Current Affairs: 6 May 2019

1. British Prime Minister Teresa has recently dismissed Defense Minister Gavin Williamson from the post. Gavin Williamson has been sacked for leaking information of the network being set up in Britain by the company of Huawei Company of China., 

2. Recently, Thailand's new King "Maha Wajiralongkorn Bodindrebayevarangkun" has been historically coronational since two years., 

3. Recently, ITTF's latest ranking of Indian table tennis has become the first Indian player to make the top-25 position in the Xiyan World Rankings. They have climbed 4 places to 24th place. He recently secured sixth position in the Asia Cup in Yokohama., 

4. Even before the start of World Cup 2019, South African cricketer JP Duminy has recently announced to retire from domestic cricket (List-A and First-class cricket). But they will continue to play in the T20 League all over the world., 

5. In March 2019, Mumbai Indians received 3.43 crore views on Instagram, while Mumbai Indians have joined the top-10 most popular sports teams in the world for the sixth time. And Spain's football club Barcelona has been in first place., 

6. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has recently imposed a penalty of Rs 6.10 crore on violating the rules on five Valet Company (Vodafone M-Money, Phonepay, My Mobile Payment Ltd, GI Technology Private Limited and Y Cash Software Solutions)., 

7. The launch of India's Chandra Mission Chandrayaan-2 has been announced between July 9 to July 16, 2019. This Chandrayaan-2 arbiter, lander (Vikram) and rover (pragyan) are three modules., 

8. Between 1 and 10 May, between Indian and Japanese Navy, jointly organized 'Varun' bilateral maneuvers with Goa Seaside. This exercise will be organized in two phases., 

9. The Indian Navy has recently started rescue and rehabilitation efforts after the devastation caused by cyclonic storm 'Fani' in Odisha state. In this rescue and rehabilitation effort, the people have access to the necessities of food items, essential medical supplies, clothes, other essential items., 

10. The Nepal government recently removed 3,000 kilogram garbage from Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain peak under cleanliness drive. The main purpose of this cleaning campaign is to remove about 10,000 kilogram garbage from Mount Everest.

Current Affairs: 5 May 2019

1. Before the Phoenix in the Bay of Bengal, Hudhud in 2014, Oki in 2017, Butterfly and Gaja Storm came in 2018., 

2. Huawei China's company has secured second place in the first quarter of this year, surpassing Apple in tough competition in the smartphone market. Korea's Samsung still remains in the first place., 

3. BSNL said in the statement that till April 2019, the construction of about 5,340 towers has been completed. And said that its expansion in the mobile service market increased by network expansion to 10.63 percent by the end of February. By March 2018, its market share was at 10.22 percent., 

4. In the Hollywood movie series Star Wars, Peter Maehu used to play Chewbacca, who died at the age of 74., 

5. 16th Ministerial Meeting of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) was held in Doha, Qatar. General (Dr.) V.K. Singh (Retd), Minister of State for External Affairs led the Indian delegation. The topic of the meeting was "Partners in Progress"., 

6. BSNL, the public sector telecom company that started the optical fiber-based broadband service in Pulwama, Jammu Kashmir, has become the first company. BSNL has started the service called 'India Fiber' there., 

7. Britain has become the first country to declare climate emergency., 

8. AS Kiran Kumar, who has been the former Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), has given France his highest civilian honor 'Chevalier DL Order National De La Legend Honor'. This award has been given for specific contribution in the space cooperation of the two countries., 

9. Godrej Group firm Godrej Properties has bought RK Studios. The Godrej company has given the information to buy the studio, but they have not disclosed anything about the value of the deal., 

10. International Fire Day is celebrated on 4th May.

Current Affairs: 4 May 2019

1. 8th Asian Youth Women Handball Championship will be organized in Jaipur., 

2.  Iraq has been India's largest oil supplier in 2018-19, 

3. According to the information released by NASA 99942, Asteroid named APOPHIS will pass through the Earth in 2029, 

4.  The number of control rooms installed for cyclone hurricane is 1938, 

5. The Press Independence Day is celebrated on May 3 each year., 

6. India and England retained the top spot in the Test and ODI team rankings after the annual update in the ICC rankings on May 2, 2019., 

