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Current Affairs December 23rd 2018

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Current Affairs December 23rd 2018

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Current Affairs is a type of broadcast journalism where the emphasis is on detailed analysis and discussion of news stories that have recently occurred or ongoing at the time of broadcast. The article Current Affairs December 23rd 2018 includes News summary on current events of International, National, Banking, Sports Science, Books, Obituary and Quiz importance of December 23rd 2018.

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National Mathematics Day – December 22

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Key Highlights:

  • On 22nd December 2018, India celebrated National Mathematics day honouring the 131st birth anniversary of Great Indian Mathematician Srinivasan Ramanujan. India celebrate 22nd December as National Mathematics day every year.

  • Ramanujan was born in 1887 and compiled nearly 3900 results mostly identities and equations.

  • The Number 1729 is known as Hardy-Ramanujan Number.

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First-ever bank robbery reported in the Arctic

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Key Highlights:

  • A Recent Bank robbery in the world's northernmost settlement in the Arctic Circle is believed to be the first in the territory in living memory.

  • The police said the suspect was caught soon after the robbery, which took place on Norway's archipelago of Svalbard. The suspect was a foreigner travelling in the region.
Kashmir not a bilateral issue between Pakistan and India: Pak PM

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Key Highlights:

  • Pakistan Prime Minister's Office said During a telephonic conversation with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Pakistan PM Imran Khan said that Kashmir is not a "bilateral issue between Pakistan and India, but an internationally recognised dispute".

  • He also proposed to appoint a Special UN Representative for the resolution of the Kashmir issue.

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Logistics Development Committee constituted under the Chairmanship of Dr. Bibek Debroy, Chairman EAC-PM

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Key Highlights:

  • The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) constituted a Logistics Development Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Bibek Debroy, Chairman EAC-PM.

  • Other members of the committee included Secretaries and heads of the concerned departments/ministries such as Revenue, Commerce, Logistics, DIPP, Civil Aviation, Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Railways, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) etc.

  • The committee would be working on challenges in logistics development and associated commerce and suggest policy reforms for ease of doing trade in India.
NBCFDC Signs MoU with BSE institute Ltd. TO Facilitate Skill Development Training to its Target Group

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Key Highlights:

  • National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), an autonomous corporation under Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BSE Institute Ltd. for facilitating Skill Development Training to the target group of NBCFDC.

  • The BSE Institute Ltd, which is a 100% subsidiary of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE Limited), works as a promoter of Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI) Sector Skill Council of India constituted under the aegis of Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) which is a nodal body for industry interface and MSDE.

  • The MoU was signed between Sh. K. Narayan, MD of NBCFDC and Sh. Ambarsh Dutta, MD & CEO of BSE Institute Ltd in the presence of Shri Vijay Sampla, Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment.

  • The training for the said target group will be commenced in current financial year at select locations and expanded on a pan India in the coming years.

  • NBCFDC facilitate Skill development training to Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBCs), Denotified Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNTs) and senior citizens under its “Skill Development Training Programme (SDTP)” so that eligible members may engage in developmental activities by way of self/wage employment.
A UNESCO Category 2, International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography, inaugurated at INCOIS, Hyderabad

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Key Highlights:

  • Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment and Forests & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the newly constructed International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean) Complex in the INCOIS campus at Hyderabad, Telangana.

  • He dedicated the ITCOocean to the Former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee and named the academic building as Atal Bhavan and the Guest House as Atal Atithi Griha.

  • This UNESCO category 2 centre was established by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Govt. of India earlier in 2013 but it upgraded to assist UNESCO and its Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).

  • It will help in providing capacity building and training activities in operational oceanography.

  • It will thus benefit the South Asian and African states bordering the Indian Ocean and the small island nations in the Pacific from INCOIS’ ocean science and management practices.
Three day Annual conference of DGPs, IGPs held in Gujarat

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Key Highlights:

  • Three day annual conference of Directors General of Police (DGPs) and Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) commences at a tent-city set up near the Statue of Unity at Kevadiya in Narmada District of Gujarat. The three day annual conference concluded on 22nd December 2018.

