequences and reshape development to reduce risks from
climate hazards. The initiative will also work on mobilizing nance and knowledge and to create
and operationalize partnerships to ght against climate change.
14. Robert Lewandowski is related to which of the following sports?
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[A]Swimming
[B]Football
[C]Tennis
[D]Chess
Answer: Football
Explanation:
The Polish professional footballer, Mr. Robert Lewandowski awarded with four separate o cial
Guinness World Record certi cates for scoring ve goals in 9-minutes for German Football Club
Bayern Munich against Wolfsburg.
15. On which date, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed?
[A]November 15
[B]November 30
[C]December 2
[D]December 10
Answer: December 2
Explanation:
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed on December 2 every year with an
objective to raise awareness about slavery and its impact on the society. According to the
International Labour Organization (ILO) presently there are an estimated 21 million forced labour
victims worldwide, who creates US$ 150 billion in illegal pro ts in the private economy each
year. On 2 December 1949, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly approved the resolution
Convention for the Suppression of the Tra c in Persons and of Exploitation of the Prostitution of
Others .
16. Who among the following is the CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation?
[A]Sheryl Sandberg
[B]Marissa Mayer
[C]Susan Desmond-Hellmann
[D]Reed Hastings
Answer: Susan Desmond-Hellmann
Explanation:
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest private foundation in the world. It was founded
by Bill and Melinda Gates in 2000. Its headquarters are located in Seattle, Washington. It is
controlled by its three trustees Bill Gates, Melinda Gates and Warren Bu ett. Susan Desmond-
Hellmann is the present CEO of the foundation. The main aim of the foundation are enhancing
healthcare and reduction of extreme poverty at the global level and also expanding educational
opportunities and access to Information Technology in United States.
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17. Which of the following banks is the world s largest bank by assets?
[A]Bank of America
[B]Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
[C]BNP Paribas
[D]Bank of China
Answer: Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)
Explanation:
The Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) is the world s largest bank by assets. It is one
of the China s Big Four state-owned commercial banks. It was founded in 1984. Its present
assets worth US$3616 billion. By market capitalization, it is the second largest in the world. The
other three China s state-owned commercial banks are the Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of
China, and China Construction Bank.
18. Margi Sathi, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Sports
[B]Educationalist
[C]Theatre artist
[D]Environmentalist
Answer: Theatre artist
Explanation:
Margi Sathi(50), who recently passed away was one of the nest exponents of Koodiyattom, the
2000 year old classical Sanskrit theatre and Nangiarkoothu, a woman-only o shoot of the
Koodiyattom. She was recognised by the UNESCO as a unique artistic heritage of entire
humanity. Sreeramacharitham and Kannakicharitham are the original choreographed texts by
her.
19. Which of the following organisations has launched the Transformative Carbon Asset Facility
(TCAF)?
[A]WTO
[B]World Bank
[C]BRICS
[D]SCO
Answer: World Bank
Explanation:
The World Bank has launched a $500 million Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF) to help
developing countries pay for emission reductions and combat climate change. The
Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF) will establish the world s rst programmatic carbon
market. The scheme will reward countries for reducing emissions by paying a fee for each tonne
170
of carbon dioxide (CO2) reduced. The facility will help countries implement their Intended
Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs).
20. Which of the following metropolitan development authorities has won the E-India award at E-
India Summit 2015?
[A]Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
[B]Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority
[C]Bangalore Development Authority
[D]Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority
Answer: Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
Explanation:
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) was awarded with the E-India award at the E-India
Summit 2015 for adopting technology to serve the public better and using manpower and
resources e ciently through mobile applications. The award was received by the Mr. V.S. Tomar,
Director (Systems) DDA in Mumbai.
21. On which date, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed?
[A]September 21
[B]October 10
[C]December 3
[D]December 15
Answer: December 3
Explanation:
Every year International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is being observed on 3 December
to promote an understanding of disability issues. It also seeks to mobilize support for the dignity,
rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The theme for year 2015 of International Day of
Persons with Disabilities is Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities.
United Nations has estimated around one billion people are living with disabilities across the
world and they are facing barriers of inclusion in many key aspects of society. In 1992, United
Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had passed a resolution 47/3 for annually observing 3rd
December as International Day of Disabled Persons. It was originally called as International Day
of Disabled Persons.
22. Which of the following campaigns has been launched by the Union Government for differently-
abled people?
[A]Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
[B]Sulabh Bharat Abhiyan
[C]Sojanya Bharat Abhiyan
[D]Sanskirti Bharat Abhiyan
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Answer: Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan

Explanation:
The Union Government has launched the Accessible India Campaign (Sugamya Bharat
Abhiyan) on December 3, 2015. The campaign seeks to make at least 50 % of all government
buildings in the national capital and all state capitals fully accessible for the disabled by July
2018. It is a nationwide agship campaign for achieving universal accessibility for persons with
disabilities and to create an enabling and barrier free environment, with a focus on Built
Environment, Public Transportation and Information and Communication Technologies. The
campaign would involve making transport, public space, tourist places, international airports,
railway stations and information and communication technology in India di erently-able friendly.
23. The proposed Dholera International airport will come up in which city?
[A]Mumbai
[B]Kochi
[C]Jaipur
[D]Ahmedabad
Answer: Ahmedabad
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) has given an environment
clearance to the proposed Dholera International airport in Ahmedabad district. The proposed
airport will be established in Ahmedabad district s Navagam village, which is 15 km from
Dholera. It will cater to the regions of Vadodara, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Nadiad, Kheda and Anand.
The project will be developed in three phases with an estimated cost of around Rs 1,712 crore, of
which the rst phase will cost Rs 716 crore. By January 2016, the project is expected to receive
the in-principle approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry of Government of India (GoI).
24. Which of the following space agencies has launched the LISA Pathfinder?
[A]Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
[B]NASA
[C]European Space Agency
[D]China National Space Administration
Answer: European Space Agency
Explanation:
On December 3, the European Space Agency has launched the LISA Path nder to detect Albert
Einstein s gravitational waves. The LISA Path nder was blasted o on a Vega rocket from the
spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. It is carrying gold-platinum cubes that will be released in
freefall to try to detect the waves predicted by the one-hundred-year-old General Theory of
Relativity. According to the theory, there should be universal ripples in the fabric of space and
time, caused by massive objects accelerating through the Universe. But the uctuations are so
tiny, they have never been detected by scientists.
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25. Who among the following personalities has been honoured with ITC Sangeet Samman 2015?
[A]Ajoy Chakrabarty
[B]Lakshminarayana Subramaniam
[C]Ulhas Kashalkar
[D]Deborshee Bhattacharjee
Answer: Lakshminarayana Subramaniam
Explanation:
The renowned Indian violinist, Dr. Lakshminarayana Subramaniam (68) has been honoured with
the ITC Sangeet Samman 2015. Dr. Subramaniam is the only musician who has performed and
recorded South Indian and Western classical music, both orchestral and non-orchestral,
composed for and conducted major orchestras. He scored for lms like Mississippi Masala and
Salaam Bombay .
26. For what purpose, the GIAN scheme has been launched by the Union Government?
[A]To boost higher education
[B]To boost rural health
[C]To boost telecom sector
[D]To boost solar sector
Answer: To boost higher education
Explanation:
Academic Networks (GIAN) Scheme to boost the quality of higher education in India. It was
launched by Union HRD Minister Smriti Irani at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhi
Nagar campus. GIAN Scheme aims at improving the quality of higher education in the country
through international collaboration. Facilitate participation of high quality international
academicians for delivering short-term courses and programs in Indian institutions. Initially 500
international faculties will be engaged in conducting courses and later in subsequent years 1000
faculties would be engaged under GIAN throughout India. Under this scheme, academicians will
cover 13 disciplines and 352 courses to be taught in 68 national institutions. These courses will
be webcasted live for students across the country through web portal www.gian.iitkgp.ac.in
designed by IIT Kharagpur.
27. Which of the following companies has signed a MoU with Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide
mid-day meal in Odisha?
[A]Airtel
[B]Idea Cellular
[C]Wipro
[D]Infosys
Answer: Idea Cellular
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Explanation:
The Aditya Birla Group s telecom company, Idea Cellular has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with Akshaya Patra Foundation in Odisha for providing mid-day meals to
school students in the state. Around 47,000 students from 625 schools in 10 locations of the
state would bene t from this initiative. The purpose of this mission is to provide children with
nutritious meals every day and also ensure that they attend school daily.
28. According to the latest Brickwork Ratings report, which of the following state s economy is
biggest in India in FY 2014-15?
[A]Tamil Nadu
[B]Maharashtra
[C]Kerala
[D]Punjab
Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation:
As per the latest report published by credit rating agency Brickwork Ratings, Maharashtra is the
biggest economy among the states in India in the FY 2014-15. Maharashtra accounts for Rs.
16.87 lakh crore in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and is followed by Tamil Nadu
and Uttar Pradesh. In terms of GSDP, the fastest-growing states of India are Bihar (17.06 %),
Madhya Pradesh (16.86 %) and Goa (16.43 %).
29. Which of the following banks is the first Indian bank to introduce Display Debit cards?
[A]HDFC Bank
[B]Axis Bank
[C]ICICI Bank
[D]State Bank of India
Answer: Axis Bank
Explanation:
The private sector bank, Axis Bank has become the India s rst bank to launch Display variant
Debit Card for its customers. The EMV chip embedded interactive debit card comes with a
display screen and touch-sensitive button that enables customers to generate the OTP on the
card itself. This OTP, in conjunction with the user id and password will allow the customer to
seamlessly transact on internet banking without having to wait for OTP delivery via SMS or email.
30. M. A. M. Ramaswamy, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Industrialist
[B]Journalist
[C]Space Scientist
[D]Painter
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Answer: Industrialist
Explanation:
Veteran industrialist and former parliamentarian MAM Ramaswamy (84) passed away recently.
He was the last King of Chettinad and co-founder and past chairman of the Rs. 10,000 crore
Chettinad Group of companies. He was famously known as MAMR in political, business and sports
circles. He was a politician from Janata Dal (Secular) party. He was a Member of the Parliament
(MP) in the Rajya Sabha and had represented Karnataka. He also conferred with Padma Shree
award.
31. Tim Peake is related to which of the following fields?

[A]Physicist
[B]Astronaut
[C]Writer
[D]Political activist
Answer: Astronaut
Explanation:
The British astronaut Tim Peake will attempt to run the London Marathon in space. On 24 April
2016, he will run 26.2 miles on a treadmill aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the same
day as more than 30,000 runners will take part in the London Marathon. He will be only the
second Briton in space after Helen Sharman in 1991. He will be the rst Briton on board the ISS.
Earlier, NASA astronaut Sunita Williams ran the Boston Marathon on board the ISS in 2007.
32. Which one of the following companies has joined with ISRO to launch satellite-based portal to
monitor its pipelines?
[A]ONGC
[B]HPCL
[C]GAIL (India) Ltd.
[D]BPCL
Answer: GAIL (India) Ltd.
Explanation:
Recently, the GAIL (India) Limited in collaboration with National Remote Sensing Centre, a unit of
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), has launched a surveillance geo-portal Bhuvan-
GAIL Portal . The portal utilises space technology to monitor GAIL (India) Ltd. pipelines. GAIL
(India) Ltd. is presently monitoring its 13,000 km of pipeline network via helicopter surveys. It is
also planning alternative methods such as advanced Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to monitor
pipelines.
33. As per the latest report of NITI Aayog, which of the following states has emerged as the fastest
growing economy in India in 2014-15?
175
[A]Bihar
[B]Madhya Pradesh
[C]Maharashtra
[D]Goa
Answer: Bihar
Explanation:
According to the latest report of the NITI Aayog, Bihar has emerged as the fastest growing
economy at 17.06 per cent growth rate in 2014-15. NITI Aayog s data takes into account growth
rate of states on Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). Bihar is followed by Madhya Pradesh
(16.86%) and Goa (16.43%). Maharashtra grew by 11.69 per cent to become the biggest state
with Rs 16.87 trillion economy.
34. On which date, the Indian Navy Day is celebrated?

