Current Affairs for SSC CGL Exams - 29 OCTOBER 2019

::NATIONAL::

A parliamentary panel headed by Congress leader Anand Sharma will examine the functioning of administration, development and people's welfare in the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The parliamentary standing committee on Home Affairs will also look into the rising crime in Delhi-NCR.The panel, which had met thrice before, was briefed by top officials of Delhi Police on the worsening traffic situation in the national capital.
According to a LokSabhabulletin, the panel has also decided to examine the issues of national register of citizens (NRC) in Assam, national security, intelligence coordination and counter terrorism.
"The committee will examine administration, development and people's welfare in the Union Territories of: (i) Andaman & Nicobar Islands; (ii) Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh," according to the bulletin.

The people over 80 years of age and Persons with Disability can now cast their votes through postal ballot. However, such voters will have both the choices available either voting through postal ballot by following due procedure or going to the polling station on polling day for voting.
On the recommendations of the Election Commission, the Ministry of Law and Justice has amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, allowing senior citizens and person with disabilities in the absentee voter list.
As per the amended Rule, the person will make an application in a new Form 12 D, which will reach the Returning Officer within 5 days following the date of notification of election.

The Reserve Bank has imposed a penalty of ₹35 lakh on Tamilnad Mercantile Bank for violating norms on frauds classification and notification.
The central bank imposed the fine via an order dated 24 October, 2019.The bank has been penalised for "non-compliance with certain provisions of directions issued by RBI on frauds classification and reporting by commercial banks and select FIs directions 2016," the RBI said in a release on October 25.
"This action is based on the deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers," the central bank said.
The RBI had conducted a statutory inspection of Tamilnad Mercantile Bank on its financial position as on 31 March, 2017, based on which a show cause notice was issued to the bank as to why penalty should not be imposed for non-compliance with the directions.

The World Trade Organization agreed on Monday to establish a panel to settle a disagreement over India’s decision to impose retaliatory import tariffs on 28 US products.
This comes almost a month after India blocked the first request by the US to set up a panel to decide on New Delhi’s decision to impose additional duties on products including apples, walnuts, chickpeas, lentils, boric acid and diagnostic reagents.
The WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body agreed to the second request by the US for establishment of the panel, a Geneva-based official said.
The decision of the panel will have an important bearing on duties levied by other countries on US goods following protectionist measures by the Trump administration.

Prime Minister NarendraModi has told a delegation of the members of the European Union Parliament that close international cooperation is essential to fight terror. He also said that urgent action is needed against those supporting and sponsoring terrorism. Twenty-eight MPs called on the Prime Minister in New Delhi today.
Mr Modi asserted that there should be zero tolerance for terrorism. The delegation will visit Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Modi said the visit should give the MPs a better understanding of the cultural and religious diversity of the regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh. Mr Modi expressed hope that it will give them a clear view of the development and governance priorities of the region.
Referring to India's relations with the EU, the Prime Minister said New Delhi attaches the highest importance to its relations with the bloc.
Pointing out that the EU is India's largest trade partner and source of foreign direct investment, Mr Modi said the early conclusion of a fair and balanced Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) is a priority for his government.

Series of 'Exercise SHAKTI' between India and France commenced in year 2011. Its a biennial exercise and is conducted alternately in India and France. As part of Exercise SHAKTI – 2019, French Army troops arrived in India on 26 October 2019 for training with Indian Troops.
The bilateral training exercise will be conducted at Foreign Training Node at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan. A contingent of the Sikh Regiment of Sapta Shakti Command will represent Indian Army in this exercise.
The joint exercise will focus on Counter Terrorism operations in backdrop of semi-desert terrain under United Nations Mandate. The training will focus primarily on high degree of physical fitness, sharing of drill at tactical level and learning of best practices from each other.
The exercise aims at enhancing understanding, cooperation and interoperability between the two Armies. The exercise will culminate in a 36 hrs long validation exercise which will involve neutralization of terrorists in a village hideout.

Tiger Woods made history today when he won the Zozo Championship in Japan for his 82nd US PGA Tour victory, equalling Sam Snead's 54-year-old record.
The 15-time major winner held off the challenge of home favourite Hideki Matsuyama to win by three shots at the tournament. It was his first outing since a left knee surgery in August.