Today latest News on 7 December 2021 

Supreme Court refuses to interfere with Bombay HC order granting Sudha Bharadwaj bail

The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to interfere with a Bombay High Court order granting default bail to advocate Sudha Bharadwaj in the Bhima Koregaon case, paving the way for her release from jail after a span of two years.

PM Modi urges BJP MPs to be more regular in Parliament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi exhorted BJP MPs to be more regular in Parliament, to “bring a change within themselves” warning that if that was not done then “change is something that happens anyway.” He was addressing a parliamentary party meeting of the BJP at Ambedkar International Centre, a first for the party’s parliamentary group, as the customary place of holding the meeting, the Balayogi Auditorium in Parliament House complex, was unavailable due to construction issues.

Nagaland government calls off Hornbill Festival

The Nagaland Government has called off the Hornbill Festival, a marquee annual event that showcases the cultural colours of the State. Government spokesperson Neiba Kronu said the festival, suspended since December 5, was officially cancelled as a “mark of respect for our brethren killed at Oting, Mon, and in solidarity with the bereaved families”.

A black flag being hoisted at the venue of Hornbill festival in solidarity with the killing of civilians, in Kisama.

Samyukt Kisan Morcha discusses Home Ministry letter accepting most of the farmers' demands

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has received a letter from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, which accepts most of their pending demands. The Centre's offer was discussed during the SKM leadership’s meeting at the Singhu border on Tuesday.

Supreme Court adjourns Rajiv Gandhi case convict Perarivalan’s plea for early release

The Supreme Court on Tuesday scheduled for January a hearing on a plea by Rajiv Gandhi assassination case convict, A.G. Perarivalan, for his early release. Perarivalan has already spent three decades in jail.

From January 2022, United Arab Emirates to switch weekends to Saturday-Sunday, in line with Western schedules

The United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday its official workweek will move to Monday to Friday, a major change that brings the Islamic nation that is home to major financial institutions in line with Western schedules.

U.S. plans diplomatic boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics

The U.S. will stage a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing to protest Chinese human rights abuses, the White House confirmed Monday — a move that China has vowed to greet with “firm countermeasures”.

Undisclosed credits amounting to ₹20,353 crore detected in Panama, Paradise paper leaks: Government

The government on Tuesday said undisclosed credits amounting to ₹20,353 crore have been detected with respect to 930 India-linked entities in the Panama and Paradise Paper Leaks. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary also informed that taxes collected so far amount to ₹153.88 crore in the Panama and Paradise Paper Leaks.

One particular contest between bat and ball could shape this Ashes series.
Pat Cummins is set to lead the home team, putting a fast bowler’s perspective on Australia’s Test cricket captaincy for the first time since the 1950s. Joe Root is primed to lead England with the bat again in a series he thinks may define his career.

Only 4,018 people with disabilities got both doses of COVID-19 vaccine till November-end

Only 4,018 people with disabilities have received both doses of COVID-19 vaccine till November 28, as per figures released by the Health Ministry during the ongoing session of Parliament. It added that as per the CoWIN portal, 8,390 people with disabilities received the first dose.

Government plans to amend Notaries Act; puts draft Bill in public domain

The government proposes to amend the Notaries Act to restrict the number of terms a person can practise as a notary to allow more young legal practitioners enter the field, the Law Ministry said on Tuesday. In a statement, the Ministry said the proposed amendment Bill also seeks to extend power to suspend the certificate of practice in cases of professional misconduct by the appropriate government for conduct of inquiry.

Former CEC Arora joins board of advisors of International IDEA that supports sustainable democracies

Former Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora has joined the board of advisors of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), an inter-governmental organisation based in Stockholm. The Election Commission said in a statement on Tuesday that Mr. Arora was invited to join the International IDEA’s board of advisors.

Three Indian companies in Top 100 defence manufacturers grew by 1.7%, says report

Combined arms sales by the three Indian companies in the Top 100 defence manufacturers worldwide grew by 1.7%, according to the latest report by Swedish think tank Stockholm Institute Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which also said that international arms sales increased even as the global economy contracted by 3.1% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. U.S. companies accounted for 54% of the Top 100’s total arms sales in 2020 followed by Chinese firms which accounted for 13%.

