Current Affairs December 24 2019
Fisheries dept, NABARD & TN govt sign 1st tripartite MoA for fisheries development fund
On December 23, 2019 the department of fisheries of govt. of India, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and the govt. of Tamil Nadu (TN) has signed the 1st tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for implementation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Fund (FIDF). The total outlay of the fund is Rs. 7522.48 crores. The FIDF will provide finance to the eligible entities, cooperatives, individuals and entrepreneurs for development of identified fisheries infrastructure.
420 crore approval by Nabard:
Initial concessional finance of Rs 420 crore from NABARD will be availed by the TN govt. under the the 1st tripartite agreement. Under this initial concession 3 fishing harbours will be developed in TN. They include Tharangampadi (Tranquebar) in Nagapattinam District, Thiruvottriyur Kuppam in Thiruvallur District and Mudhunagar in Cuddalore District.
On December 23, 2019 the department of fisheries of govt. of India, NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) and the govt. of Tamil Nadu (TN) has signed the 1st tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for implementation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Fund (FIDF). The total outlay of the fund is Rs. 7522.48 crores. The FIDF will provide finance to the eligible entities, cooperatives, individuals and entrepreneurs for development of identified fisheries infrastructure.
420 crore approval by Nabard:
Initial concessional finance of Rs 420 crore from NABARD will be availed by the TN govt. under the the 1st tripartite agreement. Under this initial concession 3 fishing harbours will be developed in TN. They include Tharangampadi (Tranquebar) in Nagapattinam District, Thiruvottriyur Kuppam in Thiruvallur District and Mudhunagar in Cuddalore District.
- These fishing harbours will augment fish production, create employment opportunities etc….Click here to Read More
Tamil Nadu tops in coverage under micro-irrigation for 2019
On December 22, 2019 the website of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) (https://pmksy.gov.in) released the data on states with coverage of area under micro-irrigation (MI) for the year 2019. As per the data, Tamil Nadu(TN) topped the list in coverage under micro-irrigation. Out of the 3.64 lakh hectares brought under MI, TN accounts for around 1.39 lakh hectares, i.e., 38% of the total coverage in the country.
On December 22, 2019 the website of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) (https://pmksy.gov.in) released the data on states with coverage of area under micro-irrigation (MI) for the year 2019. As per the data, Tamil Nadu(TN) topped the list in coverage under micro-irrigation. Out of the 3.64 lakh hectares brought under MI, TN accounts for around 1.39 lakh hectares, i.e., 38% of the total coverage in the country.
- Other top ranked states: TN was followed by Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh(AP), Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh(UP) in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th place respectively.
- TN targets to cover more area: With about three months (January to March) to go for the end of the current fiscal year (FY 2019-20), TN hoped to cover around 1 lakh more hectares of area. It targets 2.5 lakh hectares….Click here to Read More
State nodal agencies for Ecoclub programme meets for the 1st time in Kevadia, Gujarat
On December 23, 2019, The Ministry’s Environment Education Division &GEER (Gujarat Ecological Education and Research) Foundation, have jointly organized the 1st Annual Meet of the State Nodal Agencies implementing the National Green Corps (NGC) ‘Ecoclub’ programme of the Ministry of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in Kevadia, Gujarat from December 20- 21,2019.
The meet also witnessed the releasing of books namely ‘Glimpses of Ecoclubs’, a handbook on International Environment Conventions and Programmes & Handbook on Important Days of Environmental significance.
i.In addition, Best Ecoclub Award at National level was also awarded to the students of the Ecoclub from Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Telangana who bagged 1st , 2nd and 3rd spot respectively….Click here to Read More
On December 23, 2019, The Ministry’s Environment Education Division &GEER (Gujarat Ecological Education and Research) Foundation, have jointly organized the 1st Annual Meet of the State Nodal Agencies implementing the National Green Corps (NGC) ‘Ecoclub’ programme of the Ministry of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in Kevadia, Gujarat from December 20- 21,2019.The meet also witnessed the releasing of books namely ‘Glimpses of Ecoclubs’, a handbook on International Environment Conventions and Programmes & Handbook on Important Days of Environmental significance.
i.In addition, Best Ecoclub Award at National level was also awarded to the students of the Ecoclub from Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Telangana who bagged 1st , 2nd and 3rd spot respectively….Click here to Read More
Government approves Rs 56,443 cr Kerala semi-high speed rail project named “Silver line”
On December 23, 2019, As per the order was issued by the Ministry of Railways , the Central Government has gave its approval for Rs 56,443 crore worth of 532 km Thiruvananthapuram – Kasaragod in Kerala semi-high speed rail (SHSR) corridor project, named “Silver Line” project.
