Current Affairs 19th Dec

1. Park Geun-Hye Elected As the First Woman President of South Korea
Park Geun-hye was elected as the president of South Korea, the first woman who acquired this post. Park Geun-hye is the daughter of longest ruling dictator of South Korea. 
NOTE:-After the counting of votes, it was declared by the National Election Commission that Park had enjoyed clear victory with 51.64 percent votes in comparison to 47.93 percent votes for Moon Jae-in, who is the former lawyer of human rights.
2. US President Barack Obama named Person of the year 2012 by TIME Magazine
US President Barack Obama was named TIME's Person of the Year for 2012, because of his historic win over the re-election in November 2012  which is being considered as symbol of the nation's changing demographics amid the backdrop of high unemployment and other challenges.
NOTE:- His name was announced by TIME editor Rick Stengel on NBC's Today program.
It is the second time Barack Obama is being accorded with this honour. He had also received the honour in 2008, when he was first elected as president.
3. Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram awarded with Best Administrator in India Award
Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram awarded with the Best Administrator in India Award instituted by K. Karunakaran Foundation.
The award was presented to him by Vice President of India, M. Hamid Ansari.
NOTE:- The award is given to him for his role in evolving indian economy as Finance Minister in the late 1990s when he presented what was widely called a dream budget which gave a road map for economic reforms in India and lowered income and corporate tax rates.
4. First of the Eight P-8I Maritime Surveillance Aircraft received by Indian Navy
Indian Navy received its first P-8I Maritime Surveillance Aircraft at its facility located at Seattle, out of the eight that it would get from Boeing. P-8I would be armed with torpedoes, rockets and deadly missile with abilities to fight against powerful warships and anti-submarine warfare. 
NOTE:- A deal of 2.1 billion dollar was signed between India and the US Aircraft maker Boeing in January 2009 for procurement of the long range surveillance aircraft equipped with anti-submarine weaponry. This contract also included the option of having four additional aircrafts along with the intelligence and surveillance systems, training and maintenance support and warfare. The aircraft will arrive in India by May 2013 along with two more aircrafts expected to be handed over the Indian Naval team by the month. 
5. Ratan Tata Conferred with the Title of Chairman Emeritus for Tata Group
Ratan Tata, the outgoing Chairman of Tata Group was conferred with the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus-the holding company of the 100 billion dollar Tata Group. 
NOTE:- The decision of conferring him with the title was made by the board of Tata Sons. Ratan Tata will retire from his office on 28 December 2012 and Cyrus Mistry would be taking over the chair of the group after him on the same day.  
Ratan Tata as an honorary chairman will not attend any of the board meetings of Tata Group and would also not have any responsibility towards the company.
6. UN Slashed World Growth Forecast to 2.4 Percent for year 2013
United Nations slashed its global growth predictions to 2.4 percent for 2013 and 3.2 percent for the following year and warned of a lasting employment crisis for western countries.
NOTE:- The UN's World Economic Situation and Prospects 2013 report warned that the Debt crises in Europe and the United States and a slowdown in China could all throw the world economy into recession. 
Earlier in the t month of June 2012 UN had predicted a growth forecast 2.7 percent for 2013 and 3.9 percent for the year after.
9 .  India's uranium reserve pegged at two lakh tonnes
India has a confirmed reserve of nearly two lakh tonnes of uranium at present. The reserves of monazite amount to one hundred seven lakh tonnes. 
NOTE:- Although the reserves of uranium in the country are modest, they are located in 10 States. Its highest quantity occurs in Andhra Pradesh with a reserve of 93,492 tonnes followed by Jharkhand with over 53,000 tonnes. While Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Chhattisgarh have substantial quantities of uranium, the rare earth is found in modest quantities in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand. 
The Atomic Mineral Directorate under the Atomic Energy Department is the specialist agency to survey and explore the reserves of this vital component in generating atomic power in the country.

