Current Affairs

January 2016
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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.
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GOI to create Khadi Gramudyog network
Government of India (GOI) wants to create a network of Khadi Gramudyog across villages in India on
the 68th death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and a book titled Nathuram Godse The Story of an
Assassin is also released on the occasion.
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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.
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Indias 67th Republic Day with Unique Traits
Today India commemorated and honoured the 67th birth anniversary of its Constitution as Republic
day. The main Republic Day celebration was held at the Rajpath in New Delhi. Along with
ceremonious parades as a tribute to India, there was something different to this years republic day.
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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.
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French President Francois Hollande visit to India An Overview
French President Francois Hollande was on 3 days visit to India. He was chief guest of the Republic
Day parade. This is President Hollandes 2nd State Visit to India and the 5th time (earlier 1976, 1980,
1998 and 2008) that a French Head of State has been invited as the Chief Guest on Indias Republic
Day celebrations.
Visit commenced from City Beautiful Chandigarh (designed by French architect Le Corbusier)
India, France sign Rafale fighter plane accord
India, France ink pacts for cooperation in space technology
International Solar Alliance Indias first international &inter-governmental organization
headquartered in India

Mr. Hollande Bollywood Meet Actors Aishwarya Rai & Shahrukh Khan, Designer Ritu Beri &
filmmaker Aditya Chopra
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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.
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First list of 20 smart cities publicized with Bhubaneswar on Top
Bhubaneswar capital city of Odisha has outpaced all other rivalry cities of the nation by clinching the
top rank in Smart Cities contest, which had received proposals for 97 cities from state governments.
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Recently, Union Cabinet has publicized the names of the first 20 urban areas that will be developed
as smart cities including 5 capital cities.
Bhubaneswar is followed by Pune (Maharashtra) and Jaipur (Rajasthan) which is placed at 3rd.
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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, 6-3 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.
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UP IPS Aparna Kumar scales Mount Vinson Massif: the highest peak in Antarctica
Aparna Kumar UP cadre IPS officer become the countrys first civil servant to scaled Mount Vinson
Massif, the highest peak in the Antarctica.
She is the first civil servant to mount the highest peak.
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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 Secretary-General
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.
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Start up India, Stand up India instigated in Thane
The ambitious flagship programme, Start Up India, Stand Up India has been launched in Thane by
Deepak Ghaisas, who was the first Indian to receive the CFO Asia Award in 2001.
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The programme was initiated at the campus of Vidya Prasarak Mandal, which is an eminent citybased educational institution.
Ghaisas, currently serving as the Chairman of Gencoval Strategic Services.
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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.
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MDoNER Calender-2016 released with theme Rising North East
The Union Minister of State for Development of North-Eastern Region (MDoNER), Dr Jitendra Singh
has released MDoNER Calender-2016.

Theme Rising North East

The Calender-2016 is projecting various buildings and other developmental works carried out in each
state of North Eastern Region with the assistance of Ministry of DoNER.
There are 12 photographs showing some of the infrastructure development activities in North
Eastern Region under the various schemes of MDoNER.
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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.
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Stand Up India Scheme & Coversion of MUDRA Ltd approved
Union Cabinet has approved the Stand Up India Scheme to promote entrepreneurship among
SC/ST and Women entrepreneurs. Under this, the government aims to achieve the target of at least
2.5 lakh approvals in three years from the launch of the scheme.
It envisages reaching out to under-served sectors of the population by facilitating bank loans
repayable up to 7 years and between 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore for Greenfield enterprises in the nonfarm sector set up by such SC, ST and Women borrowers.
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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.
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Cabinet approved AMRUT for Punjab and Uttarakhand for 2015-16
The Ministry of Urban Development has approved the Atal Mission plans for Punjab and
Uttarakhand for 2015-16.
(Minister of Urban Development Venkaiah Naidu)
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Punjab will invest 720 cr in improving basic urban infrastructure in 16 cities.

Uttarakhand will spend 267 cr in 6 cities under action plans.

