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Indian Affairs
Cabinet Approvals on September 12 2017
On 12th September ,2017 the cabinet approved introduction of certain bills and MoU’s for the socio- economic welfare of the people residing within it.
On 12th September ,2017 the cabinet approved introduction of certain bills and MoU’s for the socio- economic welfare of the people residing within it.
1 – The cabinet approves the introduction of the Payment of
Gratuity (Amendment) Bill, 2017 in the Parliament
This amendment will be beneficial for persons who are not covered under CCS (Pension) Rules, at par with Central Government employees. This Amendment will increase the maximum limit of gratuity of employees, in the private sector and in Public Sector Undertakings/ Autonomous Organizations under Government of India.
This amendment will be beneficial for persons who are not covered under CCS (Pension) Rules, at par with Central Government employees. This Amendment will increase the maximum limit of gratuity of employees, in the private sector and in Public Sector Undertakings/ Autonomous Organizations under Government of India.
2 – The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
approves development of six laning of Narasannapeta-Ranastalam section of
National Highway (NH) – 16 in Andhra Pradesh
3 – The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
approves survey of Un-appraised Areas of Sedimentary Basins of India.
Details: –
Details: –
1.
Project cost is Rs.
2932.99 crore spread over five years. The Target year is 2019-2020.
2.
National Oil Companies
(NOCs) are meeting the fund requirement from their own sources, which will be
reimbursed by the Government. The project will be implemented by NOCs, i.e. Oil
India Limited (OIL) and Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). OIL will
conduct survey in North – Eastern States while remaining area will be covered
by ONGC
3.
It will be monitored by
Directorate General of on monthly basis.
4 – The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs
approves doubling of Daund-Manmad Railway Line for promoting Speedy, Reliable
& Safe Service
This approval authorizes BSNL to monetize its telecom tower infrastructure with the formation of a separate subsidiary company.There are around 4,42,000 mobile towers in the country out of which more than 66,000 mobile tower are of BSNL. An independent, dedicated tower company of BSNL with a focused approach will lead to increasing of external tenancies and consequentially higher revenue for the new company.
6 – Cabinet approves release of additional 1%
Dearness Allowance to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief to
pensioners with effect from 01.07.2017
This move of increasing additional 1% from 4% is to compensate for price rise as suggested by 7th pay commission.
This move of increasing additional 1% from 4% is to compensate for price rise as suggested by 7th pay commission.
Cabinet Approvals with Foreign Countries on
September 12 2017
On September 12,2017, the union cabinet gave its approval for signing of MoU’s between
Armenia, Japan and morocco with respect to multiple fields. These MoU’s will enhance the bilateral ties between nations.
1 – Cabinet approves MoU between India and Morocco on cooperation in the field of health
The areas of co-operation are
i) Treating Communicable and non-communicable diseases, including child cardiovascular
diseases and cancer
ii)Maternal, child and neonatal health;
iii) Drug Regulation and Pharmaceutical quality control;
iv) Hospital twinning for exchange of good practices;
v) Training in administration and management of health services and Hospitals;
2 – Cabinet approves MoU between India and Armenia on Cooperation in the field of Disaster Management
3 – Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Japan for collaborative research in the field of silkworm and silk industries.
On September 12,2017, the union cabinet gave its approval for signing of MoU’s between
Armenia, Japan and morocco with respect to multiple fields. These MoU’s will enhance the bilateral ties between nations.
1 – Cabinet approves MoU between India and Morocco on cooperation in the field of health
The areas of co-operation are
i) Treating Communicable and non-communicable diseases, including child cardiovascular
diseases and cancer
ii)Maternal, child and neonatal health;
iii) Drug Regulation and Pharmaceutical quality control;
iv) Hospital twinning for exchange of good practices;
v) Training in administration and management of health services and Hospitals;
2 – Cabinet approves MoU between India and Armenia on Cooperation in the field of Disaster Management
3 – Cabinet apprised of MoU between India and Japan for collaborative research in the field of silkworm and silk industries.
India, Belarus sign 10 pacts to Expand
Cooperation
On September 12,2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belarus President A.G. Lukashenko signed 10 pacts to expand cooperation in wide range of areas and decided for a joint collaboration in manufacturing and in defence sector under the ‘Make in India’ programme.
