Daily updates 10 December 2019

National News

1. Walmart to train 50,000 MSME entrepreneurs

• US retail major Walmart will train 50,000 entrepreneurs from the micro, small & medium enterprises (MSME) sector. The objective will be fulfilled by opening 25 institute hubs in India in next five years which would train the MSME entrepreneurs.
• The institutes will be opened under the 'Walmart Vriddhi Supplier Development Programe' across the nation.
• These institutes would be strategically located near the manufacturing clusters and will be the part of Walmart's "long-term commitment to India"
• For the development of these institutes, Walmart has partnered with a local NGO Swasti which would also have academic support from the local universities.

Banking and Economy News

2. Exim Bank provides USD 500 mn credit to Bangladesh for defence procurement

• India’s Exim Bank (Export-Import Bank of India) has provided $500 million (Rs 3561 crore) Line of Credit(LoC) to Bangladesh for defence-related procurement in the neighbouring country.
• The Exim bank entered into an agreement with Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division (AFD) in this regard on April 11, 2019. The agreement became effective from November 7, 2019, and the utilisation period of the loan is 10 years from the date of signing the agreement.
• Under the loan agreement, financing of export of eligible goods and services from India would be allowed subject to the Foreign Trade Policy(FTP).
• Out of total credit, 75% of the contract price will be applied by the seller and the remaining 25% will be procured by the seller for the purpose of the eligible contract from outside India, including Bangladesh. The contract price may be reduced from 75% to 65% based on the nature of procurement.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• Exim bank Founded: 1 January 1982.
• Exim bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Exim bank Chief Executive Officer (CEO): David Rasquinha.

3. Loans worth over Rs10 lakh cr sanctioned under PMMY

• Union Government informed that loans worth over 10 lakh crore rupees have been sanctioned till 1st November this year under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, PMMY.
• As per the findings of the PMMY survey, around five crore persons were working in the establishments for which MUDRA loans were availed between April 2015 to March 2018.
• The survey reveals that these loans enabled beneficiaries to sustain the economic activities they were engaged in.

Business News

4. NSE launches interest rate options on 10-yr govt bonds

• National Stock Exchange launched interest rate options on ten-year Government bonds. The exchange recorded a turnover of 5,926 contracts on the first day of its launch.
• The exchange has added one more instrument to the fixed income derivatives asset class. interest rate options will provide institutional investors with the ability to manage risk through a non-linear product.
• These interest rate options are based on 10-year government bonds maturing in 2029 with a coupon rate of 7.26 per cent and 6.45 per cent.
• Presently, interest rate futures are available on seven government bonds for residual maturity ranging from 4 years to 15 years.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• NSE’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer: Vikram Limaye.

Agreements

5. MOU signed Between NSIC & ARAMCO Asia for development in Oil & Gas Sectors

• A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) and Suadi Aramco (Asia) for the development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Ecosystem in India in Oil & Gas Sector.
• The MoU will pave a way for accredited Indian MSMEs to carve out space as vendors in Global space.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• National Small Industries Corporation established in 1955.
• National Small Industries Corporation is the flagship Mini Ratna public sector undertaking (PSU).

Appointments

6. News Broadcasters Federation elects Arnab Goswami as governing board president

• The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF), the country's largest association of over 78 news channels, has elected editor-in-chief of Republic TV Arnab Goswami as the President of its governing board.
• The body of 78 news channels in 14 languages, representing broadcasters from 25 states. The new self-regulatory organization in order to bring in transparent self-regulation on content will be announced by the end of January 2020.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• News Broadcasters Federation formation: July 2009.

Awards

7. 4 eminent diplomats honoured with 2019 'Diwali - Power of One Award'

• The 4 prominent diplomats have been honoured with 'The Diwali - Power of One' award 2019 in recognition and celebration of their work, especially at the United Nations, for a secure and peaceful world.

The diplomats who were honoured are:

• Former foreign minister and Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to UN: Kairat Abdrakhmanov.
• Former Permanent Representative of Cyprus to UN: Nicholas Emiliou.
• Former Chef de Cabinet to President of 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and Permanent Representative of Slovakia to UN: Frantisek Ruzicka.
• Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN: Volodymyr Yelchenko.
• The awards which have now come to be known as ‘Oscars of Diplomacy’ were established by Diwali Foundation USA, Inc in 2017. The awards seek to promote a peaceful and consensus-based process to achieve societal good, as befitting high hopes and ideals of humanity enshrined in the UN Charter.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• Diwali Foundation USA Chairman: Ranju Batra.

