Professional Documents
Culture Documents
December 1, 2016
SAC has taken the initiative for design and assembling of UAVs for various applications to
assess several regional problems in the northeast region. UAVs can perform efficient surveys for
changes to the way groundwater will be regulated. The bill seeks to sharply regulate extracting
www.talentsprint.com 1
Current Affairs: December 2016
pristine water from aquifiers which is currently the norm in much of the country. Failing to
adhere it will invite stringent punishment. It seeks to guarantee every individual a certain
amount of water for life and protecting groundwater from undue exploitation and pollution.
Barrier Reefs northern part have died in the past nine months. This is the worst die-off ever
recorded in Great Barrier Reef and also the largest ever recorded anywhere. However, the
central and southern sections of the reef are fared far better, with only 6% and 1% of the coral
dead, respectively. Coral reefs result from the natural work of little polyps (few millimeters
long) is budded on top of one another. They are the most biologically diverse ecosystems of the
planet.
the figure was 909. Thus, Sex ratio at birth is still on the decline. The SRB based on CRS figures
indicate the gap between registered male and female births, calculated as the number of females
www.talentsprint.com 2
Current Affairs: December 2016
per thousand males. Highest SRB has been reported in Lakshadweep (1043), followed by
parallel to the main highway. It is about 7-feet-wide and is separated by a divider from main
highway which ensures the safety of cyclists. The track begins from the lion safari in Etawah.
Along its path it dots 92 villages across the two districts. It crises-crosses the natural beauty of
crore by end of June 2016. It shows increase of Rs. 79,977 crore NPAs on quarter on quarter
basis during this period. The incidence of NPAs is high in sectors like infrastructure, power,
www.talentsprint.com 3
Current Affairs: December 2016
road textiles, steel etc. So, the Union Government has taken sector specific measures to tackle
subsidy procedure under DBT system will be introduced on pilot basis in 16 select districts. In
the second phase, the new payment system will be rolled out in all states only after its due
stabilization in first phase. The proposed DBT will address the issues relating to diversion and
smuggling of urea.
Western border. Lt-General A K Bhatt will be in charge of all army operations including on the
LoC which has seen heightened tension. He belongs to the Gorkha Rifles. Earlier he had served
www.talentsprint.com 4
Current Affairs: December 2016
December 2, 2016
genetic diseases from being passed on to future generations. Thus, it paves the way for the
country to officially introduce the procedures. Earlier in February 2016, British Parliament voted
to legalise three-parent baby fertility treatments or MGT procedures. It was first country in the
world to legalise creation of In-Vitro Fertilisation babies with DNA from three people.
and ease travel for foreigners. It will facilitate entry of foreigners for tourism, business and
medical purposes. This is expected to increase earnings from export of services like tourism,
www.talentsprint.com 5
Current Affairs: December 2016
travel on account of business, medical value travel. It will also help to make Make in India,
Skill India, Digital India and other such flagship initiatives of the Government successful.
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval to the negotiating position adopted by
Ministry of Environment, Forest (MoEFCC) over the issue of phasing down the climate-
Union Cabinet approves Rehabilitation Package for displaced families from PoKJ,
Chhamb
The Union Cabinet has approved Central Assistance of 2000 crore rupees for 36,384 displaced
www.talentsprint.com 6
Current Affairs: December 2016
displaced families. This financial aid will enable them to earn an income and subsist their
livelihood. The amount will be disbursed through J&K state Government to eligible families
India inks Rs 5,000 crore defence deal with US to buy 145 M777 howitzers
the first defence deal signed by India for purchasing artillery guns since the Bofors scandal in
1980s. It was recently cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi. M777 howitzers manufacturer BAE Systems will conclude an offset
public to express their love for the motherland. The SC order was given by bench of Justices
Dipak Misra and Amitava Roy on a writ petition by Shyam Narayan Chouksey in October 2016.
www.talentsprint.com 7
Current Affairs: December 2016
December 3, 2016
presented prestigious Maharana Pratap Trophy- 2016 on the BSF Punjab Frontier. BSF is the
sentinels of Indian borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. It came into existence on 1st
December, 1965. It was created by merging various State Armed Police Battalions for achieving
a better coordinated synergy between the border guarding functions in peace time and fighting
the war during the eventuality on both Western and Eastern fronts.
create awareness among people about digital economy and cashless modes of transactions It
was launched on line with Prime Ministers appeal to youth in Mann Ki Baat for creating
www.talentsprint.com 8
Current Affairs: December 2016
awareness for making India digital and cashless economy. Under it, young students and faculty
members will be roped to encourage and motivate people to use a digitally enabled cashless
Award for the year 2016 was awarded to Prof. Yu Long Yu of China.
studied Indology for half a century and is the pioneer for Indology in South China. He has set
up the Centre for Indian Studies and Tan Yunshan Sino-Indian Friendship Museum in
Shenzhen University.
the Metro Train Depot to the public. The solo trial run
four kms between Transport Nagar and Single Nagar Metro stations. The first phase of
Lucknow metro project, famously known as North South corridor connects Lucknow airport to
Munshipulia.
www.talentsprint.com 9
Current Affairs: December 2016
electrons in atoms become excited by energy absorbed from an outside source causing them
to emit radiation in the form of laser light. However, the water-wave laser for the first time
showed that water wave oscillations within a liquid device can also generate laser radiation. It
also successfully demonstrated nonlinear optics and water waves, two areas of research that
onboard of ISROs workhorse Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). TeamIndus moon
missions aim is to land this spacecraft on the moon. It will also travel at least 500 metres and
beam high- definition images, video and data back to the earth.
www.talentsprint.com 10
Current Affairs: December 2016
Ethiopia. The declaration describes Yoga, an ancient Indian practice as a Human Treasure. It
new inscriptions added in the list are Rumba dance (Cuba), Belgian beer (Belgium), Almezmar
(Saudi Arabia), Kuresi (Kazakhstan) and Khidr Elias feast (Iraq), Yama, Hoko, Yatai, float
festivals (Japan), Momoeria, New Years celebration (Greece), practice of organizing shared
Kazakhstan), Culture of Jeju Haenyeo (South Korea), Gada system (Ethiopia),Tahteeb, stick
game (Egypt), Music and dance of the merengue (Dominican Republic), Valencia Fallas festivity
Magnus Carlsen is a Norwegian chess grandmaster. He is No. 1 ranked player in the world and
www.talentsprint.com 11
Current Affairs: December 2016
reigning World Chess Champion in classical, rapid, and blitz. He became Grandmaster in 2004,
at the age of 13 years, 148 days, making him at that time the second youngest grandmaster in
history, although he has since become the third youngest. His peak rating is 2882, the highest in
December 4, 2016
stations in Delhi-NCR. The enforcement of action plan will be under orders of Environment
Pollution (Control and Prevention) Authority (EPCA). All other authorities will act in aid of
such direction.
