Latest Current Affairs of Bank and SSC Exams

Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Pandey appointed as Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities

Union Government has appointed Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Pandey as the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) for a period of three years. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Pandey was associated with NGO Saksham working in the field of disability. He is a Science Graduate from University of Allahabad and Medical Graduate from Agra University in 1990. He was also associated NGO with Sewa Bharti and there he had worked in rehabilitation of slum dwellers. He was also associated with NGO Akhil Bhartiya Dristihin Kalyan Sangh which is working for visually challenged persons.

Morton Mower, Michael Marmot win 2015 Prince Mahidol Award

Morton Mower (US), Sir Michael Marmot (UK) have won the prestigious 2015 Prince Mahidol Award for their outstanding achievements in the international healthcare sector. Thailand’s kiing Bhumibol Adulyadej bestowed the awards on both of them at a ceremony held in Bangkok, Thailand.

Puducherry Lt Governor AK Singh launches MITRA app

Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Ajay Kumar Singh has launched the MITRA application to ensure protection of women, children and the elderly in time of distress. MITRA (Mobile Initiated Tracking and Rescue) application has been developed by Puducherry Police department in association with National Informatics Centre (NIC).

Nitish Kumar selected for K Veeramani Social Justice Award

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been chosen for the prestigious K Veeramani Social Justice Award. He has been chosen for this award for his immense contribution for the cause of social justice especially for upliftment of weaker and marginalised sections of the society.

Nisid Hajari wins 2016 Colby Award for Best Military Book

Indian Author and foreign affairs expert has won the prestigious 2016 William E. Colby Award for his book Midnight’s Furies: The Deadly Legacy of India’s Partition. His book The Midnight’s Furies is based on partition history of India and Pakistan in 1947 and the violence that surrounded it.

Sania Mirza, Martina Hingis win 2016 Australian Open title of Tennis

Ace Indian tennis player Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis have won the 2016 Australian Open title of tennis in the women’s doubles category. In the final match played at Melbourne (Australia), the top seeded duo defeated seventh seeded Czech pair of Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka by 7-6 (1), 6-3 score.

Union Government forms technical group to monitor Zika virus situation

The Union government has set up a Technical Expert Group to suggest measures to deal with Zika virus. Decision in this regard was taken by high level meeting chaired by Union Health Minister J P Nadda in New Delhi. The Technical expert group has been asked to submit its report soon so that the government could take steps accordingly.

Union Government shortlist 20 cities under Smart Cities Mission

The Union Ministry of Urban Development has shortlisted 20 cities from 11 States and Delhi Union Territory in the list of first batch of Smart Cities Mission. These shortlisted cities were selected from Smart City Challenge competition in which 97 cities and towns had participated from 23 States and UTs. State wise Cities: Among the shortlisted 20 Smart cities, 3 are from Madhya Pradesh, 2 each are from Maharashtra, Rajasthan Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh and 1 each from Odisha, Kerala, Delhi (UT), Assam and Punjab. 20 shortlisted smart cities (Rank wise) are Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Pune, Maharashtra. Jaipur, Rajasthan. Surat, Gujarat. Kochi, Kerala. Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Solapur, Maharashtra. Davangere, Karnataka. Indore, Madhya Pradesh. New Delhi Municipal Corporation. Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. Belagavi, Karnataka. Udaipur, Rajasthan. Guwahati, Assam. Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Ludhiana, Punjab. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Latest Current Affairs for SSC/BANK Exams

India celebrates 67thRepublic Day

India celebrated 67th Republic day 26th January 2016 by displaying its cultural diversity, economic progress and military might were on display at Raj path, New Delhi. In the national Capital, President Pranab Mukherjee unfurled the national flag and took salute of the parade at Rajpath. French President Francois Hollande was chief guest of Republic Day function. With this he beamce 5th highest dignitary from France to be Chief Guest of Indian Republic Day parade.

Actress Rekha conferred 2016 Yash Chopra Memorial Award

Veteran Bollywood actress and Rajya Sabha MP Rekha has been conferred with the third edition of Yash Chopra Memorial Award. The award was bestowed upon her by Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao in recognition of her talent and contribution to the film industry. About Rekha

Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 came into force

The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015 came into force from 26th January 2016. Earlier President Pranab Mukherjee had given his assent to the bill after it was passed by the Parliament in the winter session in December 2015.

