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CURRENT AFFAIRS: NATIONAL
Finance Minister launches eBkray for online auction of assets attached by banks
- PSBs have attached assets worth over 2.3 lakh crore over the last three financial years and to enable online auction by banks of attached assets transparently and cleanly for improved realisation of value, eBkray, a common e-auction platform was launchedby the Finance Minister.
- The platform is equipped with property search features and navigational links to all PSB e-auction sites, provides single-window access to information on properties up for e-auction as well as facility for comparison of similar properties, and also contains photographs and videos of uploaded properties. As on 27.12.2019, a total of 35,000 properties had been uploaded on the platform by PSBs.
Function organized to commemorate 76th Anniversary of First Flag Hoisting at Port Blair
- A function was organized to commemorate the 76th Anniversary of First Flag Hoisting by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Port Blair .
- Lt Governor Admiral DK Joshi and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey hoisted the National Flag at Flag Point, Port Blair.
- Subhash Mela Committee Swarajdweep organised a bike rally and a cultural programme.
- The Forum for Awareness of National Security led by its margdarshak Indresh Kumar is already in Port Blair to commemorate the 76th Anniversary of First Flag Hoisting.
About Andaman and nicobar islands:
- Capital city: port blair
- Governor:Admiral (ret.) Devendra Kumar Joshi
- National parks:
Campbell Bay National Park, Galathea National Park, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Middle Button Island National Park, Mount Harriet National Park, North Button Island National Park, Rani Jhansi Marine National Park, Saddle Peak National Park, South Button Island National Park
Amit Shah unveils new insignia for CRPF’s VIP security wing
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled a new insignia for the CRPF’s VIP security wing that protects 59 high-risk dignitaries, including members of the Gandhi family and a host of Union ministers
- The logo — with a “Garuda”, sword and shield — will give a distinct identity to the unit, Shah said. The insignia will bear the motto of the force — “Always, Aware, Alert”.
- Shah unveiled the logo during an event, where he laid the foundation for raising a new headquarters building for the CRPF. Of the 59 protectees under this unit, 15 are under the top “Z+” category, 21 under the “Z” category and the remaining 23 under various other categories. “This is a historic day for the unit that serves with utmost dedication and discipline. VIP security is now a core task for us. The insignia will now be worn by all commandos under this unit,” CRPF Inspector General (Intelligence) Pradeep Kumar Singh stated
Central, state pollution control bodies to meet in Patna conference next month
- Union Minister for Environment Prakash Javadekar will inaugurate the two-day long 64th conference of central and state pollution control boards and pollution committees, which is scheduled to start from January 16 to 17 in Patna.
- During the inaugural session, issues related to implementation, challenges and enforcement strategies for effective management of solid waste including plastic would be discussed.
- Bihar State Pollution Control Board spokesperson Birendra Kumar told that officials of 28 state pollution control bodies and six pollution control committees from various U/Tsincluding Delhi, Lakshadweep, Chandigarh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Daman Diu and Nagara Haveli have been invited to participate in it.
- Kumar further stated that discussion in details would also be held on bio-medical wastes, Action Plan for polluted river stretches and status of implementation of Action Plans in Non-Attainment cities besides others.
- Apart from all these issues, agendas which would be received from different states pollution control boards shall also be discussed and delineated at the conference’s sessions gradually.
CURRENT AFFAIRS : INTERNATIONAL
UAE extends 300 million US dollars of development aid to Jordan
- The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)announced that it is providing 300 million US dollars as development aid to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
- In a statement the UAE government stated that the UAE leadership’s decision reaffirms the commitment to standing alongside the brotherly leadership and people of Jordan, reflecting the nation’s foreign policy that carries the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and continues under the leadership of President Sheikh Khalifa.
- This latest development aid provision, the Fund statement added, highlights the “strong relations between the UAE and Jordan, that are based on brotherhood, mutual interest and respect.”
- Thousands of refugees have been pouring into Jordan to escape Syria’s civil war. Syria shares the northern border with Jordan.
- According to an UN estimate the Hashemite kingdom hosts about 630,000 Syrian refugees while Jordan claims that the number is over 4 million.