Highlights :-
On September 12,2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Belarus President A.G. Lukashenko signed 10 pacts to expand cooperation in wide range of areas and decided for a joint collaboration in manufacturing and in defence sector under the ‘Make in India’ programme.
Highlights :-
·
MoU between the Ministry
of Youth Affairs and Sports of
the Republic of India and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus
·
MoU in the Field of Vocational Education and Training
·
Agreement on Scientific
and Technical Cooperation between Indian
National Science Academy (INSA) and the National Academy of
Sciences of Belarus
·
MoU for Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education
·
Cooperation in the field
of culture for
2018-2020
·
MoU between M/o Petroleum
& Natural Gas of the Republic of India and Belarusian State Concern of Oil
and Chemistry in the Oil and Gas Sector
·
MoU between JSC Belarusian Potash Company (BPC) and
Indian Potash Ltd (IPL).
·
Government constitutes Group of Ministers
under Sushil kumar Modi & Hasmukh Adhia to resolve IT challenges faced in
GST implementation
On September 12,2017 Ministry of finance has constituted a 5 member Group of Ministers (GoM) and a Committee on Exports to look into the difficulties faced on the implementation of GST.
The Group of Ministers (GoM) :-
Purpose : To monitor and resolve IT challenges faced in implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GoM will be assisted in its work by the Chairman, Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) and the Chief Executive Officer, GSTN.
On September 12,2017 Ministry of finance has constituted a 5 member Group of Ministers (GoM) and a Committee on Exports to look into the difficulties faced on the implementation of GST.
The Group of Ministers (GoM) :-
Purpose : To monitor and resolve IT challenges faced in implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The GoM will be assisted in its work by the Chairman, Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) and the Chief Executive Officer, GSTN.
1.
It Chaired by Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Sushil Kumar
Modi.
2.
The Members of the GoM are
-Shri Amar Agarwal, Minister
for Commercial Taxes, Government of Chhatisgarh
– Shri Krishna Byregowda, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka
– Dr. T.M. Thomas Isaac, Finance Minister, Government of Kerala
-Shri Etela Rajendar, Finance Minister, Government of Telengana.
– Shri Krishna Byregowda, Minister for Agriculture, Government of Karnataka
– Dr. T.M. Thomas Isaac, Finance Minister, Government of Kerala
-Shri Etela Rajendar, Finance Minister, Government of Telengana.
Committee on Exports:
Purpose: To look at the issues of export sector and to recommend to the GST Councilsuitable strategy for helping the export sector in the post-GST scenario.
Purpose: To look at the issues of export sector and to recommend to the GST Councilsuitable strategy for helping the export sector in the post-GST scenario.
1.
It will be chaired by the Revenue Secretary, Hasmukh Adhia
2.
Its members are
-CBEC member (customs).
-Director General, DGFT;
-Additional Secretary, GST Council;
-Director General, DG Export Promotion from the Central Government
-Commissioners of Commercial Taxes from the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
-Director General, DGFT;
-Additional Secretary, GST Council;
-Director General, DG Export Promotion from the Central Government
-Commissioners of Commercial Taxes from the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
India’s first advanced Homoeopathy Virology
lab inaugurated in Kolkata
On 12th September 2017, The Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) Mr.Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated India’s first State of art virology laboratory at Dr.Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy in Kolkata.
Advanced Homeopathy Virology lab in Kolkata:
On 12th September 2017, The Union Minister of State for AYUSH (Department of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) Mr.Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated India’s first State of art virology laboratory at Dr.Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy in Kolkata.
Advanced Homeopathy Virology lab in Kolkata:
1.
The cost for establishment
of this laboratory is Rs.8 crore.
2.
This is the first
laboratory in India for conducting basic and fundamental research in Homoeopathy
for viral diseases like influenza, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, chickunguniya
and swine flu.
3.
New drugs and technologies
would also be developed here to rectify newly discovered viral diseases.
4.
The Minister was satisfied
with this laboratory being approved by the Calcutta University to carry out
research work of PhD students in Homoeopathy.
5.
He appreciated the efforts
of the National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH), Kolkata which is providing
higher education and training in homoeopathy under the Ministry of AYUSH.
6.
He also implied that both
the institutes should collaborate to provide practical training to students and
research scholars in virus research.
