current affairs dec12

7/29/2019 Current Affairs Dec12

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Important Dates/Deaths/Awards

1. World AIDS Day observed across the country (1 Dec)

NOTE:- i.A report of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) released on Friday reveals

2. Nation pays tributes to Architect of Indian Constitution Dr. BR Ambedkar on his 57th

death anniversary. The day is observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

3. Dave Brubeck, the Renowned Jazz Pianist and Composer Died At 91

4. Human Rights Day is being observed across the globe on 10. Dec. On this day in 1948, the

General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights.

5. Nobel Peace Prize 2012 Awarded to European Union (EU)

Nobel Peace Prize 2012 was awarded to the European Union (EU) leaders on 10 December

2012 at Oslo, Norway. The award was given to the European Union leaders for the efforts in

promotion of peace as well as human rights. The award was given despite criticisms from some.

NOTE:- Around 20 European government leaders which included French President FrancoisHollande, German Chancellor Angela Merkel as well as the Italian Premier Mario Monti, attended

this ceremony in Oslo, the capital city of Norway. It is important to note that Norway, which is a

country rich in oil, has rejected joining EU twice.

6. Pandit Ravi Shankar, the Indian sitar Maestro Passed away in California

Renowned Indian sitarist and Bharat Ratna Recipient Pandit Ravi Shankar passed away in San

Diego city of California. He was 92 years old

7. Pandit Ravi Shankar to be Honoured with Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 2013

Organisers of the Recording Academy announced that Pandit Ravi Shankar, the sitar maestro

would be honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously.

Pandit Ravi Shankar would become first Indian to receive the prestigious award. The award

would be presented at 55th Grammy Awards ceremony on 10 February 2013 in Los Angeles.

NOTE:- Pandit Ravi Shankar is a three-time Grammy Award winner.

Pandit Ravi Shankar, 92 had passed away on 11 December 2012 after heart-valve replacement

surgery in California

8. Bollywood Actress Hema Malini Selected for Bharat Muni Samman

Famous Bollywood actress and Bharatanatyam exponent Hema Malini had been selected for the

prestigious Bharat Muni Samman of year 2012 for her outstanding contribution to the field of art

and culture.

NOTE:- Bharat Muni Samman is named after the author of Natyashastra Bharat Muni and has

been instituted by Bhubaneswar-based organisation Kalingayana Touryatrikam.

9. Uttarakhands 1st Chief Minister Nityanand Swami Passed Away

The 1st Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Nityanand Swami, passed away. He was 84 years old and

belonged to the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP).

NOTE:- Uttarakhand Government had declared 3days' of state mourning as a mark of respect to

the departed leader.


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10. DAVP Received the Web Ratna Award-2012-Golden Icon Award

Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity (DAVP) was conferred the prestigious Web Ratna

2012, Golden Icon Award for Innovative use of Technology.

NOTE:- The DAVP Website http://www.davp.nic.in/ has enabled a complete change from the

manual mode to the online mode where the media plans are made and released for the end

users. The website with several user friendly features is the only advertising agency in the

country which releases its designs, Release orders, payments online. The DAVP website has

added a great deal of transparency to the entire system in its billing as well as other procedures

which have not only helped the organisation but also its stakeholders. DAVP also keeps as much

information as possible on the website for public scrutiny and information.

11. Bhanu Athaiya, First Indian to Win Oscar decided to Return Her Trophy

Bhanu Athaiya, the first Indian to win an Oscar for costume design in the movie Gandhi decided

to return her award to the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) in

December 2012. Bhanu Athaiya fears that she might lose her trophy as the government might not

be able to protect it.

12. Robert Amritraj passed away

Robert Amritraj, father of tennis icons Anand, Vijay and Ashok has passed away. He was 91.

NOTE:- Indian tennis considered Robert Amritraj as a father figure since he was instrumental in

shaping the State Tennis Association and the formation of the Brittania-Amritraj Tennis Academy.

13. Nation celebrated Vijay Diwas with pride and honour

Nation celebrated Vijay Diwas with pride and honour on 16th Dec.. On the occasion of Vijay

Diwas, several commemorative functions were organised across the country to pay homage to

the martyrs who laid down their lives in the service of the nation.This is the day on which India

defeated Pakistan in the war of 1971.

NOTE:- Bangladesh also celebrated the 42nd Victory Day marking the historic triumph of the

Indian army and Mukti Bahini over the Pakistan armed forces in 1971.16th December 1971 is the

most important day in the history of Bangladesh. The day is also equally important for India as onthis day Pakistan Army General AAK Niazi along with 93,000 soldiers surrendered unconditionally

to the Lt. General Jagjit Singh Arora of Indian army.

14. Shahrukh Khan honoured with BrandLaureate Legendary Award in Malaysia

47 Years old Bollywood Actor Shah Rukh Khan awarded with the prestigious BrandLaureate

Legendary Award in Malaysia.

NOTE:- The award was given by the Malaysia-based Asia Pacific Brands Foundation for his

contributions to the Bollywood film industry and as India's foremost brand ambassador.

15. Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram awarded with Best Administrator in India

Award

Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram awarded with the Best Administrator in India Awardinstituted by K. Karunakaran Foundation.

The award was presented to him by Vice President of India, M. Hamid Ansari.

NOTE:- The award is given to him for his role in evolving indian economy as Finance Minister in

the late 1990s when he presented what was widely called a dream budget which gave a road

map for economic reforms in India and lowered income and corporate tax rates.
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16. Olivia Culpo crowned Miss Universe 2012

American Olivia Culpo was crowned Miss Universe 2012 at a gala ceremony in Los Angeles,

while Philippines' Janine Tugonon was adjudged the first runner-up followed by Venezuela's Irene

Esser.

NOTE:- India's Shilpa Singh made it to the top 16 spot but failed to progress further.

17. Sahitya Akademi Awards announced

Booker-nominated Jeet Thayil and Bengali novelist Subrata Mukhopadhyaya are among 24

authors selected for this year's Sahitya Akademi Awards, which was dominated by poets.

Twelve of the 24 awards went to works of poets, which include K Sachitandandan (Malayalam -

Marannu Vacha Vazhikal), late Bal Krishna 'Bhaura (Dogri - Tim-Tim Karde Tare) and Makhan

Lal Kanwal (Kashmiri - Yath Aangnaz Manz).

NOTE:- A Sahitya Akademi release says, 12 books of poetry, six short story collections, four

novels and one each of autobiography and criticism were selected for the awards this year, two of

them posthumously. The awards were given to books first published between January 2008 and

December 2010. The award carries one lakh rupees, engraved copper plaque and a shawl.

18. Legendary Hockey player Leslie Claudius passed away

Legendary hockey player and one of India's greatest Olympians Leslie Claudius, passed away in

Kolkata after a prolonged illness. He was 85-years-old.

Claudius was suffering from cirrhosis of the liver and frequently needed hospitalization in the past

couple of years.

NOTE:- Claudius had three Olympic gold medals - London 1948, Helsinki 1952 and Melbourne

1956. At Rome in 1960, he led India to a silver-medal finish.

19. Roger Federer Named Swiss Male Athlete of the Year 2012

Roger Federer, 31, the No. 2 of the world and 17 times Grand Slam champion, was named Swiss

Male Athlete of the Year 2012. Federer received the honour for the fifth time.

NOTE:- Earlier in 2012, Federer had grabbed the 17th Grand Slam title at WimbledonChampionships, London, while also reclaiming his No. 1 ranking in the month of July 2012. He

also acquired top most position by the end of the season.

20. Marathi actors Anand Abhyankar, Akshay Pendse killed in road accident:

Note: Well-known Marathi actors Mr. Anand Abhyankar and Mr. Akshay Pendse were among

three people killed in an accident on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway on Sunday last night.Mr.

Anand Abhynkar had worked in number of Marthi, Hindi movies and tele serials

21. Ilayaraja gets Sangeet Natak Akademi award:

Note: Legendary South Indian composer Ilayaraja is among the nine artistes from the field of

music who will receive the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for this year. Ilayaraja has been

awarded for Creative and Experimental Music. Grammy Award-winning percussionist T H

Vinayakram, Violinist N Rajam, who performs Hindustani classical music and veteran playwright

Ratan Thiyam have been selected for the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships

22. Actor Jack Klugman dies at 90:


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Note: Veteran US actor Jack Klugman, who had starring roles on television, Broadway and in

Hollywood movies, died Monday at age 90 at his home in Los Angeles, according to news reports

quoting family members.

23. Largest Kuchipudi dance performance in H'bad enters Guinness book:

Note: In Hyderabad, a performance by 5,974 Kuchipudi dancers has found its way into theGuinness Book of World Records for being the largest Kuchipudi dance. A representative of the

Guinness Book, who observed the event said it was the largest Kuchipudi dance. The event was

organised by Silicon Andhra, a cultural organisation run by US-based Telugus, at the GMC

Balayogi stadium.

24. Oriya novelist is Jnanpith award winner of 2011:

Leading Oriya novelist and academician Pratibha Ray named for the prestigious Jnanpith

Award for the year 2011.

