Daily GK Updates - 2nd December, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Government begins registration for drone operators in the country :  According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, they started the registration process through a portal “Digital Sky platform” for drone operators in the country.Earlier, The Union Government has announced the release of its Civil Aviation Regulations to enable safe flying of Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) popularly referred to as drones.For drones of micro size and above categories, operators are required to register on the Digital Sky portal.According to Minister for Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu, Drones are an industry of the future and it is a matter of great pride for the country that we are now at the cutting edge of the rulemaking in this industry.

2. 80th session of three-day WCO policy commission starts today :  The 80th Session of the Policy Commission of the World Customs Organization (WCO) starts in Mumbai.The Session is being organized by the WCO and hosted by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), India.More than 30 countries along with their delegations will be participating in the three-day long discussion on various matters related to customs.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery : The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed every year on 2 December.The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery.Slavery includes trafficking of persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labor, forced marriage and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.The day was first celebrated in 1986.

2. Cyril Ramaphosa to be the Chief Guest at Republic Day celebrations 2019 : South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be the Chief Guest at the 2019 Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.Ramaphosa's visit will further cement business and people to people ties between India and South Africa. Since 1950, India has been hosting head of state or government of another country as the state guest of honour for Republic Day  (26-January)celebrations in New Delhi.

3. Asia Pacific Summit-2018 begins in Kathmandu : Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli has inaugurated the two-dayAsia Pacific Summit-2018 in Kathmandu, Nepal.The theme of Summit is "Addressing the Critical Challenges of Our Time: Interdependence, Mutual Prosperity, and Universal Values".Around 1500 participants from 45 countries, including India, attending the summit.

4.  Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador sworn in as Mexico president : Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (65-year) has been sworn in as the new Mexican President.Lopez Obrador also reaffirmed his intentions to sell Mexico's official presidential plane, to not live in the presidential palace.He has announced his intention to promote a recall referendum during his administration, adding the promise that he will never seek re-election.

5. 2nd December: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery : The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery organized every year on 2nd December by the United Nations General Assembly.The Day was first celebrated in 1986.The Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others was approved by the United Nations General Assembly on December 2, 1949.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. GST collection for November stands at Rs. 97,637 cr : According to an official release, The GST collection in the month of November 2018 stood at 97 thousand and 637 crore rupees (in October-crossed one lakh crore rupees.).Out of the total GST collection, the CGST collection is 16 thousand and 812 crore rupees.SGST is over 23 thousand crore rupees while IGST collection stood at 49 thousand and 726 crore rupees.

Daily GK Updates - 1st December. 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  World AIDS day being observed today : World Aids Day is being celebrated every year on 1^st December (since 1988) to raise public awareness about Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).The theme of 2018 Aids Day is ‘Know your status’.It is a pandemic disease caused due to the infection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).As per the data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) till 2017, AIDS has killed between 28.9 million and 41.5 million people worldwide.

2. Nagaland celebrates 55th formation Day : Nagaland state is celebrating its 55th formation day.On 1st December 1963, Nagaland became the 16th state of India. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated 19th 'Hornbill Festival' in Nagaland.The key economic activity of the state is Agriculture and the main crops include – rice, corn, millets, pulses, oilseeds, etc.The state shares its borders with the state of Assam to the west, Arunachal Pradesh to the North, Manipur to the South and Burma to the east.

3.  Border Security Force celebrating its 54th Raising Day : The Border Security Force is celebrating its 54th formation day on 1st December 2018.India's Border Security Force (First Line of Defence of Indian Territories) was formed in 1^st December 1965, after the Indo-Pak and India-China wars.With 186 battalions and over 2.57 lakhs military personnel, the BSF is the largest border security unit in the world.Senior IPS officers Rajni Kant Misra (1984-batch IPS officer-Uttar Pradesh cadre) is the present Director General of BSF.

4. Armed Forces Week being celebrated from 1 to 7 Dec : Defence Ministry Nirmala Sitharaman has launched the Armed Forces Week from 1st– 7th December 2018.The objective is to encourage citizens to make financial contributions to the families of war heroes and to pay respects to the brave sons and daughters of our nation.The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed annually in India on 7^thDecember since 1949.

5. Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates the 13th edition of CII Agro Tech India - 2018 : The President Shri Ram NathKovind has inaugurated the 13^th edition of CII Agro Tech India-2018 in Chandigarh.A total of 195 exhibitors (including 37 foreign exhibitors from 8 countries) will participate in the expo. The expo is one of the biggest confluences of stakeholders from agriculture and allied sectors. The UK is a partner country at the CII Agrotech this year

6. Nitin Gadkari inaugurates the second edition of Khasdar Mahotsav in Nagpur : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has inaugurated the second edition of Khasdar Mahotsav at the Ishwar Deshmukh College of Physical Education in Nagpur.According to Mr Gadkari, It is an attempt to provide our next generation with better infrastructure like roads, homes, education, skill development and make them aware of our rich cultural heritage.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India to Chair Kimberley Process from 1st January 2019 : The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) Plenary 2018 was held in Brussels, Belgium.EU handed over the Chairmanship of KPCS to India from1st January 2019. The 4-day Plenary also witnessed discussion on environmental challenges in diamond mining and industry responsibility. During the Plenary session, India held bilateral meetings with Botswana, USA, Russian Federation & World Diamond Council to discuss on various issues related to KPCS and its working group

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.India's economy grows at 7.1% for 2nd part of 2018-19 : According to data released by the Central Statistics Office, India's economy grew at 7.1% for the second quarter of 2018-19.The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at constant prices had grown at 6.35 in the July-September quarter of the last fiscal.The CSO estimates state that GDP at constant prices was 33.98 lakh crore rupees for the second quarter this fiscal, which is a marked increase from 31.72 lakh crore rupees for the same period in 2017-18

SPORTS:

1. Abhinav Bindra conferred with shooting’s highest honour by ISSF : India’s lone individual Olympic gold medallist, shooter Abhinav Bindra(36-year) has been conferred the sport’s highest honour for his outstanding services as the chairman of the International Shooting Sports Federation’s Athletes Committee.He was a member of the ISSF Athletes Committee (from 2010 to 2014) and chairman (2014 to 2018).He has been bestowed with the Blue Cross (the ISSF’s highest award).Bindra succeeded in the post by the Kimberly Rhode (legendary American shooter).

2. Wrestling Federation of India rolls out contracts system for wrestlers : According to WFI President Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has rolled out its revolutionary contracts system for the grapplers.The wrestlers have been placed in four Grades. The contracts will be reviewed after one year.

Daily GK Updates - 30th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the book “Making of New India” : President Shri Ram Nath Kovind received the first copy of the book “Making of New India: Transformation under Modi Government”, from Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Shri Arun Jaitley.Mr. Jaitley formally released it at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.This book contains fifty-one essays on themes ranging from economy to diplomacy, education to public health.

2. 8 more States achieve 100% household electrification under Saubhagya scheme : According to Power Minister R K Singh, Eight more States have achieved 100% household electrification under Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya).The states are Madhya Pradesh, Tripua, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Sikkim, Telangana and West Bengal.With this, a total of 15 States in the country have 100% household electrification.Around 2.1 crore connections have been released under Saubhagya so far.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President of India Inaugurates the 2nd International Ambedkar Conclave : The President Shri Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the 2nd International Ambedkar Conclave in New Delhi.This International Ambedkar Conclave is a part of the commemoration of Constitution Day.The Conclave is being organised by the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians and the Dr Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce.

2. Air forces of the US & India to hold joint exercise 'Cope India 2019' : Air forces of the United States and India will participate in a 12-day joint exercise 'Cope India 2019' at two air force stations in West Bengal.The exercise will be held from 3rd to 14th December at Air Station Kalaikunda and Air Station Arjan Singh (Panagarh).The exercise showcases the efforts and commitment of the two nationsto a free and open Indo-Pacific region.The Cope India exercise is being held after a gap of eight years, with the last one having taken place in 2010.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.  Electronics company LG Brian Kwon as mobile business President : resident of LG’s Home Entertainment Company Brian Kwon will leader the Mobile Communications (MC) Company.Current president Hwang Jeong-hwan will focus fully on as head of LG’s Convergence Business Development Office.It comes after LG’s mobile business posted a loss of USD 410 million this year, including a USD130.5 million net loss in the last quarter