About UAE:
- Capital: Abu Dhabi
- Currency: United Arab Emirates dirham
- President: Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
About Jordan:
- Capital: Amman
- Currency: Jordanian dinar
- Prime minister : Omar Razzaz
China to issue revised local GDP figures under new mechanism from 2020
- China will revise its historical regional GDP data under a unified accounting mechanism from early next year. The Chinese economy grew at an annual pace of 0 per cent in the July-September quarter, the slowest growth since 1992.
- The National Bureau of Statistics new mechanism will unify the standards and procedures for calculating national and local GDP numbers which had been calculated under different accounting methods adopted by local and national statistics authorities since 1985.
- It stated, the reform is expected to close the current discrepancy between national and regional figures, improving data quality while enhancing the credibility of the government statistics.
Recent news related to china:
- CBERS-4A: New China-Brazil earth resource satellite launched into space
- ETRSS: Ethiopia’s first satellite launched from China
- China’s interests in the new country Bougainville
- China constructing a huge Observatory to probe origins of Cosmic Rays
ISA to deepen industry collaboration between India, US
- The signing of the Industrial Security Annex between India and the US will deepen industry collaboration, enable the release of more advanced technology and information to India and help make it part of the global supply chain in the defence sector.
- During the 2nd edition of the 2+2 dialogue held last week, India and the US agreed to further expand their defence ties and concluded the crucial Industrial Security Annex (ISA).
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had stated that the conclusion of the ISA with the US will provide the necessary framework for pursuing the co-development and co-production linkages in the defence manufacturing centre.
- The defence trade between the US and India has been a really important part of the overall relationship, both because of its security implications, and also because of the important economic impact on creating an important trade relationship
CURRENT AFFAIRS :BANKING AND FINANCE
Country’s financial system remains stable despite slowing economic growth: RBI
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released the 20th issue of the Financial Stability Report. It says that the global economy confronted a number of uncertainties that leads to significant deceleration in growth.
- As regards the domestic economy, aggregate demand slackened in the second quarter of this year further extending the growth deceleration.
- In its Report, Reserve Bank of India has stated that India’s financial system remains stable notwithstanding weakening domestic growth.
- The report, released also says that the resilience of the banking sector has improved following recapitalization of Public Sector Banks by the Government.
- The Report reflects the collective assessment of the Sub-Committee of the Financial Stability and Development Council on risks to financial stability, as also the resilience of the financial system. The Report also discusses issues relating to the development and regulation of the financial sector.
India likely to surpass Germany to become the fourth-largest economy in 2026
- India will overtake Germany to become fourth-largest economy in the world by the year According to a report by the UK-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR), India is all set to overtake Japan to become the third-largest economy by 2034.
- The report titled ‘World Economic League Table 2020’ stated that India is also set to become a 5 trillion dollar economy by 2026, 2 years later than the government’s target of
- India has decisively overtaken both France and the UK to become the world’s fifth-largest economy in 2019. The report said that Japan, Germany and India will battle for third position over the next 15 years.
- The World Economic League Table is an annual calculation by CEBR jointly published by CEBR and Global Construction Perspectives. The base data for 2019 is taken from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
About germany :
- Capital: Berlin
- Currency: Euro
- Chancellor: angelamerkel
Pakistani-owned HBZ Bank sanctioned by South Africa’s central bank
- South Africa’s central bank has sanctioned Durban-headquartered HBZ Bank, with roots in Pakistan, for violating the country’s Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Control Regulations.
- The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) cautioned HBZ not to repeat the conduct which led to the non-compliance with “suspicious and unusual transaction” reporting requirements of the Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Control Regulations and for the failure to comply with training requirements of the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Act. HBZ escaped any financial penalties.
- It was one of the four smaller banks together with one of the big four banks — Standard Bank — which have come under the SARB scanner.x
- The five banks are cooperating with the SARB and have agreed to undertake necessary measures to address the identified compliance deficiencies and control weaknesses.
About South Africa:
- Capitals: Cape Town, Pretoria, Bloemfontein
- Currency: South African rand
- President: Cyril Ramaphosa
Tamil Nadu to set up four Electronics Manufacturing Clusters
- The Tamil Nadu government is planning to develop four Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMCs) in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Hosur and Kancheepuram, according to sources in the state industries department. The project is likely to come up by
- The EMCs will provide necessary bolster to the upcoming electronic manufacturing industries in the state. According to sources, the EMCs will provide multi-level logistics, infrastructure and necessary testing and training facilities.
