Page2 CURRENT AFFAIRS August 1-2, 2014

1)Which three West African countries are the worst-hit with the Ebola outbreak, which is said to be the largest recorded Ebola outbreak in history? Liberia, Guinea and Sierra LeoneExplanation: Ebola epidemic is a viral disease spread through the Ebola virus. The present Ebola outbreak, which began in Guinea in February 2014, has spread to Liberia, and Sierra Leone. It is the most severe in recorded history, both in the number of cases and fatalities. Over 340 deaths were reported from Guinea, 233 from Sierra Leone and over 150 from Liberia. The leaders of West African countries met the World Wealth Organisation (WHO) head on 1 August 2014 to introduce a $100 million plan to deploy hundred more medical professionals in the affected areas.2)Palghar became the 36thand the newest district of Maharashtra on 1 August 2014. It was carved out from which district, which was Indias most populous district? ThaneExplanation: The proposal for a new, smaller and manageable Palghar district was hanging fire for over two decades. The proposal was finally cleared by the Maharashtra Cabinet on 13 June 2014. With a population of over 12 million, till 31 July 2014, Thane held the distinction of being the most populated district in the country, spread across 9,600 sq.kms of hills, forests and coastal areas.3)A three-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip went into effect on 1 August 2014 bringing a temporary break in the ongoing war between Palestinian group Hamas and the Israeli Army. This ceasefire was called by which countries/entities? The United Nations and the USAExplanation: The hostilities between Hamas and Israel started on 8 July 2014 and around 1,450 Palestinians have been killed in it. Israel claimed that 61 of its soldiers and 3 civilians also died. But this ceasefire too crumbled within a few hours as Israel struck Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip after capture of an Israeli soldier. At least four short humanitarian ceasefires have been announced since the conflict began, but each has been broken within a few hours by renewed fighting.4)US Secretary of State John Kerry headed a high-powered delegation to co-chair the annual India-US Strategic Dialogue with the Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi on 31 July 2014. This was which edition of India-US Strategic Dialogue? FifthExplanation: No breakthroughs marked this 5thedition of strategic dialogue between India and the U.S. on the trade facilitation talks at the WTO. India stayed firm on the issues of food security and stockpiling. Sushma Swaraj, on the other hand, raised the snooping issue in a very strong manner in the dialogue. Kerry called on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 August 2014. It was the first Cabinet-level between the Obama administration and the new Indian Government.5)Who was the deputy National Security Adviser (NSA) who tendered his resignation on 31 July 2014 more than 20 months ahead of his contractual retirement? Nehchal SandhuExplanation: Nehchal Sandhu was a former Intelligence Bureau Director and he had joined the NSAs office in March 2013 on a three-year contract. The tenure of Joint Intelligence Chief Ajit Lal and Military Adviser Lt. General Prakash Menon also came to an end on 31 July and they did not receive any extension. With these two officials retiring, the secretariat of NSA Ajit Doval has been left with three vacancies.6)Who are the 6 winners of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards 2014 as announced on 31 July 2014? Hu Shuli (China), Saur Marlina Manurung (Indonesia), Randy Halasan (The Philippines), Wang Canfa (China), Omara Khan Masoudi (Afghanistan), The Citizen Foundation (Pakistan)Explanation: The Magsaysay Awards, often regarded as Asias version of the Nobel Prize, are named after the popular Philippine president Ramon Magsaysay, who died in a 1957 plane crash. These are given to personalities from Asia for their contribution in various fields of the society.Read More about Magsaysay Awards 20147)Which great cricket all-rounder announced his retirement from all formats of the game during July 2014? Jaques Kallis of South AfricaExplanation: Jaques Kallis was one of the greatest all-rounders of all time in the game of cricket. He was on par with the likes of Imran Khan, Ian Botham and Kapil Dev. During his illustrious career, spanning nearly two decades, Kallis played a total of 519 internationals in which he scored 25,534 runs with 62 centuries and took 577 wickets, besides 338 catches. Since making his international debut at the age of 20, he has been a mainstay of the South African line-up in all forms of the game. He announced his retirement on 30 July 2014 during the ODI series against Sri Lanka.8)What is the name of the last surviving member of the plane named Enola Gay that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, who passed away during July 2014? Theodore Van KirkExplanation: Van Kirk was the navigator of the plane named Enola Gay that on 6 August 1945 on Japanese city of Hiroshima. Tom Ferebee and Paul Tibbets were the other members of this mission. However, as far as crew-members of this plane were concerned, Van Kirk was the last surviving member since the death of Morris Jeppson in 2010.9)General Dalbir Singh Suhag on 31 July 2014 took charge as new chief of the Indian Army. He succeeded Gen. Bikram Singh, who retired on the same day. Suhag is the Chief of the Army Staff 26thExplanation: 59-year-old Suhag, a Gurkha officer who had participated in the 1987 Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) operation in Sri Lanka, was till now the Vice-Chief of Army Staff. An alumnus of Sainik School, Chittorgarh, he joined National Defence Academy in 1970 and was commissioned into 4/5 GR (FF) in June 1974.10)Which multiplex chain is poised to acquire Delhi-based Satyam Cineplexes as announced on 30 July 2014? Inox Leisure LtdExplanation: Multiplex chain Inox Leisure Ltd. announced its plan to acquire Delhi-based Satyam Cineplexes. It has executed transaction documents to acquire 100% of the equity share capital of Satyam from its existing shareholders for a consideration of Rs. 182 crore. Satyam Cineplexes has a total of 38 screens now in Amritsar, Mysore, Rohtak, Aurangabad, Jodhpur, Indore and New Delhi and another 30 are in the pipeline in six cities. With this acquisition, Inox will expand its presence to 50 cities with 91 multiplexes and 358 screens.

Page71 CURRENT AFFAIRS August 3, 2014

1)With west and central African countries continuing to witness an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus, Indias top health watchdog on 2 August 2014 issued an advisory to state health intelligence officials and to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to keep a watch on the disease. What is the name of Indias health watchdog that issued this advisory? Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)Explanation: IDSP was launched with World Bank assistance in November 2004 to detect and respond to disease outbreaks quickly. The project was extended for 2 years in March 2010. The Programme continues during 12thPlan under NRHM (National Rural Health Mission) with outlay of Rs. 640 Crore from domestic budget.

2)In a landmark initiative Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 August 2014 pushed for shifting to self-certification of documents and pitched for minimum use of affidavits. On this day all ministries and departments at the Centre and in states were asked to make provision for self-certification of documents in place of affidavits. Under the self-certification method, the original documents are required to be produced at the final stage. What is the provision for false self-certification in this initiative? The person charged with false self-certification can be booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal CodeExplanation: The Prime Minister, during his meeting with all Union Secretaries on 4 June 2014, had spoken of reforming the public service delivery system and bridging the governance deficit. Getting an affidavit is a tough task for the common man. People have to either shell out money to get affidavits from notary or approach a gazetted officer.