This highspeed corridor project will be implemented by Kerala Rail Development Corporation (KRDCL),a joint venture between the Government of Kerala and the Ministry of Railways.
i.After the construction of this corridor, the distance between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod will be reduced from 12 hours to 4 hours. This corridor will pass through 11 districts in 14 of Kerala barring Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Wayanad. Trains on track will run at 200 km per hour.
ii.The state Government of Kerala has set a deadline to complete this corridor by 2024….Click here to Read More
On December 23, 2019, As per the order was issued by the Ministry of Railways , the Central Government has gave its approval for Rs 56,443 crore worth of 532 km Thiruvananthapuram – Kasaragod in Kerala semi-high speed rail (SHSR) corridor project, named “Silver Line” project.
This highspeed corridor project will be implemented by Kerala Rail Development Corporation (KRDCL),a joint venture between the Government of Kerala and the Ministry of Railways.
i.After the construction of this corridor, the distance between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod will be reduced from 12 hours to 4 hours. This corridor will pass through 11 districts in 14 of Kerala barring Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Palakkad and Wayanad. Trains on track will run at 200 km per hour.
ii.The state Government of Kerala has set a deadline to complete this corridor by 2024….Click here to Read More
Nagpur Resolution to empower citizens adopted at conference organised by DARPG in Nagpur
On December 22, 2019 the ‘Nagpur Resolution’ which is an approach to empower citizens, was adopted during the 2-day organised Regional Conference on ‘Improving Public Service Delivery – Role of Governments’, in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The conference was organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) along with Maharashtra govt and the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Services’ collaboration.
On December 22, 2019 the ‘Nagpur Resolution’ which is an approach to empower citizens, was adopted during the 2-day organised Regional Conference on ‘Improving Public Service Delivery – Role of Governments’, in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The conference was organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) along with Maharashtra govt and the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Services’ collaboration.- Previously, Shillong Declaration and the Jammu Resolution were adopted for good governance in 2019.
- The Overview of the resolution are to empower the citizens by policy interventions,
- To empower citizens by making improvements in quality of grievance redressal and also in reducing grievance redressal time. To improve grievance redressal quality, reforms in formulation of monitoring matrix, data collection etc will be done….Click here to Read More
INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
WHO released 3rd global report on trends in tobacco prevalence 2000-2025
On December 19, 2019 The World Health Organisation (WHO) released its 3rd edition of global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2025. As per the report despite decline in tobacco usage, India is off track to achieve 30% reduction in tobacco use by 2025 when compared to its 2010 levels. 163 nations besides India are also not on track in this regard. The report in detail are as follows:
On December 19, 2019 The World Health Organisation (WHO) released its 3rd edition of global report on trends in prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2025. As per the report despite decline in tobacco usage, India is off track to achieve 30% reduction in tobacco use by 2025 when compared to its 2010 levels. 163 nations besides India are also not on track in this regard. The report in detail are as follows:
- Expected tobacco usage reduction by 2025: Based on current progress by India, a reduction in the tobacco usage by 23% by 2025 is expected in the country.
- Consumption data in India: The consumption in india is going down by 21.6% points. In male, the consumption will go down to 35.8% from 57.3% by 2025. The consumption in female for the same period will decline to 8% from 29.8%.
- Data in 2010: 44% of the people in 2010 used tobacco. India was one of the top 10 producers of tobacco then.
- America region: The only region that is expected to achieve 30% relative reduction in the prevalence of tobacco use by 2025 is the Americas region….Click here to Read More
17th India-EU Summit 2020 to be held in Brussels
The President of European Council Charles Michel invited Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to attend the 17th India-EU summit in early 2020. The summit which will be held at Brussels, Belgium, is aimed at expanding strategic partnership with Europe.
Key Points:
i.The summit will focus on areas such as Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), Europol, counter-terrorism, Euroatom, climate change, etc. BTIA is a free trade agreement(FTA) between India and EU in the year launched in 2007.
ii.EU stands for European Union.
iii.Previously the India-EU Summit in Brussels was held in the year 2016. It was the 13th edition at that time.
The President of European Council Charles Michel invited Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to attend the 17th India-EU summit in early 2020. The summit which will be held at Brussels, Belgium, is aimed at expanding strategic partnership with Europe.
Key Points:
i.The summit will focus on areas such as Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA), Europol, counter-terrorism, Euroatom, climate change, etc. BTIA is a free trade agreement(FTA) between India and EU in the year launched in 2007.
ii.EU stands for European Union.
iii.Previously the India-EU Summit in Brussels was held in the year 2016. It was the 13th edition at that time.
BANKING & FINANCE
India to get $210 million loan from AIIB for irrigation & solar energy projects
On December 20, 2019, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB),a multilateral financial institution, has decided to grant a loan worth of $210 million for irrigation ($145-mn) & solar energy projects($65-mn) in India.