India, France ink 14 pacts for cooperation various fields

India and France have singed 14 pacts for enhancing the bilateral cooperation various fields including defence, space, railways, education etc. These agreements were signed between the two countries after extensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande.

Union Government launches Sahaj Scheme for online booking of LPG cylinders

Union Government has launched Sahaj Scheme for online booking of LPG cylinders. It was launched by Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas (Independent Charge) Dharmendra Pradhan as part of Government’s 2016-Year of the Consumers initiative.

Study Material for SSC and BANK Exams 2016

Awards/Prizes

 C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award http://acmeentranceexpert.com 2015

Sayed kirmani, who was India’s Premier wicket-keeper batsman in the 80’s was chosen for the C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award 2015

Tansen Samman 2013-14

Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, creator of the Mohan Veena, was conferred with the National Tansen Samman for 2013-14 in Gwalior on December 23, 2015.

ICC Awards 2015

Australian captain Steve Smith  won the ICC Cricketer of the Year award on December 21, 2015.

Miss Universe 2015

Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo wurtzbach on December 20,2015 won the coveted Miss Universe 2015 titled held in Las Vegas.

Miss World 2015

Miss Spain Mireia Lalaguna Royo on December 19, 2015 won this year’s  Miss World competition .

Yash Chopra Memorial Award 2015

Rekha was on December  17, 2015 selected for the  Yash Chopra Memorial Award in recognition of her talent and contribution to the film industry.

ITC Sangeet Samman 2015

Acclaimed Indian violinist L. Subramaniam was on December 1, 2015 selected for the prestigious ITC Sangeet Samman 2015. He was honored at the ITC Sangeet Sammelan 2015, held in Kolkata.

Study Material for SSC & BANK Exams

Directions: In these questions, out of the four alternatives, choose the one which can be substituted for the given words/sentence.

11. A study of sounds is known as

(a) Stylistics                            (b) Linguistics

(c)  Phonetics                          (d) Semantics

12. To reduce to nothing

(a) Lull                                    (b) Null

(c) Annul                                 (d) Cull

13. An obviously true of hackneyed statement

(a) Syllogism                           (b) Iconic

(c) Imagism                             (d) Truism

14. Words inscribed on a tomb

(a) Epitaph                              (b) Epitome

(c) Epistle                                (d) Epilogue

15. The act of producing beautiful handwriting using a brush or a special pen

(a) Calligraphy                        (b) Stenciling

(c)  Graphics                            (d) Acronym

 16. A word composed of the first letters of the words in a phrase

(a) Abridgement                       (b) Almanac

(c) Anachronism                      (d) Acronym

17. A person of obscure position who has gained wealth

(a) Promiscuous                      (b) Parvenu

(c) Sumptuary                         (d) Extravagant

18. The depository where state records and documents are preserved

(a) Museum                             (b) Library

(c) Obsolete                             (d) Old

19. Murder of a king

(a) Homicide                           (b) Fratricide

(c) Regicide                             (d) Parricide   

20. That which is no longer fashionable or in use

(a) Unused                              (b) Ancient

(c) Obsolete                             (d) Old

Answer 1. (c) 2. (c) 3.(d) 4 (a) 5. (a) 6. (d) 7. (b) 8.(a) 9. (c) 10. (c)

Latest Current Affairs for Bank and SSC Exams

SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket successfully launches Jason-3 Ocean-monitoring satellite
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully launched the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Jason-3 Ocean-monitoring satellite. It was launched from California’s Vandenberg Air Force Base and the satellite has been successfully inserted it in the desired orbit. Jason-3 is the 4th mission in the joint US-European series of satellite missions that measure the height of the ocean surface.

Renowned Kannada filmmaker and lyricist Geethapriya passes away

Renowned Kannada filmmaker and lyricist Geethapriya passed away after a battle with throat cancer in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He was 84. He has penned lyrics for over 250 immortal songs and directed 40 films including one in Hindi.

