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Preface
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Table of Contents National ...... 11 Visit of Prime Minister to USA ...... 11 Prime Minister's visit to Ireland ...... 13 Assessment of State Implementation of Business Reforms Released ...... 14 Increase in number of tourists in India on e-Tourist Visa during Jan-Aug 2015 ...... 16 First state to submit Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission (AMRUT) ...... 17 Santhara ...... 18 West Central Railway ...... 19 International ...... 20 QS World University Rankings® 2015/16 ...... 20 The Global Competitiveness Index, 2015-16 ...... 21 Economics ...... 22 The Global Innovation Index 2015 ...... 22 India's top 100 Rich list ...... 23 Fourth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2015-16...... 24 Hurun India Rich List 2015 ...... 25 Foreign Investment Promotion Board clears 14 FDI proposals ...... 27 Introduction of Gold Monetization Schemes ...... 28 JetLite to merge with Jet Airways ...... 30 4th Advance production estimates of major crops - 2014-15 ...... 31 External Debt at End-March 2015 ...... 32 The Reserve Bank: Annual Report, 2014-15 ...... 33 RBI releases list of Domestic Systemically Important Banks ...... 34 (D-SIBs) ...... 34 2015-16, gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter (April-June) figures ...... 35 Report of the High Powered Committee on Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) ...... 36 Science ...... 37 MoA signed between Department of Biotechnology and DBT-Pan IIT Centre for Bio-energy 37 India’s Multi Wavelength Space Observatory ASTROSAT successfully launched ...... 38
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Sports ...... 39 Tennis ...... 39 Connecticut Open - 2015 ...... 39 US Open-2015 ...... 40 Guangzhou International Women’s Open 2015 ...... 41 Cricket ...... 42 Sri Lanka tour of Indian Team-2015 ...... 42 Hockey ...... 43 5th Women’s Indoor Asia Cup ...... 43 Football ...... 44 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award ...... 44 Chess ...... 45 World Under-16 Chess Olympiad 2015 ...... 45 Badminton ...... 46 Victor Korea Open 2015 ...... 46 Golf ...... 47 BMW Championship 2015 ...... 47 Singha Thailand Amateur open - 2015 ...... 48 Wyndham Championship ...... 49 The Barclays - 2015 ...... 50 Formula One ...... 51 Singapore Grand Prix ...... 51 Italian Grand Prix 2015 ...... 52 Belgian Grand Prix - 2015 ...... 53 Athletics ...... 54 Beijing International Marathon 2015 ...... 54 15th World Athletics Championships -2015 ...... 55 Sports Misc ...... 57 Euro Basket 2015 ...... 57
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Commonwealth Youth Games 2015 ...... 58 ISSF World cup final Rifle/Pistol - 2015 ...... 59 ‘Yoga’ recognized as a Sports Discipline ...... 60 FIFA World Ranking-2015 ...... 61 22th Commonwealth Games in Durban ...... 62 Archery World Cup - 2015 ...... 63 Personalities ...... 64 Stuti Narain Kacker ...... 64 Aqeela Asifi ...... 65 Seema Malhotra ...... 66 V Gurudatta Prasad ...... 67 Jagmohan Dalmiya ...... 68 Malcolm Turnbull ...... 69 Hormusji N. Cama ...... 70 Kalamandalam Satyabhama ...... 71 Ramaswamy R Iyer ...... 72 John P. Connell ...... 73 Balkrishna Wasnik ...... 74 Ramesh Chand ...... 75 MM Kalburgi ...... 76 Kidangoor Rama Chakyar passed away ...... 77 Aadesh Shrivastava passed away ...... 78 Former Goa chief minister Dr Wilfred de Souza passed away...... 79 Sudhakar Shetty ...... 80 Places ...... 81 Hangzhou (China) ...... 81 Petlawad Explosion ...... 82 More than 100 killed in Makkah crane collapse ...... 83 Bodh Gaya ...... 84
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Badarpur-Faridabad Metro Line...... 85 Awards & Honors ...... 86 International Press Freedom Award 2015 ...... 86 Wangari Maathai Forest Champion Award 2015 ...... 87 National Humanities Medal - 2014 ...... 88 Indian Fisheries Scientist Awarded First Sunhak Peace Prize ...... 89 Operation & Campaign ...... 90 ‘AUSINDEX 15’ - India-Australia naval exercise ...... 90 Exercise Ekuverin – 2015 ...... 91 Planning & Project ...... 92 Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission ...... 92 Mihir Shah Committee ...... 93 Andhra Pradesh Govt approves ‘e-Pragati’ Project ...... 94 Niryat Bandhu@Your Desktop ...... 95 Introduction of Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme ...... 96 The launch of the new portal for new LPG connections ...... 98 Treaty & Agreement ...... 99 MoU signed between RBI and Nepal Rastra Bank ...... 99 Agreement between Bharti Airtel & Ericsson ...... 100 India - Mauritius ink deal over stock exchanges ...... 101 Conference ...... 102 ”VASTRA 2015” ...... 102 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of G-20 nations third conference ...... 103 Law & Justice ...... 104 Union Cabinet approved Constitution of 21st Law Commission of India ...... 104 262th report of the Law Commission of India ...... 106 Year, Day & Week...... 107 World Tourism Day...... 107 World Alzheimer’s Day ...... 108
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International Day of Democracy ...... 109 International Day of Peace ...... 110 International Ozone Layer Protection Day ...... 111 Engineers Day- 2015 ...... 112 Hindi Diwas ...... 113 World Suicide Prevention Day ...... 114 International Literacy Day 2015 ...... 115 Sports Personalities ...... 116 Sourav Ganguly...... 116 David Haggerty ...... 117 Brad Haddin ...... 118 Shane Watson ...... 119 Charles Kumi Gyamfi passed away ...... 120 Ian Bell ...... 121 Anil Kumar ...... 122 Dilip Vengsarkar ...... 123 Miscellaneous ...... 124 9th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (RPBD) ...... 124 Marathi film ‘Court’ chosen as India’s Oscar entry ...... 125 The first-ever National Leopard Census ...... 126 Approval of National Offshore Wind Energy Policy ...... 127 Government cancels Greenpeace India’s FCRA registration ...... 128 Electronic version of the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi launched ...... 129 Key appointments in the Ministry of Finance ...... 130 Start-Up India, Stand-Up India ...... 131 Cochin International Airport becomes world’s first to operate on solar power ...... 132
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Date Current Affairs Page No 1 9/30/2015 The Global Competitiveness Index, 2015-16 21 2 9/30/2015 International Textile and Apparel Fair ”VASTRA 2015” 98 3 9/29/2015 Visit of Prime Minister to USA 10 4 9/29/2015 Fourth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2015-16 23 India’s Multi Wavelength Space Observatory ASTROSAT 5 9/28/2015 successfully launched 36 6 9/27/2015 World Tourism Day 103 7 9/26/2015 Guangzhou International Women’s Open 2015 39 8 9/25/2015 David Haggerty 114 9 9/24/2015 Sourav Ganguly 113 10 9/23/2015 Marathi film ‘Court’ chosen as India’s Oscar entry 122 11 9/23/2015 Stuti Narain Kacker 62 12 9/23/2015 Prime Minister's visit to Ireland 12 13 9/23/2015 India's top 100 Rich list 22 14 9/21/2015 World Alzheimer’s Day 105 15 9/20/2015 Jagmohan Dalmiya 67 16 9/20/2015 BMW Championship 2015 46 17 9/20/2015 Victor Korea Open 2015 45 18 9/20/2015 Singapore Grand Prix 50 19 9/20/2015 Beijing International Marathon 2015 53 20 9/20/2015 Euro Basket 2015 56 21 9/19/2015 ‘AUSINDEX 15’ - India-Australia naval exercise 89 22 9/17/2015 The Global Innovation Index 2015 21 23 9/16/2015 International Ozone Layer Protection Day 108 24 9/16/2015 Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission 91 25 9/16/2015 Hangzhou (China) 80 26 9/15/2015 Engineers Day- 2015 109 27 9/15/2015 Malcolm Turnbull 68 28 9/15/2015 QS World University Rankings® 2015/16 19 29 9/15/2015 International Day of Peace 107 30 9/15/2015 International Press Freedom Award 2015 85 31 9/15/2015 Aqeela Asifi 64 32 9/15/2015 International Day of Democracy 106 33 9/15/2015 9th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (RPBD) 122 34 9/14/2015 Hindi Diwas 110 35 9/14/2015 Hormusji N. Cama 69 36 9/14/2015 MoU signed between RBI and Nepal Rastra Bank 97 37 9/13/2015 Exercise Ekuverin – 2015 90 38 9/13/2015 Kalamandalam Satyabhama 70 39 9/13/2015 US Open-2015 39 40 9/13/2015 Seema Malhotra 65
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41 9/12/2015 Petlawad Explosion 81 42 9/12/2015 V Gurudatta Prasad 66 43 9/11/2015 Balkrishna Wasnik 73 44 9/11/2015 Foreign Investment Promotion Board clears 14 FDI proposals 26 First state to submit Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission 45 9/11/2015 (AMRUT) 16 46 9/11/2015 Singha Thailand Amateur open - 2015 47 47 9/11/2015 Hurun India Rich List 2015 24 48 9/11/2015 Commonwealth Youth Games 2015 57 49 9/11/2015 118 killed in Makkah crane collapse 82 50 9/11/2015 Mihir Shah Committee 92 51 9/10/2015 John P. Connell 72 52 9/10/2015 World Suicide Prevention Day 113 Increase in number of tourists in India on e-Tourist Visa 53 9/10/2015 during Jan-Aug 2015 15 54 9/10/2015 Wangari Maathai Forest Champion Award 2015 86 55 9/9/2015 Brad Haddin 117 56 9/9/2015 Introduction of Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme 95 57 9/9/2015 Introduction of Gold Monetization Schemes 27 58 9/9/2015 Niryat Bandhu@Your Desktop 94 59 9/9/2015 Ramaswamy R Iyer 71 60 9/9/2015 Approval of National Offshore Wind Energy Policy 126 Union Cabinet approved Constitution of 21st Law 61 9/9/2015 Commission of India 103 62 9/8/2015 International Literacy Day 2015 114 Electronic version of the Collected Works of Mahatma 63 9/8/2015 Gandhi launched 128 64 9/8/2015 Ramesh Chand 74 65 9/7/2015 ISSF World cup final Rifle/Pistol - 2015 58 66 9/6/2015 Shane Watson 118 67 9/6/2015 Badarpur-Faridabad Metro Line 84 68 9/6/2015 Italian Grand Prix 2015 51 69 9/5/2015 Aadesh Shrivastava passed away 77 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of G-20 70 9/5/2015 nations third conference 102 71 9/5/2015 Andhra Pradesh Govt approves ‘e-Pragati’ Project 93 72 9/4/2015 Former Goa chief minister Dr Wilfred de Souza passed away 78 73 9/4/2015 The first-ever National Leopard Census 125 Assessment of State Implementation of Business Reforms 74 9/4/2015 Released 13 75 9/3/2015 FIFA World Ranking-2015 60 76 9/3/2015 National Humanities Medal - 2014 87
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MoA signed between Department of Biotechnology and DBT- 77 9/3/2015 Pan IIT Centre for Bio-energy 36 78 9/3/2015 India - Mauritius ink deal over stock exchanges 100 79 9/2/2015 22th Commonwealth Games in Durban 61 80 9/2/2015 Charles Kumi Gyamfi passed away 119 81 9/2/2015 JetLite to merge with Jet Airways 29 82 9/2/2015 Kidangoor Rama Chakyar passed away 76 83 9/2/2015 Agreement between Bharti Airtel & Ericsson 99 84 9/2/2015 Government cancels Greenpeace India’s FCRA registration 127 85 9/1/2015 Sri Lanka tour of Indian Team-2015 41 86 9/1/2015 ‘Yoga’ recognized as a Sports Discipline 59 87 8/31/2015 West Central Railway 18 88 8/31/2015 Key appointments in the Ministry of Finance 129 2015-16, gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter 89 8/31/2015 (April-June) figures 34 RBI releases list of Domestic Systemically Important Banks 90 8/31/2015 (D-SIBs) 33 91 8/30/2015 The launch of the new portal for new LPG connections 97 92 8/30/2015 Anil Kumar 121 93 8/30/2015 15th World Athletics Championships -2015 54 94 8/30/2015 The Barclays - 2015 49 95 8/30/2015 MM Kalburgi 75 96 8/29/2015 World Under-16 Chess Olympiad 2015 44 97 8/29/2015 Connecticut Open - 2015 38 98 8/28/2015 Indian Fisheries Scientist Awarded First Sunhak Peace Prize 88 99 8/28/2015 Ian Bell 120 100 8/28/2015 External Debt at End-March 2015 31 101 8/27/2015 UEFA Best Player in Europe Award 43 102 8/27/2015 The Reserve Bank: Annual Report, 2014-15 32 103 8/26/2015 Dilip Vengsarkar 122 104 8/23/2015 Belgian Grand Prix - 2015 52 105 8/23/2015 Wyndham Championship 48 Report of the High Powered Committee on Urban Co- 106 8/20/2015 operative Banks (UCBs) 35 Cochin International Airport becomes world’s first to operate 107 8/18/2015 on solar power 131 108 8/17/2015 4th Advance production estimates of major crops - 2014-15 30 109 8/16/2015 Archery World Cup - 2015 62 110 8/16/2015 5th Women’s Indoor Asia Cup 42 111 8/15/2015 Start-Up India, Stand-Up India 130 112 8/12/2015 Sudhakar Shetty 79 113 8/11/2015 Santhara 17 114 8/1/2015 262th report of the Law Commission of India 105
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National
Visit of Prime Minister to USA
Ques: During September 23 to 29, 2015, Prime Minister was on official visit to the United States. When he addressed the 70th session of UN General Assembly? a. 25 September, 2015 b. 26 September, 2015 c. 27 September, 2015 d. 24 September, 2015 Ans: a Related facts: During 23 to 29 September 2015, Prime Minister was on tour to United States of America to attend 70th session of UN General Assembly. September 24, 2015 the Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the roundtable in New York with the top CEOs of the US financial sector. Major US Company CEO attended the meeting including JP Morgan's Chairman, CEO & the President Jamie Dimon, the Chairman and CEO of AIG Insurance, Peter Hancock and the CEO of General Atlantic, Bill Ford. The Prime Minister had envisaged 'Start up India, Stand up India' for investment in various sectors in India. At the same time, the Prime Minister highlighted the economic progress happened in India in last 15-months. Moreover, the Prime Minister chaired the roundtable with top US CEOs of the media and entertainment sector. September 24, 2015 in New York, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi accomplished bilateral meetings with the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and Grenedais Dokralf Gonsalves and President of Guyana with David Gregor separately.