Under this loan, $145-million will be given to improve irrigation service delivery and strengthen flood risk management in West Bengal (WB). While,the remaining $65-million has been given for 250-megawatt (MW) solar power project in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
i.Irrigation project in West Bengal: This work, co financed with the World Bank(WB), is said to boost the management of the Damodar Valley Command Area (DVCA) irrigation scheme.
ii.250-MW solar project in Jodhpur: This project will be promoted by Hero Future Energies,an independent power producer.It will develop the project through special purpose vehicle (SPV) Clean Solar Power (Jodhpur) Private Limited….Click here to Read More
On December 20, 2019, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB),a multilateral financial institution, has decided to grant a loan worth of $210 million for irrigation ($145-mn) & solar energy projects($65-mn) in India.
Under this loan, $145-million will be given to improve irrigation service delivery and strengthen flood risk management in West Bengal (WB). While,the remaining $65-million has been given for 250-megawatt (MW) solar power project in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
i.Irrigation project in West Bengal: This work, co financed with the World Bank(WB), is said to boost the management of the Damodar Valley Command Area (DVCA) irrigation scheme.
ii.250-MW solar project in Jodhpur: This project will be promoted by Hero Future Energies,an independent power producer.It will develop the project through special purpose vehicle (SPV) Clean Solar Power (Jodhpur) Private Limited….Click here to Read More
RBI limits lending on P2P platforms at Rs 50 lakh
On December 23, 2019,In a bid to protect the interest of consumers, India’s Central Bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set a ₹50-lakh limit on the aggregate lending to all borrowers across all Non-Banking Financial Company – Peer to Peer (NBFC-P2P) lending platforms at a time determined.
Further, lender investing over Rs 10 lakh across P2P platforms should get a practising chartered accountant (CA) certify a minimum net-worth of Rs 50 lakh.
i.In addition, RBI also decided to remove the current requirement of escrow accounts (an account where funds are held in trust whilst two / more parties complete a transaction ) to be operated by bank promoted trustee for transfer of funds having to be necessarily opened with the concerned bank….Click here to Read More
On December 23, 2019,In a bid to protect the interest of consumers, India’s Central Bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has set a ₹50-lakh limit on the aggregate lending to all borrowers across all Non-Banking Financial Company – Peer to Peer (NBFC-P2P) lending platforms at a time determined.
Further, lender investing over Rs 10 lakh across P2P platforms should get a practising chartered accountant (CA) certify a minimum net-worth of Rs 50 lakh.
i.In addition, RBI also decided to remove the current requirement of escrow accounts (an account where funds are held in trust whilst two / more parties complete a transaction ) to be operated by bank promoted trustee for transfer of funds having to be necessarily opened with the concerned bank….Click here to Read More
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
SEBI inks pact with Kazakhstan-based AFSA for mutual, technical cooperation
On December 23, 2019, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI),the Regulator for the Securities market in India owned by Government of India(GoI), has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), a financial hub in Kazakhstan, for mutual cooperation and technical assistance.
Key Points:
i.The agreement in this regard will strengthen cross-border cooperation in areas such as securities regulation and at the same time improve the efficiency of monitoring operations.
ii.The MoU was signed by SEBI Chairman- Ajay Tyagi and the acting chief executive officer (CEO) of AFSA -Mukhtar Bubeyev.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):Formation– April 12, 1988
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
About Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA):
Founded– 2018
Headquarters– Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Governor– Kairat Kelimbetov
On December 23, 2019, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI),the Regulator for the Securities market in India owned by Government of India(GoI), has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA), a financial hub in Kazakhstan, for mutual cooperation and technical assistance.
Key Points:
i.The agreement in this regard will strengthen cross-border cooperation in areas such as securities regulation and at the same time improve the efficiency of monitoring operations.
ii.The MoU was signed by SEBI Chairman- Ajay Tyagi and the acting chief executive officer (CEO) of AFSA -Mukhtar Bubeyev.
About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI):Formation– April 12, 1988
Headquarters– Mumbai, Maharashtra
About Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA):
Founded– 2018
Headquarters– Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
Governor– Kairat Kelimbetov
AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
Telangana’s Kamareddy district was awarded by UNICEF for effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission 2019
United Nations International Children’s and Education Fund (UNICEF) has awarded Kamareddy district of Telangana for effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission in water sanitation and hygiene sectors for the year 2019. This award was given under the categories like construction of individual sanitary lavatories, swachh darpan wall paintings, swachh survekshan, swachh sundar shouchalay and other activities.
i.Satyanarayana who was Collector of Kamareddy said that this award could be possible due to the concerted efforts of district rural development organisation, district panchayat office, mandal praja parishads, panchayat secretaries, sarpanches and field assistants. Swachh Bharat Mission Officer Shankar and Narayana, Joint Collector P. Yadi Reddy, Assistant Collector Tejas Nandalal Pawar, DRDO, ZP CEO, DPO and others were present during the ceremony.