Note: Pratibha Ray who has over 40 novels, travelogues and short stories to her credit, was on

Thursday named for the prestigious Jnanpith Award for the year 2011. The award carries a cashprize of Rs. 7 lakh, a citation and a public felicitation. Ray will be the 47th author to be bestowed

with the honour. Born in 1943, Pratibha Ray is one of the most widely read Oriya novelists and

short story writers. She has 20 novels, 24 short stories, 10 travelogues, two poetry collections

and a number of essays to her credit

25. Shihab Ghanem became the First Arab to receive Indias Tagore Peace Prize:

Ghanem was chosen due to the promotion of the human values of love and peace via his

poetic works.

Note: Emirati poet and translatorShihab Ghanem became the first Emirati and Arab to winthe Tagore Peace Prize. The award is given to one person every two years. He said he was led

to poetry by his father, brother and uncle, who have each published their own verses. He had

written 31 Arabic poems and 36 English poems and had published 45 books mainly in Arabic

verse.

Tagore Peace Prize is instituted by the Indian government to commemorate the birth anniversary

of Indias poet, philosopher and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

Ghanem will officially receive the Tagore award in a ceremony to be held in Kolkata, India

on May 6, 2013.

Awards and Honours won by Shihab Ghanem:

Rashid Award for Scientific Excellence in 1989

1st prize for poetry in the UAE in 1984

Book prize from the Ruler of Sharjah for poetry translation in 2003 and 2007.


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Ghanem saidWork for your first life as if you will live forever, and for your hereafter as if you will

die tomorrow,

26. General Norman Schwarzkopf passes away:

Note: Retired Army General Norman Schwarzkopf, who commanded the U.S.-led international

coalition that drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait in 1991, has died. He was 78. Schwarzkopf diedyesterday of complications from pneumonia in Tampa, Florida, where he lived in retirement

27. Former England cricket captain Tony Greig passes away:

Losses his battle with lung cancer in Sydney on Saturday

Note: Former England captain and celebrated commentator(66) breathed his last at a hospital

here after being brought in a "critical condition". In his 58-match Test career, Greig scored 3,599

runs and picked up 141 wickets. In 22 ODIs that he played, Greig scored 269 runs and managed

19 wickets. Greig turned into a successful commentator following the end of his playing career in

1977 and as forthright with his views.

28.

Business

1. PSU banks report 6,457 crore fraud cases in 2012

Fraud cases involving an amount of Rs.6,457 crore have been reported by public sector banks in

2012,. This was much more than Rs.3,850 crore reported in 2011,

NOTE:- Chidambaram was replying to a question about scams that took place in banks. Indian

OverseasBank reported fraud cases involving an amount Rs.758 crore so far in 2012, followed

by Punjab National Bank, which reported cases involving Rs.728 crore.

On measures taken to prevent/frauds, he said, "RBI is sensitising banks from time to time about

common fraud prone areas through issuance ofmodus operandi circulars on various types of

frauds.

2. Infosys Decided Shifting Its American Shares From Nasdaq to NYSE

Infosys decided to transfer listing of American shares of the company from Nasdaq to NYSE or

New York Stock Exchange, which is partner of the Paris as well as London exchanges. The

trading market of NYSE known as NYSE Euronext, enables the European investors trading

easily in the American shares of Infosys through the European exchanges.

3. Ministry of Coal has de-allocate Bhatgaon coal block of Chhattisgarh

According to the letter written to the Chairman of Chhattisgarh Mineral DevelopmentCorporation,(CMDC), the Shankarpur Bhatgaon - II and extension coal block allocated toCMDC is de- allocated.NOTE:- The CMDC formed a joint venture to develop this coal block with a Nagpur based firmSMS Infrastructure of BJP leader Ajay Sancheti. Sancheti is known to be close to BJPPresident Nitin Gadkari.

4. Cheque signature mismatch may lead to criminal proceedings: Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court today said, a person may face criminal proceedings if a cheque issued byhim gets dishonoured on the ground that his signature does not match the specimen signature


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available with the bank. The apex court, however, said that in such cases, the account holdermust be given a notice and an opportunity to arrange the payments before initiation of criminalproceedings against him.NOTE:- A bench of justices T S Thakur and Gyan Sudha Mishra set aside the verdict of GujaratHigh Court which had held that criminal proceedings fordishonouring of cheque can beinitiated only when the cheque is dishonoured because of lack of sufficient amount in thebank account and not in case where a cheque is returned due to mismatch of signature ofaccount holder.

5. India Pharma Summit-2012 kick-started in New Delhi

India Pharma Summit-2012 kick-started today in New Delhi. Special Secretary in the Ministry of

Chemicals and Fertilizers V. Rajagopalan today said that government has proposed to open 3Jan

Aushadhi Generic Drug outlets in coming years across the country in the 12th five year plan.

NOTE:- Special Secretary in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers V. Rajagopalan said there

is a need to provide affordable and quality generic medicines to the people of the country

especially to the weaker section of the society.WHO representative to India, Nata Menabde urged

India to develop more generic medicines. Ms Menabde said WHO is a strong supporter of generic

medicines as these medicines are easily affordable and accessible for all.

6.News Corp Decided to Split Into Two companiesNews Corp announced restructuring of the top management of the company. The company

decided that the top management would split into the two publically traded firms. Consequently,

there would be a new head for the British newspaper arm as well as Indian-origin executive who

would be heading the publishing business' finances.

great success in retarding the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country as the National AIDS Control

Programme (NACP) Phase-3 completes its fifth year next month.

ii. There has been a sharp 57 percent drop in the rate of new HIV infections in the last decade, a

fact also hailed by the UNAIDS, the United Nations' arm working to achieve the UN Millennium

Development Goals of halting and reversing the epidemic by 2015.

7. RBI fixes reference rate of rupee for US dollar and EURO

Reserve Bank today fixed the reference rate of the rupee for the US dollar at 54.5690 and theeuro at 71.5 as against 54.9 a dollar and 71.7 a euro as on Tuesday.NOTE:- In a press release issued by RBI, the exchange rates for the pound and yen against therupee were quoted at 87.9 a pound and 66.3 per 100 yen, based on reference rates for the USdollar and cross-currency quotes at noon.The reference rate is based on the noon rates of select banks here and the SDR-Rupee ratewould be based on this rate.

8. Google India Partnered With E-Commerce Sites to Bring Cyber Monday to IndiaIn order to develop the concept of online shopping in India, Google India decided to partner withleading e-commerce websites to introduce the concept of Cyber Monday in the country. Titled asthe Great Online Shopping Festival, it is slated for 12 December 2012. Some of the e-commercewebsites that would partner with Google India include Snapdeal, Flipkart, Homeshop 18 as wellas Makemytrip.

NOTE:- India has more than 137 million Internet users. Significant growth is being observed inonline activity. It is the first time that there will be an industry-wide program of such a scale. Itwould enable the entire country to benefit from the unbeatable deals which would be offered onthe Internet.

9. US Export-Import Bank to extend $2.1 billion credit to Reliance IndustriesUS' Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank has extended $2.1 billion credit to Reliance Industries (RIL),which will be primarily used to finance goods and services sourced from America for expandingReliance's projects at Jamnagar.

10. SBI Announced Expectation of 4000 crore Rupees Equity From the Government

State Bank of India (SBI), the largest lender of India announced about its expectation of infusion


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of approximately 4000 crore Rupees from the government in 2012-2013 fiscal year.

NOTE:- SBI declared that this move would help it in ramping up the capital to more than 13

percent.

11. Sahara Companies Got 2 Months Time to Repay Investors Money

The Supreme Court of India provided a relief to two Sahara companies when it gave them the

time of two months till first week of February 2012. The two Sahara companies- Sahara IndiaReal Estate Corporation (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corporation (SHICL) are

required to deposit 24000 crore Rupees to the investors.

NOTE:- The Apex Court provided breather to the Sahara Companies when it declared that the

companies can deposit 24000 crore Rupees, which was collected from the investors, in two

installments with SEBI.

12. Adani Group completed Australias Largest Coal Mining Project in a Record TimeAdani Mining, a global integrated infrastructure player announced completion of the largestmining exploration programme inAustralia in a record time of Nine months.NOTE:- For achieving this feat it had deployed a record number of drill rigs to drastically reducethe exploration time frame at the Carmichael mine in the Galillee basin of Queensland in Australia

to nine months.13. Suresh Vaswani Appointed As the New President of Dell ServicesSuresh Vaswani, the former co-CEO of Wipro was appointed as the President of Dell Services,

the computer-maker. He replaced Steve Schuckenbrock, the former president of Dell Services.

NOTE:- As per the new role, Suresh Vaswani is required to report to the chairman and CEO of

Dell Services, Michael Dell. Suresh Vaswani apart from his role would also be responsible for IT

delivery of Dell which includes 64 billion dollar Dells infrastructure as well as applications across

the world.

14. Government authorises state governments to fix prices for sugarcane

With farmer organisations protesting against implementation of Rangarajan Committee report on

de-regulating sugarcane sector, the government has authorised state governments to fix prices

for the produce.

15. Union Bank of India expects Rs 1,000 cr infusion this fiscal as part of

recapitalisation plan also opens its 180th branch

Union Bank of India expects Rs 1,000 cr infusion this fiscal as part of recapitalisation plan

Union Bank of India today opened its 180th branch at new Motibagh area in the national capital.