BSE launches algorithm trading test

Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Ltd has launched a new service for algorithm trading test facility for investors on its derivatives and equity platform. The new service has been launched in partnership with Mumbai based Symphony Fintech Solutions Pvt Ltd and is free-of-cost for market participant.

France declares economic emergency

French President Francois Hollande has declared a state of economic emergency to redefine France’s economic and social model. Under the ambit emergency, government has proposed series of economic measures to boost long-stagnant economic growth and reduce chronic unemployment.

India’s Dinesh Sharma elected to board of directors of AIIB

India’s Dinesh Sharma has been elected to the board of directors of the China-sponsored Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). He has been elected to the 12-member board through a secret ballot. This is the first board of directors of AIIB in which 57 nations are founding members including India. The inaugural meeting of the board of the governors of the AIIB also held in Beijing after its formal launch. The meeting approved by-laws, rules and codes of conduct for the bank.

Viktor Troicki wins 2016 WTA Apia International title of Tennis

World No. 22 Viktor Troicki from Serbia has won the 2016 WTA Apia International title of Tennis in the men’s single category. He defended this tittle by defeated Grigor Dimitrov from Bulgaria by 2–6, 6–1, 7–6, (9–7) score in the final match played at Sydney, Australia. It was overall his third ATP’s single career title after 2010 Kremlin Cup and 2015 Apia International Sydney title.

ONE WORD SUBSTITUTION FOR SSC/BANK EXAM

ONE WORD SUBSTITUTION

1. A study of sounds is known as

(a) Stylistics                            (b) Linguistics

(c)  Phonetics                          (d) Semantics

2. To reduce to nothing

(a) Lull                                    (b) Null

(c) Annul                                 (d) Cull

3. An obviously true of hackneyedstatement

(a) Syllogism                           (b) Iconic

(c) Imagism                             (d) Truism

4. Words inscribed on a tomb

(a) Epitaph                              (b) Epitome

(c) Epistle                                (d) Epilogue

5. The act of producing beautiful handwriting using a brush or a special pen

(a) Calligraphy                        (b) Stenciling

(c)  Graphics                            (d) Acronym

6. A word composed of the first letters of the words in a phrase

(a) Abridgement                       (b) Almanac

(c) Anachronism                      (d) Acronym

7. A person of obscure position who has gained wealth

(a) Promiscuous                      (b) Parvenu

(c) Sumptuary                         (d) Extravagant

8. The depository where state records and documents are preserved

(a) Museum                             (b) Library

(c) Obsolete                             (d) Old

9. Murder of a king

(a) Homicide                           (b) Fratricide

(c) Regicide                             (d) Parricide   

10. That which is no longer fashionable or in use

(a) Unused                              (b) Ancient

(c) Obsolete                             (d) Old

Ans. 1. (C)           2. (C)     3. (D)     4. (A)     5. (A)     6. (D)     7. (B)     8.(D)      9.(C)      10. (C)

Latest Current Affairs of 14 January 2016

India to join the International Energy Agency – Ocean Energy Systems

India has decided to become member country of the International Energy Agency – Ocean Energy Systems (IEA-OES) to boost for country’s quest for tapping ocean energy sources. Proposal for signing the Implementing Agreement (IA) in this regard was approved by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

Union Cabinet approves Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

The Union Cabinet has approved Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, a new crop insurance scheme to boost farming sector in the country. It is farmers’ welfare scheme that aims to reduce the premium burden on farmers and ensure early settlement of crop assurance claim for the full insured sum. Highlights of Scheme

Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and Maldives for Health

The Union Cabinet has given its approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Maldives on cooperation in the field of Health. The MoU was signed in January, 2014 for facilitating greater cooperation between both the nations and to develop human resources in healthcare. Enhanced cooperation in the field of health will also foster great friendship and relations between the two South Asian countries.

Kerala becomes first state to achieve 100% primary education

Kerala has become the first Indian state to achieve 100 per cent primary education. Declaration to this effect was made by the Vice President Hamid Ansari during his speech at special ceremony organised at Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala state was able to achieve 100 per cent primary education through its flagship primary education equivalency drive Athulyam Scheme.