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The Prime Minister discussed with these leaders during the meeting on improvement of Connectivity and Basic Infrastructure, Sustainable Development goals, Improvements in UN Security Council and other Global Organizations. Prime Minister also met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and World Bank President Dr. Jim Yong Kim separately. Prime Minister also accomplished bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of Bhutan Tshering Tobgay, President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, Swedish Prime Minister Stephen Lofven and Cyprus President Nikos Anstesiade separately. September 26, 2015, the Prime Minister attended G4 summit held in New York City. It is notable that the G4 group includes India, Brazil, Germany and Japan. At this summit, how to improve the UN Security Council, was discussed. He then went to San Jose, California where he visited Tesla Motors. He also met with Apple CEO, Tim Cook, Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella and Google's CEO, Sundar Pichai. September 27, 2015, the Prime Minister addressed the Indian community at SAP Center, San José. September 27, 2015 the Prime Minister visited 'Silicon Valley’. Important to know he was the first Prime Minister of India to visit Silicon Valley, where he met Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. September 28, 2015, the Prime Minister met with US President Barack Obama in New York. He also met with British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Francois Hollande. During these meetings, Climate Change, Terrorism and UN Security Council reform etc were discussed. September 28, 2015, the Prime Minister addressed the summit related to Peace Keeping Operations. Reference: http://www.mea.gov.in/outgoing-visit-info- hi.htm?2/807/Visit+of+Prime+Minister+to+USA+September+2328+2015 http://www.mea.gov.in/outoging-visit-detail- hi.htm?25853/Transcript+of+Press+Briefing+by+Official+Spokesperson+on+the+Prime+Ministers+first+d ay+of+programme+in+California+September+26+2015 http://www.mea.gov.in/outoging-visit-detail- hi.htm?25850/Media+Statement+by+the+Official+Spokesperson+on+G4+Summit http://www.mea.gov.in/outoging-visit-detail- hi.htm?25847/Transcript+of+Media+Briefing+by+Official+Spokesperson+on+Prime+Ministers+ongoing+ visit+to+United+States+of+America+September+25+2015 http://www.mea.gov.in/outoging-visit-detail- hi.htm?25856/Statement+by+Prime+Minister+at+the+Summit+on+Peacekeeping+in+New+York http://www.mea.gov.in/outoging-visit-detail-hi.htm?25862
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Prime Minister's visit to Ireland
Que: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on official visit to Ireland recently. Which of following Prime Minister visited the same country before? a. Indira Gandhi b. Rajiv Gandhi c. Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru d. Lal Bahadur Shastri Ans : c Related facts: September 23, 2015 the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a day trip of Ireland. It is notable that an Indian Prime Minister visited to Ireland after 59 years. Earlier, Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru had visited Ireland in 1956. The diplomatic relations between India and Ireland was established in 1947. India and Ireland have traditionally had cordial and friendly relations going back to the time of our freedom movement. The present visit will provide an excellent opportunity to bolster economic relations between the two countries. September 23, 2015 the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a bilateral talk with the Prime Minister of Ireland Enda Kenny. Both leaders discussed the possibilities of working together in the multilateral fora on global challenges including climate change, poverty alleviation, sustainable development goals, environment and disarmament. After the talks, both leaders agreed to work together on climate change, poverty alleviation, sustainable development objectives, including environmental and disarmament with global challenges on multilateral forums. Ireland's Prime Minister presented Ireland cricket team jersey and a 'Hurling kit' to Narendra Modi. 'Hurling' is one of the popular games of Ireland. PM Modi interacted with the Indian community in Fritzwilliam Hall, Dublin. The students of the John Scottish, a local school in Ireland who teach the Vedic language 'Sanskrit', welcomed the PM Narendra Modi by reciting 'Sanskrit shlokas'. The number of Indian community in Ireland is approximately 26,000. Prime Minister departed to New York from Ireland's capital Dublin on the same day. Reference http://www.mea.gov.in/outoging-visit- detail.htm?25837/Statement+by+Prime+Minister+at+the+Joint+Press+Briefing+with+Prime+Ministe r+of+Ireland
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Assessment of State Implementation of Business Reforms Released
Ques: 14 September, 2015 which of the state ranked highest in the “Obtaining Infrastructure Related Utilities” list? a. Gujrat b. Andhra Pradesh c. Jharkhand d. Chhattisgarh Ans: a Related facts: September 4, 2015 a report titled “Assessment of State Implementation of Business Reforms” was released. This report captures the findings of an assessment of reform implementation by states. The report was conducted jointly by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce & Industry, the World Bank Group and KPMG as the knowledge partner, the Confederation of Indian Industry(CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). This assessment is the first of its kind. This has been conducted to take stock of reforms implemented by states in the period January 1 to June 30, 2015 based on the 98-point action plan for business reforms agreed between DIPP and State and Union Territory governments on December 29, 2014. The report assesses implementation status of reform measures across the following eight areas Setting up a business Allotment of land and obtaining construction permit Complying with environment procedures Complying with labour regulations Obtaining infrastructure related utilities Registering and complying with tax procedures Carrying out inspections Enforcing contracts It is noted that Gujrat is in the first place with 71.14% of the implementation of measures to improve the situation. In this report, Andhra Pradesh (70.12%), Jharkhand (63.09%), Chhattisgarh (62.45%) and Madhya Pradesh (62%) state find the second, third, fourth and fifth place respectively. Important to know that Uttar Pradesh find 10th place with 47.37%. Rajasthan, Orissa, Maharashtra, Karnataka are in the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth place respectively. Across the country, states have made good progress in general tax reforms like mandating e-registration for VAT and CST; allowing online payment and filing of returns for various
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state taxes; providing e-filing support through service centres and helplines; and risk-based tax compliance inspections. 29 states allow VAT to be paid online, and 28 states allow CST to be paid online. While most states allow e-filing of VAT and CST, 21 states have established helplines for users. 25 states have defined timelines for VAT registration and 21 have defined timelines for CST registration. Punjab (81.48%) and Andhra Pradesh (78.57%) find first and second place respectively in the business establishment. In the area of Land allocation and obtaining Construction permits, Madhya Pradesh (72.73%) and Gujarat (72.41%) are ranked first and second respectively. Complying with environmental procedures, Gujarat (100%) and Andhra Pradesh (85.19%) became the first and second respectively. Complying with the labor laws, Jharkhand (100%) and Gujarat (76.47%) find the first and second place respectively. Obtaining Infrastructure utilities, Maharashtra (88.89%) and Gujarat (75%) were in the first and second place respectively. Registration and Tax Compliance procedures, Karnataka (97.73%) and Andhra Pradesh (90.63%) were at the first and second place respectively. Carrying out Inspection field, Jharkhand (72%) and Gujarat (71.74%) find the first and second place respectively. Enforcing the Contract, Maharashtra (55.56%) and Madhya Pradesh (44.44) were ranked first and second respectively. Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126886 http://dipp.nic.in/English/Investor/Ease_DoingBusiness/StateAssessmentReport_14September2015.pdf http://www.worldbank.org/en/country/india/brief/department-of-industrial-policy-and-promotion- releases-assessment-of-state-implementation-of-business-reforms http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-cm/assessment-of-state-implementation-of-business- reforms-released-115091401092_1.html
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Increase in number of tourists in India on e-Tourist Visa during Jan-Aug 2015
Ques: According to figures recently released by the Ministry of Tourism, most tourists came from which country on e-tourist visa during January - August in 2015? a. Japan b. Canada c. Singapore d. USA Ans: d
Related facts: September 10, 2015, the Ministry of Tourism released data for the tourist came on e-Tourist Visa between January-August, 2015. During January- August, 2015 a total of 1, 69,976 tourists arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 17,120 during January-August, 2014 registering a growth of 892.9%. During January-August 2015 the most tourists came from the US on e-Tourist Visas. During the month of August, 2015 a total of 22,286 tourist arrived on e-Tourist Visa as compared to 2,705 during the month of August, 2014 registering a growth of 723.9%. The percentage shares of top 10 source countries availing e-Tourist Visa facility during August 2015 were as follows: USA (25.93%), Germany (10.00%), UAE (8.92%), France (8.76%), Australia (7.20%), Canada (6.39%), Republic of Korea (4.23%), Japan (3.41%), Russian Federation (2.37%) and Singapore (2.22%). The percentage shares of different ports in tourist arrivals on e-Tourist Visa during August 2015 were as follows: New Delhi (42.67%), Mumbai (23.40%), Bengaluru (10.37%), Chennai (9.07%), Kochi (5.44%), Hyderabad (4.21%), Kolkata (2.38%), Trivandrum (1.87%) and Goa (0.58%). It is known that Government of India launched Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) enabled by Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), presently known as e-Tourist Visa scheme on 27th November 2014. At present e-Tourist Visa facility is available for citizens of 113 countries (including 36 countries for which the facility was extended on 15th August, 2015) arriving at 16 Airports in India (includes 7 airports added from 15th August, 2015). The promotion of tourism in India encouraged by the government is to extend the scheme to target 150 countries.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126796 https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/tvoa.html
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First state to submit Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission (AMRUT)
Ques: Which state to become very first state to submit Annual Plan under Atal Mission (AMRUT)? a. Gujrat b. Rajasthan c. Uttar Pradesh d. Madhya Pradesh
Ans: b
Related facts:
September 11, 2015 Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to submit State Annual Action Plan under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). 10 of 28 AMRUT cities have no sewerage network services; coverage in 6 below 25%. The State Government has proposed projects under these two categories worth Rs.1,087 cr for approval by the Union Urban Development Ministry during the current financial year. i. Universal coverage in respect of water supply connections ii. Sewerage connections to all urban households in the state Under the State Annual Action Plan, AMRUT projects are proposed to be taken up in 13 of the 28 AMRUT cities in Rajasthan. These include Alwar, Beawar, and Nagaur in which both water supply and sewerage projects will be taken up. Water supply projects will be taken up in seven other cities of Baran, Bhiwar, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Dhaulpur, Ganganagar City and Sujangarh. In 3 cities of Bhiwadi, Sikar and Udaipur, only sewerage and septage management projects will be taken up. These cities have been identified by the state government in line with the principles of prioritization suggested in the Mission Guidelines after analyzing the gaps in coverage in respect of household water supply connections and sewerage network services. Rs. 555 cr has been proposed for 6 sewerage and septage management projects and Rs.344 cr for 10 water supply projects. After broad scrutiny of the State Annual Action Plans, Urban Development Ministry will release the first installment of 20% of project costs to the States.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126813
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Santhara
Ques: The religious practice ‘Santhara’ belongs to which community? a. Hindu b.Buddha c. Jain d. Sikh Ans: c Related facts:
The Supreme Court on Monday restored the Jain religious practice of a ritualistic fast unto death (Santhara) by staying an order of the Rajasthan High Court. It is known that on 11 August, 2015 Rajasthan High Court declared it as a criminal offence in accordance with Section 309 (attempted suicide) or Section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the IPC. Rajasthan court says “it was not established that ‘Santhara’ or ‘Sallekhana’ is an essential practice of the Jain religion. Jain scriptures or texts don’t say that ‘Moksha’ (salvation) can be achieved only by Santhara/Sallekhana”. In 2006, Jaipur based lawyer Nikhil Soni filed a public interest litigation and sought directions under Article 226 to the central and state governments to treat ‘Santhara’, the fast unto death practiced by ‘Swetambara Jains’ (Digambars call it Sallekhana), as illegal and punishable under the laws of the land. Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice H.L. Dattu and Justice Amitava Roy said while staying the HC order and issuing notices to the Centre, Rajasthan and others. The pleas had sought a stay on the High Court judgment, claiming it was passed without appreciating the basic philosophy and tenets of Jain religion. ‘Santhara’ is a Jain custom of embracing voluntary death – it involves practitioners taking an oath to stop eating until they die of starvation. According to Jains, this is a way to purge oneself of bad 'Karma' and attain ‘Moksha’.
Reference: http://www.jainworld.com/book/pratikraman/ch22.asp http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/supreme-court-lifts-stay-on-santhara-ritual-of- jains/article7600851.ece http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-3410560 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Supreme-Court-permits-Jain-community-to-practice- Santhara/articleshow/48751751.cms?
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West Central Railway
Ques: Which Railway Zone Becomes the First Zone on Indian Railways to eliminate all Unmanned Level Crossings from its System? a. North Central Railway b. Central Railway c. West Central Railway d. South Central Railway Ans: c Related facts: The West-Central Railway (Headquarter: Jabalpur) Zone has
become the first Railway Zone on Indian Railways to eliminate all unmanned level crossings
from its system by 31st August, 2015.
Out of total 118 unmanned level crossings falling on West-Central Railways as on 1st April,
2014, 80 were eliminated in the financial year 2014-15.
The target of 66 and the remaining 38 has been achieved in current financial year by 31st
August, 2015.
This could only be achieved by constructing 33 Limited Height Sub Ways (LHs) and manning
of 30 level crossings.
It can be termed as a great success for West-Central Railway.
West-Central Railway has been taking all possible initiatives to improve its working by
adopting all available modern technologies and has started special drive to improve its
performance at all fronts including safety, cleanliness, punctuality etc.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126547 http://www.wcr.indianrailways.gov.in/index.jsp?lang=0
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International
QS World University Rankings® 2015/16
Ques: September 15, 2015 which one of the following got the top spot in the “QS World University Rankings 2015-16” list? a. Massachusetts Institute of Technology b. Harvard University c. University of Cambridge d. The University of Oxford Ans: a Reference: September 15, 2015 “QS World University Rankings 2015-16” list issued. In the overall rankings, the ‘Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’ retains the top spot for the fourth year running. ‘Harvard University’ moves up two places to rank second, followed by the ‘University of Cambridge’ and ‘Stanford University’ in joint third. Based on six performance indicators, the rankings are designed to assess universities in four areas: research, teaching, employability, and internationalization. Four of the indicators are based on ‘hard’ data, and the remaining two are based on major global surveys – one of academics and another of employers – each the largest of their kind. The indicators are - Academic reputation (40%), Employer reputation (10%), Student-to- faculty ratio (20%), Citations per faculty (20%), International faculty ratio (5%) & international student ratio (5%). A total of 82 countries are represented in the QS World University Rankings this year. The US has the largest number of institutes at 154, the UK has 71, Germany has 43 and France, 41. Japan has 38 entries, Australia 33, China 30, Canada and Italy 26 apiece, Brazil 22, and Russia 21. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore has taken the top spot among Indian institutes, bagging the 147th rank while IIT Delhi has come in at 179th place. Overall, there are 14 Indian institutes in the QS World University rankings. A total of 7 institutes including IISc Bangalore (147th), IIT Delhi (179th), IIT Bombay (202nd), IIT Madras (254th), IIT Kanpur (271st), IIT Kharagpur (286th), IIT Roorkee (391st) figure in the top 400. Reference: http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university- rankings/2015#sorting=rank+region=+country=+faculty=+stars=false+search= http://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university- rankings/2015#sorting=rank+region=+country=96+faculty=+stars=false+search= http://www.independent.co.uk/news/education/education-news/us-and-uk-lead-the-way-for-having-the-best- universities-in-the-world-according-to-qs-world-university-rankings-10501322.html
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The Global Competitiveness Index, 2015-16
Que: World economic forum released Global Competitiveness Report 2015-16 recently. According to Global Competitiveness Index 2015-16 reports, India positioned- a. 60th b. 55th c. 75th d. 70th Ans: b
Related facts: September 30, 2015 Global Competitiveness Report 2015-16 was released by World Economic Forum in Geneva. This year’s Report provides an overview of the competitiveness performance of 140 economies grouped into 12 indicators. The 12 indicators are: Institutions, Infrastructure, Macroeconomic environment, Innovation, Health & primary education, Business sophistication, Higher education & training, market size, Goods market efficiency, Technological readiness, Financial market development, Labor market efficiency. Globally, Switzerland has retained its top position (score-5.76) as the world's most competitive economy for seventh year in a row. Second position earned by Singapore (score-5.68), USA (score-5.61), Germany (score- 5.53) and Netherlands (score-5.50) are at third, fourth and fifth position respectively. The lowest position in index of 140 countries/economies are Guiana (place: 140, score- 2.84), Chad (pace-139, score-2.96), Mauritania (place: 138, score-3.03) and Burundi (place: 136, score-3.11). India is on the 55th position in the index, as compared to 71st last year. Neighborhood countries of India in this index are Sri Lanka 68th (score-4.21), Nepal 100th (score-3.85), Bhutan 105th (score-3.80) and Pakistan 126th (score-3.45). Among other developed countries, Japan 6th (score: 5.47), Hong Kong 7th (score: 5.46), England 10th (score: 5.53) and France 22th (score: 5.13). Among other emerging major economies, China positioned 28th (score: 4.89), Russia 45th (score: 4.44), South Africa 49th (Score: 4.39) and Brazil 75th (score: 4.08).
Reference: http://reports.weforum.org/global-competitiveness-report-2015-2016/ http://www3.weforum.org/docs/gcr/2015-2016/Global_Competitiveness_Report_2015-2016.pdf
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Economics
The Global Innovation Index 2015
Ques: The Global Innovation Index -2015 was issued on September 17, 2015. India is at- a. 80th Position b. 81st Position c. 76th Position d. 67th Position Ans: b
Related facts: The Global Innovation Index -2015 was issued on September 17, 2015. Published since 2007, through the report the world ranking is provided to 141 economies around. The theme of the year 2015 was ‘Effective Innovation Policies for Development’. Switzerland topped the Global Innovation Index list 2015. However the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United States of America are also among the world’s five most innovative nations, according to the Global Innovation Index 2015. Additionally Finland 6th, Singapore 7th, Ireland 8th, Luxembourg 9th and Denmark is ranked 10th. India's ranking has slipped further to 81 in the list of Global Innovation Index, compared to 76 in 2014. The factors taken into accounts were consistently poor performance in ease of doing business, slow pace of policy decision-making and changing political environment etc. It is notable that India’s is lowest among BRICS nation. In the list Brazil 70th, South Africa 60th, Russia 48th and China is ranked 29th. In the index, the neighboring countries of India, Sri Lanka 85th, Bhutan 121st, Bangladesh 129th, Pakistan 131st and Nepal is ranked 135th. Sudan finds the lowest spot in the Index. In addition, Togo 140th, Guinea 139th, Myanmar 138th, Yemen 137th and Burundi is ranked 136th. The Global Innovation Index, co-published by Cornell University, INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). 79 indicators were used to gauge both innovative capabilities and measurable results.
Reference: https://www.globalinnovationindex.org/content/page/press-release/ http://www.wipo.int/edocs/pubdocs/en/wipo_gii_2015.pdf
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India's top 100 Rich list
Ques: Who ranked first in the Forbes list of Indian billionaires? a. Anil Ambani b. Dilip Shanghvi c. Azim Premji d. Mukesh Ambani Ans: d
Related facts: September 23, 2015 Forbes released the list of top 100 Indian Billionaires. The top 100 richest Indians are all billionaires with combined wealth of $346 billion which was unchanged during this period. Mukesh Ambani ranked first in ninth consecutive year with total assets of $ 18.9 billion in the list. Sun Pharmaceutical Industries chief Dilip Sanghvi was in 2nd place with total assets of $ 18 billion. Wipro's Azim Premji ranked third with total assets of $ 15.9 billion. Hinduja Group flagship of the Hinduja brothers was 4th in the list with a fortune of $ 14.8 billion. Only four women in India rich list this year in top 100 include: Savitri Jindal 23rd, Leana Tewari 54th place, Indu Jain 57th place and Vinod Gupta 74th place. India rich list of the top 10 is as follows: 1. Mukesh Ambani (18.9 billion dollars) 2. Dilip Shangvi (18 billion dollars). 3. Azim Premji (15.9 billion dollars). 4. The Hinduja Brothers ($ 14.8 billion). 5. Pallonji Mistry (14.7 billion dollars). 6. Shiv Nadar (12.9 billion dollars). 7. Godrej family (11.4 billion dollars). 8. Lakshmi Mittal (11.2 billion dollars). 9. Cyrus Poonawalla (7.9 billion dollars). 10. Kumar Birla (7.8 billion dollars). This year, 12 new people joined the list; wealthiest among them is Dubai resident Sunil Wasvni the 48th position. Sachin and Binny Bansal, Flipkart, ranked 86th with total assets of $ 1.3 billion. Steel maker Lakshmi Mittal declined to $ 4.6 billion in his assets. With total assets of $ 11.2 billion he was at 8th place. Reference: http://www.forbes.com/sites/naazneenkarmali/2015/09/23/india-rich-list-2015/ http://www.forbes.com/india-billionaires/list/ http://forbesindia.com/lists/india-rich-list-2014/1483/all http://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/mukesh-ambani-100-richest-indian-tycoons- forbes-ril-azim-premji/story/210778.html
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Fourth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2015-16
Ques: September 29, 2015 RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan reduced the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by how many basis point? a. 50 b. 25 c. 75 d. 65 Ans: a Related facts: September 29, 2015, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Dr. Raghuram G. Rajan released Fourth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2015-16. It has been decided to reduce the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 50 basis points from 7.25 per cent to 6.75 per cent with immediate effect. Keep the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks unchanged at 4.0 per cent of net demand and time liability (NDTL). Continue to provide liquidity under overnight repos at 0.25 per cent of bank-wise NDTL at the LAF repo rate and liquidity under 14-day term repos as well as longer term repos of up to 0.75 per cent of NDTL of the banking system through auctions. Continue with daily variable rate repos and reverse repos to smooth liquidity. Consequently, the reverse repo rate under the LAF stands adjusted to 5.75 per cent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate to 7.75 per cent. Output growth projected for 2015-16 is marked down slightly to 7.4 per cent from 7.6 per cent earlier. Inflation is expected to reach 5.8 per cent in January 2016. Reference: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=35087
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Hurun India Rich List 2015
Ques: Who is the richest Indian in the Hurun Rich List -2015? a. Mukesh Ambani b. Azim Premji c. Dilip Sanghvi d. Uday Kotak Ans: a Related facts: September 11, 2015 Hurun India Report released the Hurun India Rich List, a list of the richest people in India. The Hurun report is China's Shanghai-based luxury publishing and events group. Wealth calculations are a snapshot of net worth of living individuals as of 31 July 2015 when the rate of exchange to the US dollar was INR 64.0. This is a list of the richest people in India with a cut-off of INR 1,600 Cr. Hurun Report finds 296 individuals with INR 1,600 Cr or more, up 76 from last year and doubles that of two years ago. Owing to a 6% devaluation of Indian Rupee against the US dollar and a lackluster performance of key sectors such as steel, energy and real estate, the average wealth dropped 7%. India is adding more billionaires. Number of dollar billionaires has increased to 124 from 109 last year. The inaugural Hurun India Rich List had just 59 billionaires in 2012. 36 have migrated out of India and are NRI. 13 saw their wealth double year on year. The fastest riser is Dhiraj Rajaram (40) of Mu Sigma, a data analytics business, shooting up 593% to INR 17,790 Cr. 58 individuals saw their wealth decline, led by the oil and gas sector, after uncertainly continued to surround the Middle East. Ajay Kalsi (54) of Indus Gas declined by 242% dropping him to the bottom of the list.
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Mukesh Ambani (58) of Reliance holds on to his position as the richest man in India with a
fortune of INR 1, 60,951 Cr, down by 3% from last year.
London-based SP Hinduja & Family (81) of Hinduja Group shot up to 3rd position, from 6th
last year, after seeing their wealth grow 43% to INR 1,03,030 Cr.
Whilst Mumbai continues to dominate with 29% of the list residing there, Delhi came in
second with 19%, followed by Bangalore with 8%.
Manufacturing continues to dominate with 15% of the list, followed by pharmaceuticals and
real estate with 9% and 6% respectively.
At 28 years, Ankit Bhati and at 29, Bhavish Aggarwal founders of Ola Cabs, “India’s answer
to Uber”, are the youngest self-made Indians in the list.
For the first time, Azim Premji (69) loses the spot in Top 5, due to his philanthropic
donations. He found 7th spot this year.
The only self-made woman in the list is the ‘BioTech Queen’ Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (62)
who saw her net worth decrease by 6% to INR 6143 Cr.
