Persons in News PDF E Book 1 Year

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Persons in News [PDF E-Book / 1 Year]
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Contents
......................... ....... . ..... .. ..... ..........................................................
Radha Krishna Mathur sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh UT ................................................................................................... 3
Girish Chandra Murmu sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of J&K ............................................................................................................... 3
Rafael Grossi elected new Director General of IAEA .............................................................................................................................................. 3
Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde appointed as 47th Chief Justice of India ............................................................................................................... 4
Sanjeev Nandan Sahai appointed new Power Secretary ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Pankaj Kumar appointed CEO of UIDAI .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
PM Modi releases book titled ‘Bridgital Nation’ ....................................................................................................................................................... 5
IPS Anup Kumar Singh appointed as new NSG Chief ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Justice Bobde recommended as next CJI .................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Sajjan Jindal appointed Vice Chairman World Steel ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Kais Saied elected as new President of Tunisia ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Sourav Ganguly set to be new BCCI president ........................................................................................................................................................ 7
PM releases commemorative stamp to honour IAF Marshal late Arjan Singh .................................................................................................. 7
Surjit S Bhalla appointed as Executive Director for India at IMF ......................................................................................................................... 8
Justice Rajendra Menon recommended as next Chairman of Armed Forces Tribunal ................................................................................... 8
Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhadauria takes charge as IAF Chief .......................................................................................................................... 8
K. Siva Reddy awarded Saraswati Samman ...............................................................................................................................................................
8
Suresh Chitturi appointed Chief of International Egg Commission ..................................................................................................................... 9
Air Marshal HS Arora appointed as Vice Chief of Indian Air Force .................................................................................................................... 9
UAE’s Hazza Al Mansouri became first Arab Astronaut in space ........................................................................................................................ 9
Bangladesh lifts ban on Hilsa export to India .......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Hurun India Rich List 2019: Mukesh Ambani richest Indian ................................................................................................................................ 11
Kristalina Georgieva appointed as new IMF chief ................................................................................................................................................... 11
Amitabh Bachchan to get Dadasaheb Phalke Award – 2018 .............................................................................................................................. 12
Vice President inaugurates 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier ................................................................. 12
Ponung Doming – First woman officer from Arunachal Pradesh to become Lieutenant Colonel In Indian Army ................................ 13
Madhukar Kamath elected chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations .............................................................................................................. 13
Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria appointed next Chief of Indian Air Force ............................................................................................................. 13
Rajnath Singh becomes 1st Defence Minister to fly LCA Tejas ........................................................................................................................... 14
Justice P Lakshmana Reddy appointed as 1st Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh ................................................................................................... 14
UN appoints Indian Army veteran Abhijit Guha as head of Hodeidah mission ............................................................................................... 14
Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra appointed Principal Secretary to PM Modi ............................................................................................................. 15
PK Sinha appointed Principal Advisor to PM Modi ............................................................................................................................................... 16
‘Loktantra Ke Swar’ (Hindi): Books on President’s speeches released .............................................................................................................. 16
Prof Muhammad Yunus conferred Lamp of Peace of Saint Francis award by Vatican ................................................................................ 16
CEC Sunil Arora takes charge as AWEB Chairman ............................................................................................................................................... 17
Fact Box: India’s first woman DGP Kanchan Chaudhary ..................................................................................................................................... 17
IAF’s Shalija Dhami becomes India’s 1st female flight commander .................................................................................................................... 18
Prabhakar Singh, DG, CPWD chosen for Eminent Engineer Award- 2019 ..................................................................................................... 18
Ajay Kumar appointed new Defence Secretary ...................................................................................................................................................... 18
Rajiv Gauba appointed next Cabinet Secretary for two years .............................................................................................................................. 19
Tamil Nadu honours ISRO Chief with Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Award ........................................................................................................... 19
Harshad Pandurang Thakur appointed as Director of NIHFW .......................................................................................................................... 20
Aishwarya Pissay: 1st Indian to claim a World Title in Motorsports .................................................................................................................. 20
Chandrima Shaha: 1st woman President of Indian National Science Academy (INSA) ................................................................................ 20
Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly: Anupam Kher’s Autobiography released ......................................................................................... 21
Book chronicling Vice President Naidu’s 2 years in office released .................................................................................................................... 21
Shah Rukh Khan awarded Excellence in Cinema award at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne ................................................................... 21
Fact Box: Sushma Swaraj .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
France’s Franky Zapata successfully crosses English Channel on hoverboard for 1st time ........................................................................... 22
Girraj Prasad Gupta takes over as the Controller General of Accounts ........................................................................................................... 23
Rakesh Asthana given additional charge of DG Narcotics Control Bureau ..................................................................................................... 23
ITBP DG S S Deswal given charge of NSG ............................................................................................................................................................ 23
IAF’s Tarun Chaudhri became 1st pilot to do Wingsuit Skydive Jump ............................................................................................................. 24
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 2

IPS officer V. K. Johri appointed as New BSF Director General ........................................................................................................................ 24

IPS officer V. K. Johri appointed as New BSF Director General ........................................................................................................................ 24
B S Yeddyurappa sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka ................................................................................................................................. 25
Badri Narain Sharma reappointed NAA Chief ........................................................................................................................................................ 25
‘Chandra Shekhar – The Last Icon of Ideological Politics’book released ......................................................................................................... 26
Priti Patel: Britain’s first Indian-origin Home Secretary ........................................................................................................................................ 26
Boris Johnson takes charge as new Prime Minister of United Kingdom .......................................................................................................... 26
Lt Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane appointed next Vice Chief of Indian Army ............................................................................................... 26
IFS officer Vivek Kumar appointed Private Secretary to PM Modi ................................................................................................................... 27
Kulbhushan Jadhav Case: ICJ asks Pakistan to review conviction order ........................................................................................................... 27
Justice Sikri appointed as Singapore International Commercial Court Judge .................................................................................................. 28
Alan Turing: WW-II Code-breaker to appear on U.K.’s new £50 bank note ................................................................................................. 28
SBI Managing Director Anshula Kant appointed World Bank’s MD and CFO .............................................................................................. 29
Arun Kumar appointed as DGCA Director General ............................................................................................................................................. 29
IMF Chief Christine Lagarde to now head European Central Bank .................................................................................................................. 29
Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen appointed new President of EU Commission ............................................................................................. 30
Manoj Kumar Nambiar elected Chairman of MFIN ............................................................................................................................................. 30
Fact Box: Jaya Arunachalam ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Aparna Kumar becomes 1st IPS Officer to complete 7 Summits Challenge .................................................................................................... 31
A Prime Minister to Remember: Book by Former Navy Chief released ........................................................................................................... 32
Sharad Kumar Saraf elected FIEO’s new President ............................................................................................................................................... 32
Samanat Goel appointed as RAW Chief ................................................................................................................................................................... 33
Arvind Kumar appointed as Director of Intelligence Bureau .............................................................................................................................. 33
Fact Box: Freedom Fighter Mohan Ranade ............................................................................................................................................................. 33
Lessons Life Taught Me Unknowingly: Anupam Kher’s Autobiography ......................................................................................................... 34
Function of Data Sovereignty: Vinit Goenka’s new book .................................................................................................................................... 34
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev pens Autobiography ....................................................................................................................................................... 35
Author Amish Tripathi appointed director of London’s Nehru Centre ............................................................................................................ 35
Shefali Juneja appointed India’s representative to ICAO’s council ...................................................................................................................... 35
ACC Approves extension of Alok Vardhan Chaturvedi as DGFT ..................................................................................................................... 36
Lt Gen Faiz Hameed: appointed Pakistan’s new ISI chief .................................................................................................................................... 36
Denmark’s Inger Andersen takes over as UNEP’s Executive Director .............................................................................................................. 37
CEA Krishnamurthy Subramanian appointed part-time member in IBBI ........................................................................................................ 37
Manipur man detects WhatsApp bug, enters Facebook Hall of Fame 2019 ................................................................................................... 38
Thawarchand Gehlot appointed as Leader of Rajya Sabha ................................................................................................................................. 38
Virendra Kumar: Pro-tem Speaker of 17th Lok Sabha ......................................................................................................................................... 38
Fact Box: Girish Karnad ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
IPS V.S. Kaumudi appointed as Director General of BPR&D .............................................................................................................................. 39
Nigeria’s UN envoy elected as President of UNGA 74th Session ...................................................................................................................... 40
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra appointed Director General of IMD ............................................................................................................................. 40
Ajit Doval reappointed as National Security Adviser ............................................................................................................................................. 41
CAG Rajiv Mehrishi elected External Auditor for WHO ....................................................................................................................................... 41
Indian-origin Anita Bhatia appointed UN Deputy Executive Director ............................................................................................................... 42
Pema Khandu sworn-in as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister ........................................................................................................................... 42
Naveen Patnaik sworn in as Odisha Chief Minister ............................................................................................................................................... 43
Murray Gell-Man: Nobel Prize winning physicist dies at 89 .............................................................................................................................. 43
P S Golay sworn in as new CM of Sikkim .............................................................................................................................................................. 43
‘Formula One’ Legend: Niki Lauda dies at 70 ....................................................................................................................................................... 44
I. M. Pei, a pillar of modern architecture, dies at 102 in US ............................................................................................................................... 44
Nepal’s Kami Rita scales Mount Everest for Record 23rd time .......................................................................................................................... 45
Retd. Justice Madan Lokur Appointed Judge of Supreme Court of Fiji ............................................................................................................ 45
Justice A K Sikri appointed as the Chairperson of NBSA .................................................................................................................................... 46
Aarohi Pandit became World’s 1st woman to cross Atlantic Ocean solo in LSA ........................................................................................... 46
Actress Dia Mirza, among 17 New SDG Advocates of UN ................................................................................................................................ 47
Justice A S Oka sworn in as Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court ................................................................................................................ 48
Renowned Tamil novelist Thopil Mohammed Meeran dies aged 74 ............................................................................................................... 48

Pioneer Indian Lawyer Dr N. R. Madhava Menon passes away ......................................................................................................................... 49

India’s Jagjit Pavadia re-elected International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) ............................................................................................ 49
Justice PR Ramachandra Menon sworn in as Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh .................................................................................................... 50
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange sentenced in UK prison .................................................................................................................................. 50
Israel honors 1971 war hero Lt. Gen. (retd) JFR Jacob ......................................................................................................................................... 51
US Judge and Civil Rights Icon Damon J. Keith Dies at 96 age ......................................................................................................................... 51
Three Indians included in Time’s 100 Most Influential People List 2019 ......................................................................................................... 52
‘Politics of Jugaad: The Coalition Handbook’, released ......................................................................................................................................... 52
Former Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag appointed High Commissioner to Seychelles ................................................................................ 52
..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 52
Jamia Millia Islamia gets its First Woman Vice-Chancellor .................................................................................................................................. 53
Vice Admiral Karambir Singh appointed as next Navy chief ............................................................................................................................... 53
Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose Sworn-in as Lokpal ................................................................................................................................................ 53
Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose to be the First Lokpal .................................................................................... 54
Ajit Kumar Mohanty Appointed Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre .............................................................................................. 54
India nominates Ramesh Chand to head Food and Agriculture Organisation ................................................................................................. 55
P V Ramesh appointed as the director-general of the National Archives of India .......................................................................................... 55
Justice SA Bobde nominated as NALSA Executive Chairman ............................................................................................................................. 55
Bezbaruah reappointed as Chairman of Tea Board .............................................................................................................................................. 56
Bhagwan Lal Sahni appointed Chairman of the National Commission for Backward Classes .................................................................... 56
Govind Prasad Sharma appointed as Chairman of NBT ...................................................................................................................................... 57
Kareena Kapoor Khan appointed ambassador of Swasth Immunised India campaign ................................................................................. 57
Dr G C Anupama elected as President of Astronomical Society of India ........................................................................................................ 58
UN Appoints Chandramouli Ramanathan as Controller & ASG ........................................................................................................................ 58
Hina Jaiswal becomes the First Woman Flight Engineer of IAF ......................................................................................................................... 59
Sushil Chandra appointed new Election Commissioner ....................................................................................................................................... 59
Life Size Portrait of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Unveiled in Parliament ....................................................................................................................... 59
Meghalaya govt to rename Dikkibandi stadium after P A Sangma ................................................................................................................... 60
“Law, Justice and Judicial Power – Justice P N Bhagwati’s Approach” Book Launched .............................................................................. 60
India’s Mithali Raj Becomes First Woman Cricketer to Play 200 ODIs ............................................................................................................ 61
Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed CBI Director ........................................................................................................................................................... 61
Punit Goenka named as new chairman of BARC India ........................................................................................................................................ 61
IPS officer Aparna Kumar completes South Pole expedition .............................................................................................................................. 62
Delhi HC allows release of Movie ‘72 Hours – Martyr who never died’ ......................................................................................................... 62
Satyarup Siddhanta becomes world’s youngest to climb 7 highest volcanoes, 7 highest mountains in 7 continents ............................ 63
Sanjay Jain, K M Nataraj appointed as Additional Solicitor Generals ................................................................................................................ 63
Gita Gopinath becomes the first female chief economist of IMF ...................................................................................................................... 64
Justice AK Sikri nominated as Executive Chairman of NALSA .......................................................................................................................... 64
PM releases commemorative stamp on Maharaja Suheldev ................................................................................................................................ 65
Sangeeta Verma joins Competition Commission of India (CCI) ........................................................................................................................ 65
PM releases commemorative coin in honour of Atal Bihari Vajpayee ............................................................................................................... 65
India Celebrates National Farmers Day ................................................................................................................................................................... 66
Vedangi Kulkarni: Indian woman becomes fastest Asian to cycle the Globe .................................................................................................. 66
National Mathematics Day celebrated on 22nd December ................................................................................................................................. 67
Mamata Banerjee awarded the Skoch CM of the Year Award .......................................................................................................................... 67
WV Raman appointed as the new coach of Women’s Cricket Team of India ................................................................................................ 67
Harsh Vardhan Shringla appointed as India’s Ambassador to US ..................................................................................................................... 68
Charles Michel resigns as the Prime Minister of Belgium ................................................................................................................................... 68
Postage Stamp on Rajkumar Shukla, associated with the Champaran Satyagraha, released ....................................................................... 68
Famous classical singer Pandit Arun Bhaduri passed away ................................................................................................................................. 69
Madhavi Divan appointed as the new Additional Solicitor General .................................................................................................................. 69
Catriona Gray from Philippines wins Miss Universe 2018 Title ......................................................................................................................... 69
Shree Saini wins Miss India Worldwide, 2018 ....................................................................................................................................................... 70
Pu Zoramthanga has been appointed as new Chief Minister of Mizoram ....................................................................................................... 70
Bharat Bhushan Vyas Appointed as New Member of UPSC ............................................................................................................................... 71
BP Singh Appointed as FTII New Chairman ........................................................................................................................................................... 71

CAG Rajiv Mehrishi appointed as Vice-Chair of UN Panel of Auditors .................................................................................................... 71

Economist Surjit Bhalla resigns from Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council ..................................................................................... 72
Sunil Arora takes over as new Chief Election Commissioner of India .............................................................................................................. 72
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to be chief guest at Republic Day celebrations 2019 ............................................................... 73
Blue Cross: Abhinav Bindra becomes first Indian to get highest shooting honour ........................................................................................ 73
Salom Zurichishvili elected as first female President of Georgia ........................................................................................................................ 73
Government appoints AM Naik as Chairman of National Skill Development Corporation ........................................................................ 74
Arvind Saxena appointed as Chairman of Union Public Service Commission ................................................................................................ 74
Nageshwara Rao Guntur appointed as Chairperson of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board .......................................................................... 74
Sunil Arora appointed as new Chief Election Commissioner .............................................................................................................................. 75
Akhilesh Ranjan appointed as Convenor of Task Force drafting New Direct Tax Legislation ................................................................... 75
UNICEF appoints Singer Nahid Afrin as first Youth Advocate of NE region to fight for child rights ....................................................... 75
Joyce Msuya appointed as acting Executive Director of UNEP .......................................................................................................................... 76
Jalaj Srivastava appointed Chairman of Inland Waterways Authority of India ................................................................................................ 76
Lakshya Sen wins bronze medal in men’s singles at World Junior Badminton Championship ................................................................... 77
Sanjay Kumar Mishra appointed Director of Enforcement Directorate ........................................................................................................... 77
India’s Ankita Raina and Karman Kaur Thandi win Women’s Doubles title at Taipei OEC Open tennis ................................................ 77
WCD Ministry nominates 3 new members of National Commission for Women ......................................................................................... 77
Ashok Kumar Gupta appointed as Chairperson of Competition Commission of India ................................................................................ 78
PK Dash, Akhilesh Ranjan and Neena Kumar inducted as members of CBDT ............................................................................................. 78
Justices Hemant Gupta, R. Subhash Reddy, M R Shah and Ajay Rastogi were sworn in as judges of SC ............................................... 78
Lt General Rajeshwar takes over as 12th Chief of Integrated Defence Staff ................................................................................................... 79

Radha Krishna Mathur sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh UT

Published On Nov 01, 2019
Radha Krishna Mathur (65) was formally sworn in as first ever Lieutenant Governor of newly carved
Union Territory of Ladakh on 31 October 2019. He was nominated to be the first Lieutenant Governor of
Ladakh by President of India on 25 October 2019. He was administered Oath of Office and Secrecy by Chief
Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Gita Mittal.
On 31 October 2019 the reorganization of erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories
of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh came into existence. The day also marks the birth anniversary of Iron
man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who is credited with merger of over 560 states into Union of India.
Key Highlights
Centre has also appointed Umang Narula, a 1989-batch IAS officer, as the advisor to newly-appointed Lt
Governor of Ladakh. At present, Umang is posted as principal secretary to Jammu and Kashmir Governor
Satya Pal Malilk.
SS Khandare, a 1995-batch IPS officer, has been appointed Head of Police of Union Territory of Ladakh.
About Radha Krishna Mathur
He is a retired 1977 batch IAS officer of Tripura cadre. In November 2018, he retired as Chief Information
Commissioner(CIC) of India. He has also held position as- Union Defence Secretary, Union Defence
Production Secretary, Union Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Secretary and Chief Secretary
of Tripura.
New Provision for Ladakh as a UT
The creation of two new Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh follows a landmark decision
by the centre to abrogate Article 370 and 35A of the constitution on 5 August 2019.
Under the new provision, Ladakh will be a Union Territory on the lines of Andaman and Nicobar, directly
governed by Lieutenant Governor. Ladakh will have two Hill councils directly under Lieutenant Governor.
Also, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir will be common for both Ladakh and J&K.
Moreover, the Scheduled Lists of 106 central laws will be applicable to two newly carved UT’s, which
includes the Aadhaar Act, 2016, Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, and Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009.
Moreover, the bodies such as SC commission, ST commission and Minority commission will be setup in
both UTs.
NOTE: Ladakh has a population of nearly 3 lakh and is strategically located as it shares borders with
Pakistan as well as China.
Girish Chandra Murmu sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of J&K
Girish Chandra Murmu (59) took oath as the first Lieutenant Governor of Union Territory of Jammu and
Kashmir on 31 October 2019. He was administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy by Justice Gita Mittal,
Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court at function held at Raj Bhawan at the foothills of the
Zaberwan range. He will preside over the last Governor of Jammu and Kashmir (position now abolished),
Satya Pal Malik who now moves to Goa for the remainder of his tenure as the governor.
The reorganization of erstwhile State of Jammu & Kashmir into Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir
and Ladakh came into existence on the birth anniversary of Iron man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The creation of two new UTs of J&K and Ladakh follows a landmark decision by centre to abrogate Article
370 and 35A of constitution on 5 August 2019.
About Girish Chandra Murmu
Born 21 November 1959, G C Murmu is an MBA in public service and also holds a post graduate in political
science. He is a 1985 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Gujarat cadre and has served as
principal secretary to Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.
He took charge as the first Lieutenant Governor of J&K after the formation of new Union territory of
Jammu and Kashmir under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
NOTE: Lieutenant Governors are appointed by President of India for a term of 5years.
Rafael Grossi elected new Director General of IAEA
Published On Oct 30, 2019
Rafael Mariano Grossi of Argentina has been appointed as the new Director General of International

Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. The Argentine diplomat will succeed
late Yukiya Amano as the new chief of IAEA.
Key Highlights
The 58-year-old Gossi will be appointed for a term of four years and will assume office no later than 1
January 2020. He will be the sixth head of IAEA since it was founded more than six decades ago in 1957.
He will preside over the 2020 Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of
Nuclear Weapons at the UN headquarter in New York from April to May 2020.
About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
It is an international organization that promotes peaceful use of nuclear energy as well as inhibits the use
of nuclear energy for any military purpose including nuclear weapons. It was established on 29 July 1957
with its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. It was created as an autonomous organisation through its own
international treaty, the IAEA Statute. Even though IAEA is established independently of United Nations,
it reports to both United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
IAEA General Conference consists of representatives of all 171 Member States.
About Rafael Grossi
He is a nuclear and diplomatic veteran from Buenos Aires in Argentina. He chaired expert panels on UN
Register of Conventional Arms in 1997 and 2000. He was the chief political coordinator at Argentine
Foreign Ministry from 2007-10, before being anmol guptanamed an ambassador
| [email protected] | to Belgium, while doubling as
Argentine envoy to United Nations office in Geneva. He served as a diplomat for a decade before holding
several senior positions within UN. He has been Argentina’s ambassador to Slovakia, Slovenia and Austria
and permanent representative to international organisations in Vienna since 2013.
From 2002 to 2007, he headed the IAEA headquarters in Vienna (Austrian capital) and UN’s Organisation
for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague, Netherlands. In 2010, IAEA had appointed
Grossi as its assistant director-general for a stint of three years. He also headed Nuclear Suppliers Group
(NSG), which is a multinational export control regime, the Convention on Nuclear Security and was
deputy to the head of OPCW between 2014 and 2016.
Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde appointed as 47th Chief Justice of India
Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde (aged 63) was appointed as 47th Chief Justice of India (CJI). His Warrant of
Appointment was signed by President Ram Nath Kovind under Article 124 of the Constitution of India. He
will take oath as the next head of the Indian judiciary on 18 November 2019, a day after incumbent Ranjan
Gogoi demits office. His tenure will be of total 17 months and will be demitting office on 23 April 2021.
Being senior most judge, his name was recommended by incumbent CJI Gogoi as per the established
procedure.
About Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde
He was born in Nagour Maharashtra on 24 April, 1955. He had studied in Nagour University. He comes
from family of lawyers. His father Arvind Bobde was advocate-general of Maharashtra and his elder
brother late Vinod Arvind Bobde a renowned senior advocate of Supreme Court.
He was enrolled as an advocate of the Bar Council of Maharashtra in 1978. He had practised law at Nagpur
Bench of the Bombay High Court with appearances at Bombay before Principal Seat and before Supreme
Court for over 21 years. He was designated as senior advocate in 1998.
He was elevated to Bombay High Court in March 2000, as Additional Judge. He was sworn in as Chief
Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court in October 2012. He was elevated as a judge of Supreme Court on
April 2013.
Sanjeev Nandan Sahai appointed new Power Secretary
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of senior IAS officer
Sanjeev Nandan Sahai as the new power secretary. The order in this regard was issued by Union Ministry
of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.
About Sanjeev Nandan Sahai
He is a 1986-batch IAS officer of union territories (UT) cadre. He is at present serving as the special
secretary in power ministry.

He would be replacing Subhash Chander Garg who superannuates on 31 October 2019. Garg, who would
have retired next year (2020) after completing 60-year age of superannuation, was removed as finance
secretary soon after budget was passed by Parliament and appointed power secretary in July 2019. Garg
had sought voluntary retirement after being shunted out from the post of finance secretary and was
serving a 3-month notice period pending acceptance of his voluntary retirement.
Other Key Appointments
B R Sharma appointed Chairman, Staff Selection Commission- Jammu and Kashmir cadre IAS officer B R
Sharma, who has been serving as Secretary in Border Roads Organisation (BRO) under the Home Ministry,
was appointed Chairman, Staff Selection Commission.
Nagendra Nath Sinha appointed NHAI Chairman- He is a 1987 batch IAS officer as the Chairman of
National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). He is will take Sharma’s place in BRO.
Pankaj Kumar appointed CEO of UIDAI
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of IAS Pankaj Kumar as the
chief executive officer (CEO) of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), which issues Aadhaar.
About Pankaj Kumar
He was currently serving as Additional Secretary in Union Ministry of Electronics and Information
Technology (MeitY). He is appointed as CEO of UIDAI in the rank and pay of Secretary by temporarily
upgrading the post.

About Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI)
It is a statutory authority under the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, 2016. It functions under the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), with the mandate to issue UID or Aadhaar, a 12-digit
random number to all residents of India to eliminate duplicate and fake id entities. It is founded by on
Government of India 28 January 2009 and is headquartered in New Delhi.
PM Modi releases book titled ‘Bridgital Nation’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a book titled ‘Bridgital Nation: Solving Technology’s People Problem’
in New Delhi on 20 October 2019. He presented books’ first copy to eminent industrialist and
philanthropist Ratan Tata. The book has been authored by N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons and
Roopa Purushothaman.
About the Book
The book ‘Bridgital Nation’ presents a powerful vision of future where technology and human beings co-
exist in a mutually beneficial ecosystem. It stresses that instead of accepting technology as replacement of
human labour, India can use it as an aid to generate more jobs. The cutting edge digital tools can act as
bridge between aspirations and achievements – hence the term ‘bridgital’.
The book strengthens the vision of government on technological approach. It stresses that technology is a
bridge not a divider and it is a multiplier not a threat.
Technology and talent are not a threat but force multiplier, moreover, technology builds a bridge between
aspirations and achievements; and also a bridge between government and governance.
When technology becomes bridge it leads to transparency and targeted Delivery and thereby, effective use
of technology turns challenges into opportunities. However, technology was not the only solution but
human intention and right intention is also very important.
IPS Anup Kumar Singh appointed as new NSG Chief
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed Senior
Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Anup Kumar Singh as the new Director-General of National Security
Guard (NSG), also known as ‘black cats commando’ force. He is a 1985-batch Gujarat cadre IPS officer. His
appointment will be from the date of joining post and up to 30 September 2020 or till further orders,
whichever is earlier.
The NSG Chief post was lying vacant for more than two months after the retirement of Sudeep Lakhtakia,
a 1984-batch IPS officer of Telangana cadre.
About National Security Guard (NSG)

It was raised in 1984 following Operation Blue Star, assassination of Indira Gandhi and Akshardham
Temple attack.It is a federal contingency force to counter terrorists and hijack-like incidents with a view
to protect states against internal disturbances. This counter-terrorism unit is under Union Ministry of
Home Affairs.
NSG commandos are based in five hubs across country, apart from their main garrison in Manesar,
Gurgaon. They also render personal security to some of most high-profile VVIPs such as Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh and some chief ministers.
Justice Bobde recommended as next CJI
Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has recommended Justice SA Bobde as his successor. CJI Gogoi will
demit his office on November 17, 2019. He was sworn in as the 46th CJI on October 3, 2018.
According to the Memorandum of Procedure, the appointment to the office of Chief Justice of India should
be of the senior most judge of the Supreme Court. The CJI vacating the office recommends the name to
the law minister and the minister puts it before the PM who advises the president on the matter.
Justice Bobde
Sharad Arvind Bobde is the current Judge of Supreme Court(SC) of India and a former Chief Justice of
Madhya Pradesh High Court. He is due to retire on 23 April 2021. He comes from a Nagpur-based lawyer
family. His grandfather was a lawyer and hisanmolfather Arvind Bobde
gupta | [email protected] | was an advocate in Maharashtra. Bobde
elder brother late Vinod Arvind Bobde was a constitutional expert and was a senior Supreme Court
Lawyer
Notable Judgements of Justice Bobde
Aadhar-Along with Justice Chelameswar and Chokkalingam Nagappan he ratified an earlier order of
SC. The judgement clarified that no Indian citizen without an Aadhaar card can be deprived of basic
services and government subsidies
Religious-The ban by the Karnataka Government of a book by Mate Mahadevi on the ground it
outraged religious feelings of the followers of Lord Basavanna. The judgement was pronounced by a
2-judge bench of Supreme Court that comprised of Justice Nageswara Rao and Justice Bobde
Environment-The sales of fire crackers were suspended due to extreme pollution based on the
judgement pronounced by a 3-judge bench that comprised of Justice TS Thakur, Justice Arjan
Kumar Sikri and Justice Bobde
Sajjan Jindal appointed Vice Chairman World Steel
Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director, JSW Steel has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman of
World Steel Association (Worldsteel). He is appointed for a period of one year. The association also elected
YU Yong, Chairman, HBIS Group Co, as Chairman. Apart from this, the board also elected a 14-member
Executive Committee.
Other elected members of association include– T V Narendran, Chief Executive Officer and Managing
Director, Tata Steel, and Lakshmi Mittal, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, ArcelorMittal.
Furthermore, RL Steels and Energy Limited (India) elected as regular members and Steel Ministry’s Joint
Plant Committee (JPC) as an affiliated member.
About World Steel Association (worldsteel)
It is international trade body for iron and steel industry and is one of the largest industry representations
in world. It was established on 10 July 1967 and is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
The worldsteel members represent approximately 85% of world’s steel production, including more than
160 steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations and steel research institutes.
Kais Saied elected as new President of Tunisia
Kais Saied is elected as the new President of Tunisia after a landslide victory in recently concluded
Presidential runoff. The Independent law professor Kais Saied won against his rival, Nabil Karoui. He won
Tunisia’s presidential election with 72.71% of votes.
Key Highlights
The 61 year old Saied is an independent candidate with no political experience.
The poll was the second free Presidential elections in Tunisia since 2010-11 uprising that toppled long-
standing ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The elections followed the death of President Beji Caid Essebsi in
July 2019.
Sourav Ganguly set to be new BCCI president
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly is all set to become the new president of Board of Control for
Cricket in India (BCCI) with elections unlikely to be held at BCCI’s Annual General Meeting on October 23.
He defeated Brijesh Patel in a see-saw battle and is expected to be the only presidential nominee.
The 47-year-old Sourav Ganguly currently holds the presidency of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). He
will have to demit his post in September 2020 due to a compulsory cooling-off period.
Key Highlights
In an informal setting held in Mumbai, all the BCCI members came together in a unanimous stand against
Supreme Court Committee of Administrators’ (COA) functioning, and signalled their return to the corridors
of Indian cricket administration by choosing Sourav Ganguly to be next president of BCCI.
At the meet, two powerful lobbies, one backed by Anurag Thakur and another by N Srinivasan, pushed for
their candidate Sourav Ganguly and Brijesh Patel respectively, to be appointed next BCCI president.
It was later agreed that Sourav Ganguly would become hold the next BCCI presidency while Karnataka’s
Brijesh Patel would now take over as chairman of |IPL
anmol gupta Governing
[email protected] | Council.
About Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
It is the national governing body for cricket in India that was formed in December 1928. It was established
as a society and registered under Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act.
Organisation Structure: BCCI will have a nine-member apex council. It will constitute of- President, vice-
president, secretary, joint secretary, treasurer, a male and a female representative of cricketers’
association, a representative from central government and a representative from IPL Governing Council .
Other Recent Appointments:
Gujarat’s Jay Shah, son of Union Home minister Amit Shah, is likely to be secretary while Himachal
Pradesh’s Arun Singh Thakur is likely to become treasurer. Devajit Saikia from Assam Cricket Association
is in contention to be Board’s joint secretary.
Former India opener Anshuman Gaekwad has been elected as male representative of cricketers association
while former India women’s captain Shantha Rangaswamy has been elected female representative of
cricketers’ association and former Delhi cricketer Surinder Khanna will be the IPL Governing Council
representative at Council.
PM releases commemorative stamp to honour IAF Marshal late Arjan Singh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released commemorative stamp to honour Marshal of Air Force late Arjan
Singh in New Delhi. It was released ‘at home’ programme of the Indian Air Force to mark its 87th raising
day. The stamp was released as a tribute to his exemplary service to nation.
About Arjan Singh
Born on 15 April 1919 in Lyalpur (now Faislabad, Pakistan). Died on 16 September 2017 in New Delhi.
Airforce Career: He was selected to Empire Pilot training course at Royal Air Force Cranwell at age of 19
years. During British India rule, he had served on different positions in RAF. He holds unique honour of
leading fly-past of over hundred IAF aircrafts over Red Fort in Delhi on 15 August 1947. He had served as
IAF chief from August 1964 to 69. He was first Indian Air Chief to be elevated to rank of Air Chief Marshal
in 1966. He had led Indian Air Force (IAF) in 1965 India-Pakistan war, during which he had launched IAF’s
Operation Grand Slam that targeted at vital town of Akhnoor of Pakistan. He retired from IAF in August
1969.
Important posts held: He had served as Ambassador of India to Switzerland. He also had served as
Lieutenant Governor of New Delhi (1989-90).
Awards and Honours: Government of India had conferred rank of “Marshal of the Indian Air Force” on
him in 2002. He was first and only ‘Five Star’ rank IAF officer. He was awarded Padma Vibhushan. In his
honour, Union Government had renamed IAF’s Panagarh Air Force Base in West Bengal as ‘Air Force

Station Arjan Singh’ in 2016.