About West Bengal:
1.
Capital – Kolkata
2.
Official language –
Bengali
3.
Chief Minister – Ms.Mamata
Banerjee
4.
Governor – Mr.Keshari Nath
Tripathi
India starts producing world’s most
expensive coffee
On 11th September 2017, India has started producing ‘Civet Coffee’ the most expensive coffee in the world, in Karnataka.
Civet Coffee:
On 11th September 2017, India has started producing ‘Civet Coffee’ the most expensive coffee in the world, in Karnataka.
Civet Coffee:
1.
Civet Coffee is made from
the feces of a species of cat called ‘Civet Cat’.
2.
Coffee plantation is done
close to the forest.
3.
Civet cats eat the flesh
of the coffee cherries and digest the coffee beans as whole. This induces a
flavour into the coffee beans.
4.
The coffee beans are then
collected from the feces of the Civet Cat.
5.
They are cleaned,
processed and Civet Coffee is produced from that.
6.
Due to the low amount of
availability and wastage during processing this coffee is priced very high.
7.
One kilogram of this
coffee sells for Rs.8000 in India and at Rs.20,000 to Rs.25,000 in abroad.
8.
This is consumed largely
in the Middle East and Europe.
9.
The initiative of
producing this coffee has been taken by a Karnataka startup called ‘Coorg
Consolidated Commodities’.
10. This coffee is named as ‘Ainmane’ by the company.
About Karnataka:
1.
Capital – Bengaluru
2.
Official language –
Kannada
3.
Governor – Mr.Vajubhai
Vala
4.
Chief Minister
–Mr.Siddaramaiah
Dr.Harsh Vardhan inaugurates Conference on
Sustainable Landscapes & Forest Ecosystems
On 12th September 2017, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a two-day conference on “Sustainable landscapes and forest ecosystems: Theory to Practice”, in New Delhi.
Conference on Sustainable Landscapes & Forest Ecosystems:
On 12th September 2017, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated a two-day conference on “Sustainable landscapes and forest ecosystems: Theory to Practice”, in New Delhi.
Conference on Sustainable Landscapes & Forest Ecosystems:
1.
The Minister insisted on
bringing up solutions for increasing the forest cover up to a minimum of 33 %
and for the problem of weeds.
2.
He said that the
Government has decided to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion
tons of CO2 equivalent in forests. This would be achieved through
afforestation.
3.
He launched the “Wood is Good”
campaign.
4.
The Partnership for Land
Use Science (Forest-Plus) is a joint programme between United States Agency for
International Development (USAID) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
5.
The aim of Forest-Plus is
to improve the capacity of REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and
Forest Degradation) in India.
About Ministry of Environment, Forest
and Climate Change:
1.
Headquarters – New Delhi
2.
Minister – Mr.Harsh
Vardhan
Six month ‘cooling off’ period for granting
divorce can be waived: Supreme Court
On 12th September 2017, the Supreme Court declared that the 6-month ‘cooling off’ period for granting divorce can be waived, in New Delhi.
About the waiver of 6 month ‘cooling off’ period:
On 12th September 2017, the Supreme Court declared that the 6-month ‘cooling off’ period for granting divorce can be waived, in New Delhi.
About the waiver of 6 month ‘cooling off’ period:
1.
The Supreme Court declared
that the 6 month cooling off period under the Hindu Marriage Act for getting
divorce is not mandatory. The local judges can decide about waiving off that
period.
2.
Currently, if a Hindu
couple applies for divorce, the couple has to wait for 18 months to get the
divorce. Where they have to spend 12 months in separation and the next 6 months
is considered as cooling off period.
3.
The 6 month period can be
waived off under the following circumstances:
·
The divorce has been
applied through mutual consent
·
The couple had already
lived separately for a minimum of 1 year
·
All the efforts to
re-unite the couple have failed
·
The couple has settled
alimony, child custody etc. without any issues
About Supreme Court:
1.
Location
– New Delhi
2.
Chief
Justice of India – Justice Deepak Misra
Govt launches hackathon ‘OpenGovDataHack’
to promote app ideas
The Ministry for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched a nationwide hackathon‘OpenGovDataHack’ to support and showcase potential ideas and talent from inner India.