Reference: http://www.hurun.net/en/ArticleShow.aspx?nid=13657
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Foreign Investment Promotion Board clears 14 FDI proposals
Ques: When Foreign Investment Promotion Board was established? a. 1995 b. 1992 c. 1991 d. 1990 Ans: c
Related facts: September 11, 2015 The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) has cleared 14 foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) chaired by Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das in its meeting considered 23 FDI proposals, deferred decisions on five and rejected four. The FIPB approved foreign investment proposals of Eros International Media, Indian Rotorcraft, AGS Transact Technologies and O-Zone Networks etc. The investment proposals of Reliance Globalcom, Firefly Networks, Apollo Hospitals and Aegon Religare Life Insurance were deferred. The Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), housed in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, is an inter-ministerial body, responsible for processing of FDI proposals and making recommendations for Government approval. The extant FDI Policy, Press Notes and other related notified guidelines formulated by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry are the bases of the FIPB decisions. In the process of making recommendations, the FIPB provides significant inputs for FDI policy-making. Reference: http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/fipb-clears-14-fdi-proposals- 115091100544_1.html http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/fipb-clears-14-fdi-proposals/article7641358.ece http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/foreign-trade/foreign-investment-promotion- board-clears-14-fdi-proposals/articleshow/48912225.cms
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Introduction of Gold Monetization Schemes
Ques: Gold monetization schemes recently approved by the Cabinet is under this plan- a. Modified gold deposit scheme b. Modified Gold Metal loan scheme c. (a) and (b) both d. Modified gold bond scheme Ans: c
Related facts: 09 September, 2015 the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, gave its approval for introduction of Gold Monetization Schemes (GMS), as announced in the Union Budget 2015-16. The objective of introducing the modifications in the schemes is to make the existing schemes more effective and to broaden the ambit of the existing schemes from merely mobilizing gold held by households and institutions in the country to putting this gold into productive use. The long-term objective which is sought through this arrangement is to reduce the country's reliance on the import of gold to meet domestic demand. GMS would benefit the Indian gems and jewellery sector which is a major contributor to India's exports. In fiscal year 2014-15, gems and jewellery constituted 12 per cent of India's total exports and the value of gold items alone was more than $13 billion (provisional figures). The mobilized gold will also supplement RBI’s gold reserves and will help in reducing the government's borrowing cost. The benefit to the Government is in terms of reduction in the cost of borrowing, which will be transferred to the Gold Reserve Fund. The scheme will help in mobilizing the large amount of gold lying as an idle asset with households, trusts and various institutions in India and will provide a fillip to the gems and jewellery sector. Over the course of time this is also expected to reduce the country's dependence on the import of gold. The minimum quantity of gold that a customer can bring is proposed to be set at 30 grains. Gold Savings Account will be opened by customers at any time, with KYC norms, as applicable. This account would be denominated in grams of gold. Collection and purity testing centres will send the gold to the refiners. The refiners will keep the gold in their ware-houses, unless banks prefer to hold it themselves. The deposits under the revamped scheme can be made for a short-term period of 1-3 years (with a roll out in multiples of one year); a medium-term period of 5-7 years and a long- term period, of 12-15 years (as decided from time to time). Like a fixed deposit, breaking of lock-in period will be allowed in either of the options and there would be a penalty on premature redemption (including part withdrawal).
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The amount of interest rate payable for deposits made for the short-term period would be decided by banks on basis of prevailing international lease rates, other costs, market conditions etc. and will be denominated in grams of gold. For the medium and long-term deposits, the rate of interest (and fees to be paid to the bank for their services) will be decided by the government, in consultation with the RBI from time to time. The deposited gold will be utilized in the following ways: Under medium and long-term deposit • Auctioning • Replenishment of RBIs Gold Reserves • Coins • Lending to jewelers Under short-term deposit • Coins • Lending to jewelers Tax exemptions, same as those available under GDS would be made available to customers, in the revamped GDS, as applicable. The difference between the current borrowing cost for the Government and the interest rate paid by the Government under the medium/long term deposit will be credited to the Gold Reserve Fund. A Gold Metal Loan Account, denominated in grams of gold, will be opened by the bank for jewelers. The gold mobilized through the revamped GDS, under the short-term option, will be provided to jewelers on loan, on the basis of the terms and conditions set-out by banks, under the guidance of RBI. When a gold loan is sanctioned, the jewelers will receive physical delivery of gold from refiners. The banks will, in turn, make the requisite entry in the jewelers’ Gold Loan Account. Interest received by banks: The interest rate charged on the GML will be decided by banks, with guidance from the RBI. Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126748
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JetLite to merge with Jet Airways
Ques: 02 September, 2015, it was announced t merge JetLite with its parent airlines Jet
Airways. The Chairman of Jet Airways is- a. Naresh Goyal b. Naresh Trehan c. Naresh Agarwal d. Ratan Tata
Ans: a
Related facts:
02 September, 2015, Jet Airways' board has approved the merger of its low-cost subsidiary
JetLite with the parent airline.
It is known that the Naresh Goyal-led airline had bought Sahara Airlines in April 2007 for Rs
1,450 crore after an arbitration award.
It later renamed Sahara Airlines as JetLite and operated it as a low-cost arm till November
last year.
At present, Jet Airways and JetLite operate under two different Air Operator Permit (AOP).
Consequent to the merger, JetLite will become part of Jet Airways and operate as a
separate division of Jet Airways.
Jet Airways had reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 226.4 crore for the first quarter
ended June 30, helped by higher revenues and increase in passenger traffic.
Reference: http://www.businesstoday.in/current/corporate/jet-airways-jetlite-to-merge/story/223369.html http://profit.ndtv.com/news/corporates/article-jetlite-to-merge-with-parent-carrier-jet-airways- 1213568
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4th Advance production estimates of major crops - 2014-15
Ques: The Fourth Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2014-15 have been released by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation recently. According to it, how many million tonnes of food grains production this year is estimated? a. 251.12 million tonnes b. 252.68 million tonnes c. 253.78 million tonnes d. 300.12 million tonnes Ans: b
Related facts:
17 August, 2015- The Fourth Advance Estimates of production of major crops for 2014-15 have been released by the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation. Accordingly, food grain production in 2014-15 is estimated at 252.68 million tones. This is lower by 12.36 million tones, than the last year’s record food grains production of 265.04 million tonnes. Production of wheat estimated at 88.94 million tonnes is lower by 6.91 million tonnes than the record production of 95.85 million tonnes achieved during 2013-14. Total production of Coarse Cereals estimated at 41.75 million tonnes is also lower by 1.54 million tonnes than their production during 2013-14. Fourth Advance Estimates, 2014-15, Maize (23.67 million tonnes), Pulses (17.20 million tonnes), Tur (2.78 million tons), Gram (7.17 million tonnes), Oilseeds (26.68 million tonnes, of which Soya bean 10.53 million tonnes, Peanuts 6.56 million tonnes and 6.31 million tonnes of white mustard are included) is estimated to be produced. Production of sugarcane is estimated at 359.33 million tonnes which is higher by 7.19 million tonnes as compared to last year. Total production of cotton estimated at 35.48 million bales (of 170 kgs each) is marginally lower than last year but higher by 3.01 million bales than the average production of last 5 years. Production of Jute & Mesta is estimated at 11.45 million bales (of 180 kg each) which is marginally lower than their production during the last year. In an agricultural year (July-June), the Directorate of Economics & Statistics (DES), Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, Ministry of Agriculture releases four Advance Estimates followed by Final Estimates of production of major agricultural crops of the country. Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126120
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External Debt at End-March 2015
Ques: The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India has brought-out the Twenty First issue of its Annual Publication ‘India’s External Debt: A Status Report 2014-15’. According to this India’s External Debt at End-March 2015 is- a. US$ 446.3 Billion b. US$ 475.8 Billion c. US$ 470.8 Billion d. US$ 460.9 Billion Ans: b
Related facts: 28 August, 2015 The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India has brought-out the Twenty First issue of its Annual Publication ‘India’s External Debt: A Status Report 2014-15’. The Report presents a detailed analysis of India’s external debt position at end-March 2015, based on the data released by the Reserve Bank of India on June 30, 2015. India’s External Debt at End-March 2015 stood at US$ 475.8 Billion, Reflecting an Increase of US$ 29.5 Billion (6.6 Per Cent) over the level at End-March 2014. Rise In External Debt was due to the Rise in Long-Term Debt Particularly Commercial Borrowings and NRI Deposits States Twenty First Issue of ‘India’s External Debt. At end-March 2015, long-term external debt was US$ 391.1 billion, showing an increase of 10.3 per cent over the level at end-March 2014. At this level, long-term external debt accounted for 82.2 per cent of total external debt at end-March 2015 vis-à-vis 79.5 per cent at end-March 2014. Short-term external debt stood at US$ 84.7 billion at end-March 2015, showing a decline of 7.6 per cent over US$ 91.7 billion at the end-March 2014. Government (sovereign) external debt stood at US$ 89.7 billion at end-March 2015 vis- a-vis US$ 83.7 billion at end-March 2014. The share of Government external debt in total external debt was 18.9 per cent at end- March 2015 vis-à-vis 18.8 per cent at end-March 2014. India’s external debt has remained within manageable limits as indicated by the external debt-GDP ratio of 23.8 per cent during 2014-15. End-March 2015, the government guaranteed external debt was US $ 9.5 billion, while on the end-March, 2014 it was US $ 9.9 billion. According to data released by SEBI, foreign institutional investors (FII) in India invested the net amount of US $ 45.7 billion, in the year 2014-15. Of this, about 60 percent, i.e. a large amount of US $ 27.3 billion have been invested as loans, while the rest is invested as equity. According to Bloomberg data, the flow of loans to India in the year 2014-15, except China, is the third largest borrower in the Asia-Pacific region after Japan and Korea. Reference: http://finmin.nic.in/the_ministry/dept_eco_affairs/economic_div/India_External_Debt201415H.pdf http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126424
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The Reserve Bank: Annual Report, 2014-15
Ques: 27 August, 2015, RBI Annual Report 2014-15 was released. Accordingly, the percentage growth of the Indian economy in 2015-16 is estimated to be- a. 7.2 percent b. 7.6 percent c. 6.8 percent d. 7.0 percent Ans: b Related facts: On 27 August, 2015, the Reserve Bank of India released its Annual Report for 2013-14. According to the report, in 2015-16, the growth rate of the Indian economy is estimated to grow at 7.6%. This is slightly greater than the last year growth rate of 7.2%. Including the possibility of monsoon and international oil prices in the wake of headline inflation in January 2016 is estimated to reach 6%. The target is to achieve 5% till January 2017. In 2015-16, the target of gross fiscal deficit to take up to 3.9% of the GDP. Accordingly, last year (2013-14) India's current account deficit (AD) reduced to 1.3% from the 1.7% of the year 2014-15 of gross domestic product (GDP). Central Statistical Office (CSO) estimates, gross domestic savings rate (Gross Domestic Saving Rate) 2012-13, down from 31.1% in 2013-14 to 30.0%. According to the annual report of the Reserve Bank, the surplus in fiscal year 2015 (Overall Surplus) is 25.09% to Rs 658.96 billion, the previous year (2014) it was 526.79 billion. A committee under RBI Deputy Governor Shri Gandhi has detailed the ways governance in urban co-operative banks (UCBs) can be improved, including through implementation of the Malegam Committee report. At the end of the seasons, the SWM turned 12 per cent below the long period average (LPA) and the north east monsoon (NEM) 33 per cent below the LPA. As per the fourth advance estimates of the Ministry of Agriculture released on August 17, 2015, the total food grains production declined by 4.6 per cent. Similarly, the production of oilseeds and cotton declined by 18.5 per cent and 1.2 per cent respectively, though that of sugarcane increased by 2.0 per cent The impact of a decline in the volume of food grains production to 252.7 million tonnes from 265.0 million tonnes a year ago. For the 2015 SWM season, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast precipitation at 88 per cent of the LPA in June 2015, and retained the same forecast in August 2015 with a higher likelihood of El Nino effect intensifying during the season. Better rainfall in June augmented sowing under most ‘kharif’ crops in respect of last year. Industrial production turned around from the contraction recorded in 2013-14 and posted a growth of 2.8 per cent during 2014-15. Reference: https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/AnnualReport/PDFs/00A157C1B5ECBE6984F6EA8137C57AAEF493C.PDF
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RBI releases list of Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs)
Ques: Recently, which of the two banks domestic systemically important banks (D-SIBs) have been declared by RBI? a. SBI and Canara bank b. SBI and ICICI bank c. Punjab National bank and Bank of Baroda d. SBI and Bandhan bank Ans: b Related facts: 31 August, 2015, the Reserve Bank of India announced the designation of State Bank of India and ICICI Bank Ltd. as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs). This means that these banks in the nation's banking system play such a significant role that the losses of these banks should be prevented in any situation. It is important to know that the Reserve Bank had issued the Framework for dealing with Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) on July 22, 2014. The D-SIB Framework requires the Reserve Bank to disclose the names of banks designated as D-SIBs every year in August starting from August 2015. The D-SIB Framework specifies a two-step process of identification of D-SIBs. In the first step, the sample of banks to be assessed for systemic importance has to be decided. The additional Common Equity Tier-1 (CET1) requirements applicable to D-SIBs will be applicable from April 1, 2016 in a phased manner and would become fully effective from April 1, 2019. The additional CET1 requirement will be in addition to the capital conservation buffer. RBI also said that in case a foreign bank having branch presence in India is a Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB), it has to maintain additional CET1 capital surcharge in India as applicable to it as a G-SIB, proportionate to its risk weighted assets (RWAs) in India. Reference: https://www.rbi.org.in/hindi/Scripts/PressReleases.aspx?ID=26657 http://www.thehindu.com/business/rbi-declares-sbi-icici-bank-systemically-important- banks/article7600492.ece
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2015-16, gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter (April-June) figures
Ques: When the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation has recently released the estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter (April-June) Q1, of 2015-16? a. 31 August, 2015 b. 25 August, 2015 c. 30 August, 2015 d. 28 August, 2015 Ans: a
Related facts: 31 August, 2015, The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation has released the estimates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter (April-June) Q1, of 2015-16. Both are released at constant (2011-12) and current prices, along with the corresponding quarterly estimates of expenditure components of the GDP. GDP at constant (2011-12) prices in Q1 of 2015-16 is estimated at 27.13 lakh crore, as against 25.35 lakh crore in Q1 of 2014-15, showing a growth rate of 7.0%. Quarterly GVA at Basic Price at constant (2011-2012) prices for Q1 of 2015-16 is estimated at 25.80 lakh crore, as against 24.10 lakh crore in Q1 of 2014-15, showing a growth rate of 7.1% over the corresponding quarter of previous year. The economic activities which registered growth of over 7% in Q1 of 2015-16 over Q1 of 2014-15 are ‘manufacturing’, ‘trade, hotels and transport & communication and services related to broadcasting’ and 'financial, insurance, real estate and professional services'. The growth in the ‘agriculture, forestry and fishing’ is 1.9%, ‘mining and quarrying’ is 4.0%, ‘electricity, gas, water supply & other utility services is 3.2%, ‘construction’ and 'public administration is 6.9%, defense and other services’ is estimated to be 2.7%, ‘Trade, hotels and Transport & communication and services’ related to broadcasting is to be 12.8%, and ‘Financial, insurance, real estate and professional services’ is to be 8.9% during this period. Quarterly estimate of GVA at basic prices in Q1 (April-June) of 2015-16 at current prices in agriculture, forestry & fishing, 6.5%, 1.0% in mining & quarrying, manufacturing, 6.5%, electricity, gas, water supply and other useful services, 5.0%, 4.4% in construction, trade, hotels, transport and communications, and 10.3% in other services related to broadcasting, finance, real estate and business services by 6.3%, public administration, defense and other services increased by 8.9%.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126490 http://mospi.nic.in/Mospi_New/upload/nad_PR_31aug15.pdf
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Report of the High Powered Committee on Urban Co- operative Banks (UCBs)
Ques: High Powered Committee on Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) constituted by- a. Reserve Bank of India b. Finance Ministry c.NITI Aayog d. Home Ministry Ans: a
Related facts: 20 August, 2015 the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) constituted a High Powered Committee under chairmanship of R Gandhi, Deputy Governor of RBI. Committee constituted to re-examine and recommend appropriate set of businesses, size, conversion and licensing terms for the Urban Cooperative Banking Sector. It may be recalled that on January 30, 2015, the Reserve Bank had announced the constitution of a High Powered Committee (HPC) under the Chairmanship of Shri R. Gandhi, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India. The important recommendations made by the HPC are briefly as under: Business size of 20,000 crore or more may be the threshold limit beyond which a UCB may be expected to convert itself into a commercial bank. Smaller UCBs with business size of less than 20,000 crore willing to convert to SFBs can apply to the Reserve Bank for conversion provided they fulfill all the eligibility criteria and selection processes prescribed by the Reserve Bank and further provided that the licensing window for SFBs is open. Licenses may be issued to financially sound and well-managed co-operative credit societies having a minimum track record of 5 years which satisfy the regulatory prescriptions set by the Reserve Bank as licensing conditions. Putting in place a Board of Management (BoM) as suggested by the Malegam Committee has to be one of the mandatory licensing conditions for licensing of new UCBs and expansion of existing ones. The new Entry Point Norms (EPNs) may be as under: 1. To operate as a Multi-State Urban Co-operative Bank- 100 crore 2. To operate beyond two districts and as a State level UCB – 50 crore 3. To operate as District level UCB (up to 2 districts) – 25 crore 4. In case of conversion of co-operative credit societies in unbanked areas and in the north-east, suitable relaxation may be made by the Reserve Bank. The depositors ought to have a say on the Boards of UCBs. Reference: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=34765 https://rbi.org.in/Scripts/PublicationReportDetails.aspx?UrlPage=&ID=822
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Science
MoA signed between Department of Biotechnology and DBT-
Pan IIT Centre for Bio-energy
Ques: September 3, 2015 MoA signed between the Department of Biotechnology and 5 Indian Institutes of Technology for the establishment of - a. DBT-Pan IIT Centre for Bio-energy b. Centre for Human Anatomy Studies c. Centre for Vaccine Development d. Centers for Disease Control Ans: a
Related facts: September 3, 2015, MoA signed between the Department of Biotechnology and 5 Indian Institutes of Technology for the establishment of ‘DBT-Pan IIT Centre for Bioenergy’ center. This is a virtual Centre spread across 5 Indian Institutes of Technology; Bombay, Kharagpur, Guwahati, Jodhpur, and Roorkee and coordinated by IIT Bombay. It is notable that this will be the first virtual centre for collaborative research will focus on the thematic areas of research in advance bio-fuel technologies. The collaboration initiated in January 2015 and engaged a research team from the five participating institutes consisting of 32 investigators who have been working on bio-energy. They will jointly undertake research activities in the following thematic areas: Cyanobacterial Bio-fuels, Bio-fuels from micro-algae, Ligno-cellulosic biomass to Bio-fuels and Techno-economic and Life Cycle Analysis. Though the first virtual centre, it is the fourth centre in Bio-energy research set up by DBT in addition to the DBT-IOC Centre for Advanced Bio-energy Faridabad, DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences, Mumbai and DBT-ICGEB Centre for Advanced Bio-energy, New Delhi. This is also the largest among the four Bio-energy Centers in terms of investigator participation. The Centre also aims to develop a mutually beneficial relationship with the bio-energy industry in India. The main objective of this centre is to develop advanced technologies in the area of bio- fuels, paving the way for a sustainable solution to the energy crisis. Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/mbErel.aspx?relid=126623 http://www.thehindu.com/business/paniit-virtual-centre-for-bioenergy-launched/article7619722.ece http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/education/department-of-biotechnology-sets- up-dbt-pan-iit-centre-for-bioenergy/articleshow/48789750.cms
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India’s Multi Wavelength Space Observatory ASTROSAT successfully launched
Ques: Recently, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched India's first multi-wavelength space observatory 'ASTROSAT' from which of the following spacecraft? a. PSLV- C28 b. PSLV- C30 c. PSLV -C29 d. PSLV -C31 Ans: b Related facts: September 28, 2015 India's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C30) successfully launched ASTROSAT, the country's Multi Wavelength Space Observatory. The 320 tonne, 45 m tall PSLV-C30 carrying 7 satellites including the 1513 kg ASTROSAT. It includes 4 USA and 1-1 each of Indonesia and Canada satellites. About twenty two minutes after lift-off, ASTROSAT was successfully placed in orbit and separated from the fourth stage of PSLV-C30. Soon after its separation from PSLV-C30, the two solar arrays of ASTROSAT were automatically deployed and the Spacecraft Control Centre at the Mission Operations Complex of ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) at Bangalore took control of ASTROSAT. It is notable that this was the 30th successful flight of PSLV during 1994-2015. PSLV has launched a total of 84 satellites including the seven satellites successfully includes 51 foreign satellites. This scientific satellite mission endeavors for a more detailed understanding of our universe. ASTROSAT is designed to observe the universe in the Visible, Ultraviolet, low and high energy X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum simultaneously with the help of its five payloads. With its successful launch, India became the first country in the developing world to have its own telescope in space and joins a select club of US, European Union and Japan to have such a capability. China is still working on its first space telescope called the 'Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope'. Reference: http://www.isro.gov.in/update/28-sep-2015/pslv-successfully-launches-india%E2%80%99s-multi- wavelength-space-observatory-astrosat
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Sports
Tennis
Connecticut Open - 2015
Ques: Who won the Connecticut Open singles title 2015? a. Petra Kvitova b. Julia Goerges c. Lucie Safarova d. Liang Chen Ans: a
Related facts: WTA Connecticut Open was held in New Haven (USA) during 23 - 29 August, 2015. The results of the competition are: Women's Singles Winner- Petra Kvitova-(Czech Republic) Runner up -Lucie Safarova (Czech Republic) Women's Doubles Winner-Julia Goerges (Germany) and Lucie Hradecka (Czech Republic) Runner up- Chia-Jung Chuang (Chinese Taipei) and Liang Chen (China) This was Petra’s 17th WTA singles trophy. Reference: http://www.ctopen.org/ScheduleAndDraws/results/?intloc=headernavsub http://assets.usta.com/assets/664/15/MDS40.PDF http://assets.usta.com/assets/664/15/MDD30.PDF http://www.wtatennis.com/tournaments/tournamentId/535/title/connecticut-open http://www.wtatennis.com/news/article/4967209/title/kvitova-scores-a-first-in-new-haven http://petrakvitova.net/petra-savours-number-seventeen/
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US Open-2015
Ques: Who won the US Open 2015 men’s championship title? a. Roger Federer b. Andy Murray c. Novak Djokovic d. Stan Wawrinka Ans: c Related facts: The fourth and final Grand Slam tournament of the year, the US Open was held during August 31 to September 13, 2015 in New York City. Novak Djokovic of Serbia won the Men’s singles title by defeating Roger Federer of Switzerland with 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4. Women’e singles title won by Flavia Pennetta (Italy) by defeating Roberta Vinci from her own country with 7-6 (7-4), 6-2. Pierre-Huguhes Herbert and Nicolas Mahut of France won the men’s doubles title by defeating Jamie Murray and John Peers of Australia by 6-4, 6-4. Martina Hingis (Switzerland)/Sania Mirza (India) won the women’s doubles title by defeating Casey Dellacqua (Australia)/ Yaroslava Shvedova (Kazakhstan) by 6-3, 6-3. In the Mixed Doubles event, Leander Peas (India)/Martina Hingis (SUI) won the title by defeating Bethanie Mattek-Sands/Sam Querrey (both from USA) by 6-4, 3-6 (10-7). World No. 1 Novak Djokovic won his second US Open championship and his 10th career Grand Slam title. This is his third title in this calendar year 2015 after Australian Open and Wimbledon Championship. Flavia Pennetta became the oldest player to win women's singles Grand Slam title. Previous record was made by Francesca Schiavone who won the French Open women's singles title in 2010 at the age of 29. With this win Pennetta announces her retirement from the tennis career. Serena Williams had failed to match Steffi Graf record of all 4 Grand Slam win in a calendar year after gets defeated by Roberta Vinci. Sania Mirza in doubles won second title of the season after Wimbledon Championships (2015) while the fifth career Grand Slam title. Sania Mirza became the first Indian woman player to win US Open Grand Slam championship. Indian player Leander Peas won his 2nd US Open Mixed doubles (2008, 2015) title, 3rd title of the season and 18th Grand Slam title. It is notable that Leander Peas and Martina Hingis already won Wimbledon Championship and Australian Open title this year. Reference: http://www.usopen.org
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Guangzhou International Women’s Open 2015
Ques: Who won Guangzhou International Women’s Open 2015 singles title? a. Jelena Jankovic b. Simona Halep c. Sara Errani d. Danka Kovinic
Ans: a
Related facts:
WTA Guangzhou International Women’s Open was held during 21-26 September 2015 in
Guangzhou China.