Surjit S Bhalla appointed as Executive Director for India at IMF
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Economist Surjit S
Bhalla as Executive Director for India on board of International Monetary Fund (IMF). The 71 year old
Bhalla is appointed for a period of three years from the date of assumption of charge of the post or until
further orders, whichever is earlier.
He will be succeeding former RBI deputy governor Subir Gokarn as Executive Director for India at IMF
who died in the US on July 30 after a brief illness. S Gokarn (59) was appointed ED for India on the board
of the IMF in November 2015 and was supposed to complete his term in October.
About Surjit S Bhalla
He is an economist, columnist and also a Contributing Editor with The Indian Express.
He holds a PhD in Economics from Princeton University, a Masters in Public and International Affairs
(PIA) from Woodrow Wilson School, Princeton University, and a BSEE (Bachelor of Science in Electrical
Engineering) degree from Purdue University.
In December 2018 he resigned as part-time member of Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister
(EAC-PM).
Justice Rajendra Menon recommended as next Chairman of Armed Forces Tribunal
Published On Sep 30, 2019
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi has recommended former
Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajendra Menon as the next chairman of Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). The
other members of bench included Justices SA Bobde and S Abdul Nazeer.
Key Highlights
If the appointment of Justice Rajendra Menon is approved by Centre, he will assume the charge once the
incumbent Chairman of Armed Forces Tribunal, Justice Virender Singh retires on 6 October 2019.
Attorney General KK Venugopal informed the court that the file of Justice Menon was under
consideration of Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister.
About Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)
It is a military tribunal in India that was established under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007. The Act
gives the AFT power for adjudication/trial of disputes and complaints with respect to enrolments,
appointments, commission, and conditions of service in respect of persons subject to Army Act (1950), The
Navy Act (1957) and Air Force Act (1950).
The AFT has the Principal Bench in New Delhi. It has Regional Benches at Lucknow, Chennai, Chandigarh,
Jaipur, Guwahati, Kochi, Mumbai and Kolkatta. Except Chandigarh and Lucknow Regional Benches, which
have 3 benches each, all other locations have a single bench. Each AFT Bench comprises of a Judicial
Member and an Administrative Member.
Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhadauria takes charge as IAF Chief
Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria took charge as the new Chief of the Indian Air Force
(IAF). He is now the 26th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. He succeeds outgoing Air Chief
Marshal BS Dhanoa, who retired after 41 years of service in IAF on 30 September 2019.
About Air Marshal Bhadauria
He was commissioned in the fighter stream of Indian Air Force in June 1980, and since then he has held
various command, staff and instructional positions.
He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy (NDA) and has won the coveted Sword of Honour for
standing first in overall order of merit.
He also has 4,250 hours of flying experience on 26 types of fighters and transport aircraft. He is also one of
the few Air Force pilots to fly a Rafale jet. In July 2019, during Exercise Garuda between Air Forces of India
and France, Bhadauria had flown the aircraft.
K. Siva Reddy awarded Saraswati Samman
K Siva Reddy is a Telugu poet. He was awarded the Saraswati Samman award for his collection Pakkaki
Ottigilite in 2018.
About Saraswati Samman

The award is considered as the highest recognition in the field of Indian literature. It carries a cash prize
of Rs 15 lakhs. The award is instituted by the KK Birla Foundation and is honored with once in a year.
The award is provided after a rigorous selection process carried out by Chayan Parishad. Chayan Parishad
is the selection committee that is assisted by regional committees. It consists of eminent writers and
scholars of various languages.
About K Siva Reddy
K Siva Reddy was born in an agricultural family. He is a renowned modern poet in Telugu. He has also
taught English literature.
About Pakkaki Ottigilite
The poem was published in 2016. It is an anthology of 104 poems in blank verses. Blank verse has no
rhyme. It consists of lines of 5 feet. The verses are the in the form of responses by the poet to the social
changes over the years, the evolution of his own self and his relationship with the world
Suresh Chitturi appointed Chief of International Egg Commission
Suresh Chitturi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of India’s leading poultry firm Srinivasa Farms,
has been appointed as chairman of the International Egg Commission (IEC). The Srinivasa Farms is
recognised as one of the builders of the Indian Poultry industry in the last 50 years.
Key Highlights anmol gupta | [email protected] |
In the history of the IEC institution, Suresh Chitturi will be the first chair from Asia.
His appointment was made at the IEC Global Leadership Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
He is appointed as the Chairman of IEC for a period of next two years.
His work has been recognised at a global level as he was engaged in advocacy for poultry industry,
internationally.
About International Egg Commission (IEC)
It is a membership organisation dedicated to the global egg industry. It was established in 1964, at the 2nd
International Egg Conference held in Bologna, Italy. So far IEC has membership in over 80 countries.
Air Marshal HS Arora appointed as Vice Chief of Indian Air Force
Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of Indian Air Force (IAF). He will
be succeeding Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who will take over as Chief of Air Staff on September 30 after
the retirement his predecessor and the incumbent Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief ACM BS Dhanoa.
Air Marshal HS Arora currently heads the Gandhinagar headquartered South Western Air Command of
Indian Air Force. Therefore, meanwhile, Air Marshal B Suresh has been appointed as Western Air
Commander of Air Force.
About Air Marshal HS Arora
He was commissioned in IAF as a fighter pilot in December 1981.
He has diverse experience of accident-free operational flying including MiG 21, MiG 29 and other aircraft
in IAF inventory and also helicopters.
Career: From 2006 to 2009, he was deputed as Defence Attache at Embassy of India, Bangkok, Thailand.
As a Wing Commander he commanded 45 Squadron and was later the Commander of an Air Defence
Direction Centre (ADDC) in Western Sector. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and
National Defence College (NDC) and is Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies.
Honour: In recognition of his distinguished service, he was commended by Air Officer Commanding-in-
Chief in 1997. He was also awarded Ati Vishist Seva Medal on 26 Jan 2011 by President of India.
UAE’s Hazza Al Mansouri became first Arab Astronaut in space
The United Arab Emirates’s (UAE) Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati and the first Arab
astronaut to travel to International Space Station (ISS). However he is only the 3rd Arab in space after
Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia (1985), and Mohammad Faris (1987) of Syria.
He blasted into space accompanied by Oleg Skripochka of Russia and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir
onboard a Soyuz MS-15 rocket from Baikonur in Kazakhstan.

About Hazza Al Mansouri

The 35-year-old is a former pilot in the UAE armed forces. He will be the first Emirati astronaut and first
Arab on orbiting laboratory of ISS, but not the first Muslim.
He will spend 8 days at International Space Station (ISS) doing scientific experiments with other
international astronauts.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center provided Al Mansoori with a 10kg bag, which includes important
elements of Emirati heritage, culture and history, which will be placed in museums upon his return.
UAE’s Space Plans
As part of UAE’s space plans, the Arab nation has announced its aim to also become the first Arab country
to send an unmanned probe to orbit Mars by 2021. The country has named its Mars mission as “Hope”.
In the long-term, UAE also plans to build a “Science City” to replicate life on Mars. It also aims to create
the first human settlement on red planet by 2117.
Bangladesh lifts ban on Hilsa export to India
Bangladesh Government will allow 500 tons of Hilsa fish to be exported to India prior to the eve of Durga
Pooja. Bangladesh accounts to nearly 75% of world Hilsa production. The government of Bangladesh had
imposed ban on its export to India due to its over – exploitation.
About Hilsa
Hilsa is an endemic species of Bangladesh. Itanmolisgupta
generally referred to “King of Fish” for its soft texture and
| [email protected] |
pleasant flavor. It is the national fish of Bangladesh.

Why did Bangladesh stop export of Hilsa?
The population of Hilsa was fast decreasing in the river systems of Bangladesh. This was mainly due to
Over exploitation, construction of dams, dumping of domestic and industrial wastes into water
bodies.
The fish are also affected by the oil spills.
Their required amount of plankton reduced due to chemical pollution.
There are around 4 million fishermen involved in Hilsa fishing alone! This led to over exploitation.
The fish is also smuggled out of Bangladesh after the ban. This causes high loss of revenue for the
government.
Hilsa was under grave danger mainly due to over – consumption. Apart from reduction of its population,
the size of the fish also began to reduce. Therefore, the Government of Bangladesh brought in several
measures to save the species. The export ban was one such step.
IUCN Status of Hilsa
The fish received the status of “Threatened Species” under IUCN red list.
Steps by Bangladesh to save Hilsa
Bangladesh had introduced ban on catching baby Hilsa in 2018. It had announced strict fines on people
buying and selling Hilsa weighing less than a pound. Even today in order to protect the endemic species,
Bangladesh has prohibited Hilsa fishing in Padma and Meghna rivers during breeding season.
Steps by Bengal Government to save Hilsa
The Bengal government has a local state legislature that empowers the Fisheries department to fine and
arrest people catching Baby Hilsa.
Cultural significance
A Bengali feast is incomplete without the Hilsa. In the past, Bengali families presented Hilsa (wrapped in
red sari) to the groom’s family. It is also offered to Goddess Saraswati during Navarathri festival.
Habitat
Hilsa unlike Salmon cannot be farmed. This is mainly because of their peculiar habitat through
aquaculture. The adult Hilsa swims several kilo meters upstream to fresh water from sea for spawning
(laying eggs) and return back to sea.
The fish is abundantly present in the Sunderbans and in the slow flowing waters of Ganga – Brahmaputra.
They are usually found at the mouth of the river.
The fish is also found near the mouth of Godavari river of Andhra Pradesh. It plays a significant role in the
recipes of Andhra as well. The people of Andhra offer the fish to goddess Lakshmi during Navarathri
festival.
Hurun India Rich List 2019: Mukesh Ambani richest Indian

Reliance Industries’ Chairman Mukesh Ambani is India’s richest man as mentioned in the IIFL Wealth-
Hurun India Rich List 2019. He has topped the list of richest Indians for the 8th consecutive year. He
currently has a net worth of Rs 3.8 lakh crore.
IIFL Wealth-Hurun India Rich List 2019
The 8th edition of report was released by Hurun Report India and IIFL Wealth Management.
London-based SP Hinduja & family, with assets worth Rs.1.86 lakh crore, retained 2nd rank in the list,
while Wipro founder Azim Premji secured 3rd place with a net wealth of Rs.1.17 lakh crore.
Key Findings of List
As per latest IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List, the number of Indians having a net worth of over
Rs1,000 crore has grown to 953 this year from 831 in 2018.
The number of Indians billionaires in terms of US dollar has reduced to 138 from 141.
The combined wealth of top 25 Indians in list equates to 10% of India’s GDP and that of 953 accounts
for 27%.
Although cumulative wealth for 2019 shows an increase of 2% compared to 2018 but the average
wealth shows a decline of 11%.
With 246 individuals (or 26% of list), Mumbai is absolute
anmol gupta | [email protected] | capital when it comes to the residence of
top entrepreneurs of India. Mumbai is followed by New Delhi (175) and Bengaluru (77).
Kristalina Georgieva appointed as new IMF chief

The Bulgarian Economist Christina Georgieva was appointed as the new head of the International
Monetary Fund.
Kristalina Georgieva
Kristalina had served as Chief Executive in World Bank as well. Before becoming CEO of the bank in 2019,
she had served in number of top positions in the Bank since 2008. In 2014, she served as Vice – President
of European Commission. She had run the post of Secretary – General at the UN for a very short duration.
Her tenure ended following a vote at the UN Security Council where Antonio Guterres gained its support.
She began her career at the World Bank in 1993. Her works and coordination towards disaster around the
world in 2010 were applauded. It included floods in Pakistan, earthquake in Haiti and Chile, industrial
accident at Ajka, Hungary and Romanian floods.
Awards
Georgieva was named “European of the year” in 2010. She was also awarded “EU Commissioner of the
year” for her handling of humanitarian crisis in Pakistan and Haiti.
Responsibilities of IMF Chief

The responsibilities of IMF chief are defined in IMF’s Article of Agreement. According to the article, the chief shall
coordinate the operating staff and the funds of IMF under an Executive board. He or she is responsible for
appointment and dismissal of the staff of the Fund.
Selection Process of IMF Chief
The IMF chief is appointed by a 24 member Executive board. It is completely merit based. The directors of the board
were allowed to file nominations for the post till 2011. After 2011, the appointments were based on managerial,
diplomatic and professional skills of the director.
Indians in IMF
Indian born Gita Gopinath was the first Indian woman to hold a higher position in IMF. She joined IMF in 2018 as a
Chief Economist. Before her the Ex – RBI chief Raghuram Rajan was the first Indian to hold the position of Chief
Economic Advisor in the IMF.
Reports published by IMF
IMF publishes 2 major reports (1) World Economic Outlook – It is published biennially. It gives an overview and
detailed analysis of the world economy by considering the issues of industrial countries, economies in the mode of
transition and developing countries. (2) Global Financial Stability Report – It is also published twice a year. The
report assesses stability of global financial market and emerging markets.
About IMF
IMF is an international organisation headquartered at Washington DC. It consists of 189 countries. IMF
works towards global monetary cooperation, facilitates international trade and secures financial stability.
It was formed in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference.
Amitabh Bachchan to get Dadasaheb Phalke Award – 2018
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with India’s highest award in cinema, the
Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2018. He will be conferred the prestigious film honour for his
‘outstanding contribution for the growth and development of Indian cinema’. The award comes in the year
that marks Amitabh Bachchan’s golden jubilee (50 years) in cinema. The announcement in this regard was
made by Minister of Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar.
About Amitabh Bachchan
He made his debut in 1969 with film ‘Saat Hindustani’.
For past five decades he is one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema.
Awards:
He has also been honoured with Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (2001) and Padma Vibhushan (2015).
In 2007, the French Government conferred upon him with France’s highest civilian honour- ‘the Knight of
the Legion of Honour’, for his exceptional career in the world of cinema and beyond.
He has also been conferred with 4 national awards and 15 filmfare trophies.
About Dadasaheb Phalke Award
It is country’s highest film honour. It was introduced by government in 1969.
The award was founded to commemorate ‘father of Indian cinema’, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly
known as Dadasaheb Phalke. He directed Raja Harischandra (1913), India’s first feature film.
In 2018, at 65th National Awards, Vinod Khanna was posthumously honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke
Award 2017 for his priceless contribution to cinema.
First Recipient: Devika Rani, ‘the first lady of Indian cinema’.
Prize: Award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus), a shawl and a cash prize of Rs.10 Lakh.
Vice President inaugurates 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier
At Kottal in Kerala, vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated 150th birth anniversary celebrations
of Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier. He emphasized the importance of Ayurvedic medicine and Atharva Veda at
the event.
About Vaidyaratnam P S Warrier
He was an Ayurvedic physician. He founded Kottakal Arya Vaidyasala in 1902 for manufacture and sale of
Ayurvedic medicines in India. He also established a Ayurvedic Patasala in 1917 that is now operating as an
Ayurveda college. The group now has 5 hospitals, 3 medicine factories, R&D centers, 200 acres of herbal

gardens.
Arya Vaidya Sala
The Arya Vaidya Sala institutions are headquartered at Kottakkal, Malappuram district. It operates 5
hospitals and and a charitable center. It is currently treating 800,000 patients. It also assists in Ministry of
AYUSH in providing training and advises. The Ayurvedic pills discovered by the center has revolutionized
Ayurvedic medicines. The center owns herbal gardens, medicinal plant researches. It also works on
researches with CSIR – Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of Government of India.
Awards and recognitions
Government of India issued postage stamps in his honor. In 1933, he was conferred with the title
“Vaidyaratna” in recognition of his services to humanity by the then Governor General of India.
Ponung Doming – First woman officer from Arunachal Pradesh to become Lieutenant Colonel In
Indian Army
Ponung Doming is the first lady officer from Arunachal Pradesh in the Indian army to be elevated to the
rank of Lieutenant colonel.
She was commissioned into the Indian army as Lieutenant in 2008. She is currently posted in Pune,
Maharashtra. Doming had completed her graduation in civil engineering. She served the UN Peace
keeping force in Congo in 2014. anmol gupta | [email protected] |
Women in Indian Armed forces

Women in armed forces were recruited only in the officer’s rank till 2018. The Indian army for the first
time issued notification in 2019 inviting female applicants for the position of Soldier General Duty,
personnel below officer rank. There are around 3.8% of women officers in the army. Navy has 6% of women
officers and air force has 13% of women officers.
Punita Arora was the first woman officer to become Lieutenant General in the Indian armed forces. She
had won 15 medals in her 36 years of services in the Indian armed forces. She was from Punjab.
In India, females are not allowed to serve in combat units like armored corps, infantry and Mechanised
infantry. The role of women in Indian army began in 1888 when the British Raj began Indian Military
Nursing Service. It was only in 1992, the Indian army began inducting women in non – medical roles. Later
in 2007, the UN first all female peace keeping force was deployed to Liberia by India. This was first of its
kind not only in India but through out the world!
Madhukar Kamath elected chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations
Madhukar Kamath, chairman emeritus of advertising firm DDB Mudra group, has been elected as
chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for year 2019-2020. He has more than 4 decades of
experience in advertising and marketing services.
About Madhukar Kamath
He has also been president of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) chairman of The
Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and chairman of Mudra Foundation. He has been on the
board of the industry body, which certifies circulation figures of its member publications. He also helped
Omnicom acquire Mudra Group and integrate it into DDB Worldwide Network. He has served as
chairman and mentor of brand consultancy Interbrand and has led several industry bodies.
About Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) of India
It is a not for profit circulation-auditing organisation. It is responsible for certifying and auditing the
circulations of major publications, primarily of newspapers and magazines in India. It is a voluntary
organisation, founded in 1948. It is private entity operating in different parts of the world. ABC’s services
such as certificates of circulation are being availed by advertisers, publishers, advertising agencies and
organisations connected with print media advertising.
Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria appointed next Chief of Indian Air Force
Government has decided to appoint present Vice Chief of Air Staff Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria as next
Chief of Air Staff. He will take charge from the incumbent Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa who is set to retire
on September 30. At present, he is the senior most officer in Inidan Air Force after BS Dhanoa.
About Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria

He was commissioned into Fighter Stream of Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 1980. Since then he has held
various Command, Staff and Instructional Appointments at various levels including the present one as
Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS).
Apart from being decorated with PVSM, AVSM, VM, he is one of the ADCs to supreme Commander. He
took over as the Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force in May 2019.
During his nearly 40 years of career, he has commanded a Jaguar squadron and a premier Air Force
Station and was also Chief Test Pilot as well as Project Director of National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) on
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project.
With 4250 hours of experience on 26 different types of fighters and transport aircraft as well as with
unique distinction of being an Experimental Test Pilot, he is a category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and
a Pilot Attack Instructor.
Rajnath Singh becomes 1st Defence Minister to fly LCA Tejas
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has scripted history by becoming first Defence Minister to fly Light
Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’, an indigenously-built multi-role fighter aircraft. He undertook 30-minute
sortie in LCA Tejas along with Air Vice Marshall Narmdeshwar Tiwari, at the Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) Airport in Bengaluru, Karnataka.anmol gupta | [email protected] |
Defence Minister even controlled ‘Tejas’ in the air for some time and was shown Avionics and
Sophisticated Systems onboard the aircraft.
About Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
It is fourth-generation fighter aircraft with several critical capabilities and is thus meant to strengthen
India’s air defence capabilities.
It is an indigenous light weight, multi role supersonic fighter aircraft developed in both fighter and trainer
versions. To reduce weight and increase component of LCA Tejas, life Advanced materials such as
composites are used in its manufacture.
It is designed to carry a veritable plethora of air-to-air, air-to- surface, precision guided as well as standoff
weaponry.
It has been developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
Justice P Lakshmana Reddy appointed as 1st Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh
Justice P Lakshmana Reddy, a retired judge of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh High Court was sworn-in as the
first Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh. His oath to office was administered by Governor Biswabhusan
Hairchandan at a function held in Vijayawada. Chief Minister of state Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, judges of
High Court and senior state government officials presided over the event.
Key Highlights
Justice P Lakshmana Reddy would serve in office of Lokayukta for 5 years. He is first Lokayukta to be
assuming charge since the state bifurcated in 2014.
The current YSR Congress government headed by Jagan Mohan Reddy amended the Lokayukta Act in
recent state budget session. This enabled the appointment of a retired judge as Lokayukta, paving the way
for constituting corruption-probing body.
The legislation establishing Lokayukta is part of state government policy to provide transparent and
corruption-free governance.
What is Lokayukta?
Lokayukta is an anti-corruption ombudsman organization in states. A Lokayukta investigates allegations
of corruption and irregularities against officials and is tasked with speedy redressal of public grievances.
UN appoints Indian Army veteran Abhijit Guha as head of Hodeidah mission
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of United Nations (UN) appointed India’s Lieutenant General
(Retired) Abhijit Guha as the head of UN mission in Hodeidah, Yemen. Guha, who has 39 years of national
and international military experience will be succeeding Danish Lieutenant General Michael Lollesgaard,

who served in these posts from 31 January to 31 July 2019.

Besides leading the UN Mission in support of Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA), Guha will also assume the
chair of Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC). RCC is responsible for redeploying forces of
Yemeni warring parties in accordance with their agreement.
About Abhijit Guha
He is a graduate of India’s Defence Services Staff College, the College of Combat, and National Defence
College.
He has held many important commands, staff and instructional appointments within Indian Army which
includes leadership of an Infantry Brigade and Infantry Division, and of Mumbai Area.
He retired from Indian Army in 2013 and since then he has served on Expert Panel on Technology and
Innovation in UN Peacekeeping (2014) and High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (2015).
International Portfolios:
He has also served as a Military Observer as part of United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia
during 1992-23.
From 2009-2013: He served as Deputy Military Adviser and Military Adviser within the Office of Military
Affairs of United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), while also establishing Office
of Peacekeeping and Strategic Partnerships (OPSP) in 2013.
He has also led a number of United Nations’ investigations and boards of inquiry in Africa and Middle
East.
About UN Mission in support of Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA)
On 16 January 2019 UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution 2452 (2019) and decided to
establish United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA), a special political
mission that was authorised for an initial period of 6 months to lead and support functioning of
Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC), assisted by a secretariat staffed by UN personnel, to
oversee governorate-wide ceasefire, mine action operation and redeployment of forces.
On 16 July 2019 UNSC extended the mandate of mission overseeing Yemen Ceasefire Accord for 6 months
(until 15 January 2020) by unanimously adopting resolution 2481 (2019).
Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra appointed Principal Secretary to PM Modi
Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Dr. P.K. Mishra as Principal
Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with effect from 11 September 2019. He was currently
functioning as Additional Principal Secretary to PM Modi. His appointment as Principal Secretary will be
co-terminus with the term of Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
About Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra
He has a Ph.D in Economics/Development Studies from University of Sussex, M.A. in Development
Economics at University of Sussex as also M.A. in Economics at Delhi School of Economics (DSE) and B.A.
Hons. (Economics) from G.M. College (Sambalpur University) in 1970.
He served as Additional Principal Secretary to PM Modi during 2014-19. He is credited with introducing
innovation and transformative changes in human resource management, particularly appointments to
senior positions.
As Secretary Agriculture & Cooperation, he was involved in national initiatives like National Food Security
Mission (NFSM) and National Agriculture Development Programme (RKVY). He has also served as
Chairman of State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) and in area of Disaster management.
His has been involved in research and academic work for more than 4 years at Institute of Development
Studies (UK), negotiation and execution of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank projects,
member of Governing Board of International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and
participation as expert/resource person in several international conferences.
He was also recently conferred with United Nations SASAKAWA Award 2019, the most prestigious
international award in disaster management.
His publications include–
Agricultural Risk, Insurance and Income: A Study of Impact and Design of India’s Comprehensive
Crop Insurance Scheme, Avebury, Aldershot, UK (1996)

The Kutch Earthquake 2001: Recollection Lessons and Insights, National Institute of Disaster
Management, New Delhi, India (2004)
Edited Development and Operation of Agricultural Insurance Schemes in Asia, Asian Productivity
Organization, Tokyo, Japan (1999)
PK Sinha appointed Principal Advisor to PM Modi
Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of P.K. Sinha as Principal
Advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with effect from 11 September 2019. He is currently functioning
as as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). His appointment as Principal
Advisor will be coterminus with the term of Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
About PK Sinha
He is a 1977 Batch IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh (UP) Cadre. During his career in IAS, he has served with
distinction in many capacities both at level of Central Government as well as in Uttar Pradesh
Government.
At the Central Government: He served as Cabinet Secretary from 13 June 2015 to 30 August 2019. Prior to
this, he has for many years served in the Energy and Infrastructure Sectors as Secretary in Union
Ministries of Power and Shipping and as Special Secretary
anmol gupta in Ministry
| [email protected] | of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
At the State Government level: He has held various posts like District Magistrate (DM) of Jaunpur and
Agra, Commissioner of Varanasi, Secretary (Planning) and Principal Secretary (Irrigation) among others.
Education: He is an Economics graduate from St. Stephens College, University of Delhi. He did his post-
graduation in Economics from Delhi School of Economics (DSE). While in service he also obtained Masters
Diploma in Public Administration and an M. Phil in Social Sciences.
‘Loktantra Ke Swar’ (Hindi): Books on President’s speeches released
Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu released the Books on President’s speeches titled ‘Loktantra Ke
Swar (Khand 2)’ in Hindi and ‘The Republican Ethic (Volume 2)’ in English in a function organized at
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi.
About Books
The Second Volume of Books are a compilation of 95 speeches delivered by President of India Ram Nath
Kovind during his 2nd year in office starting July 2018 to July 2019.
The speeches of President represent vision, aspirations and ethos of country and also represent contours
of a New India.
The books are a collection of nuggets of President’s wisdom and visionary world view and also a testament
of faith in strength of India.
Speeches have been divided into 8 categories:
1. ‘Addressing the Nation’
2. ‘Windows to the World’
3. ‘Educating India: Equipping India’
4. ‘Dharma of Public Service’
5. ‘Honouring our Sentinels’
6. ‘Spirit of the Constitution and Law’
7. ‘Acknowledging Excellence’
8. ‘Mahatma Gandhi: Moral Exemplar, Guiding Light.
Publisher: Books have been brought out by Publications Division under Union Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting.
e-version: To meet the demands of readers preferring to read in e-mode, the Books will also be available
on Kindle and App Store.
Prof Muhammad Yunus conferred Lamp of Peace of Saint Francis award by Vatican
Vatican awarded Bangladesh’s Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus prestigious ‘Lamp of Peace of Saint

Francis ‘ award for his contribution towards establishing peace and harmony.
Prof Muhammad Yunus
He is Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist, and civil society leader. He was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize (2008) for founding Grameen Bank and pioneering concepts of microcredit and
microfinance.
About Lamp of Peace of Saint Francis Award
It aims to honour those who work towards promoting peace and harmony. It was first presented by
Vatican in 1981 to Polish trade union leader Lech Walesa. Some of its recipients include Pope John Paull II,
Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and former Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Its last two winners were
Angela Merkel and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
CEC Sunil Arora takes charge as AWEB Chairman
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora assumed Chairmanship of Association of World Election
Bodies (A-WEB) for the term 2019-21. India has taken over the AWEB Chair from Romania for two year
period. AWEB is a multilateral platform for election management bodies from across the world to share
best electoral practices.
Key Highlights
Background: India was unanimously nominated to be Vice-Chair of AWEB at the last General Assembly
held at Bucharest (Capital of Romania) in 2017.
AWEB Flag was handed over to the new Chairman, Sunil Arora. This flag will remain with Election
Commission of India (ECI) for 2 year term till 2021.
More than 110 delegates from 45 countries attended the meeting held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
An AWEB Centre would be set up at India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management
(IIIDEM) in New Delhi for documentation, research and training and for sharing best practices.
Association of World Election Bodies (AWEB)
It was established in October 2013 and has been empowering democratic framework of member countries
since then.
With 120 EMBs (election management bodies) from 111 countries as its members and 21 international
organisations as associate members, it has become the largest global organisation of EMBs.
It provides momentum to spread of electoral democracy.
Significance: As a number of nascent democracies are still working to stabilize their political system by
improving their legal and electoral systems thereby, organizations such as AWEB could provide
professional support and advice by sharing experience, skills and innovations with support and
participation of its Member nations.
About Sunil Arora
He is 1980 batch Rajasthan cadre, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.
He is retired and has served as a secretary to the Government of India in two ministries.
He is currently serving as 23rd Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Fact Box: India’s first woman DGP Kanchan Chaudhary
Published On Aug 28, 2019
The first woman Director General of Police (DGP) Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya passed away
following illness in Mumbai, Maharashtra. She was 1973 batch IPS officer, who had scripted history when
she was appointed DGP of Uttarakhand in 2004.
About Kanchan Chaudhary
She was born in Himachal Pradesh, Chaudhary. She was the country’s second woman IPS officer after
Kiran Bedi. She had led Uttarakhand Police force as DGP from 2004 to 2007. During her 33-year-long
career, she had handled some sensitive cases, including killing of national badminton champion Syed Modi
and Reliance-Bombay Dyeing case. She also had served as Inspector General of the Central Industrial
Security Force (CISF).
In 1997, she was awarded President’s police medal for distinguished service. She had made guest
appearance in ‘Udaan’ TV serial aired on Doordarshan in late 1980s, which was based on her life, showing
her struggles to become an IPS officer. After retirement, she had joined Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and

unsuccessfully contested 2014 Lok Sabha polls in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

Udaan serial: It was one of the first shows on Indian television to deal with the subject of women
empowerment. It was based on inspiring true life story of Kanchan Chaudhary and was aired on
Doordarshan in late 80s. It was written and directed by Kanchan’s younger sister Kavita Chaudhary who
also played lead protagonist.
IAF’s Shalija Dhami becomes India’s 1st female flight commander
Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Wing Commander Shalija Dhami scripted history by becoming country’s 1st
female officer to be appointed as flight commander of a flying unit. She took over as flight commander of
a Chetak helicopter unit at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.
A Flight Commander post is 2nd in command of flight commander unit which means that Dhami is 2nd in
unit after commanding officer. Therefore, her elevation in flying branch is moving a step closer towards
women officers commanding units and formations in service.
About Shalija Dhami
She was raised in Ludhiana, Punjab.
She is the 1st woman officer of IAF to be given a permanent commission for a long tenure. She is a
permanent commissioning officer of Flying Branch in Indian Air Force (IAF) and flies helicopters.
She is also the 1st women qualified flying instructors of Indian| Air Force for helicopters. In her career of 15
anmol gupta | [email protected]
years, Wing Commander S Dhami has flown Chetak and Cheetah helicopters.
Her promotion to Flying Branch is a step towards Commanding Unit of Women Officers.
On 26 August 2019 women in Indian Armed Forces set another milestone with appointment of Wing
Commander Shalija Dhami who became 1st female flight commander of operations unit of Indian Air
Force.
Prabhakar Singh, DG, CPWD chosen for Eminent Engineer Award- 2019
Prabhakar Singh, Director General, Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has been chosen for elite
and prestigious Eminent Engineer Award for Year 2019 by Institution of Engineers (India). He is chosen
for his distinguished and exemplary Service in field of Engineering and Technology. The award shall be
conferred to him on Engineers Day observed on 15 September 2019 in New Delhi.
About Prabhakar Singh
He is an IIT Graduate and MBA from one of Premier Business Institute of India.
His enormous contributions and dedicated service to nation as an eminent technocrat has been
instrumental in transforming Central Public Works Department (CPWD), premier engineering
organisation of central government.
About Institution of Engineers (India)
It is the national organization of engineers in India. It was established on 13 September 1920 in Kolkata
(West Bengal).
It is acclaimed to have pioneered non-formal education in engineering.
It has over 1 million members in 15 engineering disciplines in 114 centers or chapters in India and
overseas. With this many participants it is world’s largest multi-disciplinary engineering professional
society in engineering and technology world.
Ajay Kumar appointed new Defence Secretary
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved
appointment of Ajay Kumar as Secretary, Union Ministry of Defence. He is currently serving as Secretary,
Department of Defence Production, Union Ministry of Defence.
Key Highlights
Ajay Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production, has been shifted as Defence Secretary but without 2 years’
tenure.
He will take over charge from incumbent Sanjay Mitra, a 1982 batch West Bengal-cadre IAS officer upon
completion of his term. Sanjay Mitra has served as Defence Secretary for more than 2 years and on
completion of his 2-year tenure in June 2019, he was given 3 months’ extension.