Jharkhand to set up fast track courts for trial of witchcraft-related attacks

For speedy trial of cases relating to witchcraft incidents, the Jharkhand Government on 13 January 2016 decided to set up fast track courts in five districts.

As per an official release, the courts will be formed in Ranchi, Chaibasa, Khunti, Palamau and Simdega districts.

The decision was taken during a cabinet meet chaired by Chief Minister Raghubar Das. The decision is based on the reports of witchcraft-related attacks in some rural areas of the state.

Latest Current Affairs of 12th January, 2016

DAC approves major changes in Defence Procurement Procedure

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has approved major changes in the new Defence Procurement Procedure (DDP) 2016. These changes were made in DPP 2016 to streamline defence acquisitions and give a big impetus to indigenisation of Defence sector through the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Some of the changes were based on recommendations of the expert committee headed by former Home Secretary Dhirendra Singh.

First female F1 driver Maria Teresa de Filippis passes away

The first female F1 (Formula One) driver Maria Teresa de Filippis passed away on 8 January 2016 in Italy. She was 89. She is remembered as a first female pioneer in motor racing, a sport mainly dominated by men after she had participated in the five World Championship Grand Prix for the Maserati team in 1958.

73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards

The 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony was organized at Beverly Hills, California, United States (US). Golden Globe Awards are the annual awards that honour the best in Motion Pictures and Television for the previous year. In this edition of awards, The Revenant won the maximum 3 awards followed by The Martian and Steve Jobs winning 2 awards each.

India-Australia Social Security Agreement comes into operation

India-Australia social security Agreement signed between both countries came into operation. This agreement will enable people of both nations to avail retirement benefits in each other’s country and will boost bilateral business linkages.

Telangana becomes first State to make gender education compulsory at graduate level

Telangana has become the first State in the country to introduce compulsory gender education at the graduate level. In this regard, state government has introduced bilingual textbook titled ‘Towards a World of Equals’ on a pilot basis in engineering colleges. These engineering colleges are affiliated to the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU-Hyderabad).

Stan Wawrinka wins 2016 Chennai Open title

World No. 4 Stanislas Wawrinka from Switzerland has won the 2016 Chennai Open title of tennis. In the summit clash at Nungambakkam tennis stadium in Chennai, he defeated the Borna Coric (World No. 33) of  Croatia by 6-3, 7-5 score. This was his third consecutive ATP Chennai Open title for Wawrinka (won in 2014, 2015 and 2016) and overall fourth, first won it in 2011. With this win, Wawrinka pocketed US $ 75,700 and won 250 ranking points.

Ancient Indian History General Knowledge Questions

Ancient Indian History General Knowledge Questions

1. Which of the following are two works of Kalidasa?

[A] Raghuvamsha and Kiratarjuniya

[B] Kumara Sambhav and Raghuvamsha

[C]Malti Madhava and Kumara Sambhava

[D]Malti Madhav and Kumara Sambhava 

Ans. Kumar Sambhava and Raghuvamsha Kalidasa was one of the gems of the court of Gupta king Chandragupta II (375–415 CE). The poems he wrote were usually of epic proportions and were written in classical Sanskrit. He wrote two epic poems called Kumara sambhava, which means birth of Kumara and the Raghuvamsha, which means dynasty of Raghu. There are also two lyric poems written by Kalidasa known as Meghadutta that stands for cloud messenger and the Ritusamhara that means description of the seasons. Meghadutta is one of the finest works of Kalidasa in terms of world literature. The beauty of the continuity in flawless Sanskrit is unmatched till date. The most famous and beautiful work of Kalidasa is the Shakuntalam. It is the second play of Kalidasa after he wrote Malavikagnimitra. The Shakuntalam tells the story of king Dushyant who falls in love with a beautiful girl Shakuntala, who happens to be the daughter of a saint.

2. Who was the first Indo-Greek king, who became Buddhist?

[A]Antiochus II

[B]Apollodotus I

[C]Apollodotus II

[D]Menander II 

Ans. Menander II Menander II was the Indo-Greek king who established a large empire in the South Asia and became a patron of Buddhism.