7. Indian wrestler Bajrang Poonia has won gold medal in Ali Aliyev Tournament, played in Russia on 02 May 2019, 

8. France has honored former ISRO chairman AS Kiran Kumar with his highest civilian honor 'Chevalier D.L. Order National De La Legend Honor', 

9. National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has proposed the name of Heena Sidhu and Ankur Mittal for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, 

10. According to the producer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's biopic, the film will be released on May 24, one day after the results of the Lok Sabha elections.

Current Affairs : 4 May 2019

1. Q : Which company is ready to officially launch the world's largest online-to-offline new e-commerce platform with over 100 services, it is named "Super App"?

 Ans : Reliance Industries, 

2. Q : Researchers of which institute developed an ultrasonic quantum thermometer using graphene quantum dots, which can precisely measure between 27 ° C -196 ° C?

 Ans : Jamia Millia Islamia, 

3. Q : According to the producer of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's biopic, how many films will be released after a day after the results of Lok Sabha elections?

 Ans :  "May 24th", 

4. Q : According to the information released by NASA 99942, which year will the asteroid named APOPHIS pass through the Earth?

 Ans : "2029", 

5. Q : Which helpline number has been issued by the government for information about cyclonic storm called Fani, which is hit by the shores of Odisha?

 Ans : "1938", 

6. Q :  On what day is the Press Freedom Day celebrated?

 Ans :  "May 3", 

7. Q : According to the latest ICC ranking, which country is in top form in Test format?

 Ans : India, 

8. Q : Which African country started the world's largest drone delivery service to supply medical supplies to remote areas?

 Ans : Ghana, 

9. Q : Between 9th and 16th July 2019, a lender will be sent during India's "Chandrayaan-2" mission. What is the name of this lender?

 Ans : Vikram, 

10. Q : India and which country retained the top spot in the Test and ODI team rankings after the annual update in the ICC rankings on May 2, 2019?

 Ans : England, 

11. Q : Indian medalist Bajrang Poonia won which medal in Ali Aliyev tournament played in Russia on May 2, 2019?

 Ans : gold medal, 

12. Q :  Which former Chairman of ISRO has honored France with its highest civilian honor 'Chevalier D.L. Order National De La Legend Honor'?

 Ans : AS Kiran Kumar, 

13. Q : Which award has been proposed by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) for the name of Heena Sidhu and Ankur Mittal?

 Ans :  Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award, 

14. Q : Where will the 8th Asian Youth Women Handball Championship be held?

 Ans :  Jaipur, 

15. Q : Which country is India's largest crude oil supplier in 2018-19?

 Ans : Iraq, 

16. Q : Which country has passed a 'sovereign Internet' bill, which will allow the country's officials to separate the country's Internet to stay away from foreign servers?

 Ans : Russia, 

17. Q : The first President of the Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission passed away on 1st April. What was their name?

 Ans : B. Subhasan Reddy, 

18. Q : Recently, Hanumant Dallas of Maharashtra died at the age of 57. Who was that?

 Ans : NCP legislator, 

19. Q : Who has appointed Bombay Stock Exchange as the first independent woman director?

 Ans : Jayshree Vyas, 

20. Q : Who is the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, President Ram Nath Kovind?

Current Affairs : 3 May 2019

1. Q : The first President of the Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission passed away on 1st April. What was their name?

 Ans : B. Subhasan Reddy, 

2. Q : Recently, Hanumant Dallas of Maharashtra died at the age of 57. Who was that?

 Ans : NCP legislator, 

3. Q : Who has appointed Bombay Stock Exchange as the first independent woman director?

 Ans : Jayshree Vyas, 

4. Q : Who is the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court, President Ram Nath Kovind?

 Ans : Abhay Srinivas Oka, 

5. Q : Which scheduled commercial bank has launched a special current account for the exporting community, titled - Just a Dollar?

