Current Affairs December Study PDF Capsule 2015 by AffairsCloud

Current Affairs December 2015
PDF Capsule
Current Affairs PDF: December 2015
Current Affairs for Competitive Exam

Contents
INDIAN AFFAIRS............................................................................................................................................. 3
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ....................................................................................................................... 49
BANKING & FINANCE ................................................................................................................................. 76
BUSINESS ........................................................................................................................................................ 90
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS ..................................................................................................................... 97
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS .................................................................................................................. 112
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS .................................................................................................................. 121
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ..................................................................................................................... 124
ENVIRONMENT ........................................................................................................................................... 134
SPORTS .......................................................................................................................................................... 137
OBITUARY .................................................................................................................................................... 153
BOOKS & AUTHORS .................................................................................................................................. 157
IMPORTANT DAYS ..................................................................................................................................... 159
Kindly Check Other Capsules
AffairsCloud Exam PDF
Current Affairs Study Capsule
Current Affairs Pocket Capsule
Help:
If You Satisfied with our Capsule, kindly donate some amount to SavetheChildren.in
Education is a Gift for Life or Kindly Suggest this site to your family members & friends.
Read our Current Affairs Pocket PDF

Current Affairs Questions & Answers PDF
2|Page
INDIAN AFFAIRS
Three-day MayyazhiMahotsavam kicked off in Mahe, Puducherry
The three-day MayyazhiMahotsavam(Fete de Mahe) celebrated from 29th November to
1st December at Mahe with a variety of programmes exhibiting the rich culture and tradition of the
region, situated inside Kerala to attract open public participation in that way fostering the
feeling of oneness.
Organised by Department of Tourism and the Legislative Assembly Secretariat at
Mahe AayiMandapam, the main venue witnessed the performance of artists of national and
international acclamation.
Seminar on: Waste is wealth
Key points:
Chairman of the Festival committee and Regional Administrator of Mahe- Mangalatte

Dinesh
President given assent Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2015
Indian Railways inked Rs.40000cr deal of locomotive plants with GE

Americas General Electric(GE) and Frances Alstom inked deal with Indian Railways to set up
high horse power diesel and electric engines at Bihars Marhowraand Madhepura at cost of
Rs.40,000 crore.
Deal:
Marhowra plant 4,500HP (horse power) and 6,000HP diesel engines, which can
operate as 9,000HP and 12,000HP units.
Madhepura will produce 12,000HP electric locomotives.
Use: For heavy haul freight operations in the dedicated freight corridors.
GE Transport India managing director Nalin Jain and Railway Board director Jayant Kumar
signed for Marhowra plant
Maharashtra topped in GSDP Brickwork Report
As per 4th edition of report by credit rating agency Brickwork, Maharashtra is the biggest
economy within India at Rs 16.87 lakh crore in terms of gross state domestic product
(GSDP). The rating agency looked at the State governments willingness and ability to honour debt
obligations.
Maharashtras GSDP has grown by 69% for the financial year ended March 31, 2015 and is
followed by Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
Rating criterion
It includes an analysis of political, economic, budgetary, financial and institutional parameters that
were considered relevant to the Maharashtra governments creditworthiness.
3|Page

Manufacturing sector
Gujarat and Maharashtra led this sector with 27.26% and 25.18% of GSDP respectively in 201415.
Other states with higher manufacturing sector share were Tamil Nadu (19.1 %), Jharkhand
(18.8%) and Haryana (18.1%).
Services sector
Karnataka leads in the growth of services sector due to the growth in the IT/BPO/ KPO sector
followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
Agriculture sector
Agriculture has been the mainstay of most states by employing 40-60% of the workforce directly or
indirectly but it has been neglected sector.
National level
Indias GDP growth rate at 7.3% in 2015 exceeded that of China which grew at 6.9%.
The fastest-growing states were Bihar at 17.06%, Madhya Pradesh (16.86%) and
Goa (16.43%) while Telangana (5.3%), Punjab (10.16%) and Rajasthan (11%) have shown a slow
progress.
Union Government launched GIAN Scheme to boost higher education
Global Initiative of Academic Networks(GIAN) scheme to boost the quality of the
country's higher education launched at the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar by HRD
Minister SmritiIrani, and was started at IIT Kharagpur in the presence of R.
Subrahmanyam(Additional secretary for technical education), is inter-connected with the 'Make in
India' campaign and the IMPRINT programme.
Key points:
10-day courses:3D Digitisation for Cultural Heritage at IIT Gandhinagar and Orthopaedic
Biomechanics: Implants and Biomaterials at IIT Kharagpur.
Orthopaedic biomechanics courseby: Prof. NicoVerdonschot from the Netherlands

President given assent to Labour Laws (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2015
President PranabMukherjee given assent to the Labour Laws Bill of Gujarat, which has provisions
to ban strikes in public utility services for up to one year. The Bill was sent for the Presidents
approval along with the Gujarat Control of Terrorism and OrganisedCrime (GCTOC) Bill, 2015 which
is yet to be approved. The bill sought to change certain basic definitions in the Minimum Wages
Act, 1948 and clauses in the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
Objective: To strengthen labourers and employers equally in the industrial hub of Gujarat.
Government fixed compounding amount for industrialist maximum of Rs.21,000 and for labourers
it is between Rs.150 and Rs.3,000, amending the Industrial Dispute Act.
4|Page

Jharkhand Government declared state as drought hit
Jharkhand government declared the state as drought-hit because of lightrainfall this season and
decision was taken in a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Raghubar Das.
Package of Rs.1,398 crore to drought-hit farmers for subsidized diesel, distribution of

seeds, construction of small check dams and other facilities.
Delhi Assembly passed three major education bills

Three education bills passed will regulate the refund of excess fees at private institutions
and also toabolish the screening processes at nursery and scrapthe no detention policy till class
8th.
Key points:
Delhi School Education Amendment Bill (DSEAA) and the Delhi School (Verification of
Accounts and Refund of Excess Fee) Bill lay down heavy fine(Rs.5 lakh for the first
breach and Rs.10 lakh for each subsequent breach) and imprisonment for violators.
Penalty of different grades for taking interviews at the entry levels plus the nursery.
Government gave nod to introduction of Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015
Union Cabinet has given nod for a Bill to establish a Regional Centre for Biotechnology in
Faridabad. It is currently active at the NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad.
Objective:To provide a legal status to the Centre so as to function autonomously and also an
Institution of National Importance for education, training and research in the fields of
biotechnology.
MoU between India and Iran on visa facilitation
Union Cabinet approvedthe signing of agreement between India and Iran on visa facilitation for
Diplomatic, Official/Service and Ordinary passport holders.
Resident Diplomatic Missions in the host country would within 20 working days issue
a cost-free visa valid for three months.
MoU between India and Germany for Capital Goods Sector and Solar Energy
Union Cabinet approvedMoU between India and Germany to expandbilateral cooperation in the
field of Solar Energy by expandinguse of solar energy in India through technical as well as
financial cooperation.
Agreement:Germany would provide concessional loans in the range of 1bn Euros through
Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau(KfW). It will be used for providing soft loans to the end-users
through partner banks.
Deal:
Cooperation in the field of solar roof tops
Development of solar parks or solar zones
Solar off-grid applications to improve the access to clean and sustainable energy.
5|Page

Memorandum of Understanding between India and Maldives in the field of sports and
youth affairs
Union Cabinet given its nod for an MoU between India and Maldives in the field of
sports and youth affairs.
Benefits:
Expand knowledge and expertise in the areas of sports science, sports medicine, coaching
techniques, participation in youth festivals and camps as a result improvement in execution
of India's sports persons in international tournaments and strengthening of bilateral relations
between the two countries.
India signs pact with Bahrain for cooperation on terrorism, organised crime
India and Bahrain signed agreement to provide cooperation to tackle international terrorism
transnational organized crime and psychotropic substances and was inked during the talks between
union home minister Rajnath Singh and his counterpart Lt Gen Sheikh Rashed Bin Abdulla AlKhalifa at New Delhi.
Aim: To strengthen cooperation and information sharing to ensure faster investigations and
prosecutions of traffickers and organised crime groups in either country.
As per report compiled by United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) after
southeast Asia, south Asia with India at its Centre is the fastest-growing region for human
trafficking in the world. Every year more than 1.6lakh people have been trafficked.
Memorandum of Understanding between India and Israel in the field of water resources
management and development cooperation
Union Cabinet has given its nod for signing of an MoU between India and Israel in the field
of water resources management and development cooperation.
Benefit:To strengthen the techniques in efficient use of water, micro-irrigation, recycling/re-use of
waste water, desalination, aquifer recharge and in-situ water conservation techniques.
*Earlier agreements in this field: With Australia, Rwanda, Cambodia, Iran, Iraq, Fiji, China.
Union Cabinet approves DTAC agreement with Japan
Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC), was signed between India and Japan in 1989
has been amended in order by the Union Cabinet to facilitate tax-related exchange of
information.
Protocol will facilitate exchange of information as per accepted international standards on

tax matters, including bank information and information without domestic tax interest.
Signed between the countries has a provision to offer assistance to each other country
in collection of revenue claims as well as for exemption of interest income from
taxation in the source country w.r.t. debt claims insured by the government or
government-owned financial institutions.
6|Page

Goa Government launches National Food Security Act, 2013
Goa Government has launched National Food Security Act, 2013 with an aim to benefit more
than one third of the states population.
About the Act:
It is about forecasting sufficient quantity of quality food at affordable prices to

people to live a life of dignity under Article 21 of Constitution.
People will get 5 kilograms of subsidized rice or wheat per person per month.
Rice at the subsidized rate of Rs.3 per kg and wheat Rs.3 per kg to target persons.
Act will also include the Midday Meal (MDM) Scheme,Integrated Child Development
Services (ICDS) scheme and Public Distribution System (PDS) under it to provide
subsidized food grains.
Union Cabinet given nod to establish 6 new IITs

Setting up of 6 new IITs has been approved by the Central Government in Andhra Pradesh,
Chhattisgarh, Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala and Karnataka.
Each new IIT will have an initial intake of 180 students in its first year which would
increase to 450 in the second year and to 928 (840 Undergraduates, 80 Postgraduates
and 8 PhDs) in the third year of their operation.
Total cost for running these IITs is Rs.1,411.80 crore and will be incurred between 201516 and 2018-19. Each new IIT will have teacher to student ratio of 1:10.
Lok Sabha passed The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015

Lok Sabha has passed The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015 to establish Bureau of Indian
Standards (BIS). The bill has proposed to make BIS as the National Standards Body of
India and enable the government to bring more products, systems and services under ambit of
standardisation.
The bill on standardization was pending for over 30 years and will replace the Bureau
of Indian Standards Act, 1986.
Key Points about the Bill:
It will allow the central government to authorize any other agency having necessary
accreditation for the purpose of conformity assessment against Indian standards.
Bill will allow multiple types of conformity assessment schemes in tune with global best
practices.
Bureau would be a national body which will formulate, certify and implement certain
standards of quality for goods, articles, processes, etc.
Technical committees of experts will be constituted by the Bureau for the purpose of
formulating such standards.
Food and Consumer Affairs Minister: Ram Vilas Paswan
7|Page

Union Cabinet approved rehabilitation package for Bangladesh enclaves
Central government approved Rs.1006 crore rehabilitation package for the people affected after
the exchange of enclaves between India and Bangladesh.
Approval of rehabilitation package and upgradation of infrastructure of former Bangladesh

enclaves in Cooch Behar district after exchange of enclaves
between India and Bangladesh.
Rs 898.50 crore as the fixed cost of strengthening and creation of infrastructure in Cooch
Behar district and former Bangladesh enclaves in India.
Rs 107.49 crore as a variable cost is likely to be encountered for the rehabilitation.
PM launches Accessible India campaign in Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a campaign to make government buildings, public
transport, tourist places, international airports and railways stations disabled-friendly on December
3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Arun Jaitley unveiled the Sugamya Bharat
Abhiyan.
Aim: To increase participation of people with disability in day-to-day practices. Sugamya Bharat is
a right step towards an inclusive society.
Initiatives:
75 railway stations and 27 international airports and about 5,000 public buildings
would be rendered to make them accessible.
All government websites W3C compliant that means all websites would have a text-tospeech feature which would make them accessible to the visually impaired.
*Superhead of the Accessible India campaign: Joint secretary Mukesh Jain

NGT announces Rs 5,000 fine on use of plastic in Chandigarh
National Green Tribunal announced a fine of Rs 5,000 on anyone found using or dealing with
plastic material in Chandigarh to make the city pollution-free.
Reason: The direction came while hearing an appeal by Chandigarh resident Rishi Dev Anand who
has suspected gross failure in waste management system and in tackling garbage disposal.
370 metric tonnes of garbage was produced day-to-day in Chandigarh which was
being dumped irrationally.
Himachal Pradesh became first state to launch Rotavirus vaccination project

Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to launch Rotavirus vaccination
project. Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh launched this project from Dharamsala in district
Kangra by dispensing the Rotavirus drops to the children under five years. It will help in
monitoring the deaths amongst small children due to Diarrhea.
Rotavirus infection amount to 30,000 deaths in India annually. It would be soon presented in
Vellore in Karnataka and Pune in Maharashtra State with technical assistance of International
8|Page

Clinical Epidemiological Network bearing the entire cost of vaccines.
Union Government released postage stamp to mark centenary year of ZSI
Ravi Shankar Prasad, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, announced that
the India Posts would soon launch postal stamps to celebrate biodiversity of India's flora and
fauna. It will also celebrate the centenary anniversary of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI).
CEA Dr Arvind Subramanian Committee suggests GST rate of 17-18 per cent
Panel on GST(Goods and Services Tax) headed by the chief economic advisor Arvind
Subramanian submitted its suggestions to the government that a revenue-neutral rate 17-18 per
cent GST rate and dropping of the 1% additional tax on inter-state sales.
Revenue-neutral rate:To preserve current revenues that is at which there will be no loss to
both state and central governments.
Key highlights:
CEA headed panel recommends eliminating all taxes on inter-state trade
Panel not to specify GST rate in Constitutional Amendment Bill
Revenue neutral rate of 15-15.5% for GST
Two options for states that is Single rate of 15% or 17-18%
Removal of the the 1 percent additional tax aimed to benefit the producing states like
Gujarat and Tamil Nadu
Higher GST rates on tobacco, luxury cars, pan masala and aerated drinks
Alcohol, real estate out of GST to achieve 15% rate
A low one of 12 percent and a high rate of 40 percent for things like luxury products
Delhi Assembly passed Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, 2015

The Delhi Janlokpal Bill, 2015 passed by the assembly after encompassing two amendments
proposed by activist Anna Hazare.
Anti-corruption bill was passed with 64 votes in the 70-member Delhi Assembly. Aam
Aadmi Party (AAP) government described it as the strongest anti-graft legislation in
the country.
First amendment:
A seven-member panel would select two members and chairperson in the institution of Jan
Lokpal.
Second amendment:
Jan Lokpal would be impeached only after a high court monitored probe against the
ombudsman.
Lokpal will have powers to probe acts of corruption against Union ministers and
central government officials working in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, which
may spark another round of conflict between the Kejriwal government and the Centre.
9|Page

Delhi Assembly passed MLA of NCT of Delhi (Salaries, Allowances, Pension, etc.)
(Amendment) Bill, 2015
Delhi Assembly passed a bill, around 400 per cent hike in the salaries of MLAs. The Members
of the Legislative Assembly of the Government of NCT of Delhi (Salaries, Allowances, Pension)
Amendment Bill 2015 will allow the basic salaries of MLAs to surge from 12,000 rupees to 50,000
rupees.
Key Highlights:
Proposed to hike in constituency allowance from present 18,000 to 50,000 rupees.
A payback sum of 70,000 rupees per month as allowance under Secretarial, Research
and Office Assistance which is 30,000 rupees at present.
A communication allowance of 10,000 rupees per month as well as 30,000 rupees

as monthly conveyance allowance for each MLA. As a result their overall monthly
package will be over 2 lakh rupees against existing 88,000 rupees.
BJP has criticized the Delhi government for bringing this bill and to withdraw it, opposing
it will send a wrong message to the people.
This year a group of AAP legislators had demanded a significant hike in salary, as their earnings
were not enough to run their family and offices.
Married daughters eligible for appointment on compassionate grounds: Allahabad HC
The Allahabad High Court ruled that married daughters of deceased government employees should
be considered for appointment on compassionate grounds under the Dying in Harness Rules.
Division Bench led by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud and Justice Yashwant

Varma passed the order allowing the writ petition of Vimla Srivastava, whose father
had died while serving as a revenue department official in Azamgarh district.
She had confronted the dismissal of her request for a job on compassionate grounds by
the District Magistrate, according to him as per Uttar Pradesh Recruitment of Dependants
of Government Servants Dying-in-Harness Rules requests of only widowed or unmarried
daughters could be accommodated.
AP CM launched 'She Autos' scheme

Andhra Pradesh Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched 'She Autos' scheme and
distributed 49 CNG-fuelled autos to women drivers. Each auto costs Rs.1.90 lakh.
Purpose: To encourage women to take up driving as profession
Pay Rs 4,500 per month for a period of 18 months and the remaining amount would
be allowed by Women's Welfare Department as a subsidy.
Lok Sabha passed bill to enhance compensation for Air Travellers

Lok Sabha passed a bill to enhance the compensation that airlines must pay to passengers in
case of death, injury, lost baggage or even unreasonable flight delays.
10 | P a g e
The Bill proposed to raise the liability limit for damage in case of death or bodily injury for
each person from 1,00,000 SDR (special drawing rights) to 1,13,100 SDR.
Carriage by Air (Amendment) Bill, 2015 which was moved by Civil Aviation Minister P
Ashok Gajapathi Raju and passed by a voice vote proposed to increase the
compensation for death in an air accident to over Rs.1 crore from almost Rs 89 lakh
now.
Uttar Pradesh Government launches first International festival on Birds

The state government launched its first International Festival on Birds. The northern state has been
famous for hosting many indigenous and exotic migrant birds.
Purpose: To promote the collection of bird species in Uttar Pradesh
Inaugurated by: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Akhilesh Yadav, at the National Chambal
Sanctuary in Agra.
Hosted by: Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce
and Industry (FICCI).
AP & Jharkhand joined discom betterment scheme UDAY
Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in the country to join the Centres scheme for
revival of debt stressed power distribution companies after the state gave in-principle nod to
the Power Ministry for joining UDAY.
(UDAY Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana)
Andhra Pradesh has been followed by Jharkhand by which latter has become the second
state to join the Centres UDAY.
Commemorative coins on Babasaheb launched by PM Modi

As part of the 125th birth anniversary year celebrations of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Babasaheb, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released two commemorative coins of Rs 125 and Rs
10 denomination.
The coins were issued on his death anniversary which is observed as Mahaparinirvan Divas
of Babasaheb Ambedkar.
On 30 September Union communication and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

releasedcommemorative postal stamps on him.
The Union government is celebrating 125th birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar in the year
2015. The objective of yearlong celebrations is to make the world aware about the life and the
work of legendary social reformer who is often considered as a champion of the
underprivileged.
Goa-Mumbai double decker train flagged off by Indian Railways
Railway minister Suresh Prabhu flagged off the 1,000-passenger Mumbai-Margao-Mumbai
11 | P a g e

double decker express train. The service will be operated thrice a week.
The double decker train will cover distance in around 12 hours.
8 compartments with a seating capacity of 120 in each compartment.
The Railways will soon sign an agreement with Japan government to improve safety and
standard of Indian railways.
AC Double Decker Express train no 11085 will have AC chair car coaches and will leave
Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:30 am and will
reach Margao at about 5.30 am on the same day. The train no 11085 will leave Margao
every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 5.10 pm.
SWR Zones introduces Biodiesel for trains

Hubli (Karnataka) headquartered South Western Railways (SWR) Zone has introduced
biodiesel for trains to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and carbon footprint and also
to make fuel consumption more efficient.
SWRs first train Hubballi-Bengaluru Janshatabdi Express powered by 5%

biodiesel blended with High Speed Diesel was flagged off from Hubli.
To meet its biodiesel demand, SWR zone has set up Biodiesel filling
centres at Hubli,Bengaluru and Hospet.
6th Meeting of Group on Automatic Exchange of Information held

6th Meeting of the Group on Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) Group of the Global Forum
on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum).
Inaugurated by: Minister of State for Finance, Shri Jayant Sinha
Highlights:
Confidentiality and data safeguards in 32 countries, including India discussed and

considered for approval.
Discussed the process of monitoring and implementation of the Common Reporting

Standards (CRS) on AEOI
G-20 countries requested the Global Forum to take on the work of implementation of the
new global standard on automatic exchange of information namely the Common
Reporting Standard (CRS) on AEOI.
Naval exercise INDRA NAVY-15 commences in Vizag

The 8th edition of a bilateral exercise between the Indian and Russian navies INDRA NAVY
started from December 7 in Visakhapatnam and will continue till December 12 with an aim to
strengthen the strategic relationship between the two countries.
(Exercise initiated in 2003)
The scope of INDRA NAVY- 2015 includes wide ranging professional interactionsduring
the Harbour phase and a diverse canvas of operational activities at sea across a spectrum
of maritime operations.
12 | P a g e

Delhi & Tokyo may ink pact for Indias first Bullet Train
India and Japan are planning to ink an agreement on Bullet Trains during Japanese Prime
Minister Shinzo Abes visit.
Abes Special Adviser Hiroto Izumi will be in Delhi forhigh-level talks to finalise the
terms of the agreement on high-speed trains, known as Shinkansen in Japan.
First train is planned between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
It will cut travelling time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad from seven to two hours.
Japan is likely to agree to finance the Rs 90,000 crore plus railway project through a soft loan at
0.5% interest with repayment tenure of 50 years.
National Youth Festival in Chhattisgarh from Jan 12
For the first time, Chhattisgarh will host the 20th National Youth Festival on January 12-16,
2016, at Naya Raipur.
The festival is being held on the occasion of 153rd birth anniversary of Swami
Vivekananda.
Every year, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda is observed as the

National Youth Day.
Organized by: Unionministry of youth affairs & sports, state government, National
Service Scheme and Nehru Yuva Kendra.
The event will have contests in 18 different areas including folk dance, classical music and drama.
38-member organising committee headed by Raipur divisional commissioner Ashok
Agrawal has been constituted for organizing the event.
Odd-even number scheme: Delhi government to provide full proof plan on driving rule by
Dec 25
Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai has announced that State Govt will come out with a full
proof plan for Odd-even number scheme before December 25.
Suggested by the AAP dispensation with an aim to curb air pollution in Delhi.
The scheme is to be implemented from January 1.
The city government is also planning to strengthen the public transport system by introducing more
buses and increasing the frequency of Metro trains to accommodate the rush of commuters.
Shri Kalraj Mishra inaugurates Global SME Summit 2015
Union Minister for MSME, Shri Kalraj Mishra inaugurated Global SME Summit 2015 at India
Habitat Center in New Delhi.
Theme Make in India through Global SME partnerships
Organized by CII in partnership with Ministry of MSME
Objective: To connect the Global SMEs with the Indian SMEs for mutual business development
and explore the emerging Indian market.
13 | P a g e

Kala Utsav promoting Indian culture kicked off in Delhi
HRD Minister Smriti Irani launched Kala Utsav organised by the Ministry of Human Resource
Development to promote Indian culture among school students started at Bal Bhavan, New Delhi.
Participants 1,400 students from across India
Theme living traditions of tribal, folk and traditional arts of different regions
Aim: To enhance the life-skills of the participants and to increase awareness about various
Indian art forms and the countrys rich heritage among school children.
8 different biomes to be monitored through I-LTEO programme

India has launched the Indian Long Term Ecological Observatories (I-LTEO) programme to
scientifically monitor 8 different biomes (natural landscapes) across the country.
The initiative was launched on the sidelines of the Conference of Parties-21 (COP-21) of
UNFCCC in Paris.
Aims : Identify and monitor targeted socio-ecological challenges and help build capacity
within India.
Highlights of the LTEO Programme
Training Under this programme, students and young scientists will also be trained
through sustained long-term support for research in the area of climate change.
Own data base It will help the country to have its own scientific data-base in this
key area without depending on studies done abroad.
Coverage The new initiative will cover all the major biomass of the country from
Western Himalayas to Western Ghats, Eastern Himalayas to Andaman & Nicobar Islands,
central India to the Sunderbans and from Jammu & Kashmir to Rajasthan and Gujarat.
Scientific monitoring Long term scientific monitoring of the natural landscapes,

water resources, grasslands, mammals, birds, fishes and insects will also be
carried out.
Climate affect The focus would be on the patterns of how changes in climate are
affecting natural and closely associated human systems of agriculture and
pastoralism.
Atomic Energy (Amendment) Bill, 2015 introduced in Lok Sabha to fast track nuclear
power projects
To expedite nuclear power projects, a Bill to amend the Atomic Energy Act to empower Nuclear
Power Corporation of India to enter into joint ventures with other public sector undertakings
introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Reason: To facilitate the fast expansion of nuclear power, utility and establishment, living up to
Indias commitment of using nuclear energy for peaceful purpose. and help in the common
objective of power generation network.
Moved by: Minister of State in the Department of Atomic of Energy (DAE) Jitendra Singh.
14 | P a g e

Maharashtra become first state to allow MLAs raise online question
Maharashtra has become first state to allow the members of state legislature to raise online
questions.
Aim: To move towards complete digitization of the process. The idea is to raise it to 100% and
bringing the paperwork to minimum.
Programme: State government has given unique usernames and passwords to the members
and a server has been set up. Laptops of members have been configured to server, which is set up
by Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Ltd.(MKCL)
Each member was given training once by MKCL, while members personal assistants were
trained twice.
Answers given by ministers will also be made available online and in the last step all
members, ministers and assembly speaker will be given touch screen tablets, connected
via-wireless network. Assembly and council have been connected through Wi-Fi for the
first time.
Principal secretary: Anant Kalse
First India International Science Festival celeberated at IIT-Delhi

Five-day science festival inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IIT-D) with a
mega Science Technology and Industrial Expo displaying projects by students, experts and
entrepreneurs. It is the first International Science Fair (IISF) and continued till December 8.
Inaugurated by: Minister of Science and Technology
Organized by: Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), an NGO
Highlights:
240 projects are being displayed at the expo. A project which amassed major attention
was the solar-electric car made by 63-year-old Syed Sajjad Ahmed(school
dropout) that is equipped with solar panels to generate electricity to run the car.
Pramodh K. R.s project, a Class X student from Karnataka,Vision 2020 Bangarpet,

to solve problems of water scarcity, pollution, electricity, and traffic.
Lok Sabha passes High Court and Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of
Service) Amendment Bill, 2015
Lok Sabha passed a bill amending the law on salaries and service conditions of Supreme Court and
high court judges
Aim: To bring in uniformity in pensions and other conditions of service of the judges.
Bill was brought in under Article 175 of the constitution to ensure that there is no
discrimination in salaries, pensions and other service conditions of the judges of the two
courts.
Law Minister: D.V. Sadananda Gowda
15 | P a g e

Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015 consented by Rajya Sabha
Rajya Sabha has passed the Negotiable Instrument (Amendment) Bill 2015 which amends
the clauses relating to the territorial jurisdiction for filing Cheque dishonor Cases. It provides
for filing of cheque bounce cases at the place where a cheque is presented for clearance
and not the place of issue.
It will amend the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 which defines bills of exchange,
promissory notes, cheques and creates penalties for issues such as bouncing cheques.
There are an estimated 18 lakh cheque bounce cases across the country, of which about
38,000 are pending in High Courts.
Seven-member committee to examine online drug sale issue

Taking care of the risks and concerns related online sales of drugs, Drugs Consultative
Committee (DCC) has constituted a seven-member subcommittee to examine the issue of these
sales.
(Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda)
The sale and distribution of drugs in the country is regulated under the Drugs & Cosmetics
Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
A number of representations have been received from chemists and druggist

associations against the online sale of prescription drugs.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has constituted an expert core committee to review and
recommend the revision of National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) 2011 in the context of
contemporary knowledge of use of therapeutic products.
As per the Drugs (Price Control) Order, 2013, 680 medicines are currently under the
NLEM.
Govt extended PMJJBY and PMSBY deadline to Dec 31

Government has extended the deadline for enrolment in the nations two most popular social
security schemes up to December 31.
Insurance schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana

(PMJJBY)and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) are aimed at bringing the
unorganised sector and economically weaker population under risk cover.
MoU signed between Ministry of Textiles & Ministry of MSME for establishing a
Technology Centre at Kanpur
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed among Ministry of Textiles, Ministry of
Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) & National Textile Corporation (NTC) in order
to set up a Technology Centre (Tool Room)
Place: Kanpur, UP
16 | P a g e

MoU Signed for Skill Development in Manufacutring Sector
MoU for skill development in the manufacturing sector, with focus on capital goods and automotive
sector was signed between Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
(MSDE) and the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI).
Department of Heavy Industry has played a key role in promoting two key Sector Skill
Councils (SSCs),Capital Goods Sector Skill Council and Automotive Skills Development
Council in the skilling ecosystem of this country.
Highlights of MoU:
It will ensure that a robust national ecosystem for development of skills in the
manufacturing sector is created.
All Central PSUs have committed to invest at least 20% of their Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) funds for skilling purpose.
It will enable scale up of apprentice training in the central PSUs under the Department of
Heavy Industry and promote adoption of ITIs by these Central PSUs.
Apart from ITIs, Advanced Training Institutes and regional vocation training institutes
under the Skills Ministry, training partners of NSDC and Sector Skill Councils (SSCs) will
also work with the Central PSUs under DHI.
This agreement will enable private partnership in the entire value chain of skilling
through targeted interventions.
National Waterways Bill, 2015 approved by Cabinet

Union Cabinet has given its approval to carry out official amendments in The National
Waterways Bill, 2015. The amendments are based on the recommendations of the Department
related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture and comments
of State Governments.
It provides for enacting a Central Legislation to declare 106 additional inland

waterways as the national waterways by which the total number of NW goes upto 111
from existing 5.
Union Government is empowered to make laws on shipping and navigation on national

waterways as per Entry 24 of the Union List of the 7th Schedule of the Constitution.
Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015 consented by Cabinet

To create more consumer friendly, transparent and accountable real estate sector, Union Cabinet
has approved the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015, applicable both for
commercial and residential real estate projects.
It is an initiative to protect the interest of consumers, promote fair play in real estate
transactions and to ensure timely execution of projects.
Provisions of Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2015
Creation of Regulator Establishment of Real Estate Regulatory Authority(RERA)
17 | P a g e

in States/UTs to regulate real estate transactions.
Registration Real estate projects and real estate agents must be registered with
the Authority.
Disclosure Mandatory disclosure of all registered projects including details of the

promoter, project, layout plan, land status, approvals, agreements along with details of
real estate agents, contractors, architect, structural engineer etc.
Construction Cost Compulsory for builders to deposit 70% of the amount raised
from buyers into an escrow account in a scheduled bank within a period of 15 days to
cover the construction cost of the project for timely completion of the project.
Dispute Resolution Establishment of fast track dispute resolution mechanismsfor

settlement of disputes through adjudicating officers and Appellate Tribunal.
Equal Rate of Interest Inclusion of equal rate of interest to be paid by the

promoters and buyers in case of default or delays. Currently it is in the favour of
builder.
Prohibition on civil courts Civil courts jurisdiction prohibited from taking up matters
defined in Bill, however, consumer court allowed to hear real estate matters.
Consumer consent must Promoters barred from changing plans and

designwithout consent of consumers.
Punishment Proposed jail term of up to 3 years or penalty or both in case of

builders
Lok Sabha passed Indian Trusts (Amendment), Bill 2015

Lok Sabha passed the Indian Trusts (Amendment), Bill 2015 by voice vote. It will amendIndian
Trusts Act, 1882 to remove the archaic provisions from the 133 year old legislation which have no
relevance.
(Indian Trusts Act, 1882 regulates the functioning of private trusts and trustees in India)
Provisions of Indian Trusts (Amendment), Bill 2015:
It would enable the Central Government to notify securities or class of securities for
investment by trusts.
To remove the outdated provisions occurring in section 20 of the Indian Trusts Act,
1882.
It provides greater flexibility and autonomy for the trustees to take decisions on
investment of trust money based on their assessment of the risk return.
SC directed State and UT Governments to consider acid-attack victims under Disabled

Quota
Supreme Court has directed the state governments and union territories administrations toinclude
the names of the acid attack victims in the list of disabled people.
Headed by: Justice M.Y.Eqbal and Justice C. Nagappan.
18 | P a g e

The decision has come while directing the Bihar government to give enhanced compensation
amount to Rs.10 lakh and Rs.3 lakh respectively to two Dalit sisters who suffered an acid
attack
CCEA approved measures to increase Pulses production
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved creation of buffer stock of
pulses to deal with wide fluctuation in prices of pulses and check food inflation.
As per decision:
The buffer stock will consist of 50000 tonnes of pulses from the kharif crop and 1
lakh tonnes from the Rabi crop.
The Procurement will be done at market prices through above Minimum Support Price
(MSP) out of the Price Stabilisation Fund.
If the prices fall below MSP, the procurement will be made at MSP under Price Support
Scheme of Department of Agriculture (DoA).
The CCEA also decided to import pulses through Union Ministry of Commerce depending on the
requirement.
Union Cabinet approved MoU between India and UK in the field of cooperation in the
energy sector
Union Cabinet has approved an MoU between India and United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Northern Ireland on cooperation in the energy sector with a focus on electricity market structure
and the integration of renewable energy into the grid.
Programme would work at both central and state levels to improve energy security and
reliability of supply, improve energy access and facilitate sustainable economic

growth.
2016: UK-INDIA Year of Education, Research and Innovation instigated
On the sidelines of PM Narendra Modi visit to UK, India and United Kingdom launched a joint
initiative 2016: UK-INDIA Year of Education, Research and Innovation in New Delhi to
increase mobility of students and faculty.
It was launched by Union Minister for Human Resource Development,Smriti Irani and the
Secretary of State, Business Innovation and Skills, UK, Mr. Sajid Javid.
Key Highlights of 2016: UK-INDIA Year of Education, Research and Innovation
GIAN programme Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) will enable UK

academicians would come to Indian institutions to teach courses.
UKIERI-III Third phase of UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI-III) with
budgetary allocation of 3 million GBP per year from each side will commence from 1st
April 2016 which will provide a basic framework for the bilateral cooperation between India
and UK over the next 5 years.
19 | P a g e
IMPRINT The programme will enhance partnership in research work in ten research
priority areas under IMPRINT (IMPacting Research Innovation and Technology).
Generation UK India UK is looking forward to send 25000 UK students to India in

next 5 years.
E-Auction of NTC instigated by Ministry of Textiles

National Textile Corporation (NTC) has started e-auction of yarn. The first e-auction of NTC
yarn was launched by the Union Minister of State for Textiles (I/C), Shri Santosh Kumar
Gangwar.
To give maximum opportunity to dealers for lifting of NTC stock and thereby reduce
inventory and improve cash flow.
Mills selected for selling of produce through e-auction

Vijamohini Mill, Kerala Lakshmi Mill and Rajnagar mill have been selected for selling of its produce
through e-auction.
Health Ministry released India Health Report: Nutrition 2015
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda and Union Minister for
Women and Child Development, Maneka Gandhi released the India Health Report: Nutrition
2015 and Global Nutrition Report .
The report was released during an event Made in India: Good Nutrition for All:
Implications of the Global Nutrition Report and the India Health Report for Nutrition
Security in India organized by Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and
the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
Highlights of Reports
India Health Report (IHR), 2015, offers a critical analysis of nutrition at the national and State
levels. The IHR compared nutrition levels among children in 28 States and Delhi.
India is on track to meet 2 (under-five overweight and exclusive breastfeeding rates) of

the 8 global targets for reducing malnutrition by 2030.
39% of children under five in India are short for their age (stunted). Uttar Pradesh
and Bihar have made the least progress over the 2005-2014 periods that had the worst
stunting rates in 2005-06.
The rate of improvement in nutritional status has not kept pace with Indias significant
gains in economic prosperity and agricultural productivity.
Uttar Pradesh, 4% are children malnourished, the highest in the country.
India ignores the problem of under nutrition and its impact on child development at its
peril and risks large economic, health and social consequences for future generations.
Union Cabinet approved 4000 crore rupees proposal for shipbuilding industry
Union Cabinet has approved Rs 4,000 crore budgetary supports to encourage shipbuilding and
ship repair industry in India under Make in India programme.
20 | P a g e

Features of Proposal
To counter the cost-disadvantages, the govt will grant a financial assistance of 20% of
the contract price or the fair price, whichever is lower following the delivery of the
ship.
The assistance will be reduced by 3% in every 3 years and will be given for all types
of ships.
It also includes grant of Right of First Refusal for Indian shipyards for govt
purchases,tax incentives and grant of infrastructure status for shipbuilding and ship
repair industry.
NGT directions on River Ganga rejuvenation

National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed a complete ban on use of any king of plastic from
Gomukh to Haridwar along Ganga with effect from February 1, 2016.
Headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar which also comprises of judicial
member M S Nambiar and expert members D K Agrawal and B S Sajwan.
Ganga cleaning project outlay 258 crores; out of which Rs. 78 crore has been spent.
Penalties & Prohibitions
Penalty of Rs. 5,000 per day will be slapped

on hotels, dharamshalas and ashramsspewing waste into the river.
Environmental compensation of Rs. 5,000 per incident will be imposed in case of

throwing of any municipal waste, construction and demolition wastes into Ganga.
Penalty of Rs. 20,000 per violation if any hospital is found throwing waste anywhere
on land, water bodies or other places.
Complete prohibition on use & sale of plastic. plastic carry bags/plastic plates,
glasses, spoons, packages and allied items in all towns falling on the river Ganga and its
tributaries.
Fines ranging from 10 lakh rupees to 1 crore rupees on industrial units along the
river for discharging waste.
SABLA Scheme to empower Adolescent Girls

Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (RGSEAG) Sabla has been
implemented by Govt which aims at empowering Adolescent Girls (AGs) between 11-18
years through nutrition, health care and life skills education. The scheme will cover 205
districts selected from all the States and UTs.
Rs 27486.79 lakhs has been released to states under SABLA in 2015-16
Union Government declares Tamil Nadu flood as Calamity of Severe Nature

Centre has declared the recent floods in Tamil Nadu as a calamity of severe nature. Centres
announcement came after Tamil Nadu CM J. Jayalalithaa made a plea to Prime Minister
21 | P a g e

Narendra Modi seeking that the floods be declared as National Disaster.
Parliamentarians are recommended to allocate upto 1 crore fromMembers of

Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for renovation and
rehabilitation work in the flood-affected districts.
Control of Potable Alcohol along with 3 other bills approved

Four key economic Bills that would validate the reformist credentials of the Modi-led Government
were introduced in the Lok Sabha. These Bills sought to bring in legislative changes in atomic
energy, potable alcohol, commercial disputes and bonus payments.
Potable alcohol
A Bill to bring industries engaged in the manufacture of potable alcohol was also introduced in
the Lok Sabha.
To amend the first schedule of the Act so that it would be in conformity with the
judgement of the Supreme Court of 1997 (potable alcohol is to come under the
control of states).
Industries (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill was passed by a voice

vote.
Government inked MoU for establishing IIITs in 3 cities

Government signed MoU and documentation to establish 3 Indian Institute of Information
Technology (IIITs) at Ranchi, Nagpur and Pune.
IIITs are operated on a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) mode with participation of state

government and industry, apart from the Central Government.
Agreement has been signed by Vinay Sheel Oberoi, Secretary of Department of Higher
Education from the Central Government side and by Tata Consultancy Services, Tata
Motors, M/s ADCC Infocad, Nagpur and M/s Hubtown, Mumbai.
IIIT-Ranchi partnered with TCS and Tata Motors
IIIT-Nagpur partnered with M/s ADCC Infocad and TCS
IIIT-Pune partnered with M/s Hubtown Mumbai and M/S Roltas
Total number of IIITs in the PPP mode has gone up to 16.
NGT banned registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi

