28-29 dec 2015

1) The RBI committee on pushing Financial Inclusion submitted its report on 28 December 2015. The committee recommended a slew of measures, including a special deposit scheme for the girl child, government-to-person social cash transfer, and opening interest-free windows (Islamic banking) by banks. Who headed this committee? – Deepak Mohanty (Executive Director, RBI)

Explanation: The committee (titled ‘Medium-Term path on Financial Inclusion’) was constituted in July 2015 with the objective of working out a medium-term (five-year) measurable action plan for financial inclusion. It was chaired by Deepak Mohanty, RBI executive director.

Important Recommendations of the Deepak Mohanty Committee:

1) Indian Parliament passed the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill on 22 December 2015 as the bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on this day. The much-anticipated and controversial Bill was passed against the backdrop of a juvenile convict being released in the gangrape-cum-murder case of December 2012. What is the main objective of this bill?

20-21 dec 2015

1) किस देश ने कच्चे तेल के निर्यात (crude oil export) पर पिछले 4 दशकों से लगे प्रतिबन्ध को 19 दिसम्बर 2015 को उठाने से सम्बन्धित एक विधेयक पारित कर अंतर्राष्ट्रीय व्यापार में एक महत्वपूर्ण घटनाक्रम को अंजाम दिया? – अमेरिका (U.S.)

विस्तार: अमेरिकी प्रशासन ने 19 दिसम्बर 2015 को कच्चे तेल के निर्यात पर लगे उस प्रतिबन्ध को हटा लिया जिसे 70 के दशक में लगाया गया था। इस 4 दशक पुराने प्रतिबन्ध को हटाने के लिए सम्बन्धित प्रावधान को अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति बराक ओबामा द्वारा हस्ताक्षरित उस 1.8 ट्रिलियन डॉलर के विधेयक

20-21 dec 2015

1) Which country lifted a 40-year-old ban on export of crude oil on 19 December 2015? – The United States

Explanation: The US administration on 19 December 2015 lifted the ban on the export of US crude oil, a policy enacted during the 1970s. The ban was lifted as President Barack Obama signed into law the $1.8 trillion spending package and tax bill for the current fiscal ending on 30 September 2016.

The move was welcomed by the industry, while pro- environmental groups were critical of it. The industry feels that crude exports will result in job creation, economic growth, new revenues and prosperity. While diplomatic circle hopes that it will result in enhanced energy security for the country and its allies. However, pro- environmental groups felt the move would prove harmful for environment as well as US industry.

In the 1970s America banned crude-oil exports in an effort to stabilize domestic prices.

2) The 2015 Indian Super League (ISL) for football, which is India’s most

18 dec 2015

1) The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates by 0.25 percentage points on 16 December 2015. This was the first interest rate increase by the Fed since which year? – Since 2006

Explanation: The increase in interest rate by Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States was on the expected lines. The Fed’s benchmark interest rate has been pegged at 0-0.25 per cent since December 2008. The last time the Fed actually raised rates was June 2006.

The move is likely to cause ripples around the world, and could increase pressure on the UK to raise rates. It could also mean higher borrowing costs for developing economies, many of which are already seeing slow growth.

There are concerns that a rise will compound that slowdown, as higher rates in the US could strengthen the dollar, the currency in which many countries and companies borrow.

2) The process to elect the next Secretary General of the United Nations Organisation (UNO) was kicked off during December 2015. The Security Council and

Indian Army Recruitment 2016 – 47th SSC Tech Men & 18th SSC Women Course: Indian Army has published a notification for the recruitment of 47th Short Service Commission (Tech) Men and 18th Short Service Commission (Tech) Women Course (Including Widows of Defence Personnel for Non Tech Entry) for married/ unmarried Male and unmarried Female Engineering Graduates and also from widows of Defence Personnel for Grant of Short Service Commission in the Indian Army in all Arms/ Services, Course commencing in Oct 2016 at Officers Training Academy (OTA), Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Eligible candidates may apply online from 09-12-2015 to 08-01-2016 at 1700 hrs or offline on or before 10-02-2016

ICICI PO Recruitment 2015 – Apply Online for PO Posts: ICICI Bank, Manipal Acadamy has released notification for the recruitment of Probationary Officer vacancies through Training Programme in the Batch of February, May & August

LIC AAO Online Application – 700 Vacancies 2016: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has released notification for the recruitment of Assistant Administrative Officer [AAO] (Generalist) vacancies. Eligible candidates may apply online from 15-12-2015 to 05-01-2016. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection

Syndicate Bank Recruitment 2016 – Apply Online for 600 PO Posts: Syndicate Bank has released notification for the recruitment of 600 Probationary Officer vacancies in Junior Management Grade/ Scale-I for Admission to the 1 year full time post Graduate diploma course in Banking & Finance from Manipal University & NITTE University to be conducted at Manipal Global Education Services Pvt Ltd, Bangalore (MaGE) & Nitte Education International Pvt Ltd, Greater Noida (NEIPL). Eligible candidates may apply online from 16-12-2015 to 31-12-2015. For more details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, how to apply are given below…

Andhra Bank Admit Card 2015 – Probationary Officer Pre-Exam Training Call Letter: 

15 dec 2015

1) 14 दिसम्बर 2015 को जारी वैश्विक मानव विकास सूचकांक 2015 (2015 Human Development Index) में भारत का स्थान क्या रहा? –130वाँ

विस्तार: वैश्विक मानव विकास रिपोर्ट (Global Human Development Report) का वर्ष 2015 का संस्करण संयुक्त राष्ट्र विकास कार्यक्रम (United Nations Development Programme – UNDP) द्वारा 14 दिसम्बर को जारी किया गया। इसमें भारत को 130वाँ स्थान प्रदान किया गया है तथा इस प्रकार वर्ष 2014 के 131वें स्थान के मुकाबले भारत की स्थिति में एक स्थान का सुधार आया है। इस रिपोर्ट में विश्व के 188 देशों को स्थान दिया गया है।