About Unicef :
Headquarters- New York, United States.
Head- Henrietta Fore
About Telangana:
Chief Minister- Chandrasekhar Rao
Governor- Tamilisai Soundararajan
Capital City- Hyderabad
United Nations International Children’s and Education Fund (UNICEF) has awarded Kamareddy district of Telangana for effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission in water sanitation and hygiene sectors for the year 2019. This award was given under the categories like construction of individual sanitary lavatories, swachh darpan wall paintings, swachh survekshan, swachh sundar shouchalay and other activities.
i.Satyanarayana who was Collector of Kamareddy said that this award could be possible due to the concerted efforts of district rural development organisation, district panchayat office, mandal praja parishads, panchayat secretaries, sarpanches and field assistants. Swachh Bharat Mission Officer Shankar and Narayana, Joint Collector P. Yadi Reddy, Assistant Collector Tejas Nandalal Pawar, DRDO, ZP CEO, DPO and others were present during the ceremony.
About Unicef :
Headquarters- New York, United States.
Head- Henrietta Fore
About Telangana:
Chief Minister- Chandrasekhar Rao
Governor- Tamilisai Soundararajan
Capital City- Hyderabad
Vice President Venkaiah naidu confers 66th National film awards for 2018 in New DelhiOn December 23, 2019, The Vice President of India, Shri Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu has conferred the 66th National Film Awards for the year 2018 in 31 categories in New Delhi.
Key Points:
i.Actor, Shri Amitabh Bachchan , who skipped the Awards ceremony due to ill-health will be presented with the prestigious 50th DadasahebPhalke Award (Indian cinema’s biggest honour in his 50th year in the Indian film industry) on December 29,2019.This award consists of Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs 10,00,000. In 2017,It was conferred upon late actor Vinod Khanna.
ii.On August 9,2019, The national awards were announced by the jury heads Rahul Rawail, AS Kanal and Utpal Bhorpujari after they submitted their report to Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Prakash Javadekar with their final recommendations.
Here are the details of award winners of 66th National Film Awards, https://affairscloud.com/overview-of-national-film-awards-2019/
Key Points:
i.Actor, Shri Amitabh Bachchan , who skipped the Awards ceremony due to ill-health will be presented with the prestigious 50th DadasahebPhalke Award (Indian cinema’s biggest honour in his 50th year in the Indian film industry) on December 29,2019.This award consists of Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) medallion, a shawl, and a cash prize of Rs 10,00,000. In 2017,It was conferred upon late actor Vinod Khanna.
ii.On August 9,2019, The national awards were announced by the jury heads Rahul Rawail, AS Kanal and Utpal Bhorpujari after they submitted their report to Information & Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Prakash Javadekar with their final recommendations.
Here are the details of award winners of 66th National Film Awards, https://affairscloud.com/overview-of-national-film-awards-2019/
APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATION
Niranjan Hiranandani named as the new President of Assocham
Niranjan Hiranandani, Managing Director of Hiranandani Groups has taken the charge of Assocham’s (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) new President on December 23, 2019. He replaces Welspun Group Chairman Balkrishan Goenka. Asscham has celebrated its centenary meet in New Delhi recently. PM Modi was the chief guest for the event and spoke about the economic challenges and the preparations to achieve the target of $5 trillion economy.
About Assocham:
Founded- 1921
Headquarters- New Delhi.
Goal: To promote both domestic and international trade, and reduce trade barriers while fostering conducive environment for the growth of trade and industry of India.
Niranjan Hiranandani, Managing Director of Hiranandani Groups has taken the charge of Assocham’s (Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India) new President on December 23, 2019. He replaces Welspun Group Chairman Balkrishan Goenka. Asscham has celebrated its centenary meet in New Delhi recently. PM Modi was the chief guest for the event and spoke about the economic challenges and the preparations to achieve the target of $5 trillion economy.About Assocham:
Founded- 1921
Headquarters- New Delhi.
Goal: To promote both domestic and international trade, and reduce trade barriers while fostering conducive environment for the growth of trade and industry of India.
Ravi Mohan appointed as the new chairman of ESAF SFB
On December 24, 2019 P R Ravi Mohan was appointed as the new chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank (SFB). Ravi has replaced R Prabha, whose tenure as chairman has ended.