Current Affairs 18 Dec 2012

                                   Former first class cricketer BB Nimbalkar passed away


Former first class cricketer BB Nimbalkar (93), known for unbeaten   443- run innings he played for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in a Ranji Trophy match at Pune in 1948-49, passed away. That innings was second only to the Australian’s 452 not out is still 4thhighest in first class cricket. He was often described as "a man who nearly beat Bradman" for his innings. He played cricket for various teams like Baroda, Holkar, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Railways.
Though, he never represented India in an official Test, he was an outstanding batsmen in the Ranji Trophy with an aggregate of 3,687 runs at a healthy average of 56.72 with 11 centuries.

Also Known as "a man who nearly beat Bradman"

Bhausaheb Babasaheb Nimbalkar

Current Affairs

1. Nation celebrated Vijay Diwas with pride and honour
Nation celebrated Vijay Diwas with pride and honour today. On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, several commemorative functions were organised across the country to pay homage to the martyrs who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.This is the day on which India defeated Pakistan in the war of 1971.
NOTE:- Bangladesh also celebrated the 42nd Victory Day marking the historic triumph of the Indian army and Mukti Bahini over the Pakistan armed forces in 1971.16th December 1971 is the most important day in the history of Bangladesh. The day is also equally important for India as on this day Pakistan Army General AAK Niazi along with 93,000 soldiers surrendered unconditionally to the Lt. General Jagjit Singh Arora of Indian army.

2. Sonia Gandhi launched  "Delhi Annshri Yojna"
UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched a major food security programme of Delhi Government "Delhi Annshri Yojna".
NOTE:- Congress president Sonia Gandhi today strongly backed the Centre's New Direct Benefit Transfer system that will ensure cash transfer directly in the hands of beneficiaries of various schemes, saying it is in line with many other "revolutionary" measures taken by the UPA.

3. Arunachal Weightlifter Jimjang Deru creates National Record
Arunachal weightlifter Jimjang Deru brought laurels to the state by creating three New National Record in the ongoing 8th Youth National Weightlifting Championship at Nehru stadium, New Delhi.
NOTE:- He broke the previous record of Sukhen Dey set in 2005 during Bhilai Youth National Weightlifting Championships by lifting one kg more weight. Dey was the lone Indian male weightlifter in 2012 London Olympics. Deru lifted a total of 193 kg (snatch 86 kg + Clean and Jerk 107 kg) to win three gold medals.

4. Saina lost Semi-Final clash at World Super Series Finals
Saina Nehwal's hopes of winning her maiden 'World Super Series Finals' title this year went up in smoke as she lost her semi-final clash against top seed and current Olympic champion Li Xuerui of China in a three-game encounter.

5. Gurbani regains All India Ladies Golf Title
Rising golfer Gurbani Singh regained the Usha All India Ladies Matchplay title after a gap of 3 years. 16-year old Gurbani outplayed Gursimar Badwal in the final of the National Championships in Kolkata today. The contest was to be played over 36 holes, but ended in just 27. Gurbani emerged a victor by 10 & 9.
NOTE:- By winning the title, Gurbani underlined her status as the top amateur in the country. 3 years back, she had become the youngest to win the All India Ladies title for the first time.
The Trophy for the Championships, which was being held for the 96th time, was given away by Indian women's boxing legend and Olympic bronze-medallist M C Mary Kom.

6. World Series Boxing: Afghanistan wins 2 bronze medals
Afghanistan has won two bronze medals in the World Series Boxing tournament in Kazakhstan yesterday. 
NOTE:- Afghan boxer Rezaye reached quarter finals of the tournament defeating his Chinese and Kazakh rivals in the qualifying rounds before he was defeated by another Kazakh boxer. In women’s category Afghan female boxer Sadaf Rahimi received an honorary bronze medal for her performance in the tournament.

7. Israeli Foreign Minister Lieberman submits resignation
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman today submitted his resignation after several days of indecision over leaving his post due to an indictment by the state attorney general on charges of breach of trust and fraud.

8. Liberal Democrats Win Landslide Victory in Japan Elections
Japan’s voters handed a landslide victory to the Liberal Democratic Party in parliamentary elections on Sunday, giving power back to the conservative party that had governed Japan for decades until a historic defeat three years ago.