National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned registration of new diesel-run vehicles in Delhi to
curb air pollution in Delhi.
Headed by Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.
There will be no renewal of registration of vehicles which are more than 10-yearold.
Tribunal directed Centre and state governments to consider not to buy any diesel vehicles
for their departments.
22 | P a g e

Losar festival has been celebrated in Ladakh region of J&K
The festival of Losar has been celebrated across Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir
It marks the beginning of New Year in Ladakh and celebrated for 15 days,main celebrations
on the first three days.Yolmo Losar is observed on the same day as of the Chinese New
Year.
Maharashtra constituted a task force for setting up an IFSC in Mumbai

Maharashtra government has constituted a task force under Union Minister of State for
Finance Jayant Sinha for setting up an International Financial Service Centre (IFSC)
in Mumbai.IFSC is one of the most ambitious projects of the state government.
US English Access programme launched in Bihar
As part of US-India collaboration in the areas of development and education, an American
English language skill course was launched for studentsfrom economically disadvantaged
section of the society.
US Consul General in Kolkata Craig Hall inaugurated the first ever English Access
Microscholarship Programme (Access) programme in Bihar supported by the US
Department of State.
Managed by a non-governmental body Association for Promotion of Creative Learning

(APCL).
The global programme after-school classes would provide foundation of English language
skills to talented students in the age category of 13-20 year.
Access programme consists of 180 hours of English language instruction during each
academic year and a 30-hour summer intensive course.
Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe visit to India Details

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was in India on a three-day from Dec 11 to Dec 13 for
firming up on Indias first bullet train and over progress in the talks on a civil nuclear deal.
Total 16 agreements.
3 agreements on cooperation in railway sector
Memorandum of Co-operation (MoC) to introduce High Speed Rail (HRS) on Mumbai
Ahmedabad sector: It will be Indias first high speed rail line, a 508 km line connecting the cities
of Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Project Cost Rs.97,636 crores, Time 7 years.
It will reduce travelling time between the two cities from 8 hours to 3 hours.
Japan will extend highly concessional loan of $12 billion and technical assistance on
easy terms for this project through its Shinkansen Technology.
The loan will provided with the interest rate at 1% for a period of 50 years with a 15 years
moratorium.
1. Memorandum of Cooperation between Indias ministry of railways and Japans MLIT (ministry
23 | P a g e

of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism)
2. Pact on technological cooperation between Indias Research Designs and Standards
Organisation (RDSO) and Japans Railway Technical Research Institute (JRTRI).
Rest of the agreements
Peaceful uses of nuclear energy
Transfer of defence equipment and technology
Security measures for the protection of classified military information: It ensures

the reciprocal protection of classified military information transmitted to each other, provided
the terms of protection are consistent with the national laws and regulations of the Receiving
Party.
Amending protocol of double taxation avoidance
Letter of Intent on the strategic international cooperation programme between

Indias Department of Science and Technology (DST) & Japan Science and
Technology Agency (JSTA): Promotes and supports collaborative activities like joint
research projects, joint research laboratories and hub, joint seminars, symposia and other
meetings between the research institutes and researchers supported by JSTA and DST.
Letter of Intent toward establishing a young researchers exchange programme

between the DST of India and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
MoC between Indias Central Drugs Standard Control Organization and Japans
ministry of health, labour and welfare: Raw materials for pharmaceutical use, biological
products and medical devices.
MoC in the field of education between Indias Ministry of Human Resource

Development and Japans Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and
Technology
Statement of Intent between NITI Aayog and Institute of Energy Economics, Japan
(IEEJ)
Pact on cooperation between state government of Andhra Pradesh and Toyama

Prefecture: The memorandum strengthens existing bonds between Andhra Pradesh and
Toyama by facilitating mutual collaboration between their governments, institutions, and
companies.
MoU between state government of Kerala and Lake Nakaumi, Lake Shinji and Mt.
Daisen area Mayors Association: Kerala and the Sanin region, Japan, agree to develop
trade, investment and economic relations between the business circles with focus on small
and medium enterprises.
MoU between Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A) and Japans

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS)
MoC between Indias Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and
Japans Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries: The memorandum endeavours
to enhance cooperation in human resource development and institutional exchange between
24 | P a g e

training institutes, sustainable forest management, enhancement of forest conservation and
forest disaster prevention.
Other Highlights
A joint statement on India and Japan Vision 2025: Special Strategic and Global
Partnership Working Together for Peace and Prosperity of the Indo-Pacific
Region and the World.
India extended visa an arrival (VoA) facility for Japanese nationals, including
businessmen.
India and Japan had signed a pact to develop Varanasi as a Smart City. The plan
is to develop Varanasi on the lines of Japanese city of Kyoto.
Abe attended the Ganga Aarti at Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi.
Cancellation and Refund of Railway Tickets New Rules

With effect from 12 November 2015, certain provisions of Railway Passengers (Cancellation of
tickets and refund of fare) Rules have been amended and comprehensive Railway Passengers
Rules 2015 have been notified through Gazette Notification G.S.R. 836(E). dated 4 November 2015.
Information by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Manoj Sinham in Rajya Sabha.
Haryana joined UDAY scheme for debt-laden discoms

Haryana became the 11th state to join UDAY scheme (Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana) for
reviving debt- laden discoms.
Other states communicated in-principle approval to the Power Ministry for joining the UDAY
scheme includes Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan,
Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.
Rajasthan become the first state to submit smart city plan

Rajasthan has become the first state to submit smart city plans for three selected cities
Udaipur, Kota and Ajmer
Proposals were submitted by Manjit Singh, (Rajasthans princial secretary of urban

development) to Samir Sharma (Additional secretary of urban development).
Investment outlays proposed for developing 3 cities as smart cities

Rajasthan has proposed a total investment of Rs.6, 457 cr for 5 years for developing four cities
as smart cities.
Kota Rs.1, 493 cr
Ajmer- Rs 1, 300 cr
Udaipur Rs 1,221 cr
Jaipur- Rs.2,403 cr.
25 | P a g e

Goa govt green signal to Panaji Smart City proposal
Goa government has approved the Rs 981.11 crore proposal for Panaji Smart City which was
submitted to the Union Urban Development Ministry, on eco-mobility, public transport system
and improvement of conservation zones.
Approval given by
High Powered Coordination Committee (HPCC) on Smart City headed by Chief

Secretary R K Srivastava.
Fund Information :
Of the total 304.22 crore state share, the entire amount would be contributed by the Goa
government, as the financial position of the CCP (Corporation of the City of Panaji) does
not allow it to take up such huge proposal.
BMC approved Smart City Proposal for Maharashtra

Smart City Proposal (SCP) for the metropolis was approved by the Brihanmumbai Municipal
Corporation (BMC) with worth of Rs.32000 crore.
Shiv Sena, ruling party of the 227-member BMC, passed the proposal with a list of14
amendments attached to it. Out of the fourteen amendments, 12 were made by the Shiv
Sena and two by the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).
Maharashtra Cities selected for Smart Cities Mission

Amravati, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Nagpur, Nashik, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Solapur and
Thane.
Highlights of the Smart City Proposal
Navi Mumbai prepared the most expensive plan with an outlay of Rs.8500 crore, to
project Navi Mumbai as one of the first planned cities.
Thane Municipal Corporation prepared plan worth Rs.6630crore followed

byAmravati, worth Rs.5000 crore rupees.
Nagpur and Pune Rs.3400 crore Rs.2900 crore respectively.
247 water supply, LED lights on signals, zero-garbage zones and mobile
governance.
Amendments Suggested
75% of the jobs being generated of the Smart city project should be given out to
thesons of the soil (local people).
Chairman of Special Purpose Vehicle -Mumbai Mayor.
Wi Fi facility should be implemented all over Mumbai.
Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) be named as Mumbai municipal corporation Smart

City company.
Mechanical sweeping be made a part of the plan along with ducting be done for utilities
running through public roads.
Civic body should be given powers to appoint the Director.
26 | P a g e

Combined Commanders Conference held on an aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya
Shri Narendra Modi chaired the Combined Commanders Conference on board INS
Vikramaditya at Sea, off the coast of Kochi.
This is the first time that the Combined Commanders Conference has been held on board an
aircraft carrier.
Prime Minister interacted with soldiers, sailors and airmen on board INS Vikramaditya.
LS passed bill to allow NPCIL to have tie-ups with other PSUs

Lok Sabha passed a bill that will allow state-run NPCIL to have collaboration with other PSUs
in the nuclear field.
Atomic Energy Amendment Bill 2015 proposed to amend the 1962 Atomic Energy
Act to change the definition of government company in the Act.
At present, only two Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) Nuclear Power Corporation of
India Limited (NPCIL) and Bhartiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited (BHAVINI), which are
under the administrative control of Department of Atomic Energy, operate nuclear power
plants in the country.
Operation Smile-II to start from 1 January 2016

GOI has requested the States/UTs to start Operation Smile-II from 1st January, 2016 to31st
January to rolled out throughout the country as a follow up of the earlier campaign to
rescue/rehabilitate the missing children.
Key Impacts of Smile I :
9146 children under Operation Smile and 19742 children under Operation
Muskaan were rescued/rehabilitated.
Many missing children have been reunited with their families.
About Operation Smile-II
All children residing in shelter homes, platforms, bus stands, roads, religious
places, etc. are to be screened by trained police personnel.
During the operation, the particulars of such identified children will be uploaded on the
Missing child portal of the Ministry of Women and Child Development by the respective
State Police.
GIFT City Phase-2 work launched

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) announced the launch of the Phase-2
development, focused on International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) to be set up in GIFT
SEZ.
With the launch of Phase-2 development, GIFT City has invited proposals from developers
to build office towers in SEZ and non-SEZ areas.
Allotments:
GIFT IFSC has already made allotment to around 20 institutions including leading
27 | P a g e
names such as SBI, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and YES Bank.
GIFT has signed MoU with various leading Capital Market players-BSE, NSE,
MCX and DMCC.
NSE has signed MoU with London Stock Exchange for setting up global trading
platform at GIFT IFSC SEZ.
GIC and New India Assurance have also received allotment in GIFT IFSC.
Union Parliament passed Bill to create Commercial Benches in High Courts

Lok Sabha has passed the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial
Appellate Division of High Courts Bill, 2015 would help bring in big foreign investments into
the country and improve Indias global image on ease of doing business.
The measure will help set up commercial benches in selected high courts to settle high value
commercial disputes.
The demand was first made by the BJPs Kirti Azad which was later supported by other
members. The bill was, however, opposed by the BJD and RSP saying that it accorded
special treatment and speedier justice for high-value commercial disputes and nothing for
the common man.
Supreme Court banned registration of new diesel SUVs, luxury cars in Delhi
After the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered a ban on the registration of all diesel cars in Delhi,
Supreme Court has banned the registration of all diesel SUVs and luxury cars with
engine capacity of 2000cc or more till March 31, 2016. However, vehicles less than 2000cc can
be registered.
The Supreme Court has asked all the private cabs operating in the city to convert to
Compressed Natural Gas or CNG by March 1 next year.
Union Cabinet given nod for development of Underground Coal Gasification

Union Cabinet has approved a policy framework for development of Underground Coal
Gasification (UCG) in coal and lignite bearing areas.
UCG is a method of extraction of energy from coal/lignite resources which are otherwise
regarded as uneconomical to work through conventional mining methods.
UP Governor Ram Naik gave assent to states Revenue Code (Amendment) Ordinance
2015
Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik has given his assent to UP Revenue Code (Amendment)
Ordinance 2015. The state government had sent the ordinance to the Governor for his approval
for the amendment in UP Revenue Code 2006.
AP Shah Committee appointed to look into ONGC, RIL dispute on KG gas fields
The Justice(Retd.) A P Shah panel has been constituted to look into acts of omission and
commission and recommend compensation toONGC whose natural gas from Bay of Bengal block
28 | P a g e

had flowed to adjoining fields of Reliance Industries Ltd. RIL).
The committee has been constituted after US-based consultant DeGolyer and
MacNaughton (D&M) stated that as much as 11.122 billion cubic meters of natural
gas, worth over Rs 11,000 crore, had migrated from idling Krishna Godavari fields of Oil
and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) to adjoining KG-D6 block of RIL.
Union Cabinet given nod to amend Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave its approval for introduction of a
Bill for amendments to the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, in order to modify
the list of Scheduled Castes in respect of the five states Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Kerala, Odisha
and West Bengal.
The castes and communities that were found eligible for their inclusion in SC category:
From Chhattisgarh are Sais, who are also known as Sahis, Sarathi, Soot-Sarathi and
Thanwar.
Two castes from Haryana have been included in the SC list. These are Aheria, also called
Aheri, Hari, Heri, Thori and Turi, and Rai Sikh.
In Kerala, Peruvannan caste has been included the SC list while Malayan from certain
areas will also be entitled to the same benefits.
Castes, which have been excluded from the OBC list consequent upon their inclusion in
SC list include Bariki and Kummari from Odisha, while the area restriction of the inclusion
of Chain caste in West Bengal has been removed.
The proposal also seeks some changes in the Central List of Other Backward Classes of the states
of Chattisgarh, Haryana and Kerala.After the Bill becomes an Act, members of the communities
included in the list of Scheduled Castes will be able to derive benefits meant for Scheduled Castes
under the existing schemes.
Maharashtra announces 10512 crore rupees aid for farmers
The Maharashtra Government on announced a 10512 crore rupees relief package for more
than 15000 drought-hit villages in 14 districts of the states Marathwada and Vidarbha
regions.
The package was announced by Devendra Fadnavis in the assembly in Nagpur during a
discussion on the drought situation.
Of the 10512 crore rupees, 7412 crore rupees will be direct financial assistance to cotton
and soybean farmers in Vidarbha and Marathwada. Out of the 7412 crore rupees, 2800
crore rupees will be given in the form of crop insurance to farmers and 1034 crore rupees
aid will be given to those who have not insured their crops.
Lok Sabha passes Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015

Lok Sabha has passed the Arbitration and Reconciliation (Amendment Bill), 2015. The Bill
seeks to make the arbitration process more investor-friendly, cost effective and suitable for
29 | P a g e

expeditious disposal of cases.
It will facilitate in making India a hub of international commercial arbitration.
DAC gives nod to purchase of Russian S-400 Air Defence Missile Systems
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar cleared the
purchase of five S-400 Triumf long-range air defence systems from Russia.
The defence deal worth Rs. 40,000 crore is one of the biggest of its kind to be
approved by the Modi government.
Mr. Modi government has been leveraging defence deals to reach out and further
strategic cooperation with other nations. During his visit to France last year, he surprised
everyone with the announcement for the direct purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets.
Union Cabinet gives nod to MoU with BRICS countries for energy conservation
Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to a pact signed between India and BRICS
members to enhance cooperation in building energy efficiency.
MoU includes cooperation in joint scientific and technological research,

conferencing and holding of lectures and seminars, capacity building and technology
transfer and technology development, sharing policies and best practices.
Union Government gives in principle approval to Googles Loon project

Union Government has given nod to Googles Loon project in the country which was proposed by
Googles newly-appointed chief Sundar Pichai, while on his first visit to India.
Under the project Loon, Google has proposed to provide internet connectivity in hard to access
areas of the country from balloons floating at a height of 20 km using LTE or 4G technology.
Although there are some technical and security concerns over the project, Telecom
ministry would help Google in obtaining clearances from civil aviation and the defence
ministries for approvals and proposed a partnership with state run BSNL for Project Loon.
Google had earlier announced a project to connect 400 Railway stations in the country
through Wi-Fi along with Indian Railways technology arm RailTel which is on track and
the first 100 stations will be connected by the end of 2016.
AP cabinet decided to abolish VAT, CST on sugar factories

Andhra Pradesh has decided to abolish VAT, CST on Sugar factories and permit foreign
institutions to establish their campuses in the state.
Cabinet approved hiking of wages of Anganwadi workers, permitting 15 top foreign

universities and 20 top universities in the country to establish their campuses in the
state and extend the lease of land given to the industrial purpose to 99 years.
Green Peace India released report on National Air Quality Index of 17 cities
Greenpeace India has released a ranking of the 17 cities covered by the National Air Quality
Index (NAQI). The report reveals data to challenge the complacence of the Central and State
30 | P a g e

Governments regarding cities other than Delhi: as many as fifteen of the 17 Indian cities with
NAQI stations showed levels of air pollution that far exceed the prescribed Indian standards.
The report is the first analysis of air pollution levels in Indian cities carried out using the
NAQI system. Greenpeace India said that the shockingly high pollution figures
recorded between April and November indicate the continuing severity of the air pollution
disaster.
MLAs of Arunachal Pradesh Assembly passed resolution to remove Speaker Nabam Rebia
Arunachal Pradesh Assembly passed a resolution to impeach Speaker Nabam Rebia by a voice vote
and signatured consent of 33 members, including 20 rebel Congress MLAs, 11 of BJP and two
independents, in a vote boycotted by the supporters of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.
Amid high drama, 34 MLAs seeking removal of the Speaker, including his deputy
Thongdok, met at the community hall for the session.
Thongdok called out the name of Rebia to enable him offer a clarification, if any, on the
impeachment notice but the Speaker was not present. The resolution was then put to
vote and was supported by the members.
Uttar Pradesh government bans use of polythene bags across the State
Uttar Pradesh cabinet has approved a complete ban on the distribution, manufacture and sales
of polythene carry bags in the state. Polythene ban in the state is being initiated because of the
courts order and also because it is environment friendly.
Allahabad high court had last month directed the Uttar Pradesh government to issue a
notification enforcing a complete ban on the sale of polythene across the state
byDecember 31. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) too had recently banned the use
of polythene along the Ganga, including areas in Uttar Pradesh.
PM Narendra Modi inaugurates top Police Officers Conference in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has formally inaugurated the All-India conference of Directors
General of Police (AICDGPs) at Dhordo in white Rann of Kutch region near Bhuj, Gujarat.The
conference was organised by Intelligence Bureau (IB).
Jharkhand Assembly passes Single Window Clearance Bill, 2015 along with five others
bills
Jharkhand Assembly has passed Single Window Clearance Bill, 2015 along with five others bills.
The treasury bench, however, did not agree to any amendment in Factory (Jharkhand Amendment)
Bill and it was passed without any amendment. The opposition parties staged a walk out on that.
The other five bills passed by Jharkhand Assembly are Jharkhand Cinema
Amendment Bill , Factory (Jharkhand Amendment ) Bill, Bihar Industrial (National &
Festival Holiday and Casual Leave) Jharkhand Amendment Bill, Contract Labour
(Exchange & Stoppage) Bill and Jharkhand Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill.
31 | P a g e

Narendra Modi hands over Shyamjis UK Bar certificate to CM Anandiben Patel
Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the certificate, acknowledging Indian barrister and
nationalist leader Shyamji Krishna Vermas posthumous reinstatement to the UK Bar to Gujarat
Chief Minister Anandiben Patel at a function in Gujarat.
The certificate was given to PM Modi in the presence of UK Prime Minister David
Cameron, during his visit to London last month.It will be kept in the Kranti Tirth, a
memorial of Verma built in the port town of Mandvi in Kutch, where Shyamji Krishna
Verma was born in 1857.
5 new districts to be formed in West Bengal

The Government of West Bengal has approved the proposal for introducing five new districtsin
the state. The total number of districts in West Bengal will increase to 25 after the formation of
these five districts.
(West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee)
Here are the new five districts to be introduced in the state:
Basirhat district: Basirhat is currently a city and a municipality in North 24 Parganas district.
Kalimpong district: It would be carved out by bifurcating Darjeeling district in North Bengal.
Burdwan (Industrial) district: The district is to be formed by bifurcating existing Burdwan
district.
Jhargram district: Currently a sub-divisional municipality in the Paschim Medinipur district in the
Indian state of West Bengal, Jhargram will be carved out of West Midnapore district.
Sundarbans district: The Sundarbans along the Bay of Bengal has evolved over the millennia
through natural deposition of upstream sediments accompanied by inter-tidal segregation. The new
district shall consist of part of worlds largest mangrove forest.
Union Cabinet approves development of Underground Coal Gasification (UCG)
To provide energy security, Union Cabinet has consented a policy framework for development of
Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) in coal and lignite bearing areas in the country.
The UCG policy framework has been framed in line with the existing policy for Coal Bed
Methane (CBM) development on revenue sharing basis.
42 mega food parks worth Rs 2,000 crore to be set up in the country

Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal announced the establishment of 42
mega food parks worth Rs 2,000 crore will be set in the entire country, out of which five have
already been established.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of Centre for learning resources
Development at L M Thapar School of Management Thapar University Campus Dera Bassi,
Punjab.
32 | P a g e

One of such food parks is at Fazilka in Punjab whereas 2 food parks at Ludhiana and
Kapurthala will be established with in next 2 years. She gave the approval for establishing Mega
Food Park at Lalru, Punjab.
Benefits of Food Parks:
These Food Parks will be having all facilities like Production, Processing Plant, Cold Store,
Collection centre & Transports.One Mega Food Park provides employment to 30 thousand
persons directly and will provide benefit indirectly to more than 1 lakh persons.
AICDGPs held in Gujarat

50th edition of the All-India conference of Directors General of Police
(AICDGPs)inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Dhordo village, organised near the
India-Pakistan border in white Rann of Kutch region near Bhuj, Gujarat, organised by
the Central Intelligence Bureau (IB).
Key issues Police Reforms, Radicalisation, Social Medias effect on Law and Order, security,
Disaster management, Women Safety and tourist police, Inter-state police coordination.
PFRDA switches to PAN for online enrolment under NPS
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has started
using PAN(Permanent account number) instead of Aadhaar for validation of new customers who
can now be registered online under the National Pension System (NPS) scheme.
Following the Supreme Court judgment on usage of Aadhaar, the Aadhaar-based online NPS
account facility that was started on a pilot basis had to be discontinued.
Participating banks: State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Patiala, Oriental Bank of
Commerce,United Bank of India, South Indian Bank and Syndicate Bank.
The Apex court has allowed usage of Aadhaar for the pension scheme under the National
Social Assistance Programme (Old Age Pensions, Widow Pensions, Disability Pensions),
apart from MGNREGS, PMJDY and EPFO.
U.P. joins Centres UDAY scheme

Uttar Pradesh has become the twelfth State to become part of centres UDAY (Ujwal DISCOM
Assurance Yojana) scheme for reforming debt-laden state electricity distribution companies.The
State cabinet approved bringing the virtually bankrupt state-electricity utility, burdened with
outstanding arrears of about Rs 32,000 crore under UDAY.
(Union Minister of State for power, coal and new and renewable energy Piyush Goyal)
HRD Ministry launched AISHE
The Union Minister of Human Resource Development Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani launched the 6thAll
India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) in New Delhi. Aimed to find out the number of
students in higher education in the country and improve the gross enrolment ratio (GER) in
different sections of the society including reserved category and women among others.
33 | P a g e

Key Highlights of the AISHE 2014-15
Student Enrolment Increase in overall enrolment from 27.5 million in 2010-11 to 33.3
million in 2014-15.
Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) Improvement in GER from 19.4% on 2010-11 to 23.6% in
2014-15.
GER is a ratio of enrolment in higher education to population in the eligible age group
(18-23) years.
Target of 30% GER by 2020 as envisaged in 12th Plan would be achieved.
Gender Parity Index (GPI) A ratio of proportional representation of female and male,
has marginally improved from 0.86 to 0.93 to the corresponding period.
Institutions Number of institutions of higher education listed on AISHE
portal has increasedsignificantly.
Universities from 621 to 757 and colleges from 32, 974 to 38,056 during the same
period.
Gujarat takes up PPP Projects under PM Awas Yojana

As a part of the recently launched Prime Minister Awas Yojana (Urban), Gujarat has become
the first state in the country to take up Public-Private Partnership Projects for
redevelopment of slums in urban areas.
30 PPP Projects proposed by Gujarat Government has been approved by the inter-
ministerial Central Screening and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) of the Ministry of

Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation (HUPA) for rehabilitation of slum dwellers in
Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Vadodara.
8 states include West Bengal, Telangana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu,
Odisha and Mizoram.
With this, Ministry of HUPA has so far approved construction of 4,23,415 houses for urban
poor in 243 cities in 11 States across the country, for which the Union Government will
provide an assistance of Rs.5,900 cr.
Government Launches Toll-Free Eyeway National Helpdesk for Visually Impaired

Citizens of India
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities launched Eyeway National
Helpdesk for the blind and visually impaired at the Department Headquarters in Paryavaran
Bhawan, New Delhi.
Eyeway National Helpdesk is an initiative of Score Foundation with support from the
Department and other organizations like Essel Foundation, Tech Mahindra
Foundation and the Hans Foundation.
Visually impaired citizens of India will be able to call the Eyeway Helpdesk on a toll free
number, 1800-300-20469 and get queries addressed in their regional languages.
34 | P a g e

Trained counsellors will share information, guide and connect the caller with relevant
professional solutions.
Information will cover living life with blindness, counselling, advocacy, personal or legal
matters, government schemes and programs, employment or education, about making an
accessible environment etc.
Rajya Sabha passes SC/ST Amendment Bill

The Rajya Sabha unanimously passed the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment
Bill, 2015. The bill seeks to amend the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill
aims to prohibit the commission of offences against members of the SCs and STs.
First prototype electric bus for MPs launched
To cope with the city pollution, the Road Transport and Highways Ministry is in touch with State
Transport Corporations from Maharashtra, Karnataka and Delhi showcased the prototype
of Indias first retrofitted electric bus with Go Green message on it.
(Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari)
The bus was flagged off by PM Narendra Modi and handed over the key of the bus to the
Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Sumitra Mahajan.
The converted buses are part of a pilot project of Central Institute of Road Transport
(CIRT). The prototype was wholly developed by KPIT, Pune.
It is powered by lithium battery developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation

(ISRO) and is very economical.
Odisha Govt launched Anwesha scheme for SC/ST students

OdishaGovernment launched the Anwesha scheme to provide education to Scheduled castes and
scheduled tribes children free of cost. 70 % Schedule Tribe and 30% SC students will be benefitted.
Announced by the Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik in Odishas capital city Bhubneshwar at

Saragi Phul festival.
Saragi Phul is a 3-day childrens festival for ST, SC children
Key features of scheme
Implemented in 17 districts.
Aims to enroll a total of 50000 SC and ST students in phases.For each student,

government will give Rs. 25000 for school fees per annum excluding hostel cost and
scholarship.
The government will bear all expenses for fees, uniform, books, hostel accommodation
as well transportation.
Separate hostel will be constructed for these children under this scheme.
A counsellor will be appointed to help students in self-studies in hostels.
35 | P a g e
The children will be selected by means of a lottery which will be drawn by a committee
chaired by the district collectors in the state.
Lok Sabha passes The National Waterways Bill, 2015

National Waterways Bill, 2015 which provides to declare certain inland waterways as national
waterways, was passed in the Lok Sabha.
106 additional inland waterways will be added to the list of national waterways, taking the
number to 111 from existing 5.
The legislation was moved for consideration and passing by Shipping and Road Transport and
Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Existing National waterways

NW 1: AllahabadHaldia stretch of the GangesBhagirathiHooghly river
NW 2: SadiyaDhubri stretch of the Brahmaputra river
NW 3: KollamKottapuram stretch of West Coast Canal and Champakara and Udyogmandal
canals
NW 4: KakinadaPondicherry stretch of canals and Kaluvelly tank, BhadrachalamRajahmundry
stretch of River Godavari and WazirabadVijayawada stretch of River Krishna
NW 5: TalcherDhamra stretch of rivers, GeonkhaliCharbatia stretch of East Coast Canal,
CharbatiaDhamra stretch of Matai river and Mahanadi delta rivers
High-level committee set up to probe freight train derailment
A high-level committee has been constituted to probe the derailment of 25 wagons of a freight train
in Uttar Pradesh.
The rail traffic remained disrupted on Lucknow-Allahabad route for the second day
because of derailment between Bhadohi and Mondh railway stations.
A high-level committee comprising three members has been constituted to probe the
matter and submit its report to the earliest.
FSSAI sets up nine panels to strengthen food regulatory mech

Regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set up 9 new panelsto
expedite work relating to strengthen the food regulatory mechanism in the country.
FSSAI has notified 12 referral laboratories and 82 National Accreditation Board for
Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accredited private laboratories.
72 State and Public food laboratories to test food samples.There should be at least
laboratory in each district.FSSAI makes standards while their implementation is the
responsibility of the state governments. In 2014-15, 74,010 food samples were analysed and
14,599 samples were found adulterated or misbranded.
President dedicates NIMHANS to the nation

President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee dedicated the Bangalore based National Institute
36 | P a g e

of Mental Health and Neurological Sciences (NIMHANS) to the nation as an Institute of
national importance.
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda. He inaugurated
the Magneto Encephalography Research Center and NIMHANS Heritage Museum in
Bengaluru.
About Mental Health Policy
Indias first comprehensive mental health policy was notified in October 2014 on the occasion of
World Mental Health Day (October 10) which covers several aspects of mental health including
the rights of the mentally ill, the need to provide support to care givers,decriminalization
of suicide and other progressive policy initiatives.
The policy is supported by the Mental Health Action Plan 365 which spells out the
specific roles of the Central Government, the State Governments, local bodies and civil
society.
Lok Sabha passes The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015

Lok Sabha passed the Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015, will allow doubling of wage
ceiling for calculating bonus of factory workers. The Bill seeks to amend the Payment of Bonus
Act, 1965.
Provisions of Bill:
It seeks to raise the eligibility limit for payment of bonus from a salary of 10000
rupees to 21000 rupees a month.
It seeks to raise this calculation ceiling of bonus to 7000 rupees per month or as per
the minimum wage notified for the employment under the Minimum Wages Act,
1948(whichever is higher).
It seeks to mandate prior publication of rules made by the Union Government in the
Official Gazette to allow for more public consultation.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved Patna Metro Rail project
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar approved the Patna Metro Rail projects proposal and will now
send the proposal for the union governments clearance.
Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) last year submitted the DPR on the
project to the Bihar government.
Union Cabinet approves Lucknow Metro project

Union Cabinet has approved the Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase 1 A.
Length:22.878 km with 22 stations.
Project Outlay Rs 6928 crore
The cost of project will be supported by Government of India with Rs 1300 crore in the form
of equity and subordinate debt.
37 | P a g e

It will be implemented by Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) reconstituted into
a 50:50 jointly owned company of of India and Govt. of Uttar Pradesh and will have total 19
elevated and 3 underground metro stations.The project will come under the legal framework of
the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978; the Metro Railways (Operation and
Maintenance) Act, 2002 and the Railways Act, 1989.
Union Cabinet approves to expand visa-free diplomatic travel to more countries
Union Cabinet approved a model agreement on exemption from visa requirements to expand
the envelope of visa-free travel for holders of diplomatic and official passports to other countries.
Benefit:Visa-free entry, transit and stay up to 90 days or less in any period of 180 days or
more in the territory of India or signatory country for holders of diplomatic and official
passports of either country.
There are still more than 130 countries with which India is yet to enter into or sign similar
agreements.
CCEA approves Rs 3,000 crore scheme for fisheries sector

Government approved an integrated scheme for the development and management of
fisheries sector as it seeks to bring blue revolution in the country.The scheme will benefit the
entire fisheries sector covering about 14.50 million fishers.
Outlay: Rs 3,000 crore
Aim: To focus and integrate approach for development and management of fisheries and
aquaculture sector to ensure a sustained annual growth rate of 6-8 per cent in the 11th Five Year
Plan period.
6 broad components of the scheme:
1. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) and its activities
2. Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture
3. Development of Marine Fisheries, Infrastructure and Post Harvest Operations;
4. Strengthening of Database & Geographical Information System of the Fisheries Sector
5. Institutional Arrangement for Fisheries Sector
6. Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) and other need-based interventions.
Highlights:
The components would be implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry,

Dairying and Fisheries (DADF) with 100 per cent central funding.
It has suitable linkages and convergence with the Sagarmala Project of Shipping
Ministry, MGNAREGA, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and National Rural
Livelihoods Mission (NRLM) etc.
Fish production in the country in 2014-15, while the export earnings from the sector
registered at Rs 33,441 crore in 2014-15.
38 | P a g e

Parrikar inaugurated first Cable Stay Bridge of J & K
To provide close connectivity between the three states of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal
Pradesh and Punjab, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has dedicated the first cable-stayed
bridge of north India in Kathua district on river Ravi at Basholi situated on Dunera-BasohliBhadharwah road in Jammu & Kashmir to the nation.
Basohli Bridge is 4th of its kind in India. The other three cable-stayed bridges are Hooghly
Bridge at Kolkata, Naini Bridge in Allahabad and Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link in Mumbai.
Designed by Canadian Company Infinity Engineers & IIT New Delhi
Joint venture of IRCON a Railway Company and SP Singla Construction group.
Constructed by Border Roads Organization (BRO).
Project outlay Rs 145 crore
300 tonnes of specially designed cables are being procured from Japan and Spain.
CCEA approved investment of 5000 crore rupees into ONGC Videsh

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its approval for investment of Rs.5, 000
crore by Oil and Natural Gas Company Limited (ONGC) in the equity share capital of ONGC
Videsh by conversion of existing loan of equivalent amount into equity.
Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) had extended a loan of Rs 6,000 crore to its overseas
investment arm to meet its acquisitions requirements.
With this, the equity base of OVL will rise to Rs 15,000 crore. The entire loan ONGC had
given to OVL was at zero interest.
Bihar Government banned 15-year-old diesel vehicles from plying on Patna roads
Bihar government has banned 15-year-old diesel vehicles from this capitals road in a bid to
control air pollution. The decision comes after an advisory issued by the Bihar State Pollution
Control Board (BSPCB) showing air quality in Patna was very poor on 20 days
andsevere on nine days of November 2015.
Severe means particulate matter-2.5 (or PM-2.5) is over 400 and can affect healthy
people and seriously impacts those with existing diseases. Very poor means PM-2.5 is
between 301 and 400 and can cause respiratory illness on prolonged exposure.
Indian Navy conducts large scale fleet exercise on eastern seaboard

Indian Navy conducted large scale Fleet exercise on the eastern seaboard to maintain high levels
of combat readiness and counter emerging threats.
The exercises were conducted across a vast geographical area, extending from the
Northern Bay of Bengal to the Andaman Sea.
About Exercise
24 ships, 2 submarines and over 10 aircraft participated in the exercise, which included
the nuclear submarine Chakra as well as units from the Andaman-Nicobar
Command.
39 | P a g e
A ship from the Western Naval Command with the Kamov 31 Air Early Warning
helicopter was also deployed for the exercise.
Weapons, including Surface to Surface missiles (SSMs), Surface to Air missiles

(SAMs) and Land Attack Missiles (LAMs) were fired from various platforms.
Hawk Fighter aircraft and P8I Long Range Maritime reconnaissance aircraft were
also integrated into the exercise.
Policy Intiative Development of Industrial / Economic

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Nirmala Sitharaman has announced that the GOI has adopted the strategy of developing
integrated industrial/economic corridors in partnership with State Governments for boosting
industrial development.
National Industrial Corridor Development Authority (NICDA) has not been constituted
yet.
The 5 industrial/economic corridors are as follows:
Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC): The project spans the States of Uttar
Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra along the
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) of the railways.
Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC): Master Planning of Ponneri (Tamil

Nadu), Tumkur (Karnataka) and Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) has been completed.
Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC): The Dharwad (Karnataka) has been

identified for master planning
Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC): Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and

Srikalahasti-Yerpedu (Andhra Pradesh) have been identified for master planning.
Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC): Feasibility study with respect to the

Inception Report has been completed.
Union Ministry of Environment notified norms for Coal-based Thermal Power Plants
To cope with pollution the Union environment ministry has notified revised norms of emission
standards for coal-based thermal power plants in the country and made it mandatory for the
existing plants to meet those parameters within two years.
Key Provisions of revised norms
The new power plants (to be commissioned from January 1, 2017 onwards) will have to
achieve zero waste water discharge.
The new standards are aimed at reducing emission of PM10(particulate

matter),Sulphur Dioxide and Oxide of Nitrogen, which will improve the Ambient Air
Quality (AAQ) in and around thermal power plants & will control the mercury emission (at
about 70-90%).
40 | P a g e
In case of PM10, the new plants will have to restrict the emission to 30 mg per cubic
meter as compared to 100 mg per cubic meter in older plants.
Chattisgarh top performer in Digital India Week

Chhattisgarh has been adjudged as the Best performing State for its exemplary work in the field
of information technology during the Digital India Week 2015.
It will receive the award from Communication and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Chhattisgarh was followed by Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya at the third place.
Within Chhattisgarh, the districts of Kondagaon, Koriya and Gariyaband were adjudged the best
performers for its digital facilities and services to the people. CM Raman Singh had launched 16
premium digital services.
Schemes:Wi-Fi city scheme to ensure free high speed internet facility, mobiles app for edistrict services, online facility for five pension schemes of social welfare department and six
of revenue department, integrated Chhattisgarh mobile app , Chhattisgarh campus connect
portal, Lok Seva Kendra and Common Service Centres in villages were among the facilities
started during the week.
Union Government brings 376 drugs under the NLEM

Union Government has added 106 drugs including that of HIV/AIDS, Cancer and Hepatitis C to
the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).
The committee was headed by M. Katoch, former secretary of Department of Health

Research.
The revision includes addition of 106 essential medicines and deletion of 70 medicines.
With this total number of essential medicines in the list have gone up to 376 from earlier
348 medicines.
This move will ensure their availability across the country at affordable prices. The new list takes
cues from the World Health Organisation (WHOs) 2015 list of essential drugs and medicines
that satisfies the priority healthcare needs of people and ensure affordability.
National Food Security Act launched in Assam
Panchayat and Rural development minster of the state Rakibul Hussain launched the Food
Security Act (FSA) in Nagaon district of Assam to address the hunger of the people.
Under this Act, every person belonging to priority households will be entitled to receive5 kg of
food grains per person per month at subsidised prices not exceeding Rs. 3.00 per kg
for rice.
AP State ranked first in e-transactions

According to the National e-Transaction Count maintained by the Electronic Transaction
Aggregation and Analysis Layer (Etaal) under the Union Department of Electronics and
Information TechnologyAndhra Pradesh has tops the list registered a quantum leap with 111.88
41 | P a g e

crore transactions since the start of the year, followed by Telangana with 87.34 crore
transactions.
Kerala stood at 3rd rank which had registered 67 crore e-transactions in 2015,
representing a 15- fold growth from 3.69 crore transactions in 2014.

Toppers in e-services:
Andhra Pradesh leads the list with 263 services followed by Telangana (225), Madhya Pradesh
(206), Gujarat (195) and Kerala (180).
Microsofts Nadella inked pacts with Andhra Pradesh
Microsoft India signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Andhra Pradesh Government as a
part of which former will provide technical knowledge to A.P. Government.
(Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu)
It was signed during the Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, visit to T-Hub, an incubation facility
promoted by the Telangana government to support technology-enabled start-ups.

