Current Affairs 15 January 2017

                                    15 January  2017 Important News

69th Army Day being observed on 15th January 2017

i. 69th Army Day is being observed today (15th January 2017). The day marks the taking over of the Indian Army by the first Indian Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal KM Cariappa, on January 15, 1948. He took over the reins of the Army from Lieutenant General Sir Francis Butcher, the last British Commander-in-Chief and became the first Commander-in-Chief of the independent India. 

ii. The day is celebrated to pay homage and salute to the courageous and brave Indian soldiers who have been sacrificing their lives for protecting the country. This day inspires the troops to continue to enrich the glorious traditions of the Indian Army with their dedication and sacrifice. To mark the day, Army Parade will be organised at the Delhi Cantt.

Gujarat wins First Ranji Trophy title beating Mumbai by five wickets

i. Gujarat won their first ever Ranji Trophy title beating Mumbai by five wickets in the final at the Holkar stadium in Indore. Parthiv Patel’s 143 and Munprit Juneja’s 54 runs helped Gujrat to chase down the highest successful chase in the final at the historic Holkar stadium. 

ii. With this title, Gujarat have won the domestic titles in T20, one-day and Ranji. They are only the fourth team to achieve this feat.

SpaceX resumes flights; launches Falcon 9 vehicle on California coast

i. The American SpaceX rocket company has resumed flights, launching a Falcon 9 vehicle from the Vandenberg Air Force Base on the California coast. It is the first mission by the company since one of its vehicles exploded on the launch pad in September 2016. The return to operations sees SpaceX start to renew what was the original global handheld satellite phone network, run by Iridium. Lift-off took place at 9:54 AM local time.

Digital Dakiya scheme inaugurated in MP to encourage cashless transactions

i. In Madhya Pradesh Indore district witnessed inauguration of first of its kind scheme of the country. Digital Dakiya, which aims at encouraging cashless transactions. "Digital Dakiya or Digital Postman will visit different places to teach and encourage people about cashless transactions and its benefits. 

ii. State Finance Minister Jayant Malliya has inaugurated the scheme at Indore. State government will provide Identity cards to the volunteers deployed in this programme.

Two-day camel festival begins in Bikaner

i. The two-day annual camel festival has began with much fanfare in the presence of foreigners and domestic tourists. District Collector Ved Prakash flagged off a procession from Junagarh which culminated at Karni Singh Stadium here in Bikaner, Rajasthan. It was followed by fun activities including camel safaris.

ii. The festival, dedicated to the ship of the desert, will see camel dance, milking and fur cutting design competitions and camel races.

Rabi crops sowing crosses 616 lakh hactare

i. Rabi crops have been sown in around six crore 16 lakh hectares till date which is about 35 lakh hectares more than last year. Data released by the Agriculture Ministry, wheat has been sown in around three crore nine lakh hectare which is about 20 lakh hectare more than last year.

ii. Over one crore 55 lakh hectare area has been covered under the cultivation of pulses which is around 16 lakh hectare more under the crop last year. The coarse cereals have been sown in over 54 lakh hectare, Oilseeds in 81 lakh hectare.

SEBI cuts broker fees by 25 pc to Rs 15 per transaction

i. Securities and Exchange Board of India, SEBI, has decided to lower broker fees by 25 per cent to 15 rupees per transaction of one crore rupees as part of calibration of various other fees collected by the regulator from different market intermediaries. The move is likely to reduce overall cost of transactions. 

ii. It also decided to give an option to all market intermediaries and companies to make their regulatory payments in digital mode. The move would help in reducing failures due to payment gateway issues.

Rajeev Singh to take charge as interim CEO of Prasar Bharti

i. Rajeev Singh, Member (Finance) in Prasar Bharati Board, will take charge as interim CEO of the public broadcaster after S C Panda retires in February.

ii. The previous CEO Jawhar Sircar had quit in October last year, a few months before his tenure was due to end, following which Panda, who is Member (Personnel), was made the acting CEO. However, Panda is also due to retire in February.