Jelena Jankovic (Serbia) defeated WTA rising star Denisa Allertova (Czech Republic) to win
14th title of her career.
The Indo-Swiss pair of Sania Mirza and Martina Hingis defeated the unseeded Chinese pair
of Shilin Xu-Xiaodi You with 6-3, 6-1.
It is notable that this was their 6th titles together which include two Grand Slams at
Wimbledon and US Open.
Reference: http://www.wtatennis.com/news/article/5028442/title/jelena-jankovic-wins-guangzhou-title http://www.wtatennis.com/players/player/3932/title/jelena-jankovic http://www.wtatennis.com/SEWTATour-Archive/Archive/Draws/2015/1023.pdf http://www.bbc.com/hindi/sport/2015/09/150926_sania_hingis_japan_open_du
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Cricket
Sri Lanka tour of Indian Team-2015
Ques: Consider the following statements- 1. Indian team was in Sri Lanka tour during 12 August to 1 September, 2015 2. India won the test series by 3-0 3. R. Ashwin was the Man of the Series 4. Virat Kohli was the top scorer of the series Which of the following statement is/are correct? a. 1, 2 and 4 b. 1 and 3 c. 2, 3 and 4 d. Only 3 Ans: b Related facts: Indian team was in Sri Lanka tour during 12 August to 1 September, 2015. It was three test match series between the two countries. On August 28 - September 1, 2015, in the third and final match of the series, India beat Sri Lanka by 117 runs to won the series by 2-1 at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo. 12 - 15 August, in debut match of the series, Sri Lanka won by 63 runs at Galle International Stadium. While 20 - 24 August, 2015, in second match played at P. Sara Oval stadium India won by a huge margin of 278 runs. Important to know that the series win in Sri Lanka came after 22 years. Last win was on 1993 by 1-0 captained by Azharuddin. Virat Kohlali and Angelo Mathews were the captains from India and Sri Lanka respectively. This is the first test series win for Virat Kohali as captain. R.Ashwin was given the man of the series award for taking maximum 21 wickets in 6 innings and 3 matches. Angelo Mathews scored highest 339 run from Sri Lankan side and Virat Kohli scored highest run- 223 from Indian side. Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma on his 65th career’s final innings of the third test match took his 200th wicket by dismissing Mathews. He became 4th Indian player to reach 200 wicket club and 8th in overall. The first time in the history of Test cricket, Indian team won a series after losing the first match on foreign soil. Reference: http://www.bcci.tv/news/2015/press-releases/10890/bcci-congratulates-team-india-on-test-series-win http://www.bcci.tv/sri-lanka-v-india-2015/match/01 http://www.bcci.tv/sri-lanka-v-india-2015/match/02 http://www.bcci.tv/sri-lanka-v-india-2015/match/03
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Hockey
5th Women’s Indoor Asia Cup
Ques: Who won 5th Women’s Indoor Asia Cup-2015 title? a. Columbia b. Thailand c. Kazakhstan d. Hong Kong
Ans: c
Related facts:
5th edition of Women’s Indoor Asia Cup-2015 organized by Asian Hockey Federation held
during 12 – 16 August, 2015 in Thailand.
16 August, 2015, the tournament Gold medal won by Kazakhstan, however Silver and
Bronze went to Thailand and Uzbekistan respectively.
This is Kazakhstan's fourth consecutive gold medal of the competition.
Colombia, Hong Kong, Thailand, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have participated in this edition
of the competition.
Reference: http://www.fih.ch/news/kazakhstan-take-fourth-consecutive-womens-indoor-asia-cup-title http://www.asiahockey.org/mavista/cms/en/home/30378/10—16-Aug,-2015%3Cbr%3E5th- Women%E2%80%99s-Indoor-Asia-Cu http://www.asiahockey.org/mavista/cms/en/home/30656/Women’s-Indoor-Asia-Cup:-Kazakhstan-take- fourth-consecutive-indoor-title
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Football
UEFA Best Player in Europe Award
Ques: Who won the best player award for UEFA Best player in Europe- 2014-15? a. Lionel Messi b. Cristiano Ronaldo c. Luis Suarez d. Eden hazard Ans: a
Related facts: 27 August, 2015 Argentine football player Lionel Messi who is playing for Barcelona Football Club won the ‘UEFA Best Player in Europe Award 2014-15’. Lionel Messi got 49 votes from the jury panel against Luis Suarez and Cristiano Ronaldo, who got 3 and 2 votes respectively. Along with that he awarded for ‘European Best Player of the Year’ as well. It is known that he was nominated for the second time for last season (2014-15). He has been received the same award for the year 2011 as well. The 28-year-old player broke Telmo Zarra's record for Liga goals last term and ended the season with 58 in 57 competitions. The award, created in 2011 by UEFA, is aimed at reviving the ‘European Footballer of the Year Award’ (Ballon d'Or), which was merged with the ‘FIFA World Player of the Year Award’ in 2010 to become the ‘FIFA Ballon d'Or’. It also replaced the ‘UEFA Club Footballer of the Year’ award. Célia Šašid (Germany) was voted the winner of the UEFA Best Women's Player in Europe Award for 2014/15 ahead of Amandine Henry and Dzsenifer Marozsán. She recently retired in July, 2015. Celia Sasic got 11 votes out of 18 followed by Amandine Henry (France) - 4 votes and Dzsenifer Marozsán (Germany) - 3 votes. The UEFA Best Player in Europe Award for women category created in 2012-13. Reference: http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=2274915.html http://www.uefa.org/uefa-best-player-award/season=2015/index.html http://www.uefa.org/uefa-best-player-award/season=2015/winner/index.html http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=95803/profile/index.html http://www.uefa.org/uefa-best-women-player-award/season=2015/index.html http://www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/players/player=100048/profile/index.html
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Chess
World Under-16 Chess Olympiad 2015
Ques: Who won World under – 16 Chess Olympiad - 2015? a. China b. India c. Iran d. Singapore
Ans: c
Related facts:
World Youth U-16 Chess Olympiad -2015 was held on August 19 - 29, 2015, at Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia.
Iran topped the competition table while India and Russia received the second and third
place respectively.
In the 10th and final round of the competition top 3 recipient Iran, India and Russia scored
29.5, 29 and 27 points respectively.
The best player of the competition on the basis of points and percentages was M. Amin
Tabatabaei of Iran.
It is known that India has been the winner of this prestigious team competition- 2007
(Singapore), 2008 (Turkey) and 2013 (China).
Reference: http://wyco2015.mongolchess.mn/ http://chess-results.com/tnr184452.aspx?lan=1
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Badminton
Victor Korea Open 2015
Ques: Who won Victor Korea Open title in men singles category? a. Ajay Jayaram b. Nan Zhang c. Long Chen d. Yeon Seong Ans: c
Related facts: BWF World Super series class Victor Korea Open Badminton Tournament was held in between September 15 to 20, 2015 in central Seoul. The results are- Men singles- Winner- Long Chen (China) Runner - Ajay Jayaram (India) Women singles- Winner – Ji Hyun Sung (Korea) Runner – Yihan Wang (China) Men Doubles- Winner -Yong Dae Lee & Yeon Seong Yoo (Korea) Runner- Gi Jung Kim & Sa Rang Kim (Korea) Women doubles- Winner- Nitya Krishinda Maheswari & Greysia Poli (Indonesia) Runner – Ye Na Chang & So Hee Lee (Korea) Mixed doubles- Winner - Nan Zhang & Yunlei Zhao (China) Tontowi Ahmad & Liliyana Natsir (Indonesia) It is notable that Ajay Jayaram became the first Indian ever to win Silver medal in Victor Korea open championship.
Reference: http://www.bwfbadminton.org/tournamentcalendar_event.aspx?id=22213 http://bwf.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/winners.aspx?id=037C469F-DB5D-401E-938B- 2EFF831C4B21
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Golf
BMW Championship 2015
Ques: Who won BMW Championship 2015 title? a. Daniel Berger b. Bubba Watson c. Scott Piercy d. Jason Day
Ans: d
Related facts:
BMW Championship 2015 concluded during 17 to 20 September, 2015 in Lake Forest,
Illinois (USA).
Australian golfer Jason Day won the championship title.
Daniel Berger (USA) and Scott Piercy (USA) received second and third place respectively.
This is Daniel Berger’s 2nd FedEx play of series, 5th of 2015 season, and 7th career Golf
championship title.
Reference: http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/bmw-championship.html http://www.pgatour.com/monday-finish/2015/09/21/monday-finish–day-leaves-more-answers-than- questions-at-bmw.html
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Singha Thailand Amateur open - 2015
Ques: Who won the Singha Thailand Amateur Open Golf championship women’s title 2015? a. Aditi Ashok b. Chakansim Khamborn c. Gennai Goodwin d. Seher Atwal
Ans: a
Related facts:
81st Singha Thailand Amateur Open Golf championship was held in Bangkok during 8-11
September, 2015.
Indian amateur golf player Aditi Ashok won the women’s title.
This is her third international title.
Aditi becomes the first Indian player to win women’s British Amateur Strokes Play
Championship.
It is notable that Aditi Ashok is the current leader of Indian Golf Union ladies order of merit.
Blake Proverbs of Australia won the men’s title of the championship.
Reference: http://golfingindian.com/aditi-ashok-wins-thailand-amateur-championship/ http://www.aditiashok.com/ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/golf/top-stories/Aditi-Ashok-claims-Singha-Thailand- Amateur-title/articleshow/48914251.cms
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Wyndham Championship
Que: Who won Wyndham Championship 2015 title? a. Patrick Rodgers b. Webb Simpson c. Davis Love III d. Arjun Atwal
Ans: c
Related facts:
66th version of regular PGA Tour Wyndham Championship was held in Central North
Carolina (USA) during 20 – 23 August, 2015.
American golfer Davis Love III won the competition for the third time (1992, 2006 and
2015).
Tournament winner was awarded prize money of USD$ 9 lac, 72 thousand.
It is notable that, the ‘Greater Greensboro Open Championship’ was the renamed to
Wyndham Championship in the year 2007.
Reference: http://www.wyndhamchampionship.com/davis-love-iii-wins-2015-wyndham-championship/ http://www.pgatour.com/daily-wrapup/2015/08/23/wyndham-championship-round-four.html http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/wyndham-championship.html
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The Barclays - 2015
Ques: Who won The Barclays – 2015 title? a. Jason Day b. Bubba Watson c. Heinrich Stern d. Jack Blair
Ans: a
Related facts:
The Barclays golf tournament was held during
27 to 30 August, 2015 at New Jersey, USA.
Jason Day of Australia has won the title of the competition.
It is notable that it’s his 1st Barclays Cup title, 4th of this season and 6th in total.
While in the competition Henrik Stenson (Sweden) and Bubba Watson (US) received second
and third place respectively.
It is known that the tournament prize is $1,800,000 million to the champion.
Reference: http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/the-barclays.html http://thebarclays.barclaysgolf.com/news-and-media/2015-all-access-area/jason-day-wins-his-first- fedexcup-tournament.html http://www.pgatour.com/news/2015/08/30/jason-day-the-barclays.html http://www.home.barclays/news/2015/08/barclays-golf-winner-2015.html
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Formula One
Singapore Grand Prix
Ques: Who won Singapore Grand Prix-2015 title? a. Lewis Hamilton b. Sebastian Vettel c. Nico Hulkenberg d. Fernando Alonso
Ans: b
Related facts:
September 20, 2015 13th Singapore Grand Prix
Formula-1 race of 2015 session was held in Singapore.
Ferrari team driver Sebastian Vettel (Germany) was the first, Red Bull Racing team
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari team-Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) got the second
and third place respectively.
Force India driver Sergio Perez (Mexico), was at 7th position.
Daniel Ricciardo of Redbull’s team completed the fastest lap of the tournament in 1 minute
50.041 seconds.
Reference: http://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/results/2015-race-results/2015- singapore-results/race.html http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/formula1/34308250 http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/sep/20/f1-sebastian-vettel-singapore-intruder-walks-on-to- track-lewis-hamilton
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Italian Grand Prix 2015
Ques: Who won Italian Grand Prix – 2015 title? a. Felipe Massa b. Nico Hulkenberg c. Lewis Hamilton d. Daniel Ricciardo
Ans: c
Related facts:
Twelfth session of 2015 Formula 1 race, the
Italian Grand Prix was held on September 6,
2015 in Italy.
The British driver Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes team took 1 hour, 18 minutes, 0.688 seconds
to win the race meet.
While the Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel (Germany) and Philip Williams driver Massa
(Brazil), finished second and third place respectively.
Force India driver Sergio Perez (Mexico) came 6th with 8 points.
This is Lewis Hamilton’s 3rd Italian Grand Prix title, 7th of 2015 seasons, and 40th career
Grand Prix title.
Notably, Lewis Hamilton completed fastest lap of the race as well with 1 minute, 26. 672
seconds.
Reference: http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/formula1/34168014 https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/races/2015/Italy.html https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/latest/features/2015/9/winners-and-losers— italy.html
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Belgian Grand Prix - 2015
Ques: Who won the Belgian Grand Prix -2015 title? a. Lewis Hamilton b. Nico Rosberg c. Sebastian Vettel d. Romain Grosjean Ans: a Related facts: August 23, 2015, the eleventh session of the 2015 Formula 1 race, the Belgian Grand Prix, took place in Belgium. Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton wins the race with 1 hour, 23 minutes, 40.387 seconds. While Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg (Germany) and the Lotus team driver Romain Grasgin (France) took the second and third place respectively. Notably, the Force India team driver Sergio Perez (Mexico) received 5th place with 10 points. This is Lewis Hamilton’s 2nd Belgian Grand Prix title, 6th of 2015 season, and 39th career Grand Prix title. The Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg completed fastest lap of the race by 1 minute, 52. 416 seconds. Reference: https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/results/2015-race-results/2015- belgium-results/race.html https://www.formula1.com/content/fom-website/en/championship/races/2015/Belgium.html http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/formula1/34034314 http://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2015/aug/23/f1-belgian-grand-prix-live-2015
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Athletics
Beijing International Marathon 2015
Ques: Who won Beijing International Marathon men's title in 2015? a. Berhanu Tolcha b. Mariko Kipchumba c. Wirimal Juwawo d. Bekna Tolesa
Ans: b
Related facts:
35th International Marathon 2015 (Hyundai
Beijing Marathon) was held in China on
September 20, 2015.
Kenyan runner Mariko Kipchumba completed the race in 2:11:00 to win the men’s title.
He is the first non-Ethiopian athlete to win the event since 2011.
Berhanu Tolcha from Ethiopia came in second place in 2:11:37, followed by Wirimai Juwawo
of Zimbabwe, who finished the 42.195-kilometer course in 2:14:25.
However In women's competition, Ethiopian runner Betelhem Cherenet bagged home the
title in 2:27:31.
The best record for men's competition is 2:07:16, created by Ethiopian Tadese Tola
Woldegeberel in 2013.
Reference: http://www.iaaf.org/news/report/beijing-marathon-2015-kipchumba-moges http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-09/20/c_134641706.htm http://www.watchathletics.com/article/9255/41-year-old-kipchumba-wins-beijing-marathon-in-2-11- 00-despite-high-levels-of-air-pollution
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15th World Athletics Championships -2015
Ques: Where was the 5th World Athletics Championships 2015 held? a. Moscow, Russia b. Beijing, China c. London, England d. Berlin, Germany Ans: b Related facts: 15th World Athletics Championship event organized by IAAF-International Association of Athletics federations held in Beijing, China during 22-30 August, 2015. In 47 games, 1933 athletes out of 206 countries were participated for the competition. Jamaica's Usain Bolt won 3 gold medals and in the world championships held so far he won total of 11 gold and 2 silver medals, thus remains the best athletes in the history of the world championships. Ghirmay Ghebreslassie of Eritrea in men's track marathon took 2 hour, 12 Minutes, 28 Seconds to complete the race and won the gold medal. While Yemane Tsegay (Ethiopia) and Munyo Solomon Mutai (Uganda) won the silver and bronze medals respectively. However in women’s track Marathon, Mare Dibaba of Ethiopia took 2 hour, 27 Minutes, 35 Seconds to complete the race and won the gold medal. While Helah Kiprop (Kenya) and Eunice Jepkirui Kirwa (Bahrain) won the silver and bronze medals respectively. Important to know that Mare Dibaba is the first Ethiopian women to win gold medal in Marathon event. Usain Bolt of Jamaica won gold medal in 100 m, 200 m and 4*100 m relay event. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica won gold medal 3rd time (2009, 2013 and 2015) in the 100 m event in the World Athletic Championship. Also, along with Veronica Campbell-Brown, Natasha Morrison and Elaine Thompson, she claimed a second successive gold in the women's 4x100m relay final.