MoU benefits to AP
The PoC solutions will be built and deployed to address specific problems within each of
the fields to achieve better outcomes for the State.
It would use the lab method for data gathering, analysis, predictive analysis and policy
planning.
Microsoft India will continue to engage and train State Governments key IT
executives on Microsoft technologies such as Cloud, Mobility and appropriate Microsoft
Technology stack.
Gujarat govt planning to launch e-voting in panchayat polls

Gujarat government is planning to extend the e-voting facility to panchayat polls. At present, the evoting facility is available only for voters of all the eight municipal corporations in the state.
Voters of District, Taluka and Gram Panchayats are not given this facility yet.
E-voting was introduced by Gujarat State Election Commission (SEC) for polling in six
municipal corporations.
Gujarat SEC has been the first in the country to allow online voting facility for voters
of municipal corporation areas of the state.
This facility was first offered to voters in the year 2010. The recently concluded local body polls
were the second election where voters were given the facility to vote online without coming to the
polling booth by registering themselves with the SEC on their website and follow procedures.
Make in India Week to start from Feb 13
The manufacturing push Make in India given by the Modi government will start in February next
year in Mumbai.
42 | P a g e
First flagship event of Make in India to be held in Indias financial capital will feature
sector-wise, state-wise pavilions, exhibitions of products and manufacturing processes,
besides conference rooms and meeting lounges for B2B, G2B, G2G meetings.
Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) and trade body, the
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) are involved in the planning of the event that
will see representations from global investors, states, export promotion councils, local
trade bodies, buyers and union ministries.
Sectors covered under this programme:Automobile, auto components, aviation, defence

manufacturing, leather, food processing, mining, oil and gas, ports and shipping, textiles and
tourism and hospitality.
Prime Minister NarendraModi will inaugurate the event on 13 February.
14 February CNN Asia Business Forum meeting
15 February-Make in Mumbai session and Maharashtra Investor Summit.
16 February Gujarat Investor Summit, Andhra Pradesh Investor Summit
17 February Make in India magazine will be launched
Civil Aviation Ministry gave clearance for 4 Greenfield Airports

In a bid to reduce air traffic load the Civil Aviation Ministry has given clearance for four Greenfield
airports.
(Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju)
The three other Greenfield airports are proposed to be set up in Andhra Pradesh, with two
of them likely to be no-frills ones.
One airport worth Rs. 1,378 crore will be international airport at Dholera in Gujarat.
The Ministry has already given its nod for development of a Greenfield airport in
Nellore and Kurnool districts of Andhra Pradesh under a public-private partnership.
Union Government links LPG subsidy to income

No LPG subsidy for taxpayers who earn over Rs 10 lakh annually. Union government is
consideringto lift the subsidy on LPG cylinder for consumers whose annual income is above Rs 10
lakh.
Reason:Government has found many of illegal gas connections and is saving thousands of crore of
rupees by stopping supply to those consumers.
Consumers whose income is above Rs 10 lakh, gas subsidy will not be given. So far,30 lakh
people have given up LPG subsidy. That subsidy will be given to poor people.
Currently, all households are permitted to 12 cylinders of 14.2-kg each at subsidised rate
of Rs 419.26, while the market price of each cylinder is Rs 608.
In the assessment year 2014-15, a total of 26 lakh assesses were reported as having a
taxable income above Rs 10 lakh.
43 | P a g e
The number of LPG consumers in the country fell from 35 crore to 14.78 crore after the
start of Direct Benefit Transfer on LPG (DBTL) scheme that eliminated inactive customers
and duplication in the rolls.
Goa Governor pens song for Swachh Bharat Abhiyan

Goa Governor MridulaSinha has written a song on Swachh Bharat Abhiyan which would be pasted
at the entrances of state government departments.
Objective: To create awareness among people about importance of cleanliness at all places.
Governor DrMridulaSinha, the brand ambassador nominated by Prime Minister for this
programme.
She has written what to do and what not to doregarding maintaining cleanliness.
These messages are being sent to members of the co-ordination committees which the Governor
has constituted to make Panaji, Mapusa, Ponda, Margao and Vasco as model cities of
cleanliness in Goa.
Gujarat government to announce its 1st Medical Policy
Gujarat government is set to announce its 1st Medical Policy for providing subsidy to those who
wish to set up new hospital in the state.
Main aim: To encourage as well as help doctors in setting up new hospitals and nursing homes,
which is a costly affair.
Features of policy:
Subsidy and financial assistance to those who want to set up hospitals and nursing homes
anywhere in the state.
Subsidy will be given for constructing the building and for purchasing specialised medical
equipment that are very costly.
Subsidy will depend on the location of the hospital, treatments offered and number of
specialised doctors offering services in the hospital.

Rates of subsidy will be different from a hospital being set up in urban area to another
coming up in a small town.
Another objective: To encourage medical tourism as well as to provide infrastructure for new
medical colleges.
Report of the Committee on Revisiting & Revitalizing the PPP Model of Infrastructure
Development
Report of the Committee on Revisiting & Revitalizing the PPP model of Infrastructure
Development chaired by Dr. V. Kelkar has been issued by Ministry of Finance.
Key Highlights of Report:
PPPs in infrastructure represent a valuable instrument to speed up infrastructure

development in India.
Contracts under PPP should focus more on service delivery instead of fiscal benefits.
44 | P a g e

An assessment procedure should be laid down for efficiently managing the risks by the
entity.
Government must amend the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 in order to
appropriately distinguish between genuine errors in decision-making and acts of corruption.

An institution should be set up for providing guidance for a national PPP policyand
develop a mechanism for collecting data for decision making in further developing the PPP.
The 3P-I institute for PPPs should be set up as soon as possible.
An institutionalized mechanism like the National Facilitation Committee (NFC) should be

established to ensure speedy resolution of issues.
Financial Aid of Rs. 6,794 crore for three drought-hit states
The states of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh have been badly affected by
drought in the year 2015 due to deficit rainfall. To improve the current situation and restore it back
to normal, the Union Government has approved a financial aid of Rs 6,794 crore for these three
states.
The government has approved Rs 3,100 crore for Maharashtra, Rs 1,672 crore for
Chhattisgarh and Rs 2,022 crore for Madhya Pradesh.

In December, Maharashtra government had announced a relief package worth Rs 10,512
crore for more than 15,000 drought-affected villages across 14 districts of Marathwada
and Vidarbha areas.
Haryana Government sets educational qualification for municipal polls
Haryana Government has decided to amend Section 13 A of Haryana Municipal Act 1973 and
Section 8 of Haryana Municipal Corporation Act 1994.
Objective: To make minimum educational qualification compulsory for aspirant of contesting local
body polls on the lines of Panchayat polls.
Minimum educational qualification for male candidates: Matriculation
Females and males belonging to scheduled caste: Middle pass.
Candidate should have functional toilet at home and he or she should not be defaulter of
cooperative bank loans and electricity department.
Earlier amendments: The state government has amended the Panchayati Raj Act fixing
qualification for candidates to contest Panchayat polls.
BHEL commissioned Prayagraj power project unit in Uttar Pradesh
Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. (BHEL) has commissioned a 660 MW unit of the Prayagraj Super
Thermal Power Project at Barain Allahabad district in Uttar Pradesh.
First super-critical thermal unit in the state to achieve capacity addition on attaining full
load.
*Super-critical units: These are more efficient and eco-friendlyby consuming lesser coal.
45 | P a g e

Greenfield thermal power project is owned by Prayagraj Power Generation Company Limited
(PPGCL) which is a subsidiary company of Jaiprakash Power Ventures Limited.
Three day Veda Convention and Vedic Conference begin in Kerala
Minister for Tourism and Culture A.P. Anilkumar initiated a three-day Veda Sammelanam.
Organised by: KasyapaVeda Research Foundation (KVEF) and Maharshi Sandeepani Rashtriya
Veda VidyaPrathishtan(Ujjain), under the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Comprises of treatises on different subjects being presented by scholars from Haridwar

to Tamil Nadu.
No interviews for junior-level government jobs from January 1

All central government ministries and their Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) were told to dispense
with the requirement of interviews for selections at junior level posts, however, they may continue
with skill or physical test.
From January 1, 2016, there will be no recruitment with interview at the junior level
posts in government of India ministries, departments, attached and subordinate offices,
autonomous bodies and PSUs.
Decision for: All Group C and non-gazetted posts of Group B category and all such equivalent
posts.
Orders:
For specific posts where the ministry or department wants to continue undertaking
interview as a process of recruitment, a detailed proposal seeking exemption will have to
be sent to the DoPT(Department of Personnel and Training with the approval of the
minister or minister-in-charge.
Report so to be furnished with the approval of the minister or minister-in-charge shall

include the details of the name and number of posts where the interview is discontinued
and posts for which the exemption has been required.
National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-2020

Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has
unveiled a National Biotechnology Development Strategy -2015-2020.
Aim:To establish India as a world-class bio-manufacturing hub
Mission:Creation of new biotech products, to create a strong infrastructure for R&D and
commercialization and empower Indias human resources scientifically and technologically.
*The Key elements of the Strategy are:
Building a skilled workforce and leadership.
Revitalizing the knowledge environment at par with the growing bio-economy.
Enhance Research opportunities in basic, disciplinary and inter-disciplinary sciences.
Encourage use-inspired discovery research.
46 | P a g e
Focus on biotechnology tools for inclusive development.
Nurturing innovation, translational capacity and entrepreneurship.
Ensuring a transparent, efficient and globally best Regulatory system and communication
strategy.
Biotechnology cooperation- Fostering global and national alliances.
Strengthen Institutional Capacity with redesigned governance models.
Create a matrix of measurement of processes as well as outcome.
MoU between India and Jordan for promoting cooperation In the field of Information
Technology and Electronics
Cabinet has given nod to the MoU between India and Jordan to promote cooperation in the field of
Information Technology(IT) and Electronics.
Purpose: It will strengthen industrial, technological and commercial cooperation between the
two countries in the field of Information Technology and Electronics (IT&E) sector.
Zones of co-operation: Identifying capacity building areas and specific needs of Jordanian IT
sector, Design, Plan and implement IT Capacity Building Programmes.
Government approves MOU for conservation of birds

Government gave approval for signing a MoU(Raptor MoU) for conservation of migratory birds of
prey in Africa and Eurasia.
Benefit: It will help India gain knowledge in managing habitats of 76 species of birds of prey
of which 46 species, comprising vultures, falcons, eagles, owls, hawks, kites and harrier, are
also found in India. India will become the 54th signatory to the MoU.
Other neighbours who are signatories to this MoU:

Pakistan and Nepal -the government recently banned multi-dose vials of human formulations
of diclofenac, a painkilling drug death of vultures.
Union Cabinet gives nod for India-Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation deal
Indo-Australian civil nuclear cooperation agreement received approval of the Union Cabinet.
Benefit: It will boost energy security by supporting the expansion of nuclear power in India.
Signed last year, the deal follows similar agreements with the U.S. and France. It is a step
towardsIndia achieving international acceptability for its nuclear programme.
India will be the first country to buy Australian uranium without being a signatory to the
nuclear non-proliferation treaty.
India has less than two dozen small reactors at six sites with a capacity of 4,780 MW, or 2 per
cent of its total power capacity.
Current: India has nuclear energy agreements with 11 countries and imports uranium from
France, Russia and Kazakhstan.
47 | P a g e

Union Cabinet approves construction of 69 bridges on Trilateral Highway in Myanmar
Cabinet approved the construction of 69 bridges including approach roads on a road section of the
Trilateral Highway in Myanmar.
Worth: Rs.371 crore
Completed by: Mid-2019
Monitored by: Indian Embassy in Yangon, PMC and the Ministry of External Affairs.
Purpose: The project will report all weather usability to the Tamu-Kyigone-Kalewaroad
section, part of the route for the proposed Imphal-Mandalay bus service.
MoU between SINTEF, Norway and Central Public Works Department in the field of
Recycling of Construction and Demolition Waste
Union Cabinet has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between SINTEF, Norway and Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
Purpose: Cooperation in the development of human resource capacity building and scientific
research in the field of Recycling of Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste in India.
Construction industry of India generates about 10-12 million tonnes of waste annually.
Concrete and masonry, constituting about 50 percent of the construction and demolition
waste, is not currently recycled in the country.
Agreement between India and Maldives for the exchange of information with respect to
taxes
Cabinet approved the signing of an agreement between India and Maldives for exchange of
information aimed at curbing tax evasion and avoidance.
Other agreement: Cabinet approved signing of a Protocol amending the Convention
between India and Slovenia for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of
Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income.
Renewal of MoU between India and Canada in Higher Education
Union Cabinet has given its approval for renewal of MoU between India and Canada for cooperation
in Higher Education.
Earlier MOU:
It was signed in 2010 for a period of five years. At the end of the five years, the MoU was to
be renewed for a possible renewal for a further five year period.
By acknowledging its immense potential and to further develop the existing bilateral
relations it has been proposed to further bolster the educational ties between India and
Canada by renewing the MoU.
48 | P a g e
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
MISR echeloned India at 131 on Global Index
As per UN International Telecommunications Unions (ITU) flagship annual Measuring the
Information Society Report (MISR), India has been ranked 131 out of 167 nations on a global
index. The study had been made on 167 nations.
The number of households with Internet and computer has been increased in India over the
last 5 years still it gained a quite low position.
Mission Innovation launched for accelerating clean energy revolution

During United Nations Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) in Paris World leaders of 20
countries has launched the Mission Innovation for accelerating clean energy revolution across the
world.
Tagline Accelerating the Clean Energy Revolution
Aim To reinvigorate and accelerate global clean energy
Objective To make clean energy widely affordable
Participating countries Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, France, Germany,
India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Norway, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Sweden, United Arab
Emirates, United Kingdom and the USA.
Highlights of Mission
As part of Mission Innovation, each of the countries involved will seek to double its
governmental or state-directed clean energy research and development investment

over the next 5 years.
The new investments will be aimed specifically at transformational clean energy

technology innovations that will be scalable across a variety of economic and energy
market conditions.
The collaboration will cover areas such as- sharing of data, technology expertise and
analysis in order to promote commercialization and dissemination of clean energy
technologies.It was launched as a long term global response to tackle the problem of
climate change.
UN chief launched Anticipate, Absorb, Reshape Initiative to build climate resilience

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) launched an initiative to build climate
resilience initiative Anticipate, Absorb, Reshape, at the Paris climate conference, called as 21st
Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC).
Aim: To strengthen the ability of countries to anticipate hazards, absorb shocks, and reshape
development to reduce climate risks that would assist address the needs people who live in at-risk
coastal areas just a few meters above existing sea levelsand those living in areas at risk of
droughts and floods.
49 | P a g e

Participants:FAO, UNEP, UNFCCC, UN-Habitat, UNICEF, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNOPS, UNISDR, WFP,
OCHA, WHO, and WMO.
China hosts 1st BRICS media summit
China took the initiative to create a media platform for the emerging economies by hosting the
1stmedia summit of countries Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS).
Objective:To build a new institutional framework that would benefit the media of five emerging
economies, which have deep linkages with the Global South.
Key points:
Chinas Xinhua news agency is the initiator of the project in collaboration with The
Hindu group of publications, the Brazil Communication Company, Russia International
News Agency, and South Africas Independent Media.
The formation of a cooperation office for BRICS Media Summit that will become an
executive body responsible for the daily contact of the committee members and the
organisation and coordination of the Summit.
German cabinet approved military mandate to fight Islamic State in Syria

German cabinet approved plans to pledgeup to 1,200 soldiers to back the international coalition
fighting against Islamic State(IS) in Syria.
After the Paris attacks, the Germany chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to honor a request
from France to provide support for its operations against ISIS in Syria. Germany
plans to send scoutingaircraft, tanker planes and a warship to the region, but will
notkeenlyinvolvein combat.
The mandate is for one year at a cost of 134m (94m) and can be extended next
year.A German frigate could protect the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in the
eastern Mediterranean, from which fighter jets are bombing shots, and tanker aircraft
could refill them mid-air to encompass their range.
Brazil entered longest recession since 1930s

Brazils economy shrank 4.5 percent year-on-year in the third quarter that is sharper than
expected recession and its GDP shrank 1.7 percent from the previous quarter.
Reason:
Constant global economic slowdown, shrinkage in exports and unprecedented scandal at

the government-run oil company Petrobras.
Unemployment rate:8.9 percent during July-September 2015 higher from 6.8 percent in 201415.
Household spending: Cut down by 4.5 percent during July-September 2015.Real, Brazil's
currency down about 31 percent against the dollar.
Inflation: 10 percent which is the highest in 12 years
50 | P a g e

Russia, WADA agreed on road map to reform Russian Anti-Doping Agency
Moscow and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) signed an agreement to reform Russia's
anti-doping agency.
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) suspended Russia last

month after a report by a WADA independent commission found evidence of statesponsored doping and large-scale corruption in Russian athletics.
Russias anti-doping agency RUSADA and anti-doping laboratory have been suspended
over the report has undertaken to retrieve IAAF membership in time for its track and
field athletes to compete at next year's Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.
WADA's report accused RUSADA of consistently violating international testing standards

and allowing athletes banned for doping to compete in spite of being suspended from
competition, among other condemning indictments.
WHO released estimates of the global burden of foodborne diseases

World health Organisation (WHO) has released its first ever report on global estimates of
foodborne diseases. The report is named as "Estimates of the global burden of foodborne
diseases" - the most comprehensive report to date on the impact of contaminated food on health
and well-being.
Based on the available information, it is known that the global burden of foodborne
diseases is considerable, affecting people all over the world particularly children under
5 years of age and people in low-income areas.
Key Points of the report:
Burden of foodborne diseases is caused by 31 agents bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins

and chemicals and due to which almost 1 in 10 people fall ill every year from eating
contaminated food and 420000 die as a result.
Children under 5 years of age are at particularly high risk, with 125,000 children dying
from foodborne diseases every year.
Certain diseases, such as those caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella, are a public health
concern across all regions of the world.
Food prepared with unsafe water, poor hygiene and in inadequate conditions in food
production and storage, etc are some of the other factors making to foodborne diseases.
WHO African and South-East Asia Regions have the highest burden
of foodbornediseases.
Xi announces $60 billion of 'funding support' for Africa

Chinas president Xi Jinping has announced a funding support of $60 million to Africa at a
summit in Johannesburg for development purposes which includes $5 billion of grants in zero
interest loans (and) $35 billion in preferential facility and export credit loans and concessional
loans.
51 | P a g e
Chinese president also announced drought aid for the continent.
It is seen that inspite of the slow growth of the Chinese Economy, China's
commitment to Africa will continue and it will be focused on 10 projects over the next
three years.
Britain launches airstrikes against IS-controlled oil fields in Syria

Britain struck in the Omar oil fields in eastern Syria that help finance the Islamic State group and
Germany prepared to send scouting aircraft to the Middle East as coalition forces stepped up efforts
to fight the militants.
Many of the oil fields had been hit by the U.S. led Operation Inherent Resolve, Britain
chose a target with low risk of security damage in Syria.
Russia is also bombing Syria outside the U.S.-led coalition. Moscow supports Syrian
President Bashar al-Assad, while the United States and its associates are against him.
UN Agencies released report on prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Asia-Pacific region

According to a UN report, India, China and Pakistan are among the 10 countries in the Asia-Pacific
that account for 98 per cent of youngsters aged 10 to 19 living with HIV. As per report it is facing a
"hidden epidemic" of HIV among adolescents.
The Asia-Pacific Inter-Agency Task Team on Young Key Populations including UNICEF and
the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS published the report 'Adolescents: Under the Radar
in the Asia-Pacific AIDS Response'.
Key highlights:
In 2014, 220,000 adolescents between 10-19 years were projected to be living with HIV
in Asia and the Pacific.
India is among the 10 countries in the region that is 98 per cent of those aged 10-19
are living with HIV. Other countries are Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Pakistan,
Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Australia passes Anti-Terrorism law to strip citizenship

Australias parliament has passed the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to
Australia) Bill to strip dual nationals of their citizenship if they are convicted of terrorism offences
or found to have fought with banned groups overseas, despite concerns about deporting terrorists.
It will ensure that terrorists who are dual nationals are prevented from returning to
Australia and dual nationals who engage in terrorism within Australia will be removed
where ever possible. The dual nationals would lose their citizenship if the person is
convicted of a terrorism offence and sentenced to at least 6 years of imprisonment.
Chinas first manned electric aircraft RX1E gets license for production
China's first manned electric aircraft, a two seater plane powered by rechargeable lithium
batteries, has been granted a license for production.
52 | P a g e
A 90-minute charge will give 45-60 minutes of flight time.
The two seater plane was designed by Shenyang Aerospace University and Liaoning
General Aviation Academy in north eastern Liaoning province.
Indo-Pakistan NSAs Ajit Doval, Nasir Janjua meet in Bangkok

National Security Advisors of India and Pakistan held talks on terrorism and Jammu and
Kashmir and agreed to take forward the constructive engagement in Bangkok.
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Pakistani counterpart Nasir Janjua, their
foreign secretaries S Jaishankar and Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry held their meeting in six days
after their Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif held a brief meeting in Paris
with a view to revive the delayed dialogue process.
Canada sends first consignment of uranium to India

Two years after the civil nuclear deal signed between the two, Canada has sent the first uranium
consignment of 250 tonnes to India for its nuclear power reactors.
Highlights:
Cost: Contract to supply 7.1 million pounds of uranium concentrate (about 2,730 tonnes
uranium) to Indias Department of Atomic Energy was worth around Canadian Dollars 350
million ($262 million).
India has 21 power reactors in operation, with another 6 under construction and will start
in next four years. It plans to increase its nuclear generating capacity from the
present5800 MWe -27,500 MWe by 2032.
Shipment consists of uranium mined and milled at Camecos McArthur River and Key Lake
operations in northern Saskatchewan.
2nd FOCAC summit held in South Africa

2nd FOCAC (Forum on China-Africa Cooperation) Summit and 6th Ministerial
Conference were held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Participants:36 African leaders, five heads of governments and the Head of African Union
Commission.
Theme Africa-China Progressing Together: Win-Win Cooperation for Common

Development
The summit was chaired by the President of China Xi Jinping and Co-chaired by the
President of South Africa Jacob Zuma.
Chinese Support to Africa

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced a total of US$60bn in funding support to Africa. The
support includes US$5b of grants in zero interest loans and US$35b in preferential facility and
export credit loans and concessional loans.
53 | P a g e
Education Centres Establishment of regional vocational education centers and

several capacity-building colleges for Africa, train 200,000 technicians for African
countries and provide the continent with 40,000 training opportunities in China.
Poverty Reduction On poverty reduction China will launch 200 Happy

Lifeprojects and special programs focusing on women and children.
Cancelation of Debts China has cancelled the outstanding debts borrowed by the
relevant least developed African countries that mature at the end of 2015.
Agricultural Modernization Agricultural development projects in 100 African villages

to raise rural living standards and establish a 10+10 cooperation
mechanismbetween Chinese and African agricultural research institutes.
Poor Harvest Poor harvest caused by El Nino in many African countries and will
provide one billion yuan (156 million dollars) of emergency food aid to the affected
countries
Security cooperation 60 mn US$ aid to the African Union (AU) to support the
building and operation of the African Standby Force and the African Capacity for the
Immediate Response to Crisis.
Drought aid US$156m of emergency food aid to affected countries
IIT-D set record in Largest Practical Science Lesson

IIT Delhi has scripted Guinness World Record in conducting the largest practical science
lesson by assembling 2,000 school students from Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) at
the sprawling lawns of Indian Institute of Technology.
The event was organised by Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), the countrys largest science
movement, as part of the India International Science Festival (IISF) 2015.
Fifty students of Class 9 to 12 each were drawn from 40 government and private schools to
set the Guinness World Record.
About Experiment :
Dressed in white lab-coats, students conducted two science practicals in the administrative block of
IIT-Delhi.
Both experiments related to catalysis a process that makes chemical reactions faster
without any additional input of energy
Elephant Tooth Experiment It was the major feature of the exercise was in which
hydrogen peroxide underwent catalytic decomposition in the presence of iodide,
resulting in the liberation of a large amount of oxygen and foaming up to resemble a
giant toothpaste being squeezed.
Discolouration experiment The other experiment was discolouration of

methylene blue by hydrogen peroxide.
The participating students were addressed by Union Minister for Science & Technology and Earth
Sciences Harsh Vardhan and Union Human Resources Minister Smriti Irani.
54 | P a g e

GFI ranked India 4th in black money outflows p/a
A Washington-based research and advisory organisation Global Financial Integrity
(GFI)released its report titled Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries: 20042013showing a dramatic increase of illicit financial flows from 2004 when it was USD 465.3 billion
to USD 1.1 trillion in 2013.
(Illegal financial outflows includes tax evasion, crime, corruption and other illicit activity)
Report ranked India at 4th place in black money outflows with USD 51 billion drawn out of
the country per annum between the years 2004-2013.
China tops the list with USD 139 billion average outflow of illicit finances per annum,
followed by Russia (USD 104 billion per annum) and Mexico (USD 52.8 billion per annum).
US House passed Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015

US House of Representatives passed the Visa Waiver Program Improvement Act of 2015. It
amends the United States visa travel practices.
Approved by a vote of 407-19, act would prevent any foreign national who has visited Iraq,
Iran, Syria or Sudan in the past five years from entering the US without a visa.
Highlights
The Bill would bar people who traveled after 1 March 2011 to 4 Nations from
participating in the visa-free program.
The bill also mandates travelers to be checked against Interpol databases.
The proposed Bill also contains provisions under which US can remove countries from
the visa waiver program if they do not cooperate with law enforcement and the
intelligence community.
After passage from the House of Representatives, the Act needs its passage from Senate and
approval from the President Barack Obama.
Asian Economic Integration Report 2015 released by ADB
Asian Development Bank (ADB) released a report titled Asian Economic Integration Report
2015: How Can Special Economic Zones Catalyze Economic Development?
The Asian Economic Integration Report (AEIR) 2015 was prepared by the Regional
Cooperation and Integration Division (ERCI) of ADBs Economic Research and Regional
Cooperation Department (ERCD).
The report examined the current trends in trade, finance, migration, remittances and
other economic activities in the region.
Report with respect to India
India has become the 3rd largest source of inward FDI for the United Kingdom (UK)
after the US and France in number of projects.
Indian economy switched focus to higher technology products as compared with 1990
when it focused mainly on low-technology exports
55 | P a g e
Indias labor productivity slowed in agriculture is mainly due to falling investment,

diversion of productive agricultural land to nonfarm purposes, and climate change which
reduced most farm yields.
Key Highlights of Report
Asia has emerged as an important source of outward foreign direct investment (FDI). Its
outward FDI increased faster than inward FDI growing 45.3% in 2014 compared with
2010.
Asias income elasticity of trade declined from 2.69 before the global financial crisis
(2008-09) to 1.30 in 2015.
The value of Asias intermediate goods trade of almost 60% of total trade has
contracted 2.6 % in 2014.
Asia remains the worlds largest source of international migrants, accounting for a
third of the global total in 2013 and the region also accounted for nearly 50% of global
remittances in 2014.
5th Heart of Asia conference begins in Pakistan

5th edition of Heart of Asia conference, an annual regional gathering of Asian and other
countries commenced in Islamabad Pakistan. Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif andAfghan
President Ashraf Ghani jointly inaugurated the ministerial-level meeting.
Theme Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process: Enhanced cooperation for countering security

threats and promoting connectivity in the Heart of Asia region
Key areas to be discussed Counter-terrorism, counter-narcotics, disaster management,

education, trade and investment and regional infrastructure
IMF changes rule on debt as Ukraine faces Russia deadline

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has changed a rule that would block its financial aid
program to Ukraine as the country defaulted on its debt owed to Russia.
The move comes as cash-short Ukraine faces a December 20 deadline to repay Russia for a $3
billion loan.Ukraine is restructuring its debts under an IMF-led $40 billion bailout
program.Defaulting on the Eurobond loan could have put the program at risk.
UNCTAD released Handbook of Statistics 2015

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has released Handbook
of Statistics 2015 which provides a comprehensive collection of statistical data relevant to the
analysis of international trade, investment and development, for individual countries and for
economic and trade groupings.
It revealed that the global trade in services grew by 5% while merchandise trade
stagnates and foreign direct investment falls.
Highlights of Handbook of Statistics 2015

Service exports International service exports accounted for 21% of total global exports ($5
56 | P a g e

trillion) in 2014 showing growth of 5% in comparison with the previous year.
Services exports in developed economies 5.3%
Services exports in developing economies 4.8%
Services exports from the transition economies declined sharply by 7%
Merchandise exports They were valued at $19 trillion with an increased by 0.3% in 2014 as
measured in current prices.
Merchandise exports in developed economies 0.4%
Merchandise exports in developing economies 0.6%
Total exports Total global exports for 2014 were valued at $24 trillion, up by 1.2% compared
with the previous year.
Total exports from developed economies 55% ($13.2 trillion)
Total exports from developing economies 41% ($10 trillion)
Total exports from transition economies 4% ($890 million)
Commodity Prices Total foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows were valued at $1.2 trillion,
fell by 16% compared with the previous year.
FDI flows in developed economies 28%
FDI flows in developing economies 1.6%
FDI flows in transition economies 52 %
Minerals, fuels, etc. The value of exports of minerals, ores, metals and fuels fell sharply
across countries in all regions irrespective of development status.
The most significant declines were in the value of fuel exports from Africa (down by
13%) and minerals, ores and metals (including gold) from Asia (down by 11%).
Indo-Pak declared 10-point Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue

India Pakistan relations have taken a pleasant turn after both nations have agreed to engage in a
comprehensive dialogue dubbed as 10-point Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue
(CBD).The 10-point CBD will succeed the 8-point Composite Dialogue Process
(CDP) structured dialogue aka Resumed Dialogue.
The decision has been taken on the sidelines of Hearth of Asia Conference in Islamabad &
was declared in a joint statement that was issued after a meeting between External Affairs
Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan Prime Ministers Advisor on Foreign Affairs
Sartaj Aziz.
Matters to be taken under 10-point Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue (CBD):

1. Peace and security, confidence building measures (CBMs)
2. Jammu and Kashmir
3. Siachen
4. Sir Creek Boundary Dispute
5. Wullar Barrage/Tulbul Navigation Project
6. Economic and Commercial cooperation
57 | P a g e

7. Counter-terrorism, Narcotics control
8. People-to-people exchanges
9. Humanitarian issues
10. Religious tourism
The new elements included in CBD are Humanitarian issues and Religious Tourism to make the
peace process between both countries long lasting; rest all is the elements of CPD.
Other Matters covered in Joint Statement
National Security Advisors (NSAs) of both countries to take forward talks on

terrorism.
Pakistan committed to expedite 26/11 Mumbai attacks trial.
Secretary-level talks within stipulated time table.
India and South Korea ink MoU on taxation treaty

India and South Korea have inked a new MoU on suspension of collection of taxes during
pendency of Mutual Agreement Procedure (MAP) procedure.
It will relieve the burden of double taxation for taxpayers in both the countries. Both
countries also have agreed that transfer pricing dispute caseswill be taken up for MAP
under the revised Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA)between India and
Korea.
India is second most ignorant nation of the world: Survey

Ipsos MORI, a London-based market research firm reported India as the second most
ignorant nation in the world after Mexico. Survey has polled 25,000 people from 33 countries.
The rankings of the nations were based on the Index of Ignorance which was determined
by questions about wealth that the top 1 % own, obesity, non-religious population,
immigration, living with parents, female employment, rural living and internet access.
Highlights of Report:
Most Indians underestimate how much of their countrys wealth is concentrated

in the hands of the top 1%.
Indians hugely overestimate the proportions of non-religious people in the country

to be 33% when the true figure is under 1 %.
India fell in the list of nations which overestimate representation by women in

politics.
Indian population seriously underestimates the rural population of the country and
thinks more people have internet access than in reality.
In India the average guess among online respondents for internet access is 60%, an
overestimation of the true picture of 41%.
58 | P a g e

UN Security Council adopted Resolution on Youth, Peace and Security
United Nations Security Council adopted a historic resolution on youth, peace and security that
urges greater representation by young men and women in the prevention and resolution of conflict
amid the rise of radicalization to violence and violent extremism amongst youth, which can be
conducive to terrorism.
The resolution was introduced by Jordan during its presidency of the Security Council in
April.
Highlights of Resolution on Youth, Peace and Security
It covers the protection of youth in armed conflict, including all forms of sexual and
gender-based violence.
Urged Member States to increase their political, financial, technical and

logistical support.
It encourages all those involved in the planning for disarmament,

demobilizationand reintegration
Indo Japan inked concord to amend DTAA

India and Japan have inked a protocol for amending the existing convention for double
taxation avoidance that provides for effective exchange of information in tax matters
including bank accounts.
The existing convention on DTAA was signed by both nations in 1989.
The protocol was signed by Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia and Ambassador of
Japan Kenji Hiramatsu.
Highlights of agreement
It provides internationally accepted standards for effective exchange of information

on tax matters including bank information and information without domestic tax interest
The information received from Japan in respect of a resident of India can be

shared with other law enforcement agencies with authorisation of the
competent authority of Japan and vice versa.
The amendment will allow India and Japan to assist each other in collection of revenue
claims.
It also provides for exemption of interest income from taxation in the source country
with respect to debt-claims insured by the government or government-owned financial
institutions.
Myanmar launched its first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Inle Lake

Myanmar has launched the countrys first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Inle Lake in Shan state,
in its commitment to bio-diversity and eco-system conservation.
About Inle Lake :
Inle Lake was designated as Myanmars first biosphere reserve under UNESCOs Man
59 | P a g e

and the Bioshpere (MAB) programme in Paris in June this year.
The lake gets funding from the government of Norway under the framework of the Inle
Lake Conservation and Rehabilitation project.
The 489,721 hectares Inle Lake is located in Nyaungshwe township, Taunggyi

districtin Myanmars eastern Shan state.
The wetland ecosystem of this freshwater lake is home to 267 species of birds, out of which 82 are
wetland birds, 43 species of freshwater fishes, otters and turtles. Diverse flora and fauna species
are recorded.
Turkmenistan hosted International Conference on Policy of Neutrality
International scientific-practical conference The foreign policy of Turkmenistan as a factor of
security and stability in the world, devoted to the Year of Neutrality and Peace and
the 20th Anniversary of Neutrality of Turkmenistan was organized by the Embassy of Turkmenistan
in Ukraine together with the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
Issue Discussed Fundamentals of peace-loving policy of Turkmenistan
US update jet-engine technology transfer policy with India
US has updated its policy on gas-turbine engine technology transfer to India to expand
cooperation in production and design of sensitive jet engine components.The announcement on
policy change was made at a meeting between Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his US
counterpart US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter at the Pentagon in Washington.
Jet engine component are largely used in big warships for the Navy and have a big market in
merchant vessels. A gas turbine can also accelerate air to create thrust in aero engines or
drive generators to make electricity or turn pumps.
2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference

2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP 21 was held in Paris, France from
30 November to 12 December 2015. It was the 21st yearly session of the Conference of the
Parties with a proposal of achieving zero GHG emissions growth by 2060-80.
The conference reached its objective for the first time to achieve a global agreement on
reduction of climate change in the Paris Agreement, which was adopted with acclamation
by nearly all states.
On the sidelines of summit 189 parties had submitted their Intended Nationally
Determined Contributions (INDCs) on climate actions.
How agreement on reduction of climate changes will become legally binding?

The agreement will become legally binding if at least 55 countries representing 55% of global
greenhouse emissions become a party to it through signature followed by ratification,
acceptance, and approval or through accession in New York from 22 April 2016 to 21 April 2017. It
is expected to take effect in 2020.
60 | P a g e

Highlights of Summit
According to the organizing committee, the expected key result was to limit the global
warming by 2100, compared to pre-industrial to below 2 degrees Celsius.
A 5C goal will require a zero level in emissions sometimes between 2030 and 2050
according to some scientists.
No detailed timeplan or country-specific goals for emissions were stated in the final
version of the Paris Agreement.
A zerolevel should be reached during the second half of the century.
Indias Participation
India launches global solar alliance of 120 countries PM Narendra Modi has launched an
international solar alliance of over 120 countries with French President Francois Holland.
Indian Govt is investing an initial $30mn in setting up the alliance

headquarter inIndia. The eventual goal is to raise $400m from membership fees and
international agencies.
Companies involved in project Areva, Engie, Enel, HSBC France and Tata Steel
India pledges to Paris summit offered to draw 40% of its electricity from renewables
by 2030 as India is projected to be the worlds most popoluous city by 2030.
Indias has a target to install 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022.
African Countries Participation

African countries aimed at restoring 100 million hectares of degraded and deforested land
by the year 2030. The initiative dubbed as the African Restoration Initiative (AFR100)plans
to nurture and re-grows the forests that would lead to carbon sink and improve the livelihood of
rural people.
The coalition consists of 10 African countries, 9 financial partners and 10 technical

support partners.
World Bank pledged $1 billion while Germanys Federal Ministry for Economic
Cooperation and Development is providing support for development of AFR100
initiative.
Overall Financing
The conference was budgeted to cost 170m (US$186.87m). As per French government, 20% of
the cost will be borne by firms such as EDF, Engie, Air France, Renault-Nissan and BNP Paribas.
TAPI gas pipeline work instigated by Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan started work on its 1,814 Km natural gas pipeline to Afghanistan, Pakistan and
India (TAPI) project funded by Asian Development Bank. It designed to reduce its
dependence on gas sales to Russia and China.
The ground-breaking ceremony took place at city of Mary of Turkmenistan which was
attended by Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, Afghanistan
61 | P a g e

President Ashraf Ghani, Pakistan Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif and Indian Vice
President Hamid Ansari.
Project outlay $10 bn
Completion time December 2019
Leading partner Turkmengaz
Gambia declares itself an Islamic Republic

Gambias President Yahya Jammeh has declared the tiny West African country an Islamic
republic as because Islam is the majority religion of its citizens and is an attempt to break away
from the countrys colonial past.
Rights of minorities:Rights of Gambias Christian community will be respected who make up
about eight percent of the countrys population. There will be no mandates on dress.
For non-market factors 4 indices launched by Asia Index
The Asia Index Private Ltd, a JV between S&P Dow Jones Indices and BSE has launched 4
new indices as part of its attempt to enable investors to invest based on parameters like
valuation and volatility.
The four new indices launched under the umbrella of S&P BSE Factor Indices are:
S&P BSE Enhanced Value Index
S&P BSE Low Volatility Index
S&P BSE Momentum Index
S&P BSE Quality Index
S&P BSE Factor Indices are designed to include non-market factors such
as value,momentum, quality and low volatility using a transparent and rules-based
methodology while ensuring reasonable liquidity.
Shock Waves: Managing the Impacts of Climate Change on Poverty report
World Bank released a report Shock Waves: Managing the Impacts of Climate Change on
Poverty. The report examines the relation between climate change and poverty and concludes
that climate change is one of the primary contributing factors for growing poverty scenario across
the world.
Report provides guidance on how to create a win-win situation so that climate change
policies contribute to poverty reduction andpoverty-reduction policies contribute to
climate change mitigation and resilience building.
Highlights of Report
Coping poverty & CC go aside The agenda of ending poverty and addressing climate
change (CC) should go beside each other as climate change impacts could push more than 100
million people into poverty over the next 15 years.
To prevent this, the report calls for an immediate implementation of climatesmartdevelopment and measures to adapt to climate impacts.
62 | P a g e

Effects of major channels There are 3 major channels through which climate-sensitive
events already affect the ability of poor people to escape poverty-agricultural
production,ecosystems and food security, natural disasters and health.
Africa Climate Business Plan World Bank announced $16 billion in funding to help African
people and countries adapt to climate change and build up the continents resilience to climate
shocks.
Bank Group funding The Bank Group is using the INDCs as a basis of discussion with countries
about their national climate action needs and is already at work on initiatives that will help to
achieve those commitments.
India up 5 spots, ranks 130th in Human Development Index: UNDP
As per United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report on account of rise in life
expectancy and per capita income, India has been ranked among 130 among 188 countries in
2014 in Human Development Report 2015 comparing to 135 in 2014 report.
The 2015 Human Development Report (2015 HDR) was on Rethinking Work for
Human Development.
Between 1980 and 2014, Indias HDI value increased from 326 to 0.609 showing an
increase of 68.1% or an average annual increase of about 1.54%.
Toppers Norway topped followed by Australia and Switzerland.