3)Who was appointed as the new Chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 1 August 2014? K.V. ChowdaryExplanation: K.V. Chowdary is the 1978-batch officer belonging to the Indian Revenue Service (IRS). He was working as the Member (Investigations) of the direct taxes revenue collection board till now and succeeded R.K. Tewari who retired on 31 July 2014. CBDT is the top policy making body of the Income Tax department and is constituted of six members apart from the Chairman.

4)Vishal Sikka, who took charge as CEO and MD of Infosys on 1 August 2014, is the .head of the company FifthExplanation: He replaced S.D. Shibulal, who was among the co-founders of Infosys founded in 1981. Four earlier CEOs of the company were N.R. Narayan Murthy (1981 to 2002), Nandan Nilekani (2002 to 2007) and S. Gopalakrishnan (2007 to 2011). Sikka is the first CEO to be outsourced from outside the organisation.

5)Who was chosen for the 22ndedition of the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award? Muzaffar Ali, the noted filmmakerExplanation: Muzaffar Ali is known for directing the classic Bollywood film Umrao Jaan. He is also known for his social work and Sufi poetry. The award is given in the memory of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and is given for outstanding contribution towards the promotion of communal harmony, peace and goodwill. It carries a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh apart from a citation. Recipients of the award include Mother Teresa, K.R. Narayanan, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Sunil Dutt, Dilip Kumar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Maulana Wahiduddin Khan.

6)What is the name of the latest Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite of the United States (U.S.) that was launched on 1 August 2014 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station? GPS IIF-7Explanation: This satellite has an expected service life of twelve years and will replace USA-132 (GPS IIR-2), which was the first Block IIR satellite to enter service and was launched in July 1997. GPS IIF-7 is the part of the US Air Forces Global Positioning System (GPS), a program aimed at providing worldwide navigational data which began in the 1970s. Although originally developed for military use, some GPS signals are also made freely available for civilian navigation and the network is used by most commercial navigation devices. The decision to make the GPS available to civilian users was taken by Ronald Reagan in 1983, after 269 people were killed when a Korean airliner became lost and strayed into Soviet airspace, where it was shot down.

August 4, 2014

1)On 3 August 2014 the curtains were raised on the 20thCommonwealth Games 2014 held at Glasgow (Scotland). Which country topped the medals tally? EnglandExplanation: England was placed at first spot in the medals tally with a haul of 58 gold, 59 silver and 57 bronze medals. Australia followed with 49 gold, 42 silver and 46 bronze medals while Canada was at third place with 32 gold medals. England finished at the top in the medals tally for the first time since Commonwealth Games of 1986 (Edinburgh). From 1990 Australia dominated six Games till 19thCommonwealth Games in 2010.

2)Which city would host the 21stCommonwealth Games of 2018? Gold Coast City(Australia)Explanation: Gold Coast City is situated in the Queensland province of Australia. The city would host the 21stCommonwealth Games from 4 to 15 April 2018. The hosting rights to Gold Coast City were awarded in November 2011. It thus would be the fifth hosting of these games in Australia, with the earlier stagings in 1938 (Sydney), 1962 (Perth), 1982 (Brisbane), and 2006 (Melbourne).3)What is Indias final position in the medals tally in the 20thCommonwealth Games 2014 that culminated on 3 August 2014? FifthExplanation: India was placed at fifth placed (after England, Australia, Canada and hosts Scotland respectively). India won 15 gold medals, 30 silver medals and 19 bronze medals. Indias total medal tally was thus 64, which is far less than the 19thCommonwealth Games of 2010 at New Delhi, where India won a total of 101 medals.

4)What is the name of the Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) who was arrested on 2 August 2014 at the ongoing Commonwealth Games on charges of drunken driving? Rajeev MehtaExplanation: Rajeev Mehta was arrested on 2 August 2014 following reports of an alleged assault at City Centre of Glasgow. On the other hand unattached wrestling referee, Virender Malik, was arrested for a more serious charge of sexual assault. The two were not staying with the Indian contingent at the Commonwealth Games Village. The arrest of the two of officials left the Indian contingent thoroughly embarrassed.

5)Indian badminton player Parupalli Kashyap (P. Kashyap) created history by winning mens singles gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on 3 August 2014. He thus became the first Indian player in 32 years and the third overall to win the mens badminton singles title in Commonwealth Games. Who are the two players who had won the title in the past for India? Prakash Padukone and Syed ModiExplanation: Prakash Padukone had won the mens singles gold medal at the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton (Canada), Syed Modi retained it for India four years later at Brisbane (Australia)

6)Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nepal on 3 and 4 August 2014. He became the first Indian Prime Minister to come to Nepal on a state visit in last 17 years. Who was the last Prime Minister to visit Nepal? Late Inder Kumar GujralExplanation: Inder Kumar Gujral had visited Nepal on a state visit in 1997. After that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had visited Kathmandu in 2002 but it was not a state visit and he came only to attend the SAARC Summit.7)How much financial assistance was announced for Nepal by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3 August 2014 on his state visit? $1 billionExplanation: This $1 billion credit to Nepal was offered on concessional rates and would be used for road and hydro-power projects to be developed in the country.

August 5, 2014

1)India and Nepal on 4 August 2014 agreed to review, adjust and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship between the countries with an objective of charting a new course in bilateral relations. In which year this historic treaty was signed between the two countries? In 1950Explanation: The official name of this bilateral treaty is Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between the Government of India and the Government of Nepal. The treaty allows free movement of people and goods between the two nations and a close relationship and collaboration on matters of defence and foreign affairs. After an abortive attempt in 1952 of the Communist Party of Nepal to seize power with Chinese backing, India and Nepal stepped up military and intelligence cooperation under treaty provisions, and India sent a military mission to Nepal. It was signed on 31 July 1950 at Kathmandu by the then Prime Minister of Nepal Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana and Indian ambassador to Nepal, Chadreshwar Narayan Singh.

2)Union Govt. on 4 August 2014 came up with a formula to resolve the ongoing controversy pertaining to the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT). What is this formula which was rejected by some sections of civil services aspirants who are demanding scrapping CSAT altogether? The section on English language comprehension skills should not be included for gradation or meritExplanation: The formula brought forward by the Union Govt. ensures that questions on English Language Comprehension Skills, worth 22.5 marks out of the total 200, will not be counted for preparing merit list of candidates. The govt. also said this is its opinion and it was not sure whether this would translate into policy.

3)What is the name of Indias first multi-sensor moored observatory that was deployed between North Pole and Norway during July 2014? IndARCExplanation: The IndARC observatory has been termed as a major milestone in Indias scientific endeavours in the Arctic region. This observatory has been designed and developed by the Earth System Science Organisation-National Institute of Ocean Technology (ESSO-NIOT) Chennai and ESSO-National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR). It was deployed from the Norwegian Polar Institutes research vessel R.V. Lance in Kongsfjorden Fjord of the Arctic roughly halfway between North Pole and Norway on 23 July 2014.

