December 2012- Current Affairs (4th Week)

Current Affairs- December 2012

Current Affairs December 2012 –Fourth Week (Useful for all competitive Examinations)

Sachin Tendulkar announced Retirement from One Day Cricket

One of the game's all-time greats, SachinTendulkar, on 23 December 2012 announced his retirement from one-day cricket, bringing to an end a glorious 23-year-old career in the format during which he rewrote numerous batting records. Tendulkar goes out after amassing 18,426 runs in 463 one-dayers at an average of 44.83. The diminutive right-hander has an astonishing 49 hundreds in the format, including a double hundred -- the first in this form of the game.

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar is an Indian Batsman who is considered one of the greatest batsman of the world after Don Bradman in Test Cricket and the second most successful one day batsman after Viv Richards as per the ranking done by Wisden-the Bible of Cricket. Tendulkar who belongs to Mumbai Maharashtra made his appearance in six world cups for India and was the member of the 2011 World Cup winning squad of the nation.

The major facts related to his one day international career are as follows:

•    Sachin scored 18426 runs in 463 one-day matches at an average of 44.83

•    Tendulkar made his ODI debut on his international tour against Pakistan in 1989 in Gujranwala, where he scored zero runs

•    He scored his first half century in the 9th ODI

•    He made 49 hundreds in the one-day format, including a double hundred which is the first in this form of cricket and 96 half centuries

•    He scored his first century in the 79th ODI against Australia in 1994 at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo in a day-night match-this was the third match of singer world series

•    In the 2003 World Cup in South Africa he finished as the highest run-getter

•    He became the first cricketer to score a double century in the history of One Day international Cricket against South Africa in February 2010

•    He played his last One Day International Match against Pakistan in Asia Cup Dhaka played at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur and scored a half century to help India win the match

•    Tendulkar scored his 100th international century on 16 March 2012 against Bangladesh, where he scored 114 runs

Jnanpith Award 2011 won by Oriya Novelist and Academician Pratibha Ray

Leading Oriya novelist and academician Pratibha Ray, who has over 40 novels, travelogues and short stories to her credit, was on 27 December 2012 named for the prestigious Jnanpith Award for the year 2011 for her contribution to the field of Indian literature. The award carries a cash prize of 7 lakh rupees, a citation and a bronze statuette of Godess Saraswati. Pratibha Ray is the first Oriya woman and fourth Oriya writer to get the coveted award. She will also be the 47th author to be bestowed with the honour. Ray has 20 novels, 24 short stories, 10 travelogues, two poetry collections and a number of essays to her credit. Born in 1943, Pratibha Ray is one of the most widely read Oriya novelists and short story writers. Her novels and stories are deeply and persuasively grounded in the great tradition of story-telling.

Former Army chief Gen VK Singh's Z-Plus Security Cover removed by Union Government

The union government of India withdrew Z-plus security provided to ex-army chief General V K Singh. The former Army chief, who waged a messy battle while in office with the defence ministry over his age, is now actively taking part in protests over corruption, the Delhi gang rape and other issues. The decision to withdraw Z-plus security cover from 1 December 2012 was taken after home ministry reviewed that there wasn’t any threat against the ex-Army chief. Normally, all retiring Army chiefs get Z-Plus security for six months. It continues after that only if the threat perception is high. Gen Singh will, however, continue to stay in his government accommodation in Delhi Cantonment for six months more since he had earlier sought and obtained permission for it from defence minister AK Antony.

As Z-plus security beneficiary, the ex-army chief had around 30-35 Army personnel offering 24*7 proximate security in shifts. Six to seven vehicles which include the primary bullet-proof vehicle was also provided to the ex-army chief. While the government withdrew the security to Gen V K Singh, he would still get secretariat staff as well as certain sahayaks.

What is Z-Plus Security?

In India, depending upon the threat perception, high-risk people are provided securities by local government and the police. There are mainly four categories of security and these are Z-Plus, Z, Y and X. Z-Plus security cover is the highest level of security. Anyone provided with the Z-Plus security, gets a security cover of 36 personnel. Individuals in India who are provided with various categories of securities include cabinet ministers, chief ministers, Supreme Court and High Court judges, senior bureaucrats as well as leading politicians. NSG or National Security guards are usually used for providing security to individuals under Z-Plus security cover.

