Dear Readers,
Indian Affairs
Indian Navy commissions INS Tarasa, a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft at MumbaiOn 26th September 2017, INS Tarasa, a Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FAC) was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command at the Naval Dockyard, in Mumbai.
i.INS Tarasa is 50 m long.It is powered by three water jets, with speed more than 35 knots (65 km/hr).It is equipped with a 30 mm main gun and several light, medium and heavy machine guns.
ii.INS Tarasa was built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.This is the last Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FAC) built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
iii.This is the second ship of the Indian Navy to be named INS Tarasa. The first INS Tarasa was in service of the Navy from 1999 to 2014.
i.INS Tarasa is 50 m long.It is powered by three water jets, with speed more than 35 knots (65 km/hr).It is equipped with a 30 mm main gun and several light, medium and heavy machine guns.
ii.INS Tarasa was built by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata.This is the last Water Jet Fast Attack Craft (FAC) built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE).
iii.This is the second ship of the Indian Navy to be named INS Tarasa. The first INS Tarasa was in service of the Navy from 1999 to 2014.
Cabinet approves Inter-bank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement & Co-operation Memorandum relating to Credit Ratings by Exim Bank:
i. The Cabinet has approved signing of the Interbank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement & Co-operation Memorandum Relating to Credit Ratings by Exim Bank with participating member banks under BRICS Interbank Co-operation Mechanism.
i. The Cabinet has approved signing of the Interbank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement & Co-operation Memorandum Relating to Credit Ratings by Exim Bank with participating member banks under BRICS Interbank Co-operation Mechanism.
Cabinet approves Umbrella Scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces:i. The Cabinet approved the implementation of Umbrella Scheme of ‘Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)’ for years 2017-18 to 2019-20.
ii. The estimated cost of the scheme is Rs.25,060 crore.
ii. The estimated cost of the scheme is Rs.25,060 crore.
Cabinet approves Enhancement of age of superannuation of doctors other than Central Health Service doctors to 65 years:
i. The Cabinet approved the enhancement the superannuation age to 65 years for doctorsin the following categories:
· Doctors in Indian Railways Medical Service
· Doctors working in Central Universities and IITs under Department of Higher Education
· Doctors in Major Port Trusts under Ministry of Shipping
i. The Cabinet approved the enhancement the superannuation age to 65 years for doctorsin the following categories:
· Doctors in Indian Railways Medical Service
· Doctors working in Central Universities and IITs under Department of Higher Education
· Doctors in Major Port Trusts under Ministry of Shipping
Cabinet approves revision of policy for providing Defence land to Communication Operators:
i. The Cabinet has approved a proposal for revision of policy of Ministry of Defence for providing Defence land to Communication Operators for construction of Shared Communication Towers and allied Infrastructure.
i. The Cabinet has approved a proposal for revision of policy of Ministry of Defence for providing Defence land to Communication Operators for construction of Shared Communication Towers and allied Infrastructure.
Cabinet Approvals with Foreign Countries on September 27
- Cabinet approves MoU between India and Belarus in the oil & gas sector and Bilateral Investment Treaty
Key Points:
i.Under the MoU, both sides will work towards establishing cooperation in the areas of upstream and downstream activities, capacity building, technology transfer, enhanced oil recovery and development of mature fields in India.
ii.It will enhance the economic and commercial cooperation between the two sides in oil and natural gas sector.
iii.The MoU will serve for three years from the day of its signing.
- Cabinet approves Agreement on “Cooperation in the field of Information, Communication and Media” between India and Ethiopia
Key Points:
i.The agreement would provide an opportunity to both the nations to share best practices and innovations in the field of information, communication and media.
ii.It will also help enhance people-to-people contact through exchange programmes and encourage cooperation between mass media tools such as radio, print, television, and social media.
iii.The agreement will facilitate the exchange of delegations, personnel between the two nations.
- Cabinet approves bilateral MoU between India and Afghanistan on Technical Cooperation on Police Training and Development
Key Points:
i.The MoU will help in capacity building of Afghanistan National Police and improving the security apparatus in the region.
ii.The cabinet’s approval will be effective for a period of five years from the date of signing.
iii.The MoU can be extended for a further period of five years on the condition that there are not further changes and revisions.
Government launches Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt System
On 26th September 2017, Mr.Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched the Web Portal of Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) and Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (e-NWR) System, in New Delhi.
On 26th September 2017, Mr.Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution launched the Web Portal of Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) and Electronic Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (e-NWR) System, in New Delhi.
e-NWR System:
i. WDRA has simplified the Warehouse Registration Rules by digitizing the entire process of registration, monitoring and surveillance.
ii. It has also digitized the creation and management of Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWRs) through e-NWR.
iii. The e-NWR will enable easy pledge financing by banks and other financial institutions.
iv. It will also ease trading on commodity exchanges, electronic National Agriculture Markets (e-NAM) and other electronic platforms.
v. The e-NWR will reduce logistics cost, as the stocks could be traded through multiple buyers without any physical movement.
vi. They could also be split for partial transfer or withdrawal.
i. WDRA has simplified the Warehouse Registration Rules by digitizing the entire process of registration, monitoring and surveillance.
ii. It has also digitized the creation and management of Negotiable Warehouse Receipts (NWRs) through e-NWR.
iii. The e-NWR will enable easy pledge financing by banks and other financial institutions.
iv. It will also ease trading on commodity exchanges, electronic National Agriculture Markets (e-NAM) and other electronic platforms.
v. The e-NWR will reduce logistics cost, as the stocks could be traded through multiple buyers without any physical movement.
vi. They could also be split for partial transfer or withdrawal.
About Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA):
i. Location – New Delhi
ii. Chairman – Mr.G.C.Chaturvedi
i. Location – New Delhi
ii. Chairman – Mr.G.C.Chaturvedi
Maharashtra signs MoU with South Korea for Infrastructure Projects
On 26th September 2017, The Maharashtra Government signed a MoU with South Korea for increased co-operation in infrastructure projects like development of smart cities, roads, airports and metros.
On 26th September 2017, The Maharashtra Government signed a MoU with South Korea for increased co-operation in infrastructure projects like development of smart cities, roads, airports and metros.
Maharshtra signs MoU with South Korea:
i. Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr.Devendra Fadnavis is on a three day visit to South Korea and Singapore.
ii. This MoU would help with implementation strategy, legal systems, policies, technologies and information in infrastructure development.
iii. Mr.Fadnavis had a meeting with Ms.Kim Hyunmee, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), in Seoul.
iv. Mr.Fadnavis said that Ms.Hyunmee and her team were very interested in Maharashtra’s ‘Samruddhi’ corridor project, which works on building a 700 km super express highway connecting Mumbai to Nagpur.
i. Maharashtra Chief Minister Mr.Devendra Fadnavis is on a three day visit to South Korea and Singapore.
ii. This MoU would help with implementation strategy, legal systems, policies, technologies and information in infrastructure development.
iii. Mr.Fadnavis had a meeting with Ms.Kim Hyunmee, Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), in Seoul.
iv. Mr.Fadnavis said that Ms.Hyunmee and her team were very interested in Maharashtra’s ‘Samruddhi’ corridor project, which works on building a 700 km super express highway connecting Mumbai to Nagpur.
About South Korea:
i. Capital – Seoul
ii. Currency – South Korean won
iii. Official language – Korean, Korean Sign Language
iv. President – Mr.Moon Jae-in
v. Prime Minister – Mr.Lee Nak-yeon
i. Capital – Seoul
ii. Currency – South Korean won
iii. Official language – Korean, Korean Sign Language
iv. President – Mr.Moon Jae-in
v. Prime Minister – Mr.Lee Nak-yeon
Israel to boost ‘White Revolution’ in Haryana
On 25th September 2017, Mr.Uri Ariel, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel, announced that Israel will provide increased support to Haryana’s White Revolution, in Israel.
On 25th September 2017, Mr.Uri Ariel, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Israel, announced that Israel will provide increased support to Haryana’s White Revolution, in Israel.
Israel to support Haryana’s White Revolution:
i. Haryana’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Mr.Om Prakash Dhankar, met Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr.Uri Ariel.
ii. Both the Ministers agreed on further co-operation in the fields of horticulture, dairy and exchange of research among students and specialists in universities of agriculture, horticulture and animal sciences.
iii. Israel is already working on five centres of excellence in Haryana.
iv. Israel is the world’s leading milk producer.
v. The average milk production in Israel is 32 kg per day.
vi. Haryana would adopt techniques and experience of Israel to increase average milk production.
i. Haryana’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Mr.Om Prakash Dhankar, met Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr.Uri Ariel.
ii. Both the Ministers agreed on further co-operation in the fields of horticulture, dairy and exchange of research among students and specialists in universities of agriculture, horticulture and animal sciences.
iii. Israel is already working on five centres of excellence in Haryana.
iv. Israel is the world’s leading milk producer.
v. The average milk production in Israel is 32 kg per day.
vi. Haryana would adopt techniques and experience of Israel to increase average milk production.
About Israel:
i. Capital – Jerusalem
ii. Currency – New shekel
iii. Official language – Hebrew, Arabic
iv. President – Mr.Reuven Rivlin
v. Prime Minister – Mr.Benjamin Netanyahu
i. Capital – Jerusalem
ii. Currency – New shekel
iii. Official language – Hebrew, Arabic
iv. President – Mr.Reuven Rivlin
v. Prime Minister – Mr.Benjamin Netanyahu
Vice President inaugurates ‘Crusade for Toilets’ in Karnataka
On 26th September 2017, Vice President, Mr.M.Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the ‘Shouchalayakkagi Samara’ (A Crusade for Toilets) Programme, in Karnataka.
On 26th September 2017, Vice President, Mr.M.Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated the ‘Shouchalayakkagi Samara’ (A Crusade for Toilets) Programme, in Karnataka.
Crusade for Toilets:
i. Vice President Mr.M.Venkaiah Naidu presided as the Chief Guest in a public event at Hubli.
ii. Later, he addressed a ‘Shouchalayakkagi Samara’ public gathering at the local high school, in Janata Colony, Konnur Village, in Naragund Taluk of Gadag District.
iii. The Vice President honoured 13 Village Panchayat Presidents and the Naragund Taluka Panchayat President as the achievers of ‘Shouchalayakkagi Samar’.
iv. He also declared the rural areas of Naragund Taluk as an ODF (Open defecation Free) block.
v. Mr.Parameswaran Iyer, the Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Mr.P.C.Gaddigoudar, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, and Mr.B.R.Yavagal, MLA, Naragund, were also present on the occasion.
i. Vice President Mr.M.Venkaiah Naidu presided as the Chief Guest in a public event at Hubli.
ii. Later, he addressed a ‘Shouchalayakkagi Samara’ public gathering at the local high school, in Janata Colony, Konnur Village, in Naragund Taluk of Gadag District.
iii. The Vice President honoured 13 Village Panchayat Presidents and the Naragund Taluka Panchayat President as the achievers of ‘Shouchalayakkagi Samar’.
iv. He also declared the rural areas of Naragund Taluk as an ODF (Open defecation Free) block.
v. Mr.Parameswaran Iyer, the Secretary, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Mr.P.C.Gaddigoudar, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, and Mr.B.R.Yavagal, MLA, Naragund, were also present on the occasion.
