NATIONAL NEWS

5th IHAI National Ice Hockey Championship-2020 begins in Leh

• The 5th Ice Hockey Association of India (IHAI) National Ice Hockey Championship -2020 has begun in Leh.
• In the inaugural match in Under-20 Boys category between Chandigarh and Haryana, the contest ended in a draw with 4 goals each.
• Similarly, the second match between Ladakh Scouts Regiment Centre and Delhi also ended in a draw with 2 goals each.
• Later Under-20 Girls match will be played between home team Ladakh and Maharashtra.
• The tournament will continue till 7th January in Karzoo Ice Hockey Rink in Leh, where the Army, Chandigarh, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra and home team Ladakh are fighting for the championship in U-20 boy category.
• Similarly, in Girls category Ladakh, Maharashtra, Delhi and Chandigarh are playing for the championship.

Railway Protection Force renamed as Indian Railway Protection Force Service

• The Ministry of Railway has accorded Organised Group 'A' status to Railway Protection Force (RPF) and renamed it Indian Railway Protection Force Service.
• "Consequent upon grant of Organised Group 'A' status (OGAS) to RPF in the light of cabinet decision arising from Hon'ble Court's orders, it is hereby informed that RPF will be known as Indian Railway Protection Force Service," a notice by the Ministry of Railways stated.
• The notice in this regard was issued by the Joint Director of Railway Board Amitabh Joshi on December 30.

AWARD

Piyuus Jaiswal honoured with Global Peace Excellence Humanitarian & Global Bihar Excellence Awards 2019.

• Piyuus Jaiswal was awarded the Global Bihar Excellence Award 2019. This award was presented by Rajya Sabha MP and Padma Shri Awardee Dr CP Thakur and Bihar Women Commission president Dilmani Devi in Patna to promote women empowerment.
• The award was given to recognise and felicitated Piyuus Jaiswal's contribution towards social welfare, women empowerment and introducing new talent in the field of arts and culture.
• Piyuus Jaiswal was recently awarded the humanitarian award with the Global Peace Excellence Humanitarian Award 2019 on the occasion of International Human Day.

14 scientists awarded Swarna Jayanti Fellowships

• The Union Ministry of Science and Technology have awarded Swarna Jayanti Fellowships to 14 scientists to pursue basic research in frontier areas of science and technology
• The fellowship covers all the requirements for performing the research and includes a fellowship of 25 thousand rupees per month. A research grant of five lakh rupees for five years is also being provided in addition to their salary.
• Instituted to commemorate India's 50th year of independence, Swaran Jayanti Fellowships are awarded to young and brilliant scientists to pursue unfettered research with financial freedom and flexibility.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

WhatsApp service and helpline number launched for women

• The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has launched a dedicated women helpline, 'Damini', which is a calling and a WhatsApp service for the safety of women.
• The unique number "81142-77777" has been subscribed for the helpline, which is an extension of the 'Nirbhaya Yojana' that aims to ensure safety of women.
• The helpline is called 'Damini' because of its specific nature and importance.