Daily GK Updates - 7th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. GoI launched National Clean Air Programme: The Central Government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner. The government is targeting to achieve 20 per cent to 30 per cent reduction in Particulate Matter PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration. Under NCAP, 102 non-attainment cities have been identified based on ambient air quality data for the period 2011 – 2015 and WHO report 2014 – 2018.

Note: Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Prakash Javadekar.

2. Telangana CM releases book on Kaleswaram project: Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao has released a book in Telugu on ‘Kaleswaram Project — Telangana’s chariot of Progress’ authored by Officer on Special Duty, Irrigation to the Chief Minister, Sridhar Rao Deshpande. The author explained in detail the efforts of Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao right from the conception of project and research done by using Google earth software and data of water flow from Central Water Commission in his book.

Note: Telangana CM: K Chandrashekhar Rao; Capital: Hyderabad

3. Assam govt sets up Anti-Depredation squads: The Assam government has set up 15 Anti-Depredation Squads of the Forest department to deal with human-wildlife conflicts in the state. The anti-depredation squads will be stationed in 15 major human-wildlife conflict districts of the state to deal with the problem and ensure the safety of both humans and animals. The Forest Department has engaged specially trained 50 front line staff to handle conflict situations with 100 more staff to be trained in the coming days. The anti-depredation squads will be equipped with all logistics required for mitigating the conflict. The squads will have 12 bore pump action guns and rubber bullet ammunition.

Note: Assam Capital: Dispur, CM: Sarbananda Sonowal, Governor: Jagdish Mukhi.

4. Retired IPS K. Vijay Kumar appointed senior security advisor in MHA: Retired IPS officer K Vijay Kumar has been appointed as a senior security advisor in the Union Home Ministry. He was former Advisor to the governor erstwhile state of Jammu &Kashmir. The 1975 batch officer of Indian Police Service will "advise the ministry on security-related matters of Union Territory of J&K and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected States. Kumar has served as Director-General of CRPF, Director of National Police Academy in Hyderabad and his most talked-about stint was as the chief of the Tamil Nadu police special task force that killed forest brigand Veerappan in 2004. After his retirement from service and as DG, CRPF in 2012, Kumar was appointed as senior security advisor LWE in the Home Ministry then headed by Rajnath Singh.

5. Aberdeen in Andaman and Nicobar Islands adjudged best police station in Country: Union Home Ministry released the list of ten best-performing Police stations in the country. Aberdeen Police station in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ranks first in the list while Balasinor police station in Gujarat secured the second rank while and Ajk Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh got the 3rd position. The ranking of police stations came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the DGPs conference in 2015 in Kutch of Gujarat, had directed that parameters should be laid down for grading police stations and assessing their performance based on feedback. The ranking of the top ten Police Stations out of over 15 thousand 500 Police Stations in the country was done through data analysis, direct observation, and public feedback.

6. Armed Forces Flag Day: 7 December: The Armed Forces Flag Day (Flag Day of India) is being observed annually in India on 7th December (since 1949). The objective of the day honours the martyrs as well as men and women in uniform, who valiantly fight on our borders to safeguard the country’s honour. Over the years, it has become a tradition to commemorate this day as an honour to the soldiers, sailors and airmen of India.

7. J&K govt approves Leave Travel Concession in favour of its employees: Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) in favour of its employees. The move is to benefit more than 3.5 lakh, regular government employees. The rules as per the notification shall be deemed to have come into force from the date of 31st of October 2019 and had been entitled as Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 2019.

Note: Lieutenant (Lt) Governors of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K): Girish Chandra Murmu.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India-Bangladesh ties transcend strategic partnership: The ties between India and Bangladesh for transcend strategic partnership. The multidimensional relationship between the two countries covers not only traditional areas like trade, commerce, security and border management but also new areas such as IT, space and nuclear science among others. India is a committed development partner of Bangladesh with a credit line worth 8 billion US dollars of which 80% is earmarked for infrastructure and connectivity sector.

Note: India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh: Riva Ganguly Das.

Bangladesh Capital: Dhaka; Currency: Bangladeshi taka; Prime minister: Sheikh Hasina

2. International Civil Aviation Day: 7 December: The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day globally. The theme of this year Civil Aviation Day is “75 Years of Connecting the World”. The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States, and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.

Note: International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994 as part of ICAO’s initiative and with the assistance of the Canadian Government.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. NEFT transactions to be made 24×7 from December 16: The Reserve Bank of India announced round-the-clock transactions will be allowed 24×7 facility under the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system on all days including weekends and holidays from December 16. These transactions after the usual banking hours are set to be automated initiated using ‘Straight Through Processing (STP)’ modes by the banks. The existing discipline for crediting the beneficiary’s account or returning the transaction within 2 hours of settlement to the originating bank will also continue. The RBI had in August announced that all NEFT transfer facility would be made available 24x7 for customers by December. The first settlement would take place after 00:30 hours on December 16, 2019.

Note: RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das, Headquarters: Mumbai, Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

2. CPPIB to invest $600 mn via National Investment and Infrastructure Fund: The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) of India and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) have agreed for CPPIB to invest up to $600 million through the NIIF Master Fund. The agreement includes a commitment of $150 million in the NIIF Master Fund and co-investment rights of up to $450 million in future opportunities to invest alongside the NIIF Master Fund. The fund also has co-investment rights of $3 billion from global and domestic investors, which will allow NIIF write larger cheques for single infrastructure deals Post the funding, CPPIB will become a shareholder in NIIF’s investment management company

Note: National Investment and Infrastructure Fund of India MD and CEO: Sujoy Bose.