About Karnataka:
i. Capital – Bengaluru
ii. Chief Minister – Mr.Siddaramaiah
iii. Governor – Mr.Vajubhai Vala
i. Capital – Bengaluru
ii. Chief Minister – Mr.Siddaramaiah
iii. Governor – Mr.Vajubhai Vala
World’s tallest bamboo ‘Maa Durga’ idol
On 26th September 2017, Artists constructed a 100 feet bamboo idol of Goddess Durga, world’s tallest bamboo idol, in Guwahati, Assam.
On 26th September 2017, Artists constructed a 100 feet bamboo idol of Goddess Durga, world’s tallest bamboo idol, in Guwahati, Assam.
World’s tallest bamboo idol:
i. The idol has been constructed for the Durga Puja festival that is observed from 26th to 30th September 2017.
ii. It aims to break the Guinness World Records for the tallest bamboo sculpture.
iii. 5,000 bamboo poles have been used to make the idol.
iv. The idol has been created by Art Director Mr.Nuruddin Ahmed and his team of 40 members for Guwahati’s Bishnupur Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee.
v. Mr.Ahmed is in the profession of designing Durga idols from 1975.
vi. He started working on this idol from 1st August 2017.
vii. No metal or plastic bags have been used in the idol and it is completely green.
i. The idol has been constructed for the Durga Puja festival that is observed from 26th to 30th September 2017.
ii. It aims to break the Guinness World Records for the tallest bamboo sculpture.
iii. 5,000 bamboo poles have been used to make the idol.
iv. The idol has been created by Art Director Mr.Nuruddin Ahmed and his team of 40 members for Guwahati’s Bishnupur Sarbojanin Durga Puja Committee.
v. Mr.Ahmed is in the profession of designing Durga idols from 1975.
vi. He started working on this idol from 1st August 2017.
vii. No metal or plastic bags have been used in the idol and it is completely green.
About Assam:
i. Capital – Dispur
ii. Chief Minister – Mr.Sarbananda Sonowal
iii. Governor – Mr.Banwarilal Purohit
i. Capital – Dispur
ii. Chief Minister – Mr.Sarbananda Sonowal
iii. Governor – Mr.Banwarilal Purohit
Punjab government forms steering committee to monitor drug de-addiction
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has constituted a steering committee to monitor and coordinate the states drug de-addiction and rehabilitation programme announced on 26th of Sept. 2017.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has constituted a steering committee to monitor and coordinate the states drug de-addiction and rehabilitation programme announced on 26th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.The decision to set up the committee, headed by the state chief secretary, was taken by the chief minister at a meeting of the State Board of Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation.
ii.The committee has been asked to meet frequently to efficient and firm implement the programme in a time- bound manner.
iii.Panchayats and NGOs, along with social, voluntary and religious organisations must take part to move the programme forward.
iv.He also mentioned the importance of the need for implementing a post- rehabilitation phase for the victims of drug addiction that would include skill training.
i.The decision to set up the committee, headed by the state chief secretary, was taken by the chief minister at a meeting of the State Board of Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation.
ii.The committee has been asked to meet frequently to efficient and firm implement the programme in a time- bound manner.
iii.Panchayats and NGOs, along with social, voluntary and religious organisations must take part to move the programme forward.
iv.He also mentioned the importance of the need for implementing a post- rehabilitation phase for the victims of drug addiction that would include skill training.
About Punjab
Capital: Chandigarh
Governor: VP Singh Badnore
CM: Amarinder Singh
Capital: Chandigarh
Governor: VP Singh Badnore
CM: Amarinder Singh
Government sets up special fund for developing Dairy sector
As per Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan singh the government has set up the Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DPIDF) worth Rs 10,881 crore to boost the dairy sector announced on 26thof Sept. 2017.
As per Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan singh the government has set up the Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DPIDF) worth Rs 10,881 crore to boost the dairy sector announced on 26thof Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.Through Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DPIDF) 95 lakh farmers from about 50,000 villages will be benefited.
ii.On this occassion the minister presented National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) dairy excellence awards to the best dairy cooperatives.
iii.The National Dairy Project (NDP) is aimed to increase the productivity of milch animals, which will lead to increase in milk production for meeting the growing demand.
iv.The NDDB has also implemented several major dairy development programmes including Operation Flood since its inception.
v.The productivity of milch animals is increasing through the use artificial insemination techniques.
vi.The government also aims to open a milk dairy in each district of the state.
i.Through Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DPIDF) 95 lakh farmers from about 50,000 villages will be benefited.
ii.On this occassion the minister presented National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) dairy excellence awards to the best dairy cooperatives.
iii.The National Dairy Project (NDP) is aimed to increase the productivity of milch animals, which will lead to increase in milk production for meeting the growing demand.
iv.The NDDB has also implemented several major dairy development programmes including Operation Flood since its inception.
v.The productivity of milch animals is increasing through the use artificial insemination techniques.
vi.The government also aims to open a milk dairy in each district of the state.
International Affairs
WEF released Global Competitiveness Report 2017 – Switzerland at 1st, India at 40th positionOn 27th September 2017, World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Global Competitiveness Report, in Switzerland.
Global Competitiveness Report:
The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) is prepared on the basis of country-level data under 12 categories of competitiveness.
137 countries were ranked in the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI).
1.Switzerland occupies the 1st position in the list.