Current Affairs

1. Naina Lal Kidwai becomes first woman President of FICCI
Naina Lal Kidwai took over as President of FICCI, becoming the first woman to head the leading industry body.
NOTE:- Kidwai succeeds R V Kanoria of Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Ltd.
Chairman of Xpro India Ltd and Digjam Ltd, Sidharth Birla, also has been elected as Senior Vice-President of FICCI.

2. North Korea Launched Long Range Unha-3 Rocket amid International Opposition
North Korea launched a long-range rocket Unha-3 despite international opposition and growing tensions in the region successfully delivering a scientific satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 into orbit.
NOTE:- Unha-3 is the second version of satellite Kwangmyongsong-3 which is successfully lifted off from the Sohae Space Center by carrier rocket.

3. Justice Arun kumar Mishra appointed Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court
Justice Arun Kumar Mishra took over as the new Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court.
NOTE:- Arun Kumar Mishra was earlier the Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court. He was administered the oath of office by West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan.

4. Pandit Ravi Shankar to be Honoured with Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 2013
Organisers of the Recording Academy announced that Pandit Ravi Shankar, the sitar maestro would be honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously.
Pandit Ravi Shankar would become first Indian to receive the prestigious award. The award would be presented at 55th Grammy Awards ceremony on 10 February 2013 in Los Angeles.
NOTE:- Pandit Ravi Shankar is a three-time Grammy Award winner.
Pandit Ravi Shankar, 92 had passed away on 11 December 2012 after heart-valve replacement surgery in California.

5. ICICI Bank Opened 101 Gramin Branches across Villages in 6 States
ICICI Bank, the largest private sector bank of India opened 101 distinct gramin branches or rural branches as the part of its financial enclosure plan. These branches were opened in villages which lack the banking facilities, across six states of India.
NOTE:- All these gramin branches of the ICICI Bank would remain open for 4 hours per day and 6 days per week. These branches would offer banking services like fixed and recurring deposits, saving bank accounts, remittances, tractor loans as well as Kisan credit cards. Just like their current rural branches, ICICI will have at least 3 employees at the bank. Depending upon the business of the bank, ICICI might also make an addition of ATMs to a few of these rural branches.

6. Advocate R S Goswami Elected As the Chairman of Bar Council of Delhi
Advocate R S Goswami was elected as the chairman of Bar Council of Delhi. Goswami has the career span of 25 years as legal practitioner in different courts. He was elected unanimously by council members.
NOTE:- R S Goswami has second term as member of bar council. From 2006 to 2008, he was the honourary secretary of the Bar Council of Delhi.

7. Bombay Stock Exchange launched SME Platform Index aimed at Tracking Primary Market Condition
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) launched an SME index which primarily aims at tracking the current primary market conditions in the Indian capital market and measuring the growth in investors’ wealth over a period.
NOTE:-The index is going to be constituted by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which are listed on the BSE SME platform. Presently, there are 11 companies which are listed on the SME platform and this index is going to have features similar to the BSE IPO index.

8. Union Government launched Government Calendar Featuring Flagship Schemes
Government of India’s Wall Calendar for 2013 was launched featuring various flagship programmes of the Government, which includes Aadhaar based Direct Cash Transfer Scheme to be implemented in 51 districts from January 2013 among others.
NOTE:- The calendar is printed and designed by Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which has over the years worked on developing social advertising brand Bharat Nirman. The theme of the calendar is ‘Bharat Nirman- Sabka hit, Sabka Haq’.

9. Robert Amritraj passed away
Robert Amritraj, father of tennis icons Anand, Vijay and Ashok has passed away. He was 91.
NOTE:- Indian tennis considered Robert Amritraj as a father figure since he was instrumental in shaping the State Tennis Association and the formation of the Brittania-Amritraj Tennis Academy.

10. India bags Kabaddi World Cup in both Men's, Women's category
India has won the 3rd World Cup Kabaddi Tournament for the third consecutive time in Men’s category and second consective time in Women’s category.
NOTE:- Indian men thrahsed its arch rival Pakistan with a decisive margin of 59-22 points whereas, Indian eves out scored Malaysia by 72-12. Both the finals were played at Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana.