www.talentsprint.com 12
Current Affairs: December 2016
uniqueness of the Naga heritage. It is also called as the Festival of Festivals. Hornbill Festival is
celebrated in Nagaland every year in the first week of December. It is one of the biggest
indigenous festivals of the country. The festival is a tribute to Hornbill, the most admired and
revered bird for the Nagas for its qualities of alertness and grandeur.
located in Saser La which leads to the Karakoram Pass. It was used for a seasonal settlement not
a permanent settlement. Charcoal pieces from the earth activity and remains of bones associated
were discovered at the site. The carbon dating of these charcoal pieces reveals that, the site dates
UAE-based Indian girl Kehkashan Basu wins 2016 International Childrens Peace
Prize
www.talentsprint.com 13
Current Affairs: December 2016
degradation. She was presented with the award by Bangladeshs Nobel peace laureate
Mohammad Yunus at a glittering ceremony held in The Hague, Netherlands. She had started
campaign to educated her neighbours on the importance of saving the environment at tender
age of eight. She had brought together children to collect and recycle waste and also plant trees.
under various heads. Once government access these funds through PFMS, it need does not need
to borrow that amount. Government is planning to roll out this platform from next financial
year i.e. April 2017 along with Goods and Services Tax (GST). It will be integrated with IT
www.talentsprint.com 14
Current Affairs: December 2016
blocked after it failed to comply with its commitments given when it had joined the group in
2012.
cyber space and combating cybercrime. Letter of Intent on an Agreement on grant of e-Visa for
businessmen and tourists MoU on greater collaboration and exchange in the field of national
ports management.
December 5, 2016
Usain Bolt, Almaz Ayana crowned 2016 IAAF World Athlete of the year award
three gold medals (100m, 200m and 4x100m relay) at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Bolt had won three
www.talentsprint.com 15
Current Affairs: December 2016
gold medals, each in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4100 meters at the Rio Olympics,
repeating his feats of the 2012 London Games and in Beijing in 2008.
Homoeopathy. The focus theme of the Ayurveda Congress was Strengthening the Ayurveda
Ecosystem. The major components of the congress were public outreach session, Ayurveda
Clinics for the general public and Public Lectures. During the 7th WAC, 5 plenary sessions, 25
parallel sessions and a large number of paper presentations were also held.
Navy Day, President Pranab Mukherjee extended greetings to all members of the Indian Navy
and their families. The observance of the day commemorates the launch of Operation Trident
www.talentsprint.com 16
Current Affairs: December 2016
by the Indian Navy against Pakistan on 4th December, 1971. During the 1971 India-Pakistan
war, the Indian Navy had played a significant role in the bombing of the Karachi harbour, the
rupees note will be without inset letter in both the number panels. The 20 rupees note will be
with inset letter L in both the number panels. Both notes will bear signature of incumbent RBI
Governor Dr. Urjit R Patel. The year 2016 will be printed on the reverse of both the notes.
transactions of salary payments to the plantation workers. At least 504 workers of Burnie Braes
tea estate received their wages through bank accounts. The payment was made through five
www.talentsprint.com 17
Current Affairs: December 2016
Banking Correspondents (CSPs) of Assam Gramin Vikash Bank. Such payments were possible
due to the effort bankers, tea garden managements and mobile service providers.
December 6, 2016
high-end encryption to plug possible breaches. In this regard, CERT-In has issued two specific
Amma (revolutionary leader) or Amma. She was born on 24 February 1948 at Melkote in
Mandya district in then Mysore State (now Karnataka). At birth she was named Komalavalli
and was renamed Jayalalithaa. She had entered into film industry when she was 16 years old.
www.talentsprint.com 18
Current Affairs: December 2016
Her debut as lead actress wasi n a Kannada film Vennira Aadai in 1955. She was launched into
Tamil films starring as the heroine in MGRs Ayirathil Oruvan. Since then both have acted
concluded with adaptation of Amritsar Declaration with its prime focus on terrorism. The
delegates from nearly 40 countries and leading groupings like EU participated in conference.
Indian delegation was led by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. The theme of this edition of
Promotion (DIPP)s Start Up India and NASSCOM. Amazon also has partnered with
www.talentsprint.com 19
Current Affairs: December 2016
NASSCOMs 10,000 Startups and Indian Angel Network (IAN) along with NITI Aayog,
Governments of Maharashtra, Telangana and TiE to help roll in startups. The Amazon
Launchpad was started in 2015. It aims to help startups to sell, market, and deliver their
world. 33% of the FDI came through the Mauritius route. India received US $101.76 billion
December 7, 2016
www.talentsprint.com 20
Current Affairs: December 2016
including training of pilots and exchange of experts. Under it, Vietnamese pilots will be trained
in India. The two Air Forces are working out the numbers, scope and the cost of training.
Jayalalithaas council of Ministers were sworn in. This is for third time he has sworn in as Chief
Minister of Tamil Nadu. Earlier he had served CM for two brief periods from 2001-02 and 2014-
15 after Jayalalithaa was unseated from the post by the courts on various grounds.
planning processes and further enhance synergy and inter-operability. Konkan 16 will be
conducted in two phases in Mumbai and Goa. The first phase (05 to 09 December 2016) will be
www.talentsprint.com 21
Current Affairs: December 2016
held in Mumbai. In it there will be a command planning exercise involving the two navies,
where planners from both sides will undertake planning for combined maritime operations.
new drug targets and potential drugs. These new drug targets route
and potential drugs are mainly for parasites such as Loa loa nematode
that cause several diseases. Both these parasites are the major cause of health burden,
particularly in African countries. They have limited treatment options and there is the threat of
drug resistance.
Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar (64) will be the next Chief Justice
of India (CJI). He will be the 44th CJI and shall succeed Chief
January 4, 2017. With this, he will be the first Sikh to become the
CJI. Justice Khehars name for appointment as the next CJI was
Thakur. He would remain in office from January 4, 2017 till August 4, 2017 i.e. till he attains the
age of 65.
www.talentsprint.com 22
Current Affairs: December 2016
condition that there be at least one annual inspection and in cases where risk is high. Separate
rules for manufacturing, import, sale and distribution of cosmetics. It has suggested the
European Unions model. Making of influenza drugs Oseltamivir and Zanamavir must be made
December 8, 2016
their customers. Only authorised card networks will offer such payment authentication
solutions with participation of card issuing and acquiring banks. For this purpose customers
www.talentsprint.com 23
Current Affairs: December 2016
consent must be taken while making this solution available to them. Customers opting for this
facility will go through a one-time registration process. They are required to enter card details
chemical features of Fog will be conducted at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), Delhi.
Fog is a visible mass consisting of cloud water droplets suspended in the air at or near the
Earths surface. In India, presence of heavy and extended period fog in the northern region
(worlds most densely populated region) is one of the major weather hazards, impacting road,
Bodies (EMBs) from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan.
www.talentsprint.com 24
Current Affairs: December 2016
commitment to prevent of base erosion and shifting of profits (BEPS), exchange of tax
information and capacity building of developing countries. To eliminate BEPS all member
countries agreed to tax profits in those jurisdictions where the activities deriving those profits
Marching ahead on Dr. Ambedkars path of water resources management for inclusive growth.
It was organized by Central Water Commission (CWC) in New Delhi. The idea behind
observing Water Day on birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar is to sensitise people about
www.talentsprint.com 25
Current Affairs: December 2016
banning tonga races in the State. The Rajasthan High Court had banned tonga races in the state
by relying on a Supreme Court judgment of 2014 banning jallikattu. Against the tonga races
ban, a petition was filed in the apex country saying that the 2014 judgment banning jallikattu
temperature of bismuth semi-metal in bulk form is lowered to 530 microKelvin (about -273
www.talentsprint.com 26
Current Affairs: December 2016
Andhra Pradesh Government has launched AP Purse mobile application to promote digital
application people can pay their bills and carry out their cashless transactions. Besides,
Government will rope agents named Marpu Nestam to improve digital financial literacy
Sriharikota. It was PSLVs 38th flight and XL version of the rocket was used. It was the 37th
predecessor remote sensing satellites Resourcesat-1 and Resourcesat-2, launched in 2003 and
2011 respectively. It is intended to continue the remote sensing data services to global users
www.talentsprint.com 27
Current Affairs: December 2016
December 9, 2016
Union Cabinet approves MoU between India and UK to support Ease of Doing
Business in India
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between
The Union Cabinet has approved Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and
www.talentsprint.com 28
Current Affairs: December 2016
remote sensing and any other areas mutually agreed upon. Develop space sector in Afghanistan
and making it self-reliant in space sector Burnish Indias credentials as a nation with advanced
The Union Cabinet approved proposal of the reforms to boost employment generation and
both the countries. It will remain in force for a period of 5 years and will be renewable by
www.talentsprint.com 29
Current Affairs: December 2016
figures. He was born on October 5, 1934. He was a lawyer by training and later branched into
theatre, films and finally to journalism. He has acted in 180 movies, scripted 14 and directed
four. He had acted in movies along with MG Ramachandran, Jayalalithaa, Kamal Hassan,
RBI keeps key rates unchanged in fifth bi-monthly monetary policy review
evolving macroeconomic situation. Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF):
Unchanged at 6.25 percent. Reverse repo rate under the LAF: Unchanged at 5.75 per cent.
Marginal standing facility (MSF) and Bank Rate: Unchanged at 6.75 per cent. Reserve Ratios
Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks: Unchanged at 4.0 per cent of net demand and
time liability (NDTL). Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR): Unchanged 20.75 per cent.
www.talentsprint.com 30
Current Affairs: December 2016
claimed her husband arbitrarily divorced her. Besides, the High Court also held that No
Personal Law Board is above the Constitution i.e. it was indirectly referring to All India Muslim
PLI. According to the index there are over 6,000 languages spoken in the world. Of these 2,000
count fewer than 1,000 speakers. Moreover, just 15 languages account for half of the languages
spoken in the world. English is dominant language of 3 G7 nations (USA, UK and Canada).
www.talentsprint.com 31
Current Affairs: December 2016
water conservation, sanitation, environmental protection, and paddy cultivation. It aims to clear
and remove waste from all water bodies in the state, ensure disposal of solid waste and removal
orbit Earth and had circled three times earth in 1962 aboard
caught up with the Soviet Union in manned space exploration. He is born as John Herschel
Glenn Jr. on July 18, 1921 in Cambridge, Ohio, US. Before gaining fame of orbiting world, he
www.talentsprint.com 32
Current Affairs: December 2016
was a distinguished fighter pilot in World War II and Korean war. Later he joined Americas
The Union Government has announced package of incentives and measures for promotion of
on diesel and petrol to consumers who pay through digital means. 0.5% discount will be given
to people who will buy monthly seasonal tickets in the Suburban railway networks through
The theme of the science festival is Science for the masses. IISF-
Bharati (VIBHA). The main aim is to promote the science and technology developed by the
Indian research labs and to inculcate the scientific temper among masses.
www.talentsprint.com 33
Current Affairs: December 2016
Carter in New Delhi. It was one of the last visits from a cabinet member of the outgoing Obama
administration. So far, US has bestowed this status upon the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
(NATO) countries and the US treaty allies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand
and Philippines.
www.talentsprint.com 34
Current Affairs: December 2016
features like Ask a question and Locator Services for locating Ex-Serviceman Cells, ECHS
Polyclinics, Station Canteens and Sainik Aram Garhs all across the country.