3. Which of the following inscriptions mentions the name of Kalidasa?

 [A] Allahabad pillar inscription

 [B] Aihole inscription

 [C] Alapadu grant

 [D] Hanumakonda inscription

Ans. Aihole inscription Aihole inscription written by the Badami Chalukyas King, Pulakesin II who reigned from 610 to 642 CE and was a follower of Jainism. This valuable inscription discovered in the Meguti temple near Aihole (Bijapur district in Karnataka). The inscription is in the Sanskrit language, which uses the old Kannada script. The accounts of Pulkeshi’s campaigns are provided in the Aioli inscription dated 634 AD. It was composed by his court poet Ravikirti. Bharavi, who is associated with the Pallavas of Kanchi along with Kalidasa is mentioned in the famous Aihole Inscription of Pulakesin II.

4. The famous Konark Sun temple was built by whom?

 [A]Narshimhadeva I

 [B]Angabhima deva I

 [C]Konkanivarman

 [D]Narsimhavarman II 

Ans. Narshimhadeva I The 13th-century famous Konark Sun temple was built by King Narshimhadeva I (of the Eastern Ganga dynasty) at Konark, Odisha around AD1250.

5. Which among the following Mudra is the gesture of Buddha as depicted in his first ser

[A] Abhaya Mudra

[B] Dhyana Mudra

[C] Dharmachakra Mudra

[D] Bhumisparsa Mudra 

Ans. Dharmachakra Mudra The sermon Buddha gave to the five monks was his first sermon, called the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. The Seated Buddha from Gandhara is an early statue of the Buddha made in Gandhara, in modern Pakistan, in the 2nd or 3rd century The pose, which was to become one of a number of standard ones, shows Buddha as a teacher setting the wheel of Dharma in motion (Dharmachakra Mudra). Buddha did this following his enlightenment and after delivering his first sermon at the deer park at Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

Latest Current Affairs of 8th Januuary, 2016

India to grow at 7.8% in year 2016: World Bank Report

The Global Economic Prospect report published recently by the World Bank (WB) has projected a robust 7.8 per cent growth for the Indian economy in the year 2016. In its report bank also has cited strong investor sentiment in India and the positive effect on real incomes of the recent fall in oil prices

India-France military exercise Shakti-2016 begins

India and France have started their eight-day counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency bilateral military exercise Shakti-2016 in Rajasthan. In this bilateral exercise, French contingent comprising 56 personnel of 35th Infantry Regiment of 7th Armoured Brigade are participating. Indian side is being represented by the 2nd Battalion of Garhwal Rifles which is part of the Sapta Shakti Command.

ICICI Bank partners with FINO PayTech for payments bank space

India’s largest private sector lender ICICI Bank has partnered with FINO PayTech to foray into the payments bank space. With this partnership, ICICI Bank joins some of the leading lenders of the country that have partnered with payments banks. For example, Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) and State Bank of India (SBI) have picked up stake in payments banks to be floated by Bharti Group and Reliance Industries respectively.

ASW corvette INS Kadmatt commissioned in Visakhapatnam

Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) corvette INS Kadmatt has been commission in the Indian Navy by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan at naval dockyard in Visakhapatnam It is the second ship of Project 28 (P28) class ASW corvettes and is the latest ship after Shivalik class, Kolkata class and INS Kamorta.

Union Government launches River Information System

India’s first River Information System (RIS) was launched by Union Government facilitate safe and accurate inland waterway navigation. It has been launched in phases and the first phase will cover 145-km stretch of National Waterways 1 (Phase I- Haldia to Farakka) on the Ganges River. Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI), a statutory body under the aegis of Union Ministry of Shipping is implementing the RIS in India.

Government decides to merge Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs with MEA

Union Government has decided to merge Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs (MOIA) with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). This decision has been taken to avoid duplication of work and to improve efficiency in line with Union Government’s broad principle of minimum government, maximum governance. The merger was announced by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and proposal in this regard was cleared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Latest Current Affairs of 7th January, 2016

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed died

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away on 7 January 2016 at the AIIMS hospital in New Delhi. He was 79.

