January 2016 GK Current Affairs Capsule

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January 2016
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01 January 2016 Current Affairs

Shyam Benegal to head panel to revamp censor board
The information and broadcasting ministry on 1 January 2016 constituted a panel under director
Shyam Benegal to give recommendations for restructuring of censor board, which has been mired in
controversies in the recent past.The panel, which would submit its report in two months, includes
filmmaker Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra, adman Piyush Pandey and film critic Bhawana
Somaaya.Apart from these, National Film Development Council MD Nina Lath Gupta and Joint
Secretary (Films) Sanjay Murthy would also be part of committee.
Dress Code For Devotees Visiting Tamil Nadu Shrines From January
Devotees entering temples in Tamil Nadu will have to follow a new dress code from January 1 as
several important shrines have put up notice boards highlighting this.The dress code for entering the
temples was being followed on the orders of the Madras High court on December 1. According to a
notice board outside the Palani temple, male devotees have been advised to wear dhoti, shirt, pyjama
or pant and shirt while women and girls should wear saris or chudidhar or pavadai with halfsari.Devotees wearing lungi, bermudas, jeans and tight-leggings would not be allowed.
Sikh community has the lowest sex ratio in India

According to the 2011 census, there were 828 girls in the age of 0 to 6 years in the Sikh community in
comparison to 1,000 boys. Jain community has the second worst sex ratio as there were 889 girls
against 1,000 boys in the age group of 0 to 6 years in the community.Among other communities, there
were 958 Christian girls against 1,000 boys, 913 Hindu girls against 1,000 boys, 943 Muslim girls
against 1,000 boys and 933 Buddhist girls against 1,000 boys.The child sex ratio of total population in
the country was 918 girls against 1,000 boys.

e ASIA 2015 Award to DAVA Project
DAVA The Drug Authentication and Verification Application Project (Department of Commerce)
bags e ASIA 2015 Award in the Category of Trade Facilitation. APCTF Asia Pacific Council for
Trade Facilitation and Tehra based electronic business announced this Award.
Kerosene Subsidy direct benefit to consumers from April 1st

Nation Wide Eight states are going to implement direct benefit of transfer in Kerosene to consumers
from April 1st 2016. The Programme initially start with some selected districts in eight states are
(Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab,
Rajasthan).

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India beat Afghanistan 2-1 to lift SAFF Cup title for 7th time
India defeated Afghanistan 2-1 in final match held in Thiruvananthapuram on 3 January 2016 to won
the SAFF Cup for the seventh time.Previously India won in 1993, 1997, 1999, 2005, 2009, 2011 and
now 2015.2015 SAFF Cup was the 11th edition of the biennial SAFF Championship and was held at
Trivandrum International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala). The 2017 SAFF Cup will be hosted
by Bangladesh.
Prime Minister inaugurated 103rd edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC)
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 103rd edition of the Indian Science Congress (ISC) in
Mysore on 3 January 2016.The event is being held at the University of Mysore from January 3 to 7
and the theme of this edition of the event is Science & Technology for Indigenous Development in
India.More than 15000 delegates from across India. Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) is a
premier scientific organisation of India and it has been hosting the ISC since 1914. Narendra Modi
calling on Indian scientists to keep the economy, environment, energy, empathy and equity at the
heart of their endeavors in the interest of impactful science.
Narendra Modi Laid Foundation Stone Of HAL`S Helicopter Facility

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3 January 2016 unveiled a plaque for the foundation stone of a new
helicopter manufacturing unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Tumkur district in
Karnataka.The government is investing over Rs 5,000 crore on this new unit. This will be the first
factory in India to indigenously assemble helicopters through its own innovations and technology.
President Pranab gave a assent to five key legislations

Mukherjee gave nod to the five key legislation,which are passed in winter session of Parliament.
Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Act; the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes
(Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act; the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and
Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Act; The Atomic Energy (Amendment) Act; and the
Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Act, 2015.

Lodha committee proposes sweeping reforms for BCCI
Former Chief Justice of India, R.M. Lodha, submitted his report on the various aspects of reforms in
the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to the Supreme Court registry on 4 January 2016.The
panel headed by justice (retd) RM Lodha was appointed by the apex court last year in the wake of a
sport-fixing scandal in Indian Premier League (IPL), the biggest crisis to hit the cash-rich sports body
in the country. The three-member panel, which submitted a 159-page report on January 4 to the
Supreme Court for ratification.
6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Northeast India
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A 6.7 magnitude earthquake hit Indias remote northeast region of Imphal on 4 January 2016, killing
at least six people, injuring more than 100 others and causing damage to several buildings.The
epicenter of the quake was in Tamenglong region of Manipur state.
Indian consulate in Afghanistan city Mazar-i-Sharif attacked

The Indian consulate in northern Afghanistan city of Mazar-i-Sharif was site of heavy firing by
unidentified gunmen on 3 January.Some firing on the consulate were also reported on 4 January.The
attack on the Indian consulate in Mazar-i-Sharif was yet another strike at Indian diplomatic missions in
strife-torn Afghanistan over the past few years. The worst attack was held on 7 July 2008 on the
Indian embassy in Afghanistan capital Kabul killing 58 people and injuring 141.

Jharkhand first state to sign MoU with Centre for power scheme UDAY
Jharkhand state become first state in country to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Ujwal
Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY) scheme with Union Government on 5 January 2015. In this regard
a tripartite MoU was signed between the state government, Union Ministry of Power and state power
distributor Jharkhand Bijli Vitaran Nigam Ltd (JBVNL).With this, the total number of states that would
be joining UDAY become 15. The other states that are on board UDAY are Andhra Pradesh, Punjab,
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Chhattisgarh and
Madhya Pradesh.Besides, four major states Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra and Odisha
have already given their in-principle approval to join UDAY.
Abid Ali Z. Neemuchwala appointed as CEO of Wipro

Indias third largest IT exporter Wipro Limited has appointed Abid Ali Z. Neemuchwala as the new
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Member of the Board of the company. He succeed incumbent
CEO T.K. Kurien who has been elevated as the Executive Vice Chairman of the company. Prior to
this appointment Neemuchwala was serving as the chief operating officer (COO) of the company
since April 2015. Before joining Wipro, he was working with Indias largest IT exporter Tata
Consultancy Services (TCS) for 23 years.
Pranav Dhanawade Scores 1009 runs in 323 balls

Mumbai teenager Pranav Dhanawade on 5 January 2015 scripted history by becoming the first
batsman ever to notch up a four-figure score by smashing an unbeaten knock of 1,009 in an interschool tournament in Mumbai. Pranav Dhanawade, the opening batsman of Smt KC Gandhi School
(Kalyan), scored an unbeaten 1009 off 323 balls, a knock which comprised 129 fours and 59 sixes
against Arya Gurukul School.He batted for 395 minutes and had a strike rate of 312.38. This innings
came in the HT Bhandari Cup inter-school tournament organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association
(MCA).
Union Government approves 33% reservation for women in CRPF & CISF
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Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on 5 January 2015, approved 33% reservation for women in
Constable level posts in Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) & Central Industrial Security Force
(CISF). Meanwhile, 14-15% posts at Constable level in border guarding forces i.e. Border Security
Forces, Sashastra Seema Bal & Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) will be reserved for women.In
2015, the Air Force had agreed to induct women pilots in combat roles, in effect from 2016. The first
batch will start training at Air Force Academy from this year. In March 2015, center had also approved
induction of women in Delhi police for 33% posts.
45 Indians in Forbes list of achievers under the age of 30

Forty-five Indians and Indian- origin people have made it to Forbes annual list of achievers in the US
under the age of 30 who are changing the rules of the game or creating entirely new play books
across varied fields. The Forbes fifth annual 30 Under 30 list features 600 women and men, who are
Americas most important young entrepreneurs, creative leaders and brightest stars and are
changing the world across 20 varied sectors.Others in the field are 28-year old Gagan Biyani and
Neeraj Berry who co-founded Sprig, a mobile app that lets one find and order healthy meals. Nila
Das, 27, vice-president at Citigroup is also among the list.
Other articles you might be interested in:

North Korea successfully conducted a hydrogen bomb test
The Government of North Korea claimed on 6 January 2016 that it has tested a Hydrogen bomb
which is a kind of Nuclear Bomb. The explosion due to the test was so strong that it generated an
earthquake measuring about 5.1 on the richter scale. All major countries of the world have
condemned the test of such weapon of mass destruction.
Kuwait recalls diplomats from Iran

The diplomatic crisis surrounding Saudi Arabia and Iran widened on 6 January 2016 as Kuwait
recalled its ambassador to Tehran and Bahrain severed air links in the face of growing international
concern. Joining Riyadh and its Sunni Arab allies in taking diplomatic action, Kuwait said it was
withdrawing its envoy over a weekend attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
India to implement stricter emission norms from April 1, 2020

In a bid to curb vehicular pollution, the government on 6 January 2016 decided to implement stricter
emission norms of Bharat Stage (BS) VI from 1 April 2020 by skipping BS-V altogether.At present, BS
IV norms are followed in parts of India and by 1 April 2017, the whole of the country is scheduled to
be covered under it.Government has decided to leapfrog from BS-IV to BS-VI directly by 1 April 2020.
Government decided to skip BS V emission norms.
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Consumer Electronics Show 2016 held at Las Vegas (Nevada, US)

Consumer Electronics Show or the CES is an international electronics and technology trade show
which brings together renowned companies and industry professionals under one roof. The show is
held every year in the month of January at the Las Vegas Convention Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada,
United States. This year the CES was inaugurated on 6 January 2016. The show is organized by
Consumer Electronics Association and it was inaugurated back in June 1967.

