DAILY GK UPDATE: 26th DECEMBER

1. Inquiry Commission set up into rape case:

Note: Government today constituted a Commission of Enquiry to look into various aspects of the gangrape of the 23 year-old paramedic in a moving bus on December 16th. Retired Justice Usha Mehra will head the commission and will also suggest measures to make Delhi and NCR safer for women and identify lapses on the part of the police among other things. It will submit its report within three months.

2. Narendra Modi sworn in as CM of Gujarat for 4th time:

Note: In Gujarat,Naredra Modi was today sworn-in as the Chief Minister for the fouth consecutive term. Governor Dr.Kamla Beniwal administered the oath of office and secrecy to him at Sardar Patel Stadium at Ahmedabad. Seven cabinet Ministers and nine Ministers of State also took oath in today’s ceremony.

3. Shinzo Abe is elected as a new PM of Japan:

Note: Shinzo Abe was elected Japan's prime minister by the lower house of parliament on Wednesday. The governing Democratic Party (DPJ) suffered major losses in the poll, with leader Yoshihiko Noda stepping down. Mr Abe, who was the Prime Minister in 2006-07, has pledged to take a tough line in a territorial row with China.

4. Egypt gets first people-approved constitution:

Note: Over a year after overthrowing an entrenched dictator, Egypt on Wednesday adopted a new constitution after a two-thirds 'yes' vote in a polarising referendum. Egypt's Islamist President Mohamed Mursi signed into law the country's post revolution constitution last night after the election authorities declared it overwhelmingly approved in a two-stage referendum that was held on December 15 and 22.

5. Govt. hikes Wheat MSP by Rs 65 a quintal:

Note: The government on Wednesday announced Rs 65 per quintal hike in the support price of wheat to Rs 1,350 per quintal and allowed additional exports of 2.5 million tonnes of wheat from its godowns to clear surplus stock and ease storage crunch.

6. Justice Swatanter Kumar took over as NGT Chairperson:

Note: Justice Kumar took over as the Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) - the apex body constituted under The National Green Tribunal Act 2010. Justice Swatanter Kumar is the first Judge of Supreme Court of India to preside over the Tribunal that never had a full-time Chairperson for itself. He would look forward to the issues related to the cases of environmental protection and conversation of forests and the natural resources.

7. Largest Kuchipudi dance performance in H'bad enters Guinness book:

Note: In Hyderabad, a performance by 5,974 Kuchipudi dancers has found its way into the Guinness Book of World Records for being the largest Kuchipudi dance. A representative of the Guinness Book, who observed the event said it was the largest Kuchipudi dance. The event was organised by Silicon Andhra, a cultural organisation run by US-based Telugus, at the GMC Balayogi stadium.

8. AI beat IOC to claim Obaidullah Khan Gold Cup:

Note: Last year's runners-up Air India (AI) lifted the International Obaidullah Khan Gold Cup hockey tournament title by defeating holders Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) 4-3 in the final.

9. Champions Hockey: India in finals; play league match with Malaysia on Wed:

Note: India will take on Malaysia in their fifth and final round-robin match of the Men's Champions Trophy Hockey tournament at Doha, Qatar on Wednesday.

10. Pakistan beat India by 5 wkts in first T-20 match at B'lore:

Note: Pakistan beat India by five wickets in the first Twenty20 International match in Bangalore last night. Chasing a modest target of 134 runs, the visitors achieved it in 19.4 overs to take a one-nil in the two-match series. This is Pakistan's first win in the shortest format of the game against India.