Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy for season 2015–16

Gujarat has won the 14th season of prestigious Vijay Hazare Cricket Trophy for season 2015–16 for first time in its history of championship. In the final match played at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru (Karnataka) they defeated Delhi by 139 runs. About Vijay Hazare Trophy It is annual limited-overs cricket domestic competition started in 2002–03 and is played among state teams from the Ranji Trophy plates. The trophy is also known as the Ranji One Day Trophy and is named after the famous Indian cricketer Vijay Hazare. Tamil Nadu has won the trophy for record 4 times i.e. in seasons 2002–03, 2004–05, 2008–09 and 2009–10.

Renowned American science-fiction writer George Clayton Johnson passed away

Renowned American science-fiction writer George Clayton Johnson passed away in Los Angeles, US. He was 86. He was best known for dystopian novel Logan’s Run, which adapted into a 1976 film starring Michael York and was nominated for two Oscars. About George Clayton Johnson Johnson was born on July 10, 1929 in Cheyenne, United States. Prior to becoming writer he had worked as a telegraph operator and draftsman in the United States Army. He had co-written Logan’s Run novel in 1967 and was adapted in film that was nominated for best cinematography and art direction Oscars. He had penned the first Star Trek television episode that was broadcasted in 1966. His notable work includes Logan’s Run, Ocean’s 11, The Twilight Zone, Star Trek.

China's first counter-terrorism law

China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the top organ of China’s parliament has adopted the country’s first counter-terrorism law. The legislation was approved with large majority at the end of a week-long bimonthly session China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee. Key facts The law expanded the definition of the term terrorism and is the latest attempt of China to address terrorism at home and help maintain world security. The law grants overarching powers to security agencies and also allows the military to venture overseas on counter-terror operations. Under the new law a separate clause makes terrorism a crime including fabricating it and disseminating information on fabricated terrorist incidents. The law allows news media only to report on the personal details of on-scene workers, hostages or authorities’ response to terrorist activities and it will require approval from counter-terrorism authorities. It is mandatory for technology firms to give sensitive data like encryption keys to the government when asked for under this law.

National Industrial Corridor Development Authority

Union Government has adopted the strategy of developing integrated industrial/economic corridors across the country in partnership with respective State Governments for boosting industrial development. This information was given by the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Rajya Sabha. It was also announced that National Industrial Corridor Development Authority (NICDA) with its headquarter in Pune (Maharashtra) has not been constituted yet. The five industrial/economic corridors are Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC): The project spans the 6 states viz. Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. This corridor lies along the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) of the railways. It would initially have 8 nodes (cities) in the six DMIC states for development purpose. Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC): It has three industrial nodes (cities) viz. Ponneri (Tamil Nadu), Tumkur (Karnataka) and Krishnapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). Bengaluru-Mumbai Economic Corridor (BMEC): One node (city) has been identified for master planning viz. Dharwad (Karnataka). Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC): Two nodes (cities) for master planning have been identified. They are Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and Srikalahasti-Yerpedu (Andhra Pradesh). Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC): Feasibility study with respect to the Inception Report of this corridor has been completed.

National Consumer Day

In India, 24th December is being observed as National Consumer Day. On this day the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 had received the assent of the President. The enactment of this Act was considered as a historic milestone in the consumer movement in the country. This Act aims to provide consumers with effective safeguards against different types of exploitation such as defective goods, unsatisfactory services and unfair trade practices. This day provides an opportunity for individuals to highlight the importance of the consumer movement and the need to make every consumer more aware of their rights and responsibilities. It should be also noted that World Consumer Rights Day is observed on 15th March every year. Some facts about Consumer Protection Act, 1986 It provides consumers with speedy and inexpensive redressal grievances mechanism and specific relief or award of compensation. It recognizes six of the eight rights of the consumer as provided in the UN charter. It envisages following rights of consumers (i) Right to Protection. (ii) Right of Information. (iii) Right of Choice. (iv) Right of Hearing. (v) Right of Redressal. (vi) Right of Education.