  • The top police officers of the country will meet for multiple sessions of discussions on issues concerning the country including militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, cross border terrorism, attempts to radicalize youth, Naxal menace and the situation in the Northeast.

  • Issues including communal tension, circulation of communally sensitive news and pornographic materials through social media are also expected to be discussed at the three day meeting.

  • The Annual Conference was held in the presence of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Jharkhand announces Rs 2,250-crore scheme to help farmers: Mukhya Mantri Krishi Yojana

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Key Highlights:

  • Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das announced a Rs 2250 crore scheme named as “ Mukhya Mantri Krishi Yojana” which will help around 22.76 lakh medium and marginal farmers to double their income by 2022. The Central Government has set a goal to double the income of all the farmers by 2022.

  • The Scheme will start from 2019-20 financial year. It will help farmers to procure seeds, fertilisers and other requirements for agricultural purposes.

  • Under the scheme, the state government will give Rs 5000 per acre up to maximum of 5 acre to 22.76 lakh medium and marginal farmers.

  • Those farmers who have less than 1 acre land will also get Rs. 5000.
“Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” field level awareness campaign for Maharashtra, Goa and Dadra & Nagar Haveli launched

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Key Highlights:

  • From First Week of January 2019, the three state level campaign on “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” will be organized in Maharashtra, Goa and Dadra & Nagar Haveli to spread awareness among people to save and educate girls.

  • The Campaign will be Organized by the Pune office of Regional Outreach Bureau, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India in coordination with Women and child development departments of respective state and Union Territory (UT).

  • The campaign was launched by Ms. Gauri Gadgil who is a ‘divyang’ child and an international swimmer by placing her fingers on traditional instrument ‘Dholak’.

  • An orientation cum workshop on the flagship project was organized for Private Registered Cultural Troupes (PRTs) in Pune.

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India’s stock market overtakes Germany to become 7th largest in the world

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Key Highlights:

  • India achieved another milestone when Indian Stock market overtakes Germany for the first time in seven years to become the world’s seventh largest stock market.

  • This move reflects India’s positive returns this year as companies dependency on domestic demand enabled them to avoid meltdown in other emerging markets spurred due to U.S. – China trade war.

  • South Asian Giant, India is projected to grow at 7.5 percent in 2018 and 7.3 percent in 2019 whereas Germany managed to achieve a growth rate of only 1.6 percent in 2018.

  • After the exit of United Kingdom from European Union, now European Union has only one country in top seven economies of the world – France.
India’s Forex Reserves declined by USD 613.9 million to USD 393.12 billion

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Key Highlights:

  • According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, the country’s foreign exchange reserves declined by USD 613.9 million to USD 393.12 billion in the week that ended by December 14, on account of a fall in foreign currency assets.

  • The reserves had increased by USD 16.6 million to USD 393.734 billion in the previous week while in the reporting week, foreign currency assets, a major component of the overall reserves, dropped by USD 631.6 million to USD 367.865 billion.

  • The foreign currency asset is expressed in US dollars and includes the effect of appreciation or depreciation of non-US currencies such as the euro, pound and yen held in the reserves.

  • In the week to April 13, 2018, the reserves had touched a record high of USD 426.028 billion and it has been degrading since then and is now down by over USD 31 billion.

  • As per the data, the gold reserves rose by USD 37.2 million to USD 21.187 billion in the reporting week.

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Belgium to end the year as No. 1 in FIFA global ranking

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Key Highlights:

  • Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) released the Global football ranking topped by Belgium who have 1727 points as per FIFA calculations. So Belgium is going to end the year as No. 1 ahead of World Champion France.

  • France ranked 2nd with 1726 points and Brazil ranked third with 1676 points.

  • India ranked at 97th Position in the latest FIFA ranking released on 20th December 2018.
ICC orders PCB to pay 60% of compensation claim to BCCI

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Key Highlights:

  • International Cricket Council (ICC) Dispute Resolution Panel ordered Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to pay 60% of the cost demanded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the world body’s rejection of PCB’s claim of compensation which blamed India for the lack of bilateral series between the two nations.

  • The ICC’s Panel ordered PCB to pay the BCCI 60% of the claimed cost and 60% of the administrative costs and expenses of the ICC Panel.

