Current Affairs English- Aug

CURRENT AFFAIRS provide liquidity to the system so signaled that the government would that the rate of interest remains low not frown upon mergers and and also makes available funds for acquisitions in the public sector the government’s capital space. Apart from this, it, for the expenditure, economists and bond first time since bank nationalization dealers said. in 1969, drafted executives from the private sector to run two public 2) In a landmark development for sector banks. These two executives country’s banking sector, the Union are – PS Jayakumar (Bank of Government on 14 August 2015 Baroda) and Rakesh Sharma announced appointment of two (Canara Bank), both of whom are executives from the private sector from private sector. The reform to head public sector banks (PSU measures have been in the works banks). The move is part of a for a year. It began soon after the strategy to professionalize bank arrest of Syndicate Bank chairman boards and improve the and MD SK Jain on corruption performance of government- charges during August 2014 and controlled banks that account for comes at a time when lenders are 70% of the deposits and loans reporting steep fall in profits due to extended by banks. Who are these mounting non-performing loans. two executives? – PS Jayakumar The process included PM Narendra (Bank of Baroda) and Rakesh Modi holding a first of its kind Sharma (Canara Bank) interaction with bank chiefs, which was followed up by individual Explanation: The Finance Ministry presentation by 22 banks to the on 14 August announced an Finance Ministry. overhaul of public sector banks. ItPage51

CURRENT AFFAIRS 3) The Insurance Regulatory and architecture bancassurance policy Development Authority of India but was unable to finalise the broadPage52 (IRDA) on 13 August 2015 features of the new policy as they announced what important policy were not agreed by the various change for Indian banks? – It stake holders of the insurance allowed banks to tie up with up industry. to 9 insurance companies under the policy of open 4) O.P. Munjal, who passed away architecture Bancassurance on 13 August 2015, was the policy founder and Chairman of which noted business house? – Hero Explanation: As part of the new Cycles Bancassurance guidelines, the IRDA Explanation: Om Prakash Munjal on 13 August 2015 allowed banks (O.P. Munjal) was known as the to tie up with a maximum of nine doyen of Indian cycle industry. He insurers from three segments- life, along with his three brothers – non–life and standalone health Brijmohan Lall Munjal, Dayanand insurers. While such a tie-up will Mujnal and Satyanand Munjal, had not be mandatory on the banks and started a bicycle spare parts it has been left to them to take a business in Amritsar in 1944. Later call on the number of tie-ups. Till after suffering setbacks due to now banks were not allowed country’s partition in 1947, they to have insurance agency tie-ups moved to Ludhiana and established with more than one insurer. Hero Cycles, India’s first bicycle Bancassurance is the system of manufacturing unit in 1956. Hero selling of insurance policies through a bank, wherein bank acts as an insurance agent. Thus banks generate income additional revenue and profits from this alternative activity. It is worth mentioning that the IRDA has been making efforts to launch a policy of open

Cycles today produces around the Board of market regulator SEBI. 19000 bicycles per day and holds Eyebrows were raised due to the Guinness World Record for political nature of this appointment. producing highest number of Sathe, who is also said to have bicycles in the world in 1986. O.P. been an RSS full-timer in the past Munjal led Hero Cycles group as its and had unsuccessfully fought Lok Chairman till this year before he Sabha elections as a BJP candidate handed company’s reign’s to son in 1989 from Mumbai North-West Pankaj Munjal in July 2015. against Congress’ Sunil Dutt. He has been appointed a part-time 5) The appointment of Arun P member of the Securities and Sathe, elder brother of Lok Sabha Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, recently a period of three years. This came into controversy after his appointment came at a time when appointment as the member of a huge uproar has been witnessed which entity? – SEBI over alleged political considerations Explanation: Senior advocate in appointments made by the Arun P Sathe, the elder brother of government to various important Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra institutions, including on Film and Mahajan, was recently appointed on Television Institute of India (FTII).CURRENT AFFAIRSPage53

August 16-17, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will encourage entrepreneurship announced a new campaign “Start- among the youth of India. Each ofPage54 up India, Stand up India” during his the 1.25 lakh bank branches in the Independence Day Address on the country would encourage at least occasion of India’s one Dalit or tribal entrepreneur and 69th Independence Day on 15 at least one woman entrepreneur. August 2015. “Start-up India, Stand Under this, in addition to existing up India” is associated with which systems to facilitate start-ups, loans issue? – Promoting banks to would also be given to help people. finance start-ups and offer “Start-up India, Stand up India” is incentives to boost expected to give a new dimension entrepreneurship and job to entrepreneurship and help set up creation a network of start-ups in the country. Explanation: “Start-up India, Stand up India” was the main 2) What will be the new name of theme of PM’s Independence Day the Agriculture Ministry as proposed address from the ramparts of the by the Prime Minister Narendra historic Red Fort on 15 August. Modi in his Independence Day According to the PM, the initiative address to the nation on 15 August 2015? –‘Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ministry’ Explanation: With a view to take care of the farming community’s needs as well as the personal problems faced by them, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August announced that the seven-

CURRENT AFFAIRS decade old Agriculture Ministry will 3) What is the name of the 7- be renamed as ‘Agriculture and pronged strategy announced by thePage55 Farmers’ Welfare Ministry’. Union Finance Ministry on 14 Addressing the nation on the August 2015 that aims for 69th Independence Day, the PM comprehensive revamp of public stressed on the need to increase sector banks of the country? – agricultural productivity and said “Indradhanush” the government is making efforts to boost crop yields. Emphasising on Explanation: The 7-pronged the welfare of farmers for overall strategy rolled out to growth of the agri-sector, he said comprehensively revamp the the government will rename the functioning of PSU banks in the present Agriculture Ministry as country has been termed as ‘Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare “Indradhanush” (rainbow). It Ministry’. It is worth mentioning includes streamlining of that pre-independent India had a appointments, setting up of a Bank combined Department of Revenue, Board Bureau (BBB) to scout for Agriculture and Commerce set up in heads of PSBs, recapitalisation June 1871. In 1881, the measures and facilitating easing of Department of Revenue and non-performing assets (NPAs) to Agriculture was reconstituted as help ensure improved credit. The separate departments, but in 1923, seven broad heads of the strategy the departments of Education and are appointments, establishment of Health were combined with it to a Bank Board Bureau (BBB) to form the ‘Department of Education, scout for heads of PSBs, Health and Lands’. In 1945, it was trifurcated into three separate departments of Agriculture, Education and Health. The Department of Agriculture was re- dedicated as the Ministry of Agriculture in August 1947.

recapitalisation measures and facilitating easing of non- performing assets (NPAs) to help ensure improved credit. Under “Indradhanush” strategy, a holding company -bank investment committe August 18, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Abu Dhabi. The city is designed by Modi on 17 August 2015 visited British firm Foster and Partners andPage56 which city of UAE which is world’s will host the headquarters of the first zero-carbon and car-free smart International Renewable Energy city? – Masdar Agency (IRENA). Masdar City relies completely on solar energy and Explanation: Masdar is the world’s other renewable sources of energy. first zero-carbon and car-free city. The highlight of Indian Prime It is around 17 km from the city of Minister’s tour was a demo ride in a self-driving car part of Masdar city’s Private Rapid Transit or PRT. The car (also called Podcar) runs on lithium batteries powered by solar energy and uses virtual software to guide its journey. Narendra Modi was on a 2-day official visit of the UAE and became the first Indian