भारत को वैश्विक मानव विकास रिपोर्ट 2015 में 0.609 अंक प्रदान किए गए तथा इस प्रकार भारत का स्कोर मध्यम मानव विकास समूह (medium human development group) के 0.630 अंक के औसत से काफी पीछे रहा। भारत का स्कोर जहाँ बांग्लादेश और पाकिस्तान जैसे पड़ोसी देशों से बेहतर रहा वहीं यह स्कोर नामीबिया, ग्वाटेमाला, ताजिकिस्तान और यहाँ तक की इराक जैसे देशों से भी कम रहा। हालांकि भारत का यह स्कोर

15 dec 2015

1) What is India’s rank on the Human Development Index (HDI) for 2015 that was released on 14 December 2015? –130th

Explanation: The 2015 edition of the Global Human Development Report was released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on 14 December 2015. India was placed at 130^th place in the index thus gaining one place from its 131^st place during 2014. 2015 HDI ranking is based on data from 188 countries.

India’s score in HDI is 0.609 and it thus stood well below the average score of 0.630 for countries in the medium human development group. India stands higher than neighbours Bangladesh and Pakistan but lower than countries like Namibia, Guatemala and Tajikistan, even Iraq.

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) has published advertisement for vacant post of Commissioned Officer. Online application are invited for those eligible applicants who have possess the criteria given below.

Name of the Post: Commissioned Officer

12 dec 2015

1) पंचायत चुनाव (Panchayat elections) लड़ने के लिए प्रत्याशियों के शिक्षित होने को अनिवार्य करने वाले एक राज्य के फैसले को सर्वोच्च न्यायालय (Supreme Court) ने 10 दिसम्बर 2015 को दिए अपने आदेश में सही ठहरा दिया। इस प्रकार सर्वोच्च न्यायालय का यह आदेश विभिन्न स्तर के चुनावों के लिए न्यूनतम शैक्षिक मानकों को तैयार करने का रास्ता खोल सकता है। इस मामले में शामिल यह राज्य कौन है? – हरियाणा

विस्तार: 10 दिसम्बर 2015 को दिए अपने आदेश में सर्वोच्च न्यायालय की एक पीठ ने हरियाणा पंचायती राज (संशोधन) कानून, 2015 (Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015) की वैधता को चुनौती देने वाली याचिकाओं को खारिज कर दिया। इस कानून में प्रावधान किया गया था कि हरियाणा राज्य में पंचायती राज प्रणाली के निर्वाचित पदों के लिए सामान्य वर्ग के पुरुष अभ्यर्थियों के लिए हाई-स्कूल की शिक्षा न्यूनतम अहर्ता हो जबकि सामान्य वर्ग की महिलाओं और दलित पुरुष अभ्यर्थियों के लिए अहर्ता आठवीं पास तय की गई थी। वहीं दलित वर्ग की महिला अभ्यर्थियों के पाँचवीं पास को न्यूनतम अहर्ता तय किया गया था।

राज्य के इस कानून के खिलाफ कुछ पक्षों ने अपनी आपत्ति जताते हुए इस कानून

12 dec 2015

1) The Supreme Court on 10 December 2015 upheld the validity of a law enacted by a state government pertaining barring the illiterate from contesting panchayat polls in the state. This SC order may pave the way for introduction of minimum education as a prerequisite for contesting polls at various levels. Which state’s law was upheld in this order? – Haryana

Explanation: On 10 December a bench of the Supreme Court dismissed a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015. The Act requires that general candidates must have passed Class X examination while women and Dalit candidates need to have cleared Class VIII. Dalit women candidates must clear Class V.

Apart from Haryana, Rajasthan is the only other state to fix minimum

1) Union Cabinet on 10 December 2015 gave its clearance to the Japanese proposal to build country’s first bullet train line, which will be one of India’s biggest foreign investments in its infrastructure sector. What is the estimated value of this project? – $14.7 billion

Explanation: The $14.7 billion project will link financial capital Mumbai with Ahmedabad through an ultra-modern bullet train network. Japan had offered to finance 80% of the cost of this project. Japan’s International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had completed a feasibility study in July on the 505-km (315-mile) Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor offering

1) केन्द्रीय कैबिनेट (Union Cabinet) ने 10 दिसम्बर 2015 को जापान (Japan) के उस प्रस्ताव को अपनी स्वीकृति प्रदान कर दी जिसके तहत देश की पहली बुलेट ट्रेन (bullet train) लाइन को स्थापित किया जायेगा। यह भारत में मूलभूत संरचना के क्षेत्र में विदेशी सहयोग से स्थापित की जाने वाली सबसे बड़ी परियोजना में से एक होगी। इस प्रस्तावित विशाल परियोजना की कुल लागत कितनी है? – 14.7 अरब डॉलर

विस्तार: 14.7 अरब डॉलर मूल्य की इस परियोजना के तहत देश की वित्तीय राजधानी मुम्बई (Mumbai) को गुजरात के सर्वप्रमुख शहर अहमदाबाद (Ahmedabad) से जोड़ा जायेगा। जापान ने इस परियोजना की 80% लागत के लिए अपनी तरफ से सस्ती दर पर ऋण प्रदान करने का प्रस्ताव भी दिया था। जापान की अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सहयोग एजेंसी (JICA) ने 505 किलोमीटर लम्बे मुम्बई-अहमदाबाद बुलेट ट्रेन कॉरिडोर के लिए अपना अध्ययन जुलाई 2015 में सम्पन्न कर इसका प्रस्ताव केन्द्र सरकार को भेज दिया था। इसके तहत इस रूट पर सफर

