Current Affairs for Exams - September - Brush up
01 September 2015 Current Affairs
Union Government recognizes Yoga as Sports discipline
On 1 September 2015, Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports decided to recognize yoga as a sports discipline and put it in the priority category.
Kerala Temple won the UNESCO Award 2015
India has won the top UNESCO ‘Award of Excellence’ 2015 for Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple in Kerala. The award recognises the remarkable conservation effort undertaken at the sacred site which employed age-old rituals and conservation techniques drawn from Vastu Sastra focusing on architecture and construction. Xieng Thong Temple of Thailand received the UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award.
India win Test Series with Sri Lanka
India on 1 September win the Test Series with Sri Lanka. After 22 years India won the series in Sri Lanka. This
is the second time for India to won the series with Sri Lanka. In 1993 at the time of Md. Azharuddin India defeated Sri Lanka for the first time. In this test series the pacer Ishant Sharma created a record by taking eight wickets in the series. The captain of the Indian Cricket Team, Virat Kohli won the top rank in ICC T20 rankings with 861 rating points.
Sanjeev chaturvedi and Anshu Gupta received the Ramon Magsaysay Award 2015
Indian Forest Officer Sanjeev Chturvedi and founder of NGO Goonj Anshu Gupta are the two Indians selected for the most prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for the year 2015. They conferred the award on 31 August at the cultural centre in Philippines. Anshu Gupta left his corporate job and started Goonj in 1999. The award winners got the ceretificate, gold medal and cash prize from the Philippines President Benigno Aquino III.
02 September 2015 Current Affairs
Levan Aronian of Armenia won the Sinquefield Cup Chess Tournament
Levan Aronian of Armenia won the Sinquefield Cup International Chess Tournament which held at St. Louis (USA) on 2 September, 2015.Indian Grand Master Viswanathan Anand is at 9th place in the tournament. Anand ended his game with a draw against world champion Magnus Carlsen of Norway and finished at ninth position. Among 10 Grand Masters who participated in the tournament, the Indian Grand Master Vishwanathan Anand is at 9th position with 3.5 points. Levan Aronian of Armenia won the tournament with six points and Magnus Carlsen as runner up with five points.
Kenya at first place in World Athletic Championship
In the 15th World Athletic Championship which was held at Beijing, the African country Kenya is at first place by winning seven gold medals in the championship. This is the first time for an African country to get the top place in the World Championship. Another North American country Jamaica is at second place as runnerup. Among 206 countries participated in the championship, India is at 65th place. 17 members from India are participated in the championship but no one get a single medal. The Jamaican Athlete Usain Bolt won three gold medals in this championship. In his career of world championship he won total 11 gold medals.
Women’s Hockey Team for Rio Olympics
The Indian Womens Hockey team selected for the 2016 Olympics which are gioing to be held in Rio de Janerio of Brazil. The Federation of International Hockey (FIH) announced this on 2 september. The fifth place at the Hockey World League semifinals which were held at Belgium in July,2015 is the reason for the team to select for Olympics. After 36 years Indian women hockey team is going to participate in the Olympics. In 1980 at Moscow Olympics Indian team got the fourth place.
India Post to release Stamps on Ramayana and Mahabharata
Central Government is going to releasse Postal stamps on freedom fighters like Chandra Sekhar Azad, Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev, Bhatukeshwar Dutt, Ashfaqullah Khan and legendary singers such as Mohammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar. Along with these, India Post is going to release postal stamps on Ramayana and Mahabharata also.
03 September 2015 Current Affairs
Global Hindu Buddhist Initiative
Global Hindu-Buddhist Initiative, a three day summit on conflict avoidance and environment consciousness was started on 3 September, 2015 in New Delhi. The conference is being organised by the Think-tank Vivekananda International Foundation. Deligates from different buddhist countries such as Japan, Sri Lanka, Mangolia, Combodia along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are participated in the seminar. The last day seminar will be held in Bodh Gaya. The spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and former President of Sri Lanka Chandrika Kumaratunga are also participated in the summit.
