Current Affairs December 14, 2017
Current Affairs December 14, 2017
NATIONAL
Bihar Government launches “Safe City Surveillance scheme” for Women
The Bihar government has launched a new scheme, “Safe City Surveillance Scheme” for checking crime against women.The primary objective is to provide security and assistance 24*7 to reduce the crime rate.
Through this scheme, the state government will keep a regular check on eve-teasing and other crimes against women at several public places throughout the state.Under this scheme, the state government will install CCTV Cameras at various identified public places of the state.
Bihar
Capital: Patna
Chief Minister: Nitish Kumar
Governor: Satya Pal Malik
Karnataka Government Introduces digital Platform for hassle-free Governance
The state cabinet ratified the proposal of “Seva Sindhu”, a common citizen platform to promote the delivery system of government services and to address the issues of the common citizen.
The portal will provide services like income,domicile, caste, birth, death certificates, ration card, approval of social welfare scheme.The interactive platform would also provide all useful information about local events, employment opportunities, and others.
Capital: Bengaluru
Chief Minister: Siddaramaiah
Governor: Vajubhai Vala
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address at FICCI AGM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses at the Annual General Meeting of Federation Of Indian Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). It was held in New Delhi.
At this year’s AGM, FICCI President Pankaj Patel (Chairman and MD, Zydus Cadila) will step down and Rashesh Shah (Chairman and CEO, Edelweiss Group) will take charge.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is an association of business organisations in India, established in 1927.
Theme: ‘Indian Business in a New India’
UN report: Indian economy to grow by 7.2% in 2018 & 7.4% in 2019
According to the UN report, Indian economy is likely to grow by 7.2 percent in 2018 and go up further to 7.4 percent in 2019 on the back of strong private consumption, public investment and the ongoing structural reforms.
New logo of Kumbh Mela 2019 unveiled by Ram Naik
Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik unveiled the new multi-coloured logo for the Kumbh Mela at a function in the Raj Bhawan at Lucknow.The festival is scheduled to be held in Allahabad in January 2019.
The logo comprising of temples, seers, kalash (pitcher) and a ‘Swastika’.The Kumbh Mela is being recognised by the UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” and held up as the world’s largest peaceful gathering of pilgrims.
He also launched the Kumbh’s tagline, “Chalo Kumbh Chalo-Chalo, Kumbh Chalo”, Uttar Pradesh Tourism’s slogan “UP Nahin Dekha to India Nahin Dekha” and a one-stop travel solution portal.
INTERNATIONAL
Google launches artificial intelligence research center in China
Alphabet Inc’s Google launches artificial intelligence (AI) research center in China. The research center is the first of its kind in Asia and will comprise a small team operating out of its existing office in Beijing.
The new Chinese AI research center will join a list of similar overseas centers operating in New York, Toronto, London, and Zurich.
Headquarters: California, USA
CEO: Sundar Pichai
Union Government signs $250 million Loan Agreement with WB for SANKALP Project
The Union Government signed US $250 million loan agreement with World Bank for “Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion”.
The World Bank’s financing arm International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) will provide this loan.“Sankalp”,aims at channelizing skill, experience and time available with retired government servants into meaningful, voluntary contribution to society.
World Bank
Headquarters: Washington, D.C ,USA
President: Jim Yong Kim
CEO: Kristalina Georgieva
AIIB Grants First Loan to China to Reduce Dependence on Coal
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) approved its first loan to China to reduce its dependence on coal by over 600,000 tonnes annually by building a natural gas distribution network for villages.
The USD 250-million-loan will fund a project to connect 216,750 households in approximately 510 villages to the natural gas distribution network.It is undertaken by the Beijing Gas Group Company, will entail construction of natural gas distribution networks in villages and low-pressure gas pipelines and household connections. It is scheduled for completion in 2021.
China is the Largest Shareholder of AIIB.India is the second largest shareholder with 7.5 percent followed by Russia 5.93 percent and Germany 4.5 percent.
AIIB
Headquarters: Beijing, China
President: Jin Liqun
Sri Lanka formally handed over Hambantota Port to China
Sri Lanka formally handed over its southern strategic port of Hambantota to China on a 99-year lease.Two Chinese firms managed by China Merchants Port Holdings Company (CM Port) and Sri Lanka Ports Authority will own port and the investment zone around it.
Hambantota port is located right in the middle of vital energy supply lines in the Indian Ocean, connecting the Middle East and East Asia.
Sri Lanka
Capital: Colombo, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
Prime Minister: Ranil Wickremesinghe
APPOINTMENTS
DharmmPiya Elected as New Secretary General of IBC
Buddhist monk Dhammapiya from Tripura has been elected as the new secretary general of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).
The IBC is a global Buddhist forum for preservation and development of heritage sites of the religion in India and other parts of the world.
SPORTS
Shubhankar Sharma wins in Joburg Golf Open
Shubhankar Sharma wins in Joburg Open, claiming his First European Title.It was held in Randpark Golf Club, South Africa.
Sharma has five wins on the Professional Golf Tour of India.
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