The NIIF Master Fund invests equity capital in core infrastructure sectors in India, with a focus on transportation, energy and urban infrastructure. NIIF was set up in 2015 along the lines of a sovereign wealth fund with 49% equity held by the Union government and the rest by foreign and domestic investors.

3. IEPFA signs MOU with Bank of Baroda for Investor Awareness: Investor Education & Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bank of Baroda (BoB) to spread customer awareness and investor education and reaching out to investors and stakeholders. As per the agreement, 9,456 BoB branches will exhibit IEPFA posters on investor protection & 3,115 ATMs (Automated Teller Machine) and Cash Recyclers supported by self-service channels will feature digital banners on IEPFA.

Note: Bank of Baroda (BoB) Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat; Non-Executive Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia.

In 2016, the Government of India established the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the provisions of section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. National Florence Nightingale awards 2019: President of India conferred 36 awardees with the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2019 at an event in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The award was given to Late Lini Sajeesh from Kozhikode, Kerala, who died while on duty caring for a Nipah (NiV) virus-infected patient in Kerala. The award was received by her spouse Sajeesh. Other 35 awardees were Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Lady Health Visitors (LHVs), and nurses from different states and Union Territories (UT). The Nurses were awarded for their enthusiasm and compassion towards their work in community health centres and hospitals and also their involvement in national health programmes like eradication of polio, malaria and HIV/AIDS.

Note: May 12 is observed as the International Day of Nurses.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the year 2020 as the Year of Nurse and Midwife. The year 2020 also marks the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, after whom the awards have been named. Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing and has done exemplary work in the nursing field. The Florence Nightingale award was established in the year 1973 by the Government of India to commemorate the exemplary work done by nurses.

2. Ripu Daman Bevli will be the “Plogging Ambassador of India” on 50th Fit India Plogging Run: Ripu Daman Bevli was appointed as Plogging Ambassador of India by Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) on the 50th Fit India Plogging Run held in Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The minister also launched the Plogging Ambassador Mission to nominate Indians who have been running and cleaning their cities, towns or districts as Plogging Ambassadors of their region. Fit India Plogging Run was launched on October 2 which is a unique way of picking up garbage while jogging and was added to the Fit India Movement as a unique way of combining cleanliness and fitness. Bevli, who started plogging in 2017, started the Fit India Plogging Run with the aim to make India litter-free. Belvi and his team have cleaned up 50 cities and covered over 1000km in about 2 months, collecting 2.7 tonnes of garbage.

Daily GK Updates - 6th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India’s 1st HAM project in “Sewerage Sector” inaugurated in Haridwar: Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the 14 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) in Sarai village near Haridwar in the presence of Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The Sarai STP is “the first-ever project in the country on a hybrid annuity PPP model (HAM)”. 34 STPs are being built in Uttarakhand at a cost of Rs 1,144 crore, besides crematoria and ghats on the Ganga. Of these, 23 have been completed. Once all the STPs become operational, there will be “considerable improvement in the water quality of Ganga”.

Note: Capital of Uttarakhand: Dehradun; Governor: Baby Rani Maurya.

2. Goa hosts 2nd edition of Startup India Global Venture Capital Summit 2019: The Startup India Global Venture Capital Summit-2019 (2nd edition) has been started in Goa for Fund Managers and Limited Partners of Top Global Venture Capital Firms. The theme for Startup India Global Venture Capital Summit 2019 ‘India Opportunity: Investing in tomorrow together’. The event will be organized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in partnership with Government of Goa. The key objectives of the Summit are to show India’s opportunity in the sectors of E-Mobility, FinTech, MedTech, Enterprise Software, EdTech, Genomics and Lifesciences.

3. Piyush Goyal inaugurates 3rd edition of National Public Procurement Conclave: Commerce and Industry Minister inaugurated the 3rd edition of National Public Procurement Conclave in New Delhi. The two-day conclave has been organized by Government e-Marketplace (GeM) in association with Confederation of Indian Industry. GeM epitomizes the speed, skill and scale which is essential in an e-marketplace platform. GeM rests on the three pillars of openness, fairness and inclusiveness and is a symbol of a truly transparent e-marketplace. During this conclave, a road map for the future of GeM will be put in place that will unify all government procurement, across all Ministries and Departments.

Note: Union Commerce and Industry Minister: Piyush Goyal.

4. IIT researchers to create ‘Gandhipedia’: The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) and IIT (Indian Institutes of Technology) Gandhinagar and Kharagpur, have joined hands to develop Gandhipedia, an online repository of books, letters and speeches written by Mahatma Gandhi, to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary. The entire project will be done with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI). In the first phase, over 40 books written by Mahatma Gandhi will be digitised and indexed and their portions which are to be completed by March 2020, and the remaining four phases will be worked on till March 2024. The aim of Gandhipedia is to reconstruct and remember the inspiring works of Mahatma Gandhi.

Note: National Council of Science Museums Director-General: A. D. Choudhury; Founded: 4 April 1978; Headquarters: Kolkata, India; Parent Organization: Ministry of Culture.

5. Govt sanctions Rs 100 cr to set up women help desks in police stations: Union Home Ministry has sanctioned a sum 100 crore rupees from Nirbhaya Fund for setting up and strengthening of Women Help Desks in Police Stations of States and Union Territories (UT). The Help Desks would focus on making the Police Stations more women-friendly and approachable. They would be the first and single point of contact for any woman walking into a police station. Essentially, lady police officers would be deployed at these help desks. These help desks would have enlisted panel of experts like lawyers, psychologists and NGOs to facilitate legal aid, counselling, shelter, rehabilitation and training.