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Britain's Mohammed Farah won gold in men's 5000 m and 10,000 m track racing competition. However, in women's 5,000m and 10,000m race track Almaj Ayana (Ethiopia) and Vivian Jepkemoi Cheruiyot (Kenya) won gold medal respectively. The top five medal recipient countries are following-
S. No Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 Kenya 7 6 3 16
2 Jamaica 7 2 3 12
3 USA 6 6 6 18
4 Britain 4 1 2 7
5 Ethiopia 3 3 2 8
The country's 18-member athlete’s team in the championship couldn’t receive a single medal. Host country China with 1 gold, 7 silver, and 1 bronze medal secured 11th position in the medal table. The 16th edition of the championships is proposed in London in 2017. In the men's field Decathlon events, Ashton Eaton of USA won gold medal with the world record while silver and bronze medals in this event went to Damian Warner (Canada) and Rico Freimuth (Germany) respectively. In women's 200m track racing event Netherlands Dafne Schippers win the gold medal with European championship record (21.63 seconds) and record of the event. However, silver and bronze medals went to Elaine Thompson (Jamaica) and Veronica Campbell- Brown (Jamaica) respectively. Reference: http://www.iaafbeijing2015.com/special/iaaf_medaltable_en/ http://www.iaafbeijing2015.com/special/iaaf_medaltable_en/ http://www.iaafbeijing2015.com/special/iaaf_sch_en/ http://edition.cnn.com/2015/08/29/sport/world-athletics-championships-bolt-4×100-meters/ http://www.iaaf.org/athletes/jamaica/usain-bolt-184599#biography
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Sports Misc
Euro Basket 2015
Ques: Who won Euro Basket 2015? a. Croatia b. Israel c. France d. Spain
Ans: d
Related facts:
5-20 September, 2015 39th Euro Basket 2015 championship organized by FIBA Europe in
four different countries (Croatia, France, Germany, and Latvia).
Spain won their third title by defeating Lithuania 80–63 in the final.
France won the bronze medal of tournament.
Foremost performing player Pau Gasol has chosen as a most valuable player of the
tournament.
Top two countries of the tournament Spain and Lithuania have qualified for Summer
Olympic -2016.
Reference: http://www.eurobasket2015.org/en/default.asp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EuroBasket_2015
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Commonwealth Youth Games 2015
Ques: Where were Commonwealth Youth Games 2015 organized? a. Pune, India b. Glasgow, Scotland c. Beijing, China d. Apia, Samoa Ans: d
Related facts: The 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games were held in Apia, the capital of Samoa during 5-11 September, 2015. 930 athletes aged 14-18 years were participated in 107 competitions in 9 games for 7 consecutive days. Australia topped in the Competition with 24 gold, 19 silver, and 19 bronze medals total of 62 medals. The top five countries in the medal table are as follows: Sr.No. Country Gold Silver Bronze Total 1 Australia 24 19 19 62 2 South Africa 13 7 15 35 3 England 12 16 16 44 4 Malaysia 11 3 3 17 5 India 9 4 6 19 India's 9 gold medal winners in the competition are as follows: 1. Tejaswin Shankar- high jump (men) - 2.14 m 2. Mohd Hadeesh - javelin throw (men) -79.29 m 3. Prachy Singh -Archery - (women's recurve bow-personal) 4. Sasikumar Mukund -tennis (men's singles) 5. Dhruthi Tatachar Venugopal -tennis (women's singles) 6. Sasikumar Mukund & Dhruthi Tatachar Venugopal -tennis (mixed doubles) 7. Jamjang Deru- (56 kg weight class, male) - 237 kg 8. Deepak Lather -lifting (62 kg weight class, male) -258 kg 9. Prachy Singh and Thomas Pantelides -Archery (mixed doubles) This competition covered 9 games; Swimming, Archery, Athletics, Rugby sevens, Boxing, Lawn Bowls, Squash, Tennis, and Weightlifting. Reference: http://www.thecgf.com/cyg/Samoa-CYG2015-Results.pdf http://www.samoacyg2015.ws/?p=1266
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ISSF World cup final Rifle/Pistol - 2015
Ques: Which country won the maximum medal in ISSF World Cup Final Rifle/Pistol – 2015? a. USA b. India c. China d. Germany Ans: c Related facts: The World Cup finals rifle / pistol -2015 organized by International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), was held in Munich, Germany during 1 to 7 September 2015. The previous four phases of ISSF World Cup 2015 was held in Changwan (Korea), Fort Benning (USA), Munich (Germany) and Gabala (Azerbaijan) respectively. The top five medal-winning countries are-
S.No Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
1 China 3 1 2 6
2 USA 2 – – 2
3 Russia 1 2 2 5
4 Germany 1 1 – 2
5 Serbia 1 – 2 3
India with 1 silver reaches 8th position. India's only silver medal won by Apurvi Chandela in women's 10 meter air rifle event, while Elaheh Ahmadi (Iran) and Andrea Arsovic (Serbia) won the gold and bronze medals respectively. It is notable that each year only the top performers in the ISSF World Cup involved in its four levels of ISSF final event. Reference: http://www.issf-sports.org/competitions.ashx http://www.issf- sports.org/media/calendar/2015/1697/completeresult/WCF%20RP%20GER%202015%20Results%20Boo k.pd http://www.thenrai.in/news_events_details.aspx
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‘Yoga’ recognized as a Sports Discipline
Ques: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports recognizes ‘Yoga’ in which category of sports? a. General b. Priority c. Other d. None of the above Ans: b Related facts: The Sports Ministry on 1 September, 2015 recognized yoga as a sports discipline and placed it in the ‘priority’ category alongside disciplines like football, swimming, squash and chess, among others. These sports will also receive financial assistance to conduct national championships and one international tournament in India per year. Notable that, as per the UN General Assembly resolution A/RES/69/131 on December 11, 2015, the First International Yoga Day was celebrated on 21 June, 2015. It has now been decided by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports that sports disciplines included in the multidiscipline mega events like Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games etc and which have obtained a ranking up to 8th in individual events and up to 10th in team events in Olympics/Asian Games/CWG or their respective Asian and World Championships shall be placed in ‘General’ category. Financial assistance for this category will be as under:- i. National Championships are to be funded. ii. One international event in India in a year can be funded. iii. Maximum of one foreign exposure each in Senior & Junior categories can also be funded during a year. Based on the past performance in major international events, it has been decided to upgrade the sport of Fencing from ‘Others’ to ‘General’ category. It has also been decided to place ‘University Sports’ in the ‘Priority’ category. Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126519
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FIFA World Ranking-2015
Ques: Who received the first place in the FIFA world rankings released recently? a. Argentina b. India c. Belgium d. Brazil Ans: a Related facts: World football controller body FIFA (Federation International de Football Association) on 3rd September, 2015 released men FIFA world football rankings. In the rankings with 1442 points Argentina topped, while the second and third place was shared by Belgium and Germany respectively. 1 Argentina 1442 2 Belgium 1269 3 Germany 1248 4 Colombia 1224 5 Brazil 1209 6 Portugal 1186 7 Romania 1176 8 England 1149 9 Wales 1146 10 Chile 1143 The Indian football team at 155th in the latest FIFA rankings which was 156th last year. July 10, 2015 FIFA issued Women's World Rankings, with the US was ranked the top with 2189 points, while Germany (2115 points) and France (2081 points) received the second and third place respectively. FIFA Women's World Rankings, India was ranked 56th with 1425 points as compared to 55th place last year. Reference: http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/news/y=2015/m=9/news=chile-climb-eighth-austria-achieve- personal-best-2675057.html http://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/
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22th Commonwealth Games in Durban
Ques: Which country is given to host 22th Commonwealth Games-2022? a. Auckland, New Zealand b. London, England c. Durban, South Africa d. Beijing China Ans: c Related facts: The Commonwealth Games of 2022 will be coming to the City of Durban after a unanimous vote by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) in Auckland, New Zealand on 2 September, 2015. It was announced by the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) in a General Assembly at Auckland (New Zealand). The decision makes it the first African city to ever stage the sporting spectacular. The opening ceremony will be on 18 July which is the birthday of the a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate– Nelson Mandela. It is notable that Canadian city Edmonton, which itself was taken back its name as host due to financial reasons, in February 2015, went in favor of the candidature of Durban. Known by the name of 'Friendly Games', the Commonwealth Games, held every four years globally. It is known that the 21th Commonwealth Games will held in April 2018 in Gold Coast, Queensland (Australia). 4500 athletes from 71 countries will participate in the 22th Commonwealth Games. Louise Martin CBE was elected to the post of President, the first female leader of the Commonwealth Games Federation. She took over from Malaysia Prince Tunku Imran. Reference: http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=f10a798540c235ff87d5c474b&id=2b9d38f70b http://www.durban-2022.com/ http://durban-2022.com/media/media-statement-cgf-awards-2022-games-to-durban/
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Archery World Cup - 2015
Ques: Archery World Cup- 2015 Stage was 3 held at- a. Shanghai b. Wroclaw c. Mexico City d. Atlanta
Ans: b
Related facts:
10th Archery World Cup 2015, 3rd stage was held at Wroclaw (Poland) on August, 2015. In the compound men's individual section Abhishek Verma from India won Gold medal, however Esmaeil Ebadi (Iran) and Steve Anderson (USA) won Silver and Bronze medal respectively. In the compound men’s team section Denmark, USA and Italy won Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively. Jean-Charles Valladont from France won Gold medal in Recurve men’s section. USA won Gold in Recurve men’s team section. In the compound women’s individual section, Russian player Natalia Avdeeva won Gold medal. Mackenzie Brown (USA) won Recurve women’s individual Gold. However Recurve women’s team section Gold/Silver/Bronze medal went to USA/Georgia/China. In the Compound Mixed team section, Gold, Silver and Bronze medal went to Denmark, Iran and USA respectively. In the Recurve Mixed team section, Gold, Silver and Bronze medal went to Mexico, India and Belarus respectively. In the Recurve Mixed team section, Deepika Kumari and Mangal Singh Champia won Silver medal.
Reference: http://worldarchery.org/fr/competition/14225/wroclaw-2015-archery-world-cup-stage-3 http://awc-wroclaw2015.pl/?lang=en http://ianseo.net/TourData/2015/817/BOOK.pdf http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/Abhishek-Verma-earns-India-gold-in- Archery-World-Cup/articleshow/48496657.cms http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/August/18/US-Womens-Archery-Team-Wins-First-Ever-World- Cup-Gold-On-Road-To-Rio
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Personalities
Stuti Narain Kacker
Ques: Recently, who is appointed as a chief of ‘National Commission for Protection of Child
Rights’ (NCPCR)? a. Kaushal Singh b. Stuti Narain Kacker c. Neera Yadav d. Devesh Chaturvedi
Ans: b
Related facts:
September 23, 2015 Stuti Narain Kacker was appointed the Head of the ‘National
Commission for Protection of Child Rights’ (NCPCR) by Women and Child Development
Ministry.
Stuti Narain Kacker, a 1978 batch IAS officer, was retired as Secretary from Disability Affairs,
in the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Kaushal Singh was the earlier head retired in October, 2014.
Reference: http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-09-23/news/66822767_1_child-rights-child- development-ministry-central-adoption-resource-authority
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Aqeela Asifi
Ques: Aqeela Asifi has been awarded the 2015 UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award. She is a refugee of- a. Afghanistan b. Syria c. Palestine d. Sri Lanka Ans: a
Related facts:
September 15, 2015 the UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award was announced to be given to Aqeela Asifi. It is notable that she is an Afghan refugee. Aqeela Asifi, 49, is being recognized for her brave and tireless dedication to education for Afghan refugee girls in the Kot Chandana refugee village in Mianwali, Pakistan – while herself overcoming the struggles of life in exile. Asifi is a former teacher who fled from Kabul with her family in 1992, finding safety in the remote refugee settlement of Kot Chandana. UNHCR's Nansen Refugee Award honors extraordinary service to the forcibly displaced. The award includes a commemorative medal and a US$100,000 monetary prize. It is notable that the Colombian women's organization "Butterflies" were given the Nansen Refugee Award 2014. The awardees were three members of Butterflies, Mery Medina, Gloria Amparo and Maritza Asprilla Cruz. Asifi will receive the award at a ceremony in Geneva on October 5, hosted by UNHCR, the Norwegian Refugee Council, Swiss and Norwegian authorities. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCR safeguards the rights and well-being of refugees and stateless people.
Reference: http://www.unhcr.org/55f2924f6.html http://www.nrc.no/?did=9205018#.VgPIgdKqqko http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-34256031 http://www.voanews.com/content/afghan-refugee-named-un-award-winner-for-girls- school/2964248.html http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/sep/21/refugees-education-aqeela-asifi-pakistan- afghan?CMP=twt_gu
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Seema Malhotra
Ques: Recently who appointed as Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury in Great Britain? a. Jeremy Corbyn b. Seema Malhotra c. Black Mhairi d. None of the above
Ans: b
Related facts:
September 13, 2015 Indian-origin British MP Seema
Malhotra has been appointed as the Shadow Chief
Secretary for Treasury.
In August 2014, she was given the newly-created role of shadow minister for preventing
violence against women and girls.
It is notable that Seema Malhotra is founder and the President of Fabian Women’s.
Along with her one more Indian origin woman, Lisa Nandy has been appointed as Shadow
Secretary for Energy and Climate Change.
Reference: http://www.seemamalhotra.com/seema-malhotra-mp-comment-on-her-promotion-to-shadow-chief- secretary-to-the-treasury/
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V Gurudatta Prasad
Ques: Recently who assume the role of the director of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL)? a. M. V. Kamath b. S. Sundarajan c. V. Gurudatta Prasad d. R. Madhavan
Ans: c
Related facts:
September 12, 2015 Shri V Gurudatta Prasad has assumed charge as Director (Production)
of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL).
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) is one of India's manufacturers of ammunitions and missile
systems.
It was founded in 1970 in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh.
Reference: http://bdl.ap.nic.in/BDLPressRelease.pdf http://www.uniindia.com/gurudatta-prasad-assumes-charge-as-bdl-director/other/news/198273.html
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Jagmohan Dalmiya
Ques: Recently, the BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya passed away. On which year he became ICC president? a. 1998 b. 1997 c. 2011 d. 1999
Ans: b
Related facts:
September 20, 2015 Board of Control for Cricket
in India (BCCI) president Jagmohan Dalmiya passed away in Kolkata. He was 75.
He was elected as ICC president on 1997.
He became BCCI president on 2001 for the first time.
In June 2013, he was appointed as the interim president of the BCCI after N. Srinivasan and
returned as BCCI president again on 2015.
Reference: http://www.bcci.tv/news/2015/news/10962/jagmohan-dalmiya-a-visionary-a-leader http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/player/28609.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jagmohan_Dalmiya http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/bcci-president-jagmohan-dalmiya-passes- away/article7671199.ece
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Malcolm Turnbull
Ques: Recently, Malcolm Turnbull sworn in as Australia's new prime minister. The former prime minister is- a. Edmund Barton b. Alfred Deakin c. Chris Watson d. Tony Abbott Ans: d Related facts: September 15, 2015 Malcolm Turnbull sworn in as Australia's new Prime Minister. Mr. Turnbull took the oath of allegiance of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II by Governor-General Peter Cosgrove in a ceremony held in Canberra. He replaced Tony Abbott who was ousted during a surprise ballot of his colleagues on 14th September. He is 29th Prime Minister of Australia and 4th since 2013. In the hastily-arranged late night party leadership ballot, 57-year-old Abbott received 44 votes against Mr. Turnbull’s 54. For the past two years (2013-2015), Turnbull has served as Australia’s Minister of Communications. Reference: http://www.malcolmturnbull.com.au/ http://time.com/4034305/australia-prime-minister-turnbull-election/ http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/16/world/asia/malcolm-turnbull-takes-helm-as-australian-prime- minister.html?_r=0 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malcolm_Turnbull http://www.thehindu.com/news/international/malcolm-turnbull-sworn-in-as-australias- pm/article7654840.ece
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Hormusji N. Cama
Ques: Who recently has been elected as new president of Indian news agency Press Trust of
India (PTI)? a. Vineet Jain b. Hormusji N. Cama c. Riyad Mathew d. Vijay Kumar Chopra
Ans: b
Related facts:
September 14, 2015 Hormusji N Cama, Director of Bombay Samachar, unanimously elected
Chairman of the Press Trust of India (PTI).
Riyad Mathew, Director of Malayala Manorama, elected as Vice Chairman od PTI.
Mr. Cama, succeeds Mahendra Mohan Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of the
Jagran Prakashan.
The election took place at a meeting of the Board of Directors following the Company’s 67th
Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Delhi.
Mr. Cama has served two terms as president of the Indian Newspaper Society (INS) and is
currently the Chairman of the Readership Studies Council of India apart from being on the
Board of Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) and Council for Fair Business Practices.
Reference: http://www.ptinews.com/aboutpti/aboutus.aspx http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/new-board-of-directors-for-press-trust-of-india- pti/article7651495.ece
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Kalamandalam Satyabhama
Ques: Recently, the famous dancer Kalamandalam Satyabhama passed away. She was related to which mode of dance? a. Katthakali b. Mohiniyattam c. Bharatanatyam d. None of the above
Ans: b
Related facts:
September 13, 2015 renowned Mohiniyattam dancer Kalamandalam Satyabhama passed
away on Sunday. She was 74.
Satyabhama is known for reforming Mohiniyattam.
A former principal of Kalamandalam, she was accorded Padma Shri in 2014.
She was also the first recipient of Kerala government's Nritha Natya Puraskaram.
Reference: http://english.manoramaonline.com/news/just-in/renowned-dancer-kalamandalam-satyabhama- dies.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalamandalam_Satyabhama
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Ramaswamy R Iyer
Ques: Ramaswamy R Iyer who died recently is known for- a. Well known water policy expert b. Well known classical dancer c. Well known politician d. Well known nuclear scientist Ans: a Related facts: September 9, 2015 renowned water policy expert Ramaswamy R. Iyer passed away in New Delhi following a severe bout of viral fever. Born in October 1929, in Thakkalai, Tamil Nadu, Mr. Iyer was known for producing a rich body of commentary on water policy and environmental issues. His erudite opinion pieces in the pages of The Hindu were widely read and appreciated by regular readers. His last held position was that of an honorary research professor at the Centre for Policy Research. Mr. Iyer served as Secretary of Water Resources in the central government and was instrumental in drafting India’s first National Water Policy in 1987. Reference: http://www.cprindia.org/people/ramaswamy-r-iyer http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/water-policy-expert-ramaswamy-iyer-no- more/article7638113.ece http://thewire.in/2015/09/11/watering-the-arid-fields-of-administration-with-intellectual-rigour-and- honesty-10508/
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John P. Connell
Ques: John p. Konel who recently passed away, was concerned with which of the following areas? a. Sports b. Science & Technology c. Film industry/Actor d. Politics
Ans: c
Related facts:
September 10, 2015 the 91-year-old famous American actor and playwright John P. Konel
died.
He had served on the Screen Actors Guild’s national board of directors for 13 years.
Mr. Connell was a radio operator and waist gunner with the Army Air Forces during World
War II, receiving five battle stars and a Purple Heart.
After the war, he turned to acting. He was seen on Broadway, in films including “Fail-Safe”
and “Three Days of the Condor” and on TV, notably in soap operas.
In addition to appearing on “The Edge of Night,” “Love of Life,” “The Secret Storm” and
“Dark Shadows,” he played Dr. David Malone, the son of Dr. Jerry Malone (William Prince),
on “Young Dr. Malone” from 1958 to 1963.
He also did voice-overs in radio and television commercials for American Airlines, Ford,
McDonald’s and other companies.
Reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/12/arts/television/john-p-connell-actor-in-soap-operas-dies-at- 91.html?_r=1
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Balkrishna Wasnik
Ques: Former MP Sri Balkrishna Wasnik recently passed away belonged to which political party? a. BSP b. BJP c. Congress d. SP
Ans: c
Related facts:
11 September, 2015 veteran Congress leader and a three-term Member of Parliament
Balkrishna Wasnik died after cardiac failure. He was 86.
The late Balkrishna Wasnik had represented two constituencies of Vidarbha in
Parliament namely Bhandara and Buldhana.
At the young age of 28, he was first elected in 1957 from Bhandara and was later
elected from the same constituency again in 1962.
Later, in 1980 he shifted to Buldhana in the Western region.
