Monthly BeePedia December 2019 - Statutory Bodies Exams PDF

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Finance and Banking
RBI keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.15%

The three-day (December 3 – 5, 2019) policy review meeting by the 6 members of Monetary
Policy Committee (MPC) was headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das with the members -Dr.
Chetan Ghate, Dr. Pami Dua, Dr. Ravindra H. Dholakia, Dr. Michael Debabrata Patra, Shri Bibhu
Prasad Kanungo.
• The next meeting of the MPC is scheduled during February 4-6, 2020.
Policy Rates under Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)
Repo Rate 5.15%
Reverse Repo Rate 4.90%
Marginal standing facility (MSF) Rate 5.40%
Bank Rate 5.40%
Reserve Ratios
Cash reserve Ratio (CRR) 4%
Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) (18.50% from October 12, 2019 It will again
18.75%
change on January 4, 2020)
GDP Prediction
GDP for 2019-20 5 % (from 6.1 %)
CPI Inflation
H1:2020-21 4.0-3.8%
H2:2019-20 5.1-4.7 %
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Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
RBI raises P2P lending cap fivefold to Rs. 50 lakh

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised aggregate exposure of a lender to borrowers across non-
banking financial company (NBFC) peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms by fivefold at Rs. 50 lakh. The
cap on exposure of a single borrower, however, remains at Rs. 50,000 across such platforms.
BlackBuck joins hands with IDFC &Yes Bank to provide free FASTags to truckers
BlackBuck, India’s largest online trucking platform. has partnered with leading private sector
lenders IDFC (Infrastructure Development Finance Company) Bank and Yes Bank to offer
FASTags to truck fleet owners free of cost.
HDFC ERGO general insurance launches ‘my:health woman suraksha policy’

HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, India’s third-largest non-life insurance provider in
the private sector, has launched “my:health Woman Suraksha policy”, a comprehensive
medical insurance scheme specially designed for women.
NSE appoints Girish Chandra Chaturvedi as new chairman

The National Stock Exchange of India Ltd, or NSE received Securities and Exchange Board of
India (Sebi) approval to appoint Girish Chandra Chaturvedi, a retired IAS officer and former
secretary, Union ministry of petroleum and natural gas, as its chairman.
India’s forex reserves crossed $450 billion for the first time
Indian foreign exchange (forex) reserve for the first time crossed $450-billion mark. This was
mainly due to strong inflows which enabled the central bank to buy dollars from the market.
RBI releases “Guidelines for ‘on tap’ Licensing of SFB in the Private Sector”
Payments banks willing to convert themselves into small finance banks (SFBs) can apply for
such a licence only after 5 years of operations.
• The minimum capital for setting up an SFB has been mandated at ₹200 crores, adding for primary
(urban) co-operative banks (UCBs), which wish to become SFBs, the initial requirement of net
worth will be ₹100 crores, which will have to be increased to ₹200 crores within five years from
the date of commencement of business.
IEPFA inks MoU with Bank of Baroda (BoB) for investor awareness
Investor Education & Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) which works under the Ministry of
Corporate Affairs has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Bank of Baroda
(BoB), Indian Multinational, public sector Bank (psb) to spread customer awareness and
investor education and reaching out to investors and stakeholders.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Walmart India ties-up with HDFC to launch co-branded credit card for Best price stores
In a first, Walmart India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Inc has joined hands with
HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corporation) Bank to launch a co-branded credit card.
• The card is being supported by Diners Club International which has acceptance of its own
membership card in 185 countries.
World Bank arm IFC to invest $ 200 million in Mahindra finance

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a unit of the World Bank Group, has anchored an
investment round of $ 200 million in Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL),
a Rural NBFC (Non Banking Financial Company) with the objective to create a ‘pool’
specifically for financing micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in low income states.
Aditya Birla health insurance teams up with MobiKwik to offer affordable health insurance
plans
Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited (ABHICL), a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Ltd
has partnered with MobiKwik, a fin-tech platform to offer affordable health insurance plans to
mobile-first middle-class Indian consumers who have previously never had access to
insurance solutions. They have jointly launched the first product called “Cancer Protect
Cover” Plan as part of their contract.
CPPIB to invest $600 mn via National Investment and Infrastructure Fund

The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) of India and Canada Pension Plan
Investment Board (CPPIB) have agreed for CPPIB to invest up to $600 million through the NIIF
Master Fund.
Mastercard joins hands with Federal bank for additional digital security called ‘Mastercard
Identity Check’
Mastercard,an American multinational financial services corporation has tied-up with Federal Bank, a
Private Sector, scheduled commercial bank, to provide an additional layer of security function called
‘Mastercard Identity Check’ for digital transactions done by bank’s cardholders.
ICICI Bank opens new service centre in Bahrain

ICICI Bank has inaugurated a new service centre of the bank in the Gulf nation Bahrain,
making it the lender’s second physical touch point in the country. The bank already has a
retail branch at the local Manama Centre.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Edelweiss AMC launches India’s 1st corporate bond ‘Bharat Bond ETF’
Edelweiss Asset Management Company (AMC), a subsidiary of Edelweiss Capital Limited
(ECL) has launched India’s 1st Corporate Bond ETF (exchange trade fund) called the Bharat
Bond ETF which aims to raise an initial amount of Rs 3,000 crore through this bond from institutional
players with a greenshoe option of Rs 2,000 crore in the 3-year maturity period (2023) and Rs 4,000
crore with a greenshoe option of Rs 6,000 crore in the 10-year maturity bucket (2030).
Vakrangee join hands with Union Bank of India(UBI) for 20,000 Banking BC Points
Vakrangee Finserve Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Vakrangee Limited (VL) has
partnered with Union Bank of India (UBI), one of the largest government-owned banks of India
for 20,000 Banking Business Correspondent (BC) points for Nextgen Vakrangee Kendra.
IRDAI frames 10-member group headed by T. L. Alamelu to study loss prevention

IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India), an autonomous body
constituted to regulate and develop insurance business in India, has constituted a 10-member
working group (WG) headed by IRDAI member (non-life) T. L. Alamelu to make
recommendations for loss prevention & minimization in the general insurance industry. It will
submit its report within 12 weeks.
SBI inks $277 million pact with Germany based KfW bank to develop energy-efficient housing
programme
State Bank of India (SBI) has signed a loan agreement worth of $277 million (about Rs 1,958
crore) with Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) German development bank for establishing an
energy-efficient housing programme in India. The arrangement of the loan and the grant facilities
was facilitated by SBI's investment banking subsidiary SBI Capital Markets Ltd.
BSE inks cyber-security agreement

BSE has signed a pact with security services provider Si Consult to strengthen cyber security
services and safeguard the interests of stockbrokers. The market regulator SEBI in December
2018 put in place a stricter cyber security framework for stock brokers and depository participants
amid concerns over possible data breaches.
HDFC Bank crosses $100 billion market capitalisation

HDFC Bank has become the 3rd Indian firm to cross $100 billion mark in market capitalisation.
With this achievement, HDFC Bank is now ranked 110th in the list of world’s most valued
companies.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Google searches for 'Operation Twist' surge in India

Google searches for 'Operation Twist' surged in India after the RBI announced its version of
the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy in an effort to cheapen long-term borrowing and boost
bank lending by buying longer-tenor bonds while selling shorter debt.
RBI buy, sell govt bonds worth Rs 10,000 crore on 23rd December 2019
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had simultaneously purchased and sold government securities worth
10,000 crore rupees under a special Open Market Operation (OMO), when the proceeds from the
sale of short-term securities are used to buy long-term government securities or bonds in a
bid to bring down interest rates on long-term securities.
Axis Bank & IOCL launched co-branded credit card for cashless payments
Axis Bank and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has entered into a partnership to launch co-
branded credit cards which will be useful for customers preferring cashless and hassle-free
payments and enhance customer convenience in tier-II and III cities
NPCI to set up subsidiary to take UPI global

After tasting success in India in its three years of existence, real-time payment system Unified
Payment Interface (UPI) is now gearing up for international markets. According to recent data
available, UPI has onboarded over 100 million customers. It aims to onboard about 500 million
customers by 2022. It may soon go live in overseas markets like the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
and Singapore.
RBI releases annual report of ombudsman Schemes for the year 2018-19
According to the annual Report of Ombudsman Schemes for 2018-19,released by Reserve
Bank of India(RBI), the volume of complaints received by its 21 Offices of Banking
Ombudsman (OBOs) has increased to 1,95,901 complaints in 2018-19 (Fiscal year-FY 19), up
by 19.75% (or 32,311 complaints) from the previous year (2017-18), that accounted 1,63,590. In
case of NBFC-Ombudsman scheme which came to effect on February 23, 2018 in four metro centres
Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi, as many 3,991 complaints were received, as compared to
675 in four months operation during 2017-18.
BRICS’ NDB pledges $100 million to NIIF’s Fund of Funds

New Development Bank (NDB), earlier known as the BRICS Development Bank, has committed
$100 million to India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’s (NIIF) Fund of Funds.
Earlier in August, NIIF Fund of Funds (FoF) received a commitment of ₹667 crore (close to $100
million) from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), according to a disclosure on ADB’s website.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
RBI holds open market operations

The RBI has purchased ₹10,000 crore worth long-term government securities and sold ₹6,825
crore of short-term securities through open market operations (OMOs) and to protect
consumer interest, on a peer-to-peer lending (P2P) platform, the exposure of a lender to all
borrowers must not exceed ₹ 50 lakh at any given point.
P R Ravi Mohan has been appointed as the new Chairman of ESAF Small Finance Bank. He
has replaced R Prabha, who has completed his tenure as the Chairman.
Mr Mohan comes with rich experience of top leadership in Indian and international banking
sectors and was engaged in providing technical assistance regarding banking supervision and
financial stability to 13 countries in Sub Saharan Africa, a release said.
Karnataka Bank launches tab banking service

Karnataka Bank has launched ‘KBL Xpress SB Accounts’ through tab banking. The bank can
open the savings bank (SB) account by using the tab banking account opening process.
Karnataka Grameena Bank signs MoU on sustainable energy solutions

Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) and SELCO Solar Light Pvt. Ltd. have signed a
memorandum of understanding on solar lighting and livelihood solutions. Under the MoU,
finance livelihood solutions that are backed by solar power will be provided by the bank.
Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2018-19 released by RBI

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) wants banks to resume lending to large industries instead of
restricting themselves to the low-risk retail sector according to which, there has been a shift of
focus toward retail loans due to subdued profitability of corporates, low interest coverage ratio, and
deleveraging by corporates along with risk aversion of banks.
Andhra Bank gets best performing award for rural employment

Andhra Bank has received ‘best performing bank award’ for RSETIs (second rank) for 2018-19.
One of the Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), sponsored by Andhra Bank and
situated in Srikakulam district, Andhra Pradesh, also received the Best Performing RSETI award
for 2018-19 on the same occasion.
Banks' gross NPA ratios may rise from 9.3% to 9.9% by Sept 2020: RBI Financial Stability
Report (FSR)
The gross non-performing asset ratio of banks may increase to 9.9 per cent by September
2020 from 9.3 per cent in September 2019, according to an RBI report. The stress tests indicate
that under the baseline scenario, the GNPA ratios of banks may increase to 9.9 per cent by

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
September 2020, due to change in macroeconomic scenario, marginal increase in slippages and the
denominator effect of declining credit growth
SEBI slaps ₹ 25 lakh fine on ICRA, CARE for ‘failure, laxity’ in IL&FS case
Market regulator SEBI slapped a penalty of ₹ 25 lakh each on rating agencies CARE Ratings
and ICRA for lack of “due diligence” in credit ratings to non-convertible debentures of
Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Ltd.
J&K Bank named lead bank convenor of J&K

The Reserve Bank appointed Jammu & Kashmir Bank as the lead bank for the newly carved
out Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. State Bank of India (SBI) will be the lead convenor
bank for the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Allahabad Bank, UCO Bank, IOB get Rs 8,655 crore fund infusion
Three loss making PSU Banks -- Allahabad Bank, Indian Overseas Bank and UCO Bank - have
got Rs 8,655 crore fresh capital infusion from the government. These infusions are part of the
Rs 70,000 crore recapitalisation announced in the Budget. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
had first proposed a capital infusion of Rs 70,000 crore in public sector banks in two phases. The
government had so far infused Rs 60,314 crore out of this.
RBI launches new prepaid payment instrument for small digital transactions
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced a new type of semi-closed prepaid payment
instrument (PPI), which can be used only for purchase of goods and services up to a limit of
Rs 10,000, in order to promote small value digital transactions.
RBI directs large co-operative banks to report exposures above Rs 5 crore

The Reserve Bank directed large cooperative banks to report all exposures of Rs 5 crore and
more to the Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC), the move aimed at
early recognition of financial distress. To start with, UCBs will be required to submit CRILC report on
quarterly basis with effect from December 31, 2019.
Finance Minister launches an e-auction platform “eBkray” for online auction of attached
assets by banks
Finance Minister has launched an e-auction platform “eBkray“. The platform will enable online
auction of attached assets by banks. The platform provides navigational links to all PSB e-
auction sites, property search feature. Indian Banks Auctions Mortgaged Properties Information
(IBAPI) portal is an initiative of Indian Banks Association under the policy of the Department of

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Financial Services, Ministry of Finance was launched to provide a platform to give details of
mortgaged properties to be auctioned online by Banks, starting with PSBs.
Bank of Baroda partners with Gujarat govt to provide MSME loans

Bank of Baroda signed an MoU with the Gujarat government to facilitate the flow of credit in
the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, for greenfield projects, startups,
women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from backward areas under the Gujarat Single Window
Clearance Act 2017 & Ordinance Number 1 of 2019 dated October 24, 2019.
SBI to launch OTP-based ATM cash withdrawal from January 1

The State Bank of India (SBI) will switch to a one-time password (OTP) based cash withdrawal
system at all its ATMs from January 1, 2020, onwards and will be applicable for transactions
above Rs 10,000, between 8 pm to 8 am.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Economy
Railways Operating ratio worst in last 10 years

The Comptroller and Auditor General’s report stated that the railways recorded an operating
ratio of 98.44% in 2017-18. An operating ratio of 98.44% shows that the Railways spent Rs
98.44 to earn Rs 100.
S&P reaffirms India's rating at 'BBB' with stable outlook

Rating Agency S&P has reaffirmed the Sovereign Credit Rating of India at BBB with outlook as
stable. India’s economy continues to achieve impressive long term growth rates despite a
recent deceleration. The report said that it is believed that the economic slowdown is cyclical
rather than structural.
India ranks 73rd in UN index assessing e-com readiness

India has ranked 73rd out of 152 countries in a business-to consumer E-commerce index that
measures an economy's preparedness to support online shopping, moving seven places up in
the list. According to the report, in India Internet shoppers as a share of Internet users was 11
per cent and Internet shoppers as a share of population 3 per cent in 2017.
SBI to sell up to 8.25% of its stake in UTI AMC

State Bank of India (SBI) said it will divest 8.25 per cent in the proposed initial public offering
(IPO) of UTI Asset Management Company (AMC). The lender currently holds 18.25 per cent
stake in the mutual fund (MF) house. Three other public sector undertakings (PSU) Life
Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India, Bank of Baroda (BoB), and Punjab National Bank (PNB)
also hold 18.25 per cent each, while US-based T Rowe Price owns 26 per cent.
NTPC signs term loan of Rs. 5,000 crore with SBI to finance capex Power generation company
The loan facility has been extended at an interest rate linked to 3- month MCLR (marginal cost of
funds-based lending rate) 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 the company.
CRISIL lowers India’s GDP growth rate estimate for FY 20 to 5.1% from 6.3%
CRISIL (formerly Credit Rating Information Services of India Limited),a global analytical company
providing ratings, and risk and policy advisory services has lowered its estimate of India’s gross
domestic product (GDP) growth rate to 5.1 % for the current financial year –FY20 (or 2019 ) from an

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
earlier estimate of 6.3 %. Growth in the second half of 2019-20 will go up to 5.5%, up from 4.75% in
the first half.
FSSAI, NASSCOM Foundation partnered to develop app to prevent food wastage

To prevent food wastage, Food regulator FSSAI and NASSCOM Foundation have joined hands to
develop an app and set up a 24x7 helpline number to connect donors with surplus edibles to food
distribution organisations.
ADB cuts India’s FY20 GDP growth forecast to 5.1%

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has cut down its projection for India’s economic growth to 5.1
per cent in 2019-20. Earlier the projection was 6.5 per cent. ADB expects the growth to pick up to
6.5% in next fiscal year 2020-2021.
Moody’s cuts India GDP forecast to 5.6% for 2019

Moody’s Investors Service has lowered its 2019 GDP growth forecast for India to 5.6% as slow
employment growth weighed on consumption. Moody’s expected economic growth to pick up in
2020 and 2021 to 6.6% and 6.7%, respectively
DBS forecasted India’s GDP at 5% for 2019-20

Singapore’s DBS Banking group has cut India’s GDP growth forecast for this fiscal to 5 per
cent from 5.5 per cent earlier. DBS released its report titled ‘India annual outlook 2020’.
The Seventh Economic Census kicked off in New Delhi

With this, Delhi has become the 26th State where the survey has been launched. The process is
already ongoing in 20 states, and 5 Union Territories, A K Sadhu, DG (Social Statistics) at the Central
Statistics Office (CSO) said. This is the first time that the National Economic Census is being
conducted on a digital platform, as per a joint statement from the Ministry of Statistics and
Program Implementation (MoSPI) and Common Service Centres (CSC).
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. Interest rate
options are based on the underlying ten-year government bonds, which are 7.26 per cent 2029
bond and 6.45 per cent 2029 bond.
Govt amends Investor education & protection fund rules 2016 to simplify refund of claims
Ministry of Corporate Affairs(MCA), Government of India (GoI), has amended the Investor
Education & Protection Fund (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules 2016 in order to

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
simplify the process of refund of claims filed with The Investor Education & Protection Fund
Authority (IEPFA).
Dupont partners with Central govt initiative-“AGNIi” to support India’s innovation ecosystem
DuPont de Nemours,Inc (commonly known as DuPont), an American company with technology-
based materials, ingredients and solutions has partnered with AGNIi (Accelerated Growth of New
India’s Innovations), an initiative of the office of the Principal Scientific Advisor to the
Government of India(GoI), executed by Invest India (the national investment promotion and
facilitation agency of India), to support the development of sustainable innovations and
technologies across industries.
US replaced Kuwait as India’s 6th biggest oil supplier

According to the data furnished by the oil ministry of India to the parliamentary committee, the
United States has surpassed Kuwait to become India’s 6th largest oil supplier. While US
stands 6th, Iraq continues to be the top crude oil supplier to India.
Rajya Sabha passed International Financial Services Centres Authority Bill, 2019
The bill was passed to set up a unified authority to regulate all financial services in IFSCs in India.
Prior to RS, the Lok Sabha(LS) passed the bill on December 11, 2019 and will become a law once the
President Shri Ram Nath Kovind gives his assent. The first IFSC in India has been set up at GIFT
(Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) City in Gandhinagar city of Gujarat. IFSCs can be set up
in SEZ (Special economic zone) or as an SEZ after approval from the government.
Moody’s lowers FY-20 GDP forecast to 4.9%

Moody’s Investors Service has lowered India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth
projection for the 2019-20 fiscal year to 4.9 per cent. India's growth had decelerated as an
investment-led slowdown had now broadened into weakening consumption.
ADB, India sign pact for $250-million loan to EESL

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed a $250-million loan agreement with India to
expand energy efficiency investments. The loan agreement to provide loan to Energy Efficiency
Services (EESL) and will benefit agricultural, residential and institutional consumers.
India Resurgence Fund to receive investment of US$225 million from Canada Pension Plan
Investment Board
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, through its wholly owned subsidiary, CPPIB Credit
Investment has committed to invest US$ 225 million in the Indian Resurgence Fund platform
which has been set up by Piramal Enterprises Ltd and Brain Capital Credit. In 2018,World Bank

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
(WB) arm International Finance Corporation (IFC) had also committed to invest US$100 million in the
fund.
SEBI rejigs committee on investor education and protection

Market regulator SEBI has revamped its advisory committee that provides suggestions on issues
related to investor education and protection activities. The eight-member committee on Investor
Protection and Education Fund (IPEF) is headed by Abraham Koshy, former professor of IIM-
Ahmedabad, according to information available with the Securities and Exchange Board of India
(SEBI).
EESL, Baghirathi Sustainability inked MoU

Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with
Baghirathi Sustainability India to explore promoting electric vehicles in India. With this
partnership, EESL seeks to deploy around 250 EVs and fast-track the adoption of e-mobility
within private and government agencies, starting with Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra
Pradesh.
Patanjali Ayurved completes acquisition of bankrupt Ruchi Soya for Rs 4,350 crore
Debt-ridden Ruchi Soya's resolution is complete with Yoga guru Baba Ramdev's Patanjali
Ayurved depositing Rs 1,100 crore equity in a State Bank of India (SBI) escrow account to
acquire the edible oil maker for Rs 4,350 crore. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) gave
its approval to the resolution plan in early September.
CSIR and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), France ink MoU for Promotion
and Support of Scientific and Technological Research
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Council of Scientific &
Industrial Research (CSIR), India and the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS),
France to establish a framework for cooperation between the two towards promotion and support of
scientific and technological research.
GST Council fixes 28% uniform tax rate for lottery effective March 2020
The GST Council fixed a uniform tax rate of 28 per cent on both state and private lottery. The
council has decided to rationalise GST rate on woven and Non-woven Bags to 18 per cent. The
rates on lottery and woven and non-woven bags will be effective from 1st March, 2020.
ADB and India Sign $ 490 Million Loan for PPP to Upgrade Madhya Pradesh Roads
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India signed a $490 million loan for
public-private partnership (PPP) project to upgrade about 1,600 km of state highways and major

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
district roads (MDRs) from single-lane to two-lane widths in the state of Madhya Pradesh. An
additional $286 million investment will be mobilised through private sector participation under
the PPP modality.
Fitch pegs FY-20 growth at 4.6% for India

Fitch Ratings cuts India’s GDP growth forecast for 2019-20 fiscal year to 4.6 per cent on
deterioration in business and consumer confidence. It affirmed India’s Long-Term Foreign-
Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at ‘BBB-’ with a Stable Outlook.
TRAI extends 6 paise per minute IUC charge to other mobile networks till Dec 2020
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has decided to make other telecom operators
continue to pay 6 paise per minute for every mobile call they receive on their networks or
interconnect usage charges (IUC) till 31 December, 2020.
Wipro and NASSCOM unveil skills platform

Wipro Ltd has partnered with the National Association of Software and Services
Companies (NASSCOM) to launch the Future Skills platform for 10,000 students from over 20
engineering colleges in India, as part of Wipro’s Corporate Social Responsibility programme,
TalentNext, which aims to enhance the quality of engineering education by preparing faculty and
academic leaders to train students.
Ministry of Railways signs MoU with University of Birmingham for establishment of Centre of
Excellence for Next Generation Transportation Systems
The National Rail Transport Institute, a deemed to be university under the Ministry of Railways,
signed an MoU with the University of Birmingham in Rail Bhawan, New Delhi on December
18th, 2019 to set up its first Centre of Excellence for Next Generation Transportation Systems.
AMRUT EXTENDED BY 2 YEARS

Unable to meet set targets for urban renewal in 500 cities, the Centre has decided to extend
the mission period of its flagship initiative Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban
Transformation (AMRUT) by two more years. According to Data Ministry of Housing and Urban
Affairs, in the last five years 2,316 projects have been completed so far at an expense of Rs 7,195
crore.
IMF has retained India’s economic growth forecast at 6.1 per cent for FY20
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has retained India’s growth forecast at 6.1 per cent for
FY20. IMF’s projection, is much higher than those by most agencies.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Tata Power bags electricity supply contract from Odisha

Tata Power has bagged the licence for supplying power to Odisha for 25 years. The Odisha
Electricity Regulatory Commission (OERC), selected the company for the distribution and retail
supply of electricity in Odisha's five circles, together constituting Central Electricity Supply Utility of
Odisha (CESU).
SEBI and Kazakhstan firm ink pact

SEBI has signed a pact with Kazakhstan’s Astana Financial Services Authority (AFSA) for
mutual cooperation and technical assistance and to strengthen cross border cooperation in
the area of securities regulation.
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation constituted standing committee on

statistics
MOSPI constituted 28 members standing committee on economic statistics (SCES) headed by
Pronab Sen (India’s first chief statistician) to improve quality of data amid criticism of the
government, whose first meeting is scheduled on January 6, 2020.
Rs 1,12,000 crore paid as IGST refunds to exporters: CBIC

Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, CBIC has said that over 1,12,000 crore rupees
have been paid as Integrated Goods and Services Tax-IGST refunds to exporters which shows
the government’s efforts to fast track refunds under GST especially to exporters. As of now, refunds
of only 3,604 crores are pending with Customs.
₹ 1,855 crore for new projects under ‘Swadesh Darshan’

The Union Cabinet approved additional funding of ₹ 1854.67 crore for new projects sanctioned
under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme in 2019-20, for creating better infrastructure, last mile
connectivity and spreading awareness about the circuits that are covered under the scheme.
AIIB to give $210 million loan for irrigation & solar energy projects
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has announced a loan of $210 million for
irrigation and solar energy projects in India. The irrigation project in West Bengal is co-
financed by the World Bank and is expected to strengthen the management of the Damodar Valley
Command Area irrigation scheme. The bank will also lend $65 million for a 250-megawatt (MW)
solar project in Rajasthan.
NBFC P2P platforms: RBI sets ₹ 50 lakh cap on lending

The RBI has set a ₹ 50 lakh cap on the aggregate exposure of a lender to all borrowers across
all Non-Banking Financial Company Peer to Peer (NBFCP2P) lending platforms, which is an

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
intermediary providing the services of loan facilitation via online medium or otherwise to the
participants, who enter into an arrangement with the intermediary to lend on it or to get the loan
facilitation services provided by it.
Federal Bank, Magicbricks tie up for disposal of repossessed properties

Federal Bank announced its partnership with property portal Magicbricks for listing and e-
auctioning of immovable properties repossessed by the lender through recovery proceedings,
which aims to recover dues in 30 major accounts amounting to Rs 50 crore in Q4 FY20.
The Finance Ministry has made it mandatory for Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana
(PMVVY) beneficiaries and applicants to submit their Aadhaar number or undergo Aadhaar
authentication.
The pension scheme is implemented through LIC for senior citizens. According to the
notification by the ministry, if the individual does not have Aadhaar number then he or she
would have to enrol in order to avail the benefits of the PMVVY.
Pine Labs partners with Kotak Mahindra Bank to enable EMIs on Kotak debit cards
Pine Labs, one of India’s largest merchant-focused companies and Kotak Mahindra Bank
(Kotak) announced a tie-up to enable EMI payments via Kotak Debit Cards, to enable over 10
million eligible Kotak debit card customers to pay for their purchases in easy instalments via the Pine
Labs POS terminals.
Vistara picks Nelco for in-flight data services

Vistara has partnered Tata group firm Nelco for in-flight data services, which are expected to
be rolled by the full service carrier shortly. Vistara — a joint venture between Tatas and
Singapore Airlines — is also likely to be the first domestic carrier to provide in-flight
connectivity within India.
MDR charges will not be applicable on transactions through RuPay, UPI platforms from 1st of
January
From 1st January, 2020 no Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) will be applicable on transactions
through homegrown RuPay and UPI platforms. All companies with a turnover of 50 crore rupees or
more will be mandated to provide the facility of payment through RuPay Debit card and UPI QR code
to their customers.

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December 2019
NITI Aayog launched 2nd edition of SDG India Index and Dashboard 2019-20
NITI Aayog launched the second edition of SDG India Index and Dashboard 2019-20. The SDG
India Index and Dashboard track the progress and ranks all States and Union Territories on
100 indicators.
• SDG India Index and Dashboard has been developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), Global Green Growth Institute
and the United Nations.
• Best performing States: Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and
Telangana
• Worst performing states: Bihar, Jharkhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya and Uttar Pradesh.
• Best performing Union territories: Chandigarh, Puducherry, Dadra and Nagar Haveli
• States showing biggest improvement: Uttar Pradesh which has moved from the 29th position
to the 23rd, Odisha from 23rd to 15th and Sikkim from 15th to 7th position.
• State showing no improvement: Gujrat
India likely to surpass Germany to become the fourth-largest economy in 2026: Report
According to a report by the UK-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR),
India is all set to overtake Japan to become the third-largest economy by 2034. The report titled
'World Economic League Table 2020' said that India is also set to become a 5 trillion dollar
economy by 2026, 2 years later than the government's target of 2024.

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December 2019
National News
India becomes first country to make entire Haj process digital

Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has signed the bilateral agreement for next year's
pilgrimage with the Saudi Haj Minister in Jeddah. Mr Naqvi said, an online application, e-visa, Haj
mobile app, 'e-MASIHA' health facility, "e-luggage pre-tagging" providing all information in India itself
regarding accommodation and transportation in Mecca and Madina will be provided to 2 lakh Indian
Muslims going for Haj in 2020.
Government launches 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN

Government has launched the 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme - UDAN (Ude Desh Ka
Aam Nagrik) to further enhance the connectivity to remote and regional areas of the country.
World’s lowest dose-volume Rotavirus vaccine ‘ROTAVAC 5D’ by Bharat Biotech launched in
New Delhi
Vice President of India Shri Venkaiah Naidu launched world’s lowest dose-volume vaccine for
Rotavirus at a function in New Delhi. The oral rotavirus vaccine called “ROTAVAC 5D” is developed
by Indian manufacturer Bharat Biotech. The project was supported in part by the Bill and Melinda
Gates foundation.
UK (United Kingdom) India Business Council (UKIBC) launched Aerospace and Defence
Industry Group
UK (United Kingdom) India Business Council (UKIBC) announced the establishment of
Aerospace and Defence Industry Group in order to boost bilateral cooperation in the field of
aerospace and defence between both the nations.
Central India’s 1st Mega food park inaugurated in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh
Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the Union Minister for Food Processing has inaugurated Central India’s
1st Avantee mega Food Park spread over 51 acres in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh (MP) for Gram,
wheat, soybean and other grains and vegetables. It was built with a cost of about 150 crore
rupees.
About Madhya Pradesh:
Capital: Bhopal; Chief minister: Kamal Nath; Governor: Lalji Tandon

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December 2019
Fit India School Rating System launched as part of Fit India Campaign
Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ and Minister of State for Youth Affairs &
Sports Kiren Rijiju has jointly launched the Fit India School Rating System, as part of the Fit
India Campaign which is expected to enhance the image of the schools.
IIT Hyderabad partnered with 4 Japanese institutions for research in Earthquake Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H) will collaborate with the following 4 Japanese
institutions for research purpose in areas which includes earthquake engineering, and
doctoral programs and to boost the Indo-Japanese research ties, namely National Research
Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience(NIED), Shizuoka University on Doctoral Degree
Sandwich Program (DDSP), Saitama University on academic exchange of faculty, students and
implementation of cooperative Research Projects and National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
to strengthen Research collaboration.
Global Meet on E-Mobility in Bengaluru

The third edition of an international transportation electrification conference-India 2019 on e-
mobility solutions will be held here from December 17. The conference will see 13 international
speakers from across the globe - Europe, US and China - and 19 from India.
MoU between ECI & Election Commission of Maldives on cooperation in electoral management
Cabinet has approved a MoU between Election Commission of India and Election Commission
of Maldives on cooperation in the field of Electoral Management and Administration to
promote bilateral cooperation, aimed at building technical assistance and capacity support for
the Election Commission of Maldives.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu launches Bharatiya POSHAN Anthem

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu launched the ‘Bharatiya Poshan Anthem’ in New Delhi which
aims towards taking the message of making India malnutrition free to all corners of the
country. The anthem was conceptualised by Union Ministry of Women and Child Development
(MoWCD) and has been penned by noted lyricist Prasoon Joshi and sung by Shankar
Mahadevan.
Corporate ministry launched 1st of its kind independent director’s data bank, to be maintained
by IICA
Secretary of Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Shri Injeti Srinivas launched Independent Director’s
Databank in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made
thereunder. Powered by integrated Learning Management System(LMS), the data bank was
launched to strengthen the institution of independent directors under the companies act.