Key Points:
i.The National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) have collaborated to conduct the hackathon at Jaipur, Chennai, Noida, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Hyderabad and Surat.
ii.The hackathon aims to enable participants develop their ideas into apps and infographics primarily by the use of open government data.
iii.The themes of ideas include drinking water and sanitation, transport, education, health after which it can be evaluated by a jury and are selected for prizes and support or funding.
iv.Workshops will be organised variously for sensitisation, identifying problem statements and data gathering across the country in which students, start-ups, academics, and industry can participate.
The Ministry for Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched a nationwide hackathon‘OpenGovDataHack’ to support and showcase potential ideas and talent from inner India.
Key Points:
i.The National Informatics Centre (NIC) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) have collaborated to conduct the hackathon at Jaipur, Chennai, Noida, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Hyderabad and Surat.
ii.The hackathon aims to enable participants develop their ideas into apps and infographics primarily by the use of open government data.
iii.The themes of ideas include drinking water and sanitation, transport, education, health after which it can be evaluated by a jury and are selected for prizes and support or funding.
iv.Workshops will be organised variously for sensitisation, identifying problem statements and data gathering across the country in which students, start-ups, academics, and industry can participate.
International Affairs
Halimah Yacob declared as the first female
President of Singapore
On 13th September 2017, Ms.Halima Yacob was declared as the first ever female President of Singapore, in Singapore.Ms. Halimah Yacob was selected as the President without election.
The first female President of Singapore:
On 13th September 2017, Ms.Halima Yacob was declared as the first ever female President of Singapore, in Singapore.Ms. Halimah Yacob was selected as the President without election.
The first female President of Singapore:
1.
Ms. Halimah Yacob will
take power as Singapore’s 8th President
on 14th September 2017.
2.
She is 63 year old. She
was the first female Speaker of Parliament in 2013, in Singapore.
3.
Out of the three
presidential candidates only she was given certificate of eligibility for the
post.
4.
She has raised her voice
for women’s rights, senior citizens and mental health issues.
5.
She has been a patron to
associations like Club HEAL and Singapore Muslim Women’s Association.
About Singapore:
1.
Capital – Singapore
2.
Currency – Singapore
dollar
3.
Official language –
English, Malay, Huayu, Mandarin & Tamil
4.
President – Ms.Halimah
Yacob
5.
Prime Minister – Mr.Lee
Hsien Loong
UN imposes tough sanctions on North Korea
On 12th September 2017, The UN Security Council imposed strong sanctions on North Korea, to ban its textile exports and reduce fuel provided to it, in Washington.
Sanctions on North Korea:
On 12th September 2017, The UN Security Council imposed strong sanctions on North Korea, to ban its textile exports and reduce fuel provided to it, in Washington.
Sanctions on North Korea:
1.
The UN Security Council
unanimously voted to declare sanctions on North Korea to ban its textile
exports and reduce 30 % of oil supplied to it.
2.
This sanction was declared
as a result of North Korea’s sixth and largest nuclear test on September 2017.
3.
UN member states are now
ordered to block imports of textiles from North Korea.
4.
Fuel supply to North Korea
has been reduced by 2 million barrels a year.
5.
The only way for North
Korea to escape from this political isolation is to stop destructive nuclear
testing.
About North Korea:
1.
Capital – Pyongyang
2.
Currency – North Korean
won
3.
Official language – Korean
4.
Supreme Leader – Mr.Kim
Jong-un
Banking & Finance
RBI to introduce Rs 100 Coin to mark MG
Ramachandran birth centenary
RBI will introduce Rs 100 coins to mark the birth centenary of MG Ramachandran. He was the AIADMK founder and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
Key Points:
i.The Rs 100 coin will be 44 millimeter in diameter, with a metal composition of silver (50%), copper (40%), nickel (5%) and zinc (5%).
ii.The standard weight of Rs 100 coin will be 35 grams while that of Rs 5 coin will be 6 grams.
iii.The obverse of the Rs 100 coin will bear “Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar” in the centre, with the legend “Satyamev Jayate” inscribed below in Devnagari.
iv.The government will also introduce new Rs 5 coin, which will be 23 millimeter in diameter and made of copper (75%), zinc (20%) and nickel (5%).
v.The reverse of the Rs 100 coin shall bear the portrait of MG Ramachandran in the centre.
vi. It hasinscription of Ramachandran in Devnagarion upper periphery and Dr MG Ramachandran birth centenary in English on the lower periphery of the coin.
vii.It shall also bear the Rupee symbol and denominational value Rs 100 in international numerals below the Lion Capitol.