J&K Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed dead
Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed passed away in New Delhi on 7
January 2015 due to multiple organ failure. He was 79.Mr Sayeed, a two-time chief minister, started
his second tenure on March 1st, 2015 in alliance with the BJP, after having led the State government
between 2002-05 previously. He was the founder of the Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic
Party (JKPDP) that he founded in 1999.
Amitabh Kant to take over as NITI Aayog CEO

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed
Amitabh Kant as the chief executive officer of NITI Aayog on 7 January 2016. The appointment will
take effect after Mr.Kant retires from service in March.A 1980 batch Kerala cadre IAS officer, Mr.Kant
is currently serving as the Secretary in the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion in the
Ministry of Commerce and Industry.January 4, the Cabinets Appointments Committee had given
Mr.Kant additional charge of the NITI Aayog CEO from January 1, with the extended tenure of the
previous CEO Sindhushree Khullar coming to an end on December 31.
Cabinet approves MoU with Singapore to manage airports

The Union Cabinet on 6 January 2016 approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with
Singapore for operating and maintaining the terminal building of airports at Jaipur and Ahmedabad.
This is the first time the Airports Authority of India will award operation and maintenance contract to
any entity for terminal building. The objective of this MoU is to establish mutual cooperation in the field
of civil aviation.The MoU envisages collaboration with Singapore in areas such as traffic development,
commercial development, master planning and design, training and development, cargo handling and
management among others.
Israeli journalist, Palestinian pastor won Swedish rights prize

Israeli journalist Gideon Levy and Palestinian pastor Mitri Raheb on 7 January 2016 won the 2015
Olof Palme human rights prize for their fight against occupation and violence.Levy, a journalist at the
left-leaning Israeli daily Haaretz, and Raheb, a preacher and pastor in the Lutheran church in
Bethlehem, were honoured for their courageous and indefatigable fight against occupation and
violence, and for a future Middle East characterised by peaceful coexistence and equality for all.
Levy has published articles opposing the Israeli armys operations in Gaza in December 2008January 2009 and in July-August 2014.The Olof Palme Prize is an annual prize worth $75,000
(69,000 euros) awarded by the Swedish labour movement.It commemorates the memory of the
Nordic countrys Social Democratic prime minister Olof Palme, an outspoken international human
rights advocate who was assassinated in the Swedish capital in 1986.Since 1987 the award has
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honoured human rights defenders around the world including Burmas Aung San Suu Kyi and former
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.
D K Sikri appointed CCI chief

Devender Kumar Sikri, a former Gujarat cadre IAS officer, was appointed as Chairman of fair-trade
regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) on 7 January 2016. 62-year-old Sikri succeeds
Ashok Chawla, whose over four-year tenure as CCI chief ended January 7. Chawla has been the
former Finance Secretary and had succeeded Dhanendra Kumar, who demitted office in June 2011.
Sikri will have a tenure of about two and half years, i.e till he attains the age of 65 . He superannuated
as Secretary, Department of Justice on July 31, 2013. The former IAS officer had also been Secretary
in Ministry of Women and Child Development, Registrar General of Census and Collector of Rajkot
and Jamnagar, among others.

Azim Premji tops philanthropic list for third consecutive year
According to a report from Hurun Research Institute Azim Premji has been named the most
philanthropic Indian for the third consecutive year. His contribution for education more than doubled to
Rs 27,514 crore in 2015. His Foundation works to improve the quality of education across many
government schools in India.
RBI Urjit Patel reappointed as RBI deputy governor for three years
The government on 8 January 2016 re-appointed Urjit R. Patel as the Deputy Governor of the
Reserve Bank of India for a further period of three years with effect from taking charge of the post on
or after January 11, 2016, or, until further orders, whichever is earlier.Patel was earlier appointed as
Deputy Governor for a period of three years from January 11, 2013. Including Patel, the RBI has four
Deputy Governors. The other three Deputy Governors are HR Khan, R Gandhi and SS Mundra.
Jallikattu in T.N., bullock cart race in Maharashtra cleared

The Centre on 8 January 2016 issued a notification to permit jallikattu, Tamil Nadus traditional bulltaming sport, ahead of the Pongal festival.The notification overturns a 2011 notification that prohibited
the exhibition or training of bulls, and some other animals, as performing animals. The Supreme Court
had in 2014 upheld the 2011 government order.The present order permits jallikattu and bullock cart
races in Maharashtra, etc. despite Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi reportedly advising the
government against revoking the ban in view of the Supreme Courts ruling.
ISRO chairman received Reva Lifetime Achievement Award

ISRO chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar received Reva Lifetime Achievement Award.The award, carrying a
purse of Rs. 1 lakh and a citation, presented to him on Founders Day that will be held on the
universitys premises (Rukmini Knowledge Park, Yelahanka, Bengalore).
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International short film festival begins in Warngal

International Short Film Festival is scheduled to begin in Hanmakonda, Warngal on 8 January 2016.
This is the first such film festival after the formation of Telangana state. Short film makers from several
countries besides regional directors will take part in the three-day event. All the short films will be
aired at the Kakatiya University auditorium. Maker of blockbuster movie Rudramadevi director
Gunasekhar and writer Thota Prasad will be felicitated on the occasion.On the second day of the
event on Saturday, IT minister KT Rama Rao will preside over the proceedings. The chairman of the
film festival is K Nageshwara Rao.
Raghuram Rajan conferred Central Banker Award by FT group

The Reserve Bank of India Governor, Raghuram Rajan has been conferred with the Central Banker of
the Year Award (Global and Asia Pacific) for 2016 by The Banker, a monthly publication of the
Financial Times Group focusing on banking. Rajan was selected for his efforts in stabilising the Indian
rupee, initiating key reforms to attract much needed foreign capital in the country and reining in a
runaway price appreciation

.cn becomes worlds largest code domain
Chinas country code domain .cn has become the worlds most commonly used in the internet with
16.36 million users, surpassing Germanys .de domain.According to the data released on 8 January
2016 by the China Internet Network Information Centre (CNNIC), which manages the domain, .cn
had 16.36 million users by the end of 2015.The .cn domain is also world leading in domain resolution
service, security and the ratio of benign uses.It is used by all central and provincial governments in
China and most telecom companies besides commercial banks.Multinationals including Apple,
Microsoft, Amazon and Citibank are among those using it.China has around 670 million internet users
and over 4.13 million websites, according to the official data.
Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis won WTA Brisbane trophy

Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis won their sixth consecutive title by lifting the WTA Brisbane trophy, in
Brisbane on 9 January 2016.They defeated the German players Angelique Kerber and Andrea
Petkovic 7-5, 6-1. Sania-Martina has won 26 consecutive matches and this is their sixth consecutive
title. They are on course to beat the record of 28 consecutive wins in doubles set by Gigi Fernandez
and Natasha Zvereva in 1994.
Nick Kyrgios, Daria Gavrilova lift Australia to Hopman Cup title

Nick Kyrgios and Daria Gavrilova had singles wins over Ukraine to lead Australia Green to the
Hopman Cup, the countrys first title in the mixed-team event in 17 years. Gavrilovas 6-4, 7-6 (6)
victory over Elina Svitolina gave Australia a 1-0 lead before Kyrgios clinched the title with a 6-3, 6-4
win over Alexandr Dolgopolov.
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Smriti Irani inaugurated 43rd New Delhi World Book Fair

Human Resource Minister Smriti Irani on 9 January 2016 inaugurated the 43rd edition of the New
Delhi World Book Fair which commenced in New Delhi with China as the guest of honour country and
a theme presentation of the cultural heritage of India.The nine-day fair, touted as the largest in Asia, is
hosting about 30 countries in which a series of programmes including panel discussions, dramas,
classical and folk dances, workshops, discussions, authors meets, conferences, seminars and
cultural programmes will be held.
Governors rule imposed in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir was placed under governors rule on 9 January 2016 with the process of new
government formation following the death of chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed taking some
time.The President cleared the recommendation of the Union home ministry for imposing governors
rule on the basis of a recommendation from J&K Governor N N Vohra.

Indian-origin girl tops Mensa test in UK
A 11-year-old Indian-origin girl in the UK has achieved the top possible score of 162 on a IQ test of
Mensa, becoming one of the youngest brainiest students in the country. Mumbai-born Kashmea Wahi
achieved the top score of 162 out of 162, putting her in the league of scientists Albert Einstein and
Steven Hawking and in the top 1 per cent of the countrys brightest. Both Hawking and Einstein are
thought to have an IQ of 160.
14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas was Observed on January 9

The first limited edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) was observed on 9 January 2016. Last year,
the government had decided to hold larger version of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) after every two
years and that limited version of the event will be organised in the intervening year. 13th edition of
PBD was held in Gandhinagar (Gujarat) in 2015. 9 January was chosen as the day for PBD as it was
on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, the greatest Pravasi, returned to India from South Africa
and led Indias freedom struggle. The event has been held annually since 2003.
Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland won the Chennai open title

Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland the Chennai open Singles title on 10 January 2016 after defeating
Borna Coric of Croatia in the final match. Stan Wawrinka won the title for the third time in a row, and
has won the title for the fourth time. Stan Wawrinka had won the Chennai Open singles title for the
first time in 2011.
73rd Golden Globe awards announced
Page 9
List of winners of the 73rd annual Golden Globe Awards, announced on 10 January 2016 in Beverly
Hills, California:
MOTION PICTURES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Picture, Drama: The Revenant."

Picture, Musical or Comedy: The Martian."
Actor, Drama: Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant."
Actress, Drama: Brie Larson, Room."
Director: Alejandro Inarritu, The Revenant."
Actor, Musical or Comedy: Matt Damon, The Martian."
Actress, Musical or Comedy: Jennifer Lawrence, Joy."
Supporting Actor: Sylvester Stallone, Creed."
Supporting Actress, Motion Picture: Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs."
Foreign Language: Son of Saul."
Animated Film: Inside Out."
Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin, Steve Jobs."
Original Score: Ennio Morricone, The Hateful Eight."
Original Song: Writings on the Wall" music and lyrics by Sam Smith, Jimmy
Napes), Spectre.
TELEVISION
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
Series, Drama: Mr. Robot."