Build Liquefied natural gas ships

India has joined select club nations to build Liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships after state owned Cochin Shipyard has received certification in this regard. Cochin Shipyard also became first shipyard in India to get the nod to build LNG-transporting ships for any client world-wide. Key facts In this regard, Cochin Shipyard has signed a license agreement with French technology company Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT). GTT holds patented technology for LNG ships and provides the certification in design engineering and membrane-type containment systems for the transportation and storage of LNG. GTT would provide technology for the cryogenic containment and handling system which is most critical part of an LNG ship as the LNG is carried at a temperature of -163 degrees. This license agreement authorises Cochin Shipyard to use the membrane type technologies of GTT for any liquid gas carriers, more particularly the LNG carriers. With this India joins the league other nations including South Korea, Japan and China building LNG transportation ships. It also opens a new chapter in ship-building technology in India and marks a big step for Make in India.

Bans on the use of polythene bags- U.P.

Uttar Pradesh government has decided to enforce the ban on the use of polythene across the state to protect the environment and public health. Decision in this regard was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav as per the directives of Allahabad High Court to prohibit its usage. Key facts The ban prohibits manufacturing, importing, purchasing and storage of all kinds of plastic carry bags in state. Henceforth, no shopkeeper, wholesaler or retailer in the state would be able to use, store or purchase plastic carry bags for eatable or non-eatable items. However, the ban will not be applicable on carry bags used for packaging purposes. State Government is also looking at alternative material that can be distributed to the people. ​Background On November 18, 2015 Allahabad High Court had directed the state government to issue a notification for complete ban on the sale of polythene across the state by December 31, 2015 in view of its negative impact on people’s health as well as environment.

India willing to join the fight against the Islamic State

India is willing to join the fight against the Islamic State terror group under the flag of the United Nations if such a resolution is adopted by the world body. “We have made it clear that if there is a UN resolution and if there is UN flag and a UN mission, then as per India’s policy to operate under UN flag, we will participate,” Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar  in response to questions after paying homage at the Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate on the eve of Vijay Diwas. Mr. Parrikar’s is the first comment by a senior minister of the Modi government detailing the stand of the government on the IS and India’s willingness to militarily join the fight against the terror group. India is an active participant of UN peace keeping operations, but has not actively engaged its military in any offensive abroad after the disastrous Indian Peace KeepingForce (IPKF) operations in Sri Lanka. There are only sporadic instances of offensive military engagements under the UN flag. India had been under pressure from the US to join the western coalition that has launched airstrikes against IS which is controlling large areas in Syria and Iraq and has established a Caliphate.

Prestigious South East Asia Write Award 2015

Indian-origin writer Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali from Singapore has been awarded prestigious 2015 South East Asia Write Award. The award was bestowed upon him at the annual ASEAN regional award for literary excellence in Bangkok, Thailand. About Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali Jamaludeen Mohamed Sali (famously known as J M Sali) was born in Madras in 1939. He had moved to Singapore at the age of 25 after he was invited to be an assistant editor of newspaper Tamil Murasu by its founder late G Sarangapani. In Singapore, he had worked at local broadcasting station and produced books on famous people including martial art icon Bruce Lee and legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. He has been writing for over 5 decades and has written 57 books, 80 plays and more than 400 short stories. His short stories like Vellai Kodugal (White Lines), Alaigal Pesuginrana (the Sound Of The Waves) are being studied by Tamil Literature students in Singapore and Indian universities. Awards and Honours: He has won several literary awards to his credit including Singapore’s prestigious Cultural Medallion.

Varanasi City of Music

Two cities are Varanasi City (Uttar Pradesh): It has been added in the City of Music category of network. Jaipur City (Rajasthan): It has been added in the City of Crafts and Folk Art category of network. It was announced by UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. They are among the 47 cities from 33 countries that have been designated as new members of UNESCO Creative Cities Network. About UNESCO Creative Cities Network UCCN was launched in 2004. It aims to strengthen cooperation with and among cities that have recognised creativity as a strategic factor of sustainable development in regards with the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspects. The Network covers seven creative fields including Crafts and Folk Arts, Film, Media Arts, Gastronomy, Design, Literature and Music.

Saudi voters elect 20 women candidates for the first time

Saudi voters have elected 20 women for local government seats, according to results, a day after women voted and ran in elections for the first time in the country’s history. The women who won hail from vastly different parts of the country, ranging from Saudi Arabia’s largest city to a small village near Islam’s holiest site. The 20 female candidates represent just one per cent of the roughly 2,100 municipal council seats up for grabs, but even limited gains are seen as a step forward for women who had previously been completely shut out of elections. Women are still not allowed to drive and are governed by guardianship laws that give men final say over aspects of their lives like marriage, travel and higher education. Though there are no quotas for female council members, an additional 1,050 seats are appointed with approval by the king who could use his powers to ensure more women are represented.

