CURRENT
AFFAIRS(1ST -19TH SEPTEMBER)
PEOPLE
IN NEWS THIS MONTH
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MALCOLM
TURNBULL sworn in as Australia’s new Prime Minister
He became the 29th Prime Minister of the country and was administered oath to the office by Governor-General PETER COSGROVE. Turnbull succeeded Tony Abbott after defeating him in internal party leadership ballot of the ruling centre-right Liberal Party. Turnbull will be Australia’s 5th PM in last 5 years.
What has actually happened in the last 5 years?
He became the 29th Prime Minister of the country and was administered oath to the office by Governor-General PETER COSGROVE. Turnbull succeeded Tony Abbott after defeating him in internal party leadership ballot of the ruling centre-right Liberal Party. Turnbull will be Australia’s 5th PM in last 5 years.
What has actually happened in the last 5 years?
2010-KEVIN RUDD defeated by JULIA GILLARD:-Despite a landslide election victory, Rudd’s popularity dipped after he shelved an emission-trading scheme which had been central to his environmental strategy and because of his decision for highly taxing profits made in the mining sector. Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard challenged his leadership position. Knowing he had lost the support of a large number of Labor leaders, Rudd stood down as Prime Minster and party leader.
2013-JULIA GILLIARD DEFEATED BY KEVIN RUDD:-Her policy on processing asylum seekers offshore was highly criticised. Gillard announced she would review it after a ship carrying nearly 90 asylum seekers crashed into Christmas Island, killing around 50, in December 2010. After Labor’s position in the polls continued to decline, Gillard announced a leadership re-election on television. In a ballot later the same day, she was defeated by Rudd.
2013- KEVIN RUDD DEFEATED BY TONY ABBOT:- Support for his party grew and then fell as voters began to favour the opposing Liberal-National coalition. The Labor government was eventually replaced by the opposition and Rudd announced he would step down from politics in November following high levels of criticism from members of the Labor party.
2015- TONY ABBOT DEFEATED BY MALCOLM TURNBULL:-During Abbott's leadership, many controversies arose such as the military-led border patrol called Operation Sovereign Borders for asylum seekers. His popularity also dipped after voters criticised plans to make cuts to the education and healthcare systems. Abbott’s seat was suddenly contested by his minister for communications Malcolm Turnbull who won 54 votes to Abbott’s 44.
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INDRA NOOYI, 2nd powerful women in 2015 Fortune’s business list
Indra Nooyi, CEO of food and beverage giant PepsiCo is the sole Indian-origin executive in 2015 edition of Fortune’s list of 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. India-born Nooyi was placed at second position in this year’s list and has moved up by single position from her previous third position in year 2015. This edition of the list was topped by General Motors CEO MARY BARRA.
Indra Nooyi, CEO of food and beverage giant PepsiCo is the sole Indian-origin executive in 2015 edition of Fortune’s list of 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. India-born Nooyi was placed at second position in this year’s list and has moved up by single position from her previous third position in year 2015. This edition of the list was topped by General Motors CEO MARY BARRA.
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QUEEN
ELIZABETH II becomes Britain’s longest-reigning Monarch
Queen
Elizabeth II on 9th September 2015 became the longest-reigning Monarch of
Britain and the longest-reigning female monarch in history. She surpassed the
previous record held by her great-great-grandmother, QUEEN VICTORIA who had
reigned thousand-year-old dynastical institution of Britain for more than 63
years and 7 months.
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Agriculture
expert RAMESH CHAND appointed as full
time member of NITI Aayog
He becomes the third permanent member of NITI aayog. The other two permanent members are Bibek Debroy( economist) and VK Saraswat.(DRDO chief)
NITI Aayog( NATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR TRANSFORMING INDIA):- The Union Government of India announced formation of NITI Aayog on 1 January 2015 and it has replaced Planning Commission of India. The first meeting of NITI Aayog was held on 8 February 2015. There are a couple of things to be considered here. NITI Aayog is:
He becomes the third permanent member of NITI aayog. The other two permanent members are Bibek Debroy( economist) and VK Saraswat.(DRDO chief)
NITI Aayog( NATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR TRANSFORMING INDIA):- The Union Government of India announced formation of NITI Aayog on 1 January 2015 and it has replaced Planning Commission of India. The first meeting of NITI Aayog was held on 8 February 2015. There are a couple of things to be considered here. NITI Aayog is:
• A group of people
with authority entrusted by the government to formulate/regulate policies
concerning transforming India.
• It is a
commission to help government in social and economic issues.
• Also it's an
Institute of think tank with experts in it.
The prime-minister heads the Aayog as its chairperson.
The prime-minister heads the Aayog as its chairperson.
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Seven Indians figure in Forbes
Asia’s new list of philanthropists.
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes.
NANDAN NILEKANI, SENAPATHY GOPALAKRISHNAN, SD SHILBUL- co-founders of Infosys.
NARAYANA MURTHY- co-founder of Infosys
SUNNY VARKEY- founder of GEMS Education
SURESH and MAHESH RAMAKRISHNAN- founder of Whitcomb and Shaftesbury Tailor in London.
Some other notable philanthropists of India are:-
AZIM PREMJI(WIPRO), SHIV NADAR(HCL), GM RAO(GMR GROUP), KIRAN MAZUMDAR SHAW(BIOCON), RATAN TATA( TATA), KUSHAL PAL SINGH(DLF)
A philanthropist is someone who engages in philanthropy; that is, someone who donates his or her time, money, and/or reputation to charitable causes.
NANDAN NILEKANI, SENAPATHY GOPALAKRISHNAN, SD SHILBUL- co-founders of Infosys.
NARAYANA MURTHY- co-founder of Infosys
SUNNY VARKEY- founder of GEMS Education
SURESH and MAHESH RAMAKRISHNAN- founder of Whitcomb and Shaftesbury Tailor in London.
Some other notable philanthropists of India are:-
AZIM PREMJI(WIPRO), SHIV NADAR(HCL), GM RAO(GMR GROUP), KIRAN MAZUMDAR SHAW(BIOCON), RATAN TATA( TATA), KUSHAL PAL SINGH(DLF)
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Former Goa CM
DR WILFRED DE SOUZA passes away.
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South African city Durban to host 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The event was first held in 1930, and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, which were cancelled due to World War II, has taken place every four years since then.
The event was first held in 1930, and, with the exception of 1942 and 1946, which were cancelled due to World War II, has taken place every four years since then.