Shinzo Abe elected as Japan's prime minister

Shinzo Abe, the conservative leader of Japan was elected as the prime minister of the country by lower house of the Parliament called the House of Representatives, on 26 December 2012. Shinzo Abe took oath to rebuild Japanese economy as well as mend the coalition with US. Abe, who was also prime minister in 2006-2007, led the LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) to victory in parliamentary elections Dec. 16. As the seventh prime minister of Japan in not even 7 years, Abe replaced Yoshihiko Noda, who belonged to DPJ and whose party suffered deep defeat at the elections. DPJ (Democratic Party of Japan) had come into power in 2009 and it lost on grounds of failing policies as well as mishandling of atomic disaster at Fukushima in 2011.

Kamal Nath appointed as the new ex-officio Member of Planning Commission

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s office on 26 December 2012 has re-constituted the Planning Commission and appointed the Parliamentary Affairs and Urban Development Minister - Kamal Nath as the new ex-officio member of the Plan panel in place of rural development minister Jairam Ramesh. The decision was taken with the view to lay down government emphasis on the Urban Development and schemes like MNREGA, already in existence for rural development. The other ex-officio members of the Commission are Finance Minister P Chidambaram, Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister M K Alagiri, Communications Minister Kapil Sibal, Law Minister.

Narendra Modi sworn in as Gujarat Chief Minister for fourth term

Narendra Modi, who powered BJP to an emphatic victory in Gujarat, was on 26 December 2012 sworn in as Chief Minister for the fourth consecutive term at the head of a 17-member ministry. Governor Kamla Beniwal administered the oath of office and secrecy to him at Sardar Patel Stadium at Ahmedabad.

Virbhadra Singh took oath for the Sixth time as Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh

Former Union Minister of India and Veteran Congress leader Virbhadra Singh on 25 December 2012 was sworn-in as Chief Minister of Himachal for a record sixth term in Shimla. Governor Urmila Singh administered the oath of office to the septuagenarian, who has been chief minister for more than 16 years. Virbhadra Singh is often referred to as the Raja of Rampur because his ancestors were royalty. He had served five terms as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh between 1983 and 2007. He first assumed office April 8, 1983. In his five-decade political career, he has been an MLA seven times and a parliamentarian five times.

China starts world’s longest bullet train linking Beijing with Guangzhou

China on 26 December 2012 inaugurated world's longest high-speed rail route linking its capital Beijing with the southern metropolis of Guangzhou, covering a distance of 2,298 kms. Running at an average speed of 300 km per hour, the bullet train will save nearly 12 hours by bringing down the travel time between Beijing and Guangzhou from more than 20 hours to around eight. The route connects five provinces and has 35 stops in major cities, including Shijiazhuang, Zhengzhou, Wuhan and Changsha. The new train covers Beijing with China's most industrialised province Guangdong where most developed cities like Guangzhou close to Hong Kong and Maccau are located. The line is expected to be extended to Hong Kong by 2015.

‘Gangnam Style’ Collins dictionary’s word of the year

After becoming the most-watched video ever on Youtube, Korean singer Psy’s pop sensation “Gangnam Style” has now booked a place in popular culture with recognition from a renowned British dictionary. Gangnam Style, is pop sensation with a horse dance video by his Sotuh Korean singer Psy. It became the first video in the history of the Internet to be viewed more than a billion times. “Gangnam Style” has been named among the Collins dictionary’s words of the year along with “mummy porn”, “fiscal cliff” and “Romneyshambles”.

ü   Mummy porn became April’s word of the year as the erotic novel Fifty Shades of Grey was published during that month and became an instant bestseller.

ü   Defeated presidential candidate Mitt Romney became word of the year for July after critics recognized his visit to London a Romneyshambles.

Shihab Ghanem became the First Arab to receive India’s Tagore Peace Prize

Emirati poet and translator Shihab Ghanem became the first Emirati and Arab to win the Tagore Peace Prize.Tagore Peace Prize is instituted by the Indian government to commemorate the birth anniversary of India’s poet, philosopher and Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Ghanem was awarded the accolade in recognition of his creative literary and translation works, both in Arabic and English, and for promoting human understanding and values of love and peace Tagore had advocated. The award is given to one person every two years. Ghanem was chosen due to the promotion of the human values of love and peace via his poetic works.

