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.

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.

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 28th December, 2015.

China’s Parliament adopts country’s first law against domestic violence
China’s Parliament has adopted the country’s first law against domestic violence that prohibits any 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

Union Government announced 4 new IT-based initiatives for citizen-centric health services

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda on 25 December 2015 announced 4 new Information Technology-based initiatives to provide citizen-centric health services.

The initiatives include three applications, namely, Kilkari, Mobile Academy and M-Cessation and a dedicated toll free number 1800-11–6666 which will provide round the clock counselling and treatment support services for TB patients.

The initiatives were announced on the occasion of the Good Governance Day which is being celebrated annually to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Biocon launched generic version of hepatitis-C drug Harvoni in India

Biocon Limited on 24 December 2015 launched the generic version ofhepatitis – C drug in the Indian market. The generic version of the drug named Harvoni will be sold under the brand name CIMIVIR-L.

The generic drug Harvoni is an improved version of Gilead’s hepatitis-C drug Sovaldi or sofosbuvir and will come in fixed-dose combination of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir of 90mg and 400mg, respectively.

The sale of ledipasvir-sofosbuvir combination was recently approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), which is being manufactured in India under a license from Gilead.

Former CJ of Karnataka & Kerala High Courts Justice VS Malimath died

Former Chief Justice of Karnataka and Kerala High Courts Justice V S Malimath died on 22 December 2015 at Manipal hospital in Bengaluru.

He was 86-years old and survived by wife Prema Devi V Malimath, a son and four daughters.

Veteran actor Sadhana passed away

Veteran Indian actress Sadhana died on 25 December 2015 in Mumbai, Maharashtra after a brief illness. She was 74.

One of the top actors of the 1960s and 1970s, Sadhana is remembered for her powerful performances in hits like Hum Dono,Love in Simla, Mera Saaya and Waqt.

Born on 2 September 1941 in a Sindhi family, the legendary actress first appeared on silver screen as a chorus  girl in the song Mur mur ke na dekh mur mur ke in Raj Kapoor's Shree 420.

Sadhana was introduced as the lead actress along with her iconic hairstyle in her 1960 romantic film Love in Simla.

Sadhana was the highest-paid actress in Hindi cinema during 1962–1965. Her fringe haircut became popular during the 1960s and came to be known as Sadhana cut.

Current Affairs of 2015

• ·       Union Government launches E-Pathshala, Saransh, Shaala Siddhi portals
• 
  
• ·       President Pranab Mukherjee launches research project Imprint India
• 
  
• ·       Delhi Government approves Jan Lokpal Bill, 2015.
• 
  
• ·       PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Amravati, new capital of Andhra Pradesh.
• 
  
• ·       India’s GSAT-15 communication satellite launched successfully
• 
  
• ·       WHO releases Global Tuberculosis Report 2015
• 
  

Latest Current Affairs of 25th December

North India’s first cable bridge named Atal Setu inaugurated in Jammu and Kashmir

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.

Steve Smith named ICC Test cricketer of Year for 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.

India, Russia ink 16 pacts to expand cooperation in various sectors

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.

Syed Kirmani nominated for 2015 Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award

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.

25th December: National Good Governance Day

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.

Dr. Rakesh K. Jain selected for 2015 National Medal of Science

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

Latest Current Affairs of 21 Dec, 2015

Chennaiyin FC wins 2015 Indian Super League Football Champions

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.


US Senate ratifies IMF reforms as part of a Budget Bill

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.

Barcelona FC wins FIFA Club World Cup for 3rd time

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.

Vatican to confer sainthood on Mother Teresa

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.

Afghanistan becomes 164th member of WTO

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.

Latest Current Affairs of 18th December, 2015.

Lok Sabha passes Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 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.

French President Francois Hollande to be chief guest at 67th Republic Day Parade

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 Valéry 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).

Sahitya Akademi awards announced for the year 2015

Sahitya Akademi on 17 December 2015 announced the Sahitya Akademi Awards for the year 2015 in 23 languages. Poetry and short story writers dominated the awards. 

Among the winning books are six poetry collections, six books of short stories and four novels, besides two books each of essays and criticism. 

The awards were recommended by distinguished jury members representing 23 Indian languages and approved by the Executive Board of the Akademi, under its President Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari. The award in Bengali is to be announced at a later date.

Jet Airways Chief Executive Officer Cramer Ball resigned

Jet Airways on 17 December 2015 announced that its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Cramer Ball has resigned from the post with effect from 29 February 2016.

Jet's director Gaurang Shetty will be the acting CEO of the airline.

Ball was appointed as Jet’s CEO in May 2014 when the airline was witnessing an exodus of top management after the airline sold 24 percent stake to Abu Dhabi's Etihad in 2013.

On the other hand, loss-making Italian airline Alitalia on 17 December 2015 announced that it had appointed Ball as its new CEO.

GK UPDATES FOR BANK & SSC EXAMS 2015

1. What is the full form of UDAY?

Answer: Ujwal Discom Assurance Yojana

2. Tata Trusts on 6 December 2015 announced a five-year, not-for-profit partnership with which institution to enable free online education for the Indian market?