Actor, Drama: Jon Hamm, Mad Men."
Actress, Drama: Taraji P. Henson, Empire."
Series, Comedy: Mozart in the Jungle."
Actor, Musical or Comedy: Gael Garcia Bernal, Mozart in the Jungle."
Actress, Musical or Comedy: Rachel Bloom, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend."
Movie or Limited Series: Wolf Hall."
Actor, Limited Series or TV Movie: Oscar Isaac, Show Me a Hero."
Actress, Movie or Limited Series: Lady Gaga, American Horror Story: Hotel."
Supporting Actor, Series, Limited Series or TV Movie: Christian Slater, Mr. Robot.
Supporting Actress, Series, Limited Series or TV Movie: Maura Tierney, The
Affair."
Canadian Milos Raonic defeated Roger Federer

Canadian Milos Raonic defeated Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 on 10 January 2016 to won the mens
singles event at the Brisbane International Tennis Tournament 2016. This was his eighth ATP
(Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour title.
Music artist David Bowie passed away

Music Legend David Bowie has died at the age of 69 following a battle with cancer. The singer
released his latest album Blackstar on his birthday on January 8. His last live performance was at a
New York charity concert in 2006. Blackstar, which includes just seven songs, has been well received
by critics.

Sikri takes over as new CCI chairman
Page 10
Former Gujarat cadre IAS officer Devender Kumar Sikri has taken oath as the Chairman of
Competition Commission of India on 11 January 2016.Mr. Sikri, a 1975 batch IAS officer, replaces
Ashok Chawla who demitted office on January 7 and will be the third chairman of the CCI. Mr. Chawla
had taken over from Dhanendra Kumar, who demitted office in June 2011. The 62-year-old Mr. Sikri,
who superannuated as secretary, department of justice in July 31, 2013, will have a two-and-a-half
year tenure (till he attains 65 years of age).
Syrian foreign minister visits India before peace talks

Syrias foreign minister arrived in New Delhi on 11 January 2016 for talks with his Indian counterpart,
trying to build international support for President Bashar al-Assads government before peace talks in
Geneva. Peace talks between Assads government and the Syrian opposition are due to begin on 25
January 2016 as part of an ambitious 18-month plan endorsed by the UN Security Council. Syrian
Foreign Minister Walid Muallem meet Sushma Swaraj and other government functionaries during a
three-day official visit
India-Australia social pact comes into force

A new social security agreement signed between India and Australia has come into operation
enabling people of both nations to avail retirement benefits in each others country, a pact likely to
boost bilateral business linkages.Australian Minister for Social Services Christian Porter and Minister
for Small Business and Assistant Treasurer Kelly ODwyer said the Commonwealth government
wanted to make sure people who lived and worked in more than one country were not
disadvantaged.The Agreement signed in November 2014 came into operation on January 1, 2016.
Reliance to set up Rs. 5,000-crore naval shipbuilding unit near Vizag

Reliance Group, led by billionaire Anil Ambani, will set up a naval ship-building facility near
Visakhapatnam at a cost of Rs. 5,000 crore. It is the single biggest investment in Andhra Pradesh
after its bifurcation.A memorandum of understanding to build the facility was signed between Reliance
ADA Group Chairman, Anil Ambani and AP Chief Minister, N. Chandrababu Naidu, at the CII
Partnership Summit and Sunrise AP Investment Meet on 10 January 2016.Reliance will establish the
facility at Rambilli, about 70 km from Vizag.
Binny Bansal appointed as CEO of Flipkart

E-commerce firm Flipkart on 11 January 2016 appointed Binny Bansal as the Chief Executive Officer
and Sachin Bansal as the Executive Chairman.Sachin Bansal, CEO and co-founder of Flipkart, will
be the Executive Chairman of the company and Binny Bansal, COO and co-founder of Flipkart, will be
the Chief Executive Officer.In his role as the Executive Chairman, Sachin will provide strategic
direction and mentor the senior leadership as also look for new investment opportunities.While, Binny
as the CEO will now be responsible for operationally driving the company and be accountable for
Flipkarts overall performance.

Sushma Swaraj to visit Palestine, Israel
Page 11
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will visit Israel and Palestine on January 17-18 to further
build on the goodwill generated by the trip of President Pranab Mukherjee to the two West Asian
nations three months back.Palestine will be Ms. Swarajs first destination where she will hold talks
with leadership of the country with an aim to boost bilateral engagement and deepen mutual
understanding at the political level.After completing her engagements in Palestine on January 17, Ms.
Swaraj will go to Israel the same day for a two-day visit during which she will hold discussions with the
Israeli leadership and review the entire gamut of India-Israel relations.
EPFO bags National Award on e-Governance

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation has won the National Award on e-Governance 2015-16
for launching the Universal Account Number (UAN).The UAN facility enables workers to transfer their
provident fund deposits while switching jobs anywhere in India easily.The EPFO won the gold award
in the innovative use of technology in e-governance category and the retirement body will get a cash
prize of Rs 2 lakh.The award will be presented by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions to the EPFO in the 19th National Conference on e-governance to be held in Nagpur on
January 22.
Strong Earthquake strikes off Indonesias Talaud islands

A strong earthquake struck off North Sulawesi province in central Indonesia 12 January 2016.The
U.S. Geological Survey said the magnitude 6.4 quake hit 233 kilometres (145 miles) southeast of
Sarangani in the Philippines, at a depth of 12.9 kilometres (8 miles).
Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar visit Colombo

Indian Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar on 12 January 2016 arrived in Sri Lanka to hold bilateral
discussions with the island nations leadership.Mr. Jaishankar is expected to meet Sri Lankan Prime
Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera among other dignitaries,
According to the report, during the course of his visit, Mr. Jaishankar is expected to pave the way for
the India-Sri Lanka Joint Commission (ISLJC) meeting scheduled to be held in Colombo next
month.External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is likely to attend the ISJLC meeting.

Cabinet approved India joining the International Energy Agency Ocean Energy Systems
On 13 January 2016 the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave its
approval for India becoming a member country of the International Energy Agency Ocean Energy
Systems (IEA-OES) by signing the Implementing Agreement (IA). The nodal agency for the
membership would be Earth System Science Organisation National Institute of Ocean Technology
(ESSO-NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.By becoming a member of the IEA-OES, India will
have access to advanced R&D teams and technologies across the world. India will partner in
developing test protocols along with other countries. This will help in testing Indian prototypes as per
international requirements and norms.
Union Budget for 2016-17 to be presented on 29 February
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The Union Budget for 2016-2017 will be presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitely on 29 February
2016.
NHAI signs MoU with ISRO and NECTAR

On 13 January 2016 NHAI signed Memorandum of Understanding with National Remote Sensing
Centre (NRSC) under Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and North East Centre for
Technology Application and Research (NECTAR) for use of spatial technology for monitoring and
managing National Highways.
MoU between India and Maldives for Health

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its ex-post facto
approval for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Maldives which was
signed
in
13
January
2014
on
cooperation
in
the
field
of
Health.
The Memorandum of Understanding covers the following areas of cooperation:-
i. Exchange & training of medical doctors, officials, other health professionals and
experts;
ii. Assistance in development of human resources and setting up of health care facilities;
iii. Medical and health research development;
iv. Management of healthcare sector and public health services;
v. Procurement of generic and essential drugs and assistance in sourcing of drug supplies;
vi. Health promotion and disease prevention;
vii. Traditional and; complementary Medicine
viii. Telemedicine; and
ix. Any other area of cooperation as may be mutually decided upon.
India signed loan agreement with Japan to clean Mula Mutha river in Pune
The Government of India on 13 Januar 2016 signed a loan agreement with Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) for pollution abatement of River Mula-Mutha in Pune under National River
Conservation Plan (NRCP) in the presence of Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change in Pune .The Government of Japan has committed to provide a soft loan
of 19.064 billion Yen (about Rs. 1000 crore) to Government of India for the project at an interest rate
of 0.30% per annum.
1971 Indo-Pak War Hero, Lieutenant General JFR Jacob Dies

Lieutenant General Jacob-Farj-Rafael Jacob (retired)( 92), hero of 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War
and former Governor of Goa and Punjab, died on 13 January 2016 in New Delhi. Born in 1923, Lt
Gen Jacob is best known for his role in Indias victory in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 and the
liberation of Bangladesh. Lt Gen Jacob, then a Major General, served as the Chief of Staff of the
Indian Armys Eastern Command during the war.

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Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis created world record by winning 29 matches in a row
Indias Sania Mirza and her Swiss partner Martina Hingis broke a 22-year-old world record by winning
their 29th womens doubles match in a row en route to their entry into the womens doubles final of
the WTA Sydney International, in Sydney on 14 January 2016.They defeated the Romanian Raluca
Olaru and Kazakhstans Yaroslava Shvedova 4-6, 6-3, 10-8 in the semi-final . The Sania-Hingis duo
has now surpassed the pair of Puerto Rican Gigi Fernandez and Belarus Natasha Zvereva, who won
28 matches on the trot.
Prime Minister conferred the Times Now Amazing Indians Awards 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 14 January 2016 conferred the Times Now Amazing
Indians Awards 2016 to all the awardees. The awards were given in recognition of great
achievements in the face of adversity.
List of Awardees
Name Category
Late Kallen Pokkudan The Eco Saviours
S Ramakrishnan Unstoppable Indians
Sunita Aralikar Stree Shakthi
Popatrao Pawar The Grass Roots Soldiers
Timothy Indian at Heart
Chintakindi Mallesham Incredible Innovators
Malavath Poorna Young Indians, Big Achievements
Damini Sen Young Indians, Big Achievements
Murugan S Ordinary Indians,Extraordinary Achievement
Mathews K Mathew Energising India
Yashraj Khaitan Global Indians
Ruma Roka Educators of India
WHO Declares End to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa
The World Health Organization on 14 January 2016 declared an end to the Ebola outbreak in Liberia
marking the first time since the outbreak began in 2014 that the three hardest hit countries
(including Sierra Leone and Guinea) have been considered Ebola-free.To be declared Ebola-free, the
countries had to have no cases for 42 days( or two 21-day incubation cycles of the virus).
Sikkim has become the first fully organic state in India