FICCI and UN Women sign MoU to advance gender equality and women empowerment
FICCI and UN Women Multi Country Office for India, Bhutan, Maldives and Sri Lanka have
signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to strengthen collaboration on
advancing gender equality and womens empowerment in the business sector.
Dr. Rebecca Tavares, Country Representative, UN WomenIndia MCO and Dr. Jyotsna
Suri, President FICCI who is also the Chairperson and Managing Director of Bharat Hotels
signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
Objective: To achieving the common goal of realizing the rights of women and girls as critical
preconditions for effective and sustainable development.
Highlights of MoU :
This MoU will enable us to identify, facilitate and influence business practices that
promote gender equality and women empowerment.
The MoU will provide a framework to both the organizations, to promote research and
advocacy on gender responsive policies in select sectorsand with the provisions of the
recent Companies Act 2013.
UN Women will be collaborating with FICCI for the first ever FICCI-FLO Film Festival on
womens empowerment along with a Global Symposium on Gender in Media presented
by the Geena Davis Institute of Gender Studies in Mumbai in February next year.
63 | P a g e
Through this partnership UN Women and FICCI will also work towards furthering UN
Womens global solidarity movement on Gender Equality, HeForShe.
14th Meeting of Heads of Governments of SCO Member

The 14th Meeting of the Heads of Governments (Prime Ministers) of the Shanghai Cooperation
Organization Member States on Regional Economic Cooperation was held in Zhengzhou, China.
Participants PM of Kazakhstan K Masimov, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, PM of Kyrgyzstan T Sariev,
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, PM of Tajikistan K Rasulzoda and First Deputy PM of
Uzbekistan R Azimov and representatives of observer states. India, which is a complied state at
present, was represented by Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh.
Key discussions
Exchanged views on a wide range of issues of international and regional economic

growth.
Discussed prospects and measures for improving economic and humanitarian

cooperation for further strengthening of mutual understanding and traditional friendship
between peoples of the SCO member states.
Leaders issued a joint statement on regional economic cooperation which emphasized the
importance of Chinas One Belt, One Road initiative* for developing infrastructure in
the region.
*Chinas One Belt One Road (OBOR) project aims to recreate the ancient Silk Road trade and
infrastructure networks across central, west and south Asia.
Step to Counter Terrorism: 34-Nation Islamic Military Coalition
Saudi Arabia has launched Islamic Military Coalition, a new military alliance of 34 nations mainly
Muslim nations to fight terrorism.
Joint operations headquarter is to be established in the Riyadh.
It is an effort to respond to Western assertions that it could do more in the fight against
the Islamic State.
Fitch retains Indias rating at BBB-/Stable

American rating agency Fitch retained Indias sovereign rating at the lowest investment
grade of BBB-/stable, showing the nation will continue to post good growth despite subdued
prospect for the Asia Pacific region in a situation of dollar strength in the context of an expected
rise in US (Federal Reserve) rates and lower commodity prices.
Indias economy will grow by 5% in the current fiscal that will stand out globally but
warned that its business environment would remain weak despite improvements.
Emerging Asias growth in 2016 is expected to slow to 3% from 6.5% mostly due to the
projected slowdown in China.
64 | P a g e

UN atomic watchdog IAEA ends Iran weapons probe
The global nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has ended its 12year investigation into concerns that Iran might be developing nuclear weapons. The move is
seen as a key step towards lifting UN, EU and US sanctions.
Conclusion:The IAEA concluded that Iran conducted nuclear weapons-related research until
2003 and to a lesser extent until 2009, but found no evidence of this since.
India ranks 97th on Forbes best countries for business list
India has ranked a low 97th out of 144 nations, behind Kazakhstan and Ghana, on
Forbes annual list of the best countries for business in 2015, scoring poorly on metrics
like trade and monetary freedom and tackling challenges like corruption and violence.
Denmark topped the list of the 144 nations on the Best Countries of Business in 2015 list
by Forbes. The US has dropped four spots to number 22, continuing a six-year
descent since 2009 when it had ranked second overall.
The US is the financial capital of the world and its largest economy at USD 17.4 trillion
(China is second at USD 10.4 trillion), but it scores poorly on monetary freedom and
bureaucracy/red tape.
India is ranked 97th on the list, with Forbes saying that while the country is developing
into an open-market economy, traces of its past autarkic policies remain.
Afghanistan joins World Trade Organisation

World Trade Organisation (WTO) approved Afghanistans membership at its 10th ministerial
conference in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.Afghanistan has become the 164th WTO member and
the 36th least developed country (LDC) to join the global trade body after 11 years of negotiations.
UNSC unanimously adopt resolution to cut-off supply of funds to IS group
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to cut off funds for the Islamic
State the extremist group, in a move by the international community to fight terrorism.
It was adopted by the 15-nation UN body at an open meeting chaired by US Treasury

Secretary Jacob Lew.
The resolution called for enhanced actions, from closing financial system loopholes to
stopping the abuse of charitable causes, as well as updating the existing ISIS and AlQaeda Sanctions List.
2015 World Internet Conference held in China

2nd World Internet Conference held at Wuzen in China, organized by the Cyberspace
Administration of China and the Peoples Government of Zhejiang Province.
Chinas President Xi Jinping delivers keynote speech at WIC. Theme of the three-day
long conference is An Interconnected World Shared and Governed by AllBuilding a
Cyberspace Community of Shared Destiny.
65 | P a g e
Focused on issues such as the spread of Internet culture, innovative development of the
Internet, digital economy cooperation, Internet technological standards and cyber
governance.
UN welcomes historic signing of Libyan Political Agreement

Representatives from a broad range of Libyan society signed a United Nations-brokered
agreement on forming a national unity government.
It will lead to the establishment of a single Government of National Accord and

national institutions that will ensure broad representation.
UN Secretary General, Ban ki Moon said that the door will remain open to those who
wish to join on the road to peace. We will continue to work to broaden the basis of
support for the new Government.
ILO released Global Estimates on Migrant Workers

International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a report of new global estimates
on migrant workers.
Migrant workers account for 3 million of the worlds approximately232 mn international

migrants.
UN Security Council adopts resolution on Syria peace plan

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted the resolution developed by the 5
permanent members of the council.
It will create a roadmap toward a peace process end the five-year civil war in Syria and
includes preparations for a ceasefire monitoring mechanism that would come into
effect as soon as the representatives of the Syrian government and the opposition have
begun initial steps towards a political transition under UN auspices.
The resolution also contains previously agreed upon terms for a transitional government,
with elections to be held under UN supervision, and calls on all parties to permit the
delivery of humanitarian aid.
US Senate passes IMF reform in a Budget Bill

US Senate passed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reform as part of a budget bill that will
clear the way for emerging economies and new industrial powerhouses like Chinaand India to
have more clout at the international lender.
According to the new proposal, Indias voting rights will increase to 6% from the current
2.3%.
Chinas voting rights will rise from the current 3.8% to 6%. while the voting rights of US
will decrease from 16.7% to 16.5%
66 | P a g e

UN launched 2016 International Year of Pulses
68th UN General Assembly officially launched the 2016 International Year of Pulses(IYP
2016) at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy to raise awareness
about the protein power and health benefits of all kinds of dried beans and peas, boost their
production and trade and to encourage new and smarter uses throughout the food chain.
Slogan nutritious seeds for a sustainable future
FAO has been nominated to facilitate the implementation of the Year in collaboration
with Governments, relevant organizations, non-governmental organizationsand all

other relevant stakeholders.
Importance of Pulses
Pulses are a vital source of plant-based proteins and amino acids for people around the
globe and should be eaten as part of a healthy diet to address obesity.
It prevents and manages chronic diseases such as diabetes, coronary conditions and
cancer.
Pulses are leguminous plants that have nitrogen-fixing properties which can contribute
to increasing soil fertility and have a positive impact on the environment.
It takes just 43 gallons of water to produce one pound of pulses, compared with 216
for soybeans and 368 for peanuts.
10th WTO Ministerial Conference adopted Nairobi Package

The WTOs 10th Ministerial Conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya. The conference concluded with
the adoption of the Nairobi Package that is aimed at benefitting organizations poorest members.
The conference was attended by trade ministers of 162 member countries of the
WTO. Indiawas represented by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Commerce &
Industry Nirmala Sitharaman.
Nairobi Package contains a series of six Ministerial Decisions on agriculture,

cotton and issues related to least-developed countries.
Miss Iraq beauty pageant held for the first time since 1972
Despite the dangers of Isis and death threats to contestants, the Miss Iraq beauty pageant has
been successfully held for the first time over 40 years in hotel in Baghdad.
Shaymaa Abdelrahman, a 20-year-old from Kirkuk, became the first person to claim the
title of Miss Iraq since the event was last held in 1972.The contest had a total of eight
contestants.
India received certification to build LNG ships

Cochin Shipyard becomes the first shipyard in India to receive certification to build LNGtransporting ships for any client world-wide, joining the league of South Korea, Japan and China.
67 | P a g e
The CEO of Gaztransport et Technigaz (GTT), Philippe Berterottiere awarded the license
to Subramaniam, CMD, Cochin Shipyard.
About Gaztransport et Technigaz

GTT is a French company which provides the certification. It is a leader in design engineering and
provides membrane-type containment systems for the transportation and storage of LNG.
Spains ruling conservative Peoples Party wins 2015 general election
Ruling conservative Peoples Party (PP) of Spain led by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has
won the 2015 general election of the country.
In the general election, PP won the 123 seats by securing in the lower house of the 350member Parliament and securing 7% vote share.Now the Peoples Party has to form a
coalition government with support of other political parties to govern for another four-year
term.
UNSC extended sanctions against Taliban in Afghanistan

The UN Security Council (UNSC) adopted resolution 2255 (2015) under Chapter VII of the
United Nations Charter. The resolution sanctions regime against individuals and entities affiliated
with the Taliban for 18 months.
Key Highlights of the Resolution
Any exemption would only be granted for the requested period of any travel to the
specified locations.It extends exemption to travel bans and assets freezes as well as
language on the need to combat the financing of terrorism.
Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) was taken into account
to cut the flow of funds and other financial assets and economic resources to
individuals and entities on the 1988 Sanction List.It encouraged States to share
information, establish partnerships and develop national strategies and capabilities to
counter the devices.
Union Cabinet approves revised cost estimates of Salma Dam Project in Afghanistan
Union Cabinet has approved the reconstruction and completion of Salma Dam Project in
Afghanistan. It will lead to the overall economic development of the western region of Afghanistan
and generate goodwill for India in Afghanistan.Revised Cost Estimates (RCE): 1775.69 crore.
Indo-Lanka ties witness bonhomie in 2015
Indo-Lanka relations gained momentum in 2015 after Maithripala Sirisenas stunning upset win
over strongman Mahinda Rajapaksa in Sri Lankas polls as the strain in ties gave way to bonhomie
with exchange of top-level visits and signing of a nuclear pact.
Four bilateral agreements were signed during Sirisenas visit with the most significant
being a civil nuclear cooperation pact which Prime Minister Narendra Modi described
as another demonstration of our mutual trust.
68 | P a g e

Indo-Lanka Ties 2015:
Modi become the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country after Rajiv
Gandhi in1987. Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister and the third Indian
leader to visit the Tamil-dominated former war-zone, after Mahatma Gandhi and
Jawaharlal Nehru.
Modi also raised contentious issues with the government, including the release of Tamil
political prisoners and returning the civilian lands used for military purposes.
Modi inaugurated the reconstructed Northern Province railway line as part of Indias
promise on infrastructure development in the war-ravaged north.
World Bank to give USD35m to Pak for Indus River Basin

To support improved management, planning and development of water resources in the
Indus river basin in PakistanWorld Bank has approved an additional financial assistance of $35
millionin addition to the $38 million given earlier towards improvement of water resources
management in the Indus river system.
Aim: The project aims to strengthen the Indus systems institutional and regulatory framework and
enhance the technical capacity of the Ministry of Water and Power, the Indus River System
Authority, the Water and Power Development Authority and the Water Section of the Planning
Development and Reform Division.
2015 OPEC World Oil Outlook
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has released the 2015 OPEC
World Oil Outlook (WOO).
OPECs WOO is a means to highlight and further the understanding of the many possible
future challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the oil industry.
It is also a channel to encourage dialogue, cooperation and transparency between OPEC

and other stakeholders within the industry.
Highlights OPEC World Oil Outlook
Global energy demand is set to increase by almost 50% in the period to 2040.
Combined, oil and gas are expected to supply around 53% of the global energy
demand by 2040.
Medium-term oil demand is revised upward rising above 97 million barrels a day by
2020.Long-term demand is dominated by the developing Asia region, which accounts
for70% of the increase by 2040.
Non-OPEC liquids supply increases from 56.5 mb/d in 2014 to around 60 mb/d in
2020.OPEC crude expands by 10 mb/d to a level of 40.7 mb/d by 2040.
Oil-related investment required to cover future demand for oil over the forecast period
20152040 is estimated at almost $10 trillion in 2014 prices.
69 | P a g e
Required cumulative distillation capacity additions are projected to be around 20 mb/d

by 2040.
China builds 3rd largest hydropower station on Yangtze River

China started construction of its third largest hydropower station on the upper reaches of the
Yangtze River.
Project oultay 100 billion yuan (USD 15.4 billion)
The project has a designed capacity of 10.2 Gigawatt and will be able to generate 9
billion kwh of electricity per year after its 12 generating units start operation first unit is
expected to start operating in 2020.
United Nations adopted resolution to observe November 5 as World Tsunami Awareness

Day
United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution recognizing November 5 as World
Tsunami Awareness Day.The proposal regarding the World Tsunami Awareness Day was
suggested by Japanese Government after the Third UN Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction
held in Sendai in March 2015. The day will be observed in order to reduce human and economic
losses due to natural disasters.
PM Modi visit to Russia An overview
PM Modi was in Russia for two days to attend the annual India-Russia Summit in Moscow
with Russian President Vladimir Putin to further strengthen the already close bilateral strategic
partnership.
The two countries signed memorandums of understanding (MOU) on technical

cooperation in the railway sector, building solar energy plants in India,investment
cooperation in Russias Far East.
HERE IS THE LIST OF 16 PACTS
Amending the agreement between the GOI and Russia on simplification of requirements
for mutual travels of certain categories of citizens of the two countries
Protocol amending agreement between the GOI and Russia on mutual travel regime for
holders of Diplomatic & Official Passports
field of Helicopter Engineering It includes manufacturing of226 military

helicopters and construction of 12 atomic plants with involvement of local companies
in India.
Combating Customs violations in 2015 2017
Localization of Manufacturing in India for Russian-Designed Nuclear Reactor

Unit Programme of action agreed between Department of Atomic Energy of Indiaand
Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom.
Technical cooperation in railway sector It has been inked between the Ministry of
Railways and the Joint Stock Company Russian Railways.
70 | P a g e
Construction of solar energy plants in India It has been agreed between Solar
Energy Corporation of India and Russian Energy Agency.
Development of Centre of Excellence for heavy engineering design at HEC (Heavy

Engineering Corporation Limited) It has been signed between HEC &CNIITMASH
Upgradation and modernization of HECs manufacturing facilities Inked between

HEC & CNIITMASH
Cooperation in the field of Broadcasting It has been signed between Prasar

Bharati and Digital Television Russia
Tripartite MoU between Centre for Development of Advance Computing (C-DAC), Indian
Institute of Science Bangalore (IISc) and Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU)
Tripartite MoU between Centre for Development of Advance Computing (C-DAC), OJSC
GLONASS and GLONASS Union
Investment cooperation in the Russian Far East: It has been signed between Tata
Power Company Limited and Ministry for Development of the Russian Far East
Cooperation for geologic survey, exploration and production of hydrocarbons onshore and
on the continental shelf of the Russian Federation
Cooperation for geologic survey, exploration and production of hydrocarbons onshore the
Russian Federation between Rosneft oil company, Oil India Limited and Indian Oil
Corporation Limited
Confirmation of successful completion of the first stage pre-completion actions in relation

to the creation of a Joint Venture in JSC VankorNeft
DEFENCE DEAL
Reliance Defence signs $6 billion pact with Russian arms firm
Reliance Defence had signed a manufacturing and maintenance deal potentially worth $6
billion with Russias Almaz-Antey, the maker of an air defence system.
Earlier GOI had cleared the purchase of five S-400 air defence systems that are estimated
to cost about $4.5 billion in a bid to modernize the countrys defences against airborne
attacks.
NaMo ATTENDED 16th INDO-RUSSIA ANNUAL SUMMIT

As part of the 16th annual India-Russia Summit, Mr. Modi and Mr. Putin held a one-on-one meeting
in Moscow.
In this regard, ways to expand economic cooperation between the two countries were
explored aiming to take the current bilateral annual trade of $ 10 billion to $30
billion in the next 10 years.
NaMo VISIT TO STATE-OF-THE-ART CRISIS MANAGEMENT CENTRE

Modi has visited Russias premier crisis management centre which deals with emergency
situations and ensures coordination among various relevant agencies.
It is named as National Crisis Management Centre (NCMC) aka EMERCOM the short
form of Emergency Control Ministry.
71 | P a g e

RUSSIAs GIFT TO INDIA
Putin gifts Mahatmas notes, Indian sword to Modi
A page from Mahatma Gandhis diary containing his handwritten notes and an 18th century
sword from Bengal has been presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Russian President
Vladimir Putin.
UN approves $5.4 billion operating budget for 2016-2017
The General Assembly has approved a $5.4 billion budget for the United Nations regular
operations during 2016 and 2017.
The regular budget is separate from the budget for the U.N. far-flung peacekeeping
operations, which totals $8.27 billion for the year ending June 30, 2016.
Many U.N. agencies are funded by voluntary contributions from member states.
The United States, the largest contributor, pays 22% of the regular budget followed by Japan
with 9.68%.
UN Security Council backed Libya unity accord
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing an
agreement between Libyas rival camps on forming a unity government.
The Security Council urged the parties to implement its terms within the 30-day as
prescribed by the agreement to form a Government of National Accord.
It also called on the world community to provide all necessary aid to defeat terrorist groups.
The deal to unify the government calls for a Unity government, headed by
businessman Fayez el-Sarraj as premie
The agreement brokered by United Nations was facilitated by the Secretary-General Special
Representative, Martin Koblerto end a four-year-long crisis that has left nearly 2.4 million Libyans
in desperate need of humanitarian aid.
PM Modi visit to Afghanistan & Pakistan
After two days visit to Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Afghanistan to
inaugurate the newly-built Afghan parliament building in Kabul.
The building is the latest symbol of a longstanding diplomatic effort by New Delhi to
cultivate its links to Afghanistan.
It was constructed by India at a cost of USD 90 million.
The construction of building was started in 2009 and has missed its completion deadlines at
least 3 times since 2011, and has gone over-budget by double the original costing of $45
million.
Seychelles government allows India to build Naval Base on its Assumption Island
Seychelles government allowed India to build its first Naval Base on the Assumption Island
in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) as a joint project between both countries which will help to
72 | P a g e

enhance mutual security along our western seaboard in IOR.
On completion, the naval base would be used by the defence forces both countries.
It would help India to exercise greater control over the strategic western region of IOR to
the piracy-prone eastern African coastline that commands vital energy (oil) sea transport
lines.
China adopts Counter-Terrorism Law & Law against Domestic Violence

Chinese lawmakers have adopted first bill against domestic violence and counter-terrorism
law to bring traditionally silent abuse victims under legal protection & to address terrorism at home
and help maintain world security respectively. Both laws will go into effect in March 2016.
According to the domestic violence bill, victims and those in immediate danger can file a
personal protection order and the court must rule within 72 hours. In urgent cases,
decisions must be made within 24 hours.
The domestic violence law also applies to those in cohabitation, meaning those who are not
related but living together.
India may be 3rd largest economy after 2030: Study

According to a report by the UK think tank Centre for Economics Business and Research
(CEBR), India could become the worlds third largest economy after 2030.
Indias projected GDP in 2030 was USD 10,133 billion, behind Chinas USD 34,338
bn and Americas USD 32,996 bn.
Key Highlights of Study
India will become the largest economy in the Commonwealth in 2019 when it
overtakes the British economy.
India is finally starting to catch up with China and will eventually overtake the
communist-giant in the second half of the century.
Britain will move up to take 4th spot and Brazil will complete the top five.
As Brazil and India meet the political criteria for membership of the exclusive G8 club
of developed democracies, their ascension could see France and Italy kicked out of
the group or the club expanded to a G10 as more economies join.
The UK is set to become the best performing economy in the western world over the
next 15 years, boosted by its leading position in global software and IT sectors.
Europes largest economy, Germany will maintain its position in the worlds leading
economies as its declining population receives a welcome boost of a 5 million
refugees and migrants.
Dubai to host multi-event yoga initiative

To encourage people to meditate and maintain a healthy lifestyle, Dubai is going to host the citys
largest all-inclusive yoga initiative.
73 | P a g e
The new yoga initiative will also encompass atwo-day mega festival of the body and
mind dubbed XYoga Dubai Festival.
The festival is scheduled to take place from February 19 to 20, 2016.
Festival will host yoga classes such as Vinyasa Yoga to AcroYoga as well as meditation and
healthy eating workshops for complete beginners, pre-trained instructors, pregnant women,
children, elderly and more.
Greek Parliament legalises same-sex marriages
Greeces parliament has approved legislation legalising civil partnerships for gay couples, two years
after the country was condemned by a European Court for discrimination.
Lawmakers voted 193-56 in favour of the bill to extend civil partnerships to same-sex
couples but provisions regarding family law that could pave the way for adoption applications
were dropped before the vote.
Several hundred pro-gay rights protesters gathered outside parliament before the vote, under a
large banner that read Love is the law.
China officially abandons its One Child Policy by passing law
China has passed a bill ending one-child policy.
Objective:To tackle an ageing population.
Newly-amended Law on Population and Family Planning:The state advocates that one couple
shall be allowed to have two children.
The move effectively ends the infamous one-child rule, which has been in force since
1971 when the Asian giant sought to curb population explosion.
Couples have been limited to having a single child since 1979, an often brutally enforced
rule intended to slow population growth and boost the economy.
Another Reason:The change in Chinas family planning policy also comes against the backdrop of
a shrinking workforce.
18th India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting held in New Delhi
The 18th session of the India-Iran Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) was held in New Delhi.
Co-chaired by External Affairs Minister of India (EAM), Sushma Swaraj and Mr. Ali
Tayebnia, Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Key discussions during Indo-Iran JCM
Connectivity afforded by Indian participation in Chahbahar Port will facilitate

linkingAfghanistan and Central Asia with India.
Participation of Indias public and private sectors in development of Chahbahar

Port andChahbahar Free Trade Zone (FTZ) and in setting up industrial
units in the FTZ.
74 | P a g e
India emphasized the need for early completion of all necessary

procedures for Indias participation in Farzad-B field.
Both Nations reviewed works related to Indias participation in Chahbahar

Zahedan Mashhad railway line.
Significance of the Session

This is the first JCM since the conclusion of the Vienna Agreement. The agreement was reached
between P5+1 countries and Iran in July 2015 and paves the way for peaceful resolution of
outstanding issues related to Irans nuclear programme.
India sources around 70% of its oil and gas needs from abroad, the economic
sanctions by the United Nations and the USA affected the bilateral oil trade and
mode of payments.
South Korea, Japan settle deal on wartime Korean sex slaves

The foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan signed a deal to resolve deadlockover Korean
women forced into Japanese military-run brothels during World War II.
Deal: It includes an apology from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and a 1 billion yen ($8.3
million) aid fund from Tokyo for the elderly former sex slaves, could reverse decades of animosity
and mistrust between the thriving democracies, trade partners and staunch US allies.
Japan also offered to set up a new 1bn yen with the money, paid directly by the government,
divided among the 46 former comfort women still alive.
Hotline launched between Taiwan & China after historic summit

China and Taiwan launched a first hotline to build mutual trust between the longtime rivals.
It has been launched on the sidelines of meeting in Singapore between Taiwans President
Ma Ying-jeou and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Inaugurated by the chiefs of cross-Strait affairs from both sides as both the countries
initiated several measures in recent. The conversation took place betweenChinas offices
director Zhang Zhijun and Taiwans mainland affairs chief Andrew Hsia.
WHO declares Guinea Ebola free

Guinea has been declared Ebola free after the death of more than 2,500 people from the virus
leaving Liberia the only country still counting harmfulepidemic.There were more than 3,800
Ebola cases in Guinea out of the more than 28,600 cases during the epidemic. A country is
declared Ebola free 42 days after the recovery or death of the final patient and if there are no new
infections.
Liberia was declared Ebola free in May and September, but each time new cases
emerged.
With a death rate of up to 90 percent, Ebola is described as one of the worlds

deadliest diseases.
75 | P a g e

India ranked at 3rd in issuing passports
India has ranked 3rd in the world after China and the US for issuing 12 million passports in
2015. It was announced during the function of inauguration of Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in
Agartala by Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi who is the chief passport officer & MEA joint secretary.
In 2015-16, 12 million passports either have been issued or ready to issue against the last
fiscals (2014-15) number of 10 million. Five years ago the number was only 16 lakh.
China issued about 16 million passports in the same term while the US issued 14 million.
WB offers $50 mn loan for minority education

Government of India and the World Bank signed a USD 50 million agreement for the Nai Manzil:
The Education and Skills Training for Minorities Project.
Credit by: World Banks concessionary lending arm, International Development Association
(IDA).
Signed by: Raj Kumar(joint secretary, Economic Affairs in the Finance Ministry) and
World Banks Michael Haney, the operations advisor in India.
Objective: To help young people from minority communities complete education and gain
from market-driven training programmes with the aim of improving their employment
outcome.
BANKING & FINANCE

Fifth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2015-16 released by RBI
RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan has announced fifth bi-monthly monetary policy review in
which key policy interest rate remained unchanged on the basis of current and evolving
macroeconomic situation.
Current interest rates:
Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 6.75%
Reverse repo rate under the LAF unchanged at 5.75%
Marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate has unchanged at 7.75%
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks Unchanged at 4.0% of net demand and
time liability (NDTL).
Continuation of liquidity under overnight repos at 0.25 % of bank-wise NDTL at the LAF repo
rate.Continuation of liquidity under 14-day term repos as well as longer term repos of up to 0.75 %
of NDTL of the banking system through auctions.
Employers attestation not required for PF claim
Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has announced that its subscribers can now
directly file the applications for their PF withdrawals without their employers attestation, was
earlier mandatory for this purpose.
76 | P a g e
Employees whose details like Aadhaar Number and Bank Account Number have been
seeded in their Universal (or portable PF) Account Number (UAN) and whose UAN have
been activated will be able to enjoy this benefit given by EPFO.
RBI inks info exchange pact with UK financial body

RBI has signed separate MoUs on Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory
Information with Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and Financial Conduct
Authority (FCA), United Kingdom.
Earlier in July 2012, RBI had signed an agreement for supervisory co-operation with
the Financial Services Authority (FSA),United Kingdom.
Due to some reforms implemented in UK, financial services regulation, the functions
exercised by FSA were transferred to PRA and FCA due to which RBI had to sign these
separate MOUs for supervisory co-operation between the Reserve Bank and the PRA and
FCA.
With this agreement, RBI has entered into MOUs for Supervisory Co-operation with
supervisors of 33 countries to promote greater co-operation and share supervisory information.
Axis Bank launched country's first 'display variant' debit card
Axis Bank has launched countrys first 'display variant' debit card which will ease generating
one time password (OTP) over SMS while transacting.
The card has an embedded EMV chip, a display screen and a touch-sensitive button which
helps generating the OTP on the card itself. So the customer will not have to wait for
receiving the OTP via SMS or mail while transacting.
MMTC eyes tie-ups with SBI, ICICI, India Post for gold coins
As a part of gold monetisation programme of the Union Cabinet, Metals and Minerals Trading
Corporation of India (MMTC) has decided to strengthen marketing network for selling Indian
Gold coins by entering into tie-ups with SBI, ICICI Bank and India Post.
Presently, MMTC is retailing 'Indian Gold' coins through 22 outlets.
RBI announced revised Priority Sector Lending norms for Regional Rural Banks
RBI has revised the priority sector lending guidelines for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) according to
which the RRBs will have to increase 18% of their total outstanding towards agricultural
activities.
A target of 7.5 percent of total outstanding will be diverted towards micro enterprises and
another 15 percent for weaker sections.
Singapore emerged as the top source of FDI in India

As per data from the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Singapore
has replaced Mauritius as the top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India during
77 | P a g e

the first half of the current fiscal.
FDI in India from April-September 2015
Singapore Rs 43,096 crore
Mauritius Rs 23,490 crore
Sectors attracted highest foreign investment during April-September 2015
Computer software and hardware $3.05 billion
Trading $2.30 billion
Services and automobile $1.46 billion each
Telecommunications $659 million
Centre to support rural entrepreneurs under MUDRA

In a bid to support rural entrepreneurs of India, centre is planning to provide loans under Micro
Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Yojana by Enhancing Rural
Entrepreneurship through Common Services Centres (CSCs).
CSCs are very small-scale initiatives and MUDRA is for such institutions so people who
want to start such service points but do not have any funding, MUDRA can help them start
their micro-ventures.
Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched in April, under which the overall loan
disbursement target has been set at around Rs.1.22 lakh crore for this financial year.
RBI abandoned COR of 56 NBFCs from conducting business
RBI has cancelled the certificate of registration (COR) of 56 non-banking finance companies
(NBFCs).
These companies cannot transact in the business of an NBFC as laid down under the Reserve
Bank of India Act, 1934.
Companies included in cancellation list
Bajaj Finance is already an NBFC and Bajaj Finserve is a core investment company.
ABNL Investment share in Aditya Birla Nuvos net profit was at 0.17 per cent.
Future Ventures India has now transformed into Future Consumer Enterprise, a sourcing-tosupermarket food company of the Future Group. Apart from above, companies like Compact Lease
Financing, Vapi Investments, Shree Holdings, Neelkanth Fintrade included in the bar list from
conducting business.
Federal Bank launched service to recharge mobile phone
Federal Bank has launched missed call service for account holders in Chennai to recharge
their mobile.
Account holder shall do a one-time registration from his registered mobile number by
sending the SMS ACTMOB<space><BeneficiaryMobileNumber><space><recharge
amount><space><last three digits of the account number> to 9895088888.
78 | P a g e

Once registered, the beneficiary has to just make a missed call from his mobile number to
8431700700, and their phone will be recharged immediately and the amount debited to the
account-holders bank account.
IDFC Bank selects TCS BaNCS for core banking
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced that IDFC Bank has selected TCS BaNCS for
core banking, enabling it to offer next generation banking services that are more
personalised, convenient and faster.
IDFC Bank started operations on October 1, 2015 with 23 branches, powered by TCS
BaNCS.
SEBI orders freezing bank, demat accounts for the Sunplant Forgings
Markets regulator SEBI has ordered attachment of bank and demat accounts of Sunplant
Forgings, its promoters and directors, to recover dues worth over Rs 17 crore.
The attachment order comes after SEBI, in April, had directed the company and its
directors to refund Rs 17.51 crore to the investors which it had illegally raised along
with an interest of 15 per cent per annum.
The company had allotted redeemable preference shares to 6,000 persons without
complying with the public issue norms.
Other Actions :
The company and its promoters and directors had been barred from the securities
markets for four years and this ban would continue till the completion of refund to
investors.
The regulator has slapped a penalty of Rs.5 lakh on Mangal Keshav Capital for alleged
failure to make timely disclosures about its acquisition of shares in Arms Paper Ltd.
Myanmar inaugurated a new stock exchange Yangon Stock Exchange

Myanmar inaugurated a new stock exchange with plans for six companies to start trading in March
next year by Minister of Finance Win.
Yangon Stock Exchange :
The Yangon Stock Exchange will initially be open only to Myanmar companies and
investors .
Myanmar had a stock exchange during its years of military rule but it attracted few
companies and trading was almost nonexistent.
It is being set up with Japanese assistance.
Luxembourg became the 10th country to ratify AoA of Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank
Luxembourg became the 10th country toapprove the Articles of Agreement (AoA) that will lay
the legal framework for the China-initiated Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
79 | P a g e
Apart from Luxembourg, Australia, Austria, Brunei Darussalam, China, Mongolia, Nepal,
New Zealand, Singapore and United Kingdom ratified the 60-article agreement so far.
These 10 countries are among the 57 founder-member countries of the multilateral

bank that has its headquarters in the Chinese capital Beijing.
RBI issues guidelines for cross-currency futures

RBI issued guidelines for introduction of cross-currency futures and exchange traded crosscurrency option contracts in multiple currency pairs.
Under the new contracts, residents and foreign portfolio investors will be allowed to take
positions in the cross currency contracts without having to establish underlying
exposure subject to the position limits as prescribed by the exchanges.
Cross currency futures available for

Euro (EUR)-US Dollar (USD), Pound Sterling (GBP)-USD and USD- Japanese Yen (JPY), while on the
exchange traded option contracts front, Euro-Rupee (INR), GBP-INR and JPY-INR have been added
to the existing USD-INR pair.
New Zealand formally becomes member of AIIB
New Zealand has formally become a member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank(AIIB) announced by Finance Minister Bill English. New Zealands ratification would contribute
to the AIIB reaching the 50-percent threshold of the needed for the AIIB to establish operations,
English said in a statement.
New Zealand was the ninth country to formally become a founding member. The AIIB
would have around 100 billion U.S. dollars of initial capital to promote sustainable
development in the region.
New Zealands paid in capital will be around 125 million NZ dollars. The bank was
expected to begin operations in January 2016.
AIIB Founding Members :

Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Hungary, Taiwan and Ukraine, Colombia, Japan and New Zealand
DCB Bank cuts base rate by 15 bps to 10.7 pc
Development Credit Bank or DCB (HQ Maharashtra), has cut in its base rate by 15 basis
points from 10.85% to 10.7%.
It also trimmed its former benchmark lending rate by 15 basis points from 18.10%
to 95%.
World Bank Group, FIRST Initiative launched Principles for Public Credit Guarantee
Schemes
The World Bank Group and the FIRST Initiative announced the launch of a new tool to help
governments implement public credit guarantee schemes (CGS).
Aim : To unlock finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
80 | P a g e

Credit guarantee schemes :
The CGS was launched in 2008 with the aim of making it easier for financial institutions to borrow
money. The Scheme was closed in 2012.
About FIRST(Financial Sector Reform and Strengthening Initiative):
These schemes are gaining popularity because they usually combine a subsidy element
with market-based arrangements for credit allocation, thereby leaving less room for
distortions in credit markets.
It can serve as a global reference for the design, execution, and evaluation of public
CGSs around the world.
It promotes robust and diverse financial sectors in developing countries by providing

rapid, targeted support.
It leverages the technical expertise of the World Bank Group and IMF to encourage
financial sector development through technical assistance projects.
SEBI links commodity trade data with its surveillance systems

For better surveillance of commodities derivatives market, regulator SEBI has integrated trading
data flow from various commodity exchanges to its own integrated surveillance and intelligence
systems. After merging FMC, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has become
the unified regulator for the entire securities market.
Data acquisition equipment have been installed and connectivity was established with
major national commodity derivatives exchanges NCDEX and MCX thereby
integrating trading data with IMSS (Integrated Market Surveillance
System) andDWBIS (Data Warehousing and Business Intelligence
System) surveillance systems of SEBI.
Data integration has been facilitated in generation of commodity market reports and alerts in
DWBIS and IMSS systems. Data from NMCE (National Multi-Commodity Exchange of
India) and regional exchanges are also being received in electronic form through e-mails on a daily
basis.
World Bank accorded USD 1.5bn for clean India
World Bank has consented $1.5 billion loan for the clean India campaign to support the
government in its efforts to ensure all citizens in rural areas have access to improved sanitation
by 2019, aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Swachh Bharat initiative of the
government.
Funds usage
Apart from Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) Support Operation Project, funds will also be used to
develop the capacity of MDWS in program
management, advocacy, monitoring andevaluation.
81 | P a g e
Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation (MDWS) will play the overseeing and
coordinating role for the programme and support the participating states.
Additional funds
$25 mn technical assistance to build the capacity of select state governments in

implementing community-led behavioral change programmestargeting social norms to
help ensure widespread usage of toilets by rural households.
Federal Reserve of US increased interest rate by 0.25% for the first time since 2006
The Federal Reserve System, the central banking system of the USAincreased interest rate by
0.25 percent, approved by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System chaired
by Janet L Yellen.
With this, the interest rates in the US are now in the range of 0.25 0.50 percent as
compared to zero to 0.25 percent range earlier. This is the first rate increase since 2006.
RBI liable to disclose information about banks under RTI Act: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court on 16 December 2015 held that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is
liable to disclose information about the banks and financial institutions for their action
against the loan defaulters including industrialists under the Right to Information (RTI)
Act, 2005.
The Court further ruled that RBI has statutory duty to uphold public interest and not the
interest of individual banks.It has no legal duty to maximise the benefit of any public
sector or private sector bank, and thus there is no relationship of trust between them.
IISL launches three new corporate group Indices

India Index Services & Products Ltd (IISL), an arm of National Stock Exchange (NSE), has launched
three indices of Tata Group, Aditya Birla Group and Mahindra Group.
The Indices namely Nifty Tata Group Index, Nifty Aditya Birla Group Index and
Nifty Mahindra Group Index are used to track the performance of all the companies of
respective groups
Nifty Tata group consists of 25 companies across 12 sectors. Nifty Aditya Birla group
contains 8 companies across seven sectors while Nifty Mahindra Group index includes
seven companies across six sectors.
RBI announced Marginal Cost of Funds Methodology to calculate base rate

RBI announced a new Marginal Cost of Funds Methodology to calculate base rate. The guidelines
come into effect from April 1, 2016. These measures are expected to improve transparency in the
methodology followed by banks for determining interest rates on advances. Some of the guidelines
are:
82 | P a g e
All rupee loans sanctioned and credit limits renewed with effective from April 1, 2016 will
be priced with reference to the Marginal Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) which
will be the internal benchmark for such purposes.
Banks will review and publish the lending rate every month on a pre-announced date
Actual lending rates will be determined by adding the components of spread to the MCLR.
Dena bank ties up with SBI Life Insurance

Dena bank has tied up with SBI Life Insurance Company in order to provide Group Life Insurance
coverage to its housing loan borrowers under the Dena Grihaswami Suraksha
Yojana. According to the MoU, the insurance cover will be given to all housing loan borrowersat
a very low premium.
Single premium for the entire period of the loan at the time of entry into the scheme.
In case of death of the borrower during the term of cover, outstanding loan is set off
against the policy proceeds settled by SBI Life Insurance.
RBI launches quarterly Inflation Expectations Survey of Households for December 2015
RBI has launched the quarterly Inflation Expectations Survey of Households for December
2015.
The survey seeks qualitative responses from households on price changes in the next
three months as well as in the next one-year and quantitative responses on current,
three-month ahead and one-year ahead inflation rates.
It has been carrying out the survey on a quarterly basis since June 2010.
The survey targets at capturing subjective assessments of around 5,400 respondents

across six metropolitan cities Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai
and New Delhi.
Indias GDP to grow at 7 to 7.5 %: Report

According to the mid-term economic review tabled in Parliament, the countrys economic
situation is satisfactory and the economy has shown remarkable stability.
The review has cut the growth forecast for the current financial year to 7-7.5% from earlier
estimate of 1-8.5%.
The report has set retail inflation target at 6% by the end of March 2016 Government is
confident of meeting the fiscal deficit targets without any cut in expenditure.
India to be the swiftly growing economy in next 10 years