2^nd dec 2015

1) वैश्विक सौर-ऊर्जा परिदृश्य में एक महत्वपूर्ण घटनाक्रम के तहत पेरिस में शुरू संयुक्त राष्ट्र जलवायु सम्मेलन के दौरान भारत ने एक अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सौर सहयोग मंच (international solar alliance) को शुरू करने की घोषणा 30 नवम्बर 2015 को की। इस अंतर्राष्ट्रीय सहयोग मंच को क्या नाम दिया गया है जिसके माध्यम से सौर-ऊर्जा के क्षेत्र में अमीर देशों से आर्थिक सहयोग हासिल कर इसे दुनिया भर के जरूरतमंद देशों को प्रदान करने का लक्ष्य तैयार किया गया है? – इंटरनेशनल एजेंसी फॉर सोलर टैक्नोलॉज़ीज़ एण्ड एप्लीकेशन्स

2nd to 9th Dec 2015 

Current Affairs 

2 dec 2015

1) In an important development in the field of global solar energy scenario, India launched an international solar alliance at the ongoing UN Climate Summit (COP21) at Paris on 30 November 2015. What is the name of this global solar alliance which seeks to mobilize public finance from richer countries to help deliver universal global energy access? –International Agency for Solar Technologies and Applications (IASTA)

Explanation: The International Agency for Solar Technologies and Applications (IASTA) was launched by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the French president, François Hollande, at the Paris COP21 climate summit. This alliance comprises of over 120 countries with the primary aim to spread cheap solar technology across the globe with pooled policy knowledge.

The idea behind the establishment of IASTA is that larger markets

UPSC Advt No 17/ 2015 – Apply Online for Sr Scientific Officer, Associate Professor & Other Posts: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued notification for the recruitment of Senior Scientific Officer Grade-II, Joint Secretary & Legislative Counsel (Hindi Branch), Professor (Civil Engineering) & Associate Professor (IT, Civil, Mechanical) vacancies for various departments. Eligible candidates can apply online on or before 17-12-2015 by 23:59 Hrs. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, application fee & how to apply are given below…

Syndicate Bank Recruitment 2015 – Apply Online for 116 Specialist Officer Posts: Syndicate Bank has issued notification for the recruitment of 116 Assistant General Manager (Economist, Statistician & Company Secretary), Manager (Law, CA & Security), Technical Officer (Civil & Electrical) & Deputy General Manager [DGM] (Law) vacancies. Eligible candidates can apply online from 25-11-2015 to 10-12-2015. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, application fee & how to apply are given below…

1-दिसंबर -२०१५ करंट अफेयर्स 

1) जलवायु परिवर्तन पर संयुक्त राष्ट्र का 21वाँ वैश्विक सम्मेलन (United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference or COP21) 30 नवम्बर 2015 को फ्रांस (France) की राजधानी पेरिस (Paris) में शुरू हो गया। इस महत्वपूर्ण तथा ऐतिहासिक सम्मेलन में लगभग 150 देशों को जलवायु परिवर्तन की रफ्तार को कम करने के लिए समान लक्ष्य को स्वीकार करने के लिए एकजुट करने की कोशिश की जायेगी। इस सम्मेलन की शुरूआत जलवायु परिवर्तन के सम्बन्ध में किस वृहद लक्ष्य को लेकर की जा रही है?

1-DEC-2015

1) The United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference or the 21^st United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP21) started at Paris on 30 November 2015. This ambitious and historic conference aims to unite around 150 nations for a single agreement on tackling climate change. What is one of the most important proposed targets for this conference? – To cap the rate of global warming at 2 degrees Celsius

Explanation: COP21 aims to cap the rate of global warming at 2 degrees Celsius, as compared to the current 2.5 to 3.76 degrees Celsius. This will be done by, among other things

UPTET Exam 2015 – Apply Online for Uttar Pradesh Teacher Eligibility Test: Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Board (UPBEB), Government of Uttar Pradesh has announced notification for conducting Uttar Pradesh State Teacher Eligibility Test (UPTET) 2015 to select Teachers for Classes I-V (Primary Stage), Classes VI-VIII (Elementary Stage). Eligible candidates may apply online from 26-11-2015

UPPCL Recruitment 2015 – Apply Online for 395 Asst Accountant Posts: Electricity Service Commission, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Ltd (UPPCL), Lucknow has announced notification for the recruitment of 395 Assistant Accountant vacancies. Eligible candidates can apply online from 09-11-2015 to 08-12-2015. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, application fee and how to apply are given below…

UP Legislative Assembly Secretariat Jobs 2015 – Apply Online for 90 Review Officer Posts: Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat has given a notification for the recruitment of 90 Review Officer & Assistant Review Officer vacancies. Eligible candidates may apply online from 25-11-2015 to 17-12-2015 (upto 23:59 hrs). Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, how to apply are given below…

SBI Online – 185 DM (Law) & AM (System) Posts in State Bank Group – Apply Online: State Bank of India (SBI) has released notification for the recruitment of 185 Deputy Manager (Law) in MMGS-II, Assistant Manager (System) in JMGS-I vacancies in State Bank Group. Eligible candidates may apply online from 26-11-2015 to 12-12-2015. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, how to apply are given below…

HSSC Recruitment 2015 – Apply Online for 4425 Clerk Posts: Haryana Staff Selection Commission (HSSC) has issued notification for recruitment of 4425 Clerk vacancies. Eligible candidates can apply online from 07-12-2015 to 06-01-2016 till 05:00 P.M. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, application fee & how to apply are given below…

Andhra Bank Recruitment 2015 – Apply Online for 200 Probationary Officer Posts: Andhra Bank, Head Office, Hyderabad has issued notification for the recruitment of 200 Probationary Officer in Junior Management Grade/ Scale-I vacancies. Eligible candidates can apply online from 17-11-2015 to 01-12-2015. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, selection process, application fee & how to apply are given below…

1) 27 नवम्बर 2015 को टेस्ट क्रिकेट (Test Cricket) में एक नया इतिहास जुड़ गया जब पहला डे-नाइट टेस्ट मैच (First Day-night Test Match) इस दिन शुरू हुआ। मेजबान ऑस्ट्रेलिया और न्यूज़ीलैण्ड के बीच यह ऐतिहासिक टेस्ट मैच किस क्रिकेट ग्राउण्ड में शुरू हुआ? – एडीलेड ओवल (The Adelaide Oval)