All his life Wasnik fought for the poor and oppressed sections of the society. He was at
the forefront in agitations to secure reservations for Dalits.
A staunch supporter of separate Vidarbha, he led the movement in 1967 as president of
Mahavidarbha Rajya Sangharsh Samiti.
Reference: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/nagpur/Former-MP-Balkrishna-Wasnik-passes- away/articleshow/48905967.cms http://www.mid-day.com/articles/former-member-of-parliament-balkrishna-wasnik-dies/16526172
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Ramesh Chand
Ques: The Prime Minister has approved the appointment of which member as one of the full- time members in the NITI Aayog? a. Rajiv Meharshi b. Ramesh Chand c. Dr. Girish Sahani d. Neerja Mathur
Ans: b
Related facts:
08 September, 2015 The Prime Minister has approved the appointment of agriculture
expert Prof Ramesh Chand as one of the full-time members in the NITI Aayog.
He has been a member of a task force on agriculture development under NITI Aayog which
is formulating strategies to give a boost to the agriculture sector.
Shri Ramesh Chand has also headed a government panel on Minimum Support Price and
has been working as Director of National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy
Research (NIAP) in New Delhi since 2010.
The National Institute of Transforming India, NITI Aayog under the Chairmanship of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi has been set up in place of place of Planning Commission.
It has noted economist Aravind Panagariya as its Vice Chairman while economist Bibek
Debroy and former DRDO Chief VKSaraswat along with agriculture expert Ramesh Chand
now as full time members.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126714
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MM Kalburgi
Ques: Recently, MM Kalburgi shot dead by two unidentified man. He belongs to which field? a. Art b. Literature c. Medical d. Social Activist
Ans: b
Related facts:
August 30, 2015 renowned Kannada writer MM
Kalburgi was shot dead by two unidentified men in Dharward, Karnataka. He was 77.
He was a veteran Kannada scholar, and the Vice Chancellor of Humpi from Kannada
University.
He was awarded the National Sahitya Akademi award in 2006 for Marga 4, a collection
of his research articles.
Reference: http://time.com/4016747/mm-kalburgi-india-murder-rationalist-idol-worship-hindu-nationalism/ http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-09-06/news/66268266_1_govind-pansare- narendra-dabholkar-prabir-ghosh https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M._M._Kalburgi
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Kidangoor Rama Chakyar passed away
Ques: Kidangoor Rama Chakyar was related to which field? a. Politics b. Theatre c. Film Industry d. Social Activities
Ans: b
Related facts:
2 September, 2015, Guru Kidangoor Rama; dancer and theatrics passed away. He was
88.
Born in 1927 in Kottayam, Kerala, Shri Kidangoor Rama Chakyar was trained in
Kutiyattam under his father.
Shri Rama Chakyarwas particularly well known for his performances of
ManthrankamKoothu in the Annamanada temple; he performed in the temple for more
than six decades.
For his outstanding work as a teacher and performer, Shri Rama Chakyar was honored
by Kerala Kalamandalam, the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi and the Sangeet Natak
Akademi Award (2004).
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126629
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Aadesh Shrivastava passed away
Ques: Aadesh Shrivastava was a- a. Music composer b. Politician c. Film Producer c. Social Activist
Ans: a
Related facts:
05 September, 2015, renowned music composer
Aadesh Shrivastava who was battling cancer passed away. He was 51.
Aadesh had been in Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Andheri for over 40 days for
cancer treatment.
Aadesh has composed music for films like “Chalte Chalte”, “Baabul”, “Baghban”, “Kabhi
Khushi Kabhi Gham”, “Rajneeti” and others.
He delivered chart busters like “Kya Ada Kya Jalwe Tere Paro”, “Haathon Mein Aa Gaya Jo
Kal”, “Sona Sona”, “Shava Shava”, “Gustakhiyaan”, “Gur Nalon Ishq Mitha”, “Mora Piya”
among others.
He received The Best Background Score by National Film Academy for the film Refugee on
2001.
Reference: http://www.ptinews.com/news/6463545_Film–music-fraternity-pay-tribute-to-Aadesh-Shrivastava- http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/composer-aadesh-shrivastava-dies-of- cancer/article7618613.ece http://iifa.com/iifa-years/iifa-years-2001/ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0795411/
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Former Goa chief minister Dr Wilfred de Souza passed away
Ques: Dr. Wilfred de Souza, recently passed away, was the Chief Minister of which state? a. Kerala b. Tamilnadu c. Andhra Pradesh d. Goa
Ans: d
Related facts:
04 September, 2015 former Goa Chief Minister
Wilfred De Souza, who held the post three times,
passed away after suffering a heart attack. He was 88.
He was Chief Minister from May 18, 1993 to April 2, 1994, second time from April 8, 1994 to
November 23, 1998 and third time from July 29, 1998 to February 8, 1999.
He was double Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons at UK. He also received the Dr B C Roy
award for best medical man-cum-statesman from former President K R Narayanan in 1996.
Reference: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Goas-only-surgeon-cum-CM-Dr-Wilfred-de-Souza-passes- away/articleshow/48798863.cms? http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/former-goa-chief-minister-wilfred-de- souza-passes-away-at-88/articleshow/48799916.cms
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Sudhakar Shetty
Ques: Who was elected as the president of the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) recently? a. Riyaz Bhati b. Makarand Joshi c. Shanti Kumar Singh d. Sudhakar Shetty Ans: d Related facts: On 12 August, 2015, Sudhakar Shetty of Maharashtra was elected as the president of the Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI). He took over the charge from Jaspal Singh Kandhari for 4 years. The elections were held with Justice P K Bhasin (Retired Judge of Delhi High Court) acting as the Returning Officer in the presence of H S Bhadu, IOA Observer and R K Saxena, Government Observer. Elected office-bearers: Sudhakar Shetty as president Shantikumar Singh as general secretary Gian Singh as treasurer, Riyaz Bhati as vice president Ranjeet Vasava and Anil Mishra as joint secretaries Makarand Joshi as executive member Reference: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/sudhakar-shetty-elected-gfi-president- 115081201895_1.html http://zeenews.india.com/sports/others/sudhakar-shetty-elected-gymnastics-federation-of-india- president_1646120.html http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/more-sports/others/Sudhakar-Shetty-elected-Gymnastics- Federation-of-India-president/articleshow/48458333.cms
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Places
Hangzhou (China)
Ques: Recently which country was chosen to host 19th Asian Games -2022? a. Beijing b. Guangzhou c. Hangzhou d. Jakarta
Ans: c
Related facts:
September 16, 2015 the eastern Chinese city of
Hangzhou was chosen by the Olympic Council
of Asia (OCA) to host the 2022 Asian Games.
The OCA made the decision at its 34th Congress at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
It is notable that the South Korean city of Incheon hosted the last Asian Games in 2014,
while Indonesia's Jakarta will play host in 2018.
Reference: http://www.ocasia.org/News/IndexNewsRM.aspx?WKegervtea0it1GiqlTctw== http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/hangzhou-selected-to-host-2022-asian-games- 115091600971_1.html
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Petlawad Explosion
Ques: Recently in Petlawad, Madhya Pradesh, which of the following explosives caught fire in the blast which exploded? a. RDX b. Nitro Glycerin c. TNT d. Gelatin
Ans: d
Related facts:
12 September 2015, an explosion in the town of Petlawad of the Jhabua district in Madhya
Pradesh, killed approximately 105 people.
In this terrible explosion about 150 people were seriously injured.
In the course of their investigation, Madhya Pradesh Police found that Gelatin sticks stored
in a warehouse triggered the blasts in the building.
Explosion occurred in a crowded restaurant, triggering the second explosion where stored
sticks of gelatin exploded in the warehouse.
It is notable that gelatin rods are used for mining work in Jhabua District.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petlawad_explosion http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/Petlawad-Explosion-Accused-Untraced-Congress-BJP-Bicker- Over-His-Links/2015/09/16/article3031717.ece http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/at-least-20-feared-dead-in-gas-cylinder-explosion- in-mp/
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More than 100 killed in Makkah crane collapse
Ques: Which one is the largest Mosque in the world? a. Mosque-El-Nabvi b. Imam Ali mosque c. Al-Azhar Mosque d. Al-Haram Mosque Ans: d
Related facts:
September 11, 2015 more than 100 people have been killed and scores more wounded in Makkah’s Grand Mosque Al-Haram after a crane collapsed. Around 394 people injured. The Saudi Civil Defense authority confirmed that a crane collapsed through the ceiling of the mosque during strong winds created by a powerful storm. The German-made Liebherr Group crawler crane LR 11350 involved in the incident was operated by the Saudi Binladin Group, who was heading the expansion of the Grand Mosque. It is notable that Saudi Binladin Group is the world's second-largest construction company. The Saudi Binladin Group was founded in 1931 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Laden Sayyid. The Masjid al-Ḥarām (literally "the sacred mosque"), or Great Mosque of Mecca, is the largest mosque in the world and surrounds Islam's holiest place, the Kaaba, in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The current structure covers an area of 356,800 square metres (88.2 acres) including the outdoor and indoor praying spaces. 50 million people can come during the Hajj prayers.
Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mecca_crane_collapse http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2015/09/11/Scores-killed-in-Makkah-crane- collapse.html http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/reuters/article-3231049/Crane-falls-Meccas-Grand-Mosque- casualties-reported–Al-Arabiya.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masjid_al-Haram
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Bodh Gaya
Ques: September 5, 2015, which of the following was announced to be developed as ‘spiritual capital’ by the prime minister? a. Bodh Gaya b. Sarnath c. Sravasti d. Pavapuri
Ans: a
Related facts:
5 September, 2015, Prime
Minister announced Bodh Gaya to
be developed as ‘Spiritual City’.
Bodh Gaya is the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
Buddhists all over the world revere Bodh Gaya as a place of pilgrimage. With this
development it can become the spiritual capital and civilization bond between India and the
Buddhist world.
It is known that Jawaharlal Nehru and Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited this place as well as a PM.
Reference: http://www.uniindia.com/bodh-gaya-to-become-spiritual-capital-of-world- pm/other/news/189845.html http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/narendra-modi-bodh-gaya-to-be-developed-as- spiritual-capital/article7619321.ece http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/bodh-gaya-to-be-developed-as-spiritual-capital-pm- modi/1/465986.html
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Badarpur-Faridabad Metro Line
Ques: Badarpur-Faridabad area was in the limelight recently, for- a. Communal riots b. Industrial development c. Metro line extension d. Earthquake
Ans: c
Related facts:
6 September, 2015, Prime Minister Sri Narendra
Modi inaugurated Badarpur-Faridabad Metro Line extension.
This will connect the national capital with the satellite town and hoped that it would give
impetus to economic growth in the region.
The newly built section is using clean energy in the form of solar power to generate around
2 Megawatts (peak) to help run its operations.
The 14-km-long extension has nine stations from Sarai to Escorts Mujesar, covering large
part of the satellite township. Two more stations, NCB Colony and Ballabgarh, will come up
by 2017.
2 lakh people per day will be able to travel to Delhi and Haryana's industrial sector with this
railway section.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126664 http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/pm-narendra-modi-launches-delhi- metros-faridabad-corridor/articleshow/48842962.cms http://www.delhimetrorail.com/press_reldetails.aspx?id=QsiswkE26nclmY4lld
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Awards & Honors
International Press Freedom Award 2015
Ques: September 15, 2015 ‘International Press Freedom Award 2015’ were announced to be given to the journalists of which of the following countries? a. Ethiopia, Malaysia, Paraguay and Syria b. Malaysia, Syria, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka c. Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia and Paraguay d. Sri Lanka, Syria, Malaysia and Paraguay Ans: a Related facts: September 15, 2015 International Press Freedom Awards 2015 was announced to be given to honor journalists from Ethiopia, Malaysia, Paraguay, and Syria. It is notable that this International Press Freedom Awards is provided by Committee to Project Journalists (CPJ’s). The awards of the year 2015 shall be provided to Ethiopian Zone 9 Bloggers, Zulkiflee Anwar Ulhaque, "Zunar," of Malaysia, Cándido Figueredo Ruíz, a Paraguayan journalist and Raqqa, a Syrian citizen journalist collectively. The Associated Press's special regional correspondent for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Kathy Gannon, will receive the Burton Benjamin Memorial Award for lifetime achievement in the cause of press freedom. All of the winners will be honored at CPJ's annual award and benefit dinner in New York City on November 24, 2015. Reference: https://www.cpj.org/awards/ https://cpj.org/2015/09/-cpj-announces-2015-international-press-freedom-aw.php https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/comic-riffs/wp/2015/09/15/charged-malaysian-cartoonist- zunar-receives-2015-cpj-press-freedom-award/
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Wangari Maathai Forest Champion Award 2015
Ques: When Wangari Maathai Forest Champion Awards as given for the first time? a. 2010 b. 2011 c. 2012 d. 2013 Ans: c Related facts: September 10, 2015 Ugandan forestry activist Gertrude Kabusimbi Kenyangi was awarded the 2015 Wangari Maathai ‘Forest Champions' Award. She was awarded in recognition of her efforts to promote the conservation and sustainable use of her country's forest resources. Since 1994, Kenyangi has been working with Uganda's National Forest Authority to protect and promote the sustainable use of tropical forests in the country's Mbarara and Ntungamo districts. With the help of the women of the community-based non-governmental organization Support for Women and Agriculture (SWAGEN), she has planted over one million trees in the Rwoho Natural Forest buffer zone. It is notable that the first prize was awarded in 2012 to the Narayan Kaji Shrestha of Nepal. The award carries a cash prize of $20,000. The award was established in 2012 by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests (CPF), which is chaired by Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nation (FAO). The Collaborative Partnership on Forests is comprised of 14 international organizations, including FAO, working together to promote forest management, conservation and sustainable development. Reference: http://www.fao.org/news/story/en/item/328330/icode/ http://www.cpfweb.org/77034/en/ http://www.iufro.org/news/article/2015/09/16/wangari-maathai-forest-champions-award-2015-1/
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National Humanities Medal - 2014
Ques: Which of the following recipient is not included in the list of the National Humanities Medal recently issued by the White House? a. Annie Dillard b. Vicki Lynn Ruiz c. Jhumpa Lahiri d. Chetan Bharat Ans: d
Related facts:
3 September, 2015, the White House announced the distinguished recipients of the 2014 National Humanities Medal. The awardees include historians, writers, a philosopher, scholar, preservationist, food activist and an education course. Important to know that the Indian-American Pulitzer Prize winner Jhumpa Lahiri has been selected for the prestigious 2014 National Humanities Medal. National Humanities Medal of the 2014 recipients list are- 1. The Clemente Course in the Humanities 2. Annie Dillard, author 3. Everett L. Fly, architect and preservationist 4. Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, philosopher and novelist 5. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, historian 6. Jhumpa Lahiri, short story writer and novelist 7. Fedwa Malti-Douglas, scholar 8. Larry McMurtry, novelist 9. Vicki Lynn Ruiz, historian 10. Alice Waters, author and food activist President Barack Obama will confer the medal in a September 10 ceremony in the East Room. The first National Humanities Medal was awarded in 1996. Since then, 175 have been bestowed — to 163 individuals and 12 organizations — inclusive of this year’s recipients.
Reference: http://www.neh.gov/news/press-release/2015-09-03 http://www.neh.gov/about/awards/national-humanities-medals
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Indian Fisheries Scientist Awarded First Sunhak Peace Prize
Ques: ‘Sunhak Peace Prize’ Awarded for the first time in 2015, belongs to which country? a. Switzerland b. South Korea c. Canada d. France Ans: b
Related facts:
28 August, 2015 new international ‘Sunhak Peace Prize’ conferred in Seoul in a ceremony. Indian Fishery scientist Dr. Modadugu Vijay Gupta and President of Kiribati Islands Anote Tong shared the Peace award in the ceremony. The ‘Sunhak Peace Prize’ annually awards individuals or organizations that contributed to the peace of our future generations. Mr Tong, 63, the head of the Pacific Ocean island nation which is facing dire prospects of being engulfed by rising sea waters by 2050, was chosen for the award for his dogged fight to end the carbon emissions which are spelling doom for small island nations. Dr. Modadugu Vijay Gupta is noted for his research, which resulted in significant increase in fish production and laid the foundation for the Blue Revolution, a possible solution said to address a potential food crisis. The Indian scientist was also the recipient of the World Food Prize in 2005 for development and dissemination of low-cost techniques for freshwater fish farming. His work with rural communities in Bangladesh, a nation bestowed with lot of water resources, has made fish farming a major source of livelihood for millions of rural poor, according to the organizers. Both shared the $ 1m prize and received US$500,000 each, a medal and a certificate. The ‘Sunhak Peace Prize’ will be awarded annually to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions to the peace and well-being of future generations Year, 2015 'Sunhak Peace Prize’ has been given special importance to the theme of the sea - ‘for the peaceful future of humanity 'sea' is necessary’.
Reference: http://sunhakprize.com/eng/bbs/board.php?bo_table=41_eng&wr_id=28 http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/aug/28/m-vijay-gupta-fisheries-scientist-awarded-first- su/ http://sunhakprize.com/eng/sp.php?p=22
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Operation & Campaign
‘AUSINDEX 15’ - India-Australia naval exercise
Ques: The name of the first Naval exercise happened between India and Australia during 11- 19 September, was- a. AUSINDEX -15 b. MARINDEX -15 c. INDUS-15 d. None of the above Ans: a Related facts: The inaugural Bilateral Maritime Exercise between India and Australia, AUSINDEX-15 is being conducted off the East Coast of India from 11 – 19 September 15. The exercise would be jointly inaugurated by Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead, Head Navy Capability Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and Rear Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet onboard INS Shivalik at Visakhapatnam. The maritime exercise is a tangible sign that will strengthen defense co-operation between the two countries as envisaged in the Framework for Security Co-operation announced by the Australian and Indian Prime Ministers in 2014. The week-long Bilateral Maritime Exercise comprising RAN ships HMAS Sirius (Fleet tanker), HMAS Arunta (Anzac class frigate), and HMAS Sheean (Collins class submarine) arrived Visakhapatnam on 11 September 15. The Indian Navy was represented by INS Shivalik (stealth frigate), INS Ranvijay (guided missile destroyer) and INS Shakti (Fleet tanker). In addition, one Royal Australian Air Force P3C Orion surveillance aircraft and Indian Navy’s P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft will operate from Chennai during the exercise. The exercise is aimed at strengthening professional interaction, both in harbor and at sea and would be a start for attaining interoperability between the two navies. Both navies have a mutual interest in promoting peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean and this is a natural progress of our Navy-to-Navy relationship, given our shared maritime security interests. Important to know that the AUSINDEX would be a biennial event intended to strengthen maritime cooperation between the nations. Plan is to further the ability to undertake regional joint and/or combined operations such as Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief. Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126826 http://pib.nic.in/NEWSITE/hindirelease.aspx?relid=39896 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-Australia-naval-exercise-AUSINDEX-15-to-begin- tomorrow/articleshow/48916443.cms http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-australia-naval-exercise-ausindex-15-to- begin-tomorrow/articleshow/48916014.cms
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Exercise Ekuverin – 2015
Ques: Between August 31, 2015 - September 15, 2015, the military training exercise "Exercise Akuverin 2015" is between which of the two armies? a. India and Maldives b. India and Myanmar c. India and Sri Lanka d. India and Thailand Ans: a Related facts: Joint Military Training Exercise between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces (EXERCISE EKUVRIN – VI), will be conducted at Pangode Military Station, Trivandrum, Kerala from 31 Aug to 13 Sep 2015. This is the 6th edition of Exercize Ekuvrin. A total of 45 soldiers each from the Maldivian National Defence Force and the Indian Army will take part in this exercise. The bilateral annual exercise commenced in 2009 in Belgaum, India for the first time. After that it is alternately held in India and Maldives with the aim of enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between the two countries and increased understanding between both armies. The Exercise commenced with an opening ceremony on 31 Aug 2015 at Pangode Military Station. The concluding phase of the exercise will incorporate a tactical exercise which will be witnessed by senior military officers from both the countries, who will review the standards achieved by both the contingents. Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126440
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Planning & Project
Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission
Ques: Recently Union Cabinet approved the budget to transform areas to economically, socially and physically sustainable spaces under the ‘Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM)’. The budget allocated was- a. 6000 crore b. 5500 crore c. 5142.08 crore d. 5300 crore Ans: c Related facts: September 16, 2015 Union Cabinet approves Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission to drive economic, social and infrastructure development in rural areas. The Mission aims at development of rural growth clusters which have latent potential for growth. These clusters would be developed by provisioning of economic activities, developing skills & local entrepreneurship and providing infrastructure amenities, i.e. a cluster of Smart Villages. The mission aims to create 300 such Rurban growth clusters by 2019-20, across the country. The government allocated 5142.08 crores for this mission. The clusters will be geographically contiguous Gram Panchayats with a population of about 25000 to 50000 in plain and coastal areas and a population of 5000 to 15000 in desert, hilly or tribal areas. Reference: http://pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/union-cabinet-approves-shyama-prasad-mukherji-rurban- mission-to-drive-economic-social-and-infrastructure-development-in-rural-areas/?comment=disable
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Mihir Shah Committee
Ques: Recently, which of the committee has constituted to encourage optimal development of water resources in the country? a. Mihir Shah Committee b. Deepak Mehta Committee c. Vivek Devrai Committee d. None of the above Ans: a Related facts: September 11, 2015 the ‘Mihir Shah Committee’ constituted headed by former Planning Commission member Mihir Shah. This is a 7-member committee led by Mihir Shah. Committee is formed to restructure the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to encourage optimal development of water resources in the country. According to a government order dated September 11, the new committee will work on water resource planning, augmenting and budgeting in an integrated manner. An elaborate mapping exercise will be undertaken as part of river basin planning, which will include mapping and characterizing of aquifers. Besides, stocktaking of rainfall flows, rate of groundwater recharge, and exploitation or utilization of water will also be undertaken. The committee is expected to submit its report in three months. Reference: http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/panel-formed-to-restructure-water- agencies/article7652816.ece http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-to-adopt-Gujarat-model-of- irrigation/articleshow/48964933.cms
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Andhra Pradesh Govt approves ‘e-Pragati’ Project
Ques: Recently, which state government approved 'e-Pragati' project for government service? a. Andhra Pradesh b. Uttar Pradesh c. Delhi d. Karnataka Ans: a
Related facts:
The Andhra Pradesh cabinet on September 05, 2015 approved the e-Pragati project for government service. This is a comprehensive framework for providing e-services to the citizens which will bring all the government services under one roof. It is notable that with e-Pragati, Andhra Pradesh becomes the first state in India to conceive and execute state-wide enterprise architecture. ePragati, developed in association with the leading software company Wipro in a span of 8 months. Advanced countries like South Korea, Singapore, the United States, Estonia, Norway, Denmark, Australia and New Zealand have all embraced this type of architectural approach to e-governance. e-Pragati extends to 33 secretariat departments and over 300 government agencies in AP. It seeks to provide a bouquet of 745 services in the government to customer (G2C), government to business (G2B), government to enterprise (G2E) and government to government (G2G) areas. It consists of 72 projects grouped into 14 packages whose estimated outlay is Rs.2,358 crore which will be funded and implemented over a three-year period. The government will invest Rs1,528 crore and balance the rest of the amount through PPP mode. The major components of e-Pragati revolve are 7 missions, 5 grids and 5 campaigns.
