Current Affairs English- Aug

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August 1, 2015Page CURRENT AFFAIRS2 1) Which city became the first city ballot of 85 IOC members. Despite in Olympic history to be awarded concerns about a lack of natural both summer and winter Games snow in the city’s distant after it was awarded the hosting of mountains, and protests from the 2022 Winter Olympics on 31 human rights groups, Beijing had July 2015? – Beijing been the clear favourite to win the vote after it successfully hosted the Explanation: Beijing was chosen 2008 Summer Olympics. South by the International Olympic Korea’s Pyeongchang will host the Committee (IOC) to host the 2022 2018 Winter Games and Tokyo the Winter Olympics in a secret ballot 2020 Summer Olympics. held at a convention centre in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) on 31 July 2015. 2) Which multi-national bank is to It thus became the first city to be acquire Indian retail brokerage firm awarded both Summer and Winter Sharekhan Limited as announced Games. Beijing had hosted the on 30 July 2015? –BNP Paribas Summer Olympics in 2008 and will SA now host the Winter Olympics in Explanation: BNP Paribas SA is 2022. The Chinese capital beat the leading French bank with Almaty, Kazakhstan in a secret worldwide presence. Currently, BNP Paribas has a presence in India through Geojit BNP Paribas in it

holds a stake of about 33%. 3) Which entity on 30 July 2015 Sharekhan was set up in 2000 by acquired the title sponsorship rights Mumbai-based entrepreneur Shripal for India’s domestic and Morakhia whose family has been in international cricket matches at the equity broking business for home from the BCCI for a period of decades. Till March 2007, the four years? –Paytm Morakhia family owned a 43.58% stake in the brokerage. Over the Explanation: One97 years, this holding was sold to PE Communications, owners of investors. It is primarily engaged in country’s leading mobile wallet retail brokerage operations in India company Paytm acquired the title with facilities like online trading for sponsorship rights from the BCCI investors. BNP Paribas will acquire with a bid price of Rs 203.28 crore. Sharekhan in entirety by paying Rs. The decision to award the rights to 2,200 crore. The purchase will Paytm till 2019 was taken at the reinforce BNP Paribas’s retail BCCI’s marketing committee broking operations in India where it meeting. The base price per match offers corporate and retail banking, was Rupees 1.68 crore and the final investment banking and wealth price comes to Rs 2.42 crore per management. Existing shareholders match. The amount per match is in Sharekhan- the Rohatyn Group Rs. 40 lakh more than what Llc., Baring Private Equity Asia, Micromax, who was the only IDFC Ltd and Samara Capital, have bidders in the 2014-15 season, been looking to exit their gave the BCCI last year. From now investment in Sharekhan for the on, the domestic Ranji competition past year. will be known as the ‘Paytm Ranji Trophy’.Page CURRENT AFFAIRS3

Page CURRENT AFFAIRS4 4) General Motors (GM) recently ecosystem for production and is announced plans to invest $1 billion also aiming to export 30% by 2025. in India by 2020. These investments will be made in 5) What is the name of the mobile company’s Talegaon plant in banking app of Kotak Mahindra Maharashtra, where it will expand Bank (KMB), which was launched the production capacity from during July 2015 primarily for “un- 1,30,000 to 2,20,000 units per year banked” regions? – “Kotak by 2025. On the other hand GM will Bharat” close it’s first-ever plant in India which has been going through Explanation:“Kotak Bharat” is the losses. This first plant is located at ‘inclusive digital banking’ app which place? – Halol (Gujarat) launched by KMB that is primarily targetted to benefit customers in Explanation: GM is India’s eighth the under-banked and un-banked largest carmaker that forayed in regions, who can access its services Indian auto market in 1996 and in their preferred language. One established its first plant at Halol, major benefit of this app is that it Gujarat. Second plant was requires no internet connectivity. established at Talegaon The app is Android-based. It works (Maharashtra) in 2010 and the on the existing SMS banking company has invested $1 billion in keyword process platform. The India up till now. The company has customers could download the app decided to close its Halol facility by on their registered mobile number 2016 due to labour unrest and without any separate registration operational losses, which has a process. Besides, the app facilitates manufacturing capacity of 1,10,000 other value added propositions, units per year. First labour strike to including recharging mobile/DTH place in 2010 lasted for 3 days and services, linking Aadhaar number to second in 2011 that lasted for six the account, finding Kotak ATMs & weeks. GM is now focusing on branches, applying for Pradhan Talegaon due to its good Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, infrastructure and favourable Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima

Page CURRENT AFFAIRS5 Yojana etc. It was first launched in more than seven decades until Lucknow in July 2015 as it is the being surpassed by Toyota in 2008. most prominent Hindi belt centre Volkswagen owns numerous for KMB. leading auto brands in its stable like Audi, Porsche, Skoda, etc. apart 6) Which automobile group from the Volkswagen brand. replaced Japanese auto giant Toyota to emerge as the world’s 7) Afghan Taliban on 30 July 2015 largest-selling vehicle maker in the confirmed the death of their leader first half of 2015? – Volkswagen Mullah Mohammad Omar. Who was (Germany) announced as the new leader of the Taliban? – Mullah Akhtar Explanation: It was for the first Mansoor time that Volkswagen overtook Toyota in global vehicle sales. It Explanation: Mullah Akhtar sold 5.04 million cars between Mansoor was elected as the new January and June 2015, which is leader of Afghan Taliban by the slightly more than the 5.02 million seven-member Shurathat met in sold by Toyota during the same the Pakistani city of Quetta on 30 period. Volkswagen has long aimed July 2015. Mansoor is considered to beat Toyota and has done so close to the Pakistani authorities three years ahead of its 2018 and his election could further divide target. Its success has been an already-fractured Taliban as he propelled by soaring sales in China, is believed to have links to opposing a market that now accounts for a councils within the movement. The third of its total, as well as a Taliban is believed to have recovery in Europe. General Motors splintered under pressure to enter held the global sales crown for into peace talks with the Afghan government after almost 14 years of war. It is worth mentioning that the reclusive Taliban leader Mullah Omar was declared dead by the Afghanistan government on 29 July,

thus ending years of fierce Explanation: Sir Peter O’Sullevan speculation over his whereabouts. was a former racing commentator Government confirmed that Omar, associated with the BBC. He was who had not been seen in public one of the most respected figures since 2001 and had been reported in British racing arena and was dead several times before, died two known simply as “The Voice” years ago in Pakistan. This was throughout five decades at the later confirmed by Afghan Taliban microphone. He was associated also. with some of the most famous moments in British racing history. 8) Sir Peter O’Sullevan who passed away during July 2015 at the age of 97, was an iconic British commentator associated with which sport? – Horse RacingPage CURRENT AFFAIRS6 August 2, 2015 minute after midnight of 1 August 2015 started the process of 1) In a landmark development, swapping border enclaves to settle India and Bangladesh at one the stateless people. These people were stranded for over six decades along the poorly defined border between the two countries. In this historic event, the two countries transferred exactly how many such enclaves? – 162

Page CURRENT AFFAIRS7 Explanation: There are 111 Indian 2) Union Govt. has earmarked how enclaves in Bangladesh and 51 much fund for country’s public Bangladeshi enclaves in India which sector banks (PSBs) over a period were exchanged pursuant to the of four years as announced by the Land Boundary Agreement of 1974 Finance Ministry on 1 August 2015? and Protocol and Instruments of –Rs. 70,000 crore Ratification of 2011 which were exchanged during Prime Minister Explanation: Public sector banks Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh are undergoing a difficult phase due on 6-7 June 2015. This historic to burgeoning amount of bad debts. boundary transfer is thus bringing The basic purpose of capital to end one of the world’s most infusion is to adequately capitalise difficult border disputes that had all the banks to keep a safe buffer kept thousands of people in over and above the minimum stateless limbo for almost 68 years. norms of Basel III. Basel III is a set Enclave residents on both sides of of guidelines for a more resilient the border can now enjoy the banking system, focusing on four benefits of nationality of India or vital banking parameters – capital, Bangladesh and access civic leverage, funding, and liquidity. The services, education, health-care and first instalment of Rs. 25,000 crore other facilities provided by the two has been marked for this fiscal. governments to their respective Having provided Rs. 7,940 crore in nationals. Both governments have this year’s Budget, the Finance worked together to facilitate Ministry has sought Parliamentary trouble-free movement of these nod for an additional capital residents before the stipulated date infusion of Rs. 12,010 crore through of 30 November 2015. a supplementary demand for grants. The remaining Rs. 5,000 crore will be provided in the second supplementary demand later this year. The second instalment of Rs. 25,000 crore will be in 2016-17, followed by Rs. 10,000 crore each