 Ans : Lakshmi Vilas Bank, 

6. Q : Which national government held a grand meeting called "Loya Jirga" to discuss the war and the efforts of the peace agreement with the Taliban of America?

 Ans : Afghanistan, 

7. Q : The first part of the joint naval exercise of India and the navies of the Naval Varuna is being held near Goa beach.

 Ans : France, 

8. Q : Which non-British cricketer has recently been declared the President of the Marylibon Cricket Club (MCC) for the first time?

 Ans : Kumar Sangakkara, 

9. Q : Which place has been discovered for 4,000 years old tombs in Uttar Pradesh recently by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)?

 Ans :  Sunauli, 

10. Q : Which author has recently been given the Rabindranath Tagore Literature Award 2019?

 Ans : Rana Dasgupta, 

11. Q : Where was the two-day cyber-practice 'organized on' Landscape Building and Response 'on 29-30 April 2019?

 Ans : new Delhi, 

12. Q : In April 2019, a person based in Pakistan on the UN sanction list has been named as a terrorist?

 Ans : Masood Azhar, 

13. Q : Which state was ranked first in the overall Index of SDG India issued by the Policy Commission?

 Ans : Kerala, 

14. Q : Which telecommunications company is not in India's top three largest telecom companies?

 Ans : Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, 

15. Q : Who is the author of the book 'The Third Pillar - How Markets and the State Leave the Community Behind'?

 Ans : Raghuram Rajan, 

16. Q :  Which day is celebrated on 3rd May every year?

 Ans : World Press Freedom Day, 

17. Q : Which country's 10 dollar note won the Banknote of the Year 2018 award?

 Ans : Canada, 

18. Q : Who took oath as Israel's Prime Minister?

 Ans : Benjamin Netanyahu, 

19. Q : The Dutch player Virgil van Dick and Vivian Medema received the PFA Player of the Year Award in connection with which game?

 Ans : Footballer, 

20. Q : Who became Deputy Chief of the Air Force who replaced Air Marshal Khosla?

 Ans : Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauriya] 

Morning Current Affairs: 24 October 2017

RBI sets up task force on Public Credit Registry

The Reserve Bank of India on 23 October 2017 constituted a 10-member ‘High Level Task Force on Public Credit Registry (PCR) for India’. The task force will suggest a roadmap for developing a transparent, comprehensive and near-real-time PCR for India.

Headed by YM Deosthalee, ex-CMD of L&T Finance Holdings, the task force includes Sekar Karnam, Vishaka Mulye, Rashesh Shah and Sriram Kalyanaraman among others.

The terms of reference of the task force include reviewing the current availability of information on credit in India, assessing the gaps in India that could be filled by a comprehensive PCR, and study the best international practices on PCR.

Suresh Sethi appointed as MD & CEO of IPPB

Former MD of Vodafone M-Pesa Ltd Suresh Sethi was on 23 October 2017 appointed as the Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB). 

Sethi was selected by the Banks Board Bureau from amongst top contenders from both public and private sector Banking and Fintech professionals. 

Sethi has broad international experience of over 27 years in the banking and financial services industry with Citigroup, YES Bank and Vodafone M-Pesa across India, Kenya, UK, Argentina and US. 

United Nations Day 2017 observed globally

The United Nations (UN) Day was observed across the world on 24 October 2017. UN Day 2017 marks the 72nd anniversary of the UN Charter’s entry into force.

The Day celebrates everything that the UN represents and has achieved since its establishment in 1945. On this occasion, all the member states of the United Nations contribute finances to its operation to help further its goals. 

A variety of events are organised every year by UN Information Centres to mark UN Day. Activities range from ceremonies, seminars, art competitions, rallies, film screenings and book exhibitions, media campaigns and social media campaigns.