Key Points:
i.Ravi previously worked as chief general manager Department of Banking Operations and Development (DBoD) of the Reserve Bank of India(RBI). He also previously headed the Banking Supervision Department of RBI.
ii.ESAF Stands for Evangelical Social Action Forum.
About ESAF small Finance Bank:
Fact- ESAF started its operations as an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) in 1992 as Evangelical Social Action Forum.
Former name- ESAF Microfinance.
Incorporated- May 5, 2016.
Headquarters- Thrissur, Kerala.
On December 24, 2019 P R Ravi Mohan was appointed as the new chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank (SFB). Ravi has replaced R Prabha, whose tenure as chairman has ended.
Key Points:
i.Ravi previously worked as chief general manager Department of Banking Operations and Development (DBoD) of the Reserve Bank of India(RBI). He also previously headed the Banking Supervision Department of RBI.
ii.ESAF Stands for Evangelical Social Action Forum.
About ESAF small Finance Bank:
Fact- ESAF started its operations as an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) in 1992 as Evangelical Social Action Forum.
Former name- ESAF Microfinance.
Incorporated- May 5, 2016.
Headquarters- Thrissur, Kerala.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla appointed as the 33rd Foreign Secretary of India
The Government of India as appointed the Senior Diplomat and Indian ambassador to the United States, Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla as the next Foreign Secretary. He is the 33rd foreign secretary of the country. He replaces Vijay Gokhale. Shringla will take charge after the completion of VIjay Gokhale’s two-year term on January 29, 2020.
About Harsh Vardhan Shringla:
Harsh Vardhan Shringla is a Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of 1984-batch and served as an ambassador to Bangkok from 2014 to 2016 and also served as the High Commissioner to Dhaka for two years. He also served at UNESCO in France, UN in New York besides Vietnam, Israel and South Africa.
The Government of India as appointed the Senior Diplomat and Indian ambassador to the United States, Mr. Harsh Vardhan Shringla as the next Foreign Secretary. He is the 33rd foreign secretary of the country. He replaces Vijay Gokhale. Shringla will take charge after the completion of VIjay Gokhale’s two-year term on January 29, 2020.About Harsh Vardhan Shringla:
Harsh Vardhan Shringla is a Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of 1984-batch and served as an ambassador to Bangkok from 2014 to 2016 and also served as the High Commissioner to Dhaka for two years. He also served at UNESCO in France, UN in New York besides Vietnam, Israel and South Africa.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
New China-Brazil earth resource satellite named “CBERS-4A” launched into space
On December 21, 2019 China and Brazil’s jointly developed earth observation satellite named China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite- 4A (CBERS-4A). The satellite along with 8 other satellites, was launched under a bilateral programme that would enhance cooperation among the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations. It was launched from Long March-4B rocket in the northern Chinese province of Shanxi.
Key Points:
i.The satellite was the 6th developed under CBERS programme which began in 1988.
ii.Currently, South Africa is the only country from the BRICS nations that does not have satellites of its own.
iii.CBERS-4A was jointly developed by the China Academy of Space Technology(CASC) in China and the National Institute for Space Research of Brazil. The carrier rocket Long March-4B, was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology(SAST) in China.
On December 21, 2019 China and Brazil’s jointly developed earth observation satellite named China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite- 4A (CBERS-4A). The satellite along with 8 other satellites, was launched under a bilateral programme that would enhance cooperation among the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations. It was launched from Long March-4B rocket in the northern Chinese province of Shanxi.
Key Points:
i.The satellite was the 6th developed under CBERS programme which began in 1988.
ii.Currently, South Africa is the only country from the BRICS nations that does not have satellites of its own.
iii.CBERS-4A was jointly developed by the China Academy of Space Technology(CASC) in China and the National Institute for Space Research of Brazil. The carrier rocket Long March-4B, was developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology(SAST) in China.
DRDO successfully tested its Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System (QRSAM) from Chandipur in Odisha
On December 23, 2019 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has test-fired its Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) from Chandipur district of Odisha. This missile was tested with full configuration in deployment mode intercepting the target in mid-air and meeting mission objectives.
MSR Prasad, Director General of Missiles and Strategic Systems at DRDO was present during the trial. With this mission, developmental trials of the weapon system are completed and weapon system is expected to be ready for induction by 2021.
About QRSAM:
i.This missile is developed by DRDO in association with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited for Indian Army.
ii.Range of this missile is 30 kms.
iii.This missile is an all-weather, all-terrain surface-to-air missile.
About DRDO:
Chairman- Dr G Satheesh Reddy
Headquarters- New Delhi
Founded- 1958
On December 23, 2019 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has test-fired its Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) from Chandipur district of Odisha. This missile was tested with full configuration in deployment mode intercepting the target in mid-air and meeting mission objectives.MSR Prasad, Director General of Missiles and Strategic Systems at DRDO was present during the trial. With this mission, developmental trials of the weapon system are completed and weapon system is expected to be ready for induction by 2021.