Page CURRENT AFFAIRS8 in the third (2017-18), and fourth to frame a witness protection policy (2018-19) instalments. to provide guidelines and principles which the police, prosecution and 3) By notifying the policy on 31 executive agencies will have to July 2015, which state became the follow. According to the Delhi Govt. first in India to adopt a unique – India has no comprehensive “Witness Protection Programme” so witness protection programme, and as to ensure protection of an on many occasions, key witnesses eyewitness in crucial cases? – in criminal cases have faced several Delhi hurdles during legal deliberations. Explanation: In a first such initiative in India, the Delhi 4) Two Arab countries recently Government on 31 July notified a proposed to work together to policy to bring in a witness create a joint Arab military force protection programme to ensure with the objective of ensuring protection of witnesses in “crucial” stability in the region. Which cases. The policy titled “The Delhi countries are these? –Egypt and Witness Protection Scheme”, Saudi Arabia envisages categorisation of witnesses, creation of witness Explanation: The proposal to protection fund, types of protection create a joint Arab military force and procedure for processing such was muted after a meeting request by the competent between Egyptian President Abdel authority.” In 2013, the Delhi High Fattah el-Sisi and Saudi Defence court had directed the government Minister and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held on 30 July 2015 at Egyptian capital Cairo. Relations between the two

countries have warmed since the (EC), a key body of the Council, for 2013 ouster of President Mohamed a period of three years. The Morsi, with Saudi Arabia offering election was held among the 24 billions in aid to Egypt. Saudi Arabia members of the Council at Mumbai. has emerged as a key supporter of The three members of the EC Egypt since Morsi’s ouster, offering elected are – Tarun Chugh (PNB $4 billion to help kick-start an Met Life), Anup Rau (Reliance Life) economy battered by years of and Sandeep Ghosh (Bharti AXA). political turmoil. Life Insurance Council is a forum that connects the various 5) Who was elected as the new stakeholders of the sector. It Chairman of the Life Insurance develops and coordinates all Council, the apex industry body of discussions between the insurers in India, on 1 August Government, regulatory body and 2015? –S K Roy, Chairman LIC the public. It has representatives Explanation: Roy will head the from the 24 insurance companies three-member Executive Committee currently operating in India.Page CURRENT AFFAIRS9

August 3, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) Which country on 1 August 2015 new era of cooperation that will became the first-ever non-European strengthen the long-termPage10 member of the European partnership between CERN and the Organisation for Nuclear Research, Pakistani scientific community. better known as CERN? – Pakistan Pakistan can now participate in the governance of CERN, by attending Explanation: Pakistan received a meetings of its council. The huge boost for its nuclear membership will allow the country’s programme as it was formally scientists to become members of conferred the associate the CERN staff and participate in its membership of CERN on 1 August training and career-development 2015. This became possible programmes. The cooperation following completion of required between Pakistan and CERN rooted internal ratification process by it. back to signing of a cooperation Pakistan thus became the first agreement in 1994. After Pakistan member of CERN among Asian sought membership back in 2013, countries and the first non- CERN sent its task force to evaluate European member of this the country’s science and prestigious organization. The technology base and industrial associate membership will open a capabilities in early 2014. 2) Which country became the latest and the 206th member of the

CURRENT AFFAIRS Olympic family after the 3) What is the name of the cyclone International Olympic Committee that resulted in heavy rains in WestPage11 (IOC) approved its inclusion? – Bengal, Manipur, Odisha and other South Sudan Eastern states of the country on 1-2 August 2015? – Cyclone “Komen” Explanation: South Sudan was inducted as the latest member of Explanation: Cyclone “Komen” the International Olympic had made landfall in Bangladesh on Committee (IOC) on 1 August 2015 31 July 2015. It later entered India at committee’s ongoing annual as a depression and resulted in meet at Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). heavy rains and floods in the The significance of its inclusion is eastern and north eastern states of that this was done despite the the country. West Bengal, Manipur ongoing fighting in the South and Odisha were the worst affected Sudan. With the country now states. The weakening of the storm officially part of the IOC, it can send did not translated into a team to next year’s Rio summer commensurate relief in precipitation Olympics who can compete under even as the depression moved its own flag. Thousands have been further west. More than seven lakh killed and more than 2.2 million people were affected across these displaced since fighting broke out in states. December 2013 between President Salva Kiir’s government and rebels 4) The new simplified “Guidelines commanded by Riek Machar. South Governing Adoption of Children Sudan’s marathon runner Guor 2015” notified by the Central Marial competed at the London Government on 17th July 2015 came 2012 Olympics but did so under the into effect from 1 August 2015. Olympic flag after refusing to run for Sudan and with South Sudan not yet an IOC member at the time. South Sudan is officially the 206th member of the IOC.

CURRENT AFFAIRS What is the name of the fully 5) Which naval harbour on 1 revamped IT application for the August 2015 became the first in thePage12 purpose of adoption of children, country to get the Integrated that was also pressed into Underwater Harbour Defence and operation from the same day? – Surveillance System (IUHDSS), an CARINGS (Child Adoption automated system capable of Resource Information & detecting, identifying, tracking and Guidance System) generating warning for surface and underwater threats? – Kochi Explanation: The completely (Kerala) revamped CARINGS will facilitate the adoption of maximum number Explanation: IUHDSS is a state- of adoptable children and ensure a of-the-art naval defence system smoother adoption process by which will enable operators to curbing undue delays. For hassle- foresee, and respond to, surface free adoption, CARINGS will contain and sub-surface threats to vital a centralized data bank of assets along the harbour and adoptable children and Prospective warships in the quay. It was Adoptive Parents (PAPs). On the commissioned by Vice-Admiral Sunil other hand the new guidelines in Lanba, Flag Officer Commanding-in- adoption are intend to provide for Chief of the Southern Naval more effective regulation for Command, on 31 July 2015. The adoption of orphan, abandoned and system, comprising a cluster of surrendered children and would coastal surveillance radars, high- bring more transparency and power underwater sensors and efficiency in the adoption system. diver detection sonars, was With the new guidelines, it would designed by Israeli Aerospace become possible for PAPs to track Industries (IAI) ELTA. Besides the status of their application Kochi, naval harbours at Mumbai, making the entire system more Visakhapatnam and Port Blair are user-friendly. slated to be equipped with the system as a force protection measure.

6) Data from the 68th round of the of rural households two decades National Sample Survey (NSS) on ago to 15% in 2011-12. fuel used for cooking and lighting was released recently. According to 7) Which state had the highest use this data, what percentage of rural of LPG among rural households population in the country still used during 2011-12, as disclosed in the firewood for cooking in 2011-12? – recently released data from the 67.3% 68th round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) on fuel used for Explanation: The data relate to a cooking and lighting? – Tamil Nadu survey conducted by the NSSO on a nationally representative sample Explanation: The NSSO data during 2011-12. It disclosed that revealed that over a third rural the use of firewood for cooking has population of Tamil Nadu used LPG declined only very slowly over the for cooking in 2011-12. It was years in rural India, the numbers followed by Kerala and Punjab. The show, going from 78.2% of all rural use of LPG was least in households in 1993-94 to 67.3% in Chhattisgarh (1.5% of households) 2011-12. LPG use in rural followed by Jharkhand (2.9%) and households has grown relatively Odisha (3.9%). fast, from fewer than two per centCURRENT AFFAIRSPage13

August 4, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) A path-breaking peace treaty to integration of all contiguous was signed between the Union Naga-inhabited areas, that wasPage14 Govt. and the Naga rebels led by unanimously endorsed a five-point the National Socialist Council of resolution passed by the Nagaland Nagalim-IM (NSCN-IM) on 3 August legislative assembly on 27 July 2015. The treaty was signed by 2015. The insurgency in Nagaland Thuingaleng Muivah, General began within years of India’s Secretary of the NSCN-IM in independence from Britain in 1947, presence of Prime Minister with tribal leaders from the region Narendra Modi. This treaty thus that was part of the undivided brings to end the ongoing peace Assam saying the area was never talks between the Naga rebels and part of India. It is often regarded as the Union Government. These talks the world’s longest running had started in which year? – 1997 insurgency. Numerous union governments had tried to resolve Explanation: The treaty is the issue to bring normalcy in the expected to bring under control the area. The NSCN-IM began peace decades-old insurgency problem in talks with the central government in the North-East. An important point 1997 after agreeing to a ceasefire. included in the treaty is pertaining The talks ran into problems over the NSCN-IM’s demands for a separate flag and Greater Nagaland that envisages bringing all Naga- inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella. Thuingaleng Muivah is one of key