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December 2019
UNICEF in association with WCD ministry launched youth skilling initiative YuWaah-2019 in
India
Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has joined hands with UNICEF ( United
Nations Children’s Fund ) to launch “YuWaah- (Generation Unlimited India)” with the aim to
transform the countries involved into hubs of education, skilling and employment for its more
than 300 million young people aged 10-24 years.
The 35th anniversary of Bhopal Gas Tragedy is being observed across the country
It is one of the world’s worst industrial disaster that claimed thousands of lives on the night of
December 2, 1984 which took place in a pesticide production plant, named the Union Carbide
India Limited (UCIL) killing over 3,787 people in and around Bhopal, according to Madhya Pradesh
government’s estimates.
EC to implement Political Parties RTMS

The Election Commission of India will implement the political parties Registration Tracking
Management System (RTMS), through an online portal to facilitate tracking of the status of the
application by applicants.
Piyush Goyal inaugurates 3rd edition of National Public Procurement Conclave

Commerce and Industry Minister inaugurated the 3rd edition of National Public Procurement
Conclave in New Delhi, organized by Government e-Marketplace, GeM in association with
Confederation of Indian Industry.
Eighteen projects worth Rs.1456 crore covering all the NE states sanctioned by tourism
ministry
Ministry of Tourism with a focus to develop and promote tourism in the North-Eastern (NE)
region, has sanctioned 18 projects under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD (Pilgrimage
Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive) Schemes for the entire NE region for Rs 1456
crore, for promoting tourism in NE region.
India 5th most vulnerable nation to climate crisis: Study

India is the fifth most vulnerable country globally to climate crisis, according to a new
analysis, Global Climate Risk Index 2020 by environmental think tank German-watch. India
recorded the highest deaths due to climate crisis-led disasters and the second highest amount
of monetary losses in 2018.

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December 2019
Workshop on management of Heat Wave in Bengaluru, Karnataka- Heat Wave 2020

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with Karnataka govt. has
organised a two-day national workshop “Heat Wave 2020” on preparedness, mitigation and
management of Heat Wave in Bengaluru city of Karnataka. Climate change led to rise of average
summer temperature by 0.5°C in the past five years.
Mumbai Central railway station-1st to receive FSSAI’s ‘Eat Right Station’ certification
Mumbai Central station of Western Railways was conferred with the ‘Eat Right Station‘
certification with a 4-star rating by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
With this certification, it became India’s first “Eat right station”.
Rajya Sabha instituted panel headed by Jairam Ramesh to study issues related to online
pornographic content
Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu announced a 14
member panel coordinated by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh to study the issues related to
pornographic content on the internet and social media platforms.
K Vijay Kumar appointed senior security advisor in MHA

Former advisor to the Governor of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, K Vijay Kumar,
has been appointed as a senior security advisor in the Union Home Ministry headed by Amit
Shah. He will "advise the ministry on security-related matters of Union Territory of J&K and
Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected States.
Aberdeen in Andaman and Nicobar Islands adjudged best police station in Country
Aberdeen Police station in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands ranks first 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. Balasinor police station in Gujarat secured the second rank while
and Ajk Burhanpur in Madhya Pradesh got the 3rd position.
Indian Railways provides free Wi-Fi at five thousand 500 stations

Jharkhand's Mahuamilan railway station has become the five thousand 500th station to get the
facility. Free Wi-Fi service to passengers are being provided under RailWire. The Railways began
the service of providing free WiFi at its stations from January 2016 from Mumbai Central
station.
2nd Annual India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks held in New Delhi

It was conducted to boost cooperation between both the nations in areas that need
development and also to review India’s development partnership with Bhutan. The Indian govt.

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December 2019
has committed assistance of Rs 4,500 crores for implementing development projects and Rs
400 crores for transitional trade support facility during Bhutan’s 12th Five Year Plan (2018 –
2023).
PM Modi & Maldivian President jointly inaugurated 4 key development projects

PM of India Shri Narendra Modi and the president of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih jointly
inaugurated 4 key development projects in Maldives via video conference, viz.,. gifting of Made
in India Coast Guard Ship(CGS) Kaamiyaab to Maldives, launch of RuPay card, lighting up of Malé
using LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights, and launch of 3 fish processing plants.
‘India Corruption Survey 2019’: India’s corruption rate fell by 10% in 2019
A new report titled ‘India Corruption Survey 2019’ by independent agencies Transparency
International India (TII) and Local Circles, was released on November 27, 2019. As per the
report the Corruption rate in India fell by 10% in 2019. Rajasthan ranked as the most corrupt
state having 78% citizens indulged in bribery. Rajasthan was followed by Bihar and Jharkhand
in the second and third place respectively.
Govt. launched a scheme for promotion of endangered languages in central and state
universities
The scheme has been launched following recommendations of an expert committee
constituted by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to look into the issues related to
preservation and promotion of endangered languages. The central and state universities have
been grouped together into separate clusters like North-Eastern languages, tribal languages, numeric
and coastal languages and theoretical work of endangerment.
About University Grants Commission (UGC):
Founded: 1956; Headquarters: New Delhi; Act: UGC Act 1956; Chairman: Dhirendra Pal Singh.
Total 799 Van Dhan Vikas Kendra opened in 24 states

A total 799 Van Dhan Vikas Kendra in the 24 states have been opened since the launch of
Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana, benefiting 12 lakh tribals across the country by providing market
access to their products.
A 2-day conference on ‘Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat’ with a focus on ‘Jal shakti’ and ‘Disaster
management’ held in Jammu
It is organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
in association with Governments of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, held
in Jammu, with focus on ‘Jal Shakti and Disaster Management’.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
President Kovind lays foundation stone for Paika Rebellion memorial in Odisha
In Odisha, President Ram Nath Kovind laid the foundation stone for a memorial to mark
completion of 200 years of Paika Rebellion, a valiant uprising of Paikas in 1817 against the
British Rule which is often termed as the First War of Independence, in Khurda district.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses valedictory session of 54th DGsP/IGsP

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the 54th DGsP/IGsP Conference in Pune on
December 7-8, 2019 and also awarded the President's police medals for distinguished service to
officers of the Intelligence Bureau.
Hallmarking to be mandatory for gold jewellery and artefacts

Hallmarking of gold jewellery and artefacts will be made mandatory across the country from
January 15, 2021. The step aims to ensure the purity of the precious metal.
Nationwide vaccination drive launched under Mission Indradhanush 2.0

The centre has launched a nationwide vaccination drive to prevent eight diseases under
Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 across the country, which aims to achieve targets of full
immunization coverage in 272 districts spread over 27 States. The IMI 2.0 will be carried out between
December 2019 and March 2020.
India’s 1st National maritime heritage museum to be built in Lothal, Gujarat with the help of
Portugal
Government of India & Portugal has decided to cooperate in the setting up of a India’s 1st
National Maritime Heritage Museum at the ancient Indian site of Lothal in Gujarat with the aim
to boost the underwater or marine archaeology and showcase salvaged material from
shipwreck sites in the Indian Ocean waters. Museum project will be implemented by the Ministry of
Shipping through its Sagarmala programme, with the involvement of the Archaeological Survey of
India (ASI), the State government and other stakeholders.
TRAI changes Rules related to Mobile number portability (MNP) & Unique Porting Code (UPC)
This is to make the whole MNP service time-saving and easier than before. TRAI has prescribed the
port facility in the service area within 3 days. At the same time, 5 days time has been fixed for
getting ported out of service area. The new rules will come into effect from December 16, 2019.
Startup India Global Venture Capital Summit 2019 held in Goa

The 2nd edition of the Startup India Global Venture Capital Summit, organised by the
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), in partnership with Govt of
Goa, was held in Goa, from December 6-7, 2019. The summit was organised for fund managers

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December 2019
and limited partners of top global venture capital firms with the theme “India Opportunity –
Investing in tomorrow together”
Railway ministry signed MoU with UK’s Department for International Development
Ministry of Railways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department for
International Development (DFID), United Kingdom(UK) for collaboration on energy and sustainability
and to transform Indian Railways’ into “Green Railways” by achieving complete complete
electrification of Railway network.
First-ever Human Library event held in Mysuru, Karnataka

First-ever Human Library , a concept that seeked to replace books with humans was organised
in Mysuru, in Karnataka, whose aim was to create a safe framework for conversation by using a
library analogy of lending people rather than books.
Inner Line Permit regime extended to Manipur, President Kovind signs order
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime has been extended to Manipur. President Ram Nath Kovind
signed an order in this regard. Manipur is the fourth state after Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and
Mizoram where the ILP regime has been made applicable.
Wipro makes India’s first metal 3D printer

Wipro 3D, the additive manufacturing arm of Wipro Infrastructure Engineering, has developed
India's first industrial- grade metal 3D printer in collaboration with the Indian Institute of
Science, which will cater to the aerospace, defence, and oil & gas sectors. It will also have utility
in the medical implants segment once commercialised.
India Design Council launches two Initiatives to promote Design Education and Standards
The India Design Council (IDC) launched the Chartered Designs of India (CDI) and the Design
Education Quality Mark (DEQM) in New Delhi, which will help to address the 5 challenges of scale,
quality of design, quality of education for design, raising the priority for design in industry and design
for public purpose.
Dell Technologies announced a new partnership with UNESCO MGIEP (Mahatma Gandhi
Institute of Education for Peace) to enable school teachers adopt technology in classrooms by
using ICT tools.
The information and communication technology (ICT) tools have been developed by Dell
Aarambh and Framer Space platform. The partnership between Dell Technologies and
UNESCO MGIEP would be spread over three phases, with the first in Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka and Maharashtra where the teachers would be trained.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
SC orders judicial enquiry in Hyderabad Encounter; Panel to be headed by ex-judge VS

Sirpurkar
Supreme Court (SC) has appointed a 3-member inquiry commission to be headed by former
apex court judge V S Sirpurkar to inquire into the encounter killing of the four accused
involvedin the Hyderabad (Telangana) gang-rape and murder case of a veterinarian.
Landmark ‘The Recycling of Ships Bill, 2019’ passed in Parliament for Safe and
Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships in India
Bill will ensure global standards for environmentally-friendly recycling of Ships and ensure adequate
safety of the yard workers, will also boost employment and business opportunities. The existing
Shipbreaking Code (revised),2013 and the provisions of the Hong Kong Convention, 2009 are
dovetailed in this Bill.
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, paving a way for accredited Indian
MSMEs to carve out space as vendors in Global space.
Venkaiah Naidu Inaugurates FICCI ARISE Conference; Sets The Stage For Deliberation On
Improvement In School Education
The Vice President, M. Venkaiah Naidu, Inaugurating the FICCI ARISE Conference on School
Education on 9th December, advocated for including gender studies in the educational
institutions so that children learn to respect and become sensitive towards people of all genders from
an early age, with the theme ‘Future Ready Learners and Schools’.
INTACH to provide consultancy services for Post-Earthquake reconstruction of Cultural

Heritage sites in Nepal
The government of India has deployed Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
(INTACH) to provide consultancy services for Post-Earthquake reconstruction of 11 Cultural
Heritage sites in Nepal.
Parliament passes "The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019"

The Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019 has been passed by the Parliament. In Rajya Sabha 125
members supported the legislation while 105 opposed it. The bill amends the Citizenship Act, 1955
to make illegal migrants of six communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan
eligible for Indian citizenship. The communities are Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and
Christians.

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December 2019
Shireen Dalvi, journalist returns State Sahitya Akademi Award to protest against Citizenship
Amendment Bill
Shireen Dalvi (Shirin Dalvi), Mumbai based Urdu Journalist returned the 2011 Special Prize
given by the Maharashtra State Urdu Sahitya Akademi namely Maharashtra Rajya Sahitya
Akademi Award to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB).
Union Culture Minister Shri Prahlad Singh Patel Launches Indian Culture Portal
The Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (IC), Shri Prahlad Singh Patel launched the
Indian Culture web portal in New Delhi and is the first government authorized portal where
knowledge and cultural resources of various organizations of Ministry of Culture are now
available in public domain on a single platform.
Ministry of Coal to establish “Sustainable Development Cell” to promote clean mining

The Coal Ministry will establish ‘Sustainable Development Cell’ (SDC) for promoting
sustainable coal mining in the country to address environmental concerns, advise, mentor,
plan and monitor the mitigation measures, formulate the future policy framework and address
the environmental mitigation measures.
Transforming Education Conference for Humanity (TECH): December 10 - 12, 2019

TECH 2019 was organised by UNESCO MGIEP in partnership with the State Government of
Andhra Pradesh, India and supported by the Ministry of Human Resource Development,
Government of India, held in the coastal city of Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, India, with the themes,
Transformative Pedagogies for Social & Emotional Learning (SEL), Reimagining Learning
Spaces for Planetary Citizenship, Data, Learning & Education.
Defence ministry launched massive campaign against single-use plastic in New Delhi
Minister of Defence (MoD) Shri Rajnath Singh, flagged off the ‘Swachhta Day’ event, organised by the
Delhi Cantt in New Delhi on 7th December with an aim to create awareness to people, collect plastic
waste and make the surrounding plastic free with participation from 50 lakh people. The cleanliness
drive was part of the activities of Swachhta Pakhwada. The slogan for the event was ‘Plastic
Se Raksha – Swachhata Hi Suraksha’.
FSSAI and NASSCOM Foundation join hands to develop an app to prevent Food wastage
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) and NASSCOM (National Association of
Software and Services Companies) have signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) to
develop an application to prevent the wastage of food, which includes a mobile application
named ‘Food Donation in India’ that will be available all day, and a help-line number to connect
donors who are ready to donate food to the needy.

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December 2019
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.
ISRO launches RISAT-2BR1 & 9 customer satellites by PSLV-C48

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, in its fiftieth flight (PSLV-C48), successfully launched RISAT-
2BR1 along with nine commercial satellites from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR,
Sriharikota. All 9 customer satellites including one each from Israel, Italy and Japan and six
from the USA were successfully placed in their designated orbit by PSLV C48. These satellites
were launched under a commercial arrangement with New Space India Limited (NSIL).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairs 1st meeting of National Ganga Council
The meeting was held in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The first meeting of the Council aimed at
reinforcing the importance of a ‘Ganga-centric’ approach in all departments of the concerned
states as well as relevant Central Ministries.
WDO to launch World Design Protopolis in Bengaluru

The World Design Organization is all set to launch its new global programme World Design
Protopolis in Bengaluru. It is aimed at implementing holistic progress in megacities across the
world and thus making them sustainable.
ISRO begins preparations for setting up third rocket launchpad

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has begun preparatory works for setting up a third
rocket launchpad in the small coastal hamlet of Kulashekhrapattinam in the Thuthukudi
district of Tamil Nadu.
Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid arrives in New Delhi to attend Joint Commission
Meeting
The JCM was established under the agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation
signed between the two countries in 1986. It aims at improving bilateral relations in all
spheres.
20th edition of GeoSmart India Conference 2019 in Hyderabad, Telangana

It was the largest geospatial event of India with the aim of bringing the geospatial and emerging
technologies together. The theme of the 2019 conference was “Ignite – Innovate – Integrate”.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was conferred with ‘Leadership in Rejuvenation
and Protection of Fresh Water Systems in India‘ award
It was awarded during the conference held at the Hyderabad International Convention
Centre(HICC) in Hyderabad, Telangana. The award was given to NMCG for its transformative
initiatives in the water sector. The NMCG is recognised as India’s leading initiative in using
geospatial technologies for its river cleaning work. It also regulates the proposed protected and
regulatory zone along the banks of river and monitors pollu-organisation using cutting edge
technologies like LiDAR to attain high-resolution maps and data for the entire Ganga river basin.
Amazon’s Audible launches app “Audible Suno” in India

This app features original audio series which aims to expand Audible’s reach in India’s highly
competitive digital entertainment and streaming space, featuring hundreds of hours of
Audible’s original audio series across a plethora of genres.
India up one rank in UN development index

India ranks 129 out of 189 countries on the 2019 Human Development Index (HDI) according to
the Human Development Report (HDR) released by the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP).
• Last year India’s was at 130th position in Human Development Index. The HDI measures
average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development — life expectancy,
education and per capita income.
• Norway, Switzerland and Ireland occupied the top three positions in that order. Germany is
placed fourth along with Hong Kong, and Australia secured the fifth rank on the global
ranking.
India, Australia for collaboration to counter terror threat

India and Australia emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration to counter the threat of
terrorism and violent extremism through increased information sharing, during the third India-
Australia Secretary-level 22 Dialogue in New Delhi.
India among top 10 countries with higher climate performance: Report

India, for the first time, ranked 9th in this year's Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI)
released at the COP25 climate summit in Spanish capital Madrid. The current levels of per capita
emissions and energy use in India ranked 9th in the high category showing that emissions are still
comparatively low. The index is jointly presented by Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute and
Climate Action Network.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
6th Indian Ocean Dialogue, Delhi Dialogue XI to be held from Dec 13-14
External Affairs Ministry hosted the 6th Indian Ocean Dialogue and Delhi Dialogue XI at the
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi on 13th and 14th December. The theme for this year’s
Delhi Dialogue is "Advancing Partnership in Indo-Pacific”.
India has the 2nd -highest population of unvaccinated children for measles in 2018, Nigeria
tops: MMWR report
As per a joint report of World Health Organization(WHO) and UNICEF (United Nations
Children’s Fund) published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), India has the
2nd highest number of children who are not vaccinated against measles with 2.3 million in
2018 (2.9 million in 2017).
Sterlite Technologies, IIT-Madras sign pact for advancement of 5G

STL (Sterlite Technologies), a global data networks innovator, has signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology Madras, for sponsoring a Chair
Professorship in 5G, who will work towards accelerating the advancements in 5G by unifying IIT
Madras’ research and domain knowledge with STL’s industry expertise in 5G and end-to-end network
connectivity. The initiative will play a critical role in boosting innovation and developing young talent in
the 5G domain.
3 day “International Seminar on Climate Smart Farming Systems” for BIMSTEC countries
organized in New Delhi
The three day ‘International Seminar on Climate Smart Farming Systems’ for BIMSTEC
countries organized by the Department of Agricultural Research & Education, Ministry of
Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare and Indian Council of Agricultural Research organised from
11th December in New Delhi till 13th December. The seminar has been organized as a Government
of India initiative as announced earlier by the Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi at the 4th
BIMSTEC Summit at Kathmandu on 30-31st August, 2019.
7th India Skills Report 2020

The India Skills Report, is a joint initiative of Whee box (global talent-assessment company),
People Strong and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in collaboration with UNDP (United
Nations Development Programme), AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education) and AIU
(Association of Indian Universities).
• Maharashtra emerged as the top ranked state in terms of employability. It was followed by
Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh(UP) in the second and third rank respectively. Availability of
employable talent has also improved over the past six years.

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December 2019
• As per the report about 46.21% students were found employable or ready to take up jobs in 2019,
compared with 33% in 2014, and 47.38% in 2018.
Nirmala Sitharaman is world’s 34th most powerful woman: Forbes 100

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman have been named among the world’s 100 most powerful
women by Forbes. Sitharaman, a newcomer on the Forbes most powerful women list, is
ranked 34th. She has also served as Defence Minister.
• The Forbes 2019 list of ‘The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women’ is topped by German
Chancellor Angela Merkel, followed by President of the European Central Bank Christine
Lagarde in the second spot and Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi,
ranked third.
India to Host 36th International Geological Congress in March 2020

India will host the 36th International Geological Congress (IGC) in New Delhi during the first week of
March 2020. The theme of the forthcoming conference is ‘Geosciences: The Basic Science for
a Sustainable Development’.
37th National Symposium of Heads of Police Training Institutions organized by Bureau of

Police Research & Development at New Delhi
It was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Smt. Archana Ramasundaram, Member, Lokpal, Government
of India. The theme of the two day Symposium was ‘Optimal Utilization of Resources-Through
Sharing and Networking’.
Mongla and Chattogram declared as Ports of Call under the “Coastal Shipping Agreement’
The Ministry of Shipping (MoS) announced that Mongla and Chattogram (both in Bangladesh)
have been declared as Ports of Call under “Coastal Shipping Agreement” between India &
Bangladesh. An MoU (Memorandum of Understanding), agreement and Standard Operating
Procedure (SOP) on the use of Chattogram Port & Mongla Ports for goods movement between India
and Bangladesh has been signed between both the nations.
ASI recognizes 138 monuments as “Must-see monuments”

As per the Minister of State (MoS) of Culture and Tourism, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel,
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), an Indian government agency attached to the Culture
Ministry, has identified 138 numbers of monuments as ‘Must See’ Monuments.
A total of 38 World Heritage Sites currently present in India. Out of this, ASI has protected 22 Cultural
Sites including monuments/buildings and caves.

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December 2019
Fifth EAC meeting of 15th Finance Commission held in New Delhi

The fifth meeting of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) of the Fifteenth Finance
Commission was held in New Delhi, in which, possible macro assumptions related to real growth,
inflation, ongoing structural reforms, tax revenue including GST, adherence to Fiscal Responsibility
and Budget Management Act and fiscal transparency were discussed.
India donates solar-powered lamps to marginalised Palestinian children

India has donated solar powered study lamps to Palestinian elementary school children from a
marginalised Bedouin community to spread the principles of self-sufficiency and raise
awareness towards the adverse effects of climate change, as part of the 150th Gandhi Jayanti
Students Solar Ambassador Workshop, supplied by IIT Bombay.
Android vulnerable to cyberattack: Union Home Ministry

The Union Home Ministry has sent an alert to all States warning them about the vulnerability of
the Android operating system to a bug called 'StrandHogg' which allows real-time malware
applications to pose as genuine applications and access user data of all kind.
President Kovind releases mobile app of Red Cross Society of India in Hyderabad
President Ram Nath Kovind released the mobile app of the Red Cross Society of India in
Hyderabad. The access to blood bank and Red Cross membership will become easy with the
launching of the mobile app
India’s ranked 112th in WEF Gender Gap Report

India has ranked 112th globally in the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Report.
In India, gender gap amid widening disparity in terms of women’s health and survival and
economic participation — the two areas where the country is now ranked in the bottom five, an
annual survey.
• Iceland is the most gender-equal country in the world for the 11th time in a row. It is followed
by Norway, Finland and Sweden.
• Yemen is ranked the worst (153rd), while Bangladesh is the only country in South Asia to
feature in the top 50.
Virat Kohli Becomes First Sportsperson to top Forbes India Celebrity 100 List
Virat Kohli dethroned Bollywood's biggest A-listers to top the Forbes India Celebrity 100 List
in 2019, becoming the first sportsperson to do so since its inception eight years ago.
RANK NAME

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December 2019
1 VIRAT KOHLI
2 AKSHAY KUMAR
3 SALMAN KHAN
4 AMITABH BACHCHAN
5 MS DHONI
6 SHAH RUKH KHAN
7 RANVEER SINGH
8 ALIA BHATT
9 SACHIN TENDULKAR
10 DEEPIKA PADUKONE
SC forms 2-judge committee to expedite disposal of rape cases

The panel, announced by Chief Justice of India SA Bobde, comprises Justice Subhash Reddy and
Justice MR Shah. The slow pace at which criminal trials are being conducted in rape cases has
triggered widespread criticism and led to the setting up of the two-judge panel.
Govt approves changes in Interest Subvention Scheme guidelines for MSMEs

Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Minister Nitin Gadkari has approved the
changes in the Interest Subvention Scheme guidelines for MSMEs. The government is committed
to enhancing credit to MSME sector and the implementation of the scheme is being closely
monitored to help MSMEs get incremental credit of upto one crore rupees with Interest
Subvention of two per cent by government.
The International Astronomical Union (IAU) named a star and a planet with Indian names.
The star would be called ‘Bibha’, in the honour of an Indian woman scientist Bibha Choudhury who
has discovered subatomic particles (pi-meson) and the planet would be called ‘Santamasa’, which
means ‘clouded’ in order to reflect the cloudy nature of the planet’s atmosphere. The IAU chose the
name at the end of a global contest called ‘NameExoWorlds’, which was organized as part of its
centenary celebrations as the organization turned 100 on July 28, 2019.

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December 2019
Amit Shah lays foundation for Bharat Vandana Park in Dwarka, New Delhi
Amit Shah, Union Minister of Home Affairs (MHA) presided over in the ceremony to lay foundation
stone for the Bharat Vandana Park, Dwarka, New Delhi, a major tourist attraction covering an area
of 200 acres at a cost of Rs.550 crores is located near the Indira Gandhi International Airport and
metro station. The park is to be developed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and will
be completed by March 2022.
Dehradun: LS Speaker Om Birla inaugurates 79th Conference of Presiding Officers of

Legislative Bodies
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla in Dehradun today inaugurated the 79th Conference of Presiding
Officers of Legislative Bodies.The presiding officers of all state legislatures are participating in the
two-day conference. Among the items on the agenda is the 'Tenth Schedule to the Constitution
and the role of the Speaker'.
Infosys launched blockchain powered distributed applications

Infosys has announced the launch of three blockchain-powered distributed applications. The
applications will be dedicated for government services, insurance, and supply chain
management domains.
EChO Network launched to catalyze cross-disciplinary leadership in India; will train educators
and students in interdisciplinary manner
EChO Network, a national program to provide a template for cross-disciplinary leadership in
India with the specific focus of increasing research, knowledge, and awareness of Indian
ecology and the environment was launched in New Delhi by Prof. K VijayRaghavan, Principal
Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.
India suffers most pollution-linked deaths in world, study finds

India leads the world in pollution-linked deaths– followed by China and Nigeria – according to a report
published that estimated the global impact of contaminants in the air, water and workplace. The
report by the Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) found pollution to be the largest
environmental cause of premature death on the planet, causing 15% of all deaths – some 8.3
million people.
GEM launches national outreach programme 'GeM Samvaad'

Government e-commerce portal GeM has launched a national outreach programme, GeM
Samvaad, to bring on-board more local sellers. The outreach programme will take place with
stakeholders across the country and with local sellers to facilitate on-boarding of local sellers on the

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December 2019
marketplace, which will take place till 17th February next year and will cover all the States and
Union Territories of the country.
IIT Hyderabad CfHE Fellow launches India’s first ‘Vaccination Clinic’ in Pune in collaboration
with Gates Foundation
A fellow of the Center for Healthcare Entrepreneurship (CfHE), Indian Institute of Technology,
Hyderabad, Jignesh Patel has launched a “Vaccination-on-Wheels (VOW)” clinic, a first-of-its-
kind service in India, in Pune, in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which
provided a grant to Mr. Jignesh Patel under its Grand Challenges Explorations.
Chennai Corporation launches India's first waste exchange platform

Chennai Corporation, Tamil Nadu launched India's first waste exchange platform namely "Madras
Waste Exchange" (www.madraswasteexchange.com) to buy and sell municipal solid waste online,
conceptualised by the Smart City Mission, with support from the Union Ministry of Housing
and Urban Affairs.
Portuguese PM to be on two-day visit to India

Prime Minister of Portugal, Antonio Costa will be on a two-day visit to India (3rd time to India). He
will attend the second meeting of the Organising Committee on the celebrations for the 150th
Birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Organising Committee meeting will be presided over by
President Ram Nath Kovind.
Central Government has decided to deploy drones to destroy hidden Marijuana plants
The Central Government has decided to deploy drones to destroy marijuana (or Cannabis,
psychoactive drug) plantations before it reaches the hands of the drug cartels. The decision
has been taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
in states like Himachal Pradesh (HP), Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Bihar, Tamil Nadu (TN), Andhra
Pradesh (AP), Uttar Pradesh (UP), Madhya Pradesh (MP), West Bengal (WB), Rajasthan and
Haryana.
Govt relaxes guidelines for reissue of OCI cards

India relaxed certain Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) guidelines for reissue of passport for
those below 20 years of age and those above 50 years, the "temporary relaxation" has been
granted till 30 June next year, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. The ministry, however,
said it is advised that OCI cardholders may take steps to comply with the existing OCI
guidelines and renew their OCI cards as required by the rules.

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December 2019
Indian Coast Guard conducts Swachchh Samundra NW 2019

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has conducted a Regional Level Pollution Response Exercise titled
"Swachchh Samundra NW-2019" at sea off Vadinar in Gulf of Kutch. The exercise was
conducted from 17 Dec to 18 Dec 19 to validate and reinforce response mechanism for oil pollution
incidents and enable the Indian Coast Guard to fine tune the actions required in such eventualities
with the provisions of NOS-DCP.
Arms (Amendment) Bill Turns Law, Gets President's Nod

The Act is an amendment to the six-decade-old Arms Act, 1959 to effectively curb crimes
committed by using illegal firearms in the wake of spurt in illegal arms smuggling, to help the
government in controlling the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition in the country.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar addresses Summit on "Environmental Sustainability and

Economic Development"
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar today addressed a Summit on "Environmental Sustainability and
Economic Development in Delhi. While addressing concerns about the depleting ozone layer and
the emission of Cfcs and Hfcs the minister said that it is the need of the hour to call upon a
meeting to control the minimum temperatures and to keep a check.
Skill Development Ministry to set up 500 skill hubs and labs in government schools
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry has finalized a plan for setting up 500 skill hubs
and labs in government schools. The Ministry aims to Skill on a large scale with high Standards in
order to achieve its vision of a Skilled India.
Haryana Police became the first to introduce ‘Trakea’ software in Forensic Science Laboratory
Haryana police have introduced a unique barcoding software “Trakea” (developed by a
software engineer Amit Mishra) to enable foolproof security of the samples collected in
Forensic reports, to become the first state in the country to introduce this unique barcoding
system.
Chhattisgarh tops in policy and infrastructure readiness, mission mode projects performance:
Report
Chhattisgarh has emerged as the top state in terms of policy and infrastructure readiness and
mission mode projects performance, a report by Coeus Age Consulting said. Chhattisgarh was
followed by Maharashtra, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh in the tally of top five
states, the Digital States of India 2019 report said.

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December 2019
Afghanistan first country to recognize Indian Pharmacopoeia

The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) has been recognised formally by the National Department of
Regulation of Medicines and Health Products of the Ministry of Public Health of Islamic
Republic of Afghanistan, becoming the first country to recognize IP pursuant to the efforts of
Department of Commerce and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
India, Afghanistan & Iran meet for second time to monitor implementation of Chabahar
agreement
The second meeting between officials of India, Afghanistan and Iran took place in New Delhi to
monitor implementation of the 2016 agreement regarding development and management of the
Chabahar port in Iran.
India constructs Girls' Hostel for Nepal Armed Police Force School at Kirtipur
The Govt. of India has constructed Girls' Hostel for Nepal Armed Police Force School, Kirtipur in
Kathmandu district. Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) School is an academic institution created
under the APF Welfare Service Centre of Nepal Armed Police Force. The school was established in
2005 and it has over 21 per cent of girls students.
ITBP launches matrimonial site to help staff find ‘suitable matches’

In a unique approach, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has started a dedicated matrimonial site
for its staff. The website started will be managed by ITBP and only the staff will be able to
access it, which is the first-ever dedicated and well-managed matrimony portal among the
Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
The deadline for the government’s Accessible India Campaign (AIC) has been extended to
March 2020 due to slow progress.
AIC is the nationwide flagship campaign of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, the aim of which is to make
a barrier-free and conducive environment for Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities - PwDs) all
over the country.
• United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which
India is a signatory, under Article 9 casts obligations on the Governments for ensuring to
PwDs accessibility to (a) Information, (b) Transportation, (c) Physical Environment, (d)
Communication Technology and (e) Accessibility to Services as well as emergency
services.