China celebrated 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War-II
On 3 September, 2015 China celebrated the 70th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War-II. China also presented a Military Parade in the event of celebrations held in Beijing. The J-15 newly developed aircraft carrier also took part in the parade. Chinese President announced that the size of the People’s Liberation ARmy (PLA) would be reduced by 300,000. This will be the fourth reduction of forces for China. Russian President Vladimir Putin, South Korea President Park Guen Hye, United Nations SEcretary General Ban KI Moon, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs general V.K. Singh are participated in the celebrations along with deligates from nearly 30 different countries.
04 September 2015 Current Affairs
900 million active users for ‘WhatsApp’ around the world
Mobile messaging App ‘WhatsApp’ now has 900 million regular and active users around the world, following the addition of 100 million users in last five months. In November, WhatApp had said India accounted for 70 million of its active users. In India WhatsApp is mostly used along with other messaging Apps such as Line, Viber and Hike.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released Rs. 125 and Rs.10 coins in honour of Dr. S. Radha Krishnan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 4 September, 2015 released two commemorative coins of Rs. 125 and Rs.10 coins in the memory of former President Dr. Sarvepalli Radha Krishnan. On the eve of Teacher’s Day Modi released the coins in New Delhi. Teacher’s Day celebrates the birthday of India’s second President and scholar Dr. S.Radhakrishnan.
A stadium with the name of Sachin in Kerala
The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) decided to name a newly built cricket stadium in the name of Sachin Tendulkar. There is already a pavilion in the name of Sachin at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi. Sachin Tendulkar act as brand ambassador for the National Games of 2015 which were held in Kerala.
4th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament
The fourth World Conference of speakers of Parliament has been held at United Nations Headquarters in New York from 31 August to 2 September, 2015. This summit is a unique forum for dialogue and cooperation between parliaments at the highest level. The overall theme of conference focus on peace, democracy and development seen through the parliamentary lens. More than 170 speakers and deputy speakers are attended the conference.
05 September 2015 Current Affairs
Central Government accepted One Rank- One Pension (OROP) Scheme
The Central Government on 5 September announced the acceptance of 40 year old demand of ‘One Rank One Pension’ (OROP) scheme for the retired military personnels. The scheme will be effective from July 1, 2014. New pensions will be fixed with 2013 as the base year. The scheme expected to benefit three million pensioners retiring i n the same rank with the same length of the service, regardless of the date of retirement. The Governement will engage a one member committee on this issue.
The third G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held in Ankara
G 20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors third meeting was held in Turkish Presidency Ankara on 4-5 September , 2015. The meeting was attended by Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the G20 members, invited countries and the heads and senior representatives of the international organizations. The theme of the meeting is to submit Finance Track deliverables to G20 leaders at the Antalya Summit and discuss actions required to achieve G20 ‘s ambitions of this year. G20 ministers and Governors exchanged views on the recent global economic developments, challenges and collective measures to address them. The agreed communique of the meeting was released at the end of the meeting.
06 September 2015 Current Affairs
Hamilton wins Italian Formula One Grand Prix
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain win the Italian Formula One Grand Prix on 6 September. The win was the 40th Hamilton’s career and seventh of the season. Hamilton completed his race of 53 lamps in 1 hour 18 minutes 00.688 seconds. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel took second place and Brazilian Felipe Massa took third for Williams. Indian Formula One drivers of ‘Force India’, Sergio Perez with sixth place and Hulken Berg with seventh place are among the top 10 positions.
NSCI Open Squash Tournament Title winner Joshna Chinnappa
Indian Squash player Joshna Chinnappa win the women’s open tournament on 6 September. In the women’s singles tournament world’s 24 ranker Joshna beat top seed 19 ranker Habiba Mohmad of Egypt with 11-8, 11-9, 11-6 and win the title. In the men’s singles Adrian Waller of England win the title of NSCI Open tournament which held in New Delhi.
Austalian Cricketer Watson retires from Test Cricket
Australian cricketer Shane Watson on 6 September announced his retirement from test cricket. Watson’s test retirement was announced on Cricket Australia’s offcial website. Watson played 59 tests, scoring 3,731 runs and taking 75 wickets in the test matches in his test career.
07 September 2015 Current Affairs
6th Indo-Maldives Joint Military Exercise begins in Thiruvananthapuram
The sixth Indo-Maldives joint Training Exercise with tha name “EKUVRIN 2015″ has commenced at Pangode Military Station in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala. Aim of the Joint Exercise is to acquaint forces of both countries with each other’s operating procedure and increase understanding and interoperability between Armies of both countries.In this edition of joint exercise, total of 45 soldiers each from Indian Army (BIHAR Regiment) and the Maldivian National Defence Force will take part.