The games are overseen by the Commonwealth
Games Federation (CGF), which also controls
the sporting programme and selects the host cities. A host city is selected for
each edition. 18 cities in seven countries have hosted the event. Apart from
many Olympic
sports, the
games also include some sports that are played predominantly in Commonwealth
countries, such as lawn bowls and netball. The 2018 commonwealth games
will be held in Gold Coast, Australia. Australia has hosted the event, a
maximum of 5 times.
Although there are 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, 71 teams participate in the Commonwealth Games, as a number of dependent territories compete under their own flag.
Although there are 53 members of the Commonwealth of Nations, 71 teams participate in the Commonwealth Games, as a number of dependent territories compete under their own flag.
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AK Jha appointed as interim
CMD(Chairman and Managing Director) of NTPC Limited.
Various PSUs have been awarded additional financial autonomy. These companies are "public sector companies that have comparative advantages", giving them greater autonomy to compete in the global market so as to "support [them] in their drive to become global giants". Financial autonomy was initially awarded to nine PSUs as Navratna status in 1997.Originally, the term Navaratna meant a talisman composed of nine precious gems. Later, this term was adopted in the courts of Gupta emperor Vikramaditya and Mughal emperor Akbar, as the collective name for nine extraordinary courtiers at their respective courts.
NTPC is one of the Maharatnas PSUs.
Maharatna: Annual Net Profit between Rs.1,000 crore - Rs. 5,000 crore, or free to decide on investments up to 15% of their net worth in a project.
Navratna: Annual Net Profit up-to Rs. 1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth on a single project or 30% of their net worth in the whole year (not exceeding Rs. 1,000 crores).
The other Maharatnas are:
Various PSUs have been awarded additional financial autonomy. These companies are "public sector companies that have comparative advantages", giving them greater autonomy to compete in the global market so as to "support [them] in their drive to become global giants". Financial autonomy was initially awarded to nine PSUs as Navratna status in 1997.Originally, the term Navaratna meant a talisman composed of nine precious gems. Later, this term was adopted in the courts of Gupta emperor Vikramaditya and Mughal emperor Akbar, as the collective name for nine extraordinary courtiers at their respective courts.
NTPC is one of the Maharatnas PSUs.
Maharatna: Annual Net Profit between Rs.1,000 crore - Rs. 5,000 crore, or free to decide on investments up to 15% of their net worth in a project.
Navratna: Annual Net Profit up-to Rs. 1,000 crore or 15% of their net worth on a single project or 30% of their net worth in the whole year (not exceeding Rs. 1,000 crores).
The other Maharatnas are:
- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
- Coal India Limited
- GAIL (India) Limited
- Indian Oil Corporation Limited
- NTPC Limited
- Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Limited
- Steel Authority of India Limited
SPORTS
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Hangzhou City
of China chosen to host 2022 Asian Games
It will be the third Chinese city to host the Asian games following Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010.
The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, is a Pan-continental multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia.
The event was first held in New Delhi in 1951 and was founded by Guru Dutt Sondhi.
Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia will be the host for the 2018 edition.
It will be the third Chinese city to host the Asian games following Beijing in 1990 and Guangzhou in 2010.
The Asian Games, also known as Asiad, is a Pan-continental multi-sport event held every four years among athletes from all over Asia.
The event was first held in New Delhi in 1951 and was founded by Guru Dutt Sondhi.
Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia will be the host for the 2018 edition.
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US Open
Winners
Since 1978, the tournament has been played on acrylic hard courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens, New York City.
The US Open is the only major that employs tiebreakers in every set of a match. If a match reaches a 6-6 tie in the final set (third set for women, fifth set for men) at the Australian Open, the French Open, or Wimbledon, the match continues until one player wins by two games. The sets played before the last set always employ tiebreakers.
Men’s Single- Novak Djokovic-Serbia( 2nd US Open Title)
Women’s Single- Flavia Penneta- 1st Italian to win US open championship.
Men’s Double- French pair of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut won the Men’s Doubles trophy of the US Open.
Women’s Double- Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis(Switzerland)
Mixed Double- Leander Paes and Martina Hingis.
Since 1978, the tournament has been played on acrylic hard courts at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, Queens, New York City.
The US Open is the only major that employs tiebreakers in every set of a match. If a match reaches a 6-6 tie in the final set (third set for women, fifth set for men) at the Australian Open, the French Open, or Wimbledon, the match continues until one player wins by two games. The sets played before the last set always employ tiebreakers.
Men’s Single- Novak Djokovic-Serbia( 2nd US Open Title)
Women’s Single- Flavia Penneta- 1st Italian to win US open championship.
Men’s Double- French pair of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut won the Men’s Doubles trophy of the US Open.
Women’s Double- Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis(Switzerland)
Mixed Double- Leander Paes and Martina Hingis.
·
NARSINGH PANCHAM YADAV books an
Olympic berth for 2016 Rio games.
Indian Wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav has secured quota for India in the 2016 Olympic Games. He qualified for Olympic Games after winning a bronze medal in the Men’s 74 kg Freestyle category at the World Wrestling Championship held at Las Vegas, United States.
Apart from Narsingh Yadav, the other Indians who have qualified for the Rio Olympics are
Archery- Mangal Singh Champia (Men’s Individual) Deepika Kumari and Laxmirani Majhi( Women’s Individual) and Rimil Buriuly(Women’s team with Deepika and Laxmirani )
Athletics-
Men’s shotput- Inderjeet Singh
Men’s 20km walk-Gurmeet Singh, Baljinder Singh, Manish Rawat
Men’s 50km walk-Sandeep Kumar, Manish Singh
Women’s 800m- Tintu Lukka
Women’s 3000m steeplechase- Lalita Babar
Women’s shotput-Manpreet Kaur
Women’s Marathon-O.P Jaisha, Lalita Babar, Sudha Singh
Women’s 20km walk-Khushbir Kaur
Hockey-
Both the men’s and women’s hockey team have qualified for the Rio Olympics
Men’s- Qualified by winning a gold medal in Asian games-2014
Women’s-India women's field hockey team qualified for the Olympics by having achieved a top five finish at the 2014–15 Women's FIH Hockey World League Semifinals. signifying its historic Olympic comeback after 36 years
Shooting
Indian Wrestler Narsingh Pancham Yadav has secured quota for India in the 2016 Olympic Games. He qualified for Olympic Games after winning a bronze medal in the Men’s 74 kg Freestyle category at the World Wrestling Championship held at Las Vegas, United States.