- Official sources stated that the Union government will be providing assistance to the EMCs to attract investment in Electronic Systems Design and Manufacturing.
- The state government will extend support to investors through various ‘ease of doing business’ initiatives to avail Union government and state incentives and approvals and develop complementary external infrastructures such as roads and railways.
- The state government will also notify the EMCs as industrial townships and will provide facilities like high-speed internet connectivity, last-mile water supply and road connectivity.
Recent news related to Tamil Nadu:
- ADB, India sign $451 million loan to strengthen Power Connectivity in Tamil Nadu
- Govt propose to set up new rocket launch pad near Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu
- Railways starts 10 Sewa Service trains to connect small towns with closest major cities
- Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul lock and Kandangisaree gets GI tag
- Peacock Parachute Spider: Rare tarantula sighted for first time in villupuram, TN.
SBI cuts external benchmark-based rate by 25 basis points
- The country’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) announced a reduction in its external benchmark-based rate by 25 basis points to 80 per cent from 8.05 per cent.
- The new rates will be applicable from January 1, 2020, the bank stated in a statement. SBI has announced the reduction in its external benchmark-based rate (EBR) by 25 basis points to 7.80 per cent p.a from 8.05 per cent per annum with effect from January 1, 2020.
- With this reduction, the interest rate for existing home loan customers as well as micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) borrowers who have availed loans linked to external benchmark based rate would come down by 25 basis points.
- The new home buyers will get loans at an interest rate starting from 90 per cent per annum compared to earlier 8.15 per cent per annum.
Recent news related to SBI:
- India secures loan from Germany to develop an energy-efficient housing programme
- 11th tranche of Electoral Bonds sale to start from July 1
CURRENT AFFAIRS: STATES
Haryana CM Khattarunveils five e-initiatives, including Lokayukta portal
- Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar launched five new e-initiatives, including Lokayukta portal and addition of 42 new schemes and services on the Saral portal, at the State-level Good Governance programme.
- The other three initiatives were websites of all 22 districts, integration of 91 Tehsils to Web Helris and digital map of village Sirsi (district Karnal) to make the village free from Lal Dora.
- Khattar also announced that the year 2020 would be observed as “Susashan Sankalp Varsh” during which suggestions and reforms in the field of governance would be invited from people of the State. A dedicated website would also be prepared for this purpose on which the people could upload their suggestions. The best among all such suggestions to be received on the website would be considered by the State government.
- The ‘Lokayukta Portal’ has been developed with several features like acceptance of complaint or grievances, marking of complaint or grievances, enquiry of complaints, disposal of complaints, finalisation of complaints, daily cause list, reopened disposed-of cases and monitoring reports.
- ‘Web-Helris’ is a web-enabled integrated solution for deed registration and land records management. This portal provides the facility related to deed registration, mutation, jamabandi, khasragridawari, issuing of copies of record and rights and integration with internal and external entities.
- The pilot project of Sirsi village in district Karnal has been completed for the rural and abadideh areas and field verification of Sirsi work has been done, making it first village in the State to become ‘Lal Dora free’.
- The State government has developed 22 district websites using secure, scalable and sugamya
- These schemes and services pertaining to the 38 departments, boards and corporations are being provided to the citizens through more than 6,000 Atal Seva Kendras and 115 Antyodaya Kendras throughout 22 districts of the State.
About Haryana
- Capital: Chandigarh
- CM: ManoharLalkhattar
- Governor: Satyadev Narayan Arya
Recent News
- Haryana chief minister, ManoharLal launched two insurance schemes for registered small and medium traders in the State namely Mukhyamantri Vyapari Samuhik Niji Durghatna Beema Yojana and Mukhyamantri Vyapari Kshatipurti Beema Yojana and made several other announcements for the welfare of people belonging to different sections of the society.
Maharashtra cabinet approves farm loan waiver, meal scheme
- Maharashtra approved the farm loan waiver scheme and also gave its nod to a subsidised meal scheme for the poor.
- The state cabinet approved the Mahatma JyotiraoPhule Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme, under which crop arrears pending till September 30, 2019, will be waived.