The branch has been opened under the Banks Nav Nirman transformation initiative, which aims

at delivering superior customer services.

Inaugurating the branch, the Chairman and Managing Director of the bank, D. Sarkar said that it

is committed to provide better facilities to customers and has also started several special

initiatives for the physically handicapped.

16. Sanjiv Goenka appointed chairman of BPO service provider Firstsource SolutionsSanjeev Goenka has been appointed chairman of BPO service provider Firstsource Solutions

(FSL), which has been acquired by CESC Ltd through a wholly-owned subsidiary.

NOTE:- Sailesh Mehta had ceased to be the Chairman of FSL but continued as an Independent

Director.

17. New drug policy to cut cap prices of 650 common drugs

Prices of 652 commonly used medicines under 27 therapeutic areas are likely to come down by


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10-15% once the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Policy 2012 is notified, which is expected in a

few days. The policy, which caps prices of essential drugs, was finalized recently after several

twists and turns over the years.

NOTE:- It will cover a wide range of drugs, such as anti-infectives (Cetrizine), cardiac (Aten) and

gastro-intestinal medicines (Ocid), pain-killers (Paracetamol) and anti-diabetic drugs (insulin).

18. Haryana to buy 2000 MW Hydel Power from BhutanGovernment of Haryana approached Bhutan to provide hydel-power to resolve the power crisis inthe state.Haryana Government is supposed to purchase 2000 MW power from the country forwhich they have alreday finalised modalities regarding the purchase at the administrative level.NOTE:- Chief Minister of Haryana Bhupinder Singh Hooda is going to lead a high-level delegationto Bhutan from 14 December 2012 to 16 December 2012 calling for a significant step to make thestate free of any power shortage in the coming days. Hydel-power is available at cheaper rates ascompared to coal-based power plants.

19. Indian economy may beat expectations in 2013: Goldman SachsIndia's GDP may exceed all expectations next year as there are signs that policymakers might

spring up positive surprises, leading international fund house Goldman Sachs has said.

NOTE:- Goldman Sachs Asset Management Chairman Jim O'Neill said that India in many ways

remains the most complex of the four (BRIC nations), with its demographics giving it the best

potential GDP growth rate, but its inability to introduce effective policy change is a persistent

source of disappointment

20. Standard Chartered Bank to pay $330 mn to US regulators for Iran transactions

Asia focused bank Standard Chartered expects to pay about $330 million to U.S. regulators as

settlement for its failure to comply with sanctions against Iran, denting its full year profit growth.

The payment is on top of the $340 million it has already paid to the New York State Department

of Financial Services in the third quarter

21. Moyukh Bhaduri to take over as CMD of Hindustan Steelworks

Public Enterprise Selection Board has appointed Moyukh Bhaduri as the New CMD of Hindustan

Steelworks Construction Ltd (HSCL).NOTE:- Bhaduri, who now holds the position of Director Finance at HSCL , was selected from

among 9 candidates on November 22.

22. Wipro Bought Singapore Based FMCG Company LD Waxson

Wipro Consumer Care and Lightning (WCCL) acquired the Singapore-based FMCG Company LD

Waxson for Rs. 790 Crore.

NOTE:- It is being considered as the second largest acquisition by Wipro till date, Earlier Wipro

had acquired Unza, another Singapore-based FMCG brand in Year 2007 for 246 million Dollars.

23. Mobile towers installation to touch 4,20,000 by FY'17: Report by Analysys Mason

According to a report by Analysys Mason the Second generation (2G) telecom base stations,

which are currently installed on 3,76,000 towers in the country are likely to increase to 4,20,000by 2017.

The future deployment of towers will be demand driven and not based on proactive deployment.

The tenancies are expected to be driven by 3G capacity and 4G coverage with capacity in later

years, and some 2G coverage in select areas,

24. RBI may hike NPA provision ratio if needed: K C Chakrabarty

RBI Deputy Governor K C Chakrabarty has come down heavily on banks showing higher profits


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without providing adequately for bad loans, and said if need be, the central bank may hike

provision coverage ratio (PCR) levels.

25. Government ready to disinvest 10 per cent equity in NMDC

The government is likely to sell its 10 per cent equity this week in iron ore miner National Mineral

Development Corporation Limited which could fetch the exchequer nearly Rs 6,300 crore at the

current market price.NOTE:- The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on October 25 approved disinvestment of

10 per cent government shares in NMDC, amounting to 39,64,71,600 shares of face value of Rs

1 each to investors through "Offer for the Sale" (OFS) route, also known as auction route.

26. Trade between South Asian countries crosses $2 billion

Secretary General of SAARC Ahmed Saleem has said, that the trade within the South Asian

region has crossed USD 2 billion following the implementation of South Asian Free Trade Area

(SAFTA).

NOTE:- Regional efforts on poverty alleviation, food security and social development continue to

make progress and devoting to the progress which South Asian Association for Regional

Cooperation (SAARC) has made in the past 27 years.

27. Seed industry expected to grow by 53 per cent by 2015

Country's seed industry is expected to grow by 53 per cent to 10,700 crore rupees by 2015 on

increased demand for high-yielding varieties to ensure food security.

NOTE:-According to industry body Assocham, awareness about high-yielding varieties among

farmers and public private partnership with a strong regulatory framework and collaborative

research would be key measures to ensure smooth growth of the seed industry.

28. Telecom Commission approves subsidy for BSNL operations in rural areas

Telecom Commission today approved a subsidy of 1500 crore rupees for supporting landline

operations of BSNL in the rural areas. The move follows recommendations by the Telecom

Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) that 2,700 crore rupees be given to BSNL as it operates inremote and rural telecom circles that are less profitable.

NOTE:- Commission's Chairman and Telecom Secretary R. Chandrashekhar said the subsidy

will be paid out of the Universal Service Obligation Fund without impacting fiscal deficit. The first

part of the approved amount is part of the total proposed subsidy of 2,750 crore rupees for

supporting rural landline connections installed before April 1, 2002. This will also lower the losses

incurred by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.

29. Govt ready for probe into alleged Walmart lobbying issue

Union Government has said it is ready for an inquiry into the allegations that Walmart bribed

Indian officials and lobbied its entry into India. Sharing the concern of the members,

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath informed both the Houses that the government is

ready for a discussion on the issue.NOTE:- Both the Houses of Parliament witnessed frequent adjournments yesterday, the Lok

Sabha on the issue of Walmart and the Rajya Sabha on Reservation in promotions for SCs and

STs.

30. Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) allowed 12 more Alternative

Investment Funds

Capital Market regulator Security and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) allowed 12 entities to set

up Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), a newly created class of pooled-in investment vehicles


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for real estate, private equity and hedge funds, in the last two months of October and November

2012.

NOTE:- The 12 Alternative Investment Funds AIFs that were registered with SEBI since October

2010 included India Realty Fund, Dar Mentorcap Film Fund, Capaleph Indian Millennium Small &

Medium Enterprises Fund and Capaleph Indian Millennium Private Equity Fund

31. Reforms improves India's growth prospects in 2013: MoodyA flurry of reforms have improved India's growth prospects in 2013, global rating agency, Moody's

said today. Moody's said in a report, that growth prospects have improved with a new finance

minister, and a flurry of pro-business reforms designed to lift the economy. It said these moves

are working.

32. Indian Economy Would Dominate the Economy of the World by 2030: US

Intelligence Community Report

US intelligence community in its report called Global Trends 2030: Alternative Worlds declared

that India would straddle international commerce and will also dominate the economy of the

whole world by 2030. This would happen with decelerating Chinese economy as well as declining

West.

33. Banks to remain stressed next year too: Fitch

Maintaining negative outlook on the country's banking sector, Fitch Ratings today said gross bad

assets of domestic banks could reach 4.2 per cent of advances this fiscal and the asset quality

could remain stressed over the next year.

NOTE:- There is a risk that our initial gross NPA ratio forecast of 3.75 per cent could rise to 4.2

per cent this fiscal due to a more protracted downturn, the impact of which should be felt over the

next three-four quarters," Fitch said in a report.

34. Cyrus Mistry to become Tata Motors Chairman from Decemeber 28

Tata Motors today said it has appointed Cyrus P Mistry as its Chairman with effect from

December 28 after retirement of group chief Ratan N Tata.The board also conferred on Tata the honorary title of Chairman Emeritus.

35. Government to auction spectrum held by telcos in 900 MHz band, says Telecom

Secretary R Chandrashekhar

Government will auction the spectrum being held by incumbent GSM operators in 900 MHz band

whose licence are coming up for renewal in November 2014, Telecom Secretary R

Chandrashekhar said 13th Dec..

NOTE:- They will, however, be allowed to hold 2.5 Mhz in each circle in the same band even after

expiry of their licences after a paying a market-determined price.

36. New RBI norms likely to affect NBFCs' return on asset: CRISIL

Rating agency Crisil today said the revised guidelines for non-banking financial companies couldlower their return on asset by 0.25 per cent over next 2-3 years, even though the new norms

would structurally strengthen the sector and enhance confidence of lenders in them.