Prime Minister to visit the UAE in 34 attacks outside their ethnic Malay years. heartland.CURRENT AFFAIRS 2) Which South-East Asian capital 3) Which entity has been mandated on 17 August 2015 witnessed a as the lead promoter of NationalPage57 huge explosion resulting in the Agriculture Market (NAM), the death of over 20 people and over national e-market for agriculture 100 injured? – Bangkok commodities, as announced by the Department of Agriculture and Explanation: Bangkok, the capital Cooperation (DAC) recently? – of Thailand was struck by a huge Small Farmers’ Agri Business explosion in city’s central area in Consortium (SFAC) the evening of 17 August. The bomb explosion took place at the Explanation: Small Farmers’ Agri Rajprasong intersection, which was Business Consortium (SFAC) is a the center of many contentious registered society of DAC. It has political demonstrations in recent been mandated as the lead years. This is near the enormously promoter of India’s e-market for popular Erawan Shrine belonging to agriculture commodities under the Lord Brahma. The bomb was umbrella of the National Agriculture planted on a motorcycle. There was Market. SFAC will now select a no immediate claim of strategic partner through open responsibility. Thai forces are tender to develop, operate and fighting a low-level Muslim maintain the NAM e-platform. SFAC insurgency in the predominantly will also implement the NAM with Buddhist country’s south, although budgetary grant support from DAC those rebels have rarely launched and technical support by the strategic partner. NAM is envisaged

as a pan-India electronic trading $26.55 billion is the largest supply portal, which seeks to primarily order for Airbus by volume, i.e., the network 585 Agriculture Produce number of aircrafts to be supplied. Market Committee (APMC) market It is also the second-largest order yards to create a national e-market by value for Airbus. The deal also for agricultural commodities. In makes IndiGo the largest airline addition, big private markets will customer for the Airbus A320-family also be allowed access to the of aircraft. The A320neo is the re- software to enable better price engined and upgraded variant of discovery. the A320 family of planes and competes against Boeing’s upgraded 737 Max in the narrow body market segment.CURRENT AFFAIRS 4) Which Indian airline during 5) Which Indian golfer created August 2015 signed a huge $26.55 history on 16 August 2015 byPage58 billion order for purchasing 250 becoming the first from the country aircrafts from Europe’s Airbus to finish inside the top-five of a company, which is the largest ever Major golf tournament? –Anirban order (by volume) for Airbus? – Lahiri IndiGo Explanation: 28-year old Anirban Explanation: IndiGo is at present Lahiri scaled a new high for Indian India’s biggest airline by market golf by becoming the first from the share. It had earlier placed a country to finish inside the top-five provisional order for supply of 250 of a Major as he ended the narrow-body A320neo aircrafts prestigious PGA Championships at from Airbus during October 2014. The company on 15 August confirmed that provisional order with Airbus. This order worth

Wisconsin (USA) at fifth place. His country’s manufacturing sector jobs tied fifth place saw him improve on during 2012-13. Among 20 States the tied ninth finish in the PGA that were part of the analysis, Tamil Championships in 2008 by Jeev Nadu and West Bengal recorded a Milkha Singh. The tournament was positive growth, while others saw a won by Jason Day, who finally won significant decline. This was a Major, after nine top-10 finishes. disclosed in a report released by Branden Grace and Justin Rose ASSOCHAM on 14 August 2015. were third and fourth, while Lahiri Maharashtra and Gujarat generated tied with Brooks Koepka for fifth 13.8% and 10.5% of the total place. manufacturing sector jobs in 2012- 13, just behind Tamil Nadu. Overall, 6) Which State led in employment employment generation in 2012- 13 generation in manufacturing sector in the manufacturing sector in the country in 2012-13, declined to 12.95 million from 13.4 according to an analysis done by million in 2011-12, registering a fall the Associated Chambers of of 3.6%. Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM)? – Tamil Nadu Explanation: Tamil Nadu was the leading State in employment generation in the country, generating as much as 15.2% ofCURRENT AFFAIRSPage59

August 19, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) What is the name of the m- languages and has been launched wallet (mobile wallet) application of in collaboration with Accenture andPage60 State Bank of India (SBI) that was MasterCard. With launch of SBI launched by Finance Minister Arun Buddy, SBI will compete directly Jaitley on 18 August 2015? –SBI with ICICI Bank’s Pocket, HDFC Buddy Bank’s PayZapp and Paytm, a market-place-cum payments’ Explanation: SBI Buddy is the m- company. This move will help SBI wallet app of India’s largest banking to enter the rapidly growing mobile entity SBI that was launched on 18 wallet business. It will also restrict August 2015. M-wallets are similar the abilities of several online market to savings bank accounts that can places which are looking to erect be accessed through mobile barriers through the ‘app only’ sale. phones. SBI Buddy app can be used to send money to new and 2) Which High Court of the country registered customers, book for on 18 August 2015 gave a movies, flights, hotels as well as for landmark ruling that all government shopping. It also has features like servants, elected representatives, reminders to settle dues, recharge members of judiciary and any other and pay bills instantly. It can be persons who get any benefit or accessed in 13 different Indian salary from the state exchequer or public fund should send their

CURRENT AFFAIRS children to primary schools run by applicable from the next academic the state education board? – session and file a compliance reportPage61 Allahabad High Court (Uttar thereafter. Pradesh) 3) What is the name of the first of Explanation: This landmark ruling its kind fully automated digital by the Allahabad High Court came locker launched by ICICI Bank on on petition filed by Umesh Kumar 18 August 2015? – ‘Smart Vault’ Singh and others, who had challenged the process of selection Explanation: ICICI Bank’s ‘Smart of Associate Teachers for Vault’ is a unique locker service government-run primary and junior which would be available to high schools in UP for the years customers even on weekends and 2013 and 2015. The court observed post banking hours. This locker is that government servants would equipped with multi-layer security ensure that state-run schools would system, including biometric and PIN function well if they send their authentication and debit cards, children to such educational among others. Customers can institutions. Justice Sudhir Agarwal, access it without any intervention who passed the judgement, also by the branch staff. ‘Smart Vault’ ruled that “penal provisions” be laid uses robotic technology to access down for those who violate the the lockers from the safe vault and order. An amount equal to the enables customers to access their school fees should be deposited by lockers at any time of their officials and elected representatives preference. to the state exchequer, for every child going to a private school which is not maintained by the state government. The court also asked the Chief Secretary of the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government to take steps within six months so as to make the aforesaid directions

