China successfully launches largest carrier rocket

1.Astronaut Christina Koch creates a record for longest single spaceflight by a woman

NASA Astronaut Christina Koch creates a record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, surpassing the earlier record of 288 days in space.When she arrives back on Earth in February 2020, she will spent more than 300 days in space.

She is onboard the International Space Station since 14th March 2019.

2.China successfully launches largest carrier rocket

China has successfully launched the largest carrier rocket of the country, Long March-5, from Wenchang Space Launch Center in south China’s Hainan Province.The rocket, also known as CZ-5, blasted off with more than 1,000 tonnes of thrust.

The Chinese space authorities declared the mission a “complete success” just over half an hour after the lift-off when the Shijian-20 satellite it carried entered its designated orbit.

It is the country’s third attempt to launch the rocket.

The first attempt was made in 2016.

3.New Russian weapon can travel 27 times the speed of sound

Russia has operationalised a new intercontinental hypersonic weapon that can fly 27 times the speed of sound.Russia’s defence minister Sergei Shoigu informed President Vladimir Putin that the first missile unit equipped with the Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle entered combat duty.

The Avangard is launched atop an intercontinental ballistic missile, which is capable of sharp manoeuvres in the atmosphere en route to target making it much harder to intercept.

Avangard is designed using new composite materials to withstand temperatures up to 2,000 degree Celsius.

It carries a nuclear weapon of up to 2 megatons.

4.Rajnath Singh launches the mobile app of forthcoming DefExpo 2020

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched the mobile app of the forthcoming DefExpo 2020 to be held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.The app provides detailed information about the day-to-day events, participating exhibitors, guest speakers of seminars, maps and directions of the venues.

Mr Singh also reviewed the preparations of DefExpo.

A record number of over 880 exhibitors, including foreign companies, have registered so far.

Dozens of MoUs are also expected to be inked during the Expo.

5.JMM leader Hemant Soren took oath as Jharkhand CM

JMM leader Hemant Soren took oath as the 11th Chief Minister of Jharkhand.Governor Draupadi Murmu administered him the oath of office and secrecy at Morhabadi ground in Ranchi.

Two Congress leaders Rameshwar Oraon and Alamgir Alam are also likely to take oath as Ministers.

Grand Alliance comprising JMM, Congress and RJD bagged 47 seats in the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly polls.

6.Mandu Festival starts in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh

In Madhya Pradesh, the 5-day Mandu festival has been started in Mandu, a world-famous picturesque tourist destination located in Dhar district of the state.The Mandu festival, which will run till January 1, will see the amalgamation of cultural activities as well as adventure sports.

The rich classical and traditional folk arts of dance, singing and playing will once again come alive through the Mandu festival.

Based on the idea of Khojne Me Kho Jao, the Mandu festival is offering an eclectic mix of performing arts, workshops, nature trails, food, architecture and music to the visitors.

7.Amitabh Bachchan honoured with Dada Saheb Phalke award

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan received Dadasaheb Phalke award for his outstanding contribution to the film industry.President Ram Nath Kovind gave away the award in New Delhi.

The award, named after the father of Indian cinema, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, was instituted in 1969.

The award is conferred by the government for outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Indian Cinema.

It consists of a Swarn Kamal and a cash prize of ten lakh rupees.

8.Veteran Political cartoonist Vikas Sabnis passes away

Veteran Political cartoonist Vikas Sabnis passed away due to cardiac arrest.He was unwell and undergoing treatment since last few days.

He had completed 50 years of an illustrious career in 2018.

Inspired by Bal Thackeray and RK Laxman, he had started his career in 1968.

Since then, for over 50 years, Sabnis has worked as a staff cartoonist at various newspapers, including The Times of India and the Mid-day.

He made caricatures and political cartoons on various subjects and issues.

These ranges from local to international levels.

9.Vishwesha Theertha Swami of Pejawar Mutt passes away in Karnataka

Vishwesha Theertha Swami of Pejawar mutt passed away in the coastal town of Udupi in Karnataka.Swamiji is the 32nd in the lineage of Pejawar Mutt following Vishvamanya Tirtha.

Known for philanthropic work, the Swamiji had opened several hostels, hospitals and schools benefitting the poor.