11. WHO clears India's vaccine industry to export vaccines across the world
India's 19,000 crore rupee vaccine industry has been cleared by the World Health Organization (WHO) to export vaccines across the world.
NOTE:- After a four-day audit, a 16-member multi-nation team headed by WHO officials informed Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad that they are satisfied with the vaccine clearance procedure adopted by the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) or the Drug Controller General's Office (DCGO).
Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr G N Singh said India has become the first country to pass the stringent indicators put in place by the WHO, in one shot.

12. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Setting up of CCI
Union government of India approved the setting up of a Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI), to fast track investment clearances for mega projects. The decision was taken in the Union Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
NOTE:- Prime Minister will head the CCI and he will also nominate the members of the committee. The CCI will expedite projects offering single window clearance for projects costing 1000 crore rupees or more by setting timelines for the concerned ministries.

13. Global Telecom Treaty without Net Control Signed by 89 Nations
A controversial new global treaty on telecom regulations was signed by 89 International Telecommunication Union member states out of a possible 144 Countries regardless of US objections to prospective regulation of the Internet.
NOTE:- Over 150 nations met in Dubai, under the support of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to update a set of telecom rules of 1988, before the Internet and mobile phones transformed communications. But they failed to draw a conclusion which will lead to a new fight over cyberspace.
55 countries did not sign the treaty that enters effect in January 2015. A US-led bloc advocated a tolerant approach to the Internet, while Russia, China and much of Africa and the Middle East wanted greater governmental oversight of cyberspace.

14. Bhanu Athaiya, First Indian to Win Oscar decided to Return Her Trophy
Bhanu Athaiya, the first Indian to win an Oscar for costume design in the movie Gandhi decided to return her award to the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in December 2012. Bhanu Athaiya fears that she might lose her trophy as the government might not be able to protect it.

15. DAVP Received the Web Ratna Award-2012-Golden Icon Award
Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) was conferred the prestigious Web Ratna 2012, Golden Icon Award for Innovative use of Technology.
NOTE:- The DAVP Website http://www.davp.nic.in/ has enabled a complete change from the manual mode to the online mode where the media plans are made and released for the end users. The website with several user friendly features is the only advertising agency in the country which releases its designs, Release orders, payments online. The DAVP website has added a great deal of transparency to the entire system in its billing as well as other procedures which have not only helped the organisation but also its stakeholders. DAVP also keeps as much information as possible on the website for public scrutiny and information.

News of 22th Nov

1. Ranjit Sinha appointed as the New Director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)  
Government appointed Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police Mr Ranjit Sinha as the New Director of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a period of two years.

2. 3 Indian Writers Shortlisted for DSC South Asian Literature Prize 2013
3 Indian writers- Uday Prakash, Amitav Ghosh and Jeet Thayil were shortlisted for the US Dollar 50,000 DSC South Asian Literature Prize 2013.
Amitav Ghosh has been chosen for River of Smoke, Jeet Thayil for the debut novel Narcopolis and Uday Prakash for The Walls of Delhi.

3. Cabinet approved National Pharmaceutical Policy
Cabinet today approved National Pharmaceutical Policy. Now 348 essential durg will come over price control of the goverment and the cost of essential drugs are likely to drop. Group of Ministers headed by Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar had on Wednesday finalised the Drug Pricing formula.

4. Government cleared disinvestment of 9.5 per cent of its stake in the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
The government has cleared disinvestment of 9.5 per cent of its stake in the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

5. Former Brazilian President Lula Da Silva was conferred with the 2010 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development
President Pranab Mukherjee today presented the 2010 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development to former Brazilian President Lula Da Silva.

6. First International textile & Apparel Fair ‘Vastra 2012’ kicks off in Jaipur
First International textile and Apparel Fair ‘Vastra 2012’ has begun from today in Jaipur.
Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot inaugurated the 4 days fair. He said that the state government has initiated many steps to create atmosphers of investment in the state.

7. Trinamool Congress's No Confidence Motion against the UPA Government rejected
An attempt by former UPA ally Trinamool Congress to bring a no-confidence motion against the government over FDI in retail failed on Thursday in the Lok Sabha for want of requisite numbers.

