CURRENT AFFAIRS 14/12/2017

CURRENT AFFAIRS 14/12/2017

1. Narendra Modi Inducts Scorpene-Class Submarine Kalvari into Indian Navy

i. Prime Minister Narendra Modi commissioned India's first modern conventional submarine, INS Kalvari, into Navy's fleet in Mumbai, a first in almost two decades. Kalvari is the first of the six Scorpene-class submarines handed over by shipbuilder Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL).

ii. The Navy last inducted a conventional diesel-electric submarine, INS Sindhushastra, procured from Russia in July 2000.

Key facts to know about Kalvari Submarine-

1. Dreaded Tiger shark-

Kalvari is named after the dreaded tiger shark, a deadly deep sea predator of the Indian Ocean.

2. French naval defense's design-

The submarines, designed by French naval defense and energy company DCNS, are being built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai as part of Project-75 of the Indian Navy.

3. Scorpene class submarine-

The Navy is inducting six Scorpene-class submarines on a 3 billion dollar contract. Construction for the first submarine, designated as MDL Yard 11875 commenced in December 2006.

2. India Signs Loan Agreement with World Bank for US$ 250 Million for SANKALP Project

i. A Financing Agreement for IBRD loan of USD 250 million (equivalent) for the “Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) Project” was signed with the World Bank.

ii. The Objective of the project is to enhance institutional mechanisms for skills development and increase access to quality and market-relevant training for the workforce. The closing date for the project is 31st March 2023.

3. India Ranks 100 in Global Prosperity Index

i. India has upgraded its ranks in ‘The Legatum Prosperity Index 2017’ and is now on 100th position. At present, the rising trend in India’s prosperity is significant in view of the fact that India registered lower economic growth following demonetization and implementation of the goods and services tax (GST) reform in 2017.

ii. The index, which offers an insight into how prosperity is forming and changing across the world, ranks India 100th on the list of prosperous countries among 149 countries. 

4. 27th National Energy Conservation Day- 14 December

i. The National Energy Conservation Day is celebrated annually on 14th December. The 14th President of India Mr. Ram Nath Kovind was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

ii. The ECD is organized on 14th December each year by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under Ministry of Power. The Day is celebrated with an aim to demonstrate India’s achievements in energy efficiency and conservation.

5. India and Morocco Sign MoU for Enhanced Cooperation in Healthcare

i. India and Morocco signed an MoU for enhanced cooperation in the health sector in New Delhi. Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Dr. Abdelkader Amara, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Morocco signed the MoU.

ii. The main areas of cooperation include the following:

• Non-communicable diseases, including child cardiovascular diseases and cancer;
• Drug Regulation and Pharmaceutical quality control;
• Maternal, child and neonatal health;
• Hospital twinning for the exchange of good practices.

6. Norway Becomes 1st Nation to Shut National Broadcasts on FM

i. Norway became the world's first country to shut down national broadcasts of its FM network by completing its transition to digital radio.

ii. The transition will allow for better sound quality, a greater number of channels and more functions, at a cost eight times lower than FM radio. The transition concerns only national radio channels.

7. OBOPAY Gets Pre-Paid Instrument Licence from RBI

i. OBOPAY has announced that the company has secured a license for Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate a semi-closed loop wallet in the country.

ii. The company would also be using the license to increase business in its B2B (business-to-business) operations by co-branding the prepaid instrument with a partner brand.

8. BCCI Lifts Ban On Rajasthan Cricket Association

i. The Board of Control for Cricket in India decided to lift the ban on the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) provided former IPL chief Lalit Modi stays away from its functioning, the Board decided in its Special General Meeting (SGM).

ii. The RCA was suspended by the Indian cricket board in May 2014 when ex-Indian Premier League (IPL) Commissioner Modi was re-elected its president.

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