विस्तार: टेस्ट क्रिकेट इतिहास का पहला डे-नाइट टेस्ट-मैच 27 नवम्बर 2015 को ऑस्ट्रेलिया के शहर एडीलेड स्थित प्रसिद्ध मैदान एडीलेड ओवल (The Adelaide Oval) में शुरू हुआ। इस मैच में फ्लड लाइट तथा गुलाबी रंग की गेंद (pink ball) का इस्तेमाल किया जा रहा है। हालांकि खिलाड़ियों की पोशाक का रंग पहले की तरह सफेद ही रखा गया है।

इस प्रकार यह टेस्ट मैच क्रिकेट की टेस्ट परंपरा से काफी जुदा है जिसमें अभी

28 Nov2015

1) Test cricket history was made on 27 November 2015 when the first Day-Night Test match commenced between Australia and New Zealand from this day. This historic Test match is being staged at which cricket ground in Australia? – The Adelaide Oval

Explanation: The first-ever Day-Night Test Match started on 27 November between hosts Australia and New Zealand at the Adelaide Oval cricket ground in Adelaide. The match featured pink leather balls and bright flood lights. However, the clothing for players remained white

The Day-Night Test match was thus a big departure from tradition,

1) In an important development, leaders of 10-nation group ASEAN declared the establishment of an EU-style regional economic bloc. This decision was taken at the 2015 ASEAN Summit that concluded in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) on 22 November 2015. What is the name chosen for this proposed regional economic bloc? – ASEAN Economic Community (AEC)

Explanation: The decision to establish ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) was taken at the 27^th ASEAN Summit (for 2015) that concluded at Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur on 22 November. The declaration to establish AEC was signed by the leaders of 10-nation grouping in front of world leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.

The AEC envisages a single market with a free flow of goods, capital and skilled labour across borders in the highly competitive economic region. It will integrate Southeast Asia’s diverse economies, a region with 620 million people and a combined gross domestic product of $2.4 trillion.

The ASEAN leaders also adopted the declaration on

“ASEAN 2025, forging ahead together”.

17th NOV 2015

1) पेरिस में हुए आतंकी हमलों का कड़ा जबाव देते हुए फ्रांसीसी लड़ाकू विमानों ने 15 नवम्बर 2015 को देर रात सीरिया (Syria) के किस नगर पर गोलाबारी की जिसे प्राय: इस्लामिक स्टेट (IS) की अघोषित राजधानी के तौर पर भी जाना जाता है? – रक्का (Raqqa)

विस्तार: रक्का (जिसे अल-रक्काह (Al-Raqqah) या अर-रक्काह (Ar- Raqqah) के नाम से भी जाना जाता है) उत्तर-मध्य सीरिया में यूफ्रेट्स नदी के किनारे बसा हुआ नगर है। 2 लाख से अधिक की जनसंख्या वाला यह शहर सीरिया का छठा सबसे बड़ा शहर भी है। वर्ष 2014 में इस्लामिक स्टेट (IS) के लड़ाकों ने इस शहर पर कब्जा कर लिया था तथा तबसे वे इसे सीरिया में अपने मुख्यालय के रूप में प्रयोग कर रहे हैं।

15 नवम्बर की देर रात को 10 फ्रांसीसी लड़ाकू विमानों ने इस शहर पर कुल 20 बम गिराए। फ्रांसीसी रक्षा मंत्रालय द्वारा जारी जानकारी के अनुसार यह बम मुख्यत: इस शहर में IS के कमान सेण्टर, आतंकी प्रशिक्षण केन्द्र तथा एक शस्त्र भण्डार पर निशाना साध कर गिराए गए। इस हमले में अमेरिका ने

9 to 15 Nov 2015

1) The results of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2015 were declared on 8 November 2015 in which the Grand Alliance of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav humiliated BJP-led NDA front. The Grand Alliance comprising Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), Lalu Prasad Yadav’s RJD and the Congress notched-up a stunning 178 seats against 58 mustered by the NDA. With this win, Nitish Kumar would become Bihar Chief Minister for ………..time. – Fourth

Explanation: Nitish Kumar has been Bihar Chief Minister for three terms. His first term was just for 8 days in March 2000 when he was part of the erstwhile Samata Party. His second term was from 24 November 2005 to 20 May 2014. On 16 May 2014 he had resigned taking moral responsibility for his party’s poor performance in the Lok Sabha Elections 2014. His third term was from 22 February 2015 as he succeeded his former ally Jitan Ram Manjhi. Having won a decisive mandate in 2015 Bihar Assembly Elections, Nitish is poised to become Bihar Chief

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IBPS Specialist Officer Vacancy Details:

9-10th NOV 2015

1) हाल ही में सम्पन्न हुए वर्ष 2015 के बिहार विधानसभा चुनावों (2015 Bihar Assembly Elections) के परिणामों की घोषणा 8 नवम्बर 2015 को की गई जिसमें नीतीश कुमार व लालू यादव के नेतृत्व वाले महागठबन्धन (Grand Alliance) ने भाजपा के नेतृत्व वाले राष्ट्रीय जनतांत्रिक गठबन्धन (राजग – NDA) को चारों खाने चित करते हुए अप्रत्याशित जीत हासिल कर ली। महागठबन्धन ने 178 सीटें हासिल की जबकि राजग 58 सीटों पर सिमट गया। इस अभूतपूर्व जीत के बाद नीतीश कुमार कौन सी बार बिहार के मुख्यमंत्री बनेंगे? – चौथी बार

विस्तार: नीतीश कुमार इससे पहले तीन बार राज्य के मुख्यमंत्री रह चुके हैं।

5 NOV 2015

1) Applications for buying sovereign gold bonds of Govt. of India are being accepted from 5 November 2015. The ambitious scheme of sovereign gold bonds instead of purchasing of physical gold is being launched by which entity? – Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Explanation: Sovereign gold bonds will be issued by the Reserve Bank of India. They will carry the market value of particular amount of gold it is issued. If the price of gold increases the value of the bond will also go up, thus benefiting investors.

