Current Affairs October 6, 2017

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari inaugurated sea route to Baratang & laid foundation stone for shipping projects in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
On October 5, 2017, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari inaugurated an alternate sea route to Baratang Island in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
i. They also laid the foundation stone for extension of dry dock in Port Blair, extension of wharf in Hope Town and construction of an additional jetty along with extension of Berthing Jetty in Neil Island.
ii. The new sea route to Baratang, which passes through the Jarawa Tribal Reserve will provide an alternative to the National Highways-4 route that linked Baratang to Port Blair. It will thereby promote tourism without disturbing the tribal areas.

First Edition of the ASEAN India Music Festival begins in New Delhi
The first ever ASEAN-India Music Festival has begun at Purana Quila in New Delhi on October 6, 2017. It will continue till October 8, 2017.About First Edition of the ASEAN-India Music Festival:
i. First Edition of the ASEAN-India Music Festival has been organised by Union Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with Union Ministry of Culture and arts/cultural group Seher.
ii. It has been organised to celebrate 25th anniversary of ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations, which is being commemorated with the theme “Shared Values, Common Destiny”. 
iii. 10 music bands from member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) – Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam – along with 5 prominent Indian bands will perform at this festival.
Quick Facts about ASEAN 
♦ Established in – 1967
♦ Secretariat – Jakarta, Indonesia
♦ Current Secretary General – Le Luong Minh

Prime Minister Modi temple with 100 feet tall statue to be built in Meerut
On 5^th October 2017, follower and supporter of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, J.P.Singh, announced that, a temple worth Rs.30 crore is to be built in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
Temple with 100 feet tall statue for Prime Minister Modi:
i. The temple would be built in the Sardhana area of Meerut. A 100 feet statue of Prime Minister Modi would be installed in the temple.
ii. The ‘Bhumi Pujan’ and the stone laying ceremony for the temple would be conducted on 23^rdOctober 2017. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah is expected to attend the event.
iii. A retired engineer from the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, J.P.Singh, announced the construction of this temple. He said that, it would take 2 years for completion.
Other temples built in India for politicians and celebrities:
♦ Temple for Sonia Gandhi – Telengana
♦ Temple for Sachin Tendulkar – Bihar
♦ Temple for Amitabh Bachchan – Kolkata

Meghalaya, UP and Arunachal Sign MoU to Boost Culture and Tourism
On 5^th October 2017, a MoU was signed by Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme, to boost cultural ties.
MoU between Meghalaya, UP and Arunachal Pradesh:
i. Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary, Secondary and Higher Education, Sanjay Agarwal, Arunachal Pradesh Tourism Secretary, Joram Beda, Meghalaya Education Secretary, W R Lyngdoh signed the MoU.
ii. This MoU under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme, aims to enhance cultural relationship between these 3 states.
iii. The ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ programme, works to boost cultural relationship between different states of India. As per this programme, each year a state and a union territory would be paired with another for interaction between their people and knowing each other’s culture and heritage.
Other recent MoUs of Uttar Pradesh:
1. MoU between Uttar Pradesh and Union Government for 24/7 power supply by October 2018
2. MoU between Uttar Pradesh and Union Government for opening AIIMS in Gorakhpur

Current Affairs October 5, 2017

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INDIAN AFFAIRS

Prime Minister inaugurates Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) in New Delhi
On 4^th October 2017, Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi inaugurated the Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.Golden Jubilee Celebrations of ICSI:
i. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India celebrated Golden Jubilee, to mark the completion of 50 years.
ii. Prime Minister Mr.Narendra Modi inaugurated the Golden Jubilee and also launched the motto song of the institute.
iii. The institute was initially set up as not-for-profit organisation on October 4, 1968. Later in 1980, it was converted into a statutory professional body under the Company Secretaries Act 1980.
iv. ICSI is the only recognized professional body in India to develop and regulate the profession of Company Secretaries.
Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI):
♦ Headquarters – New Delhi
♦ President- CS Dr.Shyam Agrawal