GK Snapshots on 7 December 2021
 

World Soil Day 2021 – December 5

The United Nations(UN)’s World Soil Day(WSD) is annually observed across the globe on December 5th to highlight the importance of healthy soil and to advocate the sustainable management of soil resources.

• The day also coincides with the birth anniversary of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the King of Thailand, who sanctioned the event of World Soil Day.

The World Soil Day 2021 and the 2021 campaign “Halt soil salinization, boost soil productivity” aims to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being by addressing the challenges in soil management, fighting soil salinization, increasing soil awareness and encouraging societies to improve soil health.

International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development 2021 – December 5

The United Nations(UN)’s International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development, which is commonly referred to as the International Volunteer Day(IVD) is annually observed across the globe on 5th December to create awareness about the important contribution of volunteer service and encourage more people to offer their service as volunteers.

The day is marked and supported by the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme.

The theme of International Volunteer Day 2021 is “Volunteer now for our common future”.

65th Mahaparinirvan Diwas – 6th December 2021

The Mahaparinirvan Diwas is annually observed across India on 6th December to mark the death anniversary of Bharat Ratna Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, who died on 6th December 1956 in Delhi. He is fondly remembered as “Babasaheb” and ‘The Father of Indian Constitution’.

• 6th December 2021 marks the observance of the 65th Mahaparinirvan Diwas.

• The 2021 Mahaparinirvan Diwas is observed as a part of the commemoration of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

World Spine Day 2021 – October 16

World Spine Day is annually observed across the globe on October 16th to create awareness about spinal health and spine disorders among individuals and stakeholders associated with spine care. The day also highlights the burden of spinal pain and disability around the world.

• The 16th October 2021 marked the celebration of the 10th World Spine Day.

The theme of 2021’s World Spine Day campaign is “BACK2BACK’ which reflects the need to reset and refocus on spinal pain and disability as part of the global burden of disease.

India & Bangladesh Celebrates Maitri Diwas on December 6

India and Bangladesh will jointly observe Maitri Diwas/Divas or friendship day on December 6 in New Delhi (India) and Dhaka (Bangladesh).6th December, 2021 marks the 1st Maitri Diwas of India and Bangaldesh.

• It was decided to commemorate 6 December as Maitri Diwas when Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi attended the 50th National Day of Bangladesh on 26 March 2021.

• India had recognised Bangladesh on 6 December 1971 and it was one of the first countries to establish bilateral diplomatic ties with Bangladesh

EAM S Jaishankar addresses 5th Indian Ocean Conference in Abu Dhabi

The Union Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Ministry of External Affairs (EAM) visited Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the 5th Indian Ocean Conference on December 4-5, 2021. The theme of the conference was ‘Indian Ocean: Ecology, Economy, Epidemic’.

• The Conference is chaired by Sri Lankan President, Gotabaya Rajapaksa & Vice Chairs are S.Jaishankar, Vivian Balakrishnan, Sayyid Badr Bin Hamad Bin Hamoud Al Busaidi.

• The conference is being organised by India foundation in collaboration with the RSIS Singapore, Institute of National Security Studies (INSS), Sri Lanka, and the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), UAE.

G7 Finance Leaders set Guidelines for CBDCs

G7 (Group of Seven) advanced economies’ central banks have been working to set common standards toward issuing ‘Central Bank Digital Currency’ (CBDC).

• As per the statement of G7, any CBDC issued by a central bank should not harm the bank’s ability to fulfill its mandate on monetary and financial stability, and also should meet the standards.

Adama Barrow wins second term as Gambia’s President

The President of Gambia, Adama Barrow, won the second term as President during Gambia’s presidential election by achieving over 53% votes from 50 of 53 constituencies. He defeated his main challenger Ousainou Darboe who won 27.7% of vote.

• The results of the election were declared by Electoral commission Chairman Alieu Momarr Njai.

Point to be noted:

Adama Barrow’s assumption as President 5 years ago ended more than 20 years of dictatorship of former dictator

Yahya Jammeh. About Gambia: Capital– Banjul Currency– Gambian dalasi

Government Expands SCALE Committee with 3 New Members

The government has expanded the Steering Committee for Advancing Local Value-Add and Exports (SCALE committee) by adding three new members from different industries.
New Members:
1.Manish Sharma, Panasonic India Chairman and CEO
2.Vikram S Kirloskar, Toyota Kirloskar Vice-Chairman 3.Jalaj Dani, Asian Paints co-promoter and Chairman Addverb Technologies

Alka Upadhyaya appointed as New Chairperson of NHAI

Alka Upadhyaya, IAS officer (1990 batch) of Madhya Pradesh cadre appointed as Chairperson of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) by the Government of India.

