CURRENT AFFAIRS 22th November’14 – 25th November’14 CURRENT AFFAIRS 22th November’14 1) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 20 November 2014 asked banks to inform their customers about fall in minimum balance well in advance and said that penal charges should be levied only to the extent of shortfall in such balances. The guidelines pertaining to levying of penal charges for non-maintenance of minimum balance are coming into effect from which date? – 1 April 2015 Explanation: The notification issued by the RBI stated that the penal charges should be directly proportionate to the extent of shortfall observed. Charges should be a fixed percentage levied on the amount of difference between the actual balance maintained and the minimum balance as agreed upon at the time of opening of account. A suitable slab structure for recovery of charges may be finalized for the same. 2) Who will be the Chief Guest at the 2015 Republic Day celebrations of India, as announced on 21 November 2014? – US President Barack Obama Explanation: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Barack Obama to be the chief guest at the Republic Day ceremony of 2015. This invitation was delivered by Prime Minister during his visit to Myanmar and Australia, when he met President Obama at the East Asia summit and the G-20 meeting of world leaders. On 21 November 2014 the official letter from the White House was received confirming this invitation. Obama would thus become the first US President to grace Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest. Obama’s acceptance of Modi’s invite is also being seen as a major sign of the deepening ties between India and the US. 3) The Union Cabinet on 20 November 2014 approved the launch of Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY), a rural electrification scheme. This scheme would replace which existing scheme which was launched by the erstwhile UPA Govt.? – Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) Explanation: Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) was launched in March 2005 by the Union Power Ministry with the objective of electrifying over one lakh un-electrified villages and to provide free electricity connections to 2.34 Crore rural BPL households. This scheme was later brought under the ambit of Bharat Nirman. The newly launched DDUGJY will have components to separate agriculture and non-agriculture feeders facilitating judicious rostering of supply to agricultural and non-agricultural consumers in rural areas. The scheme also includes strengthening and augmentation of sub transmission and distribution infrastructure in rural areas, including metering of distribution transformers and feeders. The estimated cost of the scheme for above two components is Rs. 43,033 crore which includes the requirement of budgetary support of Rs 33,453 crore from the government over the entire implementation period. 4) The Centre’s decision to name the domestic terminal of Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RJAI) after which leader was opposed vociferously in the Telangana Assembly on 21 November 2014? – NT Rama Rao, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Explanation: The Centre had on 20 November 2014 decided to name the domestic terminal of Hyderabad airport on late NT Rama Rao. While shifting the international airport to Shamshabad, the then Congress Government named it after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi but chose not to name the domestic terminal. On 21 November the leaders of Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and Congress strongly opposed the decision in Telangana Assembly. TRS demanded that the govt. should have chosen someone from Telangana to name the airport. 5) Which IIT became the first IIT to be made a full member of the CMS collaboration of CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, where physicists and engineers are probing the fundamental structure of the universe? – IIT Madras Explanation: CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire) is known for the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012. CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid) is one of the two CERN experiments that discovered Higgs boson particles. IIT Madras’ admission as a full-member of CMS was made possible by a presentation made to the CMS Collaboration Board by Prafulla Kumar Behera of the Department of Physics at IIT Madras. He emphasised IIT Madras’ capabilities in experimental research, particularly in high-energy physics. 6) The Delhi High Court in its order given on 21 November 2014 said that Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid, has no right to pick his son as his successor. The court also asked Bukhari to explain his decision to pick his son as his successor. Syed Ahmed Bukhari has been the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid since which year? – 2000 Explanation: Syed Ahmed Bukhari was appointed the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, on 14 October 2000. He succeeded his father late Syed Abdullah Bukhari, who was the 12th Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid. Syed Ahmed Bukhari had announced the function to anoint his 19-year-old son as Vice-Imam on 22 November 2014. Bukhari had been challenged by a series of public interest litigations (PILs) which contend that the mosque is the property of the Delhi Wakf Board, which administers Muslim religious properties, and the Shahi Imam cannot unilaterally decide his successor. The Bukharis have been the traditional custodians of the Jama Masjid for almost 400 years since it was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. 7) Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dissolved parliament’s lower house on 21 November 2014 for a snap election expected on 14 December. This decision was taken to seek a fresh mandate for his visibly struggling economic policies. The general elections in Japan were due in which year? –2016 Explanation: Shinzo Abe was elected Japan’s Prime Minister in December 2012. He had announced a revival strategy for struggling Japanese economy and had returned to power promising that “Japan is Back”. But doubts are being raised about his economic strategy especially after data released during third week of November 2014 showing that the economy had surprisingly slipped into recession in the third quarter after an initial rise in the sales tax to 8% from April 2014. 8) Kishore Biyani’s Future Group acquired which South India-based supermarket chain as announced by the group on 21 November 2014? – Nilgiris Explanation: Nilgiris operate Nilgiris convenience store chain in the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It has 140 outlets in key urban centres in these 4 southern states. It also owns a portfolio of brands in dairy, bakery, chocolates and staples along with their manufacturing facilities in Bangalore. The acquisition by Future Group will lead to geographical expansion of the convenience store network in southern India, as its existing footprint is primarily concentrated in North and West India. The total value of this acquisition was estimated at around Rs. 300 crore. 9) US President Barack Obama has announced a series of new administrative measures to provide legal status to more than 5 million illegal immigrants in the country in order to help them stay in the USA and contribute to the world’s largest economy. This step will also help thousands of Indian IT people who are currently having H-1 B visas and working in the USA. 10) China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China cut its benchmark interest rates by 40 bps to 5.6% to lower borrowing cost and to boost economic growth for the world’s second largest economy. His is the first time in more than two years, China has cut rates. One-year benchmark deposit rates was reduced by 25 bps. All these new rates are effective from 22nd November. CURRENT AFFAIRS 23th – 24th November’14 1) Who became the Formula One (F1) champion of 2014 by winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on 23 November 2014? – Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain) Explanation: British driver Lewis Hamilton, who represents Mercedes team, won the 2014 by winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held at Yas Marina on 23 November. He pipped fellow teammate Nico Rosberg (Germany) despite Rosberg starting the race from the pole position. Rosberg could not garner any points by finishing at a very disappointing 14th place. He however finished second in overall season. Felipe Massa (Williams) finished second in the race and was followed by teammate Valterri Bottas. This was the second F1 championship title for Hamilton, who first won the prestigious championship in 2008. Mercedes won the constructors title with massive 701 points and was followed by Red Bull-Renault (405 points) and Williams-Mercedes (320 points). Force India achieved its best-ever performance in F1 by collecting 155 overall points and claiming 6th place in constructors standings. Final standings in 2014 F1 Driver Team Points Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain) Mercedes 384 points Nico Rosberg (Germany) Mercedes 317 points Daniel Ricciardo (Australia) Red Bull 238 points 2) Which team created tennis history by winning its maiden Davis Cup title on 23 November 2014? – Switzerland Explanation: Led by a vintage performance by Roger Federer, Switzerland won its maiden Davis Cup title with a 3-1 win over hosts France on 23 November 2014. Federer crushed Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 to give his country an invincible 3-1 lead over hosts. He was earlier defeated by Frenchman Gael Monfils on 21 November. Stan Wawrinka gave Switzerland the first point by beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Switzerland were 2-1 up going into reverse singles after Wawrinka and Federer teamed up to beat Gasquet and Julien Benneteau in the doubles on 22 November. This defeat was France’s third defeat in their last three finals. 3) INS Vikrant, the county’s first aircraft carrier, has finally faded away into history as dismantling of the majestic vessel began on 21 November 2014 at Mumbai. This was despite last ditch attempts by activists and former navy servicemen to save it from being dismantled and broken. INS Vikrant was decommissioned from the Indian Navy in which year? – 1997 Explanation: The 16,000-tonne ship, which had helped to enforce a naval blockade of East Pakistan (present Bangladesh) during the 1971 war, was decommissioned in 1997. It was purchased as HMS Hercules from Britain in 1957 and rechristened INS Vikrant. It was formally commissioned into the Indian fleet at Bombay on 3 November 1961. The Bombay High Court had given the go-ahead for Vikrant to be auctioned in January, after it rejected a public interest litigation petition to save the vessel and convert it into a maritime museum. In March, the Indian Navy sold Vikrant to a Mumbai-based ship breaking company for Rs. 63 crore. 4) What is the name of the 19-year son of the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid who was anointed as his successor at a ceremony on 22 November 2014? – Shaban Bukhari Explanation: Shaban Bukhari was anointed Naib or deputy Imam of the 17th century mosque by his father, Syed Ahmad Bukhari. The anointment came amid much controversy with three petitions against it having been admitted by the Delhi High Court soon after the announcement of his intent by the Shahi Imam in October 2014. The Delhi High Court on 21 November said that both the ceremony and the anointment held no legal sanctity. The court had, however, refused to stay the ceremony with a Bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw saying that the function was not legal and would not give any ‘special equities’ in their (Imam Bukhari’s) favour. 