Apart from Narsingh Yadav, the other Indians who have qualified for the Rio Olympics are
Archery- Mangal Singh Champia (Men’s Individual) Deepika Kumari and Laxmirani Majhi( Women’s Individual) and Rimil Buriuly(Women’s team with Deepika and Laxmirani )
Athletics-
Men’s shotput- Inderjeet Singh
Men’s 20km walk-Gurmeet Singh, Baljinder Singh, Manish Rawat
Men’s 50km walk-Sandeep Kumar, Manish Singh
Women’s 800m- Tintu Lukka
Women’s 3000m steeplechase- Lalita Babar
Women’s shotput-Manpreet Kaur
Women’s Marathon-O.P Jaisha, Lalita Babar, Sudha Singh
Women’s 20km walk-Khushbir Kaur
Hockey-
Both the men’s and women’s hockey team have qualified for the Rio Olympics
Men’s- Qualified by winning a gold medal in Asian games-2014
Women’s-India women's field hockey team qualified for the Olympics by having achieved a top five finish at the 2014–15 Women's FIH Hockey World League Semifinals. signifying its historic Olympic comeback after 36 years
Shooting
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Men's 50 m rifle 3 positions – Chain Singh
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Men's 10 m air pistol – Gurpreet Singh
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Men's 50 m pistol – Jitu Rai & Prakash Nanjappa
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Men's skeet – Mairaj Ahmad Khan
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Women's 10 m air rifle – Apurvi Chandela
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Men's 50 m rifle prone –Gagan
Narang
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Men's 10 m air rifle – Abhinav
Bindra
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ANIRBAN LAHIRI becomes 1st Indian golfer to
qualify for President’s Cup
The Presidents Cup is a series of men's golf matches between a team representing the United States and an International Team representing the rest of the world minus Europe. Europe competes against the U.S. in a similar but considerably older event, the Ryder Cup.
The Presidents Cup is a series of men's golf matches between a team representing the United States and an International Team representing the rest of the world minus Europe. Europe competes against the U.S. in a similar but considerably older event, the Ryder Cup.
The Presidents Cup has been
held biennially since 1994. Initially it was held in even numbered years, with
the Ryder Cup being held in odd numbered years. However, the cancellation of
the 2001 Ryder Cup due to the September 11 attacks pushed both tournaments back a year,
and the Presidents Cup is now held in odd numbered years. It is hosted
alternately in the U.S. and in countries represented by the International Team.
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Weightlifter
DEEPAK LATHER wins gold in Commonwealth Youth Games
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LEWIS HAMILTON
wins 2015 Italian Grand Prix of Formula One.
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Indian boxer VIKAS KRISHAN wins
silver medal in 75 kg category in Asia Championships.
Former World Championships bronze-medallist Vikas Krishan (75kg) was the lone Indian to make the final while three others settled for bronze medals after losing hard-fought semifinal contests in the Asian Boxing Championships on Friday.
Former World Championships bronze-medallist Vikas Krishan (75kg) was the lone Indian to make the final while three others settled for bronze medals after losing hard-fought semifinal contests in the Asian Boxing Championships on Friday.
Vikas defeated Iraq's
Waheed
Abdulridha 3-0 to set up a clash with Uzbekistan's Bektemir Melikuziev in
the final.
However, Satish
Kumar (+91kg), L Devendro (49kg) and defending
champion Shiva Thapa (56kg) lost their respective semi-finals despite
valiant efforts and settled for bronze medals.
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Ethiopia’s
MARE DIBABA wins women’s marathon at World Athletics Championships.
The 15th World Championships in Athletics were held between 22–30 August 2015 in Beijing, China. 43 nations won medals, 144 of which were awarded. Kenya topped the medal table for the first time, with 7 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze medals. A total of 207 countries participated in the tournament. Kosovo and South Sudan made their debut in the tournament but the athlete from South Sudan did not show up.
Originally, world championship in athletics was planned to be held every four years, but this changed after the third edition in 1991, and it has since been run biennially.
The 15th World Championships in Athletics were held between 22–30 August 2015 in Beijing, China. 43 nations won medals, 144 of which were awarded. Kenya topped the medal table for the first time, with 7 gold, 6 silver and 3 bronze medals. A total of 207 countries participated in the tournament. Kosovo and South Sudan made their debut in the tournament but the athlete from South Sudan did not show up.
Originally, world championship in athletics was planned to be held every four years, but this changed after the third edition in 1991, and it has since been run biennially.
AROUND THE WORLD.
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Central Chile
hit by 8.3 magnitude earthquake (September-17)
Chile is one of the world’s most earthquake prone countries as it lies on so called Pacific Ring of Fire. It is located on the seismically active location that runs along the boundary between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates. These plates are continuously grinding each other at a rate of up to 80mm per year. The strongest earthquake recorded on Earth of magnitude 9.3 on Richter scale had hit Chile in 1960 which had killed more than 5000 people.
Chile is one of the world’s most earthquake prone countries as it lies on so called Pacific Ring of Fire. It is located on the seismically active location that runs along the boundary between the Nazca and South American tectonic plates. These plates are continuously grinding each other at a rate of up to 80mm per year. The strongest earthquake recorded on Earth of magnitude 9.3 on Richter scale had hit Chile in 1960 which had killed more than 5000 people.
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Nepal’s Parliament approves new
Constitution
Nepal’s Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a new constitution after seven years of painstaking efforts and deliberations. The new constituent was passed by a 507-25 vote in the 601-seat Constituent Assembly (CA) after the voting and is due to come into effect on 20 September 2015. The lawmakers of CA from Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and UCPN- Maoist supported the draft constitution. It should be noted that this is fifth constitution enacted by Nepal. The previous four constitutions were enacted in 1959, 1962, 1990 and 1999.
The constitution is known as Constitution 2072 because, according to the Nepalese Calendar, the present year is 2072.
Key Features:
Nepal’s Parliament has overwhelmingly approved a new constitution after seven years of painstaking efforts and deliberations. The new constituent was passed by a 507-25 vote in the 601-seat Constituent Assembly (CA) after the voting and is due to come into effect on 20 September 2015. The lawmakers of CA from Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and UCPN- Maoist supported the draft constitution. It should be noted that this is fifth constitution enacted by Nepal. The previous four constitutions were enacted in 1959, 1962, 1990 and 1999.
