Finance Minister launches eBkray; an e-auction platform

On December 29, 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman launched “eBkray” to enable online auction of assets owned by banks. eBkray is an online portal that will act as a common platform to buy and sell assets through auction. Highlights The ..

Code Red Warning in Delhi

The IMD (India Meteorological Department) on December 29, 2019 issued code red warning for Delhi, Haryana and the neighbouring states. The maximum temperature reached -13 degree Celsius in the capital. Colour Coded weather warning of IMD The color-coded warning is ..

Finance minister: MDR charges not applicable for RuPay and UPI from 2020

On December 28, 2019, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman announced that Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) will not be applicable on bank transactions made through RuPay and UPI platforms. Highlights The Finance Ministry has directed the banks to start campaigns to popularize ..

AIR organises National Symposium of Poets 2020

All India Radio (AIR) organized the National Symposium of Poets 2020 on 27 December 2019. This edition of poet symposium was attended by select poets from all corners of country, who gave their presentations and captivated the hearts of people. ..

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019

Long March-5: China successfully launches largest carrier rocket

China has successfully launched its largest carrier rocket, Long March-5, carrying the Shijian-20 satellite, from Wenchang Space Launch Center (WSLC) in south China’s Hainan Province. China’s most powerful rocket is a critical ingredient in nation’s ambitious space programme. About Long ..

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019

GoM constituted to fast track revival plan of BSNL

On December 27, 2019, GoI constituted a 7-member group of ministers to fast track the implementation of revival plan of BSNL and MTNL. The revival plan includes allocation of 4G spectrum and asset monetization. Earlier, GoI approved the revival plan ..

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019

Standing Committee on Economic Statistics Constituted

On December 28, 2019, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation constituted standing committee on statistics. The objective of the committee is to improve data of the government. The committee will be headed by Chief Statistician Pronab Sen. Highlights The ..

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019

What is Avangard Hypersonic Missile?

The Avangard Missile is a nuclear-capable, Hypersonic boost-glide vehicle developed by Russia. During the annual state-of-the-nation in  March 2018, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin unveiled the Avangard and described the Hypersonic Missile as one of the six next-generation weapons ..

UN increases budget; includes funds for war crime probes

The United Nations has adopted 3.07 billion USD budget on December 27, 2019. The organization for the first time included investigation of war crimes in Myanmar and Syria in its fund allocation Highlights The budget proposal for the year 2020 ..

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019

Call Centre for Assisting the Members of Parliament (MPs)

A unique initiative taken by the 17th Speaker of Lok Sabha, Om Birla for improving the overall efficiency of the lawmakers has been given room no 13, a dedicated room inside the Parliament House Annex. The initiative is a 24/7 ..