2.US occupies the 2nd position and Singapore the 3rd.
3.India has bagged the 40th rank.
The Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) is prepared on the basis of country-level data under 12 categories of competitiveness.
137 countries were ranked in the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI).
1.Switzerland occupies the 1st position in the list.
2.US occupies the 2nd position and Singapore the 3rd.
3.India has bagged the 40th rank.
Performance of India
i.India has obtained the highest rank among the South Asian countries.Categorically, India has scored 29th rank in Innovation, 66th rank in Infrastructure, 75th rank in Higher Education and Training and 107th rank in Technological Readiness.
i.India has obtained the highest rank among the South Asian countries.Categorically, India has scored 29th rank in Innovation, 66th rank in Infrastructure, 75th rank in Higher Education and Training and 107th rank in Technological Readiness.
About World Economic Forum (WEF):
Headquarters – Cologny, Switzerland
Executive Chairman – Klaus Schwab.
Headquarters – Cologny, Switzerland
Executive Chairman – Klaus Schwab.
WADA suspends French anti-doping lab
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced that it had provisionally suspended the WADA accreditation of the laboratory of the National Anti-Doping Organisation of France (AFLD) announced on 26th Sept. 2017.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has announced that it had provisionally suspended the WADA accreditation of the laboratory of the National Anti-Doping Organisation of France (AFLD) announced on 26th Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.The main reason of provisionally suspended the WADA is because of “analytical issues”.
ii.As per the WADA the provisional suspension came into effect on 24th of Sept. and prohibits the Paris Laboratory from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood.
iii.The Paris laboratory is the sole one in France and treated around 13,500 samples in 2016.
iv.The suspension was linked to a contamination of a sampling robot after tests carried out on samples from bodybuilders.
v.The result showed levels of testosterone up to 200 times the normal positive test.
i.The main reason of provisionally suspended the WADA is because of “analytical issues”.
ii.As per the WADA the provisional suspension came into effect on 24th of Sept. and prohibits the Paris Laboratory from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analyses of urine and blood.
iii.The Paris laboratory is the sole one in France and treated around 13,500 samples in 2016.
iv.The suspension was linked to a contamination of a sampling robot after tests carried out on samples from bodybuilders.
v.The result showed levels of testosterone up to 200 times the normal positive test.
About WADA
The World Anti-Doping Agency is a foundation initiated by the International Olympic Committee based in Canada to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against drugs in sports.
HQ: Montreal Canada
President: Craig Reedie
The World Anti-Doping Agency is a foundation initiated by the International Olympic Committee based in Canada to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against drugs in sports.
HQ: Montreal Canada
President: Craig Reedie
Banking & Finance
IDBI Bank launches ‘Project Nishchay’ to improve financial performance
On 26th September 2017, IDBI Bank launched ‘Project Nishchay’ in partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to improve its turnaround programme and financial performance.
On 26th September 2017, IDBI Bank launched ‘Project Nishchay’ in partnership with Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to improve its turnaround programme and financial performance.
Project Nishchay:
i. This project will be led by senior management of IDBI Bank and BCG.
ii. IDBI Bank has the highest ratio of bad loans among listed banks with a gross NPA ratio of over 24 %.
iii. The bank had made a net loss of Rs.853 crore at the end of the first quarter in 2017.
iv. Also, the bank is under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) prompt corrective action framework.
v. BCG will help IDBI to identify areas for cost containment and revenue maximisation leading to profitability.
i. This project will be led by senior management of IDBI Bank and BCG.
ii. IDBI Bank has the highest ratio of bad loans among listed banks with a gross NPA ratio of over 24 %.
iii. The bank had made a net loss of Rs.853 crore at the end of the first quarter in 2017.
iv. Also, the bank is under the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) prompt corrective action framework.
v. BCG will help IDBI to identify areas for cost containment and revenue maximisation leading to profitability.
About IDBI Bank:
i. Full form – Industrial Development Bank of India
ii. Type – Public Sector Bank
iii. Headquarters – Mumbai
iv. MD & CEO – Mr.Mahesh Kumar Jain
i. Full form – Industrial Development Bank of India
ii. Type – Public Sector Bank
iii. Headquarters – Mumbai
iv. MD & CEO – Mr.Mahesh Kumar Jain
Standard Chartered, Citibank become shareholders in Swift India
SWIFT India has announced that Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank have joined the Indian services as shareholders on 26th of Sept. 2017.
SWIFT India has announced that Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank have joined the Indian services as shareholders on 26th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.Standard Chartered and Citibank become the first foreign lenders to invest in the platform.
ii.Both Standard Chartered Bank as well as Citi linked the investment to their respective efforts to promote digitization. This is its second round of capital raising.
iii.It will help to enable efficiencies in managing corporate-to-bank digital flows in India on a secure and robust platform.
iv.It will help clients to automate and digitise flows and gain efficiency through standardisation and process automation.
v.Other lender shareholders in the company include Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India and Union Bank of India.
vi.Swift India was formed in 2012 as a joint venture between the global cooperative Swift SCRL and nine leading domestic banks.
i.Standard Chartered and Citibank become the first foreign lenders to invest in the platform.
ii.Both Standard Chartered Bank as well as Citi linked the investment to their respective efforts to promote digitization. This is its second round of capital raising.
iii.It will help to enable efficiencies in managing corporate-to-bank digital flows in India on a secure and robust platform.
iv.It will help clients to automate and digitise flows and gain efficiency through standardisation and process automation.
v.Other lender shareholders in the company include Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Canara Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India and Union Bank of India.
vi.Swift India was formed in 2012 as a joint venture between the global cooperative Swift SCRL and nine leading domestic banks.