Pakistan and Syria were ranked fourth and fifth respectively. Deaths from terror attacks
globally declined 10%from the highest recorded level of 32,765 in 2014 to 29,376 in 2015.
www.talentsprint.com 35
Current Affairs: December 2016
depression (low pressure) over Andaman Sea and later slightly intensified further as cyclonic
storm. The reason for the intensification can be attributed to warm sea surface temperatures of
Bay of Bengal and longer sea travel. Since then, the tropical cyclonic storm Vardah has moved
up for someones rights today. It aims to re-emphasise how important it is to live in peace and
harmony, compassion and concern for each others rights with respect towards the idea of
www.talentsprint.com 36
Current Affairs: December 2016
mutual co-existence. In run up to the celebration of Human Rights Day, National Human Rights
estimates it is 4 to 8% of the population. Men formed 56% of the PWDs and 70% of the disabled
2015 Act on grounds of violation of Supreme Court mandated limit of 50% on reservation. State
government had given the reservation illegally to five communities and declared SBC
Reservation Act, 2015 and its notification unconstitutional. It has failed to consider Article
www.talentsprint.com 37
Current Affairs: December 2016
measures for encouraging Digital Payments. It was having representatives from Reserve Bank
of India (RBI), Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), tax department and various
industry bodies in the payments space. The Committee has recommended medium term
dedicated 24*7 and 365 days free-to-air TV channel to inform citizens about digital payment
will be broadcasted nationally on DD Free Dish DTH service. It will be available through
GSAT15 (DD Direct DTH), 93.5 degree East, Receive frequency: 11590 Mhz.
www.talentsprint.com 38
Current Affairs: December 2016
the wheat output this year. Despite a rise in area sown, questions are raised over condition of
the wheat crop, low fertiliser and pesticide use due to and fears of a warm winter. The waiving
of import duty will make wheat imports (especially from Australia and Ukrainian) considerably
cheaper. This will fuel imports to over 6 million tonnes in 2016-17. This will be the highest
tether) will perform Kounotori Integrated Tether Experiments (KITE) in order to test out new
technology. It is an experimental space scavenger that aims to study possibility of getting rid of
space junk (debris) left into orbit by earlier space exploration missions.
www.talentsprint.com 39
Current Affairs: December 2016
Vietnams Deputy Minister of Science and Technology in New Delhi. The two countries also
signed three other agreements in the fields of energy, aviation and government cooperation.
These agreements will enhance aviation links, cooperation in the area of energy efficiency and
transaction. It is to help people at the first level to zero in on the option most suitable for them
www.talentsprint.com 40
Current Affairs: December 2016
that depends on person whether he has feature phone or not, Aadhaar number or not, bank
www.talentsprint.com 41
Current Affairs: December 2016
737 and the other 30 are the long haul 777 that will
agreement in June, the sale of the planes was given final approval by the US government in
September. Washington lifted many of its sanctions on Iran under a nuclear deal that came into
force in January, but many restrictions have remained in place that mean companies trading
with Tehran must receive explicit approval from the White House.
National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). It warns concerned authorities of any
www.talentsprint.com 42
Current Affairs: December 2016
large earthquake in the Ocean and threat it poses. Uses mathematical model to estimate if an
conserve river and environment. All the villages along the river will have Narmada Sewa
Samiti. These samitis will take follow up action on measures to be undertaken for its
preservation. Trees will be planted along the banks of the Narmada. Participation of public and
society will be ensured in it. It will cover more than 1,900 kilometers in 16 districts.
President Pranab Mukherjee launches 100 Million for 100 Million Campaign
the world. Its prime objective is to end child labour, child slavery, violence against children over
the next 5 years. It also seeks to promote the right of every child to be safe, free, and educated.
www.talentsprint.com 43
Current Affairs: December 2016
nanoceramic material that can used for safer, cheaper nuclear reactors.
temperatures and radiation fields, producing more energy efficiently, safely and economically.
Gotthard Base Tunnel, worlds longest rail tunnel starts regular service
had overtaken Japans Seikan tunnel (53.9 kilometers) as the longest rail tunnel in world after it
was opened in June 2016 for its maiden ride. GBT is the first flat low-level route through the
Alps Mountain. It is situated 2.3 km deep under these mountains and57-kilometer long.
www.talentsprint.com 44
Current Affairs: December 2016
salt pans in the Sambhar Salt Lake. Ruling in this regard was
petitioner had alleged that commercial, ground water extracting and other activities in and
around the Sambhar Lake are detrimental to the eco-system of the wetland. These activities
were carried out illegally contrary to the provisions of the Wetland (Conservation and
Long March series of rockets. Fengyun-4 is the first of Chinas second-generation weather
satellites and also the countrys first quantitative remote-sensing satellite in highest orbit. It will
make high time, spatial and spectral resolution observations of atmosphere, space environment
www.talentsprint.com 45
Current Affairs: December 2016
trade route via Myanmar. The Sittwe port is starting point for
would sail upstream into Mizoram. Provides alternative route to India to ship goods to the
landlocked north-eastern States. Significantly lower the cost and distance of movement from
Kolkata to Mizoram and beyond. Reduces dependency on only route narrow strip dubbed as
the Chickens Neck in West Bengal, sandwiched between Bhutan and Bangladesh.
unanimously appointed by the UN General Assembly after the 15-nation UN Security Council
www.talentsprint.com 46
Current Affairs: December 2016
was imported from Swedish automobile company Scania. It will be run by the Punjab Tourism
department. The project has cost the state government over Rs 11 crore. It has a seating capacity
Researchers discovered Atlantic killifish, a fish species which has evolved to be 8,000 times
made Atlantic killifish very resilient to environmental change allows it live in lethal and
human-altered environments. The fish has evolved to adapt to the amount of highly toxic
www.talentsprint.com 47
Current Affairs: December 2016
its-kind centre in India will bring together Microsoft capabilities to foster deeper cyber security
collaborations with public and private sector organisations. It will help to build a trusted and
www.talentsprint.com 48
Current Affairs: December 2016
earned this title of worlds best football player for fourth time.
Earlier he had won the Ballon dOr in 2008, 2013 and 2014. In
(France) third in the vote. FIFA Ballon dOr Award is annual football association award given
by FIFA to the male player who has performed the best in previous calendar year. It was
instituted in 2010 after France Footballs Ballon dOr and the mens FIFA World Player of the
www.talentsprint.com 49
Current Affairs: December 2016
the top three defence spender in the world. In 2016, the total global defence spending increased
to $1.57 trillion. US tops with mammoth defence spending of $622 billion. China is second with
Systems/Loral will provide NASA with spacecraft bus, critical hardware and services for the
Restore-L mission. This mission will be launched in 2020 to perform in-orbit satellite servicing
in low-Earth orbit.
megacities and urban corridors etc. In this conference ministers and senior officials from 68
countries in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to deliberate on challenges of urban planning
www.talentsprint.com 50
Current Affairs: December 2016
and management. It will adopt Delhi Declaration and implementation plan for aligning urban
development strategies of member countries with New Urban Agenda adopted at Quito,
Eucador.
understanding and procedures for maritime security operations. The scope of the exercise
operational activities across a spectrum of maritime operations at sea. The exercise will be held
in two phases viz. Harbour Phase (14 to 18 December 2016) at Visakhapatnam and tSea Phase
www.talentsprint.com 51
Current Affairs: December 2016
problems from physical disabilities to mental illness and multiple disabilities under it. It
complies with the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, to which India became
a signatory in 2007.
strike targets both at land and sea with high accuracy. The
Weapon System version-2 which is an important force multiplier for Pakistans strategic
defence.