The applications for these bonds will be accepted from 5 November to 20 November 2015 by the RBI. The bonds will be issued from 26 November 2015.

Investors can buy a minimum of 2 units or 2 grams and a maximum at 500 grams per fiscal year. Investors will get a fixed rate of interest of 2.75% per annum (payable every 6 months) on the initial value of investment.

The bonds have a maturity period of 8 years, with exit option from the fifth year. Holdings can be redeemed in multiples of one gram.

2) Who will be the new Chief Justice of India (CJI), as announced on

UPSC CDS I 2016 – Apply Online for 457 Vacancies: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has released notification for the recruitment of 457 Various Vacancies in Indian Military Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Air Force Academy and Officers Training Academy through Combined Defence Services Examination (I), 2016 (Including SSC Women (Non-Technical) Course). Eligible candidates may apply Online from 07-11-2015 to 04-12-2015 by 11:59 PM. Other details like age limit, educational qualification, application fee, selection

1 Nov 2015

1) A Russian airliner carrying 217 passengers and seven crew members crashed on 31 October 2015 resulting in death of all persons on-board. A militant group affiliated to the Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for downing of this plane. This crash took place in which country? – Egypt

Explanation: A Russian aircraft carrying 224 persons (including seven crew members) crashed on 31 October 2015 in a remote mountainous region in the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt. The aircraft (Flight 7K9268) had taken-off for Russia from Egypt’s famous Red Sea resort of Sharm al-Sheikh and it went off radar 23 minutes after taking off.

The flight was an international chartered passenger flight operated by Russian airline Kogalymavia (branded as Metrojet). It was en-route to Saint Petersburg. Most of the passengers were Russians while four were Ukrainian and one was Belarusian.

The wreckage was found roughly 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of the North Sinai town of El-Arish. All 224 persons on-board this flight were killed in the crash.

Shortly after the crash, Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the incident. IS claimed

DSSSB Recruitment 2015 – Apply Online for 1463 Grade-IV, Warder & Other Posts: Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) has released notification for the recruitment of 1463 Scientific Assistant, Laboratory Assistant, Section Officer, Assistant Foreman, Jr Clerk, Junior Engineer, Data Entry Operator, Fireman, Grade-IV (DASS), Warder, Matron, Motor Vehicle Inspector and other vacancies under various departments of Govt of NCT of Delhi and its autonomous bodies. Eligible candidates

1.)   Total cotton output has been estimated at which value for 2015-2016 beginning October 1st?

a. 370.80 lakh bales

b. 370.70 lakh bales

c. 370.60 lakh bales

d. 370.50 lakh bales

2)   India is planning to shift to which emission compliant petrol and diesel by 2020

to lower carbon pollution?

a. Euro-V

b. Euro-VI

c. Euro-VII

d. Euro-VIII

3)   Mammals may have once been able to regenerate ____________, according

28 october  2015

1) What is the name of the US guided missile destroyer which sailed near an artificial island built by China in the South China Sea on 27 October 2015 thus resulting in diplomatic tussle between China and the US? –USS Lassen

Explanation: USS Lassen, a guided missile destroyer of the US Navy, carried out its patrol inside what China claims as a 12-mile territorial limit around Subi Reef in the South China Sea on 27 October. China has its artificial island in the area.

Sailing a US Navy ship within 12 nautical miles of any of the artificial islands created by China is being seen as the U.S. assertion that they are not sovereign Chinese territory. The Obama administration considers Beijing’s claim of sovereignty in those waters as “excessive”. US administration felt that it has the authority

22  october 2015

1) Who was appointed as the first-ever male member of the National Commission of Women (NCW) on 21 October 2015? – Alok Rawat

Explanation: Alok Rawat is a former Cabinet Secretary. He was appointed as the first male member of the NCW by filling the fourth seat in the five-member body.

He is a 1977-batch Sikkim cadre IAS officer. Apart from being the Cabinet Secretary, Rawat has served some important posts such as secretary in ministry of water resources, director/joint secretary in ministry of defence and ministry of road transport and highways and secretary of UPSC.

The 5-member NCW is led by Lalitha Kumaramangalam.

2) In an important development pertaining to global oil prices, Venezuela hosted a special meeting for eight non-OPEC countries on 21 October 2015 at Vienna. This meeting was held to unveil a new oil strategy to stem a tumble in oil prices. Which 8 countries were invited to this special meeting? – Azerbaijan, Brazil, Colombia, Kazakhstan, Norway, Mexico, Oman and Russia.

Explanation: The meeting of these 8 non-OPEC nations was organized by Venezuela, an OPEC member, to unveil a bold new oil strategy so as to put a break to sliding oil prices. The meeting was held in shadow of consistently low oil prices globally. Venezuela has been pushing to stem a tumble in oil prices, but faces an uphill battle to convince its richer Gulf counterparts and non-OPEC nations.

An oil price recovery would be a boon for recession-hit Venezuela, where roughly 96% of hard currency income derives from oil.

OPEC stands for Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, an international organization of 12 countries to coordinate and unify the global petroleum policies and prices.

3) The Union Govt. has recently circulated a draft note pertaining to monetary policy mechanism in the country. What is the most important proposal in this draft? – It has proposed clipping the exclusive powers of the RBI governor in setting monetary policy

Explanation: The draft circulated by the govt. has proposed some far-reaching steps in country’s monetary policy mechanism. It has proposed that a seven-member committee should draft monetary policy.

It has proposed that the committee have four members from the government and three from the central bank, with the RBI governor, as its chair, holding no veto power as was earlier   bnyhumsuggested, but a casting vote.

The monetary policy committee will fix the benchmark interest rate of the RBI and set inflation targets.

