Current Affairs December 2013
atest Current Affairs 1 and 2 December 2013
East Timor film Beatriz’s War won Golden Peacock Award at IFFI 2013 for Best Film at 44th International Film Festival of India.
World AIDS Day was observed on 1 December 2013 across the globe to raise awareness about the HIV/ AIDS. HIV/AIDS remains a GKmajor global issue, having claimed more than 36 million lives so far since the discovery of the virus more than 20 years ago.
Tripura Introduced PVC-Electoral Photo Identity Cards First Time in the Country -Tripura on 30 November 2013 introduced for the first time in the country PVC Electoral Photo Identity Card as mandated by Election Commission of India.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is being observed on 2 December 2013 across the world to create awareness about the prevention of human trafficking and the exploitation of human being.
India’s Mars Orbiter Spacecraft successfully placed in Mars transfer trajectory on 1 December 2013 by ISRO scientists.
Indian shuttler PV Sindhu on 1 December 2013 won the Women’s Singles trophy at the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold Badminton Tournament.
M.V. Tanksale, former Chairman and Managing Director of Central Bank of India, has taken over as Chief Executive of the Indian Banks’ Association. Tanksale succeeds K.
Ramakrishnan, who was at the helm of the Association for five years up to November 30, 2013. IBA, which has 176 members comprising public sector banks, private sector banks, foreign banks and urban co-operative banks, was established in 1946 to promote sound and progressive banking principles, practices and conventions in the country.
US Actor Paul Walker Died in Car Accident Paul Walker, the star of the “Fast & Furious” movie series, died in a car accident in Southern California, US on 30 November 2013.
Egypt Panel approved New Draft Constitution An Egyptian constitutional panel on 1 December 2013 approved a new draft constitution for Egypt.
J S Saharia, a 1978 batch IAS officer, took over as the new Chief Secretary of Maharashtra on Saturday. He succeeds Jayant Kumar Banthia, a 1977 batch IAS officer, who was the Chief Secretary since June 2012 and retired on Saturday.
The French Ambassador to India, Francois Richier, has embarked on a three-day visit to Bihar starting today.
Social networking giant Facebook is in talks to acquire Bangalore-based product start-up Little Eye Labs. Sources close to the development said the deal was expected to be announced in the next few weeks. It will be Facebook’s first acquisition of a product firm in India.
The Department of Posts has launched Express Parcel and Business Parcel Service in 20 cities at a function in New Delhi on Monday. Launching the service, Secretary, Department of Posts, P. Gopinath said, the Express Parcel Service is a premium service available for retail as well as bulk customers. This service is aimed at promoting e-Commerce market in the country by offering reliable and cost efficient service solutions.
East Timor film ‘Beatriz’s War’ bagged Golden Peacock award for Best Film at the 44th International Film Festival of India at Panaji, Goa. The film, directed by Bety Reis and Luigi Acquisto, is a passionate story of one woman’s conviction to remain true to the man she loves. The award carries a Golden Peacock, a certificate and a Cash Prize of 40 lakh Rupees. Indian Director Kaushik Ganguli bags the award for Best Director for his Bengali film ‘Apur Panchali’. The award carries a Silver Peacock, a certificate and a cash prize of 15 lakh Rupees.
India has retained its top position in the latest ICC ODI rankings and second position in the Test cricket rankings. Virat Kohli is the top batsman in ODI list while R. Ashwin is the top All rounder in the Test rankings. Both the lists were released by the International Cricket Council in Dubai today.
The Indian cricket team continued to be second in the ICC Test rankings with R Ashwin topping the all-rounders’ chart in the latest list issued on Sunday.
Ethiopian runners dominate 28th Pune International Marathon. Runners from Ethiopia regained their supremacy by outwitting their arch rivals Kenya as they captured top honours in both the men’s and women’s events in the 28th edition of the Pune International Marathon today.
Indian shuttler PV Sindhu won the Women’s Singles trophy at the Macau Open Grand Prix Gold Badminton Tournament.
December 4,2013 Current Affairs
India Ranked 94th on Global Corruption Perception Index 2013
India was ranked 94th on Global Corruption Perception Index 2013, which was released by Transparency International on 3 December 2013.
India-Afghan Innovation Partnership Fair opened in Kabul Published
The first ever India-Afghanistan Innovation Partnership Fair opened in Kabul, Afghanistan on 3 December 2013.
Prime Minister dedicated GAIL India Ltd’s 1000 km Dabhol-Bangalore Natural Gas Pipeline to Nation
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on 3 December 2013 dedicated GAIL India Ltd’s 1000 km Dabhol-Bangalore natural gas pipeline to the Nation.
RBI eased Companies’ Foreign Funding Norms for Infra Projects
Reserve Bank of India on 3 December 2013 eased norms for companies raising foreign funds for infrastructure projects.
International Day of People with Disability was observed on 3 December
International Day of People with Disability was observed across the world on 3 December 2013.
Bihar announced New Surrender and Rehabilitation Policy for Maoists
The Bihar government on 3 December 2013 approved a new surrender and rehabilitation policy for Maoists.
