India successfully launches latest communication satellite GSAT-31

India's latest communication satellite GSAT-31 was successfully launched by European launch services provider Arianespace's rocket from French Guiana. Weighing about 2,536 kg, the Indian satellite, GSAT-31, will provide continuity to operational services on some of the in-orbit satellites. The satellite derives its heritage from ISROs earlier INSAT/GSAT satellite series, the space agency said, adding that it will provide communication services to Indian mainland and islands. GSAT-31 is the country's 40th communication satellite which is configured on ISRO's enhanced 'I-2K Bus', utilising the maximum "bus capabilities" of this type. With a mission life of around 15 years, GSAT-31 will be used for supporting VSAT networks, Television uplinks, Digital Satellite News Gathering, DTH-television services, cellular backhaul connectivity and many such applications. The GSAT-31 is a "high power" communication satellite with Ku-band, and it is going to serve and replace some of the satellites that are going to expire soon.

Gandhi Peace Prize for 2015,2016,2017 and 2018 announced

The Gandhi Peace Prize for the years 2015,2016,2017 and 2018 has been conferred on the following

• Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari for the year 2015 for their contribution in Rural Development, Education , Development of natural resources.
• For 2016 jointly to Akshaya Patra Foundation for its contribution in providing mid-day meals to millions of children across India and Sulabh International for its contribution in improving the condition of sanitation in India and emancipation of manual scavengers.
• Ekal Abhiyan Trust for the year 2017 for their contribution in providing Education for Rural and Tribal Children in remote areas pan India, Rural Empowerment, Gender and Social Equality.
• Shri Yohei Sasakawa for the year 2018 for his contribution in Leprosy Eradication in India and across the world.

Zoramthanga sworn in as Mizoram chief minister

Mizo National Front (MNF) leader Zoramthanga was in as Mizoram’s new chief minister. The 74-year-old rebel-turned-politician was a former underground leader and a close aide of the legendary MNF leader Laldenga. A former Chief Minister, Zoramthanga, 74, was elected for a fifth term from Aizawl East-I seat, defeating Independent candidate K. Sapdanga by a margin of 2,504 votes.

Govt appoints Krishnamurthy Subramanian as Chief Economic Adviser for 3 years

The government on December 7 appointed Krishnamurthy Subramanian as the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the finance minister for a period of three years. The main role of a CEA is to advise the government on key economic issues. Besides, the adviser and its team comes out with an annual Economic Survey ahead of Union Budget. Subramanian, who is currently the associate professor of finance (with tenure) and executive director for the Centre for Analytical Finance at country's premier business-school Indian School of Business.

India’s heaviest communication satellite GSAT-11 launched successfully from French Guiana

Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) heaviest and most-advanced high throughput communication satellite GSAT-11 was successfully launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana. GSAT-11 will boost the broadband connectivity to rural and inaccessible Gram Panchayats in the country coming under the Bharat Net Project, which is part of Digital India Programme.

Weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga claims India’s first Youth Olympics gold

Weightlifter Jeremy Lalrinnunga notched up India’s maiden gold medal at the Youth Olympics, claiming the top honours in the men’s 62 kg category here. Earlier this year, Lalrinnunga claimed a silver (youth) and a bronze (junior) in the Asian Championships, smashing two national records in the process. #Jeremy_Lalrinnunga

Gita Gopinath appointed IMF Chief Economist

Indian-origin economist Gita Gopinath was appointed the chief economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday, becoming only the second Indian after Raghuram Rajan to hold the prestigious post. Rajan held the post from 2003 to 2006 before he joined the finance ministry as chief economic adviser and later the governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Gopinath, 46, succeeds Maurice “Maury” Obstfeld. Gopinath currently serves as the John Zwaanstra Professor of International Studies and Economics at Harvard University.