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.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.
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Kerala initiated Sampoorna Arogya Keralam project
Kerala has decided to implement the Sampoorna Arogya Keralam which is aimed at to bring all
major government health services under one umbrella. At least 42 lakh families are expected to
benefit under this scheme.
After its implementation, people of Kerala will not be required to visit multiple offices or agencies
for medical care.
People can go to enlisted public and private hospitals and get the services through a smart health
card.
The Chief Minister will head the Sampoorna Arogya Kerala Trust, which will monitor and implement
the project.
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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.
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Laman Diva is selected as Make in India Week logo
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled Laman Diva as the logo of the first Make
in India (MII) Week scheduled to be held in Mumbai between February 13 and 18, which will be
inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Laman Diva or Nanda Deep has great relevance in Indian culture as it symbolizes auspicious
beginning, peace, prosperity, growth.
This is also the logo of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation. The only added elements
are the cogs and parts of the Make in India Lion logo to signify the manufacturing potential of
Maharashtra.
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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:
1. Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur Jodhpur, India
2. Shinta Mani Resort Siem Reap, Cambodia
3. Bellevue Syrene Sorrento, Italy
4. Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa Hanoi, Vietnam
5. Achtis Hotel Afitos, Greece
6. Belmond Le Manoir aux QuatSaisons Great Milton, United Kingdom
7. Mirihi Island Resort Mirihi, Maldives
8. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts Aruba Palm-Eagle Beach, Aruba
9. Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa Lance aux Epines, Grenada
10. Hotel Ritta Hppner Gramado, Brazil
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Cabinet approbated 50000 crore rupees for Infrastructure Projects in TN
Centre has consented Rs. 50,000 crore for infrastructure development projects in Tamil Nadu.
The announcement has been made by Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways and Shipping
Shri Nitin Gadkari during the foundation laying ceremony of 3 four-lane National Highways projects
in Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli and Tirupur districts and 2 flyovers in Marthandam and Parvathipuram.
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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.
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Andhra Pradesh Govt reestablished Commission for OBC
The state government of Andhra Pradesh has reestablished the Andhra Pradesh Commission for
Backward Classes by exercising the rights vested in the section 3 of Andhra Pradesh Commission for
Backward Classes Act, 1993.
It has been re-initiated after the time gap of 4 years, as the previous commission term was expired
on 24 September 2011.
The reconstituted two member commission will be chaired by Justice K.L.Manjunath, (Retd.) while
the second member will be Member Secretary of APCBC.
The tenure of the chairman of A.P. Commission for Backward Classes is of 3 years from the date of
assumption of office in terms.
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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-yearold former captain from Guyana ends his Test career on 11,867 runs, just 86 short of the West Indies
all-time 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. 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.
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Union Government notified stricter standards for Sugar Industry to minimize water pollution
Union Ministry Environment, Forest and Climate Change had notified stricter environment rules for
sugar industries in various states of the country to minimize water pollution. The revised norms will
lead to improved operational performance of Sugar industry through accomplishment of wastewater
discharge and conservation standards and pollution control management protocol.

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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.
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Centre sanctions funds for Beating Retreat ceremony in Tripura
Union Tourism Ministry has consented fund under Swadesh Darshan scheme, to create
infrastructure for Beating Retreat ceremony at Agartala-Akhaura border with Bangladesh, similar
to that at Wagah in Punjab.
There were an oultay of Rs 99 crore for the development of tourist spots in Tripura, which was
funded by the government. Out of which Rs 18 crore was allocated to create infrastructure at the
Agartala-Akhaura border.
Among others, mini stadium and roads will also be created.
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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
11. Ms. Priyanka Chopra Art-Cinema Maharashtra
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Maharashtras first Solar Power operated Mini-Water Supply Plant commissioned
The first Solar Power operated Mini-Water Supply Plant has been commissioned in Hingna village of
Mouda Taluka in Nagpur district Maharashtra. Solar power is the conservation of sun energy to
usable electricity. Solar Power is a sustainable and renewable resource of energy.
The plant entirely run on solar power for which 1800 Watt panels have been installed.
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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.
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Rs 5,000-crore Subsidy for Rooftop Solar Power
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an increase in the budget for implementation
of grid-connected solar rooftop systems to Rs. 5,000 crore from Rs.600 crore up to the financial year
2019-2020.
This will support installation of 4,200 MW solar rooftop systems in the country in next 5 years.
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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.
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DBT Scheme for Kerosene from April 1, 2016