4)S.K. Jain, who was arrested by the CBI on charges of allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 50 lakh to enhance the credit limit of some companies, was the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of which public-sector bank? Syndicate BankExplanation: He was arrested on 2 August 2014 by the CBI and was suspended by the Union Govt. on 4 August 2014. Jain was appointed CMD of state-owned Syndicate Bank in July last year for a period of five years. He was one of the youngest CMDs of a public sector bank and was due to retire in 2020.5)The government of Portugal on 4 August 2014 announced how much relief package for countrys largest listed bank Banco Espirito Santo (BES) to bill out the beleaguered bank? 4.9 billion euros ($6.58 billion)Explanation: This relief package was announced just months after Portugal exited an international bailout and is therefore expected to test the Euro Zones resilience to another banking crisis. The rescue of Banco Espirito Santo would include split of the bank into a good bank, renamed Novo Banco, and a bad bank, which will house BES exposures to the troubled Espirito Santo business empire as well as its subsidiary.

August 6, 2014

1)The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) presented its bi-monthly policy review on 5 August 2014. It kept the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at 8.0%. It also left the cash reserve ratio (CRR) of scheduled banks unchanged at 4.0% of net demand and time liabilities (NDTL). However, which is the only major rate to be changed in this policy review? Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)Explanation: The SLR of scheduled commercial banks was reduced by 50 basis points from 22.5% to 22.0% of their NDTL with effect from the fortnight beginning 9 August 2014.The major rates after this policy review are as follows:* Short-term lending (repo) rate unchanged at 8%* Cash reserve ratio (CRR) unchanged at 4%* SLR cut by 0.50% to 22% to unlock banking funds* Lowers banks SLR holdings in held-to-maturity category by 0.5% to 24%The other major estimates/projections in this policy review are as follows:* Estimates GDP growth at 5.5% for current fiscal* Targets 8% CPI inflation by January 2015, 6% by Jan 2016* Govt policies to improve domestic demand, supply conditions* Higher oil prices, pass-through of administered price increases pose upside risks to inflation* Monsoons still a concern, posing risks to inflation* Govt. action on food management and fast-tracking project completion to improve supply* Banking sector reforms will continue

2)Who on 5 August 2014 took over as the first woman Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court, which is the oldest High Court of India? Justice Manjula ChellurExplanation: Justice Chellur was till now the Chief Justice of Kerala High Court. She broke the gender barrier on a number of occasions, starting from being the first lady advocate to practice in Bellary in Karnataka

3)What important notification pertaining to dissection of animals in colleges was issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) during August 2014? It has banned the dissection in zoology and life sciences undergraduate and postgraduate coursesExplanation: In this notification, the UGC has asked universities and colleges across India to stop dissection of animals immediately. The ban follows discussions with the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India and the Minister for Women & Child Development, Maneka Gandhi. The UGC had issued a partial ban on dissection in 2011. It is estimated that around 19 million animals are dissected in the labs of countrys universities and colleges every year.

4)On 4 August 2014 what deadline was announced by Beijings Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau for ban of all coal use in the city? Year2020Explanation: Beijings Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau announced year 2020 as the deadline for imposing complete ban of coal in the Chinese capital. Coal-fired power and heating is a major generator of greenhouse gases and has helped turn China into the worlds largest emitter of carbon and other heat-trapping gases. Coal accounted for a quarter of Beijings energy consumption in 2012 and 22% of the fine particles floating in the citys air. Motor vehicles, industrial production and general dust also contributed to pollution in city with a population of 2.1 crore. Pressure is growing on Chinas central government to clean up the countrys polluted environment, as discontent over smog and water and soil contamination grows among Chinas growing middle class.

5)Which company during the quarter of April-June 2014 toppled South Korean mobile giant Samsung to become the largest mobile handsets selling company in India? MicromaxExplanation: Micromax is a home-grown mobile brand. According to data released by Hong Kong-based Counterpoint Technology Market Research, Micromaxs share of the overall handset market (smartphones, feature phones, and low-cost handsets) stood at 16.6%, while Samsung settled for 14.4% during April-June 2014. Nokia was relegated to the third spot with a 10.9% share, while Karbonns share was 9.5% and Lavas 5.6%. However, Samsung retained its top slot in the smartphone market with a 25.3% share, while home-grown players Micromax (19.1%) and Karbonn (5.9%) were second and third, respectively.

August 7, 2014

1)In order to solve the ongoing tussle between India and the WTO (World Trade Organisation), India has suggested fixing of the base year for food subsidies on the basis of average of last three years. What is the year proposed by the WTO to be taken as the base year? 1986-87Explanation: India is of the view that taking 1986-87 as a base year in 2014-15 is completely illogical and it has hence suggested a more scientific calculation for base year calculation. Indian Government had vetoed the adoption of a WTO treaty to simplify, standardise and streamline the rules for shipping goods across borders, having previously agreed to its terms at a ministerial conference in Bali (Indonesia) during December 2013. India wanted more attention paid to its concerns over WTO limits on stockpiling of food which will ultimately hit its subsidised food distribution programme, the worlds largest, targeted at nearly 850 million people.

2)The Securities Laws (amendment) Bill, 2014 was approved unanimously by the Lok Sabha on 6 August 2014. This Bill empowers the SEBI with powers to disgorge (taking back the money) the money from fraudulent companies and schemes. SEBI has issued disgorgement orders only in two cases in over two decades of its formation. Which two cases are these? IPO irregularities issue of 2006 and the Satyam Computer scandalExplanation: According to the provisions in this bill, the money collected through SEBIs disgorgement orders will now be parked in SEBIs Investor Protection and Education Fund (IPEF).

3)The Union Cabinet on 6 August 2014 cleared a proposal to allow 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in Indian Railways. Apart from this, two U.S. companies were shortlisted for a proposed diesel locomotive factory to be built in Bihar. Which two companies are these? GE and EMDExplanation: GE (GE Transportation Systems) is a leading U.S. based locomotive manufacturer and is engaged in manufacturing of both electric and diesel locomotive engines. EMD (Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.) designs, manufactures and sells diesel-electric locomotives and diesel power engines under the EMD brand. It is owned by Caterpillar through its wholly owned subsidiary Progress Rail Services Corporation.After 100% FDI in Indian Railways, except operations of trains, FDI can be brought into all other areas like high-speed train systems, freight terminals, building of rail links, electrification and signalling systems.