NOTE:- The hit on bottomlines will be primarily due to higher provisioning requirements on

account of increase in standard asset provisioning and revision in recognition norms for bad

assets.

37. Govt committed to protecting interests of Jute farmers & industry: Textiles Min


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Textiles Minister Anand Sharma has said the Government is committed to protect the interests of

jute farmers and the industry. Government raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of jute to Rs.

2,200 per quintal, a 32 percent hike compared to the previous year.

NOTE:- Jute Corporation of India has already procured 2 lakhs 61 thousand bales of jute so far

and is now ready to open more purchasing centres wherever necessary.

38. Inflation declines to 7.24 percentInflation declined to 7.24 per cent in November from 9.46 per cent in the same month a year ago

although prices of food items like potato, wheat, cereals, rice, pulses, edible oil and sugar went

up during the period.

NOTE:- Inflation, as measured by the Wholesale Price Index, had stood at 7.45 per cent in the

previous month. Food inflation, as a category, rose to 8.5 per cent during the month, from 8.32

per cent a year ago. Vegetables prices declined by 1.19 per cent in November this year as

compared to a surge of 10.68 per cent in the same month a year ago.

39. India Telecom 2012 conference held in New Delhi

Telecom Secretary R Chandrashekhar has said that India is at the threshold of 3rd revolution in

telecommunication. He said, the anticipated broadband revolution will revolutionize the socio-

economy sector including health and information. Mr. Chandrashekhar was delivering the keynoteaddress of the special session on Critical Internet Resources and Way Forward on the second

day of the India Telecom 2012 conference in New Delhi.

40. Economy likely to grow at 5.5-6% this fiscal: Rangarajan

Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) Chairman C Rangarajan said, the

economy is expected to grow at 5.5 to 6 per cent in the current fiscal and the next year will see a

better rate of expansion.

Mr Rangarajan said, growth in the first half of 2012-13 has fallen to 5.4 per cent, from 7.3 per cent

in the same period last fiscal. He expressed hope that the economy will do better in the second

half and the manufacturing sector could grow.

41. ICICI Bank Opened 101 Gramin Branches across Villages in 6 States

ICICI Bank, the largest private sector bank of India opened 101 distinct gramin branches or ruralbranches as the part of its financial enclosure plan. These branches were opened in villages

which lack the banking facilities, across six states of India.

NOTE:- All these gramin branches of the ICICI Bank would remain open for 4 hours per day and

6 days per week. These branches would offer banking services like fixed and recurring deposits,

saving bank accounts, remittances, tractor loans as well as Kisan credit cards. Just like their

current rural branches, ICICI will have at least 3 employees at the bank. Depending upon the

business of the bank, ICICI might also make an addition of ATMs to a few of these rural

branches.

42. Bombay Stock Exchange launched SME Platform Index aimed at Tracking Primary

Market Condition

Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) launched an SME index which primarily aims at tracking the

current primary market conditions in the Indian capital market and measuring the growth in

investors wealth over a period.

NOTE:-The index is going to be constituted by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which are

listed on the BSE SME platform. Presently, there are 11 companies which are listed on the SME

platform and this index is going to have features similar to the BSE IPO index

43. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the Setting up of CCI

Union government of India approved the setting up of a Cabinet Committee on Investment (CCI),

to fast track investment clearances for mega projects. The decision was taken in the Union


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Cabinet meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

NOTE:- Prime Minister will head the CCI and he will also nominate the members of the

committee. The CCI will expedite projects offering single window clearance for projects costing

1000 crore rupees or more by setting timelines for the concerned ministries.

44. Union Government of India lowered the Growth Projection for Current Fiscal to 5.7

PercentUnion Government of India today lowered down the growth projection for the current financial

year 2012-13 from 7.6 percent that was estimated earlier to 5.7-5.9 percent. It also pitched for the

supportive monetary and fiscal policies for improving the confidence of the investors.

NOTE:- The projection was showcased in the Mid-Year Economic Analysis tabled in Indian

Parliament.

45. Govt to provide cheap loans to more sectors: Anand Sharma

Government is considering to provide cheap loans to some over stressed sectors other than

SMEs to provide them a cushion against the global economic slowdown. Commerce and Industry

Minister Anand Sharma said that he has discussed the matter with the Finance Minister. He said

the government would shortly announce incentives for export sectors which are facing the heat of

global demand slowdown

46. RBI keeps key rates unchanged in mid-quarter policy review

The Reserve Bank of India has decided to keep all the key rates unchanged in its mid-quarter

policy review today.Repo Rate has been kept unchanged at 8 per cent.

Cash Reserve Ratio has also been kept unchanged at 4.25 per cent.

Bank Rate has also been kept unchanged at 9 per cent.

Reverse Repo Rate will remain unchanged at 7 per cent.

Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) will remain unchanged at 9 per cent.

NOTE:- The Reserve Bank has said that in view of inflation pressures ebbing, monetary policy

has to increasingly shift focus and respond to the threats to growth from this point onwards.

The RBI has said that liquidity will be managed to support growth.

GDP growth is evolving along the baseline projection of 5.8 per cent for 2012-13.

The headline WPI inflation has edged down to 7.2 per cent in November, however inflation may

edge higher over the next two months.

The RBI will update its forecast for FY13 growth and inflation in the quarter ending December 31,

2012

47. LS passed Banking Laws Amendment Bill, 2012

Lok Sabha today passed the Banking Laws Amendment Bill, 2012 by voice vote.

Key Points related to Banking Laws Amendment Bill, 2012:-The Bill was passed after the government agreed to drop Forward Markets Contract Clausewhich allows banks to enter commodity futures trading.

The Bill paves the way for the RBI to issue new banking licences to private sector.

Finance Minister P Chidambaram said, some of the smaller banks in public sector will be mergedto make two to three world size banks.

RBI will continue to be the regulatory authority for the banking sector and the CompetitionCommission of India will deal only with competitive practices.

Finance Minister Government is committed to strengthening the public sector banks and there areno plans to retrench staff. He said plans are also underway to recruit over 84 thousandemployees this year.

The Minister said, 6 thousand Bank branches will be opened each year.


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Mr Chidambaram said, during this fiscal, 15 thousand crore rupees will be infused into the publicsector banks. Referring to the non-performing assets of these banks, he said, no doubt it is amatter of concern but not alarming.

48. Ratan Tata Conferred with the Title of Chairman Emeritus for Tata Group

Ratan Tata, the outgoing Chairman of Tata Group was conferred with the honorary title of

Chairman Emeritus-the holding company of the 100 billion dollar Tata Group.

NOTE:- The decision of conferring him with the title was made by the board of Tata Sons. Ratan

Tata will retire from his office on 28 December 2012 and Cyrus Mistry would be taking over the

chair of the group after him on the same day.

Ratan Tata as an honorary chairman will not attend any of the board meetings of Tata Group and

would also not have any responsibility towards the company.

49. Government tables mid year economic review in Parliament

The government lowered the growth projection for the current financial year to 5.7-5.9 per cent

from 7.6 per cent estimated earlier.

The Mid-Year Economic Analysis tabled in Parliament also pitches for supportive monetary and

fiscal policies to improve investor confidence.

NOTE:- Besides, its says that the government will also have to address the concerns relating to

structural supply side bottlenecks. Earlier RBI had lowered the growth rate to 5.8 per cent for2012-13.

50. India, Malaysia share disappointment over GMR Male airport project issue

External Affairs minister Salman Khurshid today said that Malaysia shared with India the

disappointment over the termination of USD 511 million GMR Male airport project by the

Maldivian government.

NOTE:- GMR from India had 77 per cent stake while Malaysian government-owned MAHB held

23 per cent in the upgradation of Male International Airport project awarded by the previous

Nasheed government in Maldives.

51. Fuel Supply Agreement - FSA between power producers and Coal India Limited-

CIL will be signed

Coal Minster Sriprakash Jaiswal said that Fuel Supply Agreement - FSA between powerproducers and Coal India Limited-CIL will be signed within a month to resolve the issues of coal

supply to the power companies. A meeting between the Coal Minister and Power Minister was

held in New Delhi to resolve various issues related to the power sectors and quality of coal.

52. UK Planned to Replace Paper Money with Plastic Banknotes

Britain planned to replace the paper money with plastic banknotes, which are said to be more

durable as well as waterproof.

NOTE:- Another advantage of these plastic bank money has been used in Britain for over 300

years. The radical renovation in Britain might see polymer sterling currency in circulation in just

three years time.53. US based Food Producer Cargill India acquired Wipro's Sunflower Vanaspati brand

Detaisls: US-based food producer and marketer Cargill India on announced the acquisition of

the Sunflower Vanaspati brand from Wipro. Cargill and Wipro did not disclose the deal value of

the brand but as per the trade analysts the deal was pegged at 30-40 crore Rupees54. DoT announces women helpline number '167':Note: Admist nationwide uproar over

brutal gang-rape of a paramedic student, the Telecom Ministry on Monday announced a

three-digit women helpline number '167'. For helping women in distress, Delhi Chief Minister

requested (Telecom Minister) Kapil Sibal to allot a three digit phone number. "Though DoT has


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limited resource in respect of three-digit numbers, yet within two hours of the request, a three-

digit number '167' has been allotted for Chief Minister's helpline," a statement from the

Department of Telecom said

55. WB Govt. to organize credit fare for welfare of minority communities:

Note: The West Bengal Government has decided to organize credit fare in the districts of thestate for the welfare of minority communities. The West Bengal Government has decided to

organize credit fare in the districts of the state for the welfare of minority communities. Around 22

lakhs people belonging to minority.