CURRENT AFFAIRS 4) What is the name given to Marshmallow update is largely Google’s Android mobile operating aimed at delivering stability andPage62 system’s next major update as performance improvements. announced by Google on 17 August However, the update will bring new 2015? –Android 6.0 features like Android Pay, Tap on Marshmallow Now, new app permissions model, built-in support for fingerprint Explanation: Android 6.0 scanner, as well as support for the Marshmallow is the given to USB Type-C standard. The new Google’s highly-popular Android Android update also offers native mobile operating system as support for the 64-bit ARMv8 announced by Dave Burke, architecture. Android’s Vice President of Engineering on 17 August. It is 5) President Pranab Mukherjee’s worth mentioning that the moniker wife and India’s First Lady passed for Android 6.0 version follows a away on 18 August 2015. What was tradition of using sugary treats for her name? – Suvra Mukherjee Android including Lollipop (5.0), Kit Kat (4.4), Jellybean (4.1) and Ice Explanation: Apart from being the Cream Sandwich (4.0). wife of President Pranab Mukherjee, Marshmallow will be the latest 75-year old Suvra Mukherjee was a Android update after Lollipop. But highly talented vocalist, painter and unlike Android Lollipop, which writer. She was an ardent fan of released with a number of enticing India’s national poet, Gurudev features, the Android 6.0 Rabindranath Tagore. She was a vocalist of Rabindra Sangeet and performed in the poet’s dance-

dramas for long years not only in scooter brand to cross sale different parts of India, but also in figure of 1 crore units Europe, Asia and Africa. She had founded the “Geetanjali Troupe”, Explanation: Honda Activa set a whose mission is to propagate new record by crossing the one Rabindranath Tagore’s philosophy crore unit sales landmark in India. as expressed through his songs and It also became the only scooter in dance-dramas. She was the guiding the country to hit this milestone. force behind all productions of the Activa currently commands a 59% troupe. She was suffering from share in the Indian scooter market some complications and had – and over 2.1 million units of the complained of respiratory problems Activa range were sold in the last of-late. financial year. Activa is the iconic scooter brand of Honda Motorcycle 6) India’s most popular scooter – & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI Pvt. the Honda Activa, during August Ltd.) and it was launched in the 2015 achieved what landmark country in 2001. In July 2015, achievement to make its name in Honda became the first country’s automobile history? – It manufacturer to sell more than 2.5 became country’s first ever lakh scooters in a single month.CURRENT AFFAIRSPage63

August 20, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) In an important step for India’s Explanation: The two individuals banking sector, the Reserve Bank of to get RBI’s approval – DilipPage64 India (RBI) on 19 August 2015 Shanghvi and Vijay S. Sharma, are granted its in-principle approval to associated with Sun Pharma and setting up Payments Banks to 11 Paytm respectively. Payments entities and individuals. The RBI banks will be the entities which will had received 41 applications for be mainly involved in remittance payments banks by end of deadline services and will be allowed to in February this year. Which are accept deposits up to Rs. 1 lakh but these 11 entities and individuals to cannot lend. They will only have to get approval for payments bank? – deploy collected deposits in 1) Aditya Birla Nuvo, 2)Airtel government paper and bank M Commerce Services, 3) deposits. They can also issue debit Cholamandalam Distribution cards and offer internet banking but Services, 4) Department of will be not allowed to issue credit Posts, 5) Fino PayTech, 6) cards. The Guidelines for Licensing National Securities Depository of Payments Banks were first issued Ltd (NSDL), 7) Reliance on 27 November 2014 after the Industries, 8) Tech Mahindra, Union Budget 2014-2015 presented 9) Vodafone m-pesa (Entities) on 10 July 2014 announced setting and 10) Dilip Shanghvi and 11) up of differentiated banks. The Vijay S. Sharma (Individuals) process for selecting the applicants for payments banks was undertaken by an External Advisory Committee (EAC) under the Chairmanship of Dr. Nachiket Mor, Director, Central Board of the RBI. The recommendations of the EAC were an input to an Internal

Screening Committee (ISC), contested election. Coe polled 115 consisting of the Governor and the votes to Bubka’s 92. IAAF’s 214 four Deputy Governors. This member federations took part in Internal Screening Committee the election, held just three days prepared a final list of before the 2015 World recommendations for the Championships gets under way in Committee of the Central Board Beijing. Coe succeeded Lamine (CCB) of RBI, after independently Diack (Senegal), 82, who has been scrutinising all the applications. in charge of IAAF for 16 years. His initial term will be for four years. Coe was the 1500 m Olympic gold medallist in 1980 (Moscow) and 1984 (Los Angeles) Olympics.CURRENT AFFAIRS 2) Who on 19 August 2015 was 3) Who became the first-ever selected as the new President of Indian to be chosen as one of thePage65 the International Amateur Athletics members of the prestigious Council Federation (IAAF), the global of the IAAF, the global governing governing body for athletics? – body of athletics on 19 July 2015? – Sebastian Coe (Britain) Adille Sumariwalla Explanation: Sebastian Coe, the Explanation: Adille Sumariwalla, former 1500 m Olympic champion an Olympian 100m runner and from Britain, was elected as the President of the Athletics new President of the IAAF on 19 Federation of India (AFI), was August. He was elected at the elected as one of the nine individual 50th Congress of IAAF held at members of the all-powerful IAAF Beijing (China). He defeated his opponent Ukrainian pole vault legend Sergey Bubka in a closely

Council at the IAAF’s 50th Congress SIDBI Make In India Loan For held at Beijing. He thus became the Enterprises (SMILE) first-ever elected member for IAAF Council from India. It is worth Explanation: The two funds were mentioning that former AFI and launched by Union Finance Minister Indian Olympic Association Arun Jaitley. The total corpus for President Suresh Kalmadi was also India Aspiration Fund (IAF) is Rs. earlier a member of the IAAF 2,000 crore while the corpus for Council from 2001 to 2013 but by SMILE fund is Rs. 10,000 crore. Life virtue of his being the chief of the Insurance Corporation (LIC) will be Asian Athletics Association (AAA) a partner and a co-investor in these and not through an election. Seats funds. IAF is expected to catalyse are also reserved for chiefs of tens of thousands of crores of continental athletics bodies at the equity investment in start-ups and IAAF Council. But the MSMEs. On the other hand, the Commonwealth Games scam- idea behind the launch of SMILE tainted Kalmadi lost his seat as an scheme is to provide soft loans in ordinary member after he was the nature of quasi-equity and term defeated in the AAA presidential loans on relatively soft terms to elections to Dahlan Al-Hamad of MSMEs to meet the required debt- Qatar in Pune in 2013. equity ratio norm as also for pursuing opportunities of growth by existing MSMEs.CURRENT AFFAIRS 4) Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) on 18 AugustPage66 2015 launched two new funds primarily for small entrepreneurs and start-ups. What are the names of these funds? – India Aspiration Fund (IAF) and