Hariprasad Churasia to be felicitated with Kopparapu Kavula National Eminence Award 2015
The Kopparapu kavula National Eminence award 2015 will be given to the classical flutist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia in Vishakapatnam on 9 September, 2015. On earlier occassions the award has been received by talented personalities like Mangalampalli Balamurali Krishna, SP Balasubramanyam, Veturi Sundarrama Murthy, Malladi Chandra Sekhara Shastry and others. In the year 2014, Hindustani maestro Pandit Jasraj was awarded with this National award of Kopparapu Kavula Peetham.
08 September 2015 Current Affairs
7 Indians in Forbes Asia’s list of Philanthropists
Seven Indians , including three Infosys cofounders and a Dubai based education entrepreneur feature in the latest Forbe’s Asia’s 9th list of Philanthropists in the Asia Pacific region for their individual contributions to health and education sector. Forbe’s magazine recently released a list of new group of philanthropists from 13 countries for their noteworthy contributions. Infosys cofounders Senapathy Gopalakrishnan, Nandan Nilekani and S.D. Shibulal feature in the list. Rohan, son of another Infosys cofounder N.R. Narayana Murthy also feature in the list. He donated 5.2 million dollars to Harvard University Press for promoting ancient Indian literacy classics. Kerala born entrepreneur Sunny Verkey , the founder of GEMS education, a chain of 70 private schools in 14 countries and India-born brothers Suresh Ramakrishnan and Mahesh Ramakrishnan of London based entrepreneurs are also feature in the Forbe’s list.
Queen Elizabeth-II set a record to become the longest reigning Monarch of British Kingdom
Queen Elizabeth-II set a record to become the longest reigning Monarch in British history. She beat the record of 63 years and 7 months set by Queen Victory more than a century ago. Only four other British Kings and Queens have reigned 50 years or more. The only Monarch most living Britans have ever known, Elizabeth has been the constant heart of British life. She came to the throne as a young woman at the age of 25.
09 September 2015 Current Affairs
Gandhi Peace Prize-2014 for ISRO
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) won the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2014. The ISRO Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar on behalf of ISRO received the Prize from the President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapathi Bhavan on 9 September, 2015.
J. Manjula as the first Woman Director General at DRDO
J. Manjula has been appointed as the first Woman Director General (DG), Electronics and Communication Systems Cluster at Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). She has assumed charge from distinguished scientist and Director General Dr. K.D. Nayak on 9 September, 2015. Manjula has the honour of being the first woman DG of DRDO cluster. Manjula is a receipient of DRDO award for ‘Performance Excellence’ and ‘Scientist of the Year 2011′.
Indian-origin Mahesh Ramanujam as new CEO of America’s Green Council
Indian-origin Mahesh Ramanujam has been named as the new CEO of the prestigious ‘US Green Building Council’ (USGBC), a non-profit organisation that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, built and operated. Ramanujam is from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. In 2009, he joined the company as senior vice-president, in 2011 he become the COO of the company and in December 2012 he become the president of GBCI.
10 September 2015 Current Affairs
The 10th World Hindi Conference held in Bhopal
The 10th World Hindi Conference (WHC) is being organized from 10-12 September, 2015 in the city of Bhopal by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India in partnership of Government of Madhya Pradesh. The main theme of the conference is ‘Hindi Jagat: Vistar avam Sambhavani’. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaguarated the Vishwa Hindi Sammelan and also called for steps to promote endangered languages. For this conference deligates from 40 countries are participated. Along with Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraz, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chowhan and many other ministers and important deligates are participated in the conference. Prime Minister Modi called this conference as ‘Hindi Mahakhumb’ and in the memory of this conference he launched the Postal Stamps.
New Species of ancient humans discovered in South Africa
South African scientists have discovered a new species of ancient human. A huge haul of bones found in a cave at Johnnesberg in South Africa. The scientists discovered more than 1500 pieces of bone belonging to at least 15 individuals.The remain appear to be infants, juveniles and one very old adulst. They have named the creature as ‘Homo naledi’. Measurements of the bones show that the creature has a curious bend of ancient ape and modern human like features. It’s brain is tiny, the size of a Gorilla’s.