Union Cabinet approves Major Port Trust Authorities Bill, 2016 to give autonomy
to 12 major ports
The Union Cabinet has approved the draft Major Port Authorities Bill, 2016 to replace the
www.talentsprint.com 52
Current Affairs: December 2016
sections to 65 from 134 by eliminating obsolete and overlapping Sections of previous Act. Board
of Port Authority: It has been delegated full powers to enter into contracts, planning and
PM Narendra Modi ranks 9th among worlds most powerful people list of Forbes
edition of the list was topped by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This is for fourth
consecutive year Putin has topped the list. The first billionaire President of the United States
was ranked second in the list. In the 2015 edition of the list he was placed 72. Outgoing US
Union Cabinet approves MoU between Rural Development Ministry & FAO
an integrated approach to rural poverty reduction through activities. These activities will aim to
promote economic empowerment of rural women, access of rural poor to natural resources.
www.talentsprint.com 53
Current Affairs: December 2016
Union Government launches Lucky Grahak Yojana, Digi Dhan Vyapar Yojana to
promote digital payments
The Union Government has launched Lucky Grahak Yojana to encourage consumers and Digi
consumption expenditures. They will specially focuses on bringing the poor, lower middle class
was 9,17,446. This period registered a growth of 168.5% over same period of previous year. This
www.talentsprint.com 54
Current Affairs: December 2016
indicates success of the e-TV Scheme. Union Government had launched e-Tourist Visa Scheme
(as Tourist Visa on Arrival scheme) on November 27, 2014. The scheme facilitates pre-
authorization of Visa i.e. electronic travel authorisation is given to foreigners prior to travel
petitioner had mentioned that easy availability of liquor from stores on highways was a major
reason for drunk driving. This results into around 1.42 lakh death annually in road accidents,
in association with the Union Ministry of External Affairs of India.The fifth edition of the India-
Arab Partnership Conference was held in Muscat, Oman from December 14 to 15, 2016. Theme
www.talentsprint.com 55
Current Affairs: December 2016
of the conference was Partnership towards innovation and cooperation in IT. It was organised
by the Oman Foreign Ministry, Arab League Secretariat in association with the Union Ministry
accorded this status in recognition of its extraordinary fusion of man-made and natural beauty,
soaring granite cliffs, urban rainforest and beaches. It also had hosted 2014 football World Cup
and 2016 Summer Olympics. The UNESCO status to Rio de Janeiro was announced in 2012. It
became official after the Brazilian authorities were given four years to report on their plans for
voluntary service under which Mahila Police Volunteers (Gram Sakhi) will be inducted. It aims
www.talentsprint.com 56
Current Affairs: December 2016
to bridge gap between Police and Civil society for safety of women. Under it, one MPV is
envisaged per Gram Panchayat across the country to provide a link between police and
sacked for growing beard even after being denied permission. The appellant had claimed that
keeping beard is his fundamental right to freedom of religion. However, IAF had countered it
saying that keeping a beard was not an essential practice of their faith unlike in the Sikh
religion.
www.talentsprint.com 57
Current Affairs: December 2016
also added in OED. It has been defined as frequent user of the video-sharing website YouTube,
bhojan, sabke liye sammaan (Food for all, respect for all). The food under this scheme will be
provided at subsidized rates, breakfast at Rs 5 per plate and lunch/dinner at Rs 8 per plate.
Local Self Government department of Rajasthan is the nodal agency for the scheme. The meals
www.talentsprint.com 58
Current Affairs: December 2016
Devendra Fadnavis, AS Kiran Kumar and John Ralston Marr selected for SIES -
National Eminence Award
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar , UK-based scholar John
Fadnavis will be presented award for Public Leadership. Hari Katha exponent Kamala Murthy
presented in with this award in Social Thinkers, Philosophers and Pravachana Karthas category.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued the draft
Welfare Board (AWB). Pet shops will be registered only after inspection by the representatives
Animals.
www.talentsprint.com 59
Current Affairs: December 2016
Rajiv Pratap Rudy. LCU L-58 is fully designed in-house by GRSE. It has displacement of 830
tonnes. It can attain a maximum speed of 15 knots with an endurance of more than 1,500
nautical miles.
Asia Pacific nations adopt New Delhi Declaration for Urban Plus approach
Urban Plus approach. This was the first such meeting held
Sustainable Urban Development (also known as Habitat III conference) held in Quito,
Ecuador in October 2016. Its theme of conference was Emerging Urban Forms-Policy Reforms
www.talentsprint.com 60
Current Affairs: December 2016
clean with unaccounted wealth. It provides for 50 per cent tax and surcharge on declarations of
unaccounted cash deposited in banks. Declaration under it can be made by any person in
respect of undisclosed income in the form of cash or deposits in an account with bank or post
Digital Payments. One of the committees terms of reference was to study and recommend
changes in the regulatory mechanism under various acts such as the RBI Act, Payments and
Settlement Act, and the Information Technology Act among others. Based on it, the committee
had recommended making regulation of retail payments independent from the function of RBI
www.talentsprint.com 61
Current Affairs: December 2016
Singh Dhanoa as the next Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian
alumnus of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) and National Defence Academy (NDA).
He was commissioned into the IAF in June 1978 as a fighter pilot. Before being appointed as
Vice Chief he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command.
different capacities including the sensitive Kashmir desk. He had handled various assignments
as chief of Subsidiary Intelligence Bureau (SIB), name given to IB units in state capitals. He had
headed the Ahmedabad SIB (from 2005 to 2008) and later in Delhi SIB (from 2008 to 2012) which
www.talentsprint.com 62
Current Affairs: December 2016
on Kashmir K C Pant when talks were held with separatist leaders. He is recipient of Presidents
Police Medal.
commanders Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Praveen Bakshi and Southern Army
Commander Lt Gen PM Hariz. Prior to this appointment, he was the Vice Chief of the Army.
He is from the 5/11 Gorkha Rifles. Prior to taking over as the Vice Chief, he was the Southern
Army Commander. He hails from Uttarakhand and had received the sword of honour when
China opens first fully-owned satellite ground station near North Pole
Academy of Sciences. It will allow China to collect satellite data anywhere on Earth at speeds
that were more than twice as fast as before. It will use best and most sensitive signal receiving
www.talentsprint.com 63
Current Affairs: December 2016
devices ever built by China. It includes one with higher bandwidth, covering frequencies from
26.5 to 40 GHz. It has download speed of 6 Gigabits (billions of bits) per second, fastest in the
world.