Answer: Khan Academy

3. The first AC double decker shatabdi train is running between which two station?

Answer: Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Mumbai) and Margao (Goa)

4. _________ replaced __________ as top source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into India during April-September of 2015-16 financial year.

Answers: Singapore, Mauritius

5. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 6 December 2015 released two commemorative coins of ________ rupees and _________ rupees, as part of the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of Dr. Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar.

Answers: 125 and 10

6. What is the full form of ISS?

Answers: International Space Station

7. The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) has entered into a memorandum of agreement with which institute for marketing the latter’s inventions/innovations, patents, formulations, know-how/processes and also collection of premia and royalties.

Answers: CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad

8. The public sector Cochin Shipyard Ltd has launched the nineteenth of the 20 Fast Patrol Vessels being built for Indian Coast Guard. What is the name given to the vessel?

Answers: ICGS Atulya

9. Australia on 6 December 2015 defeated which country to win 2014-2015 Men’s Hockey World League Final and where did the tournament take place? 

Answers: Belgium, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium, Raipur.

10. What is the full form of CGPDTM?

Answers: Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks

Latest Current Affairs of 16th August 2015

India ranks 130th in 2015 Human Development Index: UNDP

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).

Apurvi Chandela wins gold medal at National Shooting Championship

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

Arctic Region hits record high temperature over land: NOAA

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.

Violinist Itzhak Perlman awarded 2016 Genesis Prize
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. 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.

Arun Kumar Jain appointed Central Board of Direct Taxes Chairman

Senior revenue service officer Arun Kumar Jain on 15 December 2015 was appointed Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).

The appointment of Jain as the CBDT chairman was also approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Jain will have short tenure of two months, till January 2016.

Snapdeal launched mobile website in Hindi, Telugu

Online marketplace Snapdeal.com on 15 December 2015 launched its mobile website in Hindi and Telugu language. With this platform, Snapdeal will now cater to 270 million users in India.

Latest Current Affairs of 15th December, 2015

India ranks 130th in 2015 Human Development Index: UNDP

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).

Rajasthan becomes the first state to submit smart city plan

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.

Vijay Kumar wins gold medal at 59th National Shooting Championship

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.

Typhoon Melor hits central Philippines


Powerful Typhoon Melor (also known as Nona) has hit the central Philippines battering the coast with powerful winds with speed of 20kph 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.

Lok Sabha passes Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 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.

Latest Current Affairs of 14 December 2015

Losar festival beings in Ladakh region of J&K

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.

Legendary actor Dilip Kumar conferred with Padma Vibhushan

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 on January 25, 2015.

J M Sali awarded 2015 South East Asia Write Award

ndian-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.

Construction work TAPI gas pipeline project begins

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.

India & Japan sign MoC on High Speed Rail on Mumbai-Ahmedabad sector

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.

NGT bans registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi

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.

Latest Current Affairs

Wipro won 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award for innovation in IoT

Global software giant Wipro on 11 December 2015 announced that it won the 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award for developing a solution for the Internet of Things (IoT).

Wipro’s IoT solution, Universal Data Parser (UDP), fetched the prestigious award.

India and Japan signed protocol to amend double taxation avoidance pact

The Government of India and the Government of Japan on 11 December 2015 inked a protocol for amending the existing convention for the avoidance of double taxation and for the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

The existing convention was signed in 1989.

The protocol was signed by Dr Hasmukh Adhia, Revenue Secretary on behalf of India. Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan signed the protocol on behalf of the Government of Japan.

 

Indian cyclist Deborah Herold became World No. 4 Cyclist

Indian cyclist Deborah Herold on 11 December 2015 became the first Indian female cyclist to be ranked fourth in the World Elite Women Ranking for the 500m time trial event. The ranking was issued by cycling world body International Cycling Union (UCI).

Besides, the Indian team also improved its world ranking to 13th. India is the highest ranking Asian country in 500m time trial. China fetched the 15th spot in the ranking.

Varanasi and Jaipur designated as members of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network

Salman Rushdie awarded 2015 Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement
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.

Naseeruddin Shah honoured lifetime achievement award at the 12th DIFF
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.

Pakistan successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Shaheen-III ballistic missil
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.

Latest Current Affairs of 11th December, 2015

Mexico Government approves world’s 1st Dengue fever vaccine named Dengvaxia

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.

Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet awarded 2015 Nobel Peace Prize

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.

Mauricio Macri sworn in as President of Argentina

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.

Union Government declares Tamil Nadu flood as Calamity of Severe Nature

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.

Global Financial Integrity released the Global Illicit Financial Flows Report 2015

Among the 149 countries surveyed, India stood at the 4th position in terms of illicit financial flows between 2004 and 2013 with 51 billion US dollars.

Union Cabinet approved 4000 crore rupees proposal for shipbuilding industry

The government will grant a financial assistance of 20 percent of the contract price or the fair price, whichever is lower following the delivery of the ship.

Mahela Jayawardene awarded honorary lifetime membership of MCC

Jayawardene became the 14th Sri Lankan to be awarded with MCC Honorary Life Membership.

Union Government slashed Minimum Export Price of onions to 400 dollar per tonne

Minimum Export Price is the rate below which no traders are allowed to export their goods.