RBI will introduce Rs 100 coins to mark the birth centenary of MG Ramachandran. He was the AIADMK founder and former chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
Key Points:
i.The Rs 100 coin will be 44 millimeter in diameter, with a metal composition of silver (50%), copper (40%), nickel (5%) and zinc (5%).
ii.The standard weight of Rs 100 coin will be 35 grams while that of Rs 5 coin will be 6 grams.
iii.The obverse of the Rs 100 coin will bear “Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar” in the centre, with the legend “Satyamev Jayate” inscribed below in Devnagari.
iv.The government will also introduce new Rs 5 coin, which will be 23 millimeter in diameter and made of copper (75%), zinc (20%) and nickel (5%).
v.The reverse of the Rs 100 coin shall bear the portrait of MG Ramachandran in the centre.
vi. It hasinscription of Ramachandran in Devnagarion upper periphery and Dr MG Ramachandran birth centenary in English on the lower periphery of the coin.
vii.It shall also bear the Rupee symbol and denominational value Rs 100 in international numerals below the Lion Capitol.
Paytm Payments Bank partners with NPCI for
RuPay digital card
Paytm Payments Bank (PPB) has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) tolaunch a RuPay-powered digital debit card announced on 12th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.Through the PPB Digital debit card customers will now be able to transact at all merchants who accept credit and debit cards.
ii.The RuPay-powered digital debit card will be issued to all customers who have opened their bank accounts with PPB.
iii.Existing Paytm users need to complete a KYC process to become an account holder with PPB.
iv.The debit card will have the facility to come with a free insurance cover of up to Rs. 2 lakh in the case of death or permanent total disability.
v.Customers will now be able to pay across all online platforms with our digital debit card.
vi.PPB is also looking to partner with other full-service banks to offer additional services to its customers and rolling out a full bouquet of services, including term deposits, retail and SME loans.
vii.Paytm owns 51% stake in PPB while One97 Communications which runs Paytm owns the remaining 49%.
About Payments Bank
Paytm Payments Bank (PPB) has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) tolaunch a RuPay-powered digital debit card announced on 12th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.Through the PPB Digital debit card customers will now be able to transact at all merchants who accept credit and debit cards.
ii.The RuPay-powered digital debit card will be issued to all customers who have opened their bank accounts with PPB.
iii.Existing Paytm users need to complete a KYC process to become an account holder with PPB.
iv.The debit card will have the facility to come with a free insurance cover of up to Rs. 2 lakh in the case of death or permanent total disability.
v.Customers will now be able to pay across all online platforms with our digital debit card.
vi.PPB is also looking to partner with other full-service banks to offer additional services to its customers and rolling out a full bouquet of services, including term deposits, retail and SME loans.
vii.Paytm owns 51% stake in PPB while One97 Communications which runs Paytm owns the remaining 49%.
About Payments Bank
1.
Payments banks are a
new model of banks conceptualised by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
2.
These banks can accept a
restricted deposit, which is currently limited to Rs1 lakh per customer
and may be increased further.
3.
These banks cannot issue
loans and credit cards. Both current account and savings accounts can be
operated by such banks.
4.
Payments banks can issue
services like ATM cards, debit cards, net-banking and mobile-banking.
5.
Airtel has launched
India’s first live payments bank. Paytm is the second such service to be
launched in the country.
Business
Bharti Airtel, SK Telecom of Korea ties up
for advanced telecom network in India
Telecom operator Bharti Airtel has announced a partnership with South Korean telecom operator SK Telecom to build the most advanced telecom network in India announced on 13th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.The companies will work towards building an enabling ecosystem for the introduction of these technologies.
ii.Under the partnership, both the companies will work across several areas including developing bespoke software to improve network experience, leveraging advanced digital tools and building customized tools to improve network planning based on every customer’s device experience.
iii.The companies will also work to evolve standards for 5G and advanced technologies like network functions virtualisation (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN) and Internet of Things (IoT).
iv.It will help in identifying, monitoring and delivering improvements to the network experience on an individual device basis and will be a first in India.
v.SK Telecom has led the development of the global mobile telecommunications industry by launching CDMA (2G), WCDMA (3G) and LTE–A (4G) for the first time in the world.
vi.The company has been offering up to 500 Mbps 4G speed using carrier aggregation technology.
vii.SK Telecom is Korea’s largest telecommunications company with more than 29 million mobile subscribers, which accounts for around 50% of the total market.
