RBI to issue Rs 1000 banknotes with inset letter ‘R

 The Reserve Bank of India will shortly issue Rs 1000 denomination banknotes in the Mahatma Gandhi Series-2005 with the inset letter ‘R’ in both the number panels. 

• The banknotes will also have on the obverse, all the other security features, including ascending size of numerals, bleed lines and enlarged identification mark as well as the signature of Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan, Governor, Reserve Bank of India. 
• These banknotes will also have the year of printing ‘2016’ printed on the reverse.

Govt allows 100% ‘automatic’ FDI in ARCs

The Centre has allowed 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) under the automatic route. 

• So far, foreign investment was automatic only up to 49 per cent; beyond that government approval was needed. 
• FII/FPIs have been permitted to invest up to 100 per cent of each tranche in security receipts issued by ARCs, subject to RBI directions/guidelines. 
• Allowing 100 per cent FDI would come as big boost for companies which are struggling for funds, as banks refuse to give steep discounts on stressed assets and the ARCs have to make upfront payment of 15 per cent of the cost of the asset.

Nagaland’s SMS-based Vehicle Monitoring Service bags award

The SMS-based Vehicle Monitoring System of Nagaland police has bagged the National Award for Smart Policing instituted by Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). 

• The award for the Best Practice in the category of Road Safety and Traffic Management was presented to Nagaland Police by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary at a function in New Delhi. 

Sadiq Khan elected first Muslim Mayor of London

 

Sadiq Khan became London’s first Muslim mayor, as voters rejected attempts to taint him with links to extremism and handed a decisive victory to the bus driver’s son from south London.

•  Khan hailed his victory as the triumph of “hope over fear and unity over division.” Labour Party candidate Khan received more than 1.3 million votes – 57 per cent of the total – to Conservative rival Zac Goldsmith’s 43 per cent, after voters’ first and second preferences were allocated.

President Mukherjee presents gallantry awards to defence personnel

President Pranab Mukherjee presented the Gallantry Awards and the Distinguished Service Decorations to defence personnel and martyrs posthumously at a ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

•  Sepoy Jagdish Chand who made the supreme sacrifice during terror attack at Pathankot Air Base was awarded Kirti Chakra posthumously. 
• Subedar Mahendra Singh who displayed exemplary leadership despite grievous injury was also awarded Kirti Chakra. 

Indian Railways launches Bharat Darshan Tourist train for pilgrims

 

Indian Railways has launched the Bharat Darshan Tourist train for pilgrims to visit Shirdi, Tirupati, Jagannath Puri, Gangasagar, Baidyanath Dham and Jyotirlingams among others. 

• The tourist train comprises 10 coaches and bookings are being done by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation).
•  The service offers budget-friendly package for pilgrims.
•  The package includes train journey, road transportation, accommodation, sightseeing at tourist locations and onboard and off-board meals.

Atomic oxygen detected in Martian atmosphere

Scientists have detected atomic oxygen in the atmosphere of Mars for the first time since the last observation 40 years ago. 

• It was detected using an instrument on-board the Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). 
• The detected atomic oxygen was found in the upper layers of the Martian atmosphere known as the mesosphere.
•  It was detected by using the German Receiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies (GREAT), an advanced detector on one of the observatory’s instruments.