Centre for International Development (CID) at Harvard University has forecasted that India
has the potential to be the worlds fastest growing economy gushing ahead of its South Asian
economic rival China.
India has topped the global list with the growth rate projection at 7%.
83 | P a g e
Indias contender China is expecting to face a continous slowdown to3% growth annually to
2024.
Indias efforts as growing economy
India has taken big paces in improving its productive capabilities, it has diversified
its exports into more complex products including pharmaceuticals, vehicles and
electronics.
United Nations has predicted that India will continue to be the fastest growing economy in the
world in 2016 (7.3%) and 2017 (7.5%).
Projection about Other Economies
South Asia and East Africa have the greatest potential for rapid growth while oil
economies and other commodity-driven economies face the slowest growth outlook.
CID is bullish on East Africa with Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya ranking in the top
10with all predicted to grow at least 5% annually.
The growth forecast also looks favourable on Southeast Asia, where Philippines,
Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam look to drive growth well above global averages.
The US is expected to grow at 8% annually to 2024, with higher growth predicted in the
United Kingdom (3.2%) and Spain (3.4%).
There will be slow growth in Italy (1.8%) and Germany (0.35%).
No deadline for resolving complaints by Banking Ombudsman: RBI

There is no time limit for resolution of complaints under Banking Ombudsman scheme, aimed at
seeking redressal of customers common complaints against banks.
Over 9,500 such complaints were pending against various banks.
The revised 2006 Banking Ombudsman scheme, applicable to all commercial banks,
regional rural banks and scheduled primary cooperative banks, provides a forum to
customers to seek redressal of their complaints relating to credit cards, house loans,
promises given by the banks sales agents and delay in delivery of services.
No time limit is specified for resolution of complaint under Banking
Ombudsman Scheme, 2006.
RLIC instigated Lifelong Savings Plan

Reliance Life Insurance Company (RLIC), part of Reliance Capital Limited, announced the
launch of Reliance Lifelong Savings Plan.
The plan is a non-linked, participating endowment-cum-whole life plan aimed to offer

goal based saving and protection to policy holders and their family.
The plans unique feature offers lifelong cover, bonus and two sums assured one at
maturity and one at death.
In the event of a financial crisis, the plan provides flexibility to liquidate the policy by availing
a loan.
84 | P a g e

The plan is available in two options Standard and Extended Cover
Standard Cover The Standard option allows the policyholder to plan for a particular financial
goal like childs education or retirement savings and enjoy life cover till the end of the policy period.
On maturity, the policyholder receives lump-sum amount including base sum assured plus
accrued guaranteed additions.
It also offers enhanced guaranteed savings through simple reversionary

bonusesthat accrue every year during the policy term starting from 6th policy
year along with a terminal bonus.
Extended Cover It allows the policyholder to receive the same benefits as the standard
option plus an option to extend the life cover post the completion of policy term.
Plan Criteria
The age of entry starts from 7 years till 55 years for policy terms of 15 years to 30 years.
Premium starts at 12,000 per annum
Minimum base sum assured is 80,000
5 Riders of Policy
25 critical illnesses
10 major surgeries
Death and disability due to accident
Additional life cover through term insurance
Income benefit rider to safeguard against financial loss owing to death of the familys
bread winner
The policy comes with tax benefits on the premiums paid and benefits received as per
applicable income tax laws.
RBI created Dedicated Helpline for guiding Start-ups in India on Forex Matters
RBI has created a dedicated helpline to assist start-ups undertaking cross-border
transactions.
It should provide complete information to the RBI and mention the specific issues on
which they need guidance from the RBI in relation to the Foreign Exchange
Management regulations.This would enable the personnel attending the helpline to
offer timely and effective information.
Cross-border transactions of resident are subject to the regulatory regime provided by the
Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
RBI extends deadline to exchange pre-2005 notes to June 30

Reserve Bank extended the deadline for exchanging pre-2005 currency notes of various
denominations, including Rs 500 and Rs 1,000, by another six months to June 30, 2016.
The Reserve Bank had, in June 2015, set the last date for public to exchange pre-2005
banknotes notes as December 31, 2015.
85 | P a g e
RBI, on a review, decided to extend the date for the public to exchange their pre-2005
banknotes till June 30, 2016
Zimbabwe to adopt Chinas currency the yuan

Zimbabwes Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa on announced that the country has planned to
adopt the Chinese Yuan as legal tender. It will be done in return for debt cancellation worth 40
million dollars in the second week of December 2015.
As per the decision, Yuan will be a function of trade between China and
Zimbabwe and acceptability with customers in Zimbabwe.
China has become the largest investor in Zimbabwe.
China-backed AIIB formally established in Beijing

China-backed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in which India is a founder
member along with other 56 countries was formally established here and expected to start
operation next month.
Articles of Agreement outline the financial share of each founding member as well as rules
for policymaking, governance structure and business and operational systems for the bank.
The banks establishment came after 17 funding members of the AIIB, which account for just
over 50% of its share capital, ratified the agreement on the bank.
With authorised capital of USD 100 billion and subscribed capital of USD 50 billion.
AIIB, based in Beijing will invest in sectors including energy, transportation, urban
construction and logistics as well as education and healthcare.
China, India and Russia are the three largest shareholders, taking a 30.34 per cent, 8.52
per cent, 6.66 per cent stake respectively in the newly-formed bank. Based on the
shareholding, India is expected to get the post of the Vice President.
Current Account Deficit narrowed to 1.6 % of GDP
The current account deficit (CAD) narrowed to 1.6% of GDP at USD 8.2 billion in the second
quarter ended September.
The contraction in CAD was primarily on account of lower trade deficit (USD 37.4
billion) as compared with USD 39.7 billion in Q2 of last year.
CAD up to 2.5% of GDP can be financed with the current level of foreign fund inflows and
remittances. In FY1- 4.8% of GDP.The foreign direct investment also slowed down during
the July-September period to USD 15.1 billion from USD 16.7 billion in the preceding
quarter.
On portfolio investments, there was a net outflow of USD 6.5 billion as against a net
inflow of USD 9.8 billion in the year-ago period.
Foreign exchange reserves on a balance of payment basis also came down by USD 0.9 billion in
Q2 of the current fiscal.
86 | P a g e

Reserve Bank of India Invites Applications for Innovative Payment Solutions
Indias central bank The Reserve Bank of India has invited applications for Payment System
Innovation Awards to encourage innovative solutions in the field of Payment and Settlement
System.
The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT),

which is the technology arm of the RBI, will organize the competition.
Panels of experts will shortlist the most innovative applications, and the best three will
be rewarded with citations/prizes.
19.52 crore Bank accounts opened under Prime Ministers Jan Dhan Yojana till December
As per RBI, banks opened 19.52 crore accounts under the Prime MinistersJan Dhan Yojana till
the first week of December.
RBIs half-yearly report on the operations and performance of scheduled commercial

banks showing most of these accounts are in rural areas.
7 million RuPay debit cards have been issued.92.6 million beneficiaries have been enrolled
under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and 29.2 million under Pradhan Mantri
Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.13 lakh account holders have been enrolled under Atal Pension
Yojana as on December 16.
FCI raises Rs 30,000 crore as short-term loan

FCI, nodal agency for procurement and distribution of foodgrains has raised Rs 30,000 crore as
a short-term loan from 15 consortiums of banks including SBI and PNB to meet working capital
requirements.
It is facing a liquidity crunch as its subsidy arrears are estimated to

cross Rs.58,000 crore by March 2016 against Rs 50,000 crore at the start of this fiscal.
The loan has been raised at average interest rate of 9.6% and is for the period of150 days.
Maximum amount of Rs 10,000 crore has been raised from PNB, followed by Rs 7,000
crore from SBI and remaining from others including public and private sector banks
SIDBI Clears $140M from Fund-of-Funds to Support VCs in India

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has cleared $140 million (Rs 930
crore) from the $302 million (Rs 2,000 crore) fund-of-funds that was launched in August to
support venture capital funds.
SIDBIs aspiration Fund will be making investment in venture capital funds (VCF) to meet
MSME startups equity requirement.
24 venture capital funds for an aggregate commitment of Rs 930 crore have been cleared
in principle by the venture capital investment committee (VCIC) so far, out of which
87 | P a g e

sanction letters have already been issued to 16 VCFs with an aggregate commitment of Rs
482 crore, where documentation is in progress.
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu lead states pack in insurance penetration
Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have retained their top two positions in terms of general insurance
premium collection and penetration.
According to the data from General Insurance Council
Rank
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
State
Maharashtra
Tamil Nadu
Karnataka
Gujarat
Delhi
Uttar Pradesh
Rajasthan
Premium Collection
Rs 19,336 crore
Rs 8,238 crore
Rs 6,847 crore
Rs 6,306 crore
Rs 5,797 crore
Rs 4,859 crore
Rs 3,605 crore
Insurance
1.15%
0.84%
0.98%
0.71%
1.28%(Highest)
0.50%
0.63%
ICICI Bank to sell rail tickets on website

ICICI Bank tied up with railways e-ticketing platform IRCTC to sell rail tickets through its website
and will soon introduce the facility to book rail tickets on its mobile banking application and prepaid
digital wallet.
Procedure:Users will have to first register on the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism
Corporation (IRCTC), where it primarily sells rail tickets, and then do a one-time registrationon
the banks website to avail of the facility.
Facility is not limited to ICICI customers as any other banks customer can also use the
facility.
Payments for the purchases can be made using the online banking facility, debit or credit
card of any bank.
First time any bank is offering the tickets for sale on its website.
Deepak Mohanty Committee Report on Medium-term Path on Financial Inclusion

14-member committee headed by RBI Executive Director Deepak Mohanty has submitted the
report on Medium-term Path on Financial Inclusion, which has been recently released by RBI.
The committee was constituted in July 2015 by RBI with the objective of working out a
medium-term (5 years) measurable action plan for financial inclusion.
YES Bank commits $5 bn for climate action in India

Yes Bank has announced mobilisation of USD 5 billion towards its commitment to climate finance in
India.
Goal: To limit the rise in global temperatures to less than 2 degree Celsius through a common
agreement.
Target: Funding 500 MW clean energy annually, which it had overachieved.
88 | P a g e

To help achieve Indias target of meeting its Intended Nationally Determine
Contributions (INDCs), the bank also set a number of its own targets for 2020:
Target funding of 5,000 MW of clean energy
Gradually increase percentage of renewable energy in the power portfolio, contribute

towards creating a carbon sink by planting 2 million trees
Touch 100 million lives through its safe and clean drinking water program and offset
carbon emissions of the banks operations.
Recent: YES Bank also signed anMoU with London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) to collaborate
on bond and equity issuance, with focus on developing green infrastructure.
India Post payment bank to be operational by March 2017
During Good Governance Day conference Union Minister for Communications and IT Ravi Shankar
Prasad announced that India Post Payment Bank will start operations in March 2017.
The Reserve Bank of India had granted in-principle approval to 11 applicants, including Postal
Department, in August to set up payments banks.
Highlights of initiatives:
Launch of a National Centre of Geo-Informatics, a platform for sharing and

collaborating GIS data source that will aid central and state governments in planning,
decision-making and electronic delivery of services.
A mobile application for Digital Locker
MTNL will now offer free roaming to its customers from January 1.
Broadband limit has been increased to 2 mbps from 512 kbps, mobile towers will be set
up in Naxal-affected areas in Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
Cabinet approves Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme for Textiles industry
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the Amended Technology Upgradation
Fund Scheme (ATUFS) replacing the Revised Restructured Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme
(RR-TUFS).
Aim: To help the industry upgrade operational technology and provides fixed subsidies to
entrepreneurs who invest in this regard.
The new scheme will be implemented across two broad categories.
Sub sectors of apparel, garment and technical textiles: Upto 15% subsidy on capital
investment.
Remaining sub-sectors: Subsidy at a rate of 10%.
Main beneficiary: Medium and small scale players with total investments worth Rs.2, 71,480
crore being generated along with nearly 48 lakh new jobs.
The new amended scheme aims to plug the loopholes in the earlier scheme and improve Ease of
Doing Business.
89 | P a g e
BUSINESS
ICBC to become Tata Group's banking partner
Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd (ICBC) has joined hands with Tata Group to
become its strategic banking partner.
ICBC will provide the Tata group with financing products, global cash management,
consulting, international trade finance business, investment banking, foreign exchange,
derivatives trading, and other global financial services.This alliance will be a global one
with the geographies covered including India, China, Singapore, Europe, the USA,
and South America.
Tesla at 3rd position in BCG's innovation survey

Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Electric car star Tesla of United States has been listed 3rd in the
list of the 50 most innovative companies. Two years ago, Tesla had made its debut on the list at
41st place.
In this list, Apple and Google have hold the first and second spot respectively.
Tesla was followed in order by Microsoft, Samsung, Toyota, BMW, Gilead,

Amazon, and Daimler.
Wipro to buy IT services firm Cellent AG for Rs. 514 crore

Indias third largest IT services company, Wipro has announced to acquire Germany
based Landesbank Baden-Wuerttemberg (LBBW), Cellent AG for about Rs.514 crore.Cellent AG
currently employs around 800 consultants and serves the DACH market region. With this deal all its
employees will become a part of Wipro.
NTC signed Integrity Pact with Transparency International India
National Textile Corporation (NTC) Limited signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
with Transparency International India (TII) to adopt Integrity Pact. With this NTC become the
first textile corporation in India to sign such a pact.
Integrity Pact: It is a tool in which all activities and transactions between a company or
government department and their Suppliers are handled in a transparent and corruption-free
manner. It forbids any kind of bribing, favour or any other unethical practice, which is closely
scrutinized by honorary Independent External Monitors (IEMs).
CCI imposes Rs 74 cr fine on Alkem Labs
Competition Commission of India (CCI) has imposed a penalty of over Rs 74 crore on IPObound Alkem Laboratories and its two officials for indulging in unfair business practices.
CCI has directed to "cease and desist from indulging in any of the practices which are
found to be anti-competitive in terms of the provisions of section 3 of the (Competition)
Act".
90 | P a g e
It has also slapped fines of Rs 4.35 lakh on All Kerala Chemists and Druggists
Association (AKCDA) and one of its officials in the same case.
YouTube opens first video production studio in India

Youtube, in collaboration with Subhash Ghai-owned film school Whistling Woods International,
has opened its 8th (one of a kind) Youtube Space in Mumbai's Film City. It is the first video
production studio. Similar to Youtubes existing studio hubs around the world, the new Mumbai
YouTube Space offers courses, equipment, workshops, collaborations, and more.
Indias popular up-and-coming YouTube creators, as well as their students, will have free
access to Whistling Woods studios, high-end audio, visual and editing equipment, in
addition to training programs, workshops and community events.
Government imposes anti-dumping duty on kitchenware products

Government has imposed an anti-dumping duty of $1,732.11 per tonne on import of melamine
tableware and kitchenware products like dinner sets and mugs from China, Thailand and
Vietnam.
Aim: To protect domestic industry from cheap shipments
Anti-dumping duty in-between $582.85 1732.11 per tonne will remain in effect for five years.
Key Point:
Anti-dumping: It analyses to test if domestic industries have been hurt because of an increase in
cheap imports and also to ensure fair trade. It is not a measure to restrict imports or cause an
unjustified surge in the cost of products.
Railways has undertaken PPP projects worth Rs 14,000 crore
Railways has undertaken PPP(Public-Private Partnership) projects worth Rs.14,000 croreduring
the 12th Five year Plan for laying new lines enriching port connectivity and electrifying its
network under PPP model.
Highlights:
7 PPP projects worth Rs 5693 crore: Under implementation as many others involving
an expenditure of Rs 2236 crore are being implemented under customer funded model
3 PPP projects worth Rs 3016 crore: Executed through the annuity route
16 state governments which have given their nod for formation of special purpose
vehicles (SPVs) to implement rail projects in their respective states.
Odisha signed MoU with Railways to form a SPV for implementation of rail projects.
Tata Comm concludes deal to sell Neotel fixed line to Vodacom

Tata Communications will sell the majority of its subsidiary Neotels fixed line assets to
Vodacom South Africa but will retain control of licences including spectrum.
91 | P a g e
The deal was originally signed in May, 2014 wherein Vodafones South African subsidiary
Vodacom had reached an agreement to buy Neotel, controlled by Tata Communications,
for 7 billion rand (about Rs 3,200 crore).
Tata Communications owns over 68 per cent stake in South Africas largest fixed line telephone
service provider Neotel.
IISc bags US military contract for R&D on solar powered micro-grid
Indian Institute of Science has bagged a US military contract for research and
development on solar powered micro-grid announced at the meeting between defense minister
Manohar Parrikar and US defense secretary Ashton Carter at the Pentagon .
The federal contract worth USD 52,900 has been awarded by the US Pacific Air Forces,
Yokota Air Base in Japan to develop solar powered micro-grid with battery and super
capacitor energy storage system.
This is one of the rare instances that an Indian scientific institute known for its high-end
cutting edge research has been awarded a federal contract by the US military.
MoU Signed between ICIS and NBCC for Construction of ICIS at Tirupati and Noida
The construction of Indian Culinary Institutes (ICIs) at Tirupati and Noida was begin with the
signing of MoU between the Indian Culinary Institute (ICI) Society and the National Buildings
Construction Corporation Ltd. (NBCC) at the Ministry of Tourism, New Delhi.
Signed by Dr. Preeti Srivastava, Joint Secretary & Ex-officio Director, ICI on behalf of
ICI Society and Rajendra Chaudhari, Director (Commercial) on behalf of NBCC Ltd.
Secretary, M/o Tourism Vinod Zutshi and Joint Secretary, M/o Tourism Shri Suman Billa
also graced the occasion.
Andhra Pradesh Government has transferred land measuring 14.21 acres at Tirupati in favour of ICI
Society for construction of ICI Tirupati.
Karnataka govt signs EoI with Reitzel Group
Karnataka delegation, which toured France to attract companies for the forthcoming Invest
Karnataka 2016 from February 3 to 5, 2016 in Bengaluru, has signed an Expression of
Interest (EoI) agreement with Reitzel Group.
Company invested 20 crore and create about 50 new jobs to the already 200 existing
jobs. Reitzel is a Paris-based family-owned company in the Agri and food processing
industry.
The road show to promote Invest Karnataka 2016 is organised by MEDEF

International and GIFAS with a special focus on manufacturing and aerospace sectors.
92 | P a g e

French companies have invested about $4.5 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in
India since the year 2000 which makes it the 9th largest FDI contributor to India.There are
about 170 French companies(HQ Karnataka).
Union Government slaps anti-dumping duty on stainless steel
Union Cabinet has imposed an anti-dumping duty ranging from 5.39% to 57.39% on import of
cold-rolled flat products of stainless steel for 5 years.
It has imposed on the recommendation of Directorate General of Anti-dumping and

Allied Duties (DGAD).
Anti-dumping duty has been imposed on 7 countries China, South Korea, the US, South
Africa, Thailand and Taiwan and European Union.
The highest duty has been levied on steel imports from China at 57.39%, followed by the
European Union at 52.56%. Imports from Thailand have the least duty imposition
of 4.58%.The governments decision comes in the wake of rising incidence of dumping as it was
obstructing the performance of domestic industry with steel prices on a decline.
Centre sets up SETU to support start-up businesses
Government has set up a mechanism known as SETU to support all aspects of start-up businesses
and other selfemployment activities.
SETU (SelfEmployment and Talent Utilisation) has been established under NITI
Aayog is a Techno-Financial, Incubation and Facilitation Programme to support all aspects of
start-up businesses, and other self-employment activities, particularly in technology-driven
areas.
Other schemes to assist start-up businesses

India Aspiration Fund (IAF) Government has also started IAF in August 2015 under theSmall
Industries Development Bank of India with a capital of Rs. 2,000 crore to give a boost to
startup ecosystem in the country.
Objective: To catalyze equity investment into start ups and MSMEs creating
employment to lakhs of persons mostly educated youth over the next four to five years.
TIDE: Department of Electronics and Information Technology is implementing a scheme

dubbed Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs (TIDE) under which 147 start
ups have been supported at 25 TIDE centres established in premier institutes like IITs, NITs,
IIMs etc.
Natco Pharma gets DCGI nod to sell hepatitis C treatment drug
Natco Pharma Ltd. has received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India
(DCGI) to launch in the country the generic version of Ledipasvir + Sofosbuvir combinationfor
treatment of chronic Hepatitis C.
93 | P a g e
The combination drug is to be launched under its brand name Hepcinat LP and through
strategic partners in India with Cost 25,000 (for a bottle of 28 tablets)
A two-drug fixed-dose combination product, containing 90 mg of Ledipasvir and 400 mg of

Sofosbuvir in a single tablet, Ledipasvir + Sofosbuvir is sold globally by Gilead Sciences Inc. under
its brand Harvoni. The drug is indicated for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) genotype 1
infection in adults.
Earlier this year, company had signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with
Gilead Sciences to manufacture and sell generic versions of the chronic Hepatitis C
medicines including generic version of Harvoni.
Natco became the first licensed company to launch the generic version of the
combination drug in Nepal.
Infosys invests USD 3 mn in sports startup WHOOP

IT major Infosys has invested USD 3 million (Rs 20 crore) in U.S. based wearable device startup
firm WHOOP to pick up a minority shareholding in the company.
WHOOPs system includes a device worn by athletes on their wrist that

continuouslymeasures key strain and recovery variables and actionable analytics
powered by proprietary algorithms that generate intensity and recovery scores.
This enables athletes and coaches to gain visibility into the drivers of high performance, guide
training and make optimal game day decisions.
MoEF gives nod to NTPCs Telangana power project
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has given green signal to a power project being set up by
state-owned NTPC in Telangana while it has deferred another project of the PSU in Andhra
Pradesh.
Highlights of the project :
The NTPC Limited is presently operating a coal-based 2,600 MW (stage-I, II & III)
thermal power station at Ramagundam in Telanganas Karimnagar district and is in the
process of expanding it by addition of 2800 MW.
The cost of the expansion project is about Rs 9,954.20 crore, which includes about Rs
834.81 crore for environmental protection measures,the coal requirement will be 8
million tonnes per annum and has been allotted from Mandakini-B Coal Mine block in
Odisha.
IRCTC partners Paytm for food payments

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has tied up with Paytm to offer an
additional payment gateway for food ordered through its e-catering facility.
To enable railway passengers to order food, IRCTC sends an email to passengers one day
in advance about food order, which can also be placed during ticket reservations.
94 | P a g e
On an average, IRCTC clocks 5.5 to six lakh e-catering bookings daily.
US lifts 40-year ban on oil exports

United States has lifted a 40-year ban on oil exports, marking a historic shift for the booming US
oil industry.
The ban was first imposed in 1975 as the United States was reeling from the 19731974 Arab oil embargo. Arab members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting
Countries had banned oil exports to the United States in retaliation for Washingtons
support of Israel during the Arab-Israeli war.
With the end of the ban, all 9.2 million barrels produced in the United States a day and
the 490.7 million barrels stockpiled commercially are available for export.
Tata Motors listed in top 50 global R&D spenders

On the annual Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard for 2015, prepared by the European
Commission, Tata Motors has made it to the Top 50 league of the worlds biggest
companies in terms of R&D investments.
The list topped by German automaker Volkswagen followed by Samsung, Microsoft, Intel
and Novartis in the Top Five.
Tata Motors has moved up from 104th position last year to 49th However, most of this R&D is
at its UK subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover.
In the expanded list of the worlds 2,500 top R&D firms, there are a total of 26 Indian companies,
as against 829 from the US, 608 from the EU, 360 from Japan, and 301 from China.
Overall, India is placed 15th in terms of the number of companies on the list.
Among other Indian companies, Dr Reddys Laboratories is ranked 404, M&M 451,
Reliance Industries 540, Lupin 624, Sun Pharma 669, Cipla 831 and Infosys 884.
Biocon launched generic version of hepatitis-C drug Harvoni in India

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) recently approved the sale of SofosbuvirLedipasvir combination, which is being manufactured in India under a license
from Gilead.Biopharmaceutical company Biocon launched a generic version of Gilead Life sciences
hepatitis C drug Harvoni,India.
The novel therapy named CIMIVIR-L is a fixed dose combination of Ledipasvir 90 mg

and Sofosbuvir 400 mg, and an improved version of Gileads blockbuster hepatitis C drug
Sovaldi.
Recently Natco Pharma has received a license from Gilead to sell a generic version of the
drug in India, sells a bottle of 28 tablets at about Rs 20,000.
Aurobindo Pharma gets USFDA nod for acid reflux drug

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd. has received 54th approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(USFDA) to manufacture and market Famotidine tablet that is used for the short-term treatment
95 | P a g e

of gastroesophageal reflux disease and active duodenal ulcer.
The approved abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) is bio and therapeutically
equivalent to the reference listed drug product Pepcid tablets of Valeant
Pharmaceuticals International Inc., the Hyderabad firm.
With this, Aurobindo has a total of 226 ANDA approvals.
Alibaba agrees to invest $1.25 bn in Chinese online food delivery service

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd plans to inject $1.25 billion in a Shanghai-based food delivery
service, Ele.me.
Alibaba is likely to acquire 7% stake in Ele.me making it the biggest shareholder of the
company.Ele.me is a part of online-to-offline (O2O) services trend in China, where
customers use their smartphones to order offline services.
Flipkart to sell cars and bikes online

Flipkart has started to sell cars and motorcycles online.
Signed with: Two local dealers
KhivrajMotors for Bajaj motorcycles
Kalyani Motors for Maruti Suzuki cars
Objective: To offer a higher range of products to customers and retain them within the platform.
This trend was started by Snapdealalso launched Snapdeal Motors, a platform for
automobiles enabling online booking and loan approvals within two minutes of a vehicle purchase
on the site.
Tied up with: Hero Motors and Piaggio to sell motorcycles and mini trucks on its
platform.Mahindra and Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki and Datsun to sell their vehicles on the site.
Sandhar Technologies gets Sebi nod for IPO
SandharTechnologies(Automotive components firm) has got market regulator SEBIs approval to
raise Rs. 300 crore from an initial public offering.
The initial public offer (IPO) consists of
Fresh issue of equity shares aggregating up to Rs. 300 crore
Offer for sale of up to 51.15 lakh shares by GTI Capital Beta at a face value of Rs. 10
each.
Usage of funds from IPO: For setting up a new manufacturing facility at Hosur in Tamil Nadu,
repayment/pre-payment in full or part of certain borrowings and general corporate purposes.
Russia inks $1 billion deal with HAL to manufacture 200 Kamov 226T helicopters
Russias Rostech State Corp. has tied up with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
Highlights:
96 | P a g e
Purpose: For manufacture of at least 200 Kamov 226T light helicopters to replace
the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak, and also provides for maintenance, operation
and repair of helicopters.
Worth:$1 billion under the Make in India initiative.
First Indo-Russian high-tech project implemented by the Indian government within

Make in India initiative.
Modi is set to inaugurate a new helicopter production facility of HAL at Tumkur in Karnataka.
Out of the 181 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters held by the army, 51 were 40 years or older,
and 78 were between 30 and 40 years old.
Airtel launches microsite for Project Leap
Bharti Airtel launched a special website www.airtel.in/leap allowing customers to know
everything about how Project Leap(60,000-crore network transformation program) is
progressing in their respective localities.
Features:
Customers will get a transparent view of coverage of voice and high speed broadband
services.They will also be able to see sites planned in their localities, seek help on hosting
sites and share site upgradation plans for every site and sites that have been forcibly shut
down in their locality.
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

Robert Lewandowski awarded with four Guinness World Record certificates for scoring
five goals in nine minutes in Septembers Bundesliga clash with Wolfsburg.He has scored the
most goals by a replacementin the Bundesliga and the fastest Bundesliga hat-trick.It was also
the fastest four goals in the league and the fastest to five.
About Lewandowski:
Born in Warsaw, is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for German club Bayern Munich
Captain:Poland national team.
Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi gives away National Level Awards to Anganwadi Workers for
Exceptional Achievement
The Minister of Women and Child Development Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi gave away National
Level Awards to the selected Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) for Exceptional Achievement at
Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi for the years 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14.
Government of India formulated a scheme for awarding AWWs at National Level and
State Level in the year 2000-2001 under Sponsored by Integrated Child Development
Services (ICDS).
97 | P a g e

National Level Awards to Anganwadi Workers :
A total of 118 Anganwadi Workers have been selected for National Awards for the
years 2011-12 (32), 2012-13 (32) and 2013-14 (54).
The award at the National Level comprises of Rs.25,000/- cash and a citation.
Hinduja Brothers received lifetime achievement award at Asian Business Leadership

Forum 2015
Hinduja Brothers were honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 6thannual
Asian Business Leadership Forum (ABLF) in Delhi
ABLF Royal Patron, H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Culture, Youth
and Community Development, UAE, presented the award to Gopichand P Hinduja, CoChairman of Hinduja Group of Companies.
This award recognizes the most powerful and influential business leaders.
Hinduja brothers :P Hinduja, GP Hinduja, Prakash Hinduja and Ashok Hinduja
Colombian film Embrace of The Serpent adjudged best film of 46th IFFI
Colombian film Embrace of Serpent (Directed by Ciro Guerra and Produced by Cristina Gallego)
took the first prize the Golden Peacock Award at the 46th International Film Festival of India (IFFI)
Goa fest. The Golden Peacock award carries a sum of Rs.40 lakh.
Other winners:
Special Mention:Enclave(Serbian film) directed by GoranRadovanovic
Best director:British filmmaker Peter Greenaway for his English and Spanish language
Eisenstein in Guanajuato.
Best actor(Male):Vincent Lindonfor StephaneBrizes French film The Measure of a

Man.
Best actor(Female):GunesSensoy, DogaDoguslu, TugbaSunguroglu, ElitIscan and

IlaydaAkdoganfor DenizGamzeErguvens Turkish film Mustang.
Special jury award: Julia Vargas Bolivian film Sealed Cargo.
UNESCO-Fellini medal: Indian filmmaker KaushikGangulyfor his Bengali-language

Cinemawalla.
Lifetime achievement award:Oscar-winning Russian filmmaker Nikita Mikhalkov
Dr Abdul Kalam IGNITE award presented by President Pranab Mukherjee

The APJ Abdul Kalam Ignite Awards 2015 at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
(IIM-A), President Pranab Mukherjee praised the innovative thinking school students
shownthrough their works and 31 ideas by 42 students bagged awards.
CM Anandiben Patel observed two inventionspresented at the exhibition a solar

seeder(tractor) and an adjustable handcart.
98 | P a g e
President called the Ignite 2015 awards named after former President APJ Abdul Kalam
afitting tribute to his memory and highlighted innovation as the key to economic
development.
Attended by: Governor of Gujarat OP Kohli, Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel
Organised by: National Innovation Foundation (NIF) and IIM-A.
Renowned violinist L Subramaniam to be honoured with ITC Sangeet Samman
Renowned Padma Bhushan & Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee, L Subramaniam will be
honoured with the Sangeet Samman at the ITC Sangeet Sammelan 2015 beginning on December
4 at the Victoria Memorial, Kolkatta.
He is the only musician who has performed and recorded South Indian and Western
classical music, both orchestral and non-orchestral, composed for and conducted major
orchestras.
Delhi Development Authority awarded with E-India Award

The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has been awarded with the E-India Award for
adopting technology to serve the public better, and using manpower and resources efficiently
through mobile applications.
The authority received the award under the category of Digital India IT initiatives in the
field of 'land protection and engineering projects'.
One of the app for which the award was given is Vacant land photo uploading
system in which the officials of the land and engineering department can upload the
photographs of vacant land to keep a check on encroachment.
The second award winning app was themeasurement books which is for e-filing of measurement
of engineering projects for exact estimation of parameters and project requirements.
Narendra Modi in eighth place for Time magazines Person of the Year Poll
PM Narendra Modi is listed at the eighth place in the TIME Person of the Year readers' choice poll
with a vote share of 2.7 per cent.
Modi has encouraged foreign direct investment in India and is trying to modernize the
world's largest democracy.
With a vote share of 10.5 per cent, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has
topped the list with Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, Pope Francis and US President
Barack Obama at the second, third and fourth place respectively.
Adidas Indias Pulin Kumar won prestigious INBA Award

A group senior legal and compliance director of adidas India, Pulin kumar has been conferred
with the Indian National Bar Association's (INBA) General Counsel of the year 2015 Retail Award on the occasion of INBA's Annual International Conference-66th National Law Day.
99 | P a g e
He has received the award for his contribution to the legal field in and outside the
country for more than 21 years.
Nirma University fetched Excellence in Technology for Education Delivery

Nirma University has been awarded under the category of Excellence in Technology for
Education Delivery during the FICCI Education Awards 2015 as a part of the event under
the 11th FICCI Higher Education Summit 2015.
(FICCI Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry)
Organized at FICCI Federation House, New Delhi by FICCI in association with the Ministry of
Human Resource Development, GOI.FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards aim to

recognize institutions and individuals working to improve Higher Education quality in
India.
Hyderabad Police gets Express IT excellence award
Union Telecom and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad presented Express IT
excellence award to Hyderabad City Police in acknowledgment with IT initiatives launched by them
in last one year in Bengaluru.
Hyderabads Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Anjani

Kumar andHead of IT core team of Hyderabad Police Srinath Reddy received the
award on behalf of the Hyderabad City Police.
PAHAL scheme included in Guinness Book of World records

Petroleum Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan presented the certificate in recognition of
PAHAL as the largest cash transfer programme in the world, received from Guinness Book of
World Records to the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
About PAHAL Scheme: Pratyaksha Hastaantarit Laabh
Launched in 54 districts of the country on 15.11.2014 and in remaining districts of the

country on 1st January, 2015. LPG consumers who join the PAHAL scheme will get the LPG
cylinders at market price and receive LPG subsidy directly into their bank accounts.
Indo-American Frank Islam bestowed with UP Ratna Award

Uttar Pradesh Ratna Award has been conferred on Indian-American entrepreneur and
philanthropist, Frank Islam (63) to recognise his achievements and outstanding contributions in
a foreign country. The award will be presented by UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav at the
inaugural UP Pravasi Diwas in Agra on January 4, 2016.
INS Sindhudhwaj bags award for innovation from PM Narendra Modi
INS Sindhudhwaj, a submarine of the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) awarded with The Best
Innovation Trophy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of Navy Day Celebrations 2015.
100 | P a g e

About INS Sindhudhwaj :
The innovation undertaken by the submarine to repair their ventilation system under
challenging circumstances at sea during a search and rescue (SAR) operation was
adjudged the first among the 137 entries of Navy, a release from the cityheadquartered ENC.
The award comes as a great morale booster to the submarine arm which celebrates its
48th Anniversary on 08 Dec 15.
Nobel Peace Prize conferred upon Tunisias National Dialogue Quartet

Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2015 is to be
awarded to the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet for its contribution to the building of a
pluralistic democracy in Tunisia in the wake of the Jasmine Revolution of 2011 aka Tunisian
Revolution.
National Dialogue Quartet was formed in 2013 when the process of democratisation was
in danger of collapsing because of widespread social unrest
Tunisia adopted a new constitution in January 2014 and held democratic elections at the
end of last year.
2 Indians win Queens Young Leaders award in UK

Two Indians Kartik Sawhney (21) and Neha Swain (28) are among the 60 others who have won
the Queens Young Leaders award in the UK for their exceptional work in transforming the lives
of others and making a lasting difference in their communities.
The award will be presented by the British monarch at a gala ceremony in Buckingham
Palace in June 2016.
Tech Mahindra conferred with Forbes Top 100 Middle East Award
Tech Mahindra, a specialist in digital transformation, consulting and business re-engineering
solutions has been awarded the prestigious Forbes Top 100 Middle East Global Meets Local
2015 Award. The award was presented at a special event hosted by Forbes Middle East in Dubai.
Here is the list of top 10 regional executives
Rank
Name
Company
Title
Nabil Habayeb
General Electric
President & CEO, North Africa
Takreem El Tohamy
IBM
General Manager, Africa
Sanjeev Chadha
Pepsi-Cola
CEO, Africa
Markus Wildi
Dow Chemical
President, Middle East
Yves Manghardt
Nestle Middle East
Chairman & CEO
Yousif Abdulghani
McDonalds Middle
Vice President & International
Curt Ferguson
Coca-Cola Company
President, North Africa
Nour Suliman
DHL Express
CEO, North Africa
101 | P a g e

9
Roy Haddad
WPP
Director, North Africa
10
Alaa El Shimy
Hewlett-Packard
Vice President & Managing Director,
President of India presented Shilp Guru and National Awards

President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented the awards to Shilp Gurus and National
Awardees at a function at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
(Union Minister of State for Textiles (I/C) Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar)
21 Shilp Gurus have been selected for the years 2012, 2013 & 2014, out of whom 18 are
male and 3 are female.59 craftspersons have been selected for the National Awards for the
year 2012, 2013, & 2014.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel named 2015 Times Person of the Year
Time magazine named German Chancellor Angela Merkel its Person of the Year 2015 for the
annual honour because her leadership has helped preserve and promote an open, borderless
Europe in the face of economic turmoil and an ongoing refugee crisis.
Contenders :
Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi and Republican presidential hopeful Donald
Trump were among the eight candidates shortlisted by Time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani and
Googles India-born CEO Sundar Pichai were among the initial 58 global leaders,
business chiefs and pop icons that Time had named as contenders for its annual honour.
Mr. Modi was a contender for the honour last year also and while he was not chosen
the Person of the Year by Time editors, he was named winner of the readers poll.
National Awards for Innovation in Educational Administrations Awarded

National University of Educational Planning and Administration (NUEPA), New Delhi has
instituted National Awards for Innovation in Educational Administrations for District and Block Level
Education Officers.
The National Awards presented to selected District and Block level education officers from
different states and regions of the country by the Union Minister for Human Resource
Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani. Shri J. Veera Raghavan, Former Secretary, Ministry
of Human Resource Development.
Organizer : NUEPA
Venue : Nehru Memorial Museum and Library Auditorium, Teen Murti Bhawan, New Delhi.
Objective :To recognize innovative ideas and practices adopted by district and block level
education officers for effective management of the educational administrative system at district and
block levels, and ensuring institutional development and performance at school level.
102 | P a g e

Lifetime membership of MCC conferred on Mahela Jayawardene
Former Sri Lanka Captain and countrys second highest Test run-scorer Mahela Jayawardene has
been conferred with Honorary Life Membership of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
18-year career in which he played 149 Test matches and scored 11,814 runs at an average
of 49.84, became the 14th Sri Lankan cricketer to get the MCC Honorary Life Membership.
Naseeruddin Shah honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

Veteran Bollywood actor Naseeruddin Shah and French actress Catherine Deneuve are
honoured with the lifetime achievement award at the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF).
2015 Mailer Prize for Lifetime Achievement conferred upon Salman Rushdie
India-born author Sir Ahmad Salman Rushdie (68) has been conferred with Mailer Centers
Annual Lifetime Achievement Prize that honours writers who fully exercise their freedom of
creativity and thrive on dialogue and debate. The prize is named after renowned American writer
Norman Mailer, considered among the most influential writers of the second half of the 20th
century.
Varanasi & Jaipur become members of UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Jaipur and Varanasi has made Indias maiden entry to the Creative City Network of the United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Irina Bokova (Director-General of UNESCO) has announced the designation of 47 cities

from 33 countries as new members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
Jaipur (Rajasthan) is added in the Crafts and Folk Art category.
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) is added in the Music category.
Wipro won 2015 Aegis Graham Bell Award for innovation in IoT
Global software major Wipro won the Aegis Graham Bell award for developing a solution for the
Internet of Things (IoT) and Minister of State Jitendra Singh presented the award to the
outsourcing firm at a function in New Delhi
HPCL CMD Nishi Vasudeva named CEO of the Year
Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) Chairman and MD Nishi Vasudeva has been
chosenqwhile Reliance Industries has bagged the CSR Award at the 17th annual Platts Global
Energy Awards or Oscars of energy in New York.
Women won two of the top honors:
CEO of the Year : Nishi Vasudeva and
Rising Star: Individual Maria Victoria Zingoni.
South East Asia Write award clinched by J.M. Sali