[A]November 6
[B]December 4
[C]December 5
[D]January 3
Answer: December 4
Explanation:
Recently, the 44th Indian Navy Day was celebrated on December 4, 2015 to commemorate the
success of Operation Trident of Indian Navy that was carried out during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
On December 4, 1971, the Indian Navy carried out Operation Trident, which was a devastating
attack on Pakistan Naval Headquarters of Karachi. The attack irreparably damaged destroyers
and oil storage tanks at the Karachi port. To commemorate this, December 4 is celebrated every
year as the Indian Navy Day.
35. In which of the following states the union government will introduce e-transfer of wages under
MGNREGA from January 2016?
[A]Bihar
[B]Uttar Pradesh
[C]Kerala
[D]Tamil Nadu
Answer: Kerala
Explanation:
The Union government will introduce the system of e-transfer of wages to the MGNREGA scheme
bene ciaries from January 1, 2016 in Kerala. This will try to prevent the leakages in the scheme.
If it is successful, then e-transfer of wages will also be introduced in other states. For smooth
fund ow, the electronic Fund Management System (e-FMS) has been made mandatory from
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April, 2015.
36. Which of the following organisations has signed an Integrity Pact with Transparency
International India (TII)?
[A]Jute Corporation of India Ltd. (JCI)
[B]Handicrafts and Handlooms Export Corporation (HHEC)
[C]National Textile Corporation (NTC)
[D]Cotton Corporation Of India Ltd. (CCI)
Answer: National Textile Corporation (NTC)
Explanation:
The Central public sector enterprise, National Textile Corporation Limited (NTC Ltd) has become
the rst textile corporation to sign Integrity Pact (IP) with Transparency International India (TII). It
owns 23 working textile mills which produce yarn and fabric. Integrity Pact ensures that all
activities and transactions between an organisation and their suppliers are handled in a fair,
transparent and corruption-free manner. It prohibits any kind of bribing, favours or any other
unethical practices with close monitoring by honorary Independent External Monitors (IEMs).
37. What is the revised Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) from
January 1, 2016?
[A]60% of outstanding advances
[B]70% of outstanding advances
[C]75% of outstanding advances
[D]80% of outstanding advances
Answer: 75% of outstanding advances
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms for Regional
Rural Banks (RRBs). As per the new norms, the PSL target has increased to 75% of total
outstanding advances from the existing 60%. It will come into e ect from January 1, 2016.
However, the RBI has liberalised the amount they can lend to segments such as agriculture and
also included medium enterprises, social infrastructure and renewable energy under PSL
category. Loans to individual farmers has increased to Rs. 50 lakh from the present Rs. 10 lakh
against pledge/ hypothecation of agricultural produce (including warehouse receipts) for a period
not exceeding 12 months. In case of housing loans, loans to individuals up to Rs. 20 lakh only are
considered as PSL as against the earlier limit of Rs. 25 lakh.
38. The first India International Science Festival (IISF) 2015 has started in which city?
[A]Kochi
[B]Pune
[C]Mumbai
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[D]New Delhi
Answer: New Delhi
Explanation:
The rst India International Science Festival (IISF) has started at the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT)-Delhi campus on December 4, 2015. It is being organised during December 4 to
8. It is a joint event of Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Earth Sciences. The
purpose of the IISF 2015 is to provide a platform for young scientists from all over the country to
share and spread their scienti c ideas, achievements and inventions. It is also supporting many
agship programmes like Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India, Smart Villages, Smart Cities,
etc. initiated by the Government of India (GoI).
39. Which of the following states has become the first Indian state to launch Rotavirus vaccination
project?
[A]Mizoram
[B]Himachal Pradesh
[C]Karnataka
[D]Rajasthan
Answer: Himachal Pradesh
Explanation:
Himachal Pradesh has become the rst Indian state to launch Rotavirus vaccination project. The
vaccine will help in controlling the child mortality rate (under 5 years of age) due to diarrhoea.
The rotavirus vaccines are administered orally to infants in three dose course at ages of 6, 10
and 14 weeks and are part of Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). The project was
launched in Kangra district. It will soon be launched in Vellore (Tamil Nadu) and Pune
(Maharashtra).
40. Which of the following cities is the host for the first International Bird Festival?
[A]Agra
[B]Kota
[C]Indore
[D]Kolkata
Answer: Agra
Explanation:
To promote Uttar Pradesh as an international bird watching destination, the state government is
hosting the rst International Bird Festival at the National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS), Agra from
December 4. It will come to an end on December 6. The festival is being celebrated between the
ravines of Chambal and Yamuna. It is being conducted by the state forest department, in
collaboration with FICCI.
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41. Which of the following committees has submitted its report on Possible Tax rates under GST ?
[A]Jayati Ghosh committee
[B]Abhijit Banerjee committee
[C]Arvind Subramanian committee
[D]Kaushik Basu committee
Answer: Arvind Subramanian committee
Explanation:
The Arvind Subramanian committee has submitted its report on Possible Tax rates under GST . It
has recommended standard rate for Goods and Services Tax (GST) at 17 to 18 per cent. It also
recommended the revenue-neutral rate of 15 to 15.5 per cent. It is a single rate at which there
will be no revenue loss to the centre and states in the GST regime. The union government had
set up the committee under chairmanship of Chief Economic Advisor Dr. Subramanian in June
2015 to arrive at GST rates by factoring in the economic growth rate, taxpayer base and tax
compliance levels.
42. The Bharatvani project is set to be launched by which of the following education governing
body?
[A]University Grants Commission
[B]National Council of Educational Research and Training
[C]Central Board of Secondary Education
[D]Council of Indian School Certificate Examination
Answer: University Grants Commission
Explanation:
The Bharatvani project is set to be launched by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The
main objective of the project is delivering knowledge in and about all languages in India using
multimedia such as text, audio, video, images formats through a website. The website is
proposed to be all inclusive, interactive, dynamic and moderated. The government is launching
this project to strengthen the oral tradition by disseminating the unwritten vernaculars, country s
classical literature in di erent languages, and also to develop e-content of the country s
linguistic diversity.
43. Fatema Mernissi, who passed away recently, hails from which country?
[A]Iraq
[B]Morocco
[C]Egypt
[D]Syria
Answer: Morocco
Explanation:
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Fatema Mernissi(75) passed away recently. She was a Moroccan feminist writer and sociologist.
She was best known for her focus on reconciling traditional Islam with progressive feminism. Her
most celebrated book, Beyond the Veil, reviewed Islam from a feminist perspective rejecting its
age-old patriarchal interpretations.
44. Who has won the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 2015?
[A]Kimi Raikkonen
[B]Lewis Hamilton
[C]Jenson Button
[D]Nico Rosberg
Answer: Nico Rosberg
Explanation:
German Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg has won for the Mercedes team the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
2015. It was Rosberg s third consecutive victory a career rst for the German and his sixth of
the season. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a Formula One race which was announced in the year
2007 at the Abu Dhabi F1 Festival in the UAE.
45. Which of the following countries will host the next Commonwealth summit CHOGM in 2018?
[A]Mauritius
[B]India
[C]United Kingdom
[D]Sri Lanka
Answer: United Kingdom
Explanation:
The United Kingdom has been selected as the host for the next Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting (CHOGM) in 2018. This would be the third time that the United Kingdom
would be hosting the Commonwealth meeting. Earlier it hosted the summit in 1977 and 1997.
Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) holds every two years. The next
Commonwealth summit was to be hosted by Vanuatu in 2017 but due to the devastating cyclone
Pam, the country is unable to host the meeting.
46. Who is the current World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to India?
[A]Carissa F. Etienne
[B]Zsuzsanna Jakab
[C]Henk Bekedam
[D]Matshidiso Moeti
Answer: Henk Bekedam
Explanation:
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Recently, Dr. Henk Bekedam, a Dutch national and medical doctor by training, has taken charge
as the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to India. He has worked for 19 years with
WHO as its representative in China and Egypt, director of Health Sector Development in the WHO
Western Paci c Region O ce in Manila, Philippines, and as team leader of the health sector
reform project in Cambodia.
47. Who of the following is honoured with 2015 Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF)
Outstanding Business Achiever award?
[A]G M Rao
[B]Hinduja Brothers
[C]Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
[D]Cyrus Mistry
Answer: Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Explanation:
The Biocon Limited CMD Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has been honoured with 2015 Asian Business
Leadership Forum (ABLF) Outstanding Business Achiever award. Along with her, the Hinduja
brothers and GMR Group chairman G.M. Rao are presented with the prestigious Lifetime
Achievement Award of ABLF. The 6th Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF) was held in Dubai.
48. The headquarters of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) are located in which city?
[A]Bangalore
[B]Dehradun
[C]Kolkata
[D]Bhuvaneshwar
Answer: Kolkata
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Government has released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the
Centenary year of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). The postage stamp was released by Union
Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in the presence of Union Environment
Minister Prakash Javadekar in New Delhi. They also released publications of ZSI- the Centenary
Souvenir, Centenary Directory and A Glorious 100. ZSI is the apex institution on animal (fauna)
taxonomy in India. It was established on 1 July 1916. Its headquarters is in Kolkata. It also has 16
regional centres located in di erent parts of the country.
49. Which of the following defence forces of India has conducted the exercise Drad Sankalp ?
[A]Indian Army
[B]Indian Navy
[C]Indian Airforce
[D]None of the above
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Answer: Indian Army

Explanation:
Recently, Indian Army chief General Dalbir Singh has reviewed the nal validation phase of the
training exercise Drad Sankalp by the Indian Army s Southern Command at Thar, Rajasthan.
The main focus of the exercise has been on validation of operational preparedness of the Indian
Army to launch swift o ensive in the desert terrain in a network-centric environment in close
coordination with long range artillery and Air Force.
50. Which of the following vaccines is used in injectable inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) programme
of India?
[A]BharatIPV vaccine
[B]ShanIPV vaccine
[C]NirmIPV vaccine
[D]SanofiIPV vaccine
Answer: ShanIPV vaccine
Explanation:
Recently, India has launched the injectable inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) as part of the
country s commitment to global polio eradication. The IPV injection will be given to children
below one year of age, along with the third dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) at the routine
immunization sessions free of cost. In the rst phase, the vaccine will be introduced in six states
namely Assam, Gujarat, Punjab, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. The introduction of
IPV in routine immunization is as per recommendation made in the World Health Assembly in
May 2015. In India, Hyderabad-based Shantha Biotechnics Private Limited is manufacturing the
ShanIPV vaccine, which is used in the country s injectable IPV programme. Shantha will provide
2.3 million doses of ShanIPV in 2015, and 9 million in 2016 to Unicef for India s needs.
51. On which date, the Armed Forces Flag Day is observed?

[A]December 2
[B]December 5
[C]December 7
[D]December 10
Answer: December 7
Explanation:
The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on December 7 annually. It is observed to make people
realize it is as much their responsibility as the government s to take care of the families and
dependents of the armed forces personnel staying away from them to ght for the country.
Former Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru on December 7, 1954 said that a way to
indicate the appreciation of armed forces serving our country is by contributing to the Flag Day
Fund. Along with collecting funds from Indians for the welfare of the Indian armed forces
personnel, it is a day to honour the soldiers, airmen and sailors of India.
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52. Which of the following railway zones of India has introduced biodiesel for trains, operating
under its zone?
[A]Central Railways
[B]East Coast Railways
[C]East Central Railways
[D]South Western Railways
Answer: South Western Railways
Explanation:
The South Western Railways (SWR) Zone with headquarters in Hubli, Karnataka has introduced
biodiesel for trains, operating under its zone. Recently, the SWR s rst train Hubballi- Bengaluru
Janshatabdi Express powered by ve per cent biodiesel blended with High Speed Diesel was
agged o from Hubli. The main aim of the initiative is to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs)
emission and carbon footprint and also to make fuel consumption more e cient. To meet its
biodiesel demand, SWR zone has set up Biodiesel lling centres at Hubli, Bengaluru and Hospet.
In next one year all the 13 railway depots within the zone will have their own lling units and the
biodiesel blending will be gradually increased to ten percent.
53. Which country is the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India in the first half of
2015-16 fiscal year?
[A]Mauritius
[B]Singapore
[C]Japan
[D]United Kingdom
Answer: Singapore
Explanation:
Singapore has replaced Mauritius as the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India
during the rst half of the current scal year 2015-16. It was unveiled by the data during April to
September 2015 period released by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
India has attracted 6.69 billion dollars FDI from Singapore while it received 3.66 billion dollars
from Mauritius. Overall, Singapore accounts for 15 per cent of the total inbound FDI received by
India during April 2000 and September 2015. However, Mauritius accounted for 34 per cent of
FDI during the same period.
54. Who of the following would be honoured with 2015 Person of the Year award by London-based
Asian Lite newspaper?
[A]Janaky Athi Nahappan
[B]Abdool Razack Mohamed
[C]K T Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeulla
[D]Kantilal Jivan
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Answer: K T Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeulla

Explanation:
London-based Asian Lite newspaper has announced it would confer its 2015 Person of the Year
honour on Jeddah-based NRI businessman K.T. Mohammed Rabeeh Rabeeulla. He is the
managing director of Shifa Al Jazeera Medical Group. The jury panel said Rabeeullah is setting an
example for the business leaders to help their communities and his philanthropic activities in the
remote areas of Thailand are highly commendable. The award will be presented in London on
April 23, 2016. Rabeeullah is also the winner of 2013 Pravasi Bharatiya Award, the highest
honour for the members of Indian diaspora.
55. Which of the following companies has launched SME Council in India to help small businesses?
[A]Flipkart
[B]Snapdeal
[C]Facebook
[D]Google India
Answer: Facebook
Explanation:
Recently, Facebook has set up a SME Council in India to help small ventures from various
industries share feedback and discuss ideas around leveraging technology to grow their
enterprise. This is the second SME Council set up by Facebook globally, the rst one being in the
US. Presently, more than 45 million small businesses actively use Facebook Pages to connect to
their consumers.
56. Which of the following countries has won the 2014-15 Men s Hockey World League?
[A]India
[B]Australia
[C]Belgium
[D]Argentina
Answer: Australia
Explanation:
Australia has won the 2014-15 Men s Hockey World League Final by defeating Belgium. In the
nal match played at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium, Raipur, Australian team defeated
Belgium by 2-1 goals. India was placed at third place in this league after defeating world number
two and defending champions Netherlands by 3-2 goals in the penalty shoot-out.
57. Which of the following state governments has decided to celebrate Gita Jayanti Mahotsava
throughout the state?
[A]Punjab
[B]Haryana
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[C]Gujarat
[D]Maharashtra
Answer: Haryana
Explanation:
The Haryana Government has decided to celebrate Gita Jayanti Mahotsava throughout the
state from December 19 to 21, 2015. To organise the festival, a district level celebration
committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioners. A sum of
Rs.10 lakh would be provided to each district by the Information, Public Relations and Culture
A airs department for setting up of exhibition, tentage, craft work, boarding and lodging of
artist, refreshment and other related miscellaneous expenses.
58. Which of the following states is the first to join the UDAY scheme of union government?
[A]Jharkhand
[B]Rajasthan
[C]Tamil Nadu
[D]Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
Explanation:
Andhra Pradesh (AP) has become the rst Indian state to join the Centre s UDAY (Ujwal Discom
Assurance Yojana) scheme for revival of debt stressed power distribution companies. The
scheme has been launched by Union Government to improve nancial and operational
e ciencies of power distribution companies. It envisages to reduce interest burden, cost of
power and AT&C losses. The scheme is optional and operationalised through signing of MoU
between state governments, state discoms and Centre. After Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand state
also has joined the scheme.
59. Which of the following Indian states has been featured in the Atlas Choices 10 of the Best
Winter Sun Locations of the World?
[A]Jammu and Kashmir
[B]Goa
[C]Himachal Pradesh
[D]Uttarakhand
Answer: Goa
Explanation:
Recently, Goa has been listed in the top 10 Best Winter Locations of the World by the
international agency Atlas Choices . The other tourist destinations that are included in the list
are Cape Town, Melbourne, Barbados, Miami, Saint Kitts, Punta Cana, Santiago, Tenerife and
Boracay Island. The Atlas Choice is an international car booking agency with extensive
knowledge in tourist spots. Beside this, Goa is also in the list of the Most Popular Domestic
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Destination this Winter by Winter Vacation Value Report released by Trip Advisor.
60. According to the latest Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR 2015), what per cent of the total
geographical area is covered by forest in India?
[A]20.36%
[B]21.34%
[C]23.28%
[D]24.16%
Answer: 21.34%
Explanation:
According to the recently released India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2015, the total forest cover
of the country has increased by 3, 775 sq km, the tree cover has gone up by 1, 306 sq km. The
total forest and tree cover is 24.16% of the total geographical area whereas only forest cover is
21.34% of the country s geographical area. The total carbon stock in the country s forest is
estimated to be 7044 million tonnes, an increase of 103 million tonnes.
61. The Central Research Institute in Yoga and Naturopathy will be set up in which of the following
Indian states?
[A]Kerala
[B]Maharashtra
[C]Gujarat
[D]Odisha
Answer: Odisha
Explanation:
The Central Research Institute in Yoga and Naturopathy will be set up in Khordha District,
Odisha. It will be set up by the Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN),
which is an autonomous body under Department of AYUSH, Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare. It is an apex body in the eld of Yoga and Naturopathy, actively engaged in promotion,
propagation, research, education, training and publication work.
62. What is the underlying theme of the Kala Ustav event, which is being held under the aegis of
Union HRD Ministry in New Delhi?
[A]Apna Desh, Apni Sanskirti
[B]Unity of Mankind
[C]Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
[D]Save Tree, Save Future
Answer: Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
Explanation:
186
Recently, the four-day Kala Ustav event began at Bal Bhawan in New Delhi with the underlying
theme of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao . The event is being organised by National Council of
Educational Research and Training (NCERT). The event brings together students from across
India, who will showcase their respective cultures through dance, music, visual art and theatre.
63. Which of the following countries will host the Heart of Asia conference in 2016?
[A]Pakistan
[B]Bhutan
[C]India
[D]Sri Lanka
Answer: India
Explanation:
The 2015 Heart of Asia conference is hosted by Islamabad, Pakistan. The focus of the 5th
conference is to increase cooperation for countering security threats and promotion of
connectivity in the region. From India, the external a airs minister Ms. Sushma Swaraj is
attending the ministerial-level meeting. The 14 countries viz. Pakistan, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan,
China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey,
Turkmenistan and the UAE had launched the initiative launched in 2011 for encouraging
economic and security cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighbours for dealing with the
common problems of terrorism, extremism and poverty. India will host the 2016 Heart of Asia
conference on Afghanistan.
64. Which of the following states is the first to allow the MLAs to raise online questions?
[A]Kerala
[B]Maharashtra
[C]odisha
[D]Madhya Pradesh
Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation:
The Maharashtra state legislature has become the rst in the country to launch an online
mechanism for legislators to send questions and move di erent motions in the House. The
website mls.org.in has been launched as part of Digital MLAs initiative in the winter session of
state legislature in Nagpur. To access the website, all MLAs and MLCs have been given unique
user names and passwords so that they can send their questions and requests online. The
system also facilitates them to move di erent motions like calling attention and half-an-hour
discussion questions for legislature sessions. This facility is designed by the Maharashtra
Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL) and available on Unicode and can be accessed in
Marathi.
65. On which date, the International Volunteer Day is observed?