The government will unveil Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) scheme for kerosene from 1st April 2016,
where the users will buy the cooking fuel at market rate but will get financial support directly in their
bank accounts.
The scheme will be implemented in selected 26 districts of 8 states.
In this regard, states be given cash incentive of 75% of subsidy savings during the first two years,
50% in the third year and 25% in the fourth year.
Eight States Chhattisgarh, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Punjab and 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.
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Alstom delivers Made in India coaches to Kochi Metro
Alstom the French transportation equipment maker rolled out the first set of railway coaches for the
Kochi Metro project. The Kochi coach order is the second rolling stock contract for Alstom in the
country, with Chennai metro the first.
Venue : Sri City in Andhra Pradesh.
Highlights :
The three indigenously-designed and manufactured coaches were flagged off by Union Minister for
Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs, M. Venkaiah Naidu.
The Metropolis coaches, which were handed over to Kerala Minister for Power and Railways
Aryadan Mohammed, will take at least 10 days to reach Kochi where they will be received by Kerala
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
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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.
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5 key bills assented by Prez Pranab Mukherjee
As per the provisions of Article 111 of the Constitution of India, President Pranab Mukherjee has
given assent to five key bills that were passed by both the houses of Parliament, Lok Sabha and Rajya
Sabha in the recently concluded winter session of Parliament.
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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.
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India-Nepal friendship bus service resumes after gap of 27 years
A friendship bus service between India and Nepal via Champawat in Uttarakhand resumed after a
gap of 27 years. These air-conditioned buses are painted with Indian and Nepalese flags.
The bus will runs between Kanchanpur in Nepal close to Banbasa border in Champavat district of
Uttarakhand and Anand Vihar in New Delhi.
No special documents are required to travel in these buses.
A bottle of mineral water and Wi-Fi facility would be provided free of cost to the passengers.
The service was suspended 27 years ago in the wake of the Indo-Nepal Trade and Transit Treaty.
Keys Nepal:
Capital Kathmandu
Currency Nepalese rupee
Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli
President Bidhya Devi Bhandari
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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.
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The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 inducted
The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 with special provisions to tackle child
offenders in the age group of 16-18 years committing heinous offences, came into force.
The act will replace Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000.
The JJ Act, 2015 provides for strengthened provisions for both children in need of care and
protection and children in conflict with law.
To streamline adoption procedures for orphan, abandoned and surrendered children, the existing
Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) is given the status of a statutory body to enable it to
perform its function more effectively.
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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.
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Worlds largest Tricolour to be hoisted in Ranchi
Jharkhand is all set to beat a record held by a flag in Faridabad, Haryana in March 2015 by getting
the worlds largest Tricolour flying atop the countrys tallest flagpole at the Pahari temple in Ranchi.
The flag measuring 99 by 66 feet will be hoisted at a height of 293 feet.
For one week, the Tricolour will be up for a trial run.
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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.
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900+ girls in sex ratio at birth recorded in Haryana
For the first time in 10 years, sex ratio in Haryana has shown a mounting crossing the 900 mark with
903 girls per 1,000 boys as compared to earlier 879 females per 1,000 males.
(Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar)
12 districts have recorded sex ratio above the 900 mark in which district Sirsa tops the list with sex
ratio of 999 girls per 1,000 boys.
Sirsa district, sex ratio at birth increased from 948 in October 2015 to 978 in November and to 999 in
December.
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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.
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National Conference on Sustainable Agriculture, Farmers Welfare
The two-day National Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Farmers Welfare was chaired in
Sikkim. The conference will be attended by state government representatives, scientists,
academicians, bankers, experts and practitioners.
PM Narendra Modi was the chief guest at the plenary session of the conference.
Organic Farming Festival was also organized to give more impetus to Organic Farming.
The two day National Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Farmers Welfare deliberated upon
the challenges and identify initiatives to transform agriculture based on sustainable and efficient use
of resources like soil and water, remunerative prices on farm produce, risk coverage and reduction
of potential negative impact of climate change.