2015 South East Asia Write Award has been conferred upon Indian-origin writer Jamaludeen
103 | P a g e

Mohamed Sali aka J.M. Sali whose books are read in universities.
The author has written 57 books, 80 plays and more than 400 short stories including Vellai
Kodugal (White Lines) & Alaigal Pesuginrana (The Sound of the Waves) that are now
studied by Tamil literature students in Singapore and Indian universities.
Born in 1939 in, Mr. Sali was invited to Singapore at the age of 25 to be an assistant editor at
the Tamil Murasu newspaper by its founder, the late G. Sarangapani.
Padma Vibhushan conferred upon on renowned Dilip Kumar

Bollywood veteran and legendary actor Dilip Kumar was presented the Padma
Vibhushan by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at the the spians residence in suburban
Bandra, was presented a medal, a certificate and a shawl.
Director Ron Howard gets a second Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Oscar-winning director Ron Howard has been presented with another star on Walk of
Fame on account of his contribution to the TV and film industries.
The four-time Oscar nominee and two-time Oscar winner remains one of the most
in-demand directors in Hollywood.
He started as TV actor starring as Richie Cunningham in the legendary series "Happy

Days".
On leaving the show, he turned his hand to directing and has since developed a reputation for
being adept at helming different types of movies such as "Willow", "Apollo 13" and "Rush".
Etihad Airways wins worlds leading airline award
At the annual World Travel Awards Grand Finale gala ceremony 2015, Etihad Airways has
been awarded the Worlds Leading Airline award for the seventh consecutive year.The
company also bagged further two awards, Worlds Leading First Class and theWorlds Leading
Cabin Crew.
2016 Genesis Prize conferred upon Violinist Itzhak Perlman
The legendary 16 Grammys award winner Israeli-US violinist Itzhak Perlman has been
awarded the 2016 Genesis prize for his accomplishments as a musician, teacher and advocate for
people with disabilities. The $1m (660,000) prize aka Jewish Nobel is given annually to an
individual who has achieved professional success, contributed to humanity and shown a strong
commitment to Jewish causes and the state of Israel.
Bappi Lahiri and Kumar Sanu with Lifetime Achievement Awards
West Bengal government honoured veteran music composer Bappi Lahiri and singer Kumar
Sanu with the Lifetime Achievement awards.
The award was presented by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Sangeet Samman
award function in Kolkata.
104 | P a g e

Other Awards:
Bollywood musician Shantanu Moitra was felicitated with the Sangeet Mahasamman
award along with Mohammad Aziz, Kumar Bose and Shibaji Chattopadhyay.
Vocalists Nachiketa and Ajoy Chakrobarty were given special Sangeet Samman.
Bishesh Sangeet Samman was awarded to Dwijen Mukhyopadhyay, Ajoy

Chakraborty and Sandhya Mukherjee.
President Pranab Mukherjee received Global leader award

President Pranab Mukherjee received Garwood Award for Outstanding Global Leader in Open
Innovation from UC Berkeley-Haas School of Business at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Executive Director of Garwood Center for Corporate Innovation, Prof. Solomon

Darwinpresented the award to the President, called a champion of innovative
thinking.
Sahitya Akademi Awards for 2015 announced

Sahitya Academy has announced the names of 23 poets and authors who will be honored with
2015 Sahitya Akademi Award.
This award has recognised premier works in 23 Indian languages that includes 6 books of
short stories, 6 of poetry, 4 novels, 2 books each of essays, criticism and plays and 1
memoir.
Awardees of the year 2015

Sr no
Category
Name of the winner
Poetry
Brajendra Kumar Brahma (Bodo)

Dhian Singh (Dogri)
Ramdarash Mishra (Hindi)
K.V. Tirumalesh (Kannada)
Kshetri Rajan (Manipuri)
Ram Shankar Awasthi (Sanskrit)
Short stories
Kula Saikia (Assamese)

Man Mohan Jha (Maithili)
Gupta Pradhan (Nepali)
Bibhuti Pattanaik (Odia)
Maya Rahi (Sindhi)
Volga (Telugu)
Novels
Cyrus Mistry (English)

Jaswinder Singh (Punjabi)
Madhu Acharya Ashawadi (Rajasthani)
Essays
Rasik Shah (Gujrati)

A. Madhavan (Tamil)
105 | P a g e

5
Plays
Uday Bhembre (Konkani)

Rabilal Tudu (Santali)
Books on criticism
Bashir Bhadarwahi (Kashmiri)

Shamim Tariq (Urdu)
Memoirs
Arun Khopkar (Marathi)
Vatican to confer sainthood on Mother Teresa as Pope recognises her second miracle
Vatican announced to Sainthood to Mother Teresa and will be made a saint of the Roman
Catholic Church in September 2016.Pope Francis has approved a decree recognising a miracle
attributed to her intercession with God.
Mother Teresa, who died in 1997 at the age of 87, was beatified in 2003 by the late
Pope John Paul. Beatification, which requires one miracle is the last step before
sainthood.
Husband-wife duo Claude and Norma Alvares awarded with 2015 Sanctuary Lifetime
Service Award
The husband-wife duo of Claude and Norma Alvares were honoured with the 2015 Lifetime
Service Award by Sanctuary Asia magazine.
On the other hand, Ashok Kumar, one of the pioneers of the fightback against wildlife
crimes in India and chairman emeritus of the Wildlife Trust of India, was named the
Sanctuary Legend. It is a new category in the list of Sanctuary Wildlife Awards for 2015.
CII Industrial Innovation Awards 2015 conferred upon 35 companies

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on 15 December 2015 conferred Industrial Innovation
Awards 2015 upon 35 companies. Among them 10 were start-ups and 25 were big and small
companies.
Delhi-based start-up Right Track Admizzionz Campuz won the top award in the startup category, while the pharma major Zydus Cadila was adjudged the Most Innovative
Company of the Year.
US University announces APJ Abdul Kalam Fellowship for Indian Students

University of South Florida has launched APJ Abdul Kalam fellowship worth $156000 for
Indian students those who wish to pursue PhD in specified fields of science and engineering at the
institution. Under this fellowship students would receive a tuition fee waiver amounting to $84500
in four years, plus a stipend of $18000 per year.
The USF already has 800 Indian students enrolled for this year. This fellowship will be
effective from 2016-2017, to attract more.
Ralph Wilcox, the head of USF said that Dr Kalam was an honoured visitor to the
University of South Florida, and he spoke at great lengths about the importance of green
energy and sustainability.
106 | P a g e

Miss Spain Mireia Lalaguna Royo crowned Miss World 2015
Spanish model Mireia Lalaguna Royo was named Miss World 2015 in Sanya, an island resort off
the southern coast of China. This was 65th Miss World contest and the seventh held in China.
Mireia, a 23-year-old medical college student and a pianist from Barcelona, obtained the title
after beating 113 other contestants from around the world.

Miss Russia Sofia Nikitchuk finished the runner-up and Miss Indonesia Maria
Harfanti ranked at third position.

2015 BBC SPOTY conferred on Andy Murray
World number 2 Scottish professional tennis player Andrew Barron Andy Murray was
crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) for the second time after Great Britains
Davis Cup triumph.
He received more than 361,446 votes in total with rugby star Kevin Sinfield finishing
second with 278,353 and heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill third with 78,898.
Murray is the fourth different tennis player to win the award in its 62-year history after
Ann Jones in 1969, Virginia Wade in 1977 and Greg Rusedski in 1997.
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach crowned with Miss Universe 2015

Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach aka Mindanao & Pia Romero, a Filipina-German actress, model and beauty
queen has been crowned with Miss Universe 2015.
Ms. Wurtzbach represented the Philippines in the Miss Universe 2015 held in Las Vegas,
Nevada, United States.
Indian-American Researcher Named Fellow of US Academy

A prominent Indian-American bioengineering researcher has been named as a fellow in the US
National Academy of Inventors for his work in inventing path-breaking healthcare technologies.
C Mauli Agrawal, an IIT-Kanpur alumnus, is the Vice President of Research at the

University of Texas at San Antonio. He will be formally inducted in April next year.
His work in orthopaedic implants, cardiovascular biomaterials and diabetic foot products
has drawn recognition. His bioengineering research has resulted in 28 patents. Agrawal
will be among 582 fellows in the National Academy of Inventors (NAI).
ICC Awards 2015 announced

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the winners for the 2015 ICC Awards in
Dubai, UAE to honour the biggest names in mens and womens international cricket.
The awards were based on performance of individuals and teams, both men and women,
between 18 September 2014 and 13 September 2015.
Here is the list of winners
Category
Cricketer of the Year
ICC Test Cricketer of the Year
Winner
Steven Smith (Australia)
Steven Smith (Australia)
107 | P a g e

ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year
ICC Womens ODI Cricketer of the Year
ICC Emerging Cricketer of the Year
ICC Associate and Affiliate Cricketer of the Year
ICC Twenty20 International Performance of the Year
ICC Womens T20I Cricketer of the Year
David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year
ICC Spirit of Cricket Award
AB de Villiers (South Africa)

Meg Lanning (Australia)
Josh Hazlewood (Australia)
Khurram Khan (UAE)
Faf du Plessis (South Africa)
Stafanie Taylor (West Indies)
Richard Kettleborough
Brendon McCullum (New
Indian-origin software engineer wins UK award

An Indian-origin software engineer Nandagopal Lakshminarayanan has won a prestigious award
in the UK for creating an innovative electronic smart key system which enables the creation and
management of keys and locks that cannot be copied or picked.
He has been working as a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) associate at Lincoln

Security Ltd for the past two years.
About Electronic smart key system:
The software for the electronic locking system called eLOQ has been created jointly by
the University of Lincolns School of Computer Science and Lincoln Security under the
KTP.
The locks contain no batteries and do not require rewiring as all of the power is taken
from the key and allows all areas to be controlled.
Indian-American doctor is Ohios first Poet Laureate

Indian-American doctor has been named the first Poet Laureate by the U.S. State of Ohio for
showcasing a variety of styles in his poetry.
Amit Majmudar, a diagnostic nuclear radiologist, was named to the two-year honorary
position by Governor John Kasich who created the honour.

He was recommended for the position by the Ohio Poet Laureate Selection Committee,
following an extensive state-wide nomination and review process.

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
Col. C.K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award for Syed Kirmani
Former India stumper Syed Kirmani (65) was chosen for the prestigious Col. C.K. Nayudu
Lifetime Achievement award for 2015.
He is the first wicketkeeper in 21 years to be nominated for this award. Popularly known
as Kojak for his Telly Savalas-look, Kirmani will be the 23rd recipient of the award.
108 | P a g e
He has being chosen for the award by BCCIs special committee comprising President
Shashank Manohar, Anurag Thakur (secretary) and Ram, Chairman and Publisher,
Kasturi and Sons Ltd.
IOC, RIL fixed top 2 slots in Fortune 500 India list

Fortune 500 Indian companies 2015, State-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has
maintained its No.1 position followed by Reliance Industries (RIL) in terms of revenue for
the 6th consecutive year.
IOC tops the chart with an annual revenue of Rs 4, 51,911 crore while Mukesh Ambani-led
RILs revenue is Rs 3, 82,565 crore.
Top 10 Rankings
Tata Motors- Rs 2, 67,025 crore jumped to 3rd slot
SBI 4th- Rs 2, 57,289 crore.
Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) 5th- Rs 2, 40,367 crore.
Hindustan Petroleum 6th- Rs 2, 13,380 crore.
ONGC 7th- 1, 65,161 crore.
Tata Steel8th- 1, 41,669 crore.
Hindalco Industries9th- 1, 06,897 crore.
TCS10th- 98,368 crore.
Johnny Depp leads Forbes Most Overpaid Actors list

Actor Johnny Depp (52) has been named Hollywoods most overpaid actor in 2015 by Forbes,
only returned $ 1.20 for every $ 1 he was paid.
The Black Mass star replaced last years most overpaid movie actor Adam Sandlerto top
the list.
Depps last four Pirates of the Caribbean movies grossed a combined $3.7 billion, making it
one of the most successful franchises ever. But as Lord Charlie in Mortdecai or Dr. Will Caster
in Transcendence, he failed to strike box office gold despite pocketing millions personally.
Here is the list of Top 10 Forbes Most Overpaid Actors with their Return
Rank
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Actor
Johnny Depp
Denzel Washington
Will Ferrell
Liam Neeson
Will Smith
Christian Bale
Channing Tatum
Brad Pitt
Ben Affleck
Tom Cruise
Return
Returns
Returns
Returns
Returns
Returns
Returns
Returns
Returns
Returns
Returns
$ 1.20 for every $ 1 paid

$6.50 for every $1 paid
$12 for every $1 paid
109 | P a g e

RBI institutes Payment System Innovation Awards
In order to encourage innovators in India in the area of Payment and Settlement System, the
Reserve Bank of India has announced Payment System Innovation Awards. Broad areas of
innovation which could be considered for the awards are:
Mobile payments
Customer convenience and cost reduction
Use of emerging technologies for payments
Payment security including fraud prevention
Acceptance /electronic payment infrastructure
Messi, Barcelona wins big at Globe Soccer Awards 2015

Barcelona and star player Lionel Messi conferred with the best team and best
playerrespectively during the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.
Barcelona won five titles in 2015 the Spanish league title, the Copa del Rey, Champions
League, European Super Cup and the World Club Cup.
Here is list of winners
Category
Best Player of The Year
Best Agent of the Year
First Player Career Award
Second Player Career Award
Best Coach of the Year
Best Media Attraction in Football
Best Media Executive
Best Club of the Year
Best President of the Year
Best Referee of the Year
Best Club Academy
Best Player in the GCC
Winner
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Jorge Mendes (Portugal)
Andrea Pirlo (Italy)
Frank Lampard (England)
Marc Wilmots (Belgium)
FC Barcelona (Spain)
Javier Bordas (Spain)
FC Barcelona (Spain)
Josep Maria Bartomeu (Spain)
Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)
SL Benfica (Portugal)
Yasser Al-Shahrani (Al-Hilal) (Saudi
PwCs Berera 1st woman COO at Big 4 in India

SatyavatiBerera of PwC India is the first woman to become the COO of a Big Four accounting firm
in India which is a sector known to be largely male-dominated at the topstages, replacing Neil
Wilson, who is moving to London as global operations partner with PwC.
Currently she is regional managing partner for north at PwC India, will take charge as
COO in January,2016.
At PwC India, the gender diversity in leadership levels is around 30 per cent. At
thepartner level, its 11 per cent (global average for PwC is 18 per cent).
Amateur Indian cricketer creates Guinness world record for longest net session
Virag Mare (24), a Pune-based amateur cricketer broke the Guinness World record of the
longest individual net session of 48 hours set byEnglish duo, Dave Newman and Richard
Wells.
110 | P a g e
Mare established a two-hour lead & batted for50 hours at the Mahalaxmi Lawns in Karve
Nagar, Pune.
He faced 2,447 overs i.e. 14,682 balls, in exactly 50 hours, 5 minutes and 51
seconds.
CRI Pumps bags export quality excellence award

Pump manufacturing major CRI Pumps has bagged Export Quality Excellence award for
the11th time in a row.
Governor of Karnataka Vajubhai Vala present the EEPC award to the Joint Managing
Director of CRI Pumps G Selvaraj in Bengaluru .
Jnanpith Award conferred upon Gujarati writer Raghuveer Chaudhary

Eminent Gujarati novelist, poet and critic Raghuveer Chaudhary (77) has been chosen for
the51st Jnanpith Award for 2015 for his contribution to Indian literature.
Chaudhary is the 4th Gujarati writer to receive this prestigious award after Uma Shankar
Joshi (1967), Pannalal Patel (1985) and Rajendra Shah (2001).
The Ministry of AYUSH has been conferred with the ISO 9001:2008
Ministry of AYUSH has been conferred with the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate for applying
Quality Management System for Provision of Policy Formulation, Development and
Implementation of Programmes for the Propagation & Growth of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy,
Unani, Siddha & Homeopathy.
The Certificate has been issued by TUV India Pvt. Ltd. Indian operations of a German Firm,
TUV Nord Group, appointed by the Quality Council of India.
Harpal Singh A cancer researcher knighted by Queen Elizabeth II

An Indian-origin cancer research expert Harpal Singh Kumar has been presented with a
Knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II for his influential work on prevention and treatment of
cancer.
Harpal Singh, the chief executive of Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has been honoured for
being influential in promoting research into the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of
cancer, and cancer care.He chaired the Independent Cancer Taskforce and authored the
NHS Cancer Strategy Achieving World Class Cancer Outcomes. A Strategy for England
2015-20.
Other Awards
Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Samir Desai, founder-CEO of Funding Circle for his work in the field of financial
inclusion.
111 | P a g e
Raminder Singh Ranger, chairman of Sun Mark Ltd, for his services to business and
community cohesion.
Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Kala Patel, managing director of Kiddycare Ltd Nurseries, for services to childcare
business.
Daljit Lally, deputy chief executive of Northumberland Country Council for services
tointegrated care.
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Rekha Mehr, founder of Indian sweets inspired bakery Pistachio Rose, for services
toentrepreneurship and enterprise.
Ayesha Hazarika, chief of staff to the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, for political
service.
British Empire Medal
Aatin Ashok Anadkat, managing director of Hotel Maiyango for his services to
entrepreneurship.
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaiks Santa Claus sculpture features in Limca Book of Records
Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaiks Santa Claus sculpture has got a place in the Limca Book of
Records as the worlds largest sand sculpture with 45-ft-tall announced by Limca Book senior
editor Arthy Muthanna Singh
Pattnaik, who was assisted by 20 of his students from the Sudarsan Sand Art Institute of Puri,
took 22 hours to build the mammoth structure and also sculptures of Jesus and Mary. The display
is on till January 1st .
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

Anil Kumble resigns as chief mentor of Mumbai Indians
Anil Kumble has stepped down as the Chief Mentor of Indian Premier League team Mumbai
Indian.He was associated with the Indian Premier League team since January 2013.
Roch Marc Christian Kabore elected as president of Burkina Faso
Roch Marc Christian Kabore has won Burkina Fasos presidential election by securing 53.5% of the
votes. Kabore has served as Prime Minister of Burkina Faso from 1994 to 1996 and President of the
National Assembly of Burkina Faso from 2002 to 2012.
Vijay Kumar Choudhary elected as Bihar assembly Speaker
Senior Janata Dal (United) leader and five-time MLA Vijay Kumar Chaudhary has been elected as
the new Speaker of the Bihar State Assembly. He was elected unanimously by all the political
parties.
112 | P a g e

Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan assumed Presidency of the Royal Society
Indian-born American and British biologist, Sir Venkatraman Ramakrishnan has been appointed as
the President of the British Royal Society. He became the 61st President of Royal Society and
has joined the group of scientists such as Isaac Newton, Joseph Banks, Humphry Davy, and Ernest
Rutherford, who had held the same position.
Indian-American Dr Vijay M Rao named as Chairperson of RSNA
Indian-American Dr Vijay M Rao(an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) graduate) was
named as the chairperson of the prestigious Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)
Board of Directors.
She was the David C Levin Professor and Chairperson of Radiology at Jefferson Medical
College of Thomas Jefferson University.
M C Mishra appointed new CBDT member

A senior IRS officer, M C Mishra has been appointed as a member in the Central Board of Direct
Taxes (CBDT), the apex policy-making body of the Income Tax department.
About M C Mishra:M C Mishra is a 1979-batch Indian Revenue Service officer. He was posted as
the Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in Pune.
Scientist M Nair Rajeevan appointed Earth Sciences Secretary
Renowned Scientist M Nair Rajeevan has been appointed as Secretary in the Ministry of Earth
Sciences. His appointment as Earth Sciences Secretary has been approved by the Appointments
Committee of Cabinet (ACC), an order issued by Department of Personnel and Training.
Rajeevan is serving as the Director of Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune.He had also
served in other institutions like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) and Indian
Meteorological Department (IMD).
Kaher Kazem appointed General Motors India head
General Motors has appointed Kaher Kazem(currently chief operating officer (COO) of GM India) as
President and Managing Director of its India operations replacing Arvind Saxena.
Benefit: His track record will enable the company to deliver to Indian consumers the great vehicles
they want and the world-class customer experience they deserve
Girnar Soft appoints Umesh Hora as CFO
Girnar Software Pvt. Ltd the operator of Cardekho.com, Gaadi.com and several other automobile
websites appointed Umesh Hora as its chief financial officer.
Latvias Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma resigned
Latvias Prime Minister Laimdota Straujuma announced resignation after less than two years in
office, saying there was a need for new ideas following serious infighting within her centre-right
113 | P a g e

party. She has been prime minister since January 2014, when she took over from Valdis
Dombrovskis who resigned after the deadly collapse of a supermarket roof .
Ola appointed Joy Bandekar as Corporate President
Ola has appointed Flipkart executive Joy Bandekar as corporate president to head its new
initiatives arm.
Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Y. Bhaskar Rao resign
Bhaskar Rao has finally resigned from his post of Karnataka Lokayukta over alleged
bribery scandal. His resignation letter was sent to Governor Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala.
Key facts :
Rao is on a long leave since July last after his son Ashwin Rao was arrested by the
Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the case.
According to the Lokayukta Act, recently amended to simplify rules for removal of the
anti-graft ombudsman, on admission of the motion, the presiding officers shall refer the
matter to the High Court Chief Justice for investigation into the grounds over which the
removal is sought.
The investigation for proof of misbehaviour or incapacity of Lokayukta has to be done as

provided in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, by a three-member
committee,comprising two judges and a jurist.
P K Singh takes charge as SAIL Chairman

P K Singh took charge as the chairman of the domestic steel giant SAIL.He had been serving as
the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Durgapur Steel Plant since 2012.
Singh started his career in SAIL at the Bokaro Steel Plant in 1980. He also worked at the IISCO
Steel Plant, Durgapur Steel Plant and Bokaro Steel Plant. He took over the baton from MSME
Secretary Anup Pujari who held the additional charge of SAIL Chairman.
FreeCharge appoints Anshul Kheterpal as CFO
Freecharge online payments company appointed Anshul Kheterpal as the chief financial officer.
Prior to his appointment at Freecharge, Kheterpal was CFO and Principal Officer for Airtel
Money. He was also until recently part of the steering committee of the BBPS and represented
Airtel Money in the executive council of PCI. CEO and co-founder of FreeCharge : Kunal Shah
Mauricio Macri sworn in as President of Argentina
Mauricio Macri has been sworn in as Argentinas first non-Peronist president in 14
yearsending more than a decade of populist government with a promise to revive the countrys
struggling economy. He is the successor of Cristina Fernndez.
114 | P a g e
He had defeated his rival Daniel Scioli of ruling Peronist Party who secured 47 per cent
votes in Presidential election. He was the third leader elected from outside the Peronist
movement founded by Juan Peron since the end of the countrys 1976-1983 dictatorship.
Udai Kumar to take over as MD & CEO of Metropolitan SE

The Metropolitan Stock Exchange (MCX Stock Exchange) appoint Udai Kumar as its interim
Managing Director.
ABB India appoints Sanjeev Sharma as MD
Power and automation company ABB India Ltd appointed Sanjeev Sharma as its managing
director effective replacing Bazmi Husain, who will take over as the global chief technology officer
for ABB Group.
Kapil Chopra to head World tourism council
Kapil Chopra, President of the The Oberoi Group, has been appointed as the Chairman of World
Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) for 2016 announced at the Annual General
Meeting of the WTTCII .
Chopra, who served as the councils Vice-Chairman for 2015, takes over from Manav Thadani,
Chairman, HVS, South Asia. Ashwani Lohani, Chairman & Managing Director, Air India, has been
appointed as the Vice-Chairman of WTTCII for 2016.
Ahmad Javed appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Mumbai Police Commissioner Ahmad Javed has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India
to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is expected to take up his assignment shortly announced by
the Ministry of External Affair.
First women councillors elected in Conservative Kingdom
A historic step for poll in which women can vote and be candidates, female winners are declared
across the Saudi Arabia where women are banned from driving and face routine discrimination.
Salma bint Hizab al-Oteibi was elected to the council of Madrakah, a region in the holy
city of Mecca.
Rasha Hefzi, a prominent businesswoman who won a seat in Jeddah.
Municipal council elections indicated 17 female winners. These included four in Jeddah, one
near Mecca and others in Tabuk, Ahsaa and Qatif.
Zensar Technologies names HCL Technologies Sandeep Kishore as CEO

IT Company Zensar Technologies announced appointment of Sandeep Kishore as companys
Chief Executive Officer and Managing Directorsucceeding Ganesh Natarajan. Kishore will join
Zensar on January 12, 2016, will be based in San Jose, California.
115 | P a g e

Govt Appoints Justice L Narasimha Reddy to Head Judicial Committee on OROP
A five-member judicial commission with representatives from military fraternity, the
government appointed Justice L. Narasimha Reddy, former Chief Justice of Patna High Court to
head the one-man judicial committee.
Committee for : To look into the implementation of One Rank One Pension (OROP) scheme.
O P Longia new national president of IIMM
Senior supply chain professional O P Longia elected as its new National President of the Indian
Institute of Materials Management (IIMM).Ranbaxy was elected unopposed as the national
president of IIMM for 2015-17 at its national convention held in Vadodara.
Indian-origin politician Designated to Chair S Africas FinMin
Widely respected South Africas finance minister (2009-2014) and 66-year-old Veteran Indianorigin politician Pravin Gordhan has been appointed South Africas new Finance
Minister by President Jacob Zuma replacing David van Rooyen who was appointed on 10
November 2015. Gordhans appointment raised the Rand up almost 5%.
Arun Kumar Jain appointed Central Board of Direct Taxes Chairman
Arun Kumar Jain was appointed as the Chairman of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) for
two months (till January 2016) approved by the appointment Committee.
Akhilesh Mishra appointed as the next High Commissioner of lndia to the Republic of
Maldives
Senior diplomat Akhilesh Mishra, currently Consul General of lndia in Toronto, has been
appointed as countrys next High Commissioner to Maldives announced by External Affairs Ministry .
Sumi Ghosh new CEO of Tata Starbucks
Tata Starbucks appointed Sumi Ghosh as its CEO with effect from January succeeding Avani
Davda.
Sumi Ghosh was Vice President of Starbucks United States mid-west region.
Tata Starbucks Private Ltd, a 50:50 joint venture between Starbucks Coffee Company
and Tata Global Beverages. Tata Starbucks operates over 70 stores in India. Starbucks,
worlds largest coffee chain operator entered in the country through its first outlet in
2012.
Justice Virendra singh appointed as Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh Governor, Ram Naik appointed former High Court judge Virendra Singh as the
new Lokayukta of the state. Lokayukta is an anti-corruption authority constituted at the state
level.
116 | P a g e

Lalit Modi reinstated as Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) President
Former IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi will be back as a president of the Rajasthan Cricket
Association (RCA).
RCA Vice President, Amin Pathan withdrew the no confidence motion against Modi.
Former Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra said 15 RCA member-districts had withdrawn their
no confidence in the interests of the game.
Lalit Modi suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India for financial irregularities
in 2013. The BCCI later suspended RCA after Modi was made its president. However,
Team RCA is participating in tournaments under the courts permission.
Reva Khetrapal appointed as Delhis Lokayukta.

Former Delhi High Court judge, Justice Reva Khetrapal, took oath as Delhis new Lokayukta (anticorruption ombudsman) at Raj Niwas. She will serve for five years.
A four-member panel had chosen Khetrapals name for the post of Lokayukta.
Delhi Governor Najeeb Jung administered the oath taking ceremony.
Chief MinisterArvind Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Leader of Opposition
Vijender Gupta, high court judges, Delhi cabinet ministers, senior judicial officers and
senior bureaucrats were also present at the oath taking ceremony.
Former Defence Secretary R K Mathur appointed new CIC

Former Defence Secretary R K Mathur has been appointed as Chief Information
Commissioner (CIC), breaking away from the convention of appointing the head from among the
serving Information Commissioners.The post had fallen vacant after Vijai Sharma completed his
tenure on December 1.
Indian-origin official Sanjay Pradhan to lead Open Government Partnership
Open Government Partnership (OGP) selected Indian-origin World Bank official Sanjay
Pradhan to lead the organization.
Pradhan will help ensure that OGP continues to succeed in its mission to promote
government transparency, accountability and responsiveness to citizens.
Currently vice president for Change, Leadership and Innovation at the World Bank Group,
Pradhan will assume the new charge by mid-2016.
Jeff Williams appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Apple Inc

Jeff Williams was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Apple Inc. The post of COO of
the company had been lying vacant since Tim Cooks ascension to position of Chief Executive
Officer of Apple Inc in 2011.
Williams has been working with Apple Inc for about 17 years.He played a key role in
Apples entry into the mobile phone market with the launch of iPhone. He continues to
117 | P a g e
supervise development of Apples first wearable product Apple Watch.
New envoys to Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand appointed

Government appointed new envoys to Indonesia, Thailand and New Zealand.
Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi, a 1983 batch IFS officer, has been appointed Indias next
Ambassador to Thailand, succeeding Harsh Vardhan Shringla.Bishnoi is currently
posted as Deputy Permanent Representative of India in the UN in New York.
Nengcha Lhouvum Mukhopadhaya appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the

Republic of Indonesia
Lhouvum Mukhopadhaya appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Indonesia
Sushil Kumar Singhal appointed as the Ambassador of lndia to the Democratic Republic of
Sao Tome & Principe
Shri Sushil Kumar Singhal presently Ambassador of India to the Republic of Angola, has been
concurrently accredited as the next Ambassador of lndia to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome &
Principe with residence in Luanda.
Lakshmi Vilas Bank gets a new MD & CEO
Lakshmi Vilas Bank has appointed Parthasarathi Mukherjee as the new managing director (MD)
and CEO for three years from the date of his taking charge.
Mukherjee was earlier with Axis Bank as group executive (corporate relationships and
international business). He was with the bank for nearly 21 years. Before that, he worked
for the State Bank of India (SBI) for nearly 12 years.
Emami ropes in Sania Mirza as brand ambassador of Kesh King

Home-grown FMCG firm Emami Ltd announced tennis star Sania Mirza as the brand ambassador
of hair oil and shampoo variants of its newly-acquired Kesh King brand.
Kesh King was acquired by Emami in June 2015 for Rs 1,651 crore, marking the
companys foray into the ayurvedic hair and scalp care segment.
Pawan Kumar Agarwal appointed as CEO of FSSAI

Senior IAS officer Pawan Kumar Agarwal was appointed as chief executive officer of food
regulator food safety and standards Authority of India (FSSAI), as part of senior level
bureaucratic reshuffle effected by the government .
Jet Airways appointed Amit Agarwal as Chief Financial Officer
Jet Airways appointed Amit Agarwal as its chief financial officer (CFO). A chartered accountant
with 24 years of experience Agarwal will be responsible for all financial and fiscal management
aspects of Jets business.
118 | P a g e
Presently Agarwal was the CFO of Suzlon Energy prior to that he had held leadership
roles at Arcelor Mittal Europe and Essar Steel.
Guinea PM steps down after prez Conde re-elected

Guineas prime minister Mohamed Said Fofanas stepped down in order to make way for a
new administration after President Alpha Conde was sworn in for a controversial second five-year
term.
Conde was re-elected in controversial October polls and sworn in for a second term.
The constitutional court last month formally confirmed Condes re-election with 57.8% of
the vote, dismissing opposition claims of vote rigging and fraud.
SRK is brand ambassador of Reliance Jio

Shah Rukh Khan is expected to be the brand ambassador for Mukesh Ambani owned Reliance
Jio. ET reported earlier that Reliance Jio Infocomm will launch its much-delayed but eagerly
awaited 4G services on December 27, but only for group employees.
Earlier SRK was brand ambassador for telecom major
Musician A R Rahman too is expected to perform in the event.
Gautam Bambawale appointed as Indias next High Commissioner to Pakistan

Senior diplomat Gautam Bambawale, currently Indias envoy to Bhutan, has been appointed as
next High Commissioner to Pakistan, External Affairs Ministry officially announced.
An IFS officer of 1984-batch, Bambawale will replace T C A Raghavan, who is retiring at

the end of this month.
Thomas Cook India elevates Madhavan Menon as CMD

Travel services provider Thomas Cook India has re-designated its present MD Madhavan Menon
as Chairman and Managing Director, effective January 1, 2016.
Amway India signs Farhan Akhtar as Nutrilite brand ambassador
Direct-selling FMCG firm Amway India on Friday announced Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar as
its brand ambassador to promote Nutrilite range of the products.
RP-Sanjeev Goenka Group to name Chief Executive for sports business
The RP-Sanjiv Goenka Groupwhich acquired the franchise-rights of Pune cricket team earlier
this month will appoint a CEO for spearheading its sports business. The appointment is aimed at
leveraging sports to promote the companys brands nationally and internationally.
Premier Badminton League signs up Akshay Kumar as brand ambassador
Premier Badminton League announced Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar as the brand
ambassador for the much-awaited badminton League (PBL).
119 | P a g e
During the league the actor will actively post his comments and updates on the social
media via his official Twitter handle blogs and podcasts talking on PBL and how players
fared each day.
The Premier Badminton League will start from 2nd January 2016 where six
franchisees Delhi Acers, Hyderabad Hunters, Bengaluru Top Guns, Chennai Smashers,
Mumbai Rockets and Awadhe Warriors will compete for the top honour.
Gautam Adanis son Karan Adani takes over as CEO of APSEZ

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has appointed Karan Adani as its chief
executive officer and accepted the resignation of its erstwhile CEO Sudipta Bhattacharya.
About Karan Adani :
Karan Adani is the eldest son of the Adani Groups founder chairman Gautam
Adani.An economics graduade from Purdue University, US, he has been associated with
the groups ports business since 2009.
Amitabh Kant appointed CEO of NITI Aayog

Prime Minister-led Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed industry
secretary Amitabh Kant as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NITI Aayog. He will
succeedSindhushree Khullar. Amitabh Kant is presently a Secretary in Department of Industrial
Policy and Promotion (DIPP).
Giorgi Kvirikashvili elected as Prime Minister of Georgia
The Georgian Parliament confirmed Giorgi Kvirikashvili as the country`s new prime minister. The
Parliament has approved the new government by 86 votes to 28.Kvirikashvili, 48,
became Georgia`s third prime minister since the Georgian Dream coalition came into power in
October 2012, preceded by Bidzina Ivanishvili and Irakli Garibashvili.
Bjorn Isberg named as Tournament Director of 2016 Hockey India League
Swedens Bjorn Isberg was named the tournament director of the fourth edition of the Hockey
India League (HIL) that will be held in India from January 18 to February 21.
Six franchises:
Jaypee Punjab Warriors, Delhi Waveriders, Kalinga Lancers, Uttar Pradesh Wizards, Dabang Mumbai
and defending champions Ranchi Rays battling for supremacy.
The following is the complete list of officials for 2016 HIL:
Umpires manager: Isberg, Scottish Andy Mair
Assistant : Muthukumar Balakrisnan
Tournament Director: Bjorn Isberg (SWE)
Lead Umpires Manager: Craig Gribble (NZL)
Umpires Manager: Andy Mair (SCO)
Assistant Tournament Director: Muthukumar Balakrisnan (MAS), Gavin Hawke (NZL)
120 | P a g e
Technical Officers: Claudius de Sales (IND), Davinder Bhatia (IND), Ashutosh Verma
(IND)
Judges: Milind Narwekar (IND), Anjali Sharma (IND), Sonia Bathla (IND)
International Umpires: German Montes de Oca (ARG), Marcin Grochal (POL), Martin
Madden (SCO), David Tomlinson (NZL), Jakub Mejzlik (CZE), Ben GAntgen (GER)
Indian Umpires: R.V. Raghuprasad, G.S. Sangha, Ripudaman Sharma, Deepak Joshi,
Dhaval Prajapti, Anil Kumar.
Dr Gyanendra D Bandgaiyan appointed DG of National Centre for Good Governance

Economist and former IAS officer Gyanendra D Bandgaiyan was appointed as Director General
of National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG).
ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

Paytm acquires Near.in in a deal worth Rs 13 cr
Paytm has acquired Near.in, an online marketplace for hyper-local services in a cash and stock
deal, estimated at between $1.5 million-$2 million (Rs 10 crore-Rs 13 crore)to boost its onlineto-offline play.
Tata Trusts partnered with Khan Academy for free online education
Tata Trusts partnered with US-based non-profit Khan Academy.
Aim: To provide free online education to Indians through open-access online platforms.
Partnership
It will not only hire Indian teachers but also create online content in Indian languages,
primarily based on NCERT textbooks.
First phase: Focus on creating educational resources that will benefit children from
middle- and low-income families in urban areas.
Second phase: Content in several Indian languages and to create content for Indian
students, first with subtitles, and finally original content in various Indian languages.
Govt proposes joint venture between NPCIL and NTPC, NALCO

The government has proposed joint ventures between Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL)
and other Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) like the NTPC, Indian Oil and NALCO.This is
subject to the passing of Atomic Energy Amendment Bill 2015 introduced in the Lok Sabha.
Objective : To give boost to nuclear power generation in the country.
Highlights :
The JVs proposed with other PSUs is to pool equity for expanding installed nuclear power
capacity.
121 | P a g e
These JV with with energy majors like NPCIL and NTPC, NPCIL and Indian Oil
Corporation Ltd. NPCIL and NALCO Power Ltd will be taken up by these companies after
allotment and approved by the government.
DuPont and Dow Chemical Company announced to merge to form DowDuPont

Board of Directors of DuPont and Dow Chemical Company approved a definitive agreement to
merge the two companies in an all-stock deal.
The merged company will be named DowDuPont and it will have a combined market
capitalization of approximately 130 billion dollars.
Dow shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 00 share of DowDuPont for
each Dow share.
Andrew N Liveris will be named Executive Chairman and Edward D Breen will be named CEO
of combined company.
Alibaba agreed to buy South China Morning Post of Hong Kong
Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd has agreed to buy the 112-year-old
newspaper and other media properties of Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) for an
undisclosed amount.
HealthFore Technologies to merge with Oscar Investments
Healthcare IT solutions and advisory services company HealthFore Technologies will
merge with Oscar Investments, pursuant to the approval of scheme of amalgamation between
the two entities.In this regard, the combined entity will be renamed as HealthFore Technologies
Ltd.
Mahindra Group acquired Italian auto design firm Pininfarina
Mahindra group will acquire Italian automotive and industrial design firm Pininfarina for an
overall outgo of over 50 million Euros (nearly Rs 370 crore) after months of negotiations.
Tech Mahindra and M&M will purchase 76.06 per cent of Pininfarina shares from the
current controlling shareholders Pincar srL at a price of Euro 1.1 per share.
The cost of acquiring 76.06 per cent in Pininfarina by the SPV will be Euro 25.3 million,
which would be funded by Tech Mahindra and M&M in the ratio of 60:40.
R-Infra acquires 17% more in Pipavav Defence

Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure (R-Infra) has acquired an additional 17 per
cent stake in Pipavav Defence and Offshore Engineering Co Ltd (PDOC) for an estimated Rs
850 crore through an open offer, taking its total holding to nearly 35 per cent and acquiring sole
management control of the company.
122 | P a g e

HUL to acquire Indulekha for Rs 330 crore
Hindustan Unilever (HUL) on 17 December 2015 announced that it signed an agreement with
Mosons Group to acquire its flagship brand Indulekha for 330 crore rupees.The proposed
acquisition is in line with HULs strategic intent to strengthen its leadership position in Personal
Care.
Grocery delivery app PepperTap acquires Jiffstore
Online grocery delivery major PepperTap, run by Gurgaon-based Nuvo Logistics has acquired
Bengaluru-based hyperlocal grocery delivery start-up Jiffstore for an undisclosed amount.
PepperTap hopes to raise around $11 million (Rs 73 crore) by January-end, the company said on
Monday. PepperTap has raised $4 million (Rs 26.5 crore) in venture debt from Innoven Capital, the
Indian lending arm of sovereign fund Temasek Holdings.
Digital media company Arre acquired Apalya Technologies
Arre, the digital media brand from UDigital, a venture founded by Ronnie Screwvala, B
Saikumar and Ajay Chacko has announced the acquisition of Apalya Technologies.
Piramal Enterprises acquires five OTC brands for Rs 92 crore
Piramal Enterprises Ltds (PEL) Consumer Products Division announced acquisition of five
brands from Organon India Pvt Ltd and MSD BV for Rs 92 crore to beef up its offerings in the
over-the-counter (OTC) healthcare segment. The acquisition includes mainly the
brands Naturolax, Lactobacil and Farizym, which PEL intends to continue in the GastroIntestinal (GI) segment through the over-the-counter (OTC) route.
Wipro to acquire Viteos Group for $130 mn
Wipro announced to acquire the US-based Viteos Group for USD 130 million (nearly Rs 861
crore), a move that will help the countrys third-largest IT services firm strengthen its position in
the capital markets outsourcing space and will be completed in the quarter ending March 2016.
CCI clears RBS India-Sanctum Wealth deal
Fair trade regulator CCI has approved the acquisition of Royal Bank of Scotland Groups India
wealth management business by Sanctum Wealth.Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) signed an
agreement to transfer the India private banking operations to Sanctum Wealth Management in
September. The deal comprises transfer of client relationships and staff.
Sanctum Wealth Head: Shiv Gupta.
Reliance Capital buys 6.8% stake in Saregama
Financial services company Reliance Capital acquired 6.83 per cent stake in music company
Saregama India for Rs 43 crore. The company has purchased 11,88,000 equity
shares constituting 6.83 per cent of the equity share capital of Saregama India Limited on
December 28.
123 | P a g e
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

GRSE launches fifth ship of Indian Navys LCU MK IV project
The 5th ship of Indian Navys LCU MK IV project was launched at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and
Engineers Ltd (GRSE) in Kolkata.
The chief guest, Vice Admiral AV Subhedar, AVSM, VSM, Chief of Material, Chairman &
Managing Director GRSE were present on the occasion.
Highlights :
LCU L-55 is the fifth vessel in the series of eight Landing Craft Utility Ships being
designed and built by GRSE for the Indian Navy.
The first ship of the class LCU-L51 was launched on March 12, 2014 and is presently
undergoing trials at GRSE. The vessel is likely to be delivered shortly to Indian Navy.
Worlds first dengue fever vaccine Dengvaxia cleared by Mexico for public use
The Mexican drug authorities have approved Sanofi Pasturs first ever dengue
vaccine Dengvaxia, which promises to reduce the disease burden by 50 percent in five years
among vulnerable populations.
About Dengvaxia :
The Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS)has
approved Dengvaxia, tetravalent dengue vaccine, for the prevention of disease caused by
all four dengue virus serotypes in preadolescents, adolescents and adults, 9 to 45 years
of age living in endemic areas.
Aurobindo gets USFDA nod for multi disease treatment injection

Durg maker Aurobindo Pharma has received the approval from the US Food and Drug
Administration (USFDA) to manufacture and market Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate
Injection- USP, 4 mg/mL (1 mL, 5 mL and 30 mL vials) in USA. The product is expected to be
launched by the last quarter of the current fiscal.
Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate Injection can be used in the treatment of various conditions
such as severe allergic reactions, arthritis, blood diseases, breathing problems, certain cancers, eye
diseases, intestinal disorders and skin diseases.
Delhi Government launched Mobile app to rescue homeless people
The Delhi government has launched a mobile-based application to rescue homeless people during
winters. 23 rescue teams have been formed by Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board
(DUSIB). After the download of app users can initiate a rescue operation over the phone by taking
a picture of the people and posting it on the app.
Orbital ATK resupply mission successfully launched
Orbital ATKs CRS Orb-4 launched successfully from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Kennedy
124 | P a g e

Space Center in Florida.
Cygnus spacecraft took flight atop a ULA-produced Atlas V rocket and was packed with
more than 3,200 kilograms of crew supplies, hardware and scientific experiments.
Purpose: For commercial resupply services
Benefit: Successful launch would resume the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space
Administrations commercial cargo flights to the station as a result ending its dependence on
Russian and Japanese rockets.
Technology varsity in Madhya Pradesh discovers anti-cancer molecules

Instigated by the tested properties of turmeric, varsity claimed to have discovered anti-cancer
molecules in fighting the dreaded disease in an effective manner.
Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) announced that it has applied for a
US patent of the discovery of the new anti-cancer molecules code:

CTR-17 and CTR-20: The molecules stimulates anticancer activity through a mechanism
involvingObstruction of cancer cell division by inhibition of tubulin.