5) The former Sri Lankan President staff member, who was appointed Mahinda Rajapaksa’s attempt to by President Barack Obama on 18 make a political comeback suffered August 2015? – Raffi Freedman- a huge blow on 18 August 2015 as Gurspan parliamentary election results showed a surge in support for his Explanation: Raffi Freedman- rival and Prime Minster Ranil Gurspan came to news as she Wickremesinghe. Wickremesinghe became the first-ever transgender was prime ministerial candidate for White House staff member. She which party? – United National was a former policy adviser at the Party (UNP) National Center for Transgender Equality and will serve as an Explanation: The UNP has outreach and recruitment director in emerged as the single largest party the White House Office of with 106 seats in the 225-member Presidential Personnel. This is one legislature. Rajapaksa, who was of several steps the Obama president of Sri Lanka for over nine administration has taken to show years till January this year, was the support for the LGBT community. United People’s Freedom Alliance Last year, he had signed executive (UPFA)’s prime ministerial candidate orders that banned federal for elections held on 17 August contractors from discriminating 2015. Though the UNP has not against employees due to their secured a simple majority, the sexual orientation or gender formation of the next government identity. with Wickremesinghe as PrimeCURRENT AFFAIRS Minister looks only a matter of formality, given that several smallerPage67 parties, including the Tamil National Alliance, support him. 6) What is the name of the first openly transgender White House

August 21, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) What is the name of the first guidance of Department of dedicated portal for the benefit of Financial Services in the financePage68 students seeking educational loans ministry, department of higher that was launched during August education, ministry of human 2015 by the Union Govt.? – “Vidya resource development and Indian Lakshmi” Banks’ Association (IBA). While 5 PSU banks (SBI, IDBI Bank, Bank of Explanation: “Vidya Lakshmi” India, Canara Bank and Union Bank portal was launched on 15 August of India) have integrated 2015 on the occasion of themselves on the “Vidya Lakshmi” 69thIndependence Day. It is the first portal initially, so far 13 banks have of its kind portal providing single registered their 22 educational loan window for students to access schemes on it. information and make applications for educational loans provided by 2) The Union Govt. on 18 August banks as also government 2015 announced that the Bharat scholarships. The portal has been Stage-IV (BS-IV) emission norms developed and maintained by NSDL would become applicable in the rest e-Governance Infrastructure of the country from 1 April 2017. Limited (NSDL e-Gov) under the The move from BS-III to -IV is supposed to halve the particulate matter from cars (0.0250 g per km) and reduce pollution. When BS-IV

CURRENT AFFAIRS norm was first introduced in the the Union Govt. on 20 August country? – April 2010 2015? – Ashwani LohaniPage69 Explanation: Ashwani Lohani is an Explanation: BS-IV was first Indian Railway Service officer of the implemented from April 2010 in the 1980 batch and is currently serving national capital region and Mumbai, as Managing Director of the Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Development Corporation (MPTDC). Secunderabad, Kanpur, Pune, He will succeed Rohit Nandan Surat, Agra, Lucknow and Solapur. whose three-year term ended last Twenty additional cities were added year and who was on a one-year from October 2014 and 30 more extension till the government was cities were included from April able to find a new chief for Air 2015. It will be implemented in India. Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, Odisha, Daman and Diu, Dadra and 4) Just before the NSA-level talks Nagar Haveli and Andaman and with Pakistan, Union Govt. on 20 Nicobar Islands, districts of August 2015 placed separatist Mumbai, Thane and Pune in leaders of Kashmir under house Maharashtra and four districts of arrest and later released them. Gujarat from April 2016. On 18 These leaders were scheduled to August govt. also announced that attend a reception in New Delhi on only passenger vehicles complying 23 August 2015 hosted by Pakistan with the BS-IV norms can be sold in High Commission for its National seven states from October 2015. Security Advisor, Sartaj Aziz. Which 3) Who was appointed as the new chief of national carrier Air India by

CURRENT AFFAIRS are these three prominent moderate separatist Mirwaiz Umar separatists? – Syed Ali Shah Farooq and his hardline counterpart Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Syed Ali Shah Geelani, rendering and Yasin Malik them immobile. Yasin Malik was also placed under house arrest. Explanation: While Syed Ali Shah Hours later they were released. Geelani and Yasin Malik considered hardliners, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is 5) Former Goa Chief Minister a moderate separatist. All three Digamber Kamat’s house was leaders are associated with the raided by the Enforcement hardline and moderate factions of Directorate on 20 August 2015. This the Hurriyat Conference. These raid was carried out in an alleged leaders had promptly accepted bribery case involving a US firm. Pakistan’s invitation to attend the What is the name of this firm? – reception in New Delhi. On the Louis Berger other hand, Indian Govt. was critical of Pakistan’s move of Explanation: Former CM inviting separatists just before NSA- Digamber Kamat is accused of level talks and thus trying to exploit taking Rs 1.2 crore as bribe from the events by turning them into a the US firm Louis Berger to favour tri-lateral negotiation, something them in a water and sewage the government of India has always project. The raids came a day after resisted. A similar invitation was a local court granted anticipatory extended by Pakistan in August bail to Kamat. Another former 2014 when the Foreign Secretary- minister, Churchill Alemao, has level talks between the two already been arrested for his countries were around the corner. alleged role in the bribery scandal. The IndianPage70 Govt. countered Pakistan’s separatist-friendly gesture by calling off the talks. On 20 August 2015, The Jammu and Kashmir police cordoned off the residences of

6) Marathi historian Babasaheb and Congress opposed the Purandare recently came to news. government’s decision to award Why? – Maharashtra Govt.’s Babasaheb Purandare the decision to confer the Maharashtra Bhushan Award saying prestigious ‘Maharashtra his portrayal of Shivaji is not based Bhushan’ award on him created on facts and has presented a controversy with numerous distorted picture, maligning the sections urging the govt. to image of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Jijabai withdraw the award and Shahaji Raje. Explanation: Babasaheb 7) ‘Mrs Funnybones’ is the name of Purandare is a well-known writer the first book of which noted and theatre personality from personality whose column by the Maharashtra, known for his ballads same name is hugely popular? – and writing on Maratha warrior Twinkle Khanna Shivaji. He is well known for his popular play on Shivaji, “Jaanta Explanation: Actor-turned-writer Raja”. He was awarded the Twinkle Khanna on 19 August 2015 prestigious ‘Maharashtra Bhushan’ launched her first book ‘Mrs award on 20 August 2015 at Raj Funnybones’. The book is a Bhawan in Mumbai. Maharashtra commentary on society and trends. Bhushan is the highest and The book is about how a modern prestigious award presented woman looks at India and how annually by the Maharashtra state India looks back at her. government since 1996 forCURRENT AFFAIRS significant contribution in various fields. But this conferring was opposed by various parties and bodies. Leaders of both the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)Page71