Sikkim has become Indias first fully organic state by implementing organic practices on around
75,000 hectares of agricultural land.In Sikkim around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land was
gradually converted to certified organic land by implementing organic practices and principles as per
guidelines laid down in National Programme for Organic Production. It was 12 years ago in 2003
when the Pawan Chamling-led government decided to make Sikkim an organic farming state through
a declaration in the legislative assembly.
Anti-tank missile Nag successful test fired
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The indigenously-built third generation anti-tank missile Nag was successfully test fired at
Mahajan Field Firing Range in Rajasthan.Nag is a third generation fire-and-forget anti-tank
missile developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) under the
Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP).
HeliNa is a helicopter-launched version of Nag missile.
Weight 42 kg (93 lb)
Length 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Operational range 500m to 4km (Land version), 7-10km (Air-launched).
Guidance system Incorporated with advance Active Imaging infra-red (IIR) seeker.
Severus Snape Alan Rickman passes away
British actor Alan Rickman, a classically trained stage star and screen villain in the Harry Potter saga
and other films, died on 14 January 2016. He was 69.Born to a working-class London family in 1946
and trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Rickman was often cast as the bad
guy; with his rich, languid voice he could invest evil with wicked, irresistible relish.Film roles included
the psychopathic villain Hans Gruber who tormented Bruce Willis in Die Hard in 1988; a deceased
lover who consoles his bereaved partner in 1990s Truly Madly Deeply; the wicked Sheriff of
Nottingham in Robin Hood- Prince of Thieves in 1991; and a wayward husband in 2003 romantic
comedy Love Actually.
SBI opens branch for startups, enters into wealth management space
State Bank of India became the first public sector lender to launch wealth management service, a
space dominated by private and foreign players, to cater to fast-growing affluent segment of the
country. The bank also inaugurated a dedicated branch for startups which will provide advisory
services to the budding entrepreneurs.The wealth management offering SBI Exclusif and the
start-up branch SBI InCube were rolled out in Bengaluru on 14 January 2016.SBI Exclusif will
offer many firsts in wealth banking like the first e-Wealth Center that can deliver quality relationship
management services remotely for extended hours.Its customers will be able to transact and invest
on digital channels such as internet and mobile.The customers will have access to a dedicated
relationship manager to take care of all their banking and investment needs.Through the SBI InCube,
the bank will be helping, guiding and counselling the new entrepreneurs in starting a new company or
business enterprise, which so far was not available in the banking industry.

India, Japan conducted joint exercise Sahyog-Kaijin off Chennai coast
Ships and aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard and the Japan Coast Guard came together to train for
the 15th edition of Sahyog-Kaijin joint exercise in the Bay of Bengal off the Chennai coast on 15
January 2016.This is the second time in three months a ship from the Japanese military forces is
participating in a military exercise along with India. In October last year, Japan Maritime Self-Defence
Forces ship FS Fuyuzuk participated in exercise Malabar with ships and aircraft of the Indian and
the United States navies.While India was represented by ICGS Samudra Paheredar, ICGS Sarang,
ICGS Vishwast, ICGS Rajtarang, ICGS Rajkamal and a Dornier Do 226 and chetak helicopters in
Sahyog-Kaijin XV, Japan Coast Guards JCGS Echigo with its integral helicopter took part in the
exercise.
500-strong women troops commissioned into ITBP
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A trained contingent of 500 women personnel, which will be the first mahila squad to be deployed in
high-altitude posts along the India-China border, was on 15 January 2016 commissioned into the
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Panchkula.The women, in the rank of constable, were inducted
in the border-guarding force after 44-weeks of training in battle craft and mountain survival and will
now be sent to frontier areas for final acclimatisation before being deployed at ITBP posts along the
Sino-India Line of Actual Control (LAC).These mahila contingents are expected to be posted by
March 2016 at about 20 forward locations of the ITBP.

Sania Mirza, Martina Hingis Won Sydney International Title
Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis lifted their second trophy of the season as they won the WTA Sydney
International defeating Caroline Garcia and Kristina Mladenovic 1-6, 7-5, 10-5 on 15 January
2016.This was their 30th win.It was the 11th title together for the Indo-Swiss pair. In 2015, they won
nine titles including the year-end WTA Finals.
Bollywood filmmaker Anil Ganguly passes away

Anil Ganguly died on Jaunary 15, 2016. He was an Indian film director and screenwriter. Anil worked
in Hindi cinema from 1970s to the 1990s. Ganguly was best known for Jaya Bhaduri starrer, Kora
Kagaz (1974) and Tapasya (1975), both of which won the National Film .Award for Best Popular Film
Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Ganguly other noted film was Anil Kapoor and Amrita Singh
starred Saaheb (1985). Later in is career, Anil made several actions films, mostly with Mithun
Chakraborty. Gangulay started his career making literary adaptations with strong female roles and
themes of marital discord.
Anuradha Roy wins DSC Prize for South Asian Literature

Indias Anuradha Roy has won the DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2016 for her novel, Sleeping
on Jupiter, which deals with the subject of violence against women.At the Fairway Galle Literary
Festival in Galle, about 130 km south of Colombo, Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on
16 January 2016 presented her the prize, which carried a cash award of $50,000 and a trophy.Other
authors and novels in contention for this years prize were: Akhil Sharma (Family Life); K.R. Meera
(Hangwoman) [translated by J. Devika]; Mirza Waheed (The Book of Gold Leaves), Neel Mukherjee
(The Lives of Others) and Raj Kamal Jha (She Will Build Him A City). Now in its sixth edition, the DSC
Prize received 74 entries this time with participation from publishers from the South Asian region as
well as from countries such as the U.K., U.S., Canada, Australia and South Africa.
Walmart to close 269 stores, lay off 16,000 employees

Retail giant Walmart Stores, Inc. on 15 January 2016 announced to close 269 stores and lay off
16,000 employees, including 6,000 of them outside the U.S.It would close its 154 stores in the U.S.
and 115 others abroad. The company is shutting down 60 stores in Brazil, a market in which the
worlds largest retailer has made a big push in recent years.The company said it had already been
able to relocate most of the employees affected by the store closings to other points of sale. The
other 55 stores to be closed outside the United States are mostly small, loss-making stores in other
Latin American markets.
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Former Sikkim governor Rama Rao dead
Former Sikkim governor and senior BJP leader V Rama Rao died in Hyderabad on 17 January 2016,
after prolonged illness. He was 81. former Jan Sangh leader, Rao served as Sikkim governor from
2002 to 2007. Born in Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradeshs Krishna district, he was a lawyer by
profession and practised at Andhra Pradesh High Court.He joined Jan Sangh in 1956 and was
associated with various trade unions. He was first elected to Andhra Pradesh legislative council in
1966 and re-elected to the upper house in 1972, 1978 and 1984. Rama Rao served as president of
BJPs Andhra Pradesh unit from 1993 to 2001.
Delhi Acers won a maiden Premier Badminton League title

The Delhi Acers beat Mumbai Rockets 4-3 in the final match played at Siri Fort Indoor Stadium in
New Delhi on 17 January 2016 and clinch 2016 maiden Premier Badminton League title.This was the
first PBL title for Delhi Acers, owned by Infinite Computer Solutions. The first edition of PBL (2013)
was won by Hyderabad Hotshots. PBL was earlier known as Indian Badminton League (IBL) when
founded in 2013. It is a franchisee league managed and commercially owned by the Badminton
Association of India (BAI).
For first time in 66 years, no camel contingent at Republic-Day parade

For the first time in the history of the Republic Day celebrations, the iconic Border Security Force
(BSF) camel contingent will not be ambling down the Rajpath in Delhi on January 26.While the
contingent is in Delhi since the last few months, it has not been included in the rehearsals.The camel
contingent first became a part of the national festival celebration in 1976 after it replaced a similar
squad of the Army, which had been participating in the Republic Day parade since the first such event
in 1950.

Ajit Chandila banned for life, Hiken Shah for 5 years
Ajit Chandila was banned for life and Hiken Shah for five years for their involvement in the matchfixing scandal during the 2013 edition of the Indian Premier League, the Board of Control for Cricket in
India announced on 18 January 2016.The BCCIs Disciplinary Committee, headed by president
Shashank Manohar and also comprising Jyotiraditya Scindia and Niranjan Shah, made the decision
after a meeting in Mumbai. Chandila and Shah appeared in person before the committee on
December 24, 2015 and were given time till January 4 to file a written response to the charges
against them. The committee met again on January 5, when Shah appeared in person, made an oral
submission and a written reply to the findings of the inquiry against him.
World Bank to fund 20 million US dollar for reconstructing Indira Gandhi Zoological Park
The World Bank decided to give an assistance of 20 million US dollar to reconstruct the Indira Gandhi
Zoological Park . The park was devastated during cyclone Hudhud in October 2014 in
Visakhapatnam. It is for the first time that World Bank is directly involved in a zoo.
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Andhra Pradesh Government reconstituted the Commission for Backward Classes

On 18 January 2016, Andhra Pradesh Government reconstituted the Commission for Backward
Classes with immediate effect.AP Commission for Backward Classes (APCBC) will be a two member
commission with Justice KL Manjunath, (Retd.) as its chairman and Member Secretary, APCBC as
the other member.The Chairman of APCBC shall hold office for a term of three years from the date of
assumption of office.The previous commission term was expired on 24 September 2011.
French President declared economic emergency

On 18 January 2016,French President Francois Hollande declared a state of economic and social
emergency to redefine countrys economic and social model.President Francois Hollande has set out
a 2bn (1.5bn) job creation plan in an attempt to lift France out of what he called a state of
economic emergency.