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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 L5-band 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.
==================================================================================
Health Ministry releases results from 1st phase of HFHS-4 survey
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the results from the first phase of the National
Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), 2015-16. These are available on Ministrys website,
www.mohfw.gov.in. Findings for the 13 States of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Goa, Haryana, Karnataka,
Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and
two Union Territories of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Puducherry.
==================================================================================
Sikri takes over as new CCI chairman
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 twoand-a-half year tenure (till he attains 65 years of age).
==================================================================================
Mission Indradhanush added Four new vaccines
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Jagat Prakash Nadda has announced that a set of four
new vaccines will be added soon under Mission Indradhanush.
As a part of Indias newborn action plan,inactivated polio vaccine, adult Japanese Encephalitis
vaccine, Rotavirus vaccine and Measles Rubella vaccine will be added.
==================================================================================

Sushma Swaraj to visit Palestine, Israel

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.
==================================================================================
Telangana: First State to make gender education compulsory
With an introduction of bilingual textbook, Towards a World of Equals in engineering colleges
affiliated to the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU-Hyderabad), Telangana has
become the introductory state in the country to make gender education compulsory at the graduate
level.
The book edited by Susie Tharu and Dr.A.Suneetha has prescribed it as the textbook for the newly
introduced mandatory course on Gender Sensitization in JNTUH.
==================================================================================
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.
==================================================================================
IMD: Changes made in Weather Forecasting Language
With an aim to make the interface more audience friendly and fill the communication with civil
administration, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has changed the languages and also
redefined many of its terms.
Following are some of the major changes introduced by the department:
Normal: 10 percent of the long period average (lpa).
Below normal: Rainfall lowers than 10% below average of the lpa.
Above normal: Rainfall greater than 10% above average of the lpa.

Deficient year: Rainfall deficit between 10 and 20% up to 40% of Indias spatial area.
Large deficient year: Rainfall deficit of over 10% across more than 40% of Indias area.
==================================================================================
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.

==================================================================================
India becomes the member of IEA-OES
Union Cabinet gave its nod for India becomes a member country of 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.
==================================================================================
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 SelfDefence 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.
==================================================================================
Sikkim crowned as Indias First Fully Organic State
Sikkim has turned out to be the Indias first fully organic state by implementing organic practices. As
per the guidelines laid down in National Programme for Organic Production, 75,000 hectares of
agricultural land was gradually converted to certified organic land by implementing organic
principles.

The formal announcement regarding this will be made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at
sustainable agriculture conference in Gangtok on January 18.
==================================================================================
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.
==================================================================================
First Mahila Troop inducted for High-Altitude Posts of IC Border
The recently trained cohort of 500 women labor force has been positioned at high-altitude posts
along the India-China border.
The first Mahila troop was commissioned into the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Panchkula,
Haryana.
==================================================================================
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).
==================================================================================
President launches countrywide Pulse Polio Programme for 2016
The President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee launched the Pulse Polio programme for 2016 by
administering polio drops to children less than five years old, at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
Around 4 crore children of less than five years across the country will be given polio drops as part of
the drive of Government of India to sustain polio eradication from the country.
Government of India has introduced the injectable Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) into its routine
immunization program along with oral polio vaccine from 30 November 2015.

In the first phase IPV has been introduced in six States Assam, Gujarat, Punjab, Bihar, Madhya
Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
==================================================================================
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.
==================================================================================
NITI Aayog collaborated with IDFC for Enterprise Survey of Manufacturing Firms
As part of ease of doing business enabler, NITI Aayog and IDFC Institute will jointly conduct a survey
of manufacturing companies, including startups, across India.
The objective of the survey is to assess the business regulatory environment in each state and union
territory (UT).
The NITI Aayog-IDFC Institute Enterprise survey will complement the governments Make in India
initiative by taking stock of issues faced and providing impetus for state-level reforms that will make
it easier to do business in India.
It will suggest measures needed to foster competitive and cooperative federalism.
==================================================================================
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.
==================================================================================
Provide access to answer sheets at Rs 2 per page: CIC
The Central Information Commission has ruled the Universities and examining bodies for not to
charge more than Rs 2 per page for providing copies of evaluated answer scripts to students.
Derivatives are issued to the University Grants Commission and Association of Indian Universities, to
circulate, publicise and insist on implementation of this order in all academic and examining bodies.
The decision in regard has been taken when a student Abne Ingty was asked to pay Rs 750 per paper
to have his own answer-sheets. That high fee for a copy of answer book was breaching the sections
3, 6 and 7 of the RTI Act.
==================================================================================