NPCI declares Rs. 54.90 cr prize money for NITI Aayog’s lucky draw schemes

i. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the umbrella organisation for all retail payment systems in the country has declared Rs. 54.90 crore worth of prize money to over 3.42 lakh winners of NITI Aayog’s Lucky Draw Schemes for consumers and merchants.

ii. The two schemes are - Lucky Grahak Yojna (LGY) and Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojna (DVY). They were launched on December 25, 2016 and will remain open till April 14, 2017. The schemes have total outlay of Rs. 340 crore of which - Rs. 300 crores would be spent on consumers and merchants while the remaining Rs. 40 crore on awareness and publicity. Total winners under the scheme are expected to be over 18.75 lakh.

62nd Filmfare Awards 2017: Shatrughan Sinha honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award

i. Shatrughan Sinha, who completed close to five decades in the film industry, was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 62nd Jio Filmfare Awards 2017. Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai, who has worked with Sinha in five films, was on stage to raise a toast to him, before the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented. 

ii. The award, which is his first Filmfare, was presented to him by daughter and actress Sonakshi Sinha.

Glam, glitter and glory mark 14th Mumbai Marathon

i. Tanzanian athlete Alphonce Felix Simbu (24) and Kenyan runner Bornes Kitur Chepkirui (31), flew past all competition to bag the top spots in the men's and women's category respectively in the full marathon at the 14th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon (SCMM) in Mumbai on 15th January 2017.

ii. Indian athletes, army soldier Kheta Ram (31) and Jyoti Shanker Gawte topped the men and women's category in the full marathon which saw participation of over 6,000 runners.

Former Punjab Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala passes away, aged 91

i. Former Punjab Chief Minister Surjit Singh Barnala, who took over reins of the state in the difficult period when militancy was at its peak in the mid-80s, died in Chandigarh on 14th January 2017 at the age of 91.

ii. Mr. Barnala, who served as Chief Minister from 1985 to 1987, was admitted to the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh from 12th January 2017.

Filmfare Awards 2017: Dangal, Aamir Khan, Alia Bhatt Bag Top Honour This Year

i. At the glittering Filmfare awards last night (14th January 2017 night), "Dangal" swept away three of four major awards --  Best Film, Aamir Khan won Best Actor and Nitesh Tiwari won Best Director award while Alia Bhatt won the Filmfare Best Actor Award (Female) for her performance in "Udta Punjab".

Current Affairs 14 January 2017

                                              14 January  2017 Important News

Pongal being celebrated with traditional gaiety in Tamil Nadu Today (14 January 2017)

i.In Tamil Nadu, Pongal the harvest festival is being celebrated with traditional gaiety and grandeur on 14 or 15 January of each year. 

ii.The whole State especially the rural areas is having a festive look to celebrate Pongal. Pongal is a four-days-long harvest festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu, a southern state of India.

 iii.For as long as people have been planting and gathering food, there has been some form of harvest festival. 

iv.This four-day festival of thanksgiving to nature takes its name from the Tamil word meaning "to boil" and is held in the month of Thai (January-February) during the season when rice and other cereals, sugar-cane, and turmeric (an essential ingredient in Tamil cooking) are harvested.

India's First Madame Tussauds Museum In Delhi Unveils Wax Figures Of Big B, Lady Gaga

i.India is all set to get its first wax museum in June 2017 unveils Wax Figures Of Amitabh Bachchan, Lady Gaga. 

ii.Madame Tussauds, the legendary wax attraction entertainment hotspot is all set to open its doors in capital New Delhi.

iii.Located in the heart of the Delhi - Connaught Place at Regal Cinema, the dazzling entertainment zone will represent the fascinating world of politics, glamour, sports and music, through planned themes and interactive platforms.

Kerala Launched its First Solar Powered Boat Aditya

i.The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the first solar-powered boat of the state water transport department, Aditya on January 12, 2017 at a function held in Vaikom boat Jetty in Kerala.

 ii.Piyush Goyal, Minister of State with independent charge for New & Renewable Energy,  Solar Powered boatwas the chief guest.

Ecuador takes chair of UN group of 134 developing countries

i.Ecuador has taken over from Thailand as chair of the Group of 77 which promotes the interests of the 134 developing countries it represents at the United Nations, including China.

ii.Ecuador’s President Rafael Correa Stated the handover ceremony that the group will continue promoting “social and economic equality.”