Indra Nooyi ranks second in the Fortune’s Powerful Business women list
PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi is the sole Indian-origin executive in Fortune’s list of 50 most powerful women in business. Indra Nooyi ranked 2nd on the list from her third position last year. General Motors CEO Marry Barra ranks first in the list. Nooyi who leads 66.6 billion dollars business is at the top position of Fortune’s list for the ninth time. The list also includes IBM CEO Ginni Rometty on third rank, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg (8), Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer (18) and others.
11 September 2015 Current Affairs
Singapore ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) win the Parliamentary Elections
Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) won a sweeping victory in the Parliamentary elections held on 11 September. It had taken 83 of 89 seats . The present Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong again will be the Prime Minister with this victory. The ruling Party is in power from 56 years after Singapore got the Independence. The win came six months after the death of present Prime Minister’s father, the independence leader Lee Kuan Yew, plunged Singapore into mourning and generated a wave of patriotism.
India – Australia joint Naval excercises “AUSINDEX-2015″ in Vishakapatnam
The first ever India-Australia joint Naval excercises called “AUSINDEX-2015″ have been started in Vishakapatnam on 11 September upto 19 September. In a significant development that is seen as the tangible sign of the growing defence cooperation between Australia and India , it is noted that the bilateral maritime excercise will be a regular event to be held every two years. Royal Australian Navy (RAN) head Rear Admiral Jonathan Mead and Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet Flag officer Commanding Rear Admiral Ajendra Bahadur Singh jointly inaguarated the naval excercises. HMAS Syrus, HMAS Arunta Wich and HMAS Sheean from Australian Navy and INS Shivalik, INS Ranvijay and Fleet Tanker INS Shakti from Indian Navy are participated in this event. In addition, one Royal Australian Airforce P3C Orion Surveillance aircraft and Indian Navy’s P8 I maritime Patrol air craft will operate from Chennai during the excercises.
Australia ranks first in Youth Commonwealth Games
The Youth Commonwealth Games are held in Samoa on 7-11 September for five days. In these games total 40 countries were participated. Australia with 24 Gold medals stood at the first place of the Youth Commonwealth Games. India with 9 gold medals is at fifth place. 24 members from India are participated in these games.
Mukesh Ambani’ is the richest Indian in Hurun Report’s ‘India Rich List-2015′
Relience Industries Head Mukesh Ambani is the richest Indian as per the Hurun Report’s India Rich List-2015. His assets are valued at Rs. 1,60,951 Crores. As per Hurun Reports there are 124 dollar billionaires in the country. And there are 296 high net-worth individuals (those whose assets are valued above Rs. 1600 Crores). The Pharmaceuticals tycoon Dilip Singhvi of Sun Pharma is the second richest Indian and S.P. Hinduja is the third. This is the fourth year for Hurun Report, a Shanghai based luxury publishing group has come out with the list of Super rich in India.
12 September 2015 Current Affairs
Advisor of Defence Minister Satish Reddy gets Royal Aeronautic Society Medal
Dr. G. Satish Redy, advisor to Defence Minister and Director of Imarat, a research centre of DRDO has been selected for the Royal Aeronautic Society Silver Medal. The Society was awarding these medals since 1909 in the field of Aetonautics. Dr. Reddy is the first defence scientist working in India to be honoured with the medal. The award will be presented to him during the Wilbur and Orville Wright lecture on December 9 in London.
Leander Paes and Martina Hingis won the US Open Mixed Doubles Title
Indian player Leander Paes and Swiss player Martina Hingis won the US Open mixed doubles title on 12 September, 2015. Veteran Indian Tennis star Leander Paes scripted history by winning US Open mixed doubles title with partner Martina Hingis to become the format’s most successful male player in the open era. The fourth seeded Indo-Swiss pair edged past unseeded Americans Bethanie Mattek Sands and Sam Querrey to the third major title in the season. This is the ninth Grand slam title for Paes and for Hingis this is fourth title in Mixed doubles. It was the 17th Grand Slam title overall for Paes and 19th for Hingis. With this win the Pace-Hingis duo, which also won the Australian Open and the Wimbledon titles this season have become the first mixed doubles team since 1969 to win three GrandSlam mixed doubles titles in the same year.