(MoU) on Broadcasting in Exchange of Audio Visual Programs MoU for cooperation in the
exchange of financial intelligence related to money laundering, related crimes and financing of
terrorism.
been with RAW for the last 23 years during which he has served on important desks including
Pakistan. He had also served in key foreign capitals such as London and Frankfurt.
www.talentsprint.com 64
Current Affairs: December 2016
onboard of Pegasus rocket fired from plane at height of 12km. NASA had opted for air launch
rather than traditional rocket liftoff from the ground, to cut costs. Each of the micro-satellite of
CYGNSS weighs just 64 pounds (32kg) and has 5-foot wingspan. They will be placed into the
orbit 500km above earths surface. They have GPS navigation receivers to frequently measure
the surface roughness of oceans. It will allow scientists to calculate wind speed and storm
intensity.
The Department of Telecom (DoT) will soon launch Tarang Sanchar portal that will let users
www.talentsprint.com 65
Current Affairs: December 2016
other types of goat. The wool fibre obtained from clonned goat
is less than 13.8 micrometres thick. It is much finer than the average of 15.8 micrometres of the
famous Erlang Mountain goats in Inner Mongolia. Cloning: It is scientific process of creating
genetically identical copies of biological matter. It may include genetically identical copies of
The Union Power Ministry is going to launch new mobile application GARV-II to provide real
www.talentsprint.com 66
Current Affairs: December 2016
mapped village-wise works sanctioned under Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana
the treaty. It will be headed by Prime Ministers Principal Secretary Nripendra Mishra. Besides,
other members of it include NSA Ajit Doval, foreign secretary S Jaishankar and secretaries in
ministries of finance, power, water resource and environment. Besides, chief secretaries of
Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir are invitees in the task force.
Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) and Central Council for Research in Siddha
(CCRS). It was launched by AYUSH Ministry in October 2015. Organize Swasthya Parikshan
Camps, Swasthya Rakshan OPDs and Health and Hygiene awareness programme Create
www.talentsprint.com 67
Current Affairs: December 2016
headed by a retired Supreme Court judge. The Tribunal will also have more teeth as whenever
it gives order, the verdict gets notified automatically. Until now, the Union Government was
www.talentsprint.com 68
Current Affairs: December 2016
Uttarakhand Tarun Vijay. Initially the statue was planned for installation on the banks of Ganga
River at Har ki Pauri in Haridwar in June 2016 but it was delayed after it faced opposition from
published in Nature Geosciences. Dead Zone is an area in water body that contains little or no
oxygen (or they are hypoxic) in bottom and near-bottom water. Mostly they occur naturally but
it can be caused by excessive nutrient pollution from human activities coupled with other
factors.
www.talentsprint.com 69
Current Affairs: December 2016
initiatives of the Union Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry. The IIS is being
opened by the Union Skill Development Ministry in partnership with the Institute of Technical
Education, Singapore. The idea of IIS was conceptualised by PM Modi during his visit to
Indian mentioning that such sharia courts are operating as a court of law from mosques and
dealt largely with matrimonial disputes, even going to the extent of passing divorce orders.
Complete ban on all unauthorised Sharia courts functioning in premises of mosques. Religious
places and other places of worships are meant only for religious purposes.
www.talentsprint.com 70
Current Affairs: December 2016
Union Government revises North East Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy
2014 and on or before March 31, 2017 will be eligible for incentives as per the revised norms of
subsidy. It will also include existing units which go in for substantial expansion and commence
diseases. It is mainly due city life and its modern trappings which
which are on path of becoming more industrialized and people live longer life.
www.talentsprint.com 71
Current Affairs: December 2016
India ranks 4th in 2016 Global Wind Power Installed Capacity Index
Energy Council (GWEC). The index was topped by China, followed by US and Germany with
cumulative installed wind power generation capacity of 145362 MW, 74471 MW and 44947 MW
respectively. Both Europe and the US markets performed better than expected and the
European offshore sector set a new record, installing just over 3 GW. Canada, Mexico and Brazil
quickly produces a strong immune defence and completely protects them from disease when
www.talentsprint.com 72
Current Affairs: December 2016
exposed to the chikungunya virus. Researchers had used live-attenuated Eilat virus clone to
design this hybrid virus-based vaccine containing Chikungunya structural proteins. The
Its single dose can produce neutralising antibodies that lasted for more than 290 days.
view of the planet. The molten jet stream is an accelerating band of molten iron circling the
North Pole. It just like the jet stream in the atmosphere It moves about 40 km per year, currently
in a westward direction. This speed is three times faster than normal outer-core speeds and
hundreds of thousands of times faster than rate at which Earths tectonic plates move.
The Union Cabinet gave its approval to the Cadre review and
www.talentsprint.com 73
Current Affairs: December 2016
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). Its creation will help to strengthen
the organization and to achieve the vision of Startup India, Stand-up India and Make in India.
According to report published in Forbes magazine, India has surpassed its colonial masters
recent Brexit-related problems and its rapid economic growth followed by downslide in the
value of the pound. UKs economy is expected to grow by 1.8% in 2016 and slow down to 1.1%
in 2017. Its economy and currency are struggling since it voted to leave lucrative common
Scientists witness the birth of an ice cloud for the first time
particle attracts water vapour and forms ice crystals. For this, they replicated suitable conditions
www.talentsprint.com 74
Current Affairs: December 2016
found high above Earths surface at an altitude of about 6 kilometres where cirrus clouds form
blasting off from launch pad, the missile took a unique trajectory
in its entire path to the target. However the test was an utter
failure. It was fourth test of Nirbhay missile so far and out of four, three have ended in failure.
The maiden launch was conducted in March 2013 but it was failure, the second test was
conducted in October 2014 was a big success as it had travelled 1,010 km instead of the targeted
800 km. The third mission on October 16, 2015 was again a failure.
withdraw visa-free facility for Indians from January 23, 2017. This
million Indians visit Hong Kong for business, trade and holidays.
Under the new rules, Indian travellers will have to complete a pre-
www.talentsprint.com 75
Current Affairs: December 2016
arrival registration. Such pre-registration would not be necessary for those transiting through
the Hong Kong airport without leaving the airport transit area.
encourage cashless transactions. It will need the Presidents assent to become law as per article
123 of the Constitution. It will allow industries to pay wages to workers earning up to Rs.