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December 2019
Tamil Nadu panchayat tops ranking; Gujarat has most top 10 entries
Tamil Nadu’s Molugamboondi has topped the 2019 rankings of gram panchayats in the
country, scoring high on implementation of development and infrastructure programmes
under the Mission Antyodaya scheme.
• The second rank has gone to Bambhaniya GP of Bhavnagar in Gujarat while four more
Gujarat panchayats are tied for third ranking. One in Maharashtra, two each of Punjab and
Tamil Nadu, and five Gujarat panchayats are tied at fourth ranking.
Integral Coach Factory produces 3000 Coaches in record 215 days

Integral Coach Factory (ICF) of Indian Railways has produced its 3000th coach of the year in 215
days. This would help in meeting the growing demand for coaches. The number of working days to
achieve the above figure has been reduced from 289 days in the last year to 215 days in the
current year.
PM Modi addresses ASSOCHAM Annual Conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses Assocham Annual Conference in Delhi. The theme of
the event was 'New India Aspiring for a USD 5 trillion economy'. The event was organised on the
completion of 100 years of ASSOCHAM.
CII organized the 2019 Steeling India in New Delhi

The aim of the meeting is to increase metal intensity in key sectors. It aimed to enhance the
steel intensity in key user sectors, especially in rural India. Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
organized a meeting on Steeling India-2019: Driving metal intensity in key sectors on 16
December in New Delhi. The Union Minister for Steel and Petroleum & Natural Gas, Dharmendra
Pradhan participated in the meeting.
Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile flight-tested

Developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), quick Reaction
Surface to Air Missile, QRSAM system was successfully flight-tested from Integrated Test
Range, Chandipur off the Odisha coast.
Urban India declared Open defecation free

Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban has achieved its target of creating Urban India Open Defecation
Free. Urban areas of 35 states and Union Territories have become ODF. In all, 4,320 cities out of
4,372 have declared themselves ODF, of which 4,167 cities have been certified through third-party
verification. The Ministry has partnered with Google to map all public toilets on Google maps.

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December 2019
GeM Samvaad takes off in Four States

A national outreach Programme, GeM Samvaad, was launched on 17th December 2019 to
reach out to stakeholders across the country and also local sellers in order to facilitate on-
boarding of local sellers on the marketplace while catering to specific requirements and
procurement needs of buyers. The outreach programme began from 19th December 2019 and
during the launch week the States of Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Andhra
Pradesh are being covered. The outreach programme will be on till 17th February 2020 and will cover
all the States and UTs.
CDRI, Cipla collaborate to develop drugs

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI)
have signed an agreement for collaboration to jointly develop new drugs for treating various
medical conditions and repurposing of drugs for India and global markets with Cipla Ltd.
Aadhaar crosses 125 crore mark, used 37000 crore times since inception
In just about a decade of its implementation in 2010, registrations under the Unique
Identification Authority of India’s (UIDAI) Aadhaar project have crossed the 125-crore mark and
these many residents of India now have a 12-digit unique identification number.
Foundation laid for country's first transit-oriented development project; Delhi to get tallest
tower
Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the country's first transit-
oriented development (TOD) project under which a state-of-the-art infrastructure zone,
including the national capital's tallest tower, will be built in east Delhi. The project -- 'East Delhi
Hub' at Karkardooma -- spread over 30 ha, will come up in next three-and-a-half years, officials said.
Rohtang tunnel in Himachal Pradesh named as Atal tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi named Rohtang passageway in Himachal Pradesh as Atal
Tunnel to mark the 95th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Constructed by BRO, after completion of the tunnel, it will provide all weather connectivity to
remote areas of Lahaul and Spiti Valley and also reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by
46 Kilometres.
• The 8.8-kilometre long tunnel is the world's longest tunnel above an altitude of 3,000
metres.
India world’s 3rd largest producer of Scientific Articles

According to a latest US report, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest publisher of
science and engineering articles. China, which accounts for 20.67 per cent of all global publications

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December 2019
in scientific articles, is at the top position, followed by the US at 16.54 per cent, as per the statistics
compiled by the US National Science Foundation.
Digital Radio to be launched in 2024: Prakash Javadekar

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar has said that government is
bringing Digital Radio in 2024. Akashvani has one of the largest news gathering and
dissemination apparatus in the world.
Biometric enabled Centralised Access Control System (CACS) &Training Module of e-BCAS
Project launched – Aims to digitise employee movement process at airports
Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State (I/C) for Civil Aviation launched the Biometric
enabled Centralised Access Control System (CACS) and ‘e-BCAS Project Training Module , in
the presence of senior officials of the Ministry of Civil aviation(MoCA) and Bureau of Civil
Aviation Security (BCAS).
• An MoU was signed between ECIL and BCAS on 17th December 2015 with an overall
investment of Rs.34.92 crore. The project aimed to digitize the existing mechanism at the
airports and reduce human intervention systematically.
Finance minister releases stamp to commemorate the role of Directorate of Revenue

Intelligence (DRI)
Finance minister of India released a postage stamp to commemorate distinguished service
and glorious contribution of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in protecting the nation.
DRI plays an immense role to counter smuggling and preserve cultural heritage and environment of
the country.
ISRO does 100 consecutive launches of Rohini-200 sounding rocket

India’s space agency completed its 100th successful consecutive launch f Rohini-200 (RH-
200), one of the series of sounding rockets that was a precursor for the development of
heavier rockets such as PSLV, GSLV and GSLV-MkIII. Isro’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
(VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram designs these rockets and launches them from the Thumba
Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), the spaceport on the outskirts of Kerala capital,
where India’s space journey began in 1962.
In a latest research, scientists from CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in New Delhi
have come up with a security ink — which can prevent duplication of printable documents and
counterfeiting of currency notes.
The research, published in the Journal of Materials Chemistry C in October, was conducted on
the principle of the fluorescence-phosphorescence technique, which emits two colours on the

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December 2019
excitation of a single wavelength. According to researchers, the technique of dual emissive

luminescent pigment for security purposes is the first-of-its-kind and never used for printing
of notes or confidential documents.
Ravi Shankar Prasad launches web portal to facilitate blocking, tracing of stolen and lost
phones in Delhi
Communications Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad launched a web portal that will facilitate
blocking and tracing of stolen or lost mobile phones in Delhi. The initiative was launched in
September this year in Mumbai on a pilot basis. DoT intends to implement Central Equipment
Identity Registry (CEIR) that connects to the IMEI database of all the mobile Operators.
33rd National Conference of the All India Induction Furnace Association of India (AIIFA) held in
New Delhi
Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas and Steel, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan participated in the
33rd National Conference of the All India Induction Furnace Association of India (AIIFA) on
Secondary Steel Sector in New Delhi. Theme of the Conference was “Most advantageous route
of Environment friendly steel making through Electric Induction Furnace (EIF) and its global
acceptance”.
Indian Railways introduces New Passenger friendly Information System at Anakapalle Station
in Vijayawada Division
Indian Railways introduced a new Passenger Information System at Anakapalle Railway
Station of Vijayawada Division in South Central Railway. The Passenger Information system
comprises both “At a Glance Display Board” (which gives a glance of the status of various train
timings at the Station) and “Coach Guidance Display Board” (which provides the Coach Composition
position of a train).
GoM constituted to expedite revival plan of BSNL & MTNL

A Group of Ministers (GoM) has been constituted to to expedite revival plan of BSNL & MTNL.
The GoM will fast-track and oversee the implementation of the Rs 69,000 crore revival plan for
state-owned telecom corporations BSNL and MTNL.
PM Modi launches Atal Bhujal Yojana in New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Atal Bhujal Yojana on the occasion of birth
anniversary of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Atal Bhujal Yojana is a Central Sector
Scheme with a total outlay of Rs. 6000 crore to be implemented over a period of 5 years, with 50%
funding from the World bank.

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December 2019
• It aims to improve ground water management through community participation in identified

priority areas in seven States, viz. Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
27th National Children’s Science Congress 2019 Held For The 1st Time In
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
The Vice President of India, Shri Muppavarapu Venkaiah Naidu has attended the 27th edition of
National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) 2019 based on the theme “Science, Technology
and Innovation for a clean, green and healthy nation” held for the 1st time at Mar Ivanios
College in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala from December 27 -31,2019.
Operational guidelines for Jal Jeevan Mission released : Project to cost Rs.3.6 tln
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the operational guidelines for the implementation of Jal
Jeevan Mission (JJM).
• The Rs.3.6 trillion JJM projects aim to provide clean drinking water through pipes to 146 million
homes by 2024.
• Centre will provide Rs.2.08 lakh Crore while the fund sharing pattern to be 90:10 for
Himalayan and North-Eastern States; 50:50 for other States and 100% for UTs.
MEA includes Madagascar, Comoros in Indian Ocean Division

Ministry of External Affairs has included Madagascar and Comoros in the Indian Ocean Region
Division, which looks after India's maritime neighbours such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius
and Seychelles.
• Both these countries are members of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and
International Solar Alliance.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) released its 3rd edition of global report on trends in
prevalence of tobacco use 2000-2025.
As per the report despite decline in tobacco usage, India is off track to achieve 30% reduction
in tobacco use by 2025 when compared to its 2010 levels. 163 nations besides India are also
not on track in this regard.
Indian Scenario
• Based on current progress by India, a reduction in the tobacco usage by 23% by 2025 is
expected in the country.
• The consumption in India is going down by 21.6% points. In male, the consumption will go
down to 35.8% from 57.3% by 2025. The consumption in female for the same period will
decline to 8% from 29.8%.

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December 2019
Tamil Nadu tops in Good Governance Index

Good Governance Index were launched by the Department of Administrative Reforms and
Public Grievances, and the Centre for Good Governance.
• Tamil Nadu topped the Good Governance Index among big states.
• Among the North East and Hill States, Himachal Pradesh was ranked first, followed by
Uttarakhand, Tripura, Mizoram and Sikkim.
• Puducherry is the best governed Union Territory followed by Chandigarh and Delhi.
HRD Minister launches five documents developed by UGC

Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank launched the five
documents developed by University Grants Commission, covering the 5 verticals of Quality
Mandate in New Delhi. These five documents cover evaluation reforms, eco-friendly and
sustainable university campuses, human values and professional ethics, faculty induction and
academic research integrity.
Railways renames RPF as Indian Railway Protection Force Service

The Railways has renamed its security force RPF (Railway Protection Force) as Indian Railway
Protection Force Service. The ministry has accorded organised Group A status to RPF and
renamed it, according to an order issued.
India set to cross 100-GW renewable energy capacity mark in 2020

India is set to cross the 100-Gw renewable energy capacity mark in 2020 and can make rapid
strides towards the ambitious 175 Gw clean energy target by 2022 provided the government
keeps a close eye on key issues and deals with those well in time. The government, however,
needs to promote storage to ensure 24x7 clean energy supply as coal fired thermal power still
remains the base load in the country.
Dharmendra Pradhan unveils India’s first CNG bus which can run 1,000 Km in one fill
Oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan unveiled India's first long distance Compressed Natural Gas
(CNG) bus fitted with composite CNG cylinders, which can travel around 1,000 kilometre in a
single fill. Mahindra & Mahindra along with Agility Fuel Solutions of USA have partnered with
IGL for introducing the new concept of light weight Type IV composite cylinders in buses.
Sign boards in Chinese language have been set up at 5 ASI protected archaeological sites
Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (IC) Shri Prahlad Singh Patel has said that sign
boards in Chinese language have been put up at 5 ASI protected archaeological sites located
in Uttar Pradesh. They include the archaeological site at Sarnath, the Buddhist relics at Chaukhandi
Stupa, Kushinagar and the Mahaparinirvana Temple, Piparahwa and Shravasti .
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December 2019
NTPC to invest Rs 50,000 crore to add 10GW solar energy capacity by 2022
At present, NTPC has installed renewable energy capacity of 920 MW, which includes mainly
solar energy. It has formulated a long-term plan to become a 130GW company by 2032 with 30
percent non-fossil fuel or renewable energy capacity. State-owned power giant NTPC is planning
to add 10GW of solar energy generation capacity by 2022, which entails an investment of around Rs
50,000 crore, to be funded mainly by green bonds, a source has said.
All India Radio organizes National Symposium of Poets-2020

National Symposium of Poets - 2020 was organized by All India Radio. This poet symposium
was attended by select poets of all 22 languages recognized in the constitution.
Veteran Political cartoonist Vikas Sabnis passes away

Veteran Political cartoonist Vikas Sabnis passed away in Mumbai due to cardiac arrest. He was
69. He had completed 50 years of illustrious career in 2018.
More than 1 crore houses sanctioned under PM Aawas Yojana (Urban)

According to the Government more than one crore houses have been sanctioned under
Pradhan Mantri Aawas Yojana (Urban), one of the largest affordable housing programmes in
the world.
• Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Puri informed that one crore houses have already
been sanctioned out of a validated demand of 1.12 crore houses in urban areas.
S Jaishankar co-chairs 19th Joint Commission meeting with Iran Foreign Minister
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar co-chaired the 19th Joint Commission meeting with
Foreign Minister of Iran in Tehran. 2 sides agreed to speed up the work on the strategic
Chabahar project, which is being jointly developed by India, Iran and Afghanistan.
• Both sides also agreed to celebrate their 70th anniversary of bilateral treaty of friendship in
2020.
Phase-1 services of DGCA’s e-Governance project (e-GCA) launched

Phase-1 services of the e-Governance project (e-GCA) of Directorate General of Civil Aviation
or DGCA was launched by Secretary of Ministry of Civil Aviation, Pradeep Kharola. With this,
the issue of Commercial Pilot License (A) and Flight Radio Telephony Operators License and
Instrument Rating has been automated.

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December 2019
Bharat Heavy Electricals commissions India's first lignite based 500 MW thermal unit
Bharat Heavy Electricals has successfully commissioned the first Lignite based 500 MW
thermal unit of the 2x500 MW Neyveli New Thermal Power Project in Tamil Nadu. The second
unit of the project is also in an advanced stage of commissioning.
17th India-EU Summit 2020 to be held in Brussels

PM Narendra Modi will visit Brussels, Belgium in 2020 for the 17th India-EU Summit.
The summit will aimed at expanding strategic partnership with Europe. The summit will focus on
areas such as Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement, Europol, counter-terrorism, Euroatom,
climate change, etc. BTIA is a free trade agreement between India and EU in the year launched in
2007.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
International News
Saudi Arabia takes over G20 Presidency from Japan

Saudi Arabia has taken over the G20 Presidency from Japan. It is the first Arab nation to
assume the G20 presidency. The G20 summit for 2020 will be held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia under
the theme of “Realising Opportunities of the 21st Century for All”, from 21-22 November 2020.
It will also focus on three aims namely, empowering people, safeguarding the planet, and shaping
new frontiers.
33rd Int’l Book Fair in Mexico: MoS HRD inaugurated India Pavilion
Minister of State (MoS) for Human Resource and Development (HRD) Mr Sanjay Dhotre
inaugurated the India Pavilion at the 33rd International Book Fair 2019 in Guadalajara, Mexico.
India is the “guest of honour” for the 2019 book fair and is also the first Asia country to have
received this honour.
Prithiviraj Roopan elected as the President of Mauritius

Prithiviraj Singh Roopun was elected as the President of Mauritius by the Lawmakers of
Mauritius. Also, Mr. Marie Cyril Eddy Boissezon appointed as the new Vice-President of the
Republic of Mauritius.
Global Migration Film Festival was organised in Dhaka

The Global Migration Film Festival (GMFF) was organised in Dhaka. The day long festival
screened 15 films on the theme of migration and its various aspects. This year it is being
organised across many cities in the world from 28 November to 18 December. The festival
screened 15 films on the theme of “migration and its various aspects”.
Sundar Pichai named CEO at Google's parent firm Alphabet

Google's India-born Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai will assume the leadership role at
its parent firm Alphabet, making him one of the most powerful corporate leaders of the world.
World malaria report 2019: India reports 2.6 million fewer malaria cases in 2018
World Health Organization (WHO) released a report titled “World malaria report 2019”. The
report was on Malarial cases and steps taken regarding the disease globally.
• As per the report, India was one of the only two countries of the 11 high- burden- to- high -
impact (HBHI) countries that achieved a significant reduction in the number of malaria
cases in 2018 compared to previous year (2017).

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December 2019
• As per WHO, with the current trajectory, globally, the 2020 GTS (Global technical strategy
for malaria 2016–2030) milestones for morbidity will not be achieved and unless there is
accelerated change, 2025 and 2030 milestones to reduce malaria will not be achieved.
world malaria report 2019.
Finland elects Sanna Marin, the youngest-ever Prime Minister

Finland's Social Democrats elected a 34-year-old former transport minister to the post of the
prime minister, making her the youngest head of government in the country's history.
About Finland:
President: Sauli Niinistö ; Capital: Helsinki ; Currency: Euro
NATO Summit 2019 held in Watford, United Kingdom

United Kingdom(UK) hosted two day long 2019 NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization)
Summit in London from December 3-4, 2019. The year 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the
summit. The purpose of the summit was to make the heads of state and heads of government
of NATO member countries to evaluate and provide strategic direction for Alliance activities.
Germanwatch’s 15th Climate Risk Index 2020 - India 5th most vulnerable nation to climate
change in 2018, Japan tops
According to the 15th edition of “Global Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2020: Who Suffers Most from
Extreme Weather Events? Weather-Related Loss Events in 2018 and 1999 to 2018” released by
Germanwatch (a non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Bonn, Germany), India
ranked 5th in the global list of most climate-affected country in 2018 with the CRI score of 18.17.
Ranking
Country Name CRI Score
2018
1 Japan 5.50
2 Philippines 11.17
3 Germany 13.83
4 Madagascar 15.83
5 India 18.17
India ranks 5th and China tops the list of invasive use of Biometrics: Comparitech

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
As per a study done by Comparitech, Britain-based tech research firm, states that India ranks
5th along with Taiwan, Indonesia and the Philippines in the list of invasive use of Biometrics
while China, Malaysia and Pakistan come before India in the list.
Masatsugu Asakawa elected as the 10th President of Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Masatsugu Asakawa has been elected as the 10th President of the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) by the Board of Governors of the ADB. Asakawa will be assuming office on January 17,
2020, after the resignation of Takehiko Nakao, the current President of ADB. Asakawa will
finish the term of Nakao till November 23, 2021.
Iraq PM Adel Abdul Mahdi announces resignation

Abdul Mahdi has resigned from his post after heavy protests. He has taken this decision after
more than 40 people were killed by security forces in Baghdad and Iraq’s mainly Shia southern
cities of Nasiriya and Najaf in anti-government protests.
Hage Geingob, President of Namibia secures second term

Hage Gottfried Geingob, Namibia’s third leader since the country freed itself from South Africa
in 1990, has been named as President of Namibia for the second term.
Inaugural meeting of India-Japan Foreign and Defence Ministerial Dialogue, which is the “two-
plus-two” (2+2) dialogue between India and Japan, was held in New Delhi
The dialogue was held with the aim of boosting bilateral security and defence cooperation and
is expected to strengthen “India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership”.
• As part of the dialogue the two nations will also exchange views on the situation in the
Indo-Pacific region and efforts taken under India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and Japan’s ‘Free and
Open Indo-Pacific Vision’.
Maldives sign contract with joint venture of Indian companies for development of Addu
Maldives government signed a contract with a joint venture of Indian companies for
preparation of project report and development of Addu, second biggest city in the island
nation. It will be financed through 800 million US dollars line of credit extended by EXIM bank
of India for strengthening of Indo- Maldives development cooperation. It is the second project
after water and sanitation project in 34 islands.
‘Top 100 City Destinations’ of 2019 released by the UK based market research company
Euromonitor International
Seven cities in India are included in the list including the capital Delhi (11th position due to the
strong development in its tourism infrastructure, having a world class airport and is focusing

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December 2019
on luxury, medical, sports and cultural tourism). Hong Kong continues to hold the top
position. Other cities include Bangkok, Macau, Singapore, London and New York City.
HubSpot Inc is the best company to work in US

Glassdoor’s annual rankings released for the Top 10 best places to work in the US.
• HubSpot Inc, a cloud-computing software company, grabbed the No. 1 ranking while tech
firms DocuSign Inc and Ultimate Software were ranked third and eighth, respectively.
Switzerland to be the partner country for 17th edition of Bio Asia 2020 hosted by Hyderabad,
Telangana scheduled to be held from February 17-19, 2020
The theme of the same is “Today for Tomorrow”. In the year 2018 , India was Switzerland’s 8th
largest trading partner with a total bilateral trade of $19.7 billion.
• The city of Hyderabad has become a hub in the field of health tech and will be introduced
to the Switzerland Health Tech Ecosystem through the Bio Asia Summit.
Nuad Thai massage included in UNESCO heritage list

Thailand’s famous 2000-year-old massage, Nuad Thai was added to UNESCO’s (United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) prestigious heritage list.
• Thai massage originated in India and brought it to Thailand about 2,500 years ago by
doctors and monks who carried its secrets for generations.
NASA scientists map wind flow pattern on Mars, first for any planet: Study
In a first-of-its-kind study carried out on any planet, NASA scientists have mapped the global
wind circulation patterns in the upper atmosphere of Mars -- 120 to 300 kilometers above the
Red Planet's surface.
• The researchers, including those from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) in
the US, reprogrammed probes aboard NASA's Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN)
spacecraft to collect wind measurements on the Red Planet.
US Congress consents to designate India's NAVIC as allied navigational satellite system

The US Congress has consented to designate India's NAVIC (NAVigation with Indian
Constellation) as its “allied” navigational satellite system along with the Galileo of the
European Union and QZSS of Japan.
• Approved as part of the conference report of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
2020, it designates Russia's GLONASS and Chinese Beidou as a “non-allied system”.

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December 2019
US, Mexico and Canada sign revised trade deal to replace NAFTA
Officials from Canada, Mexico and the United States have signed a fresh overhaul of a quarter-
century-old trade pact that aims to improve enforcement of worker rights and hold down
prices for biologic drugs by eliminating a patent provision and to revamp the 1994 North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), a deal he has blamed for the loss of millions of US
manufacturing jobs.
Worldwide arms sales rise by nearly 5% in 2018

Worldwide arms sales rose by nearly five 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.
• 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 world's largest arms maker remains the US firm Lockheed Martin, as it has been since
2009. Its sales alone account for 11 per cent of the world market.
The United States(US) decided to shut down the appeal court of WTO (World Trade
Organisation) in response to WTOs decisions against the federal trade rules imposed by the
US administration.
• The appeal court which consisted of 7-member body was then cut down to a 3-member body in
2018. Recently, the terms of two of the last three judges on the WTO’s appellate body
ended on December 10,2019.
World's First commercial electric plane takes flight in Canada

The world's first fully electric commercial aircraft took its inaugural test flight, taking off from
the Canadian city of Vancouver. Vancouver-based Harbour Air Seaplanes and U.S. electric
engine-maker magniX said the flight was the world's first by an all-electric commercial aircraft.
2019 UK general elections: British PM Boris Johnson attains historic victory

Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson won the United Kingdom (UK) general election after his
Conservative Party crossed the required majority of 326 votes of the 650 seats in the House of
Commons.
• 15 Indian-origin politicians entered the UK’s House of Commons and the UK will be removed
from the European Union (EU) in January marking Johnson’s win in the general election.

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December 2019
Abu Dhabi selected as world’s leading sports tourism destination

Abu Dhabi 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. This is the seventh time in a row
that Abu Dhabi has been selected for this coveted award.
Abdelmadjid Tebboune elected President of Algeria
He is a former Algerian PM who served under deposed leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Bougainville: World’s newest nation after voted for independence from Papua New Guinea
The South Pacific region of Bougainville was voted to become the world’s newest nation by
gaining independence from Papua New Guinea. The chairman of Bougainville Referendum
Commission Bertie Ahern declared that 98% of the voters backed independence.
2019 Climate Change Conference 2-13 December 2019 | Madrid, Spain

The 25th United Nations(UN) Climate Change Conference held in Madrid, Spain from December
2-13, 2019. The conference featured 25th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 25) to
the United Nations Framework Convention to Combat Climate Change (UNFCCC).
• Addressing the COP 25, Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC), Shri
Prakash Javadekar announced that India has reduced emission intensity of its GDP (gross
domestic product) by 21% and is also on track to achieve the goal of 35% emission
reduction by 2030.
Pak, World Bank ink Khyber Pass economic agreement

Pakistan and the World Bank have signed a project agreement worth $406.6 million for
financing the Khyber Pass Economic Corridor (KPEC) project with an aim to promote
economic development.
• The project is aimed at constructing a 48 km four-lane, dual carriageway, high speed and
access-controlled motorway from Peshawar to Torkham border point with Afghanistan in a
bid to promote economic development and ensure uplift of the areas adjoining the
expressway and falling in Khyber- Pakhtunkhwa.
Israeli student’s made satellite “Duchifat-3” and launched from Sriharikota

“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.

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December 2019
8th edition of Embassy’s annual film festival inaugurated at Riyadh

The eighth edition of the Embassy’s annual film festival titled “Ambassador’s Choice:
Screening of Films” was inaugurated on 7th December at the auditorium of Embassy of India,
Riyadh.
• The twelve-day festival, which is being held from 5th to 18th December, kicked off with the
screening of three Arabic short movies titled: ‘The Swan Song’, ‘A Colourful Life’ and ‘Jaleed’,
followed by an interactive session with the directors of the respective movies.
‘Birth Registration for Every Child by 2030: Are we on track?’ – A report released by UNICEF
(United Nations Children’s Fund)
The number of registered births has significantly increased over the past decade especially in India,
Bangladesh and Nepal. The birth registration level in these regions has almost tripled from 23 %
in the last two decades to 70%. The report analyzed the data from 174 countries. This
improvement followed SDG (Sustainable Development Goal)16.9, which calls for providing
legal identity to everyone by 2030.
Google Earth covers 98 percent of entire population

Search engine giant Google has revealed that it's mapping service, Google Earth now covers more
than 98 percent of the world. Google Earth, offers 6 million square miles of high definition
satellite images, covering more than 98 percent of the entire population.
Portugal announces Gandhi Citizenship Education Prize

Portuguese Prime Minister, Antonio Costa has announced that in order to help perpetuate Mahatma
Gandhi’s ideals, Portugal will be launching a Gandhi Citizenship Education Prize, each year
inspired by his different thoughts and quotes. The first edition of this prize will be dedicated to
animal welfare as Mahatma Gandhi said that the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its
animals are treated.
China launched its first indigenously produced aircraft carrier named “Shandong”
China has launched its 1st indigenously built aircraft carrier “Shandong”, named after the
Shandong province, from Sanya, an important establishment in the South China Sea. It is 2nd
aircraft carrier of China after Liaoning. Indian Navy currently has an aircraft carrier named ‘INS
Vikramaditya’ in operation. Its second aircraft carrier ‘INS Vikrant’ is under construction in
Kochi(Kerala) and is expected to come into service in 2022.

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December 2019
Sri Lanka formally releases ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’

Sri Lankan government has formally released its new National policy Framework titled ‘Vistas
of Prosperity and Splendor’. It is aimed at achieving fourfold outcome of being a productive
citizen, a contented family, a virtuous, disciplined and just society and a prosperous nation.
Turkey: Historic mosque moved before dam waters rise

In Turkey, the last remaining historical artifact has been removed from the ancient
southeastern town of Hasankeyf ahead of its submergence as part of a dam project. The main
body of the 610-year-old Er-Rızk mosque was removed from the 12,000-year-old town in a four-hour
operation and transported to a cultural park where the town's artefacts will be displayed.
2020: Year of the Nurse and Midwife

World Health Organization has designated 2020, the bicentenary of the birth of the founder of
modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife (YONM).
• Nurses and midwives play a vital role in providing health services, they devote their lives to caring
for mothers and children, to giving lifesaving immunisation and health advice. The world will
achieve universal health coverage only by recognising the critical role they play.
US President Trump officially launches US military 'Space Force'

US President Donald Trump officially launched US military 'Space Force' at an army base near
Washington. Mr Trump described space as the world's newest war-fighting domain. The launch of
the Space Force, the first in more than 70 years, falls under the US Air Force. It will be funded by
an initial 40 million Dollar for its first year.
Scientists find the deepest land canyon on Earth under the Antarctic ice sheet
The bottom of the canyon discovered under the Denman Glacier plunges 3.5 km below sea
level — eight times deeper than the shore of the Dead Sea. The deepest land canyon on Earth
plunges 3.5 km below sea level and is roughly 20 km wide. And although there is no water at the
bottom, the canyon is filled with ice stretching toward the ocean.
Peugeot SA and Fiat Chrysler signs merger agreement

French carmaker “Peugeot SA” and US-Italian “Fiat Chrysler” have signed an agreement to create
the world’s fourth largest automaker, headquartered in the Netherlands. Fiat Chrysler’s chief
John Elkann will be the chairman and PSA’s Carlos Tavares chief executive of the new entity.

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December 2019
Ethiopia launches its first satellite

Ethiopia launched its first satellite, a landmark achievement for the country's space program that
caps a banner year for the African space industry. The launch of the Ethiopian Remote Sensing
Satellite (ETRSS) took place at a space station in China.
• The launch makes Ethiopia the eleventh African country to put a satellite into space. Egypt
was the first in 1998.
84-Year-Old Man Becomes Oldest Person Ever to Complete Antarctic Marathon

An 84-year-old Canadian national named Roy Jorgen Svenningsen has become the oldest
person ever to complete the Antarctic Ice Marathon.
• The Antarctic Ice Marathon is the planet's southernmost race and is considered one of the
toughest. The winner of this year's race was William Hafferty of the US, who set an event
record time of 3 hours, 34 minutes and 12 seconds.
Eight West African nations rename common currency to Eco

Eight West African countries have agreed to change the name of their common currency to Eco and
severed their earlier currency CFA Franc's links to former colonial ruler France. The CFA Franc was
initially pegged to the French franc and has been linked to the euro for about two decades. Benin,
Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo currently use the
currency.
Apple, Amazon & Google partners for ‘Connected Home over IP’
“Amazon.com Inc”, “Apple Inc” and Alphabet Inc’s “Google” have announced a partnership to lay the
groundwork for better compatibility among their smart home products. Zigbee Alliance, whose
members include IKEA and NXP Semiconductors among others, will also contribute to the
project, titled ‘Connected Home over IP’.
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) removed ‘racist’
Belgian carnival from heritage list
UNESCO has removed the ‘Carnival of Aalst’ of Belgium from its Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity List. The carnival was added to the Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.
World's oldest fossil trees uncovered in New York

The earliest fossilised trees, dating back 386 million years, have been found at an abandoned
quarry in New York. Scientists believe the forest they belonged to was so vast it originally
stretched beyond Pennsylvania.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
The first ever Global Refugee Forum was held in Geneva, Switzerland from 17-18 December
2019
It was jointly hosted by United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) along with Government of
Switzerland to give impetus to efforts to achieve compact’s objectives and translate international
solidarity into concrete action. Six Thematic Areas on which First Global Refugee Forum was
focused were Arrangements for burden and responsibility-sharing, Solutions, Energy and
Infrastructure, Protection Capacity, Jobs and Livelihoods and Education.
Trump becomes third US president in history to be impeached

Donald Trump has become the third US President in history to be impeached by the House of
Representatives, setting up a trial in the Senate that will decide whether he remains in office. The
House voted on two charges - that the President abused his power and that he had obstructed
Congress.
Manuel Marrero Cruz appointed Cuba's first Prime minister since 1976
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel named Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz as the country's
first Prime minister since 1976. The position of prime minister was held by Fidel Castro from
1959 to 1976, when a new constitution changed his title to president and eliminated the post of
Prime minister.
International Astronomical Union names new star 'Sharjah'

The International Astronomical Union (IAU) announced the names of the newly discovered stars
and planets, where the name "Sharjah" was chosen for a star with "Barjeel" being the name of one
of its planets. The announcement was made during a press conference of the IAU in the French
capital, Paris, celebrating the centennial of the union.
Indian-American Dr Monisha Ghosh named 1st woman CTO at FCC in US

Indian-American Dr Monisha Ghosh has been appointed as the first woman Chief Technology
Officer at the US government's powerful Federal Communications Commission (FCC). She will
advise Indian-American Chairman of the FCC Ajit Pai and the agency on technology and
engineering issues, and work closely with the Office of Engineering and Technology.
Ecuador declares emergency after fuel spill in Galapagos Islands

Ecuador has declared emergency to contain the environmental impact of a fuel spill in the
Galapagos Islands, after a barge carrying 600 gallons of diesel fuel sank. Latin American
Galapagos archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to one of the most fragile
ecosystems on the planet.