4)Noted Indian cartoonist Pran Kumar Sharma, popularly known as Pran, passed away on 5 August 2014 at the age of 75. He was the creator of iconic Indian cartoon characters such as Chacha Chaudhary and his friend Sabu, Shrimatiji, Pinki, Billoo, Raman and Channi Chachi. What was the name of first character created by him? DabbuExplanation: He created the character Dabbu for a Delhi-based newspaperMilap. His most famous character was Chacha Chaudhary which was first published in 1969 in Lotpot, a famous Hindi magazine. Later (in 1981) all his characters were given shelf space in Gulshan Rais Diamond Comics and this publication became almost synonymous with Pran and his comic characters.5)Who was appointed as the Deputy NSA (National Security Advisor) on 4 August 2014? Arvind GuptaExplanation: The post of Deputy NSA had fell vacant after the resignation of Nehchal Sandhu, who took retirement on 31 July 2014 some 20 months before the end of his term. Arvind Gupta is a 1979-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who retired in 2013. He was presently working as Director-General of Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA).

6)Which country during August 2014 held a special tribute named Lights Out to pay tribute to all those who died in the First World War? BritainExplanation: The project named Lights Out was held on the occasion of the 100 years of the First World War. Under this lights were turned-off all over Britain on 4 August 2014 to pay tribute to all those who died in this War. The Lights Out project was organised by the Royal British Legion and people in the UK were urged to leave just one light on or candle burning for an hour approaching the declaration of war. It was inspired by a famous comment made by the then Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey, shortly before the war began on 4 August 1914.

August 8, 2014

1)The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 6 August 2014 issued guidelines for asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) to increase their investments in security receipts (SRs) with the objective of strengthening the asset recovery sector. What is the minimum prescribed percentage of funds that ARCs would now have to invest in SRs as directed in this RBI guideline? 15%Explanation: This minimum investment requirement for ARCs was 5% at present. Public sector banks sell their bad loans or NPAs (non-performing assets) to these ARCs. Sale of bad loans to ARCs gained momentum in 2013-14 mainly because banks were able to obtain better prices for these sales. But this RBI directive is likely to dissuade ARCs from offering a better price, since they will now have to make a higher upfront payment.

2)Who is heading the special committee to review the security of Indian Parliament that was constituted on 7 August 2014? RK Singh, Former Union Home SecretaryExplanation: This special committee was constituted Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and will include former Rajasthan DGP Harish Chandra Meena and former Mumbai Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh. The committee has been asked to give its report within one month after making a comprehensive review of the existing security set-up and suggest measures to further strengthen it. In the previous Lok Sabha, a committee on security in Parliament complex, headed by then Deputy Speaker Karia Munda, was set up in the aftermath of the pepper spray attack inside Lok Sabha by a suspended Congress MP that sparked massive outrage. The Parliament witnessed a terrorist attack on 13 December 2001 when five terrorists in a white Ambassador car with a red beacon had stormed the Parliament complex.

3)What are the names of two former Khmer Rouge leaders who were sentenced for life by Cambodias UN-backed court on 7 August 2014 after being found guilty of crimes against humanity? Nuon Chea and Khieu SamphanExplanation: The two are the most senior surviving ex-Khmer Rouge officials and were convicted for crimes against humanity, political persecution and other inhumane acts committed during the infamous Khmer Rouge era from 1975-1979. 88 year old Nuon Chea was known as Brother Number Two during Khmer Rouge era while 83 year old Khieu Samphan was the head of the state. Led by Brother Number One Pol Pot, who died in 1998, the Khmer Rouge dismantled modern society with regime atrocities affecting virtually every family in Cambodia.

4)Mexicos Congress on 6 August 2014 gave final approval to a historic reform that would open up an important state-controlled sector to foreign investment for the first time since 1938. Which sector is this? Energy Sector (comprising of oil and natural gas)Explanation: Mexican energy sector has been a monopoly of state-run energy giant Pemex since foreign companies were kicked out of Mexico 75 years ago. On 6 August countrys Congress voted 78-26 for the package of Bills that will break this monopoly and will allow foreign companies to sign profit-sharing contracts with Mexico. The reform is the centrepiece of President Pena Nietos reform drive to breathe new life into Latin Americas second biggest economy. However, this move is opposed by the leftist opposition who is saying that it will amount to a damaging privatisation of Pemex.

5)Indian cricket team almost surrendered to English bowlers as it was dismissed for a paltry 152 runs in the opening day of the fourth Test match at Manchester on 7 August 2014. The Indian team became the owner of an ignominous statistic with six of their batsmen getting out for ducks (zero), thereby equalling the record number of six ducks in a single Test inning by an international team. India now jointly hold this record of six ducks with which two other countries? South Africa and BangladeshExplanation: Six Indian batsmen (Murali Vijay, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ravindra Jadeja, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Pankaj Singh) were dismissed without scoring a single run. Only three batsmen Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (71), Ajinkya Rahane (24) and Ravichandran Ashwin (40) had respectable scores against their names. The last time that India had five batsmen out for duck was during the 1952 series at the Headingley, when England won by seven wickets inside four days.

August 9, 2014

1)The World Health Organization (WHO) on 8 August 2014 declared the Ebola outbreak in West Africa to be an international public health emergency. The emergency was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern(PHEIC), which is the name of the formal declaration of health emergency by the WHO. On how many occasions the PHEIC declaration has been issued by the WHO till date? Three times(including this Ebola declaration)Explanation: PHEIC is a legally binding international instrument on disease prevention, surveillance, control, and response adopted by 194 countries worldwide. It was first issued in April 2009 for H1N1 (Swine Flu) epidemic. The second declaration of PHEIC was issued in May 2014 with the resurgence Polio after its near-eradication. On 8 August WHO declared its third PHEIC in response to the outbreak of Ebola in Western Africa.2)U.S. fighters dropped bombs on Islamic militants in Iraq on 8 August 2014, a day after U.S. President Barack Obama authorised the Pentagon to launch targeted airstrikes on Islamic militants in Iraq. This attack is the deepest American engagement in Iraq since U.S. troops withdrew from the country after nearly a decade of war. In which year U.S. troops withdrew completely from Iraq? In 2011Explanation: Thewithdrawal of U.S. military forces from Iraqbegan in June 2009 and was completed by December 2011. The last U.S. troops left Iraq on 18 December 2011, in accordance with the agreement signed between the then U.S. President George W. Bush and the Iraqi Government. U.S. troops had invaded Iraq on 20 March 2003.At the request of the Iraqi Govt., American military planes on 7 August 2014 also carried out airdrops of food and water to tens of thousands of Iraqi religious minorities (the Yazidis) atop a mountain surrounded by militants and desperately in need of supplies. However, the U.S. President vowed anew not to put American combat troops back on the ground in Iraq, being mindful of the publics aversion to another lengthy war.

