Rs15.9 crore
What is it? The value of cash deposits made at a bank in Delhi after demonetisation was announced last November that has been declared “benami” by a special court.
Why is it important? This is among the first five adjudication cases under the amended Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016, which came into effect from 1 November 2016. This is one of the measures taken by the government against black money. The income tax department recently said it had attached benami assets worth Rs1,833 crore, and had made 541 attachments and issued 517 notices. Violations of the Act could lead to up to seven years of jail and a fine of up to 25% of the fair value of the benami property.
Tell me more: Both the depositor and the beneficial owner in this case remain untraceable.
1,000
What is it? The number of transponders to be provided by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) by March 2018 to track suspicious vessels and boats through satellite imagery.
Why is it important? This is to prevent a 26/11 kind of attack, when terrorists entered Mumbai through the Arabian Sea, killing 166 and injuring over 300 in 2008. An automatic identification system would monitor boats above 20 metres while satellite monitoring would handle those under 20 metres. As many as 46 coastal radars and 74 automatic ID systems have been installed to strengthen infrastructure to monitor suspicious sea activities. India is considering setting up a coastal security force.
Tell me more: Officials claim there is improved coordination between various agencies and the police to check preparedness to defend the seas, though there have been a few incidents when India’s coastal security has been breached in the last few months.
18 years
What is it? The number of years after which Nepal held elections to its Parliament and provincial assemblies. The first phase of elections was held on Sunday, recording a 65% turnout, and the second phase will be on 7 December.
Why is it important? These elections are being seen as the last step in Nepal’s transition to a federal democracy after the end of a decade-long civil war in 2006, the abolition of monarchy in 2008 and the scripting of a new Constitution in 2015.
Tell me more: Besides the people of Nepal, there is also interest among external actors in these elections, notably the country’s two neighbours, India and China.
4
What is it? The number of train accidents recorded in a 12-hour period between Thursday night and Friday morning.
Why is it important? This again brings to fore the urgent need to step up safety measures in Indian Railways. Two of these resulted in the deaths of seven people. In a recent report submitted to the Railway Ministry, the World Bank has found the current system of investigating accidents by the Commission of Railway Safety to be inadequate. It has also recommended that an independent rail safety regulator and investigator be set up to prevent accidents.
Tell me more: In the last five years, 60% of rail accidents have occurred due to mistakes by or negligence of railway staff, according to a study by government think-tank Niti Aayog.
10
What is it? The number of times that France has won the Davis Cup, following its 3-2 defeat of Belgium on Sunday for the 2017 title.
Why is it important? This win brings France level with Britain to be joint third in title wins. Only the US (32) and Australia (28) have more titles in the premier team competition in men’s tennis since 1900.
Tell me more: So far, 22 nations have played the finals of the Davis Cup. The US has the maximum number of appearances (61), followed by Australia (47). India has reached the finals thrice, but never won.
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