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December 2019
China successfully launches largest carrier rocket

China has successfully launched the largest carrier rocket of the country, Long March-5, from
Wenchang Space Launch Center in South China's Hainan Province, in its 3rd attempt. The
rocket, also known as CZ-5, blasted off with more than 1,000 tonnes of thrust.
Dennis Muilenburg, Boeing CEO steps down

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg has stepped down as the company is facing tough period
following two fatal crashes. He will be replaced by Chairman David Calhoun effective January 13,
2020.
Algeria names new prime minister

Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune named a university professor and former diplomat,
Abdelaziz Djerad as prime minister as he builds a new government to handle political unrest
and a looming economic challenge.
Malala Yousafzai most famous teenager of the decade: UN

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai was declared as the ‘most famous teenager in the world’ by
the United Nations in its 'decade in review' report released on December 23, 2019.
• The UN report retraced some of the biggest stories that unfolded in this decade, between 2010
and 2019, in a three-part decade in review.
• The part one of the review focuses on events that took place between 2010 and 2013,
which includes the devastating Haiti earthquake, the beginning of the ongoing Syrian
conflict, the rise of Malala Yousafzai as an advocate of girl’s education and the world’s
most dangerous UN mission in Mali.
New China-Brazil earth resource satellite named CBERS-4A launched into space.
It is China and Brazil’s Jointly Developed Earth observation satellite named China-Brazil Earth
Resources Satellite- 4A (CBERS-4A), from Long March-4B rocket in the northern Chinese province
of Shanxi. The expectation is that it would enhance cooperation among the BRICS (5 members-
Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) nations.
Russia deploys first hypersonic missiles

Russia has deployed its first hypersonic nuclear-capable missiles. Avangard hypersonic glide
vehicle, which can fly at 27 times the speed of sound, is a technological breakthrough
comparable to the 1957 Soviet launch of the first satellite.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
UNGA approves resolution on initiating drafting of new treaty to combat cyber-crime

The UN General Assembly approved a resolution, that will start the process of drafting a new
treaty to combat cyber-crime. The Russian-drafted resolution establishes an expert committee
representing all world regions. It will elaborate a comprehensive international convention on
countering the use of information and communications technologies for criminal purposes.
• The Assembly also approved a resolution strongly condemning human rights abuses against
Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims and other minorities
India ranks 47th in house price appreciation during July, September 2019
Knight Frank released its latest report Global House Price Index Q3 2019 tracks the movement
in mainstream residential prices across 56 countries and territories worldwide using official
statistics. India at the 47th spot among the 56 countries/territories tracked, in terms of
appreciation in residential real estate prices, with a marginal 0.6 percent year-on-year (YoY)
rise in home prices, with Hungary leading the index.
Astronaut Christina Koch Breaks Record for Longest Space Mission by a Woman
NASA astronaut Christina Koch set a new record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman,
as previously established by NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson in 2017. The 40-year-old Expedition 61
flight engineer exceeded Whitson's record of 289 days, 5 hours and 1 minute.
• This is the second record that Koch has set during what is her first spaceflight. In October
2019, Koch and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir became the first two women to perform a
spacewalk together.
WHO approved Biosimilar of “Trastuzumab” for breast cancer treatment

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that for the 1st time it had approved a
“biosimilar” medicine of Trastuzumab named “Ontruzant” to make cheaper breast cancer
treatment at an affordable rate to women globally. The biosimilar medicine of the Trastuzumab
drug was supplied by Samsung Bioepis co Ltd.
India may overtake Germany to become fourth-largest economy by 2026: CEBR report - titled
'World Economic League Table 2020'
India is expected to become the fourth largest economy by 2026 and the third largest by 2034,
according to a report by UK-based Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).
• India has decisively overtaken both France and the UK to become the world's fifth-largest
economy in 2019. It is expected to overtake Germany to become fourth largest in 2026 and
Japan to become the third largest in 2034.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Netherlands scrapping its name nickname ‘Holland’ from January 2020

As a part of €200,000 tourism rebranding, the Netherlands has officially announced to drop the
nickname ‘Holland’ from January 2020. The Netherlands’ Board of Tourism and Conventions is
also scrapping its symbol featuring a tulip, the national flower, and the word “Holland” and replacing it
with a new logo that has an orange tulip and the initials “NL.”

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Facts of the Day (Important Days)
World AIDS Day: 01st December

World AIDS Day, designated on 01st December every year, dedicated to raising awareness of the
AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and the theme of this year’s World AIDS Day
is “Communities make the difference”.
2 December - National Pollution Control Day

National Pollution Control Day is celebrated on 2 December to raise awareness about pollution
and its hazardous effects.
2 December - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

It is observed on 2 December to make people aware about the modern slavery that works
against human rights.
World Computer Literacy Day

It is being observed on 2nd December every year, to mark the significance of computers and
to promote awareness about computers and other electronic devices. World Computer Literacy
Day was first observed in the year 2001 by the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT).
About National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT):
Founded: 1981; Headquarters: Gurugram, India; Chairman: Rajendra Singh Pawar
3 December - World Day of the Handicapped

World Day of the Handicapped is also known as the International Day of People with Disability
(IDPwD). The theme for 2019 is ‘Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and
their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda’.
4 December – Navy Day

Navy Day in India is celebrated on 4 December every year to recognize the achievements and
role of the Indian Navy to the country. On this day, those killed in the Indo-Pakistan War of
1971 are also remembered.
5 December- World Soil Day

Every year 5 December is celebrated as World Soil Day. The theme for this year is “Stop Soil
Erosion, Save our Future!”

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Armed Forces Flag Day being observed across country

Armed Forces Flag Day is observed across the country on 7th December to honour the
martyrs and Armed Forces personnel, who safeguard the motherland.
International Volunteer Day (IVD) 5th December 2019

International-Volunteer- Day (IVD) for Economic and Social Development is observed every
year by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) . The theme of IVD 2019 is “Volunteer for
an inclusive future”.
Nationwide Feedback Diwas being observed to get stakeholders response to new GST returns
Nationwide GST Stakeholders Feedback Diwas for new GST returns is being observed on 7th
December. Scores of businessmen, Charted Accountant and financial experts are participating in the
event. The idea is to take feedback from the GST payers.
Labour Ministry celebrating Pension Week (30th Nov-6th Dec 2019) to increase enrolments
under PM-SYM & NPS
Pension week is being celebrated from November 30 to December 6. The Pension week aims at
enrolling 1 crore recipients under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM) and 50 lakh
recipients under National Pension Scheme for traders and self-employees (NPS-Traders) by March
2020.
December 9 - International Anti-Corruption Day

The United Nations General Assembly on October 31, 2003, adopted and designated December
9 International Anti-Corruption Day, in order to raise awareness about corruption and of the
role of Convention in fighting and preventing it. Theme of the day is ‘United against
corruption.’
December 9 - 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”), 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.
December 10 - Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is being celebrated on 10 December. The day was adopted in 1948 by the
United Nations General Assembly as the universal declaration of human rights. The theme for
this year is "Youth Standing Up for Human Rights".

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
December 11 - International Mountain Day

‘Mountains matter for Youth’ is the theme of this year’s International Mountain Day, which is
celebrated on 11 December, to educate children about the role that mountains play in supporting
billions up and downstream – by providing freshwater, clean energy, food and recreation.
December 11 - UNICEF Day

UNICEF was created by the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) on December 11, 1946,
as the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund to provide emergency food,
nutrition, education to children, devastated due to World War II. Annual celebration of
Universal Children’s Day (November 20) is part of the work carried out by UNICEF to promote
international togetherness and awareness among children worldwide.
December 12 - International Universal Health Coverage Day

The International Universal Health Coverage Day (UHC) is observed annually on December 12 under
the resolution by the United Nations(UN) in 2017, to create awareness in providing strong and
resilient health systems and universal health coverage with multi-stakeholder partners around the
country and to provide access to quality and affordable health care for all. The theme for the UHC
Day 2019 campaign is: “Keep the promise.” The overall theme of the HLM was “Universal
Health Coverage: Moving together to build a healthier world.”
December 12 - International Day of Neutrality

The International Day of Neutrality is observed annually on December 12 under the resolution by the
United Nations (UN), which aims at promoting neutrality among states so as to strengthen peace
and security and also to develop mutual and beneficial relations among countries of the world.
The day was first introduced in Turkmenistan after the UN permanently declared it as a neutral
state since 12 December 1995.
World Energy Conservation Day is observed on 14 December

World Energy Conservation Day is observed on 14 December. The day aims to highlight the
importance of energy consumption and creates a sense of urgency on the issues involved. In
India, the National Energy Conservation Day is observed on 14 December every year. The day is
organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power.
Nation celebrates Vijay Diwas on 16 December

The nation celebrates Vijay Diwas on 16 December to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in
1971 war. Rich tributes are being paid to the martyrs who laid down their lives during the war.

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December 2019
18 December- Minorities Rights Day

To protect the rights of the minority communities every year on 18 December Minorities Rights Day is
observed in India. This day also focuses on bringing a better understanding and educating
people about the issues related to minorities and their safety.
December 18 - International Migrants Day

The United Nations (UN) International Migrants Day is annually held on December 18 to recognize
the efforts, contributions, and rights of migrants worldwide. International Migrants Day recognizes the
efforts, contributions and rights of migrants worldwide. The theme of International Migrants Day for
2019 is "We Together".
December 18 - World Arabic Language Day (WALD)

World Arabic Language Day (WALD), also known as the UN Arabic Language Day is observed
annually on December 18. The theme for the year 2019 is “Arabic Language and Artificial
Intelligence (AI)”.
19 December- International day of Helping the Poor

The UN recognized the 19th of December as the International day of helping the poor, to remind
the international community about the problem of poverty.
20 December - International Human Solidarity Day

The United Nations' (UN) International Human Solidarity Day is annually held on December 20 to
celebrate unity in diversity. It also aims to remind people on the importance of solidarity in
working towards eradicating poverty.
India celebrates National Mathematics Day on birthday of famed mathematician, Ramanujan

India celebrates National Mathematics Day on 22 December to commemorate the birth
anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan. At the age of 31, Ramanujan was one of the youngest
members of Britain's Royal Society and the first Indian to be elected a Fellow of Trinity
College, Cambridge University.
December 23 - National Farmer’s Day

Farmer's Day is celebrated every year on 23 December, on the birthday of the 5th Prime Minister
of India, Choudhary Charan Singh, also a farmer's leader, who introduced many policies to improve
the lives of the Indian farmers. The National Farmers Day in India is also known as Kisan Divas in
Hindi.

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December 2019
December 24 - National Consumer Day 2019

National Consumer Day is being celebrated every year on 24th December, to spread
awareness to consumers about their importance, their rights and responsibilities.
• On 24 December 1986, the Consumer Protection Act was passed on this day to provide
consumers with effective safeguards against different types of exploitation, such as defective
goods, deficiency in services and unfair trade practices.
“Good Governance Day” celebrated on 25th December

The birth anniversary of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee is
celebrated as Good Governance Day across the country on 25th December. Established in
2014, Good Governance Day aims to create awareness among the people about accountability
of Government and governance.

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December 2019
Facts of the Day (Awards)
Awards given for short film competition on environment

The Ministry of Environment gave away awards for a short film competition on the
environment. Several school students and professionals were awarded prizes for their
documentaries and films by Ravi Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment at the
ceremony organised by the ministry and Centre for Media Studies (CMS).
The details of the category wise winners are as follows:
Category Prize Title Language Director
Toon Club, Ecole Mondiale World

School Students 1st Clean and Green English
School
Amateur and
2nd One Life English Nishant Kumar Nishu
College students
Now, Your
Professionals 1st English Prasad Pandurang Mahekar
Home?
Tony Joseph wins 2019 Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize

English author Tony Joseph has won the 12th ‘Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize’. He was awarded
for his 2018 book, “Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From“.
South Africa's Zozibini Tunzi crowned Miss Universe 2019

South Africa's 26-year-old Zozibini Tunzi has been crowned Miss Universe for the year 2019,
beating more than 90 contestants. Miss Puerto Rico Madison Anderson was named the first runner-
up, followed by Mexican contestant Ashley Alvidrez as the second runner-up.
ET Lifetime Achievement Award for Public Service 2019 presented to late Arun Jaitley, former
Finance Minister of India
The award was received by Arun Jaitley’s spouse Sangeeta Jaitley. Arun Jaitley was the former
Finance Minister of India, he was also the Minister of Corporate Affairs from May 2014 to May
2019, Minister of Defence from March 2017 to September 2017.

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December 2019
American actor Joaquin Phoenix named 2019 ‘Person of the Year’ by PETA
Joker' star Joaquin Phoenix is PETA Person of the YearOn 3rd December 2019, Joaquin Rafael
Phoenix, American actor from California, United States (US) has been bestowed with the PETA
(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) ‘Person of the Year’ Award 2019.
International Du Film De Marrakech (FIFM) 2019-Indian Actress Priyanka Chopra honoured

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Indian actress was awarded at the Festival International Du Film De
Marrakech (FIFM) 2019 held in Jemaa el Fna square, Marrakesh, Morocco for completing 20
years in Cinema. She has also received the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award at the UNICEF (United
Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund) Snowflake Ball in December 2019.
Hindi Poet Viswanath Tiwari , honoured with Gangadhar National Award

Renowned Hindi poet, Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari is to be honoured with the Gangadhar
National Award, during the 53rd Foundation Day celebration of Sambalpur University, Odisha.
The Gangadhar National Award is bestowed in the remembrance of renowned poet Swabhaba
Kabi Gangadhara Meher from Odisha. The award was instituted in the year 1991.
“Shilpa Shetty App” wins in 2019 Google Play Awards

Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty’s fitness app “Shilpa Shetty App” has been awarded Google
Play’s Best Apps of 2019. The app was awarded in the category of ‘Personal Growth’.
Four diplomats honoured with 2019 ‘Diwali – Power of One Award’ at New York, US
This was in recognition and celebration of their work, especially at the United Nations(UN), for
a secure and peaceful world. Kairat Abdrakhmanov– Former Foreign Minister and Permanent
Representative of Kazakhstan to the UN. Nicholas Emiliou– Former Permanent Representative of
Cyprus to the UN. Frantisek Ruzicka– Former Chef de Cabinet to the President of the 72nd Session
of the UN General Assembly(UNGA) and Permanent Representative of Slovakia to the UN.
Volodymyr Yelchenko- Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN.
Space startup with AI solution to stubble burning wins ‘Space Oscar’

A Gurgaon-based startup working in utilizing satellite data to solve environmental problems
has won an international prize for its AI (artificial intelligence) - based tool to measure and
monitor farm fires and stubble burning across India.
• The application developed by Gurgaon-based startup, Blue Sky Analytics, is an AI-enabled
platform that uses satellite data for improved monitoring, supply chain and pricing analysis as
well as allocation of crop waste for use in other industries as raw material.
• The application, Zuri, has also won Copernicus Masters award given by the Earth
observation program managed by the European Commission in partnership with the
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December 2019
European Space Agency (ESA). It is also dubbed as ‘Space Oscars’. Zuri was selected under
social entrepreneurship category.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency organises 29th National Energy Conservation Awards

India celebrates the National Energy Conservation Day every year on 14th December to
recognise and celebrate the efforts towards energy conservation, under the guidance of
Ministry of Power, Government of India. During the event, a Handbook for Implementation of
Provisions of Energy Conservation Act 2001 was also released.
“International changemaker olympiad” founded by Rahul Adhikari wins “Oscars” of education

2019 in London
“International Changemaker Olympiad (ICO)”, an annual international competition program
founded by Rahul Adhikari,a Gold-Medalist from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT-R)
has won the Wharton-QS Stars Reimagine Education Award 2019, popularly known as the
“Oscars” of education under “Sustainability” category at the 2019 Reimagine Education
Conference & Awards ceremony held in London, UK (United Kingdom), from December 8 -
10,2019, co-organized by QS Quacquarelli Symonds ,The Wharton School of Business & Wharton’s
Alfred West Jr. Learning Lab.
Infosys receives UN award for its carbon-neutral goal

IT services major Infosys Ltd was presented with the United Nations Global Climate Action Award
in the ‘Climate Neutral Now’ category at the UN Climate Change Conference in Madrid, Spain.
Infosys is the first Indian corporate to receive the award.
World Economic Forum’s (WEF) 26th Annual Crystal Awards 2020

It announced its winners to celebrate the enduring contributions of exceptional artists to the society.
The winners will be honoured in the World Economic Forum at its 50th Annual Meeting 2020 to be
held on 20th January in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. Deepika Padukone, India, for her leadership in
raising mental health awareness. Theaster Gates, United States (US), for his leadership in creating
sustainable communities. Jin Xing, China, for her leadership in shaping inclusive cultural norms.
Lynette Wallworth, Australia, for her leadership in creating inclusive narratives
Padmeswar Gogoi, Educationist bestowed with the First edition of Siu-Ka-Pha Awards 2019
Dr Padmeswar Gogoi, was bestowed with the first edition of Siu-Ka-Pha award for the year 2019 by
the Central Committee of Different Ethnic Groups and the organizations of the Golaghat
district at the Siu-Ka-Pha Samannay Kshetra in Golaghat, Assam. Padmeswar is an
educationist, botanist and a researcher in Folklore.

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December 2019
Right Livelihood Award 2019

Activists Davi Kopenawa, Greta Thunberg, Guo Jianmei and Aminatou Haidar received the Right
Livelihood Award 2019, also known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’.
• Davi Kopenawa Yanomami from Brazil also called the ‘Dalai Lama of the Rainforest’
received the award for his effort taken in the protection of the Amazon Rainforest.
• Guo Jianmei, a lawyer from China has been honoured with the award for her efforts taken in
protecting Women’s rights in China.
Also known as the ‘Gandhi of Western Sahara’, Aminatou Haidar, from Western Sahara, a
Human Rights Activist for fighting to attain justice and self-determination for the people of Western
Sahara in a campaign for more than 30 years.
FICCI India Sports Awards 2019

Indian women’s hockey team captain Rani Rampal and ace pistol shooter Saurabh Chaudhary
won the Sports Person of the Year awards at the FICCI India Sports Awards 2019.
The FICCI India Sports Awards are an attempt by FICCI to acknowledge and recognise the
contribution of sportspersons and various stakeholders who deliver excellent results throughout the
year.
The 24th IFFK - 6 December 2019 to 13 December 2019

The opening film was Passed by Censor (Gorulmustur; Turkish) by Serhat Karaaslan. The
international jury was chaired by Egyptian director Khairy Beshara.
o The Golden Crow Pheasant Award (Suvarna Chakoram) for the Best film - Aru Sendo No
Hanashi directed by Jō Odagiri from Japan
o Lifetime Achievement Award - Fernando Solanas from Argentina
o Audience Prize for Best Film and Special Mention, in the Category 'Best Director' -
Jallikattu by Lijo Jose Pellissery.
• The International Film Festival of Kerala (abbreviated as IFFK) is a film festival held
annually in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India.
Ethiopia's PM receives Nobel Peace Prize

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has received the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts
to achieve international peace and co-operation. This year's Nobel Peace Prize was the 100th to
be awarded. The Nobel Peace Prize consists of a diploma, a gold medal and a cheque for nine million
Swedish kronor (850,000 euros).
Greta Thunberg named Time’s ‘person of the year’

• Teen activist Greta Thunberg has been named Time’s Person of the Year.
For the first time, TIME has chosen the most influential person in a range of fields
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December 2019
Name Profession Category
Greta Thunberg Climate activist Person of the Year
Chairman and CEO of The

Bob Iger Businessperson of the Year
Walt Disney Company
The Public Servants Federal workers of the US Guardians of the Year
United States women’s

Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Year
national soccer team
Melissa Jefferson (Lizzo) Singer Entertainer of the Year
Jamaica's 'Tony-Ann Singh' crowned as 'Miss World 2019'

Tony-Ann Singh of Jamaica was announced as the winner of the Miss World 2019 beauty
pageant held at the London. Ophely Mezino of France and Suman Rao of India were the first
and second runners up of the beauty pageant respectively.
8th National Photography Awards

• The Photo Division, under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, has invited entries
for the 8th National Photography Awards. This year’s theme for Professional
Photographers is ‘Life and Water.’
• This year’s theme for the Amateur Photographers is ‘Cultural Heritage of India.’
Gulu Mirchandani bags CEAMA Lifetime Achievement Award

Gulu Mirchandani has been conferred with “Lifetime Achievement Award” by the Consumer
Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association. Gulu Mirchandani is the founder
chairman of Mirc Electronics Ltd. (Onida).
• Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA) is an all-India
organisation in the consumer electronics and durables sector. It has been in existence for
over three decades.
Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan receive prestigious UN medal

About 850 Indian peacekeepers serving in South Sudan have been awarded the prestigious UN
medal for their dedication and sacrifice.
• India is among the largest troop contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations.
Currently, 2,342 Indian troops and 25 police personnel are deployed with the UNMISS.

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December 2019
Amitabha Bagchi wins 2019 DSC Prize

The 8th edition of the IME Nepal Literature Festival, held from December 13-16 at Pokhara,
concluded with the announcement of the winner of DSC Prize for South Asian Literature 2019.
• The $25,000 award went to Amitabha Bagchi for his 2018 novel, Half the Night is Gone.
St Teresa’s College bags national energy conservation award

St Teresa’s College, Ernakulam, has bagged the award for National Energy Conservation Award
2019 instituted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
• The college, which recently acquired the NAAC accreditation of A++, has also won two awards of
Kerala Government for energy conservation and for renewable energy in 2018 by setting up solar
panels for power requirements.
Rashtrya Swayamsiddh Samman 2019 by JSPL Foundation in New Delhi

JSPL Foundation, the CSR (Corporate social responsibility) arm of Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.
has conferred Rashtriya Swayamsiddh Samman 2019 to recognize and honour social
innovators and Change Agents in India.
• Rashtriya Swayamsiddh Jeevan Samman for lifetime achievement was conferred upon
Seturam Gopalrao Neginhal (SG Neginhal), a pioneer of urban forestry.
Tata Steel BSL bags energy award in Bhubaneswar

Tata Steel BSL has been honoured by the Odisha government for energy conservation in its
plant at Narendrapur in Dhenkanal district. The Odisha State Energy Conservation Award 2019
award was given to the company during the National Energy Conservation Day Celebration 2019.
Malayali boy Aditya bags top bravery award

Aditya K. of Kozhikode, Kerala has become the first child from the State to bag the Bharat
Award for bravery.
• The most prestigious of the National Bravery Awards, given away by the Indian Council for
Child Welfare.
• Aditya became 1st child from Kerala to receive Bharat award for bravery.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officer B P Raju was awarded the ‘India Cyber Cop of the
Year 2019’ during the Annual Information Security Summit held at Gurgaon, Haryana.
He won the award for investigating and cracking a fraud case in an online entrance exam
conducted by an engineering college in Rajasthan. The award was conferred by NASSCOM-
DSCI (Data Security Council of India) in the Annual Information Security Summit (AISS) held at
Gurugram.

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December 2019
Shashi Tharoor gets Sahitya Akademi Award 2019

Politician-writer Shashi Tharoor and playwright Nand Kishore Acharya are among 23 writers
chosen for the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award 2019.
•
S.No Language Title and Genre Name of the Author
Joysree Goswami
1 Assamese Chanakya (Novel)
Mahanta
Ghumer Chinmoy
2 Bengali
Darja Thele (Essays) Guha
3 Akhai Phukan
Bodo
Athumniphrai (Poetry) Ch. Basumatary
Bandralta Om
4 Dogri
Darpan (Essays) Sharma Jandriari
An
English Era of Darkness (Non- Shashi
5
Fiction) Tharoor
Mojma Ratilal
6 Gujarati
Revu Re (Essays) Borisagar
Chheelate Nand
7 Hindi
Hue Apne Ko (Poetry) Kishore Acharya
Kudi
8 Kannada Vijaya
Esaru (Autobiography)
Akh
Abdul
9 Kashmiri Yaad Akh Qayamat (Short
AhadHajini
Stories)
10 The Nilba
Konkani
Words (Poetry) A Khandekar
Jingik Kumar
11 Maithili
Oriaon Kariat (Poetry) Manish Arvind
Achan V
12 Malayalam
Piranna Veedu (Poetry) Madhusoodanan Nair

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December 2019
EiAmadi L
13 Manipuri
Adungeigi Eethat (Novel) Birmangol Singh (Beryl Thanga)
Kadachit
14 Marathi Anuradha Patil
Ajoonahi(Poetry)
Bhaswati Tarun
15 Odia
(Short Stories) Kanti Mishra
Antheen Kirpal
16 Punjabi
(Short Stories) Kazak
17 BareekBaat Ramswaroop
Rajasthani
(Short Stories) Kisan
Prajnachakshusham
Sanskrit Penna
18 (Poetry)
Madhusudan
Sisirkali Kali
19 Santali
(Short Stories) Charan Hembram
Jeejal Ishwar
20 Sindhi
(Short Stories) Moorjani
Sool Cho
21 Tamil
(Novel) Dharman
Septabhoomi Bandi
22 Telugu
(Novel) Narayana Swamy
Sawaneh-E-Sir
Urdu Syed: Ek Bazadeed Shafey
23
(Biography) Kidwai
Gujarat police to get 'President's Colours' Award

Gujarat police was honoured with the President's Colours award, also called NISHAAN. Gujarat
became the seventh state police force in India to be bestowed with the honour of the President’s
Colours. It was presented by the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu.
CRI Pumps bags award for energy conservation

Coimbatore-headquartered CRI Pumps has bagged the National Energy Conservation Award
2019 in the pumps category from the Government of India, for the third year in a row.

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December 2019
Vice President gave away 66th National Film Awards

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu gave away the 66th National Film Awards at a function in New
Delhi.
• Gujarati movie Hellaro was awarded the best feature film.
• Bollywood actors Ayushmann Khurrana and Vicky Kaushal have been selected for best actor
award for their roles in Andhadhun and Uri.
• Keerthy Suresh got the best actress award for her portrayal of yesteryear's star Savitri in
Telugu film Mahanati.
• Best Director award was given to Aditya Dhar for his debut film Uri: The Surgical Strike.
• Badhaai Ho has been selected for best popular film providing wholesome entertainment.
• Akshay Kumar-starrer Padman has been named the best film on social issues.
• Arijit Singh has been selected as the best male playback singer on the song Vinte Dil in
Padmavaat and Bindhu Malini got the award for Best Female Playback Singer for her Song
Maayavi Manave in Kannada movie Nathicharami.
• Marathi movie Paani has won the award for Best Film on Environment Conservation and
Preservation.
• Kannada film Ondalla Eradalla got Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National
Integration.
• Son Rise and the Secret Life of Frogs directed by Vibha Bakshi received the award for Best Non-
Feature Film.
• Uttarakhand was awarded as the Most Film Friendly State.
Amitabh Bachchan honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was presented the Dadasaheb Phalke award by President
Ram Nath Kovind at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The award, named after Dhundiraj Govind Phalke
who is revered as the father of Indian cinema, was instituted in 1969.
Manushi Chillar is the 'Sexiest Vegetarian Personality'

Former Miss World Manushi Chhillar, has been voted the Sexiest Vegetarian Personality by
American animal rights organistaion PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
AAO bestows Life Achievement honour to Dr Santosh G Honavar

American Academy of Ophthalmology bestows Life Achievement honour to Indian
Ophthalmologist Dr Santosh G Honavar.
• Dr Santosh G Honavar, India's ophthalmologist is conferred with American Academy of
Ophthalmology's (AAO) highest award Life Achievement honour that is given to its members. He
is the first Indian chosen for the honour.