EGoM approved Merger and Acquisition Guidelines for Telecom Sector
December 5,2013 Current Affairs
BRAZUCA, The official 2014 FIFA World Cup Match Ball was unveiled
Brazuka, the official 2014 FIFA World Cup match ball was unveiled on 3 December 2013 by manufacturers Adidas.
Oxford Scientists Developed Malaria Vaccine
Oxford scientists recently developed a novel new Malaria Vaccine which can protect against the deadly mosquito-borne disease.
International Volunteer Day Observed on 5 December
The International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development was observed across the world on 5 December 2013.
OPEC Decided to maintain the same oil output for 2014
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries on 4 December 2013 decided to maintain the same oil output at 30 million barrel per day for the year 2014.
Maharashtra Cabinet approved for setting up Sugarcane Control Board
The Maharashtra cabinet on 4 December 2013 approved the setting up of a Sugarcane Control Board in the state.
December 6,2013 Current Affairs
The Union Government rejected the demand for introduction of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Meghalaya on 5 December 2013.
The World Trade Organization on 6 December 2013 agreed to allow countries to provide subsidy on staple food crops without any threat of punitive action.
8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit held at New Delhi-The 8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit (AGPS) was held from 3 to 4 December 2013 at New Delhi.
SC favoured harsher punishment including life term for milk adulterators
SC has asked the states to amend the laws to production and marketing of adulterated milk. SC called it an offence punishable with life imprisonment.
Union Government rejected demand for ILP in Meghalaya Published
Karnataka Assembly Passed Essential Services Maintenance (ESMA) Bill 2013 Published
The Karnataka state assembly on 4 December 2013 passed the Karnataka Essential Services Maintenance (ESMA) Bill 2013.
Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013
Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013 came into effect in India except Jammu & Kashmir.
Telangana draft Bill approved by Union Cabinet
The Union Cabinet has approved the Telangana draft Bill for the creation of a 10-district Telangana from the current Andhra Pradesh.
India to host Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017
India was chosen as the host country for Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017 by the FIFA executive committee in its meeting at Salvador de Bahia in Brazil .
December 7,2013 Current Affairs
Nelson Mandela passes away at the age of 95
He was known as Madiba in South Africa
Born: 1918 in Eastern Cape He got Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 India announce 5 day state mourning
WTO revises Bali draft to address India’s concern on Food Security
The World Trade Organization on 6 December 2013 agreed to allow countries to provide subsidy on staple food crops without any threat of punitive action. The WTO has issued a revised draft of the Bali Package which addresses India’s concerns on food security
Sri Lanka to set up 8 economic zones across country
7th December: Armed Forces Flag Day
A day to remember with gratitude the monumental sacrifices made by our gallant serviceman
8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit held at New Delhi
The 8th Asia Gas Partnership Summit (AGPS) was held from 3 to 4 December 2013 at New Delhi, India.The 8th AGPS was organized by GAIL (India) Limited and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)
Sushma Singh appointed as the next Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India
Ms. Sushma Singh, a former IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, has been appointed as the next Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India and will succeed Ms. Deepak Sandhu, whose term is ending on 31 December 2013. She will become the second woman to be appointed as the CIC after Deepak Sandhu
Re-polling at Jangpura polling booth today
Delhi Election Office announced re-polling due to technical glitch of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM)
4th Edition of Stamps of India: National Exhibition – 2013 takes place in New Delhi
Its major attraction is Indian Cinema, which celebrates its 100 years
India to host Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017
India was chosen as the host country for Under-17 FIFA World Cup in 2017 by the FIFA executive committee in its meeting at Salvador de Bahia in Brazil on 5 December 2013.
India’s homeless population falls to 17.73 lakh
Urban homeless grew by 21% to 9.4 lakh
Rural homeless declined by 30% to 8.3 lakh
Uttar Pradesh has nearly one fifth of country’s homeless: Highest in the country, followed by Maharashtra with 12% of country’s homeless population
Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh city with largest homeless population 80,877
External Affairs Minister, Salman Khurshid to represent India at Global Security Summit
Global Security Summit known as Manama Dialogue starts in Bahrain
3.5 Lakh Indians are the largest expatriate community in Manama
Agricultural Minister Mr. Sharad Pawar announces a financial package of Rs. 7,500 Crore Interest Free
Loan for Sugar MillsLoan can be repaid in 5 years with a moratorium of 2 years.
Interest Subvention: 12%, it will be shared by Centre: 5%, Sugar Development Fund, Ministry of Food: 7%
This has been approved to clear arrears which stood at Rs. 5,064 Crore in 2012-13
Court admits petition for Kingfisher wind up
Karnataka High Court admitted the petition submitted by consortium of 14 banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) to wind up Kingfisher Airlines Limited (KAL)
Indian Bank in partnership with Apollo Hospitals comes out with health card
Customers to get discount up to 20% discount in various services of Apollo Hospitals
Initially card to be given free of cost to bank customers with deposit more than Rs. 10 Lakh
Indian Bank H/O: Chennai
Indian Bank CMD: Mr. T.M. Bhasin
West Indian, Darren Bravo slams double century against New Zealand Test Series