- Short-term crop loan up to Rs 2 lakh taken by farmers between April 1, 2015-March 31, 2019, and short-term restructured crop loan arrears up to September 30, 2019, will be waived under the scheme.
- Similarly, the cabinet gave its approval to launching the ‘Shiv Bhojan’ programme, under which the poor will be served meal at the subsidised rate of Rs 10 at designated centres in all districts of the state.
- Under the pilot scheme, at least one ‘Shiv Bhojan’ canteen will be started at district headquarters. Each canteen will serve 500 thalis (plates).
- The Shiv Bhojanthali, available at Rs 10 each, will consist of two chapatis, one vegetable, rice and dal.
About Maharashtra
- Capital: Mumbai
- CM: Uddhav Thackeray
- Governor: Bhagat Singh Koshyari
Recent News
- The Maharashtra government has launched some schemes which will help make the perennially parched Marathwada region free of drought.
- Maharashtra is the top state in delivering justice to its citizens followed by Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab and Haryana in the first ever ranking of states on their capacity to deliver justice to citizens.
Nitish Kumar Unveils Statue of Arun Jaitley in Patna on Late BJP Leader’s Birth Anniversary
- Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled a statue of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley in Patna on his birth anniversary and paid floral tributes.
- Earlier this year in August, Nitish Kumar had announced that a statue of the former Finance Minister will be installed in the State. He had also said that Jaitley’s birth anniversary will be celebrated as a State function every year.
Recent News About Arun Jaitley
- Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was conferred posthumously the Lifetime Achievement award for Public Service at the Economic Times Award 2019.
- Feroz Shah Kotlastadium in Delhi to be renamed as ArunJaitley stadium. Arun Jaitley, who was also the vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the president of Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).
New policy for population control to be ready soon in Bihar
- Bihar, one of the most populous states in the country, will have a new population-control policy soon.
- The new policy will be aimed at increasing the use of injectable contraceptives, creating more awareness among men and women — particularly young women in high schools and colleges — on population control and the use of contraceptives, expanding existing medical festivals and, most likely, offering a package of incentives and disincentives.
- The total fertility rate (TFR) — roughly, the average number of children born per woman — has slightly reduced in Bihar in the last few years but it still is the highest in the country.
About Bihar
- Capital: Patna
- CM: Nitish Kumar
- Governor: PhaguChauhan
Uttarakhand all set for survey on snow leopards
- Uttarakhand is all geared up to conduct its maiden survey on snow leopards for which the Indo-Tibetan Border Police will be roped in for the nearly two-year exercise.
- The census will be conducted on the basis of camera trap pictures, pugmark, excreta and other evidence. Work will start after winters areover for the project ‘Secure Himalaya’.
- The project’s key focus area is protection of snow leopard and other endangered species along with their habitats. Securing livelihoods of the people in region and enhancing enforcement to reduce wildlife crime are other objectives.
- Wildlife experts estimate that there are over 80 snow leopards in Uttarakhand, but never before a census of this elusive wild cat has been done. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Gangotri National Park, Askot Wildlife Sanctuary and other places located at an altitude between 3,000 and 4,500 meters are said to be frequented by snow leopards.
- In 2017, the Centre had launched the ‘SECURE Himalaya’, a six-year project, to ensure conservation of locally and globally significant biodiversity, land and forest resources in high Himalayan ecosystem spread over Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
- Experts pointed out that observing snow leopard is a challenging task due to its secretive nature and legendary camouflage. “Various threats to the endangered species have been identified including habitat fragmentation and degradation due to growing human habitation, illegal trade in fur and bones, and poor law enforcement undermine conservation efforts globally.
- Conservation includes working with local communities, enhancing local capacity for conservation by promoting communities.
About Uttarakhand:
| • Governor | Baby Rani Maurya |
| • Chief Minister | Trivendra Singh Rawat (BJP) |
| • Chief Justice | Ramesh Ranganathan |
CURRENT AFFAIRS: APPOINTMENTS AND RESIGNATION
Justice Deepak Verma appointed DDCA’s new Ombudsman
- The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) appointed Justice (Retd) Deepak Verma as its new Ombudsman.
- There were five agendas for the meeting — passing of annual accounts, appointment of statutory auditors, reappointment of retiring directors, adoption of new articles and appointment of Ombudsman.