Airtel’s Payments Bank Starts Operation with Initial Investment of Rs. 3000 Crore

i.Airtel Payments Bank the first payments bank started its nationwide operations on January 12, 2017 with an initial investment of Rs 3,000 crore and offering an interest rate of 7.25 per cent for savings accounts. 

ii.The bank was launched by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. 

iii.This is the first payments bank which will be opened across 29 states in India to provide financial services to the millions who are outside the banking system.

CISF announces Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia for bereaved families in Bihar

i.The Central Industrial Security Force has announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia payment to the family of each of the four personnel gunned down by its jawan Balbir Singh in Aurangabad district of Bihar after a tiff.

ii.The CISF came into existence in 1969 with a modest beginning, having three battalions, to provide integrated security cover to the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) which, in those years, occupied the commanding heights of the economy.

Car carrier service starts between Gujarat and Mangaluru

i.In line with Government of India's policy of implementing the vision for coastal shipping, tourism and regional development, New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) has introduced Car carrier service between Gujarat and Mangaluru.

ii.The pure car and truck carrier MV Dresden sailed out to Cochin after discharging Tata Cars and loaded trucks at the port 

4th International Kite Festival begins in New Delhi

i.Fourth International Kite Festival begins in New Delhi . 

ii.Professional kite flying experts from across India and the globe are taking part in the three-day festival, which will have an exhibition on the history of kites as well. 

iii.A special kite making demonstration will also be organised where professional kite flyers will showcase their expertise and demonstrate the art of kite making.

Pepsico sells land parcel to Wadhwa Group for ₹ 190 cr

i.American snack and beverage giant PepsiCo India has sold a 2.5 acre land parcel in the Central suburb Chembur to The Wadhwa Group for ₹ 190-200 crore.

ii.Pepsi had bought the land parcel from Videocon in 1996 to set up a bottling plant for their beverage Duke’s.

iii. The factory has been defunct since 2014.Industry watchers stated that several key developers were eyeing the marquee land parcel for its strategic location.

iv. Wadhwa Group had outbid players such as Godrej Properties, K Raheja Corp, Mahindra Lifespace among others.Wadhwa Group plans to develop the project into a residential segment.

US lifts 20-year economic embargo on Sudan

i.The United States has announced the end of a 20-year economic embargo on Sudan, lifting trade and financial sanctions in an effort to foster ties with the Sudanese government. 

ii.The announcement made by outgoing President Barack Obama’s administration on Friday comes after an executive order to permanently repeal a range of sanctions as a result of Sudan’s efforts to improve security in the region.

Premier Badminton League 3: PV Sindhu finally prevails over Saina Nehwal

Rio Olympics silver medallist P V Sindhu produced a disciplined performance to outwit Saina Nehwal in straight games in a much-anticipated encounter as Chennai Smashers entered the finals of the Premier Badminton League season 2 with a 4-1 win over Awadhe Warriors. 

Current Affairs 13 January 2017

                             13 January  2017 Important News

Minimum monthly pension increased by 9,000 for central govt employees

1. i.The Government of India has increased the minimum monthly pension to 9,000 per person, besides a two-fold hike in exgratia amount for central government employees.
   ii.Minister of State in Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that the exgratia amount for the employees has been increased from 10 -15 lakh to 25-35 lakh rupees.
   iii.There are about 50-55 lakh pensioners in the country and almost 88% of their accounts have been seeded to Aadhaar.
   
   
   NITI Aayog Estimates the GDP Growth of 8 Percent for 2016-17
   i.NITI Aayog has projected the India GDP growth rate of 8 Percent for 2016-17 based on the appraisal document for the Twelfth Five-Year Plan.
   ii.The estimate does not take into account the impact of demonetization.
   
   
   
   
   Retail inflation fell 3-year low of 3.41% in Dec from 3.63% in Nov 2016
   i.Retail inflation fell to a nearly 3-year low of 3.41 % in December 2016, from 3.63 % in November 2016.
   ii.Inflation eased mainly on account of falling prices of vegetables and pulses.
   iii.According to official data, overall food inflation fell to 1.37% in December last year, from 2.11 % in November 2016.
   
   
   Global unemployment to rise by 3.4 million in 2017: ILO
   Global unemployment is expected to rise by 3.4 million in 2017 despite a likely modest pick-up in economic growth at 3.4% this year and 3.6% in 2018, against a six-year low of 3.1% in 2016,  a new report by the International Labour Organisation.
   