Tourism Ministry launched ‘Paryatan Parv’ initiative
On 5^th to 25^th October 2017, the Ministry of Tourism conducts ‘Paryatan Parv’, a tourist festival to promote India to Indians, all over India.
Promote India to Indians;
i. ‘Paryatan Parv’ is a tourism festival in which state governments and 18 central ministries take part. This festival will be conducted for 20 days.
ii. Main focus of this festival is to epxlain the benefits of tourism, showcase the cultural diversity of India and highlight the principle of ‘Tourism for All’.
iii. This festival was inaugurated at the Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi by Dr.Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture.
iv. This festival has three parts namely:
1.Dekho Apna Desh – to encourage Indians to visit their own country
2.Tourism for All – tourism events will be held at sites in all states
3.Tourism and Governance – interactive sessions and workshops on various themes
Recent schemes of Ministry of Tourism:
♦ Swadesh Darshan – thirteen thematic circuits identified for development
♦ PRASAD – thirteen sites identified for development

L-G Anil Baijal approves Delhi government education loan scheme
On 5^th October 2017, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal approved the Delhi government’s students higher education loan scheme, in New Delhi.
Approval for Delhi government’s higher education loan scheme:
i. The Delhi government’s students higher education loan scheme would help thousands of students and parents.
ii. The Delhi government had started this scheme 2 years back, to provide loans to students for higher education, even if they didn’t have any property or land as security.
iii. In 2017, the scheme was extended to Delhi students pursuing courses outside Delhi in government recognised institutions.
iv. In September 2017,Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Lieutenant Governor Baijal had blocked the scheme. Now, Baijal has cleared the scheme saying that, his opinion on the scheme was misinterpreted as disapproval.
Recent Schemes introduced by Delhi Government:
♦ YUVA Skill Development Program
♦ Merit Cum Means Scholarship Scheme
♦ Free Surgery Scheme in Delhi

HP Cabinet approves Heritage Tourism policy & ‘Mukhya Mantri Rural Road Repair Scheme’
On October 4, 2017, Himachal Pradesh Cabinet under Chief Minister Virbhadra Singhapproved ‘Heritage Tourism Policy 2017’ & ‘Mukhya Mantri Rural Road Repair Scheme’ along with other developmental and welfare initiatives.
‘Himachal Pradesh Heritage Tourism Policy’ 2017:
i. This policy has been approved with an aim to offer an experience of the culture and heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
ii. Under this policy, heritage buildings, forts, palaces, lodges and mansions etc. having historic lineage will be preserved.
iii .Himachal Pradesh Cabinet believes that this initiative would open new areas in the state for tourism activities.

Current Affairs October 1, 2017

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Indian Affairs

India opens two border crossing points with Myanmar, Bangladesh

In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations with its eastern neighbours, India has opened two immigration check posts along the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.

Details about new Immigration Check Posts along Indo-Maynmar Border:

·         Indian Government has designated Zorinpuiland check post in Lawngtlai district of Mizoram as an authorised immigration check post for entry into or exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers to or from Myanmar.

·         An agreement on Zorinpui was included in the joint statement issued during the visit of the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Myanmar in May, 2012.

·         It is to be noted that India shares a 1,643-km-long border with Myanmar which touches Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

Details about new Immigration Check Posts along Indo-Bangladesh Border:

·   Indian Government has also designated Kawrpuichhuah land check postin Lunglei district of Mizoram as an authorised immigration check post for entry into or exit from India with valid travel documents for all classes of passengers to or from Bangladesh.

·       India shares a 4,096-km-long border with Bangladesh which touches Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, Meghalaya and West Bengal.

Quick Facts about Myanmar:

Current Affairs September 30, 2017

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Indian Affairs

Environment Ministry notifies New Wetland Rules
On 26th September 2017, the Union Environment Ministry notified the new Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017, in New Delhi.
Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules 2017:
i. The new rules will replace the 2010 version of the Wetland rules.
ii. Wetlands are lands mid-way between terrestrial and aquatic eco-systems. The water table is usually near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water.
iii. There are 115 wetlands that are officially identified by the central government. Out of these, 26 are identified as wetlands of international importance under Ramsar Convention.
iv. Ramsar Covention is an international intergovernmental treaty for conservation of wetlands.
v. The new rules insist setting up of a State Wetlands Authority in every state and union territory.
vi. This will be headed by the State’s Environment Minister.
vii. Government officials will be appointed as members.
viii. It will include one expert from each of the following fields: wetland ecology, hydrology, fisheries, landscape planning and socioeconomics.