CURRENT AFFAIRS leaders who had spearheaded the draft also proposed to strip the RBI rebel movement in Nagaland and Governor’s veto over monetaryPage15 leads the NSCN-IM. policy decisions. It also proposed to take away from the RBI the role of 2) Union Govt. on 3 August 2015 regulation of the foreign exchange stepped back from the controversy and the government securities surrounding the draft Indian markets, which in turn will reduce Financial Code (IFC) as it disowned its leeway in managing the impact the draft. It was disowned as the of capital flows. These proposals government felt that do not reflect have received sharp criticism from a the government’s views. What is range of former RBI officials and the main controversy associated financial sector experts. with this draft? – It seeks to dilute the RBI’s powers to 3) India’s oldest mutual fund house regulate the foreign exchange – UTI Mutual Fund recently and government bond markets achieved what major milestone and set monetary policy pertaining to its mutual fund assets? – Its asset base crossed Explanation: The draft Indian the one lakh crore rupees mark Financial Code (IFC) had recently proposed the setting up of a Monetary Policy Committee that will Explanation: The total assets set interest rates. According to the under UTI Mutual Fund attained an draft Indian Financial Code (IFC), asset base of over Rs. one lakh the Centre will appoint four out of crore with about one crore investor seven members of this proposed accounts. It is worth mentioning Committee that will take decisions that the total asset under the by majority vote. It proposes The control of Indian mutual fund companies is around 4.5 lakh crore. UTI Mutual Fund is being run by

CURRENT AFFAIRS the UTI Asset Management Explanation: The hosting of the Company (UTI AMC). UTI AMC was Forum for India-Pacific IslandsPage16 carved out of the erstwhile Unit Cooperation (FIPIC) at India is Trust of India as a mutual fund in important from an economic and February 2003 and is promoted by geostrategic standpoint. The the four of the largest public sector upcoming summit in Jaipur is financial institutions as sponsors – expected to pave the way for SBI, LIC, Bank of Baroda and agreements in agriculture, food Punjab National Bank. These four processing, fisheries, solar energy, each hold 18.5% stake in UTI AMC, e-networks for coordination in while US-based fund house T Rowe telemedicine and tele-education, Price has acquired a 26% stake. space cooperation and climate UTI AMC is also looking to launch change, all of which were an Initial Public Offer (IPO) to mentioned as areas of potential become the country’s first asset cooperation by Prime Minister management company to go public. Narendra Modi during his visit to Fiji in 2014. Even as New Delhi has 4) In what is seen as a first step begun charting out a plan for towards greater engagement with forging bilateral and regional ties the region, India will host the heads with these island nations, China has of 14 island nations at the Forum significantly expanded its foothold for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation in the region, from increasing (FIPIC) on 21 August 2015. This business and trade ties to setting important event will be hosted at up diplomatic missions in each of which city as reported on 3 August these countries. 2015? –Jaipur (Rajasthan) 5) The newest and the 18th Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) of the country was opened on 3 August 2015 with a total of 117 students. This IIT is in which city? – Palakkad (Kerala)

Explanation: IIT Palakkad is engineering, electrical engineering, Kerala’s first IIT and is presently civil engineering and mechanical lodged in a temporary campus. It engineering. The main campus is to thus became the fourth IIT in south come up in a 500 acre plot of land India after IIT institutes in Chennai in Palakkad. (Madras), Hyderabad and Tirupati. Admissions have been made at IIT Palakkad for four streams of B.Tech namely – computer science &CURRENT AFFAIRS August 5, 2015 new sustainable development agenda. This agenda will bePage17 1) 193 members of the United adopted by world leaders at the Nations (UN) on 2 August 2015 Sustainable Development Summit in reached the consensus on the New York in September 2015. What document that will constitute the is the primary aim of the “17 Sustainable Development Goals” that form the crux of the new sustainable development agenda? – End Poverty, Promote Prosperity and People’s well- being while protecting the Environment by year 2030 Explanation: The new sustainable development agenda builds on the success of the Millennium

CURRENT AFFAIRS Development Goals, which helped 3rd Bi-monthly Monetary Policy more than 700 million people Statement for 2015-15. As was escape poverty. The 8 widely expected he kept the major Millennium Development Goals, rates unchanged. What are the adopted in 2000, aimed at an array major monetary rates of the RBI at of issues that included slashing present? – poverty, hunger, disease, gender inequality, and access to water and Policy Repo Rate under the sanitation by 2015. It is worth liquidity adjustment facility mentioning that it has taken more (LAF) unchanged at 7.25% than two years of negotiations to reach the new sustainable Consequently, the Reverse development agenda and has Repo Rate under the LAF involved unprecedented unchanged at 6.25% participation of civil society as well as UN member nations. The ‘five Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) of Ps’, People, Planet, Prosperity, scheduled banks unchanged at Peace, and Partnership, capture the 4.0% broad scope of the agenda. The Sustainable Development Summit Marginal Standing Facility will be held between 25 and 27 (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate September 2015 to formally adopt unchanged at 8.25% the outcome document of the new sustainable agenda. Explanation: Since January 2015, the RBI has cut the Repo Rate 2) Raghuram Rajan, the Governor thrice cumulatively by 75 basis of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) points, with the last cut of 25 basis on 4 August 2015 presented the points being on 2 June 2015. RBI’s inflation projections for January- March 2016 stood lower by about 0.2%. On the other hand it retained growth target at 7.6% for 2015-16.Page18

CURRENT AFFAIRS 3) Which Indian police force is after dark or vehicle-checks in the slated to be the first in the country night.Page19 to introduce Taser guns and other non-lethal arms that will allow them 4) What is the name of the 13-day to work without endangering lives? culture & cuisine festival that was – Delhi Police inaugurated on 3 August 2015 in New Delhi, being organized as a Explanation: The Delhi Police part of Independence Day received the first lot of five Tasers – celebrations? –“Bharat Parv” Taser X2 priced at Rs. 1 lakh each, Explanation: “Bharat Parv” on 4 August 2015. With this Delhi features state centric food festivals Police became the first law along with cultural performances at enforcement agency in the country prominent locations in Delhi in to get access to this high-tech gun. coordination with the Ministry of Taser guns would help the police Culture, Delhi Tourism, NDMC & nab suspects by incapacitating several other agencies. It was them, or stunning them, inaugurated on 3 August 2015 by temporarily by administering Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the Minister of electric shock. When fired, this non- State for Culture (Independent lethal weapon releases electro- Charge) and Tourism (Independent magnetic pulse that will paralyze Charge). The festival will culminate the central nervous system of the on 13 August 2015. suspect, leaving the person in a foetal position on the ground for 5) The sports of “Flying Disc” almost 15 seconds. To begin with, (“Frisbee”) recently came to news. Tasers would be used during VIP Why? – Sports based on flying security and for chasing a suspect

disc have been given official “Baahubali”, that hit thousands of recognition by the screens on 10 July 2015 in three International Olympic languages, has raced past the Rs. Committee (IOC) 500-crore mark. It thus became the first south Indian movie to achieve Explanation: The IOC on 2 August this feat. Which two Hindi movies 2015 gave its official recognition to have grossed over Rs. 500 crore, as the numerous sports based on disclosed in film trade data? – flying disc (popularly known as “Dhoom 3” (2013) and “PK” “Frisbee”). This recognition was (2014) granted at IOC’s session as Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). This included Explanation: “Baahubali”, which the sports of “Ultimate Frisbee”. was originally made in Telugu and Disc-based games are played in dubbed into Hindi and Tamil, has some 58 countries around the world garnered over Rs. 500 crore since by thousands of athletes while the its release on 10 July 2015. It thus World Flying Disc joined the select league of two Federation (WFDF) is the Hindi films – “Dhoom 3” and “PK”, international body of various sports both Aamir Khan starrers. based on flying disc such as “Baahubali” has Prabhas and Rana “Ultimate Frisbee”, “Disc Golf” and Daggubati together with Anushka “Freestyle”. Shetty and Tamannaah Bhatia in the lead. It is said to be most expensive Indian film and has earned praise for its special effects and sheer scale of production.CURRENT AFFAIRS 6) According to film trade data disclosed on 3 August 2015, S.S.Page20 Rajamouli’s magnum opus movie