Around 7,000 candidates, among them 979 women, competed in the election for a seat on the municipal councils, which are the only government body elected by Saudi citizens. The two previous rounds of voting for the councils, in 2005 and 2011, were open to men only. The conservative capital of Riyadh saw the most women candidates win, with four elected. The Eastern Province, where minority Shiites are concentrated, saw two women elected, saidHamad Al-Omar, who heads the General Election Commission’s media council. SaudiArabia’s second largest and most cosmopolitan city, Jeddah, also elected two women, as did one of the most conservative regions, Qassim. The mayor of the city of Mecca, Osama al-Bar, told the AP that a woman won in a village called Madrakah, about 150 kilometres north of the city that houses the cube-shaped Kaaba to which Muslims around the world pray. Another woman won in Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad’s first mosque was built. Other women hailing from the kingdom’s northernmost areas won, with two elected in Tabuk, one in al-Jawf and another in Hail. Additionally, a woman won in Saudi Arabia’s southern border area of Jizan, another in Asir and two won in al-Ahsa. Many women candidates ran on platforms that promised more nurseries to offer longer daycare hours for working mothers, the creation of youth community centers with sports and cultural activities, improved roads, better garbage collection and overall greener cities.

India has fourth position in black money

India has been placed at fourth position in black money outflows among the developing and emerging economies. It was revealed by Global Financial Integrity’s (GFI’s) Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries: 2004-2013 Report.  Key facts Record 1.1 trillion dollars flowed illicitly out of developing and emerging economies in 2013. Top 10 countries: China (1st), Russia (2nd), Mexico (3rd), India (4th), Malaysia (5th), Brazil (6th), South Africa (7th), Thailand (8th), Indonesia (9th) and Nigeria (10th). China tops the list with 139 billion dollars average outflow of black money per annum. It was around 258.64 billion dollars in year 2013. China was followed by Russia (104 billion dollars per annum) and Mexico (52.8 billion dollars per annum). The illegal capital (black money) outflows are mainly attributed to tax evasion, crime, corruption and other illicit activity. In case of India, 51 billion dollars black money outflowed per annum between the decade long period from 2004 to 2013.

Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day (HRD) is marked annually on 10th December to commemorate the day in 1948 when the United Nations (UN) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The theme chosen for the year 2015 HRD is ‘Our Rights. Our Freedoms. Always’. It marks the launch of a 1 year campaign commemorating two international human rights treaties International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Both of the treaties were adopted in 1966. Background Human Rights Day was formally established at the 317th Plenary Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 4 December 1950. It was established after UNGA declared Resolution 423(V) by inviting all member states and any other interested organizations to celebrate the day to the mark the first global enunciation of human rights and one of the first major achievements of the UN.

Female Badminton Player of the Year award 2015

World number one women shuttler Carolina Marin from Spain has won the 2015 Female Badminton Player of the Year award. She was presented with the award by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) President Poul-Erik Hoyer in Dubai. India’s Saina Nehwal along with Zhao Yunlei of China (2014 winner) and another Chinese Bao Yixin were in race for this annual award in Female category. Other categories winners Male Player of the Year award: Chen Long (China). Most Promising Player of the Year: Zheng Si Wei (China). Male Para-Badminton Player of the Year award: Lee Sam Seop (South Korea). Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year award: Helle Sofie Sagoy (Norway). Carolina Marín is currently ranked No. 1 in the world by Badminton World Federation Women’s Singles 2015 rankings. She has won in World Championships in women’s single category two times in 2014 and 2015 respectively. She also has won five World Superseries titles.

Imphal-Myanmar bus service launched

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Wednesday flagged off a tourist bus from Imphal. It will go up to Mandalay in Myanmar. The bus carrying 27 passengers including five officials of the Ministry of Road Transport is travelling will be run on an experimental basis.
While more and more people from India want to travel to Myanmar there are many Manipuri origin settlers in that country who long for visiting India.
Officials hopes the bilateral ties will improve once there is regular service. Meanwhile, the Centre is planning to open ‘visa on arrival’ facility in Manipur for the benefits of the travellers from South East Asian countries. n they visit either of the countries.