The constitution is known as Constitution 2072 because, according to the Nepalese Calendar, the present year is 2072.
Key Features:
§ Five unchangeable provisions
§ 8 states in Nepal (Name to be given later with the help of
special committee)
§ Discussion to continue on contentious issues and amend of some provision
until the final one.
§ Vote of dissents are not a part of the draft but put there for
further discussion.
§ Citizenship by Father’s name or mother’s name.
§ Citizenship to NRN (Non resident Nepalese).
§ 60 percent FPTP and 40 PR in state assemblies as well.
§ Secularism to continue with freedom of any religion.
§ Bicameral legislation (275 Parliament and 45 National assembly
members)
§ New Prime Minister, President and Parliament head election to be held
within a month after promulgation of new constitution.
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Hungary
Declares state of Emergency over Refugee Influx.
Hungarian Government has declared a state of emergency in its two regions of Csongrad and Bacs-Kiskun to cope with the influx of refugees. It was declared by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This move could pave the way to bringing in Hungary’s military to patrol the frontier bordering Serbia to stop illegal influx. This declaration comes after more than 10,000 people claiming to be Syrian and Afghan refugees were detained by Hungarian police for illegally crossing the border from Serbia.
Mayor of Lesbos (an island in Greece) has asked the Greek government to declare a state of emergency as a large chunk of money has been taken for the sustainment of unregistered refugees.
A state of emergency has been declared as well in Chile due to the earthquake that had hit it.
A state of emergency has also been declared in Florida for the preparation of Tropical Storm Erika.
Hungarian Government has declared a state of emergency in its two regions of Csongrad and Bacs-Kiskun to cope with the influx of refugees. It was declared by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. This move could pave the way to bringing in Hungary’s military to patrol the frontier bordering Serbia to stop illegal influx. This declaration comes after more than 10,000 people claiming to be Syrian and Afghan refugees were detained by Hungarian police for illegally crossing the border from Serbia.
Mayor of Lesbos (an island in Greece) has asked the Greek government to declare a state of emergency as a large chunk of money has been taken for the sustainment of unregistered refugees.
A state of emergency has been declared as well in Chile due to the earthquake that had hit it.
A state of emergency has also been declared in Florida for the preparation of Tropical Storm Erika.
·
Renowned
American playwright, screenwriter and film producer and director Frank
D Gilroy passed away in Monroe, New York.
·
2015 Singapore
General Elections: PAP returns to power
In recently concluded 2015 Singapore General Elections, People’s Action Party (PAP) led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has emerged victorious. PAP returned to power after scoring a landslide victory by winning an absolute majority of 83 seats in the 89 member Parliament. The opposition Workers’ Party won 6 seats. He is the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew (the first prime-minister of Singapore).He has succeeded Goh Chok Tong. Lee Hsein Loong is the third prime-minister of Singapore.
In recently concluded 2015 Singapore General Elections, People’s Action Party (PAP) led by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has emerged victorious. PAP returned to power after scoring a landslide victory by winning an absolute majority of 83 seats in the 89 member Parliament. The opposition Workers’ Party won 6 seats. He is the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew (the first prime-minister of Singapore).He has succeeded Goh Chok Tong. Lee Hsein Loong is the third prime-minister of Singapore.
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Qatar deploys
troops in Yemen for first time
For the first time, Qatar has deployed ground troops in Yemen to counter the Shia Houthi rebels who have taken over the country. In this regard, Qatar has deployed around one thousand ground troops, supported by armoured vehicles and military helicopters in Marib province of Yemen.
For more details please go to the following link.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423
For the first time, Qatar has deployed ground troops in Yemen to counter the Shia Houthi rebels who have taken over the country. In this regard, Qatar has deployed around one thousand ground troops, supported by armoured vehicles and military helicopters in Marib province of Yemen.
For more details please go to the following link.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-29319423
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Canada’s
economy falls into a recession
Canada’s economy has fallen into a recession for first time after global financial crisis of 2009. Statistics Canada, nodal national statistical agency of Canada has reported that its economy i.e. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has retreated at an annual pace of 0.5 per cent from April through June 2015. In earlier quarter first three months of the year 2015, the economic slowdown had appeared which had felled to 0.8 per cent. Technically, two consecutive negative quarters leads to recession.
Canada’s economy has fallen into a recession for first time after global financial crisis of 2009. Statistics Canada, nodal national statistical agency of Canada has reported that its economy i.e. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has retreated at an annual pace of 0.5 per cent from April through June 2015. In earlier quarter first three months of the year 2015, the economic slowdown had appeared which had felled to 0.8 per cent. Technically, two consecutive negative quarters leads to recession.
BUSINESS
·
Union
Government notifies 20% provisional safeguard duty on certain categories of
steel products
Union Government has notified a 20 per cent provisional safeguard duty on certain categories of the steel products in order to protect the domestic steel sector with an immediate effect. The domestic steel industry is grappling with problems of low demand and facing competition from sudden surge in cheap imports.
Union Government has notified a 20 per cent provisional safeguard duty on certain categories of the steel products in order to protect the domestic steel sector with an immediate effect. The domestic steel industry is grappling with problems of low demand and facing competition from sudden surge in cheap imports.
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JK Tyre to buy
Haridwar unit of Kesoram’s Industries.
Kesoram Industries Limited is one of the pioneer companies in India. It is under the flagship 'B K Birla Group Of Companies'. Its production ranges from tires to cement to rayon. According to ET500, its all India ranking was 121 for the year 2010 with a net income of Rs. 5020.63 Crore and a net profit of Rs. 648.29 Crore.
Kesoram Industries Limited is one of the pioneer companies in India. It is under the flagship 'B K Birla Group Of Companies'. Its production ranges from tires to cement to rayon. According to ET500, its all India ranking was 121 for the year 2010 with a net income of Rs. 5020.63 Crore and a net profit of Rs. 648.29 Crore.
·
Union Cabinet
approves Spectrum Trading norms for telecom firms
The Union Cabinet has approved spectrum trading norms for harmonious spread of telecom services in the country. These norms were approved based on the recommendations Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in order to increase emphasis on evolving more flexible and market oriented approach in Telecom sector.
The companies which participated in this year’s auction were
- Airtel –Vodafone India –Idea – Reliance Jio –Reliance communication – Aircel –Tata Docomo - Uninor
The Union Cabinet has approved spectrum trading norms for harmonious spread of telecom services in the country. These norms were approved based on the recommendations Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in order to increase emphasis on evolving more flexible and market oriented approach in Telecom sector.