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December 2019
Aayushi crowned Miss Teen International 2019

Vadodra’s Aayushi Dholakia has bagged the title of Miss Teen International 2019, vying with
the girls from 22 countries, becoming the first Asian to do so in the last 27 years, at an event
held in Gurugram. Miss Teen International is the world’s oldest running teen pageant.
UNICEF award to Kamareddy district for Swachh Bharat implementation

Kamareddy district secured the United Nations International Children’s and Education Fund
(UNICEF)-2019 Award for effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission in water
sanitation and hygiene sectors, by construction of individual sanitary lavatories, swachh darpan
wall paintings, swachh survekshan, swachh sundar shouchalay and other activities.
Ilaiyaraja selected for Harivarasanam award

Renowned Musician and composer Ilaiyaraja has been selected for this year's Harivarasanam
award. The award, comprising a cash prize of Rs one lakh, citation and a plaque, will be
presented at a function at Sabarimala Sannidhanam next month.
Kerala Sahitya Akademi fellowships 2018

Authors M Mukundan and K G Sankara Pillai were selected for the Kerala Sahitya Akademi
fellowships 2018 that give special membership of the akademi apart from the cash prize of Rs
50,000. The recipients of the fellowships and awards were announced by akademi president
Vaisakhan.
WINNERS CATEGORIES
V M Girija Best Poem for Budhha Pournami
K V Mohankumar Best Novel (Ushna Rashi)
Rekha K Best Short Story (Mananchira)
Rajmohan Neeleswaram Best Drama (Choottum Koottum)
P P Raveendran Literary Criticism (Adhunikathayude Pinnamburam)
K Babu Joseph Knowledge Literature
Muni Narayana Prasad Biography
Baiju N Nair Travelogue
P P K Pothuval Translation
S R Lal Children’s Literature (Kunjunniyude Yathrapusthakam)
V K K Ramesh Comedy Literature (Who is afraid of V K N)

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December 2019
• Lifetime Achievement awards (Samara Sambhavana) will be presented to Scaria Zacharia, O M

Anujan, S Rajasekharan, Manamboor Rajan Babu and Nalini Bekal.
Noted writers Nemade, Gynanranjan get Akashdeep Sanman awards

Noted Marathi litterateur Bhalchandra Nemade and Hindi writer Gynanranjan were conferred
the 'Akashdeep Sanman' awards. The award, instituted by media house Amar Ujala.
Sanjay Gupta of 'Jagran' to be honoured with Lokmanya Tilak journalism award

Sanjay Gupta, the editor-in-chief of 'Jagran', will be honoured with the 'Lokmanya Tilak
National Journalism Award' for his contribution to the fieid of journalism.
• The award, instituted by the Kesari-Maratha Trust, will be conferred on Gupta in Pune,
coinciding with the 139th Foundation Day of 'Kesari' -- the newspaper started by Lokmanya Tilak.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Facts of the Day (Sports)
Lionel Messi wins Ballon d’Or for sixth time

Lionel Messi won a record-breaking sixth Ballon d'Or after another sublime year for the
Argentinian, whose familiar brilliance remained undimmed even through difficult times for club
and country. The Ballon d’Or (meaning”Golden Ball”) is an annual football award presented by
France Football, which is a French weekly magazine.
Megan Rapinoe wins women’s Ballon d’Or

The Women’s Ballon d’Or award was given to Megan Anna Rapinoe, American football player
who led the United States women’s national soccer team to win the 2019 World cup.
Ronaldo crowned Series A player of the year

MILAN Juventus and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been named Series A player of
the year. Ronaldo, who scored 26 goals in his debut season in Italy and helped Juventus towards
another domestic title, picked up the individual prize in a ceremony.
Ripu Daman Bevli appointed as Plogging Ambassador of India by Kiren Rijiju

Ripu Daman Bevli, also known as, ‘Plogman of India’ was appointed as Plogging Ambassador
of India by Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) on the
concluding day of 50th Fit India Plogging Run in Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
New Zealand cricket team won MCC’s Spirit of Cricket award 2019
New Zealand cricket team was awarded 2019 Marylebone Cricket Club’s(MCCs) Christopher
Martin-Jenkins Spirit of Cricket award for the sportsmanship it showed during the finals of the
ICC (International Cricket Council) World Cup at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, England, that
was held in July 2019.
Virat Kohli regains no.1 spot in ICC Test rankings

India captain Virat Kohli today regained the top spot in the International Cricket Council's (ICC)
Test rankings in batting.
Rank Batting Bowling All rounder
1 Virat Kohli (India) Pat Cummins (Australia) Jason Holder (West Indies)

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December 2019
Steve Smith
2 Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) Ravindra Jadeja (India)
(Australia)
Kane Williamson
3 Jason Holder (Barbados) Ben Stokes (England)
(New Zealand)
Cheteshwar Pujara- Jasprit Bumrah-5th

Rank of 4th
Indian Ravichandran Ashwin -9th
players Ravichandran Ashwin -5th
Ajinkya Rahane-6 th Mohammad Shami -10th
Praggnanandhaa is the joint-winner at London event

India’s R. Praggnanandhaa won the FIDE Open category of the London Chess Classic, which
concluded in London, with a tally of 7.5 points out of nine rounds. The 14- year-old, who
became the second youngest in the world to cross the 2600 ELO rating, was crowned the joint
winner at the London Classic with 7.5 points from 9 rounds.
The union sports minister Shri Kiren Rijiju launched the 3rd edition of the Khelo India Youth
Games (KIYG) at Karmabir Nabin Chandra Bordoloi Indoor Stadium in Guwahati, Assam
The games are scheduled to be held from January 10-22, 2019.Composite logo, players jersey,
mascots and theme song of the 3rd edition of the games was launched during the launch.
India defeated Pakistan in Davis Cup tie for 2020 held in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
The tie match between India and Pakistan for the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF’s)
Davis cup 2020, was held at the National Tennis Center, in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan from
November 29-30,2019. India defeated Pakistan in the tie match.
Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik clinch gold in Senior Wrestling National Championships
Star wrestlers Vinesh Phogat and Sakshi Malik registered convincing wins in the finals to
claim gold medals at the Senior Wrestling National Championships in Jalandhar, Punjab in the
55kg category beating 20-year-old Haryana’s Anju.
Leander Paes extends Davis Cup record

Indian tennis player Leander Paes bettered his own Davis Cup record which he created in 2018
by winning 43rd doubles match. He became the most successful doubles player in Davis Cup
history after his 43rd win, surpassing Italian Nicola Pietrangeli. This year he has extended the
record by winning his 44th doubles match along with debutant Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan.

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December 2019
13th South Asian Games (SAG) 2019 begins in Kathmandu, Nepal

The 13th South Asian Games (SAG) or XIII South Asian Games began in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The event takes place for ten days between 1-10 December 2019 in Kathmandu, Pokhara and
Janakpur cities in Nepal. Bidya Devi Bhandari, President of Nepal attended SAG’s opening
ceremony held in the Dasharath Stadium. Krishnasar, a blackbuck antelope is the official mascot
of the SAG.
AOA to launch ‘Grassroot Olympic – Mission Talent Hunt’ to groom talent

Assam Chief Minister(CM) Shri Sarbananda Sonowal announced that the Assam Olympic
Association (AOA) would launch a program called ‘Grassroot Olympic – Mission Talent Hunt‘
to identify the sports talent in the state and groom them. It is also to be noted that Sonowal is
also the president of the association.
Sourabh Verma at 29th spot in BWF Ranking 2019

Sourabh Verma enters the top 30 list of the BWF (Badminton World Federation) 2019 and takes
the 29th place. He is also the 6th Indian to be in the list, making India the first country to have six
players in the top 30 list, China is the second country to have five players on the list.
Indian Shooters Divyansh, Elavenil and Saurabh receive Golden Target Award from ISSF in
Germany
Indian Shooters, Divyansh Singh Panwar, from Jaipur, Rajasthan Elavenil Valarivan, from
Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu and Saurabh Chaudhary, from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh received the
Golden Target Award from International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) at its headquarters
in Munich, Germany.
India’s TT player won 2019 ITTF Challenge Series U-21 title in Markham, Canada
19-year old Indian table tennis (TT) player Manav Thakkar won U-21 men’s singles title, in ITTF
(International Table Tennis Federation) Challenge Plus Benemax-Virgo North American Open
Series held in Markham, Canada, defeating Argentina’s Martin Bentancor. It was India’s 1st win in
the U-21 men’s singles title after 2017.
PUMA signs Sunil Chhetri as brand ambassador for three years

Indian men's football team captain Sunil Chhetri has signed a three-year deal with PUMA to be its
brand ambassador. He is currently the second-highest goal-scorer in international football after
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
WADA bans Russia from international sporting events for four years
The World Anti-Doping Agency, WADA, banned Russia for four 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.
Lakshmi G S becomes first woman Referee in Men’s ODI match

Gandikota Sarva Lakshmi, former Indian Cricketer became the first woman referee in the Men’s ODI
(One Day International) match after overseeing the opening match of the third series of the World Cup
League 2 held in Sharjah Cricket Stadium, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for match between the
UAE and the United States of America (USA).
2nd National Level Sports Meet for students of EMRS inaugurated in Bhopal
In Madhya Pradesh, the second National Level Sports Meet for the students of Eklavya Model
Residential Schools (EMRS) was inaugurated by Chief Minister Kamal Nath at TT Nagar
Stadium, Bhopal.
• The five-day event will have competitions in 15 different disciplines of track and field. As
many as 555 students of 26 residential schools of Madhya Pradesh will also exhibit their skills in
various sports disciplines during the competition.
13th South Asian Games concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal

13th South Asian Games concluded in Kathmandu, Nepal. India finished on top with 312
medals comprising 174 gold, 93 silver and 45 bronze.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Sports Minister announces cash awards to SAG medallists

Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju announced a cash reward of 1.5 lakh rupees each for the 174
gold medallists of the South Asian Games held in Nepal.
Mr Rijiju said going forward, the government will have a structured cash reward policy for
medallists in South Asian Games, like other multi-sporting events like the Olympics, Asian
Games and Commonwealth Games.
FIH unveils new world ranking system for 2020

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) unveiled a new world ranking system for 2020 in
Lausanne, Switzerland. It will come into effect from the first of January. For a better reflection of
current performances, the new ranking will be match-based instead of tournament-based calculation.
Rohit Sharma becomes La Liga’s first-ever brand ambassador in India

Cricketer Rohit Sharma joined hands with La Liga -- Spains top division football league -- as its
brand ambassador in India, becoming the first non-footballer in the history of the league to be
a brand ambassador.
Indian shooter Ravi kumar & Boxer Sumit sangwan fail dope tests
World Cup medal-winning rifle shooter Ravi Kumar who failed the dope test conducted on July
19,2019, has been banned for 2 years by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA). Significantly,
Indian boxer Sumit Sangwan was also found positive in the dope test. The substance is included in
Diuretics and masking agents under S5 of World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) 2019 Prohibited List.
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. This is the first time that the Bangladesh Cricket
Board (BCB) is organizing the Premier League matches without involving any franchise.
Wasim Jaffer becomes first Indian to play 150 Ranji matches

Veteran opener Wasim Jaffer became the first player in Indian cricket to feature in 150 Ranji
matches. Jaffer has played 253 first-class games, scoring 19,147 runs at an average of 51.19. The
former India opener is now just 853 runs away from completing 20,000 runs in first-class cricket, with
314 being his highest score.
Lakshya Sen wins Bangladesh Challenger

Indian shuttler Lakshya Sen has won his fifth title of the season, claiming the men's singles crown at
the Bangladesh International Challenger with a win over Malaysia's Leong Jun Hao in the final.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
• The 18-year-old Indian has capped a superb year with a win over Hao in the summit clash to
clinch his fifth title in last seven tournaments.
Ben Stokes is BBC Sports Personality of the Year

All-rounder Ben Stokes has been named BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
• Stokes became the first cricketer since Andrew Flintoff in 2005 to win the prize.
• In a public vote, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton finished second while sprinter Dina Asher-
Smith was third.
England Cricketer Laura Marsh announces retirement

Laura Alexandra Marsh, England cricketer announced her retirement.
• Laura has won three World Cups in her 13-year career, she made her debut in 2006 as a
seamer, and later, switched to spin. She has represented England in 103 ODI’s (One Day
International), 67 T20’s and 9 Tests and has taken 217 wickets in her career.
Rafael Nadal, Ashleigh Barty named ITF World Champions for 2019
Spaniard Rafael Nadal and Australian Ashleigh Barty have been named International Tennis
Federation's (ITF) World Champions for 2019.
CATEGORY WINNER
Men Singles Rafael Nadal (Spain)
Women Singles Ashleigh Barty (Australia)
Women Doubles Timea Babos (Hungary) and Kristina Mladenovic (France)
Men Doubles Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah (Colombia)
Men’s Wheelchair Gustavo Fernandez (Argentina)
Women’s Wheelchair Diede de Groot (Netherland)
Quad Dylan Alcott (Australia)

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Ellyse Perry is Women’s Cricketer and ODI Player of the Year

The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry has been
named the Women’s Cricketer of the Year as well as the Women’s ODI Player of the Year for
2019. She will take home the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Award.
Deepak Punia Named World's Best Junior Freestyle Wrestler of the Year
World Championships silver medallist Deepak Punia is being named the 'Junior Freestyle Wrestler
of the Year’ by United World Wrestling (UWW).
• Punia had become the first Indian wrestler in 18 years to win a junior world title. He then
backed it up with a silver medal on his debut at the Senior World Wrestling Championships.
Zeena Khitta wins women's national 10-mt Air Rifle

Himachal's Zeena Khitta emerged as the new national champion in the Women's 10 metres Air
Rifle event at the ongoing 63rd National Shooting Championship Competitions Rifle/Pistol.
Mehuli Ghosh had to settle for the silver while Apurvi won the bronze
FIFA rankings: India static at 108

The Indian men's football team remained static at 108th spot in the year-ending FIFA rankings.
With 1187 total points, India is placed at 19th spot among Asian countries headed by Japan 28th.
Mirabai Chanu bags Gold in 6th Qatar International Cup in Doha

Former world champion, weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu won the women's 49 kg category
gold medal to open India's account at the 6th Qatar International Cup in Doha.
Abhinav Lohan wins Bengaluru Open Golf Championship

Abhinav Lohan lifted PGTI title securing the Bengaluru Open golf championship.
• It was Lohan's first title on the TATA Steel PGTI and second win of the year as he had also
emerged victorious at the PGTI Feeder Tour event in Lucknow two months back.
Belgium crowned FIFA Team of the Year, Qatar biggest climber

Belgium have been crowned FIFA 'Team of the Year' for the second successive time after a record-
breaking year for the global ladder.
• World champions France remains in the second place ahead of Brazil in third, the
positions they held in December 2018.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Jeremy Lalrinnunga on a record-breaking spree

Youth Olympic gold medalist weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga went on a record breaking spree,
claiming three world marks in a remarkable performance, on the way to a silver in the men’s
67kg category at the 6th Qatar International Cup.
India’s Koneru humpy finished 2nd in women’s FIDE Grand prix 2019 held in Monaco
Indian chess grandmaster(GM),Koneru Humpy (32) from Andhra Pradesh, has finished 2nd in
the FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) women’s Grand Prix (WGP) 2019 which
concluded at the Yacht Club de in Monaco.
• Harika Dronavalli, another Grandmaster from Andhra Pradesh, finished 6th.
About Women’s FIDE Grand Prix Series 2019-2020

It consists of four (4) Women’ Grand Prix tournaments held over two years (2019-20):
1st – Skolkovo, September 10th – 23rd 2019
2nd – Monaco, December 2nd – 15th 2019
3rd – Lausanne, between March 1st and 14th 2020
4th – Sardinia, between May 2nd and May 15th 2020.
ICC extends partnership with UNICEF for Women's World T20

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has extended its partnership with UNICEF through to the
Women's T20 World Cup 2020 with the focus on empowering women and girls through cricket.
• The program which will run for 12 months, will comprise of a new competitive cricket
competition for school aged girls as well as training for 120 teachers and providing cricket
equipment to deliver cricket and a community outreach program working with elders to reinforce
the positive impact girls playing cricket can have.
Maisnam Meiraba Luwang wins Bangladesh Junior International Badminton Series

India's shuttler Maisnam Meiraba Luwang has won the Men's singles Bangladesh Junior
International Badminton Series 2019 in Dhaka.
• Meiraba had also clinched the boys' singles U-19 title at the Woncheon Yonex Korea
Junior Open International Challenge last month.
Harinder Pal Singh wins men's title in 3rd leg of HCL-SRFI India Tour
Indian squash player Harinder Pal Singh Sandhu clinched the men's title in 3rd leg of HCL-SRFI
India Tour.
• Hana Ramadan of Egypt won the women's crown in the third leg of the HCL-SRFI India Tour
Squash Tournament in Mumbai.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Indian weightlifter Rakhi creates two new national records

Indian weightlifter Rakhi Halder with creating two new national records clinched a bronze
medal in the women's 64kg weight category at the Qatar International Cup in Doha.
• India ended the Olympic qualifying silver level event with three medals. Former world
champion Mirabai Chanu had won the gold on the opening day while teenager Jeremy
Lalrinnunga had claimed silver.
ICC Women’s rankings: Radha remains second

In ICC women's Cricket rankings, India's left-arm spinner Radha Yadav was at the second
spot.
• Among the batters, New Zealand's Suzie Bates continued to head the T20 batting list. Smriti
Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur are at the seventh and ninth positions respectively.
Virat Kohli among five Wisden cricketers of the decade

Indian skipper Virat Kohli is one of the five players named in the Wisden Cricketers of the
Decade. Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry is the only female cricketer in the list.
Manu Bhaker and Anish Bhanwala clinch five gold medals at National Championships
Commonwealth Games champions Manu Bhaker and Anish Bhanwala clinched gold medals at
the 63rd National Shooting Championships in Bhopal.
• The 17-year-old Bhaker, representing Haryana, clinched four gold medals (individual and team
events in senior and junior) in the women's 10 meter air pistol. Her state-mate Anish, also 17,
won individual gold medal in the senior men's 25 meter rapid fire pistol event.
MS Dhoni named captain of CA's ODI team of the decade

Former India skipper and wicket-keeper batsman MS Dhoni has been named captain of Cricket
Australia's (CA) ODI team of the decade and the line-up features three Indian players.
• Apart from Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have made the cut in CA's team. Rohit and
South Africa's Hashim Amla have been chosen as the openers of the side. Former South
Africa skipper AB de Villiers slotted at the No. 4 position.
• CA's ODI team of the decade: Rohit Sharma, Hashim Amla, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, Shakib Al
Hasan, Jos Buttler, MS Dhoni (c), Mitchell Starc, Trent Boult, Lasith Malinga, Rashid Khan.
Udayan Mane sets new PGTI record; bags TATA Steel Tour Championship title
Pune-based Udayan Mane produced a flawless seven-under 65 on the final day to claim a
thrilling one-shot win at the season-ending TATA Steel Tour Championship in Jamshedpur.
• It was Mane's eighth professional title and his second win on the PGTI this season.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Mujeeb Ur Rahman becomes youngest to pick 100 T20 wickets

At 18 years and 271 days, Mujeeb Ur Rahman has become the youngest bowler to claim 100
wickets in T20 cricket surpassing the previous record by 89 days set by fellow Afghan Rashid
Khan.
Krish Srikkanth, Anjum Chopra to receive CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award

Former India captain and member of the 1983 World Cup - winning team Krishnamachari
Srikkanth will be the recipient of this year’s prestigious CK Nayudu Lifetime Award given by
the BCCI. Former India women’s captain Anjum Chopra is the co-recipient of the lifetime achievement
award for the year 2019.
Australia paceman Peter Siddle retires from international cricket

Australian pace bowler Peter Siddle has announced his retirement from International Cricket.
In his career of 11 years, he represented Australia in 67 Tests, 20 ODIs and 2 Twenty20
matches.
Leander Paes to retire from Tennis in 2020

Indian tennis ace Leander Paes has announced that 2020 will be his last year as a professional
tennis player.
• The Indian has made 7 appearances in a row at the Olympics making him the only tennis
player ever to do so. Paes has won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles.
Koneru Humpy becomes Women's World Rapid Chess Champion

Indian grandmaster Koneru Humpy has become the 2019 Women's World Rapid Champion,
becoming the only second Indian to win the rapid gold in the current format after
Vishwanathan Anand who won it in 2017.
India to take part in 2022 Commonwealth Games

The Indian Olympic Association withdrew its plan to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games
in Birmingham over the exclusion of the shooting event. IOA also announced that the country
will bid to host either the 2026 or the 2030 edition of the Games. The country hosted the 2010
edition in Delhi.
South Africa seamer Vernon Philander to retire from international cricket

South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander will retire from international cricket after the
upcoming four-match Test series against England. The news was confirmed by Cricket South
Africa on their official Twitter handle.

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December 2019
• In an international career that has spanned more than 12 years, Philander has played 97 matches
across all formats (60 Tests, 30 ODIs and 7 T20Is), taking a combined 261 wickets (216, 41 and
4) with 1,784 runs scored (1619, 151 and 14).

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
States
ADB, India Sign 206 Million loan to strengthen urban services in 5 cities of Tamil Nadu
The Central government and Asian Development Bank have signed a 206 million dollar loan
agreement to develop water supply and sewerage infrastructure in 5 cities of Tamil Nadu
(namely Ambur, Tiruchirappalli, Tiruppur, Madurai and Vellore). It will also strengthen
capacities of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) for improved service delivery.
• It was the 2nd project loan for the ADB-assisted $500 million multi-tranche financing for TN Urban
Flagship Investment Program, granted in earlier September 2018.
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik launched Mobile app “Madhu” for e-learning

Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik launched an e-learning mobile phone app named
“MadhuApp” for students by providing video lectures and exercise in Odia language prepared
by highly qualified educationists and teachers. This is named after freedom fighter social
reformer Madhusudan Das.
About Odisha:
Capital: Bhubaneswar; Governor: Ganeshi Lal.
Venkaiah Naidu honours Uttar Pradesh with the National award for Excellence for
Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs, Divyangjan)
Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India presents Uttar Pradesh (UP) the National award for
Excellence for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs,Divyangjan) on behalf of the
Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The event was organized by the Department
of Empowerment of Persons with Disability (DEPwD).
20th Edition of Hornbill festival began in Nagaland on December 1

The 20th edition of the Hornbill festival began in Heritage Kisama, an Amphitheatre in Kohima,
Nagaland, it is also the 57th Statehood Day of Nagaland, for 10 days. The festival included
colourful display of Naga culture themed as “Colours of Nagaland”.
Y.S Jaganmohan Reddy, Chief Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh (AP) launches the YSR
Aasaraa Scheme
Launched at Guntur Medical College, Guntur Andhra Pradesh. The YSR Aasaraa scheme
provides postoperative sustenance allowance of Rs.225 medical allocation for each person for
a day or Rs 5000 per month, who come under the Aarogyasri Scheme.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
YSR Law Nestham scheme launched by Jagan Mohan Reddy, CM of Andhra Pradesh
It was launched on 3rd December, which is also observed as the National lawyers day, Chief
Minister (CM) of Andhra Pradesh launched the YSR (Yuvajana Sramika Rythu) Law Nestham
scheme for lawyers at Tadepalli, Andhra Pradesh.
• CM granted Rs 100 crore to Lawyers’ Welfare Fund and also provided stipend of Rs 5,000 to
junior lawyers along with 15 years experienced lawyers in practice.
India’s 1st HAM project in “Sewerage Sector” inaugurated in Haridwar

Union Minister for Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Uttarakhand Chief Minister
Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated the 14 MLD sewage treatment plant (STP) in Sarai village
near Haridwar in the presence of Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The Sarai
STP is “the first-ever project in the country on a hybrid annuity PPP model (HAM)”.
MP government proposes 5 % quota for sportspersons in jobs

The Madhya Pradesh government would introduce a bill in the Legislative Assembly to
earmark five per cent reservation to sportspersons in State jobs. An insurance scheme has also
been launched for the sportspersons.
Nagaland celebrates Statehood Day

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of Nagaland
on its 57th Statehood Day on 01st December 2019, to become the 16th state of the country on
01st December 1963.
Assam govt set up 15 Anti-depredation squads to tackle human-wildlife conflicts

Assam Chief Minister (CM) Sarbananda Sonowal has launched the 15 Anti- Depredation Squad
of the Forest Department. The Squads will be deployed in 15 major human-wildlife conflict districts
to ensure the safety of both humans and wildlife.
Punjab govt joins hands with WEF to design pilot on e-vehicles ecosystem
In a bid to tackle environmental pollution, the Punjab state government has partnered with the
World Economic Forum (WEF) to design a public-private pilot project on shared, clean and
electric mobility (e-mobility). This collaboration will be formulated at the WEF annual meeting
in Davos, Switzerland in January 2020.
• A 2-day Progressive Punjab Investors Summit (PPIS) 2019 to be held Mohali, Punjab will see the
discussion over e-mobility as a key subject, with famous dignitaries from automobile, e-mobility
and research institutions.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Indigenous Faith Day celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh

Donyi Polo Cultural & Charitable Trust and Indigenous Faith & Cultural Society of Arunachal
Pradesh celebrated ‘Indigenous Faith Day’ on 1st December, to protect and promote the
indigenous faith and tribal tradition to keep the ethnic identity of the local tribes.
Nagaland CM inaugurates Multi Media Exhibition

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is organising a “Multi Media Exhibition” at World War II
museum, Kisama in Nagaland, to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
• During the event, late Natwar Thakkar was also remembered who is popularly known as
Nagaland’s Gandhi, and has invoked on Gandhiji’s values and principles during his lifetime.
Neutrino Observatory in Tamil Nadu

The India based Neutrino Observatory is being planned in the Theni district in Tamil Nadu.
INO has been conducting outreach programmes in & around Madurai and Theni for students in
schools & colleges, for faculty as well as journalists and media professionals. A large
outreach program took place during May-August 2018 covering other towns in Tamil Nadu and
a few in Kerala.
Punjab Cabinet approves to create land banks in rural areas for industrial development
Punjab state Cabinet chaired by its Chief Minister (CM) Captain Amarinder Singh gave in-
principle approval to amend the Punjab Village Common Land (Regulation) Rules, 1964 to
create land banks in rural areas to promote industrial development.
• Simultaneously, the cabinet decided to provide special provisions for the transfer of
Shamlat land (consolidation of landholdings for common use) for the development of
industrial infrastructure projects to Industry Department and Punjab Small Industries and
Export Corporation (PSIEC).
Odisha govt reduced subsidy to farmers under KALIA scheme to Rs 4,000 per annum from Rs
10,000
The Odisha government has reduced the amount of aid given to farmers under the KALIA
(Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation) scheme from Rs 10,000 to Rs
4000 per year. Launched in 2018, the decision was taken by the state government after merging the
KALIA scheme with Central Government’s Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) yojana.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Konark Festival & International Sand Art Festival 2019 held in Odisha with colorful
presentations
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal has inaugurated the 5-day long 30th edition of Konark festival, a
showcase of Odisha’s art, culture and tradition has started in Odisha. The theme of the festival
is based on eco-tourism, culture, Fairs, women empowerment, and no to plastic and heritage.
Haryana inaugurated Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) in Gurugram

Chief Minister(CM) of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar has inaugurated the Integrated Command
and Control Centre (ICCC) in Gurugram, Haryana, built at a cost of Rs 38 crore through which
people will be able to solve electricity, water, street lights, roads, and other problems.
• The center connects all government buildings and police stations in the city with fiber networks,
but currently, 160 government buildings and police stations in the city have been connected with
the fiber networks.
World Habitat Awards 2019 - Odisha bags international award for Jaga Mission
Odisha won the 'World Habitat Award', global recognition for its ambitious initiative -- Jaga
Mission.
• This award is given by World Habitat, a UK-based organization, in partnership with United
Nation (UN)-Habitat, every year, in recognition of innovative, outstanding, and
revolutionary ideas, projects, and programmes from across the world.
World Habitat Awards 2019 - project that secured land for indigenous people in Karnataka
The Restoration of Dignity and Human Rights of Indigenous Tribal Community in Karnataka
project was bestowed with a gold prize in the 2019 World Habitat Award, given by the World
Habitat, a UK (United Kingdom) based organization. The project started in the year 2000 and is
executed by ActionAid India with Koraga Federation and Samagra Grameena Ashrama.
Odisha to set up 45 new fast track courts

To expedite the trial of cases relating to women and children, 45 new fast track courts will be
set up in Odisha. 21 courts would be dedicated for cases of rape and sexual harassment of
women. The remaining 24 fast track courts will specifically deal with Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences (POCSO) cases.
Three more airports in Odisha included in UDAN scheme

The central government has agreed to include three airports one each at Jeypore in Koraput,
Rourkela in Sundergarh & Utkela in Kalahandi district of Odisha under the regional connectivity
scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik). The scheme was launched in October, 2016, which

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
seeks to provide connectivity to un-served and under-served regions through revival of existing air
strips and airports.
UP Cabinet gives nod to set up 218 FastTrack Courts

Uttar Pradesh (UP) Cabinet clears a proposal to set up 218 new Fast-track courts in UP,
accounting to the increasing number of crimes against women and children. Out of which 144
courts will hear cases of rape and 74 courts will hear cases under the Protection of Children from
Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. 60% of the total cost will be borne by the Central Government and
40% by the State Government.
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.
• 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.
West Bengal government organizing two-day Business Conclave

The West Bengal government is organizing two-day Business Conclave at Digha in East
Midnapore District to attract more industrial investments in the State. A number of MOUs are
likely to be signed between the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation and Multinational
companies for spreading industrial growth in the State.
Madhya Pradesh to host “Namaste Orchha” festival 2020 in Orchha

Madhya Pradesh (MP) Tourism Department is going to organize a 3-day Cultural Festival
‘Namaste Orchha 2020’ in Orchha from March 6 – March 8, 2020, with the aim to promote MP
Tourism through Orchha & especially to attract tourists.
• Orchha is a town in the Bundelkhand region, won the award for the best heritage city for 2017-18
at the National Tourism Awards 2017-18 and is already on the shortlist for UNESCO (United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Sites.
Odisha government included its agriculture department in state’s “Mo Sarkar” scheme
The Odisha government has brought Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Department under its
flagship initiative 'Mo Sarkar'. Under the new initiative, the chief minister and other ministers talk
to common citizens to seek their feedback on the kind of response and service they received
after they visit government facilities.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
J&K Lt Governor Shri Girish Chandra Murmu inaugurates 72-metre all weather bridge in
Rajouri
Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Shri Girish Chandra Murmu dedicated the 72-metre-long
Multi Cell Box Type Load Class 70 bridge to the Nation in Rajouri. The bridge spans over Draj
nallah and connected Draj Area to Tehsil Kotranka area under District Rajouri.
• The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is playing an important role in the field of surface transport
by connecting far flung inaccessible remote areas along borders.
Andhra Pradesh Assembly passes Disha Bill

The Andhra Pradesh Assembly passed the Disha Bill to curb atrocities against women and
children, paving the way for death penalty to perpetrators of heinous crimes such as rape.
Fast-track courts would be set up in each of the 13 districts of the State to deal with such
cases and the entire process should be over within 21 days and justice delivered.
National Tribal Dance Festival to be held in Raipur from Dec 27-29

A three-day National Tribal Dance Festival will be held in Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur from
December 27 to 29. Nearly 1,400 artists belonging to 151 art troupes from 23 states and guest
artists from six countries including Sri Lanka, Belarus, Uganda and Bangladesh will participate
in the three-day programme.
Puducherry government unveils start-up policy

The Puducherry government unveiled a start-up policy. The policy, launched by Minister for
Industries M.O.H.F Shahjahan, aims to create a corpus fund of ₹10 crores to support the
setting up of start-up incubators and to develop co-working spaces.
The department plans to provide a grant of ₹3 lakh to projects recommended by incubators
established by the government/private sector/academic institutions as a start-up grant.
AP’s first virtual police station to come up at Andhra University

The setting up of ‘Virtual Police Stations’ in educational institutions is set to become a reality
soon, with Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy scheduled to inaugurate the first such
facility in the State at Andhra University. Such initiatives would help bridge the gap between
students and the police department, further resolving their issues.
500 Bee Boxes, 500 Pottery Wheels and 200 Leather Kits Distributed in Boondi District by KVIC
To commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and to support the weaker
section of the society in Boondi District, Rajasthan, Khadi and Village Industries Commission
(KVIC) organized an event, in which Shri Om Birla, the Speaker of Lok Sabha distributed 500 Bee

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Boxes, 500 Electric Pottery Wheels and 200 Leather Tool Kits in presence of Shri V. K. Saxena,
Chairman, KVIC and MLA Shri Ashok Dogra.
Kerala launches ‘Vijayamritham’ & ‘Sahachari’ schemes to support differently-abled people

In order to provide motivation and to become the helping hand for differently-abled persons, the state
Government of Kerala has launched 2 social welfare schemes – ‘Vijayamritham’ and ‘Sahachari’.
The ‘Vijayamritham’ scheme has been introduced to provide one time financial assistance for
differently-abled people who battled odds and scored high marks in degree, PG and
professional courses. Sahachari scheme aims to provide encouragement to NCC/NSS/SPC
units functioning in schools that offer assistance to differently-abled students with over 40%
disability in their studies as well as other extra-curricular activities.
Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi expressway to be named after late Bal Thackeray

Mumbai state cabinet Maharashtra minister Eknath Shinde has approved to name the under-
construction Mumbai-Nagpur super communication Samruddhi expressway after Shiv Sena
party founder late Bal Thackeray.
• The estimated total cost of the project is around ₹55,335 crores. The road construction of the
project will be completed within the next 3 years.
Nagaland Governor R N Ravi has been given additional charge of Meghalaya

Ravi is also the Centre's interlocutor for talks with Naga insurgents. Earlier, governor of
Meghalaya was Tathagata Roy.
Meghalaya Assembly adopts resolution to implement ILP in state