‘Sanitation goals not met’

The government could achieve just above half of its pledged target on construction of individual household lavatories under the total sanitation campaign in the past five years, according to the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) of India. The campaign was launched with an objective of providing access to toilets to all by 2012. Rechristened as Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan in 2012, the deadline was pushed to 2022. The CAG report, tabled in Parliament on Tuesday, said against the objective of 426.32 lakh and 469.76 lakh individual household latrines for BPL and APL families respectively, project districts could construct only 222.32 lakh (and 207.55 lakh.

‘Green energy targets remain a mirage’

Even as countries negotiate to arrive at a new global accord to counter the climate change crisis in Paris, an audit report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday showed that the government had failed to meet its targets for scaling up the use of renewable energy sources under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
The NAPCC had envisaged raising renewable energy sources to 8 per cent of the national energy mix for electricity by 2012-13 and 9 per cent by 2013-14. Just about half of that target was met, according to the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG). The national achievement for purchase of electricity from renewable energy sources in those two years was only 4.28 per cent and 4.51 per cent, respectively, the CAG observed. Except for Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh, none of the 24 States it reviewed had fixed their renewable purchase obligations.

South Western Introduced Railways Biodiesel for trains

The South Western Railways (SWR) Zone with headquarters in Hubli, Karnataka has introduced biodiesel for trains, operating under its zone. In this regard, SWR’s first train Hubballi-Bengaluru Janshatabdi Express powered by five per cent biodiesel blended with High Speed Diesel was flagged off from Hubli. The main aim of the initiative is to reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission and carbon footprint and also to make fuel consumption more efficient. To meet its biodiesel demand, SWR zone has set up Biodiesel filling centres at Hubli, Bengaluru and Hospet. In next one year all the 13 railway depots within the zone will have their own filling units and the biodiesel blending will be gradually increased to ten percent. Biodiesel Biodiesel is a green fuel that provides quasi-renewable energy for cleaner alternatives as sustainable fuel for diesel locomotives and reduces dependency on fossil fuel especially diesel. It is commonly obtained from crops such as sugarcane, cassava, corn, potato, beetroot and recently from grapes, banana and dates etc. Union Government is promoting use of biodiesel in India Railways for the purpose of energy security, cleaner air and savings in foreign exchange along with employment opportunities in rural areas.

First red alert on pollution (smog) it its Capital Beijing

The Chinese government has issued its first red alert on pollution (smog) it its Capital Beijing due to hazardous air quality caused by severe air pollution. The warning was an upgrade from the previous second highest orange alert. The red alert is the most serious (highest) warning on a four-tier system of emergency air-pollution response system was adopted in 2013. Under the alert Government has advised schools to be voluntarily close unless they had good air filtration systems. Half of private cars in the capital city would be also ordered off the road during the period with an odd-even number plate system in force. The other extra measures to be enforced include halting outdoor construction, banning fireworks and outdoor cooking. China, the world’s biggest carbon emitter in recent times is grappling with the serious chronic problem of the air pollution leading to smog in cities. Most of the pollution is caused by the coal-fired power plants along with vehicle emissions, heating systems and construction and factory work. Particulate matter (PM) 2.5 Readings of Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 particles in Beijing also has climbed 300 micrograms per cubic meter which is far more than World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit of 25 per cubic meter. PM2.5 are fine particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter that may occur naturally or from anthropogenic activities like human industrial processes. They often reach the lungs causing lifelong respiratory disease and may be fatal if it mixes into the bloodstream.

Proposal to achieve zero emissions growth by 2060-80

The final draft of the Paris Climate agreement which will be taken up for discussion in the high-level segment of Ministers beginning Monday was released by the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change.

French President Francois Hollande said instituting a review mechanism to monitor compliance on carbon emissions by countries, and transfer of climate-friendly technologies to developing nations continue to be hurdles, but they could be resolved by “pushing ahead”. Future generations will be “very strict when they judge what was done by heads of state here” to avert dangerous climate change, he said.

The draft text has several optional provisions and amendments for consideration by various parties, as the French Presidency and the member nations of the UNFCCC thrash out differences and try to arrive at a consensus. The unresolved issues are placed within square brackets in the text.