   
   
   
   Industrial production grows 5.7% in November 2016

   i.Allaying fears of a slowdown following demonetisation, the country's industrial production grew 5.7% in November 2016, compared to a contraction of 3.4% in November 2015.

   ii.Factory output measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production, IIP, enhanced in November due to better performance of the manufacturing, electricity, and capital goods sectors. 
   
   
   World’s first gender literature fest to be held in Patna
   i.The world’s first ‘Gender Literature Festival’ is scheduled to be held in Patna, Bihar in the second week of April 2017 The main aim of the fest to create a platform, to exchange ideas, and to share and learn experiences of renowned people in the field of gender literature. 

   ii.This festival will be organized by  Gender Resource Centre of Bihar’s Women Development Corporation. The festival will also act as a platform to increase visibility for gender equity and advocacy in the State of Bihar.
   
   
   TCS elevates Rajesh Gopinathan as new chief executive
   i.Tata Consultancy Services has appointed Rajesh Gopinathan, the current chief financial officer, as CEO of the company.  He replaces N Chandrasekaran, who has been named the chairperson of Tata Sons.

   ii. TCS has also named N Ganapathy Subramaniam, currently President of TCS Financial Solutions, as chief operating officer.
   
   
   NTPC inks pact to take over Chhabra thermal power plant
   i.State-run NTPC has signed a non-binding agreement with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd to take over Chhabra Thermal Power Plant.

   ii.NTPC Ltd has signed a non-binding MoU with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd for takeover of Chhabra Thermal Power Plant Stage-I (4x 250 MW) and Stage-II (2x660 MW) of Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam by NTPC Ltd
   
   
   Mahindra Asset Management launches Mahindra Mutual Fund Dhan Sanchay Yojna scheme
   i.Mahindra Asset Management Company Pvt. Ltd (MAMCPL) launched an open-ended scheme Mahindra Mutual Fund Dhan Sanchay Yojna scheme to generate long-term returns through investment in equity and debt.

   ii. The scheme will close on January 24, 2017 and will open again for continuous sale and repurchase from February 8, 2017. 

   iii.The scheme is for investors who seek to take a calculated exposure in both equity and debt wit a long-term investment outlook
   
   
   Government to sell 51% stake in Pawan Hans
   i.Moving ahead with the strategic sale of Pawan Hans, the government sell its entire 51% stake and transfer the management control of the helicopter service operator.

    ii.Pawan Hans is a joint venture where state-owned ONGC holds 49%.

   iii.The government has sought applications from entities to act as transaction advisor for the proposed disinvestment of its stake in the company
   
   
   XCMG China to invest $150 m in manufacturing unit in India
   i.XCMG, a China-headquartered global construction machinery company, will invest ₹150 million in a new manufacturing unit in India for construction and material-handling machines.

   ii.For the proposed venture, the company will partner with Schwing Stetter India, a ready-mix concrete equipment company, to use the latter’s facilities and resources to build its business in India.
   
   
   Japanese PM Shinzo Abe signs 1 trillion yen aid package to the Philippines
   i.Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has signed a 1-trillion yen, about 8.7 billion dollars, aid package over the next five years to the Philippines, meant to improve economic and political relations between the two island nations.

   ii.The package is focused on infrastructure and energy. 

   iii.Abe's two-day visit to the archipelago makes him the first foreign leader to visit since the election of the Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte in May 2016. 

   
   

   Manish Tewari appointed senior fellow of US think tank

   i.Congress leader and former Union Minister Manish Tewari was appointed as the senior fellow of US-based think tank Atlantic Council .

   ii.Tewari will focus on programming aimed at strengthening US-India relations.

   
   

   
   

   Ashish Shelar appointed as MCA president

   i.BJP Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar has been appointed as Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) president. Sylar takes over from the former ICC president Sharad Pawar.

   ii. He was elected as Vice President of MCA on 17 June 2015.

   
   

   
   

   Consulate General of India in Dubai announces launch of 'Diplomats Cricket Championship Cup'

   Consulate General of India in Dubai has announced launch of the 'Diplomats Cricket Championship Cup' in association with the Skyline University College, Sharjah, to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and harmonious relationship among the diplomatic missions of UAE