Note: Nirbhaya Fund was announced by the Finance Minister (then FM P. Chidambaram) in his 2013 budget speech, with Government contribution of Rs. 1000 Crores for empowerment, safety and security of women and girl children. The Fund is administered by the Department of Economic Affairs of the finance ministry.

6. Country's first aqua lab to be set up in Dehradun: State forest minister Shri Harak Singh Rawat laid the foundation stone of India’s first Ganga centralised aqua lab at Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The aqua labs will be set up under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). Tributaries of river Ganga such as Gomti, Betwa, Kosi will be scientifically studied and their biological components will be preserved in the lab.

7. Nation pays homage to Dr BR Ambedkar on his 64th Mahaparinirvan Diwas: The nation is paying homage to Bharat Ratna Dr BR Ambedkar on his 64th Mahaparinirvan Diwas (death anniversary) on 6 December. He was popularly known as Babasaheb Ambedkar and everyone knows that he was one of the architects of the Indian Constitution. He was a very well-known political leader, eminent jurist, Buddhist activist, philosopher, anthropologist, historian, orator, writer, economist, scholar and editor, too. He is a leader who dedicated his life to eradicating social inequality in India. Dr Ambedkar (also known as the Father of the Indian Constitution) died on 6th December 1956.

Note: What is Mahaparinirvan? Parinirvan is one of the major principles and goals of Buddhism.

As per the Buddhist text (i.e. Mahaparinibbana Sutta) the death of Lord Buddha at the age of 80 is considered as the original ‘Mahaparinirvan’.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NATO Summit 2019 in Watford, United Kingdom: The United Kingdom(UK) hosted two days organised 2019 NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Summit in London. The year 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the summit. It was attended by NATO leaders and chaired by NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg. The purpose of the summit was to make the heads of state and heads of government of NATO member countries to evaluate and provide strategic direction for Alliance activities.

Note: Member countries of NATO: 29; Founded: 4 April 1949; Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.

2. Upender Singh Rawat appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Costa Rica: Senior diplomat Upender Singh Rawat (Indian Foreign Service 1998 batch) has been concurrently accredited as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Costa Rica. Presently Mr Rawat is Ambassador of India to the Republic of Panama. Shri Anjani Kumar (IFS: 2003) has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Mali.

Note: Republic of Mali Capital: Bamako; Currency: West African CFA franc

Republic of Costa Rica Capital: San José; Currency: Costa Rican colón

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. 1st time India’s forex reserves cross $450 billion: The country’s foreign exchange reserves crossed the $450-billion mark for the first time ever on the back of strong inflows which enabled the central bank to buy dollars from the market, thus checking any sharp appreciation of the rupee. India’s foreign exchange reserves were at $451.7 billion on December 3, 2019, an increase of $38.8 billion over end-March 2019. The Reserve Bank has always maintained that it intervenes in the foreign exchange market to curb volatility and does not target a particular level of the exchange rate.

2. HDFC ERGO launches my: health Woman Suraksha policy: HDFC ERGO general insurance company, India’s third-largest non-life insurance provider in the private sector, has launched “my: health Woman Suraksha policy”, a comprehensive medical insurance scheme specially designed for women. The my:health Woman Suraksha policy is specially designed to cover women against numerous illnesses and contingencies they may face during their lifetime, thereby providing financial aid in case of medical contingencies. The benefits include fitness discount at renewals, specially designed preventive health check-ups after every renewal and wellness services like health coaching, nutrition and weight management services, discounts at pharmacies, etc. It also provides counselling on stress management, pregnancy care, work-life balance, etc which is much needed by today’s new age women. This policy is offered to women between 18-65 years of age and offers a sum insured ranging from Rs. 1 lakh to 1 crore.

Note: HDFC ERGO MD & CEO: Ritesh Kumar; Founded: 2002; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

3. BlackBuck partners with IDFC Bank, Yes Bank to offer free FASTags to truckers: The Online trucking platform BlackBuck has partnered with private lenders IDFC Bank and Yes Bank to provide FASTags to truck owners free of cost. Truck owners can order FASTags on BlackBuck’s Boss App, a digital services platform exclusively for truck fleet owners, and it will be delivered at their doorstep free of cost until December 31, 2019. The initiative is expected to help over 3 million trucks in India become FASTag compliant.

Note: IDFC Bank MD & CEO: V. Vaidyanathan; HDFC Tagline: Always You First.

Yes Bank MD & CEO: Ravneet Gill; Yes Bank Tagline: Experience our Expertise.

4. Razorpay recognized as 'Most Innovative Payment Start-Up' At IFTA 2019: Razorpay, the neo-banking platform, successfully added three more accolades to its bouquet at the India FinTech Awards (IFTA) 2019, organised by India Fintech Forum in association with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The company won awards for the 'Most Innovative Payment Start-up' and 'Most Innovative Fintech Product' for its neo-banking product, RazorpayX. The CEO and Co-founder, Harshil Mathur was also honoured at the event as the 'Fintech Leader of the Year'.

Note: IFTA is a platform that celebrates and recognises the leaders and organizations for their contribution to the payments and technology domain.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. UNICEF honours Priyanka Chopra with ‘Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award’: Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has been awarded the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award from UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) at the Snowflake Ball in New York. Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg (UNICEF's first Goodwill Ambassador) handed over the award to the actor. Priyanka Chopra is quite active not only in the entertainment and fashion world but also in social work. Priyanka Chopra has been associated with UNICEF for the past 15 years as a Goodwill Ambassador.

2. Shilpa Shetty App” wins in 2019 Google Play Awards: Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty’s fitness and wellness application ‘Shilpa Shetty App’ has been awarded Google Play’s Best Apps of 2019 in the ‘Personal Growth’ category. Google has announced the winners of Google Play's Best of 2019 awards selecting the best across apps, games, ebooks, movies, and audiobooks of the year.