Informed sources confirmed that India felt that a transparency and accountability regime should not treat rich and poor nations alike. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had conveyed as much to President Barack Obama during their meeting in Paris for the Leaders Event. For example, India does not have the capacity to measure automotive emissions based on vehicle use accurately, while the U.S. does that every year.

An agreement in Paris is keenly awaited not just by governments but by the global business community too, as it would unlock massive investments in renewable energy technologies by recognising plans that cover 94 per cent of global carbon emissions of 184 countries. The insurance industry also views it with importance, as intense weather events cause more losses.

On behalf of the G77+China, its chairperson Mxakato-Diseko tweeted, “G77 welcomes that we now have a Party-driven negotiating text.”

The overall goal of the Parisagreement, to keep global temperature rise to a specified quantum compared topre-industrial levels, is pegged at either “below 1.5°C”, or, as “well below2°C”.

World Bank launched $500 million dollars Transformative Carbon Asset Facility

The World Bank has launched a $500 million dollars Transformative Carbon Asset Facility (TCAF) to help developing countries pay for emission reductions and combat climate change. It is market-based scheme specially designed to help developing countries and would establish the world’s first programmatic carbon market. Key facts The scheme will reward countries for reducing emissions by paying a fee for each tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) reduced. The facility will help countries implement their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Of the total 500 million dollars, Germany, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland have jointly pledged an initial 250 million dollars investment. The scheme would support renewable energy, energy efficiency and waste management projects as well to cut emissions in cities and from the transport sector.

Australia won the Men’s Hockey World League 2014-15

Australia has won the 2014-15 Men’s Hockey World League Final by defeating Belgium. In the final match played at Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel Stadium, Raipur Australian team defeated Belgium by 2-1 goals. India was placed at third place in this league after defeating world number two and defending champions Netherlands by 3-2 goals in the penalty shoot-out. Top three teams of Hockey World League Final Champions: Australia (1st title). Runner-up: Third place: In this edition of Men’s Hockey World League Final total 8 teams had participated. They were Australia, India (Host), Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Argentina, Netherlands and Canada.

90% of disasters weather related

A new UN-backed report, titled The Human Cost of Weather Related Disasters, found that since 1995, over 600,000 people have died as a result of weather-related disasters with 4.1 billion people injured, left homeless or in need of emergency assistance, Xinhua quoted UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric as saying on Monday.

The five countries hit by the highest number of disasters were the US, China, India, Philippines and Indonesia, said Dujarric.

The report issued by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) notes data gaps, saying that only 35 per cent of records include information about economic losses.

UNISDR estimated that the true figure on disaster losses — including earthquakes and tsunamis — was between $250 billion and $300 billion annually.

According to the report, Asia accounts for the “lion’s share of disaster impacts” including 332,000 deaths and 3.7 billion people affected.

The death toll in Asia included 138,000 deaths caused by Cyclone Nargis which struck Myanmar in 2008.

The report also highlights that floods accounted for 47 per cent of all weather-related disasters from 1995-2015, affecting 2.3 billion people and killing 157,000.

Storms were the deadliest weather-related disaster, accounting for 242,000 deaths (40 per cent) of the global weather-related deaths, with 89 percent of these deaths occurring in lower-income countries.

Overall, heatwaves accounted for 148,000 of the 164,000 lives lost due to extreme temperatures, with 92 percent of deaths occurring in high-income countries, said the report.

Finally, drought reportedlyaffects Africa more than any other continent, with 136 events between 1995 and2015, including 77 droughts in East Africa alone, the report showed.