Sanofi Pasteur launches injectable inactivated Polio Vaccine
Sanofi Pasteur(vaccines division of Sanofi) launched ShanIPV, an injectable inactivated polio
vaccine (IPV). K Chandrasekhar Rao(Telangana CM) launched the vaccine. ShanIPV would be
manufactured by affiliate Shantha Biotechnics(Hyderabad). India was publicized a polio-free
nation in 2014.
ShanIPV: A trivalent inactivated, injectable polio vaccine
Goal: A polio-free world
Cochin Shipyard launches fast patrol vessels for Coast Guard

Cochin Shipyard Ltd has launched the 19th of the 20 Fast Patrol Vessels being built for Indian Coast
Guard.
Name: ICGS Atulya
Launched by: Hema Subramaniam, wife of Commodore K. Subramaniam, Chairman &

Managing Director,CSL.
Central Research Institute in Yoga and Naturopathy to be set up in Khordha District of

Odisha
Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy (CCRYN), an autonomous organization
under the Ministry of AYUSH has obtained 20 acres of land from Odisha Government in
Binjhagiri Village in Khordha District to establish a Central Research Institute in Yoga and
Naturopathy.
Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, New Delhi is an autonomous organization under
Central Government which is engaged in activities primarily related to education in Yoga.
125 | P a g e

Hetero became first Indian company to receive DGCIs approval for hepatitis C drug
Drug maker Hetero received the approval to market generic version of Gileads Harvoni which is
used in the treatment of Hepatitis C from USFDA(U S Food and Drug Administration). The
product will be available under the brand name Ledisof.
Worlds first biologically powered chip created
The researchers at Columbia Engineering have harnessed the molecular machinery of living
systems to power an integrated circuit.While other groups have harvested energy from living
systems, Shepard and his team are exploring how to do this at the molecular level, isolating just
the desired function and interfacing this with electronics.
Iran successfully tests fired Ghadr-110 ballistic missile
Iran has carried out a new medium range ballistic missile Ghadr-110 tested in breach of two
United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The test was held November21, 2015 near Chabahar, a port city in
southeastIrans Sistan and Baluchestan Province near the border with Pakistan. The launch took
place from a known missile test site along the Gulf of Oman.
Features of Ghadr-110:
Ghadr-110 has a range of 1,800 2000 km, or 1200 miles. It is capable of carrying a
nuclear warhead.
The missile fired in November is an improved version of the Shahab 3, and is similar to
the precision guided missile tested by Iran on Oct-10, which elicited strong condemnation
from members of the U.N. Security Council.
Pakistan successfully test-fires nuclear-capable Shaheen-III ballistic missile

Pakistan successfully test-fired the medium-range Shaheen-III surface-to-surface ballistic
missile which can carry nuclear warheads up to 2,750 km bringing many Indian cities within its
range.
It is designed by National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) and

Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
The test flight of the missile was aimed at validating various design and technical
parameters of the weapon system, according to a statement from the militarys InterServices Public Relations (ISPR).
Website on Netajis last days launched in UK

A new website providing documentary evidence of the last days of Netaji Subhas Chandra
Bose was launched by UK-based independent journalist and Boses grandnephew Ashis Ray.
Website dedicated to the freedom fighter and Supreme Commander of the Indian National
Army (INA) aims to debunk numerous conspiracy theories surrounding Netajis death.
Website : www.bosefiles.info
126 | P a g e
In October, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi gave an assurance to a section of Boses

relatives that he will raise the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin when he
meets him in Moscow later this month.
Mobile app to help choose energy efficient appliances

Power Minister Piyush Goyal launch a mobile app on the occasion of the National Energy
Conservation Day to help consumers compare and choose energy efficient appliances available in
the market.
About App:The mobile application will allow consumers to instantly compare personalised
energy savings across all products of a specific class and thus enable them to choose more efficient
products available in the market.
Pakistan test-fires nuclear-capable Shaheen-1A
Pakistan successfully test-fired a nuclear capable ballistic missile Shaheen-1A in the Arabian
Sea with a range of 900 kilometres and days after testing a similar missile capable of hitting
targets as far as 2,750 kilometres away bringing many Indian cities under its range.
Shaheen-1A is capable of delivering different types of warheads to a range of 900

kilometres.
Pakistan had test-fired the medium-range Shaheen-III surface-to-surface ballistic

missile which can carry nuclear warheads up to 2,750 kms.
ISRO launched six Singaporean satellites

National space agency Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched
six Singapore satellites and also tested the fourth stage of its PSLV rocket from Satish Dhawan
Space Centre.
These 6 satellites were launched as part of the agreement entered into between ST
Electronics (Satcom & Sensor Systems), Singapore and Antrix Corporation Limited, the
commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), government of India
Company under the Department of Space (DOS).
PSLV C-29 lifts off successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota in
Andhra Pradesh with all 6 Singapore satellites. Six satellites took the count of foreign
satellites launched by ISRO to 57, carried by PSLV-C29 together weighed about 624 kg at
lift-off.
Snapdeal launched mobile website in Hindi, Telugu

Snapdeal Indias largest online marketplace in terms of sellers, launched its brand-new multilingual interface on its mobile site designed to enable consumers to shop online in their preferred
languages.
Key facts :
Snapdeal, which competes with Flipkart, the countrys largest ecommerce player and
127 | P a g e

Amazon India, developed a grammar engine to ensure error-free translations,
transliterations and grammar checks in each language.
The SoftBank, Foxconn and Alibaba Group-backed online marketplaces mobile user
interface will now be available in Hindi and Telugu.
Snapdeal CEO : Kunal Bahl

At pressure from Germany Google, Facebook, Twitter agree to delete hate speech in 24
hours
Facebook, Google and Twitter have agreed to delete hate speech from their websites within 24
hours, a new step in the fight against rising online racism following the refugee crisis said by
German Justice Minister Heiko Maas.
The government has been trying to get social platforms to crack down on the rise in antiforeigner comments in German on the web as the country struggles to cope with an influx
of more than 1 million refugees this year.
The new agreement makes it easier for users and anti-racism groups to report hate
speech to specialist teams at the three companies and agree that as a rule this should be
possible within 24 hours.
India to buy Russias S-400 Triumf missile systems

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved to purchase of five units of S-400 Triumf
Air Defence Missile Systems from Russia. The approval was given by the Union Defence Minister
Manohar Parrikar during DAC meeting in New Delhi.
Parrikar also cleared the purchase of about Rs 25,500 crore worth of defence
equipment, including the crucial six regiments of Pinaka rocket system, for the Indian
Army.
The S-400 Triumf, an upgraded version of the S-300 missile system is a long-tomedium-range, surface-to-air missile system, and is designed to intercept a range of
ground-based and airborne targets, including stealth aircraft, strategic carriers, and cruise
and ballistic missiles at a distance of 400km.
AIIMS launches online tracking system for poor patients

In order to check the malpractice of patients submitting false certificates to get free diagnostic
tests or surgeries done, the AIIMS has launched an online verification system for poor patients who
are exempt from paying charges.
AIIMS authorities said, is aimed at bringing in more transparency and keeping a track of
the BPL card holders seeking free services and treatment.
128 | P a g e

Union Defence Ministry launches new Make in India website for a transparent interface
A new Make in India website, www.makeinindiadefence.com has been launched by the Union
Minister of Defence Manohar Parrikar in New Delhi, with an aim to make defence acquisition
process simpler and to provide a transparent interface with the industry.
The new website provides information related to all the procedural and policy issues
relevant for defence manufacturing industry in the country. The website also provides the
latest news and notification regarding various aspects of the defence production involved
with the Make in India campaign.
China launched DAMPE satellite to shed light on mysterious dark matter

China has launched the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) Satellite to shed light on
mysterious dark matter.
It was the countrys first space telescope and launched on a Long March 2-D rocket
from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
The purpose of the satellite is to search for smoking-gun signals of dark matter, invisible
material that scientists say makes up most of the universes mass.
SpaceX successfully launched and landed Falcon 9 rocket

American aerospace company SpaceX achieved the historic feat of successfully launching and
landing Falcon 9 rocket on solid ground at Cape Canaveral.
Falcon 9 successfully launched a constellation of 11 Orbcomm-OG2 second-generation

satellites.
This was the 20th launch of the Falcon 9.
It is the first time in the history of rocketry that a rocket has returned back after delivering a
spacecraft to its orbit, so that it could potentially fly again. This exercise of using reusable
rockets will help in reducing the cost of access to space making explorations a more
realistic goal.
Jaguar Land Rover India announces InControl apps
Jaguar Land Rover India announced the launch of its innovative new smartphone integration
platform InControl Apps, which has been developed in conjunction with Bosch.
The InControl Apps platform transfers the interface from the phone to the in-car
infotainment touch-screen, to allow users access to popular apps, thus significantly
enhancing user experience.
Union Government launches two mobile apps for farmers

Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh launched two mobile
appsCrop Insurance and AgriMarket for farmers. Launching of these mobile apps is the part of
the week-long celebrations of Kisan Jai Vigyan Week.
129 | P a g e

The government would launch a new crop insurance scheme next month, which would aim
speedy disposal of claims with very less premiums.

Crop Insurance: It would help the farmers not only to find out complete details about
insurance cover available in their area
AgriMarket: It could be used by the farmers to get the prices of crops in the market (mandi)
within 50 km radius of the device and other mandis in the country,.
The Ministry was organising Kisan Jai Vigyan Week to celebrate birth anniversary of Atal Bihari
Vajpayee and Ch. Charan Singh, starting ensuing December 25.
Idea became third mobile operator to launch 4G services in India
The countrys third largest mobile operator by revenues and subscriber base, the Aditya Birla
groups, Idea Cellular launched high-speed 4G services across 750 towns in the five southern
states of Andhra Pradesh & Telengana, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Tech Mahindra launches contactless wallet MoboMoney
IT major Tech Mahindra has launched first of its kind Tap N Pay contactless digital payment
wallet MoboMoney for the Indian masses. MoboMoney has been billed as Indias first commercial
NFC ecosystem rollout that would allow consumers to convert cash into e-cash for making
payments.
Anti-jamming capability of Astra missile successfully tested
The anti-jamming capability of the air-to-air Astra missile was successfully validated in recent
trials conducted by missile scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation
(DRDO).
After carrying out some more trials, including air launch trial with a warhead, the beyond-
visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) is set to be inducted into the Indian Air Force in
2016.
The ECCM (electronic counter-counter measure) features of the missile to overcome any
jamming were evaluated.
About Astra Missile
Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) is developed by the Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO).
Weight 154 kg
Length 3570 mm
Diameter 178 mm
It is designed to be capable of engaging targets at varying range and altitudes allowing for
engagement of both short-range targets (up to 20 km) and long-range targets (up to 80 km).
It is a state-of-the-art missile as it travels at supersonic speed (4780 km/h),

possesses Single Shot Kill Probability (SSKP) with active radar terminal guidance
130 | P a g e
It uses smokeless propulsion system to evade enemy radars and has the capacity to
engage in multi-target scenario.
It can reach up to 110 km when fired from an altitude of 15 km, 44 km when

launched from an altitude of 8 km and 21 km when fired from sea level.
Apart from integrating the missile with Su-30, it is planned to be mounted on other
fighter aircraft including Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, Mirage-2000 and MIG-29.
DCB Bank, M2P launches mobile wallet service YAP

Maharashtra headquartered DCB Bank and M2P, a digital payment solutions company, have
jointly launched a new platform YAP for wallet services.
The Banks digital wallet can be embedded into any website or mobile application and has a
high level of security, reliability and trust.It includes a host of features including one-click
checkout and instant processing of refunds as well as voucher and coupon offers.
Customers have the option to add a Visa Prepaid Card linked to their digital wallets to power
online commerce transactions and payments to offline merchants.
Aircraft-carrier INS Viraat wins its last regatta
Aircraft-carrier INS Viraat won the coveted Cock Trophy during the Western Fleet Whaler Pulling
Regatta making it the last time the warship participated in the event before she is decommissioned.
Coveted Cock Trophy :
Winner : INS Viraat
Runner-up :INS Vikramaditya
Vice-Admiral S.P.S. Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Mumbai-based Western Naval

Command, presided over the finals as the chief guest and also gave away the prizes to the winners.
INS Viraat, which is expected to be decommissioned sometime next year, had first served
the British Navy for over 30 years before being bought by India.
It was inducted into the Indian Navy in 1987 after undergoing extensive refits.
Reliance Jio launches 4G telecom service

On Reliance founder chairman Dhirubhai Ambanis 83rd birthday anniversary, Reliance
Jio(Telecom arm of RIL) launched 4G service for its employees under Jio brand name.
Brand ambassador of Reliance Jio 4G services: Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan
Features:
Jio TV service will accept voice command to change channels and subscriber will not
require remote control to do so.
Download speed on 4G network of Reliance Jio during beta-test peaked at 70 megabit per
second but remained in 15-30 mbps range on most occasions.
131 | P a g e

Ministry of Women and Child Development launches e-office
Ministry of Women and Child Development launched e-office by digitizing more than 12,000
files. In this a file will take only 4-5 days for processing as compared to 30-40 days earlier and it
will also be possible to locate the point at which it is held up.
Aim : To provide transparent, efficient and time-bound services to the public.
Highlights :
Over 12,000 files of the Ministry have been digitized.
Several modules of e-office are File Management System, Knowledge Management System,
Leave Management System, Tour Management System, have been running under the e-office.
Personnel Information Management System (e-Service Book) is expected to start from the 1
January, 2016.
First chip that uses light for data transfer developed

A microprocessor chip that uses light rather than electricity to transfer data at rapid speeds
while consuming minute amounts of energy has been developed by researchers of University of
Colorado Boulder in US. The new chip has a bandwidth density of 300 gigabits per second per
square millimetre, about 10 to 50 times greater than current packaged electrical-only
microprocessors. Its length and width is just 3 millimetres by 6 millimetres.
China launches most sophisticated observation satellite
China successfully launched its most sophisticated observation satellite Gaofen-4 as part of the
countrys high-definition earth observation project from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in
the southwestern province of Sichuan aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket.It was the 222th
flight of the Long March rocket series by the the State Administration of Science, Technology and
Industry for National Defense (SASTIND).
About Gaofen-4 :Gaofen-4 is Chinas first geosynchronous orbit HD optical imaging
satellite and the worlds most sophisticated HD geosynchronous orbit remote sensing satellite.
Gaofen-4 is located at the orbit 36,000 kilometers away from the earth and moves
synchronously with the earth.It will be used for disaster prevention and relief, surveillance
of geological disasters and forest disasters, and meteorologic forecast
LRSAM Barak 8 Missile successfully tested from INS Kolkata

The Indian Navy successfully conducted the maiden firing of its newly developed Long Range
Barak 8 Surface-to-Air Missile (LR SAM) crossing a significant milestone in enhancing its antiair warfare capability.
The firing trial of the LR SAM has been jointly carried out by the Indian Navy,
DRDO andIsrael Aerospace Industries on the Western Seaboard by INS
Kolkata, wherein the missile successesfully intercepted an Aerial Target at extended
ranges.
132 | P a g e

About LRSAM Barak 8 Missile :LRSAM includes a Multi Functional Surveillance and Threat
Alert Radar (MF STAR) for detection, tracking and guidance of the missile.The LR SAM was jointly
developed by India and Israel and has been manufactured by M/s Bharat Dynamics Limited,
India.
Its main features are long range, active radar seeker missile, vertical launch and multiple
simultaneous engagements.
Philippines First Asian country to approve sale of Dengvaxia

The Philippines became the first Asian country to approve the sale of the worlds first-ever
dengue vaccine Dengvaxia for the prevention of disease caused by four dengue types in
individuals from 9-45 years of age.
Dengvaxia is manufactured by French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi.
The vaccine is approved by Philippines Food and Drug Administration.
Indias first indigenously designed & built frigate INS Godavari Decommissioned
Indias first indigenously designed and built warship Indian Naval Ship Godavari is
decommissioned on December 23, 2015.
About INS Godavari :
Godavaris keel was laid on 03 November 1978 by Adm J Cursetji, CNS, and it was
launched on 15 May 1980. It was commissioned in December 1983.It would have served
the country for little over 32 years. It was showcased around the world as a symbol of
Indias growing military might and self-reliance.
Indias first Artificial Liver Tissue developed using 3D printing

Pandorum Technologies, has become the first Indian firm to develop artificial living tissue,
which performs the function of a human liver and can lead to affordable, full-scale transplantable
organs in few a years. The tissue has been developed by the trio comprises of Arun Chandru, Dr
Abdullah Chand and Dr Sivarajan.
The tissue performs critical functions of a human liver tissue including detoxification,
metabolism and secretion of biochemicals such as albumin and cholesterol.
The tissue can grow and survive up to eight weeks.
Indian cancer scientist develops software for patients

An Indian scientist in the United States has developed a new MRI-based technique to predict
survival of patients with aggressive brain tumours and help provide personalised therapy.
Dr. Pallavi Tiwaris work is based on recent clinical findings that 90 per cent of
theGlioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) recurrences occur close to the tumour margin,
suggesting that malignant cells are present at the periphery of the tumour but are not
visually discernible.
133 | P a g e
ENVIRONMENT
FSI Indias forest & tree cover increased by 5081 sq km
Forest Survey of India (FSI) has released the Indian State of Forest Report (ISFR
2015)showing Indias total forest and tree cover has increased by 5081 sq km in the past two
years.
Released by Union minister of environment, forests and climate change-Shri Prakash

Javadekar.
The India State of Forest Report 2015 is the 14th report in the series. It is based on
interpretation of LISS III sensor data of indigenous Resourcesat II satellite.
2,600-year-old tombs discovered in central China

Over 200 tombs dating back to 2,600 years ago have been discovered in central Chinas Henan
Province. The group of the rare structures, located in Yichuan County of Luoyang City, is
composed of more than 200 tombs, eight horse and chariot pits, over 30 ash pits and more
than 10 kilns.Alongside the tombs, an ancient city dating back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC220)was discovered.
Beijing issued first-ever Red Alert on Air Pollution
Beijing Govt has warned that the city would be shrouded in heavy smog until Thursday (8 Dec 10
Dec), in this regard the city has issued its first ever red alert for pollution. The notice is issued
after days of heavy smog last week which also puts traffic restrictions on certain types of vehicles.
The red alert was announced for the first time since an emergency air-pollution response
system was introduced in 2013.
The warning was an upgrade from an orange alert issued over the weekend. It is a part
of Chinas four-colour warning system that includes yellow and blue levels for less
polluted conditions.
Glaciers in Mount Everest shrink 28% in 40 years: Report

Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hunan University of Science and Technology and
Mount Qomolangma Snow Leopard Conservation Centre has released a report showing
Glaciers on Mount Everest have shrunk by 28% over the past 40 years due to climate change.
Glaciers on Mount Everest are a major source of Asian rivers including Brahmaputra and
Ganges.
Data was based on long-term remote sensing and on-site monitoring where glacial
shrinkage area is compared to the measurements taken in the 1970s.
Scientists find new species of horned dinosaur

The new species belonging to the ceratopsia family was found in the same fossil beds in Chinas
Xinjiang province where the robust and heavily built Hualianceratops was discovered in 2002 by
134 | P a g e

the same team.
The team led by James Clark, Ronald Weintraub associate professor of biology at the
George Washington University and Xu Xing, professor at the Chinese cademy of
Sciences.
About new species of dinosaur :
Finding these two species in the same fossil beds reveals there was
more diversity there than previously recognised.
The ceratopsian dinosaurs already had diversified into at least four lineages by the
beginning of the Jurassic Period.
Hualianceratops lived approximately 160 million years ago
Philippines evacuates 700,000 ahead of Typhoon Melor

Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from central Philippines as a typhoon made
landfall bringing heavy rain and winds of up to 95 mph.
Typhoon Melor known locally as Nona, has led authorities to ground at least 40 domestic
flights, while 73 ferries and hundreds of fishing boats were ordered to remain in port.
Around 20 major typhoons pass through the Philippines each year.
Odisha engages WTI to prepare Wildlife Management Plan

Odisha government has engaged Wildlife Trust of India to prepare a comprehensive wildlife
management plan for the state.The MoU beween state forest and environment department
and WTI was signed and as per the agreement management plans will be prepared for protected
areas as well as areas outside .
At present, only protected areas including 19 wildlife sanctuaries and two national
parks have management plans.
These protected areas cover only 10.37 per cent of states forest area and 5.36 per
cent of its total geographical area.
Arctic Region hits record high temperature over land: NOAA

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 has
revealed that 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.The newly formed thin ice comprises about 70% of the winter ice cover in the
Arctic Ocean compared to about half that in the 1980s.
Scientists discover new species of Sail backed dinosaur in Spain
Scientists found fossils of a new species of sail-backed dinosaur in Spain. The Scientists from
National University of Distance Education (UNED) in Spain described the species Morelladon
beltrani that lived a little over 125 million years ago.
135 | P a g e
Morelladon is a medium-sized styracosternan ornithopod of around 6 meter long, 2.5

meter tall and weighed two tons, similar in body length and proportions to its relative
Mantellisaurus atherfieldensis.
Countrys biggest wildlife rescue centre commissioned in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis has inaugurated Indias biggest Wildlife
Rescue Centre named as Gorewada Zoo and Wildlife Rescue Centre at Gorewada near
Nagpur, Maharashtra.
The rescue centre will house sick, injured and rescued animals.The idea has been taken
from Gir Forest National park and Wild life sanctuary, Gujarat.
Foundation stone was laid by former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan.
New Eel species discovered in West Bengal

Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new marine species of
eel along the coast of Digha in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal.
Scientific name Gymnothorax mishrai, Proposed name Bengal moray eel
The specimen was collected from fishing boats at a fish-landing centre located at
Shankarpur, West Bengal. Bengal moray eel was collected from a depth of about 22
metres.
Prague zoo claims to have longest salamander

According to Prague zoo, Karlo, a Chinese giant salamander, is the biggest representative of its
species at 1.58 meters now on Earth.
It is the largest amphibian on the planet.
Karlo is 58 meters (5 feet, 2 and 3/16 inches) long.
Chinese giant salamander received 19 months ago from the State Museum of Natural History
in Karlsruhe, Germany is the biggest representative of its species.
Karlos age is estimated at 37 to 38 years and weight is 35 kilograms.
The largest salamander on record was 1.8 meters (5 feet, 11 inches) long.
U.S. listed Indian Lion in endangered species

The United States will place a breed of lion found in India and Africa in the endangered species list
in a bid to curb the dramatic decline of their population.
As per U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, it will list Panthera leo leo (a subspecies of
lion) located in India and western and central Africa as endangered
Panthera leo melanochaita, located in eastern and southern Africa, will be listed
as threatened.
Subspecies meets the definition of endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
1,400 of Panthera leo leo lions remaining, 900 in 14 African populations and 523
in India.
136 | P a g e
The other subspecies of Panthera leo melanochaita likely numbers between 17,000 and
19,000. This subspecies is less vulnerable and is not currently in danger of extinction.
Decline of Lion Population

In the last 20 years, lion populations have declined by 43% due to habitat loss, loss of prey base
and retaliatory killing of lions by a growing human population.
In this regard National Strategy for Combating Wildlife Trafficking will ensure that
violators of wildlife laws are not subsequently granted permits for future wildlife-related
activities, including the import of sport-hunted trophies.
Gold coins found in 2,000-yr-old China tomb

Archaeologists have unearthed a record number of gold coins and plates, 378 in total from
a2,000-year-old Han dynasty tomb in east China.
About Gold coins :
20 thin plates about 22 centimetres long and 10 centimetreswide.
Largest discovery of gold coins in any Han Dynasty tomb.
The gold coins, most of which weigh about 250g, were unearthed from the tomb of the
first Haihunhou (Marquis of Haihun) in Nanchang city, capital of east Chinas Jiangxi
province.
The tomb dates back to western Han dynasty (206 BC-24 AD) and it is thought to belong to Liu
He, grandson of Emperor Wu.
SPORTS
Ashwin zooms to 2nd, de Villiers slips in ICC ranks
Ravichandran Ashwin rose to the second in the ICC Test rankings for bowlers from 5th position
AB de Villiers lost his top spot in the batsmen standings.
Others Position :
James Anderson and Yasir Shah -Third, while Stuart Broad-Fifth.Australian pacer
Josh Hazlewood-10th.
Amit Mishra up two to 31st who joins Imran Tahir up by 14 places to 35th in while
Black Caps bowler Doug Bracewell is one place and a single point further back in 36th
after gaining four places.
Australia captain Steven Smith and Englands Joe Root have regained joint pole
position to third.
Murali Vijay is the top ranked India batsman in 12th position, while his
captain Virat Kohli has moved up one place to 16th and there were also gains for
Shikhar Dhawan (up one to 32nd) and wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha up 10 to 92nd. JP
Duminy also moved up three places to 40th position.
137 | P a g e

Yuki, Somdev drop two places each in singles rankings
Countrys number one singles player Yuki Bhambri lost two places to be 93rd, Somdev
Devavarman-181 in the latest ATP list.
ATP ranking list :
Saketh Myneni Indias number 2 was -171
Ramkumar Ramanathan jumped 13 places to 260
Rohan Bopanna maintaining his world number 9thrank and Leander Paes (41) and Purav
Raja (93). Myneni was at 126, Divij Sharan lost three places to 134.
WTA rankings:
Sania Mirza continued to be world number one, a position which she shares with her
Swiss partner Martina Hingis.
In singles, Ankita Raina was the highest-ranked Indian player-255. The next best
was Prerna Bhambri-473
Indias Thakur Anoop Singh won gold medal in World Bodybuilding and Physique
Championships
Indian bodybuilder, Thakur Anoop Singh has earned the title of 'Mr World' by winning a gold
medal in a world bodybuilding meet held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Won Bronze in Mens Fitness Physique (Senior) category at 49th Asian Bodybuilding
and Physique 2015 which was held in Tashkent.
Forced to leave his job as a pilot in 2008 when the world was hit by recession and after
that he turned to small screen. In the Mahabharata series that began in 2011, he played
the role of Drithrashtra.
AUS clinched the title of HWL defeating BEL

World champions Australia has clinched the title of the 2nd edition of Hockey World
League(HWL) Final at the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium in Raipur, India by defeating
Belgium by 2-1.
Final Tally
Position
Country
World Rank
Australia
Belgium
India
Sarita, Shiva, Devendro won in China

Asian Games bronze-medallist L.Sarita Devi (60kg) returned to competitive boxing after her oneyear ban with a resounding victory in the opening contest of the training-cum-competition
assignment in the Chinese city of Qianan.
Sarita served a one-year ban for her emotional outburst at the Asian Games after a
138 | P a g e

controversial semifinal loss, defeated Mongolias Sowoderden 3-0.
World Championships bronze-medallist Shiva Thapa (56kg) beat Thailoands Yuttapong

Thong Dee 3-0.
Commonwealth Games silver-medallist Devendro Singh (49kg) notched up a Technical

Knockout against Chinas Yang Yufeng in the third round of his bout.
Another Commonwealth Games silver-medallist Mandeep Jangra (69kg) thrashed

Thailands Nick Fisher 3-0.
Shahzar Rizvi won Air Pistol Gold

Shahzar Rizvi of Indian Air Force(IAF) beat Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar to the
Gold in mens air pistol in the 59th National shooting championship at the Dr. Karni Singh
Range,Tughlakabad,New Delhi.
Results
Juniors
1
Achal Pratap Singh Grewal 577 (21x)
2
Pawan Yadav 577 (16x)
3
Arjun Das 575
10m air pistol Men

1 Shahzar Rizvi 199.6 (577)
2 Vijay Kumar 198.2 (577)
3 Sib Kumar Ghosh 177.2 (580)
Youth
1
2
3
Juniors
First
Second
Third
Achal Pratap Singh Grewal 562

Shivam Shukla 558
Rushiraj Atul Barot 557
Saurabh Choudhary 573

Dhruv Pran Singh 572 (18x)
Shainki Nagar 572 (17x)
Men: 25m centre fire pistol
First
Vijay Kumar 588
Second
Gurpreet Singh 586
Third
Pemba Tamang 582
Phelps claims third race at Winter Championships

American swim star Michael Phelps 18-time Olympic gold medalist won the 200m butterfly-3rd
victory at the US Winter National Championships.
First Michael Phelps one minute, 56.11 seconds
Second Chase Kalisz finished 1.01 seconds
Third Dakota Hodgson in 1:59.09(3seconds slower than Phelps)
Watson Crowned Hero World Challenge Champion

American professional golfer Bubba Watson clinched the title of Hero World Challenge. Patrick
Reed and Ricky Fowler at 2nd & 3rd positions respectively.Bubba won the Masters Tournament in
2012 and 2014.
India grabbed the second place in ICC Test Cship
India moved into the second place of the ICC Test Championship table after completing a 3-0
drubbing of South Africa in the four-Test series, which concluded with the fourth match in New
139 | P a g e

Delhi.
Pune and Rajkot teams replaced Chennai and Rajasthan in IPL
Two new teams based out of Rajkot and Pune replacing suspended Chennai Super
Kings and Rajasthan Royals forthcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Intex group bagged the Rajkot-based IPL team, winning the reverse bidding for the franchise
while Kolkata-based business tycoon Sanjiv Goenkas RP-Sanjiv Goenka group won the bid for the
Pune based team.
RP-Sanjiv Goenka group acts as co-owner for the Indian Super League(ISL) franchise
Atletico de Kolkata and former Indian cricket captain and member of IPL governing
council Sourav Ganguly and La Liga club Atletico Madrid.
Intex groups bid for Rs 10 crore clinched the Rajkot team, RP-Sanjiv Goenka group won
the bid for the Pune-based team for Rs -16 crore.
IPLs 2016 edition to be held from 9 April to 29 May and IPL auction will take place on 6
February, 2016 in Bengaluru.
Chen Long & Carolina Marin bagged 2015 BWF Player of the Year Awards
Chinas Chen Long and World No.1 and 2015 All England and World champion Carolina Marin
bestowed with the BWF Player of the Year award from BWF President Poul-Erik Hoyer in Dubai.
Other Awards:
World Junior Champion in Mixed Doubles and Mens Doubles Zheng Si Wei grabbed the
Most Promising Player of the Year.
Norways Helle Sofie Sagoy won the Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year.
Koreas Lee Sam Seop was named Male Para-Badminton Player of the Year.
Maharashtra won Wheelchair Basketball Championship

Maharashtrawon 2015 National Wheelchair Basketball Championshipdefeating Punjab,
opened on the eve of the International Day of People with Disabilities.
Trophy was presented by Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thawar Chand
Gehlot.
2nd edition of the Wheelchair Basketball Championship was organised by the International
Committee of the Red Cross, Wheelchair Basketball Federation of India and the Sports
Authority of India.
ICC announced OPPO as Global Partner

International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a new global partnership with OPPO for fouryear deal which runs from 2016 until 2020.
Dharamsala to host World T20 India-Pakistan match
Dharamsala will host the World 20-20 2016 match between India and Pakistan on March 19 while
140 | P a g e

the tournament semi-finals will be played in Delhi and Mumbai.
Mens Event :
It will be played in two stages between March 8 and April 3.
Group 1 :South Africa, England, West Indies and Sri Lanka
Group 2: India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Australia
Womens Event : From March 15 with India taking on Bangladesh and New Zealand playing Sri
Lanka.
Group A : Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Ireland
Group B :England, West Indies, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
UCI ranked Cyclist Deborah World No. 4

As per World Elite UCI (International Cycling Union) ranking released by UCI, Deborah
Herold(20), from Andaman and Nicobar moved up to 4th spot in the world rankings from earlier
10th rank.
Her brilliant performance in Track Asia Cup & Taiwan Cup Track International
Classic event also led the Indian team to improve its world ranking to 13th.
India is the highest ranking Asian country in 500m time trial as China is
on 15th spot.
Elizabeth won womens 50m Rifle 3 Positions gold

Elizabeth Susan Koshy representing Kerala performed a hat-trick, won the womens 50-metre
rifle 3-position gold defeating Anjum Moudgil for the third time in the National shooting
championship at the Dr. Karni Singh Range, New Delhi.
Anjum Moudgil of Haryana-silver while Gaayathri N of Tamil Nadu-Bronze
New final national record of 459.3 earlier record of 452.0.
Results of Women 50m rifle

1. Elizabeth Susan Koshy 459.3
2. Anjum Moudgil 448.8
3. Gaayathri 435.6
LOGO and MASCOT of 12th South Asian Games, 2016 Launched At Guwahati
Organising Committee of the 12th South Asian Games, 2016 (OC-SAG) would unveil the logo
and mascot of the Games in a ceremony to be held at the ITA Cultural Center Machkhowa,
Guwahati, Assam.
Kolhapurs Anant Khasbardar and Abhijeet Krishna of NIFT Patna won the mascot
and logo designing contests respectively.
Logo and the Mascot of the Games selected from around 450 entries each.
Chief Minister of Assam Shri Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Meghalaya Shri Mukul Sangma, and
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) Shri Sarbananda Sonowal would
141 | P a g e

be gracing the occasion.
Badminton World Superseries Finals 2015
The 2015 BWF Super Series Finals, an annual badminton tournament held under the Sheikh
Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of
Dubai Sports Council) from 9-13 December at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai.
Japanese shuttlers Kento Momota-champion of mens single category and Nozomi

Okuhara- Champion title in womens singles categories.
World No. 5 Momota beat Denmarks Viktor Axelsen by 21-15, 21-12.
World No. 4 Okuhara defeated Chinas Yihan Wang by 22-20, 21-18.