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.
==================================================================================
R V Easwar Committees report to simplify Income-tax Act, 1961 released
Union Ministry of Finance has released the draft report of 10 member committee headed by Justice
R V Easwar (Retd) Committee to simplify the provisions of Income-tax Act, 1961.
The 78 page draft report contains 27 suggestions for amendments under the Income tax Act, 1961
and 8 recommendations for reform through administrative instructions.
Nearly 65% of the personal income-tax collection in India was through tax deducted at source (TDS).
==================================================================================
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
half-sari.Devotees wearing lungi, bermudas, jeans and tight-leggings would not be allowed.
==================================================================================
Government constitutes Committee for Holistic interpretation of the provisions of the
Cinematograph Act/ Rules
The government constituted a committee for holistic interpretation of the provisions of the
Cinematograph Act and Rules.
Headed by: Filmmaker ShyamBenegal
Other Members of the Committee:ShriRakeyshOmprakashMehra, ShriPiyushPandey, Ms.
BhawanaSomaaya , Ms. Nina Lath Gupta and Joint Secretary (Films) as Member Convenor.
Highlights: To suggest the paradigm for ensuring a cultural milieu and enable those tasked with the
work of certification of films to discharge their responsibilities keeping in view this framework.
Deliberations:
To take note of the best practices in various parts of the world, especially where the film industry is
given sufficient and adequate space for creative and aesthetic expression.

Recommend broad guidelines / procedures under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act / Rules
for the benefit of the chairperson and other members of the Screening Committee.
The staffing pattern of CBFC would also be looked into a framework which would provide efficient /
transparent user friendly services.
==================================================================================
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).
==================================================================================
Maharashtra government inks MoU with Pawan Hans to boost tourism
Maharashtra government has signed an MoU with private helicopter service company Pawan Hans.
Objective: To boost tourism in Maharashtra.
Helicopter services will be available for: Elephanta Island, Ajanta and Ellora caves, Ganpatipule (a
small town located in Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast), Tarkarli (a tourist spot in Sindhudurg
district) and Aamby Valley at a cheap rate.
Points to remember: Maharashtra
Nations third largest state and worlds second-most populous sub-national entity.
Capital and Largest City: Mumbai
Chief Minister: Devendra Fadnavis
Governor: C. Vidyasagar Rao
==================================================================================
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.
==================================================================================
PM Modi inaugurated Indian Science Congress in Mysuru

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 103rd Indian Science Congress in Mysore, Karnataka.
The event is being held at the University of Mysore from January 3 to 7.
Theme Science & Technology for Indigenous Development in India
The Indian Science Congress is being hosted in Karnataka after 13 years and in Mysuru after 34
years.
As part of Indian Science Congress, the Children Science Congress inaugurated by Nobel Laureate
John B Gurdon (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012) at the amphitheatre,
Manasagangothri inside the Mysore university campus.
Besides this, the 5th Womens Science Congress also inaugurated.
==================================================================================
6.7 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Northeast India
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.
==================================================================================
Justice Lodha panel submits report to SC for reforms in BCCI
Justice R M Lodha panel, had recommended suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan
Royals due to their involvement in illegal betting and spot-fixing, submitted its report by advocate
Gopal Shankar Narayan to the Supreme Court registry. It will be considered by the bench headed by
Chief Justice T S Thakur.
Reason behind suspension:
It had suspended Chennai Super Kings(Dhoni led) which is the the most successful team of IPL, and
Rajasthan Royals for two years from the League in a clear-out of cricket in 2013 betting scam
involving their top officials Gurunath Meiyappan(Son-in-law of the then BCCI chief N Srinivasan) and
Raj Kundra. They were suspended for life from any matches conducted by BCCI.
Key Points:
Meiyappan, a former Team Principal of India Cements Ltd (ICL)-owned franchise CSK
Raj Kundra, co-owner of Jaipur IPL that runs Rajasthan Royals (RR)
==================================================================================
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.
==================================================================================
Toilets made mandatory to contest Panchayat polls in Bihar
State election commissioner (SEC) Ashok Kumar Chauhan announced that toilets will be mandatory
requirement for eligibility to contest panchayat elections in Bihar.
Candidates have to give an undertaking regarding status of toilet by 1 January 2016 in their home.
To ensure free and fair polling the elections will be held in 10 phases.
The decision is based on the legislation the Bihar Panchayat Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2015 which
brought some new provisions including making it mandatory for candidates contesting all level of
panchayat raj elections to have toilets at their individual home by 31 January 2016.
Election will be held for the posts of 8397 Mukhiyas (Village head), 8397 Kutcheri Sarpanchs besides
Panchayat Samiti members, Kutchehri panchs, and Zila Parishad members.
==================================================================================
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.
==================================================================================
Policy on Promotion of City Compost assented by cabinet
Policy on Promotion of City Compost has got a stamp of approval by the Union Cabinet to lower
the maximum retail price of city compost for farmers.
As per policy, sale of city compost will be assisted by Rs 1,500 per tonne, which can be utilized as
organic fertiliser by farmers.
A joint contrivance will be organised by Department of Fertilizers, Ministry of Urban Development
and Department of Agriculture to supervise and make adequate quantity of City Compost available
by having a mutual accord with compost manufacturers and Fertilizer Marketing companies.
==================================================================================