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. NASA's InSight spacecraft successfully lands on Mars after a six-month journey : NASA's robotic InSight lander successfully landed on Red Planet Mars after the six-month journey.The spacecraft has been designed to dig deep into the rocky surface of the Mars to reveal its secrets.The lander sent signals indicating that its solar panels are open and collecting sunlight on the Martian surface.The Insight lander touched down near Mars' equator on the western side of a flat, smooth expanse of lava called Elysium Planitia.

SPORTS:

1. Magnus Carlsen wins the World Chess Championship 2018 : Current World champion Norwegian Magnus Carlsen (26-year-old) beat American Fabiano Caruana 3-0 and regain his World Chess Championship title-2018 in London, England.Rapid chess was used as a tie-breaker, with Carlsen winning three consecutive games.Carlsen won USD 625,000 as the winner, and Caruana received USD 511,400 as the runner-up.

Daily GK Updates - 29th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Arvind Saxena appointed UPSC chairman : Shri Arvind Saxena (1978-batch - Indian Postal Service officer) has been appointed as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).Earlier, Mr. Saxena has been performing duties of the post of acting Chairman, UPSC (Since 20^th June 2018). The term of Mr. Saxena appointment will be till 7^th August,2020(attains the age-65 years), or till further orders.

2. A.M. Naik appointed as Chairman of National Skill Development Corporation : The Group Chairman of Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) Shri A.M. Naik has been appointed as the Chairman of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.NSDC has developed a unique model combining skill development with strong industry partnerships.Shri Naik was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his outstanding contribution to the economic growth of the country.

3. UGC to set up a consortium for approved journals : The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to set up a Consortium of Academic and Research Ethics (CARE) which will prepare a fresh list of credible quality journals in the non-science disciplines.According to commission, the percentage of research articles published in poor quality journals is reported to be high in India which has adversely affected its image.Members of CARE will prepare lists of quality journals in their respective disciplines within a defined timeframe.

4. Himachal Pradesh first state to launch pan-India single emergency number :

The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has launched the India’s first Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.All emergency numbers, including 100 (for police), 101 (for fire), 102 (for ambulance) and disaster response have been integrated into countrywide one number, 112.

5. Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport to be renamed after Vajpayee : The Uttarakhand government has decided to rename the Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.The proposal to rename the airport was approved by the state cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.The cabinet also gave its nod to the setting up of the Uttarakhand State Agency For Public Services to ensure time-bound delivery of services and redressal of complaints.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Commemoration Day being observed across UAE today : Commemoration Day being observed across UAE in recognition of the sacrifice and dedication of Emirati martyrs who have given their lives in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service.It is a day to remember and honour those who gave their lives for their country. According to Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan), Commemoration Day is a national occasion to remember the ultimate sacrifice of the noblest sons of the United Arab Emirates who gave up their lives for the glory of this great nation, to defend its security and interests.

2. Donbass wins the Golden Peacock at IFFI 2018: Donbass’ has won the coveted Golden Peacock Award at the 49thInternational Film Festival of India (IFFI). The Golden Peacock Award carries a cash prize of Rs 40 lakhs to be shared equally between the Producer and the Director (Sergei Loznitsa), Trophy and the citation.Donbass tells the story of a hybrid war taking place in a region of Eastern Ukraine, involving an open armed conflict alongside killings and robberies perpetrated on a mass scale by separatist gangs.

3. PM Narendra Modi to take part in the 13th G-20 summit : The Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Buenos Aires (Capital of Argentina) to take part in the 13th G-20 summit.The theme of the summit is ‘Building Consensus for a Fair and Sustainable Development’.During the G20 summit, India will highlight the need for reformed multilateralism which reflects the contemporary realities and can effectively strengthen collective action for global good.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Finance Minister to present interim Budget for 2019-20 fiscal on 1st February 2019 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will present the interim Budget for 2019-20 fiscal on 1st of February next year.The work for preparation of interim Budget has already commenced and is now gaining momentum.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. ISRO launches India's first hyperspectral imaging satellite : The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) reliable workhorse PSLV-C43 rocket successfully lifted off with earth observation satellite HysIS (hyperspectral imaging satellite) along with 30 foreign satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Prades.The 30 commercial satellites (1 micro and 29 nano) from eight countries, combined weight is 261.5 kg.HysIS can provide hyperspectral imaging capabilities for a variety of purposes, including agriculture and forestry.