- It was also learnt that the DDCA could have its new president in January.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: AWARDS AND HONOURS
Amitabh Bachchan honoured with DadasahebPhalke Award
- Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was presented the Dadasaheb Phalke award by President Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan.
- Mr Bachhan expressed gratitude towards government, Information and Broadcasting Ministry and all the jury members after being conferred with the Award.
- Amitabh Bachhan made his debut in Hindi film industry in the same year with “Saat Hindustani“.
Biopic on Malala Yousafzai to hit the screens on January 31
- Gul Makai, a biopic on Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, is slated to be released on January 31, 2020.
- The film has been directed by HE Amjad Khan and produced by Sanjay Singla. It is presented by Jayantila lGada and Tekno Films.
- Actor will star as Malala. The movie also features Divya Dutta, Pankaj Tripathi, Atul Kulkarni and Mukesh Rishi in pivotal roles.
- Yousafzai spoke for the rights of girls, especially the right to receive a complete education, her courage and bravery gained worldwide recognition and support.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: DEFENCE
Indian Navy plans to build 24 submarines, six of them nuclear powered
- To strengthen its underwater fleet, the Indian Navy plans to build 24 submarines, including six nuclear attack submarines, a parliamentary panel was told.
- The Navy also told the panel that Medium Refit Life Certification (MRLC) of submarine Sindhuraj has been held up since the Russian side has not been able to submit bank guarantees and integrity pact due to sanctions imposed by the US.
- In its report the Navy stated that there are presently 15 conventional submarines and two nuclear submarines in its fleet.
- The Indian Navy has two nuclear submarines INS Arihant and INS Chakra, with the latter being leased from
Defence India Startup Challenge gets under way
- The third edition of the Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC 3), which aims at facilitating the development of innovative technology for the defence and aerospace sectors, got under way.
- DISC 3, along with the Defence India Open Challenge, gives innovators the opportunity to explore the use of a product or technology in defence.
- A team of 15 officers from the Southern Naval Command, the Army and the Air Force attended the event. The team took a look at the products by startups at Maker Village, an incubator in the city.
- The challenge is being conducted under the aegis of iDEX (Innovation for Defence Excellence), which offers innovators product development support and a grant of ₹5 crore to select startups.
- They can engage directly with the military and showcase their technology. Maker Village recently partnered with iDEX and the Defence Innovation Organisation under the Central government.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Long March-5: China successfully launches largest carrier rocket
- China has successfully launched its largest carrier rocket, Long March-5, carrying the Shijian-20 satellite, from Wenchang Space Launch Center (WSLC)
- China’s biggest rocket, the Long March 5, returned to flight for the first time since a 2017 failure Friday (Dec. 27) in a dazzling nighttime launch for the Chinese space program.
- The Long March 5 Y3 rocket lifted off at 8:45 p.m. Beijing Time carrying the experimental Shijian 20 communications satellite into a geosynchronous orbit. The satellite, which weighs a reported 8 metric tons, is China’s heaviest and most advanced satellite to date, according to state media reports.
- The successful launch is the first Long March 5 since a first-stage booster failure in 2017 destroyed the Shijian 18 satellite. The failure prompted redesigns in the rocket’s first-stage engines, which led to a two-year gap between missions. The first Long March 5 rocket lifted off in 2016.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: BOOKS AND AUTHOR
S Gurumurthy releases book titled Politics of Opportunism
- Noted Economist and Political Analyst S Gurumurthy released a book titled Politics of Opportunism written by R P N Singh in New Delhi.
- It talks about the relation between the centre and states & the growth of regional parties in India.
- RNP Singh is a former Intelligence Bureau(IB) officer. He received prestigious Presidents Police Medal, Indian Police Medal, the Sukriti & Kautilya awards for his commendable services.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: SPORTS
Five Indian women boxers book their place for Olympic Qualifiers
- Five Indian women boxers booked their place for the Olympic Qualifiers at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in NewDelhi. Mary Kom defeated Nikhat Zareen 9-1 in the final bout of the 51kg category while in 57kg Sakshi Chaudhary outclassed her opponent Sonia Lather 9-1.