High-Level Committee Shortlisted Nominees for Padma Awards

High-level committee met on 26 December 2012 to shortlist the nominees of prestigious Padma awards. Rajesh Khanna, singer Kailash Kher as well as director of much-acclaimed movie Sholay’, Ramesh Sippy might be honoured with the prestigious awards on 26 January 2013. Rajesh Khanna, who died on 18 July 2012, was shortlisted for highest category of Padma awards- Padma Vibhushan. Ramesh Sippy and Kailesh Kher were shortlisted for the award of Padma Shri.

Awardees’ names would be declared on 25 January 2013 after PM Manmohan Singh’s approval. Rajesh Khanna, Kailash Kher and Ramesh Sippy were shortlisted after recommendations from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.Usually, the Padma awards are not conferred after the death of an individual, but Rajesh Khanna was considered by the Government as highly deserving candidate for Padma Vibhushan. This would make an exception to the Padma awards. Similar exceptions were made earlier when singer and music director Bhupen Hazarika was conferred with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 2012.

The high-level committee that shortlisted the nominees of the award included cabinet secretary Ajit Seth, home secretary R K Singh, scientist Anil Kakodkar, principal secretary to the PM Pulok Chatterjee as well as actor Ratna Pathak Shah.

Number of Supreme Court Judges increased to 28 after 3 Judges Sworn In

Justice M.Yusuf Eqbal-Chief Justice of Madras High Court, V. Gopala Gowda-Chief Justice of Orissa High Court and Vikramajit Sen-Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court sworn in as the Judges of Supreme Court of India on 24 December 2012 by the Chief Justice of India Altamas Kabir. With this, the number of judges in Supreme Court of India rose to twenty-seven, with four more vacancies remaining. The three judges were appointed by the President of India Pranab Mukherhjee for the post on 21 December 2012.

India successfully test-fires Astra missile third time in a week

India on on 24 December 2012 successfully test-fired its indigenously developed Astra air-to-air interceptor missile from a defence base in Odisha for the third time within a week. The test was conducted for identifying the missile's interception capability and high manoeuvring and was successful in intercepting the simulated target at an altitude of 4 kilometer. Before this test firing, Astra was also tested from the same base on 21 December and 22 December 2012 by the scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), who have designed and developed this missile. After passing all the tests, Astra would be integrated with different combat fighter aircraft like MIG-29, Sukhoi-30 and other light combat aircraft.

Park Geun-hye becomes first woman South Korean President

In recent Presidential elections in South Korea, Park Geun-hye gained the victory to become country’s first woman President, daughter of the former military ruler, Park Chung-Hee.

Justice Swatanter Kumar is new NGT chief

Justice Swatanter Kumar has become the first Supreme Court judge to be the chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) which was, till now, functioning without a full-time chairperson. He will decide on cases pertaining to environmental protection, and conservation of forests and natural resources.

President Obama: TIME’s Person of the Year

TIME magazine has named US President Barack Obama Person of the Year "For finding and forging a new majority, for turning weakness into opportunity and for seeking, amid great adversity, to create a more perfect union". This is the second time that Time has chosen Obama. Previously, the magazine chose him Person of the Year in 2008.

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Happy Christmas!!!!

Currentaffairs4examz.blogspot.com wishes all of you a very happy Christmas!!!!

“May the good times and treasures of the present become the golden memories of tomorrow. Wish you lots of love, joy and happiness. MERRY CHRISTMAS”

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Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement from One day Internationals

Sachin Tendulkar announces retirement from One day Internationals

Sachin Tendulkar has retired from ODI cricket. Tendulkar finishes an illustrious career in the 50-over format, having played 463 ODIs, scored 18,426 runs and made 49 centuries, each of them a world record. His last ODI was against Pakistan in Dhaka during the Asia Cup, where he made a half-century in India's victory.

"I have decided to retire from the One Day format of the game," he said in a statement. "I feel blessed to have fulfilled the dream of being part of a World Cup winning Indian team. The preparatory process to defend the World Cup in 2015 should begin early and in right earnest. I would like to wish the team all the very best for the future. I am eternally grateful to all my well wishers for their unconditional support and love over the years."