Maharashtra Government inks MoU with Tata Trust for skill training of youth
The Maharashtra Government and Tata Trust on 19 January 2016 signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for a skill training programme for the youth in the state. The programme has
been undertaken under the Maharashtra Governments Kushal Maharashtra, Rojgaryukt Maharashtra
initiative.
Veteran journalist Dr. Aroon Tikekar passed away

Mumbai Veteran journalist and author of 20 books in English and Marathi, Dr.Aroon Tikekar died on
19 January 2016 following respiratory complications. He was 72. Aroon Tikekar worked as a college
teacher for some years.From 1991 to 2002, he worked as an editor of the Marathi newspaper
Loksatta.
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Daulatrao Aher died

Former Maharashtra health minister and Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Dr Daulatrao
Aher died on 19 January 2016 following prolonged illness in Nashik. He was 74.He was an ENT
surgeon, hailing from Devla taluka of Nashiki in Maharastra. He was a member of the 13th Lok Sabha
of India from Nashik constituency in 1989-1991 and was elected MLA from Nashik for three terms
1985-90, 1995-99 and 1999-2004. He served as the state health minister from 1995-99 in the then
Shiv Sena-BJP coalition government.
Bihar Governement announced 35% reservation for women in all Govt jobs
Bihar government on 19 January 2016 announced 35% reservation to women in government jobs in
the state at all levels.The decision was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet presided over by chief
Page 18
minister Nitish Kumar.The state government which had provided 35% reservation to women in police
job extended it in all other jobs.Other important decisions approved by the cabinet included a proposal
to increase entry tax on electronic items, bidi and tobacco items, ready made garments and footwear
among others in the range of 5% to 12%.

ISRO successfully launched the fifth navigation satellite IRNSS-1E
Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its 33rd flight (PSLV-C31), launched IRNSS-1E, the fifth satellite of
the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). The launch took place on 20 January 2016
from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota,Andhra Pradesh. IRNSS-1E is the fifth
navigation satellite of the seven satellites constituting the IRNSS space segment. Its predecessors,
IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C and 1D were launched by PSLV-C22, PSLV-C24, PSLV-C26 and PSLV-C27 in
July 2013, April 2014, October 2014 and March 2015 respectively. IRNSS-1E has a lift-off mass of
1425 kg. The configuration of IRNSS-1E is similar to that of IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C and 1D. IRNSS -1E
carries two types of payloads navigation payload and ranging payload. The navigation payload of
IRNSS-1E will transmit navigation service signals to the users. This payload will be operating in L5band and S-band. A highly accurate Rubidium atomic clock is part of the navigation payload of the
satellite. The ranging payload of IRNSS-1E consists of a C-band transponder which facilitates
accurate determination of the range of the satellite. IRNSS-1E also carries Corner Cube Retro
Reflectors for laser ranging.
Taliban Kill 20 in Attack at Bacha Khan University in Pakistan

The militants entered the Bacha Khan University in Charsadda, northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
province on 20 January 2016.According to media reports, a group of militants stormed the university
using the cover of thick fog before opening fire on students and teachers in classrooms and
hostels.Agencies reported that at least 25 persons and all the attackers were killed. The Tehreek-eTaliban have claimed responsibility for the attack.
MoU between India and Britain for cooperation in public administration

The union cabinet on 20 January 2016 gave its ex-post facto approval for the Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) signed between India and Britain for cooperation in public administration and
governance reforms.The meeting of the union cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi.The form of co-operation will be in areas like sharing good governance practices in public
administration, user led service design, reducing bureaucracy in service delivery, government process
re-engineering, building and developing staff capability, public grievance redress mechanism, local
government reforms, reforms towards strengthening of social security, collaboration in strategies for
promotion of ethics in government, collaboration between government and industry on staff
management, mechanisms for public engagement, crisis and disaster management and digital
transformation of government.
Oldest Christian monastery in Iraq razed by IS

The oldest Christian monastery in Iraq, which had survived for more than 1,400 years, has been
reduced to a field of rubble by ISIS fighters, satellite images confirm. St. Elijahs Monastery, south of
Mosul, northern Iraq, has been completely wiped out by the Islamist terrorist, joining a list of dozens of
historical and religious sites purposely destroyed by the group. Experts believe ISIS fighters would
Page 19
have used every measure available to destroy the monastery, which had most recently served as a
place of worship for U.S. troops, including bulldozers, sledgehammers and possibly explosives.

Jodhpurs Umaid Bhawan Palace named the worlds best hotel of 2016
In the 14th edition of the travel sites Travelers Choice Awards, the Umaid Bhawan Palace was
named the best hotel of 2016, with a five out of five bubble rating among its 840 guests.Built over 15
years between 1928 and 1943 after its namesake, the Maharaja Umaid Singh, the palatial hotel is
literally fit for an Indian king, as the sprawling property is the principal residence of the Jodhpur royal
family.The palace features 347 rooms.
Here are the top 10 hotels for 2016 according to TripAdvisor members:

Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur Jodhpur, India

Shinta Mani Resort Siem Reap, Cambodia
Bellevue Syrene Sorrento, Italy
Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa Hanoi, Vietnam
Achtis Hotel Afitos, Greece
Belmond Le Manoir aux QuatSaisons Great Milton, United Kingdom
Mirihi Island Resort Mirihi, Maldives
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts Aruba Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba
Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa Lance aux Epines, Grenada
Hotel Ritta Hppner Gramado, Brazil
Mawlynnong in Meghalaya is a cleanest village in Asia

Mawlynnong, a tiny village in Meghalaya, has a toilet in every house. There are bamboo waste
baskets on each road to ensure that there is no littering. Children as young as four learn at school to
keep their surroundings clean. Cleanliness as a way of life came to Mawlynnong, a village of 503,
long before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his Swachh Bharat or clean India campaign.
The village cherishes the title of Asias cleanest village" given to it by India Discovery Magazine. By
2007, the village had eradicated the practice of open defecation, with toilets built for each of its 91
households under the Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan.
Mrinalini Sarabhai passes away

Noted danseuse and Padma Bhushan recipient Mrinalini Sarabhai passed away on 21 January 2016
in Ahmedabad. She was 97.Trained in Bharatnatyam, Kathakali and Mohiniyattom, she was educated
at Shantiniketan under Rabindranath Tagore. She was married to the architect of Indias space
programme, Dr Vikram Sarabhai.Besides being a classical dancer, she was a poet, writer and
environmentalist and played a leading role in the social and art scene in Ahmedabad. She was one of
the first classical dancer to turn to choreography.She is survived by daughter Mallika and son
Kartikey, founder of Ahmedabad-based Centre for Environment Education (CEE).
Atulesh Jindal appointed new CBDT chief
Page 20
On 21 January 2016,Senior revenue service officer Atulesh Jindal was appointed Chairman of
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), the apex policy making body of Income Tax department. He
will succeed A K Jain, who completes his term this month-end. The Appointments Committee of the
Cabinet has approved the appointment of Jindal as Chairman CBDT, an order issued by Department
of Personnel and Training said without mentioning his tenure. Jindal, a 1978 batch Indian Revenue
Service officer, is currently working as Member (Revenue) in the CBDT. His batchmate, Jain, was
made acting Chairman of the board following superannuation of Anita Kapur on November 30. In
December, he was appointed as CBDT chief.

India and Oman conduct bilateral naval exercise Naseem Al Bahr
India and Oman will conduct 10th edition of bilateral maritime exercise Naseem Al Bahr in the
Arabian Sea from January 22 to January 27, 2016. Two Oman Navy ships RNOV Al-Shamikh and
RNOV Al-Seeb, which will also participate in IFR 2016, entered the port of Goa January 22. These
ships are on their way to participate in the International Fleet Review scheduled at Visakhapatnam
scheduled from February 4 to February 9, 2016. Naseem Al Bahr epitomises the strong long term
strategic relationship between the two countries. Initiated in 1993, the exercise has matured over the
years with increasing scope, complexity of operations and level of participation.
PM Narendra Modi Flags Off Mahamana Express From Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 January 2016 flagged off the Mahamana Express", a thrice-aweek train running between New Delhi and Varanasi via Lucknow, which boasts of state-of-the-art
amenities for passengers.PM Modi launched the train during his fifth visit to his constituency. The
train will cover the distance between Varanasi and New Delhi in less than 14 hours.The fares of the
train were increased by 15 per cent as the facilities and other amenities have been substantially
improved.
Sri Lanka banned kidney transplants for foreigners

Sri Lanka banned kidney transplants for foreign nationals on 22 January 2016 following reports of an
organised organ harvesting racket involving patients and donors from neighbouring India.Health
minister Rajitha Senaratne said he ordered the immediate halt after Indian police warned Sri Lankan
authorities that some patients from India had paid donors for organs and had the transplants carried
out at private hospitals in Colombo.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul retires from international cricket
West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul has announced his retirement from international cricket
on 22 January 2016. He is the seventh highest test match run-maker in history.The 41-year-old
former captain from Guyana ends his Test career on 11,867 runs, just 86 short of the West Indies alltime record held by Brian Lara. He made his debut against England in March 1994 in Guyana, hitting
a half-century as the West Indies won by an innings and 44 runs. His final Test was also against
England last May in Barbados where the West Indies won by five wickets to level a three-Test series
against Alastair Cooks side.Chanderpauls highest score in his 164 Tests was 203 not out. He hit a
total of 30 Test centuries and 66 fifties. He made 8,778 one-day international runs with 11 centuries.
Page 21
He has also played 22 times for the West Indies in the Twenty20 format, but his last outing was in
2010.In 2008, Chanderpaul was named as one of the five Cricketers of the Year by Wisden.
Former Kerala Assembly Speaker A.C. Jose passed away

Senior Congress leader and former Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly A.C. Jose died at Kerala
on 23 January 2016 after suffering from a heart attack. He was 80. Mr. Jose, who played a dominant
role in the formation of Kerala Students Union (KSU), the student wing of Congress in Kerala, served
as Mayor of the Kochi Corporation in 1970s. Later in 1980, he was elected Member of the Kerala
Legislative Assembly from Paravur Constituency. Elected as Speaker of Kerala Legislative Assembly
in 1982, he used casting vote to retain the Congress government headed by K. Karunakaran. Mr.
Jose, a former Vice President of KPCC, was elected to the Lok Sabha in 1996, 1998, 1999 general
elections.
Largest tricolour to be hoisted in Ranchi