Current Affairs for SSC, Banking and Postal Examination: February 7, 2017

One stop for all your Current Affairs needs for UPSC IAS 2017, SSC CGL 2017, Bank PO 2017 and other Competitive Exams

India to freeze production of Hydroflourocarbons by 2028

Addressing the alarming issue of global warming and to facilitate enough carbon space for the growth of domestic industry in the economy, India has agreed to freeze the production and consumption of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by the year 2028 and gradually reduce it from 2032 onwards. 

Highlights:

The statement came from the Environment Minister of India, after India committed to the cause during the 28th meeting of Parties to Montreal Protocol held in Kigali, Rwanda.

As per the agreement reached in Kigali: "India will freeze its manufacturing and consumption of HFCs in 2028 and start reducing it from 2032 to 2047 with reference to the base line years 2024, 2025 and 2026".

India has agreed to phase out 10 per cent of HFCs in 2032, 20 per cent in 2037, 30 percent in 2042 and 85 per cent in 2047, he said, adding that the freeze year was subject of technology review and could be further deferred to 2030.

India represents around 2 per cent of the global production and consumption of HFCs but our manufacturing and consumption sector is expected to grow at a rapid pace in future and with that it will be important to sustain the targeted production of HFCsAbout HFCs

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),organic compounds that contain fluorine and hydrogen atoms, are the most common type of organofluorine compounds. They are commonly used in air conditioning and as refrigerants in place of the older chlorofluorocarbons such as R-12 and hydrochlorofluorocarbons such as R-21. They do not harm the ozone layer as much as the compounds they replace; however, they do contribute to global warming.

Country's Solar Power generation capacity crosses 9 gw

Country’s solar power generation capacity stood at over 9 GW as on December 31, 2016 with Tamil Nadu having the largest output capability followed by Rajasthan and Gujarat.

The country's total power generation capacity stood at 9 GW as on December 31, 2016.

Gujarat contributed with 1.16 GW while Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu contributed 1.32 GW and 1.6 GW respectively.How is the government promoting Solar Power?

The government is promoting solar energy through fiscal and promotional incentives.

These incentives include capital and/or interest subsidy, tax holiday on the earnings for 10 years, generation-based incentive, accelerated depreciation, viability gap funding (VGF).

Financing solar rooftop systems as part of home loan.

Concessional excise and custom duties.

Preferential tariff for power generation from renewables.

Foreign investment up to 100 per cent under the automatic route, etc.

India to host the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017

India will host the FIBA Women's Asia Cup basketball tournament in July 2017, according to an official statement by the Basketball Federation of India.

The Event will be held in Bengaluru, Karnataka, from July 23 to 29, 2017.About FIBA

FIBA stands for International Basketball Association, is an association of national organizations which governs international competition in basketball.

Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: February 3, 2017

Hello Readers,

Here are the important headlines of the day with significant highlights essential for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, IBPS PO, SBI PO, Bank Clerk and other competitive examinations. 

States will be ranked on innovations from 2017

• To make India an innovation-driven economy, NITI Aayog, Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) together launched a mega initiative “India Innovation Index” that will rank states on Innovations through country’s first online innovation index portal that will capture data on innovation from all Indian states on innovation and regularly update it in real time.
• The India Innovation Index Framework will be structured based on the best practices followed in Global Innovation Index (GII) indicators and additionally by adding India-centric parameters those truly reflect the Indian innovation ecosystem.
• This initiative will be the point of reference for all international agencies to collect India’s up to date data points for global indices and analytic.
• India currently ranks 66th out of 128 countries on the Global innovation Index (GII) 2016. To improve India’s rank in GII and other international indices, NITI Aayog jointly with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), organized the Global Innovation Index – India Round table on January 31, 2017, in the capital.

Awards for Excellence for Public Administration

‘Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration’ are instituted to acknowledge, recognize and reward extraordinary and innovative work done by Districts/Organizations of the Central and State Governments.