August 6, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) Which anniversary of the another Japanese city Nagasaki on dropping of first atomic bomb on 9 August 1945. This bomb, nick- the Japanese city of Hiroshima is named “Fat Man” killed over 70,000 being observed on 6 August 2015? people. World War II ended two – 70th weeks later, when Japan surrendered. The Americans said Explanation: Exactly 70 years they took the drastic step to put an ago, on 6 August 1945, the world’s early end to World War II and save first atomic bomb was dropped by a the lives of hundreds of thousands US bomber plane on Hiroshima. of US soldiers. America’s atomic This nuclear bomb, nick-named attacks on Japan started a nuclear “Little Boy” by the US Air Force, arms race which almost bought the wiped out the city centre of world to the brink of destruction. Hiroshima and killed 140,000 Later several steps were taken to people by the year’s end. This was put an end to the proliferation of the deadliest war killing in human nuclear arms worldwide. Since the history. Later three days later a end of World War II, the U.S. and nuclear bomb was dropped in Japan have reconciled their differences, and the two countries have moved on to cooperate on major issues, along with other countries in the region.Page21

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2) In a bizarre accident involving 3) India’s biggest telescope – Multi- two trains of the Indian Railway, at Application Solar Telescope (MAST)Page22 least 29 passengers were killed and was inaugurated on 4 August 2015. over 300 injured when two trains MAST would help in the study of were derailed over a railway bridge movements of stars and sun even in Harda district of Madhya Pradesh in day time. It has been installed at in the night of 4 August 2015. which place? – Udaipur These trains derailed on the bridge (Rajasthan) over the swollen Machal River. Which trains were involved in this Explanation: MAST has been accident? – Kamayani installed at the Udaipur Solar Express (Between Mumbai and Observatory, where it is surrounded Varanasi) and Janata by water to keep temperature Express(between Rajendra Nagar pleasant. Besides providing 3-D and Mumbai) images of solar activities like solar blast and solar flares, MAST could Explanation: This accident took help in vital studies about other place at around 11 pm on 4 August planetary movements. Authorised 2015 when 10 bogies of Varanasi- by the Ministry of Science and bound Kamayani Express and seven Technology, MAST has been funded bogies plus engine of Mumbai- by the Department of Space. So far bound Janata Express derailed on Rs. 26 crore has been spent on the the bridge over the swollen Machak project. The Physical Research River in Harda district of MP. The Laboratory (PRL) of Ahmedabad will site of the accident is between take care of the project. It was Khirkiya and Harda stations, about inaugurated by Prof. U.R. Rao, the 160 km from Bhopal. Making a suo motu statement on the accident in Parliament on 5 August 2015, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said track washout due to a swollen Machak river led to the derailment of the two trains.

CURRENT AFFAIRS Chairman of the governing council 5) What is the name of the science of PRL, Ahmedabad. and innovation museum opened in the Rashtrapati Bhavan campus, 4) Which renowned temple of the which was inaugurated by President country came to news recently for Pranab Mukherjee on 4 August opening up a Demat account to 2015? – “Navachara Kaksh” accept donations from devotees in the form of shares and securities? – Explanation: “Navachara Kaksh”, Tirumala Venkateshwara which means room of new ideas, Temple or Tirupati Balaji Temple has been established in the (Andhra Pradesh) premises of the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the Explanation: Tirumala President of India. It was Venkateswara Temple, also known inaugurated by President Pranab as Tirupati Balaji, is considered to Mukherjee on 4 August. The be one of India’s richest temples museum aims to spark curiosity and receives multi crore of rupees, about technology among children precious metals and stock visiting the Presidential Estate. It certificates in donations every year. has been established with the To do away with the hassle of assistance of the chip-maker Intel physical stock certificates and while many of the innovations are facilitate donation from devotees, by Indian students. Intel will the temple recently opened up a manage operations till the Demat account with Stock Holding Rashtrapati Bhavan takes over. Corporation of India Limited Visitors can click a 3-D selfie with (SHCIL). Demat or dematerialised the Rashtrapati Bhavan as the account is needed for electronically backdrop and get the picture keeping shares and securities.Page23

delivered by e-mail to their The base diesel model of the S- accounts. Some unique attractions Cross has been priced at Rs. 8.34 in “Navachara Kaksh” includes – lakh and will be sold through a new a robotic dog that does yoga, a 3-D network of showrooms for premium printer and a piano that can be models named “Nexa”. Maruti played without touching the keys. Suzuki is India’s largest car The museum will be open to visitors company but it is lagging behind on Fridays and weekends as part of many of the new entrants like Ford the Rashtrapati Bhavan tour. and Renault with new models in the fast-growing SUV segment. Maruti 6) What is the name of the new has set a target of nearly doubling crossover vehicle launched by its annual sales to 2 million vehicles Maruti Suzuki on 5 August 2015? – by 2020, when analysts expect “S-Cross” India will become the world’s third- Explanation: “S-Cross” is a largest auto market with sales of crossover vehicle between a sport- more than 5 million vehicles despite utility vehicle (SUV) and a sedan. sluggishness in recent years.CURRENT AFFAIRSPage24

August 7, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) In a landmark development for exponentially. It is still the fastest Egypt and international trade, Egypt link between Asia and Europe and unveiled a new addition to the accounts for around 7% of global iconic Suez Canal on 6 August seaborne trade. It’s long been a 2015. The £6 billion project of principle source of state revenue for upgrading the Canal by adding a Egypt. The latest waterway in the new waterway, took just a year to canal is the third one in its history complete, as against the original and involved building a 35 km time-frame of 36 months. This new bypass along the 193 km long canal waterway thus became the third on and deepening it so as to allow the Suez Canal, which acts as the ships to travel in different directions fastest link between Asia and simultaneously along that stretch. Europe. Suez Canal connects which The Suez Canal Authority (SCA), two oceanic bodies? – The Red which headed this project, predicts Sea and the Mediterranean Sea that the renovations will double the amount of ships per day crossing Explanation: Suez Canal is an the canal, increasing the revenue to artificial sea-level waterway in £8.4 billion (it’s currently at £3.5 Egypt that was built in 1869 to billion) by 2023. Expectations are connect the Red Sea and the high and the project has become a Mediterranean Sea and thus source of national pride for Egypt. decreasing the distance between It is Egyptian President Abdel the East and the West Fattah el Sisi’s solution to the country’s economic woes and the loss in revenue from declining tourism and foreign trade.Page25

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2) Malaysian Government on 6 disappeared flight. During July 2015 August 2015 confirmed that a piece the fragment of an aircraft wingPage26 of a wing that washed up on an was found on Indian Ocean’s Indian Ocean island beach last Reunion Island, which is under week was part of the wreckage of control of France. Reunion Island is Malaysian Airlines flight MH370, situated east of Madagascar and is which had mysteriously disappeared known for its volcanoes and rain- during March 2014. Malaysia Prime forests. The part of the found Minister Najib Razak confirmed this aircraft wing was flown to mainland in an early morning televised France for investigations, where the address on 6 August 2015. The international team of experts wing of this aircraft was found on concluded that there were clear which island of Indian Ocean? – signs that it belonged to flight Reunion Island MH370. Later the Malaysian Govt. also confirmed this and it thus Explanation: The disappearance closes a chapter in one of the of Malaysian Airlines’ flight MH370 biggest mysteries in aviation is one of the biggest mysteries in history. But this discovery still gives aviation history. This flight families of the 239 victims little clue disappeared on 8 March 2014 while as to why this accident took place. en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The Boeing 777 was 3) The Union Govt. recently minutes into its scheduled flight brought in what major liberalization when it disappeared from civil in the single-brand retail norms that radar. Millions of dollars’ worth of is now expected to give a big push hunt yielded no trace of the to single-brand retailers to operate