It seems that Union government has done away with 2-year tenure for Defence Secretary post. Along with
posts of Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, External Affairs Secretary, the Defence Secretary post was
also a 2-year tenure one.
About Ajay Kumar
He is a 1985 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer belonging to Kerala cadre.
He was born on 2 October 1962 in Uttar Pradesh and is a Bachelor of Technology graduate in electrical
engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
He is 39th Defence Production Secretary of India.
Other ACC Appointments
Subash Chandra: He is 1986 batch Karnataka cadre IAS officer. He will replace Ajay Kumar as the new
Defence Production Secretary of India. He is currently serving as Special Secretary, Union Ministry of
Defence.
Brij Kumar Agarwal: He is a 1985 batch Himachal Pradesh cadre IAS officer. He has been appointed as
new Secretary, Lokpal. His appointment as Secretary to Lokpal will be in rank and pay of Secretary to
Government of India.
Rajiv Gauba appointed next Cabinet Secretary for two years
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narrendra Modi has approved
appointment of Rajiv Gauba, as India’s new Cabinet Secretary for a tenure of two years. His term will start
from 30 August 2019 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Key Highlights
Rajiv Gauba will initially join the Cabinet Secretariat as Officer on Special Duty from date of his assumption
of charge till he takes over as Cabinet Secretary- the most powerful position in country’s civil service.
He will take over charge of country’s top bureaucratic from incumbent Pradeep Kumar Sinha, a 1977 batch
Uttar Pradesh-cadre IAS officer.
While the position of Cabinet Secretary is for 2 years period but under present rules of service, there is an
enabling provision of an extension, granting 4 years of tenure.
About Rajiv Gauba
He is 1982 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of Jharkhand cadre. He is currently serving as
secretary in ministry of home affairs. He replaced Rajiv Mehrishi as the union home secretary.
He was born in Punjab in 1958, and is a physics graduate from Patna University.
Career: He was chief secretary of Jharkhand for 15 months before joining urban development ministry on
1 April 2016. He also served as collector and district magistrate of Nalanda, Muzaffarpur and Gaya districts
in undivided state of Bihar.
He has been credited as being architect of labour reforms in Jharkhand and helping bring down violence
in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas in mineral rich state.
He has also been credited by work done by him during his stint in ministry of environment and forests.
Tamil Nadu honours ISRO Chief with Dr A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Award
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Kailasavadivoo Sivan, was awarded Dr. A.P.J. Abdul
Kalam Award by Tamil Nadu government. He was awarded in recognition of his stellar work in promotion
of science and technology.
About K. Sivan
Education: He is a native of Kanniyakumari district of Tamil Nadu. The 62-year-old space scientist got a
Bachelor’s degree in engineering from Madras Institute of Technology in 1980. Completing his Master’s
degree in aerospace engineering from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, he later joined ISRO.
He is known popularly known as ‘Rocket Man’.
He has served as director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and Liquid Propulsion Centre. He was chief
architect of SITARA, a 6D trajectory simulation software.
He has worked on design and development of ISRO’s launch vehicles and has huge contribution towards
end to end mission planning, design, and mission integration and analysis.
Under his leadership–
Historical achievement of most successful GSLV flight with indigenous cryogenic stage was made.
ISRO successfully launched its Chandrayaan-2 mission, India’s 2nd mission to the moon.
Awards: He is recipient of several awards including Dr Vikram Sarabhai Research Award (1999).
About Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award
Following the death of former President A P J Abdul Kalam in 2015, former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,
late J Jayalalithaa, had then announced an award in his name. She had also announced Dr Kalam’s
birthday (October 15) to be observed as-Youth Renaissance Day.
The Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award is conferred upon those who work for promoting scientific growth,
humanities and students’ welfare. The awardees should hail from Tamil Nadu.
Prize: It carries 8 gm gold medal, Rs.5 lakh in cash and a citation. It is given on Independence Day every
year.
First Recipient: 1st Kalam award was presented by Jayalalithaa in 2015 to ISRO scientist N Valarmathi.
Harshad Pandurang Thakur appointed as Director of NIHFW
Harshad Pandurang Thakur was appointed as Director of National Institute of Health and Family Welfare.
Decision in this regard was taken by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) chaired by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi. He was appointed on direct recruitment basis for period of five years. Prior to
this appointment, he was professor at Tata Institute of Social Sciences
anmol gupta | [email protected] | (TISS), Mumbai.
About National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW)
It is autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It acts as apex technical
institute as well as think tank for the promotion of health and family welfare programmes in the country.
It was established in 1977 by merger of National Institute of Family Planning (NIFP) and National Institute of
Health Administration and Education (NIHAE). It is headquartered in New Delhi.
It addresses wide range of issues on health and family welfare from variety of perspectives through
epidemiology, community health administration, departments of communication, education and training,
management sciences, medical care and hospital administration, population genetics and human
development, planning and evaluation, reproductive bio-Medicine, statistics and demography and social
sciences.
Aishwarya Pissay: 1st Indian to claim a World Title in Motorsports
Aishwarya Pissay became first Indian to claim a world title in motorsports by winning FIM World Cup (
Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) in women’s category after the final round of the
championship at Varpalota in Hungary. She also finished 2nd in FIM Junior category.
Key Highlights
The 23-year old from Bengaluru won the 1st round in Dubai and was placed 3rd (Portugal), 5th (Spain) and
4th (Hungary) in subsequent outings.
She finally finished with a tally of 65 points, just 4 points ahead of Rita Vieira of Portugal in final overall
standings for women and made history by becoming the first Indian to win a world title in motor sports.
She was placed 2nd in junior category with 46 points, behind championship winner Tomas de Gavardo of
Chile with 60 points.
Going into Hungarian Baja, Aishwarya with 52 points and Vieira with 45 points were top contenders for
World Cup. The 4th-place finish earned Aishwarya 13 points while Vieira, who was placed 3rd, garnered 16.
Chandrima Shaha: 1st woman President of Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
Renowned biologist Chandrima Shaha became first woman to get elected as President of Indian National
Science Academy (INSA). She will head INSA from 2020 to 2022 after taking over as president from
incumbent Ajay K. Sood. She was formerly Director of the National Institute of Immunology, Delhi.
About Chandrima Shaha
She is currently professor of Eminence at National Institute of Immunology (NII). She is the former
Director of NII. She was Vice President (International) of Indian National Science Academy (2016-2018).
She is elected fellow of the World Academy of Sciences. Before becoming biologist, she was cricketer and
also had worked commentator for All India Radio. As biologist, her key research focused on understanding

cell death pathways.

About Indian National Science Academy (INSA)
It is the apex body of Indian scientists representing all branches of science and technology. It
promotes science and its use in India.
It was originally established in 1935 and was then known as National Institute of Sciences of India
until the present name was adopted in 1970.
It is headquartered in New Delhi. Union Government in 1945 had recognised it as the premier
scientific society representing all branches of science in India.
Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly: Anupam Kher’s Autobiography released
Veteran actor Anupam Kher’s autobiography titled “Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly” was launched
at a special event at Consulate General of India in New York. It was unveiled by Rishi Kapoor, along with
wife Neetu Kapoor and cast of NBC’s show New Amsterdam.
About ‘Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly’
The autobiography of Padma Bhushan awardee gives a detailed account of his failures, rejections and
lessons learnt in his life and in a career spanning 500 films.
The autobiography shares incidents from Kher’s life that shaped his career and is an exciting account as it
does not talk about his successes. anmol gupta | [email protected] |
The book was released in India on 5 August and will be released in US on 15 October 2019.
Book chronicling Vice President Naidu’s 2 years in office released
The book titled ‘Listening, Learning and Leading’, based on M. Venkaiah Naidu’s two years in office as
Vice President of India was launched by Union Minister for Home Affairs, Amit Shah in Chennai, Tamil
Nadu. The function was hosted by Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar.
About ‘Listening, Learning, and Leading’ Book
The book captures glimpses of Vice President’s 330 public engagements across all states and Union
Territories of the country during last two year period.
As of now, Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu has delivered 61 convocation addresses, interacted with
students on 35 occasions, delivered 25 special lectures and visited 97 scientific and technological research
institutions throughout length and breadth of country.
The book chronicling M K Naidu’s two years in office contains Naidu’s important diplomatic engagements,
including his visits to 19 countries, in 4 continents.
It showcases his achievements as Rajya Sabha Chairman and initiatives taken by him to enhance
effectiveness and promote efficiency of Upper House.
He is 1st Indian vice-president to visit Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Malta.
Shah Rukh Khan awarded Excellence in Cinema award at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne
Indian Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan was felicitated with ‘Excellence in Cinema’ honour at Indian
Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2019. He was felicitated at iconic Palais Theatre in Melbourne, which is
one of city’s heritage landmarks.
Key Highlights
Shah Rukh Khan was also the chief guest at IIFM.
He was presented with the award by Linda Dessau, who is 1st female Governor of State of Victoria.
Festival paid tribute to actor’s continuous contribution to cinema and popular culture in India with award.
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM)
The festival will take place in between August 8 and August 15 and is organized by Victorian government,
Australia.
The year 2019 marks 10th edition of the festival in the cultural city of Australia.
IIFM 2019 was celebrated with its central theme as “courage”.
During the festival more than 60 films from all across India and subcontinent in over 22 languages will be
screened.
Fact Box: Sushma Swaraj

Former Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in
New Delhi. She was 67, She had started her political career under Janata Party and was elected to the
Haryana assembly in 1977 and became a state minister at age 25.
About Sushma Swaraj
She was born on 14 February 1953 at Ambala Cantonment, Haryana. Her father Hardev Sharma was a
prominent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh member. She was lawyer by profession and had practiced in the
Supreme Court. She had started her political career as active member of Jayaprakash Narayan’s anti-
Emergency movement and later she became a member of Bhartiya Janata Party. She was a seven-time
Member of Parliament and a three-time MLA (representing Ambala Cantonment assembly seat from 1977
to 1982 and had won for first time at age of 25).
Many firsts to her credit: (i) Youngest Cabinet Minister (age) in Haryana Government in 1977, (ii) first
woman Chief Minister of Delhi in 1998 (iii) first woman spokesperson for any national political party in the
country and (iv)India’s first full-time woman Foreign Minister.
Important offices held: She was External Affairs Minister (from 2014 to 2019), leader of the Opposition in
Lok Sabha (from 2009 to 2014), Minister for Information and Broadcasting in Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Government (2000-2003), Minister of Health and Family Welfare ( anuary 2003 to May 2004), Minister of
Parliamentary Affairs (January 2003 to May 2004) and 5th Chief Minister of Delhi (from October 1998 to
December 1998).
Tenure as External Affairs Minister: She was second Indian woman to become External Affairs Minister,
after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ( However, it was not full-time portfolio).
Contributions: She had played key role in resolving the Doklam standoff with China in 2017 and in India
approaching International Court of Justice (ICJ) challenging Pakistan military court’s death sentence to
Kulbhushan Jadhav. Through her extensive use of Twitter, she had earned reputation of easily-accessible
External Affairs Minister. She took personal interest in resolving minor issues like issuance of visa to the
needy and helped Indian diaspora in distress through her social media outreach.
France’s Franky Zapata successfully crosses English Channel on hoverboard for 1st time
France’s Franky Zapata successfully crossed English Channel on a jet-powered hoverboard for 1st time.
The journey took just over 20 minutes. The French inventor reached speeds of 110 mph to complete 22-
mile journey on his flyboard. He took off from Sangatte, northern France and landed in St. Margarets Bay,
near Dover in southeast England. This was his 2nd attempt after a failed attempt in July 2019.
About Franky Zapata
In July 2019, he captured world’s imagination when he took to skies above Paris at Bastille Day parade
with board that can reach an altitude of nearly 500 feet and speed of 87mph.
He has worked with United States (US) and French militaries.
Invention: In 2011 he invented Flyboard, a device that uses a water jet to propel rider through air behind a
boat. He later invented Flyboard Air, a board powered by four turbo jet engines that allows a rider to fly
through air untethered, using a computer to keep it stabilized.
World Record: In 2016, Zapata set a world record for farthest hoverboard flight after he flew Flyboard Air
along the south coast of France for 2,252 meters (around 1.4 miles).
Significance: French military invested $1.4 million to pay for tests of board as French special forces are
interested in flying board for several uses such as a possible assault device.
About English Channel
It is also called as the ‘Channel’. In French, Channel is called La Manche (the sleeve).
It is narrow arm of Atlantic Ocean.
It is a water body that separates Southern England from northern France and links southern part of North
Sea to Atlantic Ocean.
It is busiest shipping area in world.
Crossing of English Channel
Over the years English Channel has been crossed in many innovative ways such as by gondola, pedalo, hot

air balloon, hovercraft, monoski, glider and parachute.

In July 1909, French aviator Louis Blériot made 1st airplane flight between continental Europe and Great
Britain in a monoplane.
In 1875, Captain Matthew Webb (British marine) was 1st to swim from Dover to Calais, completing
journey in 21 hours and 45 minutes.
Girraj Prasad Gupta takes over as the Controller General of Accounts

Girraj Prasad Gupta took over as Controller General of Accounts (CGA), Department of Expenditure, Union
Ministry of Finance with effect from 1 August 2019. He is 1983-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS)
Officer. He is highly credited for his work in development and implementation of Public Financial
Management System (PFMS), a backbone IT infrastructure for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and other
financial management modules in Central Government.
Controller General of Accounts (CGA)
CGA is Principal Accounting Adviser to Government of India. It functions under Department of
Expenditure, Union Ministry of Finance.
CGA heads the organisation and is responsible for administering this system.
It is responsible for establishing and maintaining a technically sound Management Accounting System.
CGA office prepares monthly as well as annual analysis of expenditure, revenues, borrowings and various
fiscal indicators for Union Government. It prepares Annual Appropriation Accounts (Civil) and Union
Finance Accounts which are submitted to Parliament under Article 150 of Constitution.
It is not a constitutional or statutory body.
Rakesh Asthana given additional charge of DG Narcotics Control Bureau
Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) approved handing over of additional charge of post of Director
General Narcotics Control Bureau to Director General of Civil Aviation Security (DG CAS) Rakesh Asthana.
He is appointed for next 6 months or till a new incumbent is appointed.
NCB chief post was lying vacant since 4 July 2019 after then incumbent Abhay was appointed as Director
of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy based in Hyderabad.
About Rakesh Asthana
Rakesh Asthana is 1984-batch IPS (Indian Police Service) officer of Gujarat cadre. He was 2nd in command
in Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), was transferred as DG CAS after a bitter tug of war with then
chief of CBI Alok Verma. Both officers had levelled allegations of corruption on each other after which they
were sent on leave by Centre.
CBI had registered a complaint against Rakesh Asthana alleging corruption which he had strongly denied
and claimed that he was booked because of a complaint he made against Alok Verma.
Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
It is a nodal intelligence and drug law enforcement agency of the country.
It was established in 1986 and is headquartered in New Delhi. It was founded to enable full
implementation of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and fight its violation by
Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
It functions under the aegis of Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and is responsible for fighting drug
trafficking and abuse of illegal substances.
ITBP DG S S Deswal given charge of NSG
Published On Jul 31, 2019
ITBP Director General S S Deswal was given additional charge of counter-terror force National Security
Guard (NSG). He will take over from incumbent NSG DG Sudeep Lakhtakia who is set to retire on 31st July
2018.S S Deswal is 1984-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Telangana cadre.
About National Security Guard (NSG)
It was established in 1984, to protect states against internal disturbances and terrorism. It is under
administrative control of Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
It is Federal Contingency World Class Zero Error Force. It deals with anti-terrorist activities in all its

forms.
It is not categorised under Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and has Special Forces mandate. Its
core operational capability is provided by Special Action Group (SAG) which is drawn from Indian
Army. The post NSG DG is occupied by an IPS officer.
Functions: It is trained to conduct counter terrorist operations including bomb disposal, counter
hijacking tasks on land/sea/air as well as Post Blast Investigation (PBI) and Hostage Rescue missions.
It is intended for use only in exceptional situations and do not take over functions of other Para
Military Forces or State Police Forces. Its police component Special Rangers Group (SRG) is
mandated to handle VIP security and is composed of personnel on deputation from other CAPF.
Why Black Cats? NSG personnel also called Black Cats due to their black dress and black cat insignia
worn by them on their uniform.
Achievement: 26/11, Operation Black Tornado , Operation Ashwamedh, akshardham attack.
IAF’s Tarun Chaudhri became 1st pilot to do Wingsuit Skydive Jump
Wing commander Tarun Chaudhri became 1st pilot of Indian Armed Forces (IAF) to do a Wing Suit
Skydive Jump. The jump was accomplished from an altitude of 8500 feet (2590.8 meters) from a Mi-17
helicopter. This is 1st IAF Wing Suit Skydive Jump by a pilot who has flown and captained same type of
helicopter. anmol gupta | [email protected] |
Key Highlights
This is 1st flying wingsuit jump demonstration at an organised gathering. The feat was deepest imprint of
ethos and professionalism of IAF.
Jump was undertaken during Kargil Diwas celebrations at Air Force Station Jodhpur, Rajasthan on 21-22
July 2019.
Since 1999, Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated every year on July 26 in India to mark success of Operation
Vijay by Indian armed forces against Pakistani intruders in Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir in which
Indian Air Force played a decisive role in changing the tide of the war in India’s favour.
IPS officer V. K. Johri appointed as New BSF Director General
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
appointed IPS officer VK Johri as new Director General (DG) of, Border Security Force (BSF), country’s
largest border guarding force.
About VK Johri
He is a 1984-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Currently he is serving as Special Secretary in external intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing
(RAW), under Cabinet Secretariat.
He will take over charge of BSF from incumbent Rajni Kanti Mishra, who retires on 31 August. However, as
per the order issued by ACC he has been appointed as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in Union home
ministry with immediate effect and will attain superannuation in September 2020.
About Border Security Force (BSF)
It is one of 7 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of India. It was raised in wake of 1965 War on 1 December
1965.
It is country’s largest border guarding force with a present strength of about 2.5 lakh personnel. Being a
primary border defence organisation of India, it is tasked to secure two of India’s most important and
sensitive fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Two other border guarding forces in country are-
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for China
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) for Nepal and Bhutan)
IPS officer V. K. Johri appointed as New BSF Director General
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has
appointed IPS officer VK Johri as new Director General (DG) of, Border Security Force (BSF), country’s
largest border guarding force.
About VK Johri
He is a 1984-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of Madhya Pradesh cadre.
Currently he is serving as Special Secretary in external intelligence agency Research and Analysis Wing
(RAW), under Cabinet Secretariat.
He will take over charge of BSF from incumbent Rajni Kanti Mishra, who retires on 31 August. However, as
per the order issued by ACC he has been appointed as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Union home
ministry with immediate effect and will attain superannuation in September 2020.
About Border Security Force (BSF)
It is one of 7 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) of India. It was raised in wake of 1965 War on 1 December
1965.
It is country’s largest border guarding force with a present strength of about 2.5 lakh personnel. Being a
primary border defence organisation of India, it is tasked to secure two of India’s most important and
sensitive fronts with Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Two other border guarding forces in country are-
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) for China
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) for Nepal and Bhutan)
B S Yeddyurappa sworn in as Chief Minister of Karnataka
State BJP President B.S. Yediyurappa (76) took oath as 31st Chief Minister of Karnataka by Governor
Vajubhai Vala. His appointment comes 3 days after collapse of Congress-JD(S) government. He is set to
take floor test on 31 July 2019 to prove his majority.
This is for 4th time Yediyurappa’s is being sworn as Chief Minister however he has never completed full
term as CM.
Key Highlights
Swearing in came after weeks of political drama in Karnataka state politics and legal battle triggered by
resignation of 15 rebel Congress and JDS MLAs that led to the fall of Congress-JD(S) coalition government
led by HD Kumaraswamy as Chief Minister.
He was the lone person to be sworn in and is expected to decide on members of his Cabinet after
consulting party president Amit Shah.
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa would call Karnataka assembly session for moving motion of confidence
and passage of finance bill on 29 July and legislative council would begin its proceedings on July 30.
Announcements Made:
After a Cabinet meeting, he announced loan waiver of ₹100 crore borrowed by weavers before 31 March
2019.
He also announced sops for farmers and weavers. It includes an additional sum of Rs.4,000 in 2
instalments would be given to farmers from State government under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman
Nidhi (PMKSM), which will take total benefit to Rs.10,000, including Rs.6,000 from Centre.
Badri Narain Sharma reappointed NAA Chief
Appointments Committee of Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has reappointed Badri
Narain Sharma as chairman of National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA) for 2 years. B N Sharma a 1985-
batch IAS officer from Rajasthan was due for retirement on August 2019.
About National Anti-profiteering Authority (NAA)
NAA was constituted in 2017. It ensures that consumers get benefit of reduced prices under Goods and
Services Tax (GST).
Structure: At present NAA has 3 members- J C Chauhan, Chairman, Tax Tribunal, Himachal Pradesh and
Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officers R Bhagyadevi and Amand Shah.
Mandate: To protect consumer interests by ensuring that benefits of input credit and reduction in GST
rates on specified goods or services are passed on to them by way of commensurate reduction in prices.
NAA has power to cancel registration of any entity/business if it fails to pass on to consumers benefit of
lower taxes under GST regime, but it would probably be last step against any violator.

As per Anti-Profiteering Mechanism’s structure in GST regime-

Local level Complaints are 1st sent to state-level screening committee.
National level Complaints are marked for standing committee.
‘Chandra Shekhar – The Last Icon of Ideological Politics’book released
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the book titled ‘Chandra Shekhar – The Last Icon of Ideological
Politics‘ at an event held at Balayogi Auditorium, Parliament Library Building. The 1st copy of book was
presented to Venkaiah Naidu, Vice President of India.
The book chronicles the political journey of former Prime Minister of India Chandra Shekhar. It has been
written by Shri Harivansh, Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha and Ravi Dutt Bajpai.
About Chandra Shekhar
He was 8th Prime Minister of India and served in office from 10 November 1990 – 21 June 1991. He is 1st
Indian Prime Minister who has never held any Government office.
He undertook a nationwide Padayatra (marathon walk) through the country in 1983, from Kanyakumari in
South to Rajghat in New Delhi covering a distance of about 4260 km in over 6 months. Rajghat is a
memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi.
During his days he was popularly called as Young Turk for his conviction, courage and integrity in fight
against vested interests. anmol gupta | [email protected] |
Priti Patel: Britain’s first Indian-origin Home Secretary

Newly elected British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed Indian origin Priti Patel as the Home
Secretary of Britain. With this she has become Britain’s first Home Secretary of Indian origin. She has her
roots in Tarapur in Gujarat.
Former Home Secretary Sajid Javid would take over from Philip Hammond as Finance Secretary (or
Chancellor).
About Priti Patel
The 47-year-old leader is an old Eurosceptic and a powerful backer of Brexit. She was among most vocal
critics of Theresa May’s Brexit strategy.
As a Home Secretary she will be in charge of immigration, crime and policing, counter-terrorism and
drugs policy.
She was 1st elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament in 2010. However she gained prominence in
then David Cameron led Tory government as his Indian Diaspora Champion.
Boris Johnson takes charge as new Prime Minister of United Kingdom
Former British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson officially took charge as new Prime Minister of United
Kingdom (UK), he met Queen Elizabeth II, who invited him to form the new government. He defeated
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.
Johnson, a Conservative Member of Parliament (MP), former foreign minister, and former mayor of
London replaced outgoing Prime Minister Theresa May, who was forced to step aside after failing to
deliver a Brexit deal.
About Boris Johnson,
The 55-year-old is an ardent backer of Brexit and vocal opponent of Theresa May’s deal. He is identified as
a one-nation conservative and has been associated with both economically and socially liberal policies.
He won a decisive victory over Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt for party’s leadership by a significant
margin after a race spanning 7 weeks, during course of which 1,60,000 members of British Conservative
Party picked next UK PM.
Like his predecessor Theresa May, he will be inheriting a wafer-thin parliamentary majority therefore, will
rely on support of Democratic Unionists Party (DUP) of Northern Ireland to govern.
Lt Gen. Manoj Mukund Naravane appointed next Vice Chief of Indian Army
In a major rejig in Indian Army, Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane has been
appointed as next vice-chief of armed force. He will succeed Lt Gen D Anbu who is set to retire on 31

August 2019.
Key Highlights
Lt Gen M M Naravane will be in contention for Chief of Indian Army post as he will be the senior-most
commander when incumbent Gen Bipin Rawat retires on 31 December 2019.
Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane: In his 37 years of service, he has served in numerous command and staff
appointments in peace, field and highly active counter insurgency environments. He has also commanded
Rashtriya Rifles Battalion in Jammu & Kashmir and an Infantry Brigade on eastern front.
Other Key Appointment
Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Anil Chauhan will be new General Officer
Commanding-in-Chief of Eastern Command
Lt Gen AS Kler has been appointed General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of South-Western
Command. He will succeed Lt Gen Cherish Matheson who retires on 31 August 2019.
Lt Gen I S Ghuman has been appointed General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Central Command.
He will be succeeding Lt Gen Abhay Krishna.
Lt Gen RP Singh has been appointed head of Western Command. He will be succeeding Lt Gen
Surinder Singh who is currently serving as commander of the 21 Strike Corps is set to retire from
service on 31 July 2019.
IFS officer Vivek Kumar appointed Private Secretary to PM Modi

Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Vivek Kumar has been appointed as private secretary to Prime
Minister Narendra Modi. This new assignment for Vivek Kumar was cleared by Appointments Committee
of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister and order was issued by Department of Personnel and
Training (DoPT).
About Vivek Kumar
He is a 2004 batch IFS officer.
He is currently working as Director in Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). He was appointed in PMO as Deputy
Secretary in 2014.
His appointment as PM’s private secretary will come into effect from the day of assumption of charge.
His new tenure will be on co-terminus basis or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Succeeds: Vivek replaces Sanjeev Kumar Singla, who will now be taking over as India’s Ambassador to
Israel.
Singla is a 1997 batch IFS officer. He was appointed private secretary to PM Modi in 2014. He had returned
home to serve in PMO after a posting in Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Kulbhushan Jadhav Case: ICJ asks Pakistan to review conviction order
International Court of Justice (ICJ) has directed Pakistan to review conviction order of Kulbhushan Jadhav
and, until then, put his death sentence on hold. ICJ also asked Islamabad to allow New Delhi consular
access at earliest. This is a major diplomatic and legal victory for India in Kulbhushan Jadhav case.
Key Highlights of Judgement
In a 15-1 decision, ICJ has asked Pakistan to review conviction, sentencing of Jadhav and provide him
consular access. This effectively means is that death sentence awarded to Jadhav by a military court in
Pakistan is put on hold until probably a civil court, where accused will have better representation, hears
the case afresh.
Pak Violated Vienna Convention: ICJ upheld that Islamabad had violated Article 36 of Vienna Convention of
Consular Relations, 1963, by not informing India about Jadhav’s arrest immediately after Pakistan Army
had taken him into custody.
ICJ found that India had been deprived of ‘right to communicate with and have access to Jadhav, to visit
him in detention and to arrange for his legal representation’, which meant that Pakistan had breached
obligations incumbent upon it under Article 36, paragraph 1 (a) and (c), of Vienna Convention on Consular
Relations. The provisions of 1963 Vienna Convention define a framework for consular relations between
countries.