8. Abu Dhabi selected as world’s leading sports tourism destination

• Abu Dhabi (UAE) has been selected as the world’s leading Sports tourism Destination at the 26th edition of the World Travel Awards (WTA) being held in Muscat, Oman.
• This is the 7th time in a row that Abu Dhabi has been selected for this coveted award. The award is the latest in several prestigious accolades gained by Abu Dhabi this year, including being selected as the West Asia’s Leading Business Tourism Destination at the West Asia edition of WTA and Best City Break at the UK’s Selling Travel Agents’ Choice Awards.
• Abu Dhabi shined as a premium destination once again for sports tourism in 2019 after hosting so Abu Dhabi me of the world’s top sporting events, such as the FIFA Club World Cup 2017 and 2018, the first edition of the UAE Tour, the AFC Asian Cup 2019, the Special Olympics World Games 2019, the UFC 242 showdown and the Brazil vs South Korea international friendly match.
• Sports tourism has been labelled by the United Nations World Travel Organisation, UNWTO, as one of the fastest-growing sectors of tourism worldwide. World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is President of the UAE.
• Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE.
• The United Arab Emirates dirham is the currency of the UAE.

Ranks & Reports

9. Worldwide arms sales rise by nearly 5% in 2018

• Worldwide arms sales rose by nearly 5 per cent in 2018. According to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the market is dominated by the United States.
• The turnover of the 100 biggest arms manufacturers came to 420 billion dollars. US manufacturers alone accounted for 59 per cent of the market, or a turnover of 246 billion dollars, up 7.2 per cent on the previous year.
• Russia was second in the rankings for arms production, with 8.6 per cent of the market, just ahead of the United Kingdom on 8.4 per cent and France on 5.5 per cent.
• The study did not include China, for lack of sufficient data. The world's largest arms maker remains the US firm Lockheed Martin, as it has been since 2009. Its turnover last year was 47.3 billion dollars. Its sales alone account for 11 per cent of the world market.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• Chairman, President & CEO of Lockheed Martin: Marillyn A. Hewson.

Defence News

10. Rafale jet tail numbers to feature former Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa’s

• The Indian Rafale fighter jets will fly with the tail sign 'BS' after the recently retired Air Force Chief Birender Singh Dhanoa. The Indian Air Force has decided to put tail numbers in 30 Rafale jets with ''BS'' initials.
• Six Rafale trainer aircraft will carry RB series tail numbers which stand for Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, the current Chief of Air Staff who played a key role as lead negotiator for the mega-deal.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• Indian Airforce founded: 8 October 1932, India.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.

11. UAE, US joint military exercise 'Iron Union 12'commences

• 'Iron Union 12', a joint military exercise between the ground forces of the UAE and the United States, commenced. 'Iron Union 12' will see the two sides take part in joint military cooperation to enhance combat and tactical capabilities.
• The joint military exercises of the UAE Armed Forces with fraternal and friendly countries takes place in a manner consistent with latest developments and reflects the UAE Armed Forces' determination to stand firmly against all threats and challenges facing the region.

Sports News

12. WADA bans Russia from international sporting events for 4 years

• The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), banned Russia for 4 years, from participation in global sporting events, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, after accusing Moscow of falsifying data from an anti-doping laboratory.
• The Russian flag and national anthem have also been banned in global events.
• Russia's anti-doping agency can appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days. The independent McLaren report released in 2016 revealed the significant extent of state-sponsored doping in Russia, notably between 2011 and 2015.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• President of WADA: Sir Craig Reedie; Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
• Founded: 10 November 1999.

Important Days

13. Human Rights Day: 10 December

• Human Rights Day is observed every year on 10 December. This Day came into existence on December 10, 1948, when the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the United Nations.
• This day is observed every year across the world, as it empowers us all. The day also acknowledges the advocates and defenders of human rights around the world.
• This year it will be the 71st anniversary of Universal Declaration of Human Rights. With the theme “Youth Standing Up for Human Rights”, the aim is to celebrate the potential of youth as constructive agents of change, amplify their voices and engage a broad range of global audiences in the promotion and protection of rights.

