Fifth EAC meeting of 15th Finance Commission held in New Delhi

NATIONAL NEWS

Fifth EAC meeting of 15th Finance Commission held in New Delhi

• The fifth meeting of the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) of the Fifteenth Finance Commission was held in New Delhi.
• Further, Advisory Council was informed about submission of the 2020-21 report and Commission’s next course of actions pertaining to preparation of the report for 2021-26 period.

Madhya Pradesh CM to inaugurate 7-Day International Film Festival in Khajuraho

• In Madhya Pradesh, the Chief Minister Kamal Nath will inaugurate the 7-Day International Film Festival in Shilpkala village of Khajuraho.
• Films from the country and abroad including Bundelkhandi will be screened at the Tapra Talkies made for the festival. The eminent personalities of Hindi Cinema like Kailash Kher, Smt. Poonam Dhillo, Smt. Padmini Kolhapure and Smt.
• Alka Yagnik are expected to attend the festival.
• The International Khajuraho Film Festival is being organized by the Prayas Sanstha in collaboration with the State Government.
• Events like interaction with film stars, film making workshop, mobile film making workshop, plays, programmes for promoting local art and culture, herbal forest fair, animal fair etc. are also organized during the Film Festival.

Prime Minister chairs first meeting of National Ganga Council

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired the first meeting of the National Ganga Council in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
• The Council has been given overall responsibility for superintendence of pollution prevention and rejuvenation of River Ganga Basin, including Ganga and its tributaries.
• The first meeting of the Council was aimed at reinforcing the importance of a ‘Ganga-centric’ approach in all departments of the concerned states as well as relevant Central Ministries.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Sri Lankan govt formally releases its new National policy Framework

• Sri Lankan government released its new National policy Framework meant to guide the government ministries and departments in implementing their policies.
• The framework titled ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ is aimed at achieving fourfold outcome of being a productive citizen, a contented family, a virtuous, disciplined and just society and a prosperous nation.
• Among the main objectives are maintaining a 6.5 per cent or higher GDP growth rate under the macroeconomic programme, achieving a per capita income exceeding 6,500 US dollar during 2020 to 2025.
• The policy further elaborates to keep the unemployment rate below 4 per cent and the inflation rate below 5 per cent, as well as to manage the government revenue and expenditure to keep the budget deficit below 4 per cent of GDP.

Unesco heritage-Traditional Thai massage added to 'cultural heritage' list

• The back-cracking traditional Thai massage has been added to a prestigious Unesco heritage list.
• Nuad Thai is now part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, which features traditions and practices passed across the generations.
• By being part of the list, Thai massage has been recognised as something to be preserved for future generations.

WDO to launch World Design Protopolis in Bengaluru

• The World Design Organization is all set to launch its new global programme World Design Protopolis in Bengaluru, aimed at implementing holistic progress in mega cities across the world and making them sustainable.
• The announcement was made at the ongoing three-day Kochi Design Week (KDW), India’s largest design conclave that kicked off at Bolgatty Island.

RELATED TO PERSON

IAS Ravi Mittal takes charge as new I&B Secretary

• IAS officer Ravi Mittal took charge as the new Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Ministry today. Mr Mittal took charge from Amit Khare who has been appointed as Secretary, Department of Higher Education.
• Before this, Mr Mittal, a 1986 batch IAS officer of Bihar Cadre, was working as the Special Secretary in the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance.

Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane to be next Army Chief

• Lt Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane is set to become the next chief of the 1.3 million-strong Indian Army.
• Lt Gen Naravane is currently serving as Vice Chief of the Army.
• Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat is due for retirement on December 31. Before taking charge as vice chief of the Army Staff in September, Lt Gen Naravane was heading the Eastern Command of the Army which takes care of India's nearly 4,000-km border with China.

AWARD

150 Indian peacekeepers in S Sudan awarded medal of honour for dedicated service

• A total of 150 Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have received medals of honour for their dedicated service and sacrifice.
• The medals were given to the 150 Indian peacekeepers serving in UNMISS in Malakal during a ceremony filled with parades and performances by a piped band.

UT of J&K selected for national award by Union Rural Development Ministry

• Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has been selected for national award by Union Rural Development Ministry for best performance in the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
• The award distribution ceremony will be held at Pusa, New Delhi.
• Union Rural Development Ministry has sanctioned 147 Road and Bridge projects under PMGSY-II covering a length of 783.88 kilometres at an estimated cost of 878.53 crore rupees for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
• The entire road length has been sanctioned for upgradation of existing road infrastructure with 10-year maintenance.

AUTHOR AND BOOK

Viswanathan Anand launches his autobiography 'Mind Master'

• Viswanathan Anand has launched his autobiography 'Mind Master'. Anand's autobiography is co-authored by sports journalist Susan Ninann.
• It has been published by THG Publishing Private Limited. The book covers wonderful memories of Viswanathan Anand's journey.