Kulbhushan Jadhav Case

Kulbhushan Jadhav (49), a retired Indin Navy officer, was allegedly arrested by Pakistani security forces
on 3 March 2016, while India was informed on March 25.
Claims by Pakistan: Jadhav was arrested in Pakistan’s restive province of Balochistan (near the Pak-
Afghan border of Chaman) in 2016. He is accused of terrorism, spying, and fomenting trouble in
Balochistan. Later in 2017 he was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in 2017. Pakistan has
constantly accused India of supporting Baloch separatists is seeing Jadhav’s capture as proof of India’s
involvement in unrest.
Claims by India: India acknowledged that Jadhav was an Indian national, who had been kidnapped by
Pakistani agents from Iran, where he had gone on a business trip after his retirement from Indian Navy.
ICJ Approached
In May 2017, India approached the Hague-based ICJ, which restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till
adjudication of case.
ICJ verdict in Jadhav’s case comes nearly 5 months after a 15-member bench of ICJ, headed by Judge
Yusuf, reserved its decision on 21 February 2019 post hearing oral submissions by India and Pakistan. The
proceedings in case lasted 2 years and 2 months.
Justice Sikri appointed as Singapore International Commercial Court Judge
Published On Jul 16, 2019 anmol gupta | [email protected] |
Justice A K Sikri, former Supreme Court judge has been appointed as an International Judge of Singapore
International Commercial Court.
Key Highlights
President of Republic of Singapore, on advice of Prime Minister of Singapore, has made appointment of
Justice Sikri starting from 1 August 2019. He is appointed until 4 Jan 2021.
About Justice A K Sikri
He retired from Supreme Court of India on 6 March 2019.
He was nominated in January 2018 for appointment to Commonwealth Secretariat Arbitral Tribunal (CSAT)
at London in United Kingdom (UK). But, following the controversy arising out of coincidence of his
nomination with his participation in committee meeting which recommended removal of Alok Verma as
Central Bureau of Intelligence (CBI) Director, he later chose to withdraw his consent for CSAT
appointment.
On 14 May 2019 he was appointed as Chairman of News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA).
About Singapore International Commercial Court
SICC was officially launched on 5 January 2015. It was establishment in line with vision to promote
Singapore as a leading dispute resolution hub.
It is established as part of Supreme Court of Singapore, and is a division of Singapore High Court.
It deals with international commercial disputes and has 16 international judges in its panel.
Alan Turing: WW-II Code-breaker to appear on U.K.’s new £50 bank note
Alan Turing, the code-breaker during World War II has been chosen by Bank of England to feature on
Britain’s new £50 note. The £50 note will be the last of Bank of England collection to switch from paper to
polymer and is due to enter circulation by end of 2021. It shows a photo of Alan Turing taken in 1951.
This prestigious announcement comes decades after his tragic death following a conviction for
homosexuality.
About Alan Turing
He is known for his code-cracking work that proved vital to Allies in World War II.
He played a pivotal role in development of early computers. He was an outstanding mathematician whose
work has had an enormous impact on today’s world.
He is also referred as Father of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for his far ranging and
path-breaking contributions in field.
His career was cut short by his conviction in 1952 for gross indecency with a 19-year-old man. Although he
did not go to prison but was chemically castrated and died aged 41 due to cyanide poisoning in an
apparent suicide in 1954.
Royal Pardon: In 2013 he received a posthumous pardon from Queen Elizabeth II.
Later in 2017, the Alan Turing Law posthumously pardoned men who had been cautioned or convicted
under historical legislation that outlawed homosexual acts in Britain.
SBI Managing Director Anshula Kant appointed World Bank’s MD and CFO
Anshula Kant, Managing Director of State Bank of India (SBI) has been appointed as Managing Director
and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of World Bank. She will be the 1st woman CFO of World Bank. Her
appointment was announced by David Malpass, World Bank’s President.
Key Highlights
Since September 2018 she has been a Managing Director and member of the World Bank Board.
Role as CFO: While functioning her role as MD and CFO, Anshula Kant will be responsible for financial and
risk management of World Bank Group and will report WB’s President.
Duties: Among other key management duties, her work will include risk management and oversight of
financial reporting. She will also work closely with World Bank CEO on mobilization of International
Development Association (IDA) and other financial resources. IDA is a member of World Bank Group. It is
an international financial institution that offers concessional loans and grants to world’s poorest
developing countries.
About Anshula Kant anmol gupta | [email protected] |
She is a graduate in Economic Honours from Lady Shri Ram (LSR) College for Women, New Delhi and
Post-Graduate in Economics from Delhi School of Economics.
Role in SBI:
She has held position of Chief Financial Officer of SBI. As SBI’s CFO she managed $38 billion of revenues
and total assets of $500 billion.World Bank
She has more than 35 years of expertise in finance and banking sector. Stewarding SBI she greatly
improved capital base and focused on long-term sustainability of organisation within her mandate.
She has held direct responsibility for SBI’s Risk, Compliance and Stressed Asset Portfolio and led creation
of several investment opportunities while empowering risk management via bank.
Arun Kumar appointed as DGCA Director General
Appointments Committee of Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved
appointment of Arun Kumar, Additional Secretary and Financial Advisor, to Union Ministry of Civil
Aviation as the new Director General (DG) in Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in rank and pay
of Additional Secretary.
About Arun Kumar
He is 1989 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre.
He is currently serving as additional secretary in Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and will now be holding
full-time charge as Chief of aviation regulator DGCA.
He was heading DGCA as an additional charge between 31 May 31 and 9 July 2019.
Predecessor: He will succeed B S Bhullar who was appointed as full-time DGCA chief in December 2016. He
is an IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh (UP) cadre. In between June 2016 and December 2016, he was also
heading DGCA as additional charge. During his tenure, his main role was as additional secretary in
Ministry of Civil Aviation.
About Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
It is regulatory body in field of Civil Aviation primarily dealing with safety issues. It is headquartered in
New Delhi with regional offices in various parts of India.
It is an attached office of Union Ministry of Civil Aviation which is responsible for regulation of air
transport services to or from or within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety and
airworthiness standards.
It is also responsible for coordinating all regulatory functions with International Civil Aviation Organisation
(ICAO).
IMF Chief Christine Lagarde to now head European Central Bank

International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde has been confirmed as new head
of European Central bank (ECB). Her appointment would make her 1st woman to lead powerful institution
of ECB.
Key Highlights
Following Lagarde’s nomination as President of ECB she announced to temporarily relinquish her
responsibilities as head of IMF. She will now step down 2 years before end of her second five-year term as
IMF Chief.
She would be succeeding Mario Draghi, whose term ends on 31 October 2019.
About Christine Lagarde
The 63 years old French, was the 1st woman to head International Monetary Fund (IMF) when she took the
job in 2011.
In 2005 she was appointed France’s trade minister and in 2007 as finance minister.
She will next head European Central Bank starting November 2019.
About European Central Bank
It was established on 1 June 1998 with Headquarters in Ostend district, Frankfurt, Germany. It is the
central bank of 19 European Union (EU) countries which have adopted Euro.
It is EU’s one truly federal institution which is responsible for administering of Euro and Monetary policy
of Eurozone. It is one of the largest monetaryanmolareas in world. |
gupta | [email protected]
After U.S. Federal Reserve, ECB is most influential central bank in world.
Mandate: To maintain price stability in Euro area and so preserve purchasing power of single currency.
ECB Presidency:
It is not just most powerful position in Europe, far more significant than European commission presidency
but is one of the most significant policymaking positions in world.
The position is currently held by Mario Draghi, who was widely credited with saving the euro during the
eurozone debt crisis.
Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen appointed new President of EU Commission
Germany’s Ursula von der Leyen was appointed by European Union (EU) leaders as bloc’s next Chief
Executive i.e. European Commission president. She will be replacing Jean-Claude Juncker.
About Ursula von der Leyen
The 60 year old, is the only minister who has been in Merkel’s government since German leader took office
in 2005.
She is Chancellor Angela Merkel’s defense minister and fellow conservative party member.
She was backed by Angela Merkel but there was resistance to her nomination within the German coalition
ending in her appointment as a compromise.
This would be 1st time a German holds top EU job since Walter Hallstein was head of Commission of
European Economic Community more than 50 years ago.
Challenge Ahead: To navigate world full of bruising trade wars, renewed geopolitical tension around Iran,
and calling for increased transparency and representation within EU itself.
About European Commission
It is an institution of European Union (EU) that was founded on 1 January 1958.
Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
It is responsible for implementing decisions, proposing legislation, upholding EU treaties and managing
day-to-day business of European Union.
Role of EU Commission President: heads executive branch, sets policy agenda and controls a cabinet of
commissioners.
Manoj Kumar Nambiar elected Chairman of MFIN
Manoj Kumar Nambiar Managing Director of Arohan Financial Services has been elected as new chairman
of Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN). He was elected at 6th annual general meeting of MFIN.
Highlights
Nambiar is also a director on boards of IntelleCash Microfinance Network Company. He will be replacing

Ujjivan Financial Services CEO and MD Samit Ghosh.

Gyan Mohan and Jagadish Ramadugu were also inducted to MFINs governing board.
About Microfinance Institutions Network
Background: It was established as a Society in December 2009 under Andhra Pradesh Societies Registration
Act 2001. It is an association for microfinance sector in India. It is also a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO)
for regulated NBFC-MFI.
Members Organizations: constitute India’s leading microfinance institutions. According to MFIN Bye-
Laws, all NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Company) registered with Reserve Bank India as NBFC-MFIs are
eligible for membership of Society. To a large extent MFIN is member funded.
Governing Board: comprises of Members elected from amongst leadership of member MFIs and 33% of
Board comprises of independent Members.
Currently: MFIN comprises 56 NBFC-MFIs (Non-Banking Financial Company-Micro Finance Institutions)
and 40 associates including banks, small finance banks and NBFCs and it controls 90% of India’s MFI
business. In financial year 2018-19 the microfinance industry saw a 38% growth in its gross loan portfolio
at Rs 1.87 lakh crore.
Significance: This sector has played a significant role in getting rural India into folds of financial
inclusion.
Fact Box: Jaya Arunachalam
Jaya Arunachalam, Indian social worker and founder of Working Women’s Forum (WWF) died at age of 87
in Chennai. She was also a pioneer of the women’s Self Help group (SHG) movement in the country.
About Dr. Jaya Arunachalam
She was a graduate in Economics and Geography. In 1999 she was awarded honorary doctorate by
University of Lueneberg, Germany.
Through WWF she helped lakhs of women from underprivileged background to organise themselves
towards becoming financially independent.
Achievements:
She is recipient of Padma Shri (1987), Jamnalal Bajaj Award (2009) for her work towards welfare of women
and children.
In 2003 she recieved International Activist Award by Glietsman Foundation and Godfrey Phillips National
Bravery Social Lifetime Achievement Award (2010).
About Working Women’s Forum
It is a women’s organisation that was founded Jaya Arunachalam in Madras (Chennai) in 1978.
It is a non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Indian state of Tamil Nadu, working for welfare of
marginalized women.
Objective: To empower poor women in southern India by providing them microcredits, a trade union,
health care and training.
It works with poor women who work in informal sector like street vendors, silkworm growers and silk
weavers, washerwomen, handicraft producers and fisherwomen.
Two Organisations closely related to WWF-
1. Indian Co-operative Network for Women (ICNW): It provides loans
2. National Union of Working Women (NUWW): It is a trade union
Aparna Kumar becomes 1st IPS Officer to complete 7 Summits Challenge
Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and DIG Frontier in Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Aparna Kumar
recently scaled North America’s Highest Peak Denali (20,310 feet) in Alaska, USA. With this she became 1st
civil servant to climb the rare mountain. She scaled this summit in her 3rd attempt.
Key Highlights
Mount Denali in Alaska was her seventh Summit in her mission ‘Seven Summits’ Challenge. By scaling Mt.
Denali she completed her ‘Seven Summits’ Challenge.
She is the 1st civil servant and IPS officer to achieve this rare feat.

She also became 1st woman IPS DIG and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officer to successfully complete
South Pole expedition
Aparna Kumar– She is 2002 batch Uttar Pradesh (UP) Cadre IPS officer. She has been posted at Northern
Frontier Headquarters of ITBP in Dehradun.
What is ‘Seven Summits’ Challenge?
It is the name given to challenge of climbing highest point in each of the 7 continents.
1st such challenge was completed in 1985 when Dick Bass, Texas oil tycoon reached summit of Mt Everest.
Currently over 300 people have completed the ‘Seven Summits Challenge’.
The Seven Summit inlcudes
1. Carstensz Pyramid– 4884m; Location: Oceania (Australia – New Guinea)
2. Kilimanjaro– 5892m; Location: Africa
3. Elbrus– Height: Location: Russia
4. Aconcagua– Height: 6962m; Location: South America
5. Denali (or Mt McKinley)- Height: 6194m; Location: North America
6. Vinson Massif– Height- 4892m; Location: Antarctica
7. Mt. Everest– Height- 8848m; Location: Asia
A Prime Minister to Remember: Book by Former Navy Chief released
Published On Jun 29, 2019 anmol gupta | [email protected] |
A book titled ‘A Prime Minister to Remember- Memories of a Military Chief’, authored by former Navy Chief
Admiral Sushil Kumar recently released highlights the key defence related decisions taken by former
Prime Minister of India Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Admiral Kumar served as Navy Chief between 1998 and
2001 and also oversaw Kargil conflict in 1999.
Key Highlights from Book
The book by former Navy Chief Admiral Sushil Kumar reads that 1999 Kargil conflict was Prime Minister
Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s “finest hour”.
He credits Vajpayee for turning the strategic tactical loss into a massive victory and for which he gave full
credit to Armed Forces. Vajpayee instructed armed to not cross LoC (Line of Control), but drive them
[Pakistan] away, telling this as his best master stroke Adm. kumar observed that Mr. Vajpayee knew the
value of restraint.
In the wake of the Parliament terror attack (December 13, 2001) Vajpayee wanted to hit a Pakistani Army
camp but was forced to drop plan at last moment as it got relocated.
Admiral kumar also says that while then External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh wanted India to support
United States war on Afghanistan in wake of 9/11 terrorist attack, but the military chiefs disagreed and
Vajpayee diplomatically went with latter option.
He mention that Operation Parakram that was called after Parliament attack was not the military’s finest
hour.
Sharad Kumar Saraf elected FIEO’s new President
Published On Jun 28, 2019
Exporters body Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) has elected Sharad Kumar Saraf as its
new president. Saraf will succeed renowned exporter Ganesh Kumar Gupta.
About Sharad Kumar Saraf
Saraf in his earlier stints at FIEO has served twice as vice-president and four times as regional chairman
(west region). He is also chairman and founder of Technocraft Industries (India).
Saraf during his earlier period as vice-president and regional chairman (west region) established Indian
Exporters Grievance Forum that work towards addressing exporters’ grievances through legal channel.
With his new appointment as FIEO’s President he will work towards further pushing issues of exporters
at different forums and boost country’s exports.
About FIEO
It was established in 1965 with headquarters in New Delhi. It was formed by Union Ministry of Commerce
and private trade and industry.
It is an apex body of exports promotion council, commodity boards and export development authorities in

India. Its direct members contribute more than 70% of India’s exports.
Function: Providing crucial interface between international trading community of India and Centre and
state government, railways, ports, surface transport, financial institutions and all other engaged in trade
facilitation.
Samanat Goel appointed as RAW Chief
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved
appointment of senior IPS officer Samant Kumar Goel as Director of Research and Analysis Wing (RAW),
external intelligence of India. He has been appointed for a fixed tenure of two years. He will take charge
from Anil K Dhasmana.
About Samant Kumar Goel
He is 1984 batch IPS officer of Punjab cadre. He is at present the Special Secretary in RAW.
He had joined the RAW in 2001 and possesses rich experience in intelligence and operations.
He is instrumental in planning Balakot air strike after Pulwama attack in Jammu and Kashmir and
surgical strikes in Uri.
He is recipient of the Police Medals for Gallantry and Meritorious Service.
About RAW
He is the primary foreign intelligence agency of India. It was established in 1968 following the intelligence
failures of India-China and India-Pakistan wars. It is headquartered in New Delhi.

It is under the direct command of Prime Minister and reports on administrative basis to the Cabinet
Secretary of India, who in turn reports to the Prime Minister.
Function: To gather foreign intelligence, engage in counter-terrorism, promote counter-proliferation,
advise Indian policymakers and advance foreign strategic interests of India.
Arvind Kumar appointed as Director of Intelligence Bureau
The Appointment Committee of Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved
appointment of senior IPS officer Arvind Kumar as Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) for a fixed tenure of
two years. He will succeed Rajiv Jain whose tenure comes to an end on 29 June 2019.
About Arvind Kumar
He is 1984-batch IPS officer from Assam-Meghalaya cadre. He has been working with IB since August 1991
and has also served in Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia.
Prior to this appointment, he served as Special Director in IB and his job involved supervising
administrative and personnel desks.
He is considered to be an expert on Kashmir and Naxal issues. He is the second most senior officer in IB
after Rajiv Jain.
He is a recipient of President Police Medal for Distinguished Service.
About Intelligence Bureau (IB)
It is India’s internal intelligence agency. It functions under the aegis of Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
It was established in 1887 by British India Government and later recasted as the Central Intelligence
Bureau in 1947.
It is headquartered in New Delhi.
Fact Box: Freedom Fighter Mohan Ranade
Mohan Ranade, the Veteran freedom fighter who played a major role in Goa Liberation Movement in
1950s, recently died in Pune at 90 years of age.
About Mohan Ranade
He was born in 1929 at Sangli, Maharashtra. He was a lawyer by training and was greatly inspired by
freedom fighters like Ganesh Damodar Savarkar and Vinayak Savarkar.
Fight for Goa: Ranade decided to dedicate his life to liberate Goa from clutches of Portuguese and thus he
entered Goa in 1950 under disguise as a teacher and founded an organisation called Azad Gomantak Dal,
which was to raise an armed revolt against Portuguese rule. He was injured during an attack on a police
station at Beti in 1955 and was consequently arrested by Portuguese police.

After being arrested by Portuguese police in 1955, he was imprisoned at Fort of Caxias near Lisbon in
Portugal where he was kept in solitary confinement for 6 years. Then in 1961 when Goa got liberated from
Portuguese rule, Ranade was released in January 1969, after having spent 14 years in prison.
He received Goa Puraskar in 1986 for social work and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001. He has also
authored books on Goa liberation movement.
What is Goa Liberation Movement?
It was a movement which was aimed to end Portuguese colonial rule in Goa, India.
Initially, the movement was built on small scale revolts and uprisings of 19th century but grew powerful
during 1940-1961 periods. In the end Portuguese control of its Indian colonies ended only when after
failure of diplomacy with Portuguese, Government of India ordered Indian Armed Forces to take Goa by
force.
Thus on 18 and 19 December 1961 military operation were conducted in which Indian troops invaded and
captured Goa with little resistance. The governor-general of Portuguese India signed an instrument of
surrender and incorporated Portuguese territories into Indian Union.
Lessons Life Taught Me Unknowingly: Anupam Kher’s Autobiography
Bollywood actor Anupam Kher is coming out with his autobiography titled-‘Lessons Life Taught Me
Unknowingly’ that is set to release on 5 August
anmol2019. The book is
gupta | [email protected] | expected to offer a kaleidoscopic peep into
life and times of Kher as an actor and entertainer.
Key Highlights
Publishers: The book is being published by Penguin Random House.
The Book: It is expected to be an extraordinary, riveting and no-holds-barred saga in which the actor
would make some behind-the-scenes revelations, and share anecdotes and rare nuggets from his life and
the lessons it taught him.
About Anupam Kher
Achievements: The 64 year old actor is a winner of 2 National awards, 8 Filmfare awards and a BAFTA
nomination. He is also a recipient of the Padma Shree (2004) and Padma Bhushan (2016) awards.
In his career spanning number of successful films in Bollywood he even and went on to feature in several
mainstream Hollywood films such as Silver Linings Playbook, Hotel Mumbai, The Big Sick and The Family
Man.
He also has a best-selling book ‘The Best Thing about You Is You!’ in his kitty. The book has been translated
in 6 languages and is in its 22nd reprint.
Function of Data Sovereignty: Vinit Goenka’s new book
Author Vinit Goenka released his new co-authored book titled ‘Function of Data Sovereignty: The Pursuit of
Supremacy’. He is founder member of Centre for Knowledge Sovereignty (CKS), which is an endeavour to
acquire knowledge through experts of eminence in respective field.
Key Facts about Data
Data Localization: The Book focuses in-depth on steps and concrete actions required to build highly
capable data centres that will ensure data security, and implementation of well-thought-out policies,
procedures, and laws on data sovereignty to ensure that India weakens all fear of Data Colonisation well in
time. The impact of these steps would be a radical breakthrough in ease of doing data centre business in
India.
Caution: India is one of the world’s biggest markets in data generation i.e. India generates data and
consume data. Although data is the new fuel which runs world, it is also a double-edged sword hence
author also cautioned against data colonisation being not too far.
Risk: It identifies risks and gaps in areas such as regulatory policies, energy, water resource, network
bandwidth, and risk & management of natural disasters which prevent market forces in India from
playing its due role.
It also attempts to set a clear objective for regulators to formulate a business-friendly, unambiguous, and
strict policy environment for data centre business in India.

India and Data

India is becoming a substantial data consumption market with one-sixth of human population and one-
fourth of data consumption of world. The digital data consumption in India is expected to increase two
times as fast as global rate (from 0.6 zettabytes in 2013 to 6 zettabytes in 2020). The key drivers for digital
data consumption growth are sectors such as insurance, banking, telecommunications, IT, digital
commerce, social media, and government sector.
In 2018, Indian data centre infrastructure market was valued at US$27 billion, which by 2020 is expected
to be second largest market within Asia-Pacific region
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev pens Autobiography
Yoga guru Baba Ramdev recently made announcement about releasing his autobiography titled- ‘My Life,
My Mission’. The book is co-authored with senior journalist Uday Mahurkar.
About ‘My Life, My Mission’
The autobiography of Baba Ramdev will unveil trials, tribulations, and triumphs of his life and provide
insights into his childhood.
Brief:
The book addresses major controversies, turning points and achievements of Baba Ramdev’s life and is
expected to be one of its kind personal narrative of life and times of yoga teacher.
In the book, Ramdev registers his journey from a small Haryana village to international stage, and pens
about his passion for yoga and good health, friends and foes, and the Swadeshi campaign spearheaded by
him.
Autobiography also highlights the journey of Ramdev’s venture, Patanjali Group of Institutions, with a
turnover of about Rs 12,000 crores.
Publisher: It is being published by Penguin Random House and expected to hit stands in August 2019.
Author Amish Tripathi appointed director of London’s Nehru Centre
Renowned Author Amish Tripathi has been named as the new director of London’s Nehru Centre, under
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
About Amish Tripathi
He is the author of best-selling books such as ‘Secret of the Nagas’ and ‘Sita – Warrior of Mithila’.
He will take over the director’s post from diplomat Srinivas Gotru, whose 4 year tenure ended in early 2019.
He was appointed on basis of merit, after he applied for the director’s post followed by an interview with a
selection panel.
His appointment is being expected to bring more visibility to ICCR’s flagship cultural centre and will make
every centre under ICCR to be more vibrant and proactive to generate a proper understanding of the
Indian culture abroad.
About London’s Nehru Centre
The Nehru Centre is a cultural centre located at the South Audley Street, London in United Kingdom (UK).
It was established in 1992 with the goal of promoting cultural exchange between India and UK.
Famous personalities associated with centre include- Gopalkrishna Gandhi served as its founder director
and Playwright-actor Girish Karnad was among prominent people to have helmed the centre.
Most of the directors to Nehru Centre’s have been political appointees. Diplomat Pavan Varma was 1st
bureaucrat to head cultural wing of Indian high commission in London, UK and was appointed as its
director in 2005.
Shefali Juneja appointed India’s representative to ICAO’s council
Senior bureaucrat Shefali Juneja was appointed as representative of India (JS Level) in council of
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Montreal, Canada.
About Shefali Juneja
She is a 1992 batch officer of Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax cadre) and is currently serving as the
Joint Secretary in Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA).
She has been appointed to Representative of India post in the council of ICAO, Montreal, Canada. Her

tenure as a representative will for a period of three years.

She will replace senior IAS officer Alok Shekhar who was selected for this post in October 2015.
About International Civil Aviation Organisation
It is a specialized agency of United Nations, charged with coordinating and regulating international air
travel.
Background: ICAO was established in 1944 by Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago
Convention). It is headquartered in Quartier International of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Objective: To manage administration and governance of Chicago Convention.
Function
It works with Member States (193) and several industry groups, towards reaching a consensus on
international civil aviation Standards accepted globally and Recommended Practices (SARPs) and policies.
ICAO Member States use these SARPs and policies, to ensure that their local civil aviation operations and
regulations conform to global norms and also to support safe, efficient, economically sustainable and
environmentally responsible civil aviation sector.
ICAO Council: It is composed of 36 member states, who are elected for a 3 year term.
Council’s member states are chosen under three headings-
1. States of chief importance in air transport
2. States which make largest contribution to provision of facilities for air navigation
3. States whose designation will ensure that all major areas of world are represented in the council
ACC Approves extension of Alok Vardhan Chaturvedi as DGFT
The Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the extension of Senior bureaucrat Alok
Vardhan Chaturvedi by over 3 months, in central deputation as Director General (DG), Directorate General
of Foreign Trade (DGFT).
Key Highlights
A. V. Chaturvedi is a 1986 batch IAS officer of Bihar cadre. He was given extension beyond 18 June 2019
and will now continue up to 30 September 2019, the date of his superannuation or until further orders
Appointments Committee of Cabinet: The ACC decides appointments to top posts under Government of
India (GoI). It is composed of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi who act as the Chairman of ACC
and Union Minister of Home Affairs, Amit Shah.
Directorate General of Foreign Trade: It is agency of Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. It is
responsible for administering laws regarding foreign trade and foreign investment in India and for
execution of India’s import and export Policies. It provides a complete searchable database of all exporters
and importers of India.
Lt Gen Faiz Hameed: appointed Pakistan’s new ISI chief
Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, was appointed by Pakistan military as the new Director-General of
Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the military-led powerful spy agency.
Though by convention it is the Prime Minister of country who appoints ISI chief in consultation with
Army chief per the Constitution, bout in reality it is the Army who decides who he wants in job. Also, the
DG ISI is answerable only to the Army chief and not Prime Minister.
About Lt Gen Faiz Hameed
Post his appointment as DG of ISI, Faiz replaced its current head Lieutenant General Asim Munir, who was
appointed to head ISI only eight months ago, following the retirement of his predecessor Lt Gen Naveed
Mukhtar. He is believed to be a close aide of Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa.
Prior to this Lt Gen Faiz previously served as the head of ISI’s Counter Intelligence wing. On 12 April 2019,
he was promoted to the rank of Lt. General and later that month was named as Adjutant General at
General Headquarters (GHQ). GHQ is the Headquarters of Pakistan Army located in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
About ISI
It was founded in 1948 as an independent unit to strengthen Pakistan’s intelligence network. The ISI was

earlier a part of Intelligence Bureau (IB), which handled intelligence-sharing between different branches of
Pak’s military, as well as external intelligence gathering. In 1950, ISI was officially handed over the task of
safeguarding Pakistani interests and national security, inside and outside country.
Initially it was headquartered in Rawalpindi, but later HQ was moved to Islamabad.
The ISI, with its exceptionally large say in national politics and foreign policy, is also not least in shaping
Pakistan’s mullah-military alliance and is today among the world’s most significant intelligence agencies.
Denmark’s Inger Andersen takes over as UNEP’s Executive Director
Denmark’s Inger Andersen recently took charge as the new Executive Director (ED) of United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP). She will hold the designation for period of 4-years.
About Inger Andersen
Inger is a Danish economist and environmentalist with over 30 years of experience in international
development economics, environmental sustainability and policy-making. Now as ED of UNEP she brings
to the role a passion for conservation and sustainable development.
Nomination: She was nominated for the ED post by United Nation’s Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio
Guterres and approved by UN General Assembly (UNGA) in February 2019.
Succeeded: She took over the charge from Joyce Msuya of Tanzania, who served as acting head of UNEP
since late 2018. Msuya will now continue as Deputy Executive Director.
Previous Appointments:
IUCN- She has served as Director General of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) between
January 2015 and May 2019.
World Bank– Before joining IUCN, she held various leadership roles at World Bank (WB) such as- served as
WB’s Vice President of Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Vice President for Sustainable Development
and Head of Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers Fund Council (IARCFC).
Even before joining World Bank, she worked at the UN for over 12 years.
About UN Environment Programme
It was founded by Maurice Strong (UNEP’s 1st director) and was established as a result of United Nations
Conference on Human Environment (or the Stockholm Conference) on 5 June 1972.
It is headquartered in Nairobi (capital of Kenya) and also has 6 regional offices and various country offices.
Function: It is a UN agency that provides leadership and encourages partnership in caring for
environment and is also responsible for coordinating UN’s environmental activities, assisting developing
countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices.
CEA Krishnamurthy Subramanian appointed part-time member in IBBI
Krishnamurthy Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) and B. Sriram, former managing director (MD)
and chief executive officer (CEO) of Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI Bank) were appointed
part-time members of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).
K Subramanian, an Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad professor was appointed chief economic
adviser for a period of 3 years in December 2018.
Their appointment was approved by Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), which is composed of
Prime Minister of India (who is Chairman), Union Minister of Home Affairs and the order for appointment
was issued by Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
About Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India
IBBI, an insolvency regulatory agency was established on 1 October 2016. It was given statutory
powers by Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), the bankruptcy law of India which was passed by
Lok Sabha on 5 May 2016.
The IBC 2016 established Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), to oversee insolvency
proceedings in India and to regulate entities registered under it.
The IBBI Governing Board consists of 10 members, including representatives from the Ministry of
Finance (MoF), Ministry of Law and Justice, Ministry of corporate affairs (MCA), and Reserve Bank of
India (RBI).