Sayeed who founded the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had been admitted to AIIMS in Delhi with complaints of severe fever and neck pain.

Union Cabinet approved Stand Up India Scheme

The Union Cabinet on 6 January 2016 approved the Stand Up India Scheme to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes and Women entrepreneurs.

The Scheme is intended to facilitate at least two projects per bank branch, on an average one for each category of entrepreneur. It is expected to benefit at least 2.5 lakh borrowers. 

The expected date of reaching the target of at least 2.5 lakh approvals is 36 months from the launch of the Scheme. 

 

Andhra Bank launched Immediate Payment Service

Andhra Bank on 6 January 2016 launched Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) across all its branches in association with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). 

The service makes payments possible within fraction of seconds with all the standards and integrity maintained for security.

Apurvi Chandela broke world record to win gold at Swedish Cup Grand Prix

Indian shooter Apurvi Chandela broke the world record on 5 January 2016 to grab a gold medal in the women's 10 metre air rifle event at the Swedish Cup Grand Prix.

Chandela shot 211.2 in the event to outshine the feat of Chinese Olympic gold medallist Yi Siling, who held the record with 211.

On the other hand, Swedish shooters Astrid Steffensen and Stine Nielsen won the silver and bronze, respectively.

Union Government decides to directly shift from BS-IV to BS-VI Emission norms in 2020 
Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has decided to implement the stricter emission norms of Bharat Stage (BS) VI from 1st April 2020 in a bid to curb vehicular pollution. Government will directly switch over to BS-VI emission norms from the present BS-IV emission norms and completely skip BS-V emission norms altogether. Decision in this regard was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting chaired by Unon Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and was attended by Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Heavy Industries Minister Anant Geete and Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar.

Union Cabinet approves creation of a Credit Guarantee Fund for MUDRA loans

The Union Cabinet has approved creation of a Credit Guarantee Fund (CGF) for Micro Units Development Refinance Agency (MUDRA) loans. The CGF is expected to guarantee more than 1,00,000 crore rupees worth of loans to micro and small units in the first instance.

Latest Current Affairs of January, 2016

Latest Current Affairs of January, 2016

1. INDIA WON 2015 SAFF FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

2. MOUNTAINEER ARUNIMA SINHA SCALES MOUNTACONCAGUA IN ARGENTINA

3. UNION GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED SETTING UP OF CCL SPORTS UNIVERSITY IN JHARKHAND

4.UNION CABINET GAVE EX-POST FACTO APPROVAL FOR MOU ON BRICS NETWORK UNIVERSITY

5. INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TEST-FIRED INDIGENOUSLY DEVELOPED MBRL PINAKA II AT POKHRAN

6. UNION GOVERNMENT TO START LPG-LIKE DBT SCHEME FOR KEROSENE FROM 1 APRIL 2016

7.STATES AGREE TO REVOKE ‘NO DETENTION POLICY’ IN RTE

8. GLOBE SOCCER AWARDS 2015 CONFERRED

9. VIRAT KOHLI NAMED CRICKETER OF THE YEAR' 2015 AND MITHALI RAJ PICKED FOR WOMEN'S TOP AWARD

10. TERROR ATTACK AT PATHANKOT AIR FORCE BASE AND 4 TERRORISTS KILLED

11. VOCALIST SANJAY SUBRAHMANYAM CONFERRED WITH 2015 SANGITA KALANIDHI AWARD

12.  MUMBAI, DELHI IN WORLD’S TOP-30 ‘SUPER CITIES’

13.  BENGAL GEARING UP FOR GANGA SAGAR MELA

Latest Current Affairs of 2016 for SSC/BANK Exams

India won 2015 SAFF football championships

India has won the 2015 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championship for record seventh time. In the final match played at Thiruvanantapuram (Kerala), India defeated defending champion Afghanistan by 2-1 goal score. Jeje Lalpekhlua (72nd minute) and Sunil Chhetri (101th) had scored goals for India. For Afghanistan single goal was scored by Zubayr Amiri at 70th minute. Indian Team Captain: Sunil Chhetri. Afghanistan Team Captain: Faysal Shayesteh. Earlier India had won the SAFF Football Championship in year 1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009 and 2011.