PM Narendra Modi Flags Off Mahamana Express From Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 22 January 2016 flagged off the Mahamana Express", a thricea-week 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.
==================================================================================
4th India Africa Hydrocarbons Conference held in New Delhi
4th India Africa Hydrocarbons Conference (IAHC) was held in New Delhi. 22 African nations
participate in the conference out of which nine were represented by their Ministers.
Conference aimed at greater collaboration between India and African continent towards
Development Transmitting Partnership in Hydrocarbons field.
Deal permits India to enhance its energy security.
And encouraging Africas Hydrocarbons sector growth on several fronts like environmental
sustainability, human resource development and employment generation.
Keys South Africa:
President of South Africa Jacob Zuma
Capital of South Africa- Cape Town
Currency of South Africa- South African rand (ZAR)
==================================================================================
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.
==================================================================================
MSDE and DoT sign MoU for skill development in telecom sector

On the sidelines of PMs vision to make India the skill capital of the world, Ministry of Skill
Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) inked MoU with Department of Telecommunication
(DoT) for the implementation of National Action Plan for Skill Development in Telecom Sector.
The objective behind MoU is to fulfill skilled manpower requirement of telecom sector and to
provide quality opportunities for employment.
Highlights of MoU:
Utilization of old telephone exchanges which are no longer in use for skill development initiatives
along with their upgradation.
To develop National Institute for Policy Research Innovation and Training (NTIPRT) for training and
skill development.
Apart from above Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) Rupay ATM Cum Debit card from
Bank of India was also issued, which would be issued to the students with 1 Lac Rupee PA Insurance
Cover.
Skill Vans were also launched, which would travel to different parts of the country and provide skill
development trainings to the youth.
==================================================================================
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.

==================================================================================
SEEMA DARSHAN an initiative by the Ministry of Human Resource Development
SEEMA DARSHAN an initiative to provide an opportunity for the children to experience the border
environment and to encourage patriotism and nationalism among the students.
It aims to provide the students the experience of the current security environment in the border
areas.
==================================================================================
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.
-Space cooperation, including launch of satellite for climate change research.
-Renewable energy MoU and global solar alliance.
==================================================================================
Chhattisgarh Signs MOU on UDAY
GOI, Chhattisgarh and CSPDCL (Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for operational & financial turnaround of Discoms under the
Scheme UDAY Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana.
(Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh)
First MOU on UDAY signed was signed between the GOI, Jharkhand and the JBVNL (Jharkhand Bijli
Vitran Nigam Limited) in start of Jan 2016.
About UDAY Scheme:
UDAY was approved to provide financial turnaround and revival of Power Distribution companies
(DISCOMs). It envisages reducing interest burden, cost of power and AT&C losses.

Under the UDAY scheme, state governments which own the distribution utilities, would take over
75% debts of Discoms as on 30th September, 2015 in two years and pay back the lenders by selling
bonds. For the remaining 25%, discoms will issue bonds.
==================================================================================
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
==================================================================================
Railways gets its first Make in India luxury coaches
Railway Board chairman AK Mittal inspected first luxury Make in India railway coaches at Habibganj
railwaystation(Bhopal). The coaches then sent to New Delhi and inspected by Railway minister
Suresh Prabhu.
Highlights:
Designed by: Bhopals coach rehabilitation workshop (CRWS), Nishatpura
Trial:Successful final test run of luxury coaches was completed between Bhopal to GanjBasoda and
back to Habibganj.
First to use these coaches:Jabalpur-HazratNizamuddinSamparkKranti Express
Habibganj Station will be the very first station of the country to be redeveloped
As per plans, 111 coaches are to be manufactured by CRWS of which 87 would be non AC, 17 would
be for AC 3 tier, 5 for AC 2 tier and one each for AC 1 and chair car.
*Luxury on wheels*
LED reading lights, snacks table in side berths
Multi mobile charging points
Fire extinguishers on both side of coach
Water bottle holder next to every seat
Green toilet system with soap case and dustbin
Fire-proof seats made of poly vinyl material
Floor painted like carpet