Under the current system, the RBI governor has a technical advisory committee to advise on monetary policy, but can accept or reject the panel’s views.

RBI chief Raghuram Rajan had earlier said that he favoured doing away with the veto power of the central bank chief, arguing it would be better for a committee to decide the key rate rather than one individual.

4) Reliance Capital Asset Management (RCAM) on 21 October 2015 announced takeover of which global financial giant’s mutual fund business in India with which it becomes the exclusive fund manager for the government’s ambitious Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) Exchange Traded Fund? –Goldman Sachs

Explanation: Reliance Capital Asset Management (RCAM) will acquire Goldman Sachs Asset Management India (GSAMI), which is the Indian mutual fund entity of global financial giant Goldman Sachs. The deal will be an all-cash deal of Rs. 243 crore and with this RCAM will acquire all 12 onshore mutual fund schemes of GSAMI with total asset under management of Rs. 7132 crore.

The acquisition would also make Reliance MF the exclusive fund manager for the government’s ambitious Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) Exchange Traded Fund. GSAMI was given the mandate last year to manage CPSE ETF through which the government has so far raised Rs. 4,000 crore by selling part of its stake in ten central PSUs as part of its disinvestment programme.

RCAM is part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.

Goldman Sachs had entered the Indian mutual fund industry in 2011 with acquisition of Benchmark Mutual Fund for Rs. 120 crore.

With this, Goldman Sachs becomes the latest foreign player to exit the Rs. 13 lakh crore Indian MF market. In last few years, a number of global players have exited the Indian mutual fund business. Standard Chartered sold its mutual fund business in India to IDFC in 2008, Fidelity sold its mutual fund to L&T Finance in 2012, while last year HDFC MF acquired Morgan Stanley’s fund business here. Besides, Birla Sunlife has acquired ING Mutual Fund, Kotak MF has bought PineBridge Mutual Fund and Pramerica has taken over Deutsche Bank’s mutual fund business in India.

5) Who was appointed as the new Lokayukta of Delhi on 21 October 2015? – Justice Reva Khetrapal

Explanation: Reva Khetrapal is a former Delhi High Court judge. She was appointed as the new Lokayukta of Delhi on 20 October 2015.

Justice Khetrapal has given judgments in a number of high-profile cases, including the December 16 gangrape case, where she upheld the death penalty of the convicts.

The post of Delhi Lokayukta has remained vacant since November 2013, when retired Justice Manmohan Sarin relinquished office.

The decision to recommend Justice Khetrapal to the post was declared following a meeting of the four-member panel comprising Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court G Rohini and Leader of the Opposition Vijender Gupta. Later Najeeb Jung recommended her name to President Pranab Mukherjee for the formal appointment on 20 October.

Justice Reva Khetrapal thus became the 4^th Lokayukta of Delhi.

23-24 october 2015

1) The United Nations completed how many years of its establishment on 24 October 2015? – 70 years

Explanation: United Nations (UN), the global intergovernmental organization, was established as the lead organization to promote international peace and cooperation on 24 October 1945. Thus the UN completed 70 years of its establishment on 24 October 2015.

In the wake of catastrophic Second World War (1939-45), and following months of intense negotiations, representatives of 51 countries laboured in 1945 to overcome differences and founded an enduring global institution for peace, security and human progress. They called it the United Nations.

The UN replaced the erstwhile League of Nations. The immediate aim of UN was to prevent another major conflict. At the time it was founded, the UN had 51 member states. India was one of the founding members of the UN. It now has 193 member countries.

On the occasion of the 70^th anniversary of UN numerous programmes are being held worldwide. Around 200 iconic monuments, buildings, museums, bridges and other landmarks in nearly 60 countries around the world will be lit up blue, the official colour of the UN, to mark the occasion.

2) Japan has offered how much amount of soft-loan to India for country’s first bullet-train network, as announced on 22 October 2015? – $15 billion

Explanation: India’s first bullet-train network has been proposed to be established between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was picked to assess the feasibility of building the 505-kilometre corridor linking the two cities. JICA recently submitted its feasibility report to Indian Railways in which it concluded that the project would be technically and financially viable.

Apart from this, Japan has offered to finance the proposed high speed rail corridor estimated (to cost about Rs. 90,000 crore) at an interest rate of less than one per cent.  The loan offering by Japan is being seen as a bid to surpass competition from China and other countries for India’s bullet train projects. Though there are many countries offering the high-speed technology for the bullet train project, it is Japan which is offering both technology and funding together.

It is worth mention that during September 2015 China won the contract to assess the feasibility of a high-speed train between Delhi and Mumbai, a 1,200-km route estimated to cost twice as much. No loan has yet been offered.

3) The Department of Heavy Industry released the draft of a National Policy on Capital Goods on 23 October 2015. This is the first time that a policy on Capital Goods is being framed. What is the primary objective of National Policy on Capital Goods? – To unlock the potential for capital goods sector and establish India as a global manufacturing powerhouse

Explanation: The Draft National Policy on Capital Goods has been framed in active consultation with industry associations & bodies. It was released on 23 October 2015 and has been put on public domain for seeking comments, views and suggestions of stakeholders/ public in general. The comments on draft policy are being sought till 31 October 2015.

Capital goods consist of plant machinery, equipment and accessories required, either directly or indirectly, for manufacture or production of goods or for rendering services, including those required for replacement, modernization, technological upgradation and expansion of manufacturing facilities.

The growth and development of capital goods is critical for India to achieve the vision of “Make in India” by increasing share of manufacturing to 25% of Gross Value Added. This in turn will help generate additional jobs, improve India’s trade balance and increase domestic self-reliance. The National Policy on Capital Goods is envisaged to unlock the potential of this promising sector and establish India as a global manufacturing powerhouse.

4) The new book titled ‘Dreaming Big: My Journey to Connect India‘, that was released on 22 October 2015, is the autobiography of which personality associated with the telecom revolution in India? – Sam Pitroda

Explanation: Sam Pitroda (full name Satyanarayan Gangaram Pitroda) is often known as the person who heralded the telecom revolution in India. His autobiography ‘Dreaming Big: My Journey to Connect India‘ was launched on 22 October 2015 by Mukesh Ambani.