About Standard Chartered Bank:
Standard Chartered PLC is a British multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in London, England.
Chairman: Jose Vinals
Group Chief Executive: Bill Winters
Standard Chartered PLC is a British multinational banking and financial services company headquartered in London, England.
Chairman: Jose Vinals
Group Chief Executive: Bill Winters
Business
Maharashtra secures top position in manufacturing: ASSOCHAM
On 26th September 2017, Maharashtra secured the 1st position in manufacturing emergence in India, according to a study conducted by the non-governmental industry body ASSOCHAM.
On 26th September 2017, Maharashtra secured the 1st position in manufacturing emergence in India, according to a study conducted by the non-governmental industry body ASSOCHAM.
Maharashtra tops manufacturing:
i. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) conducted a study titled ‘Manufacturing excellence and emergence in India: The State-level analysis’.
ii. ASSOCHAM considered the following factors to prepare the ranking: number of factories, output value, working capital, net fixed capital formation, fixed capital, finished goods, capital invested and total inputs.
iii. Maharashtra has topped the ranking, with the highest growth in entrepreneurs.
iv. Gujarat has obtained the second position, with good performance on change in capacity utilisation, operational ratio, value addition and input cost.
i. Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) conducted a study titled ‘Manufacturing excellence and emergence in India: The State-level analysis’.
ii. ASSOCHAM considered the following factors to prepare the ranking: number of factories, output value, working capital, net fixed capital formation, fixed capital, finished goods, capital invested and total inputs.
iii. Maharashtra has topped the ranking, with the highest growth in entrepreneurs.
iv. Gujarat has obtained the second position, with good performance on change in capacity utilisation, operational ratio, value addition and input cost.
About ASSOCHAM:
i. Full form – Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
ii. Type – Non-governmental trade association
iii. Headquarters – New Delhi
iv. President – Mr.Sandeep Jajodia
i. Full form – Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India
ii. Type – Non-governmental trade association
iii. Headquarters – New Delhi
iv. President – Mr.Sandeep Jajodia
Awards & Recognition
Classical singer Manik Bhide chosen for Bhimsen Joshi award
On 26th September 2017, famous vocalist Manik Bhide was chosen for the prestigious Bharatratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi award for the year 2017-18, for her contribution to the field of music
On 26th September 2017, famous vocalist Manik Bhide was chosen for the prestigious Bharatratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi award for the year 2017-18, for her contribution to the field of music
Bhimen Joshi Award:
i. The Bhimen Joshi Award is given by the Maharashtra government.
ii. It is the highest award in the category of performing arts.
iii. It consists of Rs.5 lakh cash prize.
iv. The selection committee consisted of Culture Minister Vinod Tawde, Pandit Keshav Ginde, Nathrao Neralkar and Kamlabai Bhonde.
v. Manik Bhide was born in Kolhapur in 1935.
vi. She became a singer of the Jaipur-Atroli ‘gharana’ style of singing.
vii. She learnt classical music from (late) Kishori Amonkar.
viii. Bhide was frequently invited by the All India Radio (AIR) to present compositions.
i. The Bhimen Joshi Award is given by the Maharashtra government.
ii. It is the highest award in the category of performing arts.
iii. It consists of Rs.5 lakh cash prize.
iv. The selection committee consisted of Culture Minister Vinod Tawde, Pandit Keshav Ginde, Nathrao Neralkar and Kamlabai Bhonde.
v. Manik Bhide was born in Kolhapur in 1935.
vi. She became a singer of the Jaipur-Atroli ‘gharana’ style of singing.
vii. She learnt classical music from (late) Kishori Amonkar.
viii. Bhide was frequently invited by the All India Radio (AIR) to present compositions.
About Manik Bhide:
i. Occupation – Singer
ii. Age – 82
i. Occupation – Singer
ii. Age – 82
Indian lawyer Colin Gonsalves wins prestigious Swedish rights award
Colin Gonsalves, a senior Indian advocate was selected for a prestigious rights award in Swedenannounced on 26th Sept. 2017.
Colin Gonsalves, a senior Indian advocate was selected for a prestigious rights award in Swedenannounced on 26th Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.He has been selected for his innovative use of public interest litigation in securing fundamental human rights for India’s most marginalised and vulnerable citizens.
ii.He will share the award and the prize money worth over USD 300,000 (SEK 3 million) with two other laureates — Khadija Ismayilova from Azerbaijan and Robert Bilott from the US.
iii.The three laureates were chosen from 102 nominations from 51 countries.
iv.The Right Livelihood Award is widely known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’.
i.He has been selected for his innovative use of public interest litigation in securing fundamental human rights for India’s most marginalised and vulnerable citizens.
ii.He will share the award and the prize money worth over USD 300,000 (SEK 3 million) with two other laureates — Khadija Ismayilova from Azerbaijan and Robert Bilott from the US.
iii.The three laureates were chosen from 102 nominations from 51 countries.
iv.The Right Livelihood Award is widely known as the ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’.
About Right Livelihood AwardIt was established in 1980 and the Right Livelihood Award honours and supports courageous people and organisations offering visionary and exemplary solutions to the root causes of global problems. There are 170 laureates from 69 countries.
CISF wins ‘best airport security’ award for Mumbai airport
The security cover provided by the CISF at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has bagged the best airport security award from the World Quality Congress (WQC) announced on 26th of Sept. 2017.