Middle berths have side support and railing instead of chains

==================================================================================
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.
==================================================================================
100% primary education feat achieved by Kerala
Kerala has become the first state in the country to achieve the status of 100% primary education. It
has been declared by Vice-President Hamid Ansari.
This feat has been achieved on the sidelines of states literacy mission Athulyam Aksharotsavam.
==================================================================================
Union Budget for 2016-17 to be presented on 29 February
The Union Budget for 2016-2017 will be presented by Finance Minister Arun Jaitely on 29 February
2016.
==================================================================================
Arvind Panagariya panel to fast-track bullet trains
To accelerate the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, meant for bullet trains between
the two cities, Prime Ministers Office has constituted a committee the vice-chairman of the NITI
Aayog, Arvind Panagariya that will interact with the Japanese counterpart for taking the next step in
implementation.
The committee will comprise of Railway Board chairman, secretary in the department of
expenditure, foreign secretary and secretary (industrial policy).
==================================================================================
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
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Tendulkar launches 2 Mumbai Rail Police safety initiatives
Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar launched two initiatives SAMEEP and B-Safe by Mumbai Railway
Police .
About SAMEEP :
SAMEEP(Safety Alert Messages Exclusively For Passengers) is an effort towards instant
communication with railway passengers in case of any eventuality.
Under this scheme, we invite commuters to give Missed Call on 7208015207 or SMS MH RLY COP to
166 to get registered. Those who get registered will be sent an SMS when required about important
developments/disruptions, safety advisories, women security updates, correct information to dispel
any rumours.
About B-Safe :
B-Safe is a prolonged multi-media awareness campaign. It is for educating the public about various
precautions they should take for safe commuting. The themes range from crime control, womens
safety, accident-prevention, reporting of suspicious activity, etc.
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500-strong women troops commissioned into ITBP

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.
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IISER campus inaugurated in Thiruvananthapuram
Union Human Resource Development Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurated the permanent
campus (Phase I) of Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) at Vithura near
Thiruvananthapuram.
As a part of Global Initiative of Academic Network (GIAN), the Department of Higher Education will
allow the new IISER Centre to recruit five foreign faculties to improve research and international
exposure to the students.
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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.
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Kerala to initiate G-Taxi for transgenders
After Wings Rainbow in Mumbai now Kerala is all set to launch to G-Taxi (Gender Taxi) which will
be operated owned and operated by members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender)
community. It is first of its kind in Kerala.
Objective To provide a better means for livelihood for the minority group and to ensure them nondiscriminatory treatment in society.
The initiative for G-taxi has been taken by state-run Gender Park, under the Department of Social
Justice.
Like the She-Taxi, G-Taxi cabs will also have advanced security features, including GPS.
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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.
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Uttar Pradesh Joins Uday Scheme, Would Derive an Overall Net Benefit of Rs.33000 Crore through
UDAY
The Government of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under the Scheme
Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY) with the State of Uttar Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh Power
Corporation Limited (UPPCL).
It aims to supply adequate power at affordable rates and to ensure a sustainable permanent
solution of electricity problem.
Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand have already signed the MoU under UDAY. Now Uttar
Pradesh has joined the list.
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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.
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Expert panel to review Specific Relief Act, 1963 constituted
Legislative Department of Union Law Ministry has initiated an expert committee to review the
Specific Relief Act, 1963.
The committee comprised of chairman and 5 members will have to submit its report within a
stipulated time of 3 monthse. till April 2016.
The committee will examine the scenario which includes public private partnerships, contract based
infrastructure development and other public projects involving enforceability of the contracts and
will also ensure ease of doing business.
The act is a remedy which aims at the exact fulfillment of an obligation or specific performance of
the contract rather than a general relief or damages or compensation.
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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.
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CCEA Approves Hybrid Annuity Model for Highway Projects
In a bid to provide better connectivity and attract investment, Cabinet Committee on Economic
Affairs has given its stamp of approval to Hybrid Annuity Model for implementing the Highway
Projects.
The government will provide 40% of the project cost to the developer while the remaining
investment has to be made by the developer.
By adopting the Model as the mode of delivery will increase the comfort level of all major
stakeholders in the PPP arrangement including authority, lender and developer, resulting in revival
of the sector through renewed interest of private investors.
The former Planning Commission has developed the first version of the Model Concession
Agreement for roads in 2006.
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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.
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Indias first blind friendly train flagged off
Indian Railway flagged off Indias first blind friendly train, from Mysuru to Varanasi. The train is
financed by Pratap Simha, Mysuru Member of Parliament (MP), from the MPLAD Fund. The train
was inaugurates by Mr Prtap Simha.
The Union Minister of Railways always tries to inauguration which helps the local people in every
situation.
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Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes Amendment Act, 2015 came into force
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.
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Indian, Chinese troops meet on LAC, commit to cordial ties
Indian and Chinese troops meet on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh sector of Jammu and
Kashmir for the ceremonial Border Personal Meetings on the occasion of 67th Republic day of India.
Both the troops express their commitment towards enhancing the friendly relations and maintaining
peace along boundary.
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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.
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First MOU on UDAY signed b/w GOI, Jharkhand & JBVNL