CURRENT AFFAIRS in the country? – It Govt. allowed 4) What major decision was taken single-brand retailers to by the Union Cabinet to improve operate across multiple the financial position of state-run platforms Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on 5 August 2015? – It Explanation: Union Govt. during gave its ‘in-principle’ approval July 2015 allowed single-brand for hiving off BSNL’s tower retailers to operate across multiple assets into a separate company platforms. This means they will be able to own their outlets as well as Explanation: BSNL is going extend their brand through through rough weather due to huge franchising. Several investment accumulating losses. It has been proposals by Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, planning to monetize its huge tower Swarovski, Skechers, Nike and assets since the last couple of Adidas were stuck in the pipeline as years. BSNL has around 64,500 they wanted to run company- mobile towers, of which, more than owned direct retail outlets as well 50,000 have optical fibre cable as franchise outlets. Some of them connectivity. On 5 August, the like Tommy Hilfiger wanted to have Union Cabinet gave its ‘in-principle’ a wholesale presence as well. In an approval to monetize BSNL’s important clarification, the telecom towers by carving a government liberalized the foreign separate unit from it. The new direct investment (FDI) policy tower unit is expected to have a on single-brand retail by stating valuation of Rs 8,000-10,000 crore. that non-resident entity/entities will BSNL will have 100% stake in the now be allowed to undertake tower unit, which will be maintained single-brand retail trading business at arm’s length. The BSNL board through one or more wholly owned subsidiaries or joint ventures (JVs).Page27

had approved the hiving off earlier. property of dopamine was This is part of the revival plan for discovered almost by accident, turning BSNL back into profits. when the two were carrying out random tests to analyze the 5) The discovery that dopamine, hormone. Dopamine is a which is known as a happy neurotransmitter that helps hormone, can also kill cancer regulate movement and emotions. tumours, has put two Kolkata-born The duo says it also starves scientists on the verge of one of the cancerous tumours of blood, most significant medical discoveries causing them to shrink and ever. What are the names of these eventually vanish. Tumour cells scientists, whose pertaining multiply rapidly, making them swell research on mice have been very fast. They concluded that if successful? – Partha Dasgupta the growth of blood vessels can be and Sujit Basu checked, tumours will stop growing Explanation: Partha Dasgupta is and disappear. If human trials an emeritus professor with succeed, cancer cure will get Chittaranjan National Cancer significantly cheaper, as a chemo Research Institute (Kolkata) and course costs lakhs, while a vial of Sujit Basu is a professor at Wexner dopamine comes for just Rs. 25. Medical Centre, Ohio StateCURRENT AFFAIRS University. The cancer-killingPage28

August 8, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) Prime Minister Narendra Modi occasion of the first National launched the first National Handloom Day the Prime MinisterPage29 Handloom Day on 7 August 2015 at also conferred the Sant Kabir Chennai. The observance of awards and National awards for the National Handloom Day is expected years 2012, 2013 and 2014 to to not only provide an impetus to personalities associated with India’s handloom industry but to handloom sector. He also launched also serve to promote handloom as the “India Handloom” brand on this a genuine international product of occasion. Handloom weaving is one good quality. What is the of the largest economic activities in significance of choosing 7 August India after agriculture, providing for National Handloom Day? – It direct and indirect employment to was on 7 August in 1905 that more than 43 lakh weavers and the formal proclamation of the allied workers. The sector is “Swadeshi Movement” was responsible for nearly 15% of cloth made at a massive meeting in production in the country and also the Calcutta Town hall contributes to export earnings. Around 95% of the world’s hand Explanation: The “Swadeshi woven fabric comes from India. Movement” involved the revival of domestic textile products and 2) The 1000-page report on the production processes. On the infamous Bhagalpur riots of 1989 was tabled in the Bihar Assembly

CURRENT AFFAIRS on 7 August 2015. The report is the riots and assign responsibility based on the findings of retired blamed senior police officers andPage30 Bihar judge Justice NN Singh, who administrative officials in a report investigated the riots. The report submitted in 1995. In 2005, the sharply indicted the Congress state Nitish Kumar government appointed government during that time for a new commission led by retired abandoning its duty to control the Bihar judge Justice NN Singh to riots in which more than a thousand relook into the incident. This people were killed. Who was the commission’s report fully blamed Bihar Chief Minister during that the then state government led by time? –Satyendra Narayan Sinha Chief Minister Satyendra Narayan Sinha for aggravation of the Explanation: The Bhagalpur riots situation. were triggered when a religious Hindu procession was targeted by a 3) What is the total forest cover in bomb. Mass killings followed in this India as per the recently released part of northeastern Bihar, ravaging India State of Forest Report-2013? Bhagalpur and nearly 250 villages –21.23% around it. For weeks before the Explanation: As per India State of riots, right wing Hindu groups had Forest Report – 2013, the total organized a brick collection drive for forest cover in the country is the proposed temple in Ayodhya in 697,898 square kilometers which is Uttar Pradesh. With police escort, 21.23% of the total geographical Hindu activists were moving area of the country. There is a net through the city when bombs were increase of 5871 square kilometers thrown at them. 11 policemen were injured but nobody was killed. After riots erupted it spread to Bhagalpur city as well as around 250 villages around it. Over 1,000 people were killed and the army was called in. The violence lasted nearly a month. Three judges appointed to study

CURRENT AFFAIRS in the forest cover of the country as this system will have similar or compared with India State of Forest better capabilities than the ‘911’Page31 Report – 2011. It is also a fact that emergency response system being the density of population has used in the United States. It will increased in the states of have capacity to handle 10 lakh Maharashtra, Karnataka, calls daily, will have around 3,500 Chhattisgarh, Odisha and agents to attend to such calls and Jharkhand. special tablets will be fitted on one lakh police vehicles by 2017 to 4) In its note pertaining to Prime strengthen the ERS system. A 112 Minister Narendra Modi’s Nirbhaya helpline is also proposed forthcoming Independence Day to respond to the needs of women address to the nation, the Ministry in distress and that it will be made of Information and Broadcasting functional in the next financial year. (MIB) has sent a note about the proposed emergency response 5) North Korean government on 7 system (ERS) being established on August 2015 announced that it will the lines of the ‘911’ system of the establish its own time zone from 15 United States. Announcement of August by pulling back its current this system is expected to find standard time by 30 minutes. prominent place in PM’s state Currently, local time in both Koreas address. What is the number of this and Japan are same and was set proposed ERS? – “112” when the then single Korea was under Japanese colonial rule from Explanation: The Union Govt. is 1910 to 1945. What was the reason expected to showcase “112” given by the government for this emergency response system (ERS) change? – To root out the legacy as the most advanced ERS system of the Japanese colonial in the world. According to the govt., occupation period Explanation: North Korean government announced that the new time zone will be effective

from 15 August 2015, which is the these are connected to the Khamloli 70th anniversary of Korea’s tower of Tata Teleservices using TV liberation from Japanese rule at the band radios. The pilot test-bed has end of the World War II. It is worth been deployed by the IIT team in mentioning that South Korea uses seven villages – Khamloli, Bahadoli, the same time zone as Japan to Dhuktan, Ganje, Pargaon, Haloli conform to international practice. and Maswan – spread over 30 sq.km in coastal Palghar district 6) A research group at which about 80 km from Mumbai. To Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) access the Internet, the villagers of the country recently established have been provided with low cost country’s first pilot test-bed to use Wi-Fi tablets by IITB and have unused TV spectrum to provide received the help of an NGO broadband Internet connectivity? – (PUKAR) in educating the villagers IIT Bombay (IITB) about the use of Internet. The Department of Telecom (DoT) has Explanation: The ambitious also granted an experimental project taps unused frequencies licence to IITB to conduct tests in allocated to broadcasting and TV’s UHF band. exploits this “white space” spectrum to provide broadband Internet connectivity in rural areas. Under this pilot project, the Wi-Fi hotspots for testing Internet connectivity have been deployed at a few locations across the villages andCURRENT AFFAIRSPage32