18,000/ month, without taking their explicit consent as required under present Act. However,
wage payment through the banking system will only be optional, until State governments or
Union Government come up with a notification for specific industries since Labour is in the
concurrent list.
April 1920. He was considered as doyen of number theory, infinite series, mathematical
www.talentsprint.com 76
Current Affairs: December 2016
analysis, and making formulas and equations without any formal training in pure
mathematics.He in the same league as great mathematicians such as Euler and Gauss.
Short stories: Chahatrapal (Dogri), Shyan Darihare (Maithili), Moirangthem Rajen (Manipuri),
Asaram Lomate (Marathi), Paramita Satpathy (Odia), Bulaki Sharma (Rajasthani) Vannadhasan
(Tamil).
Poetry: Jnan Pujari (Assamese), Anju (Bodo), Kamal Vora (Gujarati), Prabha Varma
(Malayalam), Sitanath Acharya (Sanskrit), Gobinda Chandra Majhi (Santhali), Nand Javeri
www.talentsprint.com 77
Current Affairs: December 2016
243rd mission of the Long March series rockets. With this, China became third country after
Japan and United States to have its own satellite to monitor greenhouse gases (GHGs). TanSat
will thoroughly examine global CO2 levels every 16 days, accurate to at least 4 ppm (parts per
million). It weighs 620-kg and will be located in sun synchronous orbit about 700 kms above the
earth. It has three-year mission life. It will thoroughly monitor the concentration, distribution
and flow of CO2 levels every 16 days, accurate to at least 4 ppm (parts per million) in the
atmosphere.
budget, Japan aims to beef up its ballistic missile defences, allocating funds for a new
interceptor missile under joint development with the United States. It also earmarks funds to
dispatch extra personnel to the Philippines and Vietnam to increase gathering and sharing of
information.
www.talentsprint.com 78
Current Affairs: December 2016
The Union Ministry of Coal has launched Coal Mitra, a web portal for allowing flexibility in
facilitates transfer of the coal reserves to more cost efficient State/Centre owned or Private sector
generating stations.
among the lowest gender wage disparity at 3%. Among major economies, South Korea only
fared worse than India, with a gap of 37%. Indias position: In India, women formed 60% of the
lowest paid wage labour, but only 15% of the highest wage-earners.
www.talentsprint.com 79
Current Affairs: December 2016
methods. Complete prohibition on open burning of waste on lands, including at landfill sites.
For each such incident, violators will pay environmental compensation of Rs. 5,000 in case of
simple burning and Rs. 25,000 in case of bulk waste burning, States and UTs to enforce and
(DGT) under the aegis of Union Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
Under it, Central Government for the first time will provide financial incentives to the
www.talentsprint.com 80
Current Affairs: December 2016
belts around the earth soon after the lift-off. ERG satellite will
orbit in a highly elliptical orbit, getting as close to Earth as 350 kilometers and as far away as
30,000 km. This path will take the satellite through the Van Allen radiation belts, where the
earths magnetic field traps huge numbers of fast-moving electrons and other particles.
contains stem cells that are the building blocks of other tissues. Bones are constantly formed in
body with cells called osteoclasts which break down old bone and form new bones. However,
incase due to brittle bone disease, osteoporosis process becomes lazy leading to fracture bones.
www.talentsprint.com 81
Current Affairs: December 2016
regional languages Tamil, Telugu, Kannada Bengali and Assamese. This helpline aims to
overcome the problem of unavailability of single point of contact where weavers can seek
solutions for their technical issues/problems. Currently there 28 Weavers Service Centres
(WSCs) functioning across the country to provide technical assistance to handloom weavers in
pharmaceutical giant Merck. Earlier in a major experimental human clinical trial of this vaccine
www.talentsprint.com 82
Current Affairs: December 2016
conducted on nearly 6,000 people in Guinea in 2015 was found to successfully. It was observed
that no one from the 6,000 people contracted again to the lethal disease. The test results of the
this strategy is an important lesson to be learnt from the Harappans. Thus, it suggests that
Harappan concept of cleanliness and wells and drains is not so much about hygiene but also
conflict avoidance.
the seventh GST Council meeting presided by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in New
Delhi. The draft CGST and SGST laws do not include division of administrative turf between
www.talentsprint.com 83
Current Affairs: December 2016
states and the centre. The Compensation Bill will have 2015-16 as base year and compensation
to States for the loss of revenue from the GST rollout will be paid every two months.
bank in the country to roll out all-in-one payments platform. Eazypay app is sustainable
payment mode compared to current peer-to-peer digital applications. It has open architecture
which makes it distinct from other digital payments that are actually closed-loop prepaid
instruments.
Department of Consumer Affairs under the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs Food and
Public Distribution is celebrating this day this year with the theme Alternate Consumer
Disputes Redressal.
www.talentsprint.com 84
Current Affairs: December 2016
The Odisha Government launched the Biju Sishu Surakshya Yojana, a scheme to nurture the
complementary modalities to the existing centrally sponsored schemes. Financial support will
be given to promote the primary, higher education and for the securing of the future and
rehabilitation of HIV-infected children. State government will bear the educational expense of
these children and provide them scholarship for higher education among other benefits.
along with Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has rolled
as feedback from States. Capture the annual incremental improvements of the states, rather than
www.talentsprint.com 85
Current Affairs: December 2016
passports with ease. It will also eliminate the role of non-government agents and touts. Besides,
passport-related grievances will now be handled on the social media platform of Twitter.
Eminent modern Bengali poet Shankha Ghosh was chosen for the
Mukhopadhyay (1991) and Mahasweta Devi (1966). He was born on 6 February 1932 in
leading authority on Rabindranath in addition to being one of the most prolific writers in
Bengali. He is considered as a poet with an eye to social milieu and his poems record both his
www.talentsprint.com 86
Current Affairs: December 2016
time and space in a rare poetic style. His poems are often laden with messages, but are free from
polemics.