The Meghalaya Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Government of India to
implement Inner Line Permit in the state under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873.
• The ILP is a travel document, currently enforced in the “protected” states of Nagaland,
Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. The Centre recently announced that the ILP would be
enforced in Manipur too.
UT of J&K selected for national award by Union Rural Development Ministry

Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been selected for national award by Union Rural
Development Ministry for best performance in the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram
Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
• Union Rural Development Ministry has sanctioned 147 Road and Bridge projects under PMGSY-II
covering a length of 783.88 kilometres at an estimated cost of 878.53 crore rupees for Jammu &
Kashmir and Ladakh.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Sikkim IFFCO lays foundation for India’s single largest organic processing unit in Sikkim
It will set up Integrated Organic Food Processing units in Rangpo with an investment of more than 50
Crores. The project will boost the organic trade with Americas and European Union.
• Sikkim IFFCO Organics Ltd. is a Joint Venture between world’s biggest fertilizer
cooperative IFFCO (Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd.) & Government of Sikkim.
• The initial cost of the project is INR 50 Crore. The manufacturing would kick start from
December, 2020. All SIFCO products will be certified 100% organic hence, non-toxic in
nature.
Rajasthan bags four prizes for job guarantee scheme

Rajasthan has bagged four prizes for its performance under the National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme. The achievements of the Panchayati Raj bodies in the NREGA works included
construction of watershed structures and strengthening of rural infrastructure.
Andhra Pradesh launches scheme for handloom weavers

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy launched Nethanna Nestham at
Dharmavaram of Anantapur district.
• The scheme aims to extending an aid of ₹ 24,000 every year for each handloom weaver family
that is currently running a loom. The scheme plans to provide financial aid to about 85,000
families across the State for five years.
Three-day state-level orange festival begins in Manipur

In Manipur, a three-day State-level Orange Festival begins. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh
inaugurated the festival at district headquarters Tamenglong. Tamenglong district is largest producer
of orange fruit in Manipur.
• The state government under the sponsorship of North Eastern Council organise the
festival annually to promote the fruit and encourage its growers.
Five-day music festival ‘Tansen Samaroh’ begins in Gwalior

Popular classical music festival ‘Tansen Samaroh’ began with traditional style in Gwalior. The five-
day festival is celebrated every year in the memory of one of the most eminent singers of Indian
history, ‘Mian Tansen’, organised by Ustad Alauddin Khan Kala Evam Sangeet Academy,
under the Madhya Pradesh culture department attracts thousands of musicians and aspiring
singers from all over the country.
• Noted vocalist Pandit Vidyadhar Vyas will be presented the National Tansen Award for 2019.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Madhya Pradesh State Police launches “MP e-cop” an application to ensure women’s safety
Madhya Pradesh (MP) police have launched an application named ‘MP e-cop’ to ensure the safety of
women. The MP e-cop app includes SOS (an international code signal for extreme distress)
facility which will send an alert SMS (Short Message Service) to 100 and any five phone
numbers fed in the app as soon as the button is pressed.
Madhya Pradesh CM to inaugurate International Film Festival in Khajuraho

The Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Kamal Nath will inaugurate the International Film Festival in
Shilpkala village of Khajuraho.
• The International Khajuraho Film Festival is being organized by the Prayas Sanstha in
collaboration with the State Government.
Uttrakhand hosted 11th Regional Quality Conclave

With the theme ‘Advance Manufacturing with Quality, Innovation & Technology Interventions’,
Quality Council of India (QCI) along with PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI)
organized its 11th Regional Quality Conclave (RQC) at Rudrapur.
• The objective of the Conclave is to create awareness about the significance of quality culture
in businesses, deliberate on how organizations could continuously improve and innovate
and share technological advancement like Industry 4.0 and predictive maintenance.
Tripura gets its first SEZ

Agro Based SEZ to come up in Sabroom Tripura SEZ to open Avenues for Investment and
Connectivity. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has notified the setting up of the first ever
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Tripura on December 16, 2019.
Andhra Pradesh and NMDC inked coal supply pact for proposed Kadapa steel plant
The Andhra Pradesh government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the
National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) for iron ore supply to the proposed Kadapa
steel plant. The Kadapa steel plant will come up in Jammalamadugu mandal of YSR Kadapa
district.
Odisha CM launches 'Jalsathi' programme

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched the 'Jalsathi' programme to ensure supply of
safe drinking water to all households in the state, about 5,000 women will be engaged for
supplying safe drinking water.
• For implementation of the 'Jalsathi' programme, the Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO)
and Women federations in Bhubaneswar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Anti-hijacking exercise held off Cochin Port

A large-scale anti-hijacking exercise was conducted off the port of Kochi by the Navy, Coast
Guard, the Cochin Port Trust and other agencies.
• Code-named “Apharan”, the exercise saw participation of multiple agencies, including more
than 12 ships and helicopters of the Navy, Coast Guard and Cochin Port Trust.
Former HC Judge CV Ramulu appointed as Lokayukta: Telangana

In Telangana, former High Court Judge Justice CV Ramulu has been appointed as the
Lokayukta. Former Law Secretary V Niranjan Rao has been appointed as Upa Lokayukta.
• The governor also appointed another former judge Justice G Chandraiah as Chairman of the
State Human Rights Commission. This is the first time that the state government has
constituted the Lokayukta and Human Rights Commission since the state was formed in
2014.
National conference on ‘Uniformed Women in Prison Administration’ begins in Bhopal

In Madhya Pradesh, a two-day National Conference on ‘Uniformed Women in Prisons
Administration’ begins a Central Academy for Police Training in Bhopal.
• For the first time, the conference is being held in Madhya Pradesh outside Delhi.
Andhra Pradesh tops in organizing Fit India School Week

The Fit India School week has so far been organized by 26,845 schools.
• Andhra Pradesh tops the chart with 13,839 Fit India Schools celebrating FIT India Week.
• Currently, the Fit India Flag has been obtained by 21,344 schools. Again, Andhra Pradesh leads
the movement with 8,117 – the highest number of Fit India-ranked schools across India. It
is followed by Karnataka with 5,989 schools.
NSE joins hands with Gujarat to promote MSMEs

The National Stock Exchange has entered into a pact with the Gujarat government to work jointly
for the promotion and development of MSMEs (Micro Small and Medium Enterprises) in the
State.
• The MoU will address multiple avenues for MSMEs in terms of fund raising and
understanding of hedging foreign exchange fluctuations for MSMEs engaged in imports
and exports business, the NSE.
Rajasthan launches new policies for industrial development, wind energy

The Rajasthan government launched new schemes and policies to promote industrial
development, investment, solar energy, wind energy and small scale industries in the state.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot launched the Industrial Development Policy-2019, Rajasthan
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Investment Promotion Scheme-2019, Chief Minister's Small Scale Industries Promotion

Scheme 2019, Solar Energy Policy-2019 and Wind and Hybrid Energy Policy-2019 at a function
here.
Delhi Cabinet approves Electric Vehicle Policy

The Delhi Cabinet passed an Electric Vehicle Policy to help reduce air pollution. Under the
policy, the government aims to make electric vehicles 25% of all new vehicles registered in the
city by 2024.
• The government will also develop public charging infrastructure, install charging stations
every three km and give subsidies to people buying electric vehicles, among others.
PM Modi lays foundation stone for Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the statue of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna
Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Lok Bhawan in Lucknow with a cost of apprx Rs 200 Crores. The
Medical University will work as affiliating university for all government and private medical
colleges in the state.
Kejriwal launches housing scheme for residents of JJ clusters

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched the 'Mukhyamantri Aawas Yojana' for the residents of
Jhuggi Jhopri (JJ) clusters and said the AAP government would provide a pucca house to
every citizen of Delhi.
• According to the Chief Minister, 65,000 families residing in slum areas were distributed
certificates and they would soon be provided pucca houses.
Earliest Sanskrit Inscriptions in South India found in A.P.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered the earliest Sanskrit inscription in
South India which is also an earliest epigraphic evidence (Epigraphy is the study of ancient
inscriptions) for the Saptamatrika cult.
Rajasthan government starts its first Janta Clinic

Rajasthan Chief Minister inaugurated its first “Janta clinic” at in the Malviya Nagar area of
Jaipur where people would get free medicines and free medical examination in some cases. With 12
Janta clinics in first phase, In the second and third phases of this scheme, Janta Clinics will be
opened in other areas.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Trial run of double-stack freight train conducted on Rewari-Madar section of WDFC

A trial run of a double-stack freight train on the newly built 306-km-long Rewari-Madar section
of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) was conducted , by Dedicated Freight
Corridor Corporation India Limited (DFCCIL).
• Double-stack rail transport is a form of intermodal freight transport where railroad cars
carry two layers of intermodal containers. There are nine newly built DFC stations in the
section -- six crossing stations and three junction stations.
First Annual Meet of State Nodal Agencies for Ecoclub programme conducted
The Annual Meet of the State Nodal Agencies implements the National Green Corps Ecoclub
program of the Ministry of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
• The Ministry’s Environment Education Division organizes it in collaboration with the GEER
Foundation, Gujarat, held from 20th to 21st December 2019 in Kevadia, Gujarat.
• The Best Ecoclub Award at the National level awarded to the students of the Eco club from
Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Telangana, who secured First, Second and Third position
respectively and Consolation prizes awarded to Eco clubs from Gujarat, Sikkim, and Karnataka.
Vice-President dedicates LPG bottling plant at Balangir in Odisha to the nation

Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu dedicated to the nation, the LPG bottling plant at Balangir in
Odisha. The bottling plant has been established at an expenditure of 103 crore rupees and has
capacity of manufacturing 42 lakh cylinders annually.
‘Oxygen Parlour’ opened at Nashik Railway Station to combat air pollution

In a unique initiative to battle rising air pollution in cities, an ‘Oxygen Parlour’ has been
opened at Nashik railway station to provide an experience of breathing clean air to the
commuters. The initiative comes with the efforts of Airo Guard in collaboration with the Indian
Railways.
• The concept of Oxygen Parlour is based on the recommendation of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration.
Health Minister inaugurates second edition of Eat Right Mela in New Delhi
Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the second edition of Eat Right Mela in New
Delhi.
• The event was organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) in
collaboration with the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) to
encourage people for having healthier diets to reduce disease burden in the country. The
theme of the mela is “Healthier Diets”.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
• At the event, M/s Elan Professional Private Limited (ElanPro) through their CSR (Corporate
Social Responsibility) program declared to support Indian Food Sharing Alliance (IFSA)
members under the ‘Save Food Share Food’ initiative of FSSAI. Presently, 84 food recovery
agencies are associated with IFSA network.
India's first university for transgender community to come up in UP's Kushinagar

The country's first university for transgender community will be opened in Uttar Pradesh's
Kushinagar district. The university will facilitate its members to study right from class one to PG and
even do research and get PhD degree and is being built by the Akhil Bhartiya Kinnar Siksha
Seva Trust (All-India transgender education service trust).
Telangana government raises retirement age of RTC staff

Telangana government has decided to raise the retirement age of employees of the Road
Transport Corporation, to 60 from the current 58 years. The decision will be applicable to all
cadres of employees of the state-owned RTC.
• Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao also asked RTC management to launch cargo and parcel
services to all destinations wherever an RTC bus could reach in the state.
New Him Darshan Express train starts between Kalka and Shimla sttaions
With a view to promote tourism and provide a delightful experience to the passengers on the world
heritage Kalka-Shimla section, the Ambala division of the Northern Railway has decided to run
the special train.
North Eastern Council with J&K admin to organise Bamboo workshop-cum-exhibition in

Jammu
The North Eastern Council in collaboration with J&K UT administration will organise a
workshop-cum-exhibition on 'Bamboo - A wonder grass: Opportunity for Sustainable
Development in Jobs' in Jammu in January.
• The workshop-cum-exhibition is being organised through Cane and Bamboo Technology Centre,
Assam and Department of Social Forestry of J&K UT administration.
Andhra Pradesh CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy launched ‘Netanna Nestham’ welfare scheme for
weavers
Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy launched the ‘YSR Nethanna Nestham’
scheme at Dharmavaram in Anantapur district.
• Under the scheme, the state government of Andhra Pradesh will provide financial assistance of
Rs 24,000 annually to handloom weavers across the state.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Maharashtra cabinet approves farm loan waiver, meal scheme

The state cabinet approved the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme, under
which crop arrears pending till September 30, 2019, will be waived.
Similarly, the cabinet gave its approval to launching the 'Shiv Bhojan' programme, under
which the poor will be served meal at the subsidised rate of Rs 10 at designated centres in all
districts of the state.
Madhya Pradesh: Mandu festival starts in Mandu

In Madhya Pradesh, the 5-day Mandu festival has been started from in Mandu, a world-famous
picturesque tourist destination located in Dhar district of the state.
• The Mandu festival, which ran till January 1, will see the amalgamation of cultural activities
as well as adventure sports. The rich classical and traditional folk arts of dance, singing and
playing will once again come alive through the Mandu festival.
Losar festival (Ladakhi new year) celebrated in UT of Ladakh

The people of Union Territory(UT) of the Ladakh region celebrated Losar festival, the Ladakhi
new year. The Ladakh Buddhist Association (LBA) and Leh Hill Council, Leh organised the
celebrations in which Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Radha Krishna Mathur participated. The year 2020
will mark the 1st Losar festival celebrated in the Ladakh Region as a UT. Losar is Tibetan word for
new year.
Nitish Kumar unveils statue of Arun Jaitley in Patna

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled a statue of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley in
Patna on his birth anniversary.
• On this occasion, Mr Kumar said, Jaitley's birth anniversary will be celebrated as a state function
every year.
Hemant Soren sworn in as Chief Minister of Jharkhand

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, JMM leader Hemant Soren took oath as the 11th Chief Minister of the
Jharkhand. This is 44-years old Soren' second stint as Jharkhand Chief Minister.
Kerala to set up 28 new fast- track Special Courts for cases related to POCSO Act
The Kerala Government has decided to set up 28 new fast- track Special Courts for cases
relating to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the state.
• Thiruvananthapuram, Trissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts will get three courts each,
while Kollam, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Kozhikode and Kannur will get two each. The
remaining four districts will get one court each.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
National Tribal Dance Festival - Tribal fest 2019 begins in Raipur

National Tribal Dance Festival has begun in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh. Congress
leader Rahul Gandhi inaugurated the festival.
• The National Tribal Dance Festival is being organized in Chhattisgarh for the first time.
More than 1300 participants from 25 states & UTs of the country and six countries are
participating in this three-day dance fest.
11-day long ‘Dhanu Jatra’ begins at Bargarh in western Odisha

The famous 11-day long ‘Dhanu Jatra’, considered as the largest open-air theatre of the world
begins at Bargarh in western Odisha.
• Dhanu Jatra is the annual drama-based open-air theatrical performance celebrated in and around
Bargarh city is considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatrical festival that finds a
mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Assam Government Launches ‘Abhinandan’ scheme to benefit students

Assam State Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the ceremonial launch of
‘Abhinandan’, an education loan subsidy scheme that will provide a one-time subsidy of Rs.
50,000 in loan to 1546 students.
• The aim of the scheme is to provide a loan waiver to students of Assam who have availed
education loans.
eGov: Haryana govt launches DigiLocker, Lokayukta complaint portal

Haryana Chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar has launched DigiLocker, a digital storage service
for documents. The CM also inaugurated five schemes, including revamped websites of 22
districts, Lokayukta complaint portal and added 42 new services to the SARAL platform.
• The year 2020 will be observed as “Susashan Sankalp Varsh”. Reforms in governance will be
invited from people in the state. A website will also be created in this regard.
• Lokayukta portal was created to accept complaints or grievances, marking of complaints or
grievances, enquiry of complaints, disposal of complaints, finalisation of complaints etc.
• Web-Helris is a web-enabled integrated solution for deed registration and land record
management. The project has been implemented by Survey of India (SOI) by mapping rural
urban and abadi deh areas.
• The pilot project of Sirsi village has been completed for the rural and abadi deh areas and field
verification of Sirsi work has been done thus the village became the first village in the state to
become ‘Lal Dora free’.

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Khattar inaugurates canteen for farmers, labourers with low-priced food

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar inaugurated a canteen here where farmers and
labourers will get food for Rs 10. Khattar inaugurated the Atal Kisan Mazdoor canteen in
Karnal's New Anaj Mandi. The canteen has been constructed by the Haryana State Agricultural
Marketing Board at a cost of Rs 4 lakh.
Kerala's semi-high speed rail project gets Centre's in-principle nod

The Union government has given in-principle approval to the semi-high speed rail (SHSR)
project between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod, envisaging reduction of travel time
between the two places in Kerala from 12 to four hours.
• A joint venture of Kerala government and ministry of railways, SHSR, named Silver Line, is
envisaged as the most affordable solution for the transport problems of the southern state.
Nagaland Assembly Speaker passes away

Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Vikho-o Yhoshü passed away. He was 69.
Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party leader Vikho-o Yhoshü, an alumnus of Indian School of
Mines, Dhanbad, was elected as the Speaker of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly in March
2018.
Bengaluru’s University of Agricultural Sciences to host Indian Science Congress from 3 to 7

Jan
The University of Agricultural Sciences in Bengaluru is gearing up to host the 107th Indian
Science Congress from 3rd to 7th of January.
• Farmers’ congress being organized for the first time will focus on innovation in the integrated
agriculture and entrepreneurship, climate change, biodiversity, agrarian distress, rural bio-
entrepreneurship and policy issues.
Function organized to commemorate 76th Anniversary of First Flag Hoisting at Port Blair
A function was organized to commemorate the 76th Anniversary of First Flag Hoisting by
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Port Blair on 30 December.
• Lt Governor Admiral DK Joshi and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar
Choubey hoisted the National Flag at Flag Point, Port Blair.
Rabung bridge in Upper Siang district inaugurated

The strategically important Rabung bridge on the Migging-Tuting road in Arunachal Pradesh's
Upper Siang district was inaugurated by state Health and Family Welfare minister Alo Libang.
• The bridge constructed by Border Road Task Force of Project Brahmank under Border
Roads Organisation (BRO) was inaugurated by Libang, an official release said.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
‘Nagpur Resolution: A Holistic approach for empowering citizens’ adopted during regional
conference organised by DARPG in Nagpur
The ‘Nagpur Resolution- A holistic approach for empowering citizens’ was adopted during the
Valedictory session of the two-day Regional Conference on ‘Improving Public Service Delivery
– Role of Governments’, in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
• The conference was organised by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public
Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, in collaboration with the Government of
Maharashtra and the Maharashtra State Commission for Right to Public Services.
E-Certificate Project: Now Get Caste, Residence Certificates Online In Odisha

As part of 5T model of governance of revenue and disaster management department, Odisha
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched e-Certificate portal and ePAUTI App for smartphone
users.
• Through the new gateway, people can now get several official documents like caste
certificate and permanent residence certificates online without visiting Tehsil offices. CM
Naveen also announced the abolition of solvency certificate.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Persons/events
Soma Roy Burman appointed as the 24th Controller General of Accounts (CGA) and 7th
woman CGA
Soma Roy Burman was appointed as the 24th Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Ministry
of Finance, Department of Expenditure, Soma Burman is also the 7th woman to be in that post.
She succeeds J. P. S. Chawla.
Rajendran Chinna Veerappan reappointed as the MD and CEO of CSB Bank

Rajendran Chinna Veerappan was appointed as the Managing Director (MD) and Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) of Catholic Syrian Bank (CSB) bank, Thrissur, Kerala by the Board of
Directors of CSB bank in the Board meeting held on 2nd December 2019 for a three year term
till December 2022.
Swiss player Roger Federer becomes the 1st living Swiss to have his image engraved in the
Swiss coin
Roger Federer, from Basel Switzerland becomes the first ever living Swiss to have his face
engraved in the Swiss coin. Roger’s image was engraved in a 20-Franc silver coin by the
Swissmint, official mint of the Swiss Confederation.
Baskar Menon, Veteran Journalist in the Press Trust of India (PTI) dies at 87
Baskar Menon was the Regional Manager in the south division of the PTI. He joined PTI as a
sub-editor and acquired his position as the head of the Regional Bureau by his dedication
towards work.
Shelly Morrison, American Theater and Television Actress dies at 83

Shelly Morrison was well known for her debut in ‘Will and Grace’, as Rosario Salazar, she has
worked in 68 episodes from 1999 to 2006 in Will and Grace, a television series. She had also
appeared in about 25 films and 200 television shows.
Freedom fighter & former MP Laxminarayan Nayak passed away at the age of 101 in Madhya
Pradesh
Freedom fighter and former Member of Parliament Laxminarayan Nayak passed away at the
age of 101 at Niwari town in Madhya Pradesh due to old age ailments. Born in 1918 at
Nimchauni in Tikamgarh of Madhya Pradesh, Nayak represented Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh)
Lok Sabha seat as Member of Parliament from 1977 -1980.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
About Madhya Pradesh:

Capital: Bhopal; Chief minister: Kamal Nath; Governor: Lalji Tandon
Paramananda Sahu, theatre artist from Odisha dies at 72

Renowned Theatre artist Paramananda Sahu died at 72 in Balasore, Odisha. He died due to
old-age related illness and was confined to bed for a long time.
All India Radio (AIR):
Director-General: F. Sheheryar; Owner: Prasar Bharati; Headquarters: Sansad Marg, New Delhi
Launched: 8 June 1936
American musician & songwriter Irving Burgie passes away at the age of 95
Irving Louis Burgie (also known as Lord Burgess), an American musician & songwriter , was
best known for popularise Caribbean music with hit songs like Day-O (The Banana Boat Song-
1952), has passed away due to heart failure, at his home in Queens, US (United States). He was 95.
Hari Mohan got appointed as chairman of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)

Shri Hari Mohan, a 1982-batch Indian Ordnance Factories’ Service (I.O.F.S.) officer has taken
over as the new chairman of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB). He succeeds Shri Saurabh Kumar
who has superannuated from the services.
• Hari Mohan, was awarded the ‘Ayudh Ratna’ award in 2018 for his services at the
HVF(Heavy Vehicles Factory, Avadi,Tamil Nadu),
Upender Singh Rawat has been appointed as the Indian Ambassador to the Republic of Costa
Rica
Upender Singh Rawat, IFS (Indian Foreign Service) officer and the current Indian Ambassador
to the Republic of Panama has been appointed as the Indian Ambassador to the Republic of
Costa Rica with a residence in Panama City. He succeeded Ravi Thapar.
Bob Willis, former cricket captain of England dies at 70

Robert George Dylan Willis, fondly called Bob Willis, former cricket captain of England dies at
the age of 70 after a prolonged illness.
News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) elected Republic TV’s Arnab Goswami as board’s
President
Editor-in-chief and Managing Director(MD) of Republic TV, Arnab Goswami was elected as the
president of governing board News Broadcasters Federation (NBF). The new self-regulatory
organization will be announced by the end of January 2020.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Grammy award winner American puppeteer Caroll spinney passes away

American puppeteer & cartoonist, Caroll Edwin Spinney, who was best known for playing Big
Bird and Oscar the Grouch on children’s TV show Sesame Street, has passed away.
George Laurer, inventor of bar code dies at 94

George J. Laurer, who invented the Universal Product Code at IBM, has died. He was 94. The
now-ubiquitous marking, composed of unique black bars and a 12-digit number (bar code),
allowed retailers to identify products and their prices as they are scanned, usually at checkout.
V. S. Sundaresan has taken charge as ED at SEBI

V. S. Sundaresan has taken charge as the executive director at the Securities and Exchange
Board of India (SEBI).
New Zealand three-times Olympic champion Peter Snell passed away

He was the last male athlete to have completed the 800m and 1500m double at an Olympic
Games, which he achieved in Tokyo in 1964. He also won 2 gold medals at the Commonwealth
Games in 1962 in the 880 yards and one mile run in Perth.
Paul Volcker, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve of the US passed away
Volcker was the chairman of the Federal Reserve from 1979 to 1987 and was an
undersecretary at the Treasury Department, to the President’s Richard Nixon’s administration.
He published a biography called “Keeping at It: The Quest for Sound Money and Good Government,”
in the year 2018.
Veteran Telugu actor-writer Gollapudi dead

Veteran film personality and writer Gollapudi Maruti Rao died in Chennai. He was 80. He was a multi-
faceted personality as he was a journalist, playwright, writer, actor and television personality. He was
a former Nandi Award winner and renowned Telugu actor and writer. He constituted the renowned
Gollapudi Srinivas Rao award in the remembrance of his late son for the best Debut director in Indian
Films.
Shrikant Madhav Vaidya to be new chairman of IOC

Shrikant Madhav Vaidya will be the new chairman of the country's biggest oil firm, Indian Oil
Corp (IOC). Vaidya currently is director (refineries) at IOC.
Vipin Sondhi is new CEO & MD of Ashok Leyland

Hinduja Group flagship Ashok Leyland announced the appointment of Vipin Sondhi as its new
chief executive officer and managing director for a period of five years.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Sushil Modi became the head of GoM on IGST replacing Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Sushil Kumar Modi, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar replaced Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of
Finance (MoF) as the head of the Group of Ministers (GoM) on the Integrated Goods and
Service Tax (IGST), stated by the GST (Goods and Services Tax) council. The panel was set up
to look into the issue of splitting of the IGST between the centre and states.
Salman Khan appointed as Pepsi’s new brand ambassador

Food and beverage giant PepsiCo has roped in Bollywood actor Salman Khan as the new
brand ambassador of its flagship Pepsi brand of carbonated beverage in India.
Tara Sinha, doyen of Indian advertising dies at 87

Advertising veteran Tara Sinha passed away. Best known as the mother of Indian advertising,
Sinha was one of the earliest women in the field who worked across India, the US and the UK. She
was 87. Sinha had also served as chairperson of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, a
member of the advisory council of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and chairperson of
the advertising sub-committee, Assocham.
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.
Suniel Shetty signed as anti-doping brand ambassador NADA

Actor Suniel Shetty has been selected as the brand ambassador of National Anti-Doping
Agency NADA. The country’s anti-doping body is hoping that his celebrity status helps its efforts to
clean up sports in the country from the menace. The suspension of National Anti-Doping
Laboratory by the WADA earlier this year is another issue facing the country now that dope
samples collected by the National Anti-Doping Agency from the athletes will have to be tested
outside India.
Ravi Mittal takes charge as new I&B Secretary

IAS officer Ravi Mittal took charge as the new Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Ministry.
• Mr Mittal took charge from Amit Khare who has been appointed as Secretary, Department of
Higher Education.
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December 2019
Actor Shriram Lagoo passes away

Eminent theatre personality and film actor Shriram Lagoo died due to age-related ailments. He
was 92. Dr. Lagoo, affectionately called in theatre circles as ‘Doctor’, was known for his progressive
and rationalist views, which he expressed without fear.
Danish-French actress Anna Karina passes away

French New Wave actress, Anna Karina died at 79 in a hospital in Paris, France. She was
diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment. Anna was born in Denmark as Hanne Karin
Bayer.She won the Silver Bear for Best Actress award in the Berlin film festival for her movie
“A woman is a woman”.
Kerala NCP president Thomas Chandy dead

Thomas Chandy, Kerala president of the Nationalist Congress Party and legislator in the Kerala
Assembly from Kuttanad, died at his home.
Urdu author Mujtaba Hussain to return Padma Shri award

86-year-old Urdu author Mujtaba Hussain from Hyderabad, Telangana had said he will return
his Padma Shri award to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). He stated due
to the current sitiation in the country, he did not want to keep the award anymore.
• He is best known for his books America Ghaans Kaat Raha Hai, Cihrah dar cihrah, a take on US
foreign policy, Japan Chalo and many other books.
Sridhar Patra appointed NALCO CMD

Sridhar Patra was appointed as the chairman-cum-managing director of NALCO.
• Sridhar Patra is replacing Tapan Kumar Chand as CMD.
• He has been appointed as the CMD of NALCO till the date of his superannuation, i.e. October 31,
2024.
Actress Gita Siddharth Kak passes away

Yesteryear actress Gita Siddharth Kak passed away in Mumbai.
• Her Garam Hava won the Best Feature Film at the 21st National Film Awards. While
Sathyu's effort won a National Award as Best Feature Film on National Integration, she
received a souvenir at the ceremony for her role of Amina in the film.
Children’s book writer and Rajyotsava award winner Chandrakanth Karadalli passed away
Chandrakanth Karadalli a renowned children’s book writer died due to cardiac arrest in
Bangalore at the age of 70. He won Karnataka Rajyotsava award in 2019 and Bala Sahitya
Akademi award from the union government.
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December 2019
• He also received ‘Good Teacher’ award from both State and Nation Government.
Former Union minister ID Swami passed away

Former Union Minister ID Swami passed away at the age of 90 in Faridabad, Haryana. Swami
was Union Minister of State for Home Affairs in 1999 in former Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee's government.
• The BJP leader was two times Lok Sabha member from Karnal in Haryana.
Former SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar passes away

Former president of Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Avtar Singh Makkar
died at a private hospital in Gurugram. The 78-year old Makkar was admitted to the hospital in critical
condition.
• He was one of the longest-serving presidents of the SGPC, an apex religious body of the
Sikhs.
Gitanath Ganguly, President of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club passed away

Gitanath Ganguly, President of Mohun Bagan Athletic Club (AC) and retired Justice died at 83
following a cardiac arrest.
• He was appointed as the President of the club in November 2018, and was the legal consultant of
the club when Anjan Mitra was the General Secretary.
First Amerindian to respresent West Indies cricket team, Basil Butcher, passed away
Former Guyana and West Indies(Windies) batsman Basil Fitzherbert Butcher passed away.
• He was the first person of Amerindian (indigenous American) descent to represent the
West Indies. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1970.
Indian-American computer scientist to lead National Science Foundation

US President Donald Trump has picked Indian-American computer scientist Sethuraman
Panchanathan to lead the prestigious National Science Foundation.
• The National Science Foundation (NSF) is a US government agency that supports
fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and
engineering. Its medical counterpart is the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
TAFE Chairman Mallika Srinivasan appointed to Global Board of US-India Business Council
Mallika Srinivasan, Chairman of Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited (TAFE) was appointed as
one of the board members of the United States (US)- India Business Council (USIBC), a global
board of the US Chamber of Commerce.
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December 2019
• The appointment is to take immediate effect as she joins a prestigious list of Chief Executive
Officers (CEO) and executives on the USIBC 35-member board.
NCLAT restores Cyrus Mistry as executive chairman of Tata Group

National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has restored former Tata group Chairman
Cyrus Mistry as executive chairman of Tata Group who was ousted from his position citing
nonperformance in work.
• A 2-member bench of the NCLAT headed by S J Mukhopadhyaya announced Ratan Tata’s
actions against Mistry were oppressive and the appointment of a new chairman was illegal
as his removal was not in accordance with Section 244 of the Companies Act, 2013.
IPS officer Atul Karwal appointed as Director of National Police Academy

Atul Karwal, a 1988 batch IPS officer, has been appointed as the Director of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
National Police Academy in Hyderabad.
• The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the proposal of Ministry of
Home Affairs for appointment of Karwal, presently working as ADG, CRPF as Director, SVP
NPA by temporarily downgrading the post to the level of Additional Director General for a period
up to 05.12.2021 i.e. the date of combined deputation tenure of Karwal or until further orders
whichever is earlier.
Devesh Srivastava elected as CMD of GIC Re

Devesh Srivastava is elected as Chairman and Managing Director at General Insurance
Corporation of India (GIC Re).
• Currently, he is managing the departments of human resource and training, ReInsurance
Worldwide (RIWW), corporate communications, CMD's secretariat and innovation centre.
Veteran cinematographer Ramachandra Babu dies