Egypt’s Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb resigned
Egypt’s Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb resigned on 12 September, 2015, days after a government minister was accused of corruption and detained. Egypt President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi accepted the resignation and appointed the minister of petroleum, Sherif Ismail to form a new government. Egyptian Paliamentary elections are scheduled to begin in October and go through November. The results will be announced in December.
Las Vegas declares September 10 as ‘Anupam Kher’s Day’
Bollywood actor Anupam Kher has been awarded for his commendable contribution to cinema and art globally in Nevada with the US State’s most populous city Los Vegas declaring September 10 as “Anupam Kher’s Day”. Kher was presented with the ‘Cirtificate of Excellence’ on 10 September, 2015 in Las Vegas by Nevada Senator. He has been honoured with various awards along with cirtificate of Excellence.
13 September 2015 Current Affairs
2000 Year old Ashoka Stupa to be put in China
A 2000 year old stupa constructed by emperor Ashoka in China’s Nangchen which fell into ruin has been restored and is set to be unveiled by spiritual head of Ladakh based Drukpa Buddhism. The renovated stupa enshrined with precious Buddhist relics is a precious structure of the Buddha followers. It underwent a restoration process in the last a few years and would be inaguarated by Gyalwang Drukpa.
Sania – Hingis pair won the US Open women’s doubles title
Indian tennis player Sania and Swiss player Martina Hingis duo won the US Open women’s doubles title held on 13 September. Indian tennis star Sania bagged her second consecutive Grand Slam Title of the season. The top seeded Indo-Swiss pair outplayed the fourth seeded duo of Casey Dellacqua and Yaroslava Shevedova in the finals. It was Sania and Hingis’ second major title in the season. They won the Wimbledon Championship earlier this season. Sania has five GrandSlam titles in her career.
Flavia Pennetta of Italy won the US Open Women’s Singles Title
Flavia Pennetta of Italy won her first Grand Slam Singles Title by defeating Roberta Vinci in US Open finals held on 13 September. Pennetta of 33 years becomes the fourth oldest Grand Slam winner in the Open era. She also become the oldest first time grandslam women’s champion in the open era. After getting the US Open title Flavia Pennetta announced her retirement from tennis.
American Boxing World champion Floyd Mayweather announced his retirement
Floyd Mayweather of America announced his retirement from boxing on 13 September, 2015. He won the WBO Welterweight World Title by defeating Andre Berto of America. Floyd Mayweather defeated Andre Berto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to equal Rocky Marciano’s legendary 49-0 unbeaten record. And this is the 49th victory for Mayweather. After winning the title he announced his retirement from boxing.
14 September 2015 Current Affairs
Malcolm Turnbull elected as the new Prime Minister of Australia
The Communication minister of Australia Malcom Turnbull has been elected as the new Prime Minister. The present Prime Minister Tony Abbott was ousted in a party vote forced by challenger Malcom Turnbull. Abbott has came to power in 2013 in general elections. Turnbull won the secret party vote and elected as Prime Minister. Turnbull resigned as communication minister after his victory in the party voting. He will take over the reigns after Abbott resigns.
Indian Origin Ashok Sreedharan elected as Mayor of German Town
Indian Origin Ashok Sreedharan, a mayoral candidate of Chancellor Angela Merkel led Christian Democratic Union (CMD) has won the election in the town of Bonn, becoming the first person of Indian origin as mayor in German city. His victory marks the end of more than 21 years ruls of the city by the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Sreedharan will take over the reigns on October 21 from Juergen Nymptsch, the outgoing SPD minister. Until now, he served as the treasurer and assistant mayor in the municipal administration of Koenigswinter.
Indian Army organises cycle rally to commemorate 1965 victory over Pakistan in the name of ‘The Victory Car Rally’
The Indian army’s Udhampur headquartered Northern Command on 12 September commemorated the victory in the 1965 India-Pakistan war.Thirty-six army officials began a cycle rally from the northern Jammu town to New Delhi on Friday to commemorate the golden jubilee of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1965 war. ‘The Victory Car Rally’ comprises a team of ex-servicemen and serving officers who will traverse 1700 kms over rugged terrain in J&K (Udhampur – New Delhi). The expedition covering 1,211 kilometres will culminate in New Delhi on September 18.