Government of India, Jharkhand and the JBVNL (Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for operational & financial turnaround of Discoms under the
Scheme UDAY Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana.
(Jharkhand CM Raghubar Das)
Inking of this MoU indicates the onset of major Distribution reforms in the country under UDAY.
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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.
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Rs.1000 crores allocated to LWE affected states
The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh approved the State wise allocation of Additional Central
Assistance (ACA) of Rs.1000 crores to 35 worst Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts in 7
states.
Out of 35 districts, there are 16 affected districts in Jharkhand, 8 in Chhattisgarh, 6 in Bihar, 2 in
Odisha and one each in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated fund at the rate of Rs.28.57 crores per district.
Thus, Jharkhand is allocated 457.12 crore, Chhattisgarh Rs. 228.56 crore, Bihar Rs. 171.42 crore,
Odisha Rs. 57.14 crore and Rs.28.57 crore each to Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
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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.
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Cabinet apprised of the signing of protocol with Czech Republic on heavy industry

Union Cabinet has been apprised of the protocol signed earlier between India and Czech Republic in
the field of heavy industry, especially in industrial cooperation and facilities construction.
The Protocol includes the intent for modernization of the existing facilities in India by the Czech
companies, including modernization of three plants of Heavy Engineering Corporation, a Central
Public Sector Enterprises under the Department of Heavy Industries at Ranchi, set up with Czech
support in the early 1960s.
The aim of the Protocol is to promote bilateral cooperation between both States of the Parties in the
field of heavy industry on the principle of mutual convenience and benefit.
Keys Czech Republic:
Capital Prague
Currency Czech koruna
Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka
President Milos Zeman
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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.
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QCI to make Report Card of Swachh Bharat Mission
To make a report on the progress of Swachh Bharat Mission, Ministry of Urban Development has
commissioned Quality Council of India (QCI) which will rank 75 cities on sanitation and cleanliness
after an extensive survey.
The survey conducted by QCI dubbed Swachh Survekshan will cover all state capitals and another
53 cities with a population above one million.
A base-year pre survey was conducted in 2015 before the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
Swachh Survekshan is being conducted between January 5 and January 20. The results are expected
to be announced on January 25, 2016.
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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.
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Govt approves electronics cluster in Raipur
Government has approved the set up of fifth Greenfield electronics manufacturing cluster in Raipur,
Chattisgarh worth Rs.89 crore and the central government will provide Rs.43.07 crore, for
manufacturing mobile phones, solar LEDs and consumer electronics products.
Department of Electronics and IT (Deity) has already given nod to 17 Greenfield EMCs and approved
four EMCs which include two in Madhya Pradesh, one each in Rajasthan and Jharkhand.
It has approved only one Brownfield EMC which is located in Mysore while given nod to three other
brownfield EMCs.
Keys: Chhattisgarh
10th largest state in India
Source of electricity and steel for India
Capital: Raipur
Governor: Balramji Das Tandon
Chief Minister: Raman Singh
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