Reference: http://www.ap.gov.in/press-release/Press-Note-on-e-Pragati-5Sept-15.pdf http://www.ap.gov.in/whats-new/e-Pragati-5Sept-15-Ver3-JS.pdf https://www.facebook.com/tdp.ncbn.official/posts/1683784728517121 http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/andhra-cabinet-clears-rs-2-358-crore-e- governance-project-115090500916_1.html http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/epragati-to-bring-all-govt-services-under- one-roof/article7620552.ece
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Niryat Bandhu@Your Desktop
Ques: Recently, the Directorate of Foreign Trade launched which online authentication program? a. Niryat Bandhu b. Aayat Bandhu c. Your Desktop d. More Desktop Ans: a Related facts: September 9, 2015 Ministry of Commerce & Industry launched “Niryat Bandhu @ Your Desktop” an online certificate program in export import business. The objective of the Niryat Bandhu Scheme is to reach out to the new and potential exporters and mentor them through orientation programs, counseling sessions, individual facilitation, etc., for being able to get into international trade and boost exports from India. More than 18,000 people were given orientation on export import business under the Scheme during the financial year 2014-15. As part of Foreign Trade Policy 2015-20, the Department of Commerce has decided to galvanize Niryat Bandhu Scheme and reposition it to achieve the objectives of “Skill India”. The first course with a capacity of 60 participants begins from the 1st week of October, 2015. The course comprises 20 sessions of 2 hours each. Online registration for the programme can be done from 10th September, 2015 onwards at http://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/home.asp.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126728 http://www.univarta.com/-export-brothers–introduction-of-the-online-authentication- scheme/national/news/194466.html http://niryatbandhu.iift.ac.in/home.asp
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Introduction of Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme
Ques: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, gave its approval for introduction of the Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme, as announced in- a. Union Budget 2013-14 b. Union Budget 2014-15 c. Union Budget 2015-16 d. None of the above Ans: c
Related facts: 09 September, 2015 the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today gave its approval for introduction of the Sovereign Gold Bonds Scheme, as announced in the Union Budget 2015-16. The scheme will help in reducing the demand for physical gold by shifting a part of the estimated 300 tons of physical bars and coins purchased every year for Investment into gold bonds. Since most of the demand for gold in India is met through imports, this scheme will, ultimately help in maintaining the country's Current Account Deficit within sustainable limits. The issuance of the Sovereign Gold Bonds will be within the government's market borrowing program for 2015-16 and onwards. The benefit to the Government is in terms of reduction in the cost of borrowing, which will be transferred to the Gold Reserve Fund. The salient features of the scheme are:- i. Sovereign Gold Bonds will be issued on payment of rupees and denominated in grams of gold. ii. Bonds will be issued on behalf of the Government of India by the RBI. Thus, the Bonds will have a sovereign guarantee. iii. The issuing agency will need to pay distribution costs and a sales commission to the intermediate channels, to be reimbursed by Government.
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iv. The bond would be restricted for sale to resident Indian entities. v. The Government will issue bonds with a rate of interest to be decided by the Government. vi. The bonds will be available both in demat and paper form. vii. The bonds will be issued in denominations of 5, 10, 50, 100 grams of gold or other denominations. viii. The price of gold may be taken from the reference rate, as decided, and the Rupee equivalent amount may be converted at the RBI Reference rate on issue and redemption. ix. Banks/NBFCs/Post Offices/ National Saving Certificate (NSC) agents and others, as specified, may collect money / redeem bonds on behalf of the government (for a fee, the amount would be as decided). x. The tenor of the bond could be for a minimum of 5 to 7 years, so that it would protect investors from medium term volatility in gold prices. xi. Bonds can be used as collateral for loans. xii. Bonds to be easily sold and traded on exchanges to allow early exits for investors who may so desire. xiii. KYC norms will be the same as that for gold. xiv. Capital gains tax treatment will be the same as for physical gold for an 'individual' investor. Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126752
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The launch of the new portal for new LPG connections
Ques: Recently the government launched which online portal to facilitate new LPG connections? a. Unnati b. Sahaj c. Pehal d. Disha
Ans: b
Related facts:
30 August, 2015, the Minister of state (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Dharmendra
Pradhan launched ‘Sahaj’ - the on line release of new LPG connections, through the portal
mylpg.in to enable customers to register for new LPG connections online.
It is In line with Digital India Vision envisaged by Prime Minister.
With this app the customers will be able to register for new LPG connections online, as well
as make on line payments for the same.
The initiative was launched simultaneously in 12 cities along with Delhi – i.e. Ahmedabad,
Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow,
Mumbai, Patna and Pune.
It will be launched pan-India within the next few days.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/hindirelease.aspx?relid=39664
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Treaty & Agreement
MoU signed between RBI and Nepal Rastra Bank
Ques: September 14, 2015 RBI signs MoU on Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of
Supervisory Information with which of the following bank? a. Nepal Rastra Bank b. Bank of Bangladesh c. China National Bank d. Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Ans: a
Related facts:
September 14, 2015 RBI signs MoU on Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of
Supervisory Information with Nepal Rastra Bank.
The Reserve Bank has so far entered into Memorandum of Understanding with supervisors
of 27 countries.
Also a Letter for Supervisory Co-operation and Statement of Co-operation with supervisors
of one country each to promote greater co-operation and share supervisory information.
Reference: https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=34982
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Agreement between Bharti Airtel & Ericsson
Ques: Who is the chairman of Bharti Airtel? a. Lakshmi Mittal b. Gautam Adani c. Sunil Bharti Mittal d. Arun Bharti Mittal Ans: c Related facts: 02 September, 2015 Bharti Airtel, India’s telecom services provider has signed four year agreement with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC). The new agreement includes rollout of 3G services in both UMTS 2100 MHZ and UMTS 900MHz band (in three circles). As part of the contract, Ericsson will supply, install and perform manage services for WCDMA Radio Access Networks (RAN). Ericsson will provide its multi-standard radio equipment from the Ericsson RBS 6000 base station family for macro and small cells. This will enable energy-efficient and cost-effective operations while allowing the operator to meet growing demands of better and faster mobile internet connectivity for the end- users. As per the India appendix of the Ericsson Mobility Report released in June 2015, WCDMA/HSPA subscriptions are expected to increase from over 120 million in 2014 to around 620 million by 2020. As the proportion of WCDMA /HSPA subscriptions in the total subscription base increases from 13 per cent to 45 %. The total number of mobile subscriptions in India is expected to increase to approximately 1.4 Billion by 2020, resulting in a population penetration of 100 per cent. Reference: http://www.ericsson.com/in/news/150902-bharti-airtel-selects-ericsson-to-roll-out-4g_254740126_c http://www.ericsson.com/in/news/150902-bharti-airtel-selects-ericsson-to-expand-3g_254740126_c
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India - Mauritius ink deal over stock exchanges
Ques: September 3, 2015, The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with- a. Stock Exchange of Mauritius b. Tokyo Stock Exchange c. Singapore Stock Exchange d. None of the above Ans: a Related facts: 3 September, 2015, The National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Stock Exchange of Mauritius (SEM). The objectives of the tie-up was to foster a deeper and more strategic relationship between the two institutions, facilitating the development of channels for knowledge sharing and developing mutual synergies for the growth and development of SEM and NSE. The areas of co-operation under the MoU will encompass education, training and knowledge transfer in securities markets, product development and indices creation as well as capacity development in the field of surveillance and investigation. Reference: http://www.ianslive.in/index.php?param=news/India_Mauritius_ink_deal_over_stock_exchanges- 487503/BUSINESS/5 http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ians/india-mauritius-ink-deal-over-stock-exchanges- 115090300579_1.html http://www.ibn7.com/business/item/114974-india-mauritius-ink-deal-over-stock-exchanges http://www.livehindustan.com/news/business/businessnews/article1-Indiathe-National-Stock- ExchangeMauritius-MoUsigned-45-45-493146.html/
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Conference
”VASTRA 2015”
Ques: Where International Textile and Apparel Fair ‘Vastra 2015’ will be organized? a. Jaipur b. Gandhinagar c. Bhopal d. Delhi Ans: a Related facts: “Vastra 2015” is scheduled from September 28- 30, 2015 at Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre, Rajasthan, India. The 4th edition of VASTRA 2015 will be organized jointly by Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporations Ltd. (RIICO) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). VASTRA is a comprehensive trade fair on Textiles and Apparel, aims at showcasing the best and latest in textiles from fiber to fashion. It mainly focuses on products like Fiber, Yarn, Fabric, Garment, Apparels, Home Textile & Furnishings, Made-ups, Accessories, Fashion Trends, Traditional textiles, Technology & Machineries. It is notable that ‘Vastra’ was organized for the first time in 2012. Reference: http://www.vastratex.com/index.php http://www.ncti.gov.in/pdf/An%20international%20Textile%20and%20Apparel%20Fair- Vastra%202015.pdf
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Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of G-20 nations third conference
Ques: G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors convened for the third time in which of the following country? a. Brisbane, Australia b. Ankara, Turkey c. London, England d. New York, USA Ans: b Related facts: G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting was on 4th and 5th September 2015 in Ankara, Turkey. The Finance Minister of India and RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram Rajan attended the conference to represent India. The main purpose of these meetings was to review ongoing global economic developments, growth prospects, investment and infrastructure, international financial architecture and international tax issues among others. Also Sri Arun Jaitley and Labor Minister Sri Bandaru Dattatreya attended the joint meeting of "The Finance and Labor Minister”. G20 Ministers and Governors exchanged views on the recent global economic developments, challenges and collective measures to address them. It is notable that the Finance Minister on September 4, also attended the first meeting of 'Brick Contingent Reserve arrangement (CRA)'. CRA has been conceived as an additional safety net by the BRICS nations to meet the short- term liquidity needs that may arise in face of volatile capital flows. The total corpus of CRA is USD 100 bn. Reference: https://g20.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Fact-Sheet-G20-Turkey-2015_.pdf https://g20.org/the-third-g20-finance-ministers-and-central-bank-governors-meeting-under-the-turkish- presidency-concluded-in-ankara/ https://g20.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/September-FMCBG-Communique.pdf http://www.cbr.ru/eng/press/pr.aspx?file=04092015_185039eng2015-09-04T18_46_05.htm http://pib.nic.in/newsite/hindirelease.aspx?relid=39748
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Law & Justice
Union Cabinet approved Constitution of 21st Law Commission of India
Ques: Recently, Union Cabinet had approved Constitution of 21st Law Commission of India for the duration of- a. 01 October, 2015 to 30 September, 2018 b. 01 September, 2015 to 31 August, 2017 c. 01 September, 2015 to 31 August, 2018 d. 01 November, 2015 to 31 December, 2018 Ans: c Related facts:
September 9, 2015 the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval on the Constitution of the 21st Law Commission of India, for a period of three years i.e. 1st September. 2015 to 31st August, 2018.
The 21st Law Commission will consist of:- (i) A full-time Chairperson; (ii) Four full-time Members (including a Member-Secretary); (iii) Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs as ex off do Member; (iv) Secretary, Legislative Department as ex offcio Member; and (v) Not more than five part-time Members.
The Law Commission shall, on a reference made to it by the Central Government or suo- motu, undertake research in law and review of existing laws in India for making reforms therein and enacting new legislations.
The other functions of the Law Commission shall, inter-alia, include:-
a) Identification of laws which are no longer relevant and recommending for the repeal of
obsolete and unnecessary enactments;
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b) Suggesting enactment of new legislations as may be necessary to implement the
Directive Principles and to attain the objectives set out in the Preamble of the Constitution;
c) Considering and conveying to the Government its views on any subject relating to law
and judicial administration that may be specifically referred to it by the Government
through Ministry of Law and Justice (Department of Legal Affairs);
d) Considering the requests for providing research to any foreign countries as may be
referred to it by the Government through Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legal
Affairs);
e) Preparing and submitting to the Central Government, from time to time, reports on all
issues, matters, studies and research undertaken by it and recommending in such reports
for effective measures to be taken by the Union or any State; and
f) Performing such other functions as may be assigned to it by the Central Government from
time to time.
Background
The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body constituted by the Government of
lndia from time to time. The Commission was originally constituted in 1955 and is re-
constituted every three years. The tenure of the 20th Law Commission was up to 31st
August, 2015.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126744 http://www.lawcommissionofindia.nic.in/main.htm#a1
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262th report of the Law Commission of India
Ques: Recently Indian Law Commission released its 262th report on The Death Penalty. Who is the chairperson of this commission? a. Justice D. K. Jain b. Justice Ajit Prakash Shah c. Justice Ashok Ganguli d. Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra Ans: b Related facts: On 1 August, 2015, Law Commission chairperson Justice A P Shah presented the Commission’s 262nd Report, titled ‘The Death Penalty’, to the law minister. The Law Commission of India has recommended the abolition of the death penalty for all crimes except terrorism-related offences and waging war. It is important that the recommendation on the death penalty has recommended differently from its earlier stance. It is known that the 35th Report (“Capital Punishment”, 1967), notably, is a key report in this regard which recommended the retention of the death penalty in India. The Supreme Court has also, in Bachan Singh v. UOI [AIR 1980 SC 898], upheld the constitutionality of the death penalty, but confined its application to the ‘rarest of rare cases’, to reduce the arbitrariness of the penalty. Reference: http://lawcommissionofindia.nic.in/reports/Report262.pdf http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/deterrence-is-a-myth-says-law- commission/article7600854.ece
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Year, Day & Week World Tourism Day
Que: World Tourism Day is celebrated on-
a. 28 September b. 27 September
c. 29 September d. 25 September
Ans: b
Related facts:
September 27, 2015 World Tourism
Day was celebrated.
For 2015, the theme of the Day was 'One Billion Tourism, One Billion Opportunities’.
International tourist arrivals grew by 4.3 per cent to 1.133 billion in 2014.
International tourism generated revenues of US $ 1.5 trillion in 2014.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is estimated to be 3 to 4
percent increase in international tourist arrivals in the year 2015.
Reference: http://www.un.org/en/events/tourismday/ http://wtd.unwto.org/
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World Alzheimer’s Day
Ques: When ‘World Alzheimer Day’ is celebrated? a. 25 September b. 21 September c. 23 September d. 24 September
Ans: b
Related facts:
September 21, 2015 ‘World Alzheimer Day’ was celebrated globally.
The theme for World Alzheimer's Month 2015 is ‘Remember Me’.
September 21st of each year, is a day on which Alzheimer’s organizations around the world
concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Reference: https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/world-alzheimers-day/ http://www.alz.co.uk/world-alzheimers-month http://www.national-awareness-days.com/world-alzheimers-month.html
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International Day of Democracy
Ques: When ‘International Day of Democracy’ celebrated? a. 15 September b. 20 September c. 18 September d. 12 September
Ans: a
Related facts:
September 15, 2015 International Day of
Democracy was celebrated.
This year’s theme of International Day of Democracy (2015) was Space for Civil Society.
The UN General Assembly, in resolution A/62/7 (2007) decided to observe the International
Day of Democracy on September 15 every year, to encouraged Governments to strengthen
national programs devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy.
Reference: http://www.un.org/en/events/democracyday/index.shtml http://www.unesco.org/new/en/phnompenh/about-this-office/single- view/news/international_day_of_democracy_2015/#.VgZT0tKqqko
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International Day of Peace
Ques: International Day of Peace is celebrated on - a. 20 September b. 19 September c. 21 September d. 15 September
Ans: d
Related facts:
World celebrated ‘International Day o Peace’ on 15 September, 2015.
The theme of this year’s commemoration was “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All”.
The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by the United Nations General
Assembly and would be the third Tuesday of September every year.
The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982.
In 2001, the General Assembly by unanimous vote adopted, which established 21
September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire.
Reference: http://www.un.org/en/events/peaceday/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Peace http://bharatdiscovery.org/india/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5_%E0 %A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF_%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B5%E 0%A4%B8
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International Ozone Layer Protection Day
Ques: International Ozone Layer Protection Day is celebrated- a. 16 September b. 18 September c. 15 September d. 17 September
Ans: a
Related facts:
September 16, 2015 the "International
Ozone Layer Protection Day” was celebrated worldwide for the protection of the ozone
layer in the atmosphere.
The theme for the celebration was- ‘30 years of healing the Ozone together’.
This was supported by slogan- ‘Ozone: All there is between you UV’.
This day commemorates the Montreal Protocol that was signed in 1987, to limit and
ultimately phase out the production of man-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
and 95 other ozone-depleting materials.
September 6, 1994 UN Council had decided to celebrate World Ozone Day.
Reference: http://www.un.org/en/events/ozoneday/ http://ozone.unep.org/en/information-material
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Engineers Day- 2015
Ques: Engineers day celebrated in India on- a. 16 September b. 15 September c. 17 September d. 18 September
Ans: b
Related facts:
On September 15, 2015 the Engineers Day was celebrated in India.
The theme this year was ‘Engineering Challenges for Knowledge Era’.