August 9, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) What watershed event in the 64- issued by Labour Ministry based on year old history of India’s biggest a finance ministry directive, whichPage33 pension fund – the Employees called on EPFO to invest 5-15% of Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) its incremental corpus in equities. took place during August 2015? – EPFO’s central board has decided to For the first time, EPFO started stick to 5% this fiscal and decide on investing in equities as an raising this based on how things asset class pan out. For the last five years, EPFO has been giving its Explanation: The Employees subscribers a return of 8.25-9.5%. Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) With the EPFO expected to receive started investing in equities as an inflows of close to Rs. 1 lakh crore asset class for the first-ever-time this year, investment in equities is from 6 August 2015. The EPFO pegged at Rs 5,000 crore. Some manages a corpus of Rs 8.5 lakh funds are also expected to come in crore, all of which was being from exempted trusts. This could invested in fixed-income securities take the EPFO investment during until now. The state-run pension the year to Rs. 7,000-8,000 crore. fund, which has thus far stuck to The idea of EPFO getting into safer debt instruments, is looking to equities was first mooted in 2005 ensure that it can preserve returns by U.K. Sinha, currently chairman of to subscribers via this move. A the capital markets regulator SEBI. notification to this effect had been 2) Through which mutual fund the newly initiated investment of EPFO has been done initially in equities? – SBI Mutual Fund

CURRENT AFFAIRS Explanation: EPFO’s investment in Explanation: NIYATAM stands for equities is being routed through NITI Initiative to Yield Aspirational exchange traded funds (ETFs) Targets and Actionable Means. It is managed by SBI Mutual Fund. To a based on a word taken from the start with, EPFO will invest 75% in “Bhagwad Gita”. At present, states SBI Nifty ETF and 25% in SBI such as Uttar Pradesh have 56 Sensex ETF. It will also invest in government departments and an CPSE (central public sector equal number of ministers, apart enterprise) ETFs as and when new from the chief minister. Similarly fund offers (NFOs) are announced Bihar and Jharkhand have 44 by the government. Transparency, government departments each liquidity, diversification, flexibility while Kerala has 46 government and cost effectiveness seen as the departments. According to the plan advantages of investing in ETFs. being worked out by the NITI Aayog under its NIYATAM initiative, 3) The NITI Aayog has started an each state should ideally have initiative to engage the states of the about 20 departments. The Aayog Indian Union on six important would work with states to this end, issues pertaining to governance and starting with Kerala, Rajasthan, finance. This includes the initiative Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. to prune their administrative Meanwhile, as part of the NIYATAM structure to improve their efficiency initiative, the NITI Aayog will also and governance. What is the name work with states to rationalise the given to this ambitious initiative? – number of schemes at both the NIYATAM state level as well as those that are centrally funded.Page34

CURRENT AFFAIRS 4) Which city topped in the Swachh of 2008. All the 476 Class-1 cities in Bharat Rankings of 476 cities in 31 States and Union Territories,Page35 India, in a survey conducted during each with a population of above 2014-15 by the Ministry of Urban one lakh were surveyed for Development, results of which were assessing total sanitation practices disclosed on 8 August 2015? – covering a set of parameters Mysuru (Mysore) including the extent of open defecation, solid waste Explanation: Karnataka’s Mysuru management, sewage (Mysore) topped the Swachh Bharat management, waste water Rankings of 476 cities in the treatment, drinking water quality, country with three more from the surface water quality of water state figuring in the top 10. The top bodies and mortality due to water- 10 ranked cities in the city were borne diseases etc. Mysuru, Thiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu), Navi Mumbai, Kochi 5) Who were appointed as the new (Kerala), Hassan, Mandya and Governors of Bihar and Himachal Bengaluru (Karnataka), Pradesh as announced on 8 August Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), 2015? – Ram Nath Kovind (Bihar) Halisahar (West Bengal) and and Acharya Dev Vrat (Himachal Gangtok (Sikkim). Damoh (Madhya Pradesh) Pradesh) came at the bottom of 476, preceded by Bhind (MP), Explanation: The 69-year-old Ram Palwal and Bhiwani, both in Nath Kovind, who had been a two- Haryana, Chittaurgarh (Rajasthan), time Rajya Sabha member between Bulandshahar (UP), Neemuch (MP), 1994 and 2006, hails from Kanpur Rewari(Haryana), Hindaun (Uttar Pradesh). He had also been (Rajasthan) and Sambalpur in BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha chief. Odisha at 467th rank. The survey His appointment comes barely few conducted during 2014-15 was months ahead of the Assembly commissioned by the Ministry of elections due in Bihar. Till no West Urban Development as required Bengal Governor Keshri Nath under the National Sanitation Policy Tripathi was holding additional

charge of Bihar. Acharya Dev Vrat, it made landfall in eastern Taiwan who was appointed new Governor in the early hours of 8 August 2015. of Himachal Pradesh, will succeed As a result thousands of trees were Kalyan Singh (Governor of uprooted, traffic lights and power Rajasthan), who was holding the lines were snapped and at least 4 additional charge of HP. persons died in Taiwan. The typhoon hit Fujian province on the 6) What is the name of the name night of 8 August. Authorities in of the cyclonic typhoon that hit southeast China had earlier ordered Taiwan and entered Mainland China the evacuation of about 158,000 on 8 August 2015? –Typhoon people and ships back to port Soudelor ahead of the typhoon. Explanation: According to Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau, Typhoon Soudelor was packing maximum sustained winds of 162 kilometers (100 miles) per hour asCURRENT AFFAIRS August 10, 2015 9 August 2015 with holding of numerous events across thePage36 1) Singapore observed which country to mark the special anniversary of its independence on occasion? – 50thanniversary Explanation: Singapore, the modern island country, attained independence on 9 August 1965 when it was ejected from the

CURRENT AFFAIRS Federation of Malaya amid social 50thanniversary, as the world marvel unrest. Modern Singapore was at the island’s leap from a poorPage37 founded in 1819 by Sir Thomas colonial port to a wealthy Stamford Raffles as a trading post metropolis, Singaporeans are also of the East India Company with grappling with a growing permission from the Johor resentment over political Sultanate. Later it came under restrictions, an influx of foreign control of the British rule in 1824. labour and rising cost of living. After gaining independence from the British in 1963, Singapore 2) Year-long birth centenary of united with other former British which famous Hindi writer, territories to form Malaysia playwright and actor was initiated (Federation of Malaya). But it on 8 August 2015? – Bhisham gained independence from Malaysia Sahni on 9 August 1965 after it was Explanation: Bhisham Sahni, the expelled two years later through a author of bone-chilling novels such unanimous act of parliament. After as “Tamas” and “Mayyadas Ki experiencing some turbulence in its Madi”, was born on 8 August 1915 early years as a nation, Singapore at Rawalpindi in Pakistan. He was embarked on a path of an academic, actor, speaker, writer, development and is has now playwright and social activist. The transformed itself into one of the love for literature and fervour for world’s wealthiest countries. Prime social reform ran in the family, Minister Lee Kuan Yew is considered the father of modern Singapore as his emphasis on rapid economic growth, support for business entrepreneurship, limitations on internal democracy, and close relationships with China set the new nation’s policies for the next half-century. But on country’s

CURRENT AFFAIRS followers of Arya Samaj. His elder of August-September for enrolling brother and famous actor Balraj bank account holders in Pradhan Sahni had taught at Shantiniketan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana and Gandhiji’s Sevagram in (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Wardha. He became associated Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). with the Indian National Congress What is the name given to this initially but passion for the cause of special drive? –“Suraksha the common man turned him to Bandhan” Marxism. Bhisham Sahni authored over a hundred short stories and Explanation: The “Suraksha several novels (“Kunto”, “Neeloo Bandhan” drive aims to take Nilima Nilofar”, “Kadian”, forward the Government’s objective “Jharokhe”, “Basanti”, etc) and of creating a universal social plays (“Hanush”, “Madhavi”, “Kabira security system in the country. It is Khada Bazar Mein”, “Alamgeer”, targeted especially at the poor and “Muavze”, etc), but his most the under-privileged. Along with famous work remains “Tamas”, a PMSBY and PMJJBY, the envisaged novel based on the riots of 1947 social security initiative also Partition of India which he includes the Atal Pension Yojana witnessed at Rawalpindi. He passed (APY), launched along with the away on 11 July 2003 at the age of above two insurance schemes, 87. Union Ministry of Culture and which addresses the issue of old Sahitya Akademi are leading the age income security. Participating one-year long centenary banks supported by the celebrations of this illustrious multi- participating insurance companies faceted personality. will work towards local outreach, awareness building and enrolment 3) In view of the forthcoming facilitation during this drive. festival of Raksha Bandhan, aPage38 special enrolment drive is being launched by participating banks and insurance companies in the months