About QRSAM:
i.This missile is developed by DRDO in association with Bharat Electronics Limited and Bharat Dynamics Limited for Indian Army.
ii.Range of this missile is 30 kms.
iii.This missile is an all-weather, all-terrain surface-to-air missile.
About DRDO:
Chairman- Dr G Satheesh Reddy
Headquarters- New Delhi
Founded- 1958
SPORTS
South African all rounder Vernon Philander announces retirement from all forms of Cricket
34-years-old South African Cricketer Vernon Philander announced international retirement from all forms of cricket after the upcoming test series against England. He has played 97 matches across all three formats, taking a combined 261 wickets with 1784 runs in his international career. He also took 51 Wickets in his first seven Test matches which earned him the 2012 SA Cricketer of the Year award.
34-years-old South African Cricketer Vernon Philander announced international retirement from all forms of cricket after the upcoming test series against England. He has played 97 matches across all three formats, taking a combined 261 wickets with 1784 runs in his international career. He also took 51 Wickets in his first seven Test matches which earned him the 2012 SA Cricketer of the Year award.
Belgium retained FIFA Team of the Year title for 2019 for 2nd successive time
On December 19, 2019 for the second year in a row, Belgium was announced as the FIFA’s (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Team of the Year as it reached the top of the world rankings for the year 2019. Belgium was followed by France, Brazil, England and Uruguay in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th spot respectively.
Mover of the accolades:
The mover of the accoade went to Qatar as it gained 138 ranking points in 2019. The World Cup 2022 host, Qatar won the 2019 Asian Cup climbing 38 places up the rankings. That was the biggest jump recorded by any team, ahead of Algeria (up by 32) and Japan (up by 22).
Key Points:
i.Others in the top 10: Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Argentina and Columbia stood at 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th rank respectively.
ii.The 1st FIFA rankings of the new decade will be released on February 20, 2020.
About FIFA:
English Abbreviation- International Federation of Association Football.
Founded- 21 May 1904.
Headquarters- Zürich, Switzerland.
Motto- For the Game. For the World.
President- Gianni Infantino.
On December 19, 2019 for the second year in a row, Belgium was announced as the FIFA’s (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) Team of the Year as it reached the top of the world rankings for the year 2019. Belgium was followed by France, Brazil, England and Uruguay in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th spot respectively.
Mover of the accolades:
The mover of the accoade went to Qatar as it gained 138 ranking points in 2019. The World Cup 2022 host, Qatar won the 2019 Asian Cup climbing 38 places up the rankings. That was the biggest jump recorded by any team, ahead of Algeria (up by 32) and Japan (up by 22).
Key Points:
i.Others in the top 10: Croatia, Portugal, Spain, Argentina and Columbia stood at 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th rank respectively.
ii.The 1st FIFA rankings of the new decade will be released on February 20, 2020.
About FIFA:
English Abbreviation- International Federation of Association Football.
Founded- 21 May 1904.
Headquarters- Zürich, Switzerland.
Motto- For the Game. For the World.
President- Gianni Infantino.
Liverpool wins 16th FIFA club world cup 2019 final for the 1st time in Doha, Qatar
On December 22, 2019, England’s football club (FC) Liverpool has won the 16th edition of Club World Cup (WC) title 2019 for the 1st time after beating Flamengo (Brazilian sports club) with 1-0 scores in Khalifa International stadium, Doha ,Qatar. The only goal was scored by Roberto Firmino in the 99th minute.
Key Points:
i.On June 2,2019, Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur with 2–0 scores in the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League final 2019. It held this title for the 6th time. It last won the title in 2005 after beating Italy’s Milan club.
16th FIFA Club World Cup 2019:
Organizer– FIFA(Federation Internationale de Football Association)
Teams– 7 (from 6 confederations)
Best player– Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Fair play award– Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia Sports club)
About FIFA:
Founded– 21 May 1904.
Headquarters– Zürich, Switzerland.
Motto– For the Game,For the World.
President– Gianni Infantino
On December 22, 2019, England’s football club (FC) Liverpool has won the 16th edition of Club World Cup (WC) title 2019 for the 1st time after beating Flamengo (Brazilian sports club) with 1-0 scores in Khalifa International stadium, Doha ,Qatar. The only goal was scored by Roberto Firmino in the 99th minute.
Key Points:
i.On June 2,2019, Liverpool defeated Tottenham Hotspur with 2–0 scores in the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League final 2019. It held this title for the 6th time. It last won the title in 2005 after beating Italy’s Milan club.