Novak Djokovic won the US Open Tennis Men’s Singles Title
Novak Djokovic of Serbia won the US Open Tennis Men’s Singles Title. In the finals held on 14 September he defeated the 17 time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer of Switzerland. This is the 10th Grand Slam for Djokovic. In his career he has won nine Grand Slams in the last five years. This is the second US OPen title for him. In this season he won three Grand Slams which includes Australian Open, Wimbeldon and US Open. In French Open he stood as the runner up. This is the second time for Djokovic to won three Grand Slams in a season. In his career Djokovic won five Australian, three Wimbeldon and two US Open Trophies.
15 September 2015 Current Affairs
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wins UN Award for Leadership on Climate Change
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been honoured with the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in recognition of her country’s initiatives to address climate change. Sheikh Hasina has proven that investing in climate change is conducive to achieving social and economic development. Ms Hasina has demonstrated “leadership and vision” in both making climate change an issue of national priority and advocating for an ambitious global response.
India ranks 11th place in World Wealth Report-2015
India has become the 11th largest population of millionaires woth 198,000 such high net worth individuals (HNWI). India got the 11 rank in the World Wealth Report- 2015 released by Capsgemini and RBC Welath Management. In 2013, there were 1,56,000 HNWIs in India. The US topped the list with 43,51,000 millionaires followed by Japan with 24,52,000 millionaires , Germany with 11,41,000 millionaires and China with 8,90,000 millionaires in the second, third and fourth places respectively.
Longest chain of Volcanoes “Cosgrove Hotspot Track” found in Australia
The world’s longest chain of continental volcanoes created over the past 33 million years have been found in eastern Australia streching for over 2000 Kilometers. The volcanic chain “Cosgrove Hotspot Track” runs from Cape Hillsborough on the central Queensland coast, south west through central New southwales to Cosgrove in Victoria.
Bharat Dynamics Limited Test Fires Indigenous Anti-tank guided Missile ‘Amogha-1′
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) successfully test-fired an indigenously developed second generation, 2.8 km range, anti-tank guided missile called Amogha-1 on September 10 at Babina Army Range in Madhya Pradesh. This is the first ever design and developmental effort in respect of missiles by BDL, Hyderabad. Amogha-I missiles will be offered to the army after due qualification and validation trials.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe three day visit to India
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on 15 September came to Delhi on a three day visit to India. In this regard India and Sri Lanka held extensive talks on sticky fishermen issue, ensuring justice to Tamils and ways to deepen trade and defence engagements besides resolving to intensify cooperation in combating terror and securing the maritime neighbourhood. The two nations signed four agreements to deepen cooperation in health care and space science.
Sunjeev Sahota’s novel “The Year of the Runaways” shortlisted for the 2015 Man Booker Prize
Indian-origin British author Sunjeev Sahota shortlisted for the prestigious 2015 ‘Man Booker Prize prize for Fiction’ for his novel “The Year of the Runaways”. The novel is a story of an unlikely family thrown together by circumstances. This is the second year that the prize has been open to writers of any nationality, writing originally in English and published in the UK. Previously the prize was open only to authors from the UK and the Commonwealth, Republic of Ireland and Zimbabwe.
16 September 2015 Current Affairs
Nepal House passes New Constitution
Nepal’s Parliament passed a new national Constitution on 16 September, 2015, weeks after political leaders reached a historic agreement to create a federal state following an earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people. The new charter will replace an interim constitution in place. The new Constitution will divide the Himalayan nation of 28 million people into seven federal provinces. Work on a new constitution began in 2008.
Hangzhow city of China will host the 2022 Asian Games
The Chinese city of Hangzhow has been confirmed as the host of the 2022 Asian Games. China’s capital city Beijing will host the winter Olympic games in 2022. The 2018 Asian Games will be held in Indonesia.
Vishakapatnam Steel Plant gets CIO-100 Award in IT excellence
For the highest level of operational and strategic excellence in Information Technology shown during the year, RINL, the corporate entity of Vishapatnam Steel Plant was conferred with “CIO-100″ award and it’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) KVSS Rajeswara Rao, General Manager (IT) received it on RINL’s behalf. The award was instituted by International Data Group (IDG), the largest technology media, event and research company in the world to honour 100 companies that demanstrate excellence and achievement in Information Technology. IDG India’s President and CEO, Louis D’Mello gave away the awards.
