DAILY GK UPDATE: 25th DECEMBER

1. Christmas being celebrated across the world today:

Note: Christmas is being celebrated all over the world today, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebrations began from the midnight last night with services and masses in various churches. Pop Benedict in his message urges the people to find room for God in their fast paced lives.

2.Veteran Cong leader Virbhadra Singh sworn in as HP CM for sixth time:

Note: Veteran Congress leader Virbhadra Singh was today sworn-in as Himachal Pradesh's Chief Minister for a record sixth term in Shimla. The 78-year-old took oath at 10.40 am as the hill state's 13th Chief Minister in the presence of thousands of his supporters at the historic Ridge.

3. India and Russia signed pacts on Economic Ties for 2 billion dollar Investment Fund:

Note: During the twelfth straight annual summit, the leaders of both the nations  signed a pact for strengthening their economic ties with a Kremlin-backed 2 billion dollar investment fund and finalized 10 agreements including two military contracts of 20000 crore rupees, which was under process for past some time. Both the parties also agreed to talk about a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement involving Kazakhstan and Belarus.

4. Justice Verma Committee seeks suggestions from public:

Note: Justice Verma Committee which has been constituted to look into the need for reviewing present law for speedier justice and enhanced punishment in cases of aggravated sexual assaulted has asked for suggestion from the public, eminent jurists, legal professionals, NGOs, women groups and civil society members through advertisement in newspapers. Suggestions can be sent on email at justice.verma@nic.in and through fax at 011-23092675 latest by 5th January, 2013. The Committee has to submit its report within one month from today.

5. Rupee drops 7 paise: The Rupee dropped by seven paise to 55.13 against the American currency in late morning trade on Monday on mild dollar demand from banks and importers amid its higher value overseas.

6. Shreyasi & Sushma Singh win Gold in 56^th National Shooting Championship:

Note: Shreyasi Singh and Sushma Singh have won gold medals in the 56th National Shooting Championship being played in New Delhi. Shreyasi of Bihar shot 88 in women's double trap for the coveted medal. Sushma from Uttrakhand won the gold medal in sports pistol event after she shot 580 + 200.5

7. India beat Pakistan 2-1; storm into Champions Trophy Hockey final:

Note: Defending Champions India stormed into the final of the Second Men's Asian Champions Trophy Hockey tournament at Doha in Qatar. In an exciting match yesterday, they defeated Pakistan 2-1.India will play their final league match against Malaysia tomorrow and the finals on Thursday.

8. Actor Jack Klugman dies at 90:

Note: Veteran US actor Jack Klugman, who had starring roles on television, Broadway and in Hollywood movies, died Monday at age 90 at his home in Los Angeles, according to news reports quoting family members.

9. Former PM Vajpayee turns 89 today:

Note: Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee turned 89 today. He was born on 25th December, 1924 and served as the Prime Minister of India, three times - first for a brief period of 13 days in 1996, and then for two terms from 1998 to 2004. Mr Vajpayee was elected to the Lok Sabha a record nine times and twice to the Rajya Sabha. He served as the Member of Parliament for Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, until 2009, when he retired from active politics due to health concerns.

10. Constable injured in India Gate protest dies in hospital:

Note: A 47-year-old Delhi Police Constable Subhash Chand Tomar, who suffered serious injuries during violent protests at India Gate on Sunday, died on Tuesday after battling for life in a city hospital.