- In the 60kg event, SimranjitKaur won her bout against Sarita Devi in split decision 8-2. In the 69kg and 75kg category, Lovlina Borgohain and Pooja Rani won their respective matches by unanimous decision and registered their spot in the Indian squad.
- The female boxers competed in six categories. The Olympic Qualifiers Asia-Oceania for the women will take place from February 3 to 14, 2020 in Wuhan, China.
Udayan Mane sets new PGTI record; bags TATA Steel Tour C’ship title
- In Golf, Udayan Mane produced a flawless seven-under 65 on the final day to claim a thrilling one-shot win at the season-ending TATA Steel Tour Championship in Jamshedpur
- Mane’s 67-66-64-65 determined final round effort saw him establish a new PGTI record for the lowest tournament total as he closed the week with a jaw-dropping 26-under-262 at the Golmuri Golf Course.
- It was Mane’s eighth professional title and his second win on the PGTI this season. SSP Chawrasia had settled for second place with another outstanding total score of 25-under-263. Aman Raj (71) the third-round leader, ended the week in tied third place at 23-under-265 along with Delhi’s Chiragh Kumar (67).
Koneru Humpy becomes Women’s World Rapid Chess Champion
- Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy has become the 2019 Women’s World Rapid Champion. She defeated China’s Lei Tingjie in a dramatic final in Moscow, Russia. After losing the opening game, Humpy made an impressive comeback and collected nine points each in 12 rounds to be tied with Tingjie.
- The duo then played a fierce game to break the deadlock. Tingjie finished with a silver, while Turkey’s Ekaterina Atalik won bronze.
- This is a significant triumph for Humpy who is India’s best-ever women’s chess player. She is more at ease in the classical format and was clearly trying to take her skills in the rapid format to a new level. Norway’s Magnus Carlsen claimed the men’s title.
New Zealand win MCC’s Spirit of Cricket award
- The award recognises the team’s exemplary show of sportsmanship during the epic final of the ICC World Cup at Lord’s in July, which it lost under controversial circumstances
- The New Zealand cricket team has been bestowed with the Christopher Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket award for its exemplary show of sportsmanship during the epic final of the ICC World Cup at Lord’s in July, which it lost under controversial circumstances.
The New Zealand team was presented the award during the drawn second Test against England at Hamilton’s Seddon Park.
About MCC:
The award was the brainchild of the MCC and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), created in 2013 in memory of Martin-Jenkins, the former MCC president and BBC Test Match Special commentator, to honour his longstanding passion and desire to see the game played in the right spirit.
About New Zealand:
- Capital: Wellington
- Currency :New Zealand dollar
- Prime minister: JacindaArdern
Shadab Jakati quits all forms of cricket
- Jakati made his first-class debut in the 1998/99 season and played his last first-class game against Punjab in October 2017.
- Goa spinner Shadab Jakati, who also played in the cash-rich Indian Premier League, retired from all forms of cricket.
- Jakati, who was part of teams like Chennai Super Kings, now defunt Gujarat Lions and Royal Challengers Bangalore to announced the retirement.
CURRENT AFFAIRS: OBITUARY
Veerashaiva community leader B.V. Katti passes away
- V. Katti, former president of the district unit of All-India Veerashaiva Mahasabha passed away. He was 86.
- He was an IAS officer who retired as Divisional Commissioner in Belagavi.
- After retirement, he was elected president of the Belagavi unit of the Veerashaiva Mahasabha and organised several programmes to create awareness in the community.
Pejavara Mutt chief’s Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji passes away
- Pejavar Mutt chief’s VishweshaTheertha Swamiji passed away due to multiple organ failure.
- The Pejavara mutt is one among the ‘Ashta’ Mutts of Udupi.
- The AshtaMathas of Udupi are a group of eight mathas or Hindu monasteries established by Sri Madhvacharya, the founder of the Dvaita school of Hindu thought.
Former DG of Doordarshan Shiv Sharma passes away
- Former Director-General of Doordarshan Shiv Sharma passed away in Gurugram in Haryana. He was 85.
- He has also supervised coverage of various national and international events. Earlier, He has also served in All India Radio.