In the 1980s Pitroda was entrusted with the task to extend digital telecommunications to every corner of the country, including remote villages, by the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

He launched the Center for the Development of Telematics (C-DOT), and served as Advisor to the Prime Minister on Technology Missions related to water, literacy, immunization, oil seeds, telecom, and dairy. He is also the founding Chairman of India’s Telecom Commission.

Pitroda has also started several businesses as a serial entrepreneur (Wescom Switching, Ionics, MTI, Martek, WorldTel, C-SAM, etc.) in the US and Europe.

5) The foundation stone for Andhra Pradesh’s new capital Amaravati was laid on 22 October 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This new capital city is being modeled after which city? – Singapore

Explanation: Amravati (or Amaravathi) is a village in the Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh. It is located on the banks of Krishna River in Amaravati mandal of Guntur revenue division. The new capital of the bifurcated Andhra Pradesh is being established at Amravati, with over 30 km area around it.

Historically, Amaravati was the capital of Satavahanas, the first great Andhra kings who ruled from the 2^nd century BC to the 3^rd century AD.

Pitched as a world-class riverfront capital city, Amaravati will be an energy-efficient and green city with concentration on industrial hubs. It is being modeled on the pattern of Singapore with the Singapore Govt. and agencies taking active role in establishment of this new capital.

The seed capital plan for the new capital Amaravati, unveiled by the Singapore agencies, projects the core capital region more as a hub of financial and business activities than a place to live in.

The foundation-laying ceremony of Amaravati was performed at Uddandarayunipalem village in Guntur district on 22 October on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami.

25-26 october 2015

1) In a landmark decision, the Ministry of Defence has approved the induction of women into the fighter (Combat) stream of the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to the announcement made on 24 October 2015 when the first women pilots are expected to officially fly a fighter aircraft of the IAF? – June 2017

Explanation: The first women pilots would be selected from the batch which is presently undergoing flying training at Air Force Academy, Hyderabad. After successful completion of associated training, they would be commissioned in the fighter stream in June 2016. Thereafter, they would undergo advanced training for one year and would enter a fighter cockpit by June 2017.

The IAF is presently inducting women in the Transport and Helicopter stream of the flying branch, Navigation, Aeronautical Engineering, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education and Meteorology branches. With this decision to open up induction of women in the fighter stream, women have become eligible for induction in all branches and streams of the IAF.

The decision to induct women fighter pilots is in keeping with the aspirations of Indian women and is in line with contemporary trends in armed forces of developed nations. Since their induction into the Transport and Helicopter streams of the IAF, their performance has been praiseworthy and on a par with their male counterparts. Inducting women into the fighter stream would provide them with an equal opportunity to prove their mettle in combat roles as well.

2) An Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) was inaugurated at Walongon 23 October 2015. This ALG was operational during 1962 Chinese aggression. Thereafter, it remained abandoned for a long time till it was decided in 2013 to reconstruct it. In which state of the country is Walong situated? – Arunachal Pradesh

Explanation: Walong is a small mountainous town in Arunachal Pradesh’s Anjaw district. Situated just 20 km south of Chinese border, Walong is also the easternmost town in India.

This town had an Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) which was capable of taking erstwhile Caribous and Otter aircrafts during the Chinese aggression of 1962. But this ALG was abandoned after this war.

The decision to reconstruct Walong ALG was taken in 2013 and the reconstructed airstrip was formally inaugurated on 23 October. This ALG will support air operations and will also facilitate the administration in the management of border areas.

3) What is the name of the hurricane which battered Mexico on 23 and 24 October 2015 and was rated as one of the strongest storms ever recorded? – Patricia

Explanation: Patricia formed suddenly on 20 October 2015 as a tropical storm and quickly strengthened to a hurricane. Within 30 hours it had zoomed to a record-beating Category 5 storm, catching many off guard with its rapid growth. By 23 October it was the most powerful hurricane on record in the Western Hemisphere, with a central pressure of 880 millibars and maximum sustained winds of 200 mph (325 kph).

There were reports of some flooding and landslips as the storm moved over inland mountains after nightfall. This hurricane battered south-western Mexico on 23 October. However, the damage was less than those expected from a hurricane of this magnitude.

4) What is the name of the Vice-President of Maldives who was arrested on 24 October 2015 in connection with an attempted murder attempt of the President? – Ahmed Adeeb

Explanation: The police of the island nation of Maldives on 24 October 2015 arrested Vice President Ahmed Adeeb in connection with an explosion aboard President Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s boat during September 2015.

Adeeb was arrested at the airport when he returned from an official visit to China on suspicion of involvement in the boat blast. Soon after the 28 September blast aboard President Yameen Gayoom’s speedboat, rumors began circulating that Adeeb was behind it.

The explosion took place aboard Gayoom’s boat as he and his wife were returning to Male, the Maldives’ capital, from the airport after a hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The South Asian archipelago nation’s airport is on a separate island from the capital. Gayoom escaped unhurt, but his wife, an aide and a bodyguard were injured in the blast.

5) What is the name of the conservative province of Indonesia, where a strict Islamic criminal code was enacted on 23 October 2015 that criminalizes homosexuality and adultery? – Aceh

Explanation: Aceh is the only province in the Muslim-dominated country of Indonesia which adheres to the Muslim law known as Sharia.

On 23 October 2015 local government of Aceh enacted a strict Islamic criminal code which criminalizes adultery, homosexuality, and public displays of affection outside of a legally recognised relationship. The new law also criminalises rape and sexual harassment. Those found guilty could face 40 lashes or more.

Aceh was granted special autonomy in 2005 as part of an agreement with Indonesian government to end decades of separatist violence and was then able to introduce strict Sharia law.

