Entire Nagaland declared ‘disturbed area’ for six more months under AFSPA

1.Railways Renames RPF as Indian Railway Protection Force Service

The Railways has renamed its security force RPF (Railway Protection Force) as Indian Railway Protection Force Service.The ministry has accorded organised Group A status to RPF and renamed it.

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is a security force, enacted by the Indian Parliament for “the better protection and security of railway property”.

The force is under the authority of the Indian Ministry of Railways.

2.Pragati Maidan metro station renamed as Supreme Court station

Delhi government’s naming committee has decided to rename Pragati Maidan Metro station as Supreme Court Metro Station.Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia announced this in New Delhi during a press conference.

The naming committee in its meeting also decided to rename Mukarba Chowk and its flyover after Kargil war martyr Captain Vikram Batra and Mehrauli – Badarpur Road as Acharya Shri Mahapragya Marg.

3.Entire Nagaland declared ‘disturbed area’ for six more months under AFSPA

The entire state of Nagaland has been declared a disturbed area for a period of six months under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, AFSPA.The Act empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone without any prior notice.

The Central Government is of the opinion that the area comprising the whole state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of civil power is necessary.

Nagaland has been under AFSPA for almost six decades now.

4.11-day long ‘Dhanu Jatra’ begins at Bargarh in western Odisha

The famous 11-day long ‘Dhanu Jatra’, considered as the largest open-air theatre of the world begins at Bargarh in western Odisha.The Jatra is based on the mythological story of Lord Krishna and his demon uncle King Kansa.

It is about the episode of Krishna and Balaram visit to Mathura to witness the Dhanu ceremony organized by their (maternal) uncle King Kansa.

Dhanu Jatra is the annual drama-based open-air theatrical performance celebrated in and around Bargarh city is considered to be the world’s largest open-air theatrical festival that finds a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.

5.Stephen Marandi to be Protem Speaker for fifth Jharkhand Assembly

Jharkhand Mukti Morcha JMM senior leader Stephen Marandi took oath as the Protem Speaker for the fifth Jharkhand Assembly at Raj Bhavan.Governor Draupadi Murmu administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr Marandi.

Protem Speaker Stephen Marandi will administer the oath of office and secrecy to all newly elected legislators on the first day of the new state assembly session scheduled from 6th to 8th January in New Year 2020.

6.General Mukund Naravane becomes new Indian Army chief

General Manoj Mukund Naravane took charge as the 28th Chief of Army Staff.He succeeded General Bipin Rawat who retired on 31st December, 2019.

Earlier, General Naravane was serving as vice chief of the Indian Army.

General Mukund Naravane is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy.

He was commissioned into the 7th battalion, the Sikh Light Infantry Regiment in June 1980.

7.Cycling to be included in upcoming Khelo India games

6500 athletes from 37 teams will take part in the 3rd Khelo India youth games in Guwahati beginning from the 10th of January.Lawn bowls and cycling will be included in the Khelo India for the first time.

The cultural events from Assam, North East and the rest of the country will be held from 13th to 15th January.

A mega inaugural ceremony is being planned at Sarusajai.

8.IOA withdraws boycott call for 2022 Commonwealth Games

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has withdrawn its threat to boycott the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham over Shooting’s exclusion.It also announced that the country will bid to host either the 2026 or 2030 edition.

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), President Dame Louise Martin welcomed India confirming participation at the Birmingham Games.

The country hosted the 2010 edition in the national capital.

9.Boxer Vikas Krishan makes it to India squad for Olympic Qualifiers

In Boxing, Vikas Krishan claimed a slot in the Indian men’s boxing squad in the 69 kilogram category for next year’s Olympic qualifiers.The former world championships and Asian Games medal-winner is back to the 69 kilogram division after recovering from a back injury.

The 26-year-old two-time Olympian out-punched national medallist, Duryodhan Singh Negi in a unanimous decision in the trial finals.

10.ICC plans to scrap five-day Tests from 2023

The International Cricket Council, plans to scrap five-day Tests from 2023.The ICC could make four-day Tests mandatory from 2023 as part of the World Test Championship, primarily to free up the crowded calendar.

Tests have been played over five days through most of their 140-year history.

The last such Test was played between England and Ireland earlier this year. South Africa and Zimbabwe too played one in 2017.