Best App of 2019 - Ablo

Best Game of 2019 - Call of Duty: Mobile

Google Play User's Choice 2019 Awards:

App: Video Editor - Glitch Video Effects

Game: Call of Duty: Mobile

Movie: Marvel Studios' Avengers Endgame

Ebook: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

3. Roger Federer first living Swiss to have a coin minted in his honour: Tennis legend Roger Federer (38-years) is set to become the first living person in Switzerland to have a coin minted in his honour. Swiss mint has announced that it would honour Roger Federer by releasing 20 Swiss francs (USD 20.06) silver commemorative coin in January 2020. This would be for the first time in its history of Swiss mint that it is dedicating a Swiss commemorative coin to a living person. This year's commemorative Swiss coins included the 50th anniversary of the moon landings, the Furka Pass and the roe deer.

DEFENCE

1. Exercise INDRA 2019: Exercise INDRA 2019 a joint, tri-services exercise between India and Russia will be conducted in India from 10-19 December 2019 simultaneously at Babina (near Jhansi), Pune, and Goa. The contingents of both countries will share expertise and their professional experience. The esprit-de-corps and goodwill shall be the key areas during the exercise which will facilitate the further strengthening of bonds between the defence forces of India and Russia.

Note: The INDRA series of exercise began in 2003 and the First joint Tri-Services Exercise was conducted in 2017. It will be a historic occasion for two of the world’s greatest Armed Forces to join hands and successfully conduct an exercise of this magnitude with professionalism, to imbibe the best practices from each other, jointly evolve and drills to defeat the scourge of terror under the United Nation mandate.

Russia President: Vladimir Putin; Capital: Moscow; Currency: Russian ruble

OBITURIES

1. Writer DC Fontana passes away: Dorothy Catherine "DC Fontana’ (80-years) the first female writer for 'Star Trek' passed away after battling with a brief illness. The writer penned numerous stories for the original Star Trek' TV series and developed one of its signature characters, Spock. She wrote 1967's 'Journey to Babel', which introduced Spock's father Sarek and mother, Amanda.

Daily GK Updates - 5th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Fit India School Rating System launched as part of Fit India Campaign: Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Kiren Rijiju has jointly launched the Fit India School Rating System. The “Fit India School Rating System” has been launched as part of the Fit India Campaign. The Fit India school rating system as per certain parameters is expected to enhance the image of the schools. Fit India program is an innovative initiative launched by the Prime Minister to increase the awareness among the masses and to encourage people to adopt healthy lifestyle.

2. Odisha launches ‘Madhu’ app to help school students: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched ‘Madhu’ app. It is an e-learning mobile phone application which will help school students to understand their subjects in a better and most efficient way. The app is named after ‘Utkal Gourab’ Madhusudan Das. The app is developed by Ganjam district administration for school students. Through this app, the students will be able access the video explanation of the topics they were taught in their classroom.

3. VP Naidu launches new Rotavirus vaccine: ROTAVAC-5D: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu launched the new Rotavirus vaccine: ROTAVAC-5D designed and developed by Bharat Biotech in New Delhi. ROTAVAC is an example of a true social innovation that was realized through a partnership between scientists from India and the USA. India is firmly committed to ending morbidity and mortality in children caused due to diarrhoea by 2022. The first generation, Rotavirus vaccine, ROTAVAC developed under a Public-Private Partnership with the Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, has put India on the global map for setting new standards in pharmaceutical Research and Development.

4. India’s first maritime museum coming up at Lothal in Gujarat: Government of India (GoI) & Portugal has decided to cooperate in the setting up of an India’s 1st National Maritime Heritage Museum at the ancient Indian site of Lothal in Gujarat with the aim to boost the underwater or marine archaeology. The Museum will showcase salvaged material from shipwreck sites in the Indian Ocean waters.

Note: Gujarat CM: Vijay Rupani; Governor: Acharya Dev Vrat; Capital: Gandhinagar.

5. 3-day-long North East Food Show begins in Meghalaya: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has inaugurated the first-ever North East Food Show (three-day-long) at Polo Grounds, Shillong. The food show will provide a strong platform and network to different stakeholders. There are different technologies and products relating to the food industry which people are not aware of, and the show will serve as the bridge to connect with one another. It will also be an opportunity for these majors to source products not available anywhere else and to introduce their products to the region.

6. Avantee mega Food Park inaugurated in MP’s Dewas: Harsimrat Kaur Badal (Union Minister for food processing) has inaugurated Avantee mega Food Park in Dewas. Madhya Pradesh. This first food park of central India is spread over 51 acres and has been constructed at a cost of about 150 crore rupees. About 5 thousand local people will get employment from this Mega Food Park.  Processing of soyabean, gram, wheat and other grains and vegetables will be done in the park. Warehouses will also be opened in Indore, Ujjain, Dhar and Agar in the next phases.

7. Mumbai Central gets first ‘Eat Right Station’ certification from FSSAI: The Mumbai Central station of Railways was conferred with the ‘Eat Right Station’ certification with four stars rating by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The Mumbai Central Railway Station is the country’s first “Eat Right Station.” The focus of the movement is on improving the health and well-being of people by ensuring they eat healthily. Mumbai Central station has been judged on the basis of compliance of food safety and hygiene, availability of healthy diet, food handling at preparation, transhipment and retail/serving point, food waste management, promotion of local and seasonal food and creating awareness on food safety and healthy diet.