[A]December 3
187
[B]December 5
[C]December 10
[D]December 21
Answer: December 5
Explanation:
The International Volunteer Day is observed on December 5. The theme for this year s
observance is The world is changing. Are you? Volunteer! . The day is viewed as a unique
chance for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their e orts, to share their values, and to
promote their work among their communities, NGOs, UN agencies, government authorities and
the private sector.
66. Which of the following organisations is the first from India to join the World Bank s Zero
Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative?
[A]ONGC
[B]IOCL
[C]NTPC
[D]Essar Oil Ltd
Answer: ONGC
Explanation:
The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) has become the rst oil company from India
to join the World Bank s Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative. The Zero Routine Flaring by
2030 is a global initiative to end routine gas aring at oil production sites around the world. The
Governments that support the Initiative would provide a legal, regulatory, investment and
operating environment that is conducive to upstream investments and to the development of
viable markets for utilization of the gas and the infrastructure necessary to deliver the gas to
these markets. This will provide companies the con dence and incentive as a basis for investing
in are elimination solutions. Till date, 45 governments, companies and organizations has joined
Zero Routine Flaring by 2030 Initiative.
67. The I-LTEO programme is launched by which of the following union ministries?
[A]Ministry of HRD
[B]Ministry of Culture
[C]Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
[D]Ministry of Commerce
Answer: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change
Explanation:
Recently, India has launched the Indian Long Term Ecological Observatories (I-LTEO) programme
to scienti cally monitor 8-di erent biomes (natural landscapes) across the country. The purpose
of the programme is to identify and monitor targeted socio-ecological challenges and help build
188
capacity within India. The I-LTEO will cover the Western Himalayas to Western Ghats, Eastern
Himalayas to Andaman and Nicobar islands, central India to the Sundarbans and from Jammu
and Kashmir to Rajasthan and Gujarat.
68. The headquarters of National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) are located at which city?
[A]Kochi
[B]Chennai
[C]Bengaluru
[D]Hyderabad
Answer: Chennai
Explanation:
Recently, the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has launched Wind Energy Resources Map
of India at 100 meter above ground level and solar radiation map at ground level on online
Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. The Wind and Solar Resource Maps will not only
help and guide the wind and solar power developers and other stakeholders in identifying
potential areas for the development of wind & solar power projects in the country but also help
the central and state agencies in planning and developing the infrastructure including
transmission system, required for installing renewable power projects in these potential areas.
The NIWE is an autonomous R&D instituted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
(MNRE).
69. At which of the following places, India is developing its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR)?
[A]Mangaluru
[B]Chennai
[C]Kolkata
[D]Mumbai
Answer: Mangaluru
Explanation:
In the rst phase, India is developing Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPRs) at Vishakapatnam,
Mangaluru and Padur (near Mangaluru). In the second phase India is planning to develop the
SPRs at Chandikhol (Odisha), Bikaner (Rajasthan) and Rajkot (Gujarat). The SPRs acts as a
valuable bu er against short term oil supply disruptions as well as to buy and store oil when
prices are low and release them to re ners when there is a spike in global rates.
70. Who of the following is the winner of the 2015 BWF Female Player of the Year Award?
[A]Bao Yixin
[B]Zhao Yunlei
[C]Carolina Marin
[D]Saina Nehwal
Answer: Carolina Marin
189
Explanation:
Carolina Marin of Spain has won the 2015 BWF Female Player of the Year Award. Marin was in
contention for the award along with China s Zhao Yunlei and Bao Yixin and India s Saina Nehwal.
She started and ended the year on a perfect note by winning the All England in March and the
Hong Kong Open in November. In between, she picked up three other World Superseries titles
and retained her World Championships gold medal. China s Chen Long retained the Male Player
of the Year award that he won last year.
71. Who has been named as the 2015 Time Magazine s Person of the Year ?
[A]Angela Merkel
[B]Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
[C]Donald Trump
[D]Hassan Rouhani
Answer: Angela Merkel
Explanation:
The German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel (61) has been named as the 2015 Time magazine s
Person of the Year . The magazine cited her role in Europe s crises over migration and Greek
debt. Ms. Merkel is followed by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (head of the Islamic State militant group),
Mr. Donald Trump (nominated US Presidential candidate), Black Lives Matter ( activist group
campaigning against violence towards black people, notably in the US), Mr. Hassan Rouhani
(President of Iran), etc. With this, Ms. Merkel became only the 4th woman since 1927 to be
named winner and the rst women to feature in 29 years. The other three women were Wallis
Simpson (1936), Queen Elizabeth II (1952) and Corazon Aquino (1986). The US Democratic
presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is the winner of the online readers poll for TIME Person of
the Year. The readers poll di ers from the TIME person of the year award, which is chosen by the
editors.
72. Who has won the 2015 The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award in the engineering
category?
[A]S Chandrasekhar
[B]Sandip Trivedi
[C]U Ramamurty
[D]Jagdish Ladha
Answer: U Ramamurty
Explanation:
The professor of the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bengaluru, Mr. U Ramamurty has won the
2015 The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award in the engineering category. The other
Indians who got the award this year are Mr. Jagdish Ladha (International Rice Research Institute,
New Delhi) in the agricultural sciences category and Mr. Sandip Trivedi (Tata Institute for
Fundamental Research, Mumbai) in the physics category. The TWAS is a global science academy
based in Trieste, Italy, working to advance science and engineering for sustainable prosperity in
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the developing world. Every year, the Academy awards 8 prizes of worth $15,000 each in the
elds of agricultural sciences, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering sciences,
mathematics, medical sciences and physics.
73. Who of the following will be conferred with the inaugural Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award?
[A]Manoj Bhargava
[B]Rajesh Singh
[C]Frank Islam
[D]Vinod Arora
Answer: Frank Islam
Explanation:
Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Frank Islam (63) has been chosen for the
inaugural Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award for his achievements and outstanding contributions in a
foreign country. He was born in Uttar Pradesh s (UP) Azamgarh district and studied at Aligarh
Muslim University. He will be honoured by UP Chief Minister Mr. Akhilesh Yadav at the inaugural
UP Pravasi Diwas in Agra on January 4, 2016. The UP Ratna award has been instituted to
recognise achievements and outstanding contributions of NRIs who hail from the state.
74. Which of the following countries will host the 2nd World Internet Conference (WIC)?
[A]India
[B]China
[C]USA
[D]United Kingdom
Answer: China
Explanation:
The 2nd World Internet Conference (WIC) (or Wuzhen Summit) will be held in Wuzhen, Zhejiang
province of China from December 16-18, 2015. The theme of the 2015 WIC is An Interconnected
World Shared and Governed by All Building a Cyberspace Community of Shared Destiny . The
Conference will be a platform for building a cyberspace community of shared destiny, advocating
worldwide respect to diversity, focusing on mutual development, forging consensus and
confronting risks jointly.
75. What is the name of the first official stock exchange launched by Myanmar?
[A]Myanmar stock Exchange (MSX)
[B]Naypyidaw Stock Exchange (NSX)
[C]Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX)
[D]Mandalay Stock Exchange (MnSX)
Answer: Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX)
Explanation:
191
Recently, Myanmar has launched its rst stock exchange Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX) .
Initially, it will be open only to Myanmar companies and investors, and future law changes will
eventually allow foreigners to invest in Myanmar shares. The exchange is founded by the state-
owned Myanmar Economic Bank, Daiwa Securities and Japan Exchange Group, a company that
operates the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The trading in the exchange is expected to begin in
February or March 2016.
76. Currently, which of the following countries is the largest oil supplier to India?
[A]Iran
[B]Iraq
[C]Kuwait
[D]Saudi Arabia
Answer: Saudi Arabia
Explanation:
India imports 80% of its oil demand. Presently Saudi Arabia is the largest supplier of oil to India.
Saudi Arabia is followed by Iraq, Nigeria, Venezuela and Iran. Iran was India s second biggest
supplier of crude oil after Saudi Arabia till 2010-11. After the Western countries sanctions
imposed on Iran, India brought down the purchases in 2012-13 and had limited them in the years
thereafter.
77. Which of the following countries has successfully launched the Ghadr-110 ballistic missile?
[A]Afghanistan
[B]Iran
[C]Turkey
[D]Pakistan
Answer: Iran
Explanation:
Recently, Iran has successfully test red medium range Ghadr-110 ballistic missile near the
Chabahar, a port city in southeast of country along the Gulf of Oman. It is an improved and
advance version of Shahab 3 missile. It has a range of 1,800 2000 km and is capable of carrying
a nuclear warhead as well as conventional warheads.
78. On which date, the International Anti-Corruption Day is observed?

[A]December 9
[B]November 18
[C]January 2
[D]September 15
Answer: December 9
Explanation:
192
The International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually on December 9. The theme of
this year is Break the corruption chain . This year s joint international campaign focuses on how
corruption undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to human rights violations, distorts
markets, erodes quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human
security to ourish.
79. Which of the following organisations has released the report titled Asian Economic
Integration Report 2015 ?
[A]ADB
[B]IMF
[C]ASEAN
[D]World Bank
Answer: ADB
Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released a report titled Asian Economic Integration
Report 2015: How Can Special Economic Zones Catalyze Economic Development? . The report
examined current trends in trade, nance, migration, remittances and other economic activities
in the region, with a special chapter on the role of special economic zones (SEZs).
80. Shweta Singh is related to which of the following sports?

[A]Chess
[B]Boxing
[C]Shooting
[D]Badminton
Answer: Shooting
Explanation:
ONGC s Shweta Singh has clinched the gold medal in the women s 10m air pistol at the 59th
National Shooting Championship. It was the sixth national women s air pistol gold for Shweta.
She was followed by Yashaswini.
81. Who has been named as the 2015 Time Magazine s Person of the Year ?
[A]Angela Merkel
[B]Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
[C]Donald Trump
[D]Hassan Rouhani
Answer: Angela Merkel
Explanation:
The German Chancellor Ms. Angela Merkel (61) has been named as the 2015 Time magazine s
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Person of the Year . The magazine cited her role in Europe s crises over migration and Greek
debt. Ms. Merkel is followed by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi (head of the Islamic State militant group),
Mr. Donald Trump (nominated US Presidential candidate), Black Lives Matter ( activist group
campaigning against violence towards black people, notably in the US), Mr. Hassan Rouhani
(President of Iran), etc. With this, Ms. Merkel became only the 4th woman since 1927 to be
named winner and the rst women to feature in 29 years. The other three women were Wallis
Simpson (1936), Queen Elizabeth II (1952) and Corazon Aquino (1986). The US Democratic
presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is the winner of the online readers poll for TIME Person of
the Year. The readers poll di ers from the TIME person of the year award, which is chosen by the
editors.
82. Who has won the 2015 The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award in the engineering
category?
[A]S Chandrasekhar
[B]Sandip Trivedi
[C]U Ramamurty
[D]Jagdish Ladha
Answer: U Ramamurty
Explanation:
The professor of the Indian Institute of Science (IISC) Bengaluru, Mr. U Ramamurty has won the
2015 The Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) award in the engineering category. The other
Indians who got the award this year are Mr. Jagdish Ladha (International Rice Research Institute,
New Delhi) in the agricultural sciences category and Mr. Sandip Trivedi (Tata Institute for
Fundamental Research, Mumbai) in the physics category. The TWAS is a global science academy
based in Trieste, Italy, working to advance science and engineering for sustainable prosperity in
the developing world. Every year, the Academy awards 8 prizes of worth $15,000 each in the
elds of agricultural sciences, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, engineering sciences,
mathematics, medical sciences and physics.
83. Who of the following will be conferred with the inaugural Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award?
[A]Manoj Bhargava
[B]Rajesh Singh
[C]Frank Islam
[D]Vinod Arora
Answer: Frank Islam
Explanation:
Indian-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, Mr. Frank Islam (63) has been chosen for the
inaugural Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award for his achievements and outstanding contributions in a
foreign country. He was born in Uttar Pradesh s (UP) Azamgarh district and studied at Aligarh
Muslim University. He will be honoured by UP Chief Minister Mr. Akhilesh Yadav at the inaugural
UP Pravasi Diwas in Agra on January 4, 2016. The UP Ratna award has been instituted to
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recognise achievements and outstanding contributions of NRIs who hail from the state.
84. Which of the following countries will host the 2nd World Internet Conference (WIC)?
[A]India
[B]China
[C]USA
[D]United Kingdom
Answer: China
Explanation:
The 2nd World Internet Conference (WIC) (or Wuzhen Summit) will be held in Wuzhen, Zhejiang
province of China from December 16-18, 2015. The theme of the 2015 WIC is An Interconnected
World Shared and Governed by All Building a Cyberspace Community of Shared Destiny . The
Conference will be a platform for building a cyberspace community of shared destiny, advocating
worldwide respect to diversity, focusing on mutual development, forging consensus and
confronting risks jointly.
85. What is the name of the first official stock exchange launched by Myanmar?
[A]Myanmar stock Exchange (MSX)
[B]Naypyidaw Stock Exchange (NSX)
[C]Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX)
[D]Mandalay Stock Exchange (MnSX)
Answer: Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX)
Explanation:
Recently, Myanmar has launched its rst stock exchange Yangon Stock Exchange (YSX) .
Initially, it will be open only to Myanmar companies and investors, and future law changes will
eventually allow foreigners to invest in Myanmar shares. The exchange is founded by the state-
owned Myanmar Economic Bank, Daiwa Securities and Japan Exchange Group, a company that
operates the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The trading in the exchange is expected to begin in
February or March 2016.
86. Currently, which of the following countries is the largest oil supplier to India?
[A]Iran
[B]Iraq
[C]Kuwait
[D]Saudi Arabia
Explanation:
India imports 80% of its oil demand. Presently Saudi Arabia is the largest supplier of oil to India.
Saudi Arabia is followed by Iraq, Nigeria, Venezuela and Iran. Iran was India s second biggest
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supplier of crude oil after Saudi Arabia till 2010-11. After the Western countries sanctions
imposed on Iran, India brought down the purchases in 2012-13 and had limited them in the years
thereafter.
87. Which of the following countries has successfully launched the Ghadr-110 ballistic missile?
[A]Afghanistan
[B]Iran
[C]Turkey
[D]Pakistan
Answer: Iran
Explanation:
Recently, Iran has successfully test red medium range Ghadr-110 ballistic missile near the
Chabahar, a port city in southeast of country along the Gulf of Oman. It is an improved and
advance version of Shahab 3 missile. It has a range of 1,800 2000 km and is capable of carrying
a nuclear warhead as well as conventional warheads.
88. On which date, the International Anti-Corruption Day is observed?

[A]December 9
[B]November 18
[C]January 2
[D]September 15
Answer: December 9
Explanation:
The International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually on December 9. The theme of
this year is Break the corruption chain . This year s joint international campaign focuses on how
corruption undermines democracy and the rule of law, leads to human rights violations, distorts
markets, erodes quality of life and allows organized crime, terrorism and other threats to human
security to ourish.
89. Which of the following organisations has released the report titled Asian Economic
Integration Report 2015 ?
[A]ADB
[B]IMF
[C]ASEAN
[D]World Bank
Answer: ADB
Explanation:
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has released a report titled Asian Economic Integration
196
Report 2015: How Can Special Economic Zones Catalyze Economic Development? . The report
examined current trends in trade, nance, migration, remittances and other economic activities
in the region, with a special chapter on the role of special economic zones (SEZs).
90. Shweta Singh is related to which of the following sports?