RBI allows 10 companies to set up Small Finanace Banks (SFBs)
The Reserve Bank o f India (RBI) on 16 September, 2015 decided to grant ‘in-principle’ approval to 10 companies to set up small Finance Banks under the ‘Guidelines for Licensing of Small Finance Banks in the Private Sector’ (guidelines) to promote financial inclusion. The minimum paid up equity capital for these small finance banks shall be Rs. 100 crores. The ‘in-principle’ approval granted will be valid for 18 months. The SFBs will offer basic banking services like acceptance of deposits and lending to small busimess units, small and marginal farmers, micro and small industries and unorganised sesctor entities. The companies include AU financiers (Jaipur), Capital Local Area Bank (Jalandhar), Disa Microfin (Ahmedabad), Euities Holdings (Chennai), ESAF Microfinance (Chennai), Janalakshmi financial services (Bengaluru), RGVN microfinance (Guwahati), Suryoday Microfinance (Mumbai), Ujjivan Financial Services (Bengaluru) and Utkarsh Microfinance (Varanasi).
17 September 2015 Current Affairs
Government of India launches Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY)
The Central Government on 17 September 2015 announced the launch of the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana (PMKKKY). This is a new programme meant to provide for the welfare of areas and people affected by mining related operations, using the funds generated by District Mineral Foundations (DMFs). The objective of PMKKKY scheme will be (a) to implement various developmental and welfare projects/programs in mining affected areas that complement the existing ongoing schemes/projects of State and Central Government; (b) to minimize/mitigate the adverse impacts, during and after mining, on the environment, health and socio-economics of people in mining districts; and (c) to ensure long-term sustainable livelihoods for the affected people in mining areas.
Perumanna Grama Panchayat becomes first Panchayat in Kerala to declare a water policy
In Kerala, Perumanna Grama Panchayat in Kozhikode district has become the first Panchayat in the State, to declare a water policy on the lines of the State government’s water policy declared in 2008.The water policy of Perumanna was drafted with the help of the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, Kunnamangalam, after a detailed study of water resources and usage in the Panchayat over the last two years. AIR correspondent reports that the Panchayat has drafted a 13-point action plan to ensure proper utilisation and conservation of water in its 18 wards.
18 September 2015 Current Affairs
West Bengal Government declassified 64 secret files on Subhash Chandra Bose
West Bengal Government on 18 September in Kolkata declassified 64 secret files on ‘Netaji’ Subhash Chandra Bose. The declassified files contained total 12,744 pages. The files were kept under secrecy for 70 years. The files are being kept at Kolkata police museum. It will be open for public from September 21.
Metro’ Sreedharan in UN High Level Advisory Group
“Metro Man” E. Sreedharan has been invited to the United Nations High Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport (HLAG- ST). The service is for a period of three years. At present, Sreedharan is the Principle advisor to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
19 September 2015 Current Affairs
A New Government formed in Egypt
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has sworn in a new Government on 19 September, 2015. The new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, former Petroleum Minister . The 33 member cabinet contains three women and 16 new members. Two of the newcomers, Educatiuon minister Zaki Badr and Tourism minister Hisham Zaazou served in similar posts under Mubarak.
Judicial Grid to monitor pending cases inaguarated in Supreme Court
The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) to monitor the pendency of cases in all the district and lower courts across the country was inagurated in the Supreme Court on 19 September, 2015 by Justice Madan B. Lokur, incharge of e-committee of the apex court. This NJDG public access page as available at ecourts.gov.in/services will give consolidated figures of pendency of cases in district judiciary across the country. This will show case pendency broken into civil and criminal cases segregated into age-wise categories of upto 2 years, between 2 to 5 years, between 5 to 10 years and more than 10 years.
Union Government formed Mihir Shah Committee on restructuring Water Agencies
The Union Ministry of Water Resources on 11 September, 2015 constituted a seven member committee to advice it on restructuring the Central Water Commission (CWC) and The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB). The expert committee will be headed by former planning commission member Mihir Shah. The committee was mandated to suggest ways for optimal development of water resources in the country.
20 September 2015 Current Affairs
India as runner up in Korea Open Badminton Superseries
The Indian Badminton player Ajay Jayaram stood as runner up in Korea Open Badminton Superseries finals held in Seoul on 20 September. World No.1 champion Chen Long of China won the Superseries by defeating world No.32 Indian player Ajay Jayaram with 21-04, 21-13 i