2016-17 में जीसेट-17, जीसेट-18 का प्रक्षेपण करेगी एरियनस्पेस

भारतीय अंतरिक्ष अनुसंधान संगठन (इसरो) के संचार उपग्रहों जीसेट-17 और जीसेट-18 का प्रक्षेपण फ्रेंच गुआना से 2016-17 में करने की योजना है।एरियनस्पेस ने एक बयान में कहा, ‘इसरो ने संचार उपग्रह जीसेट-17 और जीसेट-18 के प्रक्षेपण के लिए एरियनस्पेस को चुना है। फ्रेंच गुआना के कोउरू में यूरोप के अंतरिक्ष केंद्र गुआना स्पेस सेंटर से एरियन 5 अंतरिक्षयान से दोनों उपग्रहों का प्रक्षेपण किया जाएगा।’ प्रक्षेपण के समय 3400-3400 किलोग्राम वजनी दोनों उपग्रहों का डिजाइन इसरो ने तैयार किया है और उसने इन्हें अंतिम रूप प्रदान किया है।एरियनस्पेस के चेयरमैन और सीईओ स्टीफन इस्राइल ने कहा, ‘जीसेट-17 और जीसेट-18 के प्रक्षेपण के करार पर दस्तखत करने के साथ एरियनस्पेस और इसरो की 34 साल पुरानी साझेदारी को नयी गति मिली है।’ कल फ्रेंच गुआना से जीसेट-15 के सफल प्रक्षेपण के फौरन बाद इसरो के उपग्रह केंद्र निदेशक एम अन्नादुरई ने कहा कि अगले साल दोनों संचार उपग्रहों का प्रक्षेपण एरियन अंतरिक्षयान से करने की योजना है।

दक्षिणी हिंद महासागर में आया 7.1 तीव्रता का जबरदस्त भूकंप

दक्षिणी हिंद महासागर में 7.1 तीव्रता का शक्तिशाली भूकंप आया लेकिन इससे जान माल की किसी प्रकार की क्षति होने की आशंका काफी कम है।
यूएस जियोलॉजिकल सर्वे ने कल बताया कि मैकडोनल्ड द्वीप और हर्ड द्वीप के पूर्व-पूवोत्तर में करीब 1020 किलोमीटर दूर सुबह 6 बजकर 24 मिनट (अंतरराष्ट्रीय समयानुसार सोमवार रात 10 बजकर 24 मिनट पर) भूकंप आया।
इसका केंद्र दक्षिणपूर्व भारतीय रिज में था जो कि दक्षिणी हिंद महासागर के सागर तल पर स्थित एक टेक्टिोनिक प्लेट सीमा है।

10 entities to set up small finance banks

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has granted in principle approval to 10 entities to set up small finance banks to provide basic banking services to small farmers and micro industries. The in-principle approval will enable these entities comply with the guidelines on Small Finance Banks and will be valid for 18 months. 10 entities are: Au Financiers (India) Ltd, Capital Local Area Bank, Disha Microfin Private Ltd, Equitas Holdings P Limited, ESAF Microfinance and Investments Private Ltd, Janalakshmi Financial Services Private Limited, RGVN (North East) Microfinance Limited, Suryoday Micro Finance Private Ltd, Ujjivan Financial Services Private Ltd and Utkarsh Micro Finance Private Ltd. As per RBI guidelines, the small finance banks can provide basic banking services in order to promote financial inclusion. It will include services like accepting deposits and lending to the unbanked sections such as micro business enterprises, small farmers, micro and small industries and unorganised sector entities.

Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) with Rs. 2000 crore

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has established Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) with Rs. 2000 crore corpus expanding reach of banking services. This fund will support the developmental and promotional activities covered under the financial inclusion initiatives. Key facts FIF has been established as a single entity (fund) by merging Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) and Financial Inclusion Technology Fund (FITF). It will provide support for funding the setting up and operational cost for running financial inclusion and Literacy Centres. One of its major objective will be enhanced investment in Green Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solution. It will be administered by the reconstituted Advisory Board constituted by Union Government and will be maintained by NABARD. Contribution to FIF would be from the interest differential in excess of 0.5 per cent on Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) and Short-Term Cooperative Rural Credit (STCRC) deposits. These deposits are held on account of shortfall in priority sector lending kept with NABARD by banks.