[A]Chess
[B]Boxing
[C]Shooting
[D]Badminton
Answer: Shooting
Explanation:
ONGC s Shweta Singh has clinched the gold medal in the women s 10m air pistol at the 59th
National Shooting Championship. It was the sixth national women s air pistol gold for Shweta.
She was followed by Yashaswini.
91. Who of the following has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015
Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF)?
[A]Sanjay Leela Bhansali
[B]Shyam Benegal
[C]Naseerudin Shah
[D]Lata Mangeshkar
Answer: Naseerudin Shah
Explanation:
The renowned Bollywood actor, Mr. Naseerudin Shah (66) has been honoured with the Lifetime
Achievement Award at the 12th edition of Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) in Dubai. Along
with him, Egyptian actor Ezzat Al Alayli, award-winning French-Tunisian actor Sami Bouajila and
French actress Catherine Deneuve were also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the
DIFF.
92. Which of the following cities of India have been designated as members of UNESCO s Creative
Cities Network (UCCN)?
[A]Varanasi and Jaipur
[B]Hyderabad and Dharmashala
[C]Mysore and Agra
[D]Haridwar and Jaisalmer
Answer: Varanasi and Jaipur
Explanation:
For rst time, the Indian cities of Varanasi and Jaipur have been designated as members of
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UNESCO s Creative Cities Network (UCCN). In the UCCN, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) has been
added in the City of Craft category of network and Jaipur (Rajasthan) has been added in the City
of Music category of network. These cities are among the 47 cities from 33 countries that have
been designated as new members of UCCN. The next meeting of the Creative Cities Network is
scheduled for September 2016 in Ostersund (Sweden).
93. Who of the following has been conferred with the 2015 Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement?
[A]Don Delillo
[B]Salman Rushdie
[C]Laurie Anderson
[D]Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini
Answer: Salman Rushdie
Explanation:
The Indian-born author, Mr. Salman Rushdie (68) has been honoured with the prestigious 2015
Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement. The prize honours those writers who fully exercise their
freedom of creativity and thrive on dialogue and debate. The American experimental
performance artist, Laurie Anderson presented the award to Mr. Rushdie at a ceremony held at
Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York City. Rushdie is the author of many novels viz. Grimus, Two
Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights, Booker Prize winner Midnight s Children, The
Satanic Verses, etc.
94. On My Terms: From the Grassroots to the Corridors of Power, is the autobiography of who of
the following?
[A]Lal Thanhawla
[B]Ram Jethmalani
[C]Sharad Pawar
[D]Okram Ibobi Singh
Answer: Sharad Pawar
Explanation:
On My Terms: From the Grassroots to the Corridors of Power is an autobiography of Sharad
Pawar. The book has been released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10 December 2015. The
book was released on the 75th birthday of Pawar, who is the Maratha strongman and the leader
of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
95. Who has been appointed as the Chairman of 2016 World Travel & Tourism Council, India
Initiative (WTTCII)?
[A]Nikhil Verma
[B]Kapil Chopra
[C]Manav Thadani
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[D]Ashwani Lohani
Answer: Kapil Chopra
Explanation:
The president of the Oberoi Group, Mr. Kapil Chopra has been appointed as the chairman of 2016
World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII). Mr. Chopra, who served as the Vice-
Chairman of 2015 WTTCII, has succeeded Mr. Manav Thadani (Chairman of HVS,South Asia). The
Air India Chairman & Managing Director Ashwani Lohani has been appointed as the Vice-
Chairman of WTTCII for 2016.
96. Which of the following countries will host the 2016 ICC Women s World Twenty20?
[A]India
[B]England
[C]South Africa
[D]West Indies
Answer: India
Explanation:
Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the groups and schedule of the
ICC World Twenty20 India 2016, which will be staged across eight venues in India from 8 March
to 3 April. The men s event will carry a total prize money of $5.6million, while the total prize
money for the women s event is $400,000.
97. Inle Lake, is the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of which of the following countries?
[A]Nepal
[B]Bhutan
[C]Myanmar
[D]Maldives
Answer: Myanmar
Explanation:
Myanmar has launched its rst UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Inle Lake in Shan state. The Inle
Lake was designated as UNESCO Biosphere reserve in Paris in June 2015. With this, Myanmar
ful lled its commitment to bio-diversity and eco-system conservation under the UNESCO s Man
and Biosphere Programme.
98. Which of the following companies has become the global partner of the International Cricket
Council (ICC) from 2016 to 2020?
[A]Movilnet
[B]Digicel
[C]OPPO
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[D]Cellcom
Answer: OPPO
Explanation:
Recently, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has declared a new global partnership with
OPPO on a 4-year deal which runs from 2016 until 2020. The OPPO Electronics Corp. is a Chinese
electronics manufacturer based in Dongguan, Guangdong province of China. It is a young and
dynamic company and is one of the world s leading electronic and technology service providers.
It has a strong presence in more than 20 countries and a signi cant number of regions
worldwide, including Australia, China, USA and right across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, South
Asia and Southeast Asia.
99. On which date, the International Day for Victims of Genocide is observed?
[A]December 6
[B]December 9
[C]December11
[D]December 21
Answer: December 9
Explanation:
The UN has observed the rst-ever International Day of Remembrance of Genocide on December
9. The day marks an anniversary of the signing of the 1948 genocide Convention. This
convention was one of the 1st United Nations (UN) conventions to address humanitarian issues.
The International Day is established pursuant to the UNGA Resolution 69/323 of September 11,
2015, which calls for a manifestation of a collective sense of a duty before all victims of the
crime of genocide.
100. What is the India s position in the Global Illicit Financial Flows Report 2004-13?
[A]Second
[B]Third
[C]Fourth
[D]Fifth
Answer: Fourth
Explanation:
The Global Illicit Financial Flows Report 2004-13 is released by Global Financial Integrity (GFI), a
research and advisory group based in Washington. The report ranked India as the fourth- biggest
source of black money. According to the report, China tops the list for 2004-2013, with $139
billion average illicit nancial ow per annum, followed by Russia ($104 billion per annum) and
Mexico ($52.8 billion per annum).
101. Sharad Joshi, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
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[A]Industrialist
[B]Politician
[C]Agro-economist
[D]Scientist
Answer: Agro-economist
Explanation:
The veteran Agro-economist, proli c journalist and stalwart farmer leader, Sharad Anantrao Joshi
(81) passed away in Pune, Maharashtra. He was the founder of Shetakari Sanghtana (farmers
Organisation), an NGO dedicated to the cause of farmers in Maharashtra. He was also the
member of the Rajya Sabha during the period 2004 and 2010. Mr. Joshi was the only MP in Rajya
Sabha to vote against the bill providing 33% reservation for women in Indian parliament and
assemblies. He argued that it was much preferable to make women strong electorally rst
through the entire Panchayat Raj system before partial reservations were introduced at the
Centre and State levels.
102. Which of the following organisations has won the 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award?
[A]Wipro
[B]Tata Consultancy Services
[C]Reliance
[D]Flipkart
Answer: Wipro
Explanation:
The global software major, Wipro Limited s IoT solution Universal Data Parser (UDP) has won
the 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovation in the eld of Internet of Things (IoT). The UDP
enables exible adaptation of data streams from a wide range of end devices to IoT platforms
and data stores. The Aegis Graham Bell Award is India s largest and the only innovation award in
the eld of Telecom, Internet, Media and Entertainment (TIME) and Social, Mobility Analytics and
Cloud (SMAC). The award is intended to promote innovation, entrepreneurship in the eld of
Telecom, Internet, Media & Edutainment (TIME) and to provide recognition for outstanding
contributions in this eld in India.
103. Lasoong festival is celebrated in which of the following states?

[A]Arunachal Pradesh
[B]Nagaland
[C]Sikkim
[D]Meghalaya
Answer: Sikkim
Explanation:
The Lasoong festival is the most popular festival of Sikkim. It is usually celebrated at the end of
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the tenth Tibetan lunar month (usually December). It is the most important festival among the
Bhutias in India and is marked by the traditional Chaan dancing and merry-making. Losoong is
celebrated across the monasteries in Bhutan, Nepal and India. In Sikkim, during the festival of
Losoong, often dance forms depict narrativized tales from the life of Padmasambhava (or Guru
Ugyen).
104. Which of the following countries has successfully test fired the nuclear-capable Shaheen-III
missile?
[A]Iran
[B]Saudi Arabia
[C]Pakistan
[D]Syria
Answer: Pakistan
Explanation:
Recently, Pakistan has successfully test- red the medium-range Shaheen-III surface-to-surface
ballistic missile. The missile can carry nuclear warheads within a range of 2,750 kms. Shaheen-I
is also capable of carrying nuclear as well as conventional warheads and has a range of 900 kms
while the Shaheen-II missile can also carry nuclear and conventional warheads up to a range of
1,500 kms.
105. Elizabeth Susan Koshy, is related to which of the following sports?

[A]Swimming
[B]Cricket
[C]Chess
[D]Shooting
Answer: Shooting
Explanation:
Elizabeth Susan Koshy from Kerala has won gold in the Women s 50m Ri e 3 Positions at the
59th National Shooting Championships held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting range in New Delhi.
Beside her, Anjum Moudgil from Haryana has won the silver and N Gaayathri from Tamil Nadu
bagged bronze in the championship. For Elizabeth, it is the hat-trick.
106. Who of the following Indian-origin writer has won the prestigious South East Asia Write
Award 2015?
[A]Anita Desai
[B]Jhumpa Lahiri
[C]Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali
[D]Salman Rushide
Answer: Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali
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Explanation:
Indian-origin Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali has been declared as the winner of this year s
prestigious South East Asia Write Award. Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali is the author of the 7 books,
80 plays and more than 400 short stories including Vellai Kodugal (White Lines) Alaigal
Pesuginrana (the Sound Of The Waves) that are now studied by Tamil Literature students in
Singapore and Indian universities. The South East Asia Write Awards, started in 1979, are
presented annually to poets and writers in Southeast Asia.
107. Which of the following states is hosting the 26th conference of the Southern Zonal Council?
[A]Andhra Pradesh
[B]Kerala
[C]Karnataka
[D]Telangana
Explanation:
The Zonal Councils in India are created under the State Reorganization Act, 1956. They are
advisory bodies that discuss and advise the Central and State Governments on various matters
of common interest. There are ve Councils, one for each Zone viz., Eastern, Western, Northern,
Southern, and Central. The Southern Zonal Council comprises of the States of Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and Puducherry. The meeting of each Zonal Council
needs to be held once in a year to iron out the di erences between the governments on issues of
development concerning regional interest and national programmes. The 26th conference of the
Southern Zonal Council is hosted in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.
108. Who of the following is the current President and CEO of the World Resources Institute
(WRI)?
[A]Andrew Steer
[B]James Gustave Speth
[C]James A. Harmon
[D]Susan Tierney
Answer: Andrew Steer
Explanation:
Andrew Steer is the current President and CEO of the World Resources Institute, a global
research organization that works in more than 50 countries. The NGO was established in 1982
with funding from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation under the leadership of
James Gustave Speth. WRI s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect
Earth s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and
future generations.
109. On which date, the International Mountain day is observed?

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[A]December 11
[B]January 5
[C]November 31
[D]December 13
Answer: December 11
Explanation:
The International Mountain Day is observed every year on December 11. It has been observed
every year to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the
opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build alliances that will bring
positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world. This years theme is
Promoting mountain products for better livelihoods .
110. India s largest National Cancer Institute is set up in which of the following states?
[A]Andhra Pradesh
[B]Haryana
[C]Gujarat
[D]West Bengal
Answer: Haryana
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Health Minister has laid the foundation stone for India s largest National
Cancer Institute at AIIMS campus in Haryana s Jhajjar district. The Cancer Institute in Badsa will
be independent India s largest government-funded hospital project . The project is planned to
be completed within three years. The Cancer Institute will be modelled after the National Cancer
Institute (NCI) of USA and the government has already entered into a MoU with NCI USA during
the visit of Prime Minister to USA in October 2014.
111. Who of the following will head the Judicial Committee on One Rank One Pension (OROP)
scheme?
[A]Y V Reddy
[B]L Narasimha Reddy
[C]Sanjay Mishra
[D]Wykrhm Reddy
Answer: L Narasimha Reddy
Explanation:
The government of India has appointed a Judicial Committee to look into the implementation of
One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme for the ex-Servicemen. The committee will headed by the
Justice (Retd) L. Narasimha Reddy, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court. The Committee, with
headquarters in Delhi, has been given a 6-month deadline for submission of its
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recommendations. The Terms of Reference for the committee is to examine and make
recommendations on the removal of anomalies that may arise in the implementation of the
OROP as noti ed by the Government on November 7, 2015.
112. What is the mascot of the 2016 South Asian Games?

[A]Chikor
[B]Shera
[C]Tikhor
[D]Appu
Answer: Tikhor
Explanation:
The 12th South Asian Games 2016 will be jointly hosted by Guwahati and Shillong from February
6-16, 2016. TIKHOR , a one-horned rhino, is the mascot of the games. It carries the message
and aspiration of peace, stability, amity and progress in the South Asian region. Tikhor is a
popular character from Burhi Aair Sadhu (Grand Mother s Tales). The book is the rst compilation
of children s folk stories by Sahityarathi Lakshminath Bezboruah, a doyen of modern Assamese
literature. The logo of the event is a ower with eight petals representing the 8- participating
nations. The theme song of the games is Ei prithivi ekhan krirangan/krira hol shantir prangan
(This world is a playground and sports is a symbol of peace). The song was written by Bhupen
Hazarika in 1995.
113. For what purpose, Operation Smile-II will be launched across India?
[A]To track missing children
[B]To eliminate child labour
[C]To reduce malnutrition in children
[D]To improve education facilities to children
Answer: To track missing children
Explanation:
Operation Smile-II is a nation-wide campaign to rescue and rehabilitate the missing children. It
will start from January 1, 2016 and will end on January 31, 2016. During this one month
operation, all children residing in shelter homes, platforms, bus stands, roads, religious places,
etc. are to be screened by trained police personnel. The particulars of such identi ed children
will be uploaded on the Missing child portal of the Ministry of Women and Child Development by
the respective State Police. Rehabilitation measures whenever needed are to be taken up in
coordination with the other line Departments like Department of Women & Child Development,
Police, Labour, etc, so that scope of re-victimization is eliminated.
114. For what purpose, E-Pathshala web portal has been launched the Union HRD Ministry?
[A]To evaluate performance of schools
[B]To host educational resources for students
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[C]To identify areas of improvements in students