Tendulkar made his ODI debut on his first international tour, in 1989, against Pakistan in Gujranwala, where he got a duck. He scored his first half-century in his ninth ODI and made an immediate impact when promoted to open the batting in 1994, in an ODI against New Zealand in Auckland, where he smashed 82 in 49 balls. His first century took 79 ODIs to arrive but he kept piling them on with remarkable consistency.

Some of the batting highlights in his ODI career include back-to-back hundreds against Australia in 1998 in a triangular tournament in Sharjah, finishing as the highest run-getter in the 2003 World Cup in South Africa, and becoming the first batsman to score a double-century in the ODI format, against South Africa in February 2010.

He was part of one of India's greatest ODI achievements over the last three decades, when they won the World Cup in 2011, beating Sri Lanka in the final on his home ground in Mumbai - it was his last ODI in India. In preparation for that World Cup, Tendulkar had curtailed the amount of ODI cricket in the year playing only four ODIs in the 12 months before the tournament. Since the end of the World Cup, Tendulkar has played 10 ODIs, seven in the CB Series against Australia and the last three of his career being played at the Asia Cup in Dhaka. His innings of 114 against Bangladesh on March 16 was his 100th international hundred in what turned out to be Tendulkar's penultimate ODI match for India.

Tendulkar's announcement of his ODI retirement came through a statement from the BCCI which stated that he had spoken to BCCI president N Srinivasan. His retirement was announced on the day the Indian selectors picked the teams to play in the five-match T20 and ODI series against Pakistan.

"It was not sudden. He informed us before the selection about his decision," Sanjay Jagdale, the BCCI secretary, told reporters. "He spoke to me and the president about his decision. Naturally he must have been (emotional) I can't say we just spoke on the phone."

"What he has expressed is his concern that India has to prepare for the next World Cup," the BCCI's chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty added. "From that point of view, he felt that it was time that he retired."

Courtesy: espncricinfo.com

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December 2012- Latest Current Affairs

Current Affairs- December 2012

Current Affairs December 2012 -Third Week

U.S. beauty Olivia Culpo crowned Miss Universe 2012

Olivia Culpo, a 20-year-old Rhode Island native, beat 88 other beauty queens to be crowned as Miss Universe 2012 at a gala ceremony in Las Vegas on December 20, 2012. Philippines’ Janine Tugonon was adjudged the first runner-up followed by Venezuela’s Irene Esser. Ms. Culpo, who grew up in Cranston, Rhode Island and dreams of making it big in showbiz, has brought the title back to the U.S. after a decade. Brooke Lee was the last winner in 1997. Wearing a red gown, Ms. Culpo was crowned by 2011 winner Leila Lopez of Angola during the competition that lasted for two hours.

Other Highlights

·        India’s Shilpa Singh made only to the top 16 spot.

·        The panel of 10 judges included names like singer Cee Lo Green, ‘Iron Chef’ Masaharu M Orimoto and Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants.

·        Philippines’ Janine Tugonon the first runner-up

Hat-trick for Narendra Modi in Gujarat Assembly Elections;  Congress wins Himachal Pradesh

Narendra Modi swept back to power in Gujarat for the third time by winning 115 while Congress party could manage just 61 seats. Narendra Modi who is set to become the Chief Minister yet gain beat his nearest rival Shweta Bhatt by a margin of over 86,000 votes in Maninagar.

World Cup Kabaddi Tournament 2012 won by India

India on 15 December 2012 won the 3rd World Cup Kabaddi Tournament for the third consecutive time in the Men’s category and second consecutive time in the Women’s category both held at Guru Nanak Dev Stadium in Ludhiana. Indian men defeated arch rival Pakistan with a margin of 37 points whereas, Indian women thrashed Malaysia 72-12. The Kabaddi world cup was a 15-day tournament. In men's category, third prize went to Canada and in women's category, it was given to Denmark. Indian men registered a hat trick by outclassing Pakistan in every aspect of game. At the end of the first half, Indian men squad was leading with a point difference of 34-9. India’s raider and stoppers showed an extraordinary sport in collecting points for their country. Women’s final was virtually a one sided show as Malaysian team was no match against Indian eves.