Noted Indian social worker Nazar Nandi dies in UAE
- Prominent Indian social worker Nazar Nandi, who touched hundreds of lives in the UAE and India through his community activities, died of a heart attack
- The prominent social worker from Kerala was known for offering his voluntary service for the repatriation of the human remains and bedridden patients, and helped people seeking visa amnesty or in distress.
- He was also a volunteer who supported various community activities of Dubai Police and the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
- Nandi also helped, with many others volunteers in the UAE, with the relief operations and sent basic necessities to families in Kerala that were affected due to devastating floods which killed nearly 100 people.
DAILY CA-28th DECEMBER
- More than 1 cr houses sanctioned under PM AwasYojana (Urban)
- RakshaMantri Shri Rajnath Singh launches DefExpo 2020 mobile app
- UN gives green light to draft treaty to combat cybercrime
- China to launch Beidou-3 satellites in 2020
- UN ups 2020 budget, includes funds for war crimes probes
- Assam Government Launches ‘Abhinandan’ scheme to benefit students
- Losar Festival: Ladakhi New Year being celebrated
- Mandu Festival to begin in MP
- After Kerala, Uttarakhand schools introduce ‘water bell’ to have students consume more water
- North Eastern Council with J&K admin to organise Bamboo workshop-cum-exhibition in Jammu
- Over 125 crore people now have Aadhaar cards: Government
- Karnataka Bank launches TAB Banking
- RBI appoints J&K Bank as lead banking convener for J&K, SBI for Ladakh
- Swiggy launches own digital wallet, to credit refunds for now
- Ashok Leyland, Citicorp Finance ink MoU for commercial vehicles’ financing
- Aayushi crowned Miss Teen International 2019
- Pakistan’s Malala Yousa fzai declared ‘most famous teenager’ of decade by UN
- Ratan Tata, Anand Mahindra, GautamAdani among India’s top 10 most Googled business tycoons
- Indian Air Force to decommission last MiG-27 squadron
- China successfully launches largest carrier rocket
- Russia inducts first Avangard hypersonic missiles into service
- CESSI team accurately predicts shape of Sun’s corona43 days ahead of eclipse
- Mars 2020 rover to seek ancient life, prepare for human missions: NASA
- Veteran Political cartoonist Vikas Sabnis passes away
DAILY CA-29th and 30th DECEMBER
- Finance Minister launches eBkray for online auction of assets attached by banks
- Function organized to commemorate 76th Anniversary of First Flag Hoisting at Port Blair
- Amit Shah unveils new insignia for CRPF’s VIP security wing
- Central,state pollution control bodies to meet in Patna conference next month
- UAE extends 300 million US dollars of development aid to Jordan
- China to issue revised local GDP figures under new mechanism from 2020
- ISA to deepen industry collaboration between India, US
- Country’s financial system remains stable despite slowing economic growth: RBI
- India likely to surpass Germany to become the fourth-largest economy in 2026
- Pakistani-owned HBZ Bank sanctioned by South Africa’s central bank
- Tamil Nadu to set up four Electronics Manufacturing Clusters
- SBI cuts external benchmark-based rate by 25 basis points
- Haryana CM Khattar unveiles five e-initiatives, including Lokayukta portal
- Maharashtra cabinet approves farm loan waiver, meal scheme
- Nitish Kumar Unveils Statue of ArunJaitley in Patna on Late BJP Leader’s Birth Anniversary
- Bihar: New policy for population control to be ready soon
- Uttarakhand all set for survey on snow leopards
- Justice Deepak Verma appointed DDCA’s new Ombudsman
- Amitabh Bachchan honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award
- Biopic on Malala Yousafzai to hit the screens on January 31
- Indian Navy plans to build 24 submarines, six of them nuclear powered
- Defence India Startup Challenge gets under way
- Five Indian women boxers book their place for Olympic Qualifiers
- Udayan Mane sets new PGTI record; bags TATA Steel Tour C’ship title
- Koneru Humpy becomes Women’s World Rapid Chess Champion
- New Zealand win MCC’s Spirit of Cricket award
- Shadab Jakati quits all forms of cricket
- S Gurumurthy releases book titled Politics of Opportunism
- Veerashaiva community leader V. Katti passes away
- Pejavara Mutt chief’s Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji passes away
- Former DG of Doordarshan Shiv Sharma passes away
- Noted Indian social worker Nazar Nandi dies in UAE