  • BCCI has to pay 40% of the administrative costs and expenses of the ICC Panel.

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China launched first satellite to provide space-based broadband as part of Hongyun project

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Key Highlights:

  • China launched its first communication satellite, from a Long March 11 carrier rocket, to provide broadband internet services worldwide to rival Google and other firms.

  • It is the first in the Hongyun project planned by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC).

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The book “A Rural Manifesto – Realising India’s Future through her Villages” authored by BJP MP Varun Gandhi released in Bengaluru

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Key Highlights:

  • The book “A Rural Manifesto – Realising India’s Future through her Villages” authored by BJP MP Varun Gandhi was released in Bengaluru.

  • The book focuses on challenges faced by farmers, labourers, student and teachers in villages across the country.

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Noted Tamil writer Prabhanjan dies in Puducherry

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Key Highlights:

  • Noted Tamil writer and Sahitya Akademi award winner Prabhanjan died due to Cancer at the age of 83 in Puducherry.

  • Prabhanjan started his career as a Tamil Teacher and got Sahitya Akademi Award for his historic novel “Vaanam Vasapadum” in 1995.

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Q1. How much loan was received by India from Japan for various development projects that will be used to build Chennai Metro Project?
    A. Rs 5000 crore B. Rs 6668.46 crore C. Rs 6515.25 crore D. Rs 6251.21 crore Answer: B

Q2. The 15th edition of a two day Global SME Business Summit was organized in which city?
    A. Pune B. Mumbai C. Chennai D. New Delhi Answer: D

Q3. Union Minister Dr Harsh vardhan inaugurated Atal Complex for the International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography(ITCOocean) in which city?
    A. Lucknow B. Hyderabad C. Mumbai D. New Delhi Answer: B

Q4. According to a report titled “In the Dark:How much do power sector distortions cost South Asia” by World Bank, efficiency gap in India’s power sector will cost the Indian economy how much percent every year?
    A. 5% B. 3% C. 2% D. 4% Answer: D

Q5. According to a report MORI Perils of Perception Survey 2018,what is the rank of India in the “misperception index”?
    A. 10th B. 11th C. 12th D. 15th Answer: C

Q6. When is National Mathematics Day observed?
    A. Dec 21 B. Dec 22 C. Dec 20 D. Dec 25 Answer: B

Q7. Name the chairman of the Logistics Development Committee constituted by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) on December 21, 2018?
    A. Dr. Bibek Debroy B. Dr. Hasmukh Adhia C. N.K. Singh D. Arvind Veermani Answer: A

Q8. National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC) signed a MoU with which institute for facilitating Skill Development Training to the target group of NBCFDC, on 21st December 2018?
    A. BSE Institute Ltd. B. NSE Institute Ltd. C. Indian Business School D. National Skill Development Institute Answer: A

Q9. A new generation Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit (MEMU) with a speed of _____, having underslung equipment and some features of the Train 18, was launched by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai, on 19th December 2018?
    A. 120 kilometres an hour B. 130 kilometres an hour C. 140 kilometres an hour D. 150 kilometres an hour Answer: B

Q10. Where was the 1st meeting of India China High-Level Mechanism on Cultural & People-to-people exchanges, held on 21st December 2018?
    A. Mumbai, India B. Shanghai, China C. New Delhi, India D. Beijing, China Answer: C

Q11. The ____ edition of India- China High Level Media Forum was held in New Delhi on 20th and 21st December 2018?
    A. 2nd B. 3rd C. 4th D. 5th Answer: B

Q12. Where was the newly constructed UNESCO Category 2, International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean) Complex inaugurated and dedicated to the Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on 22nd December 2018?
    A. Chennai, Tamil Nadu B. Hyderabad, Telangana C. Mumbai, Maharashtra D. Panaji, Goa Answer:B

Q13. Which state government introduced a Rs 2250 crore worth scheme named “Mukhya Mantri Krishi Yojana” to help around 22.76 lakh medium and marginal farmers to double their income by 2022?
    A. West Bengal B. Chhattisgarh C. Jharkhand D. Haryana Answer:C