5) What are the names of two Indians who were declared Saints by the Vatican on 23 November 2014? – Father Kuriakose Chavara and Sister Euphrasia Explanation: Father Kuriakose Chavara was ordained as a priest in 1829. He set up the first printing press among the Syro-Malabar churches in Kottayam, which went on to publish the first Malayalam daily, and popularised the concept of Sunday sermons. He died in 1871 and is buried at Saint Philomina’s Church at Koonammavu in Ernakulam district. Sister Euphrasia was known as a ‘praying mother’ and a ‘saint among nuns’, who, according to followers, had several miracles to her credit. She died in 1952, at the age of 75 and is buried at Ollur, Thrissur. With these two canonisations, the centuries-old Syro Malabar Church will have three Saints, the first being Sister Alphonsa, who was declared a saint in 2008. 6) On 22 November 2014 who became the all-time highest scorer in the history of La Liga – the Spanish Football League? – Lionel Messi Explanation: FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in a 5-1 triumph against Sevilla on 22 November to complete 253 goals and became the all-time highest scorer in La Liga history. He eclipsed the earlier record of 251 goals set by former Athletic Club Bilbao striker, Telmo Zarra in the 1950’s. 7) Who were named World Athletes of the Year at the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) gala held at Monaco on 21 November 2014? – Renaud Lavillenie (France) and Valerie Adams (New Zealand) Explanation: Renaud Lavillenie, the Pole vault world record holder, was named Best Male Athlete of the Year while Valerie Adams, the Olympic shot put champion, was named Best Female Athlete of the Year. It marked the first time that field event athletes had won both awards and the first time a male pole vaulter or a female thrower collected the honours. Lavillenie set the world record of 6.16 metres in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk in February 2014, breaking Sergei Bubka’s 21-year-old mark. He also won 21 of 22 competitions. Valerie Adams claimed a ninth global title when she retained her world indoor crown in Sopot, Poland. She was unbeaten in 2014 and boosted her winning streak to 56 competitions, having not lost since 2010. 8) Who won the men’s and women’s title of the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon held on 23 November 2014? – Guye Adola (Ethiopia) and Florence Kiplagat (Kenya) Explanation: Guye Adola broke the course record to emerge triumphant in the international elite men’s category by completing the race 59.06 minutes. He broke the record set by countryman Atsedu Tsegay last year. World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor finished second and third spot was claimed by another Ethiopian Mosinet Geremew. In the International Elite Women category, defending champion Florence Kiplagat of Kenya won with a timing of 01 hour 10 minutes beating compatriot Gladys Cherono. Third position was claimed by Ethiopian runner Worknesh Degefa. The race comprised of 21.1 km. 9) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named Additional Director RK Dutta to lead the agency’s 2G spectrum case probe team. He replaced CBI Director Ranjit Sinha who was removed by the Supreme Court from the 2G spectrum case. RK Dutta, a 1981 batch IPS officer from the Karnataka cadre, is now in charge of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the agency. 10) Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has de-recognised Delhi Stock Exchange (DSE) this week due to allegations of serious irregularities in its functioning. SEBI observed that the activities of DSE were carried out in a manner which did not protest interest of the investors. 11) India’s forex reserves increased by USD 419.4 million to USD 315.55 billion in the week ended 14th November, 2014, as per the weekly report published this week. Foreign currency assets were increased by USD 422.7 million to USD 290.062 billion in the same week. Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) and the India’s reserve position in the International Monetary Fund dropped marginally by USD 2.4 million and USD 0.9 million respectively. Gold Reserves remained unchanged at USD 19.73 billion in the same reporting week. 12) Indian badminton player Saina Nehwal secured No 4 rank in the women’s singles rankings after jumping one place in the list while another player PV Sindhu maintained her 10th rank in the same list, as per the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings released this week. In the men’s singles category, Indian player K. Srikanth jumped by six places to achieve his career-best 10th ranking after his recent title victory at the China Open this month. CURRENT AFFAIRS 25th November’14 1) The talks between Iran and six world powers (P5+1) on the crucial issue of Iran’s nuclear deal ended on 24 November 2014 without reaching any break-off. However, the talks were extended till which date with the aim of achieving political agreement by March 2015? – 1 July 2015 Explanation: 24 November 2014 was the deadline for a deal to resolve a 12-year stand-off over Tehran’s atomic ambitions. These talks were held between Iran and group of 6 countries called P5+1in Vienna. The objective of these talks was to achieve an accord that could transform the Middle East, open the door to ending economic sanctions on Iran and start to bring the country from the cold after decades of hostility with the West. The P5+1 is a group of six world powers which in 2006 joined the diplomatic efforts with Iran with regard to its nuclear program. The term refers to the P5 or five permanent members of the UN Security Council, namely United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, and France, plus Germany. 