August 22, 2015 included Fiji, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Micronesia, Solomon Islands and Tonga. First edition of FIPIC Summit was held in 2014 in Fiji.CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) 2nd edition of the Forum for 2) India on 19 August 2015 India-Pacific Islands Cooperation removed which important countryPage72 (FIPIC) Summit, which witnessed from the list of countries put under participation of the heads of states the restricted visa category or the of 14 Pacific island nations, was prior referral category (PRC) of held in which Indian city on 21 countries? – Iran August 2015? – Jaipur Explanation: India sees Iran as a Explanation: With this Summit, key supporter in the wake of the India has pushed for deeper growing threats and influence of engagement with 14 resource-rich Islamist terror groups such as the island nations in a range of key Islamic State in Central Asia. India areas including trade and has liberalised its visa policy for investment. It is worth mentioning Iran and struck it off the prior that India is looking forward to referral category (PRC) of countries. expand its footprint in the strategically important South Pacific region and the 2nd FIPIC Summit is being seen as a step in the same direction. The island nations who participated in the FIPIC summit

Three categories of visas – 3) Greek Prime Minister Alexis employment, conference, students Tsipras submitted his resignation to and research visa-were on the the country’s president on 20 restricted list till now. With this August 2015. Why? – To facilitate India has also indicated that it early elections and strengthen wants to reach out to Iran. The his hold on power in snap decision also comes in wake of the elections P5 + 1 (U.K, China, France, Russia, U.S. and Germany) nations Explanation: Tsipras submitted clinching a nuclear agreement with his resignation to President Iran during July 2015, thus easing Prokopis Pavlopoulos and asked for economic sanctions on it. On 19 the earliest possible election date. August 2015 the Union Home He is seeking to crush a rebellion in Ministry issued an order which said his leftist Syriza party and seal Iran was no longer on the PRC list, public support for the bailout which has countries such as program that he had negotiated Pakistan, Bangladesh and China. with European leaders. Faced with The order means that Iranians can a near collapse of the Greek easily apply for visas at Indian financial system which threatened consulate in Iran and each the country’s future in the euro, application will not have to be Tsipras was forced to accept the forwarded to the Intelligence creditors’ demands for yet more Bureau (IB) and Research and austerity and economic reform. But Analysis Wing (RAW) for these were the very policies he had verification. promised to scrap when he was elected in January 2015. But hisCURRENT AFFAIRS resignation further deepened political uncertainty on the dayPage73 Greece began receiving funds under its 86 billion-euro ($96 billion) bailout program.

CURRENT AFFAIRS 4) In a first of its kind public- soaps and shampoos. The move private partnership, Kishore Biyani- could mean additional channel ofPage74 led Future Consumer Enterprise sales for Rs.1,089 crore. It is worth Limited (FCEL) recently entered into mentioning that FCEL is a a partnership with which state “sourcing-to-supermarket” company government to exclusively operate that is now aiming towards 5,000 fair price shops under the becoming a manufacturer and public distribution system (PDS)? – retailer of household goods through Rajasthan a private label push. Explanation: The fair price shops 5) Which country recently became in Rajasthan will now be run under the fourth country after Russia, the name ‘Annapurna Bhandar Great Britain and China to have a Yojna’ in which Kishore Biyani-led hotline (direct secure line of Future Consumer Enterprise will communication) with the US assist the state government. As part President? – India of the agreement, FCEL will supply consumable goods and will also be Explanation: The hotline between responsible for turning the fair price Indian Prime Minister Narendra shops into a newer modern-retail Modi and US President Barack formats. This partnerships aims to Obama was established recently. ‘modernize’ the PDS in the state by This was disclosed by Peter R. offering a range of consumer goods Lavoy, special assistant to US at affordable prices through private President and senior director for labels supplied by Future Group. South Asian Affairs at the National The shops will now stock products Security Council of the White such as oil, ghee, pulses, spices, House. With this India becomes personal care products such as only the fourth country, after Russia, Great Britain and China,

with which the US has a hotline. For practice of IAS officers starting their India this is the first hotline at the career in the state cadres allocated level of head of state. to them. In fact, they must serve for nine years in the state cadre 6) Which new practice in training of before they become eligible for IAS officers has been put into effect their first central deputation. This is recently? –The trainee IAS expected to be a learning officers will now serve as experience for the young IAS assistant secretaries in officers, who will get acquainted different Union ministries with the functioning of the Union before taking up postings in government. They will get an their respective state cadres opportunity to interact with functionaries and officials in the Explanation: A new practice has central hierarchy. The three-month been put into effect as far as the exposure at the Centre is expected training of IAS officers is to prepare them to handle concerned. According to this new responsibilities when they move to practice, IAS officers will serve as their respective state cadres. The assistant secretaries in different officers will report to their Union ministries for grooming at the respective state cadres soon after Centre before they take up postings completing their three-month in their respective state cadres. This tenure here. Their 3-month is a departure from the usual induction in Union ministries starts from 22 August 2015.CURRENT AFFAIRSPage75

August 23-24, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) Which private bank became the branches of any private bank in newest bank in India as it rolled out India on the first day. Bandhan its services in on 23 August 2015? – Bank is the part of the Bandhan Bandhan Bank Financial Services (BFS), India’s largest micro finance institution Explanation: Bandhan Bank had (MFI), which started its journey in recently received its universal 2001 when Chandra Sekhar Ghosh banking licence a year after getting quit his job to set up an institution a provisional licence from the through which he hoped to help the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in April poor. last year along with IDFC. On 23 August 2013 Bandhan Bank 2) Till opening of Bandhan Bank on unfurled its banking operations all 23 August 2015, which was the last over the country thus triggering a entrant into India’s banking sector? wave of financial inclusion. Union – Yes Bank Finance Minister Arun Jaitley inaugurated the bank at a Explanation: Yes Bank, which ceremony held at Kolkata’s Science started its operations in 2004, was City Auditorium. Bandhan Bank the last entrant in India’s banking started its operations with a bang sector till Bandhan Bank, which with 501 branches spread across 22 went into operations on 23 August. states in the country. This is Yes Bank is presently the fifth- possibly the highest number of largest private sector bank in India after ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank.Page76

CURRENT AFFAIRS 3) Usain Bolt of Jamaica produced 4) Which team won the Pro- one of his greatest races ever to Kabaddi League (PKL) title for 2015Page77 retain the world 100m title at IAAF on 23 August 2015? – U Mumba World Championships at Beijing’s (Mumbai) Nest Stadium on 23 August 2015. Explanation: U Mumba franchisee He thus defeated the clear favourite won the STAR Sports ProKabaddi Justin Gatlin (US) by one hundredth League’s second season as they of a second. What was Bolt’s timing defeated Bengaluru Bulls in this iconic race? – 9.79 seconds (Bengaluru) team in the finals by 36-30 on 23 August 2015. The final Explanation: Bolt completed the was played at Mumbai’s National race in 9.79 seconds as he came Sports Club of India. This is the first past a faltering Gatlin at the death ProKabaddi League (PKL) title for U to snatch victory by one hundredth Mumba. Telugu Titans beat Patna of a second. Gatlin finished the race Pirates 34-26 to finish third. The in 9.80 seconds. Canada’s Andre de first season of PKL was won by Grasse and young American Jaipur Pink Panthers (Jaipur) last Trayvon Bromell were both year. awarded bronzes in 9.92 seconds. With this run Bolt also put a 4) What is the major troubled build-up behind him to recommendation of the beat two-time doper Justin Gatlin. It is worth mentioning that Gatlin had ran incredible heats and semi- final races to build-up a showdown final with Bolt as he was seemingly looking out of sorts.