There shall be a maximum of 15 awards under the Priority Programme category and 2 awards under the Innovation category.

​

Following priority programmes have been identified for awards under the scheme.

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
• Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY)
• e – National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)
• Standup India/ Startup India

In addition to the awards in Priority Programmes, awards shall be given to organizations of Central/State Government/District for innovations in Environment Conservation, Disaster Management, Water Conservation, Energy, Education and Health, Women and Child Centric Initiatives etc.

For the Prime Minister’s Awards 2017, an innovative and competitive methodology has been adopted for wider participation. Districts across the country and Central and State Government Organisations were motivated to compete under the scheme.

Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP III)

A Financing Agreement for IDA credit of US$201.50 million (equivalent) for the “Third Technical Education Quality Improvement Programme (TEQIP III)” was signed with the World Bank.

The Financing Agreement was signed by Mr. Raj Kumar (Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs) on behalf of Government of India and Mr. Junaid Kamal Ahmad, Country Director, World Bank (India) on behalf of the World Bank.

Highlights:

• The objective of the Program is to enhance quality and equity in participating Engineering Education Institutes and improve the efficiency of the Engineering Education System in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, 8 North Eastern States and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• The Project has two main components, (i) Improving quality and equity in engineering institutes in those states; and (ii) System-level initiatives to strengthen sector governance and performance. The project has been designed as a disbursement linked one, that is, the World Bank loan will be disbursed on achievement of specific outcomes.
• The closing date of TEQIP III is 31st March, 2022.

Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: January 30, 2017

Hello Readers,

Here are the important headlines of the day with significant highlights essential for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, IBPS PO, SBI PO, Bank Clerk and other competitive examinations. 

RBI issues payment bank licence to India Post

• RBI has given its nod to India Post to rollout commercial banking operations within the permissible limit stated under the licence. 
• Thus it makes India Post the third entity to receive payments bank permits after Paytm and Bharti Airtel.

Highlights:

• India Post Payments Bank along with other payment banks can accept a deposit not amounting to more than Rs 1 lakh per individual and small businesses.
• AP Singh has been appointed as the interim MD and CEO of the India Post Payment Bank.

Why Payments Banks:

The new model of banking allows mobile firms, supermarket chains and others to cater to banking requirements of individuals and small businesses. It will be set up as a differentiated bank and will confine its activities to acceptance of demand deposits, remittance services, Internet banking and other specified services.

Other Payment Banks: Paytm, Aditya Birla Nuvo, Fino Paytech, National Securities Depository, Reliance Industries Ltd and Vodafone m-pesa.

Serena Williams wins Australian Open

Serena Williams has won her record 23rd Grand Slam singles title with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over her older sister Venus in Australian Open final.

Highlights:

• It was Serena's seventh win in nine all-Williams Grand Slam finals, and the first since Wimbledon in 2009.
• The victory at Rod Laver Arena also ensured Serena Williams will regain the top ranking, which she lost in September after 186 straight weeks when Angelique Kerber won the U.S. Open.

India and Russia to develop PAK FA

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles are all set to be mounted on submarines' torpedo launchers and on Russia's fifth generation T-50 PAK FA Fighter jet.

Highlights:

• The two countries are developing a Fifth Gen Fighter Aircraft (FGFA). However, the Indian version of the FGFA will have more than 40 improvements over the Russian version.
• Last year, India and Russia had agreed ‘in principle’ to export BrahMos to the UAE, Vietnam, South Africa and Chile, as reported by TASS.

About BrahMos:

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is the product of Russia’s Machine-Building Research and Development Consortium and India’s Defense Research and Development Organization, which set up BrahMos Aerospace joint venture in 1998.

​

Federer wins Australian Open

• Swiss legend Roger Federer kept his nerves to fend off 14-time grand slam champion Rafael Nadal in a pulsating summit clash to clinch the men's singles title of the Australian Open.
• The Swiss maestro defeated Nadal 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 at Rod Laver Arena in the final match that lasted for more than two-and-a-half hours.