India registers significant decline in Infant Mortality Rate (IMR)
On 29th September 2017, Sample Registration System (SRS) bulletin was released, which stated that Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) of India has declined by three points (8%).
Decline in IMR:
i. IMR has reduced to 34 per 1000 live births in 2016, compared to the 37 per 1000 live births in 2015.
ii. India has registered 90,000 fewer infant deaths in 2016 compared to 2015.
iii. The total number of estimated infant deaths has reduced to 8,40,000 in 2016 from 9,30,000 in 2015.
iv. According to the SRS Bulletin, the gender gap in India for child survival is reducing steadily.
v. The decline in IMR is reported as 4 points in Bihar, 3 points in Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand and 2 points in Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Rajasthan.
About Infant Mortality Rate (IMR):
i. Definition – number of deaths of infants under one year old per 1,000 live births

India’s first Mobile Congress held in New Delhi
On 27th – 29th September 2017, India’s first Mobile Congress, India Mobile Congress 2017, was held at New Delhi.
India’s first Mobile Congress:
i. More than 300 exhibitors, and hundreds of startups from India participated in the India Mobile Congress.
ii. Main focus of the Mobile Congress was the idea of Digital India through privatisation and the advent of 5G.
iii. LG launched K7i smartphone with inbuilt mosquito-repellent.
iv. Nokia, ZTE and Ericsson displayed several of their products that could accommodate 5G technology.
v. Reliance Jio introduced new feature that enables the phone to be connected to a TV.
vi. Taiwan-based semiconductor company, MediaTek launched its new MT6739 chipset for 4G smart phone users.
vii. Phone-manufacturing company Detel displayed its D1 model phone that retails for Rs.300.
About India Mobile Congress:

Current Affairs September 27, 2017

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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.

Current Affairs September 21, 2017

Indian Affairs

Law Ministry approves Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill, 2017
On 18th September 2017, Law Ministry approved the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2017, in New Delhi.

Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2017:
i.The Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2017 would enable the government to seize the property of economic offenders and defaulters who escape from India, through a new provision.
ii.According to the law, a ‘fugitive economic offender’, means an individual against whom an arrest warrant has been issued for an economic offence and the person has escaped from the country and refuses to return to face criminal prosecution.
iii.Before the bill is introduced in Lok Sabha in the winter session of Parliament a ‘Saving Clause’ would be added in the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2017

ONGC discovers oil in Arabian Sea near Mumbai offshore
On 20th September 2017, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd (ONGC) made a significant oil discovery near Mumbai High in the Arabian Sea, in Mumbai.

Banking Awareness: IBPS PO/ RRB PO 1

Dear Readers,

These Banking questions will help you in preparing for other upcoming banking recruitment examination.

Q1. BCSBI was set up to ensure that the common person as a consumer of financial services from the banking Industry is in no way at a disadvantageous position and really gets what he/she has been promised. BCSBI stands for-?

(a) Branch Codes and Standards Board of India

(b) Banking Codes and Stability Board of India

(c) Banking Codes and Standards Bank of Industry

(d) Banking Codes and Society Board of Investment

(e) Banking Codes and Standards Board of India

Q2. When was the currency system in India converted into the decimal system?

(a) April 01st 1959

(b) April 01st 1957

(c) April 01st 1955

(d) April 01st 1953

(e) April 01st 1951

Q3. Which of the following field Dalal Street in Mumbai is famous?

(a) NABARD

(b) Stock Exchange

(c) RBI

(d) SEBI

(e) Commerce and industry ministry

Q4. Deposits which can be withdrawn by a customer without notice is called?

(a) Time Deposits

(b) Demand Deposits

(c) Variable Deposits

(d) Low-cost Deposits

(e) None of the given options is true