1) Nelson Mandela - South Africa’s first black President and one of the world's most beloved statesmen and a colossus of the 20th century when he emerged from 27 years in prison to negotiate an end to white minority rule in South Africa, passed away on 5 December, 2013. South African President Jacob Zuma made this announcement saying "we've lost our greatest son." He was conferred Nobel Peace Prize jointly with FW de Klerk in 1993. He was the second non-citizen and first non-Indian to be conferred with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. In which year he was conferred with the Bharat Ratna? – In 1990 (He became South Africa’s first black President in 1994 and stepped down in 1999. His death closed the final chapter in South Africa's struggle to cast off apartheid, leaving the world with indelible memories of a man of astonishing grace and good humor)
2) The Union Cabinet on 5 December, 2013 approved a bill for the creation of a Telangana state with 10 districts, paving the way for the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh to give birth to the India’s 29th state. Some of the highlights of the bill are - Telangana will have 10 districts and the rest of Andhra Pradesh will have 13 districts, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area will remain the common capital for both states for a period not exceeding 10 years, an expert committee will identify the alternative capital for Telangana within 45 days of the gazette notification and a joint public service commission will be in place for the two states. Which Article of Indian Constitution provides special status to both states for equitable opportunities? - Article 371-D
3) The bandh called by TRS in Telangana region on 5 December, 2013 against a reported proposal by GoM to merge two districts of Rayalaseema in Andhra Pradesh with the proposed state of Telangana hit normal life in the region. Which two districts are these? - Anantapur and Kurnool (The proposed idea of merging of Anantapur and Kurnool into Telangana has been popularly known as “Rayala-Telangana” move and this idea was suggested by some Congress leaders as a way to address problems like water sharing that are involved in the division of Andhra Pradesh. The ruling Congress leaders from Telangana and opposition parties like BJP had opposed Rayala-Telangana. However, later this proposal was rejected by the Union Cabinet and it approved a bill for the creation of a Telangana state with 10 districts only and keeping Anantapur and Kurnool out of Telangana)
4) The United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU), in its recent memorandum to the Finance Minister, has kept which demand prominently which has huge support of bank employees all over the country? – Working for five-days in a week (Trade unions in the banking sector have raised this demand as part of their bipartite wage negotiations with the Indian Banks’ Association. With alternative channels such as ATMs, Internet and mobile banking in place, the unions feel that the time is ripe for moving to a five-day week. Unions argue that not only Central and State Government ministries/departments but even the Reserve Bank of India follows the five-day work schedule. However, another section of bankers were of the opinion that five-day week was not advisable as it would come in the way of efforts towards financial inclusion)
.jpg)