The companies which participated in this year’s auction were
- Airtel –Vodafone India –Idea – Reliance Jio –Reliance communication – Aircel –Tata Docomo - Uninor
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India, Belarus
set trade target of 1 billion dollar by 2018
India and Belarus have set the bilateral trade target of one billion dollar by 2018. The decision was taken at the Seventh Session of the India-Belarus Intergovernmental Commission held in Minsk, Belarus. The meeting was co-chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Belarusian counterpart Minister for Industry Vitali Mikhailovich Vovk.
India and Belarus have set the bilateral trade target of one billion dollar by 2018. The decision was taken at the Seventh Session of the India-Belarus Intergovernmental Commission held in Minsk, Belarus. The meeting was co-chaired by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her Belarusian counterpart Minister for Industry Vitali Mikhailovich Vovk.
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Reliance
Defence Ltd inks MoU wit Abu Dhabi Ship Building
Reliance Defence Ltd (RDL) led by Anil Ambani has inked memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) to set up a strategic partnership for construction of naval ships. The partnership will include construction of frigates and destroyers to address the demands of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) over the next 10 years. Both signatory parties are also going to incorporate a joint venture (JV) company which will encompass both construction of new naval vessels as well as repair, maintenance, overhaul and refit opportunities of existing commercial and naval vessels in the Gulf region. In this proposed JV Company, RDL will be the majority partner with 51 per cent stake and ADSB will have 49 per cent of stake.
Reliance Defence Ltd (RDL) led by Anil Ambani has inked memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB) to set up a strategic partnership for construction of naval ships. The partnership will include construction of frigates and destroyers to address the demands of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) over the next 10 years. Both signatory parties are also going to incorporate a joint venture (JV) company which will encompass both construction of new naval vessels as well as repair, maintenance, overhaul and refit opportunities of existing commercial and naval vessels in the Gulf region. In this proposed JV Company, RDL will be the majority partner with 51 per cent stake and ADSB will have 49 per cent of stake.
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G-20 launches
W-20 grouping for gender inclusive economic growth
Group of Twenty (G-20), a forum of world’s 20 largest economies, including India launched Women-20 (W20), an engagement grouping of women leaders in order to push for gender inclusive global economic growth. It was launched in the on-going G-20 Summit of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Ankara under the Turkish Presidency. The W20 group would 20 women leaders from G20 nations. It will work as an outreach group to promote gender inclusiveness in economic growth process by empowering women. It would host its first summit in October 2015 in Istanbul after all member countries appoint their respective nominees. Gulden Turktan from Turkey has been appointed as the first President W20 forum.
Group of Twenty (G-20), a forum of world’s 20 largest economies, including India launched Women-20 (W20), an engagement grouping of women leaders in order to push for gender inclusive global economic growth. It was launched in the on-going G-20 Summit of Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Ankara under the Turkish Presidency. The W20 group would 20 women leaders from G20 nations. It will work as an outreach group to promote gender inclusiveness in economic growth process by empowering women. It would host its first summit in October 2015 in Istanbul after all member countries appoint their respective nominees. Gulden Turktan from Turkey has been appointed as the first President W20 forum.
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ONGC buys 15%
stake in Russia’s 2nd-largest oil field from Rosneft
·
Union
Government accepts A P Shah panel report on MAT
Union Government has accepted Justice AP Shah Committee report on the Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) on foreign institutional investors (FIIs). By accepting the recommendations, Government will not impose levy on FIIs prior to 1st April 2015 i.e. retrospectively. In the meantime, government has ordered Central Board of Direct Taxation (CBDT) field officers not to pursue cases against FIIs on the issues related to MAT.
Union Government has accepted Justice AP Shah Committee report on the Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) on foreign institutional investors (FIIs). By accepting the recommendations, Government will not impose levy on FIIs prior to 1st April 2015 i.e. retrospectively. In the meantime, government has ordered Central Board of Direct Taxation (CBDT) field officers not to pursue cases against FIIs on the issues related to MAT.
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Union
Government releases Rs 2,000 crore for Employees’ Pension Scheme
NATION HAPPENINGS
·
PM Narendra
Modi launches IPDS in Varanasi to ensure 24×7 power supply to every house.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched National Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to provide 24×7 power supply to every house. To start the scheme in Varanasi, PM laid foundation stone of two power substations and Union Government will provide 572 crore rupees to implement it. Apart from launching IPDS, PM also laid the foundation stone of seven other developmental projects in Varanasi. He also formally inaugurated the biggest Trauma centre of the country in Banaras Hindu University.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched National Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to provide 24×7 power supply to every house. To start the scheme in Varanasi, PM laid foundation stone of two power substations and Union Government will provide 572 crore rupees to implement it. Apart from launching IPDS, PM also laid the foundation stone of seven other developmental projects in Varanasi. He also formally inaugurated the biggest Trauma centre of the country in Banaras Hindu University.
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India, Laos
ink two MoUs to strengthen bilateral ties
India and Laos have inked two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Air services and Quick Impact Projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) programme to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. These MoU’s were signed in presence of Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and his counterpart President of Lao Choummaly Sayasone in Vientiane. Vice President Hamid Ansari is on four-day official state visit to Cambodia and Laos. It is also first visit of an Indian Vice President to Laos.
India and Laos have inked two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Air services and Quick Impact Projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) programme to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. These MoU’s were signed in presence of Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and his counterpart President of Lao Choummaly Sayasone in Vientiane. Vice President Hamid Ansari is on four-day official state visit to Cambodia and Laos. It is also first visit of an Indian Vice President to Laos.
MoU’s signed are
MoU on Air services: Allows airlines
to start a direct flight between the two countries.
MoU on quick impact projects of MCG: It
includes three projects in the agriculture sector.
·
SC stays
implementation of Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015
The Supreme Court (SC) has stayed the implementation of the Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015. The bill which was passed recently sets mandatory minimum qualification for candidates contesting Panchayati elections. The stayed order was issued by a SC bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar on petitions challenging the validity of the Act. The SC bench also issued notices to the Haryana government and the State Election Commission seeking their response in 4 weeks.
Panchayat polls in Haryana have been deferred indefinitely with the state government’s decision not to do away with mandating minimum educational qualification as a pre-requisite for the candidates.
SHOULD THE MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION BE REMOVED?