Constitution Amendment Bill on Quota for SC/STs in Government Job passed by Huge Majority in Rajya Sabha

The Constitution Amendment Bill that provides quotas for SCs and STs in Government Job Promotions was approved in Rajya Sabha on 17 December 2012 by an overwhelming majority. The new amendment demands retaining of Article 335 and deletes the words or in the article to make sure that condition of efficiency as mentioned in the Article continues to be the part of Indian Constitution and not wiped out. The bill would also ensure that the provision of the Article 335 and its effects are retained and allows related standards for promotion against reserved vacancies to candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes and Tribes.

Ranbir Kapoor to be Brand Ambassador of Blackberry Smartphone maker Research-In-Motion (RIM)

Blackberry Smartphone maker Research-In-Motion (RIM) in third week of December had signed in Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador in India. The signing of Ranbir Kapoor is a move to attract young entrepreneurs and professionals, as the celebrity endorsement is an accepted norm in India in terms of youth and consumer association with brand. It is also the first time Blackberry had signed a celebrity in India as its brand ambassador.

Jeet Thayil among 24 Chosen for Sahitya Akademi Award

Jeet Thayil - nominated to Booker Prize 2012, Subrata Mukhopadhyay - the Bengali novelist, K Satchidanandan - the Malayalam poet and HS Shivaprakash - the noted Kannada writer are among the 24 authors, who were chosen for the Prestigious Sahitya Akademi Awards 2012 on 20 December 2012 by the Sahitya Akademi - India’s National Academy for Letters. Jeet Thayil was chosen and awarded for his poetry collection in English - These Errors are Correct. Marannu Vecha Vasthukal the poetic creation of Satchidanandan helped him to be nominated for the award whereas the Novel Birasan helped Subrata Mukhopadyay in winning the nomination for the award.

Delhi Government to Draft New Bill for Amendments in Law on Rape, Sexual Assault

In the background of Vasant Vihar gang rape which took place on 16 December 2012, Delhi Government decided drafting new bill for making amendments in the law against rape and sexual assault. It was decided that amendments would be made so that the law against rape and sexual assault were more stringent. The new bill would be prepared by Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaising and it would later be moved to Home Ministry via Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. The new bill would aim at filling gaps in present law on rape and sexual assault. At present, the laws on rape and sexual assault have various gaps in justice delivery system. Decision to draft new bill was taken by CM Sheila Dikshit after negotiations with social workers, professors and experts.

Lok Sabha Passed the banking bill Clearing way for New Corporate Licenses

The Lok Sabha on 18 December 2012 passed the Banking (Amendment) Bill, which majorily focuses on attracting more foreign investment into the banking industry and cleared a major obstacle and paved the way for the Reserve Bank of India to issue new bank licenses.

 Highlights of the Bill is as Follows

• The Bill was passed after the government agreed to drop the debatable Forwards Markets Contract Clause, which proposed permitting banks to enter commodity futures trading.

• Introduced in the Lok Sabha in March 2011, the Bill gives the RBI the power to surpass bank board as well as to inspect the books of associates of banking company.

• The Bill allows foreign banks to convert their Indian operations into local subsidiaries or transfer shareholding to a holding company of the bank without paying stamp duty.

• The Competition Commission clause in the Banking Bill had also been modified which will allows RBI to remain the banking regulator, while the Competition Commission of India (CCI) will regulate mergers and acquisitions.

• CCI will have the power to investigate and clear mergers and acquisitions in the banking sector.

• It also provides for voting rights to investors in private sector banks appropriate with their shareholding. The cap on voting rights for investors in private sector lenders, such as HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank, will now rise to 26 per cent from 10 per cent, and to 10 per cent for government banks, such as State Bank of India, from just 1 per cent.

• The passage of the Bill was critical to the government as it paves the way for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue new banking licenses to the private sector

• In October2012, the Cabinet approved the Forward Contract Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill to give more powers to the FMC, but the Bill is yet to get Parliamentary approval.

• Foreign banks have long sought these changes which will now help them in expanding their operations in India.

