Golden Globes Awards :2020

1.Iran takes final step by abandoning JCPOA restrictions

In Iran, the Cabinet announced the country’s decision to take the final step to reduce commitments to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), popularly referred to as the 2015 nuclear deal.Iran will observe no restrictions in operational areas including enrichment capacities, enrichment percentage, and the volume of enriched material as well as research.

However, Iran will continue cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency as before.

Under the 2015 accord, Iran had agreed to limit its sensitive nuclear activities and allow in international inspectors in return for the lifting of crippling economic sanctions.

2.India Russia to sign MoUs on AK-203 assault rifles

The Army is likely to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the procurement of over 7.5 lakh AK-203 assault rifles with Russia.About 1 lakh rifles will come directly from Russia and the remaining will be manufactured by the JV in India.

The rifles will be manufactured by the Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL) at Korwa in Uttar Pradesh.

The Army has been looking to replace the indigenous INSAS (Indian National Small Arms System) rifles in use with a modern rifle.

3.Govt’s UJALA, SLNP complete five years of illuminating nation

UJALA and Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP) of the central government completed five successful years of illuminating the country.Over 36.13 crore LED bulbs have been distributed across the country through the UJALA initiative.

This has resulted in an estimated energy savings of 46.92 billion kilowatt-hour per year.

Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) project brought the market transformation in the energy efficiency sector.

More than 1.03 crore smart LED streetlights have been installed till date under the Street Lighting National Programme.

4.Women Science Congress begins in Bengaluru

The Women Science Congress was inaugurated at the ongoing Indian Science Congress in Bengaluru.DRDO Aeronautical Systems Director General Dr.Tessy Thomas who is known as Missile Woman of India graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Recalling the contribution of women in different spheres, she said, the status of women in the country is changing as their growing presence is seen in many areas of expertise.

5.Kochi to host global meet on marine ecosystem

Kochi will host the third international symposium on marine ecosystems challenges and opportunities (MECOS-3) from January 7 to 10.Organised by the Marine Biological Association of India, MECOS-3 will serve as a platform for discussions on a range of topics, including the impact of the climate crisis on marine ecosystems and an unusual warming of the Arabian Sea.

The meet will also focus on the UN’s sustainable development goal-14 (life under water), development of small-scale fisheries, recent developments in aquaculture, eco-labelling and green fishing technologies.

The symposium is aimed at reviewing the concerns involved in marine ecosystem and formulating strategies for the better and sustainable utilisation of marine wealth.

6.MP govt starts Mukhyamantri Karmachari Swasthya Bima Yojana

The Madhya Pradesh government has given its 12.55 lakh employees a new year bonanza by approving a health insurance scheme, ‘Mukhyamantri Karmachari Swasthya Bima Yojana’.The scheme will be effective from April 1 and will make every government employee and their families eligible for medical treatment worth Rs 5 lakh annually.

For some critical diseases, the eligibility will be enhanced to Rs 10 lakh.

All permanent and contractual employees, teachers, retired employees, home guards and others getting salary from contingency fund will reap the benefits of this scheme.

7.First-of-its kind turtle rehab centre comes up in Bihar

A first-of-its-kind rehabilitation centre for freshwater turtles will be inaugurated in Bihar’s Bhagalpur forest division in January 2020.The rehab centre, spread over half a hectare, will be able to shelter 500 turtles at a time.

The need to build such a centre was felt after several turtles were found severely wounded and sick when rescued from smuggles by rescue teams.

Previously, rescued turtles used to be released into rivers without much treatment in the absence of any facility like the centre.

8.India’s Forex reserves touch all time high of 457.468 billion

India’s foreign exchange reserves swelled by 2.520 billion USD to touch a record high of 457.468 billion USD in the week that ended on 27th December 2019.An RBI press release has informed that foreign currency assets, a major part of the overall reserves rose by 2.203 billion USD to 424.936 billion USD. 

India’s special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund, however dipped by 2 million USD to 1.441 billion USD, while the country’s reserve position increased by 58 million USD to 3.7 billion USD.

9.Golden Globes Awards :2020

The 77th Golden Globe Awards were announced at the Beverly Hilton hotel in California.

Here is the full list of winners.Best Motion Picture – Drama: 1917

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama: Renee Zellweger, (Judy)

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama: Joaquin Phoenix, (Joker)

Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Best Motion Picture – Animated: Missing Link

Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Awkwafina, (The Farewell)

Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Taron Egerton, (Rocketman)

Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language: Parasite (South Korea)

Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture: Laura Dern, (Marriage Story)

Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture: Brad Pitt, (Once Upon A Time In Hollywood)

Best Director – Motion Picture: Sam Mendes, (1917)

Best Screenplay – Motion Picture: Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Best Original Score – Motion Picture: Hildur Gudnadottir, (Joker)

Best Original Song – Motion Picture: I’m Gonna Love Me Again, (Rocketman)

Best Television Series – Drama: Succession

Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama: Olivia Colman, (The Crown)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama: Brian Cox, (Succession)

Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy: Fleabag

10.Former Karnataka Governor T N Chaturvedi passes away

Former Governor of Karnataka T N Chaturvedi passed away.T N Chaturvedi served as Comptroller and Auditor General of India from 1984 to 1989.

He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1991.

He was the Governor of Karnataka from the year 2002 to 2007.