Telecom operator Bharti Airtel has announced a partnership with South Korean telecom operator SK Telecom to build the most advanced telecom network in India announced on 13th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.The companies will work towards building an enabling ecosystem for the introduction of these technologies.
ii.Under the partnership, both the companies will work across several areas including developing bespoke software to improve network experience, leveraging advanced digital tools and building customized tools to improve network planning based on every customer’s device experience.
iii.The companies will also work to evolve standards for 5G and advanced technologies like network functions virtualisation (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN) and Internet of Things (IoT).
iv.It will help in identifying, monitoring and delivering improvements to the network experience on an individual device basis and will be a first in India.
v.SK Telecom has led the development of the global mobile telecommunications industry by launching CDMA (2G), WCDMA (3G) and LTE–A (4G) for the first time in the world.
vi.The company has been offering up to 500 Mbps 4G speed using carrier aggregation technology.
vii.SK Telecom is Korea’s largest telecommunications company with more than 29 million mobile subscribers, which accounts for around 50% of the total market.
Appointments & Resigns
Raj Shah appointed as Principal Deputy
Press Secretary in US
US President Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American Raj Shah as Principal Deputy Press Secretary in US announced on 13th Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.Shah has served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Communications Director.
ii.Shah was born and raised in Connecticut and his parents migrated to the US in 1980s.
iii.Shah was Director of Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee before moving to the White House.
iv.Trump has also appointed Hope Hicks as his Communications Director. Hicks previously served as Assistant to the President and Interim Communications Director.
v.Mercedes Schlapp, a Fox News contributor and columnist for The Washington Times, will serve as Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications.
vi.Steven Cheung has appointed as Director of Strategic Response. He previously served as Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Communications Director.
US President Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American Raj Shah as Principal Deputy Press Secretary in US announced on 13th Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.Shah has served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Communications Director.
ii.Shah was born and raised in Connecticut and his parents migrated to the US in 1980s.
iii.Shah was Director of Opposition Research in the Republican National Committee before moving to the White House.
iv.Trump has also appointed Hope Hicks as his Communications Director. Hicks previously served as Assistant to the President and Interim Communications Director.
v.Mercedes Schlapp, a Fox News contributor and columnist for The Washington Times, will serve as Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications.
vi.Steven Cheung has appointed as Director of Strategic Response. He previously served as Special Assistant to the President and Assistant Communications Director.
Awards & Recognition
74th Venice Film Festival Awards 2017
The 74th annual Venice International Film Festival was held from 30 August to 9 September 2017. The most important award is the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale and considered one of the most prestigious film awards, like the Golden Palm in Cannes and the Golden Bear of Berlin.
Details of the awards :
1 – Golden Lion – The Shape of Water, directed by Guillermo del Toro
2 – Grand Jury Prize – Foxtrot, directed by Samuel Maoz
3 – Silver Lion – Best Director Xavier Legrand, Jusqu’Ã la Garde
4 – Volpi Cup – Best Actress Charlotte Rampling, Hannah
5 – Volpi Cup – Best Actor Kamel El Basha, The Insult
6 – Best Screenplay – Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
The 74th annual Venice International Film Festival was held from 30 August to 9 September 2017. The most important award is the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale and considered one of the most prestigious film awards, like the Golden Palm in Cannes and the Golden Bear of Berlin.
Details of the awards :
1 – Golden Lion – The Shape of Water, directed by Guillermo del Toro
2 – Grand Jury Prize – Foxtrot, directed by Samuel Maoz
3 – Silver Lion – Best Director Xavier Legrand, Jusqu’Ã la Garde
4 – Volpi Cup – Best Actress Charlotte Rampling, Hannah
5 – Volpi Cup – Best Actor Kamel El Basha, The Insult
6 – Best Screenplay – Martin McDonagh, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
Raghunandan Money honoured with Krishi
Pragati Award 2017 by NCDEX
On 7th September 2017, Raghunandan Industries Private Limited was awarded Krishi Pragati Award 2017, by National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX), in New Delhi.