‘Eat Right India’ movement is built on two broad pillars of ‘Eat Healthy’ and ‘Eat Safe’.

Note: FSSAI founded: August 2011; FSSAI Act: Food and Standards Act, 2006; Headquarters: New Delhi; Chairperson: Rita Teaotia; Chief Executive Officer: Shri Pawan Kumar Agarwal.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India gifts patrol vessel to the Maldives as the net security provider of the region: India gifted a ‘Made in India’ Patrol Vessel named "KAAMIYAAB” to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). It will be net security provider in the region amid China’s increasing forays in the Indian Ocean Region. Meanwhile, 2500 LED streetlights donated by India were installed in Male recently. These streetlights save 80% energy and will result in cost savings of approx. 8.35 lakh MVR per year for Male city. In 2019, tourist arrivals from India to the Maldives have doubled and India has risen from 5th to the 2nd position in the tourism market of Maldives.

2. World Soil Day: 5 December: World Soil Day is celebrated annually on the 5th of December at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) headquarters in Rome, Italy. This year, by addressing the increasing challenges of soil management, the FAO campaign “Stop soil erosion, Save our future” aims to raise awareness of the importance of sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being. By encouraging people around the world to engage in proactively improving soil health, the campaign also aims to raise the profile of healthy soil.

Note: The International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), in 2002, adopted a resolution proposing the 5th of December as World Soil Day to celebrate the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to human well-being.

3. International Volunteer Day: 5 December: The International Volunteer Day (IVD) is observed across the world on 5 December every year. The theme of IVD 2019 is ‘Volunteer for an inclusive future". Volunteering provides opportunities for people, particularly those often excluded, to concretely impact their own lives and play a constructive role in their communities by volunteering their time and skills. This year’s theme highlights Sustainable Development Goal 10 (SDG 10) and the pursuit of equality including inclusion through volunteerism.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. India bag ten Gold medals at 13th South Asian Games in Kathmandu: India dominated the 13th South Asian Games in Nepal by clinching 10 Gold in Athletics, Volleyball, Shooting and Table Tennis. Archana Suseendran in women's 100 metres (track and field events), M. Jashna (women's high jump), Sarvesh Anil Kushare (men's high jump) and Ajay Kumar Saroj (men's 1500 metres) won a gold each to begin India's athletics campaign on an impressive note. In Volleyball, Indian men's and women's team won gold. Indian women's volleyball team defeated host Nepal by 3-2 in the final at Kathmandu. In Shooting, India swept all the medals on offer in the women's 10 metres air rifle event with Mehuli Ghosh winning the gold. The Indians have so far claimed 40 medals (15 gold, 16 silver and nine) bronze.

2. Virat Kohli regains no.1 spot in ICC Test rankings: India captain Virat Kohli regained the top spot in the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Test rankings in batting. Kohli, who had struck a fine 136 in the day-night Kolkata Test against Bangladesh last week, reached 928 points. Australian Steve Smith (923 points) slipped a rung in the latest list issued in Dubai. Cheteshwar Pujara has held on to his fourth spot, while Ajinkya Rahane has come down a spot to sixth in the latest batting. Among the bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah is the highest-placed Indian at the fifth position. West Indies captain Jason Holder has consolidated his position at the top of the all-rounders' list.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Reserve Bank keeps repo rate unchanged at 5.15 %: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced its fifth bi-monthly monetary policy review of the current financial year 2019-20. The RBI keep the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 5.15%. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF remains unchanged at 4.90%. The marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 5.40%. The MPC has also decided to maintain the accommodative stance of monetary policy to revive growth, while ensuring that inflation remains within the target.

Note: Governor of RBI: Shaktikant Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

2. Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank signs MoU for bancassurance: Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) and Canara, HSBC, Oriental Bank of Commerce, Life Insurance Company Ltd. signed an MoU for bancassurance (for selling life insurance products through the branches of KVGB). As per the pact, KVGB will market wide range insurance products of the Canara HSBC through its 636 branches in 9 districts of Karnataka.

Note: Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank founded: September 12, 2005; Headquarters: Dharwad, Karnataka; Chairman: Puttaganti Gopi Krishna; Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank Sponsored by: Syndicate Bank.

3. S&P reaffirms India's rating at 'BBB' with a stable outlook: Rating Agency S&P (Standard & Poor's) has reaffirmed the Sovereign Credit Rating of India at BBB with outlook as stable. India’s economy continues to achieve impressive long-term growth rates despite a recent deceleration. India will maintain its sound net external position and fiscal deficit will remain elevated but broadly in line with their forecast. In the report, S&P has maintained a stable outlook for India on the basis of their expectation that over the next two years the growth will remain strong. They expect the economy to continue to outperform their peers on the back of rising domestic demand and strong demographics.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. ET Lifetime of Public Service Award for Former FM (Late) Arun Jaitley: Arun Jaitley former Finance Minister of India was bestowed with the Economic Times (ET) Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service 2019. The award was received by Arun Jaitley’s spouse Sangeeta Jaitley.

Note: Arun Jaitley was the former Finance Minister of India, he was also the Minister of Corporate Affairs from May 2014 to May 2019, Minister of Defence from March 2017 to September 2017, Minister of Information and Broadcasting from November 2014 to July 2016, Minister of Law and Justice from July 2003 to May 2004 and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting from October 1999 to September 2000.

2. ‘Joker’ fame Joaquin Phoenix named 2019 ‘Person of the Year’ by PETA: ‘Joker’ fame Joaquin Rafael Phoenix, American actor from California, United States (US) has been bestowed with the PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) ‘Person of the Year’ Award 2019. Joaquin Phoenix has been a vegan since the age of three and has been a supporter of PETA for a long time. He has recently appeared in an advertisement of PETA titled “We are all animals”, which was displayed in the Times Square and Sunset billboards to promote the prohibition of travelling wild-animal circuses.