दक्षिण एशिया फुटबॉल फेडरेशन अंडर-16 चैंपियनशिप-2015

• दक्षिण एशिया फुटबॉल फेडरेशन (Saff-South Assian Football Federation) अंडर-16 चैंपियनशिप के तीसरे संस्करण का आयोजन 9-18 अगस्त, 2015 के मध्य सिलहट जिला स्टेडियम, बांग्लादेश में किया गया।
• प्रतियोगिता के फाइनल मैच में बांग्लादेश ने पेनाल्टी शूटआउट में भारत को 4-2 से पराजित कर पहली बार इस चैंपियनशिप का खिताब जीता।
• प्रतियोगिता में प्रतिभाग करने वाली 6 टीमों (अफगानिस्तान, बांग्लादेश, भारत, मालदीव, नेपाल व श्रीलंका) के मध्य कुल 9 मैच खेले गए ।
• प्रतियोगिता में सर्वाधिक तीन गोल करने वाले भारत के सौरभ मेहर को टॉप स्कोरर चुना गया।
• वितरित पुरस्कारों का विवरण निम्नवत है-गोल्डन बूट पुरस्कार-सौरभ मेहर (भारत), मैन ऑफ द टूर्नामेंट पुरस्कार-सरवार जमन निपु (बांग्लादेश), फीफा फेयर प्ले अवार्ड-नेपाल
• उल्लेखनीय है कि वर्ष 2011 में शुरू इस चैंपियनशिप का पहला खिताब पाकिस्तान ने जीता था।

यूईएफए यूरोपा अवॉर्ड-2014-15

• 27 अगस्त, 2015 को बार्सिलोना फुटबॉल क्लब के अर्जेंटीनियाई खिलाड़ी लियोनल मेसी को यूईएफए बेस्ट प्लेयर इन यूरोपा अवॉर्ड 2014-15 प्रदान किया गया।
• लियोनल मेसी को बेस्ट प्लेयर के लिए निर्णायकों से कुल 49 मत मिला जबकि दूसरे व तीसरे स्थान पर रहने वाले लुईस सुआरेज व क्रिस्टिआनो रोनाल्डो का क्रमशः 3 व 2 मत प्राप्त हुआ।
• इसके साथ ही लियोनल मेसी को यूरोपियन वेस्ट प्लेयर ऑफ द ईयर के लिए भी चुना लिया गया।
• उल्लेखनीय है कि इन्हें गत सत्र (2014-15) के लिए दूसरी बार नामित किया गया। वर्ष 2010-11 में इन्हें यूईएएफ बेस्ट प्लेयर इन यूरोप अवार्ड प्रदान किया गया था।
• उल्लेखनीय है कि उन्होनें गत सत्र (2014-15) में 57 मैचों में कुल 58 गोल किया।
• इसके अतिरिक्त मेसी को 3 बार फीफा बैलून डी’ ओर (2010,2011,2012) भी प्राप्त हो चुका है।
• सत्र 2014-15 को यूईएफए बेस्ट वुमेन्स प्लेयर इन यूरोप अॅवार्ड के लिए फ्रैंकफर्ट टीम की सेलिआ सेसिक (जर्मनी) को नामित किया गया था।
• फाइनल व अंतिम राउंड ने सेसिक को निर्णायक मंडल से कुल 11 मत प्राप्त हुआ जबकि लियोन टीम की अमानडिने हेनरी (फ्रांस) व फ्रैंकफर्ट टीम की इजसेनीफर मारोजसान (जर्मनी) ने 4 व 3 मत प्राप्त कर क्रमशः दूसरा व तीसरा स्थान प्राप्त किया।
• उल्लेखनीय की पुरुष वर्ग के लिए यूईएफए बेस्ट प्लेयर इन यूरोपा अवॉर्ड की शुरूआत वर्ष 2010-11 में तथा महिला वर्ग के लिए यूइएफए बेस्ट वुमेन्स प्लेयर इन यूरोपा अवॉर्ड की शुरूआत वर्ष 2012-13 में की गयी।

फीफा U17 विश्व कप-2015

• 17 अक्टूबर से 8 नवंबर, 2015 के मध्य फीफा U-17 विश्व कप का आयोजन चिली में किया गया।
• 8 नवंबर, 2015 को खेले गए फाइनल मैच में नाइजीरिया ने माली को 2-0 से पराजित कर खिताब जीता।
• जबकि तीसरा व चौथा स्थान क्रमशः बेल्जियम व मैक्सिको ने प्राप्त किया।
• प्रतियोगिता में सर्वाधिक 10 गोल करने वाले नाइजीरिया के विक्टर ओसीमेन को गोल्डन बूट का पुरस्कार प्रदान किया है।
• प्रतियोगिता के सर्वश्रेष्ठ खिलाड़ी केलेची नाकाली (नाइजीरिया) को गोल्डन बाल का पुरस्कार प्रदान किया गया।
• प्रतियोगिता के सर्वश्रेष्ठ गोलकीपर सैमुअल डियारा (माली) को गोल्डन ग्लव पुरस्कार प्रदान किया गया है।
• टूर्नामेंट का फेयर प्ले अवार्ड इक्वाडोर को प्रदान किया गया।
• टूर्नामेंट में प्रतिभाग करने वाली 24 टीमों के मध्य कुल 52 मैच खेले गये।