President Pranab Mukherjee gives assent to 5 key bills

Presdent Pranab Mukherjee has given assent to five key bills as per the provisions of Article 111 of the Constitution of India. These key five legislations were passed by both the houses of Parliament, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha in the recently concluded Winter session of Parliament.

Amputee mountaineer Arunima Sinha scales Mount Aconcagua in Argentina

India’s star amputee mountaineer Arunima Sinha has successfully scaled Mount Aconcagua in Argentina as part of her Mission 7 Summits. It was her 5th successful summit of the Mission 7 Summits that she had climbed on December 25, 2016 after starting on December 12, 2015. With this, she created World record by becoming First Female amputee to climb 5 Mountains of the World. Mt. Aconcagua (6,960.8 metres) is the highest mountain outside Asia and is also known as second Everest. By extension it is the highest point in both Western Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere.

NABARD inks MoU with NRSC for monitoring Watershed Projects

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyderabad-based National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for web-based monitoring of watershed projects. Under this MoU Web-based monitoring will be undertaken for India-German Watershed Development (IGWDP) projects in three states viz. Rajasthan, Gujarat and Telangana.

Government to roll out DBT scheme for kerosene from April 1, 2016

The Union Government is going to roll out LPG-like Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for kerosene from 1st April 2016. The scheme in the initial phase will be implemented in selected 26 districts of eight states. These states are Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan.

NABARD, NRSC signed MoU for monitoring Watershed Projects

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) on 1 January 2016 signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for web-based monitoring of Indo-German Watershed Development projects.

current affairs for ssc and bank exams

 India, Pakistan exchange lists of nuclear facilities

India and Pakistan have exchanged the list of their nuclear installations and facilities under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations. This exchange is done on 1st of January every year between the two neighbouring countries that bars them from attacking each other’s atomic facilities. This is the 25th consecutive exchange of such list between the two countries, the first one having taken place on 1 January 1992.

Vocalist Sanjay Subrahmanyam conferred 2015 Sangita Kalanidhi award

Foremost south Indian classical vocalists Sanjay Subrahmanyam has conferred with prestigious 2015 Sangita Kalanidhi award. The prestigious award was bestowed upon him by renowned mathematician Manjul Bhargava at 89th annual conference of the Madras Music Academy in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. With this, he became seventh artistes to be conferred with this award before completing 50 years of age. Others are Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Musiri Subramania Iyer, Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer, Semmangudi R. Srinivasa Iyer, G.N. Balasubramaniam, M.L. Vasanthakumari and M. Balamuralikrishna

Union inks Financing Agreement with World Bank to fund education of minorities

The Union Government has signed a Financing Agreement of 50 million dollars with the World Bank for Nai Manzil Scheme- Education and Skills Training for Minorities. Under this agreement, the credit will be facilitated by the International Development Association (IDA), World Bank’s concessionary lending arm. This credit will be in the form of loan which carries a maturity of 25 years, including a 5-year grace period. The loan funds will be used for interventions under this scheme improve the employability and performance of minority youth in the labour market. The total project size is 100 million dollars, out of which 50 million dollars will be available as IDA credit and the remaining balance funding from the Union Budget.

India’s Petronet LNG ink revised contract with RasGas of Qatar

India’s biggest state owned gas importer Petronet LNG has signed a revised contract with RasGas of Qatar to import gas at a significantly lower price than earlier. Under the new contract, Rasgas will supply Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to Petronet at 6-7 dollar per million British thermal units (mmBtu) from January 1, 2016. It would supply to 7.5 million tonnes of LNG India until the long-term contract ending in April 2028 The new rate is sharply lower than 12-13 dollar per mmbtu agreed earlier and has been  revised after falling global prices of oil and gas, saving  consumers around Rs.4,000 crore.

Indian-origin cancer expert Harpal Singh Kumar knighted

n Indian-origin cancer research expert Harpal Singh Kumar was honoured with a Knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his influential work on prevention and treatment of cancer. Mr. Singh’s name has appeared in the 2015 New Year’s Honours list that includes several other Indian-origin individuals.