3. New Zealand wins MCC’s Spirit of Cricket award: The New Zealand cricket team has been awarded the Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket award. The team has been awarded for its exemplary show of sportsmanship during the final match of the ICC World Cup at Lord’s in July 2019, which it lost under controversial circumstances. Martin-Jenkins was the former MCC president and BBC Test Match Special commentator.

DEFENCE

1. Exercise Hand-in-Hand 2019: The 8th India-China joint training exercise ‘HAND-IN-HAND 2019’ with the theme counter-terrorism under United Nations mandate is scheduled to be conducted at Umroi, Meghalaya from 07 to 20 December 2019. The Chinese contingent from the Tibet Military command comprising of 130 personal and the Indian Contingent of similar strength will participate in the 14-day long training exercise. The aim of the exercise is to practice joint planning and conduct of counter-terrorist operations in semi-urban terrain.

Note: China Capital: Beijing; Currency: Renminbi.

2. Chief of the air Staff participates in Pacific Air Chiefs’ Symposium 2019: Chief of the Air Staff of India is participating in the Pacific Air Chiefs’ Symposium 2019 (PACS 2019) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The theme for this year’s symposium is ‘A Collaborative Approach to Regional Security’. The conference will bring together Air Chiefs from across the Indo-Pacific region who will provide perspectives on common challenges faced and on shared mutual interests while focusing on relevant topics like ‘Regional Security’, ‘Domain Awareness’, ‘Multi-Domain Awareness’, Ínteroperability’ and ‘HADR’. The symposium will also entail discourse and discussions on the combined effort required to maintain peace and security within the region.

Note: Chief of the Air Staff: Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria.

Note: Hawaii Capital: Honolulu

OBITUARIES

1. England legend Bob Willis passes away: Former England fast bowler Bob Willis (70 years) passed away after a short illness. Bob Willis took 325 wickets in 90 Tests and 80 wickets in 64 ODIs in his career. He also captained England in 18 Tests and 29 ODIs.

Daily GK Updates - 4th December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. EC to implement Political Parties RTMS: The Election Commission of India will implement the political parties Registration Tracking Management System (RTMS). It will be implemented through an online portal to facilitate tracking of the status of the application by applicants. The Commission said, the applicant who is applying for party registration from 1st January 2020 onwards will be able to track the progress of his or her application and will get status through SMS and email.

Note: Sunil Arora is the Chief Election Commissioner of India.

2. UP govt announces 25% subsidy & full stamp duty waiver for defence industry: Uttar Pradesh government has decided to provide a 25% subsidy and 100% stamp duty waiver for setting up the defence industry in the state. State govt. will provide all facilities (like power, road and fencing of land) to the companies that will set up defence industries. The state cabinet has given relief to the home buyers in Noida and Greater Noida region by giving exemption to the builders from penal interest and other dues for the period their project is stalled due to litigation. Builders will only get this exemption if they pass on this benefit to the home buyers. The benefit will apply to builders who are set to provide homes to buyers by June 2021.

Note: UP CM: Yogi Adityanath, Governor: Anandiben Patel.

3. Govt launches 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN: The government has launched the 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) to further enhance the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country. The focus in this round will be North East Region, Hilly States, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh and Islands. The scheme was launched in October 2016, which seeks to provide connectivity to un-served and under-served regions through the revival of existing airstrips and airports.

Note: UDAN scheme came under: Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Civil Aviation: Hardeep Singh Puri.

4. TRAI revamps mobile number portability rules: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has revamped mobile number portability (MNP) rules, making the entire process faster and simpler. The TRAI has prescribed three working days timeline for port out requests within a service area. Similarly, the timeline of five working days has been prescribed for requests for port out from one circle to another. The new rules will come into effect from 16th December. The validity of the Unique Porting Code (UPC) has also been brought down to four days instead of a fortnight earlier. It will be applicable to all circles except Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and North East, where the validity of the said code remains unchanged to 30 days.

5. Indian Navy Day: 4 December: The Indian Navy day is being observed every year on 4th December to celebrate achievements and role of the naval force in the country. The Navy day is celebrated to honour the courageous attack on the Karachi harbour during the Indo-Pakistan war (on 4th December 1971) by the Indian Naval Missile boats as well as to reverence all the martyrs of that war. The Day is also celebrated to highlight the role the Navy plays in securing the country’s marine borders during peacetime and carrying out humanitarian missions. As per the recent Data, since 2008, 70 Indian naval warships have been deployed, which safely escorted over 3440 ships with over 25,000 mariners on board.

Note: Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS): Admiral Karambir Singh. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosle (Maratha Emperor) of the 17th century is considered as “Father of the Indian Navy”.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Pritivirajsing Roopun elected as new President of Mauritius by parliament: The National Assembly of the Republic of Mauritius has unanimously elected Prithvirajsing Roopun (62-years) as new President of the island nation. He was the former arts and culture minister of Mauritius. The motion for his election as new President was presented by Prime Minister, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister of Defence, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity. In Mauritius, Prime Minister is head of government and holds most political power while the president is head of state but has no executive role and is considered guardian of the constitution.

Note: Capital: Port Louis; Currency: Mauritian rupee; Mauritius Prime Minister: Pravind Kumar Jugnauth

2. India, Sweden sign MoU for India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre: India and Sweden signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for India-Sweden Healthcare Innovation Centre in New Delhi. The objective of the innovation Centre is to develop an ecosystem of open innovation to which start-ups and the healthcare delivery stakeholders can use to collaborate and address current and future challenges in the healthcare sector. The India-Sweden partnership has been the most active as the Joint Working Group has met ten times since 2009.