Miscellaneous

14. KVIC distributes 500 Bee Boxes, 500 Pottery Wheels and 200 Leather Kits

• Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) distributed 500 Bee Boxes, 500 Electric Pottery Wheels and 200 Leather Tool Kits in an event organised by KVIC in Boondi District, Rajasthan.
• Event was organised to support the weaker section of the society as well as to commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• KVIC has been running a mass campaign for the revival of bee keeping, pottery and leather industry under the Honey Mission, Kumhar Sashaktikaran Mission and Leather Mission respectively.

15. Nilgiri Mountain Railway conducts special service for foreign tourists

• The UNESCO-recognized Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) conducted a special service for foreign tourists. 71 tourists from several countries, including the USA, the UK and France travelled by a special steam engine service from Coonoor to Ooty.
• They were presented with special mementoes and gift hampers as well as served with the replica of the original Edmonton type cardboard ticket.
• The NMR is one of the few railways in the world that uses the unique rack and pinion system, with its special third rail to negotiate gradients en route from Mettupalayam in the foothills of the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu to Ooty, the Queen of Western Ghats.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France. Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay.

Daily updates 9 December 2019

National News

1. President lays foundation stone for Paika Rebellion memorial in Odisha

• President Ram Nath Kovind laid the foundation stone to the memorial being built in memory of the Paika rebellion, a 200-year-old armed revolt in 1817 against the British East India Company in Odisha.
• The proposed project will come up at the foothills of Barunei hills in Khurda district, Odisha.
• The memorial is seen as an epitome of Odisha’s valour and will serve as an inspiration for the youth.
• A chair in the name of Buxi Jagabandhu who led this revolt has been established with a Rs 5 crore grant and memorial coin and stamp issued to mark the two hundred years of the event.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• Odisha Governor: Ganeshi Lal; Chief Minister: Naveen Patnaik.

2. Israeli student's made satellite "Duchifat-3" to be launched from Sriharikota

• The "Duchifat-3", Israeli student's made satellite will be launched from ISRO's Sriharikota launch site.
• "Duchifat-3" is a satellite jointly built by Herzliya Science Center and Sha’ar HaNegev High School students of Israel.
• It is a remote sensing satellite through which students from all schools across the country will be able to experiment and carry through Earth observation.
• "Duchifat-3" is the 3rd in the series of Israeli student-made satellites.
• Duchifat-3 weigheing 2.3 kg is a photo satellite to be used for ecological research of Earth from space.

International News

3. Finland elects Sanna Marin, the youngest-ever Prime Minister

• Finland's Social Democrats elected 34-year-old Sanna Marin to the post of the prime minister, making her the youngest head of government in the country's history.
• Her appointment is unlikely to lead to significant policy changes by the Social Democrat-led administration.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• Finland Capital: Helsinki, Currency: Euro.

4. 8th edition of Embassy’s annual film festival inaugurated at Riyadh

• The 8th edition of the Embassy’s annual film festival titled “Ambassador’s Choice: Screening of Films” was inaugurated at the auditorium of Embassy of India, Riyadh.
• Embassy’s annual film festival titled “Ambassador’s Choice: Screening of Films” saw the popular Hindi film ‘Dangal’ screened at Riyadh, which drew a large number of audience.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• Saudi Arabia Capital: Riyadh; Currency: Saudi riyal.

5. Bangabandhu BPL inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina

• Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the special edition of Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BBPL)  T20 cricket championship to mark Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s birth centenary in 2020.
• A total of 7 teams are participating in the BBPL event. They will play 46 matches including the 4 playoff matches.
• The BBPL final will be held on January 17, 2020.
• This is the first time that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is organizing the Premier League matches without involving any franchise.

State News

6. Haryana CM inaugurates Integrated Command and Control Centre

• Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has inaugurated Gurgaon's ambitious Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).
• It has been developed as the nerve centre to provide multifaceted online smart services to people.
• The ICCC has been designed to serve as the nodal point for all online data related to the Smart City applications, including CCTV-based public safety and adaptive traffic management system, smart parking system, water supply management system, pollution monitoring, property tax management system and asset management system.
• The Integrated Command and Control Centre was built at the cost of 38 crore rupees.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• Governor of Haryana: Satyadeo Narayan Arya.