3)What is the name of the Border Security Force (BSF) jawan, who was swept into Pakistan by strong currents of Chenab River and after being picked up by Pakistan Rangers, was handed over to BSF authorities on 8 August 2014? Satyasheel YadavExplanation: Satyasheel Yadav was captured by Pakistani troops after he was swept away by strong currents in the Chenab river into Pakistani territory on 6 August 2014. He was handed over to BSF authorities on 8 August in RS Pura sector of Jammu district in the Jammu sector by the Pakistani Rangers. Indian Govt. had raised the issue of the expeditious release of Satyasheel through diplomatic channels both in India and Pakistan on 7 August 2014.4)Who was appointed as the Managing Director (MD) of public-sector based Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) on 7 August 2014? H. KumarExplanation: H.Kumar replaced PP Upadhya, who retired as MD of MRPL on 31 July 2014. Kumar was till now posted as the Executive Director (corporate strategy and planning) of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL). MRPL is an oil refinery established in 1993 at Mangalore (Karnataka). It is a subsidiary of ONGC.5)Social networking company Facebook during August 2014 acquired which cyber-security startup firm to boost its huge server network? PrivateCoreExplanation: PrivateCore is a California-based cyber-security startup firm that was launched in 2012. The company specializes in protecting servers against malware and other kinds of virus intrusions. However, the terms of this deal were not released by the two companies.

August 10-11, 2014

1)Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan won the Presidential election held in the country on 10 August 2014. Why these elections were a watershed event in countrys 91-year history? Because this was the first-ever direct presidential elections in the countryExplanation: The Turkish president was previously chosen by parliament, but a 2010 referendum gave Turks the power to choose the head of state by direct vote. With 99% of ballot boxes counted, Erdogan had 51.95% of the vote. Opposition candidate Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, a former diplomat and academic had 38.34% and the third candidate, Selahattin Demirtas, had 9.71%. 60-year Erdogan old has been in power since 2003. Barred by party rules from seeking a fourth term as prime minister, he has faced multiple challenges to his 11-year rule, amid growing opposition to his authoritarian style. A clear victory in these elections is expected to solidify his hold on Turkey.

2)Indias capital market regulator SEBI cleared final guidelines for creation and listing of business trusts for key sectors of real estate and infrastructure on 10 August 2014. These guidelines have been cleared to help attract greater foreign and domestic investments into these sectors. What are the names of business trusts associated with real estate and infrastructure which would be created and listed with these SEBI guidelines? Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs)Explanation: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had outlined the proposal for establishment of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) in the Union Budget 2014-15 presented on 10 July 2014. The new norms would enable listing and trading of REITs and InvITs as any other security on the stock exchange platforms and would also help create new platforms for raising of funds by real estate and infrastructure companies. Along with foreign investors, domestic institutions like insurers, pension funds and provident funds would also be allowed to invest in these trusts.

3)SEBI gave its approval to single registration for stock brokers recently. What would be the main benefit for brokers with this approval? Now the brokers would not need to obtain multiple certificates from SEBI for operating in the different segments of equity, equity derivatives, currency derivative and debtExplanation: Under the proposed regime, initial certificate of registration as stock broker/clearing member will be granted by SEBI and subsequent permissions to act as stock brokers/clearing member of other stock exchanges/clearing corporations will be granted by respective stock exchange/clearing corporation after following the prescribed procedure. The latest SEBI move will also obviate the need for separate certificate for each category of operations trading member, trading-cum-self clearing member and professional clearing member.

4)What is the name of the newly constituted act which was signed into law by the U.S. President Barack Obama on 8 August 2014 and which authorises the President to appoint a Special Envoy in the near East and South Central Asia? Near East and South Central Asia Religious Freedom ActExplanation: The House of Representatives had passed the Bill associated with this Act on 25 July and the Senate passed it on 29 July 2014. The Bill requires the Special Envoy to promote the right of religious freedom of religious minorities in the countries of the near East and South Central Asia, denounce the violation of such right, and recommend appropriate US Government responses to such violations. The Special Envoy carries the rank of that of an ambassador.

5)Who is the author of the book Strictly Personal, the new biography of the former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur, which is to be released during August 2014? Daman Singh, the daughter of Manmohan SinghExplanation: Daman Singhs book does not deal with the period of Dr. Singhs tenure as the Prime Minister, instead it is a description of all the years before 2004. The book portrays her parents on the basis of interviews with them conducted over the past five years, and Manmohan Singhs letters to friends during his student years.

August 12, 2014

1)What is the name of the proposed airline of Tata-SIA Airlines Limited (TSAL), a joint-venture between Tata Group and Singapore International Airlines (SIA)? VistaraExplanation: The much-anticipated name was announced on 11 August 2014 by TSAL amid the release of the aubergine and gold logo of Vistara. Vistara is derived from the Sanskrit word, which means limitless expanse and draws inspiration from the brands domain the limitless sky.It would be a full service airline service and may take to the skies in October 2014.

2)Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad introduced The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2014 in the Lok Sabha on 11 August 2014, which seeks to remove obsolete Amendment Acts and Principal Acts from the statute books as they have outlived their utility. How many archaic laws are proposed to be repealed through this bill? Thirty Six (36)Explanation: This is the first time since 2001 that such an exercise is being undertaken by the Law Ministry. The Amendment Acts which are sought to be repealed include amendments to the Representation of the People Act, Marriage Act, Election Laws, Divorce Laws and Anand Marriage Act and the Evidence Act. Two of the standalone Acts which will also be repealed through the Bill are Foreign Jurisdiction Act, 1947, and Sugar Undertaking (Taking Over of Management) Act. Through the Bill, the Government also seeks to amend a patent error committed by the Law Ministry during the passage of the Whistleblowers Bill. While the Bill became an Act in May this year, it is called the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2011 instead of 2014. Between 1950 and 2001, over a hundred Acts have been repealed by such bills.

3)Who was nominated as the new Prime Minister of Iraq to replace Nouri al-Maliki on 11 August 2014? Haider al-AbadiExplanation: Haider al-Abadi, is a low-key figure who spent much of his life living in exile in Britain, before returning to Iraq after the 2003 invasion. Iraqi President Fouad Massoum nominated Haider al-Abadi, a member of the governments Shia coalition, as the countrys next Prime Minister. But this nomination has set off a potential clash with Nouri al-Maliki, the current Prime Minister, who has demanded he remain in power. Maliki has insisted that he had the right to form the government as he commands the largest bloc in the Iraqi Parliament. On 10 August, a defiant Maliki mustered Iraqi forces in the Green Zone, Baghdads government centre. However, Maliki has been accused of pursuing a sectarian agenda and excluding the moderates from power.