The security cover provided by the CISF at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport has bagged the best airport security award from the World Quality Congress (WQC) announced on 26th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.The awards are considered as recognition of excellence demonstrated by agencies in the commerce and industry space of the country and based on the independent evaluation by the WQC Jury.
ii.The award will be given to CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) at an event to be held in Dubai next month.
iii.In 2016, a survey was conducted by the Airport Service Quality (ASQ), in which security of Delhi Airport was judged best than the other international airports such as Dallas, Heathrow, Paris and Dubai.
iv. security functions of the CISF at the Mumbai airport include passenger frisking, hand baggage screening, CCTV surveillance, Quick Reaction Team (QRT), anti-hijacking response team, VIP movement handling, among others.
v.It has been providing complete and comprehensive security coverage to the Mumbai airport since 2002.
i.The awards are considered as recognition of excellence demonstrated by agencies in the commerce and industry space of the country and based on the independent evaluation by the WQC Jury.
ii.The award will be given to CISF (Central Industrial Security Force) at an event to be held in Dubai next month.
iii.In 2016, a survey was conducted by the Airport Service Quality (ASQ), in which security of Delhi Airport was judged best than the other international airports such as Dallas, Heathrow, Paris and Dubai.
iv. security functions of the CISF at the Mumbai airport include passenger frisking, hand baggage screening, CCTV surveillance, Quick Reaction Team (QRT), anti-hijacking response team, VIP movement handling, among others.
v.It has been providing complete and comprehensive security coverage to the Mumbai airport since 2002.
About CISFThe Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is a Central Armed Police Force in India. It was set up under an Act of the Parliament of India on 10 March 1969.
Director General of CISF: O.P. Singh
Director General of CISF: O.P. Singh
Priyanka ranks 8th on World’s Highest-Paid TV Actresses list
According to the world’s highest-paid TV actresses 2017 list Priyanka Chopra is among the world’s 10 highest paid television actresses announced on 27th of Sept. 2017.
According to the world’s highest-paid TV actresses 2017 list Priyanka Chopra is among the world’s 10 highest paid television actresses announced on 27th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.It will be Priyanka’s second year on the list and this time also she is the 8th highest paid TV actress.
ii.Colombian actress Sofia Vergara tops the list again. She stars in the hit sitcom Modern Family.
iii.This is the 6th year in a row that Sofia is the highest paid actress in the list.
iv.The report also revealed that the world’s 10 highest-paid TV actresses made a combined $156.5 million between 1st June 2016 and 1st June 2017.
v.Ellen Pompeo of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and Mindy Kaling of Hulu’s The Mindy Project tie for the third place on the list.
i.It will be Priyanka’s second year on the list and this time also she is the 8th highest paid TV actress.
ii.Colombian actress Sofia Vergara tops the list again. She stars in the hit sitcom Modern Family.
iii.This is the 6th year in a row that Sofia is the highest paid actress in the list.
iv.The report also revealed that the world’s 10 highest-paid TV actresses made a combined $156.5 million between 1st June 2016 and 1st June 2017.
v.Ellen Pompeo of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy and Mindy Kaling of Hulu’s The Mindy Project tie for the third place on the list.
Here’s the list of this year’s highest paid TV actresses:
1. Sofia Vergara — $41.5 million
2. Kaley Cuoco — $26 million
3. Mindy Kaling — $13 million
3. Ellen Pompeo — $13 million
5. Mariska Hargitay — $12.5 million
6. Julie Bowen — $12 million
7. Kerry Washington — $11 million
8. Priyanka Chopra — $10 million9. Robin Wright — $9 million
10. Pauley Perrette — $8.5 million
1. Sofia Vergara — $41.5 million
2. Kaley Cuoco — $26 million
3. Mindy Kaling — $13 million
3. Ellen Pompeo — $13 million
5. Mariska Hargitay — $12.5 million
6. Julie Bowen — $12 million
7. Kerry Washington — $11 million
8. Priyanka Chopra — $10 million9. Robin Wright — $9 million
10. Pauley Perrette — $8.5 million
Apple Named World’s Most Valuable Brand for Fifth Consecutive Year
i.Apple became the world’s most valuable brand in Interbrand’s 2017 best Global Brands ranking .It was Apple’s fifth consecutive year in the position.
ii.Apple’s brand value was measured as $184,15 billion, which was grew 3 percent from the year 2016.
iiii.Google is in second place with $141.7B which grew 6 percent in brand value over the past year and followed by Microsoft ($80B), Coca-Cola ($69.7B), Amazon ($64.8B), and Samsung ($59.3B).
iv.But Apple was not included in the top five Growing Brands category, with Facebook (48 percent growth), Amazon (29 percent), Adobe (19 percent), Adidas (17 percent), and Starbucks (16 percent) leading that list.
i.Apple became the world’s most valuable brand in Interbrand’s 2017 best Global Brands ranking .It was Apple’s fifth consecutive year in the position.
ii.Apple’s brand value was measured as $184,15 billion, which was grew 3 percent from the year 2016.
iiii.Google is in second place with $141.7B which grew 6 percent in brand value over the past year and followed by Microsoft ($80B), Coca-Cola ($69.7B), Amazon ($64.8B), and Samsung ($59.3B).
iv.But Apple was not included in the top five Growing Brands category, with Facebook (48 percent growth), Amazon (29 percent), Adobe (19 percent), Adidas (17 percent), and Starbucks (16 percent) leading that list.
Appointments & Resigns
Joao Lourenco sworn in as Angola’s first new president in 38 yearsJoao Lourenco has been sworn in as president of Angola, becoming the first new leader in the oil-rich southern African nation in almost four decades.