Krishi Pragati Award 2017:
On 7th September 2017, Raghunandan Industries Private Limited was awarded Krishi Pragati Award 2017, by National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX), in New Delhi.
Krishi Pragati Award 2017:
1.
The Krishi Pragati Award
2017 has been awarded to appreciate the outstanding contribution made by
Raghunandan Industries in the area of Agricultural Commodities.
2.
Mr.Ram Vilas Paswan,
Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Mr.Arjun Ram
Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs gave away
the award to Mr.Saurabh Mittal, Founder & MD of Raghunandan Money.
3.
Raghunandan Industries, is
a part of Raghunandan Money Group.
4.
It offers commodities
broking services.
5.
Raghunandan Money provides
financial services such as demat, equity, derivatives, currency trading, mutual
funds, life insurance, general insurance etc.
About NCDEX:
1.
National Commodity &
Derivatives Exchange Limited
2.
Headquarters – Mumbai
3.
MD & CEO – Mr.Samir
Shah
HDFC Bank becomes the second most valuable
company on BSE
On 12th September 2017, HDFC Bank became the second most valuable company in BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange), in India, in terms of market capitalisation.
HDFC as the second most valuable company:
On 12th September 2017, HDFC Bank became the second most valuable company in BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange), in India, in terms of market capitalisation.
HDFC as the second most valuable company:
1.
Reliance Industries is in
the 1st place currently.
2.
HDFC has replaced TCS in
the 2nd position now.
3.
HDFC and TCS were in close
competition. During the close of trade on 12th September
2017, HDFC’s share had higher value than TCS.
4.
Market value of HDFC has
increased in value by 53 % this year.
5.
HDFC’s performance
improvement in retail banking has helped it climb up the ladder.
About HDFC:
1.
Housing Development
Financial Corporation
2.
Private Bank
3.
Headquarters – Mumbai
4.
MD – Mr.Aditya Puri
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal
(JNPCT) wins “Container Terminal of the Year” Award 2017
On 13th September 2017, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal (JNPCT) was awarded “Container Terminal of the Year” Award, in Mumbai.
Container Terminal of the Year:
On 13th September 2017, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal (JNPCT) was awarded “Container Terminal of the Year” Award, in Mumbai.
Container Terminal of the Year:
1.
JNPCT was given the award in
‘The Gateway Awards 2017’ held at Mumbai.
2.
This is the 10th edition of the Gateway Awards.
3.
The award was received by
Mr.Neeraj Bansal, Deputy Chairman of JNPCT.
4.
The Gateway Awards are
given to appreciate best practices, innovation and motivation in the Indian
Maritime industry.
5.
JNPCT was awarded the
‘Container Terminal of the Year’ award for its excellent strategies to reduce
congestion, smooth delivery of containers and renovation of infrastructure to
carry out trade even in unfavourable conditions.
About Ministry of Shipping:
1.
Headquarters – New Delhi
2.
Minister – Mr.Nitin
Gadkari
3.
Ministers of State –
Mr.Pon Radhakrishnan, Mr.Mansukh L.Mandaviya
Science & Technology
PayU partners with IRCTC, provides online
payment services to IRCTC users
On 11th September 2017, Payment gateway provider PayU announced its collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), in New Delhi.
Partnership between PayU and IRCTC:
On 11th September 2017, Payment gateway provider PayU announced its collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), in New Delhi.
Partnership between PayU and IRCTC:
1.
PayU and IRCTC have joined
hands to provide users a safe and secure option to make payment for rail
tickets booked on the IRCTC website.
2.
Now PayU is available as a
payment option under the Multiple Payment Services or MPS option on the IRCTC
website at the payment page.
3.
While booking ticket,
users can click on this option to pay using PayU.
4.
This would help users to
make a safe and secure transaction through various payment options like
internet banking, debit/credit card and e-wallet.
5.
PayU India handles more
than Rs.6500 crores worth of digital transactions every month.
About IRCTC:
1.
Indian Railway Catering
and Tourism Corporation
2.
Subsidiary of the Indian
Railways
3.