The Supreme Court (SC) has stayed the implementation of the Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015. The bill which was passed recently sets mandatory minimum qualification for candidates contesting Panchayati elections. The stayed order was issued by a SC bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar on petitions challenging the validity of the Act. The SC bench also issued notices to the Haryana government and the State Election Commission seeking their response in 4 weeks.
Panchayat polls in Haryana have been deferred indefinitely with the state government’s decision not to do away with mandating minimum educational qualification as a pre-requisite for the candidates.
SHOULD THE MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION BE REMOVED?
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Union
Government launches PMKKKY for mining affected people
Union Government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) for the welfare of people affected by mining related operations. The new scheme is meant to provide for the welfare of people and areas affected by mining related operations by using the funds collected by District Mineral Foundations (DMFs).
Union Government has launched the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY) for the welfare of people affected by mining related operations. The new scheme is meant to provide for the welfare of people and areas affected by mining related operations by using the funds collected by District Mineral Foundations (DMFs).
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Union
Government bans NSCN-K for 5 years
Union Government has banned Naga rebel group National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Khaplang (NSCN-K) for five years. The organisation has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Decision in this regard was taken at Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. NSCN-K has been banned following due legal process as it had unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire agreement with the Union government and perpetrated a string of terror attacks. In June 2015, it was involved in brutal killing of 18 soldiers of 6 Dogra Regiment in an ambush in Chandel district of Manipur.
Union Government has banned Naga rebel group National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Khaplang (NSCN-K) for five years. The organisation has been banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Decision in this regard was taken at Union Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. NSCN-K has been banned following due legal process as it had unilaterally abrogated the ceasefire agreement with the Union government and perpetrated a string of terror attacks. In June 2015, it was involved in brutal killing of 18 soldiers of 6 Dogra Regiment in an ambush in Chandel district of Manipur.
·
Union Cabinet
approves Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban mission for rural development.
The Union Cabinet has approved Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban mission (SPMRM) for its ambitious bid to spur social, economic and infrastructure development in rural areas. In this regard, Union Government has earmarked over 5,000 crore rupees for the mission to develop 300 clusters over next three years across the country
The Union Cabinet has approved Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Rurban mission (SPMRM) for its ambitious bid to spur social, economic and infrastructure development in rural areas. In this regard, Union Government has earmarked over 5,000 crore rupees for the mission to develop 300 clusters over next three years across the country
·
Union Cabinet
approves 150 days employment under MGNREGA in the drought hit areas.
Union Cabinet has approved 150 days employment per household under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the drought hit areas of the country. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Additional 50 days of unskilled manual work under the MGNREGA scheme will benefit people in drought-hit areas which are facing monsoon deficit affecting kharif crops and rural income. The move will enable state governments to provide additional wage employment to the rural poor from present 100 days in drought and natural calamities affected areas. Cabinet committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) also approved setting up of committee to propose Exim bank scheme in order to offer concessional finance to companies bidding for infra projects abroad.
Union Cabinet has approved 150 days employment per household under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the drought hit areas of the country. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Additional 50 days of unskilled manual work under the MGNREGA scheme will benefit people in drought-hit areas which are facing monsoon deficit affecting kharif crops and rural income. The move will enable state governments to provide additional wage employment to the rural poor from present 100 days in drought and natural calamities affected areas. Cabinet committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) also approved setting up of committee to propose Exim bank scheme in order to offer concessional finance to companies bidding for infra projects abroad.
·
14 September:
National Hindi Divas
·
Union Cabinet
gives nod to Constitution of 21st Law Commission of India
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to constitute the 21st Law Commission of India (LCI). The 21st LCI will have a period of 3 years with effect from 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2018. Composition Chairperson (full-time), Four Members (full-time). It will include a Member-Secretary. 3 Secretaries: Department of Legal Affairs, Legislative Department and Legislative Department as ex offcio Members.
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given its approval to constitute the 21st Law Commission of India (LCI). The 21st LCI will have a period of 3 years with effect from 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2018. Composition Chairperson (full-time), Four Members (full-time). It will include a Member-Secretary. 3 Secretaries: Department of Legal Affairs, Legislative Department and Legislative Department as ex offcio Members.
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India,
Indonesia sign pact to cooperate on criminal matters
India and Indonesia have signed a pact for repatriation of wanted prisoners and cooperate in all criminal matters, including gathering evidence. In this regard Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an official gazette notification for service or execution of summons or warrant in relation to criminal matters in both countries.
India and Indonesia have signed a pact for repatriation of wanted prisoners and cooperate in all criminal matters, including gathering evidence. In this regard Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an official gazette notification for service or execution of summons or warrant in relation to criminal matters in both countries.
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Union Cabinet gives nod to introduction of
Gold Monetization Schemes
The Union Cabinet approved introduction of Gold Monetization Schemes (GMS) in a bid to lure away Indians from buying physical gold. The approved schemes are Gold Deposit Scheme (GDS) and the Gold Metal Loan (GML) Scheme which were announced by Government in 2015-16 budget.
What is GMS? It is a scheme that facilitates the depositors of gold to earn interest on their metal accounts. Once the gold is deposited in metal account, it will start earning interest on the same. Both principal and interest to be paid to the depositors of gold, will be ‘valued’ in gold. For example if a customer deposits 100 gm of gold and gets one per cent interest, then, on maturity he has a credit of 101 gram. The interest rate is decided by the banks concerned.
The Union Cabinet approved introduction of Gold Monetization Schemes (GMS) in a bid to lure away Indians from buying physical gold. The approved schemes are Gold Deposit Scheme (GDS) and the Gold Metal Loan (GML) Scheme which were announced by Government in 2015-16 budget.
What is GMS? It is a scheme that facilitates the depositors of gold to earn interest on their metal accounts. Once the gold is deposited in metal account, it will start earning interest on the same. Both principal and interest to be paid to the depositors of gold, will be ‘valued’ in gold. For example if a customer deposits 100 gm of gold and gets one per cent interest, then, on maturity he has a credit of 101 gram. The interest rate is decided by the banks concerned.
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PM Narendra
Modi inaugurates Badarpur-Faridabad Metro
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Badarpur-Faridabad Metro in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). The metro corridor will connect the national capital with the satellite town and give impetus to economic growth in the region by fast transportation of people. It is also first environment-friendly metro in Indian as all the stations and depot have been equipped with solar power plants.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Badarpur-Faridabad Metro in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). The metro corridor will connect the national capital with the satellite town and give impetus to economic growth in the region by fast transportation of people. It is also first environment-friendly metro in Indian as all the stations and depot have been equipped with solar power plants.