7. Human Library event in Mysuru

• Human Library event, a concept which seeks to replace books with humans, will be held in the City of Palaces, Mysuru, Karnataka.
• The first event of the Human Library aims to break past long-standing prejudices and stereotypes by creating a safe framework for conservation by using a library analogy of lending people rather than books.
• It intends to generate greater human cohesion across various social, religious and ethnic diversities.
• The notion of Human Library was initially launched in the year 2000 and currently exists in more than 85 countries, known as The Human Library Organization.
• In India, Human Library is spread across various metropolitan cities including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• Copenhagen, Denmark-headquartered Human Library is a registered international non-profit organization.

Agreements

8. NTPC signs pact for Rs. 5,000 crores with SBI

• National Thermal Power Corporation Limited has signed a term loan agreement for Rs. 5,000 crore with State Bank of India.
• The loan facility has been extended at an interest rate linked to 3 Months MCLR of the bank and has a door to door tenure of 15 years.
• The loan will be utilised to part finance the capital expenditure of NTPC.

Important Takeaways for LIC Assistant and IBPS Clerk Mains:

• Gurdeep Singh is the Chairman and Managing Director of NTPC.
• Rajnish Kumar is Chairman of the State Bank of India.

Appointments

9. Girish Chandra Chaturvedi appointed as new chairman of NSE

• The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd (NSE) has appointed Girish Chandra Chaturvedi as its new chairman.
• The appointment was approved by Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).
• Girish Chandra Chaturvedi is a retired IAS officer and former Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• He is presently on the board of ICICI Bank and the member of the government appointed board of Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd (IL&FS).

Awards

10. Miss South Africa crowned 2019 Miss Universe

• Miss South Africa Zozibini Tunzi was crowned Miss Universe 2019 in Atlanta, US. Ms Tunzi beat over 90 contestants from around the globe in the 68th instalment of Miss Universe.
• Miss Universe Puerto Rico Madison Anderson was the runner-up in this contest.
• The Philippines' Catriona Gray, who presented Ms Tunzi the crown, was the Miss Universe winner in 2018.

11. 8th National Photography Awards

• The Photo Division, under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, has invited entries for the 8th National Photography Awards.
• The Division confers these Awards every year, to promote various facets of the country such as art, culture, development, heritage, history, life, people, society, and tradition through the medium of photography, and to encourage professional and amateur photographers across the country.

The National Photography Awards are conferred under three categories:

• Lifetime Achievement Award,
• Award for Professional Photographers
• Award for Amateur Photographers.
• The Lifetime Achievement Award carries a Cash Prize of Rs. 3,00,000. This year's theme for Professional Photographers is 'Life and Water.'
• The awards under the Category for Professionals are one ‘Professional
• Photographer of the year’ award with a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000.
• This year's theme for the Amateur Photographers is 'Cultural Heritage of India.'
• The awards under the Category for Amateurs are one ‘Amateur Photographer of the year’ award with a cash prize of Rs.75,000.

Summits and Conference

12. 54th DGsP/IGsP Conference held in Pune

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in the 54th DGsP/IGsP Conference held in Pune.
• The Prime Minister addressed the valedictory session of the Conference.
• President's police medals were also awarded to officers of the Intelligence Bureau for their distinguished services.

Important Days

13. International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime: 9 December

• The United Nations General Assembly established 9 December as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
• The 9th of December is the anniversary of the adoption of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the “Genocide Convention”).
• This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Convention.
• The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the Genocide Convention and its role in combating and preventing the crime of genocide, as defined in the Convention, and to commemorate and honour its victims.

14. International Anti-Corruption Day: 9 December

• The United Nations’ (UN) International Anti-Corruption Day has been observed annually, on 9 December.
• The day aims to raise public awareness of corruption and what people can do to fight it.
• This year International Anti-Corruption Day theme is "United Against Corruption".

Miscellaneous

15. FIA invites Anand Kumar for India’s Republic Day celebrations in New York

• The Federation of Indian Association (FIA) has invited Super 30 founder Anand Kumar to a function on the eve of India’s Republic Day celebrations in New York.
• The Federation of Indian Association is the oldest organisation of the non-resident Indians. Year "2020" also marks the 50th anniversary of FIA. Anand Kumar has been invited for his contribution in the field of education through his programme ‘Super 30’.
• ‘Super 30’ is a programme that prepares 30 students from underprivileged sections of society for the prestigious IIT entrance test every year, without any fees.