Headquarters – New Delhi
Environment
Mouse deer reintroduced into Amrabad Tiger
Reserve
On 13th September 2017, a few mouse deer were released into Amrabad Tiger Reserve, near Mannanur, in Mahbubnagar district of Telengana.
Release of Mouse deer into Amrabad Tiger Reserve:
On 13th September 2017, a few mouse deer were released into Amrabad Tiger Reserve, near Mannanur, in Mahbubnagar district of Telengana.
Release of Mouse deer into Amrabad Tiger Reserve:
1.
Eight mouse deer (spotted
Chevrotain) were bred at the Nehru Zoological Park, in Hyderabad, by Telengana
government.
2.
These 8 mouse deer were
released into the forest.
3.
That includes 2 males and
6 females.
4.
The release of these mouse
deers into the forest have been made as a move towards improving bio diversity.
5.
The mouse deer is an
endangered species.
6.
They reduced in number due
to poaching activities and the destruction of habitat.
7.
They usually live in
evergreen forests.
About Telengana:
1.
Capital – Hyderabad
2.
Governor –
Mr.E.S.L.Narasimhan
3.
Chief Minister –
Mr.K.Chandrashekar Rao
Zoological Survey of India releases first
compendium of animal species in Indian Sundarbans
On 13th September 2017, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has released its first compendium named ‘Fauna of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve in Indian Sundarbans’.
About the compendium:
On 13th September 2017, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has released its first compendium named ‘Fauna of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve in Indian Sundarbans’.
About the compendium:
1.
The compendium has been
released in a motive to improve research and exploration activities in
Sunderbans.
2.
The compendium details the
fauna of Sunderbans. It contains information about the animal species living
there.
3.
Sunderbans is a part of
the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4.
It is spread across an
area of 9,630 sq. km.
5.
It consists of 104
islands.
6.
It is the largest tidal
halophytic mangrove forest in the world.
7.
The compendium has listed
2,626 animal species of Sunderbans. In which there are 50 mammalian species,
356 bird species, 350 fish species and 753 insect species.
About Zoological Survey of India:
1.
Purpose – Animal Taxonomy
& Conservation
2.
Headquarters – Kolkata
Sports
Asian Games gold medalist Priyanka Panwar
banned for eight years
On 12th September 2017, Asian Games gold medalist Priyanka Panwar was suspended for eight years after she tested positive for a banned performance enhancing drug, in New Delhi.
About the ban:
On 12th September 2017, Asian Games gold medalist Priyanka Panwar was suspended for eight years after she tested positive for a banned performance enhancing drug, in New Delhi.
About the ban:
1.
Priyanka Panwar a 29 year
old Indian athlete won gold medal in 4x400m women’s relay at the 2014 Asian
Games.
2.
She had tested positive for a
banned stimulant during a national inter-state athletics competition in 2016.
3.
The suspension was
announced by suspension by National Anti Doping Agency’s (NADA) disciplinary
panel.
4.
The ban is for eight years with
effect from July 2016.
5.
This might probably end
her career.
6.
Priyanka Panwar already
tested positive for a banned drug in 2011 and was put on a ban for 2 years.
7.
According to the rules of
NADA, a person tested positive for drugs for the second time will get a maximum
ban of 8 years.
About NADA:
1.
National Anti Doping
Agency
2.
Purpose – controlling
doping among sports persons
3.
Chief – Mr.Navin Agarwal
Obituary
LGBT rights activist Edith Windsor passed
away
Gay rights activist Edith Windsor, whose same-sex marriage fight led to a landmark US ruling, passed away on 12 September 2017. She was 88.
It was Windsor’s efforts that Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013, granting same-sex married couples federal recognition for the first time.
About Edith Windsor
Gay rights activist Edith Windsor, whose same-sex marriage fight led to a landmark US ruling, passed away on 12 September 2017. She was 88.
It was Windsor’s efforts that Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013, granting same-sex married couples federal recognition for the first time.
About Edith Windsor
1.
Born on 20 June 1929,
Edith “Edie” Windsor was an American lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
(LGBT) rights activist.
2.
She was the lead plaintiff
in the Supreme Court of the United
States case United States v. Windsor, which successfully
overturned Section 3 of
the Defense of Marriage Act.
It was considered a landmark legal victory for the same-sex marriage movement
in the United States of America.
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