2) Who was appointed as the special representative of India to conduct boundary negotiations and strategic consultations with China on 24 November 2014? – Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor (NSA) Explanation: The appointment of Doval comes at a time when there have been several incidents of tension between the two countries at the border and Line of Actual Control (LAC). Doval is credited with solving several issues including planning key missions related to Myanmar and China related missions. In September this year, Chinese incursions in Ladakh raised security alarms for the Indian government. Indian troops had to reportedly make a tactical retreat of about two kilometers in Chumar. 3) World chess champion, Norway’s Magnus Carlsen retained his title, defeating Indian challenger Viswanathan Anand in the 11th round of their title match on 23 November 2014. Anand was able to defeat Carlsen in how many game/games? – One Explanation: The 12-game World Championship tie had started on 8 November at Sochi (Russia). Carlsen won three games out of 11 games held while Anand could win just one game. Seven games were drawn and Carlsen won the tie by 6.5 – 4.5. Anand’s lone win came in the third games whereas Carlsen won the second, sixth and eleventh games to claim the title. Carlsen had wrested the World title from Anand last year in Chennai 4) On 23 November 2014 China started generating electricity from the biggest ever hydropower project in Tibet. What is the name of this hydropower project built over Brahmaputra River, the first unit of which started operations? – Zangmu Hydropower Project Explanation: The first unit of Zangmu Hydropower Project, built at an estimated cost of $1.6 billion, is on the Yarlung Zangbo river (known as the Brahmaputra in India). This dam stands more than 3,300 metres above sea level and is the largest dam ever built on the Tibetan plateau. It will have a total generating capacity of 510,000 kilowatts. India’s Foreign Ministry last year urged China “to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas” of the river, after state media reports that China planned several more dams there. 5) Former Union minister and senior Congress leader Murli Deora passed away in the early hours of 24 November 2014. He had the recognition of serving which Union ministry for the longest term? – Petroleum Ministry Explanation: Deora was India’s longest serving Petroleum Minister, completing exactly five years in office in a tenure that began in January 2006 and was spread between UPA-1 and II. He was the Mayor of Mumbai from 1977-78 and was later elected to the Lok Sabha four times from Mumbai South, a seat later held by his son, Milind, who is also a former MP and an ex-Union minister. Deora was a sitting member of the Rajya Sabha and was suffering from cancer. 6) Share of which private sector bank will be split and reduced to face value of Rs. 2 from 4 December 2014, as notified in a notification issued by the NSE and the BSE? – ICICI Bank Explanation: Face value of ICICI Bank’s equity share is Rs. 10 at present. ICICI Bank has fixed record date as 5 December 2014 for the purpose of ascertaining the eligible shareholders who would be entitled to receive five equity shares of face value of Rs. 2 each in lieu of one equity share of face value of Rs. 10 each of the bank. The stock split is expected to increase investor participation in the stock. 7) Which Northeastern state of India launched the scheme management system (SMS) software on 24 November 2014 for providing better government services by way of implementing online planning and monitoring processes? – Arunachal Pradesh Explanation: Arunachal Pradesh became the first state to implement this software for governance. The single window SMS offers multifaceted modules, like project management, annual plan, third party monitoring and file management besides a grievances redressal system for the citizens to complaint against ongoing schemes. 8) Deepak Gupta has been appointed as chairman of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) by the President Pranab Mukherjee in accordance with the Article 316 (1) of the Constitution. He is also the first non-UPSC member to be appointed as UPSC chairman. Till now the UPSC chief is appointed from among the members of the Commission Gupta, a retired IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre, replaced Rajni Razdan, who completed her term on 22 November 2014. 9) Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Murli Deora passed away today morning in Mumbai after prolonged illness.He was 77. He held several important portfolios during his decades-long career including portfolio of Petroleum and Natural Gas during the UPA-1 regime. He had also served as the Mumbai Congress President for 22 years. 10) India’s Ms Deborah has created history in National Level by winning four Gold Medals in the Track Asia Cup Cycling Championship 2014 held at Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi. Deborah won both the two gold medals in the women’s elite keirin and sprint finals on the concluding day of the championship for an overall individual tally of four gold. 11) Indian Women Boxers Sarjubala Devi and Saweety won Silver medals in the World Women’s Boxing Championships in Korea today. Sarjubala lost to Nazym Kyzaibay of Kazakhstan in the final match in 48-kg category to win the silver medal. Saweety lost to China’s Xiaoli Yang in the final match of 81-kg category. UPDATED BY: TEAM - SIR JOHN BEST INSTITUTE FOR COACHING IN SSC EXAM MOHALI BEST INSTITUTE FOR COACHING IN PSPCL EXAM MOHALI BEST INSTITUTE FOR INTELLIGENCE BUREAU EXAM COACHING IN MOHALI BEST INSTITUTE FOR HOTEL MANAGEMENT EXAM MOHALI BEST INSTITUTE FOR CTET & PTET EXAM MOHALI BEST INSTITUTE FOR JBT TEACHERS EXAM CHANDIGARH
Posted on: Tue, 25 Nov 2014 02:56:11 +0000
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