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RBI to issue
Rs 5 coin on golden jubilee of 1965 Indo-Pak war
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to issue coins of 5 rupees denomination to commemorate golden jubilee year of Indo-Pak War 1965. These coins will be issued under in The Coinage Act, 2011 and will be considered as legal a tender.
Obverse side: It will bear Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar in the centre and Satyamev Jayate will be inscribed below it. Reverse side: In the centre it will bear image of ‘Amar Jawan’ monument along with the design of olive leaves branch on its left and right sides. The year 2015 will be written below the image of the monument. It will bear inscription ‘VALOUR AND SACRIFICE’ in English on the right upper periphery and ‘Veerata Aur Balidan’ in Devnagri script on the left upper periphery. GOLDEN JUBILEE 1965 OPERATIONS in English will be inscribed on the lower periphery on the reverse side of coin.
About 1965 war
The war started in April 1965 following Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar, which was designed to infiltrate forces into Indian Sovereign territory of Jammu & Kashmir to precipitate an insurgency. Indian armed forces under the dynamic leadership of then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri retaliated Pakistan’s infiltration by launching a full-scale military attack on West Pakistan. This war had witnessed the largest tank battle since World War II. The 17 day war ended after a ceasefire was declared following diplomatic intervention by the then Soviet Union (USSR) and United States and the subsequent issuance of the Tashkent Declaration between India and Pakistan. Note: This war did not mandate victory of either India or Pakistan. But, both countries have claimed victory in this war. However, most neutral assessments have agreed that India had the upper hand over Pakistan when ceasefire was declared after diplomatic intervention of two super powers.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to issue coins of 5 rupees denomination to commemorate golden jubilee year of Indo-Pak War 1965. These coins will be issued under in The Coinage Act, 2011 and will be considered as legal a tender.
Obverse side: It will bear Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar in the centre and Satyamev Jayate will be inscribed below it. Reverse side: In the centre it will bear image of ‘Amar Jawan’ monument along with the design of olive leaves branch on its left and right sides. The year 2015 will be written below the image of the monument. It will bear inscription ‘VALOUR AND SACRIFICE’ in English on the right upper periphery and ‘Veerata Aur Balidan’ in Devnagri script on the left upper periphery. GOLDEN JUBILEE 1965 OPERATIONS in English will be inscribed on the lower periphery on the reverse side of coin.
About 1965 war
The war started in April 1965 following Pakistan’s Operation Gibraltar, which was designed to infiltrate forces into Indian Sovereign territory of Jammu & Kashmir to precipitate an insurgency. Indian armed forces under the dynamic leadership of then Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri retaliated Pakistan’s infiltration by launching a full-scale military attack on West Pakistan. This war had witnessed the largest tank battle since World War II. The 17 day war ended after a ceasefire was declared following diplomatic intervention by the then Soviet Union (USSR) and United States and the subsequent issuance of the Tashkent Declaration between India and Pakistan. Note: This war did not mandate victory of either India or Pakistan. But, both countries have claimed victory in this war. However, most neutral assessments have agreed that India had the upper hand over Pakistan when ceasefire was declared after diplomatic intervention of two super powers.
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India,
Australia agree to deepen bilateral Defence Partnership
India and Australia have agreed to deepen their bilateral defence partnership based on their shared strategic interests by setting up of a joint working group on defence research and material cooperation. This decision was taken after the delegation-level talks between Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his visiting Australian counterpart Kevin Andrews in New Delhi.
India and Australia have agreed to deepen their bilateral defence partnership based on their shared strategic interests by setting up of a joint working group on defence research and material cooperation. This decision was taken after the delegation-level talks between Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his visiting Australian counterpart Kevin Andrews in New Delhi.
·
Union Government cancels registration of
Greenpeace India
Union Government has cancelled licence of Greenpeace India, a non-profit Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) to receive foreign donations. The license was cancelled by Union Ministry of Home Affairs as per under Section 13 of Foreign Contribution Regulations Act (FCRA), 2011. Henceforth, Greenpeace India will be not able to receive any kind of foreign donations from its international network. Earlier in April 2015, MHA had suspended the license of Greenpeace India for six months for mixing foreign and domestic funds and not disclosing the movement of its funds. Greenpeace India had filed a petition challenging this suspension in the Delhi High Court. The court had allowed the NGO to use two of its accounts for the purpose of receiving and utilising fresh domestic donations for its day-to-day functioning.
About Greenpeace India
Greenpeace India is the Indian branch of the global environmental group Greenpeace, a non-profit NGO, with a presence in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. The Indian operations run four broad campaigns namely, stop climate change, sustainable agriculture, preserving the oceans and preventing another nuclear catastrophe.
Union Government has cancelled licence of Greenpeace India, a non-profit Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) to receive foreign donations. The license was cancelled by Union Ministry of Home Affairs as per under Section 13 of Foreign Contribution Regulations Act (FCRA), 2011. Henceforth, Greenpeace India will be not able to receive any kind of foreign donations from its international network. Earlier in April 2015, MHA had suspended the license of Greenpeace India for six months for mixing foreign and domestic funds and not disclosing the movement of its funds. Greenpeace India had filed a petition challenging this suspension in the Delhi High Court. The court had allowed the NGO to use two of its accounts for the purpose of receiving and utilising fresh domestic donations for its day-to-day functioning.
About Greenpeace India
Greenpeace India is the Indian branch of the global environmental group Greenpeace, a non-profit NGO, with a presence in 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. The Indian operations run four broad campaigns namely, stop climate change, sustainable agriculture, preserving the oceans and preventing another nuclear catastrophe.
Greenpeace India claims to receive 60% of its finance from donors in India, 38% from Netherlands-based Greenpeace International and less than 1% from the U.S.-based Climate Works Foundation. The organization claims that they do not accept money from governments, intergovernmental organizations, political parties or corporations in order to avoid their influence.
In 2015 following a revelation by an ex-employee in web forum about repeated sexual harassment and rape at Greenpeace India and subsequent harassment for complaints, multiple women employees of Greenpeace India has come out talking about similar incidents of sexual harassment, bullying and rape at Greenpeace India. The organisation was accused of protecting the offenders.