[D]All of the above
Answer: To host educational resources for students
Explanation:
The Union HRD Ministry has launched e-pathshala web portal to host educational resources for
students, teachers, parents, researchers and educators. It is a single point repository of e-
resources containing NCERT text-books and various other learning resources. Beside e-
pathshala, Saaransh and National Programme on School Standards and Evaluation Framework
(Shala Siddhi) web portals/mobile apps were also launched by the Union HRD Ministry. The
Saransh portal will help the schools to identify areas of improvement in students, teachers and
curriculum to facilitate and implement change. The Shala Siddhi web-portal will help all schools
to assess themselves and the results can be seen by all enabling them to provide feedback.
115. Which of the following has been presented with the 2015 Asian Tour s Order of Merit crown?
[A]Scott Hend
[B]Jyoti Randhawa
[C]Arjun Atwal
[D]Anirban Lahiri
Answer: Anirban Lahiri
Explanation:
Indian professional golfer Anirban Lahiri (28) has been presented with the 2015 Asian Tour s
Order of Merit crown. He is the 4th Indian golfer to win the region s biggest award. The earlier
Indian winners are Jeev Milkha Singh (2006,2008), Arjun Atwal (2003) and Jyoti Randhawa
(2002). The Asian Tour is the principal men s professional golf tour in Asia except for Japan. It is
administered from o ces in Singapore.
116. Which of the following countries has hosted the International Neutrality Conference?
[A]India
[B]Sri Lanka
[C]Turkmenistan
[D]Pakistan
Answer: Turkmenistan
Explanation:
To mark the 20th anniversary of Turkmenistan s status of permanent neutrality, the International
conference on policy of neutrality has been hosted by Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The importance
of this conference is to highlight the neutrality of Turkmenistan for strengthening peace and
security with a high quality of life. From Indian side, Vice-President Mr. Hamid Ansari has
attended the conference.
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117. Who of the following Indians have won the 2016 Queen s Young Leaders award?
[A]Ramesh Kapil & Sudha Madhavi
[B]Ramesh Kapil & Neha Swain
[C]Kartik Sawhney & Neha Swain
[D]Kartik Sawhney & Sudha Madhavi
Answer: Kartik Sawhney & Neha Swain
Explanation:
Two Indians, karthik Sawhney (21) and Neha Swain (28) have won the 2016 Queen s Young
Leaders award for their exceptional work in transforming the lives of others and making a lasting
di erence in their communities. The award will be presented by the British monarch at a gala
ceremony in Buckingham Palace in June next year. Kartik, who was born blind, has been
acknowledged for his exceptional work highlighting universal access to education for all. Neha is
co-founder of NGO Rubaroo, which provides an inclusive space for young people, irrespective of
their socio-economic background, to develop their leadership skills through interactive
workshops.
118. As per the 2015 Human Development Report (HDR), what is the India s rank in Human
Development Index (HDI) for 2014?
[A]121
[B]130
[C]132
[D]138
Answer: 130
Explanation:
According to the 2015 Human Development Report (HDR) released by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), India s rank on Human Development Index (HDI) rose by a
notch in 2014 to 130 th from 131st a year earlier. The list is topped by Norway followed by
Australia, Switzerland, Denmark and Netherlands. The Human Development Index (HDI) is an
average measure of basic human development achievements in a country. It is a summary
measure for assessing long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development a
long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living.
119. On which date, the National Energy Conservation Day is observed in India?
[A]January 11
[B]December 14
[C]March 15
[D]June 29
Answer: December 14
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Explanation:
In India, the National Energy Conservation Day is observed every year on December 14. The day
is observed to raise awareness about the importance of energy and its conservation.
120. Which of the following countries has been hit by the powerful Typhoon Melor, recently?
[A]Indonesia
[B]Maldives
[C]Philippines
[D]Myanmar
Answer: Philippines
Explanation:
Recently, the central region of Philippines has been hit by the powerful Typhoon Melor. Locally it
is also known as Nona. Every year, Philippines is hit by an average of 20 tropical storms, most of
them many are deadly.
121. Who of the following has been awarded the 2016 Genesis prize?
[A]Jonathan Zalman
[B]Michael Bloomberg
[C]Michael Douglas
[D]Itzhak Perlman
Answer: Itzhak Perlman
Explanation:
The renowned Israeli-US violinist Itzhak Perlman has been awarded the 2016 Genesis prize for
his contribution as a musician, teacher and advocate for people with disabilities. The $1m prize is
also known as Jewish Nobel Prize. It is established by Russian philanthropists and is given
annually to an individual who has achieved professional success, contributed to humanity and
shown a strong commitment to Jewish causes and the state of Israel
122. Who of the following has been declared as Sports Illustrated s 2015 Sportsperson of the Year?
[A]Madison Bumgarner
[B]Peyton Manning
[C]Serena Williams
[D]Tiger Woods
Answer: Serena Williams
Explanation:
The USA Tennis player, Serena Williams has been honoured with the 2015 Sports Illustrated s
Sportsperson of the Year. During 2015 season, she won ve titles, including the Australian Open,
French Open and Wimbledon and was at No. 1 in the WTA rankings. She became the rst female
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athlete honoured on her own by the Sports Illustrated magazine in more than 30 years. The
award recognizes the athlete or team whose performance that year embodies the spirit of
sportsmanship and achievement.
123. Who of the following has been named as the 2015 European Tour Golfer of the Year?
[A]Phil Mickelson
[B]Justin Rose
[C]Rory McIlroy
[D]Jordan Spieth
Answer: Rory McIlroy
Explanation:
The World No. 3 Golfer, Rory McIlroy has won the 2015 European Tour player of the Year award
for the third time. He became only the seventh player in European Tour history to be crowned
European No 1 in consecutive campaigns.
124. India s first National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has been set up in
which city?
[A]Mumbai
[B]New Delhi
[C]Hyderabad
[D]Chennai
Answer: New Delhi
Explanation:
India s rst National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) has been set up at
Safdarjung hospital in New Delhi. The organisation works for ensuring increased availability of
organs/tissues retrieved from deceased donors and save lives of many persons su ering from
end stage organ failure.
125. Pravin Gordhan, is related to which of the following fields?

[A]Scientist
[B]Politician
[C]Dramatist
[D]Environmentalist
Answer: Politician
Explanation:
Recently, South African government has appointed Indian-origin politician Pravin Gordhan as the
South Africa s new Finance Minister. He succeeded Mr. David van Rooyen. Prior to this
appointment, Mr. Godhran was the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional A airs.
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He also held the role of South Africa s nance minister from between 2009 and 2014.
126. Who of the following has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement awards by the West
Bengal government?
[A]Ajoy Chakrobarty and Dwijen Mukhyopadhyay
[B]Shantanu Moitra and Shibaji Chattopadhyay
[C]Kumar Sanu and Bappi Lahiri
[D]Shantanu Moitra and Ajoy Chakrobarty
Answer: Kumar Sanu and Bappi Lahiri
Explanation:
The veteran music composer Bappi Lahiri and singer Kumar Sanu has been honoured with the
Lifetime Achievement awards by the West Bengal government. The Bishesh Sangeet Samman
was awarded to Dwijen Mukhyopadhyay, Ajoy Chakraborty and Sandhya Mukherjee. The
Bollywood musician Shantanu Moitra was honoured with Maha Sangeet Samman along with
Mohammad Aziz, Kumar Bose and Shibaji Chattopadhyay. Sriradha Bandyopadhyay, Dileep
Kumar Bose, Fakir Alamgir and Nachiketa were given Special Sangeet Samman.
127. Galkynysh natural gas field is located in which of the following countries?
[A]Iran
[B]Iraq
[C]Kuwait
[D]Turkmenistan
Answer: Turkmenistan
Explanation:
The Galkynysh natural gas eld located in Turkmenistan is the world s second largest gas eld.
The gas eld will provide the gas for the upcoming 1,814-km TAPI pipeline. The TAPI pipeline is
the joint venture of Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Recently, Turkmenistan has
started work on its part of the pipeline.
128. Which of the following stock exchange companies of India has launched the CSR platform
Sammaan ?
[A]National Stock Exchange of India Ltd.
[B]Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
[C]MCX Stock Exchange
[D]Bangalore Stock Exchange
Answer: Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE)
Explanation:
Sammaan, a platform to help companies nd agencies for carrying out social welfare activities,
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has become operational on stock exchange BSE. As of now, more than 600 projects requiring
funds of about Rs 2,000 crore listed on it. The CSR platform is launched by BSE along with
industry body CII and think tank IICA.
129. Who of the following has received the prestigious International Human Rights Award for the
year 2015?
[A]John Carol
[B]Leo Cornelio
[C]Maria Stephen
[D]Fulton Sheen
Answer: Leo Cornelio
Explanation:
Leo Cornelio SVD, the Archbishop of Bhopal, received the prestigious International Human Rights
Award for the year 2015 at the India Islamic Centre, New Delhi in a ceremony organised by All
India Council of Human Rights, Liberties and Social Justice. The Award titled Ambassador of
peace was presented in the presence of various dignitaries from all over India as well as
globally.
130. Who of the following is the author of the book titled flood of Fire ?
[A]Jhumpa Lahiri
[B]Anita Desai
[C]Amitav Ghosh
[D]Vikram Seth
Answer: Amitav Ghosh
Explanation:
Flood of Fire is written by Indian novelist Amitav Ghosh. It is the last volume of the Ibis trilogy.
The other two novels of the trilogy are Sea of Poppies (2008), River of Smoke (2011).
131. Which of the following organisations has sanctioned $1.5 billion loan to support the Swachh
Bharat Mission (SBM)?
[A]World Bank
[B]IMF
[C]ADB
[D]Japan Bank for International Cooperation
Answer: World Bank
Explanation:
Recently, the World Bank has sanctioned a $1.5 billion loan to India for its Clean India Campaign.
The loan will support Indian Government s e orts to ensure all citizens in rural areas have
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access to improved sanitation and end the practice of open defecation by 2019. The loan will be
used for Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Support Operation Project. The project will promote
behaviour change among rural communities and help accelerate results in India s states by
giving them performance-based incentives. A national sample-survey of rural sanitation will be
conducted every year by independent third-party agencies. Based on the survey ndings, the
World Bank will release funds to the Government of India. The Union Government will in turn
pass on the funds to the states, based on their performance on certain parameters every year.
132. Which of the following countries satellites have been successfully launched by using ISRO s
PSLV-C29?
[A]Canada
[B]Singapore
[C]Indonesia
[D]Saudi Arabia
Answer: Singapore
Explanation:
Recently, the ISRO s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C29 has successfully launched six
commercial satellites from Singapore into their orbit from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) at
Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Of the six satellites, the 400 kg earth observation satellite called
TeLEOS-1 is the main passenger for the PSLV rocket. Thus, the mission is called TeLEOS mission
by ISRO.TeLEOS-1 is Singapore s rst commercial earth observation satellite designed and
developed by ST Electronics. The other ve co-passenger satellites are VELOX-C1 (123 kg),
VELOX-II (13 kg), Kent Ridge-1 (78 kg), Galassia (3.4 kg) and Athenoxat-1. This is the 32nd ight
of PSLV and 11th ight of the launch vehicle in core-alone con guration, which is without the
use of solid strap-on motors.
133. Which of the following countries has formed the 34 nations Islamic Anti-terror Coalition?
[A]Iran
[B]Iraq
[C]Saudi Arabia
[D]Egypt
Explanation:
Saudi Arabia has launched Islamic Military Coalition, a new military alliance of 34 nations mainly
Muslim nations to ght terrorism. It has been established in pursuance of the objectives and
principles of the charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). It calls for all member
states to cooperate to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The establishment of
coalition comes amid international pressure on the Gulf Arab states to do more in the ght
against so-called Islamic State.
134. Which of the following Indian states Lokayukta has been appointed by Supreme Court of India
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by using its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution?

[A]Uttar Pradesh
[B]Bihar
[C]Karnataka
[D]Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Uttar Pradesh
Explanation:
Recently, the Supreme Court of India (SCI)has appointed Justice (Retd) Virendra Singh as new
Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh, after recording the repeated failure of the state government to
comply with the court s directives. The Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi
has exercised its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to make the
appointment of Lokayukta.
135. Which of the following countries has successfully tested Shaheen-IA ballistic missile?
[A]Iran
[B]Pakistan
[C]Israel
[D]Turkey
Answer: Pakistan
Explanation:
Pakistan has successfully tested the nuclear-capable Shaheen-IA ballistic missile with a range of
900 km. It is a land-based supersonic and short-to-intermediate range surface-to-surface guided
ballistic missile, jointly designed and developed by the joint venture of NESCOM and the National
Defence Complex (NDC). The missile is capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear
warheads to a range of 2,750 km.
136. Which of the following companies is the title-sponsor for 2016 Hockey India League?
[A]Star Plus
[B]Coal India Ltd.
[C]Jaypee Group
[D]Steel Authority of India Ltd.
Answer: Coal India Ltd.
Explanation:
The state-owned Coal India Ltd. has become the title-sponsor for the next three editions of the
Hockey India League beginning 2016. The tournament had six franchises teams from Delhi, Uttar
Pradesh, Mumbai, Ranchi, Odisha and Punjab. Except Delhi and Punjab, the rest of the teams are
from coal-bearing States.
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137. Which of the following countries has hosted the 14th Shanghai Cooperation Organization
(SCO) Prime Ministers meeting?
[A]China
[B]Russia
[C]Kazakhstan
[D]Kyrgyzstan
Answer: China
Explanation:
The 14th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) prime ministers meeting was held in
Zhengzhou, China. The prime ministers vowed to strengthen cooperation in renewable energy
and environmental protection in a bid to reduce energy consumption and curb greenhouse gas
emissions. They also suggested that the SCO expand cooperation with observers, dialogue
partners and other international groups. They approved the SCO 2016 budget and decided to
convene the 2016 prime ministers meeting in Kyrgyzstan.
138. On which date, the Vijay Diwas is celebrated across the India?
[A]December 14
[B]December 16
[C]December 18
[D]December 20
Answer: December 16
Explanation:
The 44th anniversary of Vijay Diwas is celebrated in India on December 16, 2015 to mark India s
victory over Pakistan in the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. The day is celebrated to honour the
martyrs of the 1971 war between the two countries. On this day in 1971, about 93,000 Pakistani
soldiers surrendered to the Indian forces. This historic victory led to creation of Bangladesh.
139. Who of the following has been honoured with the Garwood Award for Outstanding Global
Leader in Open Innovation ?
[A]Narendra Modi
[B]Pranab Mukherjee
[C]Arun Jaitley
[D]Rajnath Singh
Answer: Pranab Mukherjee
Explanation:
The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has been honoured with the Garwood Award for
Outstanding Global Leader in Open Innovation from US Berkeley-Haas School at Rashtrapati
Bhavan. The award was presented to Pranab Mukherjee for promoting open innovation,
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organizing rst Festival of Innovation at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, for launching the rst
Innovations Scholars In-Residence programme to promote the spirit of innovation and provide
a thriving creative atmosphere for grassroots innovation activities that will have the potential to
transform the global landscape, etc. The University of California, Berkeley has established the
Garwood Award to acknowledge individuals who have embraced, supported and encouraged
open innovation in a signi cant and impactful way.
140. Who was the author of the book Imagined Communities ?

[A]Nidhi Eoseewong
[B]Salman Rushide
[C]Perry Anderson
[D]Benedict Anderson
Answer: Benedict Anderson
Explanation:
Benedict Anderson was the author of the book Imagined Communities . He passed away
recently. He was a scholar of Southeast Asia who transformed the study of nationalism by
positing that nations were imagined communities that arose from the fateful interplay of
capitalism and the printing press.
141. Who is the author of the book Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer ?