Eminent cinematographer Ramachandra Babu, 72, who wielded camera for over 125 movies,
passed away at a hospital. Babu had won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Cinematography
four times.
Writer and critic LS Sheshagiri Rao passed away

Kannada writer and critic L.S. Sheshagiri Rao passed away. His first work was Idu Jeevana, an
anthology of short stories was released in 1948.
• Best known for his book “Hosagannada Sahitya Charitre”, he was also known for his
critical works and an English-Kannada dictionary that he compiled.
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December 2019
Sangita Reddy is elected FICCI President

Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals Group, has taken over as the
President of industry chamber FICCI for 2019- 20.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla is next Foreign Secretary

The government has appointed India’s Ambassador to the United States Harsh Vardhan
Shringla, an expert in India’s neighbourhood, as the next Foreign Secretary.
• According to the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Mr. Shringla will take over from Vijay
Gokhale on January 29 for a two-year tenure.
Renowned Hindi author Ganga Prasad Vimal killed in road accident

Renowned Hindi author Ganga Prasad Vimal was killed in a road accident in Sri Lanka.
• Vimal's death is an irreparable loss to the world of literature and a personal loss for him.
Niranjan Hiranandani Takes Over As New ASSOCHAM President

Niranjan Hiranandani, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Hiranandani Group has taken
over as the new President of the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India
(ASSOCHAM).
• Hiranandani succeeds Welspun Group Chairman Balkrishan Goenka.
England World Cup winner Martin Peters passed away

Former West Ham and Tottenham midfielder Martin Peters, who scored England’s second goal
in the 1966 World Cup final against West Germany, passed away.
Former DG of Doordarshan Shiv Sharma passes away

Former Director-General of Doordarshan Shiv Sharma passed away in Gurugram in Haryana.
He was 85. Mr. Sharma was associated with coverage of Asian games in 1982.
Vishwesha Teertha Swami passes away at 88 in Bengaluru

Vishvesha Teertha Swami, the head of prominent Pejavara Mutt and one among the Ashta
Mathas of Udupi, passed away at the age of 88.
• He made history by being the only seer among the seers of the Ashta mutts of Udupi to have
performed five biennial Paryayas. He was a learned scholar, a dedicated philanthropist and a
committed reformist.
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December 2019
American songwriter Allee Willis passed away

The American songwriter Allee Willis passed away recently. She penned the iconic “I’ll Be
There For You” track for the long-running television show “Friends”.
• She won a Grammy in 1985 for her work on the soundtrack for “Beverly Hills Cop“.
Renowned author Da Chen passes away

China’s brilliant storyteller, Da Chen, who created the critically acclaimed memoir “Colours of
the Mountain” passed away recently.
• In “Colours of the Mountain” he recounted the abuses he and his family suffered during the latter
years of the country’s Cultural Revolution.
Harjeet Kaur Joshi: First Woman CMD Of Shipping Corporation

The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) has appointed Harjeet Kaur Joshi the Chairperson &
Managing Director (CMD). This makes her the first-ever woman to hold that position. As of
19th December, Harjeet Kaur Joshi has become the first woman to be at the helm of affairs of
India's largest and most diversified shipping company.
• Before her new appointment as Chairman and Managing Director, Harjeet Kaur Joshi was serving
SCI as Director (Finance). She was also holding the additional charge of CMD. As the 13th CMD
of SCI, she is the first woman to be appointed.
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December 2019
Defence
The 7th edition of India-Sri Lanka joint Military & Army Exercise MITRA SHAKTI–VII: 2019 has
started at Aundh Military Station, Pune, Maharashtra
• The exercise will be conducted for 14 days upto 14 December 2019 & will involve sharing
and learning from each others experiences. Started in 2013, exercise Mitra Shakti is in
continuation of a series of joint exercises that is conducted annually as part of military diplomacy
to enhance cooperation between the armies of India & Sri Lanka.
First night trial of the nuclear-capable Agni-III surface-to-surface ballistic missile was carried
out from a mobile launcher at the Integrated Test Range(ITR) at APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the
coast of Odisha
The night trial was conducted by the Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army(IA) with
logistic support from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The
maiden night trial, however, was a failure, due to some manufacturing defect.
• The Agni-III missile was inducted into the armed forces in June 2011.
Defence Minister addresses the Armed Forces Flag Day-CSR Conclave in New Delhi
‘Bharat Ke Veer’ Fund was established with the help of the corporate sector that assisted the
families of martyred Central Armed Police Forces personnel.
• The CSR Conclave was a first-of-its-kind event where Corporate and CSR heads were
invited.
Exercise Hand-in-Hand-2019
The 8th India-China joint training exercise 'HAND-IN-HAND 2019' with the theme counter terrorism
under United Nations mandate is scheduled to be conduct at Umroi, Meghalaya from 07 to 20
December 2019, to practice joint planning and conduct of counter terrorist operations in semi
urban terrain.
‘Borderman’ yearly magazine released by Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for Home Affairs
The yearly magazine called ‘Borderman’ was released by Nityanand Rai, Minister of State for
Home Affairs on the occasion of 55th raising day of BSF (Border Security Force) (1st of
December 2019) organized by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“INDRA 2019”- Tri-service exercise between India & Russia to be held in Babina(UP),Pune &
Goa
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
“INDRA 2019” which is a joint tri-services exercise between India and Russia is to be held from
December 10-19 2019, simultaneously at Babina (near Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh(UP)), Pune and
Goa. The INDRA series exercise began in 2003 while its 1st joint Tri Services Exercise was
conducted in 2017.
Chief of the air Staff participates in Pacific Air Chiefs’ Symposium 2019
Chief of the Air Staff of India has participated in the Pacific Air Chiefs’ Symposium 2019 (PACS
2019) at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.
• The theme for this year’s symposium is ‘A Collaborative Approach to Regional Security’.
UP govt announces 25% subsidy & full stamp duty waiver for defence industry
Uttar Pradesh government has decided to provide 25 per cent subsidy and 100 per cent stamp
duty waiver for setting up the defence industry in the state.
• The state government will also provide all facilities including power, road and fencing of land to
the companies that will set up defence industries.
Lt Gen P S Rajeshwar takes over as C-n-C of Andaman & Nicobar Command

Lt Gen Podali Shankar Rajeshwar took over as the 14th Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman
& Nicobar Command (CINCAN). He is a graduate of Indian Military Academy and was
commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in December 1980.
India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed surface-to-surface nuclear-capable

Prithvi-II missile off Odisha coast
The Strategic Forces Command of the Indian Army conducted the user trial of the 350 km
range missile from a mobile launcher from launch complex-3 of the Integrated Test Range at
Chandipur. This missile is developed under the joint collaboration of Defence Research and
Development Organization and Bharat Dynamics Limited, the missile was first test-fired on 27
January 1996.
Defence and Foreign Ministers to attend India-US 2+2 dialogue in Washington

The Second India-US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue will be held in Washington DC on 18th December.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will lead the Indian
delegation.
The India-US 2 plus 2 Ministerial Dialogue was initiated in September 2018 in order to provide
a positive, forward-looking vision for the India-US strategic partnership and to promote synergy
in diplomatic and security efforts
UAE, US joint military exercise 'Iron Union 12' commences
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December 2019
‘Iron Union 12’, a joint military exercise between the ground forces of the UAE and the United
States, commenced in Abu Dhabi.
• Spanning a few weeks, '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 UAE Armed Forces with fraternal and friendly countries like US,
takes place in a manner consistent with latest developments.
Indian Rafale fighter jets to fly with BS-series tail numbers honouring ex-IAF chief BS Dhanoa
The Indian Rafale fighter jets will fly with the tail sign 'BS' after the recently retired Air Force Chief
Birender Singh Dhanoa. While the two-sweater trainer Rafales will have the tail number initials
of present Chief Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria RB, the fighter versions will fly with the tail
sign initials of BS after the previous chief Dhanoa.
4th edition of International seminar cum exhibition on naval weapon systems – NAVARMS-19
occurred in New Delhi
A two day event of 4th edition of International Seminar cum Exhibition on Naval weapon Systems –
NAVARMS-19 with the theme “Make in India – Fight Category: Opportunities and Imperatives”
has occured at Institute for Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), Development Enclave, in New
Delhi, organized by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Successful launch of two BrahMos missiles from land and air platforms
Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Air Force (IAF) and BrahMos
jointly successfully conducted two BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles tests, one each from land
and air platforms.
• The first missile launch was from a land based mobile launcher, where most of the components
were indigenous, including the missile airframe, fuel management system and DRDO designed
seeker.
• The second launch of the missile was carried out by Indian Air force (IAF) from SU-30MKI
platform against a sea target. The air launched BrahMos missile, designed and developed by
BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL), is a 2.5 ton supersonic air to surface cruise
missile with ranges close to 300 km.
Upgraded version of Pinaka guided rocket system, QR-SAM successfully test-fired

India had successfully test-fired two missiles from Chandipur in Odisha. The upgraded version of
Pinaka guided rocket system was test-fired from the DRDO’s Proof and Experimental
Establishment firing test range while the all-weather tracked-chassis Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air
Missile (QR-SAM) tested from a mobile launcher at a launch complex of the Integrated Test Range,
Chandipur, off the Odisha coast.
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December 2019
India and US sign defence tech transfer pact, pledge to boost strategic ties at 2+2
In a major boost for the Indian defence industry, the US and India have signed a pact to enable the
secure transfer of classified critical defence technology.
• The Industrial Security Annex (ISA) agreement was signed by India External Affairs Minister S
Jaishankar, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence
Secretary Mark Esper during the second round of 2+2 dialogue between the two countries.
Curtain Raiser: Army Technology Seminar

The fifth edition of ARTECH is organised by Indian Army on ‘Technologies for Non Contact
Warfare’ which was organised on 23 December 2019 in New Delhi.
• ARTECH Seminar was launched in 2016 as part of overall vision of ‘Make in India’ of Hon’ble
Prime Minister and is conducted every year as part of events leading to Army Day celebrations.
The seminar is the flagship event of Indian Army which sets the agenda for focus areas of
harvesting indigenous capabilities in the Defence sector.
The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) organised 18th National Maritime Search and Rescue Board
(NMSARB) meeting in New Delhi.
The annual meeting was held to discuss policy issues, formulate guidelines & procedures as
well as assess the efficacy of National Search and Rescue Plan (NSRP).
• MV Asia Emerald III was awarded the SAR Award for Merchant Vessel for the year 2018-19.
It saved 6 lives from a distressed fishing boat.
• Anand A Ambhire from Maharashtra was awarded SAR Award for Fisherman for saving 11
lives from a sinking fishing boat.
• Indian Coast Guard Ships (ICGS) Sujoy and ICGS Vikram were jointly awarded SAR Award
for Government Owned SAR Unit for saving 46 lives from ROSV Sagar Sampada off New
Mangalore.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh launches DefExpo 2020 mobile app
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the mobile app of the forthcoming DefExpo 2020.
• The app has been developed by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence
(MoD) with the aim to engage with the visitors as well as exhibitors.
• The DefExpo 2020 is scheduled to be held in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow on February 05-08,
2020. The theme of the expo is ‘India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub’.
IAF bids farewell to its iconic MiG-27

Indian Air Force bids farewell to the iconic MiG-27 (fighter jet), which played an important role
during the 1999 Kargil war at a grand ceremony held at the Jodhpur Air Base.
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December 2019
• The aircraft, for their role during the 1999 Kargil War, earned the title 'Bahadur' from IAF
pilots.
General Bipin Rawat named India's first Chief of Defence Staff

General Bipin Rawat has been named the country's first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). General
Rawat is the first officer to hold the post of the Chief of Defence Staff, which was set up
recently.
• CDS will function as a single-point advisor to the government on matters related to the military
and will focus on the better synergy between the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian
Navy.
5th Round of India-Japan Maritime Affairs Dialogue was held in Tokyo

5th round of India-Japan Maritime Affairs Dialogue was held in Tokyo, Japan. During this
dialogue, India and Japan agreed to deepen their maritime cooperation.
• The 8th Round of India-Japan bilateral consultations on disarmament, non-proliferation and
export control was also held in Tokyo.
S S Deswal given additional charge of DG of CRPF

S S Deswal has been given the “additional” charge to head Central Reserve Police Force
(CRPF). The Union home ministry took the decision as CRPF’s serving Director General (DG) R
R Bhatnagar retired on 31st December, 2019.
• S S Deswal is presently serving as the Director General of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
Army Major gets Excellence award for developing Sarvatra bulletproof jacket
Major Anoop Mishra has been awarded Army Design Bureau Excellence Award by the Army
Chief, for indigenously developing Sarvatra bulletproof jacket.
• The jacket made by Anoop Mishra can provide protection from sniper rifle bullets.
• These bulletproof jackets can withstand hardcore steel ammunition fired from an AK-47
rifle.
• The armed forces had also placed a request for two lakh ‘Bhabha Kavach bullet-proof jackets’
with Ordnance Factory Board during August. ‘Bhabha Kavach bullet-proof jackets’ is the lightest
bullet proof jacket used by the Indian army.
General Manoj Mukund Naravane takes charge as 28th Chief of Army Staff
General Manoj Mukund Naravane took charge as the 28th Chief of Army Staff succeeding
General Bipin Rawat. General Naravane served as Vice Chief of the Army before taking charge
of the 1.3 million-strong Army.
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December 2019
• The General is a decorated officer who has been awarded the Sena Medal (Distinguished) for
effectively commanding his battalion in Jammu and Kashmir. He is also a recipient of the
Vishisht Seva Medal for his services as the Inspector General Assam Rifles (North) in
Nagaland and the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal for commanding of a prestigious strike corps.
New Delhi hosts 49th Border Coordination Conference between BSF & BGB
49th Border Coordination Conference between border guarding forces of India and
Bangladesh was held in New Delhi.
• The conference focused on co-operation in Border Guarding and Border Management
between the two forces.
Home Minister Amit Shah lays foundation stone of CRPF Headquarters

Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of CRPF Headquarters. Hailing the
personnel of CRPF for their bravery, Home MInister Amit Shah said that many of CRPF
personnel have made supreme sacrifice for the nation.
• The Home Minister also launched a new logo “Garud” for those engaged in providing
security to the common man and VIPs.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Agriculture
New fish species “Schistura syngkai”, discovered in Meghalaya

A team of scientists led by Prof Khlur Mukhim of Lady Keane College, Shillong, Meghalaya
have discovered a new fish species in West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, with the
scientific name “Schistura syngkai”. The details of the discovery has been published in the journal
“zootaxa”
MMTC to import 11000 MT of Onions from Turkey

Public sector trading firm MMTC has ordered import of 11,000 metric tonnes of onions from
Turkey.
• This has been done on the directions of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The decision has
been taken to moderate the rising prices of onion across the nation.
Operation Clean Art: operation to crackdown illegal trade in mongoose hair launched
Operation “Clean Art” which is the 1st pan India operation to crack down the illegal trade for
mongoose hair was launched by the govt. (Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)) Mongooses
are listed in Schedule II Part 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. As per this act, any
smuggling or possession of its body part is a non-bailable offence.
‘Polypedates bengalensis’, found in West Bengal recorded as 26th species of polypedates frog
A new species of frog named ‘Polypedates bengalensis’, commonly called Brown Blotched
Bengal tree frog was recorded as the 26th species of Polypedates frog found in two districts of
West Bengal.
Centre disbursed Rs. 36,000 crore under PM-KISAN

The Centre has so far disbursed around Rs. 36,000 crore to beneficiaries under the Pradhan
Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) programme that aims to boost farmers’ income.
Under the scheme, the Centre is providing Rs. 6,000 annually in three equal installments to 14 crore
farmers.
ICAR and NABARD signs MoU to facilitate the action research and up-scaling of the various
technologies and innovative farmer models
With a view to promote sustainable agriculture and climate resilient farming systems the
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with the National Board of Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). This MoU will
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
facilitate the action research and up-scaling of the various technologies and innovative farmer models
developed by the ICAR .
Only Aadhar linked bank accounts to get PM-Kisan payments: Agriculture department
As per a statement by the Agriculture Department, Government of India (GoI), the 4th instalment of
the PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi) finance support scheme due between
December 2019 and March 2020 will be transferred only to Aadhar-linked bank accounts of
more than 50 million beneficiaries. This was the 1st time the central government has insisted
on the mandatory condition of Aadhar seeding since the launch of PM-KISAN scheme in
February 2019.
1st Pashu Kisan Credit Cards of India, distributed in Bhiwani, Haryana

1st Pashu Kisan credit cards (Animal husbandry Credit Card) in India were distributed to 101 animal
farmers in Bhiwani district of Haryana. These credit cards were launched to promote animal
husbandry and agribusiness. The haryana govt has also set a target to issue 10 lakh Pashu Kisan
Credit cards by March 2021.
Government aims to provide broadband access to all villages by 2022

The government announced a new ‘mission’ aimed at providing broadband access to all villages by
2022.
• The main objective of the National Broadband Mission is to provide broadband access to all
villages by 2022. This mission will provide internet connectivity to 1 lakh villages.
• The mission is a part of the National Digital Communications Policy, 2018
• The mission envisages stakeholder investment of $100 billion (₹ 7 lakh crore) including ₹
70,000 crore from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) in the coming years.
Land records in 90% of Indian villages have been computerized

About 90 per cent of villages in India have computerized the Records of Right (RoR), the basic
primary record that shows land rights and property transactions.
• The Centre, through the Digital lndia Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP), is
providing financial assistance to the States for the computerisation of land records.
• Karnataka was the first State to computerise land records under the ‘Bhoomi Project’,
followed by Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Subsequently, the Centre introduced the DILRMP
in 2008.
AIIB announces $210 m loan for irrigation, solar energy projects in India
The Beijing-based Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) announced a total loan of $210
million for irrigation and solar energy projects in India.
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December 2019
• The multilateral institution will give $145 million to improve irrigation services and
strengthen flood risk management in West Bengal, while $65 million has been earmarked
for a 250 MW solar project in Rajasthan, promoted by Hero Future Energies.
• India is the second-largest shareholder of the bank and the largest recipient of its loan and
equity commitments. The total commitments to the country stand at $3 billion, which is about a
third of total of $10 billion.
Government approves launch of third phase of rural road programme

In a cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the launch of Phase-3 of the Centre's
flagship rural road scheme Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was approved, the
government said in a statement.
To boost connectivity of villages with hospitals, schools and markets, the Centre approved the launch
of Phase-3 of its rural road programme to widen and revamp 1.25-lakh km of roads in the country.
The duration of this phase will be of five years till 2024-25.
• Construction of bridges of up to 150m in plain areas and 200 m in Himalayan and north
eastern states are proposed under this phase.
• It will entail an estimated cost of Rs 80,250 crore, which would be shared in the ratio of
60:40 between the Centre and states. In case of eight north-eastern and three Himalayan
states the ratio will be 90:10.
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar releases 'India State of Forest Report'- 2019
Union Minister for Forest and Environment, Prakash Javadekar released 'India State of Forest
Report'- 2019.
• The report, an assessment of country's forest resources, undertaken by the Forest Survey of India
every two years, said that there is an increase of forest cover and tree cover at the national level
as compared to the previous assessment, in 2017.
• The total tree and forest cover in the country increased by 5,188 square kilometer in the last
two years.
• The total forest cover area is 21.67 percent of the geographical area of the country, while the
tree cover area is 2.89 percent.
• There was an increase of 42.6 million tonnes in the carbon stock of the country as
compared to the last assessment of 2017. The total carbon stock in country’s forest is estimated
7,124.6 million tonnes.
• The total forest and tree cover of the country is 80.73 million hectare. It is 24.56% of the
total geographical area of the country.
• The forest and tree cover has increased by more than 130 million hectares in the last 4 years.
• Area-wise, Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover in the country.
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December 2019
• In terms of forest cover as percentage of total geographical area, the top five States are Mizoram
(85.41%), Arunachal Pradesh (79.63%), Meghalaya (76.33%), Manipur (75.46%) and Nagaland
(75.31%).
• In comparison with ISFR 2017, the increase in the forest cover has been observed as 3,976 sq
km and that in tree cover is 1,212 sq. km.
• The top 3 states showing increase in forest cover are Karnataka (1,025 sq. km) followed by
Andhra Pradesh (990 sq km) and Kerala (823 sq km).
• Mangrove cover has been separately reported in the ISFR 2019 and the total mangrove cover in
the country is 4,975 sq km which showed an increase of 54 sq Km as comapre to that of 2017.
Top three states showing mangrove cover increase are Gujarat (37 sq km) followed by
Maharashtra (16 sq km) and Odisha (8 sq km).
• The extent of bamboo bearing area of the country has been estimated 16 million hectare showing
an increase of 0.32 million hectare.
• There are 62,466 wetlands covering 3.8% of the area within the Recorded Forest Area
(RFA)/Green Wash (GW) of the country.
First tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed under Fisheries and Aquaculture
Development Fund (FIDF)
The first tripartite Memorandum of Agreement was signed between the department of
Fisheries Government of India, NARBARD and the Government of Tamil Nadu for the
implementation of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development Fund (FIDF).
• A dedicated fund has been created namely the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure
Development Fund with a total of Rs. 7522.48 crore to address the infrastructure requirement
for fisheries sector.
• The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), National
Cooperatives Development Corporation (NCDC) and all scheduled banks are Nodal
Loaning entities (NLEs) to provide concessional finance under the (FIDF).
• The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the
FIDF provides interest subvention up to 3% per annum for providing the concessional
finance by the NLEs at the interest rate not lower than 5% per annum.
• The Government of Tamil Nadu has signed the first Tripartite MoA for availing the initial
concessional finance of Rs 420 crore from NARBARD for development of three fishing harbours
in the State namely, (i) Tharangampadi in Nagapattinam Ditrict, (ii) Thiruvottriyur Kuppam in
Tiruvallur District and (iii) Mudhunagar in Cuddalore District.
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December 2019
Others
Book ‘The Legacy of Militancy in Punjab’ by Inderjit Singh Jaijee & Dona Suri released
A new book titled “The Legacy of Militancy in Punjab: Long Road to Normalcy‘” by civil rights
activist Inderjit Singh Jaijee and journalist Dona Suri was released. The book is about how
Punjab’s militancy affected judiciary by delaying trials, how the popular culture has been
influenced and how the youth today are still responding to conditions in the northern state.
The book is published by ‘SAGE’.
About Punjab:
Punjab is called as “land of 5 rivers”. They are Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas.
Capital: Chandigarh; Chief minister: Amarinder Singh; Governor: Vijayender Pal Singh Badnore.
Ashwin Sanghi’s book ‘The Vault of Vishnu’ to be released on Jan 23rd, 2020 in Jaipur
Literature Festival (JLF)
The next book of Ashwin Sanghi, an Indian writer, named ‘The Vault of Vishnu’ will be released
in the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) by Westland publications. The Jaipur Literature Festival
is the World’s largest free literature festival and takes place between 23rd to 27th January 2020
in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
About Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF):
Location: Diggi Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan; Founded: 2006
K. Chandrashekar Rao, Telangana CM, releases book on Kaleshwaram project by Sridhar Rao
Deshpande
K Chandrashekhar Rao, Chief Minister of Telangana released a book named “Kaleswaram project:
Telangana Pragathi Ratham” (Kaleswaram project: The Telangana Development Chariot) at
Pragati Bhavan. The book (about the details and History of the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme
(KLIS)) was authored by CM’s officer on special duty (OSD, Irrigation) Sridhar Rao Deshpande.
Viswanathan Anand launches his autobiography ‘Mind Master’

Viswanathan Anand has launched his autobiography ‘Mind Master’. Anand’s autobiography is
co-authored by sports journalist Susan Ninann. It has been published by THG Publishing Private
Limited. The book covers wonderful memories of Viswanathan Anand’s journey.
Abanindranath Tagore’s Book ‘Nalak’, translated to English by Urbi Bhaduri

Abanindranath Tagore’s (nephew of Rabindranath Tagre) Book ‘Nalak’ featuring the journey of
life of Gautama Buddha, was translated to English by Urbi Bhaduri and was published by
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Niyogi Books. The English translation of the book has no chapters and has been featured in pen and
ink style including a theme inspired by Buddhist tankha paintings.
Thawarchand Gehlot launches Braille version of 'Exam Warriors' written by PM Modi

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thawarchand Gehlot launched Braille version of the
book ‘Exam Warriors’ written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The braille version in English and Hindi has been printed by Rajasthan Netraheen Kalyan
Sangh in Jaipur.
Vice President releases the book “Turbulence and Triumph – The Modi Years”
The Vice President of India Shri M Venkaiah Naidu today urged people to place national
interest at the center of their actions and not to indulge in violence. The book “ Turbulence and
Triumph – The Modi Years” was written by Rahul Agarwal and Bharti S Pradhan at Uparashtrapati
Bhavan in New Delhi.
EC Sunil Arora releases booklet ‘Crossing the Barriers…I Got Inked’ at National workshop on
accessible elections held in New Delhi
The Election Commission of India organized a National Workshop on Accessible Elections.
The Workshop was organized with the purpose of reviewing steps taken as yet by ECI for making
Elections PwD and Senior Citizens friendly and to deliberate on steps still required to make the
process more inclusive and accessible. The Commission also released a booklet, ‘Crossing the
Barriers – I Got Inked’ on first- person accounts of voters who overcame all hurdles to participate in
the largest festival of democracy.
Venkaih Naidu releases book on Arun Jaitley on his birth anniversary

Venkaiah Naidu released a book on former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on his birth
Anniversary, titled- ‘The Renaissance Man-The Many Facets of Arun Jaitley.’
• The book has writings on Jaitley compiled by Naidu’s children Muppavarapu Harshavardhan
and Deepa Venkat.
Book titled Politics of Opportunism released

Noted Economist and Political Analyst S Gurumurthy released a book titled Politics of
Opportunism in New Delhi. The book was written by R P N Singh which throws light on the subject
related to rise of regional parties and Centre -States relation.
Book to chronicle India's Olympic journey

A book titled "Dreams of a Billion: India and the Olympic Games" author by Boria Majumdar
with Nalin Mehta released. The book will be published by HarperCollins India in January 2020.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
• The book comprises of all the wins, the misses, the star sportspersons, their stories, and the
challenges and possibilities that lie ahead of India to make its mark in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Sanjay Dharwadker authored “Diamond In My Palm” – Tale of 12 diamonds from Golconda that
India lost forever
Sanjay Dharwadker authored the book titled “Diamond In My Palm” that describes, how the
world’s 12 greatest diamonds originated from Golconda and Kollur mines in Andhra Pradesh &
later took away by Mughals, Persians, Brits, French, Turks and Russians after centuries of
bloody wars, conspiracies and million-dollar deals, and now ensconced in their national treasures.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Static GA
IDFC Bank
Founded: October 2015; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD & CEO: Mr.V. Vaidyanathan;
Tagline: Always You First
Yes Bank
Founded: 2004; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD & CEO: Ravneet Gill; Tagline: Experience
our Expertise.
HDFC ERGO
It is a joint venture firm between HDFC(Housing Development Finance Corporation) and ERGO
International AG, one of the insurance entity of the Munich Re Group in Germany operating in the
insurance field under the BFSI (Banking, financial services and insurance)sector.
Founded: 2002; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD & CEO: Ritesh Kumar
RBI
The Reserve Bank of India is India's central bank, which controls the issue and supply of the Indian
rupee. RBI is the regulator of entire Banking in India. RBI plays an important part in the Development
Strategy of the Government of India.
Governor: Shaktikanta Das ; Headquarters: Mumbai ; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata
NSE
The National Stock Exchange of India Limited is the leading stock exchange of India, located in
Mumbai. The NSE was established in 1992 as the first dematerialized electronic exchange in the
country.
Location: Mumbai, India ; Founded: 1992
Vikram Limaye is Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of NSE
Chairman: Girish Chandra Chaturvedi
Bank of Baroda
BoB is an Indian Multinational, public sector Banking and Financial Services company. It is the
second largest public sector bank in India post merger with a business mix of close to US$225 billion.
Based on 2019 data, it is ranked 1145 on Forbes Global 2000 list.
Headquarters: Alkapuri, Vadodara ; Founder: Sayajirao Gaekwad III ; Chairman : Hasmukh Adhia ;
Tagline : "India's International Bank".
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Walmart India
Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana; President and CEO: Krish Iyer;
HDFC bank
Founded: August 1994; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Managing Director: Aditya Puri;
Tagline: We understand your world.
IFC International Finance Corporation

The International Finance Corporation is an international financial institution that offers investment,
advisory, and asset-management services to encourage private-sector development in less
developed countries. The IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and is headquartered in
Washington, D.C. in the United States.
Formation: July 20, 1956; Headquarters: Washington, D.C., U.S; Membership: 184 countries; CEO:
Philippe Le Houérou
Mahindra Finance
Founded: 1991; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; Vice Chairman & MD: Ramesh Iyer
Aditya Birla Health Insurance

Formation: October 2016; Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka ;CEO: Mayank Bathwal
MobiKwik
MobiKwik is an Indian company founded in 2009 that provides a mobile phone based payment
system and digital wallet. Customers add money to an online wallet that can be used for payments.
Founded: April 2009; CEO & Director: Bipin Preet Singh; Headquarters: Gurgaon, Haryana
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund

It is India’s first sovereign wealth fund that was set up by the Government of India in February 2015.
Headquarters location: Mumbai ; CEO: Sujoy Bose ; Founded: February 2015
ICICI Bank Limited

It is an Indian multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in Mumbai,
Maharashtra with its registered office in Vadodara, Gujarat.
CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi; Headquarters: Mumbai ; Founder: Industrial Credit and Investment
Corporation of India
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Union Bank of India

Founded: 11 November 1919; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD & CEO: Rajkiran Rai G;
Tagline: Good People to Bank with.
IRDAI
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is an autonomous, statutory body
tasked with regulating and promoting the insurance and re-insurance industries in India.
Founded: 1999; Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana; Chairman: Subhash Chandra Khuntia
State Bank of India

It is an Indian multinational, public sector banking and financial services statutory body. It is a
government corporation statutory body headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. SBI is ranked as
236th in the Fortune Global 500 list of the world's biggest corporations of 2019.
Chairperson: Rajnish Kumar ; Headquarters: Mumbai ; Managing Directors: Arijit Basu, Dinesh Kumar
Khara, P K Gupta
BSE
The Bombay Stock Exchange is an Indian stock exchange located at Dalal Street, Mumbai.
Established in 1875, the BSE is Asia's oldest stock exchange.
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra, India ; Founded: 9 July 1875 ; Key people: Just. Vikramajit Sen;
(Chairman); Ashishkumar Chauhan; (MD & CEO)
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd

Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) is India's flagship national oil company with business interests
straddling the entire hydrocarbon value chain - from refining, pipeline transportation and marketing of
petroleum products to exploration & production of crude oil & gas, marketing of natural gas and
petrochemicals.
Founded: 30 June 1959; Headquarters: New Delhi ; Chairman: Sanjiv Singh.
Axis bank
Axis Bank is the fifth-largest bank in India offering a wide assortment of financial products. The bank
has its head office in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It has 4,050 branches, 11,801 ATMs and 4,917 cash
recyclers spread across the country as of 31 March 2019 and nine international offices.
Founded: 1993 ; Tagline: Badhti ka naam zindagi ; Chief Executive Officer(CEO): Amitabh Chaudhry.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Unified Payment Interface (UPI)