New test to detect signs of life on alien planets

NASA scientists have developed a new chemical assay that could aid the search for life on exoplanets by identifying the presence of amino acids, the compounds that make up proteins and building blocks of life.

Highlights:

• The method is 10,000 times more sensitive than current methods employed by spacecraft like NASA’s Mars Curiosity rover.
• One of the key advantages of the new way of using capillary electrophoresis is that the process is relatively simple and easy to automate for liquid samples expected on ocean world missions.
• It involves combining a liquid sample with a liquid reagent, followed by chemical analysis under conditions determined by the team.
• By shining a laser across the mixture – a process known as laser-induced fluorescence detection – specific molecules can be observed moving at different speeds. They get separated based on how quickly they respond to electric fields. While capillary electrophoresis has been around since the early 1980s, this is the first time it has been tailored specifically to detect extraterrestrial life on an ocean world.
• The researchers were able to simultaneously analyse 17 different amino acids, which they are calling “the Signature 17 standard.” These amino acids were chosen for study because they are the most commonly found on Earth or elsewhere.

Why January 30 is observed as Martyr’s Day in India?

A file photo of funeral procession of Mahatma Gandhi.

Today, January 30, is observed as National Martyr’s Day in India. This day is observed as a mark of respect for the leading figure of India’s freedom struggle, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi fondly known as Bapu or the Mahatma. On Martyr’s Day, the President, the Vice President, the Prime Minister, the Defence Minister, and the three Service Chiefs gather at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and lay wreaths on the Samadhi decorated with multi-colour flowers. The armed forces personnel blow bugles sounding, ‘The Last Post’. The inter-services contingent reverse arms as a mark of respect to the martyrs.

Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948 during a morning prayer meeting held at Birla Bhavan in Delhi. The place where Gandhi fell is called Rajghat.

Sailen Chatterjee, a veteran journalist, then working for the United Press of India (UPI) at its New Delhi office, was one of the first to report the incident. Chatterjee had accompanied Gandhi during the Noakhali riots of 1946 and had seen closely how Gandhi had managed to put an end to the violence. Chatterjee has lucidly described the events that took place on January 30 morning of 1948 as he was present at the prayer meeting. When he reported the news of Gandhi’s assassination, no one in UPI believed him. Chatterjee has described the assassination of Gandhi as a ‘dark night’ in history of India. In one of the later published stories, he narrated how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru stood side by side weeping and consoling each other. About Gandhi’s cremation, Sailen observed, “A mass of humanity had crowded in Delhi on that occasion.”

The assassin

Nathuram Godse, the assassin, was influenced by the ideology of the Hindu Mahasabha (HMS), was an organisation which had a different and extremist outlook towards the freedom struggle. The main goal of HMS was to establish India as a one religion nation state, based on the European idea of a nation state. This was at loggerheads with the idea of India as a multi-religious nation-state which the freedom struggle stood for. Social psychologist Ashis Nandy has identified the extreme behaviour of Godse to his growing up years. Godse was brought up as a girl. Nandy believes that this confusion about his sexuality led Godse to act in a manner that would reinforce his identity as masculine.

Few countries in Africa and Asia, which gained freedom from their colonisers at the same time as India, have been able to maintain the momentum towards progress. Either ways, no one can deny the role of Gandhi in helping India achieve its dream of self-rule.

​

Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: January 26, 27, 2017

Highlights of the 68th Republic Day of India

The Indian Constituent Assembly on on November 26, 1949, adopted by the Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. As we celebrate our 68th Republic Day on January 26, 2017.