Key Points:
i.The ruling MPLA won 61% of the vote in last month’s election.
ii.He served as governor in several provinces of Angola, and between 1992 and 1997 he was responsible for propaganda in the MPLA’s Politburo.
iii.Later, he served as the party’s secretary-general for several years.
iv.Lourenco was recently the country’s defense minister before becoming the ruling party’s flag-bearer in the August 23 parliamentary election to replace long-term President Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
i.The ruling MPLA won 61% of the vote in last month’s election.
ii.He served as governor in several provinces of Angola, and between 1992 and 1997 he was responsible for propaganda in the MPLA’s Politburo.
iii.Later, he served as the party’s secretary-general for several years.
iv.Lourenco was recently the country’s defense minister before becoming the ruling party’s flag-bearer in the August 23 parliamentary election to replace long-term President Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
About AngolaAngola is a country in Southern Africa. It is the seventh-largest country in Africa.
The capital and largest city of Angola is Luanda.
The capital and largest city of Angola is Luanda.
David Harquail appointed Chairman of World Gold Council
The World Gold Council has appointed President and Chief Executive of Franco-Nevada Corporation David Harquail as its new Chairman announced on 26th Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.Harquail has succeeded Randall Oliphant, who served as the Chairman for the past four years.
The World Gold Council has appointed President and Chief Executive of Franco-Nevada Corporation David Harquail as its new Chairman announced on 26th Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.Harquail has succeeded Randall Oliphant, who served as the Chairman for the past four years.
Acquisitions & Mergers
Flipkart acquires F1 Info Solutions
Flipkart has acquired F1 Info Solutions, a mobile and IT repair services company with a pan-India presence of owned and franchised centres.
Key Points:
i.It will expand Flipkart’s offerings to the entire lifecycle of mobiles, IT products and consumer electronics, from sales to after sales and repair services.
ii.Flipkart customers can now walk into an F1 Info Solutions store to get their devices repaired.
iii.Shammi Moza, F1 Info Solutions co-founder and CEO, will be joining Flipkart as a Senior Director as part of the deal, and will continue to hold responsibility of the business.
iv.The move is aimed at expanding Flipkart’s offerings across the entire lifecycle of mobiles, IT products and consumer electronics, from sales till the point of repair services.
Flipkart has acquired F1 Info Solutions, a mobile and IT repair services company with a pan-India presence of owned and franchised centres.
Key Points:
i.It will expand Flipkart’s offerings to the entire lifecycle of mobiles, IT products and consumer electronics, from sales to after sales and repair services.
ii.Flipkart customers can now walk into an F1 Info Solutions store to get their devices repaired.
iii.Shammi Moza, F1 Info Solutions co-founder and CEO, will be joining Flipkart as a Senior Director as part of the deal, and will continue to hold responsibility of the business.
iv.The move is aimed at expanding Flipkart’s offerings across the entire lifecycle of mobiles, IT products and consumer electronics, from sales till the point of repair services.
About Flipkart
Flipkart company that serves as a one-stop service point for large and small home appliances and other electronics.
Founder: Sachin Bansal Binny Bansal
HQ: Banglore Karnataka
CEO: Kalyn Krishnamurthy
Flipkart company that serves as a one-stop service point for large and small home appliances and other electronics.
Founder: Sachin Bansal Binny Bansal
HQ: Banglore Karnataka
CEO: Kalyn Krishnamurthy
Science & Technology
Thaawarchand Gehlot launches ‘Divyang Sarathi’ Mobile App
On 26th September 2017, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot launched the Mobile App ‘Divyang Sarathi’ for the differently abled.
On 26th September 2017, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Thaawarchand Gehlot launched the Mobile App ‘Divyang Sarathi’ for the differently abled.
Divyang Sarathi:
i. This mobile application would empower the ‘Divyangjans’ (differently abled) by providing easy access of information regarding schemes, scholarships, statutes, institutional support systems etc.
ii. This application was developed by the two assistant secretaries Anunaya Jha and B Susheela in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
iii. The unique features of the app are its audio notes which converts the written information into an audio file and the adjustable font size.
iv. This app has been developed bilingually in Hindi and English.
v. This app will be available for download on Google Playstore.
i. This mobile application would empower the ‘Divyangjans’ (differently abled) by providing easy access of information regarding schemes, scholarships, statutes, institutional support systems etc.
ii. This application was developed by the two assistant secretaries Anunaya Jha and B Susheela in the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
iii. The unique features of the app are its audio notes which converts the written information into an audio file and the adjustable font size.
iv. This app has been developed bilingually in Hindi and English.
v. This app will be available for download on Google Playstore.
About Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment:
i. Headquarters – New Delhi
ii. Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment – Thawar Chand Gehlot
i. Headquarters – New Delhi
ii. Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment – Thawar Chand Gehlot
Sports
India to host South Asian boxing Championship in Guwahati
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has presented its 2017-18 calendar which includes the prestigious South Asian Championship to be held in Guwahati from December 6-10 announced on 26th of Sept. 2017.