16th FIFA Club World Cup 2019:
Organizer– FIFA(Federation Internationale de Football Association)
Teams– 7 (from 6 confederations)
Best player– Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Fair play award– Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia Sports club)
About FIFA:
Founded– 21 May 1904.
Headquarters– Zürich, Switzerland.
Motto– For the Game,For the World.
President– Gianni Infantino
IMPORTANT DAYS
National Consumer Rights Day 2019 is observed on December 24th
24th December is observed as the National Consumer Rights Day every year. The Consumer Protection Act received the President’s approval on December 24, 1986. The main objective of the Consumer Protection Act is to provide consumers with effective safeguards against different types of exploitation such as defective goods, unsatisfactory services and unfair trade practices.
Theme: Alternate consumer grievance/dispute redressal
Platforms to register complaint:
i.Customers can call to register your grievance 1800-11-4000 or 14404 (Timing: All days except national holidays, 09:30 AM To 05:30 PM)
ii.Customers can SMS on this number 8130009809. The consumer helpline will get back to you.
iii.Customers can even register themselves at https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/user/signup.php
iv.Customer can also leave your complaint via Consumer App at https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/apps/consumerapp
STATIC:
24th December is observed as the National Consumer Rights Day every year. The Consumer Protection Act received the President’s approval on December 24, 1986. The main objective of the Consumer Protection Act is to provide consumers with effective safeguards against different types of exploitation such as defective goods, unsatisfactory services and unfair trade practices.Theme: Alternate consumer grievance/dispute redressal
Platforms to register complaint:
i.Customers can call to register your grievance 1800-11-4000 or 14404 (Timing: All days except national holidays, 09:30 AM To 05:30 PM)
ii.Customers can SMS on this number 8130009809. The consumer helpline will get back to you.
iii.Customers can even register themselves at https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/user/signup.php
iv.Customer can also leave your complaint via Consumer App at https://consumerhelpline.gov.in/apps/consumerapp
STATIC:
- World Consumer Rights Day- 15 March.
- Theme of World Consumer Rights Day 2019: Trusted Smart Products
STATE NEWS
Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowships and Awards 2018
Kerala Sahitya Akademi fellowships and awards 2018 were announced by Akademi President Vaisakhan.Novelist M Mukudan and Poet K G Sankara Pillai were selected for the Kerala Sahitya Akademi fellowships 2018.This fellowship is the special membership of Kerala Sahitya Akademi, apart from the cash prize of Rs 50,000, a gold locket of two sovereigns and a Citation each.
Skaria Zakkaria, O.M. Anujan, S. Rajasekharan, Manamubur Rajan Babu and Nalini Bekal were given Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards carry Rs 30,000, Citation and Ponnada each.
WINNERS OF AKADEMI AWARDS
Kerala Sahitya Akademi fellowships and awards 2018 were announced by Akademi President Vaisakhan.Novelist M Mukudan and Poet K G Sankara Pillai were selected for the Kerala Sahitya Akademi fellowships 2018.This fellowship is the special membership of Kerala Sahitya Akademi, apart from the cash prize of Rs 50,000, a gold locket of two sovereigns and a Citation each.Skaria Zakkaria, O.M. Anujan, S. Rajasekharan, Manamubur Rajan Babu and Nalini Bekal were given Lifetime Achievement Awards. These awards carry Rs 30,000, Citation and Ponnada each.
WINNERS OF AKADEMI AWARDS
| WINNERS | CATEGORIES |
| V M Girija | Poem |
| K V Mohankumar | Novel |
| Rekha K | Short Story |
| Rajmohan Neeleswaram | Drama |
| P P Raveendran | Literary Criticism |
| K Babu Joseph | Knowledge Literature |
| Muni Narayana Prasad | Autobiography |
| Biju N Nair | Travelogue |
| P P K Pothuval | Translation |
| S R Lal | Children’s Literature |
| V K K Ramesh | Comedy Literature |
Nashik railway station opens an ‘Oxygen Parlour’ to combat air pollution
‘Oxygen Parlour’ has been opened at Nashik Railway Station to provide an experience of breathing clean air and to battle against rising air pollution. The initiative comes with the efforts of Airo Guard in collaboration with the Indian Railways.
Amit Amritkar, co-founder of Airo Guard said that the concept of Oxygen Parlour is based on the recommendation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
In 1989 NASA had identified some plants which absorbs the harmful pollutants from air. These plants had been plants in this parlour. He said these plants can clean the air in an area of 10X10 feet around them and he also said that their objective is to expand this initiative to every railway station as well as every home in order to reduce air pollution in the country.
‘Oxygen Parlour’ has been opened at Nashik Railway Station to provide an experience of breathing clean air and to battle against rising air pollution. The initiative comes with the efforts of Airo Guard in collaboration with the Indian Railways.