CURRENT AFFAIRS government-constituted committee prior to April 2015. From the on Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) current financial year, MAT isPage78 for foreign institutional investors anyway not applicable to foreign (FIIs) led by Justice A.P. Shah as portfolio investors. It is expected disclosed by Union Finance Minister the government will accept the Arun Jaitley on 21 August 2015? – committee’s suggestions and stop FIIs should be granted relief demanding MAT from FPIs for the on MAT for the period before 1 period before 1 April. April 2015 6) Which Indian airport recently Explanation: The government- became the first in the world to constituted A.P. Shah Committee operate completely on solar power? has recommended that FIIs be – Cochin International Airport granted relief on Minimum Alternate (Kochi) Tax (MAT) for the period before 1 April 2015. This comes as a major Explanation: The 12 MWp solar relief for the FIIs. It is worth power-plant at Cochin International mentioning that in 2012, the Airport was inaugurated by Kerala Advance Authority Ruling (AAR), Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Delhi, directed Castleton to pay 20 August 2015. This solar power MAT in India on its book profits, plant comprises of 46,150 solar when the company transferred panels and is laid across 45 acres shares from a Mauritius entity to near the cargo complex of the one in Singapore. Pertaining to this, airport. With this, the airport will the income tax department had have 50000 to 60000 units of sent notices to 68 FIIs, demanding electricity per day to be consumed Rs. 602 crore as MAT dues for for all its operational functions, earlier years. To resolve the issue, the government had constituted a commission headed by Law Commission Chairman A P Shah. The crux of the issue was whether the government would waive MAT

CURRENT AFFAIRS which technically makes the airport science. However, a team of senior ‘absolutely power neutral’. This scientists have raised doubts aboutPage79 makes it the first airport in the this development. The scientists felt world to operate completely on that although the team has indeed solar power. The plant was installed grown some kind of miniature by the Kolkata-based Vikram Solar collection of cells, or “organoid”, in Pvt. Ltd. a dish, the structure isn’t much like a fetal brain. A senior scientist 7) Scientists have rejected the Jurgen Knoblich argued that Anand recent claims of lab-grown mini hasn’t presented enough evidence human brain, as claimed by a to show that his organoid really has neuroscientist at Ohio State all the typical parts of a brain. University in Columbus. What is the name of this neuroscientist? – 8) Global oil prices sank to which Rene Anand low level during August 2015 for the first time in more than six Explanation: Rene Anand a years? – Below $40 a barrel neuroscientist at Ohio State University in Columbus, has claimed Explanation: Oil plunged below that his team has successfully $40 a barrel in New York on 22 developed five-week-old fetal August 2015 as Chinese human brain in the lab. This brain, manufacturing gauge sank to the the size of a pencil eraser, was lowest level since the financial complete with a cortex, midbrain crisis. The poor performance of and brainstem – in a dish, China’s manufacturing sector comparable in maturity to that of a increased concern that demand will fetus aged 5 weeks. The brain wane in the country. Prices have development was started by Anand tumbled almost 35% since this and his colleague Susan McKay year’s peak in June 2015 as started with human skin cells. The producers maintain output even development of human brain in lab after an oversupply pushed prices was seen as revolutionary into a bear market achievement in the area of human

August 25, 2015 1) Major financial markets of the regarding China’s low economic world, including India, witnessed a growth as its consumption story huge decline on 24 August 2015. further faltered. This was in The BSE Sensex closed the day at addition to other irritants such as 25,741.56, down 1,624.51 points. Europe’s woes and a general The overall investors’ wealth, slowdown in economies across the measured in terms of total globe. In Indian capital markets, valuation of all listed stocks, also the loss suffered by the 10 biggest plunged nearly by Rs. 7 lakh crore. companies in terms of market What was the main reason for his capitalisation was itself close to Rs. sharp fall? – Slowing Chinese 2 lakh crore. This fall was the economy and the devalued biggest since 21 January 2008 Chinese currency Yuan when the Sensex crashed by 2,062.2 points. On the other hand Explanation: The woes associated Indian rupee went down to 66.49, with Chinese economy hit the plunging a whopping 66 paise, global financial markets. Global which was their lowest level in markets crashed on 24 August nearly two years. following weeks of reportsCURRENT AFFAIRSPage80

CURRENT AFFAIRS 2) The birth centenary celebration who had converted to Christianity of Rani Gaidinliu was inaugurated by the 1960s.Page81 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 August 2015. On this occasion a 3) Union Govt. on 24 August 2015 commemorative coin was released divested 10% of its stake in which to recall Rani’s contribution to public sector undertaking? – India’s freedom struggle. Rani Indian Oil Corporation Gaidinliu was associated with which Explanation: The government’s India state? –Nagaland 10% stake sale in Indian Oil Corporation on 24 August was over- Explanation: Rani Gaidinliu (1915- subscribed despite high market 1993) was a prominent political turmoil. The stake sale received leader of Nagaland who led a bids for over 28.74 crore shares, famous revolt against the British. representing 1.18 times the 24.28 She was part of the Heraka crore shares on offer. At the floor religious movement that ultimately price of Rs. 387 apiece, the sale of turned into a political movement 24.28 crore shares would fetch seeking to drive out the British from about Rs. 9,300 crore to the Manipur and the surrounding Naga exchequer, after considering 5% regions. She was arrested by the discount being offered to retail British in 1932 at the age of 17 and shareholders. This was the biggest remained in various prisons till her disinvestment of this fiscal, which release in 1947 after India’s was however shunned by the retail Independence. An advocate of the investors who picked up less than ancestral Naga religious practices, one-fifth of the quota. The IOC she staunchly resisted the conversion of Nagas to Christianity. She died on 17 February 1993 at the age of 78. Because of the Heraka movement’s hostility towards Christianity, Gaidinliu’s heroics were not acknowledged highly among the Nagas, most of