IBBI act as a regulator for overseeing insolvency proceedings and entities such as Insolvency
Professionals (IP), Insolvency Professional Agencies (IPA) and Information Utilities (IU) in India.
IBC covers Individuals, Companies, Partnership firms and Limited Liability Partnerships and
handles cases under it using tribunals namely National company law tribunal (NCLT) and Debt
recovery tribunal (DRT).
Manipur man detects WhatsApp bug, enters Facebook Hall of Fame 2019
Zonel Sougaijam, a civil engineer from Manipur was included in Facebook Hall of Fame 2019, for detecting
a WhatsApp bug that violated privacy of a user.
Key Highlights
Facebook, the social media giant honoured 22-year-old Mr. Sougaijam, by including him in Facebook
Hall of Fame 2019 and also awarded $5000.
His name is currently at 16th position in a list of 94 people who are included in Facebook Hall of
Fame for this year.
WhatsApp Bug: During a voice call via WhatsApp, the bug instilled used to allow caller to upgrade it
to a video call even without the authorisation and knowledge of receiver. The WhatsApp caller was
then able to see what other person on receiving end is doing, thus violating the privacy of receiver.
Sougaijam discovered this bug and reported the matter| in March 2019 to Bug Bounty Program of
Facebook, which deals with matters of violation privacy. The Facebook Security team acknowledged
his report and its technical department fixed the bug within 15-20 days.
Facebook, the social media giant is owned by Mark Zuckerberg, who purchased WhatsApp
messaging service in February 2014 for a staggerring $19 billion.
Thawarchand Gehlot appointed as Leader of Rajya Sabha
Thawarchand Gehlot, Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment was recently appointed as Leader
of Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The Leader of the Rajya Sabha is appointed by the party in power at
Centre.
This position was occupied by senior BJP leader and former Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley in
previous Narendra Modi-led government (2014-2019).
About Thawarchand Gehlot
The 71-year-old Gehlot, is leader from Madhya Pradesh has almost four decades of legislative
experience.
Apart from being an experienced parliamentarian, he is a member & general secretary of ruling
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
He belongs to Scheduled Caste and is a Dalit face of saffron party.
He has been a member of state legislative assembly for several terms and has also served in Lok
Sabha as well as Rajya Sabha.
He became a Rajya Sabha member in 2012 and was re-elected to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh
in 2018. This new term of his will end in 2024. A member to Upper House of Parliament has a term of
6 years.
Leader of Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament)
A Leader of House is a Rajya Sabha member who either holds a rank of cabinet minister or another
nominated minister. The Leader has a seat next to ex-officio Chairperson of Rajya Sabha (the Vice
President of India), in the front row.
The term Leader of the House has been defined in Rule 2(1) of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of
Business in the Rajya Sabha.
Gopalaswami Ayyangar was the 1st Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha.
Virendra Kumar: Pro-tem Speaker of 17th Lok Sabha
The Bharatiya Janta Party’s (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) from Madhya Pradesh Dr Virendra Kumar
will be the Pro-tem Speaker of 17th Lok Sabha.

Key Highlights
The 65 year old Virendra Kumar, is a seven-term MP. He won the 17th Lok Sabha election from
Tikamgarh Lok Sabha constituency. Tikamgarh is one of the 29 parliamentary constituencies in
Madhya Pradesh. He served as Minister of State (MoS) in previous Narendra Modi government
(2014-2019).
The 1st all-party meet will be convened on 16 June 2019, before the 1st session of 17th Lok Sabha that
will be held from 17 June to 26 July 2019.
Function: As Pro-tem Speaker, he will preside over the 1st sitting of newly constituted Lok Sabha,
administer the oath of office to newly elected MPs, and also oversee the election of LS Speaker.
In the first week of session of 17th Lok Sabha, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker to Lok Sabha will
be elected.
About Pro-tem Speaker
The word Pro-tem is a Latin phrase which in English means ‘for the time being’ of ‘temporary’. Thus
a Pro-tem Speaker performs the duties of office of Speaker from commencement of 1st sitting of
newly constituted Lok Sabha till the election of the Speaker. This is because Speaker of last Lok
Sabha vacates his office before the 1st meeting of newly elected Lok Sabha.
The Article 94 of constitution states that previous Speaker must resign immediately before 1st
sitting of the new Lok Sabha. anmol gupta | [email protected] |
Article 93 of constitution states that, a Speaker and Deputy Speaker to Lower House of Parliament
must be elected in 1st sitting of Lok Sabha.
The appointment of Pro tem speaker is a convention and there is no provision mentioned in the
Constitution for this position.
President appoints and administes the oath of a member of Lok Sabha as Pro-tem Speaker. By
convention a seniormost Lok Sabha member is usually is selected.
A Pro-tem Speaker has powers same as a Lok Sabha Speaker. His main duty is to administer oath to
newly elected members of parliament and election of new Speaker.
The office of Pro-tem Speaker ceases to operate once new Speaker is elected by members.
Fact Box: Girish Karnad
The renowned playwright, actor and Jnanpith awardee Girish Karnad died at the age of 81 at his residence
in Bengaluru, Karnataka. He succumbed to multiple-organ failure.
To honour the well-known writer who brought 7th Jnanpith to Kannada, Karnataka Government declared
a holiday for schools and colleges and a 3-day State mourning as a tribute.
About Girish Karnad
He was born in May 1938. He became one of the most prominent theatre personalities in priod of
1960s and 1970s, which was regarded as Renaissance of Indian theatre.
Playwright: He wrote his first play Yayati in 1961 when he was a Rhodes scholar (world’s oldest
fellowship program) in England, UK. He worked with mythology, history and gave them a
contemporary resonance in plays like Tughlaq and Hayavadana. He translated most of his plays
himself. His last play was Rakshasa Tangadi, (a Kannada play on the Battle of Talikota) which was
published in 2018.
Director and Actor: he made his acting debut in the classic movie- Samskara. He made his name not
only in parallel cinema but was also celebrated for his roles in mainstream films in multiple
languages. He directed around 12 films and documentaries in Kannada and Hindi.
Awards: He was recipient of Padma Shri (1974) for his contributions to theatre and Padma Bhushan
(1992) in recognition of his contributions to arts. He was also conferred Jnanpith Award in 1998.
IPS V.S. Kaumudi appointed as Director General of BPR&D
The Centre government has appointed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer V.S. Kaumudi as Director
General of Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) by lowering the post to the rank of
Additional Director General.

Key Highlights
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet comprising of Prime Minister of India (who is the
Chairman) and Minister of Home Affairs, approved the proposal made by Union Ministry of Home
Affairs for appointing V.S. Kaumudi as Director General (ADG level) BPR&D by temporarily
downgrading the DG post to level of Additional Director General (Level-15 of Pay Matrix)
He will be succeeding IPS officer Sudeep Lakhtakia, a 1984 batch IPS officer.
Term: His appointment as DG of BPR&D will be for a period of two years or until further orders,
About IPS V.S. Kaumudi
He is a 1986 batch IPS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre.
At present she is serving as Additional Director General (ADG) in Central Reserve.
About Bureau of Police Research and Development
BPRD was established in 1970 under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
It is a federal law enforcement agency with headquarters in New Delhi.
It is a national police organisation to study, research and develop (R&D) on subjects and issues
related to policing for the purpose of modernisation of police forces.
In 2017, Union government merged Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) with
National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) for
anmol gupta improving| administrative efficiency and optimally
| [email protected]
utilising resources related to policing. This new merged entity is headed by Director General (DG) of
BPRD, and NCRB Director, an Additional DG rank post will report to the former.
Nigeria’s UN envoy elected as President of UNGA 74th Session
Tijjani Muhammad-Bande, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) was elected as President of
74th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA).
Key Highlights
Muhammad-Bande, was nominated by Nigeria and endorsed by African group, at the election.
The 193-member UNGA then elected him by acclamation with also supporting his candidature.
During an informal interactive dialogue with the Nigerian envoy in May 2019, India described Bande
as a great friend and a well-known son of Africa.
His election was in accordance with the rules of UNGA, that 74th session of General Assembly
should be elected from among African States.
He will succeed Maria Fernanda Espinosa as President of next General Assembly session that will
commence in September 2019.
His appointment comes at the time when world body gets ready to celebrate 75th anniversary of its
establishment in 2020.
Address and Commitment: While addressing the 193-member General Assembly he reaffirmed that
during his term he will try and hasten long-delayed reform process of 15-nation UN organ, UN
Security Council (UNSC) which made little progress after Inter-Governmental Negotiations (IGN) a
decade ago.
He also assured that major properties of his presidency will be implementation of existing mandates
and 2030 Agenda with particular focus on peace and security, poverty eradication, zero hunger,
quality education, climate action and inclusion
Way Forward
Under his presidentship, UNGA 74th session will see several high-level meetings including- high-level
Political Forum, high-level events on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Financing for Development,
Secretary-General’s Climate Summit, and commemoration of Beijing+25 (25 year since Beijing
Declaration and Platform for Action 1995 was adopted).
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra appointed Director General of IMD
Renowned scientist, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra is appointed as Director-General the India Meteorological
Department (IMD). His appointment order was issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and
Pensions.
About Mrutyunjay Mohapatra

The 54-year-old cyclone warning specialist is Scientist ‘G’ (grade) in IMD. Prior to joining IMD, he
worked at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory in Chandipur.
He is appointed as chief of IMD and will assume charge of the post on or after 1 August 2019 for a
period of five years.
He leads the Cyclone Warning Division (CWD) of the IMD and is well known as ‘Cyclone Man‘ for
his cyclone forecasts. In past six years, CWD has given accurate forecasts on cyclones such as Phailin
(2013), Hudhud (2014) and Titli (2018) which hit the eastern coast.
Focus Areas: He seeks to strengthen the IMD’s infrastructure and improve dissemination of
weather-related information with focus on sector-related forecast and giving impact-based
prediction in all areas. By sector-related forecasts, IMD intends to give predictions on specific areas
like information for transport systems (like trains). At present IMD gives impact-based predictions
only for cyclones.
About India Meteorological Department
It is an agency of Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.
It is responsible for meteorological observations, seismology and weather and climate related
forecasts for the country.
It is mandated to warn against severeanmolweather phenomenon like cold and heat-waves, dust storms,
gupta | [email protected] |
cyclones, heavy rain and snow and others.

Ajit Doval reappointed as National Security Adviser
Ajit Doval is reappointed as National Security Advisor (NSA) of India for another five year tenure. In
recognition of his earlier contribution in the national security domain, he has also been elevated to rank of
Cabinet Minister for this term. During his first term 2014-2019 NSA was given rank of Minister of State
(MoS).
About Ajit Doval
He is a 1968-batch IPS officer. For over 33 years he worked as an intelligence officer during which he
served in North East, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab.
The 74 year old Doval had also done several key diplomatic assignments in Pakistan and the United
Kingdom (UK).
He headed the Intelligence Bureau’s (IB) operations wing for over a decade including serving as
Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB) from July 2004 to January 2005.
Post retirement, he founded Vivekananda International Foundation, a public policy think tank
headquartered in New Delhi.
In May 2014, he was appointed as India’s fifth NSA. Under his supervision, Surgical strike was
conducted in September 2016 (aftermath of Uri terror attack) and Balakot airstrike was conducted
in February 2019 (aftermath of suicide attack on CRPF convey).
About National Security Advisor (NSA)
NSA is the chief adviser to the prime minister of India on national and international security policy
matters. He serves at the discretion of Prime Minister of India.
NSA is now seen as the most powerful bureaucrat in the Government of India.
This post was created in 1998 by then government of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Since
then either an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) or the Indian Police Service (IPS) serves the post. Senior
IFS officer Brajesh Mishra was India’s first NSA (in office from November 1998-May 2004).
NSA presides over the National Security Council (NSC). NSC was established in 1998. It is an
executive government agency that oversees India’s political, economic, energy and security issues of
strategic concern. It is a three-tiered organization comprising of Joint Intelligence Committee
(JIC), Strategic Policy Group (SPG) and National Security Advisory Board (NSAB).
CAG Rajiv Mehrishi elected External Auditor for WHO
The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India Rajiv Mehrishi has been elected as external auditor of

World Health Organization (WHO) for a period of four years from year 2020 to 2023.
Key Highlights
CAG Rajiv Mehrishi was elected at 72nd World Health Assembly (WHA) held in Geneva, Switzerland
on May 2019.
He will take over the charge from the Supreme Audit Institution of Philippines which is the
incumbent External Auditor of WHO.
At 72nd WHA, CAG of India was elected with a majority of 90 votes out of 162 votes in first round of
voting itself. Apart from India others competing for elected position includes Auditors General of
United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain, Congo, France, Northern Ireland, Ghana and Tunisia.
Other Appointments: In March 2019 the CAG was chosen for the post of External Auditor of Food
and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome Italy thus the external auditor of WHO is the second
major international audit assignment for CAG in same year.
Currently, CAG Mehrishi is also on the Board of Auditors of United Nations (UN) and Vice-Chair of
the UN Panel of External Auditors (UNPEA).
Indian-origin Anita Bhatia appointed UN Deputy Executive Director
United Nations Secretary-General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres recently appointed Indian-origin Anita Bhatia
as Deputy Executive Director of United Nations Entity for Gender
anmol gupta | [email protected] | Equality and the Empowerment of
Women (UN-Women) for Resource Management, Sustainability and Partnerships.
Key Highlights
Earlier Lakshmi Puri, Veteran Indian diplomat and a gender equality champion had served as
Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of UN Women.
The key appointment comes less than a week after Antonio Guterres appointed Lieutenant General
Shailesh Tinaikar an Indian Army officer as new Force Commander of the UN Mission in South
Sudan (UNMISS ).
About Anita Bhatia
She is a veteran in strategic partnerships, resource mobilisation and management.
She has had a distinguished career at World Bank (WB) Group, has served in various senior
leadership and management positions, both at the headquarters (Washington, D.C., United States)
and in the field.
About UN Women
The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN-Women) is
the UN’s agency focused on women empowerment and gender equality.
Background: It was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and is
headquartered in New York City, United States. It became operational in January 2011.
Objective: UN Women is a global champion for women and girls which seeks to accelerate progress
on meeting their needs worldwide.
Function: It works globally to make vision of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) a reality
for women and girls and stands behind women’s equal participation in all aspects of life.
Pema Khandu sworn-in as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister
Published On May 30, 2019
The Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader Pema Khandu was sworn-in as the new Chief Minister of Arunachal
Pradesh.
Key Highlights
Pema Khandu was sworn in as the first Chief Minister of an elected Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
government in Arunachal Pradesh.
In chronology he is the 10th Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
Oath Ceremony: The oath oath of office and secrecy was administered by A.P’s Governor Brigadier
(Retd.) B.D. Mishra. Apart from Mr Khandu, Chown Mein who took Deputy Chief Minister
designation and 10 others as ministers oath was also undertaken.
For the first time formal installation ceremony was held in Itanagar’s landmark convention centre,
named after his father Dorjee Khandu instead of Raj Bhavan where his predecessors were sworn in.
The ceremony was ateended by chief ministers of five north-eastern States namely, Assam,
Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura and Meghalaya.
About Pema Khandu
He pitchforked into politics after the death of his father in a helicopter crash in April 2011. His father,
Dorjee Khandu was the fifth CM of Arunachal Pradesh.
After his father’s death he was made the State’s Water Resources Development and Tourism
Minister in a Congress government. Then in June 2011 he won the by-election to the Mukto
Assembly seat that is still synonymous with his father’s name.
In July 2016, the State’s political uncertainty made Mr. Khandu a surer leader when he took over
from Nabam Tuki as the then Chief Minister of a Congress government.
Naveen Patnaik sworn in as Odisha Chief Minister
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaik takes oath as CM of Odisha for a record 5th consecutive term.
BJD has been in power in Odisha since 2000.
Key Highlights
The 72 year old Naveen Patnaik is the longest-serving chief minister of coastal state. BJD has been in
power in the state since 2000.
He won a clear mandate of 112 out of anmol
thegupta
147 seats in the recently conducted Odisha state election
that were held along with national elections.

Out of 20 Parliamentary seats Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) bagged 8 seats and BJD won 12.
Oath Ceremony: His oath was administered oath by Odisha’s Governor Ganeshi Lal at a function in
Bhubaneswar. Unlike past low-key oath taking ceremonies this is the first time that swearing in was
held in full public view, outside the Raj Bhavan. 20 newly elected BJD MLAs also took oath as
ministers, including 11 of Cabinet rank.
The Decisive Mandate: The Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was once a part of the BJP-led National
Democratic Alliance (NDA) between year 1998 and 2009. But later, maintained “equidistant” from
BJP as well as the Congress. On Claiming that no party will get a majority in national election 2019
Mr Patnaik announced his support for any party or coalition that supports the Odisha’s
development especially in aftermath of Cyclone Fani that left a trail of destruction in the state and
killed 64 people.
Murray Gell-Man: Nobel Prize winning physicist dies at 89
The Nobel-winning physicist Murray Gell-Mann, died at the age of 89 in New Mexico. He is credited with
bringing order to the universe by helping discover and classifying subatomic particles.
About Murray Gell-Mann
Background: Murray was born and raised in New York City, US. He received his bachelor’s degree in
physics from Yale University in 1948 and his PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
in 1951. He dominated theoretical particle physics during 1950s and 1960s,
Nobel Prize Laureate: Gell-Man was honored with Nobel prize in physics in 1969 for his
contributions and discoveries relating to the classification of elementary particles and their
interactions.
Achievements
He is said to have transformed physics by devising a method for sorting subatomic particles into
simple groups of eight (8) based on their spin, electric charge and other characteristics. He named
this method “eightfold way” after Buddhist Eightfold Path to enlightenment.
He also developed a theory which identified “quarks”, an indivisible components of Earth’s matter
that make up neutrons, protons and other particles. Later Experiments in field of physics confirmed
existence of quarks, which now form basis for our physical understanding of the universe.
P S Golay sworn in as new CM of Sikkim
The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) leader Prem Singh Tamang, better known as PS Golay was recently
sworn in as Chief Minister of Sikkim.
Key Highlights
S. Golay’s Chief Ministerial oath was administered by Governor Ganga Prasad at Paljor Stadium in
Gangtok, Sikkim. He took the oath in Nepali language.
At present, Golay is not a member of State Legislative Assembly as he did not contest the polls.
Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM): was formed in year 2013. In recent assembly polls it won a
majority of 17 seats of the 32-member Sikkim Legislative Assembly. Its opposition party Sikkim
Democratic Front (SDF) bagged 15 seats.
Succeeds: P S. Golay succeeded Pawan Chamling of the SDF, who holds record for being the longest
serving Chief Minister of India. Chamling won five consecutive terms for a little over 24 years.
About Prem Singh Tamang (Golay)
The 51 year old Golay is the sixth Chief Minister of the Himalayan State. He started his career as a school
teacher. At the age of 26, he was elected to Sikkim Legislative Assembly in 1994 as an SDF candidate and
went on to serve as Minister holding several portfolios for three consecutive terms till 2009.
‘Formula One’ Legend: Niki Lauda dies at 70
Three-time Formula One (F1) World champion Niki Lauda dies in Vienna at the age of 70. He underwent a
lung transplant in August 2018.
About Niki Lauda anmol gupta | [email protected] |
The Austrian national was one of the best known figures in motor racing.
He was born in Vienna in February 1949 and became a motor racing legend.
He had won three Formula One (F1) world titles between 1975 and 1984.
He won the title for Ferrari in 1975 and 1977 and McLaren in 1984.
He suffered horrific injuries at German Grand Prix (GP) in 1976 and will always be remembered for his
remarkable recovery and return to racing after being badly burned in the crash.
He has overall competed in 171 races and won 25 of them.
After his retirement he actively pursued business interests including his own airline later served in
senior roles at F1 management as non-executive chairman at hugely successful Mercedes team since
2012, where he also helped bring British world champion Lewis Hamilton on board.
I. M. Pei, a pillar of modern architecture, dies at 102 in US
Ieoh Ming Pei, the globe-trotting, versatile, preeminent Chinese-US architect who created a distinct brand
of modern building design with his sharp lines and exquisite structures, has died at age of 102 years.
Background
I.M. Pei was born on 26 April 1917, in Canton, China and in 1935 he came to United States with plans to
study architecture. He studied architecture at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Harvard
University and had plans to practice in China. But World War II and revolution in China prevented him
from going back
Renowned Works of I.M. Pei
In 1948 in US he started his early work of designing low-income housing, office buildings, and later shifted
to designing mixed-used complexes to a worldwide collection of municipal buildings, hotels and museums.
Some of them are Society Hill apartment complex in Philadelphia, Mile High Center office building in
Denver, and Kips Bay Plaza Apartments in Manhattan.
His other renowned works includes:
The trapezoidal addition to National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.,
The chiseled towers of National Center of Atmospheric Research that blend in with reddish mountains
in Boulder, Colorado.
The multi-shaped Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, that is on shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland,
Ohio. Shows he captured the spirit of rebellion.
He revived The Louvre with a Giant Glass (about 22-metre) pyramid in Paris
Bank of China tower in Hong Kong,
He even designed the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, which opened in 2008 to fanfare.

Awards Conferred to I.M. Pei

National Medal of Arts in 1988 by President Reagan.
Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1983.
In 1979 he was awarded American Institute of Architects Gold Medal.
Presidential Medal of Freedom (one of highest civilian awards of the United States) in 1992 by
President George H.W. Bush.
Nepal’s Kami Rita scales Mount Everest for Record 23rd time
A 49-year-old veteran Nepali Sherpa named Kami Rita scaled Mount Everest for 23rd time, breaking his
own world record. He reached atop the world’s highest peak which is 8,850-metres high.
About Kami Rita Sherpa
He belongs to Thame village of Solukhumbu district in Nepal and yet again successfully climbed Mount
Everest from Nepal side breaking his own world record for most summits on the roof of the world.
Background:
Rita started his Mount Everest climbing expedition since 1994. But, in 1995 after his client got sick
on way to the summit, he couldn’t climb the Everest. Later in 1995, he abandoned the summit bid
after one of the deadliest avalanche experienced which killed some expedition teams.
In 2017, Kami became third person toanmol
climb Mount Everest for 21st time. With this he matched the
achievement of Phurba Tashi Sherpa and Apa Sherpa, both of them, have retired since then.
In 2018 he summited the Mt. Everest 22nd time in 2018 and set a record of most summits on Mount
Everest.
About Sherpa
It is an ethnic groups native to most mountainous regions of the Himalayas and Nepal.
The word Sherpa is derived from Shar (“east”) and Wa (“people”) which originally meant “people
from the East”.
Earlier word Sherpa (or Sherwa) simply denoted a group of people who migrated to Nepal from
Eastern Tibet.
Retd. Justice Madan Lokur Appointed Judge of Supreme Court of Fiji
The Retired judge of Indian Supreme Court Justice Madan B Lokur has been appointed to the Supreme
Court of Fiji.
About The Appointment
Justice Lokur is appointed as a judge of Supreme Court of Fiji’s non-resident panel. He will assume
charge of his new role on 15 August 2019.
Tenure: He has been appointed in new role for a period of three years.
Background: On December 31 2018, Justice Lokur demitted the office as a Supreme Court justice
after his superannuation. It is likely that Justice Lokur received the offer from Chief Justice of the
Fiji Supreme Court on the day of his retirement itself.
The Supreme Court of Fiji
In one year it has three sessions in total. Justice Lokur will attend August session which starts from
August 15 to August 30, 2019.
Other countries that have been invited by Fiji over the years are South Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia,
Malaysia, Singapore and New Zealand.
About Justice Madan Lokur
In July 1977, he enrolled as an advocate and practised in High Court of Delhi and the Supreme Court.
In 1981, he became an Advocate-on-Record in Supreme Court.
In 1998 he was appointed as Additional Solicitor General and continued in that post till February
1999 when he was appointed an Additional Judge of Delhi High Court (HC).
In July 1999, he was made a permanent judge. Later he served as Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court
and then Andhra Pradesh High Court before being elevated to SC.
He was appointed as judge of Supreme Court of India on 4 June 2012. He retired as Supreme Court
judge on 31 December 2018, after a terme of more than 6 years.

Justice A K Sikri appointed as the Chairperson of NBSA
Former Supreme Court judge, Justice A K Sikri is appointed as the chairperson of News Broadcasting
Standards Authority (NBSA) by the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) .
He will succeed current Chairperson Justice(Retd.) R.V. Raveendran (also a former Judge of Supreme
Court) who completes his term on 25 May. He will assume office of Chairperson of NBSA from 26 May
2019.
About Justice Sikri
In 1977 he enrolled as an Advocate and commenced his practise in Delhi.
In 199 he was elevated as Judge to Delhi High Court (HC).
In 2011 for a very short time, he was appointed as acting Chief Justice of the Delhi HC. Later in 2012
he was appointed as Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court.
In April 2013, he was elevated as judges to Supreme Court of India. He served as SC judge for about
six years and retired in March 2019.
About News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA)
It is an independent body (free from any interference from NBA) for self-regulation of 24×7 news
channels, who are members of NBA. Itanmol is gupta
basically a self-regulatory mechanism which was set up by
News Broadcasters Association (NBA).

The aim behind setting NBSA was to improve broadcasting standards and adhere to Code of Ethics
(to regulate television content) that were adopted by NBA in November 2007.
NBSA act as an in-house regulator discharges function as a watchdog.
It decides about complaints made against any member broadcasters who might have allegedly
violated (or offended) Code of Ethics, Guidelines and Advisories that are issued from time to time.
NBSA is empowered to censure, warn, express disapproval, admonish, and penalize the broadcaster
with a fine of sum upto Rs. 1 lakh for violation of Code.
The Broadcast Editors’ Association, is another such organization.
The Advertising Standards Council of India has also drawn certain guidelines on content of
advertisements.
These groups do not have any statutory powers and are govern through agreements.
Aarohi Pandit became World’s 1st woman to cross Atlantic Ocean solo in LSA
India’s Captain Aarohi Pandit became world’s first woman to cross Atlantic Ocean (AO) solo in a Light
Sports Aircraft (LSA) named Mahi.
Key Highlights
Aarohi Pandit is a 23 year old commercial pilot and LSA licence holder from Mumbai, Maharashtra.
About: This achievement is part of her ongoing Women Empower (WE) Expedition in the tiny aircraft
called ‘Mahi’. This one year-long global circumnavigation flight was launched with her friend Captain
Keithair Misquitta on July 30 and both began their trip in August 2018. According to which she
continued solo from UK to Canada, and will return to India with her friend by July 30 this year.
Sponsor: The expedition is organised and sponsored by Social Access, a not-for-profit
communications firm.
Achievements: Both Pandit and Misquitta flew over Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and then to
Pakistan, where they landed as well. This makes it first civilian LSA flight to land in neighbouring
country since 1947. Then they went onto to Iran, Turkey, Serbia, Slovenia, Germany, France and UK.
Other Records: En route her solo journey, she has set another world record as first woman pilot to
fly solo in a LSA above treacherous Greenland ice-cap. She is also due for several other records by
the time she will reach India.
Itinerary: She took-off from Wick, Scotland (United Kingdom), with brief stopovers in Greenland
and Iceland and continued journey under adverse and extreme weather conditions. After an
exhausting 3,000 km long flight she landed her tiny aircraft at Iqaluit Airport in Canada.

After a brief stop in Canada, Women Empower (WE) Expedition will continue with Aarohi flying
westwards towards Russia. After clocking a flight of about 37,000 km she is scheduled to return
home by July 30 2019.
About ‘Mahi’
It is a tiny Sinus 912, a single-engine, ultralight motor glider.
Sinus 912 weighs a little of 400 kg (nearly equivalent to a Bullet motorcycle)
It is manufactured by Pipistrel of Slovenia.
It is also the first Light Sports Aircraft (LSA) registered by Directorate-General of Civil Aviation
(DGCA) India.
Actress Dia Mirza, among 17 New SDG Advocates of UN
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres appointed 17 global figures which includes
China’s Alibaba chief Jack Ma and Indian actress Dia Mirza as the new Sustainable Development Goals
(SDG) advocates. Jack Ma, the founder and Executive Chairman of Chinese MNC Alibaba Group has been
an SDG Advocate since 2016.
About the New SDG Advocates of UN
Who are they? New class of SDG, Advocates are globally influential public figures who are committed
to inspiring greater ambition, raising awareness, and pushing for faster action on SDGs.
Function: The new SDG advocates are tasked to work together so as to drive action, build ambition,
solidify global political will, and leverage and build bridges between their audiences to drive progress
on achieving ambitious SDGs.
Representation: These New Advocates which includes representatives from academia,
Business, sport, entertainment, governments, and activist organizations around the world shows the
universal character of SDGs.
SDG Advocates will utilize their unique platforms and leadership skills to inspire and mobilize global
community in order to build momentum for transformative, inclusive development by 2030.
About Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The SDGs were born at United Nations (UN) Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de
Janeiro in 2012.
The SDGs replaced Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which were active from 2000-2015.
They are also known as ‘Global Goals’ and were adopted by world leaders on September 25, 2015. The
adoption year 2015 coincides with other historic agreement like ‘COP21 Paris Climate Conference’ and
‘Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction’, signed in Japan in March 2015,
It is a set of 17 Universal Goals, that seeks to meet urgent environmental, political and economic
challenges facing our world. For ex- Poverty, Hunger, Education, Climate Change, Peace etc.
NOTE: The 38 year old Dia Mirza, is an actor, film producer and United Nation Environment Program
(UNEP) Goodwill Ambassador for India.