Amit Amritkar, co-founder of Airo Guard said that the concept of Oxygen Parlour is based on the recommendation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
In 1989 NASA had identified some plants which absorbs the harmful pollutants from air. These plants had been plants in this parlour. He said these plants can clean the air in an area of 10X10 feet around them and he also said that their objective is to expand this initiative to every railway station as well as every home in order to reduce air pollution in the country.
AC BYTES
CFSL gets advanced DNA analysis centre in Chandigarh
Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai,inaugurated a State-of-the-Art DNA Analysis Centre at Central Forensic Science Laboratory(CFSL), Chandigarh, which has been set up under the Nirbhaya Fund scheme, with an allocation of Rs.99.76 crores
Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Nityanand Rai,inaugurated a State-of-the-Art DNA Analysis Centre at Central Forensic Science Laboratory(CFSL), Chandigarh, which has been set up under the Nirbhaya Fund scheme, with an allocation of Rs.99.76 crores
******Current Affairs 24 December 2019 Headlines******
1.Fisheries dept, NABARD & TN govt sign 1st tripartite MoA for fisheries development fund
2.Tamil Nadu tops in coverage under micro-irrigation for 2019
3.State nodal agencies for Ecoclub programme meets for the 1st time in Kevadia, Gujarat
4.Government approves Rs 56,443 cr Kerala semi-high speed rail project named “Silver line”
5.Nagpur Resolution to empower citizens adopted at conference organised by DARPG in Nagpur
6.WHO released 3rd global report on trends in tobacco prevalence 2000-2025
7.17th India-EU Summit 2020 to be held in Brussels
8.India to get $210 million loan from AIIB for irrigation & solar energy projects
9.RBI limits lending on P2P platforms at Rs 50 lakh
10.SEBI inks pact with Kazakhstan-based AFSA for mutual, technical cooperation
11.Telangana’s Kamareddy district was awarded by UNICEF for effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission 2019
12.Vice President Venkaiah naidu confers 66th National film awards for 2018 in New Delhi
13.Niranjan Hiranandani named as the new President of Assocham
14.Ravi Mohan appointed as the new chairman of ESAF SFB
15.Harsh Vardhan Shringla appointed as the 33rd Foreign Secretary of India
16.New China-Brazil earth resource satellite named “CBERS-4A” launched into space
17.DRDO successfully tested its Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System (QRSAM) from Chandipur in Odisha
18.South African all rounder Vernon Philander announces retirement from all forms of Cricket
19.Belgium retained FIFA Team of the Year title for 2019 for 2nd successive time
20.Liverpool wins 16th FIFA club world cup 2019 final for the 1st time in Doha, Qatar
21.National Consumer Rights Day 2019 is observed on December 24th
22.Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowships and Awards 2018
23.Nashik railway station opens an ‘Oxygen Parlour’ to combat air pollution
2.Tamil Nadu tops in coverage under micro-irrigation for 2019
3.State nodal agencies for Ecoclub programme meets for the 1st time in Kevadia, Gujarat
4.Government approves Rs 56,443 cr Kerala semi-high speed rail project named “Silver line”
5.Nagpur Resolution to empower citizens adopted at conference organised by DARPG in Nagpur
6.WHO released 3rd global report on trends in tobacco prevalence 2000-2025
7.17th India-EU Summit 2020 to be held in Brussels
8.India to get $210 million loan from AIIB for irrigation & solar energy projects
9.RBI limits lending on P2P platforms at Rs 50 lakh
10.SEBI inks pact with Kazakhstan-based AFSA for mutual, technical cooperation
11.Telangana’s Kamareddy district was awarded by UNICEF for effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission 2019
12.Vice President Venkaiah naidu confers 66th National film awards for 2018 in New Delhi
13.Niranjan Hiranandani named as the new President of Assocham
14.Ravi Mohan appointed as the new chairman of ESAF SFB
15.Harsh Vardhan Shringla appointed as the 33rd Foreign Secretary of India
16.New China-Brazil earth resource satellite named “CBERS-4A” launched into space
17.DRDO successfully tested its Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile System (QRSAM) from Chandipur in Odisha
18.South African all rounder Vernon Philander announces retirement from all forms of Cricket
19.Belgium retained FIFA Team of the Year title for 2019 for 2nd successive time
20.Liverpool wins 16th FIFA club world cup 2019 final for the 1st time in Doha, Qatar
21.National Consumer Rights Day 2019 is observed on December 24th
22.Kerala Sahitya Akademi Fellowships and Awards 2018
23.Nashik railway station opens an ‘Oxygen Parlour’ to combat air pollution
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