56. Govt. hikes Wheat MSP by Rs 65 a quintal:

Note: The government on Wednesday announced Rs 65 per quintal hike in the support price of

wheat to Rs 1,350 per quintal and allowed additional exports of 2.5 million tonnes of wheat from

its godowns to clear surplus stock and ease storage crunch

57. Ratan Tata retires as Tata Group Chairman:

Cyrus Mistry appointed as a new Chairman...

Note: Veteran corporate leader Ratan Tata retired as Chairman of Tata Group Friday after

successfully heading the group for 50 years. Tata, who turned 75 on Friday has handed over the

reins of the group to Cyrus Mistry and appointed Chairman earlier this month. Mistry made a visit

to the groups headquarters Bombay House today and will take charge of the new assignment on

Saturday. Mistry was groomed for the assignment by Tata for a year.

Ratan Tata, who helmed the group for 21 years after being chosen successor by his uncle, the

iconic JRD Tata, in 1991, is credited with transforming the group through bold decisions. During

Ratan Tata's tenure, the group's revenues grew manifold, totaling to 100.09 billion US Dollars in

2011-12 from a turnover of a mere 10,000 crore ruppes in 1991.

58. National Water Resources Council adopts National Water Policy 2012

Policy highlights the need for the conservation of water resources...

Note: The National Water Resources Council has adopted National Water Policy-2012 at its

meeting held in New Delhi on Friday. Water Resource Minister Harish Rawat said that there was

broader consensus in the meeting on community management of water resources, climate

change adaptation strategy and efficient use of water.

The policy emphasizes on the concept of basin management to promote integrated resources of

water management. Mr Rawat said that the proposed National Water Framework Law and river

basin management Law would be drafted only after extensive consultation with States so that

their powers are not curtailed

59. MS Sahoo appointed as Secretary of Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI):

Appointment will be effective from 1 January 2013..


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Note: MS Sahoo, the former member of SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) on 27

December 2012 had been appointed secretary of the Institute of Company Secretaries. He

served as the Joint Secretary (non-functional), Director and Joint Director in the Ministry of

Finance, as the Chief General Manager with SEBI, and as Economic Adviser with National Stock

Exchange of India Limited (NSE). He had over three decades of rich work experience in self-

employment, private sector, public sector, regulator and government in varied functional areas

such as reforms, policy, regulations, research and analysis.Before joining the ICSI, he was an

eminent legal practitioner in the field of securities laws.

60. Security and Exchange Board of India(SEBI) appointed S Raman as Whole Time Member:

Now SEBI has three whole time members, including Prashant Saran and Rajeev Kumar

Agarwal..

Note: Indian Market Regulator SEBI on 28 December 2012 appointed S. Raman as Whole-time

Member of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). Prior to this appointment, Raman,

had served as Chairman and Managing Director of Canara Bank from September 2010 toSeptember 2012 and had also served as Executive Director of Union Bank of India from October

2008 to August 2010.

61. TRAI restrictsCentral or State government to enter into broadcasting and

distribution of TV channels:

Note: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India -TRAI today recommended not allowing Central

or State Government or any company or any entity funded by them to enter into the business of

broadcasting or distribution of TV channels. It said that the arms length relationship between

Prasar Bharti and the Government be further strengthened. TRAI has also recommended for

taking such measures to ensure functional independence and autonomy of Prasar Bharti. An

official release said the recommendations have been made following a reference by Ministry ofInformation and Broadcasting last month.

National

1. Supreme Court Issued Guidelines to Curb Eve Teasing At the Public Places

Supreme Court issued certain guidelines in order to put a halt to eve-teasing.

NOTE:-The state governments as well as the union territories are ordered by the Supreme

Court to depute female police officers in plain clothes at the public places such as metro

stations, bus stands, railway stations, shopping malls, beaches, parks, worship places,


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cinemas as well as public service vehicles. This has been done to monitor as well as

supervise the incidents of eve-teasing.

2. Projects under NLCPR implemented in Mizoram: Ghatowar

Union Minister for Development of North East Region Paban Singh Ghatowarsays,

Projects under NLCPR has been well implemented in Mizoram state. The State

Government has completed 65 projects worth 393 crores rupees.

3. Former Karnataka CM Yeddyurappa sets to resign from primary membership of theBJP on 1 Dec 2012.

4. PMGSY norms relaxed for Assam to boost rural road networkCentre has decided to relax norms forAssam so that it can get benefits at par with tribal areasand hill states for constructing rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak

Yojana(PMGSY), Union Min Jairam Ramesh said.

5. Haryana top among states in exceeding revenue mobilisation targetHaryana has topped the chart of the states which have significantly exceeded revenuemobilisation target during the 11th Five Year Plan.

NOTE:- According Planning Commission's latest report on state finances, Haryanamopped up Rs. 64,123 crore during the 5 year policy period which was 192 per cent of thetargeted resource mobilisation in the 11th Plan. Majority of states have failed to meet theprojected planned resources as collectively they could fetch only 92.5 per cent of target.

About 8 states in the country including Haryana, Assam, Odisha, Karnataka, Goa, Biharand Arunachal Pradesh could mop up more than their targets.

6. Ranjit Sinha takes over as CBI DirectorSenior IPS officer Ranjit Sinha today took over as the new CBI Director and said he wouldlay special emphasis on addressing delays in execution of Letters Rogatory and improvingforensic capabilities of the agency.NOTE:- Addressing the media after assuming charge, Sinha said he was aware ofchallenges facing the agency like shortage of manpower, delays in execution of Letters

Rogatory and in the forensic field and would try to address them during his tenure.

7. Centre starts scheme named Ganga Action Plan to clean GangaCentral government has started a mega scheme named Ganga Action Plan to clean theriver Ganga. One billion dollars have been approved from the World Bank to fund aneight-year project. The focus is on clearing large stretches of the river heavily pollutedby industrial effluents and domestic waste.NOTE:- The accumulation of silt deposit, discharge of industrial effluents and domesticwaste along the banks has worried the environmentalists along with the shrinking size ofthe river.In Kanpur Uttar Pradesh and in Patna Bihar campaigns have been launched.

8. SC restores limit of 200 SMSes per day per SIMThe Supreme Court has stayed Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal

(TDSAT)'s order, which had quashed the sector regulator TRAI's circular limiting thenumber of SMSes to 200 per day per SIM.NOTE:- A bench headed by Justice G S Singhvi stayed the tribunal's order and issuednotice to late Bal Thackeray's grandson Aditya on whose plea TDSAT had passed theorder.The apex court passed the order on an appeal filed by TRAI challenging tribunal's orderand asked Thackeray to respond to regulator's plea within six weeks.


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9. S.A. Ibrahim Appointed as New Director of Intelligence BureauThe Competent Authority approved appointment of S. A. Ibrahim the IPS (MP-77) asofficer on Special Duty in the Intelligence Bureau and also as the Director for IntelligenceBureau for a next 2 years from the date he acquires his charge or till the next order that isis further sent. His tenure to the post of Officer on Special Duty in the Intelligence Bureaustarted from 1st December 2012.

10.NABARD to provide Rs 400 cr credit for Punjab dairy sectorNational Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) would provide a credit ofRs. 400 crore to Punjab's dairy sector during the next 3 years to boost milk production andpromote dairy farming in the state.

Animal Husbandry Minister of Punjab, Mr. Sarwan Singh Phillaur, said in Chandigarh thatNABARD has identified three districts Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Ropar for modernizationand capacity building in the dairy sector.NOTE:- NABARD has decided to develop dairy sector as commercial activity rather thancalling it as allied agriculture activity. Under the project milking machines would beprovided to dairy farmers, milk coolers would also be given to both farmers and societies.Punjab's dairy farming has 9 per cent share in country's milk output with less than 2 percent livestock of the country and per capita availability of milk in the state stood at 931gram, which is highest in the country.

11.Union Govt. announced to spend Rs. 1000 crore in the current financial year toincrease rice production in the eastern statesCentre is to spend one thousand crore rupees in the current financial year to increase riceproduction in the eastern states. Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said the amount willbe spent under the scheme called Second Green Revolution in Eastern India.NOTE:- Mr. Pawar said Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are being advised to changetheir cropping pattern to maintain the quality of soil which is being adversely affectedbecause of excessive use of fertilizers and over production of rice and wheat.

12.India ranks 94 in list of corrupt nationsIndia was ranked 94 out of 176 countries surveyed in the Corruption Perceptions Index(CPI) 2012, with a score of 36 on a scale from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean)according to a report by Transparency International India (TII). Last year India ranked 95out of 183 countries.NOTE:- The 2012 index ranks countries by their perceived levels of public sectorcorruption and assigns scores of between one (highly corrupt) and 100 (clean).While Somalia, North Korea and Afghanistan were the most corrupt countries with a scoreof eight, Denmark, Finland and New Zealand tied for the first place of the least corrupt witha score of 90. China had a CPI score of 39, which is better than India, while Pakistan'swas 27.