Justice A S Oka sworn in as Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court

Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka was sworn-in as the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. He now
becomes 31st Chief Justice of Karnataka HC. His oath of office was administered by Karnataka Governor
Vajubhai R Vala, at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru.
Key Facts
The Karnataka Chief Justice office had fallen vacant after then incumbent Justice Dinesh
Maheshwari was elevated as a Supreme Court (SC) judge in January 2019.
After erstwhile Chief Justice Maheshwari’s elevation Justice L Narayana Swamy was appointed as
Acting Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court
On 30 April 2019, central government on recommendation of the SC collegium (constituted on April
8) notified the Justice Shreeniwas Oka’s appointment as Chief Justice Karnataka by President Ram
Nath Kovind.
About Justice Shreeniwas Oka
The 58 year old Justice Oka, enrolled as an Advocate in 1983 started his practice in Thane District
Court, Maharashtra.
In 1985-86, he joined office of V P Tipnis, a former Lok Ayukta and former Judge of Bombay High
Court and appeared in many major cases including public interest litigations (PILs).
In August 2003 he was appointed as an additional judge of Bombay High Court in and in November
2005 he was appointed as a permanent Judge.
Before his appointment as Chief Justice of Karnataka he was serving as second senior-most judge in
Bombay High Court.
High Courts in India
According to Article 214 of Indian constitution, each state of India shall have a High Court. The Chief
Justice of a High Court is appointed in accordance to Article 217 of Indian constitution by President with
consultation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) and the Governor of respective State.
Renowned Tamil novelist Thopil Mohammed Meeran dies aged 74
The well-known Tamil writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee Thopil Mohammed Meeran passed away at
the age of 74.
About Thoppil Mohamed Meeran
In his lifetime he received eight literary awards which includes Sahitya Akademi Award and Tamil
Nadu Kalai Ilakkiya Perumantram Award.
He won the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1997, for his novel Saaivu Naarkkaali (The
Reclining Chair), released in 1995.
Other Novels Authored: are Thuraimugam, Anju Vannam Theru, Oru Kadalora Graamaththin
Kathai, and Koonan Thoppu (all between 1988 and 2011).
His Short Story Collections and extensive translation work, gave him a prominent place in literary
world. Some of his short story collections includes Thangarasu, Oru Maamaramum Konjam
Paravaigalum, Anbukku Muthumai Illai, Oru Kutti Theevin Varippadam, Ananthasayanam Colony,
and Thoppil Mohamed Meeran Kathaigal.
Forte: Due to his mastery over both Malayalam and Tamil, he could use both languages in his novels
effortlessly. This became the speciality of all his literary works i.e. his novels brilliantly narrated the
fisherfolk’s life with details in both Tamil and Malyalam.
Pioneer Indian Lawyer Dr N. R. Madhava Menon passes away
Dr.NR Madhava Menon an educationist, scholar and pioneer of Indian legal education, dies in
Thiruvananthapuram at 84 years of age.
About NR Madhava Menon
He is considered as ‘Father of Modern Legal Education’, for changing the face of Indian legal
education. anmol gupta | [email protected] |
Contributions:
He is pioneer in establishment of National Law Schools in India.
He also conceptualized of five year integrated LLB (or Bachelor of Legislative Law) course, in place of
earlier 3-year course.
He was founder director of National Law School of India University (NLSIU), founded in 1987 in
Bangalore. He also headed it for 12 years.
In 1998 he established West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (NUJS).
Later, he presided as founder director of National Judicial Academy (NJA), Bhopal, till his retirement
in 2006.
Achievements
In 1994, he was conferred ‘Living Legend of Law Award’ by International Bar Association.
He was honoured by Padma Shri (India’s fourth highest civilian award), in 2003 for his outstanding
contribution to public services.
He also received ‘Rotary Club Award’ for Vocational Excellence and the Plaque of Honour from Bar
Council of India.
Besides publishing several articles and monographs on a variety of legal subjects, he has also
authored many books on Indian legal education, legal profession and judicial training.
The journey of his life is published in autobiographical narrative ‘The Story of a Law Teacher: Turning
Point’, besides publishing several books, articles and monographs on a variety of legal subjects.
India’s Jagjit Pavadia re-elected International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
India’s Jagjit Pavadia was re-elected to International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for another five-year
term beginning 2nd March, 2020. This victory has added to India’s successful record of winning crucial
elections at United Nation (UN) and to UN’s subsidiary bodies.
About Jagjit Pavadia
She has been member of INCB since 2015 and her current term will expire in 2020.
She has held many senior positions in Indian Revenue Service (IRS) for 35 years in Government of
India (GoI), which includes Narcotics Commissioner of India, Central Bureau of Narcotics (regulated
by India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Ministry of Finance).
About INCB
It is an independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body.
Function: It implements UN’s international drug control conventions.
It was established in 1968 in accordance with Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 by merging

‘Permanent Central Narcotics Board’ (created in 1925 by International Opium Convention) and ‘Drug
Supervisory Body’ (created in 1931 by Convention for Limiting the Manufacture and Regulating
Distribution of Narcotic Drugs).
Members: It has 13 members (they may be re-elected). Each member is elected by Economic and
Social Council (ECOSOC) for a period of five years. The 10 members out of 13 are elected from list of
persons nominated by Governments and remaining 3 are elected from persons nominated by World
Health Organization (WHO) for their medical, pharmacological or pharmaceutical experience.
Secretariat: is located at Vienna, Austria. It is an administrative entity of UN Office on Drugs and
Crime. It assists INCB in exercise of its treaty-related functions but reports only to Board on matters
of substance.
Justice PR Ramachandra Menon sworn in as Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh
Justice PR Ramachandra Menon was sworn in as Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court. He now
becomes 13th Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh HC. His oath of office and secrecy was administered by state
Governor Anandiben Patel at Raj Bhawan, Raipur.
Key Facts
The Chhattisgarh High Court is located at Bodri District in Bilaspur, Chattisgarh.
The Chhattisgarh Chief Justice office had fallen
anmol gupta vacant after
| [email protected] | resignation of Chief Justice Ajay Kumar
Tripathi after his appointment as judicial member of Lokpal.
Supreme Court three judge collegium headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi and other
two Justice S A Bobde and Justice N V Ramana recommended appointment of Justice Menon.
Justice Menon has earlier served as Additional Judge of Kerala High Court from January 2009 and
was later appointed as permanent Judge of Kerala High Court on December 2010.
High Courts in India
The Article 214 of constitution of India mandates each state of India shall have a High Court. The Chief
Justice of High Court is appointed as per Article 217 of constitution by President with consultation of CJI
and Governor of respective State. The HC Judges are appointed by President in consultation with Chief
Justice of India, and also Chief justice of concerned court.
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange sentenced in UK prison
Wikileaks co-founder Julian Assange was sentenced on 1 May 2019 to 50 weeks (about 1 year 1 month) in a
British prison for breaching his bail by entering the Ecuadorian embassy in London.
Key Facts
The 47-year-old Australian national was arrested when Ecuador terminated his asylum on 11th April
2019.
He spent about seven years holed up in Ecuadoran Embassy and was found guilty of breaching the
UK’s Bail Act.
Ecuador granted him refuge in their London embassy in 2012 to avoid his extradition to Sweden on
rape accusations.
He currently faces US federal conspiracy charges in response to allegations that he conspired with
former US intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to download classified databases, which is one of the
largest leaks of government secrets till date.
It is now up to UK to decide whether to extradite Assange to US where if found guilty and convicted
he would face up to five years in US prison.
Wikileaks
It was founded in 2006 by Julian Assange, an Australian computer programmer.
The whistle-blowing website is a not for profit international media organisation. It obtains and
publishes confidential documents and images, news leaks or classified data provided by anonymous
sources.
It has published many classified documents from film industry to national security and to war.
It hit headlines in 2010 when it released footage of US soldiers killing civilians from a helicopter in

Iraq.
Israel honors 1971 war hero Lt. Gen. (retd) JFR Jacob
Israel honors 1971 war (Bangladesh’s Liberation War) hero Lt. Gen. (retd) Jack Farj Rafael (JFR) Jacob with
a plaque on Wall of Honour at the Ammunition Hill, Israel.
JFR Jacob
He was one of the most prominent members of India’s relatively small Jewish community, who
served as a Lieutenant General in Indian Army and as the chief of staff of Indian Army’s Eastern
Command.
He also fought in World War II and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965.
He negotiated the historic surrender of Pakistani troops in Dhaka after the 1971 war.
He later became Governor of two Indian states Goa and Punjab.
He died in 2016 at the age of 92.
The Wall of Honour
It pays tributes to heroism and courage of Jewish soldiers who fought in defence of the countries
they lived in. It also honors their embodied virtues like values of bravery, loyalty, commitment and
dedication to a mission, leadership, creativity, camaraderie and sanctity of life.
The Wall has plaques honoring more anmol than 340 people namely privates, high ranking army officers,
women, front line fighters and humble members of supporting units who implemented these
virtues.
It has one more plaque honoring Lt. Gen. Joseph ‘Jerry’ Jhirad, an Indian Jewish soldier, who died in
1965 war against Pakistan.
The 90-feet high structure with a flag was donated by Sam Marshall, an Indian Jew, who in
association with India-born Jewish Judge, Abe Sofaer of US initiated move to honour Lt. Gen. Jacob
at Wall of Honour.
Ammunition Hill
It was a fortified Jordanian military post in northern part of Jordanian ruled East Jerusalem. It is the
site of one of fiercest battles during Six Day War (Arab–Israeli War 1967) in Israel lost 21 soldiers but
emerged victorious.
It has become a national memorial site where young soldiers and officers are inducted into Israel
Defence Forces (IDF) and salute Israeli flag.
US Judge and Civil Rights Icon Damon J. Keith Dies at 96 age
Published On Apr 30, 2019
Former US Judge Damon J Keith, a grandson of slaves and icon in civil rights movement died in Detroit at
the age of 96. He was born in 1922. He even being a grandson of enslaved people, later became sixth
African American in U.S. history to serve on federal court of appeals.
Lifetime Achievements
He never retired and died incumbent in office.
He served for more than 50 years in federal courts, and even at age of 94 he heard cases about four
times in one year at 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals (or circuit courts are intermediate appellate
courts of US federal court system) in Cincinnati, Ohio and issued dissent in voting rights case.
During his time as judge he made series of landmark decisions that changed social and legal
landscape of US. Some of them are-
He rejected government’s claim of having authority to conduct electronic surveillance without a
warrant on anyone it considered as national security threat.
Stopping Illegal Government Wiretaps: As a federal judge he gave judgement in warrantless
wiretapping case against Richard Nixon and Attorney General John Mitchell in 1971. He rejected
government’s claim of having authority to conduct electronic surveillance without a warrant on
anyone it considered as national security threat. Nixon administration which was in middle of social
turmoil over Vietnam War, later sued Keith personally in famous “the Keith case”.
Secret Deportation Hearings: One year after 9/11 attacks, while serving on federal court of appeals, he

gave judgement against Bush administrations conducting deportation hearings of terrorism

suspects in secret using blanket national security justification, in which he coined iconic phrase
“democracies die behind closed doors”.
Three Indians included in Time’s 100 Most Influential People List 2019
Three Indians Menaka Guruswamy, Arundhati Katju and Mukesh Ambani have featured into TIME 100
Most Influential People list of 2019. Global prominent names that have featured in this list included US
President Donald Trump, China President Xi Jinping, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Pope Francis,
golfer Tiger Woods and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Mukesh Ambani: He is Chairman and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), a Fortune
Global 500 company. It is most valuable Indian company in terms of its market value.
Menaka Guruswamy and Arundhati Katju: They are Indian women lawyers who lead the legal battle to
strike down colonial era’s Section 377 of Indian Penal Code (IPC), which criminalized gay sex. In September
2018, Supreme Court in unanimous decision partly struck down IPC Section 377, thus removing ban
imposed on consensual gay sex and affirming human rights of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
queer) community.
Time 100 most influential list
It is list of 100 most influential people in world
anmol guptareleased annually
| [email protected] | by US-based ‘Time’ news magazine. It
was first published in 1999. Its entrants are recognized for changing world, regardless of consequences of
their actions. The list has now become highly publicized event, as appearance on list is seen as global
honor.
‘Politics of Jugaad: The Coalition Handbook’, released
The “Politics of Jugaad: The Coalition Handbook” new book authored by journalist Saba Naqvi examines
possibility of coalition government after 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
About Book
It examines coalition government history in India to project possibility at the end of 2019 Lok Sabha
election. It questions whether ‘coalitions’ are inevitable even when they have been proved unstable, or
whether they hold promise of greater democratization in our diverse nation. It also analyses possibilities
of coalition formation in different states and their chances of success and failure.
It strikes perfect balance between argument and prose, and discusses possible direction in politics and
policy of India’s next coalition government. It also elaborates nature of transformation in Indian political
parties and their role in contemporary times.
About Author
Saba Naqvi is one of India’s renowned journalists, best known author and political analyst. Other books
written by her include In Good Faith (2012), Capital Conquest (2015), and Shades of Saffron (2018).
Former Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag appointed High Commissioner to Seychelles
Army General (Retd.) Dalbir Singh Suhag was appointed as High Commissioner of India to Republic of
Seychelles. His appointment comes at the time when military ties between India and island nation have
deepened in recent times. Dalbir Singh Suhag was Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) i.e. Army General from
August 2014 to December 2016.
Appointment of former defence personnel as envoy to countries is not new. Previously, Indian Navy Chief
Nirmal Kumar Verma had served as high commissioner to Canada, and his successor Suresh Mehta was
high commissioner to New Zealand and former air chief N.A.K. Browne was ambassador to Norway.
Strategic Significance of Seychelles
Seychelles Islands is strategically lactated in Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar from where global
shipping and commerce lanes pass. In recent times, it has become important base in fighting seaborne
terrorism and piracy in IOR.
India and Seychelles had signed to build naval base (a coast guard facility) in Seychelles’ Assumption
Island during PM Narendra Modi’s visit to island nation in 2015. This will enable India to increase its
presence in strategically-key region of IOR and to counter increasing military presence China in the

region.
Jamia Millia Islamia gets its First Woman Vice-Chancellor
The Ministry of Human Resources and Development has issued a statement about appointing Professor
Najma Akhtar as vice–chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University (JMI) by the President of India. She
has been appointed for a period of five years. Professor Najma Akhtar will be the first woman to hold the
post.
Professor Najma Akhtar is a gold medallist from Aligarh Muslim University. She has a Ph.D in Education
from Kurukshetra University.
Professor Najma Akhtar also has been a Commonwealth Fellow for University Administration Course at
University of Warwick and Nottingham. She has also trained at the International Institute of Educational
Planning (IIEP), UNESCO, Paris.
Jamia Millia Islamia University
JMI is a public central University in New Delhi. JMI was founded on October 29, 1920, by nationalist
Muslim leaders during British rule in Aligarh in the erstwhile United Provinces. Dr.Zakir Hussain was the
first Vice-Chancellor of JMI. The Ali brothers, Moulana Mohammad Ali Jouhar and Moulana Shoukat Ali,
especially played a major role in the establishment of JMI.
JMI became a central university by an actanmol of gupta
the| [email protected]
Indian Parliament | in 1988. Manipur Governor Najma
Heptulla is the chancellor of the varsity.
Vice Admiral Karambir Singh appointed as next Navy chief
Published On Mar 25, 2019
The Defence Ministry has announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Karambir Singh as the next Navy
chief. He will succeed Admiral Sunil Lanba, who is retiring on 31 March.
The government has once again broken the tradition of appointing the senior-most officer to lead the
contingent forces by overlooking the seniority of Vice Admiral Bimal Verma. Earlier the government had
appointed General Bipin Rawat as the Army Chief by overlooking the seniority. General Bipin Rawat had
superseded two officers to occupy the post of Army Chief.
Vice Admiral Karambir Singh
Vice Admiral Karambir Singh born in 1959 commissioned to Navy in July 1980. In his long carrier of 37
years, he has served as the Fleet Operations Officer of the Western Fleet. He has served at Naval
Headquarters as the Joint Director Naval Air Staff, and as Captain Air and Officer-in-Charge of the Naval
Air Station at Mumbai. He has also served a member of the Aircrew Instrument Rating and Categorisation
Board (AIRCATS). He has commanded various ships, such as an Indian Coast Guard Ship Chandbibi,
Missile Corvette INS Vijaydurg as well as two Guided Missile Destroyers INS Rana and INS Delhi.
Vice Admiral Karambir Singh has been honoured with Ati Vishist Seva Medal and Param Vishist Seva
Medal (2018) for his service.
Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose Sworn-in as Lokpal
President Ram Nath Kovind administered the Oath of office to Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose as Lokpal.
Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose is the first anti-corruption ombudsman of the country. Country’s first
Lokpal has been appointed after a long delay of five years. The Lokpal Act had received the assent of the
President on January 1, 2014.
Members of Lokpal
The Lokpal act provides for a chairperson and a maximum of eight members in the Lokpal panel and of
these, four need to be judicial members.
Judicial Members of Lokpal
Former Chief Justices of different high courts Justices Dilip B Bhosale, Pradip Kumar Mohanty, Abhilasha
Kumari together with sitting Chief Justice of Chhattisgarh High Court Ajay Kumar Tripathi have been
appointed as judicial members in the Lokpal.
Non-judicial members
The non-judicial members of the Lokpal are first woman chief of Sashastra Seema Bal Archana
Ramasundaram, ex-Maharashtra chief secretary Dinesh Kumar Jain, former IRS officer Mahender Singh

and Gujarat cadre ex-IAS officer Indrajeet Prasad Gautam.

The chairperson and members will hold office for a term of five years or till they attain 70 years of age. The
salary and allowances of the chairman are same as that of the Chief Justice of India. The salary and
allowances of members are same as that of a judge of the Supreme Court.
Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose to be the First Lokpal
The name of former Supreme Court Judge Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose has been cleared by the Lokpal
Selection Committee headed by the Prime Minister. The notification for the appointment is expected to be
released soon. Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose would be the first Lokpal of India.
Salient features of the Lokpal Act 2013
The Lokpal Act provides for setting up of an anti-corruption ombudsman called Lokpal at the Centre
and Lokayukta at the State-level.
The Lokpal would consist of a chairperson and a maximum of eight members of which 50 per cent
shall be judicial members. 50 per cent of members of Lokpal shall be from SC/ST/OBCs, minorities
and women.
The ambit of Lokpal would cover all categories of public servants, including the Prime Minister with
the exception of armed forces.
The Lokpal Act mandated the states toanmol
institute Lokayukta
gupta | [email protected] | within one year of the commencement of
the Act.
Lokpal will also have powers of superintendence and direction over any investigation agency
including CBI for cases referred to them by the Lokpal.
Lokpal is appointed based on the recommendation of the five-member panel comprising the Prime
Minister, the Lok Sabha Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition, the Chief Justice of India and an
eminent jurist nominated by the President.
President would appoint the eminent jurist based on the recommendations of the other members of
the panel.
The government has proposed an amendment to the Lokpal Act 2013 to enable the leader of the largest
Opposition party to be the member of the selection panel in the absence of the leader of Opposition. To
designate the leader as Leader of Opposition the largest opposition party must have a strength of at least
10% of the total members in the House and none of the parties managed to cross this mark in 2014 general
elections.
Ajit Kumar Mohanty Appointed Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
The Ministry of Personnel has notified the appointment of Ajit Kumar Mohanty as Director of Bhabha
Atomic Research Centre for the period of three years. Currently, he is the Director, Physics Group in BARC
and Director, Saha Institute Institute of Nuclear Physics.
Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is India’s premier nuclear research facility headquartered
in Trombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (AEET) was established by the government of India in 1954 to
consolidate all the research and development activity for nuclear reactors and technology under the AEET.
As a result, all the scientists and engineers engaged in the fields of reactor design and development,
instrumentation, metallurgy and material science etc. were transferred with their respective programmes
from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) to AEET, with TIFR retaining its original focus for
fundamental research in the sciences. After the demise of Dr Homi Jehangir Bhabha in 1966, AEET was
renamed Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).
Over the years, BARC has emerged as the multi-disciplinary research centre with extensive infrastructure
for advanced research and development. Its R&D covers the entire spectrum of nuclear science,
engineering and related areas. BARC’s core mandate is to sustain peaceful applications of nuclear energy,
primarily for power generation.

India nominates Ramesh Chand to head Food and Agriculture Organisation

India has nominated member of Niti Ayog, Ramesh Chandra to head Food and Agricultural Organisation.
Ramesh Chand’s candidature is challenged by Qu Dongyu of China, Medi Moungui of Cameroon,
Catherine Geslain-Laneelle of France and Davit Kirvalidze of Georgia.
To get elected to the post of Director-General of FAO, the candidate needs to secure a simple majority of
the 194 members. The only Indian to head the FAO is Binay Ranjan Sen, who was the Director-General
from 1956 to 1967.
Food and Agriculture Organisation
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations which leads
international efforts to defeat hunger. FAO aims to achieve food security for all and make sure that people
have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active healthy lives.
Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) was established as the specialised agency in 1945 at the first
session of the United Nations and the temporary headquarters of the FAO was located at Washington in
the US and the headquarters was moved to Rome, Italy in the year 1951. Priority areas of FAO in the fight
against hunger are:
Help eliminate hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.
Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more
anmol productive| and sustainable.
gupta | [email protected]
Reduce rural poverty.

Enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems.
Increase the resilience of livelihoods to threats and crises.
FAO report notes that almost 800 million people are always hungry and 2 billion suffer from deficiencies
in micronutrients in their diet that leads to health problems. The report also notes that the world would
have to feed a global population that is expected to reach about 10 billion by 2050. FAO integrates the two
key areas of gender and governance in tackling the challenges through priority areas.
P V Ramesh appointed as the director-general of the National Archives of India
The Appointment Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of P V Ramesh appointed as
the director-general of the National Archives of India. Currently, he is serving as the Chairman and
Managing Director (CMD) of Rural Electrification Corporation.
National Archives of India
The genesis of National Archives of India can be traced to the traced to the report of Sandeman, the Civil
Auditor who had stressed the need of relieving the offices of congestion by the destruction of the papers of
routine nature and transfer of all valuable records to a ‘Grand Central Archive’.
In 1889 Professor G.W. Forrest of Elphinstone College, Bombay entrusted the job of examining the records
of the Foreign Department of the Government of India made a strong plea for transferring all records of
the administration of East India Company to a Central Repository
This led to the establishment of Imperial Records Department (IRD) on 11 March 1891 in the Imperial
Secretariat Building at Calcutta (Kolkata).
In 1911 the IRD was shifted to Delhi. After the Independence, the government of India rechristened IRD as
the National Archives of India with Director of Archives as its head and in the year 1990 the office of the
Director of Archives was redesignated as Director General of Archives.
At present National Archives of India is an attached office under the Ministry of Culture and has a
Regional Office at Bhopal and three Records Centres at Jaipur, Puducherry and Bhubaneswar.
Justice SA Bobde nominated as NALSA Executive Chairman
President Ram Nath Kovind has nominated Justice SA Bobde of the Supreme Court as Executive
Chairman of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). The post is currently held by Justice AK Sikri
who is due to retire on 6th March.
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) is a statutory body constituted under the Legal Services
Authorities Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society.

NALSA fulfils the provisions under the Article 39A of the constitution which provides for free legal aid to
the poor and weaker sections of the society, to promote justice on the basis of equal opportunity.
The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in-Chief and the Senior most Judge of the Supreme Court of India
is the Executive Chairman of the Authority.
Objectives of NALSA
To legally empower the marginalized and excluded groups of the society by providing effective legal
representation, legal literacy and awareness and bridging the gap between the legally available
benefits and the entitled beneficiaries.
To strengthen the system of Lok Adalats and other Alternate Dispute Resolution mechanisms in
order to provide for the informal, quick, inexpensive and effective resolution of disputes and
minimize the load of adjudication on the overburdened judiciary.
NALSA identifies specific categories of the marginalized and excluded groups from the diverse populace of
the country and formulates various schemes for the implementation of preventive and strategic legal
service programmes to be undertaken and implemented by the Legal Services Authorities at the various
levels.
NALSA works in close coordination with the various State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal
Services Authorities and other agencies foranmol
a regular exchange of relevant information, monitoring and
updating on the implementation and progress of the various schemes fostering a strategic and
coordinated approach to ensure smooth and streamlined functioning of the various agencies and
stakeholders.
Bezbaruah reappointed as Chairman of Tea Board
The Ministry of Commerce and Industries has approved the re-appointment of P K Bezbaruah as the
Chairman of Tea Board for a second tenure. He was the first non-IAS chairman of the Tea Board.
Highlights of his First Tenure
He has been urging the Indian Tea Industry to explore export opportunities in the vast Chinese
market.
He was instrumental in initiating a revamp of the old electronic auctioning system in association
with the IIM Bengaluru.
Tea Board
The origin of the Tea Board can be traced to 1903 when the Indian Tea Cess Bill was passed to
provide for levying a cess on tea exports. The proceeds of the cess were to be used for the promotion
of Indian tea both within and outside India.
The Current Tea Board was constituted on 1st April 1954 under section 4 of the Tea Act 1953.
Tea Board is functioning as a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
Functions of Tea Board
Providing financial and technical assistance for cultivation, manufacture and marketing of tea.
Export Promotion.
Undertaking Research and Development activities for augmentation of tea production and
improvement of tea quality.
Providing financial assistance in a limited way to the plantation workers and their wards through
labour welfare schemes.
To encourage and assist both financially and technically the unorganised small grower’s sector.
Collection and maintenance of Statistical data and publication
Tea Board Consists of 31 members drawn from Members of Parliament, tea producers, tea traders, tea
brokers, consumers, and representatives of Governments from the principal tea producing states, and
trade unions and the Board is reconstituted every three years.
Bhagwan Lal Sahni appointed Chairman of the National Commission for Backward Classes
Bhagwan Lal Sahni who hails from Bihar has been appointed as the Chairman of the National Commission
for Backward Classes. Further Kaushalendra Singh Patel and Acharya Talloju have been appointed as the

members of the commission.

National Commission for Backward Classes
National Commission for Backward Classes is a Constitutional body set up through the 123rd
constitutional amendment bill 2018 and 102nd amendment act under the provisions of Article 338B of
Indian Constitution. The commission consists of one chairman and five Members with the term of three
years.
The National Commission for Backward Classes is vested with the responsibility of considering inclusions
in and exclusions from the lists of communities notified as backward for the purpose of job reservations.
The commission tenders the needful advice to the Central Government on the issues related to the
backward classes and the commission has the powers of a civil court.
The National Commission for Backward Classes is not yet empowered to look into the grievances of
persons of Other Backward Classes. This responsibility continues to be vested with the National
Commission for Scheduled Castes.
National Commission for Backward classes is the successor of the National Commission for Socially and
Educationally Backward Classes (NCSEBC).
Govind Prasad Sharma appointed as Chairman of NBT
Published On Feb 27, 2019
Educationist and Author Govind Prasad Sharma has been appointed
anmol gupta | [email protected] | as the Chairman of National Book
Trust (NBT).
Govind Prasad Sharma
Govind Prasad Sharma in his long carrier has served as the Principal of Government P.G. College
in Madhya Pradesh, Additional Director of Higher Education of Gwalior Chambal Division, Director
of Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Akademi and also as Vice Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Board of
Secondary Education.
National Book Trust
National Book Trust (NBT) is an apex body established by the Government Of India in the Year 1957 under
the Department Of Higher Education, Ministry Of Human Resource Development.
Objectives of NBT
To produce and encourage the production of good literature in English, Hindi And Other Indian
Languages.
To make such literature available at moderate prices to the public.
To bring out book catalogues.
Arrange Book Fairs/Exhibitions and Seminars.
Take all necessary steps to make the people book-minded.
To pursue these objectives NBT publishes:
The Classical Literature of India.
Outstanding works of Indian authors in Indian Languages and their translation from one Indian
Language to another.
Translation of outstanding books from foreign languages.
Outstanding Books of Modern Knowledge for Popular Diffusion.
The major activities of NBT include publishing non- textbooks, organizing book fairs, book exhibitions,
conducting literary events, activities for children, training in publishing throughout the country,
participating in international book fairs to promote Indian literature.
Kareena Kapoor Khan appointed ambassador of Swasth Immunised India campaign
Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has been appointed as an ambassador of Swasth Immunised India
campaign. The Swasth Immunised India campaign has been launched by Serum Institute of India (SII) and
Network 18.
Swasth Immunised India campaign
The Swasth Immunised India campaign aims to build a robust campaign aimed at spreading
awareness on the importance and benefits of immunisation among the masses.
The campaign is aimed at dispelling myths and misconceptions pertaining to the administration of
vaccination among Indians.

The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance and benefits of vaccine administration,
advocating its acceptance and building a strong immunization outreach in the country.
The Swasth Immunised India campaign aims to complement the efforts of the government to reach
full immunisation coverage through continuous education and awareness.
Significance of the Immunisation
India’s commitment towards vaccination has aided in successfully eradicated deadly diseases like Polio
and Smallpox.
WHO states that immunisation prevents 2-3 million deaths every year. But still, 5 lakh kids die every year
in India because of diseases preventable by vaccines. India is still home to the highest number of
unvaccinated (56%) and incompletely vaccinated children (32%).
Prevalence of myths and misconceptions, lack of information and misinformation has hindered the
government efforts to achieve full immunisation. This is resulting in outbreaks of various kinds of
illnesses, leading to a growing fatality rate among infants, children and expectant mothers in India. The
Swasth Immunised India campaign aims to address these gaps.
Dr G C Anupama elected as President of Astronomical Society of India
Dr G C Anupama has been elected president ofguptathe
anmol Astronomical
| [email protected] | Society of India (ASI). Dr G C Anupama
was elected to the post in the ASI Executive Council elections for triennium 2019-22. She has become the
first woman to head the prime association of professional astronomers in the country.
Dr G C Anupama
Dr G C Anupama at present is the Dean and Senior Professor at the Bengaluru based Indian Institute of
Astrophysics (IIA). She did her PhD from IIA Bangalore and her post-doctoral work at the Inter-University
Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) at Pune. She has been serving as a faculty at IIA
Bangalore since 1994. She is also the recipient of the Sir C V Raman award for young scientists in 2000.
Dr G C Anupama was the Project in Charge for the design and establishment of the Himalayan Telescope
at Leh in Ladakh and she is also part of the Indian core team which is part of the international team
engaged in establishing the thirty meter telescope (TMT) at cost of over USD 1 billion in the USA (Hawaii).
Astronomical Society of India
Astronomical Society of India is the prime association of professional astronomers in India and has close
to 1,000 members. The objectives of the Astronomical Society of India include the promotion of
Astronomy and related branches of science in India. It organizes scientific meetings and supports the
popularisation of Astronomy and other similar activities.
UN Appoints Chandramouli Ramanathan as Controller & ASG
The United Nations has appointed Indian official Chandramouli Ramanathan to one of the topmost
positions in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC).
Chandramouli Ramanathan will take over as the Controller, Assistant Secretary-General
for Programme Planning, Budget and Finance in the management strategy, policy and compliance
department from Bettina Tucci Bartsiotas of Uruguay.
About Chandramouli Ramanathan
Ramanathan has served as the Assistant Auditor General, India (1993-1995), and Director of
Accounts for the Auditor General of India (1989-1993).
He has also held the post of Deputy Controller, Director of Accounts Division, and Chief of Service, IT
Services Division.
Since September 2018 he was serving as the Acting Controller along with the post of Assistant
Secretary-General for Enterprise Resource Planning which he held since 2016.
He has nearly 40 years of executive international experience in diverse organizational settings in
finance and budget, management and information technology
What is DMSPC?
The Department of Management, Strategy, Policy and Compliance (DMSPC) launched on 1 January 2019
aims to provide strategic policy leadership in all areas of management through a clear, integrated global

management strategy and policy framework.

The Department will represent the Secretary-General in the relevant intergovernmental/interagency
bodies and staff-management mechanisms. Budgetary and financial reporting, as well as human resources
policy and strategy, including conduct and discipline, will be consolidated in DMSPC.
Hina Jaiswal becomes the First Woman Flight Engineer of IAF
Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal broke the glass ceiling and became the first woman flight engineer of IAF
which was till now an exclusive man’s club. The flight engineer branch was opened to women officers in
2018.
Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal Commissioned into the IAF’s engineering branch in January 2015. She had
created history by becoming the first woman candidate to pursue the elite course.
Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal will serve at IAF’s operational helicopter units and serve in demanding and
stressful conditions from the icy heights of the Siachen glacier to the seas of the Andamans.
Flight Engineer
A flight engineer is a member of an aircraft’s flight crew and requires special skills for constantly
monitoring and operating its complex systems.
Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal
Flight Lieutenant Hina Jaiswal hails from Chandigarh and has completed her Bachelors of Engineering
degree from University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) Panjab University.
Sushil Chandra appointed new Election Commissioner
The President has appointed Sushil Chandra as the new Election Commissioner. Sushil Chandra’s
appointment fills the vacancy caused after the retirement of O.P. Rawat, as Chief Election Commissioner
(CEC). Sushil Chandra will join other two members of the Commission, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
Sunil Arora and Election Commissioner (EC) Ashok Lavasa. The appointment was made under the clause
(2) of Article 324 of the constitution.
Clause (2) of Article 324
The Election Commission shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other
Election Commissioners, if any, as the President may from time to time fix. The appointment of the Chief
Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners shall, subject to the provisions of any law made
in that behalf by Parliament be made by the President.
The President appoints the Election Commissioner based on the recommendations of the cabinet under
the Transaction of Business Rules of 1961.
Sushil Chandra
Sushil Chandra is currently serving as the chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). He is the
second Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer to be appointed to the Commission after T.S. Krishnamurthy,
who went on to become the CEC in 2004.
Sushil Chandra is a B. Tech from IIT Roorkee and who also holds a law degree. He joined the Revenue
Service in 1980. He has served as Commissioner of Income Tax (Appeals) International Taxation in Delhi,
Director of Investigation, Mumbai and Director General Investigation, Gujarat.
Life Size Portrait of Atal Bihari Vajpayee Unveiled in Parliament
The President of India Ram Nath Kovind has unveiled the life size portrait of former Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee at the Central Hall of Parliament on 12th February 2018. There were many other leaders
present including Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker
Sumitra Mahajan, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad and many other Union
Ministers.
Key Facts About Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born on December 25, 1924, in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. He passed
away on August 16, 2018.
He was a member of the Indian Parliament for over four decades He was one of the founding
members of the Bharatiya Jan Sangh. He worked as its President from 1968 to 1972 and then

resigned in 1978. He became the first President of the BJP in 1980.