New secret planetary system

Astronomers have discovered a new secret planetary system which has 3 super-Earths and one outer giant planet. This secret planetary system christened as HD219134, is located at a distance of just 21 light years from Earth and has the constellation named Cassiopeia. The constellation hosts one outer giant planet and three inner super-Earths. Of these inner planets, one of them transits in front of the star and so far it is the closest transiting planet known. The transiting super Earth planet has a density similar to the Earth. The three inner planets are mostly rocky. This new secret planetary system was discovered by using HARPS-N spectrograph, a specially designed high-precision radial-velocity instrument built by an international consortium. It has been installed at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo on the La Palma Island in Spain.

1st December World Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome

Every year on 1st December World Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Day is being observed to raise awareness of the pandemic caused by the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It also seeks to remember those who have died of the disease by mourning. The theme for year 2015 is ‘Getting to zero, End AIDS by 2030‘. Government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), health officials and individuals around the world observe the day and often spread awareness and education on AIDS prevention and control. Background: World Health Organization (WHO) had designated 1st December as World AIDS Day in 1987. Since then it is observed annually and is one of the eight official global public health campaigns marked by the WHO. Common reasons for getting infected with AIDS Unprotected sex with an infected person. During pregnancy from mother to child or even breastfeeding. Through transfusion of blood. Using of hypodermic needles of infected person to other person.

The Union Government has launched inactivated polio vaccine

The Union Government has launched inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) injection as part of the global polio endgame strategy in New Delhi. The vaccine was launched by the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda in New Delhi. It was launched as part of India’s next step in Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) to fight against polio virus in the country. Key facts   The launching of IPV would enable children to get double protection from polio i.e. orally and in the form of injection. UIP initially will cover six states including Uttar Pardesh , Madhya Pardesh , Bihar, Assam, Punjab and Gujarat in the first phase. By April 2016, Union Government would switch to IPV alongside the oral polio vaccine (OPV) to eradicate polio virus in the country. Henceforth, as part of India’s efforts to boost its polio immunization programme babies getting their third dose of OPV now would be administered an injection with IPV. It should be noted that India was certified polio-free country on 27 March 2014, but the immunization programme continues since two of its neighbours Afghanistan and Pakistan still remain polio-endemic countries. About Polio virus Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children below age of 5. Transmission: The virus is transmitted from person-to-person. It mainly spreads through the faecal-oral route (e.g. contaminated water or food). After entering body, it multiplies in the intestine, from where it can invade the nervous system and can cause paralysis. Symptoms: Initial symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness in the neck, and pain in the limbs. In some cases, it causes permanent paralysis. There is no cure for polio virus, it can only be prevented by immunization.

India has been ranked 131 out of 167 nations on ICT Development Index

India has been ranked 131 out of 167 nations on ICT Development Index (IDI) that measures the level of information and communication technology access. It was revealed in UN International Telecommunications Union’s (ITU) flagship annual Measuring the Information Society (MISR) Report. Key highlights of report Globally 3.2 billion people are now online i.e. having internet connection representing 43.4 per cent of the world’s population. Worldwide, mobile-cellular subscriptions have reached almost 7.1 billion representing 95 per cent of the global population. Top three countries in IDI 2015: South Korea, Denmark and Iceland. Disparity in Internet access: 81.3 per cent of households in the developed world have home Internet access, compared to 34.1 per cent in the developing world. It is just 6.7 per cent in the 48 UN-designated Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Asia-Pacific Region: It is the most diverse region in terms of ICT development that reflects stark differences in levels of economic development. 6 economies in this region including the South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan have IDI rankings in the top 20 of the global distribution. This region also includes ten of the IDI’s least connected countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. India: Mobile-cellular telephone subscriptions in India per 100 inhabitants is 74.48 in 2014. The percentage of households with computer is 13 per cent, while the percentage of households with Internet access was 15.33. Further the percentage of individuals using the Internet has grown to 18 per cent in 2014.