6) South Africa won the 5-match ODI series against India as it defeated India in the final ODI at Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai) by 214 runs on 25 October 2015 to win the series 3-2. Who was declared man of the series? – AB de Villiers (South Africa)

Explanation: Led by inspiring performance by skipper AB de Villiers South Africa won their maiden ODI series in India on 25 October. AB de Villiers scored three centuries in the series and was adjudged man of the series.

In the fifth and final ODI of the series played at Mumbai, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers all hit centuries to score a mammoth 438/4 in 50 overs. It was the fourth-highest ODI total on record and the highest ever scored in India. India in its reply meekly surrendered by scoring a paltry 224 (all out). Quinton de Kock was adjudged man of the match.

27 october 2015

1) The 3^rd India-Africa Forum Summit kicked-off from 26 October 2015 at New Delhi. It is being seen as one of the largest multi-lateral event held in India, with confirmed attendance of over 40 African heads of state. When was the first edition of India-Africa Forum Summit held? – 2008

Explanation: The India-Africa Forum Summit is the official platform for the relations between India and African countries. The 1^st edition of this Summit was held from 4 April to 8 April 2008 in New Delhi. The event was attended by heads of state from 14 African countries.

The 2^nd edition of India-Africa Forum Summit was held at Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) in 2011.

The 3^rd edition of the Summit is being held from 26 October to 30 October 2015 at New Delhi. The Summit started with consultations on official level on 26 October. The main summit will take place on 29 October and will comprise of a plenary session and declarations in the presence of representatives from 54 African countries and over 40 heads of state. The Summit is taking place a month ahead of Africa’s second such summit with China.

2) A powerful earthquake struck parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan and northern India on 26 October 2015. Tremors of this massive earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale were felt in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and Delhi. Several buildings developed cracks in J&K while hundreds of persons were killed in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Where was the epicenter of this earthquake as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)? – In Hindukush mountain range in remote Afghanistan

Explanation: The epicenter of this earthquake was 196 km (120 miles) deep and centered 82 km southeast of Feyzabad in a remote area of Afghanistan in the Hindukush mountain range as reported by the USGS.

The earthquake came at around 2.45 pm (IST) and was felt in J&K including capital Srinagar, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi, apart from large parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan. As a result the flyover at Jehangir Chowk in the heart of Srinagar developed cracks, forcing the authorities to suspend traffic over it.

Delhi Metro services were put on hold from 2.40 PM to 2.55 PM in view of the earthquake.

Over 250 deaths were reported from Pakistan and at least 12 people died in Afghanistan according to the preliminary reports.

3) Geeta, a deaf-mute Indian woman who accidentally crossed over to Pakistan more than a decade ago, made her much-cherished arrival in India to meet her long-lost family on 26 October 2015. In Pakistan she was adopted by which noted philanthropist of that country? – Bilquis Bano Edhi

Explanation: Geeta was reportedly just 7 or 8 years old when she was found sitting alone on the Samjhauta Express by Pakistani Rangers 15 years ago at the Lahore railway station. She was adopted by Bilquis Bano Edhi and lived with her in Karachi.

Geeta had identified her family through a photograph sent to her by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The family reportedly is from Bihar.

As her story gained fresh media attention after Salman Khan-starrer film “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” depicting similar story of a Pakistani girl stranded in India, the Indian government vowed to bring her back.

Bilquis Bano Edhi is a noted Pakistani philanthropist who also runs the ‘Bilquis Edhi Foundation’ which runs numerous charity services in Pakistan.

4) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 October 2015 announced doing away with the requirement of interviews for lesser non-gazetted central government jobs. This announcement was made on PM’s “Mann ki Baat” radio broadcast. From which date this announcement will be put into effect? – 1 January 2016

Explanation: According to the announcement made by the Prime Minister, there will be no requirement of interview for Group D, C and B non-gazetted posts in central government from 1 January 2016. This decision has been taken primarily to put an end to the menace of corruption in jobs.

The objective behind abolition of interviews for such posts is that it will curb corruption, ensure more objective selection in a transparent manner and substantially ease the problems of the poor and ‘resource-less’ aspirants.

5) The final of the 2015 Rugby World Cup will be played between which two countries? – Australia and New Zealand

Explanation: 2015 Rugby World Cup is being played in England from 18 September to 31 October 2015. It is the 8^th edition of the World Cup with participation from 20 countries.

Australia and New Zealand qualified for the final of the World Cup, to be played on 31 October 2015 at Twickenham Stadium (London). In the first semi-final played on 24 October New Zealand defeated South Africa by 20-18. In the second semi-final played on 25 October Australia defeated Argentina by 29-15. This will be the first time that archrivals Australia and New Zealand will clash in the final of a Rugby World Cup. The classification match for third place will be played on 30 October 2015 between South Africa and Argentina.

It is worth mentioning that both Australia and New Zealand have won the Rugby World Cup twice. New Zealand is the defending champion having the 2011 edition.

6) Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton won the 2015 Formula One (F1) title after he won the US Grand Prix at Austin circuit (Texas) on 25 October 2015. With this F1 title, Hamilton has now won how many F1 titles in his career? – Three

Explanation: Lewis Hamilton (Britain) joined the elite group of triple Formula One world champions as he won the US Grand Prix in thrilling finish on 25 October. His earlier F1 titles were in 2014 and 2008. In 2008 Hamilton won the title competing for McLaren team while 2014 and this year’s title came through Mercedes team.

With this title win, Hamilton realized a lifelong ambition to equal the tally of his boyhood idol Ayrton Senna, the Brazilian triple champion who died in 1994.

Michael Schumacher (Germany) is the most successful F1 champion ever having won record 7 titles. He is followed by Juan Manuel Fangio (Argentina) with 5 titles and Alain Prost (France) and Sebastian Vettel (Germany) with 4 titles each.

Lewis Hamilton is now tied with Jack Brabham (Australia), Jackie Stewart (Britain), Niki Lauda (Austria), Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna (both Brazil), who all have won three F1 titles.