Q14. “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” field level awareness campaign for Maharashtra, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and _____ will be organized from the first week of January 2019?
    A. Madhya Pradesh B. Gujarat C. Goa D. Rajasthan Answer: C

Q15. 28% slab rate of GST (Goods and Services Tax) will be applicable for how many items with effect from 1st January 2019, as decided in the 31st Meeting of the GST Council held in New Delhi, on 22nd December 2018?
    A. 28 B. 34 C. 45 D. 50 Answer: A

Q16. New GST (Goods and Services Tax) return filing system will be implemented mandatorily by _____?
    A. July 1, 2019 B. August 1, 2019 C. September 1, 2019 D. March 1, 2019 Answer: A

Q17. Which state government announced the Rs 10,000 crore worth Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augmentation (KALIA) scheme to empower small, marginal & landless farmers and labourers, on 21st December 2018?
    A. Assam B. Odisha C. Bihar D. Jharkhand Answer: B

Q18. Where was the “Rashtriya Balrang-2018”, a cultural festival for school students from across India, held from 19th to 21st December 2018?
    A. Mumbai, Maharashtra B. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh C. Ranchi, Jharkhand D. Ahmedabad, Gujarat Answer: B

Q19. The GST (Goods and Services Tax) rate reduction decided in the 31st Meeting of the GST Council held on 22nd December 2018, will have an overall impact of _____ rupees on revenue?
    A. Rs 5500 crore B. Rs 2800 crore C. Rs 4850 crore D. Rs 7690 crore Answer: A

Q20. Where was the annual conference of Directors General of Police (DGPs) and Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) held from 20th to 22nd December 2018?
    A. Narmada district, Gujarat B. Chamoli district, Uttarakhand C. Fazilka district, Punjab D. Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu Answer: A

Q21. India became the world’s _____ largest stock market by overtaking Germany for the first time in seven years, on 22nd December 2018?
    A. Third B. Second C. Fourth D. Seventh Answer: D

Q22. India’s foreign exchange reserves declined to _____ in the week that ended by December 14, 2018, on account of a fall in foreign currency assets?
    A. USD 393.12 billion B. USD 456.67 billion C. USD 234.54 billion D. USD 678.90 billion Answer: A

Q23. Which country launched its first communication satellite of the Hongyun project, from a Long March 11 carrier rocket, to provide broadband internet services worldwide, on 22nd December 2018?
    A. Japan B. China C. Australia D. India Answer: B

Q24. Name National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s lander that deployed its first instrument Seismometer (SEIS) onto the surface of Mars, allowing scientists to study ground motion known as marsquakes, on 19th December 2018?
    A. InOrbit B. InSight C. Mars Rover D. Red Rider Answer:B

Q25. Which country topped the Global football ranking released by Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), on 20th December 2018?
    A. France B. Belgium C. Argentina D. Brazil Answer: B

Q26. International Cricket Council (ICC) Dispute Resolution Panel ordered Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to pay _____% of the cost demanded by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after ICC rejected PCB’s claim of compensation which blamed India for the lack of bilateral series?
    A. 60 % B. 50 % C. 40 % D. 70 % Answer: A

Q27. Name the Afghanistan cricketer, who created a record of the most runs scored by a number 11 batsman in an innings in T20s, as he scored 27 runs, in the opening match of Australia’s Big Bash League on 19th December 2018?
    A. Rashid Khan B. Mujeeb Ur Rahman C. Amjat Ali D. Zaheer Abbas Answer: B

Q28. Prabhanjan died due to Cancer in Puducherry, on 21st December 2018. He was a _____?
    A. Writer B. Politician C. Business man D. Spiritual leader Answer: A

Q29. Who is the author of the book “A Rural Manifesto – Realising India’s Future through her Villages” that was released in Bengaluru, on 19th December 2018?
    A. Manohar Joshi B. Veena Joy C. Manoj Kishan D. Varun Gandhi Answer: D

Q30. When did India celebrate National Mathematics day honouring the 131st birth anniversary of Great Indian Mathematician Srinivasan Ramanujan?
    A. December 21 B. December 20 C. December 19 D. December 22 Answer: D
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