[A]Cyrus Mistry
[B]KR Meera
[C]Jaswinder Singh
[D]Madhu Acharya
Answer: Cyrus Mistry
Explanation:
The Indian playwright and novelist, Cyrus Mistry has won the 2015 Sahitya Akademi awards for
his English novel Chronicle of a Corpse Bearer . Mistry s portrayal of the near-invisible
community of Parsi corpse bearers is the most engaging aspect of the novel.
142. Chatla Sriramulu, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Marine Scientist
[B]Politician
[C]Theatre artist
[D]Sportsperson
Answer: Theatre artist
Explanation:
The noted writer and theatre artiste, Chatla Sriramulu (84) passed away recently. He was a
railway employee who hailed from Vijayawada of Andhra Pradesh. Sriramulu was awarded Best
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Actor twice by Andhra Nataka Kala Parishad and was also a recipient of Central Government s
Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1982. He was the rst artiste from Andhra Pradesh to receive
Emeritus Fellowship from the Human Resources Department of Government of India. He was
instrumental in the establishment of Rasaranjani, a popular literary and cultural organisation
dedicated to the theatre arts. He acted in and directed more than 100 plays and wrote several
books on a wide range of subjects.
143. Who of the following has been appointed as new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)?
[A]Suraj Desai
[B]M A Khan Yusufi
[C]R.K. Mathur
[D]Basant Seth
Answer: R.K. Mathur
Explanation:
The Former Defence Secretary, Radha Krishna Mathur (62) has been appointed as the new Chief
Information Commissioner in the Central Information Commission, New Delhi and he will have a
tenure of about three years, till he attains the age of 65 years. He succeeded Vijai Sharma, who
completed his term on December 1, 2015. Mathur is a retired IAS o cer of Tripura cadre. The
Central Information Commission (CIC) consists of one chief and ten information commissioners.
144. Which of the following committees has been appointed to look into dispute between ONGC
and RIL on KG gas fields?
[A]Pradhan Committee
[B]AP Shah Committee
[C]MB Shah Committee
[D]Deshmukh Committee
Answer: AP Shah Committee
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Government has set up a judicial commission headed by the Chairman of the
20th Law Commission of India Justice (retd) Ajit Prakash Shah, to look into the ndings of the
international consultant DeGolyer & MacNaughton in the gas dispute between Reliance
Industries (RIL) and state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). The single-member
panel will submit its report in 3 months.
145. Who of the following has been conferred with 2015 Sanctuary Legend Award?
[A]Norma Alvares
[B]Ashok Kumar
[C]Varad Giri
[D]Param Jit Singh
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Answer: Ashok Kumar

Explanation:
Ashok Kumar, who is one of the pioneers of the ghtback against wildlife crimes in India and
chairman emeritus of the Wildlife Trust of India, Noida, has been named the Sanctuary Legend
Award by Sanctuary magazine. The 2015 Sanctuary Lifetime Service Award has been conferred
to the husband-wife duo of Claude and Norma Alvares, founders of the Goa Foundation which
rst raised the issue of sand mining in Goa s beaches in 1987. The Sanctuary Asia s Wildlife
Photography Awards not only recognise the work of nature photographers, but also the
contribution by individuals and groups working to protect country s forest and wildlife. The other
awardees are Wildlife Service Awards ( Varad Giri, Nandini Velho, Param Jit Singh, Yash Veer
Bhatnagar, Gir Lion Protection Team), Young Naturalist Awards ( Viral Joshi, Sailaja Nayak and
Virendra Singh Panwar), etc.
146. On which date, the International Migrants Day is observed?

[A]November 16
[B]December 18
[C]December 24
[D]February 21
Answer: December 18
Explanation:
The International Migrants Day is observed annually on December 18 by the international
community to recognize and celebrate the rights of migrants around the world. The year 2015
marked the 25th anniversary of the UN s International Convention on the Protection of the Rights
of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. It was approved by the UN General
Assembly on Dec. 18, 1990. The year 2015 will be remembered as a year of human su ering and
migrant tragedies. Millions of people have been exploited and abused by human tra ckers and
become the targets of xenophobic policies and alarmist rhetoric. The theme of this year is
#IAmAMigrant as a powerful social media hashtag.
147. Which of the following countries is a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)?
[A]Sudan
[B]Afghanistan
[C]Bhutan
[D]Ethiopia
Answer: Afghanistan
Explanation:
Recently, the landlocked Asian country, Afghanistan has o cially became the 164th member
nation of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), to join the global trade body after 11 years of
negotiations. Formally, the WTO has approved Afghanistan s membership proposal at its ongoing
10th ministerial conference in the Nairobi, Kenya. Before Afghanistan, Liberia has o cially joined
the WTO at the conference on December 16, 2015. At present, Bhutan is the only SAARC
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member which has so far not joined the multilateral trade body.
148. Who of the following has been chosen for 2015 Sahitya Akademi Award for Sanskrit?
[A]Ram Shankar Awasthi
[B]Dhian Singh
[C]Rasik Shah
[D]Shrikant Bahulkar
Answer: Ram Shankar Awasthi
Explanation:
Recently, the Sahitya Akademi has released a list of 23 poets and authors for 2015 Sahitya
Akademi Award. In it, Ram Shankar Awasthi (Sanskrit), Brajendra Kumar Brahma (Bodo), Dhian
Singh (Dogri),Cyrus Mistry (English), Jaswinder Singh (Punjabi) and Madhu Acharya Ashawadi
(Rajasthani), Arun Khopkar (Marathi), Kula Saikia (Assamese), Man Mohan Jha (Maithili), Gupta
Pradhan (Nepali), etc. has been chosen for this prestigious award. The Akademi also announced
Bhasha Samman award to scholar Shrikant Bahulkar, in recognition of his contribution to
classical and medieval literature. The Sahitya Akademi Award is a literary honour in India, which
the Sahitya Akademi, India s National Academy of Letters, annually confers on writers of the
most outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the major Indian languages
recognised by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. It comprises a plaque and a cash prize of Rs.
100,000.
149. Which of the following American Universities has launched the APJ Abdul Kalam Fellowship
for Indian students?
[A]Harvard University
[B]University of South Florida
[C]University of California, Berkeley
[D]University of Chicago
Answer: University of South Florida
Explanation:
The University of South Florida (USF) has launched a postgraduate annual fellowship worth
$156,000 (Rs.1,03,71,660) in the name of former president Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam for Indian
students who wish to enrol for PhD courses in speci ed elds of science and engineering at the
institution. The recipients will obtain a fee waiver for four years. They will also receive a stipend
worth $18,000 every year. The Kalam fellowship will be e ective from the academic year
2016-17.
150. Apurvi Chandela is related to which of the following sports?

[A]Shooting
[B]Boxing
[C]Chess
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[D]Volleyball
Answer: Shooting
Explanation:
Recently, Apurvi Chandela has won the women s gold in 10m air ri e in the 59th National
shooting championship. Geetakshi Dixit clinched the silver, one point behind Apurvi.
151. On which date, National Consumer Day is observed in India?

[A]December 15
[B]December 20
[C]December 24
[D]December 28
Answer: December 24
Explanation:
In India, 24th December is observed as National Consumer Day. On this day the Consumer
Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the President. The enactment of this Act was
considered as a historic milestone in the consumer movement in the country. The theme of the
2015 National Consumer Rights Day is Safe & Healthy Food: Combating Food Adulteration .
World Consumer Rights Day is observed on 15th March every year.
152. Which of the following teams has won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup?
[A]Sanfrecce Hiroshima
[B]Barcelona FC
[C]River Plate
[D]Auckland City
Answer: Barcelona FC
Explanation:
Barcelona FC has won the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup for a third time by defeating River Plate by
3-0 goals at International Stadium Yokoham in Japan. It is the fth trophy of Barcelona FC in the
2015 season. Earlier, Barcelona FC had won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 and 2011.
153. The Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre is located at which state of India?
[A]Gujarat
[B]Odisha
[C]Rajasthan
[D]Maharashtra
Answer: Maharashtra
Explanation:
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India s biggest Wildlife Rescue Centre Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre has been
commissioned at Gorewada near Nagpur, Maharashtra. Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue
Centre is managed by the Forest Development Corporation of Maharashtra (FDCM). Nagpur
based Maharashtra Animal and Fisheries (MAF) University is also part of this centre. The centre is
spread over 30 hectares and has been created on the lines of Gujarat based Gir National Park
which is also one of the biggest and best wildlife centre in the country.
154. Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach, who has won the 2015 Miss Universe title, hails from which country?
[A]Portugal
[B]Philippines
[C]Spain
[D]USA
Answer: Philippines
Explanation:
Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach (26) has won the 2015 Miss Universe crown at the 64th
Miss Universe pageant held in Las Vegas, the USA. She is a professional model, actress, host and
TV personality.
155. Which of the following teams has won 2015 Indian Super League Football tournament?
[A]Goa FC
[B]Kerala Blasters Football Club
[C]Chennaiyin Football Club
[D]Mumbai City Football Club
Answer: Chennaiyin Football Club
Explanation:
Chennaiyin FC has won the second edition of Indian Super League (ISL) Football tournament. In
the nal played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, they defeated hosts Goa FC by 3-2 goals
score. The ISL football league was launched in 2013 to promote football in India on the lines of
Indian Premier League and Twenty20 formats of Cricket. The awards of the 2nd edition of ISL are
as follows: a) Golden boot Award : John Stiven Mendoza Valencia (Chennaiyin FC); b) Golden
Glove Award: Apoula Edima Edel Bete (Chennaiyin FC); c) Muthoot Group Fair Play Award:
Mumbai FC; d) Hero of the League award: John Stiven Mendoza Valencia (Chennaiyin FC); e)
Fittest Player of the ISL 2015: Iain Hume (Atletico de Kolkata); f) Emerging Player of the League:
Jeje Lalpekhlua (Chennaiyin FC).
156. Which of the following countries has approved world s first dengue vaccine?
[A]United Kingdom
[B]Canada
[C]Mexico
[D]France
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Answer: Mexico
Explanation:
The Government of Mexico has approved the use of the rst-ever vaccine (Dengvaxia) for
dengue fever. The Dengvaxia vaccine is manufactured by the French drug maker Sano . The
vaccine protected two-thirds of people against dengue in those aged 9 and older in two large
clinical trials spanning Latin America and Asia, involving more than 40,000 children and
adolescents.
157. Who of the following has won the 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year?
[A]Dan Carter
[B]Jessica Ennis-Hill
[C]Kevin Sinfield
[D]Andy Murray
Answer: Andy Murray
Explanation:
Andy Murray has won the 2015 BBC Sports Personality of the Year for the second time in three
years. The 2013 winner inspired Great Britain s tennis team to a rst Davis Cup victory for 79
years. Rugby World Cup-winning y-half Dan Carter has been named 2015 BBC Overseas Sports
Personality of the Year.
158. What is India s rank on Forbes annual list of the best countries for business in 2015?
[A]28
[B]40
[C]61
[D]97
Answer: 97
Explanation:
India has ranked a low 97th out of 144 nations on Forbes annual list of the best countries for
business in 2015, scoring poorly on metrics like trade and monetary freedom and tackling
challenges like corruption and violence. Denmark topped the list of the 144 nations on the Best
Countries of Business in 2015 list by Forbes.
159. Which of the following countries hosted the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial
Conference of 2015?
[A]India
[B]Kenya
[C]Canada
[D]Switzerland
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Answer: Kenya
Explanation:
The WTO s 10th Ministerial Conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 15 to 19 December
2015. It culminated in the adoption of the Nairobi Package , a series of six Ministerial Decisions
on agriculture, cotton and issues related to least-developed countries (LDCs). The present
Director-General of the WTO is Roberto Azevedo.
160. Who of the following has won the Under-19 Singapore Squash Open?
[A]Vivek Khosla
[B]Abhay Singh
[C]Rajan Singh
[D]Surendar Naik
Answer: Abhay Singh
Explanation:
India s Abhay Singh has won the boys Under-19 Singapore Squash Open title by beating second
seed Alwin Chai of Malaysia in the nal match. Abhay, world number one junior player, now has a
tally of seven junior titles this year, two of them international.
161. Anwesha scheme is launched by which of the following state governments?

[A]Karnataka
[B]Odisha
[C]Telangana
[D]Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Odisha
Explanation:
Recently, the Odisha Government has launched Anwesha scheme to provide free education to
SC/ST students from remote areas in urban area public schools. As per the scheme, every year
5000 children from backward castes will pursue quality education in leading English medium
schools. In the rst phase, the scheme will be operational in 17 tribal-dominated districts of
Odisha. The state government will bear all expenses of the children like school fees, uniform,
books, hostel, transportation, etc. In future, the facility will be extended to two lakh more
students.
162. Which of the following inquiry commissions has been appointed to probe Delhi and District
Cricket Association (DDCA) scam?
[A]More Commission
[B]Sisodiya Commission
[C]Subramaniam Commission
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[D]Mukti Commission
Answer: Subramaniam Commission
Explanation:
Recently, the Delhi Government has appointed a one-member commission of inquiry to probe
the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) scam in which Union Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley is also under lens. The commission of inquiry will be headed by former solicitor general
Gopal Subramaniam.
163. Which of the following countries has launched the DAMPE satellite?
[A]China
[B]Russia
[C]Japan
[D]USA
Answer: China
Explanation:
Recently, China has launched the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) satellite to shed light on
mysterious dark matter. The purpose of the satellite is to search for smoking-gun signals of dark
matter, invisible material. It was China s rst space telescope and launched on a Long March 2-D
rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. The satellite would be place in a sun-
synchronous orbit at a height of 500 kilometres to observe the direction, energy and electric
charge of high-energy particles in space. It has a nicknamed Wukong after the Monkey King
with penetrating eyes in the Chinese classical ction Journey to the West.
164. Who of the following is the first Indian to score Pro-Boxing hat-trick?
[A]Akhil Kumar
[B]Vijender Singh
[C]Jitender Kumar
[D]Sushil Kumar
Answer: Vijender Singh
Explanation:
Star Indian boxer Vijender Singh, who is the former Olympic and World Championships bronze-
medallist, continued his dominant position in the professional circuit by winning a third
successive knockout against Bulgaria s Samet Hyuseinov in less than two rounds in England. He
is the rst Indian to score Pro-Boxing hat-trick.
165. On Which date, National Mathematics Day is observed in India?