13.Govt wins FDI vote by 253 votes against 218 in Lok SabhaThe government has won the vote on motion against FDI in multibrand retail in theLoksabha.The voting came a shortwhile ago after two days of intense debate under rule 184.NOTE:- The motion brought by opposition parties was defeated by a margin of 35 votes.

218 members voted in favour of the motion while 253 against it. The discussion wasinitiated on Tuesday by BJP leader Sushma swaraj.

14. 11th Meeting of India-Canada JWG on Counter Terrorism held in New Delhia. 11th meeting of the India-Canada Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism held

in New Delhi. The meeting took place within the framework of the enhanced interaction inbilateral relations between India and Canada, and in keeping with the desire of thegovernments of India and Canada towards greater cooperation in counter terrorismmatters.


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b. NOTE:- The next and the 12th meeting of the Joint Working Group will be held in Canadain 2013 on mutually convenient dates.

15.IAEA certified that all the 20 Atomic Power Reactors in the country are very safeMinister of State in the PMO, V. Narayanasami said the International Atomic Energy

Agency, IAEA has certified that all the 20 Atomic Power Reactors in the country are verysafe. He said the certificate was given by IAEA after inspection by the officials of theAgency along with the officials of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

16.Anti Collision Device for Railways developed by Hyderabad Based FirmHyderabad Based Company, Hyderabad Batteries Limited (HBL) developed a new anticollision safety device which is path breaking technology in ensuring safe travelling andfewer accidents.NOTE:- The device is based on a combination of railway signalling data with radiocommunications, global position, radio frequency identification devices, software and logic.

17.Union Government of India cleared Decks for Ambedkar MemorialUnion Government of India cleared the decks for transferring the prime India 12.5 acre

United Mill land in Mumbai to the Maharashtra government for building a state-of-the-artmemorial to B.R. Ambedkar.NOTE:- The Maharashtra State government is going to bear the entire cost of thememorial project and will henceforth take care of the land.

18.Ajit Pawar to be sworn in as Deputy CM of MaharashtraFormer Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Ajit Pawar is all set to return to Maharashtracabinet, days after he got a clean chit in the alleged irrigation scam in the state. Ajit Pawarwill take oath as Deputy Chief Minister at Raj Bhavan at 10 am tomorrow on 7 December.NOTE:- Pawar had stepped down as the deputy CM of Maharashtra on September 25after his name cropped up in the state irrigation scam.

19.Parthasarathi Shome Appointed As the Adviser to Finance Minister of India

The Union government of India appointed Parthasarathi Shome, the tax expert, as theadviser to finance minister P Chidambaram. Shome was appointed with a rank of minister

of state and this also indicated his comeback to the Secretariat building after almost 5

years.

NOTE:- Shome was also the adviser to P Chidambaram during the UPA-I.

He was the working brain behind fringe benefit tax as well as banking cash transaction tax

on the withdrawals of the cash. These tax policies were aimed towards keeping a check

on black money which was a subject of sharp criticisms apart from the securities

transaction tax.

20.Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi on the List of Top 20 Most Powerful People ofthe World

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh were named in the listof top 20 most powerful people in the world by the Forbes Magazine in annual powerrankings. Enjoying the first position for the second year consecutively is the US PresidentBarrack Obama.NOTE:- Prime Minister Manmohan Sign was ranked at number 19. Sonia Gandhi droppedfrom the rankings of 2011 to number 12 in 2012. Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh

Ambani, the richest business tycoon of India as well as Arcelor Mittal CEO Lakshmi Mittalalso appeared in this list. Ambani is ranked at number 37 and he outranked Mittal byvarious positions.


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21.Life of Pi was awarded with two National Tourism Awards by the Ministry of

Tourism

Life of Pi was given two National Tourism Awards by the Ministry of Tourism, Government

of India recognizing the impact it has had in promoting India as a tourism destination,

especially Puducherry and Munnar (Kerala). These Awards will be given to Ang Lee,

Director of the film Life of Pi and Yann Martel, writer of the book of the same name.

NOTE:- The Ministry of Tourism identified Film Tourism as a Niche Tourism product. It has

requested the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations to recognize the

potential of Film Tourism and constitute special bodies/cells to facilitate filming in their

respective States/Union Territories.

22.Abhay Chautala elected as New President of Indian Olympic AssociationIndian Olympic Association on unanimously elected Abhay Singh Chautala as its newpresident after it decided to go ahead and hold its annual general meeting as well aselections, despite being suspended by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), whichfound the election violating its charter.

23.President's house Rashtrapati Bhavan now opened for Common People

On the instructions of Union President Pranab Mukherjee it was decided to make theceremonial change of guard of the President's Bodyguard open to the public everySaturday.NOTE:- Rashtrapati Bhavan will now host 200 public visitors at its forecourt for watchingthe ceremony. The ceremony that entails a series of military traditions from bugles andbands to the horse-riding President's Bodyguard (PBG) is now going to have a new lookas the drill will be conducted in the backdrop of the majestic dome of the presidentialhouse from the earlier North Block.

24.Former CM of Karnataka B S Yeddyurappa formally launched Karnataka JanataPartyOpening a new chapter in Karnataka politics, former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappatoday formally launched Karnataka Janata Party(KJP) and took over as its President at a

massive rally here in North Karnataka.

25.Tajganj project to intensify Taj's security by U.P. Govt.Security of the Taj Mahal would be increased further under Uttar Pradesh TourismMinistry's project to develop the slums of Agra's nearby Tajganj area. Separate set ofCCTV cameras will be installed and a buffer zone created to ensure the safety of themonument.NOTE:- The slums of Tajganj are often seen as an eyesore on the canvas of Taj. Theproject comprises all-round development of the Tajganj area.

26.Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram Selected For K Karunakaran FoundationAwardUnion Finance Minister P Chidambaram was selected for K Karunakaran Foundation

award for his brilliant administration.NOTE:- The award is being offered in the memory of renowned Congress leader as wellas the former Kerala Chief minister K Karunakaran. It includes 1 lakh Rupees as well ascitation.

27.ADB to provide $300 mn loan to Chhattisgarh for overhauling roadsADB to provide $300 mn loan to Chhattisgarh for overhauling roads by the ADB said, theproject would include works such as expanding roads for two-laning, building newsections, construction and strengthening of culverts and bridges. The Chhattisgarh


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government will provide 128 million Dollars taking the total cost of the project to 428million Dollars.NOTE:- Asian Development Bank, ADB, will provide a 300-million US Dollar loan toChhattisgarh for overhauling over 900 kilometres of roads in the state

28.Telecom Commission approves subsidy for BSNL operations in rural areas

Telecom Commission today approved a subsidy of 1500 crore rupees for supportinglandline operations of BSNL in the rural areas. The move follows recommendations by theTelecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) that 2,700 crore rupees be given to BSNL asit operates in remote and rural telecom circles that are less profitable.NOTE:- Commission's Chairman and Telecom Secretary R. Chandrashekhar said thesubsidy will be paid out of the Universal Service Obligation Fund without impacting fiscaldeficit. The first part of the approved amount is part of the total proposed subsidy of 2,750crore rupees for supporting rural landline connections installed before April 1, 2002. Thiswill also lower the losses incurred by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.

29.Union Government Introduced Bill to Amend Competition ActUnion Government of India introduced a bill in Parliament to amend the Competition Actwhich, among other things, will require the Competition Commission to decide oncorporate mergers within 180 days.NOTE:- The bill would also confer powers on fair trade regulator Competition Commissionof India (CCI) to vet all M&A deals and also authorise its Director General to carry outsearch and seizure activities. Presently, CCI's Director General, upon authorisation by theChief Metropolitan Magistrate, Delhi, has the powers to carry out search and seizure inany investigation. This is under Section 41(3) of the Competition Act, 2002.The Bill also seeks to amend the existing provision on abuse of dominant position toprovide that no enterprise or group either jointly or singly shall abuse its dominant position.

30.Bihar received the Silver Icon Web Ratna Award 2012Bihar's public grievance redressal website received the Silver Icon Web Ratna Award2012.

NOTE:- The public grievance redressal websitehttp://www.bpgrs.in/has been developedby the state government as an e-governance initiative and has various features for quickand transparent disposal of complaints. The complainant is also intimated on his/her e-mail about the action taken.

31.Vinod Rai Re-Elected As Chairman of UN Panel of External AuditorsUnited Nations gave Vinod Rai, the comptroller and auditor general of India a second termas the designation of chairman of UN Panel of External Auditors for 2013. CAG of the UK,

Amyas Morse was re-elected as the vice-chairman.NOTE:- Panel of the United Nations is the deciding body of the course as well as subjectof audit of the different UN organisations which also include International Atomic Energy

Agency.

32.Retail Inflation Increased to 9.9% in November 2012Consumer Price Index (CPI) data released recently showed that the retail inflationincreased for the second successive month to 9.90 percent in November 2012 mainlybecause of the increase in price of food products like edible oil, sugar, vegetables as wellas clothing. In October 2012, the retail inflation was 9.75 percent and in September 2012,it was 9.73 percent.