CURRENT AFFAIRS share sale is the fourth Assembly constituency of Raichur disinvestment this fiscal but the district in Karnataka, who wasPage82 biggest in 2015-16 so far. The travelling to his constituency from government has already raised over Bengaluru by the train. Rs. 3,300 crore through stake sales in three PSUs (Rural Electrification 5) Which state would host the Corporation (Rs. 1,610), Power world’s largest 750 Mega Watts Finance Corporation (Rs. 1,600 (MW) solar power station as crore) and Dredging Corporation of announced on 23 August 2015? – India (Rs. 145 crore) this fiscal. The Madhya Pradesh government is targeting to raise Rs. 69,500 crore from disinvestment in Explanation: Madhya Pradesh’s the current fiscal. Energy Minister Rajendra Shukla on 23 August announced that the 4) What is the name of the express world’s largest solar power station train of the Indian Railway that met of 750 Mega Watts (MW) capacity with a freak accident in the early will be established in state’s Rewa hours of 24 August 2015 when a district. The state govt. will soon truck carrying a granite boulder invite global tenders for rammed into it killing six people? – commissioning the solar power Bangalore-Nanded Express station to be spread over 1,500 hectares area at Bandwar region in Explanation: Nanded (Karnataka) Gudh tehsil of Rewa district. The bound Bangalore-Nanded express plant is expected to start train met with a freak accident in generating solar energy by March the early hours of 24 August near 2017. The project, named Rewa Madakasira village of Anantpur Ultra Mega Solar, will be a joint district in Andhra Pradesh when a truck carrying a granite boulder, weighing several tonnes, rammed into the train after its brakes failed. The 6 dead included Venkatesh Naik, the legislator from Devadurga

venture of Solar Energy Corporation winds on 24 August. Goni had of India and MP Urja Vikas Nigam, earlier killed least 15 people and wherein both parties have 50% others missing in the northern stake. At present, world’s largest Philippines. Goni is the ninth of solar power project – Ivanpah Solar about 20 storms and typhoons that Power Facility of 392 MW, is at are expected to batter the Mojave Deserts in California, United Philippines this year. Typhoon States. Haiyan, one of the most ferocious storms on record to hit land, 6) What is the name of the cyclonic devastated large areas of the storm that battered Japan on 24 central Philippines in November August 2015 with wind speeds of 2013, leaving more than 7,300 over 250 km/ hr. after large-scale people dead or missing. destruction in the Philippines? – Goni Explanation: Typhoon Goni lashed the southern Japanese islands of Okinawa with heavy rains andCURRENT AFFAIRS August 26-28, 2015Page83 1) Union Govt. on 27 August 2015 announced the list of 98 cities and towns selected under Smart Cities Mission. Which state has been allocated highest number of 13 cities in this coveted list? – Uttar Pradesh

CURRENT AFFAIRS Explanation: Uttar Pradesh has of Rs. 100 crore per year for five the highest number of allocated years.Page84 cities (13) in the Smart Cities Click here for Complete List of 98 Mission as announced on 27 August Smart Cities 2015 by M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Union Minister of Urban 2) Indian Space Research development. However, only 12 Organisation (ISRO) on 27 August cities have been shortlisted from 2015 successfully placed which Uttar Pradesh against 13 cities communication satellite in orbit allocated to the state and one city through GSLV D-6 rocket? – GSAT- will be nominated later for which 6 there is a tussle between Meerut Explanation: GSAT-6 will provide and Raibareilly. Tamil Nadu has S-band communication services in been allocated 12 cities, followed the country. It is aimed at primarily by 10 from Maharashtra and 7 from benefiting the country’s strategic Madhya Pradesh. Centre has users and other specific authorised earmarked Rs. 48,000 crore for users. The cuboid-shaped satellite development of 100 smart cities. All with a mission life of nine years also Union Territories, including Delhi, includes a first-of-its-kind S-Band have found place in the list. Prime unfurlable antenna with a diameter Minister Narendra Modi had of six metre. This is the largest launched the criteria and guidelines for 100 smart cities to be selected through city challenge competition on 25 June 2015. In the first phase, Centre has picked 20 cities and in the next two years 40 cities each will be selected for receiving Central funding of Rs. 500 crore spread over the next five years. Each smart city will get a Central assistance

CURRENT AFFAIRS antenna ISRO has ever made for a – The proportion of Hindu satellite. It was also the 25th home- population to total populationPage85 made communications satellite declined by 0.7 percentage point launched by ISRO using the Geo- (PP) synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) that uses an Indian – The proportion of Muslim made cryogenic engine being tested population to total population for the third time. increased by 0.8 PP 3) Union Govt. on 25 August 2015 – The share of Hindus in the released the religious census data population has slipped below 80% of 2011. What are the main for the first time conclusions of this data? – Muslims are the only community Explanation: to register a growth in their share of the population – Total population of the country stood at 121.09 crore in 2011 – The growth rate of Muslims is the highest at 24.6%. Hindus follow – Hindus constitute 79.8% (96.63 with a 16.8 per cent growth rate; crore) of the population Christians come next with 15.5 per cent. The growth rates of Sikhs, – Muslims constitute 14.2% (17.22 Buddhists and Jains are less than crore) of the population 10 per cent. – Christians constitute 2.3% (2.78 – However, the rate of increase for crore) of the population Muslim community has reduced from the previous decade, when – Sikhs constitute 1.7%% (2.08 the Muslim share in the population crore) of the population had increased by 1.73% – Buddhists constitute 0.7% (0.84 – Christians are the only crore) of the population community (among major religions) in India that has more women – Jains constitute 0.4% (0.45 members than men crore) of the population

CURRENT AFFAIRS 4) Which public-sector financial sales, buying up state banks and entity salvaged the 10% stake sale government mining firms. It heavilyPage86 of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) held supported the sale of Coal India on 24 August 2015 by buying as (CIL) in January 2015 and the much as 86% shares on offer? – disinvestment in SAIL last year. The Life Insurance Corporation investments have sometimes (LIC) proved fruitful for LIC, with stock in the State Bank of India, which was Explanation: LIC’s purchase of invested in January 2014, up more 86% shares in IOC’s stake sale is than 60%. significant because the day of disinvestment (24 August) had 5) What is the name of the witnessed Indian share market’s interactive energy scenario building biggest tumble in more than 6 tool that was launched by the NITI years. With this purchase, LIC’s Aayog on 27 August 2015 that aims stake in IOC rose to 11.11% from to explore a range of potential 2.52%. However, the extent of future energy scenarios for India? – LIC’s bailout to the Union Govt. India Energy Security may revive debate in some quarters Scenarios (IESS) 2047 over the government’s divestment plans and the extent to which sales Explanation: The tool aims to can continue to be heavily backed explore a range of potential future by LIC and its quarter of a billion energy scenarios for India, for customers. LIC, India’s biggest diverse energy demand and supply investor, has in the past dug into its sectors leading up to 2047. It pockets to prop up government explores India’s possible energy scenarios across energy supply sectors such as solar, wind, bio fuels, oil, gas, coal and nuclear and energy demand sectors such as transport, industry, agriculture, cooking and lighting appliances.