[A]March 21
[B]June 8
[C]October 23
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[D]December 22
Answer: December 22
Explanation:
The Indian mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan was born on 22 December 1887. In
recognition of his contribution to Mathematics, December 22 has been observed as the National
Mathematics Day in India since 2012.
166. The headquarters of National Institute of Mental Health And Neurological Sciences
(NIMHANS) are located at which city?
[A]Bangalore
[B]Ahmedabad
[C]Chandigarh
[D]Kolkata
Answer: Bangalore
Explanation:
Recently, the National Institute of Mental Health And Neurological Sciences (NIMHANS) has been
declared as an Institute of National Importance by an act of parliament. It is a medical institution
located in Bangalore to provide state of art and specialized care in the areas of mental health,
neurological and neurosurgical problems.
167. Salma Dam project is being under reconstruction in which of the following countries?
[A]Nepal
[B]Bhutan
[C]Afghanistan
[D]Bangladesh
Answer: Afghanistan
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the reconstruction and completion of Salma Dam
Project in Afghanistan at a revised cost estimate of Rs 1,775.69 crore. The dam project is
situated on the upper reaches of Hari Rud River in Herat province, it involves construction of a
107.5 metre high earth and rock ll dam and a 42 MW powerhouse with three units of 14 MW
each. It also has provision for releasing water for irrigation of 75,000 hectares of land. The
project is scheduled to be completed by June, 2016. M/s. WAPCOS, a central public sector unit
under the Ministry of Water Resources, is executing the project. The availability of power and
water through the project is expected to lead to the overall economic development of the
western region of Afghanistan and generate goodwill for India.
168. Which of the following is the India s first licenced shipyard to make LNG ships?
[A]Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers
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[B]Mazagon Dock Limited

[C]Cochin Shipyard Limited
[D]Goa Shipyard Limited
Answer: Cochin Shipyard Limited
Explanation:
The Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has became the rst licensed shipyard in India to build Lique ed
Natural Gas (LNG) ships for any client worldwide. The certi cation / license has been given by the
French Company, Gaztransport et Technigaz (GTT). Now, the CSL is authorised to use the
membrane type technologies of GTT for any liquid gas carriers, more particularly the LNG
carriers. With this nod, India has joined the league of South Korea, Japan and China to build LNG
transportation ships. The GTT France is the world leader in design engineering and technology
provider of membrane type containment systems for transportation and storage of LNG.
169. In which of the following states, Kambala (annual Buffalo race in muddy fields) events are
conducted?
[A]Telangana
[B]Odisha
[C]Karnataka
[D]Tamil Nadu
Answer: Karnataka
Explanation:
Recently, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has written to Karnataka Chief Secretary and
Deputy Commissioners of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts to take immediate steps to stop
the Kambala (annual Bu alo race in muddy elds) events in the current season. The AWBI said
that the Supreme Court judgement of May 7, 2014, banning all bull races in the country was still
in force. Kambala season in the coastal region of Karnataka begins in November and lasts till
March. Five events have already been held this year starting with Surya Chandra Kambala at
Bangadi in Dakshina Kannada on November 21.
170. Who of the following are named as 2015 women s doubles World champions by the
International Tennis Federation (ITF)?
[A]Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Elena Vesnina
[B]Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Lucie Safarova
[C]Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis
[D]Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina
Answer: Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis
Explanation:
Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis are named as women s doubles World champions by the
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International Tennis Federation (ITF) in recognition of their great success in season 2015. Hingis
is an ITF World champion 15 years after last being named World champion in singles in 2000. In
2015, the pair has won two Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, and seven other
tournaments. The ITF also announced American Serena Williams and Serbian Novak Djokovic as
the 2015 ITF World champions.
171. Which of the following new method is introduced by the RBI to calculate banks lending rate to
borrowers?
[A]OCLR
[B]MCLR
[C]IMLR
[D]PSLR
Answer: MCLR
Explanation:
To ensure better transmission of its rate cut to borrowers, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has
introduced the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) to calculate the banks lending
rate to borrowers. All rupee loans sanctioned and credit limits renewed w.e.f. April 1, 2016 will be
priced with reference to the MCLR method. Currently, many banks follow average cost of funds
or blended cost of funds (liabilities) method for calculating the base rate. The MCLR
methodology will help the borrowers to reap the bene t of lower lending rates. It will also
improve transparency in the methodology followed by banks for determining interest rates on
advances.
172. Which of the following states will host the 2019 National Games of India?
[A]Gujarat
[B]Maharashtra
[C]Andhra Pradesh
[D]Himachal Pradesh
Explanation:
Andhra Pradesh has won the bid to host the 2019 National Games after Meghalaya withdrew
from the bidding process after a series of meetings with its Andhra Pradesh counterparts. While
Goa is hosting the next edition (36th) of National Games in 2016, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and
Haryana had placed bids for the 2018 games. Although National Games are held once in two
years, the next calendar is said to have been adjusted to 2019 following AP s request.
173. Which of the following is the first Asian country to approve world s first-ever dengue vaccine
Dengvaxia ?
[A]India
[B]China
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[C]Malaysia
[D]Philippines
Answer: Philippines
Explanation:
Philippines has became the rst Asian country to approve the sale of the world s rst ever
dengue vaccine Dengvaxia in the country. The Dengvaxia vaccine has been manufactured by
French pharmaceutical manufacturer Sano Pasteur. It has been designed to protect people in
the 9-45 age groups from all four subtypes of the virus.
174. Which of the following Indian states is the first to take up PPP Projects for rehabilitation of
slum dwellers?
[A]Maharashtra
[B]Gujarat
[C]Odisha
[D]Tamil Nadu
Answer: Gujarat
Explanation:
Gujarat has become the rst state in the country to take up Public-Private Partnership Projects
for an in-situ redevelopment of slums in urban areas under the recently launched Prime
Minister s Awas Yojana (Urban).
175. On which date, the World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed?

[A]October 13
[B]November 5
[C]December 22
[D]January 11
Answer: November 5
Explanation:
Recently, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution to designate
November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness Day every year. The purpose of tsunami day is to
raise awareness among people in the world of the dangers of tsunami and stressing the
importance of early warning systems in order to mitigate damage. The November 5 has been
selected by UNGA to coincide with the annual anniversary of the 1854 Inamura-no-hi or Fire of
Inamura event. On November 5 of that year a Japanese villager through his quick action saved
countless lives when he set re to sheaves of rice, thus warning people of the imminent danger
of a tsunami. Note: The International Day for Disaster Reduction has been observed annually on
October 13 to highlight tsunami.
176. Who of the following has been chosen for the 2015 C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award?
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[A]Kapil Dev
[B]Dilip Vengsarkar
[C]Syed Kirmani
[D]Sunil Gavaskar
Answer: Syed Kirmani
Explanation:
India s former wicket-keeper batsman, Mr. Syed Kirmani has been chosen for the prestigious
2015 C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. He will be the 23rd recipient of the award. The
award comprises a trophy, citation and cheque for Rs. 25 lakhs. He played 88 test matches and
49 ODIs. In 1983 world cup, Kirmani won the best wicket-keeper, in it, he shared an unbeaten
126 run-partnership with Kapil Dev against Zimbabwe as the Indian captain went on to register
one of India s greatest wins at Tunbridge Wells.
177. The Basohli bridge is located on which of the following rivers?

[A]Brahmaputra
[B]Ravi
[C]kaveri
[D]Ganga
Answer: Ravi
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has inaugurated the cable stayed-bridge
on river Ravi at Basholi area of Kathua district of Jammu province. The 592-metre-long Basholi
bridge is rst of its kind in North India. It will provide close connectivity between the three states
of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. The other three cable-stayed bridges are
of India are Hooghly Bridge at Kolkata, Naini Bridge in Allahabad and Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link in
Mumbai.
178. Who of the following has won the 2015 ICC Cricketer of the Year?
[A]Steven Smith
[B]AB de Villiers
[C]Virat Kohli
[D]Brendon McCullum
Answer: Steven Smith
Explanation:
The Australian captain, Steven Smith has became the 4th Australia player and 11th player
overall to won the prestigious Sir Gar eld Sobers Trophy after being named as the ICC Cricketer
of the Year 2015. He also won the 2015 ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award.
179. Which of the following countries announced to adopt Chinese Yuan as its legal currency?
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[A]Greece
[B]Egypt
[C]Zimbabwe
[D]Namibia
Answer: Zimbabwe
Explanation:
Recently, the Zimbabwe government has announced that it will o cially make the Chinese yuan
as legal currency after Beijing con rmed that it would cancel $40m in debts. As per the decision,
Yuan will be a function of trade between China and Zimbabwe and acceptability with customers
in Zimbabwe.
180. Who of the following has been bestowed with the 2015 National Medal of Science of the United
States (US)?
[A]Sandeep Tyagi
[B]Gautam Dingara
[C]LS Ashok
[D]Rakesh K. Jain
Answer: Rakesh K. Jain
Explanation:
Rakesh K. Jain, an Indian American professor, has been bestowed with the 2015 National Medal
of Science of the United States. He will be presented the award along with 16 other winners by
President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony in January 2016. Currently, Mr. Jain is
working as professor at Harvard Medical School and also is the director of tumour biology
laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital. He is regarded as a pioneer in the area of tumour
micro-environment and widely recognized for his seminal discoveries in tumor biology, in vivo
imaging, bioengineering, drug delivery and bench-to-bedside translation. The National Medal of
Science is an honour bestowed by the President of the United States to individuals in science and
engineering who have made important contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the
elds of behavioural and social sciences, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and
physics.
181. Which of the following companies has launched contactless digital payment wallet
MoboMoney?
[A]Vodafone
[B]Paytm
[C]Tech Mahindra
[D]Airtel
Answer: Tech Mahindra
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Explanation:
Tech Mahindra has launched the MoboMoney , a rst of its kind Tap N Pay contactless digital
payment solution for the Indian masses. MoboMoney is a prepaid wallet issued in the form of a
NFC (Near Field Communication) contactless tag that could be used to Tap N Pay for goods and
services. Termed as India s rst commercial NFC ecosystem rollout, MoboMoney allows
consumers to load their wallet by paying cash at its 1000+ retail network, helping convert cash
into e-cash.
182. On which date, National Good Governance day is observed in India?

[A]September 15
[B]October 21
[C]December 16
[D]December 25
Answer: December 25
Explanation:
India observed its second National Good governance day on December 25, 2015 to create
awareness among the Indian people of accountability in government. On this occasion, the Union
Health ministry has launched four information technology driven initiatives to mark good
governance day. The initiatives include IT-based programmes focused on maternal and child
care, tobacco control and tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment. National Good governance day
was established in 2014 to observe the birthday of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
183. Korada Ramana is related to which of the following sports?

[A]Chess
[B]Badminton
[C]Weightlifting
[D]Cricket
Answer: Weightlifting
Explanation:
Recently, Korada Ramana bagged gold medals in the men s 56kg categories in the Senior
National Weightlifting Championships at the SAI centre in Patiala. Apart from him, Sanjita Chanu
has also won gold in the women s 48 kg in the championship.
184. Rosneft oil company is from which of the following countries?

[A]Australia
[B]Russia
[C]Canada
[D]USA
Answer: Russia
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Explanation:
Recently, the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and Oil India Ltd (OIL) have signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Russian National Oil company Rosneft for
cooperation in geologic survey, exploration and production of hydrocarbons in select onshore
areas in Russia. As per the MoU, all three oil companies are agreed to examine the possibility of
cooperation in respect of the Taas-Yuryakh Neftegazodobycha LLC assets in East Serbia. ONGC
Videsh Ltd (OVL)is in talks to raise its stake in Russia s second biggest oil eld of Vankor.
185. Which of the following has declared Cow as Personality of the Year 2015?
[A]Facebook
[B]Google
[C]Yahoo India
[D]Microsoft
Answer: Yahoo India
Explanation:
Search engine Yahoo said that Cow has emerged as the Personality of the Year 2015 on the
back of online buzz around beef ban and associated discussions on intolerance. The trend is a
part of Yahoo s 2015 Year in Review (YIR) for India. It is a look at the year s top trends,
happenings and events.
186. Sadhana Shivdasani, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Politician
[B]Journalist
[C]Scholar
[D]Actress
Answer: Actress
Explanation:
Veteran Bollywood actress and style icon, Sadhana Shivdasani (74) passed away on December
25, 2015 at Mumbai, Maharashtra. The legendary actress introduced the fringe hairstyle in the
Indian lm industry, which was famously known as Sadhana cut. She was known for lms like
Mera Saaya,, Love in Simla, Parakh, Hum Dono, Waqt, Geeta Mera Naam, Who Kaun Thi, Ek Phool
Do Mali, Intaquam, etc.
187. Who of the following Indian-American doctor has been named the first Poet Laureate by the
U.S state of Ohio?
[A]Sneha Chetty
[B]Nandita Kothari
[C]Amit Majmudar
[D]Seema Jain
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Answer: Amit Majmudar

Explanation:
Recently, US state of Ohio has named a 36-year-old Indian American doctor Amit Majmudar, as
the rst Poet Laureate for showcasing a variety of styles in his poetry. Majmudar who serves as a
diagnostic and nuclear radiologist, is also a medical doctor in Columbus. The legislation creating
the position of the State s o cial poet was passed in 2014.
188. Which of the following organisations has released the report Migration and Remittances
Factbook 2016?
[A]IMF
[B]World Bank
[C]OECD
[D]Asian Development Bank
Answer: World Bank
Explanation:
The Migration and Remittances Factbook 2016 is released by the World Bank. According to the
report, total remittance ows to India are expected to touch a staggering $72.2 billion in 2015,
making it the highest recipient worldwide. China is ranked second, with remittance ows
expected to reach $63.9 billion, followed by the Philippines ($29.7 billion), Mexico ($25.7 billion)
and France ($24.6 billion). Total global remittances are estimated to exceed $600 billion in 2015.
189. Sri Venkateswara Veda Patasala is located in which of the following states?
[A]Kerala
[B]Andhra Pradesh
[C]Karnataka
[D]Tamil Nadu
Explanation:
Recently, the President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has inaugurated the Sri Venkateswara Veda
Patasala at Ai Bhimavaram village in Akiveedu mandal of West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh.
Mukherjee stated that Vedic texts enshrine the message of world peace, prosperity and
sustainable development. The Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams (TTD) has constructed the
Pathshala at a cost of about 5 crore rupees.
190. Which of the following countries allowed India to construct its Naval Base in Assumption
Island?
[A]Tanzania
[B]Indonesia
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[C]Seychelles
[D]Maldives
Answer: Seychelles
Explanation:
India is building its rst Naval Base on the Assumption Island of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean
Region (IOR) as a joint project between both countries. India s rst Naval Base project has
acquired signi cance following China acquiring its rst African naval base in Djibouti (near Horn
of Africa) in November 2014. From March 2016, India is also set to acquire a fully operational
coastal radar system (CRS) in Seychelles. It would further enhance India s ability to gather
intelligence and assist in surveillance operations in IOR especially vital energy lanes near
Seychelles.
191. Shiva Keshavan is related to which of the following sports?

[A]Rugby
[B]Luge
[C]Polo
[D]Table Tennis
Answer: Luge
Explanation:
Recently, the Indian luger, Shiva Keshavan has clinched a silver medal at the 2015 Asian Luge
Championship held in Nagano, Japan. The rst place was grabbed by Japan s Hidenari Kanayama
and the third place is grabbed by South Korea s Dong Hyeon Kim. Shiva Keshavan is a ve time
Olympian and the rst Indian representative to compete in luge at the Winter Olympic Games.
192. Who of the following has been awarded with the Best Player of the Year at the 2015 Globe
Soccer Awards?
[A]Lionel Messi
[B]Cristiano Ronaldo
[C]Frank Lampard
[D]Yasser Al-Shahrani
Answer: Lionel Messi
Explanation:
In the 2015 Globe Soccer Awards, the Best player of the Year 2015 has been given to the
Argentine footballer Lionel Messi. The other awardees are as follows: Barcelona (Best Club),
Josep Maria Bartomeu (Best President), Frank Lampard (Player Career Award) etc.
193. Who of the following has been bestowed with the 2015 Atal Samman Award?
[A]Nilesh Mishra
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[B]Girish Shankar
[C]Achyutanand Mishra
[D]Shabbir Kumar
Answer: Achyutanand Mishra
Explanation:
Recently, Achyutanand Mishra has been bestowed with 2015 Atal Samman Award for his
outstanding contribution to the society. The award has been given by the cultural organisation
Abhiyan on the occasion of the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee s 91st birthday at
Mumbai, Maharashtra on December 25, 2015.
194. The 12th National Ice-Skating Championship will be held in which state?
[A]Himachal Pradesh
[B]Jammu and Kashmir
[C]Punjab
[D]Sikkim
Answer: Jammu and Kashmir
Explanation:
Jammu and Kashmir will host the 12th National Ice-Skating Championship at the ski-resort of
Gulmarg from December 30, 2015 for ve days. Almost 17 teams from various states like
Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are going to participate
in the championship under the sponsorship of national ice skating association. Around 150
athletes will take part in the ice skating championship which will include Short Track Speed
Skating, Dancing and Figure Skating.
195. George Clayton Johnson, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following
fields?
[A]Politician
[B]Journalist
[C]Marine Scientist
[D]Fiction Writer
Answer: Fiction Writer
Explanation:
The renowned American science ction and fantasy writer, George Clayton Johnson (86) passed
away in Los Angeles, US. He was best known for co-writing the novel Logan s Run with William F.
Nolan. Johnson was also known for his television scripts for The Twilight Zone (including Nothing
in the Dark , Kick the Can , A Game of Pool , and A Penny for Your Thoughts ) and the rst
telecast episode of Star Trek, entitled The Man Trap .
196. Who will be the new CEO of NITI Aayog?