The Engineering Community across India celebrates Engineers Day on 15 September
every year as a remarkable tribute to the greatest Indian Engineer Bharat Ratna M.
Visvesvarayya.
He was the chief engineer responsible for the construction of the Krishna Raja Sagara
dam in Mysore as well as the chief designer of the flood protection system for the city of
Hyderabad.
Reference: http://www.engineersworldonline.com/engineersday.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engineer%27s_Day
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Hindi Diwas
Ques: Recently, the ‘Hindi Diwas’ was celebrated. When Hindi was declared as the official language of the Republic of India by the founding fathers? a. 15 September, 1949 b. 14 September, 1949 c. 14 September, 1950 d. 14 September, 1952 Ans: b Related facts: September 14, 2015 the nation celebrated ‘Hindi Diwas’. On this day our founding fathers accepted Hindi as official language of the Republic of India unanimously. The decision of using Hindi as the official language was ratified by the Constitution of India that came into effect on 26 January 1950. Under the Article 343 of the Indian Constitution, Hindi written in Devanagri script was adopted as the official language. Now there are 22 Scheduled languages in India. There are 2 official languages: Hindi and English The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee had conferred awards in different categories for the excellence in different fields pertaining to Hindi at a function in Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. Ministry of Home Affairs in its order dated 25 March 2015 has changed name of two awards given annually on Hindi Diwas. 'Indira Gandhi Rajbhasha Puraskar' instituted in 1986 changed to 'Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar' and 'Rajiv Gandhi Rashtriya Gyan-Vigyan Maulik Pustak Lekhan Puraskar' changed to "Rajbhasha Gaurav Puraskar" Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/hindirelease.aspx?relid=39912
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World Suicide Prevention Day
Ques: World Suicide Prevention Day is celebrated- a. 8 September b. 10 September c. 11 September d. 6 September
Ans: c
Related facts:
September 10, 2015, the World
Suicide Prevention Day was celebrated globally.
The international theme of World Suicide Prevention Day was ‘Preventing Suicide:
Reaching Out and Saving Lives’.
It is known that to prevent the crime as suicide, World Suicide Prevention Day was
celebrated on September 10, 2003 to spread awareness against the act of suicide.
According to the recently released World Health Organization (WHO) report:
‘Preventing Suicide: A Global Imperative’, over 800,000 people die by suicide across the
world each year.
Reference: https://www.iasp.info/wspd/ http://wspd.org.au/ http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/131056/1/9789241564779_eng.pdf
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International Literacy Day 2015
Ques: When International Literacy Day was celebrated? a. 7 September b. 8 September c. 6 September d. 3 September Ans: b Related facts:
8 September, 2015 whole world celebrated International Literacy Day.
Literacy and Sustainable Societies was the theme for this 2015 International Literacy Day.
It is noted that in the year of 1965, UNESCO announced the International Literacy Day on September 8.
It is known that 775 million adults in the world are illiterate and two-thirds of them are woman.
98% of literates live in developing countries.
In least developed countries, the average illiteracy rate is 49%.
52% of illiterates live in India and China.
The population of Africa has a literacy rate of less than 60%.
Since 1980, primary school enrollment in Sub-‐Saharan Africa has declined from 58% to 50%. Reference: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/prizes-and-celebrations/celebrations/international- days/literacy-day/#.VfAa-NKqqko http://en.unesco.org/events/international-literacy-day-2015-literacy-and-sustainable-societies http://internationalliteracyday.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Information-Sheet-2014.pdf
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Sports Personalities
Sourav Ganguly
Ques: Recently who was appointed the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB)? a. Sourav Ganguly b. Virat Kohli c. Abhishek Dalmia d. Shashank Manohar
Ans: a
Related facts:
September 24, 2015 former India captain
Sourav Ganguly was appointed the
president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB).
He was the Joint Secretary in CAB.
He took over the post from Late Jagmohan Dalmia.
Dalmiya’s son Avishek Dalmia was inducted as one of the two joint secretaries replacing the
current incumbent Ganguly.
Reference: http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/ganguly-appointed-cab-president-avishek-dalmiya-to-be-joint- secretary/article7685876.ece http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/toi-cri/top-stories/Sourav-Ganguly-appointed-Cricket- Association-of-Bengal-chief/articleshow/49092564.cms
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David Haggerty
Ques: Who is elected as President of International Tennis Federation (ITF) recently? a. Anil Khanna b. Jack Graham c. David Haggerty d. Katarina Adams
Ans: c
Related facts:
September 25, 2015 American David Haggerty has
been elected to a four-year term as the president of
the International Tennis Federation at Santiago, Chile.
In the voting process he defeated ‘All India Tennis
Association’ President Anil Khanna of India by 192 against 200 votes.
He succeeds Francesco Ricci Bitti, who has led the game's ultimate governing body for the
past 16 years.
Reference: http://www.itftennis.com/news/214997.aspx http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2015/09/american-david-haggerty-elected-to-head-world-tennis- body/56436/#.VgpI1-yqqko http://www.sportinglife.com/tennis/news/article/553/10005940/american-dave-haggerty-elected-new- president-of-the-itf
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Brad Haddin
Ques: Brad Haddin, who recently retired from Test cricket, is from which country? a. England b. South Africa c. Australia d. New Zealand
Ans: c
Related facts:
09 September, 2015 Brad Haddin, the wicketkeeper-batsman, announced his retirement
from international cricket.
He recently had retired from one-day Internationals after Australia’s ICC Cricket World Cup
2015 win in March.
Haddin had his Test debut against the West Indies in 2008.
He scored 3266 run in 66 matches with 32.98 averages.
Only Gilchrist (5570 at 47.61), Healy (4356 at 27.40) and Marsh (3633 at 26.52) scored more
runs than Haddin.
Haddin played nine one-day internationals as a specialist batsman alongside wicket-keeper
Adam Gilchrist before Gilchrist retired in 2008.
Reference: http://www.icc-cricket.com/news/2015/media-releases/89718/brad-haddin-retires-from-international- cricket http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/5560.html
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Shane Watson
Ques: Shane Watson, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket is belongs to which country? a. India b. Austria c. Australia d. England
Ans: c
Related facts:
Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has retired from Test cricket on 6 September, 2015.
The 34-year-old played in 59 Test matches, scoring 3,731 runs at an average of 35.19 and
taking 75 wickets at 33.68.
Having made his debut in 2005, he has played in five Ashes series, including this summer's
3-2 defeat by England.
Watson played in the Indian Premier League for the Rajasthan Royals.
Reference: http://www.shanewatson.com.au/news/2015/09/178-shane-watson-announces-retirement-from-test- cricket http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/sep/06/australia-shane-watson-retires-test-cricket http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/cricket/34167622 http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/cricket/shane-watson-retires-from-test-cricket-after-59- games/story-e6frg7rx-1227515312533?sv=6b7bab9054011e3b466f034fd69feca9 http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/918213.html http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/player/8180.html
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Charles Kumi Gyamfi passed away
Ques: Recently, great player and Coach Charles Kumi Ghyamfi died. He was related to which sports? a. Football b. Cricket c. Tennis d. Hockey
Ans: a
Related facts:
September 2nd, 2015 Ghana's legendary football player and Coach Charles Kumi Ghyamfi of
age 86 died at Accra (Ghana).
It is notable that, C.K. Gyamfi was the first African footballer to play in Germany, when he
joined ‘Fortuna Dusseldorf’ in 1960.
As a coach, he successfully coached the Black Stars to three African Cup of Nations titles
(1963, 1965 & 1982) which makes him one of the most successful African coaches.
He was responsible for bringing finesse to Ghana football with his unique coaching
methods, one of the most important landmarks in the history of the game in the country.
Is notable that Ghyamfi had been a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group in 1999 and
FIFA World Youth Championship in 2001.
Reference: http://www.fifa.com/fifa-tournaments/players-coaches/people=40853/index.html http://www.fifa.com/news/y=2001/m=6/news=fifa-technical-study-group-evaluate-tournament- 78060.html http://www.ghanafa.org/pages/gfa/201509/10922.php http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/34128267
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Ian Bell
Ques: Ian Bell, who recently retired from ODI cricket, belongs to which country? a. Australia b. England c. New Zeeland d. South Africa
Ans: b
Related facts:
August 28, 2015 the England batsman Ian Bell
retired from one-day international cricket.
His ODI debut was against Zimbabwe on November 28, 2004 at Harare (Zimbabwe) and the
final ODI match was against Afghanistan in March 2015 in Sydney.
Bell finished with 5,416 runs in 161 ODIs (four tons, 34 fifties) at an average of 37.87.
He has made his highest individual score of 141 runs in ODI against Australia in Hobart.
Reference: http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/74431/ian-bell-confirms-odi-retirement http://www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/player/9062.html
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Anil Kumar
Ques: Recently, an Indian wrestler won the gold medal in the World Cadet Championships was- a. Deepak Kumar b. Anil Kumar c. Sunil Godara d. Ankush
Ans: b
Related facts:
August 30, 2015, the wrestler Anil Kumar won gold medal in freestyle Cadet World
Championships 2015 held in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
Earlier, India's Ankush in the women's 38 kg category won a silver medal
He defeated Irfan Anne of Iran in the final, by a margin of 10-6 score to win the title.
It is notable that this was Anil’s second medal in a International event. Earlier in 2014 Asian
games, he defeated Irfan itself to win gold medal in 50 kg freestyle event.
Reference:
https://unitedworldwrestling.org/event/world-championships-2 https://unitedworldwrestling.org/match?options[nodeId]=1122&options[arenaId]=c4da97ba-4c0b- 11e5-8174-0800275a62ce https://unitedworldwrestling.org/match?options[nodeId]=1122&options[arenaId]=65f62b38-4d9b- 11e5-8be5-0800275a62ce http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/wrestler-anil-wins-gold-at-world-cadet- championship-115083000652_1.html http://zeenews.india.com/sports/others/wrestler-anil-wins-gold-at-world-cadet- championship_1664906.html
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Dilip Vengsarkar
Ques: Who elected as the president of the Association of Indian Statisticians and scorers of
India at its AGM recently? a. Dilip Vengsarkar b. Ajit Datar c. Dara Pochkhanawalla d. Deepak Joshi
Ans: a
Related facts:
On 26 August, 2015 Former India captain Dilip
Vengsarkar has been elected unopposed as the president of the Association of Indian
Statisticians and Scorers of India at its AGM.
Vengsarkar is also the vice president of the Mumbai Cricket Association.
Other Elected members are- Vice-presidents - Dara Pochkhanawalla and Ganesh Iyer,
Secretary - Theo Braganza (Mumbai), Joint secretary - Deepak Joshi (Mumbai), Treasurer -
Ajit Datar (Mumbai).
Association of Cricket Statisticians and Scorers of India (ACSSI) was formed in 1987 realizing
the need for doing something about the neglected state of statistics and scoring pertaining
to Indian cricket.
Reference: http://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Articles/0/491.html http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/vengsarkar-elected-president-of-cricket- statisticians-body-115082601229_1.html http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/toi-cri/top-stories/Vengsarkar-elected-president-of-cricket- statisticians-body/articleshow/48685953.cms
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Miscellaneous
9th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (RPBD)
Ques: 9th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas will be held at- a. New York b. Los Angeles c. Sydney d. New Delhi
Ans: b
Related facts:
The Government of India will be organizing
the 9th Regional Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas
(RPBD) at Los Angeles, California, USA on the 14th and 15th November 2015.
This was declared by the Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs and External Affairs Sushma
Swaraj, in a Joint statement with the US Secretary of State John Kerry in Washington DC.
The Theme for RPBD Los Angeles will be – “The Indian Diaspora: Defining a New Paradigm in
India-US Relationship”.
RPBDs are important Diaspora engagement meets conducted annually by the Government
of India outside the country as part of a comprehensive program to reach out to the
growing Indian Diaspora community globally.
Previous venues for the RPBDs have included London, Sydney, Toronto, Singapore, Durban,
Mauritius, The Hague and New York.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=127108 http://inbministry.blogspot.in/2015/09/joint-statement-on-first-us-india.html
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Marathi film ‘Court’ chosen as India’s Oscar entry
Ques: Which of the Indian film selected as India’s official entry to the Best Foreign Language category of the 88th Academy Awards? a. Court b. Piku c. Queen d. Haidar
Ans: a
Related facts:
September 23, 2015 Marathi film ‘Court’ was selected as India’s official entry to the Best
Foreign Language category of the 2016 Academy Awards.
‘Court’ is a 2014 Indian courtroom drama film, written and directed by Chaitanya Tamhane
in his directorial debut.
It is notable that ‘Court’ won the Best Feature Film award at the 62nd National Film Awards
as well this year.
Important to know that none of the Indian film won the Academy Awards in Best Foreign
film category yet.
Indian films ‘Lagaan’, ‘Mother India’ and ‘Salaam Bombay’ have been among the top 5 Best
Foreign film category.
Reference: http://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/marathi-film-court-is-indias-entry-to-oscars- 2016/article7681492.ece https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Court_(film) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3717068/?ref_=vi_tt_t
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The first-ever National Leopard Census
Ques: Recently, which of the Indian wild animal census report was released? a. Leopard b. Elephant c. Black Deer d. Hippopotamus
Ans: a
Related facts:
During 3–4 September, 2015 in the 29th Annual Research Seminar of Wildlife Institute of
India, the first ever 'Leopard' census report was issued.
It is notable that the leopard count was done along with the tiger census in 2014 with the
same methodology adopted for tigers.
The first-ever national leopard census has put the Leopard population at 7,910 in 14 states
of India in and around tiger habitats across India, except the northeastern parts.
Based on these numbers, the estimated India's total leopard population to be in the range
of 12,000 to 14,000.
With an estimated population of 1,817, Madhya Pradesh has emerged as the top leopard
state in the country. It's followed by Karnataka (1,129), Maharashtra (905), Chhattisgarh
(846) and Tamil Nadu (815).
Reference: http://tigertribe.net/2015/09/20/india-has-12-to-14-thousand-leopards/ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/flora-fauna/Finally-India-gets-a-count-of-its- leopard-numbers-12000-14000/articleshow/48850420.cms
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Approval of National Offshore Wind Energy Policy
Ques: The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy. With this approval, which ministry has been authorized as the Nodal Ministry for use of offshore areas? a. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas b. The Ministry of Science and Technology c. Water Resources Ministry d. Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Ans: d Related facts: September 9, 2015 the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy. With this approval, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) has been authorized as the Nodal Ministry for use of offshore areas within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the country. The National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) has been authorized as the Nodal Agency for development of offshore wind energy in the country and to carry out allocation of offshore wind energy blocks, coordination and allied functions with related ministries and agencies. The approval paves way for offshore wind energy development including, setting up of offshore wind power projects and research and development activities, in waters, in or adjacent to the country, up to the seaward distance of 200 Nautical Miles (EEZ of the country) from the base line. Preliminary assessments along the 7600 km long Indian coastline have indicated prospects of development of offshore wind power. With the introduction of the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy, the Government is attempting to replicate the success of the onshore wind power development in the offshore wind power development. The policy will provide a level playing field to all investors/beneficiaries, domestic and international. The development would help the country in moving forward towards attaining energy security and achievement of the NAPCC targets. The scheme would be applicable throughout the country depending upon offshore wind potential availability.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126754
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Government cancels Greenpeace India’s FCRA registration
Ques: Recently, the Central Govt cancelled the FCRA license of- a. Greenpeace India b. Peta India c. Care India d. Ford Foundation
Ans: a
Related facts:
September 2, 2015 the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has cancelled the registration of the
NGO Greenpeace India under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act.
It is notable that the Greenpeace India's FCRA registration has been canceled for hampering
economic development activities in the country.
Registration of Greenpeace India is cancelled under "the Foreign Contribution Regulation
Act 2010' under section 13.
Loss of FCRA license means the NGO will not be able to accept foreign donations.
Reference: http://mha1.nic.in/pdfs/Greenpaece%20India%20Society2_040915.PDF http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/Press/Greenpeace-statement-in-response-to-the-cancellation-of- its-FCRA-licence/ http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-09-04/news/66213410_1_greenpeace-india-fcra- mha http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/greenpeace-indias-fcra-registration-cancelled-govt/
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Electronic version of the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi launched
Ques: Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs & Information and Broadcasting recently launched the electronic version of the Collected Works of a great leader- a. Bal Gangadhar Tilak b. Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya c. Pt. Dindayal Upadhyay d. Mahatma Gandhi Ans: d Related facts: 08 September, 2015 Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs & Information and Broadcasting launched the electronic version of “The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi”. This is a monumental document of Gandhiji’s words as he spoke and wrote, day after day beginning from 1884 till 30th January 1948 at Gandhi Peace Foundation. The Minister also uplinked the e-version on the Gandhi Heritage Portal, a comprehensive repository of authentic Gandhiana. The portal hosts e-CWMG in a searchable pdf format to ensure easy and free accessibility of the Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi for people across the world. It was also announced that the Hindi version of the monumental work CWMG (Sampoorna Gandhi Vangmaya) would be digitized soon. The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi took about 38 years in the making (1956-1994). Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126696 http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/jaitley-launches-eversion-of-mahatma-gandhis- works/article7629166.ece http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/what-is-the-collected-works-of-mahatma-gandhi/1/467946.html
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Key appointments in the Ministry of Finance
Ques: Recently, who takes over as the
Department of Economic Affairs Secretary in the Finance Ministry? a. Rajiv Mehrishi b. L. C. Goyal c. Shaktikant Das d. Dr. Hasmukh Adhia
Ans: c
Related facts:
August 31, 2015 Shri Shaktikanta Das (IAS: TN (1980) has taken over the charge as Secretary,
Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance.
He took place on the position of Rajiv Mehrishi.
Also, 1 September, 2015- 1981 batch IAS (Gujarat) officer Dr. Hasmukh Adhia took over as Revenue
Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.
Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126450
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Start-Up India, Stand-Up India
Ques: Please see below statements regarding ‘Start-Up India’ campaign: 1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a campaign ‘Start-up India, Stand up India’ on the occasion of 69th Independence Day. 2. This will offer incentives to boost entrepreneurship and job creation. 3. Each of the 1.25 lakh bank branches should encourage at least one Dalit or tribal entrepreneur and at least one woman entrepreneur. Which of the following is/are correct? a. Only 1 b. Only 1 and 2 c. 1, 2 and 3 d. None of the above Ans: c Related facts:
15 August, 2015 on the Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi announced ‘Start-up India, Stand up India’ campaign.
This will promote bank financing for start-ups and offer incentives to boost entrepreneurship and job creation.
This initiative will encourage entrepreneurship among the youth of India. Each of the 1.25 lakh bank branches should encourage at least one Dalit or tribal entrepreneur and at least one woman entrepreneur. Reference: http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=126088 http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-must-be-no-1-in-start-ups-says-pm-modi-on-69th- independence-day-1207548 http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/startup-india-stand-up-india-should-be-our- mantra-says-pm-modi-in-independence-day-speech-115081500101_1.html
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Cochin International Airport becomes world’s first to operate on solar power
Ques: Which airport recently became the first in the world to operate completely on solar power? a. Indira Gandhi International Airport b. Cochin International Airport c. Subhash Chandra Bose Airport d. Bangaluru International Airport Ans: b Related facts: On 18 August, 2015 Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the 12 MW solar power plant, comprising 46,150 solar panels laid across 45 acres near the cargo complex at Cochin International Airport. With this, the airport will have 50k to 60k units of electricity per day to be consumed for all its operational functions, which technically makes the airport ‘absolutely power neutral’. It is the first airport (setup under PPP model) in the world to operate completely on solar power. Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) had ventured into the Solar PV sector during March 2013, by installing a 100 KW solar PV Plant on the roof top of the Arrival Terminal Block. The plant was installed by the Kolkata-based Vikram Solar Pvt. Ltd. Plant equipped with a SCADA system, through which remote monitoring is carried out. Reference: http://cial.aero/Pressroom/newsdetails.aspx?news_id=360 http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-08-18/news/65530542_1_pv-power-plant-cochin- international-airport-limited-solar-power http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/kochi-airport-becomes-worlds-first-to-operate-on-solar- power/ http://www.livemint.com/Politics/nYRV0SGkot3GIOvQrqhBXL/Worlds-first-solarrun-airport-in-Kochi.html
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