Daily Free Current Affairs 31 Dec. 2015 ( Free GK Updates)

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS: 31 DEC 2015

(Daily News India)

Shared By: WWW.DailyGk.IN

1. LAXMI RATAN SHUKLA ANNOUNCED RETIREMENT FROM ALL FORMS OF CRICKET

i. Laxmi Ratan Shukla former Indian cricketer announced his retirement from all forms of cricket.

ii. He had a wonderful domestic career for Bengal which lasted for around 18 years since his first class debut.

iii. He was the brightest performer as Bengal won its first Vijay Hazare Trophy in 2012.

iv. He also played for IPL franchises Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

2. ICONIC MARATHI POET MANGESH KESHAV PADGAONKAR PASSED AWAY

i. Mangesh Keshav Padgaonkar Marathi poet and Padma Bhushan recipient Mangesh Keshav Padgaonkar passed away after a long illness.

ii. He penned University of Pune's theme song Punyamayee De Amha Akshar Vardaan.

iii. Some of his famous Marathi songs are Ya Jaganyawar Shatada Prem Karawe, Bhatukalichya Khelamadhali and Shukratara Mand Wara.

3. RUSSIA TIED UP WITH HAL TO MANUFACTURE KAMOV 226T HELICOPTERS

i. Russia's Rostech State Corporation tied up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to manufacture at least 200 Kamov 226T light helicopters.

ii. The Kamov will replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak.

iii. Kamov Ka-226 is a small, twin-engined Russian utility helicopter.

4. UNION GOVERNMENT LAUNCHED NATIONAL BIOTECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 2015-2020

i. Union Government has launched National Biotechnology Development Strategy 2015-2020 to establish India as a world-class bio-manufacturing hub.

ii. It was released by the Union Science and Technology Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi.

iii. NBDS intends to launch a major mission under the Make in India programme backed with significant investments for the creation of new biotech products.

iv. It will also help to create a strong infrastructure for Research & Development, commercialization and also empower India’s human resources scientifically and technologically.

6. CIVIL AVIATION MINISTRY GAVE CLEARANCE FOR FOUR GREENFIELD AIRPORTS

i. The Civil Aviation Ministry gave clearance for four greenfield airports.

ii. The 3 airports will be located in Andhra Pradesh and one international airport in Gujarat.

iii. Greenfield Airport means a to set up a new Airport starting from the scratch in an unused land.

7. RBI RELEASED REPORT OF DEEPAK MOHANTY COMMITTEE ON MEDIUM-TERM PATH ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION

i. The Reserve Bank of India released the Report of the Committee on Medium-term Path on Financial Inclusion.

ii. The committee was formed with the objective of working out a medium-term measurable action plan for financial inclusion.

iii. The committee was headed by RBI Executive Director Deepak Mohanty.

iv. The committee has recommended:

a.       Banks have to make special efforts to step up account opening for females

b.      The Government may consider a deposit scheme for the girl child – Sukanya Shiksha - as a welfare measure.

c.       Encourage multiple guarantee agencies to provide credit guarantees in niche areas for micro and small enterprises.

d.      Corporates should be encouraged to nurture SHGs as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

8. LRSAM BARAK 8 MISSILE SUCCESSFULLY TESTED FROM INS KOLKATA

i. India and Israel jointly developed Long Range Surface to Air Missile Barak 8 was successfully test fired from INS Kolkata.

ii. The trial of the LR SAM has been jointly carried out by the Indian Navy, Defence Research and Development Organisation and Israel Aerospace Industries.

iii. LRSAM Barak 8 missile in Hebrew language means Lightning.

iv. Barak 8 missile is an advanced, long-range missile defence and air defence system.

9. REPORT OF VIJAY KELKAR COMMITTEE ON REVISITING & REVITALIZING PPP MODEL RELEASED

i. The Union Ministry of Finance released the report on Revisiting and Revitalising Public Private Partnership Model.

ii. The committee was headed by former Finance Secretary Vijay.

iii. The committee was formed to review the working of PPP Policy and to suggest measures to improve capacity building in Government for their effective implementation.

iv. The committee has recommended PPP model is required for India to grow rapidly and generate a demographic dividend.

v. The committee advised against adopting PPP structures for very small projects

vi. The Committee recommended the government to issue guidelines on the applicability of RTI act and auditing of financial related matters in order to avoid any delays in public asset provision.