Roger Federer - Swiss Male Athlete of the Year

The world No.2, 17 times Grand Slam champion Roger Federer, 31,  was named Swiss Male Athlete of the Year on 16 December 2012. Federer received the honour for the fifth time. Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis player acquired the same title in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007. The female Athlete of the year was Nicola Spirig, the Olympic triathlon champion of Switzerland.

Subhash Joshi -New Chief of Indian Border Security Force (BSF)

Subhash Joshi on 18 December 2012 appointed as the new chief of Border Security Force (BSF) while special secretary in home ministry Ajay Chadha appointed to head the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). Subhash Joshi is at present is the director general of National Security Guard and he is going to lead the 1.8 lakh strong border force BSF. The post of the chief of Indian Border Force had fallen vacant on 1 December 2012 due to retirement U K Bansal’s, the director general of the Border Security Force ( BSF).

The above appointments is going to be in effect from the dates these officers assume charge of their posts and till their superannuation or until further orders, whichever event takes place earlier.

Queen Elizabeth Became First Peacetime British Ruler to Attend Cabinet Meeting

On 18 December 2012, Queen Elizabeth became first British ruler ever since 1781, who attended the cabinet meeting. Though she did not take part in any deliberations, but she participated in the cabinet meeting as an observer and a listener. Queen Elizabeth remained seated on the chair which is usually occupied by the prime minister. At present, Britain has a tradition of monarch allowing a weekly audience to PM in order to receive private as well as confidential briefing. But actually, the Queen just rubber stamps the ministerial decisions, maybe sometimes in presence of the Privy Council.

Historic series win for England Cricket Team in India

The last test match between India and England of the Tournament England Tour to India ended up as a draw and with this India lost the four-test match cricket series against England by 1-2 on 17 December 2012. With this win England succeeded in ending a 28 year long wait of winning a test series on Indian Soil. Before this the English side under the captaincy of David Gower won the test series in India 1984-85.

Series Highlights

·        The first Test was played at Ahmedabad from 15 November to 19 November 2012 in which India won the match by 9 wickets.

·        The second was played at Mumbai from 23 November to 26 November 2012 in which England won the match by 10 wickets

·        In the third test match played at Kolkata from 5 December to 9 December 2012 England won the match by 7 wickets

·        The fourth & last test resulted in a draw and was played at Nagpur from 13 December to 17 December 2012

Indigenous Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine Developed by India

First vaccine of the world was developed against Japanese Encephalitis (JE) using the Indian strain of virus. National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune offered the strain of JE virus to Bharat Biotech. This JE virus was gathered from Kolar in Karnataka. Bharat Biotech had submitted results from final human trials to Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) so that it could have marketing clearance. Currently, India imports the stock of JE vaccine from National Biotech Group of China. The arrival of this indigenous Indian vaccination will help in protection of the Indian population against the disease which is largely growing in the country.

What is Japanese Encephalitis (JE)?

JE is the mosquito-borne virus which mainly affects the CNS or Central Nervous System. It can be transmitted to human beings if infected mosquito bites. Mosquitoes in turn are affected when they feed on domestic pigs that carry this virus. JE usually affects children who are below 15 years of age. Around 25 percent affected children usually die and among those who survive, 30-40 percent suffer from mental and physical impairment. In 2011, it was reported that JE had occurred in 135 districts in 17 states of India.

Naina Lal Kidwai became the First Woman President of FICCI

On 15 December 2012 Naina Lal Kidwai took over as President of FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry), becoming the first woman to head the leading industry body. Kidwai, is the first woman and professional manager to be elected as President of the chamber. She is 55 years old.  Chairman of Digjam Ltd, Sidharth Birla was elected as Senior Vice-President of FICCI. Kidwai succeeded R V Kanoria of Kanoria Chemicals & Industries Ltd. Chairman of Xpro India Ltd. Naina Lal Kidwai is the Country head of HSBC India and Director of HSBC Asia Pacific.