company’s already announced joint venture with the Adani Group.CURRENT AFFAIRS 4) Global electronic manufacturing 5) Thomas Cook (India) Limited on giant Foxconn, known for 8 August 2015 announced acquiringPage39 manufacturing iPhones for Apple Kuoni Group’s travel businesses in Inc., on 8 August 2015 signed India and Hong Kong for Rs. 535 agreement with which state crore. The deal includes outbound government for investing over US$ travel brand SOTC and destination 5 billion over the next five years? – management brand SITA. Which Maharashtra India-born entrepreneur backs Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.? – Prem Explanation: As per the newly Watsa signed MoU, Maharashtra government will provide the Explanation: In 2012, Prem Taiwan-based Foxconn 1,500 acres Watsa, Chairman and CEO of of land for its plant where the Fairfax Financial Holdings, had company would invest US$ 5 billion acquired a 77% stake in Thomas over the next five years. Foxconn is Cook for Rs. 817 crore through expected to provide employment Fairbridge Capital, an affiliate of opportunities to around 50,000 Fairfax Financial Holdings. The deal persons. The said facility will focus to acquire Kuoni Group’s travel on research and development as businesses in India and Hong Kong well as manufacturing, and the is the third acquisition by it in the company has chosen the state for last two years. In 2013, it had being a financial centre, availability acquired Bengaluru-based HR and of quality talent and software- IT services company Quess Corp. hardware integration facilities. The MoU with the Maharashtra Government is different from

CURRENT AFFAIRS Thomas Cook’s footprint currently June 2015, Deutsche AMC had extends to over 232 locations, assets of around Rs. 20,720 crore,Page40 including 23 airport counters, in 95 while Pramerica managed assets cities across India, Mauritius and Sri worth Rs. 2,125 crore. The sale by Lanka. Kuoni had entered India in Deutsche Bank is the latest among 1996 by acquiring SOTC Tours, and a slew of foreign asset managers in 2000, it bought SITA World exiting the mutual fund business in Travels. But, this year, the Swiss India, including Morgan Stanley company made clear that it will exit (acquired by HDFC AMC), ING (Birla its travel business across the world Sun Life), Daiwa (SBI) and in a bid to focus on VFS Global. This PineBridge (Kotak). deal also does not include VFS Global, which is Kuoni’s outsourcing 7) Which Indian-American diplomat and technology services subsidiary was recently confirmed as the U.S. for governments and diplomatic Ambassador to Sri Lanka and missions. Maldives and thus became the second Indian-origin diplomat to be 6) Which mutual fund house posted to the South Asian region acquired the asset management after Richard Rahul Verma? – Atul business of Deutsche Bank in India Keshap as announced on 7 August 2015? – Pramerica Explanation: 44-year old Atul Keshap is a former official at the US Explanation: Pramerica Asset Embassy in India. His first Managers Private Limited is a Ambassadorial posting (as U.S. wholly-owned subsidiary of Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Prudential Financial, Inc. of the US, Maldives) was confirmed by the and is the asset management U.S. Senate during August 2015 to company for Pramerica Mutual Fund make him the second diplomat of in India. Both Pramerica and asset management business of Deutsche Bank houses are focussed on liquid and fixed income funds. As of 30

Indian-origin to be posted to the was born in June, 1971. His Asian region after Richard Rahul mother, Zoe Calvert, had been in Verma, who is US Ambassador to the U.S. Foreign Service when she India. Atul’s father, Keshap Chander met and married Sen in London. Sen, who was from Punjab, was a U.N. development economist working in Nigeria where Keshap August 11-12, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) Technology behemoth Google of the newly formed holding announced a huge reorganization of company? – AlphabetPage41 the company on 10 August 2015 under which the company will be Explanation: In a surprising brought under a new holding announcement made on 10 August company. This holding company will 2015 by Larry Page and Sergey act as an umbrella organization for Brin, Google’s co-founders, a radical all businesses of Google also shake-up of the company’s include Google as its fully owned corporate structure and subsidiary. What will be the name management will take place with evolution of Alphabet – a new holding company whose largest wholly owned subsidiary will be Google. Under the re-organization, Search, Advertising, Maps, YouTube and the company’s mobile operating system Android will remain under Google. The parent company Alphabet will have Google, maker of Internet-

CURRENT AFFAIRS connected devices for home Nest, Google becomes a wholly-owned high-speed Internet service Fiber, subsidiary of the newly announcedPage42 investment arms like Google holding company Alphabet. Ventures and Google Capital and Alphabet will have Larry Page as its incubator projects like Google X, CEO and co-founder Sergey Brin as which is developing self-driving cars President. Sundar Pichai has and delivery drones. All shares of emerged as the most prominent Google will automatically convert and visible faces in Google recently into corresponding shares of and he is seen as the strongest Alphabet, which will continue to manager in the company after Page trade under the stock ticker and Brin. He had joined Google in symbols GOOG and GOOGL. The 2004 as its vice president of new structure is said to be similar product management, where he led to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire the team working on Google’s Hathaway, which wholly owns a Chrome browser and operating number of diverse holdings and has system. Born in Chennai, Pichai, did stakes in several others. his schooling from Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan. He received a B.Tech 2) Who will head Google as its CEO from the Indian Institute of after Google will be brought under Technology Kharagpur (IIT a holding company with other Kharagpur) and holds an M.S. in numerous companies, as Engineering and Materials Science announced on 10 August 2015? – from Stanford University and an Sundar Pichai MBA from the Wharton School. Explanation: India-born Sundar 3) What is the name of the mobile Pichai will be the CEO of Google as app launched by Union Telecom

minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in 4) In an important development in Bodh Gaya (Bihar) on 9 August Nepal, country’s four major parties 2015 which facilitates easy learning reached a landmark agreement on of computers and Internet? – the contentious issues of federalism “Disha” under the new constitution. According to the reached Explanation: “Disha” is the name agreement, the country will be of the free mobile app that has divided into how many provinces? – been prepared to spread digital Six literacy through self-learning modules. It is the newest tool in the Explanation: Prime Minister field of spreading computer literacy. Koirala and top leaders of CPN- It is part of the “Digital Saksharta UML, Nepali Congress, Unified CPN- Abhiyan” initiated by the Govt. of Maoist and Madhesi Peoples Rights India in August 2014 to promote Forum Democratic (MPRFD) digital literacy across the country. A reached the landmark agreement to “Disha” handbook was also divide Nepal into six provinces, launched which has been designed each sharing its border with India. to ensure that anyone with little or Dividing the state was one of the no digital literacy can also learn thorny issues of the new using this book. On this occasion 10 constitution. With signing of the Dalit women who got training under agreement among the major parties the Digital Saksharta Abhiyan in on the issue of federal model, the Bodh Gaya (Bihar) were also constitution drafting has reached its felicitated. final phase. Although the political parties have agreed on numbersCURRENT AFFAIRS and boundaries of the federal units, they have yet to agree on thePage43 names of the federal units which will be decided later on. In the agreed model of federal structure, all the six provinces have direct access with Indian border.

CURRENT AFFAIRS Kathmandu, the capital district, lies classes and extra-curricular in province No. 2 and except this all activities for students of otherPage44 other provinces have three streams. The students will also geographical divisions, mountain carry out a tree census in their region, hilly region and southern school and the locality. SNY has plains. been initially launched in 1,000 schools this year. It will be 5) What is the name of the new expanded to cover around 5,000 initiative launched by the Union schools next year and to about Environment Ministry on 10 August 10,000 schools in the third year. 2015 to bring students closer to Under SNY, a school Nursery will nature, by involving them in raising have a small space of a minimum of of saplings in nurseries created in 100 sq. meter for preparing beds schools? – “School Nursery for raising saplings and for nursery- Yojana” related activities, including preparing, planting a mixture of Explanation: “School Nursery good earth, soil and manure, filling Yojana” (SNY) was launched by earthen pots and storage of seeds. Union Environment Minister (Independent Charge) Prakash 6) According to the latest report of Javdekar. The underlying theme of the Right to Education (RTE) the “School Nursery Yojana” is to Forum, approximately how many plant a tree for sustainable future primary schools across the country and to make the nation clean and are managed by single teachers for green. Under the Yojana, students all the classes? –Over 98,000 will sow the seeds and grow saplings in the school nursery, as Explanation: This information part of practical exercise for Biology was given by the RTE Forum from data enclosed in the 2013-14 reports of the District Information System for Education (DISE). The report puts the number of such primary schools in the country at a

