20/12/2016 CURRENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

   1.     DAY

·         The United Nations' (UN) International Human Solidarity Day is annually held on December 20 to celebrate unity in diversity. 

·         This year's celebration of Human Solidarity Day comes after leaders of the world adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is a new, inclusive development agenda — succeeding the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) — to eradicate poverty, protect the planet and ensure dignity for all.

Solidarity = individuals with a common interest; mutual support within a group.
synonyms = unanimity, unity, agreement, accord
To know more

   2.       NATIONAL

      Govt mulls merging cyber tribunal with TDSAT

         1.What: As part of plans to merge some of the tribunals into larger entities to avoid                            identical functions, the govt is looking to converge the Cyber Appellate Tribunal           (CyAT) and   TDSAT

          2. Background: Seeking to cut red tape, an inter—ministerial group of secretaries has              agreed to reduce the number of tribunals from 36 to 18

            3.Reason: The govt feels that most of these bodies are performing “identical functions“

•         The Dept of Legal Affairs in the Law ministry will be the nodal agency for                               administration of various tribunals. As of now, the tribunals are handled by various                  ministries
•         A Constitutional bench of the SC had some years ago suggested bringing tribunals                   under administrative control of the Law Ministry
•             There are 36 tribunals functioning in the country dealing with subjects such as income                tax, electricity, consumer protection, company laws and railway accidents
•        Merger of CyAT: CyAT adjudicates matter related to Information Technology and is                  seen carrying much significance at a time when the government is pushing for digital payments

                  8. However, it has been headless since July 2011. 
                Merging it with TDSAT will help to make  it functional

    Note4students:

      Although some govt tribunals are mentioned here, the main issue is the poor functioning of these tribunals. PM Narendra Modi had recently voiced concern over the low rate of disposal of cases by them and said there was a need to ascertain whether these institutions were delivering justice or were acting as a “barrier” in it.

       The India-Nepal Folk Crafts Festival

·         The India-Nepal Folk Crafts Festival (INCF), an initiative of South Asia Foundation (SAF) to promote cultural exchanges between the two neighbours, began here today amid much fanfare. 

·         The festival, from December 19-23, aims to promote crafts based bilateral relations and enhance cultural exchanges between the artisans of India and Nepal.

Amid meaning = surrounded by; in the middle of.
Fanfare meaning = a short ceremonial tune or flourish played on brass instruments, typically to introduce something or someone important.

     Single tribunal to decide all inter-state water disputes

·         The Centre has decided to set up a single, permanent Tribunal to adjudicate all inter-state river water disputes subsuming existing tribunals

          • It will be headed by a retired Supreme Court judge.  

          • The Union Government has also proposed to float some Benches by amending the Inter-  State Water Disputes Act, 1956 to look into disputes as and when required ( IRWD act is an act under Article 262)

     River waters use / harnessing is included in states jurisdiction (entry 17 of state list, Schedule 7 of Indian Constitution).  

     • However, union government can make laws on regulation and development of inter-State rivers and river valleys when expedient in the public interest (entry 56 of union list, Schedule 7 of Indian Constitution). 

         • When public interest is served, President may also establish an interstate council as per Article 263 to inquire and recommend on the dispute that has arisen between the states of India.

       Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid foundation of the first-ever Indian Institute of Skills of the country at Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh

·         The institute is aimed at making youth more employable and self-reliant. The institute has been conceptualized by the Prime Minister during his visit to Singapore's Institute of Technical Education. 

·         The Prime Minister also inaugurated Kaushal Pradarshini or skill exhibition for the youth of Uttar Pradesh. PM Modi also launched an array of skill development initiatives for the youths, including Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras and Drivers' Training Institutes. 

·         The institute is expected to provide essential employment capabilities to the youth of the most populous state of the country. 

      3.     APPOINMENTS

·         Assam government has roped in Bollywood actress, Priyanka Chopra as the brand ambassador of state tourism.

·         Justice J S Khehar has been appointed as the new Chief Justice of India

     4.     ECONOMY

      EPFO lowers interest rate on EPF to 8.65% for FY17

 

     The Employees Provident Fund Organisation's apex decision making body, the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), has taken a decision to lower the interest rate to 8.65 per cent for the current fiscal from 8.8 in 2015—16,” Indian National Trade Union Congress Vice—President Ashok Singh

    5.     DISCOVERY

      World’s first cloned goat bearing Cashmere wool born in China

      The world’s first cloned goat bearing superfine Cashmere wool has born in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Cashmere fibre obtained from the goat is 13.8 micrometres. It is less thick than the average 15.8 micrometres thick obtained from the famous Erlang Mountain goats in Inner Mongolia. The goat will be raised for carrying out       research by experts from agricultural universities and academics in Inner Mongolia and Yunnan Province.

    World's oldest water sample found to be 2 billion years old

    University of Toronto scientists have discovered the oldest water sample dating back to about two billion years, more than 500 million years more ancient than the previous oldest samples. The water pool was found at a depth of nearly 3 kilometres in a Canadian mine. The discovery could give clues about life forms beneath the surface of other planets.

      youtube link for more

     The world’s tiniest radio

.    Harvard researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have built the world’s smallest radio receiver, made out of atomic scale defects in pink diamonds

you tube link for more

     6.     SPORTS

        Andy Murray wins record 3rd BBC Sports Personality of the Year

  After claiming his second Wimbledon title and maiden ATP World Tour Finals crown, Britain's world number one Andy Murray won a record third BBC Sports Personality of the Year award. 

         Atletico de Kolkata wins 2016 Hero Indian Super League beating Kerala Blasters 5-4

·         Golden Boot: Stiven Mendoza.

·         Golden Glove: Edel Bete.

·         Fair Play team award: Mumbai City FC.

       India beat England by innings and 75 runs, win series 4-0

·         In the fifth and final test played at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, England wrapped up the second innings at 207 in 88 overs on 20 December 2016

·         Virat Kohli is the man of the series for his 655 runs in the series.

·         Karun Nair became the second Indian to score a triple

      ton in Test cricket as the smashed unbeaten 303 runs off just 381 balls and powered India to their highest ever team total in Tests.

·         India’s Highest test total 759/7

       7.     OBITUARIES

       Creator of Heimlich maneuver, Dr Henry Heimlich, died at 96

·         The surgeon who created the life-saving Heimlich maneuver for choking victims has died at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati due to heart attack.                          

·         He was 96 years old.