33.Union Government Spent Over Rs. 1768 Crore for Its Own Promotion: I&B MinistryUnion Government spent more than Rs. 1768 crore in previous 3 years for its own
http://www.bpgrs.in/http://www.bpgrs.in/http://www.bpgrs.in/


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promotion, revealed the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry.NOTE:- I&B Ministry revealed that the Directorate of Audio-Visual Publicity (DAVP) spenta total of Rs. 1768.55 crore in publicity as well as advertisements in magazines andnewspapers as well as on television. Most of the money was spent on newspaperadvertisements with Rs. 375.31 crore from 2011 to 2012. Spending on newspaperadvertisement in 2012 is Rs. 99 crore.

34.India's Foreign Trade in November 2012: Exports valued at 22299.63 Million DollarsAs per the data released by Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry exports and importsduring November 2012 were valued at 22299.63 and 41586.90 million US dollarsrespectively.NOTE:- The trade deficit for April - November 2012-13 was estimated at 129500.18 millionUS dollars which was higher than the deficit of 122638.35 million US dollars during April-November 2011-12.

35.India Successfully test fired Agni I Ballistic MissileIndia successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-I ballisticmissile with a strike range of 700 km from a test range off Odisha coast.NOTE:- The missile was test-fired under a practice trial by the Strategic Force Commandof the Indian Army from a mobile launcher at about 8.30 am on 12 December 2012 fromlaunch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island, about 100 km fromBalasore, defence

36.Bollywood Actress Hema Malini Selected for Bharat Muni SammanFamous Bollywood actress and Bharatanatyam exponent Hema Malini had been selectedfor the prestigious Bharat Muni Samman of year 2012 for her outstanding contribution tothe field of art and culture.NOTE:- Bharat Muni Samman is named after the author of Natyashastra Bharat Muni andhas been instituted by Bhubaneswar-based organisation Kalingayana Touryatrikam.

37.West Bengal Cabinet approves land allotment policy, guidelines

West Bengal Cabinet approved land allotment policy and guidelines today.The State Commerce and Industries Minister Mr. Partha Chatterjee said that, land will beallotted to 14 big, medium and small scale Industries soon as per the new policy.NOTE:- Mr. Chatterjee said that, the Cabinet also decided to give one time assistance ofRs. 8,000 to the farmer for electrification of agricultural pump sets. Besides, sanctioning ofloan from Rs. 10 thousand to maxinim Rs.45 thousand for procuiring of agri-equipmentthrough Kisahan Credit Cards.

38.Assam Government Announced Special Health Scheme for People in Riverine AreaAssam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced that 50 riverine public healthcentres would be set up in the state under the National Rural Health Mission. The publichealth centres would be located primarily in the districts of Barpeta, Dhubri, Goalpara and

Darrang.NOTE:- Government was in Process to implement several schemes under the healthdepartment such as 15 boats with process theatre facilities, including five boatambulances under the 108 emergency schemes.

39.Promotion Quota bill: 18 lakh UP government employees go on flash strikeAbout 18 lakh employees and officers of UP government today went on a flash strikeboycotting work in protest against attempts at "forcible passage" of the SC/ST quota bill inRajya Sabha, saying the stir will continue.


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40.Union Cabinet clears Land Acquisition BillThe controversial Land Acquisition Bill was today cleared by the Union Cabinet, makingmandatory the consent of 80 per cent of people whose land is taken for private projects. Inthe case of Public-Private Partnership projects, the bill makes mandatory obtaining ofconsent of 70 per cent of the people whose land will be for acquired. The bill was given

the go-ahead at the Cabinet presided by Prime Minister Manmonan Singh.NOTE:- The bill was finalised by the Rural Development Ministry incorporating thesuggestion of UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi who had asked the government to take theconsent from 80 per cent land owners for purchase of land for the purpose of setting upindustries and PPP projects.

41.Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill passedMeghalaya Legislative Assembly toaday passed the Meghalaya Lokayukta Bill-2012 onthe concluding day of its 4-day winter session amidst walk out by Opposition members ofthe Nationalist Congress Party.NOTE:- Introducing the Bill, Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr. Mukul Sangma termed the Billas, historic, as it would provide for establishment of a body of Lokayukta for the State ofMeghalaya to inquire into allegation of corruption against certain public functionaries.

42.RBI says direct cash transfer can help control inflationRBI Deputy Governor, KC Chakrabarty said in Mumbai that the Central Governmentsambitious direct cash transfer scheme will play a crucial role in reducing the fiscal deficitand controlling inflation in the country. Describing the scheme as a power tool the seniormost of the four RBI deputy governors explained that the scheme if implemented well thescheme will have a positive impact on the inflation front and efficiency in expenditure willhelp reduce the fiscal deficit.NOTE:- The programme which is planned to be introduced in 43 districts beginning fromearly next year, will help in curtailing massive leakages and wastages in the subsidydistribution system. Initially 16 states will be covered by 1st April 2013 and the national rollout is planned till 1st April 2014. He also said that the programme will help in driving thefinancial inclusion agenda of the apex bank RBI.

43.India and Pakistan seal accord to ease visa restrictionsThe liberalised visa agreement between India and Pakistan has been operationalized byhome minister Sushil Kumar Shinde and Pakistan interior minister Rehman Malik with thelatter calling it a historic step forward for the peace process.NOTE:- The places of visit allowable have been increased by both countries from 3 to 5and a provision made for issue of visa up to 2 years for persons above 65, nationalsmarried to nationals of the other country and children below 12.Exemption from police reporting will also be offered to those arriving on a business visaand who have an income of above 5 million Pakistani rupee. Both concessions will kick inimmediately.

44.Cabinet Committee on Securitygave its nod to a Rs. 2,150 crore proposal oncoastal security

Cabinet Committee on Security gave its nod to a 2,150 crore rupee proposal on coastalsecurity that aims at preventing any 26/11-type attack.NOTE:- Under the proposal, 5 offshore patrol vessels would be bought for the CoastGuard for Rs. 1,500 crore. As part of the proposal, Rs. 640 crore would be spent onsetting up the second phase of coastal security network under which 38 radars would beestablished to create a near gap free electronic surveillance along the entire coastal area.

45. Economy likely to grow at 5.5-6% this fiscal: Rangarajan


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Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC) Chairman C Rangarajan said, theeconomy is expected to grow at 5.5 to 6 per cent in the current fiscal and the next year will see abetter rate of expansion.Mr Rangarajan said, growth in the first half of 2012-13 has fallen to 5.4 per cent, from 7.3 per centin the same period last fiscal. He expressed hope that the economy will do better in the secondhalf and the manufacturing sector could grow.

46. Lok Sabha passed Supplementary Demand Grants for 2012-13Lok Sabha yesterday passed the Supplementary Demands for Grants for 2012-13 and therelevant Appropriation Bills. This authorises the Centre to withdraw Rs. 30,804 crore from theConsolidated Fund of India.NOTE:- The country has a comfortable stock of 682 lakh tonnes of wheat and rice at present.

47. India Telecom 2012 conference held in New Delhi

Telecom Secretary R Chandrashekhar has said that India is at the threshold of 3rd revolution in

telecommunication. He said, the anticipated broadband revolution will revolutionize the socio-

economy sector including health and information. Mr. Chandrashekhar was delivering the keynote

address of the special session on Critical Internet Resources and Way Forward on the second

day of the India Telecom 2012 conference in New Delhi.

48.Naina Lal Kidwai becomes first woman President of FICCINaina Lal Kidwai took over as President of FICCI, becoming the first woman to head theleading industry body.NOTE:- Kidwai succeeds R V Kanoria of Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Ltd.Chairman of Xpro India Ltd and Digjam Ltd, Sidharth Birla, also has been elected asSenior Vice-President of FICCI.

49.Justice Arun kumar Mishra appointed Chief Justice of Calcutta High CourtJustice Arun Kumar Mishra took over as the new Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court.NOTE:- Arun Kumar Mishra was earlier the Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court. He wasadministered the oath of office by West Bengal Governor M K Narayanan.

50.Advocate R S Goswami Elected As the Chairman of Bar Council of DelhiAdvocate R S Goswami was elected as the chairman of Bar Council of Delhi. Goswamihas the career span of 25 years as legal practitioner in different courts. He was electedunanimously by council membersNOTE:- R S Goswami has second term as member of bar council. From 2006 to 2008, hewas the honourary secretary of the Bar Council of Delhi

51.Union Government launched Government Calendar Featuring Flagship SchemesGovernment of Indias Wall Calendar for 2013 was launched featuring various flagshipprogrammes of the Government, which includes Aadhaar based Direct Cash TransferScheme to be implemented in 51 districts from January 2013 among others.NOTE:- The calendar is printed and designed by Directorate of Advertising and Visual

Publicity (DAVP) of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which has over the yearsworked on developing social advertising brand Bharat Nirman. The theme of the calendaris Bharat Nirman- Sabka hit, Sabka Haq.

52.Sonia Gandhi launched "Delhi Annshri Yojna"UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched a major food security programme of DelhiGovernment "Delhi Annshri Yojna".NOTE:- Congress president Sonia Gandhi today strongly backed the Centre's New DirectBenefit Transfer system that will ensure cash transfer directly in the hands of beneficiaries


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of various schemes, saying it is in line with many other "revolutionary" measures taken bythe UPA.