4)What is the name of NASAs vintage spacecraft which successfully completed a return visit to the earth-moon system during August 2014? ISEE-3Explanation: The ISEE-3 spacecraft made its closest approach to the earth on 9 August 2014 and a flyby of the moon on 10 August 2014. Its closest approach was 15,600 km from the moons surface. This spacecraft was originally launched in 1978 and was tasked with studying the outer reaches of the earths magnetosphere. Its second mission was in the 1980s to chase comets before NASA decided to shut it down in 1997. In an unprecedented move, NASA formally handed over control of ISEE-3 to a private ISEE-3 Reboot Project, which was formed through a crowd-funding project.

5)Which batsman on 9 August 2014 broke cricketing-great Sir Don Bradmans 66-year-old record for most scores of 190 plus? Kumar Sangakkara of Sri LankaExplanation: Kumar Sangakkara struck his 10thdouble hundred in Galle (Sri Lanka) on 9 August in the first innings of the first Test match against Pakistan. With this double century he broke the record of nine double centuries made by West Indian Brian Lara. The knock also put him two behind the great Don Bradman. However, he managed to break the Australians 66-year-old record for most scores of 190 plus.

August 13, 2014

1)Indian Parliament on 12 August 2014 passed the bill to empower SEBI to act against ponzi operators and market manipulators more effectively. What is the name of this bill? The Securities Law (Amendment) Bill, 2014Explanation: The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 6 August 2014 and the Rajya Sabha passed it on 12 August 2014. It empowers SEBI to act against ponzi operators and market manipulators more effectively through search and seizure, attachment orders and recovery proceedings and with access to call data records. This marks a dilution from the direct powers granted to SEBI Chairman through as many as three ordinances in the past one year to authorise search and seizure operations. Under the act constituted (with the passing of this bill), a special SEBI court would be set up in Mumbai to fast track prosecution proceedings launched by SEBI, as also to clear search and seizure operations proposed by SEBI.

2)What is the key recommendation of Indian telecom and broadcasting regulator TRAI pertaining to independence of press in India, as announced by it on 12 August 2014? Restrictions should be imposed on political bodies and corporates from entering the television and newspaper businessExplanation: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) presented a paper on Issues Relating to Media Ownership on 12 August 2014 under its Chairman Rahul Khullar. In this paper it suggested that political bodies, religious bodies and central and state government ministries or departments should be barred from entry into broadcasting and television channel distribution sectors. It also recommended if such a permission has been given, an appropriate exit route must be provided. In an attempt to ensure plurality of news and views, it suggested restrictions on political bodies and corporates entering the television and newspaper business. With respect to the media regulator, TRAI said Government should not regulate the media; there should be a single regulatory authority for TV and print mediums.

3)Petroleum Ministry recently accorded its in-principle approval for stake-sale in ONGC which may fetch the government aboutRs.18,000 crore to meet disinvestment target for the current fiscal. For this how much stake-sale in the company is proposed? 5%Explanation: As per the Budget 2014-15, the disinvestment target isRs.58,425 crore including receipts from disinvestment of government stake in the non-government companies. The Department of Disinvestment (DoD) has kick-started the process of stake sale in ONGC and has invited bids for appointing merchant bankers to manage the share sale.

4)What is the name of the 45 megawatt hydro-electricity project in J&K that was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 12 August 2014? Nimoo Bazgo Hydroelectric ProjectExplanation: The project is on the Indus River and is situated at village Alchi, 70 kilometers from Leh in J&K state. The Prime Minister dedicated this project on the occasion of his visit to the state on 12 August. He also laid the foundation stone for Leh-Kargil-Srinagar transmission system on this occasion.

5)The Wadia Group-owned GoAir declared that it has entered into profit zone by earning a profit of around Rs. 100 crore during financial year 2012-13. It has thus become only the second airline in Indian market space to earn profits. Which was the only profit-earning airline in the Indian airline space till now? IndiGoExplanation: GoAir was founded in 2005 as an aviation venture of Wadia group of Bombay Dyeing fame. IndiGo was founded in 2006 by Rahul Bhatia. It is the largest Indian airline at present and was the only profitable airline venture in India. Both GoAir and IndiGo operate in the low-cost segment but IndiGos marketshare of around one-third of Indian market is way more than that of GoAir (around 9%).6)Tata Motors launched a new car after a gap of almost 4 years on 12 August 2014. What is the name of this car? ZestExplanation: Zest is a all-new compact sedan launched by the company. It is available in both petrol and diesel variants. The top-end petrol is priced at Rs.5.99 lakh and the top-end diesel at Rs.6.99 lakh (ex-showroom in Delhi). Given that the Tata Motors performance in the domestic market has been under a lot of pressure in the recent past, a lot depends on the success of the Zest.

7)Oscar winning Hollywood actor Robin Williams was found dead in his home in California on 11 August 2014. He was considered one of the most talented actors in Hollywood at present with incredible ability to excel in both comic and serious roles. For which film he won the Oscar Award for Best Supporting Actor? Good Will Hunting(1997)

August 15-16, 2014

1)A landmark bill to overturn the collegium system for higher judiciary was passed by the Lok Sabha on 13 August 2014. What is the name of this passed bill? -The National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, 2014Explanation: The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha by a voice-vote. Union Govt. is against the collegium system of judges appointing judges. Under the collegium system top judges of the Supreme Court, headed by the Chief Justice of India, decides the appointment of judges to higher courts. Under the new law, where the National Judicial Appointments Commission will decide appointment of judges to Supreme Court and High Courts, seniority along with ability and merit will be considered for elevation.

2)99thConstitution Amendment Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on 13 August 2014. What is the subject of this constitutional amendment? Giving Constitutional status to the proposed National Judicial Appointments CommissionExplanation: The 99thConstitution Amendment Bill was passed by 367 members in favour and nil against it.

3)Which city was chosen as the ad hoc capital of Andhra Pradesh by the state government on 12 August 2014? VijayawadaExplanation: Vijayawada would be used as ad hoc capital of the state until the needed infrastructure and other projects for the new capital are completed. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minsiter N. Chandrababu Naidu also asked the members of the advisory committee on Capital City to see that the ad hoc capital houses key administrative offices during the interregnum.