Daily GK Updates - 28th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Suresh Prabhu launches ‘logo’ and 'Brochure' of Logix India : The Union Minister ‘Suresh Prabhu’ has launched the ‘logo’ and ‘brochure’ of ‘Logix India 2019’ in New Delhi.The three-day (31^st Jan to 2^nd Feb 2019) mega logistics event is being organized by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) to improve logistics cost effectiveness and operational efficiencies for India’s global trade.FIEO will also focus on investment opportunities in infrastructure development, warehouse consolidation, technology integration and IT enablement and skilling of manpower.India ranked 44th in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index 2018.As per the Economic Survey 2017-18, India’s logistics industry which is worth around USD 160 billion is likely to touch USD 215 billion in the next two years.

2. ADB to provide 75 mn loan for water supply project in Karnataka : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a USD 75 million loan for a water supply project in four coastal towns of Karnataka.The project would ensure round the clock water supply in four towns (Kundapura, Mangalore Puttur and Udupi).The objective of the water supply project to improve urban water resourceiit management in selected river basins in Karnataka through modernisation and expansion of urban water supply and sanitation infrastructure

3. Arunachal to host first Literature Festival : The first edition of ‘Arunachal Literature Festival’ is being organized at Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre in Itanagar (28 to 30th November).The theme of the Arunachal Literature Festival is ‘building bridges through literature’.Renowned writers and poets will be participating from all over the country during the festival.The festival organized by the State Information and Public Relation Department ((IPR).

4. Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi flag off the 2nd Edition of HAUSLA Sports Meet in New Delhi : The Union Minister Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi flag off the HAUSLA-2018 Sports Meet at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.The HAUSLA- 2018’ sports meet is part of various events like painting competition, athletics meet, football, chess competition and speech writing.According to Maneka Gandhi, the union government has provided platforms like ChildLine, e-Box for raising their grievance of any kind pertaining to child sexual abuse and harassment.

5.  Kiren Rijiju inaugurates 14th formation Day of NDMA : The Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju has inaugurated the 14th Formation Day of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in New Delhi.The theme of this year’s Formation Day is ‘Early Warning for Disasters’.NDMA also released training manual for masons on Hazard-Resistant Construction and “Gujarat floods 2017: A Case Study”

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nepal govt launches Social Security Scheme : Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has launched a Social Security Scheme for formal sector workers of the country in Kathmandu.It was very necessary to strengthen the system in which the government is accountable to its people.People of all ages and categories would be included in the scheme.The new social security scheme is contribution based and it will cover health and medical facilities, safe motherhood, accident and physical incapacity security, security to dependent family members and security at old age.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. BCCI announces two-year ban for age frauds : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced doubling of the ban for age frauds in cricketers sport.According to BCCI, any cricketer who is found guilty of tampering his/her date of birth will be disqualified and barred from participating in any BCCI tournament for a period of 2 years.Earlier, a cricketer faced a ban of one year.

OBITUARIES:

1.  Singer Mohammed Aziz passes away : Well-known singer ‘Mohammed Aziz’ (64-year) passed away in Mumbai.Mohammed Aziz recorded over 20,000 songs in his three-decade-long career.Some of Aziz’s famous songs include, "Mard Taangewala" (first break in Bollywood) 'Imli Ka Boota', 'Aap Ke Aa Jaane Se', 'Ek Dusre Se Karte Hai Pyar Hum’, 'Roz Roz Aankhon Tale', 'Aankhon Hi Aankhon Main', 'Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka' and 'My Name is Lakhan'.Mohammed Aziz made his singing debut with Bengali film 'Jyoti'.