Daily updates 7 December 2019

National News

1. GoI launched National Clean Air Programme

• The Central Government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) as a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy to tackle the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner.
• The government is targeting to achieve 20 per cent to 30 per cent reduction in Particulate Matter PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations by 2024 keeping 2017 as the base year for the comparison of concentration.
• Under NCAP, 102 non-attainment cities have been identified based on ambient air quality data for the period 2011 - 2015 and WHO report 2014 - 2018.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Prakash Javadekar.

State News

2. Telangana CM releases book on Kaleswaram project

• Chief Minister K.Chandrasekhar Rao has released a book in Telugu on ‘Kaleswaram Project — Telangana’s chariot of Progress’ authored by Officer on Special Duty, Irrigation to the Chief Minister, Sridhar Rao Deshpande.
• The author explained in detail the efforts of Chief Minister Chandrasekhar Rao right from the conception of project and research done by using Google earth software and data of water flow from Central Water Commission in his book.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• K Chandrashekhar Rao is the first and present CM of Telangana.
• Hyderabadis the capital of Telangana.

3. Assam govt sets up Anti-Depredation squads

• The Assam government has set up 15 Anti-Depredation Squads of the Forest department to deal with human-wildlife conflicts in the state.
• The anti-depredation squads will be stationed in 15 major human-wildlife conflict districts of the state to deal with the problem and ensure the safety of both humans and animals.
• The Forest Department has engaged specially trained 50 front line staff to handle conflict situations with 100 more staff to be trained in the coming days.
• The anti-depredation squads will be equipped with all logistics required for mitigating the conflict.
• The squads will have 12 bore pump action guns and rubber bullet ammunition.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• Assam Capital: Dispur, CM: Sarbananda Sonowal, Governor: Jagdish Mukhi.

Agreements

4. IEPFA signs MOU with Bank of Baroda for Investor Awareness

• Investor Education & Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) works under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bank of Baroda (BoB) to spread customer awareness and investor education and reaching out to investors and stakeholders.
• As per the agreement, 9,456 BoB branches will exhibit IEPFA posters on investor protection & 3,115 ATMs (Automated Teller Machine) and Cash Recyclers supported by self-service channels will feature digital banners on IEPFA.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• Bank of Baroda (BoB) Headquarters: Vadodara, Gujarat.
• Bank of Baroda (BoB) Non-Executive Chairman: Hasmukh Adhia.
• Bank of Baroda (BoB): India’s International Bank.

5. India-Bangladesh ties transcend strategic partnership

• The ties between India and Bangladesh for transcend strategic partnership.
• The multidimensional relationship between the two countries covers not only traditional areas like trade, commerce, security and border management but also new areas such as IT, space and nuclear science among others.
• India is a committed development partner of Bangladesh with a credit line worth 8 billion US dollars of which 80% is earmarked for infrastructure and connectivity sector.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• India's High Commissioner to Bangladesh: Riva Ganguly Das.

Awards

6. National Florence Nightingale awards 2019

• President of India conferred 36 awardees with the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2019 at an event in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
• The award was given to Late Lini Sajeesh from Kozhikode, Kerala, who died while on duty caring for a Nipah (NiV) virus-infected patient in Kerala. The award was received by her spouse Sajeesh.
• Other 35 awardees were Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), Lady Health Visitors (LHVs), and nurses from different states and Union Territories (UT).
• The Nurses were awarded for their enthusiasm and compassion towards their work in community health centres and hospitals and also their involvement in national health programmes like eradication of polio, malaria and HIV/AIDS.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the year 2020 as the Year of Nurse and Midwife.
• The year 2020 also marks the 200th birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, after whom the awards have been named. Florence Nightingale was the founder of modern nursing and has done exemplary work in the nursing field.
• The Florence Nightingale award was established in the year 1973 by the Government of India to commemorate the exemplary work done by nurses.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For RRB NTPC/SSC CGL:

• May 12 is observed as the International Day of Nurses.