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[A]Shanti Kanta
[B]Anjuly Chib Duggal
[C]Amitabh Kant
[D]Rohit Nandan
Answer: Amitabh Kant
Explanation:
The senior IAS o cer of Kerala cadre, Amitabh Kant has been given additional responsibility of
being Chief Executive O cer (CEO) of NITI Aayog from December 31, 2015. He will succeed the
incumbent NITI Aayog CEO Sindhushree Khullar whose extended tenure will end on December
31, 2015. Currently, Kant is serving as Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion
(DIPP) and is expected to retire on February 28, 2016.
197. Which of the following is the first bank to tie up with Indian railways to sell rail tickets through
its website?
[A]State Bank of India
[B]ICICI Bank
[C]Axis Bank Ltd
[D]Punjab National Bank
Answer: ICICI Bank
Explanation:
Recently, the largest private sector lender, ICICI Bank has tied up with Indian Railway s e-
ticketing platform IRCTC to sell rail tickets through its website. With this, ICICI Bank s website
and mobile app have become the rst non-IRCTC platform which can now book train tickets.
Soon, the facility to book rail tickets on its mobile banking application and prepaid digital wallet
will be launch. To avail the facility, the users will have to rst register themselves on the website
of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Once this is done, passengers need
to complete a one-time registration with ICICI Bank in order to book train tickets via their website
and mobile app.
198. Which of the following is the second state in India to set up the Zoroastrian jury?
[A]Maharashtra
[B]Telangana
[C]Gujarat
[D]Kerala
Answer: Telangana
Explanation:
Telangana has become the second State after Maharashtra to set up the Zoroastrian jury. The
15-member Zoroastrian jury will aid the settlement of marriage and divorce of the Parsi people in
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the State within their community.
199. The first ever Iranshah Udvada Utsav(IUU) was organized in which of the following states?
[A]Maharashtra
[B]Telangana
[C]Gujarat
[D]Rajasthan
Answer: Gujarat
Explanation:
The rst ever Iranshah Udvada Utsav(IUU) was organised in Udvada, Navasari of Gujarat from
December 25-27. Udvada is the holiest place for Paris from across the world. The plan is to
develop Udvavda as pilgrim centre. Iranshah Udvada Utsav is the brainchild of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. The IUU was jointly organised by the Foundation for Development of Udavada
(FDU) and the Udavada Samast Anjuman (USA), which have eminent Parsi leaders as members.
200. Which of the following teams has won 2015 Pro Wrestling League title?
[A]Uttar Pradesh Warriors
[B]Bengaluru Yodhas
[C]Mumbai Garuda
[D]Haryana Hammers
Answer: Mumbai Garuda
Explanation:
In the 2015 Pro Wrestling League nal, Mumbai Garuda team beat the Haryana Hammers. Pro
Wrestling League (PWL) India 2015 is the rst wrestling league in India which is owned by Pro
Sportify. In the present season, a total of 6 teams each with 9 players have participated.
201. Haskell Wexler, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Cricketer
[B]Politician
[C]Scientist
[D]Cinematographer
Answer: Cinematographer
Explanation:
The Oscar-winning cinematographer and documentary lmmaker, Haskell Wexler (93) passed
away in California, USA. He was best known for his work in lms like Who s Afraid of Virginia
Woolf?, One Flew Over the Cuckoo s Nest, Days of Heaven, Bound for Glory, In the Heat of the
Night, American Gra ti, etc. Wexler was one of the lm history s most in uential
cinematographers in a survey of the members of the International Cinematographers Guild.
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202. Which of the following teams has clinched the 2015-16 Vijay Hazare Trophy?
[A]Delhi
[B]Jharkhand
[C]Gujarat
[D]Tamil Nadu
Answer: Gujarat
Explanation:
Gujarat has won its rst Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy by defeating Delhi in the nals by 139 runs
at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. The 2015-16 Vijay Hazare Trophy is the 14th season
of this tournament, that was hosted by Karnataka from December 10 to 28, 2015. The trophy is a
List A cricket tournament in India, is also known as the Ranji One Day Trophy and is named after
the famous Indian cricketer Vijay Hazare.
203. Who of the following has been honoured with the 2015 Jnanpith award?
[A]Ramakant Rath
[B]Raghuveer Chaudhary
[C]Leeladhar Mandloi
[D]Shamim Hanfi
Answer: Raghuveer Chaudhary
Explanation:
The noted Gujarati litterateur, Raghuveer Chaudhary (76) has been selected for the 51st Jnanpith
award for his contribution to Indian literature. He wrote more than eighty books including novels,
poetry, plays and literary criticism. Some of them are Trijo Purush, Purvarang, Laagni, Sikandar
Sani, Tamasa, Akasmik Sparsh, etc. Chaudhary is the fourth Gujarati writer to won this
prestigious award after Uma Shankar Joshi (1967), Pannalal Patel (1985) and Rajendra Shah
(2001).
204. Gaofen-4 satellite has been successfully launched by which of the following countries?
[A]China
[B]Japan
[C]Russia
[D]North Korea
Answer: China
Explanation:
Recently, China has successfully launched its most sophisticated Earth-observation satellite,
Gaofen-4. It is China s rst geosynchronous orbit HD optical imaging satellite and the world s
most sophisticated HD geosynchronous orbit remote sensing satellite. It was launched from the
Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the southwestern province of Sichuan through a Long
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March-3B carrier rocket. The data collected by Gaofen-4 will be used for disaster prevention and
relief, surveillance of geological disasters and forest disasters and meteorological forecast.
205. The second edition of the All Light India International Film Festival (ALIIFF) will be held in
which city?
[A]Hyderabad
[B]Bengaluru
[C]Chennai
[D]Mumbai
Answer: Hyderabad
Explanation:
The second edition of the All Light India International Film Festival (ALIIFF) and Indywood Film
Market will be held at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad from August 17 to 21, 2016. The lm
festival will witness participation from more than 70 countries, 1,000 international delegates,
3,000 lm market delegates and more than 1,500 lm submissions.
206. Which of the following committees suggested initiatives on Medium-term Path on Financial
Inclusion?
[A]Kishor P. Kharat Committee
[B]Deepak Mohanty Committee
[C]Y. K. Gupta Committee
[D]Arun Pasricha Committee
Answer: Deepak Mohanty Committee
Explanation:
The Reserve Bank of India has released Deepak Mohanty committee report on medium-term
path on nancial inclusion. The committee noted that after the launch of the JanDhanYojana
substantial progress has been made in terms of access of nancial products and services.
However, the panel said that much need to be done for inclusion of women, small and marginal
farmers, and micro & small enterprises.
207. Who has been designated as the new Prime Minister of Georgia?
[A]Giorgi Kvirikashvili
[B]Tamar Beruchashvili
[C]Mikheil Janelidze
[D]Irakli Garibashvili
Answer: Giorgi Kvirikashvili
Explanation:
Recently, Giorgi Kvirikashvili has been designated as the 12th Prime Minister of Georgia by the
238
Parliament of the country. Prior to this, he was the Minister of Economy and Sustainable
Development. Kvirikashvili was elected by the Parliament after then Prime Minister Irakli
Garibashvili had resigned from the post on December 29, 2015 without explaining his decision.
208. Which is of the following countries is hosting the 2015 South Asian Football Federation Cup?
[A]India
[B]Sri Lanka
[C]Bangladesh
[D]Maldives
Answer: India
Explanation:
The 2015 South Asian Football Federation Cup (SAFF Championship) is the 11th edition of the
SAFF Championship, the biennial international men s football championship of South Asia
organized by SAFF. It is being held in India from 23 December 2015 to 3 January 2016.
209. In context to India s defence system, Varunastra refers which one of the following?
[A]Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
[B]Autonomous Underwater Vehicle
[C]Advanced heavy weight Torpedo
[D]Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Answer: Advanced heavy weight Torpedo
Explanation:
The Varunastra is an advanced heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo of India. It is developed by
Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) of the DRDO for the Indian Navy. Its weight is
1500 kg.
210. Asia s largest underground railway station is located in which country?

[A]Singapore
[B]South Korea
[C]Japan
[D]China
Answer: China
Explanation:
Asia s largest underground railway station has been opened in China s southern city of
Shenzhen. The three-storey Futian High-speed Railway Station would cover an area of 147,000
square meters and have seating for 3,000 passengers. It is also the world s second largest
underground railway station, only after the Grand Central Station in New York, the USA.
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211. Who of the following has been appointed as the new Director-General of National Centre for
Good Governance (NCGG)?
[A]Arvind Subramanian
[B]Bibek Debroy
[C]Gyanendra Bandgaiyan
[D]Sanjay Madhav
Answer: Gyanendra Bandgaiyan
Explanation:
The former United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) economist, Gyanendra D.
Bandgaiyan has been appointed as the Director-General of National Centre for Good Governance
(NCGG), a think tank on good governance reforms. He has been appointed for a period of three
years which is extendable by another two years or up to 60 years of age. Bandgaiyan, a former
IAS o cer of the Union Territories cadre, hails from Madhya Pradesh.
212. Which of the following States is planning to construct the first ever underwater road tunnel in
the country?
[A]Tamil Nadu
[B]Gujarat
[C]Andhra Pradesh
[D]Kerala
Explanation:
The detailed master plan for the upcoming Andhra Pradesh new capital city envisages a
transparent road tunnel from beneath the Krishna river connecting the administrative capital
with Vijayawada, the commercial hub of Andhra Pradesh. Once completed, it will be the rst ever
underwater road tunnel in the country. It is about 3km long. There are about 200 such tunnels
around the world.
213. Bajrang Punia is related to which of the following sports?

[A]Basketball
[B]Volleyball
[C]Wrestling
[D]Swimming
Answer: Wrestling
Explanation:
Rising India wrestlers Bajrang Punia and Ritu Phogat have won gold medals in Men s 65kg and
Women s 48kg Freestyle categories respectively at the Senior National Wrestling Championship
240
in New Delhi.
214. Which of the following committees suggested initiatives on Revisiting & Revitalizing PPP
Model?
[A]Dinesh Pachori Committee
[B]Arun Pasricha Committee
[C]Vijay Kelkar Committee
[D]Deepak Mohanty Committee
Answer: Vijay Kelkar Committee
Explanation:
Recently, the Union Ministry of Finance has released the Vijay Kelkar Committee report on
Revisiting and Revitalising Public Private Partnership (PPP) Model. The committee stated that
speeding up of the PPP model is urgently required for India to grow rapidly and generate a
demographic dividend for itself and also to tap into the large pool of pension and institutional
funds from aging populations in the developed countries.
215. Mangesh Padgaonkar, who passes away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Scientist
[B]Journalist
[C]Sportsperson
[D]Poet
Answer: Poet
Explanation:
The iconic Marathi poet and Padma Bhushan recipient, Mangesh Keshav Padgaonkar (86) passed
away in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Some of his famous works are Kavita Manasanchya, Manasasathi,
Radha, Kabira, Dharanrtya, etc. He received several awards including the Sahitya Academy
Award (1980) for his collection of poems Salam, the MP Literary Conference Award in 1956,
Maharashtra Bhushan Award (2008), etc.
216. Who of the following Indian-origin person has been honoured with Knighthood by Queen
Elizabeth II?
[A]Samir Desai
[B]Harpal Singh Kumar
[C]Rekha Mehr
[D]Joginder Singh
Answer: Harpal Singh Kumar
Explanation:
Recently, Harpal Singh Kumaran Indian-origin cancer researcher, has been honoured with
241
Knighthood by Queen Elizabeth II for his in uential work on prevention and treatment of cancer
in the annual New Year s Honours list published in London. He is the chief executive of Cancer
Research UK (CRUK). The other prominent civilian awardees include Prathibha Ramsingh (for
services to job seekers and employer engagement in London), Gurmukh Singh of Khalsa Aid
(community cohesion and charity), Meena Upadhyaya (medical genetics and the Welsh Asian
community), Ayesha Hazarika, chief of sta to Labour party s deputy leader (for political service),
etc.
217. The headquarters of the Reporters Without Borders (RWB), an international NGO, are located
at which city?
[A]New York
[B]Paris
[C]London
[D]Berlin
Answer: Paris
Explanation:
The Paris-headquartered Reporters Without Borders (RWB) is an international NGO that promotes
and defends freedom of information and freedom of the press. According to RWB, India is Asia s
deadliest country for journalists. Globally, 110 journalists were killed in connection with their
work or for unclear reasons in 2015. Out of those 110 journalists, 9 were Indian journalists. These
journalists had been murdered in India for reporting on organised crime and its links with
politicians and others for covering illegal mining.
218. Subir Sen, who passed away recently, was related to which of the following fields?
[A]Singer
[B]Painter
[C]Human rights activist
[D]Scholar
Answer: Singer
Explanation:
The renowned singer, Subir Sen passed away recently in Kolkata. He was known for his
renditions in many Hindi and Bengali lms. Some of his well-known songs include Dheere chalao
zara with Lata Mangeshkar in Aas Ka Panchhi and Humein un rahon parchalna hai in
Masoom . In the 1950s, Sen added a unique romantic touch to hit Bengali songs such as
Monalisa tumi ki bolona .
219. Farzad-B gas field is located in which of the following countries?

[A]Afghanistan
[B]Iran
[C]Iraq
242
[D]Saudi Arabia
Answer: Iran
Explanation:
Recently, India told to Iran for early completion of all necessary procedures for its participation in
the $5 billion Farzad-B gas eld. The Farzad-B gas eld, located in Persian Gulf, has an estimated
reserve of 12.8-trillion cubic feet. A consortium headed by ONGC Videsh discovered the Farzad-B
gas eld in 2008 in the Farsi o shore block.
220. Which of the following countries new Parliament building is built by India?
[A]Bhutan
[B]Afghanistan
[C]Nepal
[D]Maldives
Answer: Afghanistan
Explanation:
Recently, Indian Prime Minister has inaugurated the Afghan parliament building that was
constructed by India with a cost of USD 90 million. The Parliament building project, initially
conceived to cost 45 million, was started by India in 2007 as a mark of friendship and
cooperation to help rebuild Afghanistan.
243

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General Knowledge Today

Current Affairs: December 2015 [Date-

Published Date: January 4, 2016

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December 4, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................ 37

December 8, 2015 ............................................................................................................................................ 56

India and South Korea ink MoU on taxation treaty .......................................................................... 73

Typhoon Melor hits central Philippines ............................................................................................... 89

About Basohli Cable-Stayed Bridge .................................................................................................... 140

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Month Highlights: December 2015

Arun Kumar Jain

Mumbai Ahmedabad Bullet train

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Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy

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44th Navy Day

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INS Godavari decommissioned

India joins select club of nations to build LNG ships

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Indo-Pak Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue (CBD)

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Miscellaneous Terms and Facts

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Anil Kumble resigns as chief mentor of Mumbai Indians

About International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

It was revealed in UN International Telecommunications Union s (ITU) flagship annual Measuring

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protecting journalists belonging to the grouping.

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Vijay Kumar Choudhary elected as Bihar assembly Speaker

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About Justice T. S. Thakur

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more than 13,000 km of pipeline network via Helicopter surveys.

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Union Government releases postage stamp to mark centenary year of ZSI

Salient features of The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015

44th Navy Day observed on 4 December 2015

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revenue loss to the centre and states in the GST regime.

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Union Government releases commemorative coins on Dr B R Ambedkar

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with an odd-even number plate system in force.

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a HC judge who has been an advocate of a HC for at least 10 years.

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of 66 crore rupees to buy their players.

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Most Promising Player of the Year: Zheng Si Wei (China).

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trade and investment and regional infrastructure.

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in the matters specified in the Bill.

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