2. Oscar-Winning Director Bernardo Bertolucci passes away : Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci (77-year) passed away at his home in Rome(Itley).Bertolucci won Oscars with “The Last Emperor” and whose erotic drama “Last Tango in Paris” enthralled and shocked the world

Daily GK Updates - 27th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sunil Arora appointed new Chief Election Commissioner : Election Commissioner 62-years-old Sunil Arora (1980-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre) has been appointed the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Mr Arora (take over on 2^nd December) succeeds the incumbent CEC Mr Om Prakash Rawat (retired on Saturday). He has worked in ministries such as finance, textiles and the Planning Commission. Arora has graduate (BA Honours) and postgraduate (MA) degrees in English from Panjab University in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

2. Vice President lays foundation stone for Kartarpur corridor : Vice President of India Sri Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone of the Dera Baba Nanak - Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in an event at Mann village of Gurdaspur district of Punjab, India.The corridor will connect ‘Dera Baba Nanak’ (in Gurdaspur district-India) to the ‘Gurdwara Darbar Sahib’ (in Kartarpur in Narowal district of Pakistan).The corridor will provide smooth and easy passage to Sikh pilgrims to visit ‘Gurdwara Darbar Sahib’ in Pakistan throughout the year (completed by 23^rd November 2019).

3. Government to set up National Sports Stadium for differently-abled in Meghalaya : According to Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot, A stadium of international standard for differently-abled persons (estimated cost of over Rs 200 crore) will be set up in Meghalaya.The decision was taken after Conrad Sangma (Meghalaya Chief Minister) came forward with the proposal and provided 50 acres of land for the same.The stadium is expected to be completed before National Games 2022.

4. National festival for CCI children ‘HAUSLA-2018’ inaugurated in New Delhi :The Shri Rakesh Srivastava (the Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development)  has inaugurated the four-day National Festival for Children of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) ‘Hausla 2018’ in New Delhi.'Hausla 2018' has seen the participation of more than 600 children from CCIs across 18 states.The theme for the event is 'child safety'.The objective of the event was to provide a national platform to the children from CCIs to showcase their talent, realise their hidden talents and to take it forward in their lives.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Monaco to host 2019 Laureus awards in February : The 19th edition of Laureus World Sports Awards will be held in Monacoon 18^th February 2019.The Laureus World Sports Awards (considered ‘Oscars of sports) celebrate global sporting achievements across the calendar year.Last year, tennis great Roger Federer won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award for a record fifth time.Serena Williams won the Sportswoman of the Year recognition for the fourth time.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Centre & ADB sign 200 million USD loan pact to upgrade state highways in Bihar : The Union Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a 200 million USD loan agreement to finance widening and upgrading of about 230 Kilometers State Highways in Bihar.The agreement was signed by Sameer Kumar Khare (Additional Secretary in the Finance Ministry) and Rajeev P. Singh (Officer-in-Charge of ADB's India Resident Mission) in New Delhi. This loan will help the State government to upgrade all State Highwaysto meet the minimum two-lane standard with better surfaces and improved road safety.

2. Microsoft surpasses Apple to become the most valuable US Company :Microsoft has become the most valuable US company with USD 753.3 billion in market capitalization, past Apple (USD 746.8 billion) for the first time since 2010.Currently, Amazon with USD 736.6 billion is at third and Alphabet (the parent company of Google) with USD 725.5 billion is at the fourth spot.Now, the investors are betting big on companies with robust Cloud services and software services which are witnessing an increased demand.

SPORTS:

1. The inaugural ceremony of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 held in Bhubaneswar : The opening ceremony of the 14th edition of Men's Hockey World Cup (HWC) held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.Around 1,100 artists, star actors Shahrukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit and AR Rahman (music composer) have performed at the ceremony.Meanwhile, matches for the World Cup will commence at Kalinga Stadium from tomorrow.

Daily GK Updates - 26th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 26th November: National Milk Day : The National Milk Day (NMD) has been observed on 26th Novemberacross India to mark the birth anniversary of the Father of the White Revolution Dr. Verghese Kurien.The idea of observing National Milk Day was first mooted by Indian Dairy Association (IDA) in 2014 on the lines of World Milk Day that is observed on 1st June every year under the aegis of UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).Dr. Kurien he was conferred with many accolades such as Ramon Magsaysay Award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Krishi Ratna, World Food Prize, Padma Vibhushan, etc.