4)Who was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha on 13 August 2014? -M. ThambiduraiExplanation: M. Thambidurai represents AIADMK in the Lok Sabha. He was elected unanimously as almost all parties moved motions for his election, including the Congress. The AIADMK has 37 MPs in the lower house of parliament and is the third largest party after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress.5)Who were presented the Outstanding Parliamentarian Awards for year 2012, 2011 and 2010 respectively on 12 August 2014? -Sharad Yadav (2012), Karan Singh (2011) and Arun Jaitley (2010)6)Who are the two mathematicians of Indian origin, who are among the eight winners of the prestigious awards of the International Mathematical Union (IMU) announced on 13 August 2014? -Manjul Bhargava and Subhash KhotExplanation: These awards were announced at the inaugural session of the 9-day International Congress of Mathematicians (ICM) which began at Seoul, Republic of Korea on 13 August. The 40 year-old Canadian-American Manjul Bhargava, a number theorist from Princeton University, was one of the four Fields Medalists chosen for the ICM2014 awards. The Fields Medal is considered the highest award in mathematics. Subhash Khot, an Indian-American theoretical computer scientist at the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences of New York University was chosen for the ICM2014 Rolf Nevanlinna Prize.7)Indian Railways recently launched a contact-less smart card enabling passengers to pay for reserved as well as unreserved travelling train tickets as part of a pilot project. What is the name of this smart card with lifetime validity? Go-IndiaExplanation: The Go-India Card has been launched to be used at nominated UTS counters and Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs) and nominated PRS counters for reserved tickets. The card will enable passengers to pay for tickets for long distance reserved, unreserved and suburban journeys. It is part of a pilot project to be implemented on two sectors New Delhi Howrah and New Delhi Mumbai. On New Delhi Howrah sector this card could be used at 6 railway stations New Delhi, Kanpur, Allahabad, Dhanbad, Asansol and Howrah whereas on New Delhi Mumbai sector the card could be used at New Delhi, Kota, Vadodara, Ratlam, Surat and Mumbai Central. The card would be of pre-paid nature and can be bought for Rs. 70 where passenger can get a value of Rs. 20 balance. After that the card can be recharged for Rs. 20 or in multiples of Rs. 50 up to Rs. 5,000. Maximum recharge value for Go-India Card would be Rs. 10,000.

August 15-16, 2014

1)India created history on 14 August 2014 by winning the bronze medal in the 41stWorld Chess Olympiad held in Norway. This was for the first time India won a medal in the Chess Olympiad. Which country won the gold medal (open category) in this edition of Chess Olympiad? ChinaExplanation: 41stedition of Chess Olympiad was held from 1 to 14 August 2014 at Troms, a northern city in Norway. China won the gold medal in the open category for the first time by defeating Poland 3-1 in the 11thand last round. Hungary clinched the silver in open category while India won bronze medal after crushing Uzbekistan 3.5-0.5 in the final round. Indian players who represented the country in open category included Parimarjan Negi, Sethuraman, Sasikiran, Adhiban and Lalith Babu. Top three spots in women category were claimed by Russia, China and Ukraine respectively. Chess Olympiad is a biennial chess tournament in which teams from all over the world compete against each other. The event is organised by FIDE, which selects the host nation. Total number of 1,570 players participated at the 41stedition of Chess Olympiad, with 881 in the open and 689 in the womens section.

2)What is the name of the new scheme announced by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August 2014 to help the poor in opening bank accounts, which will come with the facility of a debit card and an accidental insurance cover of Rs. 1 lakh? Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan YojanaExplanation: The Union Cabinet has already cleared the two-phase financial inclusion scheme under which bank accounts will be opened for 15 crore poor persons with an overdraft facility of Rs 5,000 and accidental insurance cover of Rs. 1 lakh. The scheme, to be pushed by the government in a mission mode, seeks to provide two accounts to 7.5 crore identified households by August 2018. The Prime Minister in his Independence Day address observed that people have mobile phones but not bank accounts and he hoped that the scheme will help in bringing the benefits of formal banking system to them.

3)55 gallantry awards (peacetime) were announced on the eve of 68thIndependence Day on 14 August 2014. Who was conferred the lone Ashok Chakra, Indias highest peacetime gallantry award? Late Maj. Mukund VaradarajanExplanation: Major Mukund Varadarajan was the officer from the 44thbattalion of Rashtriya Rifles, who laid down his life in a gun battle after killing three Hizbul Mujahideen militants in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) earlier this year. He was leading an anti-terrorist search operation in Qazipathri village in J&K. The other 54 gallantry awards announced on this occasion were 12 Shaurya Chakras, 39 Sena Medals (gallantry), one Nau Sena Medal (gallantry) and two Vayu Sena Medals (gallantry).

4)The Reserve Bank of India on 14 August 2014 announced its decision to reduce the number of mandated free transactions for savings bank account holders at other bank ATMs located in six metro cities from five to three per month. This reduction would come into effect from which date? 1 November 2014Explanation: The six metro cities (Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad) were chosen first for reducing the number of mandated free transactions as they are well-served in terms of payment infrastructure. This reduction in the number of mandated free transactions will, however, not apply to customers having no-frills/small/Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA) type of accounts as well as for transactions done by savings bank account holders at ATMs situated outside these six metro cities. Banks are also free to offer free transactions above this mandated limit.

5)In a departure from the over five-decades-old tradition of Independence Day celebrations at Parade Grounds, the Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on 15 August 2014 hoisted the national flag at a newly selected historic spot in capital Hyderabad. Which place is this? The Golconda FortExplanation: The Andhra Pradesh governments of the past had been organising this event at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad for well over 5 decades. In a move aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Telangana, the CM chose the fort for the first Independence Day celebrations after formation of Telangana as a separate state. The ruined Golconda Fort on the fringes of Hyderabad was the capital of Qutub Shahi kingdom from 1518 to 1687. The fort was built by Kaktiyas of Warangal during 10thcentury as a mud fort and was fortified by Qutub Shahis.

6)Which Iranian-born professor became the first woman ever to win the Fields Medal of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), which is considered the top prize in the field of mathematics? Dr. Maryam MirzakhaniExplanation: Maryam Mirzakhani is a Iran-born woman professor at Stanford University (US). She received the Fields Medal, known as the Nobel Prize of mathematics, at the International Congress of Mathematics in Seoul on 13 August 2014, along with three other mathematicians honoured with the prize this year. The other recipients were Artur Avila, Manjul Bhargava and Martin Hairer. Dr. Mirzakhanis research focusing on geometry and dynamical systems has contributed to the understanding of symmetry of curved surfaces, which has implications for physics and quantum field theory.

7)Which woman bank officer was appointed as the Executive Director of the Bharatiya Mahila Bank on 14 August 2014? SM SwathiExplanation: SM Swathi was till now the General Manager of Corporation Bank. She headed important branches, zones and other offices during her tenure in Corporation Bank. She took the charge on 14 August 2014.