Highlights:

• The theme for the 68th Republic day of India was 'Skill India and Beti Bachao Beti Padhao'.
• Chief Guest - Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was the first guest from any middle-east country.
• No. of states participating in the parade - 17
• First Time in History - Debut show of Sherpa (a bullet-proof NSG vehicle).
• This was the second time that a foreign military contingent marched down the Rajpath, with the French contingent being the first.
• India became a Republic at 10:18 a.m. on January 26 in the year 1950.
• Around six minutes later, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was sworn in as President of India at the Durbar Hall in President House.
• The Constitution was neither typed nor printed but handwritten and calligraphed both in English and Hindi.
• After inception of the Indian Constitution, around 101 amendments (alterations) have been done.
• The members signed the handwritten document on January 24, 1950.
• The original copies are kept safely in the Parliament's library in helium-filled cases.
• The Indian Constitution is the longest in the world, comprising of 448 articles, 12 schedules and 101 amendments.
• Satyamev Jayate (one of the biggest Indian mottos) is taken from the Mundaka Upanishad, Atharvaveda. It was first translated in the Hindi language by Muslim Abid Ali in 1911.
• It was Madan Mohan Malviya who selected the Indian motto of Satyamev Jayate.
• From 1950 and 1954, the venues of the Republic Day parade were the Red Fort, National Stadium, Kingsway Camp and the Ramlila ground. It was only in 1955 that Rajpath was chosen as the regular venue.
• The first Republic Day parade was held in 1955 at Rajpath, five years after India became a Republic.
• President Sukarno of Indonesia was the first chief guest at the first Republic Day celebrations held on January 26, 1950.
• A Christian hymn 'Abide With Me' is played at the parade as it was one of Mahatma Gandhi's favourite songs.
• Jana Gana Mana (National Anthem) was written first in Bengali language by the Rabindranath Tagore.
• Jana Gana Mana (National Anthem) was first translated into Hindi language by the Abid Ali in 1911 which was later officially adopted as National Anthem of India in 1950 on January 24.
• The National Anthem of India was first sung in the meeting of Indian National Congress, Calcutta on December 27, 1911.
• The National Anthem of India takes 52 seconds to sing or play.
• A 21 gun salute is given every Republic Day when the President of India unfurls the national flag.
• Republic Day celebration of India lasts for three days and concludes with Mahatma Gandhi's favourite hymn 'Abide by Me' during the Beating Retreat.
• Beating Retreat ceremony is held on January 29 at Vijay Chowk with the performance of Indian Army, Air Force and Navy bands. It marks the end of the Republic Day celebrations in India.
• This day is one of three national holidays, the other two being Independence Day on August 15 and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2.

India in Red Zone in Transparency List

A major international index of corruption and transparency has placed India on the watch list for its inability to curb mega corruption scandals and petty bribery.

The annual index of Transparency International issued on January 25, 2017 for 2016 placed India with Brazil and China in the 40th position. India’s condition showed growth with inequality.

Highlights:

• India’s ongoing poor performance with a score of 40 reiterates the state’s inability to effectively deal with petty corruption and large-scale corruption scandals, said Transparency International.
• The impact of corruption on poverty, illiteracy and policy brutality showed that not only was the economy growing but so was inequality.
• India’s current ranking, putting it in the high corruption zone, has drawn critical observations from transparency campaigners.
• South Asia had performed poorly. Bangladesh at 27th and Nepal at 29th positions were slotted in the highly corrupt section.
• Pakistan, at 32, also came in the red zone. Afghanistan ranked 15th was in the “highly corrupt” list with South Sudan, North Korea and Libya.
• The organisation recognised China’s recent anti-corruption campaign under President Xi Jinping which had been targeting ‘tigers and flies’ and slotted it alongside India.
• China’s latest score was an improvement of three points. India, though it improved two ranks, remained in the same red-zone of corruption.

GSLV’s cryogenic upper stage tested successfully

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s Propulsion Research Complex at Mahendragiri, successfully conducted the stage level test of GSLV MK III’s cryogenic upper stage C-25 on January 25, 2017.