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Latest Current Affairs - December 2012

Current Affairs- December 2012

Current Affairs December 2012 -Second Week

Pandit Ravi Shankar, the Indian sitar Maestro Passed away

Legendary sitar maestro Pandit Ravi Shankar, who spearheaded the worldwide spread of Indian music and had a major influence on Western musicians like The Beatles, passed away in San Diego city of California on 11 December 2012 at the age of 92. Pandit Ravi Shankar is survived by his wife Sukanya and musician daughters, sitar player Anoushka Shankar, singer Norah Jones, 3 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Pandit Ravi Shankar was the sitar exemplar and was also called India`s musical ambassador who was responsible for making Indian classical music popular in the West. He had collaborated with several international artists including George Harrison of The Beatles which had earned him fame and adoration all over the world. A Magsaysay award winner, Shankar was nominated as a member of the Rajya Sabha in 1986.

In his 60 years as a musician Pandit Ravi Shankar had won numerous national and international awards.

• He received the Padma Bhushan in 1967, Padma Vibhushan in 1981 and Bharat Ratna in 1999.

• He is also a three-time Grammy winner.

• He is a honourary member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters and is a member of the United Nations International Rostrum of composers.

• He is winner of Magsaysay award in year 1992.

•He received the music award of the UNESCO International Music Council in 1975.

Lional Messi breaks Gerd Muller's record for most goals in a calendar year

Lionel Messi, the renowned soccer player on 9 December 2012 set the record for most goals in a calendar year by scoring his 86th goal of 2012. He set the record while scoring the winning goal against Real Betis. Messi's record included 12 for Argentina and 74 goals for Barcelona in 66 games.  The earlier record was made by Gerd Mueller who had scored 85 goals in 1972 which included 72 goals for his club Bayern Munich and 13 for his country West Germany. The record breaking performance has made Messi favourite to claim his fourth FIFA World Player of the Year award.

India Successfully test fired Agni I Ballistic Missile

India on 12 December 2012 successfully test-fired it’s indigenously developed nuclear capable Agni-I ballistic missile with a strike range of 700 km from a test range off Odisha coast. The missile was test-fired under a practice trial by the Strategic Force Command of the Indian Army from a mobile launcher at about 8.30 am on 12 December 2012 from launch pad-4 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Wheeler Island, about 100 km from Balasore, defence .

Facts about Agni I Ballistic Missile

• Agni- I is a single-stage missile which is powered by solid propellants and has a specialised navigation system which ensures that it reaches the target with a high degree of accuracy and precision.

• It Weighs around 12 tonnes and is 15-metre-long which is capable of carrying payloads up to 1000 kg.

• Agni-I has been developed by advanced systems laboratory, the premier missile development laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Defence Research Development Laboratory and Research Centre Imarat and integrated by Bharat Dynamics Limited, Hyderabad.

Bar code inventor Norman Woodland died at 91

Norman Woodland, the inventor of bar code, which revolutionised product labelling, died at 91 on 8 December 2012 at New Jersey. He died because of complications resulting due to Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his wife (61), two daughters, one brother and granddaughters.

Woodland was the co-inventor of bar code; the zebra pattern which stores information about the products.  He as well as his partner Bernard Silver (who died in 1963) patented this idea of bar code back in 1952 and also sold that to Philco, the electronics company for 15000 US dollar.

The code is today known as Universal Product Code (UPC). First bar code scan occurred on 26 June 1974 in Troy, Ohio. Today, there are 5 billion products which are scanned optically with the help of bar code or UPC. The laser scanner which is handheld is today used in industrial, transportation as well as shipping industries across the world. Today, the bar code saves countless hours of shoppers in the supermarkets

Vinod Rai re-elected as UN auditors panel head

Comptroller and Auditor General of India Vinod Rai has been re-elected as Chairman of United Nations Panel of External Auditors for 2013. The Panel of External Auditors plays an important role in promoting accountability and strengthening governance mechanisms in the UN organisations. Panel of the United Nations is the deciding body of the course as well as subject of audit of the different UN organisations which also include International Atomic Energy Agency. CAG of the UK, Amyas Morse was re-elected as the vice-chairman.

European Union receives 2012 Nobel Peace Prize

The European Union, received 2012Nobel Peace Prize for turning Europe "from a continent of war to a continent of peace" in the wake of two world wars. The award was conferred by Norwegian Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland to EU President Herman Van Rompuy, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and European Parliament President Martin Schulz in the Norwegian capital, Oslo.