CURRENT AFFAIRS The tool allows users to 5-20% and the tenure up to 67 interactively make energy choices, years of age. Typically, banks doPage87 and explore a range of outcomes not allow home loan tenures for the country-from carbon dioxide beyond 60 years of age. ICICI Bank emissions and import dependence is targeting the middle-aged salary to land use. It was launched on 27 customer, the first-time home loan August 2015 by the NITI Aayog borrower and the self-employed Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya customer with this product. This and the Minister of State loan scheme can help in meeting (Independent Charge) for the shortfall in loan for a fee if Environment and Forests, Prakash there is a difference in the amount Javadekar at a function held at needed by customer and the Federation House, New Delhi. amount sanctioned by the bank. Main benefit of this product will be 6) Which private-sector bank on 26 that the customers can opt for August 2015 launched India’s first higher loan amount or longer home loan backed by mortgage tenure while keeping the EMI same. guarantee that will allow consumers Since the risk for the additional to increase borrowing as well as the home loan would be borne by India paying tenure? – ICICI Bank Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC), it would not impact the Explanation: ICICI Bank launched bank’s books. country’s first-ever mortgage guarantee-backed home loan 7) Indian e-commerce giant named “Extraa Home Loan”. This Flipkart on 25 August 2015 home loan product allows launched a new tool that blends consumers to increase borrowing by social-networking with shopping so as to make online shopping a more social affair. What is the name of this tool? – ‘Ping’

Explanation: Flipkart’s ‘Ping’ is dessert rosogolla, better known as designed as a fun new way to shop rasgulla all over the country. This with friends. With this 7-year old e- has been done as another state has commerce entity is attempting to claimed that the rosogolla was make online shopping a more social actually born in that State. Which affair. ‘Ping’ aims to transform state is this? – Odisha online shopping by allowing users to talk to each other in real-time in Explanation: Although West order to make decisions and decide Bengal is almost synonymous with on what to buy. Users can drag and rosogolla (or rasgulla) Odisha has drop products from Flipkart directly sometimes back staked claim to into a conversation in the social have “invented” the sweet years network. Shoppers can then share ago, associating it with a centuries- the screen with friends to browse old ritual of Lord Jagannath. together and make a purchase Odisha’s claims that the rosogolla decision. It is now available on was actually born in that State got Flipkart’s Android app, and requires louder, following the recent an invite. Nabakalebera and the Rath Jaatra festival. It is worth mentioning that rosogolla, the syrupy sweet balls made of cottage-cheese, has been known to be invented by K.C. Das, the famous sweetmeat maker of Kolkata, some 100-years ago.CURRENT AFFAIRS 8) The government of West Bengal 9) For the first time in the history has recently initiated swift of weightlifting, an individualPage88 documentation process for getting a international tournament will be Geographical Indication (GI) organised in India. The country will registration for the iconic Bengali host the Commonwealth Youth, Junior and Senior Weightlifting

Championships. This championship time the country will host an will be held in which city? – Pune individual international weightlifting tournament. Explanation: Pune (Maharashtra) will host the Commonwealth Youth, Junior and Senior Weightlifting Championships. The championships will be held from 11 to 15 October 2015. This would, thus, be the first August 29, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) 50th anniversary of the 1965 war Explanation: On 28 August 1965 with Pakistan was observed on 28 a team of soldiers from the 1stPara,Page89 August 2015 with the country led by the then Major Ranjit Dyal, paying rich tributes to the brave had captured the strategic Haji Pir soldiers of the Indian Union. Exactly pass, which lies a few kilometres 50 years back, on 28 August 1965, beyond the present Line of Control India had captured which between India and Pakistan. The strategically important pass from capture was part of an offensive Pakistan? – Haji Pir pass (J&K) strategy planned by the legendary Lieutenant General Harbaksh Singh, who was then the Western Army commander. While launching the final assault on the pass on 28 August, the paratroopers had to walk up 4,000 feet on foot. But India had handed it back to Pakistan in 1966 as

CURRENT AFFAIRS agreed in the Tashkent Agreement diagnostic services and promote of 1966. sale of generic drugs throughPage90 collaboration with Ministry of 2) During August 2015, the Union Health, by setting up Jan Govt. launched a telemedicine Aasudhi Stores. Since around 80% initiative for rural areas in of conditions do not require a collaboration with Apollo Hospitals doctor’s physical presence under which people can consult immediately, they can be dealt with doctors through video link. What is through telemedicine. Under the the name given to this initiative? – service, people can visit CSCs and SEHAT fix an appointment for seeking Explanation: SEHAT stands for expert consultancy with a doctor. Social Endeavour for Health and The Apollo Group launched the first Telemedicine and it is the latest telemedicine centre in the country health and IT initiative launched by in 2000 at Aragonda (Andhra the Government of India on 25 Pradesh) which was inaugurated by August 2015 in association with the former US president Bill Clinton. Apollo Hospitals. The SEHAT Through this, the hospital has been initiative as of now plans to provide able to reach geographically remote telemedicine services in about and inaccessible regions. 60,000 common service centres (CSCs) wherein the medical staff of 3) The Insurance Institute of India Apollo Hospitals will communicate (III) came to news during August and prescribe generic medicines 2015? Why? – The institute online. The CSCs will also provide celebrated Diamond Jubilee (60 years) of its foundation

Explanation: The Insurance – Over a billion people used Institute of India (III) is an Facebook on a single day on 24 insurance education society of August professionals established in 1955 in Mumbai for the purpose of Explanation: Facebook achieved imparting insurance education to this milestone for the first time in persons engaged or interested in its around 11-year existence. insurance. It is the topmost According to the announcement professional institute in India made by Mark Zuckerberg on 26 devoted solely to insurance-related August – The “milestone” was education. III observed its reached on Monday (24 August), 60th anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) when “1 in 7 people on Earth used on 26 August 2015. III was Facebook to connect with their formerly known as the J.C. Setalvad friends and family”. It is worth Memorial Federation of Insurance mentioning that Facebook has Institutes. In the last 60 years, the nearly 1.5 billion users who log in at Institute has grown into a least once a month, but this was professional body serving the cause the most in a single day. The of the Insurance Industry by company gained its billionth user in promoting insurance studies, October 2012. It was founded in conducting examinations and 2004 by Zuckerberg while he was a undertaking research. Harvard student.CURRENT AFFAIRS 4) Social networking site Facebook 5) Aurangzeb Road, one of Delhi’s achieved which milestone figure on most elite addresses, will bePage91 24 August, for which its founder renamed after which personality, as Mark Zuckerberg made an announcement on 27 August 2015?

decided by the New Delhi Municipal Minister Narendra Modi earlier in Corporation (NDMC) on 28 August August 2015 suggesting that 2015? – Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Aurangzeb Road should be named after former President Dr. Kalam, Explanation: The decision was who died on 27 July 2015. taken by NDMC, in charge of However, many also opposed the central Delhi, after an all-clear from move, saying that renaming a road the Union Home Ministry. It is cannot change India’s history. worth mentioning that many right- Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal wing politicians had innumerable Emperor, ruled over most of the times demanded that the name Indian subcontinent in the ‘Aurangzeb Road’ should be 17th century. replaced as they perceive that Aurangzeb was a ruthless killer. The BJP’s Mahesh Girri wrote to Prime August 30-31, 2015CURRENT AFFAIRS 1) During August 2015 the Union 8 months after it was constituted to Govt. notified the complete replace the Planning Commission.Page92 structure of the NITI Aayog, almost According to this notification NITI Aayog will have how many key wings? –Three Explanation: As per the official order dated 14 August 2015, NITI Aayog would have three key wings called the Team India Hub, the Knowledge and Innovation Hub and the Flexi Pool. The said three wings