53.Central Zoo Authority of India Approved Exchanging White Tigress against PumaPair from RussiaCentral Zoo Authority of India approved exchanging white tigress from the Delhi Zoo

against a pair of puma, which is also called cougar, panther or mountain lion, from theKrasnoyarks Park of flora and fauna, Roev Ruchey in Russia.NOTE:- This pair of puma would arrive soon from Russia. This pair would be among otherforeign species such as South American jaguars as well as grey kangaroos which arenestled at National Zoological Park, New Delhi.

54.Union Government of India Extended ban on ULFA and NDFBUnion home ministry in Month of December extended the ban on United Liberation Frontof Assam (ULFA) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) under the UnlawfulPrevention Act.NOTE:- The home ministry in a gazette notification announced that all the factions of theULFA and the NDFB are banned under Section three of the Unlawful Prevention Act

55.RS passes bill for reservation in promotion for SCs and STs in govt. jobs.Rajya Sabha has passed the Constitution (117th Amendment) Bill, 2012 providing forreservation in promotions to SCs and STs in government jobs. 206 members voted infavour while 10 against it.NOTE:- The Bill required majority of the total members of the House and two-third majorityof the members present and voting

56.WB govt.to start pre-primary education in all schoolsWest Bengal Government is due to start pre-primary education in all Government andGovernment-aided Schools.NOTE:- State Education Minister Mr. Bratya Basu said that, additional class rooms for pre-primary teachings and appointment of pre-primary teachers are to be undertaken soon. Hesaid that, the admission of students in these sections will be through lotteries. Theeducation minister said that although admissions to the primary stage is going to be at 6plus age of students, those who pass pre-primary before 6 syears of age will not bedebared from admition to class one

57.Sharad Pawar releases book For the Grains written by KV ThomasAgriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today released a book titled 'For the Grains' at afunction in New Delhi. The book written by Food Minister K V Thomas is a compilation of37 speeches delivered by him in recent years.NOTE:- The Book covers a wide range of issues including agriculture, food security,climate change, ayurveda, research and education in the country

58.Tamil Version of the Book "Still Counting the Dead" authored by Frances HarrisonReleasedTamil version of the book, Still Counting the Dead- Survivors of Sri Lanka's Hidden Warauthored by Frances Harrison was released on 15 December 2012. The first copy of thetranslated work was received by noted art critic and writer Sadanand Menon.NOTE:- This book reveals the unprecedented killings in the last phase of civil war-alsocalled as Eelam War in Sri Lanka in the year 2009

59.LS unanimously passed Constitution Amendment BillLok Sabha today unanimously passed the Constitution Amendment Bill providing specialprovisions for setting up a separate Development Board for the backward areas of theerstwhile Hyderabad-Karnataka region in Karnataka state.


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NOTE:- The Bill seeks insertion of Article 371 J in the Constitution, providing equitableallocation of funds for development, promotion of employment and education in the region.The erstwhile Hyderabad-Karnataka region include the districts of Gulbarga, Bidar,Raichur, Koppal, Yadgir and Bellary.Both Houses of the Karnataka legislature had passed resolutions to provide specialprovisions to the region in 2010.

60.Government of Maharashtra ordered SIT Probe into Multi-Crore Irrigation ScamGovernment of Maharashtra ordered a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into thematter of multi-crore irrigation scam. The announcement was made in both the legislativehouses of the state.NOTE:- The SIT would be headed by the Dr. Madhavrao Chitale and comprise expertsfrom law and judiciary and finance departments. Its deadline would be finalized by 31December 2012.Dr. Chitale is a water expert and has worked for different commissions and at differentcapacities and served the Union Water Resource Ministry as its Secretary

61.Malaria cases in India to go down by 50 to 75 per cent by 2015, says World HealthOrganisation.

A report by World Health Organisation (WHO), says, India will see a decrease of 50-75per cent in malaria cases by 2015. The WHO's World Malaria Report 2012 said, aconcerted effort by endemic countries, donors and global malaria partners during the pastdecade has led to strengthened malaria control around the world.It, however, warned that a significant slowdown in global funding of anti-malariacampaigns threatens to roll back the gains made against the preventable mosquito-bornedisease over the last 10 years.NOTE:- In the south-east Asia Region, Bhutan, Korea, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailandhave registered decreases of 75 per cent or more in the malaria incidence rates between2000 and 2011.The report said, India, Nepal and Thailand could also potentially move from the control tothe pre-elimination phase by continuing their progress.

62.India Developed Indigenous Japanese Encephalitis (JE) VaccineFirst vaccine of the world was developed against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) using theIndian strain of virus. National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune offered the strain of JEvirus to Bharat Biotech. NOTE:- This JE virus was gathered from Kolar in Karnataka.Bharat Biotech had submitted results from final human trials to Drug Controller General ofIndia (DCGI) so that it could have marketing clearance.

63.First of the Eight P-8I Maritime Surveillance Aircraft received by Indian NavyIndian Navy received its first P-8I Maritime Surveillance Aircraft at its facility located atSeattle, out of the eight that it would get from Boeing. P-8I would be armed withtorpedoes, rockets and deadly missile with abilities to fight against powerful warships andanti-submarine warfare.

NOTE:- A deal of 2.1 billion dollar was signed between India and the US Aircraft makerBoeing in January 2009 for procurement of the long range surveillance aircraft equippedwith anti-submarine weaponry. This contract also included the option of having fouradditional aircrafts along with the intelligence and surveillance systems, training andmaintenance support and warfare. The aircraft will arrive in India by May 2013 along withtwo more aircrafts expected to be handed over the Indian Naval team by the month.

64.India's uranium reserve pegged at two lakh tonnesIndia has a confirmed reserve of nearly two lakh tonnes of uranium at present. The


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reserves of monazite amount to one hundred seven lakh tonnes.NOTE:-Although the reserves of uranium in the country are modest, they are located in10 States. Its highest quantity occurs in Andhra Pradesh with a reserve of 93,492 tonnesfollowed by Jharkhand with over 53,000 tonnes. While Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnatakaand Chhattisgarh have substantial quantities of uranium, the rare earth is found in modestquantities in Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand.The Atomic Mineral Directorate under the Atomic Energy Department is the specialistagency to survey and explore the reserves of this vital component in generating atomicpower in the country.

65.Nuclear capable Prithvi-II test successfulIndia successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear capable Prithvi-II missilewith a strike range of 350 km from a test range at Chandipur near Balasore (Odisha).The surface-to-surface missile was test fired from a mobile launcher in salvo mode fromlaunch complex-3 of Integrated Test Range.NOTE:- The launch of the sophisticated missile, conducted as part of operational exerciseby the Strategic Force Command (SFC) of the defence services, was successful.

66.Narendra Modi Re-elected as Gujarat Chief Minister; scores a hat-trickThe BJP registered its fifth consecutive victory in Gujarat, third under Modi, when itbagged 115 seats, two less than in the 2007 elections while Congress bagged two more tofinish at 61.The Nationalist Congress Party won two seats while Janata Dal-U one seat.

67.Virbhadra reclaims his throne in HimachalSeventy-eight-year-old Virbhadra Singh is an old war horse who could not be put down byallegations of corruption nor by infighting in the Congress as he steered the party back topower in Himachal Pradesh with a spirited campaign.The veteran may all be set to become chief minister of the state for the sixth time, settinga record.

68.India successfully test-fires Astra interceptor missile off Odisha coastIndia today successfully test-fired indigenously developed Astra air-to-air interceptormissile from Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur off Odisha coast. The beyond-visual-range missile was tested at 1.25 today afternoon from launch complext number 3 ofITR.NOTE:- This was a development trial of the missile and the target was an unmannedaerial vehicle which was flown from the same base few minutes before the launch of themissile.

69.Govt. of India to set up Real Time Water Quality Monitoring stations along RiverGangaGovernment of India decided to set up 113 Real Time Water Quality Monitoring Stationsalong the river Ganga.NOTE:- The Environment and Forests Minister Jayanti Natarajn in a written reply in theLok Sabha asserted that the Real Time Water Quality Monitoring Stations stations is goingto be set up in the next five years which includes eight in Uttarakhand, 57 in Uttar

Pradesh, 13 in Bihar and 35 in West Bengal to monitor the water quality in the river

70.Chhattisgarh the first state to pass legislation on food securityChhattisgarh became the first state in the country to bring legislation on food security. Thestate legislative assembly passed the Food Security Bill 2012 that confers legal rights tothe beneficiaries to receive food grains and food items at highly subsidized prices.NOTE:-Moving the Bill, Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh said, the legislation has got themost unique features that covers all sections of the society, including poor families,children, women and other vulnerable groups


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71. Prime Minister approves new measures for the security of women:Details:Government today approved new measures for security of women in the nationalcapital. Briefing media in New Delhi after meeting with Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh,Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said that:Government to take immediate steps foramendment of criminal law for more effective punishment in rarest of rare case of sexual assault.

72. India Successfully Test Fired Air to Air Interceptor Astra Missile

Details:: India on 21 December 2012 test launched its indigenously developed beyond visual

range(BVR) air-to-air interceptor missile Astraat the interim t

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