What

• Accompanied by his colleagues at IPRC, ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar witnessed the test that lasted about 50 seconds.
• The 50-second long test of C-25 of the country’s most powerful launch vehicle that can carry satellites weighing 4,000 kg was successful.
• The cryogenic upper stage of the GSLV is the large C-25, the most difficult component of the launch vehicle to be developed.
• It will be powered by the indigenously developed CE-20 engine.

Daily Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: January 25, 2016

PADMA Awardees 2017

A	B	C
Name	Field	State
Shri K J Yesudas	Art-Music	Kerala
Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev	Others-Spiritualism	Tamil Nadu
Shri Sharad Pawar	Public Affairs	Maharashtra
Shri Murli Manohar Joshi	Public Affairs	Uttar Pradesh
Prof. Udipi Ramachandra Rao	Science & Engineering	Karnataka
Late Shri Sunder Lal Patwa (Posthumous)	Public Affairs	Madhya Pradesh
Late Shri PA Sangma (Posthumous)	Public Affairs	Meghalaya

Varishtha pension Bima Yojana

The Union Cabinet gave its post-facto approval for the launch of the Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana 2017.

The scheme will be implemented through Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) during the current financial year to provide social security during old age and protect elderly persons aged 60 years and above against a future fall in their interest income due to uncertain market conditions.

Highlights:

• The scheme is meant to provide an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum for ten years, with an option to opt for pension on a monthly/quarterly/half-yearly or annual basis. 
• The difference between the return generated by LIC and the assured return of 8% per annum would be borne by Government of India as subsidy on an annual basis. 
• VPBY-2017 is proposed to be open for subscription for a period of one year from the date of launch.

Japan launches first military communications satellite

Japan launched its first military communications satellite to boost the broadband capacity of its Self Defence Forces as they reinforce an island chain stretching along the southern edge of the East China Sea.

Under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the military is operating further from Japan’s home islands as it takes on a bigger role to counter growing Chinese military activity in the region.

 Highlights:

• The satellite lifted off from Japan’s Tanegashima space port aboard an H-IIA rocket and successfully entered orbit.
• The satellite is one of three planned so-called X-band satellites, that will quadruple broadband capacity, unify a fractured and overburdened communications network and allow communications across more territory.
• Japan and China are locked in a territorial dispute in the East China Sea over a group of uninhabited islands known as the Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. The two countries are also at odds over the exploitation of gas fields that straddle exclusive economic zones claimed by both.
• Japan, the main US ally in Asia, is concerned that a recent increase in Chinese military activity in the area is a sign it is looking to extend its military influence from the neighboring South China Sea as a challenge to US maritime dominance.
• In December, China’s first aircraft carrier, the Soviet-built Liaoning, accompanied by several warships, sailed through the passage between the Japanese Southwestern islands of Mikado and Okinawa and into the Pacific for what China described as routine exercises.
• This launch marks the successful resumption of a programme that was halted last year by an embarrassing mishap.
• The first of the three satellites, which was meant to go into space from Europe’s Space port in French Guiana, was crushed during a flight from Japan after a blue tarpaulin covering its transport box blocked valves meant to equalize the internal air pressure as the cargo aircraft descended.

Guided PINAKA successfully test fired

DRDO successfully test fired the Guided PINAKA from Launch Complex-III, ITR, Chandipur for further enhanced range. PINAKA Rocket Mark-II, equipped with navigation, guidance and control kit, is transformed to a Guided PINAKA.

The conversion has facilitated to enhance the range and improve the accuracy of PINAKA.

Highlights:

• The Mission met all the objectives. The Radars, Electro Optical and Telemetry Systems at ITR Chandipur tracked and monitored the vehicle all through the flight path.
• The guided PINAKA is developed combinedly by ARDE Pune, RCI and DRDL, Hyderabad. ITR, Chandipur provided the range and launch support.
• SA to RM and DG (Missiles and Strategic Systems) Guided PINAKA has reinforced the technological strength of the country in converting unguided systems into weapons of high precision.