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) has presented its 2017-18 calendar which includes the prestigious South Asian Championship to be held in Guwahati from December 6-10 announced on 26th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.It is the first time India will host the South Asian Championship. The tournament will witness the participation from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine among other top boxing nations.
ii.The season will start with the men championship in Vishakhapatnam from October 23-30 followed by thejunior women’s tournament in Rohtak in the first week of November.
iii.The announcements were made after the fifth executive committee meeting of the federation chaired by the President Ajay Singh.
iv.G Manoharan will be responsible for the Youth Men’s team; Bhaskar Bhatt will be in charge of the Youth (Women) squad and MS Dhaka will be in charge of junior men.
v.RK Sacheti has been elected as the new Executive Director of the federation.
i.It is the first time India will host the South Asian Championship. The tournament will witness the participation from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine among other top boxing nations.
ii.The season will start with the men championship in Vishakhapatnam from October 23-30 followed by thejunior women’s tournament in Rohtak in the first week of November.
iii.The announcements were made after the fifth executive committee meeting of the federation chaired by the President Ajay Singh.
iv.G Manoharan will be responsible for the Youth Men’s team; Bhaskar Bhatt will be in charge of the Youth (Women) squad and MS Dhaka will be in charge of junior men.
v.RK Sacheti has been elected as the new Executive Director of the federation.
Books & Authors
Union Finance Minister releases “A to Z of Financial Management in Autonomous Institutions”, a book on Financial ManagementThe book titled “A to Z of Financial Management in Autonomous Institutions” is authored by Dr. Rajat Bhargava and Shri Deenanath Pathak. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has released the book ‘A to Z of Financial Management in Autonomous Institutions’, written by senior IAS officer Rajat Bhargava.
Key Points:
i.The book was released on 26th of Sept. 2017.
ii.The Union Minister for Civil Aviation Sh Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S. Chowdary were apresent on the occasion.
iii.The book covers almost all aspects of financial management in Autonomous Institutions and offers an insightful perspective on the challenges of managing public money.
Key Points:
i.The book was released on 26th of Sept. 2017.
ii.The Union Minister for Civil Aviation Sh Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Minister of State for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Shri Y.S. Chowdary were apresent on the occasion.
iii.The book covers almost all aspects of financial management in Autonomous Institutions and offers an insightful perspective on the challenges of managing public money.
About Rajat Bhargava
i.Bhargava, who belongs to the 1990 batch of Andhra Pradesh cadre, is presently the Special Commissioner, AP Bhavan in New Delhi.
ii.He had previously served as Joint Secretary in the Union Finance Ministry and headed the Budget Division.
iii.Bhargava had previously authored many books including Infrastructure Finance — The Road Ahead, Public Financial Management in Developing Countries — India and abroad and Institutional Management.
i.Bhargava, who belongs to the 1990 batch of Andhra Pradesh cadre, is presently the Special Commissioner, AP Bhavan in New Delhi.
ii.He had previously served as Joint Secretary in the Union Finance Ministry and headed the Budget Division.
iii.Bhargava had previously authored many books including Infrastructure Finance — The Road Ahead, Public Financial Management in Developing Countries — India and abroad and Institutional Management.
Important Days
World Tourism Day – 27 September 2017The World Tourism Day is celebrated across the world on 27th of September.
Key Points:i.The theme for World Tourism Day 2017 is ‘Sustainable Tourism – a Tool for Development’.ii.The purpose is to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value.
iii.It is defined as tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities
iv.It has been celebrated since September 27, 1980 to promote awareness among the international community about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value by theUnited Nations World Tourism Organization
iii.It is defined as tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities
iv.It has been celebrated since September 27, 1980 to promote awareness among the international community about the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic value by theUnited Nations World Tourism Organization
Incredible India 2.0 Campaign; ‘Adopt a Heritage’ Project and New Incredible India Website Launched
The President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind presented the “National Tourism Awards” to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry at a function organised by Ministry of Tourism in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on World Tourism Day.
The President of India Shri Ram Nath Kovind presented the “National Tourism Awards” to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry at a function organised by Ministry of Tourism in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on World Tourism Day.
Key Points:
i.The function was presided over by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism Shri Alphons Kannanthanam.
ii.The awards were followed by the launch of the Incredible India 2.0 Campaign, the launch of ‘Adopt A Heritage’ Project and design launch of Incredible India Website.
iii.The new version of the marketing campaign will focus on the promotion of monasteries and pilgrim sites in India.
iv.Other new categories of awards being introduced this year include “Best State for Adventure Tourism” and “Best Wildlife Guide”.
i.The function was presided over by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism Shri Alphons Kannanthanam.
ii.The awards were followed by the launch of the Incredible India 2.0 Campaign, the launch of ‘Adopt A Heritage’ Project and design launch of Incredible India Website.
iii.The new version of the marketing campaign will focus on the promotion of monasteries and pilgrim sites in India.
iv.Other new categories of awards being introduced this year include “Best State for Adventure Tourism” and “Best Wildlife Guide”.
Obituary
Veteran Bengali actor Dwijen Bandyopadhyay passed away
On 27th September 2017, Veteran Bengali actor Dwijen Bandyopadhyay passed away, at his residence, in Kolkata.
On 27th September 2017, Veteran Bengali actor Dwijen Bandyopadhyay passed away, at his residence, in Kolkata.
Dwijen Bandyopadhyay’s death:
i. Dwijen Bandyopadhyay died of massive cardiac arrest at his residence, at 2 am on 27th September 2017.
ii. He had acted in films like Chander Bari, Jekhane Bhooter Bhoy, Phoring, Autograph etc.
iii. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
iv. Before cremation, his body was taken to Academy of Fine Arts.
i. Dwijen Bandyopadhyay died of massive cardiac arrest at his residence, at 2 am on 27th September 2017.
ii. He had acted in films like Chander Bari, Jekhane Bhooter Bhoy, Phoring, Autograph etc.
iii. He is survived by his wife and daughter.
iv. Before cremation, his body was taken to Academy of Fine Arts.
About Dwijen Bandyopadhyay:
i. Occupation – Actor
ii. State – West Bengal
i. Occupation – Actor
ii. State – West Bengal
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