He served as the Minister of External Affairs in the Cabinet of Prime Minister Morarji Desai from 26
March 1977 to 28 July 1979
He served three terms as the Prime Minister of India – first term was for a term of 13 days in 1996,
second was for a period of 13 months from 1998 to 1999 and the third was for a full term from 1999 to
2004
He was the first non-Indian National Congress leader to serve a full-term as the Indian Prime
Minister.
Under his tenure, India had conducted the Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998. The Kargil War was also
fought during his tenure.
He had always given his best efforts to normalize and better relations with Pakistan.
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna Award by the then Indian President Pranab Mukherjee in 2015.
His birthday is observed as the Good Governance Day
He is also known for his poetry.
PM Modi had released a commemorative coin in memory of Mr. Vajpayee on December 24, 2018 on
the occasion of his 94th Birthday
About the Portrait anmol gupta | [email protected] |
The Parliament’s Portrait Committee chaired by Sumitra Mahajan decided to install the portrait in a
meeting on December 18. Portraits of former PMs Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi also
adorn the walls of Central Hall.
Meghalaya govt to rename Dikkibandi stadium after P A Sangma
The government of Meghalaya has decided to rename the Dikkibandi stadium after P A Sangma. The
decision was made by the state cabinet as per the recommendations made by state naming authority
tasked with the job to name roads, and institutions after personalities. Along with the Dikkibandi stadium,
a junction leading to AMPT road in Tura have been renamed after P A Sangma.
P A Sangma
Purno Agitok Sangma has served as the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chief Minister of Meghalaya. He
began his political journey with the Congress party and represented the Tura constituency of Meghalaya
in Lok Sabha multiple times.
P A Sangma served as the Chief Minister of Meghalaya from 1988 to 1990. He formed the Nationalist
Congress Party in 1999 along with Sharad Pawar and Tariq Anwar.
He contested the elections for the post of President of India in 2012 and lost the elections to Pranab
Mukherjee. P A Sangma died from cardiac arrest in New Delhi on 4 March 2016 at the age of 68.
“Law, Justice and Judicial Power – Justice P N Bhagwati’s Approach” Book Launched
The book “Law, Justice and Judicial Power – Justice P N Bhagwati’s Approach” written by Mool Chand
Sharma was launched by the Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice Ranjan Gogoi. The first copy of the book
was received by the President Ram Nath Kovind.
The book is a collection of 24 essays celebrating Justice P N Bhagwati’s judicial work and landmark
judgments as well as his work towards introducing public interest litigation in India.
Justice P N Bhagwati’s contribution to the Indian Judicial System
Justice Bhagwati has been referred to as the father of public interest litigation in India. He imparted
idealism and simplicity to the highest court in the country wherein even a petition filed on a postcard was
taken into consideration.
The PIL tradition initiated by him is an Indian contribution to the practice of law and the process of justice
delivery. It is admired by other democracies and other legal systems as well.
The Chief Justice of India, Shri Justice Ranjan Gogoi referred to Justice Bhagwati as the “harbinger of
environmental jurisprudence” and a “judicial statesman”.
Justice Bhagwati evolved constitutional ideas that are still getting shaped. It was Justice Bhagwati who
envisaged the necessity for specialized Environmental Courts, which later manifested itself in the form of

the National Green Tribunal. For the first time, the prison reforms were embarked upon in India due to
the efforts of Justice Bhagwati.
India’s Mithali Raj Becomes First Woman Cricketer to Play 200 ODIs
India’s One-day International (ODI) captain Mithali Raj has become the first woman to play 200 ODI
matches with her appearance in the match against New Zealand. The record for largest number of games
played by a Woman Cricketer was already in the name of Mithali Raj. Mithali Raj had achieved the
milestone when she played her 192 ODI of the career, going past Charlotte Edwards’ record of 191
appearances.
The 36-year-old Mithali Raj is playing the game at the international circuit for almost twenty years and
she is also the fourth-highest among the cricketers as a whole, as Mithali is just behind Sachin Tendulkar
(463), Sanath Jayasuriya (445) and Javed Miandad (233).
Journey of Mithali Raj
Mithali Raj made her ODI debut back on 25 June 1999 against Ireland in Milton Keynes. Mithali Raj is the
leading run scorer in the ODIs among women with 6622 runs. Of the 213 matches India has played since
her debut, she has played in all of them barring 13. Mithali Raj also holds the record for leading a country
in ODIs most number of times with 123 matches.
Rishi Kumar Shukla appointed CBI Director
IPS officer Rishi Kumar Shukla has been appointed as the chief of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
for a fixed tenure of two years. Rishi Kumar Shukla is currently serving as the chairman of Madhya
Pradesh Police Housing Corporation in Bhopal.
The appointment of the Rishi Kumar Shukla was approved by the Appointments Committee of the cabinet
based on the recommendation of the selection committee headed by the Prime Minister. The CBI Director
search committee headed by Prime Minister has the Chief Justice of India and the Leader of Opposition as
members.
Supreme Court Observations
The appointment of the CBI director gains significance in the backdrop of comments made by the
Supreme Court which had said that it was “averse” to the arrangement of an interim CBI Director and the
Centre should “immediately” appoint a regular chief of the probe agency.
The Supreme Court stated that the post of CBI Director is sensitive and important, and it is not good to
keep an interim director of the agency for a longer period. The Supreme Court sought to know why the
government has not made the appointment yet.
Punit Goenka named as new chairman of BARC India
Published On Jan 31, 2019
The Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC India) has elected Punit Goenka MD and CEO
of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) as the Chairman. Punit Goenka as a founder Chairman of
BARC had played a key role in institutionalizing BARC.
Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC India)
Broadcast Audience Research Council of India (BARC India) is a collaborative Industry Company founded
in 2010 by stakeholder bodies that represent Broadcasters, Advertisers, and Advertising and Media
Agencies.
The promoters of BARC India are Indian Broadcasting Foundation, Indian Society of Advertisers and
Advertising Agencies Association of India. BARC India was set up as per guidelines of the Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.
BARC India has evolved a transparent, accurate, and inclusive TV audience measurement system on the
foundation of robust and future-ready technology backbone. Together with the audience measurement
system, BARC India provides a suite of Insight products designed for Broadcasters, Advertisers and
Agencies.
The data generated and the insights provided by BARC India aids in making efficient decision making by
the stakeholders.
BARC India analyses the viewership habits of over 197 million TV households (accounting for 836 million

TV viewing individuals). This makes it the world’s largest television audience measurement service. BARC
India’s measurement system is based on the sample of 44000-panel homes.
IPS officer Aparna Kumar completes South Pole expedition
Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Aparna Kumar who is on deputation to Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
become the first woman Indian Police Service (IPS) and ITBP officer to successfully conquer the South
Pole.
South Pole
The South Pole is the southernmost point on the surface of the Earth and is at the centre of the Southern
Hemisphere. It is situated on the continent of Antarctica.
The South Pole is the coldest and driest place on Earth. The temperature there ranges from minus 37
degrees to minus 48 degrees. As a result of this harsh climate, there are no native resident plants or
animals at the South Pole. South polar skuas and snow petrels are occasionally seen there.
About the Expedition
The expedition began from Chile. IPS officer Aparna Kumar began her journey with a team of seven
members and two guides. The team walked for 111 miles.
Aparna Kumar
Aparna Kumar is an IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre and hails from Karnataka. The officer is serving
ITBP on deputation as Deputy Inspector General (DIG).
Delhi HC allows release of Movie ‘72 Hours – Martyr who never died’
The Delhi High Court has allowed the release of the movie ‘72 Hours – Martyr who never died’. The film
was based on the life of the 1962 war hero Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat. Jaswant Singh Rawat was
posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for gallantry during the 1962 war.
The family members of the Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat had sought a stay on the release citing it
intrudes their privacy.
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was serving as an Indian Army soldier serving in the Garhwal Rifles. He
was serving in the 4th battalion of Garhwal Rifles during the battle of Nuranang of the North-East
Frontier Agency (now Arunachal Pradesh)in the war of 1962.
On 17 November 1962 Garhwal Rifles had beaten back two enemy attacks. During the third attack
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat along with Lance Naik Trilok Singh Negi and Rifleman Gopal Singh Gusain,
volunteered to silence the Chinese medium machine gun (MMG) which had come close to the Indian
defences.
Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat along with Rifleman Gopal Singh Gusain with covering fire from with
Lance Naik Trilok Singh destroyed the Chinese detachment of five men, seizing the MMG in the process.
While returning Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat along with Lance Naik Trilok Singh were killed and
Rifleman Gopal Singh Gusain was seriously injured.

Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat was honoured by building a memorial at the post where he fought
the Chinese People’s Liberation Army and it was named as “Jaswant Garh”. He is also bestowed with
another honour as per which he continues to serve even after death. He has been awarded promotions as if
he is still serving.
Satyarup Siddhanta becomes world’s youngest to climb 7 highest volcanoes, 7 highest mountains
in 7 continents
Satyarup Siddhanta, 35-year-old Kolkata mountaineer has set the world record of youngest to climb 7
highest volcanoes, 7 highest mountains in 7 continents in 7 years. He is also the first Indian to conquer the
seven mountain peaks and seven volcanic summits.
Highest Mountains scaled by Satyarup Siddhanta
Mount Everest (8,848 m) – Nepal
Mt Aconcagua (6,961 m) – Argentina
Mt McKinley/Mt Denali (6,194 m) – USA
Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) – Tanzania
Mt Elbrus (5,642 m) – Russia
Mt Blanc (4,808.7 m) – France
Mt Vinson Massif (4,892 m) – Antarctica
Puncak Jaya/ Carstensz Pyramid (4,884 m) – Indonesia
Mt Kosciuszko (2,228 m) – Australia
Seven volcanic peaks scaled by Satyarup Siddhanta
Ojos del Salado (6,893 m) – Chile
Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) – Tanzania
Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) – Russia
Mount Pico de Orizaba (5,636 m) – Mexico
Mt Damavand (5,610 m) – Iran
Mt Giluwe (4,368 m) – Papua New Guinea
Mt Sidley (4,285 m) – Antarctica
Satyarup Siddhanta who is 35 years and 262 days broke the record of Australia’s Daniel Bull who was 36
years 157 days when he achieved the feet.
Software engineer by profession, Satyarup Siddhanta hails from Haridevpur in South Kolkata and is based
at the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru. Reports suggest that had to work different shifts in two
companies to raise funds for his mountaineering trips.
Sanjay Jain, K M Nataraj appointed as Additional Solicitor Generals
President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed senior advocates Sanjay Jain and K M Nataraj as Additional

Solicitor Generals of India. The appointments were made by the President as per the recommendations of
the Appointments Committee of the cabinet.
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet is headed by Prime Minister and the Home Minister is the
member of the committee. The Appointments Committee of the cabinet is responsible for making
recommendations for the several important positions under the Government of India.
Additional Solicitor General
Additional Solicitor General, ASG is the third important law office of the country in the hierarchy. The
post of ASG is neither constitutional nor statutory. The post of ASG is governed by Law Officers
(Conditions of Service) Rules, 1987.
Gita Gopinath becomes the first female chief economist of IMF
Gita Gopinath has joined International Monetary Fund as its chief economist. She is the first woman to
occupy the post of chief economist of IMF. She is the 11th chief economist of the IMF.
Role of Chief Economist of IMF
The chief economist of IMF undertakes the following functions:
The Chief Economist is also the Director of the Fund’s Research Department and is responsible for
providing independent advice to the Fund on its policy issues, integrating ideas of the research in
the design of policies, conveying these ideas to the policymakers inside and outside the fund and
managing all research done at IMF.

The Chief Economist is part of the senior leadership team of the IMF and directly advises
the Managing Director.
The Chief Economist also leads about a hundred PhD economists in the Research Department.
Gita Gopinath
Gita Gopinath is an Indian-American Economist. Prior to her present role as the Chief Economist of IMF,
she was serving as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard
University.
Born in Mysore, she holds a B.A. degree from Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi (1992),
Masters in economics from Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi (1994). She also completed her
M.A. at the University of Washington (1996). In 2001, she completed her PhD at Princeton University.
Justice AK Sikri nominated as Executive Chairman of NALSA
President Ram Nath Kovind has nominated Justice AK Sikri as Executive Chairman of National Legal
Services Authority (NALSA). He will be replacing Justice Madan B Lokur.
National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) has been constituted under the Legal Services Authorities
Act, 1987 to provide free Legal Services to the weaker sections of the society. The features of the NALSA
are:
NALSA was brought into existence to fulfil the provisions under the Article 39A of the constitution
which provides for free legal aid to the poor and weaker sections of the society, to promote justice on
the basis of equal opportunity.
NALSA organises Lok Adalats for amicable settlement of disputes.
The functions of the NALSA also includes spreading legal literacy and awareness, undertaking social
justice litigations.
The Chief Justice of India is the Patron-in-Chief and the Senior most Judge of the Supreme Court of
India is the Executive Chairman of the Authority.
NALSA identifies specific categories of the marginalized and excluded groups from the diverse
populace of the country and formulates various schemes for the implementation of preventive and
strategic legal service programmes to be undertaken and implemented by the Legal Services
Authorities at the various levels.
NALSA works in close coordination with the various State Legal Services Authorities, District Legal
Services Authorities and other agencies for a regular exchange of relevant information, monitoring and

updating on the implementation and progress of the various schemes. NALSA fosters a strategic and
coordinated approach to ensure smooth and streamlined functioning of the various agencies and
stakeholders.
PM releases commemorative stamp on Maharaja Suheldev
Published On Dec 31, 2018
PM Narendra Modi released a commemorative stamp on Maharaja Suheldev. He described Maharaja
Suheldev as a brave warrior and a hero who inspires the people and said that the Union Government is
determined to preserve the legacy of all those who contributed to the cause of India’s defence and security,
and to its social life.
Legacy of Maharaja Suheldev
Maharaja Suheldev is a semi-legendary king whose references are found somewhere between the
boundary of fiction and history. There is no consensus about his name and is alternating between
Sakardev, Suhirdadhwaj, Suhridil, Suhridal-dhaj, Rai Suhrid Dev, Susaj, Suhardal etc. There is also no much
clarity on his caste and religious identity. Of late various Hindu nationalist groups have characterized him
as a Hindu king who defeated a Muslim invader.
The only surviving historical account of him can be traced to Mirat-i-Masudi, a 17th-century Persian-
language historical romance. Maharaja Suheldev is said to have defeated and killed
the Ghaznavid general Ghazi Saiyyad Salar Masud at Bahraich,| in the early 11th century.
Sangeeta Verma joins Competition Commission of India (CCI)

Sangeeta Verma, a former Indian Economic Services (IES) officer has joined the Competition
Commission of India (CCI) as a member. The order of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs states that the
central government has appointed Sangeeta Verma as the member of CCI for a period of 5 years from the
date of assumption of charge of the post, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The CCI is now at its full strength with Ashok Kumar Gupta as chairperson, Sangeeta Verma, Augustine
Peter and UC Nahta as members. In April the union cabinet had reduced the number of members of the
competition commission of India from six to three.
Competition Commission of India (CCI)
Competition Commission of India (CCI) aims to create and sustain fair competition in the economy that
will provide a ‘level playing field’ to the producers and make the markets work for the welfare of the
consumers.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) was established by the central government in 2003 under the
provisions of the competition act 2002. CCI aims to establish a robust competitive environment through:
Proactive engagement with all stakeholders, including consumers, industry, government and
international jurisdictions.
Being a knowledge-intensive organization with high competence level.
Professionalism, transparency, resolve and wisdom in enforcement.
The vision of the CCI is “To promote and sustain an enabling competition culture through engagement
and enforcement that would inspire businesses to be fair, competitive and innovative; enhance consumer
welfare, and support economic growth”.
PM releases commemorative coin in honour of Atal Bihari Vajpayee
PM Modi on 24 t h December 2018, a day before Vajpayee’s 94th birth anniversary released a
commemorative coin worth Rs 100 in honour of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The front side of the coin features the Emblem of India and words Satyamev Jayate are inscribed below
the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar in Devanagari script. The coin’s value Rs 100 is inscribed below the
national emblem. The words ‘Bharat’ in Devanagari and ‘India’ in Roman script are also inscribed on the
front side.
The reverse side of the coin features a portrait of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and his name is inscribed in both
Devanagari and Roman scripts. The years 1924 and 2018 are inscribed below Vajpayee’s portrait to mark
the year of his birth and death respectively.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Atal Bihari Vajpayee served as the Prime Minister of India for a term of 13 days in 1996, then for a period of
13 months from 1998 to 1999, and finally, foranmol
a full term from 1999 to 2004.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee was born to Krishna Devi and Krishna Bihari Vajpayee on 25 December 1924
in Gwalior. He passed away on 16 August 2018 due to age-related illness. His birth anniversary is
celebrated as Good Governance Day.
India Celebrates National Farmers Day
India celebrates National Farmers Day on 23rd December to commemorate the birth anniversary of the
5th Prime Minister of India, Choudhary Charan Singh. He was a farmer’s leader and he had introduced
many policies to improve the lives of the Indian farmers.
Choudhary Charan Singh
Choudhary Charan Singh served as the Prime Minister of India between 28 July 1979 and 14 January 1980.
He is often referred to as the ‘champion of India’s peasants.
Choudhary Charan Singh was born on 23 December 1902 in a rural peasant Jat family. He entered into
politics during the Independence Movement motivated by Gandhiji and he served as a member of
Legislative Assembly of the United Provinces elected in 1937.
In the post-independence period, he was one of three principal leaders of Congress from Uttar Pradesh. He
defected from the Congress in 1967 and became the first non-Congress chief minister of UP. He became
Prime Minister in the year 1979. He died in 1987. His memorial in New Delhi is named as Kisan Ghat.
Vedangi Kulkarni: Indian woman becomes fastest Asian to cycle the Globe
A 20-year-old Pune woman Vedangi Kulkarni has become the fastest Asian to cycle the globe. She has
completed the 29,000 km distance required to qualify as bicycling across the globe. She has spent 159 days
peddling up to 300 km a day in 14 countries.
The world record is in the name of British adventurer Jenny Graham (38) who had cycled the globe in 124
days in 2018.
Her Journey
She started off from Perth. She cycled across Australia to reach Brisbane. From Brisbane, she flew to
Wellington, New Zealand, for cycling the entire country north to south. Then she took a flight across the
International Date Line to Western Canada’s Vancouver. From Vancouver, she travelled eastward till
Halifax. Then she flew to Europe and started from Iceland and later cycled through Portugal, Spain France,
Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland to enter Russia. From Russia, she flew to India for doing
the last 4,000 km. From India, she will now fly to Australia and cycle 15 Km to reach the place from where
she had started, to complete her journey.
Vedangi lugged the cycle with the heavy luggage that includes cycle tools, camping equipment and
clothing in desolate stretches all alone and did not have anyone accompanying her for over 80 per cent of

the route.
About Vedangi Kulkarni:
Vedangi Kulkarni hails from Pune. Her father’s name is Vivek Kulkarni. She is currently pursuing a degree
in sports management from the University of Bournemouth in the UK.
National Mathematics Day celebrated on 22nd December
India celebrated 22nd December 2018 as the National Mathematics Day honouring the 131st birth
anniversary of famous Indian Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan. Since 2011, 22nd December is
celebrated as National Mathematics Day every year. The Indian government had also declared 2012 as the
National Mathematics year. The National Mathematics Day is celebrated to honour his contribution to the
field of Mathematics and also to keep his legacy alive to inspire the future mathematicians.
About Srinivasa Ramanujan:
Ramanujan was born in the year 1887 and lived during the British rule in India. His life was totally devoted
to Mathematics. At a young age of 11, Ramanujan started showing signs of a genius. He had attained
expertise in trigonometry and developed many theorems by himself. He got his papers published in the
Journal of the Indian Mathematical Society in the year 1911.
Ramanujan compiled nearly 3,900 results, mostly identities and equations, on his own without any
assistance. Many of the results were completely original and novel such as the Ramanujan prime, the
Ramanujan theta function, partition formulae and mock theta functions. These results and identities have
opened entirely new fields of work and inspired further research. He came out with his own theory of
divergent series. Also, he worked out the Riemann series, the elliptic integrals, hypergeometric series and
the functional equations of the zeta function. The number 1729 is famously known as the Hardy-
Ramanujan number.
Mamata Banerjee awarded the Skoch CM of the Year Award
The Chief Minister of West Bengal has been awarded the Skoch Chief Minister of the Year Award for the
year 2017. The award was given to Mamta Banerjee recognising her contribution in the overall
development of West Bengal as West Bengal emerged as the best-performing state in the field of
Governance.
West Bengal has won 31 Skoch Awards this year for its performance in different fields and for executing
unique projects. According to Skoch Group, Mamata Banerjee was chosen for the prestigious award
keeping in mind the West Bengal’s performance in governance, culture, finance, urban and rural
development
West Bengal’s Kanyashree has already earned much critical acclaim. The scheme also won the highest
public service award from the United Nations. Kanyashree scheme is a unique initiative of the West
Bengal government to improve the status and well being of girls belonging to socially and economically
backward families. It helps such families by conditional cash transfers to prevent the families from
arranging the marriage of girl child before 18 years of age because of some economic reasons.
West Bengal has also won the top Skoch Award for creating the maximum number of man-days and for
the maximum amount spent in paying people for their labour under the 100 days’ work scheme. The state
of West Bengal has also won the IPPAI Award for rural electrification in the state. The state has also been
conferred with five consecutive Krishi Karman awards in the field of Agriculture.
The Skoch Group is a think tank since 1997 that deals with socio-economic issues in the country while
focusing on inclusive growth. Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu was also awarded by the Skoch
Group with ‘SKOCH Sprinter of the Year’ Award. Commerce and Industry and civil aviation minister
Suresh Prabhu won the ‘Steady Reformer’ Award.
WV Raman appointed as the new coach of Women’s Cricket Team of India
BCCI has appointed W V Raman as Indian women’s cricket team coach on 20th December 2017. He was
preferred over South African cricketer Gary Kirsten for this position. Gary Kirsten, who is associated
with IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, did not agree to give up his job with RCB which made the

selectors choose WV Raman as the coach of the Indian women cricket team.
About W V Raman
W V Raman Raman has played 11 Tests and 27 ODIs for India and is one of the most qualified coaches
in the nation.
He has coached Ranji Trophy sides like Tamil Nadu and Bengal and the Indian Under -19 cricket
team as well.
He was the first Indian to hit a century in South Africa during the 1992-93 tour.
Presently, Raman is serving as a batting consultant at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad and Shantha Rangaswamy were the members of the selection committee
of the coach for Indian women cricket team. Total 28 candidates had applied for the position. Former
coach Ramesh Powar, whose tenure ended last month amid many controversies, also had appeared for the
interview for this position.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla appointed as India’s Ambassador to US
Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla has been appointed as the Ambassador of India to the USA on 20th
December 2018. Presently, Mr. Shringla is serving as the High Commissioner to the People’s Republic of
Bangladesh and will take up the assignment soon. He will be succeeding Navtej Sarna as the ambassador
to the United States of America. anmol gupta | [email protected] |
About Harsh Vardhan Shringla

Harsh Vardhan Shringla is a 1984-batch Indian Foreign Service diplomat.
His diplomatic career spans over 30 years in which he has held various positions in New Delhi and in
Indian missions in Paris, Hanoi and Tel Aviv.
Before being appointed as the ambassador to the US, he has served as the high commissioner in
Bangladesh, ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Thailand and Permanent Representative of India
to UNESCAP.
In the Ministry of External Affairs, he has headed the United Nations Political and SAARC Divisions.
Riva Ganguly Das, who is presently the Director General of Indian Council for Cultural Relations will take
the position of High Commissioner to Bangladesh.
Charles Michel resigns as the Prime Minister of Belgium
Charles Michel has resigned from the post of the Prime Minister of Belgium on 19th December 2018. The
resignation came as his government was under immense pressure from the opposition over his
government’s support for the UN global compact on migration.
Charles Michel’s, who became the Prime Minister of Belgium in 2014, was the country’s youngest prime
minister since 1841. He belongs to the francophone liberal party Mouvement Réformateur (MR). His party
had earlier lost the support of their coalition partner nationalist New Flemish Alliance over his support for
a UN-backed migration deal. There were many angry protests and demonstrations that took place in
Brussels against this migration pact.
About UN Global Compact on Migration:
The negotiations for Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration started in 2016 after
the influx of over one million migrants into Europe.
In July 2018, all of the 193 members agreed to the UN pact on migration except the United States.
But, only 164 countries formally signed the UN migration deal in Marrakech on 10th December 2018.
The agreement commits the signatories to improve co-operation on international migration.
The agreement is not legally binding on the countries signing the pact and allows them to be in
charge of their own immigration policies.
The agreement stresses that all migrants should be given universal human rights. It seeks to do away with
all forms of discrimination against migrants and their families.
Postage Stamp on Rajkumar Shukla, associated with the Champaran Satyagraha, released
The Department of Post has issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Rajkumar Shukla in New Delhi
on 18th December 2018. The stamp was released as a tribute to the contribution made by Rajkumar Shukla

in the launch of Champaran Satyagraha in the year 1917.

About Rajkumar Shukla:
Raj Kumar Shukla was born on 23rd August 1875 in Satwaria village of Champaran in Bihar.
He a famous Indigo cultivator of Champaran and as he was a money lender as well.
He rose to fame for his close association with Gandhiji during the Champaran Satyagraha.
Raj Kumar Shukla convinced Mahatma Gandhi to visit Champaran, which was was a turning point in
India’s struggle for independence.
Earlier also, the Department of Posts had released a postage stamp in the year 2000 to
commemorate the 125th birth anniversary of Pandit Raj Kumar Shukla.
The Department of Posts has been issuing postage stamps to honour and to pay a tribute to the important
personalities who made a great contribution to public life especially the freedom fighters of India. The
total number of such stamps released this year has reached 43 with the issuance of this postage stamp.
Famous classical singer Pandit Arun Bhaduri passed away
Famous classical singer Pandit Arun Bhaduri passed away on 17th December 2018 at the age of 75, after a
prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife and son.
Pandit Bhaduri had been suffering for quite some time from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and
other ailments. anmol gupta | [email protected] |
About Pandit Arun Bhaduri:

Pandit Arun Bhaduri was born on 7th October 1943 in Murshidabad, West Bengal.
He was a Hindustani Classical Music and Semi-Classical Music Vocalist, initially tutored by
Mohammed A. Daud Khan.
Pandit Arun Bhaduri was an exponent on Kirana and Rampur Gharana.
He was famous for fusing all these styles beautifully to create his own inimitable style.
He also used to sing Bengali songs and Bhajans.
In 2014, he was awarded Banga Bibhushan Samman. He also won many other awards.
He had served as a guru teacher at the ITC Sangeet Research Academy.
Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee expressed grief over the sudden death of Pandit Bhaduri.
She conveyed her condolences to the family members, friends and followers of Pandit Arun Bhaduri.
Madhavi Divan appointed as the new Additional Solicitor General
The Union government has appointed advocate Madhavi Goradia Divan as the Additional Solicitor General
(ASG) in the government of India. She will hold office of ASG till 30 June, 2020 and will appear in the
Supreme Court on behalf of the government of India.
She is the third woman to hold the post of ASG. Senior advocate Indira Jaising was the first woman in
India to become ASG. Pinky Anand was the second woman and she still holds the post.
About Madhavi Divan:
Madhavi Divan began her legal career from the Bombay High Court.
She has represented the states of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat in judicial proceedings.
She is married to Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, who recently appeared in the right to privacy
case as a lawyer for the petitioners.
She played a great role in getting Triple Talaq getting criminalised by the Supreme Court of India.
Also, she advocated against giving the death penalty by the courts for the rape of minor victims.
The Additional Solicitor General of India, also known as the ASG, is the third-ranked law-officer in the
Indian government. The post of ASG is not constitutional as the constitution does not have any provisions
regarding this. The seat of the Additional Solicitor-General of India may be at New Delhi or Mumbai or
Chennai or Allahabad as the Government of India specifies.
Catriona Gray from Philippines wins Miss Universe 2018 Title
Catriona Elisa Gray from the Philippines was crowned as the Miss Universe 2018, beating 93 contestants
from other countries. She was crowned by Demi Leigh Nel-Peters from South Africa, the Miss Universe
2017 title winner.