Appointments

7. K Vijay Kumar appointed senior security advisor in MHA

• K Vijay Kumar has been appointed as a senior security advisor in the Union Home Ministry headed by Amit Shah.
• The 1975 batch officer of Indian Police Service will "advise the ministry on security-related matters of Union Territory of J&K and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected States.
• He will be in the position for a period of 1-year from the date of his taking charge.
• He has served as Director-General of CRPF, Director of National Police Academy in Hyderabad and his most talked-about stint was as the chief of the Tamil Nadu police special task force that killed forest brigand Veerappan in 2004.
• After his retirement from service and as DG, CRPF in 2012, Kumar was appointed as senior security advisor LWE in the Home Ministry then headed by Rajnath Singh.

Banking

8. NEFT transactions to be made 24x7 from December 16

• The Reserve Bank of India announced round-the-clock transactions will be allowed 24x7 facility under the National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system on all days including weekends and holidays from December 16.
• These transactions after the usual banking hours are set to be automated initiated using 'Straight Through Processing (STP)' modes by the banks.
• The existing discipline for crediting the beneficiary's account or returning the transaction within 2 hours of settlement to the originating bank will also continue.
• Member banks are also advised to initiate necessary action and ensure availability of all necessary infrastructural requirements at their end for providing seamless NEFT 24x7 facility to their customers.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das, Headquarters: Mumbai, Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

Rank and Report

9. Aberdeen in A&N Islands declare best police station in country

• Aberdeen Police station in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ranks 1st in the list of the best-performing police stations in the country while dealing with a property offence, a crime against women and weaker sections.
• Home Ministry released the list of ten best-performing Police stations in the country.
• Balasinor police station in Gujarat secured the 2nd rank while and Ajk Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh got the 3rd position.
• The ranking of police stations came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the DGPs conference in 2015 in Kutch of Gujarat, had directed that parameters should be laid down for grading police stations and assessing their performance based on feedback.
• The ranking of top ten Police Stations out of over 15 thousand 500 Police Stations in the country was done through data analysis, direct observation and public feedback.

Obituaries

10. Bob Willis Former England cricket captain passes away

• Former England captain Bob Willis passed away.
• He captained England in 18 Tests and 29 one-day internationals before his retirement from all forms of cricket in 1984.
• The fast bowler took 325 wickets in 90 Tests from 1971 to 1984, claiming a career-best 8-43 to help England to a famous win over Australia at Headingley in the 1981 Ashes.

Important Days

11. Armed Forces Flag Day: 7 December

• Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on 7th of December every year across the country to honour the martyrs and Armed Forces personnel, who safeguard the motherland.
• The day provides an opportunity to express gratitude to the nation towards forces guarding the borders and their families.
• The fund collected on this day is used for the welfare of the serving personnel and ex-servicemen.
• The day reminds that the welfare of the soldiers and their families is the responsibility of the entire nation.

12. International Civil Aviation Day: 7 December

• The United Nations General Assembly officially recognized 7 December as International Civil Aviation Day globally.
• International Civil Aviation Day was established in 1994 as part of ICAO’s.
• In 1996, pursuant to an ICAO initiative and with the assistance of the Canadian Government.
• The theme of this year Civil Aviation Day is "75 Years of Connecting the World".
• The purpose of International Civil Aviation Day is to help generate and reinforce worldwide awareness of the importance of international civil aviation to the social and economic development of States, and of the unique role of ICAO in helping States to cooperate and realize a truly global rapid transit network at the service of all mankind.

Miscellaneous

13. J&K govt approves Leave Travel Concession in favour of its employees

• Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) in favour of its employees.
• The move is to benefit more than 3.5 lakh, regular government employees.
• The rules as per the notification shall be deemed to have come into force from the date of 31st of October 2019 and had been entitled as Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 2019.

Static/Current Takeaways Important For IBPS SO 2019:

• Lieutenant (Lt) Governors of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K): Girish Chandra Murmu.

14. Ripu Daman Bevli as "Plogging Ambassador of India" on 50th Fit India Plogging Run

• Ripu Daman Bevli was appointed as Plogging Ambassador of India by Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) on the 50th Fit India Plogging Run held in Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
• The minister also launched the Plogging Ambassador Mission to nominate Indians who have been running and cleaning their cities, towns or districts as Plogging Ambassadors of their region.
• Plog run is a unique way of picking up garbage while jogging, it was added to the Fit India Movement as an initiative to combine fitness with cleanliness like combining the Fit India Movement and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.