List of Winners
Category
Mens singles
Womens
Mens doubles
Womens
Mixed doubles
Winners
Kento Momota
Nozomi Okuhara
Mohammad Ahsan & Hendra Setiawan
Luo Ying and Luo Yu
Chris Adcock and Gabriele Adcock
Anthony Joshua beats Dillian Whyte for British heavyweight title

Olympic champion Anthony Joshua (26) defeated former kick-boxer Dillian Whyte to win the
British heavyweight title with a bruising seventh-round knockout and edge closer to a possible
shot at the world crown.
He took his record to 15 knockouts from 15 fights since turning pro after winning 2012
Olympic gold in London.
Joshuas latest win raises the prospect of a clash with WBO and WBA heavyweight
champion Tyson Fury if his fellow British fighter beats Wladimir Klitschko in their world
title rematch.
Vijay Kumar won gold in the 59th National shooting championship

Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar defeated Gurpreet Singh to win the centre fire pistol
gold in the 59th National shooting championship.
Venue : Dr. Karni Singh Range, Tughlakabad.
Pemba Tamang, who won the rapid fire pistol gold having qualified in the 6th place
beat Harpreet Singh to take the bronze.
Achal Pratap Singh Grewal won his third gold after clinching the top spot in air pistol
and standard pistol.
Men: 25m
First
Second
Third
Juniors
First
Second
centre fire pistol

Vijay Kumar 588
Gurpreet Singh 586
Pemba Tamang 582
Achal Pratap Singh Grewal 562
Shivam Shukla 558
142 | P a g e

Third
Rushiraj Atul Barot 557
Rome to stage 2022 Ryder Cup

Rome won the right to stage the 2022 edition of golfs Ryder Cup for the first time.
Four nations: Austria, Germany, Italy and Spain had been competing for the right to stage the
2022 edition.
Rome organisers now have seven years in which to carry out the changes to the course
that will be necessary to test the courageof the worlds top golfers.
Next years tournament will be held in Hazeltine National in Minnesota, while France
will host the 2018 event and Whistling Straits in Wisconsin hosts the 2020 Ryder
Cup, two years before it returns to the old continent.
Anirban Lahiri savours winning Asian Tours Order of Merit crown

Indias golfer 28 year old Anirban Lahiri has described lifting the coveted 2015 Asian Tours
Order of Merit crown, fourth Indian golfer to win the regions biggest award.
He won twice on the regions premier Tour, broke into the worlds top-50, posted a
top-five finish in a Major, qualified for his maiden Presidents Cup and earned his PGA Tour
card.
Tennis Queen Serena named as Sportsperson of 2015

Serena Williams, the star of tennis world now has been named Sports Illustrateds 2015
Sportsperson of the Year. The winner of 3 Grand Slam titles (Australian Open, French Open
and Wimbledon before losing at the U.S. Open) dominated womens tennis this year. Williams is
thefirst individual woman to be selected to the honor since track champion Mary Decker in
1983.
Anand finishes 9th in London Classic
Former world champion Viswanathan Anand played out a draw with Anish Giri of Holland to
finish ninth in the London Classic.Anand faced the Berlin defense from Giri on the least day.
Reigning world champion Carlsen beat Russian Alexander Grischuk won the Grand
Chess Tour after winning the Classic on a final day.
Anand ended the Classic on 3.5 points out of a possible nine, winning one, losing three
and drawing the remaining five games in the 10-player round-robin tournament.
Winner List
First
Second
Third
Carlsen
Giri
Vachier-Lagrave
Chawrasia jumps 26 places in World golf ranking

Indias S.S.P. Chawrasia jumped 26 places to be 211th in the world golf rankings after riding
on the tied seventh finish in the Thailand Golf Championship last week.
143 | P a g e

Chawrasia(37) from Kolkata is the second highest ranked Indian in the world.
The United States Jordan Spieth continues to top the rankings, followed by Australian
Jason Day and Northern Irelands Rory McIlroy.
Tiger Woods, 14-time Major champion Tiger Woods dropped two places to be 413th.
Other Indians :
Anirban Lahiri who received his Asian Tour Order of Merit crown, also moved up a place
to be 41st.
Rashid Khan dropped eight places to be 288th, while Chiragh Kumar gained three places
to be 306th.
Former Asian Tour champion Jyoti Randhawa moved two places down to be 397th,
while Rahil Gangjee slipped three places to be 422nd.
Veteran Arjun Atwal Asian Tour champion in 2003,jump of 43 spots to be 508th.
Two-time Asian Tour champion Jeev Milkha Singh was 889th, a drop of three places.
Peshawar sign Andy FLower as mentor for PSL

Former England coach Andy Flower has been signed on as the batting consultant and mentor of
the Peshawar franchise in the upcoming Pakistan Super League.
The PSL is to be held in Dubai and Sharjah in February and the Peshawar franchise has
announced former Pakistan bowling coach Muhammad Akram as their head coach and
Flower as their batting consultant and mentor.
Ashwin, Jadeja in top-5 of ICC all-rounders rankings

Ravichandran Ashwin held in top 2nd spot, while Ravindra Jadeja held in 8th spot in the latest
ICC Test rankings.However, no Indian found a place in the top-10 of batsmens rankings list
Rankings of Test batsmen :
Kane Williamson stood just two steps away from the top spot ,rise to third place in the
rankings for Test batsmen.
Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum has moved up two places to 17th, while his Sri
Lanka opposite number Angelo Matthews has marked the visiting sides presence in the
top 10 batsman rankings, down one place to seventh.
Over in Hobart, Australia skipper Steven Smith has tumbled three places to fourth and
he is now just 11 points ahead of his team-mate David Warner.
Voges knock has vaulted him 19 places to a career-high 15th place in the latest
rankings.
Marsh has risen 17 spots to a career best 37th in the batsman rankings.
West Indies Darren Bravo has been rewarded for being the lone centurion from his side,
moving up two spots to 25th.
Rankings for Test bowlers :
Australias Josh Hazlewood has entered the top 10, rising up four spots after claiming
144 | P a g e
seven wickets in Australias win over the West Indies
Off-spinner Nathan Lyon has moved up two spots into 15th after a three-wicket haul in
Hobart.
Rory McIlroy bagged European Tour Golfer of the Year award

Northern Irish professional golfer Rory McIlroy(26) from Holywood in County Down was named
the European Tour Golfer of the Year. He received the award for the third time in four
years.The Northern Irishman won three times during the 2015 season, including an enthralling
victory in the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai last month.
Shiva, Mandeep among four boxers to receive IOC Olympic scholarships
Four Indian boxers selected by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for a scholarship.
World Championships bronze-medallist Shiva Thapa (56kg)
Commonwealth Games silver-medallist Mandeep Jangra (69kg)
Gaurav Bidhuri (52kg)
Sumit Sangwan (69kg)
Japans Nozomi Okuhara, Kento Momota won singles titles at World Dubai Superseries
Finals
Japanese shuttlers Kento Momota and Nozomi Okuhara emerged champions in the mens and
womens singles categories, respectively, in the BWF Superseries Finals at the Hamdan Sports
Complex.
Mens Single title- World No.5 Momota beat Denmarks Viktor Axelsen 21-15, 21-12 in
36 minutes
Womens Single title-world No. 4 Okuhara overcame world No. 3 Yihan Wang from
China 22-20, 21-18 in an hour and three minutes.

Womens doubles title- Chinese twin shuttlers Luo Ying and Luo Yu beating
Christinna Pedersen and Kamilla Rytter Juhl from Denmark.

Mens double title- Indonesian mens doubles pair of Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra
Setiawan beat Chinas Chai Biao and Hong Wei 13-21, 21-14, 21-14 in 53
Mixed double final- Adcock couple, Chris and Gabriele defeated South Korean pair of Ko
Sung Hyun and Kim Ha Na 21-14, 21-17 in 37 minutes.

Cheteshwar Pujara named as brand ambassador of Rajkot half marathon
Cricketer, Cheteshwar Pujara named as the brand ambassador of the first Rajkot half
marathon to be held on January 24. The marathon is jointly organized by the Rajkot Municipal
Corporation (RMC) and the city police. The 21km half run will be flagged off from Race Course
ground and also end at the same spot.The half marathon is aimed at creating awareness about
traffic and cleanliness. More than 30,000 people are expected to take part in that event. A special
website has also been launched for the marathon.
145 | P a g e

Chennaiyin FC wins the second edition of ISL Football tournament
Chennaiyin FC has won the 2015 Indian Super League (ISL) Football tournament. The team
defeated Goa FC by 3-2 goals at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa.
ISL Golden boot Award: John Stiven Mendoza Valencia (Chennaiyin FC).
Golden Glove Award: Apoula Edima Edel Bete (Chennaiyin FC).
Hero of the League award: John Stiven Mendoza Valencia (Chennaiyin FC).
Muthoot Group Fair Play Award: Mumbai FC.
Key Points: Chennaiyin FC is owned by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Abhishek Bachchan and Vita Dani.
Barcelona FC wins 12th edition of FIFA Club World Cup
Barcelona FC has won the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2015 for third time. The team defeatedRiver
Plate FC by 3-0 goals at International Stadium Yokohama in Japan.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar scored the three goals against the River Plate FC team.
Barcelona FC had already won the FIFA Club World Cup in 2009 and also in 2011.
Dhoni to remain captain till World T20

The National selectors decided that Mahendra Singh Dhoni will remain captain of the limitedovers sides till the World T20 championship in March.
It was announced by BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur.
He is the most successful Indian captain. He has won two World Cups for India, taken
India to no. 1 Test rankings.
Kane Williamson tops ICC Test rankings

Kane Williamson has become the second New Zealand batsman after Glenn Turner (1973-75) to
top the ICC Player Rankings for Test Batsmen after producing a man of the match performance
in the Hamilton Test against Sri Lanka, which helped the New Zealand to win the match by 5
wickets and the series 2-0.
It completed a golden Test year for the right-hander, who took his 2015 aggregate
to1172, the highest by a New Zealander.He also ended the year with an astounding 15
Test average.
Sepp Blatter banned from football for eight years

A FIFA court banned FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Vice-President and member of the
Executive Committee of FIFA and President of UEFA Michel Platini.Both were immediately
banned from all football activity. Blatter, FIFAs president since 1998, was fined 50,000 Swiss
francs ($50,000/46,300 euros). Platini was fined 80,000 Swiss francs.
Vijender Singh becomes first Indian to score Pro-Boxing hat-trick
Indian Professional Boxer, Vijendar Singh registered his third consecutive win in Pro Boxing. He
defeated his opponent Samet Hyuseinov by Technical knockout (TKO) in Manchester, England.
146 | P a g e
He fought his first professional boxing match on October of this year and defeated his
opponent Sonny Whiting. In his second first professional boxing match, he defeated Dean
Gillen in Dublin, Ireland.
He won medals in several international level competitions such as 2008 Olympic Games,
2009 World Amateur Boxing Championship, Common Wealth Games and also the Asian
Games.
Abhay Singh wins the Under-19 Singapore Squash Open.

World Number One Junior Player, Abhay Singh won the Under-19 title in the final of Old Chang
Kee Singapore Squash Open. He defeated Alwin Chai of Malaysia in the final played at
Singapore.He defeated Vivek Palaniappan of Singapore in his first round, followed it up with a
fighting win over 5/8 seed Yusuke Ogata of Japan. In Semi Final he beat Kojiro Tan of Singapore.
Abhay has won totally seven junior titles this year, two of them international titles.
OUE Singapore Slammers crowned Champions of IPTL 2015
International Premier Tennis League 2015 title has been clinched by Singapore Slammers.
The final was held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Singapore.
Singapore Slammers beat the Micromax Indian Aces in the final by 26-21 to win the
crown of the Indian Premier Tennis League (IPTL) 2015.
Singapore Slammers won the prize money of 1 million US dollars while the Micromax
Indian Aces got 500000 US dollars as runners-up.
All India Football Federation (AIFF) Awards 2015

Indian international midfielder Eugenson Lyngdoh has been voted Player of the Year for 2015
by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Lyngdoh (29) was chosen the winner on basis of votes from I-League coaches. He will
receive a sum of Rs.2 lakh for his efforts.He plays for Bengaluru FC in the Ileague and FC Pune City in the India Super League. So far he has represented the
country eight times.
Other AIFF Awards & Winners
Category
Winner
Emerging Player of the Year
Pritam Kotal (Defender)
Emerging Woman Footballer of the Year
Pyari Xaxa (Striker)
Award for Best Grassroots Prorgamme
Football Association of Odisha (FAO)
Award for long time contribution to Indian Football
Coca Cola
Award for Best Referee
C.R. Srikrishna
Award for Best Assistant Referee
Sapam Kennedy
147 | P a g e

New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum announced retirement
New Zealand cricket captain Brendon McCullum announced retirement from all forms of
international cricket. He will retire after the two home test series against Australia, which will
begin in February 2016.
ODI Career: His debut was in 2001 against Australia at Sydney at age of 20. He had
scored 5909 runs from 254 matches. This score include 5 centauries and 31 halfcentauries. He had taken 258 catches and did 15 stumpings as a wicketkeeper.
Test Career: His test debut was in 2003 against South Africa. Overall he has played 99
tests so far and scored 6273 runs. He has scored 11 centuries and 31 half-centuries at an
average of 38.48. He is only New Zealand batsman to score only triple century. He had
taken 194 catches and made 11 stumpings.
T20 Internationals Career: He is the first and only player to score two Twenty20
International centuries so far and overall 2000 runs.
Mexico City Grand Prix 2015 clinched by duo Manu and Sumeeth
Indias mens doubles pair of Manu Attri and B Sumeeth Reddy ended the season on a high
by clinching their maiden Grand Prix title with a straight-game win over Thailands Bodin
Issara and Nipitphon Puangpuapech by 22-20 21-18 in a 35-minute battle in the finals of
$50,000 Mexico Open.
Here is the list of Winners
Category
Winner
Runner up
Mens Singles
Lee Dong-keun (South Korea)
Pannawit Thongnuam (Thailand)
Womens Singles
Sayaka Sato (Japan)
Bae Yeon-ju (South Korea)
Mens Doubles
Manu Attri/ B. Sumeeth Reddy (India)
Bodin Issara/Nipitphon
Puangpuapech (Thailand)
Womens Doubles
Shizuka Matsuo/Mami Naito (Japan)
Puttita Supajirakul/Sapsiree
Taerattanachai (Thailand)
Mixed Doubles
Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying
Choi Sol-gyu/Eom Hye-won
(Malaysia)
(South Korea)
Manu and Sumeeth played a lot of Grand Prix, Grand Prix Gold and International Challenge
tournaments in 2015 to reach a career-best ranking of World No. 17
Indian-origin footballer Dhanda gets Liverpool contract
Indian-origin footballer Yan Dhanda has become the first player to sign a professional contract
with English football powerhouse Liverpool.
Highlights:
148 | P a g e
The England youth international recently turned 17 and has entered into a two-and-ahalf-year contract with the Anfield club.
He is the second British Asian with a professional contract at the top level after Swanseas
Neil Taylor. Dhanda joined Liverpools academy in July 2013 from West Bromwich Albion
club, played for England at the Under-16 and Under-17 levels and won the up-andcoming player category at the Asian Football Awards in 2013.
ITF announced winners of 2015 World Champions

International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced the winners of 2015 World Champions. The
awards were conferred on the basis of players performance in the 2015 season.
ITF also announced American Serena Williams and Serbian Novak Djokovic as the
2015 ITF World champions.
Serena is named womens World champion for the 6th time, while this is
the 5thoccasion that Djokovic has received the honour.
Award Category
Winner
Mens World Champion
Novak Djokovic (Serbia)
Womens World Champion
Serena Williams (USA)
Mens Doubles World Champions
Jean-Julien Rojer (Netherlands) & Horia Tecau
Womens Doubles World Champions
Martina Hingis (Switzerland) & Sania Mirza
ITF Junior World Champions (Male)
Taylor Fritz (the USA)
ITF Junior World Champions (Female)
Dalma Galfi (Hungary)
ITF Wheelchair World Champions (Male)
Shingo Kunieda (Japan)
ITF Wheelchair World Champions
Jiske Griffioen (Netherlands)
Sania and Hingis joined forces in March this year but proved a force to be reckoned with in 2015,
winning two Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon and the US Open, and seven other tournaments.
Kusal Perera handed four year ban for doping
Sri Lankan wicketkeeper-batsman Kusal Perera faces a four-year ban after the B sample has
tested positive for a prohibited substance.
International Cricket Council (ICC) provisionally suspended Perera after he failed an outof-competition anti-doping test in October.Sri Lanka Cricket sent back Perera from their tour
of New Zealand earlier this month while also promising to provide support for the dashing
left-handed batsman to get back on the field as soon as possible.
Djokovic, Federer in race to be first $100m man

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are poised to become the first $100 million men in tennis
in 2016, in a gripping sub-plot to the new grand slam season.
149 | P a g e
No player in the history of the sport has broken through the $100m on-court earnings
barrier but world No 1 Djokovic and world No 3 Federer should reach the landmark next
year.Djokovic (28) has just over $94m in prize money while Federer has banked $97.3m.
Indian referee selected for 2016 Rio Olympic Games

An international level referee Ashok Kumar was selected for officiating in the Rio Olympics next
year by the United World Wrestling (UWW). Ashok Kumar currently serving as a warrant officer in
the Indian Air Force.
A total of 50 referees, including supervisors and instructors, have qualified for the Olympics.
The United World Wrestling (UWW) has picked nine referees from Asia and Ashok Kumar is
the only one from India for the first time.
The referees have been selected based upon their performance during the 2015 World
Senior Wrestling Championship held at Las Vegas from September.
Chennai techie lifts Indian Crossword League trophy

Ramki Krishnan of Chennai emerged the winner of the Indian Crossword League (IXL) 2015
and lifted the National Crossword Champion Trophy. The 16 finalists were selected on the basis of
the final Leader board formed after 10 online weekly rounds.
The event also marked the 100 years of the first published crossword whose creator was
Arthur Wynne and which appeared in the Christmas-eve edition of New York World.
Andhra Pradesh to host 2019 National Games

National Games in 2019 would be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh
(SAAP) Chairman P R Mohan.
Pakistans Yasir Shah suspended for doping: ICC
Pakistans leg-spinner Yasir Shah was on 27 Dec 2015 provisionally suspended for failing a dope
test by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Shah has been charged with an anti-doping rule violation on a sample he provided in an
in-competition test, an ICC statement announced.The test, conducted on 13 November
2015, was found to contain the presence of chlortalidone, a Prohibited Substance which
appears in Section 5 of the World Anti-Doping Agency list (in the category of Specified
Substances).
Belarussian girl Aryna wins ITF singles title

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus won the biggest pay cheque of her career after beating Viktoria
Kamenskaya of Russia in straight sets to win the singles title in the $25,000 NECC-ITF womens
tennis tournament at the Deccan Gymkhana
Arynas only other title triumph was at the USD 10,000 ITF Womens tournament in
Antalya, Turkey early this year, where she also won the doubles title.
150 | P a g e

Mumbai Garuda wins the Pro Wrestling League 2015
Mumbai Garuda outclassed Haryana Hammers with 7-2 to clinch the inaugural Pro Wrestling
League title at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) was
held in between 1027 December 2015.
The League was the initiative of ProSportify owned by Kartikeya Sharma and Wrestling
Federation of India.
This was first season of the league which was held among 6 city-based teamswith66
wrestlers from different countries of the world.
Dabur Chawanprash is the title sponsor of the first edition.
Teams Participated Mangalayatan University Dilli Veer, Uttar Pradesh Warriors,Haryana

Hammers, CDR Punjab Royals, Revanta Mumbai Garuda and Bengluru Yodhas.
Categories There was 5 weight categories (57 kg, 65 Kg, 74 Kg, 97 Kg, 125 Kg) for
menand 4 weight categories (49 Kg, 53 Kg, 58 Kg, 69 Kg) for women.
Prize money Rs 3 crores
Other Awards
Category
Wrestler of the series
(Woman)
Wrestler of the series (Man)
Icon Mentor
Name
Vinesh Phogat
Odunayo Adekuoroye
Narsingh Yadav
Yogeshwar Dutt
Team
M. U. Dilli Veer
Revanta Mumbai Garuda
Bengluru Yodhas
Haryana Hammers
Justin Langer to coach Australian ODI team in 2016

Former Australian Test opener Justin Langer will take over temporarily as coach of Australia in
the tri-nation one-day international series in the West Indies in 2016 also involving South
Africa.Langer will replace Darren Lehmann and he is expected to be Cricket Australias preferred
candidate to be Lehmanns long-term successor.
Rakhi, Kavita finish on top in National Weightlifting
Rakhi Haldar and Kavita Devi finished on the top of the podium in their respective weight categories
in the Senior National Weightlifting Championships held in Patiala.
Womens Category
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Mens category
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Rakhi(213kg)
Lalchhanhimi (210kg)
Rajwant Kaur(201kg)
V A Christopher (329kg)
Laljit Singh(317kg)
Rashpal Singh(317kg)
Gujarat clinched maiden Vijay Hazare Trophy

Gujarat has clinched the 14th season of Vijay Hazare 2015-16 Cricket Trophy by defeating
Delhi by 39 runs at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
It was contested between 27 domestic cricket teams of India.
151 | P a g e
Most runs have been achieved by Mandeep Singh of Punjab.
Most wickets have been taken by Jasprit Bumrah of Gujarat
ICC ODI ranking: Afghanistan enter top 10

Afghanistan cricket team cruised into the top 10 in the International Cricket Council One-Day
International (ODI) rankings for the first time after win the first match against Zimbabwe.
Afghanistan will have an opportunity to remain at the tenth position should they win the five-
match series against Zimbabwe. A series loss, however, means they will return to their
original World no.12 ranking behind Zimbabwe and Ireland.
BCCI Cricketer of the Year title bestowed upon Virat Kohli
Indias Test captain Virat Kohli will be presented with Polly Umrigar Award for BCCI cricketer
of the year and Mithali Raj will be conferred with M.A. Chidambaram Trophy forBest Woman
Cricketer of 2014-15 in the senior category while Devika Vaidya will be awarded from
the junior category.
Second time that Kohli will be honoured with the Polly Umrigar Award, after winning it in
2011-12. In his 20 ODI outings this year, Kohli managed 623 runs at an average of 36.65.
Under Kohli, the Indian team ended a 22-year wait for a series win on Sri Lankan
soil before battering South Africa to give them their first overseas loss in nine years.
Mithali, on the other hand, became the first Indian woman and second overall to complete
5,000 runs in ODI format this year.

Other Awards
Former wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani will be presented the CK Nayudu Lifetime

Achievement Award.
Karnataka State Cricket Association has been chosen the state association of the
year for achieving the treble of winning the Ranji Trophy, Irani Cup and Vijay Hazare Trophy
in the season.
Karnataka all-rounder Robin Uthappa has been picked for the Madhavrao Scindia
Award for being the highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy.
Karnatakas R Vinay Kumar and Mumbais Shardul Thaku shared the top wicket-takers
award.
Laxmi Ratan Shukla announced retirement from all forms of cricket

Former captain and all-rounder Laxmi Ratan Shukla announced his retirement from all forms of
cricket after he was named in the Bengal squad.Shukla two days ago circulated a copy of his letter
to Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly.
China to Bid for 2023 AFC Asian Cup
China is preparing to bid for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup which is held every four years announced by
the countrys top soccer authority .
152 | P a g e

Highlights :
China is in 84th place in theFifa world rankings, and it is on the verge of elimination for Russia
2018 after a 0-0 draw with Hong Kong in November.China hosted the Asian Cup in 2004 and
reached the final, but lost 3-1 to neighbour and rival Japan, triggering a riot by fans.
OBITUARY
Russian legendary film Director Eldar Ryazanov passed away
Film director Eldar Ryazanovwho satirized and romanticized the life of ordinary Russians in his
immensely popular comedies for almost six decades has died in Russia.
About Eldar Ryazanov :
Ryazanov directed almost 30 films, most of which became box-office hits and spawned
countless Russian catchphrases andpopular jokes.
His films ridiculed Soviet bureaucracy and lifestyle.Comedy film The Irony of Fate is
his most popular film in USSR .
Awards :
USSR State Prize in 1977.He was named as a top USSR artistry tittle in 1984. He has won
the Nika Award for Best Director in 1991.
Veteran industrialist MAM Ramaswamy passed away
Co-Founder of Chettinad Group(HQ Chennai) and former parliamentarian, MAM Ramaswamy
passed away.
About MAM Ramaswamy:
Politician from Janata Dal (Secular) party and was a Member of the Parliament of India
representing Karnataka in the Rajya Sabha.
Known as MAMR in political, business and sports circles and was widely known for his
philanthropic activities.
Veteran dovish Israeli politician Yossi Sarid died

Veteran Israeli dove Yossi Sarid, a former government ministerdied.
About Yossi Sarid:
Advocated Israeli territorial concessions to resolve the conflict with the Palestinians.
Served as education minister and environment minister and led the dovish Meretz party
before he retired in 2006.
Former FIFA referee Bhattacharya passed away

Former FIFA referee S K Bhattacharya(87) passed away in Chandanpur, West Bengal.
About Bhattacharya :
One of Indias most reputed referee in the 1960s and 1970s, Bhattacharya held the
153 | P a g e
distinction of supervising the Asia Cup finals in the 1972 in Tehran.
Supervised the finals of all top tournaments in the country, including Durand Cup,DCM
trophy and IAF Shield.
Renowned agro-economist Sharad Joshi passed away

Veteran farmer leader Sharad Joshiwho had been suffering from cancer for the past few years,
died at Bopodi in Pune.
About Sharad Joshi :
Born in Satara, worked in the Savitribai Phule Pune University as a lecturer in

economics.
Joined the Indian Postal Services and later moved to Berne, Switerzland, to work with
Chief Informatics Service International Bureau, a UN organisation.
After 10 years, he left the job and returned to India to work on agrarian issues and
formed the Shetkari Sanghatana in the late 1970s.
He launched Swatantra Bharat Paksha in 1994 and was elected a Rajya Sabha MP in
2004.
Theatre artiste Chatla Sriramulu passed away

Chatla Sriramulu, noted writer and theatre artiste passed away in Secunderabad. He was the
first artiste from Andhra Pradesh to receive the Emeritus Fellowship from the Human Resources
Department of the Government of India.
Awarded Best Actor twice by the Andhra Nataka Kala Parishad. He was awarded the
Certificate of Producer and Teacher by the British Drama League, London in 1970.
Recipient of the Central governments Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1982.
British Novelist Peter Dickinson passed away

Peter Dickinson, renowned British novelist passed away in Winchester, Hampshire. He was best
known for childrens books and detective stories.
He was the first author to receive twice the prestigious Carnegie medal in 1979
and 1980 awarded annually.
He wrote 60 books which have been translated into 53 different languages.
His first novel for children The Weather monger was published in 1968 and his last
book In the Palace of The Khans was published in 2012.
Famous German conductor Kurt Masur passed away

Kurt Masur, the German conductor who led the New York Philharmonic orchestra for 11 years died
at the age of 88 years.
one of the last old-style maestros.
154 | P a g e

About Kurt Masur
1927 born served in the Wehrmacht during the Second World War.
Masur spent 26 years leading the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra.
He also served as music director of the New York Philharmonic.
Awards & recognitions
In 1995, he received the Cross of the Order of Merits of the Federal Republic of
Germany.
In 1996 he received the Gold Medal of Honor for Music from the National Arts Club.
In 1997 he received the titles of Commander of the Legion of Honor from the French
government.
In 2001, Kurt Masur became an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music.
In 2014 received a Goldene Henne (de) award for his work in public policy.
RCTC Jockey D K Ashish died after falling from horse

Jockey D K Ashish who was critically injured after falling from a horse died at City hospital.
Ashish, from Pune, was riding Bold As Brave while participating in the Calcutta OAKS and fell off as
he was taking the last home turn during the race.
A trainer at Royal Calcutta Turf Club (RCTC) said that though accidents were part of any kind
of sport, yet the sudden demise of a fine jockey like Ashish and the void left by him would be
felt.
Senior Telugu actor Chilukoti Kashi Viswanath passed away

Senior Telugu actor and dialogue writer Chilukoti Kashi Viswanath passed away following a
massive cardiac stroke while travelling in Lokmanya Tilak Express from Hyderabad to
Visakhapatnam.
Olympian cyclist Suprabhat Chakrabarty passed away
Olympian cyclist Suprabhat Chakrabarty passed away.
Five-time National champion Chakrabarty, fondly known as Khaja in cycling circles, was a key
member of the National squad that took part in the first edition of the Asian Games in 1951 in
Delhi, 1952 Olympics in Helsinki and World Peace Race the same year.
Former Chief Justice of Karnataka and Kerala HC VS Malimath dead
Former chief justice of Karnataka and Kerala high courts and chairman of the Karnataka Border
Protection Commission (KBPC) Justice V S Malimath died at Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru.
About VS Malimath :
Appointed as head of KBPC by the Karnataka government to provide legal counselling on

the boundary dispute with Maharashtra. Justice Malimath headed theCommittee on
Reform of Criminal Justice System in India and was the United Nations
Representative to monitor human rights enforcement in Nigeria and Sri Lanka.
155 | P a g e
He served as an International Observer to oversee the referendum in Sri Lanka.He was

appointed Advocate General in 1968 and later as judge of the Karnataka high court in
March 1970.
He was appointed Chief Justice of Karnataka high court in 1984 and later transferred
to Kerala high court.
Awards:
National Citizens Award by the President of India,Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and honorary
Doctorate of Law by Karnatak University.
Veteran actress Sadhana passed away in Mumbai
Veteran Hindi film actress Sadhana known for popularising the fashionable Sadhana cut passed
away in Mumbai.
About Sadhana :
Born in 1941, the actress was one of the top actors of the 1960s and 70s. She is
remembered for her roles in blockbuster films like Love in Shimla, Hum Dono.
Renowned science-fiction writer George Clayton Johnson died
Popular science-fiction writer George Clayton Johnson, who penned the script for the first
Star Trek episode, The Man Trap, passed away due to cancer in Los Angeles, California.
Oscar-winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler died

Oscar winner and Legendary cinematographer Haskell Wexler, best known for his work in films
like One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and American Graffiti, has died.
About Haskell Wexlerm :
He was known for his work on films like Jane Fondas anti-war classic Coming
Home and Sidney Poitiers race drama In the Heat of the Night.
He was recognised for his documentary work on the Emmy-winning Paul Jacobs and the
Nuclear Gang and 1970s Interviews with My Lai Veterans, for which he won an
Academy Award.
He also wrote,produced and directed 1969s Medium Cool.
Renowned Marathi Poet & Padma Bhushan awardee Mangesh Padgaonkar passed away
Iconic Marathi poet and recipient of Padma Bhushan, Mangesh Keshav Padgaonkar has been
passed away due to brief illness.
He translated works of Mirabai and published a book Mira. He also translated works of
Kabir and Surdas in Marathi alongwith Shakespeares plays The Tempest,Julius
Ceasar and Romeo and Juliet.
His translations of Bible: The New Testament was published in 2008.
156 | P a g e

Veteran singer Subir Sen passed away
Veteran singer Subir Sen known for his work in Chhoti Bahen died of lung cancer.
About Subir Sen :
From the 1950s till 1980s, the singer had sung a number of hit songs.A hit filmAas ka
Panchhi,the peak of Sens popularity.
In the 1950s, hit Bengali songs such asMonalisa tumi ki bolona.
Some of his well-known songs includeDheere chalao zara with Lata Mangeshkar
in Aas Ka Panchhi and Humein un rahon par chalna hai in Masoom.
General Om Prakash Malhotra, Ex Chief of Army Staff Passed Away

Former chief of army staff General Om Prakash Malhotra passed away in Gurgaon.
About Om Prakash Malhotra :
General Mahotra was the 13th chief of army staff of the Indian Army and served as the
army chief for three years between 1978 and 1981.
He served as the Indian ambassador to Indonesia from 1981 to 1984 and was later
appointed as the governor of Punjab from 1990-91 when militancy was at its height in
the state.
He was thecommander of an artillery brigade.
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek died

Former Czech international footballer and English club Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel
Srnicek has died at the age of 47 in the Czech Republic.
Represented the Czech Republic in 49 matches between 1994 and 2001. He was
Newcastles custodian between 1991 and 1998 and then again was in the club for a brief
stint in 2006-07.
Made 150 appearances for Newcastle between 1991 and 1998, helping them win
promotion to the top flight during the 1992-93 season.
BOOKS & AUTHORS

Sharad Pawars autobiography On My Terms released
English and Marathi version of a book Life on My Terms From the Grassroots to the
Corridors of Power authored by Sharad Pawar released on the 75th birthday of Pawar,
leader of Nationalist Congress Party at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Sonia
Gandhi, President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice President Hamid.
About Book :
Marathi version has been named Lok Majha Sangati
157 | P a g e
Semi-autobiography
It detailed Pawars experiences of political and social issues spanning 50 years, has
provided a detailed account of the reason which helped in creation of rough patches in his
relation with Rajiv Gandhi.
President of India received first copies of books Selected Speeches of the President and
Presidential Retreats
Shri Pranab Mukherjee received first copies of the books Selected Speeches of the President
Volume 3 and Presidential Retreats at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan from the PM
Shri Narendra Modi.
About Selected Speeches of the President Volume 3:
Third in a series of volumes containing important speeches of the President.
Segregated into three themes such as Award Functions, Important Days and Events
and Conferences.
Published by Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
About The Presidential Retreats of India :
Prepared by Sahapediaunder commission from the Presidents Secretariat and Indira

Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). This book, published by the Publications
Division covers.
Book: The Bose Brothers and Indian Independence An Insiders Account by Madhuri
Bose.
Madhuri Bose and Chandra Bose, grand-niece and grand-nephew of Netaji Subhas Chandra
Bose met the Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Parliament House complex.
Madhuri Bose presented a copy of her book titled The Bose Brothers and Indian
Independence An Insiders Account to the Prime Minister.
Prime Ministers Office has already initiated steps to unveil 33 secret files related to Netaji
on January 23, the birth anniversary of the freedom fighter.
President of India presented copy of book on Rashtrapati Nilayam to Governor ESL

Narasimhan
Shri Pranab Mukherjee presented a copy of a book on Rashtrapati Nilayam, Secunderabad to
Shri ESL Narasimhan, Governor of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh at Rashtrapati Nilayam,
Secunderabad.
Anuradha Naik, Conservation architect from Hyderabad, authored the chapters on

Bolarum and the Rashtrapati Nilayam of the book.
The Presidential Retreats of India featuring the Rashtrapati Nilayam and The Retreat
at Mashobra was commissioned by the Presidents Secretariat and Indira Gandhi National
Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).
Published by Publications Division, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
158 | P a g e
IMPORTANT DAYS
Dec 1 2015
Remember Day:World AIDS Day
Purpose : Toraises awareness across the world and in the community about the issues surrounding
HIV and AIDS.
Organization: WHO
Theme : Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS related deaths
Dec 2 2015
Remember Day:International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Purpose:Anniversary of the United Nations adopting the Convention for the Suppression of the
Traffic.
Organization: UN
Theme : Women and Slavery"
Dec 3 2015
Remember Day: International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Purpose:To promote awareness and activatesupport for critical issues regarding inclusion of
persons with disabilities in society and development.
Organization: UN
Theme : Inclusion matters: access and empowerment for people of all abilities
Dec 4 2015
Remember Day:Navy Day
Purpose:To commemorate the courageous attack on the Karachi harbor during the Indo-Pakistan
war
Organization: India
Theme : Indian Navy Ensuring Secure Seas for a Resurgent Nation.
Dec 5 2015
Remember Day:International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development
Purpose:For volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to
promote their work
Organization: UN
Theme : "The world is changing. Are you? Volunteer! "
Dec 7 2015
Remember Day:International Civil Aviation Day
159 | P a g e

Purpose:: To raise awareness of the importance of international civil aviation
Organization: UN, ICAO
Dec 9 2015
Remember Day:International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of
Genocide
Purpose:Anniversary of the adoption of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of
the Crime of Genocide
Organization: UN
Remember Day:International Anti-corruption day
Purpose:To raise awareness of corruption
Organization: UN
Theme : Break the corruption chain
Dec 10 2015
Remember Day:Human Rights Day
Purpose:To honour the United Nations General Assemblys adoption and proclamationof the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).
Organization: UN, UDHR
Theme :Our Rights, Our Freedoms, Always
Dec 11 2015
Remember Day:International Mountain Day
Purpose:To create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the
opportunities and constraints in mountain development.
Organization: UN, FAO
Theme : Promoting mountain products for better livelihoods.
Dec 14 2015
Remember Day:National Energy Conservation Day
Purpose:To aware people about the importance of energy
Organization: India
Dec 17 2015
Remember Day:International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers
Purpose:To highlight the need for action to end violence against sex workers.
Organization: UN,ICRSE
160 | P a g e

Theme : Stigma & Discrimination
Dec 18 2015
Remember Day:International Migrants Day
Purpose:To remember the refugees and migrants who have lost their lives or have
disappeared while trying to reach safe harbour.
Organization: UN
Dec 20 2015
Remember Day:International Human Solidarity Day
Purpose:To remind governments to respect their commitments to international agreements.
Organization: UN
Theme : Shared Progress & Prosperity based on global solidarity.
Dec 22 2015
Remember Day:National Mathematics Day
Purpose:To commemorate birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan
Organization: India
Dec 24 2015
Remember Day:National consumer day
Purpose:To remember the day when the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of
the President.
Organization: India
Theme : Safe and Healthy Food: Combating Food Adulteration.
Dec 25 2015 :
Remember Day: National Good Governance Day
Purpose: To mark the birth anniversary of former-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Organization: India
161 | P a g e
AffairsCloud Specials Check Out Our Pages

Current Affairs Sections
Current Affairs 2015

Current Affairs Today
Current Affairs PDF
Current Affairs Quiz
Current Affairs Mock Test
Study Materials PDF
Subject-Wise Quiz Sections
Reasoning Questions
Quantitative Aptitude Questions
English Questions
Computer Questions
Study Guide Sections
General Aptitude
Reasoning
Letter Writing
Math Tricks
Computer Awareness
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR EXAMS!!!

Suggestions are welcomed; Contact us any time at
Affairscloud@gmail.com&AffairsCloud1@gmail.com
162 | P a g e

Current Affairs December Study PDF Capsule 2015 by AffairsCloud

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Current Affairs December Study PDF Capsule 2015 by AffairsCloud

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Current Affairs December 2015

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

Current Affairs for Competitive Exam

Read our Current Affairs Pocket PDF

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

Chairman of the Festival committee and Regional Administrator of Mahe- Mangalatte

President given assent Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Bill, 2015

Indian Railways inked Rs.40000cr deal of locomotive plants with GE

Madhepura will produce 12,000HP electric locomotives.

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

Orthopaedic biomechanics courseby: Prof. NicoVerdonschot from the Netherlands

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

Package of Rs.1,398 crore to drought-hit farmers for subsidized diesel, distribution of

Delhi Assembly passed three major education bills

Cooperation in the field of solar roof tops

Development of solar parks or solar zones

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

Protocol will facilitate exchange of information as per accepted international standards on

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

It is about forecasting sufficient quantity of quality food at affordable prices to

Union Cabinet given nod to establish 6 new IITs

Lok Sabha passed The Bureau of Indian Standards Bill, 2015

Key Points about the Bill:

Food and Consumer Affairs Minister: Ram Vilas Paswan

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

Approval of rehabilitation package and upgradation of infrastructure of former Bangladesh

Rs 107.49 crore as a variable cost is likely to be encountered for the rehabilitation.

PM launches Accessible India campaign in Delhi

*Superhead of the Accessible India campaign: Joint secretary Mukesh Jain

Himachal Pradesh became first state to launch Rotavirus vaccination project

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

CEA headed panel recommends eliminating all taxes on inter-state trade

Panel not to specify GST rate in Constitutional Amendment Bill

Revenue neutral rate of 15-15.5% for GST

Two options for states that is Single rate of 15% or 17-18%

Alcohol, real estate out of GST to achieve 15% rate

Delhi Assembly passed Delhi Jan Lokpal Bill, 2015

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

Proposed to hike in constituency allowance from present 18,000 to 50,000 rupees.

A communication allowance of 10,000 rupees per month as well as 30,000 rupees

Division Bench led by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud and Justice Yashwant

AP CM launched 'She Autos' scheme

Lok Sabha passed bill to enhance compensation for Air Travellers

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

Uttar Pradesh Government launches first International festival on Birds

Commemorative coins on Babasaheb launched by PM Modi

On 30 September Union communication and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

The double decker train will cover distance in around 12 hours.

8 compartments with a seating capacity of 120 in each compartment.

SWR Zones introduces Biodiesel for trains

SWRs first train Hubballi-Bengaluru Janshatabdi Express powered by 5%

6th Meeting of Group on Automatic Exchange of Information held

Confidentiality and data safeguards in 32 countries, including India discussed and

Discussed the process of monitoring and implementation of the Common Reporting

Naval exercise INDRA NAVY-15 commences in Vizag

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

First train is planned between Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Every year, the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda is observed as the

The scheme is to be implemented from January 1.

Theme Make in India through Global SME partnerships

Organized by CII in partnership with Ministry of MSME

Current Affairs PDF: December 2015

8 different biomes to be monitored through I-LTEO programme