8. Gov. to set up 5 Universities under the Maulana Azad Education Foundation 
The government is considering a proposal to set up 5 universities under the Maulana Azad Education Foundation across the country for the minority communities. 

9. Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) to be rolled out in 51 districts across 16 states from 1st January next year in the first phase.  
Addressing a press conference after a meeting with south zone Chief Ministers in Bangalore, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram said representatives from states and banks as well as top officials who took part in the interaction, were sensitised on the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) which will be rolled out in 51 districts across 16 states from 1st January next year in the first phase.

10. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) established tele-medicine network 
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has established tele-medicine network in various states and regions to provide access to specialized health care facilities to remote rural areas. Minister of State in the PMO, V Narayanasamy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha said that at present, the tele-medicine network of ISRO covers 382 hospitals with 60 specialty hospitals connecting to 306 rural hospitals and 16 mobile units.

1. Diwali, festival of lights being celebrated across country with gaiety
Earthen diyas dotted houses and fireworks illuminated the evening sky as people celebrated Diwali decorating their homes with colourful rangolis and twinkling electric bulbs and also exchanging sweets. There was bonhomie between Indian and Pakistani guards at border posts as they exchanged sweets and gifts in the morning.

2. ATP World Tour Tennis: Djokovic bags Men's Singles Title beating Federer.
Serbia's World Number One Novak Djokovic has bagged the Men's Singles trophy of the ATP World Tour Finals in London. Djokovic defeated World Number Two Roger Federer of Switzerland in straight sets, 7-6, 7-5, in the final match played early this morning.

3. Nobel Laureate and Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi arrived in New Delhi on a 5 day visit
Chairperson of the National League of Democracy of Myanmar Ms Daw Aung San Suu Kyi arrived in New Delhi today on a five day visit to India. She was received at the airport by the Foreign Secretary Mr. Ranjan Mathai. 

4. Punjab Govt. announced to launch  the biggest ever state wide door-to-door campaign  
Punjab government is launching the biggest ever state wide door-to-door campaign next month for early detection of cancer and its subsequent treatment. The survey would involve 50,000 personnel . Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, Vinni Mahajan told that the government has taken several initiatives for ensuring that no one remains unchecked.

5. US to become World's biggest Oil Producer by 2017: International Energy Agency
 International Energy Agency said, by 2017 the United States is likely to overtake Saudi Arabia as the world's biggest oil producer. The Paris-based energy agency said in its annual forecast that the U.S. is drilling more crude oil through increased use of hydraulic fracturing of underground shale formations. 

6. 32nd India International Trade Fair to be held in New Delhi
32nd India International Trade Fair will kick start at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi tomorrow. The 14-day annual fair will be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee. 

7. Literary Critic and Educator Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak Got Kyoto Prize
Renowned literary critic and educator Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak was awarded the prestigious Kyoto Prize in Kyoto. Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, is professor at Columbia University in the U.S. She won the award in the Arts and Philosophy category for her “deep thinking on humanities against intellectual colonialism in relation to globalisation”.

8. Karishma Kapoor Appointed Brand Ambassador of McCain Food
McCain Foods India Pvt Ltd, the makers of frozen French fries and potato specialty products, appointed Karisma Kapoor as its first brand ambassador in India.

9. India, Afghanistan Signed Four Cooperation Pacts
India and Afghanistan signed 4 agreements to cooperate in areas of social welfare, fertilizer, coal mining and youth affairs during President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzaifour day visit to India from 9 November 2012 to12 November 2012. 

10. Mirabai Chanu claimed 3 Bronze Medals at Asian Jr Weightlifting
Female Weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won three bronze medals for Indian Team on the opening day of the 19th Junior Women Asian Weightlifting Championships in Yangon in Mynamar.

11. Mahatma Gandhi's Grandson Elected to Kansas State Assembly
Shanti Gandhi, a grandson of Mahatma Gandhi was elected to a State Assembly in the United Stated during the general elections.
72 Years old Shanti Gandhi contested as a Republican Party candidate and had defeated his Democratic rival Theodore “Ted” Ensley by nine percentage point for the Kansas’s 52nd Assembly District. 

Happy Diwali