India was represented by Nehal Chudasama in the beauty pageant. Nehal Chudasama failed to enter the
final 20 of the Miss Universe 2018 competition. After Lara Dutta had won the crown in 2000, no Indian
contestant has been able to win the Miss Universe title in all these 18 years.
About Miss Universe 2018:
Tamaryn Green from South Africa and Sthefany Guterrez from Venezuela were the first runner-up
and second runner-up at Miss Universe 2018 competition.
Spain’s Angela Ponce created history as the first transgender woman to participate in the Miss
Universe beauty pageant.
The event was hosted by Emmy Award-winning comedian Steve Harvey.
Miss universe 2018 Catriona Elisa Gray has a Master Certificate in Music Theory. She also works as
an HIV/AIDS advocate and volunteers at an NGO as a teacher’s assistant.
The countries of Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia participated for the first time in the Miss
Universe competition.
This was the 67th edition of the Miss Universe pageant. Miss Universe 2018 was held at in Nonthaburi
Province, Thailand on 17th December 2018. For the first time, the competition was judged by an all-
women jury. Total 94 countries participated in the competition.
Shree Saini wins Miss India Worldwide, 2018
Indian-American Shree Saini has won Miss India Worldwide 2018 title at a pageant held in the Fords City
of New Jersey. Sakshi Sinha from Australia and Anusha Sareen from the United Kingdom were
respectively declared first and second runner-ups in the competition.
About Miss India Worldwide 2018
The won Miss India Worldwide pageant is organised by the New York-based India Festival Committee (IFC) which is
headed by Dharmatma Saran in New York City, USA. It is said to be the oldest and largest event for the Indian
Diaspora community. It draws contestants from India and from among members of the Indian Diaspora residing in
different countries.
It was the 27th edition of this annual global pageant for people of Indian origin. Girls of Indian-origin from
as many as 17 countries participated in this annual beauty pageant. India’s Mandeep Kaur Sandhu, who
hails from Haryana, was crowned as Mrs India Worldwide 2018. Jeya Priya Pandian from Malaysia and
Kavita Malhotra Pattani from the USA were declared as the first and second runner-ups of the Mrs India
Worldwide 2018 respectively. The next edition of the Miss India Worldwide competition will be held in
Mumbai in 2019
Pu Zoramthanga has been appointed as new Chief Minister of Mizoram
Mr. Zoramthanga has been sworn in as the Mizoram’s new chief minister of Mizoram. Zoramthanga
belongs to the Mizo National Front (MNF). He will be heading a 12-member council. Governor of Mizoram
K Rajasekharan administered the oath of office and secrecy during a ceremony at Raj Bhavan in Aizawl,
which was taken by Zoramthanga in the Mizo language.
This is Zoramthanga’s third stint as the chief CM of Mizoram. Previously, he has led the MNF
government in Mizoram in 1998 and 2003.
The five cabinet ministers of the new Mizoram government are – Tawnluia, R Lalthangliana,
Lalchamliana, Lalzirliana and Lalrinsanga. Mr Tawnluia will also be the deputy chief minister of
Mizoram.
The six ministers of state in the new Mizoram government are — K Lalrinliana, Lalchhandama
Ralte, Lalruatkima, Dr K Beichhua, TJ Lalnuntluanga and Robert Romawia Ralte.
About MNF:
The Mizo National Front, also known as MNF, is a regional political party in the state of Mizoram.
MNF originated from the Mizo National Famine Front formed by Pu Laldenga. The Mizo National
Famine Front was formed to protest against the inaction of the Indian government towards the
famine of 1959 in the Mizo areas of Assam.
After years of violence and underground activities, it signed the Mizoram Accord in 1986 with the
Government of India, giving up secession and violence.
Recent Elections in the state of Mizoram:
The elections to the Legislative Assembly of Mizoram were held on 28th November 2018.
There are total 40 constituencies in Mizoram.
Mizo National Front (MNF) won 26 seats out of 40 seats in the 2018 elections.
Indian National Congress won 5 seats and BJP won 1 seat
Bharat Bhushan Vyas Appointed as New Member of UPSC
On 13 December 2018, Sh. Bharat Bhushan Vyas has joined as a member of the Union Public Service
Commission. UPSC Chairman Arvind Saxena administered him the oath of office and secrecy. Shri Vyas
has become the first IAS officer from J&K cadre to join any constitutional body. His tenure will be of three
years.
About Bharat Bhushan Vyas
He is an IAS officer of the 1986 batch, serving Jammu and Kashmir for last 32 years. He retired as Chief
Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir. He served on prominent posts including Principal Secretary Finance,
Srinagar Deputy Commissioner, Divisional commissioner.
Union Public Service Commission anmol gupta | [email protected] |
UPSC is a central recruiting agency in India which derived its mandate from Article 315 to 323 in Part XIV
of Indian Constitution. UPSC consists of a Chairman and four other members appointed by President of
India. The term of the Chairman and members of UPSC is of six years or until they attain the age of 65
years. According to Constitution, UPSC is ‘watch – dog’ of merit system in India.
BP Singh Appointed as FTII New Chairman
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has appointed Brijendra Pal Singh as the new chairman and
President of Film and Television Institute of India. He succeeded Anupam Kher, who had resigned from
the post in October because of some international commitments.
Brijendra Pal Singh
He is an alumnus of FTII of 1970-73 batch and done specialization in film cinematography.
He is producer of the famous crime drama CID and completed a record of 21 years of continuous
telecast on Sony TV.
He also made his name in Limca book of world record for taking continuous shot of 111 minutes
marking the completion of six years of crime drama CID.
He served as chairman of FTII academic council and vice chairman of governing council.
FTII
Film and television Institute of India is an autonomous body established in 1960. It comes under Ministry
of Information and Broadcasting. It is one of the members of International Liasion Centre of Schools of
Cinema and Television which is world’s leading organization of schools of films and television. The
institute is registered under Societies’ registration Act 1960.
It consists of a President who also serves as chairman of governing council and Standing Finance
Committee. Governing council of FTII is responsible for all the important policy decision of institute.
Director of Institute is responsible for implementation of policies.
CAG Rajiv Mehrishi appointed as Vice-Chair of UN Panel of Auditors
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Rajiv Mehrishi was elected as Vice-Chair of United Nations (UN)
Panel of Auditors at its annual meeting held in New York. In this meeting CAG of UK was also appointed
as Chair of Panel for another term (2019). The meeting discussed various issues concerning audit of United
Nations and the agencies under the United Nations System. The next meeting will be held in in Bonn,
Germany in November-December 2019.
United Nations Panel of Auditors
It was established by UN General Assembly Resolution 1438 (XIV) in 1959. Its main objectives are to
further co-ordination of audits for which its members are responsible and to exchange information on

audit methods and findings.

It is made up of members of United Nations Board of Auditors and external auditors of Specialized
Agencies of UN and of International Atomic Energy Agency. Currently, it is chaired by CAG of UK and
consists of 11 countries — India, Germany, Chile, Canada, France, Italy, Philippines, Ghana, Indonesia,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.
It may submit to executive heads of organisations audited any observations or recommendations in
relation to accounts and financial procedures of organisation concerned. The executive heads of
articipating organisations may also, through their auditors submit requests to it for its opinion or
recommendation on any matter within its competence.
Economist Surjit Bhalla resigns from Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council
Eminent economist and columnist Surjit Bhalla has resigned as part-time member of Economic Advisory
Council to the Prime Minister(EAC-PM). His resignation comes day after Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
governor Urjit Patel, quit abruptly after months-long tussle over policy with government.
Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC)
PMEAC is non-constitutional and non-statutory, non-permanent and independent body, constituted with
the prime and sole aim to analyse all critical issues, economic or otherwise, referred to it by the prime
minister and advising him thereon. It is mandate to give advice
anmol gupta | [email protected] | to prime minister on economic matters
such as inflation, GDP changes, export-import changes, creating supporting environment for increased
trade and commerce.
Functions
Submit periodic reports to PM related to macroeconomic developments and issues which will have
implications of the economic policy. Analyse any topics, issues assigned by the PM and provide advice to
them. Analyse macroeconomic issues having high importance and present the views to PM and any other
task which is assigned by Prime Minister.
Current Composition of PMEAC: It is headed by Niti Aayog member Bibek Debroy. Economists Rathin
Roy, Ashima Goyal and Shamika Ravi are other part-time members.
Sunil Arora takes over as new Chief Election Commissioner of India
Sunil Arora assumed charge as 23rd Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India. He succeeded OP Rawat
who retired on 1 December 2018. He will have nearly two-and-a-half-year tenure as CEC and General
Election 2019 to 17th Lok Sabha will be conducted under his stewardship. Prior to assuming this, charge he
was serving as Election Commissioner in Election Commission of India (ECI) from September 2017.
Sunil Arora
Sunil Arora is retired IAS officer of1980-batch from Rajasthan cadre. He had retired in April 2016 as
Information and Broadcasting secretary. Prior to this, he was skill development secretary. He has also
worked in ministries and departments such as Finance, Textiles and Planning Commission and also has
served as CMD of Indian Airlines for five years. In his home state, he had served as principal secretary of
Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje from 2005 to 2008.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
It is permanent and independent constitutional body established directly by Constitution of India under
Article 324 to ensure fair and fair elections in the country. It is multi-member body and currently has
three members including Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two election commissioners (ECs). They
all are appointed by the President.
Service conditions and tenure of office CEC and ECs are determined by an act of parliament titled The
Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Act, 1991. They
hold office for term of six years or until they attain age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
CEC and ECs have equal power and receive equal salary, allowances and other perquisites, which are
similar to judge of Supreme Court. In case of difference of opinion amongst CEC and Election
Commissioner, matter is decided by Commission by majority.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to be chief guest at Republic Day celebrations 2019
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will be chief guest at India’s 70th Republic Day celebrations on
26 January 2019. Mr Ramaphosa was invited to be chief guest by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when two
leaders met on sidelines of G20 summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The announcement comes month
after US President Donald Trump declined India’s invitation to be chief guest. The reason citied was
“scheduling constraints” of President.
Significacne of Republic Day
It honours date on which Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 replacing Government
of India Act (1935) as the governing document of India. Constitution was adopted by Indian Constituent
Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950, completing the country’s
transition towards becoming an independent republic. 26 January was chosen as Republic day because it
was on this day in 1930 when Purna Swaraj (Declaration of Indian Independence) was proclaimed by
Indian National Congress (INC) at Lahore session 1929 as opposed to Dominion status offered by British
Regime.
Republic Day parade
On 26 January every year, Republic Day parade is held at Rajpath, New Delhi. It is largest and most
important of the parades in India. The parade showcases India’s defence capability and its cultural and
social heritage. It is conducted under control Union Defence Ministry
2018 Republic Day
For first time in history of Republic Day celebrations, 10 heads of state were chief guest at a time. They
were from Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional grouping of 10 Southeast Asian
countries comprising of Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar,
Cambodia, Laos and Brunei. The chief guest at India’s first Republic Day on January 26, 1950 was
President of Indonesia and since then five other Southeast Asian leaders have chief guests at Republic Day
parades.
Earlier Chief guests of Republic Day parades
2017- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Crown prince of Abu Dhabi), 2016- Francois Hollande
(President of France), 2015-Barack Obama (US President), 2014- Shinzo Abe (Japanese Prime Minister),
2013-Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (King of Bhutan), 2012-Yingluck Shinawatra (Then Prime
Minister of Thailand), 2011- Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Then President of Indonesia).
Blue Cross: Abhinav Bindra becomes first Indian to get highest shooting honour
Ace Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra (36) and still India’s only individual Olympic gold medallist was
awarded coveted International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Blue Cross. With this Bindra is the first
Indian to be awarded the Blue Cross. The award is conferred for outstanding contribution to sport of
shooting and honours distinguished members of the international shooting fraternity. Blue Cross is
highest recognition conferred by parent body of international shooting ISSF.
Abhinav Bindra
He has won Olympic gold medal (2008), World Championship gold (2006), 7 Commonwealth Games
medals and 3 Asian Games medals in shooting. He became first Indian to win individual Olympic gold
medal by winning the top prize in 10m Air Rifle event at 2008 Games held in Beijing, capital of China. He
was given Arjuna award in 2000, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2001 and Padma Bhushan in 2009. He
narrowly had missed out on second Olympic medal at 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro, post which he
decided to retire from sport at the age of 33 to make way for next generation of Indian shooters.
Salom Zurichishvili elected as first female President of Georgia
Salom Zurichishvili was elected as the first female President of Georgia. She will take charge on December
16, 2018. In recently concluded presidential election, Salom Jurabishvili defeated her rival candidate Grigol
Washadze. She received 59.5% of the votes, while Grigol Washadze received 40.5% of the votes.
Salom Jurabishvili
Salom Jurabishvili was born on March 18, 1952. Earlier she had served as Minister of Georgia from March

20, 2004 to October 19, 2005. She was members of Iran’s Prohibition Committee of UN Security Council
Council (UNSC) between November 11, 2010 and October 10, 2013.
Georgia
It is a country located in Eurasia, its area is 69,700 square kilometers. Its capital is located in Tbilissi. It
had announced its independence from Soviet Union on April 9, 1991. On its western boundary is Black Sea.
To its north lies Russia and Turkey and Armenia in the south.
Government appoints AM Naik as Chairman of National Skill Development Corporation
Union Government has appointed Anil Manibhai Naik as Chairman of National Skill Development
Corporation (NSDC). He is currently Group Chairman of engineering conglomerate Larsen and Toubro
(L&T). He was awarded Padma Bhushan, India’s 3rd highest civilian award in 2009 for his outstanding
contribution to economic growth of the country.
National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)
NSDC is Public Private Partnership (PPP) under Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship
(MSDE). It was founded in 2009 as not-for-profit company by Ministry of Finance to address need for
providing skilled manpower across various industry sectors. Government of India (GoI) through MSDE
holds 49% of share capital of NSDC, while private sector has balance 51% of the share capital. NSDC aims
to promote skill development by catalyzing anmol
creation of large, quality and for-profit vocational institutions.
Its objective is to create training capacity in the country; fund vocational training initiatives and create
market ecosystem for skill development. Its mandate is to train 150 million people by 2022. It is also
involved in re-skilling and also in catering to skilled manpower requirement of overseas markets, most
notably that of Japan (under TITP) and UAE.
Arvind Saxena appointed as Chairman of Union Public Service Commission
President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Arvind Saxena as Chairman of Union Public Service
Commission (UPSC), which conducts examination to select bureaucrats, diplomats and police officers. He
will have tenure till August 7, 2020, when he attains the age of 65 years. Prior to this appointment, he was
working as acting Chairman of UPSC since June 2018. He had joined UPSC as member in May 2015. Prior
to joining the UPSC, he was working as director of the Aviation Research Centre (ARC).
Arvind Saxena
He was student of civil engineering from Delhi College of Engineering and holds M.Tech in systems
management from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi. He was selected for civil services and joined
Indian Postal Service in 1978. In 1988, he started working at Cabinet Secretariat, where he specialised in
study of strategic developments in neighbouring countries. He has served in different countries and in
states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. He is recipient of awards for meritorious
services (2005) and distinguished services (2012).
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)
UPSC is constitutional body which conducts the prestigious civil services examination to select IAS, IFS
and IPS officers among others. It has been established under Article 315 of the Constitution and consists of
Chairman and ten Members appointed and removed by President.
The chairman and members of the Commission hold office for a term if six years or until they attain the
age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. It conducts the prestigious civil services examination to select
officers of Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS)
among others.
Nageshwara Rao Guntur appointed as Chairperson of Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
Union Government has appointed renowned scientist Nageshwara Rao Guntur as Chairperson of Atomic
Energy Regulatory Board (AERB). His appointment as the AERB chairperson will be for three years.
Guntur is the chairman, Project Design Safety Committee, Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and
former distinguished scientist Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL).
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
It was established in November 1983 to carry out certain regulatory and safety functions in the fields of

nuclear and radiation safety on a countrywide basis. It was constituted by President of India by exercising
powers conferred by Section 27 of Atomic Energy Act, 1962 to carry out certain regulatory and safety
functions under the Act. The regulatory authority of AERB is derived from rules and notifications
promulgated under Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. It is headquartered
is in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Its mission is to ensure that use of ionising radiation and nuclear energy in
India does not cause undue risk to health and environment. Currently, it consists of full-time Chairman, an
ex officio Member, three part-time Members and Secretary.
Sunil Arora appointed as new Chief Election Commissioner
President Ram Nath Kovind appointed senior IAS officer Sunil Arora as the new Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC). He will be the 23rd CEC and shall succeed OP Rawat who retires in December 2018.
He will have nearly two-and-a-half-year tenure as CEC and General Election 2019 will be conducted under
his stewardship.
Sunil Arora
He is 1980-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre. Prior to this appointment, he was Election
Commissioner since September 2017. At centre he has served as skill development secretary before was
appointed as top bureaucrat in Information & Broadcasting Ministry. He also has worked in ministries
and departments such as Finance, Textiles and Planning
anmol gupta Commission
| [email protected] | and was also CMD of Indian Airlines
for five years. In his home state, he was one of the most trusted officers of Vasundhara Raje during her
earlier term as Rajasthan Chief Minister. He was her principal secretary from 2005 to 2008. He had
retired from service in April 2016, following which he was appointed as advisor to Prasar Bharti and then
as director general & CEO of Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.
Election Commission of India (ECI)
It is permanent and independent constitutional body established directly by Constitution of India under
Article 324 to ensure fair and fair elections in the country.
Composition: It is multi-member body and currently has three members including Chief Election
Commissioner (CEC) and two election commissioners (ECs). They all are appointed by the President.
Service conditions and tenure of office CEC and ECs: They are determined by an act of parliament titled
The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Conditions of Service) Act, 1991.
They hold office for term of six years or until they attain age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
Powers CEC and ECs: They have equal power and receive equal salary, allowances and other perquisites,
which are similar to judge of Supreme Court. In case of difference of opinion amongst CEC and Election
Commissioner, matter is decided by Commission by majority.
Akhilesh Ranjan appointed as Convenor of Task Force drafting New Direct Tax Legislation
Union Finance Ministry has appointed Akhilesh Ranjan, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) member as
Convenor of Task Force that is drafting New Direct Tax Legislation (Law). He will replace Arbind Modi
who retired in September 2018. The other members (composition) of the Task Force remain unchanged.
Akhilesh Ranjan is presently serving as Member (Legislation) of CBDT.
Key Facts
The task force was constituted in November 2017 in order to review Income-tax Act, 1961 and to draft new
direct tax law in consonance with the economic needs of the country. At that time, Arbind Modi, who was
then Member (Legislation) of CBDT was appointed as Convener of task force.
The task force has been mandated to draft appropriate Direct Tax Legislation keeping in view direct tax
system prevalent in various countries, international best practices and economic needs of the country. It
will submit its report to Government by February 28, 2019. It has set its own procedures for regulating its
work.
UNICEF appoints Singer Nahid Afrin as first Youth Advocate of NE region to fight for child rights
United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has appointed popular singer Nahid
Afrin (17) of Assam as the first ‘Youth Advocate’ of the northeastern region to fight for child rights.
UNICEF engages ‘Youth Advocates’ to harness their voice as agents of change in society. Nahid had made
her playback debut in 2016 Bollywood film ‘Akira’ starring Sonakshi Sinha in the lead. She received best
female playback singer award at the Assam state Film Award 2018.
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
Formerly known as United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund is special program of UN
devoted to aiding national efforts to improve the health, nutrition, education, and general welfare of
children. It was created in 1946 to provide relief to children in countries devastated by World War II. It is
headquartered in New York City.
After 1950, it directed its efforts toward general programs for improvement of children’s welfare,
particularly in less-developed countries and various emergency situations. Its broader mission was
reflected in present name adopted in 1953. It was awarded Nobel Prize for Peace in 1965.
Since 1996 UNICEF programs have been guided by Convention on Rights of the Child (1989), which affirms
right of all children to enjoyment of highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for treatment of
illness and rehabilitation of health.
Much of UNICEF’s efforts are concentrated in areas in which relatively small expenditures, but have
significant impact on lives of the most disadvantaged children, such as the prevention and treatment of
disease. Its activities are financed by both government and private contributions. It supports
immunization programs for childhood diseases and programs to prevent spread of HIV/AIDS. It also
provides funding for health services, educational facilities and other welfare services.
Joyce Msuya appointed as acting Executive Director of UNEP
Tanzanian national Joyce Msuya was appointed as acting Executive Director of United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) following resignation of the executive director Erik Solheim. Solheim
had quit in wake of internal audit report accused of rule-breaking UNEP. The report has accused him of
gobbling up $500,000 in unnecessary and budgeted travel expenses in just 22 months.
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
UNEP is voice for environment within the United Nations system. It was founded as result of United
Nations Conference on Human Environment in June 1972. It is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. UNEP
also has six regional offices and various country offices.
It is the leading global environmental authority that sets global environmental agenda, promotes coherent
implementation of environmental dimension of sustainable development within United Nations system,
and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.
It acts as catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote wise use and sustainable development of
global environment. It works with wide range of partners, including UN entities, international
organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, private sector and civil society.
Jalaj Srivastava appointed Chairman of Inland Waterways Authority of India
Union Government has appointed senior IAS officier Jalaj Srivastava as chairman of Inland Waterways
Authority of India (IWAI). IWAI comes under Union Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways,
currently headed by Nitin Gadkari.
Jalaj Srivastava
He is 1984 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. Prior to this appointment he was Additional
Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture. Earlier he had also served as chairman of New Delhi Municipal
Corporation (NDMC) and Principal Secretary, Department of VAT, Delhi government. He is credited with
launch of various programmes and schemes including Wi-Fi in the market areas. He is also known for
launching “Shakti Cab” project and “URJA” project for women when he was with Delhi government. He is
also considered as man behind the start of “Rahagiri” event that takes place every Sunday in national
capital to promote culture and sports. Similarly some of his other initiatives were green waste
management, outdoor gymnasium in parks and gardens and rooftop solar city projects. He is also writer
of crime thriller novel titled ‘The Perfect Suicide.
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
It is nodal statutory body in charge of development and regulation of inland waterways for shipping and
navigation. It was established in October 1986 and is headquartered in Noida, Uttar Pradesh Its main
function is to build necessary infrastructure in inland waterways, surveying economic feasibility of new
projects and also carrying out administration and regulation. It undertakes projects for development and
maintenance of IWT infrastructure on national waterways through grant received from Ministry of
Shipping.
Lakshya Sen wins bronze medal in men’s singles at World Junior Badminton Championship
India’s top junior shuttler Lakshya Sen (17) won bronze medal at Li Ning BWF World Junior Badminton
Championships 2018 held at Markham, Canada. In singles semi-final match, he lost to top seed and world
junior number one Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand by 22-20, 16-21, 13-21 score. This was Sen’s first medal
from this prestigious tournament in three attempts
India’s Performance BWF World Junior Badminton Championships
This was overall India’s fifth boys singles bronze medal at BWF World Junior Championships and only
medal India got at this year’s Championships. Previously, RMV Gurusaidutt (2008), B Sai Praneeth (2010),
HS Prannoy (2010) and Sameer Verma (2011) have won bronze medal. Siril Verma (2015) is India’s only
boys singles silver-medallist at World Junior Championships. Saina Nehwal (2008) is only India’s sole gold
medallist at BWF World Junior Championships. She also has won silver in 2006 in girls singles.
Sanjay Kumar Mishra appointed Director of Enforcement Directorate
Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed
Senior IRS officer Sanjay Kumar Mishra as full-time Director of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). He will
have tenure of two-years from the date of assumption of the charge of the post or until further orders,
whichever is earlier. The post of ED director is additional secretary rank post in the Union government.
Mishra is 1984-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of Income Tax cadre. Prior to this appointment
he was principal special director in EB appointed in October 2018 and was entrusted with additional
charge of ED director for three months. Before ED appointment, he was posted as chief commissioner of
Income Tax Department in Delhi.
Enforcement Directorate (ED)
It is economic intelligence and law enforcement agency agency responsible for enforcing economic laws
and fighting economic crime in India. It functions under aegis of Department of Revenue, Union Ministry
of Finance. Its prime objective is enforcement of two key Acts of Government of India namelyForeign
Exchange Management Act 1999 (FEMA) and Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 (PMLA) to check
money laundering by curbblack money and hawala trade cases. It is composed of officers from the Indian
Revenue Service, Indian Police Service and the Indian Administrative Service. It was established in 1956 as
‘Enforcement Unit’ in Department of Economic Affairs. It is headquartered in New Delhi.
India’s Ankita Raina and Karman Kaur Thandi win Women’s Doubles title at Taipei OEC Open
tennis
India’s Ankita Raina and Karman Kaur Thandi, playing together for first time, won doubles title at
$125,000 Taipei Open. In the final match, they defeated Russian pair of Olga Doroshina and Natela
Dzalamidze 6-3, 5-7, 12-12 score. The champions collected $5,500 in prize money and earned 160 points,
which is expected to push both within 200 of WTA world rankings. This win marks the first WTA title for
an Indian since Sania Mirza, success came on WTA Tour and Grand Slam stage. In the semi-finals, they
had defeated third seeds Misaki Doi and Danka Kovinic by 6-7 (2), 6-4, 10-8 score.
Taipei Open
It is tournament for female professional tennis players played on indoor carpet courts. It is currently
classified as WTA 125K tournament. It has been held annually in November in Taipei City, Taiwan from
2008 until 2015. In 2012, it was upgraded from a $100,000 ITF tournament to a WTA Challenger
tournament.
WCD Ministry nominates 3 new members of National Commission for Women
Ministry of Woman and Child Development (WCD) has nominated three members to National
Commission for Women (NCW) in pursuance Section 3 of the NCW Act, 1990. They are Chandramukhi

Devi, Soso Shaiza, and Kamlesh Gautam. All three are BJP members. They will hold office for period of
three years or till age of 65 years or until further orders from date of assumption of charge of office,
whichever is the earlier. The new appointments now leave two positions vacant in NCW. Rekha Sharma is
current chairperson of NCW.
Key Facts
Chandramukhi Devi is former Bihar MLA and member of the Bihar state women’s commission from 2011
to 2014. Soso Shaiza is present BJP national council member and also daughter-in-law of Janata Party
leader Yangmaso Shaiza, the first tribal chief minister of Manipur in 1974. Kamlesh Gautam is BJP’s
regional in-charge for Kanpur-Bundhelkhand.
National Commission for Women (NCW)
NCW is a statutory body established under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990. It was
established in January 1992 to review constitutional and legal safeguards for women. It recommends
remedial legislative measures, advise Government on all policy matters affecting women and facilitate
redressal of grievances related to women. The first Commission was constituted in January 1992 with
Jayanti Patnaik as Chairperson. Commission comprises up of Chairperson, five Members and Member-
Secretary. Chairperson is appointed by the Central Government and is person who is committed to the
cause of women. Besides Chairperson, commission has five members nominated by Central Government
Ashok Kumar Gupta appointed as Chairperson of Competition Commission of India

Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed
former IAS officer Ashok Kumar Gupta as Chairperson of Competition Commission of India (CCI). He
replaces acting chairperson Sudhir Mital. He will be in office till October 25, 2022 i.e. till he attains age of
65 years or until further orders, whichever is the earliest. Gupta is former IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu
cadre.
Competition Commission of India (CCI)
CCI is quasi-judicial statutory body established under The Competition Act, 2002. It was established in
October 2003 and became fully functional in May 2009. Section 8(1) of the Act provides CCI shall consist of
Chairperson and not less than two and not more than six Members. Presently, Chairperson and four
Members are in position. It has been functioning as collegium right from its inception. It functions under
Ministry of Cooperate Affairs.
CCI aims to eliminate practices that adversely affect competition in different industries and protect
interests of consumers and ensure freedom of trade. Its seeks to eliminate practices having adverse effect
on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect interests of consumers and ensure freedom of
trade in markets of India. It also gives opinion on competition issues on reference received from statutory
authority established under any law and undertakes competition advocacy, create public awareness and
impart training on competition issues.
PK Dash, Akhilesh Ranjan and Neena Kumar inducted as members of CBDT
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has appointed three senior IRS officers K Dash, Akhilesh
Ranjan and Neena Kumar as new members of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). All three members
belong to 1982-batch of the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). Prior to this appointment, Dash was serving as
principal chief commissioner of I-T (PCCIT) in Bhopal, Ranjan and Kumar were serving as PCCsIT in Delhi.
With these three new joinings, CBDT now has full house strength of five members and chairman. The two
other members of CBDT are IRS officers Aditya Vikram and P C Mody while the borad’s Chairman is
Sushil Chandra.
Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
CBDT is nodal policy-making body of Income Tax (IT) department under Finance Ministry. It is a statutory
authority established under The Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963. It is supreme body in India for
framing policies related to direct taxes and is also tasked to enforce direct tax laws in the country. The
composition of CBDT includes Chairman and six members.
Justices Hemant Gupta, R. Subhash Reddy, M R Shah and Ajay Rastogi were sworn in as judges of

SC
Justices Hemant Gupta, R Subhash Reddy, Mukesh Kumar Rasikbhai Shah and Ajay Rastogi were sworn-in
as the Judges of Supreme Court. They were administered oath of office by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi.
They will have tenure till they attain age of 65.
Key Facts
These four new judges of SC were appointed by President Ram Nath Kovind under Article 124 based on the
recommendation of SC Collegium comprising CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan B Lokur, Justice Kurian
Joseph, Justice A K Sikri and Justice S A Bobde. With this total number of judges at the Supreme Court
rose to 28. The sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges in 31 including Chief Justice.
Prior to this elevation, Justice Gupta served as Chief Justice of Madhya Pradesh High Court; Justice
Rastogi as Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court; Justice Shah as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court
and Justice Reddy as Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court.
Lt General Rajeshwar takes over as 12th Chief of Integrated Defence Staff
Lt Gen P S Rajeshwar took over as 12th Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman, COSC. Prior to this
appointment, he was serving as Director General (Perspective Planning) at Integrated Headquarters,
Ministry of Defence.
Lt Gen PS Rajeshwar anmol gupta | [email protected] |
He was commissioned into Regiment of Artillery in December 1980. He is alumnus of Indian Military
Academy (IMA), Dehradun, National Defence College (NDC), Delhi. He holds Masters in National Security
Administration from NDC, Philippines. He has rich operational and staff experience with distinction of
serving in operational environments such as Counter Insurgency area in the North East & Counter
Terrorist Operations in Jammu and Kashmir, High Altitude Area, apart from United Nations
Peacekeeping Operations. During 38 years of his illustrious career, he has commanded Artillery Regiment
during Operation Parakram, Infantry Brigade at Line of Control (LoC), Counter Insurgency Force in J&K
and Corps in the desert sector.
Integrated Defence Staff
Government had established Integrated Defence Staff, headed by Chief of Integrated Staff as Chairman
(who enjoys status equivalent to that of Vice Chief of Service.) to ensure high degree of synergy between
Armed forces. It acts as point organisation for integration of policy, doctrine, war fighting and
procurement by employing best management practices. It was created on 1 October 2001 based on
recommendations of Group of Ministers which was set up in 2000 (post-Kargil) to review India’s defence
management. It has representation from all three services, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Department of Defence (DoD) and Def (Finance).

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Persons in News [PDF E-Book / 1 Year]

anmol gupta | [email protected] |

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IPS ofﬁcer V. K. Johri appointed as New BSF Director General ........................................................................................................................ 24

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Pioneer Indian Lawyer Dr N. R. Madhava Menon passes away ......................................................................................................................... 49

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CAG Rajiv Mehrishi appointed as Vice-Chair of UN Panel of Auditors .................................................................................................... 71

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Radha Krishna Mathur sworn in as first Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh UT

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upgrading the post.

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Station Arjan Singh’ in 2016.

About Saraswati Samman

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About Hazza Al Mansouri

pleasant flavor. It is the national fish of Bangladesh.

Hurun India Rich List 2019: Mukesh Ambani richest Indian

Kristalina Georgieva appointed as new IMF chief

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Women in Indian Armed forces

About Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria

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who served in these posts from 31 January to 31 July 2019.

Crop Insurance Scheme, Avebury, Aldershot, UK (1996)

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unsuccessfully contested 2014 Lok Sabha polls in Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

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cell death pathways.

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air balloon, hovercraft, monoski, glider and parachute.

Girraj Prasad Gupta takes over as the Controller General of Accounts

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As per Anti-Profiteering Mechanism’s structure in GST regime-

Priti Patel: Britain’s first Indian-origin Home Secretary

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Published On Jul 20, 2019

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Kulbhushan Jadhav Case

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Ujjivan Financial Services CEO and MD Samit Ghosh.

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failures of India-China and India-Pakistan wars. It is headquartered in New Delhi.

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