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar hoisted the largest Tricolour in the country atop the tallest pole at
Pahari Mandir in Ranchi, Jharkhand on 23 January 2016.The flag is 66 ft in height, 99 ft in width and it
is hoisted on a 293 ft tall pole. Till yesterday, the countrys largest and tallest Tricolour, 96 ft X 64 ft in
dimension, was flying on a 250 ft high pole in Faridabad. It was hoisted last year.
Lok Nayak Foundation Award to Garikapati

The 12th Lok Nayak Foundation Award presented to noted scholar and Maha Sahasravadhani
Garikapati Narasimha Rao in Vishakapatnam on January 23. The foundations Life Time Achievement
award presented to Chalasani Gandhi for his services as trade union leader for the welfare of railway
employees and workers. Addressing newsmen, Lok Nayak Foundation chairman Y Lakshmi Prasad
said that their foundation has been felicitating literary and social persons and litterateur Garikapati
Narasimha Rao received Rs 1.5 lakh in cash, while Chalasani Gandhi presented Rs 50,000. Lakshmi
Prasad said that the award was being presented every year on January 18, the death anniversary of
former chief minister of AP NT Rama Rao, but due to some reasons they are presenting it on January
23.
Indian-Origin Cottalango Leon won Oscar award

The 44-year-old technician of Indian roots Cottalango Leon has been chosen for this years Oscar for
scientific and technical achievement.The Indian-American has won the award under the Scientific
and Technical Achievements category for the design, engineering and continuous development of
Sony Pictures Imageworks.The academy award recognises the collaborative tool he and his two team
members developed for Sony. Dubbed as itview the software makes review of movie segments by
artists at various levels a lot easier during film making.Born in Tamil Nadus Tuticorin district, Mr
Cottalango grew up in Coimbatore. He moved to the US to pursue his Masters in 1994. The
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will present 10 scientific and technical achievements
during its annual Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation on February 13. The main Oscar
Award ceremony will take place on February 28, 2016.
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French President Hollande arrived India for 3-day visit
French President Francois Hollande reached Chandigarh,India on 24 January 2016 for his three-day
visit to India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande attended the
Indo-French CEOs forum and a business summit. Hollande is the chief guest for the Republic Day
celebrations. Hollande had expressed his desire to visit Chandigarh, one of the few planned cities in
the country, designed by famous French architect Le Corbusier in the 1950s and 1960s. President
Hollande is likely to visit Chandigarhs Capitol Complex, Sector 17 Plaza (the citys commercial and
business centre), Tagore Theatre and the Le Corbusier Centre in Sector 19.
PM presents National Bravery Awards to children

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, on 24 January 2016 presented the National Bravery Awards
to 25 children. He also released the book Life progression of ICCW National Bravery Awardees
.Every year, Indian children between the ages of 6 to 18 are felicitated for their commendable acts of
bravery.This year, eight children from the southern part of the country, including six from Kerala and
two from Telangana, are among the 25 National Bravery Award winners.Of the 25 winners, 22 are
boys and 3 are girls. The awardees will also perform at the Republic Day Parade.The National
Bravery Award was started by the Indian Council for Child Welfare(ICCW) in 1957 to give awards to
children between the ages of 6 to 18 for their brave deeds. The awards consists of the following
categories:
The Bharat Award, since 1987
The Sanjay Chopra Award, since 1978
The Geeta Chopra Award, since 1978
The Bapu Gaidhani Award, since 1988
General National Bravery Awards, since 1957
The Bharat award winner gets a gold medal, while the rest get a silver medal. Each child is also given
financial assistance to complete his or her schooling, as a part of ICCWs sponsorship programme,
under the Indira Gandhi scholarship scheme.
Nepals Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai Forms New Party

Nepals ex-prime minister Baburam Bhattarai,quit from Prachanda-led UCPN-Maoist and on 24
January 2016 formed his political outfit comprising former Maoists.Mr Bhattarai, announced a 35member Interim Central Council of the party named New Force Nepal but said the council will
eventually have 265 members.. The Interim Council mostly includes former government officials and
technocrats. Prominent members include artist Karishma Manandhar, political analyst Mumaram
Khanal, former bureaucrat Rameshwor Khanal, senior Maoist leader Devendra Poudyal, Madhesi
leaders Ramchandra Jha and Ramrijhan Yadav.
7.1-magnitude earthquake hits Alaska

A 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck Alaska on 24 January 2016, according to the U.S. Geological
Survey.The quakes epicenter hit near Cook Inlet, 162 miles southwest of Anchorage. It was about 50
miles deep.
Page 23
Mumbai, Delhi among top Asia Pacific cities for millionaires

Indias financial hub Mumbai, which is home to 41,200 millionaires, and national capital Delhi, which
houses 20,600 high net worth individuals, have been named among the top Asia Pacific cities for
HNIs. According to the Asia Pacific 2016 Wealth Report, by New World Wealth, Tokyo is the top Asia
Pacific city for the ultra-rich with 2,64,000 millionaires, while Mumbai and Delhi got featured in the
12th and 20th rank respectively. High Net Worth Individuals or HNWIs (millionaires) were defined as
those individuals with net assets of USD 1 million or more. Over the past 10 years, Jakarta was the
fastest growing major city in Asia Pacific in terms of millionaire growth followed by Hangzhou and
Tianjin in the second and third place respectively.Mumbai and Delhi closed the top five cities as they
registered a growth of 357 per cent and 335 per cent respectively between 2000-2015.In terms of
number of multi-millionaires (individuals with net assets of USD 10 million or more), Hong Kong
topped the list with 9,650 such individuals, while Mumbai was ranked at the eighth place with 2,690
super-rich people and Delhi was placed at the 14th place with 1,340 such individuals. According to
the report, the six cities include Kolkata which is home to 8,700 HNWIs, Hyderabad (7,800),
Bangalore (6,700), Chennai (6,000), Pune (3,800) and Ahmedabad (3,700). For multi-millionaires, the
emerging Indian cities include, Kolkata (560 such individuals), Hyderabad (510), Bengaluru (430),
Chennai (390), Pune (240) and Ahmedabad (230). India is home to the fourth largest population of
millionaires in the Asia Pacific region, with 2.36 lakh such high net worth individuals.At the end of
2015, there were, 12,60,000 millionaires in Japan, while China ranked second with 654,000 HNWIs
and Australia was at the third place had 290,000.

Padma Awards 2016 announced
On the eve of Republic Day, the government on 25 January 2016 announced the list of recipients of
this years Padma awards.
Padma Vibhushan
1. Ms. Yamini Krishnamurthi Art- Classical dance Delhi
2. Shri Rajinikanth Art-Cinema Tamil Nadu
3. Shri Ramoji Rao Literature & Education-Journalism Andhra Pradesh
4. Shri Shri Ravi Shankar Others-Spiritualism Karnataka
Padma Bhushan
5. Shri Anupam Kher Art-Cinema Maharashtra
6. Shri Udit Narayan Jha Art-Playback Singing Maharashtra
7. Ms. Saina Nehwal Sports-Badminton Telangana
8. Ms. Sania Mirza Sports-Tennis Telangana
Padma Shri
9. Smt. Prathibha Prahlad Art- Classical Dance Delhi
10. Shri Ajay Devgn Art-Cinema Maharashtra
Ms. Priyanka Chopra Art-Cinema Maharashtra
India, France ink MoU on purchase of Rafale jets

French President Franois Hollande on 25 January 2016 met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at
Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two countries have signed an MoU on purchase of Rafale fighter
jets.Mr. Hollande arrived in India for a three-day visit on Sunday. He will be the Chief Guest at the
Republic Day parade on January 26.
Modi-Hollande bilateral talks: Key issues
-Upgrade of strategic partnership established in 1998
-Talks on counter-terror cooperation and Homeland security dialogue.
-Completion of Inter Governmental Agreement for purchase of 36 Rafale aircrafts.
-Nuclear issues over current Jaitapur plant, discussions on more nuclear plants.
Page 24
-Space cooperation, including launch of satellite for climate change research.
-Renewable energy MoU and global solar alliance.

France commits 300 million for solar energy
French President Francois Hollande on 25 January 2016 committed 300 million (around $325 million
or Rs. 2,200 crore) over the next five years for the global development of solar energy. The French
Development Agency will allocate for the development of solar energy 300 million over the next five
years, Mr. Hollande said after inaugurating the interim Secretariat of the International Solar Alliance
at Gurgaon, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.The International Solar Alliance, envisaged to bring
together 122 countries that lie wholly or partly between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of
Capricorn, is an initiative announced by Mr. Modi at the COP 21 Summit in Paris in November. The
member countries are to be those that enjoy 300 or more days in a year of bright sunlight.
Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami posthumously awarded Ashok Chakra

Lance Naik Mohan Nath Goswami from the Armys elite Para Special Forces has been awarded the
Ashok Chakra, the countrys highest peacetime gallantry award, posthumously for his role in saving
two colleagues during an encounter with militants in Kashmir last year. Another of his colleague,
Subedar Mahendra Singh was awarded Kirti Chakra for his valiant actions in the same operation.
These are among the 365 gallantry awards and other defence decorations approved by President
Pranab Mukherjee on the eve of the 67th Republic Day Celebrations. These include four Kirti
Chakras, 11 Shaurya Chakras, one Bar to Sena Medal, 48 Sena Medals, four Nao Sena Medals, two
Vayu Sena Medals in addition to 298 Distinguished Service medals. Subedar Mehendra Singh was
awarded the Kirti Chakra for his exemplary leadership, selflessness and courage beyond compare.
The other Kirti Chakra was posthumously awarded to Sepoy Jagdish Chand from the Defence
Security Corps for his display of raw courage in tackling terrorists during the attack on the Pathankot
air base on January 2.Among the four Navy gallantry awards, three went to personnel at INS Shikra,
the naval air station in Mumbai, for their efforts in the rescue of vessels in distress.In the Air Force,
the two Vayu Sena Medals (Gallantry) went to Wing Commander Nirmal Kumar Bakshi and Wing
Commander Rajiv Dobhal, both Mi-17 helicopter pilots, for their role in Operation Maitri to provide
relief operations in adverse weather conditions in Nepal following the devastating earthquake last
year.