It is a smartphone application which allows users to transfer money between bank accounts. It is a
single-window mobile payment system developed by the National Payments Corporation of India
(NPCI).
There are currently 140 member banks using the UPI rails to enable payments for customers across
the banking sector.
NPCI
The National Payments Corporation of India is an umbrella organisation for operating retail payments
and settlement systems in India.
Founders: Reserve Bank of India, Indian Banks' Association ; Founded: 2008 ; Headquarters:
Mumbai, Maharashtra ; MD & CEO: Dilip Asbe
Banking Ombudsman (BO)

The Banking Ombudsman Scheme is an expeditious and inexpensive forum for bank customers for
resolution of complaints relating to certain services rendered by banks. The Banking Ombudsman
Scheme is introduced under Section 35 A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 by RBI with effect from
1995.
New Development Bank

Headquarters: Shanghai, China ; President: K.V. Kamath
It is a multilateral development bank that was created by governments to leverage capital for
development purposes, especially infrastructure projects. Founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China and
South Africa (collectively the BRICS countries) in July 2014, the bank was launched a year later with
an initial authorized capital of $100 billion.
National Investment and Infrastructure Fund

Industry: Institutional Investor, Fund Management ; Headquarters: Mumbai ; CEO: Sujoy Bose
It is a quasi-sovereign wealth fund, in which the government of India holds 49% equity with the rest
held by foreign and domestic investors, is mandated to invest in infrastructure and related sectors that
could help fuel economic growth in the country. Its Fund of Funds is mandated to invest as an anchor
investor in third party fund managers. It can also selectively form joint ventures with fund managers.
ESAF Small Finance Bank

It is an Indian small finance bank providing banking services and small loans to the underbanked.
ESAF started its operations as an NGO in 1992 as Evangelical Social Action Forum.
Headquarters location: Thrissur; Founded: 10 March 2017 ; Chairman : P R Ravi Mohan ; Founders:
K. Paul Thomas, Mereena Paul, Jacob Samuel ; Tagline: Joy Of Banking
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Karnataka Bank Limited

It is India's twelfth largest private sector bank. It is an 'A' Class Scheduled Commercial Bank based in
Mangaluru in Karnataka, India.
CEO: Mahabaleshwara M. S; Tagline: Your Family Bank Across India
Andhra Bank
It is a medium-sized public sector bank of India.
Headquarters: Hyderabad ; Founder: Bhogaraju Pattabhi Sitaramayya ; CEO: J Packirisamy ; Tagline:
Much more to do with You in focus
Jammu and Kashmir Bank

It is a J&K - based private sector banking and financial services company. It is a privately owned bank
with majority owned state share with its headquarters in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
CEO: R K Chhibber ; Headquarters: Srinagar ; Owner: Government of Jammu and Kashmir (59%) ;
Tagline: Serving to Empower
Allahabad Bank
It is a nationalised bank with its headquarters in Kolkata, India. It is the oldest joint stock bank in India.
On 24 April 2014, the bank entered into its 150th year of establishment. The bank was founded in
Allahabad in 1865.
Headquarters: Kolkata ; CEO: S. S. Mallikarjuna Rao ; Tagline: A tradition of trust
UCO Bank
Formerly United Commercial Bank, established in 1943 in Kolkata, is a major government-owned
commercial bank of India.
Headquarters: Kolkata ; CEO: Atul Kumar Goel; Tagline: Honours your Trust
Indian Overseas Bank

It is a major public sector bank based in Chennai, India
CEO: Shri Karnam Sekar ; Headquarters: Chennai ; Founder: M. Ct. M. Chidambaram Chettyar:
Tagline : Good people to grow with
PrePaid Instruments
• PPI is as an instrument that facilitates purchase of goods and services, including financial
services, remittance facilities, etc., against the value stored on such instruments. Presently, three
types of PPIs are issued in the country - closed system PPIs, semi-closed system PPIs and open
system PPIs - which can be issued in the form of cards and mobile wallets.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
• MobiKwik, Oxigen, Paytm, ItzCash, and Ola Money are some of the popular mobile wallets in the
country. Currently, a mobile wallet does not allow customers to send or receive money from a
wallet run by another company.
Rating Agency S&P

S&P is considered one of the Big Three credit-rating agencies, which also include Moody's Investors
Service and Fitch Ratings. Its head office is located on 55 Water Street in Lower Manhattan, New
York City.
Life Insurance Corporation of India

It is an Indian state-owned insurance group and investment corporation owned by the Government of
India. The Life Insurance Corporation of India was founded in 1956 when the Parliament of India
passed the Life Insurance of India Act that nationalised the insurance industry in India.
Headquarters: Mumbai ; Owner: Government of India (100%) ; Founded: 1 September 1956 ; Shri. M
R Kumar, Chairman, LIC of India ; Shri. T.C. Suseel Kumar, Managing Director, LIC of India ; Shri.
Vipin Anand, Managing Director, LIC of India
CRISIL
CRISIL is a global analytical company providing ratings, research, and risk and policy advisory
services. CRISIL’s majority shareholder is Standard & Poor's, a division of McGraw Hill Financial and
provider of financial market intelligence
Founded: 1987; Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra; MD & CEO: Ashu Suyash
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, FSSAI

It is an autonomous body established under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of
India. The FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 which is a
consolidating statute related to food safety and regulation in India.
Founded: August 2011 ; Sector: Food safety ; Headquarters: New Delhi ; Agency executive: Rita
Teaotia (Chairperson) ; Parent agency: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
The National Association of Software and Services Companies, NASSCOM

It is a trade association of Indian Information Technology and Business Process Outsourcing industry.
Established in 1988, NASSCOM is a non-profit organisation. NASSCOM initiated a program called
'10000 Startups' in 2013.
Chairperson: Keshav R Murugesh ; Headquarters location: New Delhi ; Founded: 1 March 1988
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
ADB
The Asian Development Bank is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966,
which is headquartered in the Ortigas Center located in the city of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila,
Philippines. The company also maintains 31 field offices around the world to promote social and
economic development in Asia.
Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Philippines ; President: Masatsugu Asakawa ; Founded: 19 December
1966
IEPFA
It has been established with the aim of promoting investor education, protection and also to make
refund of claims to the investors as per provision of Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Over 35,000 Investor Awareness Programmes (IAPs) have been organised during the last 3 years in
rural and urban areas in India through the Professional Institutes under MCA and Common Service
Centers (CSCs) e-Governance Services India Limited.
Kuwait
Capital: Kuwait City ; Currency: Kuwaiti dinar ; Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is the Emir of
Kuwait and the Commander of the Kuwait Military Forces
Moody’s
Moody's Investors Service, often referred to as Moody's, is the bond credit rating business of Moody's
Corporation, representing the company's traditional line of business and its historical name. Moody's
Investors Service provides international financial research on bonds issued by commercial and
government entities. Moody's, along with Standard & Poor's and Fitch Group, is considered one of the
Big Three credit rating agencies.
Headquarters: New York
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB)

Founded: December 31, 1997 ; Headquarters: Ontario, Canada ; President & CEO: Mark Machin
Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)

It is a Super-Energy Service Company (ESCO), which enables consumers, industries and
governments to effectively manage their energy needs through energy efficient technologies.
EESL is promoted by the Ministry of Power Government of India as a Joint Venture of four reputed
public-sector undertakings - NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited., REC Limited, and
POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
EESL is implementing the world’s largest non-subsidised energy efficiency portfolio across sectors
like lighting, buildings, e-mobility, smart metering and agriculture at a scale which no organization has
been able to achieve.
Rajeev Sharma (Chairman) Saurabh Kumar (Managing Director)
CNRS, Centre national de la recherche scientifique

Founded in 1939, CNRS is the largest fundamental research organization in Europe.
CNRS is an interdisciplinary public research organisation under the administrative supervision of the
French Ministry of Higher Education and Research in the areas of Biological Sciences, Chemistry,
Earth Sciences and Astronomy, Ecology & Environment, Engineering & Systems Sciences,
Mathematical Sciences, Physics, Nuclear & Particle Physics, Information S&T, and Humanities &
Social Science through its ten institutes.
CNRS ranks among the leading global research institutions for its excellent research and innovation
achievements and has 22 Nobel Laureates and 12 Field medal recipients.
CNRS has set up four co-funded centers with industry partnership in China, Japan and Singapore to
address local needs.
CSIR, Council of Scientific & Industrial Research

Set up in 1942 as an autonomous body, CSIR is now the largest publically funded multi-disciplinary
industrial R&D organization in India under the administrative supervision of Ministry of Science and
Technology, GOI. Director General(DG): Shekhar C. Mande.
The 37 R&D institutes of CSIR being manned by around 3600 scientists with support from about 5100
S&T staff, conduct research in a wide spectrum of science and technology from aerospace,
instrumentation, environmental engineering, mining, minerals & materials, housing and structures to
oceanography, chemicals, drugs, and biotechnology. CSIR provides technological intervention in
many areas with regard to societal efforts including environment, health, drinking water, food,
housing, energy, and farm and non-farm sectors.
Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is a statutory body set up by the Government of India
under section 3 of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997. It is the regulator of the
telecommunications sector in India.
Founded: 20 February 1997 ; Headquarters: New Delhi
Agency executive: Ram Sewak Sharma (Chairperson), Sunil K. Gupta (Secretary)
National Rail Transport Institute

The National Rail Transport Institute has been set up as a deemed to be university and has been
operational since 2018. In addition to Schools and Departments in various disciplines, NRTI aims to
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
develop interdisciplinary Centres of Excellence which would be collaborative constructs to promote

research and education to the transportation sector. Further details about the institution are available
at www.nrti.edu.in
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is home to the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education
(BCRRE) with over 150 academics, researchers and professional services staff, delivering world-class
research, education and leadership to the global rail industry. The BCRRE is the largest university-
based centre for railway research and education in Europe.
Kazakhstan
President: Kassym-Jomart Tokayev ; Capital: Nur-Sultan ; Currency: Kazakh tenge
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank

It is a multilateral development bank that aims to support the building of infrastructure in the Asia-
Pacific region. The bank currently has 76 members as well as 26 prospective members from around
the world.
Headquarters: Beijing, China ; Membership: 75 Members ; Region served: Asia and Oceania ;
President : Jin Liqun
PMVVY scheme
The PMVVY scheme for senior citizens was launched by the government on May 4, 2017. The aim of
the scheme was to provide additional investment avenue that would extend a helping hand to the
senior citizens in their income needs. Senior citizens can invest up to Rs 15 lakh in the PMVVY
scheme. The last date to invest is March 31, 2020.
UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund is a United Nations agency responsible for providing
humanitarian and developmental aid to children around the world.
Headquarters: New York, United States ; Head: Henrietta H. Fore ; Founded: 11 December 1946;
Founders: United Nations General Assembly
WCD ministry
Founded: 30 January 2006; Headquarters: New Delhi; Union Minister: Smriti Zubin Irani
Election Commission of India(ECI)

Formed: 25 January 1950; Headquarters: New Delhi; Chief Election Commissioner(CEC): Sunil Arora;
Election Commissioner: Ashok Lavasa and Sushil Chandra.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
NDMA
National Disaster Management Authority, abbreviated as NDMA, is an apex Body of Government of
India, with a mandate to lay down policies for disaster management. Wikipedia
Founded: 30 May 2005 ; Agency executive: Narendra Modi, Prime Minister ; Parent department:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Ek Bharat Shreshta Bharat

It is a scheme launched by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on 31st October 2016.It launched
an initiative to boost the cultural connection between the states, in which one state of the country will
connect to other states of the country on annual basis and both will promote the rich tradition of each
other through events like song and dance festivals, food festivals,etc.
Gold Hallmarking
Gold hallmarking is a purity certification of the precious metal. It is voluntary in nature at present. The
BIS is already running a hallmarking scheme for gold jewellery since April 2000. The Bureau of Indian
Standards has formulated standards for hallmarking gold jewellery in 3 grades: 14 carat, 18 carat and
22 carat.
BIS
The Bureau of Indian Standards is the national Standards Body of India working under the aegis of
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India. It is established by the
Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986 which came into effect on 23 December 1986.
Headquarters location: New Delhi ; Agency executive: Pramod Kumar TIwari, IAS, Director General ;
Founded: 23 December 1986 ; Parent agency: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution
Portugal
Capital: Lisbon ; Currency: Euro ; President: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
Underwater archaeology
It is the study of archaeology that involves recovering submerged remains such as shipwrecks, ports,
and studying proxy records of maritime activity from archaeological excavations, archival and
historical records.
Indian Railways (IR)

Founded: 16 April 1853; Headquarters: New Delhi; Union railway minister: Piyush Goyal ; Minister of
Statefor railways- Angadi Suresh Channabasappa
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
INTACH
It is one of the largest heritage organizations of the world with over 190 chapters across India. It was
awarded a special consultative status for United Nations Economic and Social Council in 2007.
Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019

It amends the Citizenship Act of 1995 to provide Indian citizenship to illegal migrants who entered
India on or before 31st December 2014. But it has no mention of the Muslim community. The bill also
relaxes the citizenship period of migrants from 11 years to 5 years, the immediate beneficiaries of the
bill includes over 30,000 people.
The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design

It was founded in 1957 from a group of international organizations focused on industrial design. It was
renamed the World Design Organization in January 2017.
National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG)

Registered year: 12th August 2011 ; Act: Societies Registration Act 1860 ; Director General: Shri
Rajiv Ranjan Mishra ; Agency responsible: Ministry of Jal Shakthi.
Maldives
Capital: Malé ; Currency: Maldivian rufiyaa ; President: Ibrahim Mohamed Solih
The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC)
It is a regional organization comprising of seven member states in South Asia and Southeast Asia
lying in littoral and adjacent areas of Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. This sub-
regional organisation came into being on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration.
ASI
It is the premier organization for archaeological excavations and researches, conservation of
monuments, and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation
Founder: Alexander Cunningham; Founded: 1871; Headquarters: New Delhi
International Astronomical Union (IAU)
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December 2019
The International Astronomical Union is an international association of professional astronomers, at

the PhD level and beyond, active in professional research and education in astronomy. Wikipedia
Headquarters: Paris, France ; Founded: 28 July 1919 ; President: Ewine van Dishoeck ; General
Secretary: Maria Teresa Lago ; Subsidiaries: Minor Planet Center, Office of Astronomy for
Development
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

The Narcotics Control Bureau is the nodal drug law enforcement and intelligence agency of India
responsible for fighting drug trafficking and the abuse of illegal substances. The Director General of
NCB is an officer of the Indian Police Service or the Indian Revenue Service.
Headquarters: New Delhi ; Founded: 17 March 1986 ; Motto: Intelligence Enforcement Coordination
Agency executives: Rakesh Asthana IPS, Director General; R N Srivastava IRS, Deputy Director
General (Ops) ; Minister responsible: Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs (MHA)
ITBP
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police is one of the five Central Armed Police Forces of India, raised on 24
October 1962, under the CRPF Act, in the wake of the Sino-Indian War of 1962. The ITBP was
intended for deployment along India's border with Tibet. Wikipedia
Motto: Shaurya – Dridhata – Karm Nishtha ; Headquarters: New Delhi ; Founded: 24 October 1962 ;
Head: Surjeet Singh Deswal
Iran
Capital: Tehran ; Currency: Iranian rial ; President: Hassan Rouhani
Afghanistan
Capital: Kabul ; Currency: Afghan afghani ; President: Ashraf Ghani
Adhaar
The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government had implemented Aadhaar in 2010. The project
was created to provide every Indian resident with a unique identification number, which can be used
to avail certain benefits offered by the government.
Prasar Bharati
CEO: Shashi Shekhar ; Headquarters: New Delhi ; Founded: 1997
e-BCAS Project
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
• The ‘e-BCAS’ project envisaged to achieve a “paperless office” under e-Governance initiative of
GoI. Its aimed at facilitating external stakeholders to access BCAS system by digital automation
of all internal office procedures in 2016, the project was approved by Ministry of Civil Aviation
(MoCA) at an estimated cost of Rs.21.69 crore.
• The e-BCAS project included Training module, Quality Control and Operational module and
Administration etc. After modifications, the current training module part has been completed at an
estimated cost of Rs.30.00 lakhs approx. only.In due course of time, with the integration of all
three modules into the platform of e-BCAS, the processing time in giving clearances and
approvals will be reduced considerably. These steps will ease the process of training,
audit/inspections, enhance the throughput as well as a lot of time, energy and precious man hours
of all stakeholders.
ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organisation is the space agency of the Government of India and has its
headquarters in the city of Bengaluru. Its vision is to "harness space technology for national
development while pursuing space science research & planetary exploration".
Founder: Vikram Sarabhai ; Founded: 15 August 1969 ; Headquarters: Bengaluru ; Director:
Kailasavadivoo Sivan ; Subsidiary: Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
Belgium
Capital: Brussels ; Currency: Euro ; Prime Minister: Sophie Wilmès ; She is the first female head of
government of Belgium
G20
Formation: 26 September 1999; Purpose: Bring together systemically important industrialized and
developing economies to discuss key issues in the global economy.
Membership: 20 members (Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, France, India,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United
Kingdom and the United States & and the European Union)
Mauritius
Capital: Port Louis; Currency: Mauritian Rupee ; Prime Minister: Pravind Kumar Jugnauth
Saudi Arabia
Capital: Riyadh ; Currency: Saudi riyal
World Health Organisation (WHO)
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Founded: 7 April 1948; Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; Director General: Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Montenegro was the last country to join NATO ; Member countries: 29; Founded: 4 April 1949;
Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
It is also called the North Atlantic Alliance. NATO is an intergovernmental military alliance between 29
North American and European countries
Iraq
Capital: Baghdad; Currency: Iraqi dinar; President: Barham Salih
Namibia
Capital: Windhoek; Prime Minister: Saara Kuugongelwa; Currency Namibian dollar
Japan
Capital: Tokyo ; Currency: Japanese yen; Emperor: Naruhito; Era: Reiwa
Euromonitor
Euromonitor International is the world's leading independent provider of strategic market research.
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; Founded: 1972
UNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the
United Nations based in Paris
Formation: 4 November 1946; Headquarters: Paris, France ; Director-General: Audrey Azoulay.
Algeria
Capital: Algiers; Currency: Algerian dinar
Papua New Guinea

Capital: Port Moresby; Currency: Papua New Guinean kina; Prime minister: James Marape
Bougainville
Capital: Buka; Currency PNG Kina; President: John Momis; Vice-President: Raymond Masono
Srilanka
Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte; Currency: Sri Lankan rupee; Prime minister: Mahinda Rajapaksa
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Turkey
Capital: Ankara ; Currency: Turkish lira ; President: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Ethiopia
Capital: Addis Ababa ; Currency: Ethiopian birr ; Prime minister: Abiy Ahmed
Ecuador
Capital: Quito ; Currency: United States Dollar ; President: Lenín Moreno
Cuba
Capital: Havana ; President: Miguel Díaz-Canel ; Currency: Cuban Peso
The Netherlands
Capital: Amsterdam ; Currency: Euro ; Prime Minister: Mark Rutte
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PMSYM)

The scheme is for unorganized workers like street vendors, mid-day meal workers, head loaders,
brick kiln workers, cobblers, domestic workers,etc. The eligibility of the person is their monthly income
should not be more than Rs.15,000 and they should be between 18-40 years old and they should not
be a member of any organized sectors like New Pension Scheme (NPS), Employees’ State Insurance
Corporation (ESIC) scheme or Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) and he/she should
be an Income Tax (IT) payer.
National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self-Employed Persons (NPS-Traders)

The scheme is for protection of old age people and security of self employed persons. Their eligibility
is, their annual income should not be more than Rs.1.5 crore, and their age should be between 18
and 40 years. And also they should not be engaged in any organized sectors like EPF (Employees’
Provident Fund Organization), NPS (National Pension System) or ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance
Corporation). The features of the scheme is the subscriber will receive a minimum pension of Rs.3000
per month after the age of 60 and if the spouse of the subscriber dies the heir (the heir can only be
the subscriber’s spouse) will receive 50% of the pension as family pension.
National Commission for Minorities

The Union Government established the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) under the National
Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
Five religious communities have been notified as minority community namely Muslims, Christians,
Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis). Further, according to the notification detail of 27 January
2014, Jains have also been notified as a minority community.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Various States like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jharkhand, Karnataka,
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and
West Bengal set up State Minorities Commissions in their respective States to safeguard and protect
the interests of minorities provided in the Constitution and the laws enacted by the Parliament and the
State Legislatures.
Festival International Du Film De Marrakech (FIFM)

The Festival International Du Film De Marrakech (FIFM) also called Marrakech International Film
Festival was formed in the year 2001 by Marrakech International Film Festival Foundation and is
located in Marrakech, Morocco.
Morocco
Capital: Rabat; Currency: Moroccan Dirham
World Economic Forum

The World Economic Forum, based in Cologny-Geneva, Switzerland, is an NGO, founded in 1971.
The WEF's mission is cited as "committed to improving the state of the world by engaging business,
political, academic, and other leaders of society to shape global, regional, and industry agendas".
Headquarters: Cologny, Switzerland ; Founder: Klaus Schwab; Founded: January 1971; Motto:
Committed to improving the state of the world.
Right Livelihood Award

It is awarded to honour people who have answered the urgent challenges faced by today’s world. The
prize was established in the year 1980 and is presented annually in early December. The prize money
is 2,00,000 Euros which is shared among the four winners.
The award is also called as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’ but it does not have any ties with the
organization awarding the Nobel prize nor it is similar to the Nobel prize in any way.
Sweden
Capital: Stockholm; Monarch: Carl XVI Gustaf; Prime Minister: Stefan Löfven
Jamaica
Capital: Kingston ; Currency: Jamaican dollar ; Continent: North America ; Prime: Andrew Holness
The DSC Prize
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
• Ninety books had been submitted for the prize this year.
• The $25,000 DSC prize was instituted by Surina Narula and Manhad Narula in 2010.
• The award is given to authors from all over the world as long as the writing is about South Asia
and its people (includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal,
Pakistan and Sri Lanka).
• The prize also encourages translations of a book, if a translated book wins the prize, it is
distributed equally between the author and the translator
Data Security Council of India (DSCI)

It is a premier industry body on data protection in India. This not-for-profit body was setup by
NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies) in 2008. To further its
objectives, DSCI engages with governments, regulators, industry sectors, government agencies,
industry associations, and think tanks for policy advocacy.
CEO: Rama Vedashree ; Headquarters: Noida ; Founded: August 2008
President's Colours
The President's Colour is the highest honour bestowed upon a police force in India. The honour
recognizes the invaluable contribution of the police force to society. Earlier, it was awarded to states
of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Tripura and Assam.
Plog running
It is a unique way of picking up garbage while jogging, which was added to the Fit India Movement as
an initiative to combine fitness with cleanliness (combining the Fit India Movement and Swachh
Bharat Abhiyan.)
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)

Founded: 1787; Home ground: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, England; President: Kumar
Chokshanada Sangakkara (Former Srilankan cricketer). Sangakkara is the first non British person to
have been appointed as the president of MCC in 2019.
ICC, International Cricket Council

Formation: June 1909; Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Chairman: Shashank
Manohar; CEO: Manu Sawhney
International Tennis Federation

Founded: 1 March 1913; Headquarters: London, United Kingdom; President: David Haggerty
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Nepal
Capital: Kathmandu; Currency: Nepalese Rupee; Prime Minister: Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli
International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)

Headquarters: Munich, Germany; President: Vladimir Lisin; Founded: 1907
WADA
The World Anti-Doping Agency is a foundation initiated by the International Olympic Committee based
in Canada to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against drugs in sports.
Headquarters: Montreal, Canada ; Purpose: Anti-doping in sport ; Founder: Dick Pound ; Founded: 10
November 1999 ; President: Witold Banka
NADA
The National Anti-Doping Agency is the national organisation responsible for promoting, coordinating,
and monitoring the doping control program in sports in all its forms in India.
CEO: Navin Agarwal ; Chairman: Minister of Sports (India) ; Motto: Play fair; Formed on: November
24, 2005; Headquarters: New Delhi
'Mo Sarkar' initiative

It means 'My Government' in Odia, and is a transformative initiative of 5-T programme, which was
introduced by Naveen Patnaik. The 5-T mantra is based on the philosophy that transparency,
teamwork, technology and time leads to transformation.
Fit India School Ranking system

The Fit India School Ranking system is the first-ever fitness rating for schools introduced in
India. Under this, the schools are given a Fit India Flag and 3-star and 5-star rating, depending on the
fitness levels of the students and teachers, infrastructure available and their participation in fitness
activities. Obtaining FIT India Flag is precondition for getting FIT India school ranking.
Environment Education Awareness and Training (EEAT)

• It is an established central sector scheme of the Ministry continuing since 1983-84. The main aim
is to promote environmental awareness and mobilize student’s participation in environment
conservation. National Green Corps (NGC) Ecoclub program to impart knowledge to school
children through hands-on experience about their immediate environment, interactions within it.
• The program aims to inculcate proper attitude towards the environment and sensitize children on
issues related to environment and development.
Press Trust of India (PTI)

Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
The Press Trust of India Ltd., commonly known as PTI, is the largest news agency in India. It is
headquartered in New Delhi and is a nonprofit cooperative among more than 500 Indian newspapers
Founded: 27 August 1947 ; Chairman: Vijay Kumar Chopra
Ordnance Factory Board (OFB)

Ordnance Factory Board consisting of the Indian Ordnance Factories, is an industrial organisation,
functioning under the Department of Defence Production of Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
Key people: Hari Mohan IOFS; (Director General Ordnance Factories & Chairman, OFB)
Founded: 1712 ; Headquarters: Ayudh Bhawan, Kolkata, West Bengal
Costa Rica
Capital: San Jose; President: Carlos Alvarado; Currency: Costa Rican Colon
Panama
Capital: Panama City; President: Laurentino Cortizo; Currency: Panamanian Balboa (pegged at
equivalent to US dollar)
NALCO
NALCO was incorporated in 1981. It is a Navratna group A CPSE that functions under the Ministry of
Mines. Indian Government holds 52% equity of NALCO. It is headquartered at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Mohun Bagan Athletic Club

It is a professional football club based in West Bengal, India. It was established on 15th August 1889
and is one of the oldest existing football association clubs in India and Asia.
US- India Business Council (USIBC)

Founded: 1975 ; Headquarters: Washington D.C, United States ; Chairman: Nisha Desai Biswal
National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, NCLAT

The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) is a tribunal which was formed by the Central
Government of India under Section 410 of the Companies Act, 2013. It also hears appeals from any
direction issued, decision made, or order passed by the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Founded: 1 June 2016; Headquarters: New Delhi ; Act: Companies Act 2013.
GIC Re
GIC is the largest reinsurance company in India in terms of gross premiums accepted in FY17,
accounting for about 60 per cent of the premiums ceded by Indian insurers to reinsurers. It provides
reinsurance across many key business lines including fire (property), marine, motor, engineering,
agriculture, aviation/space, health, liability, credit and financial and life insurance.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
Headquarters: Mumbai
Founded: 1972
ASSOCHAM
The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India is one of the apex trade associations of
India. The organisation represents the interests of trade and commerce in India, and acts as an
interface between issues and initiatives.
Headquarters: New Delhi ; Founded: 1921
Abdul Kalam Island

APJ abdul Kalam island was named after former President of India Shri Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen
Abdul Kalam. Before that, the island was known as wheeler island.
Indian Army (IA)

Founded: 1 April 1895; Headquarters: New Delhi; Motto: “Service Before Self”; Commander-in-Chief:
President Ram Nath Kovind; Chief of Army Staff: General Bipin Rawat
Ministry of Home Affairs

Formed: 15 August 1947; Headquarters: Cabinet Secretariat, New Delhi; Union Minister: Amit Shah
Border Security Force (BSF)

The Border Security Force is the border police organisation of India. It is one of the seven Central
Armed Police Forces of India, and was raised in the wake of the 1965 War on 1 December 1965, "for
ensuring the security of the borders of India and for matters connected there with".
Formed: 1 December 1965; Director General: V K Johri
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)

Formation: 1 April 1955; Appointer: Appointments Committee of the Cabinet; Term length: 3 years or
at the age of 62 ; Precursor: Commander-in-Chief, Indian Army
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB)

Formed: 4 September 2006; Headquarters: New Delhi; Motto: “Fighting Transboundary
Environmental Crime” Affiliated to: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoECC).
PM-Kisan Yojana
Under this scheme, the Central government provides Rs 6000 annually in three equal installments of
Rs.2000 every four months in a year to 14 crore farmers of India. This move will enhance the rural
economy at a time when GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth has hit the lowest.
Monthly BeePedia
December 2019
The amount is directly transferred into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries under the Direct Benefit
Transfer (DBT) scheme.
As on November 30, 2019 the govt. has disbursed Rs. 36,000 crores under this.
PMGSY
PMGSY was launched in December, 2000 with an objective to provide single all-weather road
connectivity to eligible unconnected habitation of designated population size of more than 500 in plain
areas and 250 in north-east, hill, tribal and desert areas as per census of 2001.Ninety-seven per cent,
of all the eligible and feasible habitations have already been connected by all-weather roads under
this scheme, the government said.

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Finance and Banking

RBI keeps benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.15%

Policy Rates under Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)

Repo Rate 5.15%

Reverse Repo Rate 4.90%

Marginal standing facility (MSF) Rate 5.40%

Bank Rate 5.40%

Cash reserve Ratio (CRR) 4%

GDP for 2019-20 5 % (from 6.1 %)

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RBI raises P2P lending cap fivefold to Rs. 50 lakh

HDFC ERGO general insurance launches ‘my:health woman suraksha policy’

NSE appoints Girish Chandra Chaturvedi as new chairman

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World Bank arm IFC to invest $ 200 million in Mahindra finance

CPPIB to invest $600 mn via National Investment and Infrastructure Fund

ICICI Bank opens new service centre in Bahrain

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IRDAI frames 10-member group headed by T. L. Alamelu to study loss prevention

BSE inks cyber-security agreement

HDFC Bank crosses $100 billion market capitalisation

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Google searches for 'Operation Twist' surge in India

NPCI to set up subsidiary to take UPI global

BRICS’ NDB pledges $100 million to NIIF’s Fund of Funds

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RBI holds open market operations

Karnataka Bank launches tab banking service

Karnataka Grameena Bank signs MoU on sustainable energy solutions

Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2018-19 released by RBI

Andhra Bank gets best performing award for rural employment

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J&K Bank named lead bank convenor of J&K

RBI directs large co-operative banks to report exposures above Rs 5 crore

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Bank of Baroda partners with Gujarat govt to provide MSME loans

SBI to launch OTP-based ATM cash withdrawal from January 1

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Railways Operating ratio worst in last 10 years

S&P reaffirms India's rating at 'BBB' with stable outlook

India ranks 73rd in UN index assessing e-com readiness

SBI to sell up to 8.25% of its stake in UTI AMC

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FSSAI, NASSCOM Foundation partnered to develop app to prevent food wastage

ADB cuts India’s FY20 GDP growth forecast to 5.1%

Moody’s cuts India GDP forecast to 5.6% for 2019

DBS forecasted India’s GDP at 5% for 2019-20

The Seventh Economic Census kicked off in New Delhi

NSE launches interest rate options on 10-yr govt bonds

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US replaced Kuwait as India’s 6th biggest oil supplier

Moody’s lowers FY-20 GDP forecast to 4.9%

ADB, India sign pact for $250-million loan to EESL

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SEBI rejigs committee on investor education and protection

EESL, Baghirathi Sustainability inked MoU

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Fitch pegs FY-20 growth at 4.6% for India

Wipro and NASSCOM unveil skills platform

AMRUT EXTENDED BY 2 YEARS

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