The MoU focuses on creating new partnerships within the public, private and academic sectors. The Minister further stated that with 22 new AIIMS soon to become fully operational, and 157 new Medical Colleges are at the development stage.

3. Typhoon Kammuri makes landfall at Luzon, Philippines: In the Philippines, typhoon Kammuri has made landfall at Luzon, the country's largest and most populous island. Around two lakh residents have been evacuated from coastal and mountainous areas over fears of flooding, storm surges and landslides. Now, Kammuri is expected the pass to the south of the capital Manila, which is hosting thousands of athletes for the regional Southeast Asian Games.

4. Sundar Pichai promoted as Alphabet Inc. CEO: Indian American business executive Sundar Pichai (Google CEO) promoted as Alphabet Inc. CEO after Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have announced that they are stepping down from the leadership role of the parent company Alphabet. Google CEO Indian-American Sundar Pichai will be assuming the role of Alphabet Inc CEO, making him one of the most powerful corporate leaders of the world. Alphabet and Google no longer need two CEOs and a President and Sundar Pichai will be the CEO of both Google and Alphabet.

Note: Google established: 4 September 1998; Headquarters: Mountain View, California, United States.

5. World Bank arm IFC invests $200 million in Mahindra Finance: The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a unit of the World Bank Group, has anchored an investment round of $200million in Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL). Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL) is a Rural NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) with the objective to create a ‘pool’ specifically for financing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in low-income states. IFC is investing $75 million from its own account and mobilizing another $125 million as parallel loans. At the same time, Mahindra Finance has committed to invest $225 million in this fund. At least $ 100 million of this would be for women-owned MSMEs & it will be supported by blended finance from the IFC-Goldman Sachs’ Women Entrepreneurs Opportunity Facility.

Note: Formation of International Finance Corporation: July 20, 1956; Headquarters of International Finance Corporation: Washington, D.C., U.S.; Membership of International Finance Corporation: 184 countries; CEO of IFC: Philippe Le Houérou.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Walmart launches credit card in partnership with HDFC Bank: Walmart India, in partnership with HDFC Bank, launched a co-branded credit card exclusively for members of its Best Price Modern Wholesale “B2B Cash & Carry” stores, offering “free credit up to 50 days. The card is being supported by Diners Club International which has acceptance of its own membership card in 185 countries. Simultaneously, the card was launched at 26 other Best Price Modern Wholesale Store locations across the country.

Note: Headquarters of Walmart India: Gurgaon, Haryana; President and CEO of Walmart India: Krish Iyer.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Lionel Messi wins Ballon d’Or for 6th time: Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or award for the world’s best player for a record 6th time. It is the 32-year-old Argentine’s first Ballon d’Or since 2015 and comes after he scored 54 times for club and country in 2018-19, in which Barca won La Liga. Virgil van Dijk was second-one of four Liverpool players in the top seven, including Sadio Mane in fourth. Juventus and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, who has won the award five times, was third in the voting.

DEFENCE

1. India successfully test-fires indigenously developed nuke-capable Prithvi-II missile: India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed surface-to-surface nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile off Odisha coast. The Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army conducted the user trial of the 350 km range missile from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur. The missile weighs about 4,600 kg, is capable of carrying 500 to 1000 kilograms of warheads and is thrust by liquid propulsion twin engines. Inducted into the 333-missile regiment of the Indian Army in 2003, the nine-meter-tall, single-stage liquid-fueled Prithvi-II is the first missile to have been developed by the DRDO under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme. This missile is developed under the joint collaboration of Defence Research and Development Organization and Bharat Dynamics Limited, the missile was first test-fired on 27 January 1996.

Note: DRDO Chairman: G Satheesh Reddy, Established: 1958, Headquarters: New Delhi.

OBITURIES

1. Veteran journalist Bhaskar Menon passes away: Baskar Menon, Veteran Journalist in the Press Trust of India (PTI) passes away. He was the Regional Manager in the south division of the PTI. He has also handled much crucial news like the assassination of former Prime Minister (PM) of India, Rajiv Gandhi in the year 1991.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd December, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indigenous Faith Day celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh: Donyi Polo Cultural & Charitable Trust and Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal Pradesh celebrated ‘Indigenous Faith Day’ on 1st December. The celebrations were held at Pasighat with religious fervour. The day is celebrated to protect and promote the indigenous faith and tribal tradition to keep the ethnic identity of the local tribes.

Note: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister: Pema Khandu; Governor: B. D. Mishra.

2. Labour Ministry to celebrate Pension Week from 30th Nov, 2019 to 6th Dec 2019: Labour Ministry has decided to celebrate Pension Week from November 30, 210 to December 06, 2019. The aims of the Pension Week is to increase enrollments under: Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) – aim to enroll one crore beneficiaries by March 2020 and National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self-Employed Persons (NPS-Traders) 50 lakhs beneficiaries for NPS-Traders by March 2020 For this, Minister of State(I/C) for Labour and Employment Shri Santosh Gangwar inaugurated a function in New Delhi.

3. India and ADB Sign USD 206 million loan to strengthen urban services in 5 Tamil Nadu cities: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India has signed $206 million loan to develop water supply and sewerage infrastructure in 5 cities of Tamil Nadu. The loan amount will also be used to strengthen capacities of urban local bodies (ULBs) for improved service delivery.

4. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu Launches “Bharatiya Poshan Anthem” Penned by Prasoon Joshi: Indian Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu launched the “Bharatiya Poshan Anthem”. The anthem has been conceptualised by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It has been written by noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi and sung by Shankar Mahadevan. The ‘Poshan Abhiyan or National Nutrition Mission’ was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2018 to make India malnutrition free by 2022 by ensuring holistic development and adequate nutrition for pregnant women, mothers and children.

5. Lt Gen P S Rajeshwar takes over as C-n-C of Andaman & Nicobar Command: Lt Gen Podali Shankar Rajeshwar took over as the 14th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN). He is a graduate of Indian Military Academy and was commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in December 1980. A gunner and aviator, he is an alumnus of the Defence Services Staff College, Army War College and National Defence College in New Delhi and Philippines. He has actively taken part in Operation Meghdoot and Operation Rakshak.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Global Migration Film Festival organised in Dhaka: The Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF) was organised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The festival screened 15 films on the theme of “migration and its various aspects”. The GMFF was started in 2016 and this year it is being organised across many cities in the world. The festival was organised by the International Organisation of Migrants (IOM) and Dhaka University Film Society with the support of the European Union. The Global Migration Film Festival is a global initiative simultaneously being run in many countries of the world to draw attention to the issues of internal migration, forced migration and climate change-related migration to engage people in a conversation on the issue of migration.

Note: Chief of International Organisation of Migrants (IOM) in Bangladesh: Giorgi Gigouri.

IOM is the UN migration agency established in 1951.

2. NATO leaders meet today to mark 70th birthday of alliance: The leaders of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) meet to mark the 70th birthday of the organization in London. The summit includes receptions at Buckingham Palace and Downing Street plus a working session at a golf resort in outer London. The twenty -nine members alliance is the world's biggest military alliance.

Note: NATO was founded in 1949 for the collective defence of its members, linking the security of the United States with its European allies against the Soviet Union. It witnessed the end of communism, defeating the Soviet Bloc without firing a shot.

3. Ursula von der Leyen takes charge as the European commission president: German Ursula von der Leyen (60-years) took charge as the first female President of the European Commission (EC). Von der Leyen served in the federal government of Germany (from 2005 to 2019) as the longest-serving member of Angela Merkel's cabinet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Ursula von der Leyen. Ms Leyen invited Prime Minister Modi to visit Brussels for the next India-EU Summit.

Note: The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union. The President of the Commission leads a cabinet of Commissioners, referred to as the college, collectively accountable to the European Parliament.

4. Masatsugu Asakawa elected 10th President of ADB: The Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has unanimously elected Masatsugu Asakawa (61-year) as its new President. Currently, he is the Special Advisor to Japan’s Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Masatsugu Asakawa will succeed Takehiko Nakao. Mr. Asakawa will assume office as ADB’s 10th President on 17th January 2020.

Note: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966. Now, ADB has 68 members. ADB headquarter– Metro Manila, Philippines

5. International Day of Persons with Disabilities: 3 December: International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed on the 3rd of December every year to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development and to increase awareness. The theme for this year is ‘Promoting the Participation of Persons with Disabilities and their leadership: Taking Action on the 2030 Development Agenda.’

Note: International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an international observance promoted by the United Nations (UN) since 1992.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Karnataka defeats Tamil Nadu to win Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019-20: Karnataka lifted the Syed Mushtaq Trophy 2019-20 (Cricket) after a thrilling one-run win over Tamil Nadu in the final. This is the second consecutive title win for Karnataka. Karnataka rode on skipper Manish Pandey’s 60 runs (45-ball) to post a total of 180/5 in 20 overs. The encounter went to the last over in which off-spinner K Gowtham was asked to defend 13 runs.

Finals Scores:

Karnataka: 180 (5 wkts, 20 Ov)

Tamil Nadu: 179 (6 wkts, 20 Ov)

2. Indian men’s volleyball team beat Pakistan to clinch Gold at 13th South Asian Games: The Indian men’s volleyball team defeated Pakistan by 3-1 in finals at the South Asian Games 2019 to win gold. The bronze medal went to Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, in the women’s final, Indian team beat hosts Nepal 3-2 to clinch the gold. Here also Sri Lanka won bronze. South Asian Games 2019 is being held in Kathmandu, Nepal from December 1-10, 2019.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Tony Joseph wins 2019 Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize: English author Tony Joseph has won the 12th ‘Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize’. He was awarded for his 2018 book, “Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From“. The book tells the tale of the people of South Asia through research in six disciplines, including path-breaking new DNA evidence. The award was instituted in 2008 and it carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh along with a trophy. Last year, the prize was awarded to Sujatha Gidla for her Ants Among Elephants: An Untouchable Family And The Making Of Modern India.

DEFENCE

1. Defence Minister addresses Armed Forces Flag Day-CSR Conclave: Defence Minister addresses the Armed Forces Flag Day-CSR Conclave in New Delhi. He has expressed confidence that the corporate sector will contribute generously to the welfare of ex-servicemen. He said common people had generously contributed to ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ Fund for the bereaved families of soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty. ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ Fund was established with the help of the corporate sector that assisted the families of martyred Central Armed Police Forces personnel. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Conclave was a unique initiative of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence to create awareness about the challenges faced by the Ex-Servicemen and how the corporate sector can play an important part in their resettlement and rehabilitation.

Note: Defence Minister of India: Rajnath Singh.

                                                

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran actor Shelley Morrison passes away: Former Hollywood actress Shelley Morrison (83-years) passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She had a long 50-year career and was best known for playing a memorable maid from El Salvador, in the original run of “Will and Grace” from 1999 to 2006, becoming part of a cast that won a Screen Actors Guild award for best ensemble in a comedy series.