• She succeeded Giridhar Aramane, who was given additional charge of the Chairperson of NHAI after Sukhbir Singh Sandhu steps down.

• Prior to this appointment Alka Upadhyaya was serving as the Additional Secretary (AS), Department of Rural Development.

Unix signs Jasprit Bumrah as Brand Ambassador

Unix, an Indian Mobile Accessories manufacturing brand, has signed Indian Cricket Fast Bowler Jasprit Bumrah as its Brand Ambassador to increase visibility of their products.
Owners of Unix – Naresh Jain, Imran Kagalwala, Sandeep Bafna and Krunal Bafn were present during the official appointment.
 

Argentina beat Germany to lift 12th Men’s FIH Junior Hockey World Cup 2021 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Argentina junior men’s hockey team defeated Germany by 4-2 in the final of the 2021 Men’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup (WC) or 12th edition of the Men’s FIH Hockey Junior WC to clinch their second Junior Men’s Hockey WC title at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. This was held from November 24, 2021- December 5, 2021.

• This makes them only the third team after Germany (six titles) and India (2001, 2016) to win multiple Junior Hockey WC titles.

• The third place was clinched by France after defeating India by 3-1 in the Bronze medal match.

Lewis Hamilton Wins inaugural edition of Saudi Arabian GP

On 5th December 2021 Mercedes Driver Lewis Hamilton (Britain) won the inaugural edition of Saudi Arabian Grand Prix (GP), by surpassing Max Verstappen (Netherlands) in the event held at the 30-kilometer (18.6-mile) coastal resort area in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

1. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which is scheduled to be held on 12th December, is the last race of ‘2021 Formula One World Championship’, which will decide 2021’s Winner.

• Currently the top position is shared by Max Verstappen & Lewis Hamilton with 369.5 points each.

Senior Journalist Vinod Dua passed Away at 67

On 4 December 2021, Senior journalist Vinod Dua passed away at the age of 67 years in Delhi’s Hospital.In 1996, he became the first electronic media journalist to receive the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award.

About Vinod Dua’s Life & Career:
i.He was born on March 11, 1954 in New Delhi. He has completed his Master’s degree in Literature from the University of Delhi (DU).He was the father of comedian Mallika Dua.
ii.Vinod Dua made his first television appearance in Doordarshan’s youth program Yuva Manch. He also anchored Yuv Jan, a youth show for the youth of Jaipur, Muzaffarpur, and Raipur for SITE (Satellite Instructional Television Experiment) in 1975.
iii.Vinod also used to host Zaika India Ka, a program on a Hindi TV channel in which he travelled across the cities and tasted food.
iv.Awards: Padma Shri for Journalism in 2008. RedInk Award for his lifetime achievement in journalism (2017)

Padma Bhushan Awardee Sarada Menon, India’s 1st Woman Psychiatrist, Passed Away

Padma Bhushan Dr Mamballaikalathil Sarada Menon, India’s 1st woman Psychiatrist and the longest-serving head of the Institute of Mental Health has passed away in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She was born in a Malayali family in Mangaluru, Karnataka.

About Dr M Sarada Menon:
i.Dr M Sarada Menon started her career as a Psychiatrist in the Institute of Mental Health (then known as Government Mental Hospital) in Kilpauk, Chennai in 1959.
ii.She became the 1st woman Superintendent of the Institute of Mental Health in 1961.
iii.She established the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF India) in 1984 along with psychiatrist R Thara. iv.She also founded ASHA, a community-based platform supporting the families of those affected by mental illnesses. v.She was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1992 for social works.

VP launched book ‘The Midway Battle: Modi’s Roller-coaster Second Term’ by Gautam Chintamani

On 4 December 2021,the Vice President (VP) M. Venkaiah Naidu launched a book titled ‘The Midway Battle: Modi’s Roller-coaster Second Term’ authored by Gautam Chintamani and published by Bloomsbury India at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas, New Delhi.

i.The book mentioned about the political scenario of India.
ii.It marks the second tenure of the current Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.

iii.The Midway Battle shed light on the various legislations like the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, triple talaq, the Citizenship (Amendment) Act as well as farming laws.

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