Google India, Ministry of Consumer Affairs tie up for Digitally Safe Consumer
campaign
Google India has partnered with the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs to launch nationwide
counsellors of National Consumer Helpline on Internet safety. Under it, Google with the help of
partner agencies will work towards advocating digital security and privacy needs through
Union Government launches Smart Consumer mobile App & OCMC for speedy
redressal of consumer grievances
The Union Government has launched Smart Consumer mobile App and an Online Consumer
www.talentsprint.com 87
Current Affairs: December 2016
Consumer Day (24th December). The OCMC has been launched in association with Bengaluru
based National Law School of India University (NLSIU) to provide speedy redressal of
consumer grievances in New Delhi. The basic purpose of this Centre is to encourage consumers
and companies to go for pre-litigation and provide them with an option to settle disputes
amicably.
with citizens in country and abroad, tourists and business travellers for speedy resolution of
their visa and passport queries. Twitter Seva will enable the MEA, through its Twitter handle
(@MEAIndia) to strengthen its primary relationship with Indian citizens by providing fast,
www.talentsprint.com 88
Current Affairs: December 2016
groups (as young as 5 to more than 60 years) from across the world, including from US, UAE,
www.talentsprint.com 89
Current Affairs: December 2016
Chandipur, Odisha. During the test, the captive and release trials
Test Range during the entire duration of the flight. Besides, the
performances of all systems of SAAW were satisfactory meet and all the mission objectives
were achieved.
battery researchers had laid ribbon of silver nitrate on a piece of chromatography paper. On top
of this, they had placed thin layer of wax to create a cathode (positive electrode).
www.talentsprint.com 90
Current Affairs: December 2016
Range from the Abdul Kalam Wheeler Island off Odisha coast. It
was the fourth developmental and second canisterised trial of the missile.
technically advanced fighter. The newest FC-31 has better stealth capabilities, improved
electronic equipment and a larger payload capacity than the previous version which debuted in
www.talentsprint.com 91
Current Affairs: December 2016
shift to cleaner production. Under the new law, companies will pay environment taxes ranging
from 350 yuan ($60) to 11,200 yuan ($1870) per month for noise. It set rates of 1.4 yuan on water
pollutants, 1.2 yuan on stipulated quantities of air pollutants and a range of 5 to 1,000 yuan for
PM Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of Char Dham highway devPrime Minister Narendra
in the Himalayas. The projects main objective is to develop around 900 km of national
www.talentsprint.com 92
Current Affairs: December 2016
crore from current f Rs 4,500 crore turn over within next 3-4 years and make Gujarat top state in
Telescope (Sydney) and South African Large Telescope (Cape Town). Vela super cluster is
massive and it is estimated to carry 100,000 galaxies with trillions of stars. It is one of the biggest
of our Milky Galaxy and is at a distance of 840 million light-years from Earth. Our galaxy Milky
www.talentsprint.com 93
Current Affairs: December 2016
post that fell vacant after Urjit Patel after he was made RBI Governor to succeed Rajan with
effect from September 2016. The existing three Deputy Governors of RBI are S S Mundra, R
www.talentsprint.com 94
Current Affairs: December 2016
Kerala to seek Union governments approval for using deer antlers in Ayurveda
medicines
The Kerala Government has approached the Union Government for allowing use of antlers of
www.talentsprint.com 95
Current Affairs: December 2016
conditions.
They are
Integration of nearby sanctuaries including Ranipur and Rani Durgavati with the Panna Tiger
Reserve to compensate loss of tiger habitat and complete ban of fresh mining lease in the area.
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) will take care of the landscape plan for the
area with the help of Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and state forest departments.
creativity and attempts to enter unseen aspects or dimensions, where human experiences and
conscience are more important than life situations of contemporary time zone. He also has
www.talentsprint.com 96
Current Affairs: December 2016
penned Ret Ki Kokh Mein, Phati Jeb Se Ek Din, Yahin Kahin Neend Thi among others.
He has also written for various newspapers and magazines including, Yayavar Ki Diary.
708 ODF blocks across the country to enable them to achieve higher
is focused on the twin objectives of constructing toilets and enabling behavioural change.
www.talentsprint.com 97
Current Affairs: December 2016
fishermen, introduction of peninsular tourism trains in zone and Amendments to New Road
and also recommends an initial budget of Rs. 100 crore for the setting
Maharashtra and Goa and soon will be extended to the entire country. Subscribers will receive
an IVRS call from a short code 1955 and will be asked a few questions such as whether they are
www.talentsprint.com 98
Current Affairs: December 2016
The Union Cabinet approved promulgation of Specified Bank Notes Cessation of Liabilities
offence. The ordinance amends Reserve Bank of India Act to provide legislative support for
scrapping the demonetised banknotes that are not returned. It removes the liability of the
government and the central bank on the demonetised high-denomination notes to prevent
future litigations.
images at 0.5-meter resolution. The satellites launch followed release of a white paper which
said China plans to form a BeiDou network consisting of constellation of 35 satellites for global
navigation services by 2020. It is expected to compete with USs Global Positioning system
(GPS).
www.talentsprint.com 99
Current Affairs: December 2016
and business support services. With this, the total number of APAs signed by the CBDT has
reached 117. This includes 110 Unilateral APAs and 7 bilateral APAs. In the current 2016-17
Representatives approved it by 121-0 votes. This is another step to formally end to 52 years of
Columbian civil war (Latin Americas longest conflict). The law grants special legal treatment,
amnesty and pardons to members of the FARC accused of political and related crimes. It does
www.talentsprint.com 100
Current Affairs: December 2016
not apply to FARC rebels accused of offenses such as war crimes, rape, torture and extrajudicial
killings.
Services, Sanofi Synthelabo India, Idea Cellular Infrastructure Services, Menarini India,
Boehringer Ingelheim India and Recipharm Participation. India allows FDI in most sectors
through the automatic route, but in certain segments considered sensitive for the economy and
submitted its report and a draft bill titled The Financial Data
Management Centre Bill, 2016. Standardise data from all financial sector regulators in a single
database and provide analytical insights based on the data to ensure stability in the economy.
www.talentsprint.com 101
Current Affairs: December 2016
Take measures to standardise data from regulators, enable financial service providers to submit
data in a standardised electronic format, analyse data and maintain a financial system database.
Constitution. Allows industries to pay wages to workers earning up to Rs. 18,000 per month,
The Union Ministry of Law and Justice has constituted a High Level Committee (HLC) to
www.talentsprint.com 102
Current Affairs: December 2016
achieved within a span of less than eight months since the launch of the scheme which is
PM Narendra Modi launches UPI based mobile payment app called BHIM
the Digi Dhan Mela held in Talkatora stadium, New Delhi, The
digital payments without cash. BHIM is Aadhaar-based payments app developed by the
National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI). The app allows easily transferring money or
making a payment from your bank account using only phone number. It can work even on
www.talentsprint.com 103