2.  26th November: Constitution Day being Celebrated : The Constitution Day in India is being celebrated every year on 26th of November.The constitution of India (supreme law of India) was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th of November 1949 and came into force on 26th January in 1950.The day is celebrated to value and preserve the rich heritage of composite culture and to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.

3. Andhra Pradesh Government launched Bhuseva and Bhudaar web portal : Andhra Pradesh Government has launched ‘Bhuseva’ and ‘Bhudaar’ web portal through which people can view land records online.People can get land record online through these portals using Aadhaar card.The Bhudaar security policy was also launched to provide security to the land records of farmers.The Bhudaar card can be generated by the landowner or property owner from Bhuseva web portal.

4. President pays tribute to 26/11 Mumbai Attack Victims :  President Ram Nath Kovind on November 26, 2018 paid tributes to the victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on its 10th anniversary.  In a tweet, the President said that ten years after the Mumbai terror attacks, his thoughts were with families and individuals who suffered.  He also added saying that the country salutes those from the police and security forces who made the supreme sacrifice that day and that India remains honour-bound to securing justice and defeating terrorism. 

5. Dehradun airport to be renamed after Vajpayee : The Uttarakhand government on November 25, 2018 decided to rename the Dehradun airport after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpaye.  The proposal to rename the Jolly Grant airport after Vajpayee was approved by the state cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. The cabinet also gave its nod to the setting up of the Uttarakhand State Agency For Public Services to ensure time-bound delivery of services and redressal of complaints. The cabinet cleared a total of 27 proposals, including convening a three-day Winter Session of the Assembly from December 4

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. IFFI nominates 12 movies for ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal : The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has nominated 12 movies for this year’s International Council for Film, Television and Audio-visual Communication (ICFT) UNESCO Gandhi Medal.  Of these 12 films, two are from India and the rest are foreign movies. The two Indian movies competing for the honour are Tamil film ‘Baaram’ and Ladakhi movie ‘Walking with the Wind’.

2. Sri Lanka's SC forms bench to decide upon President’s proclamation :  Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has constituted a seven-judge bench to decide upon President’s proclamation to dissolve the parliament. A three-judge bench of Supreme Court had earlier issued stay order after several parties filed petitions against dissolving of Parliament and further hearing will be held next week to decide upon the matter.  Another court of appeal has decided to take up the petition of Quo Warranto filed by 122 MPs challenging Mahinda Rajapaksa’s authority to hold the office of Prime Minister on November 30, 2018 after a no-confidence motion was passed in Parliament against him. 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Bhavani Devi wins gold in Senior Commonwealth Fencing Championship : India's Bhavani Devi (first Indian) has won the gold medal in the Sabre event in the Senior Commonwealth Fencing Championship 2018 in Canberra, Australia. She defeated England's Emily Ruaux 15-12 in the final. Earlier, Bhavani Devi won a silver medal in the Tournoi Satellite Fencing Championship in Iceland.

2. Sameer Verma retains the Syed Modi International C'ships title : Ace Indian shuttler Sameer Verma has clinched the Men's Singles title of Syed Modi International Badminton Championships against Guangzu Lu (China), to retain the title. With this win, Verma sealed his spot in the BWF World Tour Finals. Men’s doubles pair of Satwik Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and women’s doubles players Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy also settled for silver in their respective finals.

OBITUARIES:

1. Former Union Minister Ambareesh passes away :  Kannada actor and politician Ambareesh passed away on November 24, 2018 due to cardiac arrest, sources said. He was 66. A former Union minister, Ambareesh was rushed to a private hospital at around 9 pm after he complained of breathing problems and died shortly thereafter. He is a three-time Lok Sabha member and also a former state minister, had not been keeping well in recent years. He is survived by actress Sumalatha and a son.Known as a "rebel star", Ambareesh had acted in over 200 films and had carved a niche for himself in the Kannada film industry.