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India, UAE
agree to increase bilateral trade by 60% in next 5 years
India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to enhance cooperation in different areas including trade, commerce, energy, defence, space, investments, security and combating Crime. Both sides reached to these agreements at the 11th session of the India-UAE Joint Commission meeting held in New Delhi. It was co-chaired by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her visiting counterpart, Foreign Minister of UAE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
India and United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to enhance cooperation in different areas including trade, commerce, energy, defence, space, investments, security and combating Crime. Both sides reached to these agreements at the 11th session of the India-UAE Joint Commission meeting held in New Delhi. It was co-chaired by Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her visiting counterpart, Foreign Minister of UAE Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.
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West-Central
Railway becomes first zone to eliminate Unmanned Level Crossings
The West-Central Railway (WCR) zone headquartered in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh has become the first Railway Zone in Indian Railways to eliminate all unmanned level crossings. The target was achieved after all 118 unmanned level crossings of WCR zone were eliminated in phase manner by August 31, 2015. 80 crossings were eliminated in the financial year 2014-15 and the remaining 38 crossings were eliminated in August 2015. This target was achieved by constructing 33 Limited Height Sub Ways (LHs) and manning of 30 level crossings. It is a being considered as a big success in the safety initiative of Indian Railways as unmanned railway crossings continue to remain a deathtrap in India as alone it had killed 126 people in 2014-15.
The West-Central Railway (WCR) zone headquartered in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh has become the first Railway Zone in Indian Railways to eliminate all unmanned level crossings. The target was achieved after all 118 unmanned level crossings of WCR zone were eliminated in phase manner by August 31, 2015. 80 crossings were eliminated in the financial year 2014-15 and the remaining 38 crossings were eliminated in August 2015. This target was achieved by constructing 33 Limited Height Sub Ways (LHs) and manning of 30 level crossings. It is a being considered as a big success in the safety initiative of Indian Railways as unmanned railway crossings continue to remain a deathtrap in India as alone it had killed 126 people in 2014-15.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
·
Indian Railways develops Hybrid Vacuum
Toilets
Indian Railways has developed a Hybrid Vacuum Toilet design which combines the advantages of Vacuum toilets and those of Biotoilets. The first of its kind system in the world has been developed by the Development Cell of Indian Railway Board. This newly developed toilet facility has been fitted on trial basis in Dibrugarh Rajdhani.
Indian Railways has developed a Hybrid Vacuum Toilet design which combines the advantages of Vacuum toilets and those of Biotoilets. The first of its kind system in the world has been developed by the Development Cell of Indian Railway Board. This newly developed toilet facility has been fitted on trial basis in Dibrugarh Rajdhani.
This initiative aims at conserving water and reducing its waste. An average bio-toilet, which are commonly found in trains, use 10 to 15 litres of water per flush. The vacuum toilet, on the other hand, consumes around 500 ml of water per flush. This step will certainly take the Indian Railways closer to being at par with those in foreign countries
A bio-digester tank is fitted underneath the coach and contains anaerobic bacteria that converts human waste into water and small amount of gases before discharging the same on the track.
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New species of
human relative discovered in South Africa
A new species has been discovered in South Africa which goes by the name of “Homo Naledi”
A new species has been discovered in South Africa which goes by the name of “Homo Naledi”
·
India to
launch Indonesian satellite LAPAN A2/Orari
India will launch Indonesia’s second multi-spectral remote sensing satellite LAPAN A2/Orari. The satellite will be launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on September 27, 2015.
Until now, 45 satellites from 19 countries have been launched by the ISRO and the income generated through this amounts to around 17 million USD and 78.5 million Euros(85 million USD).
India will launch Indonesia’s second multi-spectral remote sensing satellite LAPAN A2/Orari. The satellite will be launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh on September 27, 2015.
Until now, 45 satellites from 19 countries have been launched by the ISRO and the income generated through this amounts to around 17 million USD and 78.5 million Euros(85 million USD).
ENVIRONMENT
·
Union Ministry
of Health and Family Welfare bans sale of Diclofenac in multidose vial
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned the sale of Diclofenac in multidose vial. Henceforth, it will be sold only in single-dose vial packaging for human use. This ban was imposed on recommendation of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in order to save and protect vultures from brink of extinction. In this regard, MoEFCC has published an official Gazette notification no G.S.R 558 (E) dated 17th July, 2015, banning packaging of multi-dose vial of Diclofenac.
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned the sale of Diclofenac in multidose vial. Henceforth, it will be sold only in single-dose vial packaging for human use. This ban was imposed on recommendation of Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in order to save and protect vultures from brink of extinction. In this regard, MoEFCC has published an official Gazette notification no G.S.R 558 (E) dated 17th July, 2015, banning packaging of multi-dose vial of Diclofenac.
·
Antarctic
Ocean’s carbon dioxide absorption increased
As per a new study Antarctic Ocean has been absorbing increasing levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) , a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) over the past decade. The research study was published in journal Science and was undertaken by an international research team led by Nicolas Gruber, a professor at ETH Zurich.
The other greenhouse gases are
Water Vapour, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone.
As per a new study Antarctic Ocean has been absorbing increasing levels of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) , a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) over the past decade. The research study was published in journal Science and was undertaken by an international research team led by Nicolas Gruber, a professor at ETH Zurich.
The other greenhouse gases are
Water Vapour, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone.
QUICK
TEST TO SEE HOW MUCH YOU REMEMBER.
1)
Who is the prime minister of
Australia?
2)
Who is the CEO of general
motors?
3)
NITI Aayog has
replaced________.
4)
Who is the founder of GEMS
education?
5)
Where are the 2018 commonwealth
games going to be held?
6)
How many companies have been
given the status of Maharatnas?
7)
Who founded the Asiad?
8)
Who won the men’s double in US
open?
9)
Mangal Singh Champia is
associated with which sport?
10)
Chain Singh is associated with
which sport?
11)
Who is the 1st
Indian to qualify for the President’s Cup?
12)
Who won the 2015 Italian Grand
Prix?
13)
Vikas Krishan was defeated by
_____ in the finals of Asian Boxing Championship.
14)
Which country topped the medal
tally in World Championship of Athletics?
15)
Who is the Prime Minister of
Hungary?
16)
Who is the Prime Minister of
Singapore?
17)
Who is the Union Commerce and
Industry Minister for India?
18)
What is IPDS?
19)
When is the National Hindi
Divas celebrated?
20)
The first environment friendly
metro runs between which two cities?
21)
What converts human waste into
water and gases in a bio-digester tank?
22)
The name of the new species
discovered in South Africa is ______
23)
Who is the first president of
W20?
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