Bihar received the Silver Icon Web Ratna Award 2012

Bihar's public grievance redressal website received the Silver Icon Web Ratna Award 2012 on 10 December 2012. The public grievance redressal website -- http://bpgrs.in has been developed by the state government as an e-governance initiative and has various features for quick and transparent disposal of complaints. The complainant is also intimated on his/her e-mail about the action taken.

Australia Won the Hockey Champions Trophy for Fifth Consecutive Year, India Lost Bronze to Pakistan

Australia won Champions Trophy 2012 for the fifth consecutive year by defeating the Netherlands in the finals held in Melbourne, Australia. The bronze was claimed by Pakistan after they beat India 3-2 on a match on 9 December 2012. India missed the chance to win bronze, which would have been its second Champions trophy medal as well as the first since 1982.

Final Result:

1. Australia: Champions

2. The Netherlands: Silver

3. Pakistan: Bronze

Australia has won Champions trophy for a maximum 13 times.

Life of Pi was given two National Tourism Awards by the Ministry of Tourism

Life of Pi was given two National Tourism Awards by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India on 8 December 2012 recognizing the impact it has had in promoting India as a tourism destination, especially Puducherry and Munnar (Kerala). These Awards will be given to Ang Lee, Director of the film ‘Life of Pi’ and  Yann Martel, writer of the book of the same name.

Apple Launched i pad mini and fourth-generation iPad in India

On 7 December 2012, Apple launched iPad mini and fourth-generation iPad in India. This comes less than a week after the company rolled out iTunes Store in the country.

The i Pad mini with its 7.9-inch touchscreen, display, FaceTime HD, and iSight cameras came to India at starting price of 21900 rupees for the 16GB Wi-Fi-only version. The 32 and 64GB Wi-Fi-only versions of the device cost 27900 and 33900 rupees respectively in Indian market. The fourth-generation i pad is Compatible with 4G networks and have 9.7-inch touchscreen with Retina display technology and runs on A6X dual-core processor. The 16, 32 and 64GB Wi-Fi-only variants of the latest iPad are priced at 31900, 37900 and 43900rupees respectively. Apple declared that the new iPad mini is 23 percent thinner and 53 percent lighter than the third generation iPad.

Web Ratna Gold Award for Kerala CM Website

The Kerala Chief Minister’s website, keralacm.gov.in, has won the Web Ratna Gold Medal Award instituted by Central Government to promote innovative e-Governance initiatives. This website was launched on July 01, 2011. CM’s Press Secretary P T Chacko received the award from Union Minister for Communication & IT, Kapil Sibal at a function held at New Delhi. The award aims to honour initiatives taken by the Chief Minister who have leveraged upon the use of ICT to solicit active participation of public in the process of governance. The award secretariat consisting of three tier screening committee observed that the Kerala Chief Minister’s website has succeeded in bringing better public participation in governance. ‘The New York Times’ had applauded the live streaming of Chief Minister’s office as part of Oommen Chandy’s earnest efforts to bring transparency in governance by incorporating technological innovations.

“Change of Guard” Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan now open to public every Saturday

It would now be possible for common man to visit President’s House Rashtrapati Bhavan to witness ceremonial ‘Change of Guard’ conducted in precision by smartly dressed army men and caparisoned horses. As per the new changes which have been introduced after President Pranab Mukherjee’s instructions to open the house for common man, 200 public visitors will now be allowed every Saturday at its forecourt for witnessing the ceremony.

BB Nimbalkar, India’s Highest Scorer in First class cricket Passed away

Bhausaheb Babasaheb Nimbalkar, a giant of Indian domestic cricket who came close to breaking Sir Don Bradman's first-class score in the Ranji Trophy, passed away due to age related ailments in his residence in Kolhapur on 11 December 2012.The right-handed batsman holds the record of scoring the highest individual first-class score by an Indian - 443 not out for Maharashtra against Kathiawar at Poona Club in December 1948. With an aggregate of 3,687 runs at a healthy average of 56.72 with 11 centuries he is counted among the outstanding batsmen in the Ranji Trophy.

Yeddyurappa formally launches Karnataka Janata Party

Opening a new chapter in Karnataka politics, former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa formally launched Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) on 09 December 2012 and took over as its president at a massive rally here in North Karnataka.

Prepared by: currentaffairs4examz.blogspot.com

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