CURRENT AFFAIRS whopping 98,443 or 11.46% of the products under Mi brand and is total primary schools in the presently also rebranding itself asPage45 government sector. Inadequate Mi. The company has exclusively number of teachers and lack of partnered with Taiwan-based rationalisation in postings are Foxconn for its manufacturing among the prime culprits for the facility in Sri City (Andhra Pradesh). grim scenario in the field of It has similar tie-up in Brazil apart education. from China, where Foxconn manufacturers phones exclusively 7) Chinese smartphone company for it at its exclusive plants. Andhra Xiaomi on 10 August 2015 Pradesh Chief Minister N. announced its first manufacturing Chandrababu Naidu also launched unit in India at Andhra Pradesh. Xiaomi’s first “India-made” phone Xiaomi’s first-ever “Made in India” Redmi 2 Prime on the occasion, smartphone “Redmi 2 Prime” was which is being assembled in its Sri also launched on this occasion that City plant. included Andhra Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. This plant is 8) What important trend pertaining established at which place in AP? – to Indian industrial scenario was Sri City reflected in a latest survey by the Explanation: Xiaomi is the leading Confederation of Indian Industry’s low-cost smartphone manufacturer Associations’ Council (CII ASCON) of China and is the third largest that was released on 8 August smartphone maker in the World 2015? – Indian economy is after Samsung and Apple. It sells its witnessing some early signs of survival Explanation: Of the 93 sectors surveyed in the latest survey of CII ASCON, the proportion that recorded “excellent” growth (faster than 20 per cent) during the April- June quarter of 2015-16 was

higher, at 16.1%, than the 7.1% in growth rate (of 10-20%) reduced the corresponding quarter of the significantly to 9.7% from 14.3% a last fiscal. The survey respondents year ago. The CII survey suggested represented a wide range of sectors revival of stalled projects, de- comprising small, medium and large bottlenecking of supply side enterprises and, in many cases, linkages and the easing of interest accounted for around 70% of the rates as the most significant steps total industry output in their to bolster growth. respective sectors. The proportion of sectors that reported a growth rate of less than zero fell to 23.7% from nearly 27% in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. However, the share of sectors that witnessed a “high”CURRENT AFFAIRS August 13, 2015 on 11 August 2015. A day later China further lowered its “daily fix”Page46 1) China’s currency Yuan’s value of the Yuan. What is the primary was devalued to its lowest rate objective of this depreciation? – To against the US dollar in almost make Yuan’s exchange rate three years by China’s central bank more market-oriented and make Chinese exports cheaper Explanation: The People’s Bank of China (POBC) on 11 August devalued the Yuan by 1.9% against the US dollar. Later on 12 August

POBC further lowered its “daily fix” 2) What step was taken by the of the Yuan to 6.3306 per US dollar, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) after a further decline of 1.6%. The Rupee’s value slid to almost 23- move is primarily aimed at making month low on 12 August 2015? – It the exchange rate of Yuan more intervened by selling US dollars market-oriented. The move also through PSU banks came just after weak economic data was released by China, which is Explanation: The rupee weakened world’s second largest economy. It to as much as 64.86 in the morning is worth mentioning that the United of 12 August, which was its lowest States has in the past complained level since September 2013, when that China uses its currency for the country was in the midst of its competitive advantage. Just a few worst currency turmoil since the days back China reported a sharp 1991 balance of payment crisis. To fall in exports and a slide in stop further decline in rupee’s producer prices to a near six-year value, the RBI intervened by selling low in July 2015. Exports fell by dollars through state-owned banks. 8.3% in July, far worse than The currencies of all emerging expected and the producer price Asian countries witnessed decline index was down 5.4% from a year after China’s central bank allowed earlier. China has long kept tight the Yuan to drop for the second control of the value of Yuan on straight day to a four-year trough. concerns over financial volatility This sparked fears of a global and losing its policy control. With currency war. this, international markets becameCURRENT AFFAIRS rife with rumours about China wanting to exacerbate a currency war.Page47 3) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) fully

CURRENT AFFAIRS commissioned and started it is an initiative of ISRO’s Vikram commercial production of its Sarabhai Space CentrePage48 indigenous titanium sponge plant (Ahmedabad). While ISRO’s annual on 10 August 2015. With the requirement of titanium sponge for commissioning of this plant, India space programme is approximately has become the seventh country in 200-300 metric tonnes, this plant’s the world producing titanium production capacity could be sponge commercially. This titanium enhanced up to 1,000 tonnes per sponge is situated at which place? – annum in the future. Chavara (Kerala) 4) According to the information Explanation: ISRO’s titanium disclosed in a South Korean media sponge is situated at Chavara in report, North Korea’s vice premier Kerala’s Kollam district. It is worth was executed by firing squad this mentioning that titanium sponge is year. He was apparently executed used primarily for space and for showing discontent with the defence applications. Properties like policies of the country’s leader Kim high strength to weight ratio and Jong Un. What was the name of excellent corrosion resistance this North Korean vice premier? – makestitanium alloys useful for Choe Yong Gon liquid propellant tanks for launch Explanation: 63-year old Choe vehicles and satellites, gas Yong Gon had allegedly expressed bottle/liners, inter tank structures disagreement with Kim’s forestry and interface rings for satellites. policies and had shown poor work This plant is the only integrated plant in the world that undertakes all activities right from mining of titanium minerals to manufacturing of aerospace grade titanium sponge under one roof. ISRO took the initiative for establishing this plant in the country to meet the requirements in strategic areas and

CURRENT AFFAIRS performance. South Korea’s rose to 4.29% from 4.25% in the Unification Ministry, which handles previous quarter but were lowerPage49 the country’s ties with North Korea, than 4.9% reported a year earlier. said in a text message received by Reuters that Choe had not been 6) On 11 August 2015, Indian Govt. spotted in public for about eight signed a $ 308.40 million finance months, and that it was closely agreement with the World Bank for monitoring the situation.Choe was National Cyclone Risk Mitigation appointed vice-premier during Project-II (NCRMP-II). NCRMP-II is 2014. He had worked on inter- associated with reducing Korean affairs in 2000s, leading the vulnerability to cyclone and other North’s delegation in joint economic hydro-meteorological hazards of cooperation committees with South coastal communities in which six Korea between 2003 and 2005. His states of the country? – Goa, execution thus marked another Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, death of a senior official in a series Maharashtra and West Bengal of high-level purges since Kim Jong Un took charge in late 2011. Explanation: NCRMP-II is implemented by the Ministry of 5) State Bank of India’s net profits Home Affairs through National for the first quarter of 2015-16 was Disaster Management Authority announced on 11 August 2015. (NDMA). It also seeks to increase How much was it? – Rs. 3,692 the capacity of the state entities to crore effectively plan for and respond to disasters. The primary beneficiaries Explanation: The net profits of of NCRMP-II will be coastal India’s largest commercial bank SBI communities in six target states for quarter ended June 2015 stood benefitting from cyclone risk at Rs. 3,692 crore, up from Rs. mitigation infrastructure and early 3,349 crore in the same year-ago warning systems. It has 4 basic period, thus registering an increase components – a) Early Warning of 10.2%. Gross bad loans as a Dissemination Systems; b) Cyclone percentage of total loans marginally Risk Mitigation Infrastructure c)

Technical Assistance for Multi- Hazard Risk Management and d) Project Management and Implementation Support. August 14-15, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Explanation: It is worth on 13 August 2015 paid a dividend mentioning that the three mainPage50 of nearly Rs. 66,000 crore to the sources of income of the RBI are government. This was the highest the coupon payments it gets on its ever dividend paid by the RBI in its holding of government securities, 80-year history. What are the main the interest it receives from banks sources of RBI’s income? – (which borrow money from it or Interest from Repo operations, RBI’s repo operations) and also coupon payments for holding interest incomes on its holdings of govt. securities and interest sovereign bonds like US Treasury incomes on its holdings of bills. Every year, after meeting its sovereign bonds expenses and keeping aside part of its total profits, the RBI transfers a substantial amount to the central government exchequer. This year’s dividend of over Rs. 66,000 crore is 22% more than it paid last year. On a point to point basis, RBI’s dividend payment to the government is up more than four times in as many years. This huge dividend payout is expected to ease the government’s finances, help meet its fiscal deficit targets,