India celebrates its 67th Republic Day; Francois Hollande is the chief guest
67th Republic Day was celebrated on 26 January 2016 across the nation. This years Chief Guest in
the parade is President of France Francois Hollande.First Republic Day was celebrated on 26
January 1950 when India became a Republic with Constitution of India coming into force on this day
replacing the Government of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. The celebration
was curtailed by 25 minute. The duration was brought down to 90 minutes from 115 minutes, but the
format will remain the same. For the first time, an all-women stunt contingent named Women
Daredevils CRPF comprising of 120 soldiers will performed stunts on bikes.The highlights of this
years Parade is, for the first time in the history, a 76-member French Army contingent led by a French
military band consisting of 48 musicians marching on Rajpath. 17 of states and 6 Union Ministers
tableaux are also the part of the parade.
Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Amendment Act, 2015 came into force
Page 25
The Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015
came into force on 26 January 2016. The act was made to ensure more stringent provisions for
prevention of Atrocities against Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. The act came into force
after the Lok Sabha passed this amendment bill on 4 August 2015 while the upper house Rajya
Sabha gave its nod on 21 December, 2015. And the final ass ent by the President came on 31
December 2015. The bill was provided to make amendments in the Scheduled Castes and the
Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled
Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2015.
President gave assent to Central rule in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh on 26 January 2016 came under central rule as President Pranab Mukherjee
gave his assent to the Union Cabinets recommendation on such a course following political instability
in the state. President Mukherjee signed the proclamation two days after the cabinet held an
unscheduled meeting on January 24 to recommend that the northeasten border state be brought
under central rule.
Brazil to deploy 220,000 soldiers in its fight against Zika virus

Brazils government says it will deploy 220,000 soldiers in its fight against mosquitoes spreading the
Zika virus. The soldiers will go from home to home handing out leaflets on how to avoid the spread of
Zika, which has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains. The
announcement came after Health Minister Marcelo Castro said Brazil was losing badly in its fight
against the virus. Zika virus, linked to births of babies with smaller than usual brains.
India, France ink 14 pacts

India and France have singed 14 pacts for enhancing the bilateral cooperation various fields
including defence, space, railways, education etc. The agreements were signed in the presence of
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande, who began his three-day visit
to India.
Signed Agreements are
Defence: MoU on purchase of 36 Rafale Aircrafts.
Space: Implementation Arrangement between ISRO and CNES on hosting Argos-4
Payload onboard Oceansat-3 satellite of India.
Railways: Joint Venture Shareholding Agreement between Indian Railways and Alstom
for production of 800 electric locomotives in Madhepura plant in Bihar.
Food safety: MOU between Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and
ANSES in food safety.
Public Administration: Partnership Agreement on Cooperation in Public Administration
between Union Ministry of Personnel & Public Grievances and France.
Cultural exchange: Declaration of Intent (DoI) for conducting Bonjour India (French
festival) in 2017 and Namaste France (Indian festival) in 2016, Cultural Exchange
Programme between both countries for the period 2016-2018
Science & Technology: Arrangement for establishment of an Indo- French Ministerial
level Joint Committee on Science & Technology.
Education: MoU between IIT Mumbai and Thales Systemes Aeroportes for Industry
Sponsored Ph.D (Doctorate) Fellowship. Cooperation Agreement for joint research,
teaching, exchange of personnel etc between IISER, Pune and ENS de Lyon (France).
Page 26
India overtakes Thailand as Worlds largest Rice exporter

India has overtaken Thailand as the worlds largest rice exporter in 2015, shipping 10.23 million
tonnes.Thai Rice Exporters Association Chairman Charoen Laodhammatas said that Thailand
exported 9.8 million tonnes of rice in 2015, down 10.8 per cent year-on-year.Thailand ended 2015
behind India for rice exports. India sold 10.23 million tonnes of rice. Vietnam was third globally while
China remained the number one importer of rice.

India Ranks 76th In Global Corruption Index
India has climbed nine points to rank 76th in this years global corruption index launched in Berlin on
27 January 2016 topped by Denmark, with watchdog Transparency International calling graft a global
blight.According to Transparency Internationals International Corruption Perceptions Index 2015,
India is placed at 76th position along with Thailand, Brazil, Tunisia, Zambia and Burkina Faso out of
168 countries.India has improved its past years position of 85 and has a grade index score of 38 out
of a possible 100. Denmark tops of the index for the second consecutive year as the country
perceived as least corrupt. It scored 91 points, while North Korea and Somalia remained at the bottom
with unchanged scores of 8.US got 16th place with 76 points. The other top spots, from second to
tenth, were occupied by Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland,
Singapore , Canada and UK.
Indian activist Henri Tiphagne selected for Amnesty human rights award
Indian activist and lawyer Henri Tiphagne has won the Amnesty International Human Rights Award
2016. Amnesty International Germany will confer the 8th award on him in April.The award and 10,000
euros will be given to him on 25 April at the Maxim Gorki Theatre in Berlin for his exceptional
commitment to human rights. The cash award will be provided by Amnesty Germanys foundation,
Stiftung Menschenrechte, Frderstiftung Amnesty. Every two years, Amnesty Germany gives awards
to individuals or organisations fighting for the cause of human rights under difficult circumstances.
Tiphagne is the first Indian to receive the Amnesty award.
Three Indian-Origin Persons Awarded With Order Of Australia Medal

Three Indian-origin persons have been awarded Australias highest civilian honour for their
contribution in the fields of physics, engineering and medicine. Chennupati Jagadish, an eminent
professor at Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Jay Chandra, an eye doctor in New
South Wales, and Sajeev Koshy, a dentist in Melbourne, received Order of Australia medal for the
year 2016 announced on the Australia Day.
India and Armenia signed a protocol to amend Double Taxation Avoidance Convention
India and Armenia on 27 January 2016 signed a protocol to amend the India-Armenia Double
Taxation Avoidance Convention. It amends the convention between these countries that has been in
existence since 9 September 2004. It amends the article on exchange of Information for tax purposes
to bring it in line with the updated provisions in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and
Development (OECD) Model. It is also expected to further strengthen the efforts of Union Government
in curbing the generation of black money.
Page 27

Names of First 20 Smart Cities Announced
Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi on 28 January 2016 announced the
names of first 20 cities that are to be developed into Smart Cities of India with a proposed investment
of Rs 50,802 crore during the next five years. Bhubaneswar emerged on top among 20 cities
These are: Bhubaneswar (Odisha), Pune (Maharashtra), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Surat (Gujarat), Kochi
(Kerala), Ahmedabad (Gujarat), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh),
Sholapur (Maharashtra), Davangere (Karnataka), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), New Delhi Municipal
Corporation (NDMC, Delhi), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), Belagavi
(Karnataka), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Guwahati (Assam), Chennai (Tamil Nadu), Ludhiana (Punjab), and
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh).
These cities were chosen from 98 cities shortlisted for the Smart Cities Mission.
Asian Development Bank and Government of India signed $80 million loan agreement
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed an $80 million loan
agreement. This $80 million loan will be used for the development of infrastructure in two North
Eastern State Capital cities- Agartala and Aizwal. This agreement was signed on January 28, 2016.
The loan is the third tranche of a $200 million financing facility under the North Eastern Region Capital
cities Development Investment Program.
This loan will be used for investments in water supply, solid waste management and sanitation in
Agartala and Aizwal.
It will benefiting nearly a million people residing in Agartala and Aizwal and around the cities.
This loan will also help Agartala and Aizwal to strengthen the institutional, managerial, and financial
capacity of service institutions.
The third tranche loan agreement was signed in the presence of Raj Kumar, Joint Secretary
(Multilateral Institutions), Department of Economic Affairs, Union Ministry of Finance and Ms Teresa
Kho, Country Director, ADBs India Resident Mission on behalf of Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Separate sub project agreements under the third tranche were also signed.
Astronomers discover largest solar system

A team of astronomers of UK, USA and Australia have found the largest known solar system, linking
together a star and what was thought to be a free-floating lonely planet in orbit some 1 trillion (1
million million) kilometres away from its sun.The planet, known as 2MASS J21268140, and its star,
called TYC 94869271, were both identified within the past decade, but the massive distance
between them meant no one had ever considered that the pair might be related. 2MASS J21268140
is a gas giant about 12 to 15 times the mass of Jupiter, located about 100 light-years away from
Earth. 2MASS J21268140s distance from its star is around 7,000 times the distance between Earth
and the Sun and about 140 times the distance between Pluto and the Sun.
Justice Sanjay Mishra appointed as Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh

On 28 January 2016 the Supreme Court appointed former judge of the Allahabad High Court Justice
Sanjay Mishra as the Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh.The Supreme Court in December 2015 passed
order appointing Justice Virendra Singh as Lokayukta of Uttar Pradesh. It was the first time that apex
court exercised its powers to appoint a Lokayutka.The apex court utilised its extraordinary powers
under Article 142 of the Constitution to enforce its own orders to do complete justice.
Page 28
India successfully test fired Akash missile at Chandipur

On 28 January 2016,Indian Air Force (IAF) test fired indigenously-built surface-to-air Akash missile
from Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipuri in Odisha. The Akash (sky) is a mid-range surfaceto-air missile (SAM) system.The first missile was delivered to the IAF in March 2012. The missile was
formally inducted into the IAF in July 2015. The missile can fly at supersonic speeds ranging from
Mach 2.8 to 3.5 and can engage aerial targets up to a range of approximately 25 kilometers.
Navneet Kaur, Santosh Kadale won gold in Senior National Rowing Championship
Punjabs Navneet Kaur won two gold medals in the 34th National Rowing Championship at
Hussainsagar Lake in Hyderabad on 28 January 2016. In the men single scull, Nasiks 21-year-old
Santosh Kadale won his maiden national gold medal.It was a major jump from the bronze he won in
last years Challenger National at Bangalore, albeit in double scull.

Sania Mirza, Martina Hingis won 2016 Australian Open womens doubles tennis title
Sania Mirza(India) and Martina Hingis (Switzerland) won the 2016 Australian Open title of tennis in
the womens doubles category on 29 January 2016. To win the title, in the final match the top seeded
Indo-Swiss pair defeated seventh seeded Czech duo Andrea Hlavackova and Lucie Hradecka 7-6, 63 at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. It was their 36th straight victory on the circuit. For
Sania-Hingis pair, it was their maiden Australian Open title and the third successive Grand Slam
doubles title after their victories in the 2015 Wimbledon and US Open. In the 2016 season, it was their
second title. Earlier, they won the 2016 WTA Apia International Sydney title on 15 January 2016.
Bank of Japan announced introduction of negative interest rates from February

Bank of Japan announced that it will adopt a negative interest rate policy from February, 2016. The
Bank of Japan will charge 0.1% interest rate on some part of the deposits that commercial banks
make with the Bank of Japan. This means that interest rate will be below zero (negative) on some of
their deposits. Thus, instead of receiving money on deposits, commercial banks must pay interest to
keep their money with the Central bank.
Mark Zuckerberg became Sixth richest person in the world

Facebook giant Mark Zuckerberg, has become the sixth richest person in the world as per the
Bloombergs Billionaires Index. The list is topped by Bill Gates followed by Amancio Ortega and
Warren Buffett. Mukesh Ambani of India is ranked at 31st place, Ajim Premji at 54th and Shiv Nadar
at 71st. The richest person in the world remains Bill Gates, who has a net worth of $78 billion,
according to Bloomberg. Hes followed by Amancio Ortega ($69.7 billion), Warren Buffett ($59.4
billion), Jeff Bezos ($55.8 billion) and Carlos Slim ($48.6 billion). Mark Zuckerberg is the founder and
CEO of Facebook, the blooming social media pedestal. He has a nworh of $47.5 Billion.

Page 29
Janos Pasztor of Hungary Appointed as Senior Adviser to Secretary-General on Climate

Change
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the appointment of Janos Pasztor of
Hungary as Senior Adviser to the Secretary-General on Climate Change on 30 January 2016.Mr.
Pasztor most recently served as the Assistant Secretary-General on Climate Change in the lead up
and successful conclusion of the historic 2015 Paris Agreement.Mr. Pasztor also served as Executive
Secretary of the Secretary-Generals High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability, Director of the
Secretary-Generals Climate Change Support Team, Director of the United Nations Environment
Management Group and in various senior positions within the Secretariat of the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change.In his new role as Senior Adviser to the SecretaryGeneral on Climate Change, Mr. Pasztor will support efforts of the Secretary-General to mobilize
world leaders and all sectors of society to implement the landmark Paris Agreement.
7.0 magnitude earthquake strikes eastern Russia

A strong earthquake of 7.0 magnitude struck in Russias Far East on 30 January 2016.The US
Geological Survey said the quake occurred at a depth of 160 kilometres (100 miles), about 95
kilometres northeast of the Russian town of Yelizovo in the mountainous Kamchatka Krai region. The
National and Pacific Tsunami Warning Centers said there was no risk the earthquake had caused a
tsunami.
Noted Telugu Scholar Nayani Krishna Kumari Dead

Former vice-chancellor of Sri Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University and well known Telugu literature
Nayani Krishna Kumari passed away at her home in Hyderabad on 30 January 2016. She served as
the vice-chancellor of Sri Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University from 1996 to 1999. Before that, she had
worked as a professor and head of Telugu department, Osmania University. She was also principal of
Padmavathi Mahila College in Tirupati. Krishna Kumari, who was born on March 14, 1930, to Nayani
Subba Rao and Hanumayamma in Guntur, began writing stories on the history of Andhraites called
Andhrula Katha when she was 18.
Former Army chief K.V. Krishna Rao passed away

The former Army chief General K.V. Krishna Rao, who was the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir for
two terms passed away at the Army Hospital (Research and Referral), Delhi Cantonment on 30
January 2016.He was 93.He served two terms as Jammu & Kashmir Governor when militancy flared
up first was a brief few months in 1989-90.When the militancy picked pace, the Narasimha Rao
government turned to the General, and he returned as the J&K governor in March 1993, and served
through the tumultuous period until May 1998.He started his career as an army officer during World
War II, during which served in Burma, North West Frontier and Baluchistan.Gen. Rao also
participated in the 1947-48 war against Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, before he went on to
become the founder instructor of the National Defence Academy during 1949-51.He commanded an
Army Division in the 1971 war with Pakistan in the eastern theatre. General Krishna Rao was
appointed as the Chief of Army Staff on June 1, 1981 and served as COAS until July 1983.He was
also Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee, the highest appointment in the Services, during
March 1982 to July 1983. He was Colonel of the Mahar Regiment during 1968-83. From June 1984 to
July 1989, General Rao was the Governor of Nagaland, Manipur and Tripura. He also served short
tenures as the Governor of Mizoram.
Page 30
N Ramesh Kumar Appointed as the AP state election commissioner

The AP government on 30 January 2016 constituted the State Election Commission and appointed
senior IAS officer N Ramesh Kumar as the state election commissioner. Ramesh will hold the office
for a period of five years.
Angelique Kerber defeats Serena Williams to win Australian Open

Angelique Kerber defeated Serena Williams 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to win the Australian Open title, ending the
six-time champions unbeaten streak in finals at Melbourne Park.Serena Williams reached the six
times finals in Australia Open title and all times she won the title. Williams won the Australian Open,
French Open and Wimbledon titles in 2015 before losing to Roberta Vinci in the U.S. Open semifinals.

Kidambi Srikanth wins 2016 Syed Modi Badminton Title
Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth won the Mens Singles title of the 2016 Syed Modi International
Badminton Championships on 31 January 2016. In the final match Srikanth defeated Chinas Huang
Yuxiang at Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium in Lucknow.This was Srikanths fifth title. Srikanths
other four titles are Thailand Grand Prix Gold, China Super Series premier, Swiss Open Grand Prix
Gold and India Super Series.
Other results of the Championships are
Womens Singles: Korean Sung Ji Hyun defeated Sayako Sato of Japan.
Mens Doubles: Malaysian pair of Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong defeated Pranaav Jerry Chopra
and Akshay Dewalkar of India.
Womens Doubles: Korean duo of Jung Kyung Eun and Shin Seung Chan defeated Eefje Muskens
and Selena Piek of Netherlands.
Mixed doubles: Indonesian pair of Praveen Jordan and Debby Susanto defeated Puavaranukroh
Dechapol and Sapsiree Taerattanchai of Thailand.
Novak Djokovic defeats Andy Murray to win sixth Australian Open title
World Number One Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open Mens Singles title on 31 January 2016.
In the final match played at Melbourne, the Serbian defeated the Andy Murray of Britain. With this,
Djokovic retained his title and also equalled the record of Roy Emersons record of six Australian
Open Singles titles. Djokovic claimed his 11th grand slam title to match the totals of Rod Laver and
Bjorn Borg. Earlier on 30 January 2016, Germanys Angelique Kerber won the Australian Open
Womens Singles title by defeating defending champion Serena Williams. This was maiden Grand
Slam Tennis title for 7th seed Kerber.
Aditya Mehta wins 83rd Senior National Snooker Championship

Aditya Mehta won the 83rd Senior National Snooker Championship on 31 January 2016 in Indore,
Madhya Pradesh. He defeated Manan Chandra in the final match. In another event, Vidya Pillai won
the National Snooker Championship in the womens category by defeating Amee Kamani. For 38year-old Vidya, it was her ninth national title. The womens billiards title was won by 19-year old
Keerath Bhandaal by defeating Arantxa Sanchis of Maharashtra.
Page 31
British broadcaster Terry Wogan passed away

British television and radio personality Terry Wogan died on 31 January 2016 due to cancer. He was
77. Irish-born Wogan, one of the BBCs most recognizable faces and voices, was granted a British
knighthood in 2005. Wogan began his broadcasting career with Irish state broadcaster RTE before
joining the BBC in 1966. He went on to become a national institution as a disc jockey, chat show host
and presenter, known for his gently mocking wit and Irish brogue. He hosted the BBCs coverage of
the Eurovision Song Contest from 1980 to 2008.
Page 32

January 2016 GK Current Affairs Capsule

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01 January 2016 Current Affairs

Sikh community has the lowest sex ratio in India

02 January 2016 Current Affairs

Kerosene Subsidy direct benefit to consumers from April 1st

03 January 2016 Current Affairs

Narendra Modi Laid Foundation Stone Of HAL`S Helicopter Facility

President Pranab gave a assent to five key legislations

04 January 2016 Current Affairs

6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Northeast India

Indian consulate in Afghanistan city Mazar-i-Sharif attacked

05 January 2016 Current Affairs

Abid Ali Z. Neemuchwala appointed as CEO of Wipro

Pranav Dhanawade Scores 1009 runs in 323 balls

45 Indians in Forbes list of achievers under the age of 30

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Israeli journalist, Palestinian pastor won Swedish rights prize

D K Sikri appointed CCI chief

08 January 2016 Current Affairs

Jallikattu in T.N., bullock cart race in Maharashtra cleared

ISRO chairman received Reva Lifetime Achievement Award

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Raghuram Rajan conferred Central Banker Award by FT group

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Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis won WTA Brisbane trophy

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73rd Golden Globe awards announced

Picture, Drama: The Revenant."

Series, Drama: Mr. Robot."

Canadian Milos Raonic defeated Roger Federer

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Syrian foreign minister visits India before peace talks

India-Australia social pact comes into force

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Binny Bansal appointed as CEO of Flipkart

12 January 2016 Current Affairs

EPFO bags National Award on e-Governance

Strong Earthquake strikes off Indonesias Talaud islands

Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar visit Colombo

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Union Budget for 2016-17 to be presented on 29 February

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Anti-tank missile Nag successful test fired

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