August 17, 2014

1)Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16 August 2014 dedicated to the nation the largest indigenously-built destroyer warship INS Kolkata. This huge 6800-tonne warship has been manufactured by which PSU defence unit? Mazgaon Dock Limited (MDL)Explanation: Mazgaon Dock Limited is public-sector undertaking (PSU) unit based in Mumbai. It is engaged in manufacturing warships and submarines for the Indian Navy, as well as offshore platforms and associated support vessels for offshore oil drilling. INS Kolkata is a part of the Kolkata Class destroyers and is the first of the three such ships that will join the Indian Navy in the next few years. It has an in-built anti-submarine capability and can take on an anti-ship missile and fighter aircraft. INS Kolkata is also the first Indian ship to be armed with the land attack, anti-ship Brahmos missile.2)The 2ndSummer Youth Olympic Games started on 16 August 2014 in China with Rugby making its return to the Olympic programme after 92 years with these Games. Which Chinese city is hosting these Games? NanjingExplanation: The Youth Olympic Games were established by the International Olympic Committee in 2007. The first-ever Summer Youth Olympic Game was held in 2010 at Vancouver (Canada). Over 200 countries are taking part in these Games to be held from 16 to 28 August 2014.3)Who was appointed the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on 16 August 2014? K.V. ThomasExplanation: K.V. Thomas is a senior Congress leader and former Food Minister. PAC is the top finance panel of the Indian Parliament and is constituted for the auditing of the expenditure of the Government of India. It comprises of selected Members of Parliament (MPs). It is formed every year with a strength of not more than 22 members of which 15 are from Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament, and 7 from Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Parliament. The term of office of the PAC members is one year. The Chairman of PAC is selected from the opposition.4)The greatest-ever female chess player retiredfrom competitive chess arena on 14 August 2014 with the conclusion of the 41stWorld Chess Olympiad at Troms (Norway). She had been the world No.1 woman player for 25 years and had been one of the worlds top players for a couple of decades. She was once ranked No. 8 among men. What is the name of this legendary player? Judit PolgarExplanation: Judit Polgar of Hungary has sometimes been rated as the greatest sportswoman of all time. Judit did not want to play with women because they posed no challenge for her. Besides, she was good enough to beat the strongest of men. She has defeated 10 world champions. The chess greats whom Judit Polgar had defeated in her illustrious career included Garry Kasparov, Viswanathan Anand, Anatoly Karpov, Veselin Topalov and the present World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen. She was the youngest of the three legendary Hungarian sisters called Polgar Sisters, the other two being Susan (the eldest) and Sofia (the middle-one).5)The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced on 14 August 2014 that its board has given approval to create an additional post in the rank of Deputy Governor. For this RBI has approached the government for required legislative changes. Which post is this? Chief Operating Officer (COO)Explanation: The RBI, the central bank of India, is presently headed by a Governor and assisted by four deputy governors looking after different functions of the bank. It now wants to create a post of COO and re-allocate work among the five. The RBI has been deliberating on a broad HR restructuring exercise to align organisational resources and structures with the needs of the domestic economy and changes in the external environment.

August 18, 2014

1)Who was selected as the Chairman of the Estimates Committee of Parliament by the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on 16 August 2014? Dr. Murli Manohar JoshiExplanation: The Estimates Committee consists of30 members, all from Lok Sabha, who are elected byLok Sabha every year from amongst its members. The main function of this committee is tosuggest alternative policies in order to bring aboutefficiency and economy in govt. administration.

2)Who was selected as the Chairman of the Committee on Public Undertakings (CoPU) of Parliament by the Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on 16 August 2014? V. Shanta Kumar

3)India lost the 5thand final test of the Test series against England at the Oval on 17 August 2014 to lose the series 1-3. India suffered a humiliating loss by an innings and 244 runs after they were bundled out for a paltry 94 in the second innings in the final test. England won the series despite a defeat at Lords in the second Test. Who was named man of the series? James Anderson of EnglandExplanation: James Anderson took 25 wicketsin the series and contributed heavily in Indias series defeat. He gave this sterling performance despite being involved in a controversy, involving Indias Ravindra Jadeja. The loss at Oval was the third biggest innings defeat for India. With this series win England retained the Pataudi Trophy, awarded to the winner of the England-India Test Cricket series.

4)Which area of upper Assams Golaghat district came to news during August 2014 due to raids by armed groups from Nagaland, that left 11 dead and seven injured and forced over 10,000 people to take shelter in relief camps? UriamghatExplanation: Uriamghat is situated along the disputed Assam-Nagaland border. It witnessed raids from Nagaland-based armed groups on 12 and 13 August 2014. The incident created panic among the people living in the disputed area. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on 16 August 2014 sought Prime Minister Narendra Modis intervention for restoration of peace in the Uriamghat area.

5)What is the name of the Indo-Nepal Combined Army Training Exercise that started from 18 August 2014 near Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand? Surya Kiran-VIIExplanation: Surya Kiran-VII is a joint bilateral army exercise between India and Nepal being conducted from 18 August to 31 August 2014. It is being held in the mountain terrain of Pithoragarh in the Northern Himalayas at an altitude of 5000-6000 feet under the aegis of Guard Division. It is the Second Battalion Level Combined Exercise and approximately 300 personnel including officers and JCOs from both the armies are participating in this exercise.6)Who took over as the new Chairman of Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 16 August 2014? Rajni RazdanExplanation: Rajni Razdan was till now a member of the UPSC. She succeeded Prof. D.P. Agrawal, who also administered the oath of office and secrecy to her. Razdan, an IAS Officer of Haryana Cadre of 1973 Batch, joined the UPSC as Member on 19 April 2010. UPSC is Indias central agency authorised to conduct some of the premier all-India examinations including IAS, IES, CDS, NDA, etc.

7)In order to honour its jawans and officers killed in action, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has decided to prefix the name of these courageous people with an honourable word. Which word is this? Shaheed, which means a martyrExplanation: CRPF is Indias largest paramilitary force and is the leading anti-Naxal operations force, which by virtue of its huge deployment has the highest casualty rate among all forces deployed in internal security duties. It recently issued orders for use of the prefix Shaheed with immediate effect for all casualties where the trooper or officer was on duty. There was a demand from all quarters about the need to address the slain personnel in a befitting manner. CRPF has the maximum deployment of troops in anti-Naxal operations at close to 90,000 personnel and has lost hundreds of men in combating Maoists over the years.8)Which suburb of Missouri State in the U.S. witnessed widespread violence, protests and incidents of looting during August 2014 as a result of the shooting of a black teenager by a white policeman? FergusonExplanation: Ferguson is a small suburb in St. Louis County in the state of Missouri. The violence and protests started after a black unarmed teenager Michael Brown was killed by a white police officer on 9 August 2014. On 16 August 2014 Missouri Governor Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency and announced a curfew to go into effect between midnight and 5 a.m.

August 19, 2014

1)India on 18 August 2014 called off Foreign Secretary-level talks with Pakistan slated to be held on 25 August 2014 at Islamabad. What was the reason given for calling-off these talks? Pakistani High Commissioner Abdul Basits meetings with Kashmiri separatist leaders belonging to the HurriyatExplanation: India on 18 August conveyed a blunt message to Pakistan that it was interfering in Indias internal affairs by holding talks with Kashmiri separatists. India was upset that despite being firmly told by the Indian Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh that Pakistan has to choose between India or separatists for talks, its top envoy Abdul Basit in New Delhi went ahead with the meeting with the separatist leader Shabbir Shah, the leader of Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP). Sujatha Singh was to travel to Islamabad on 25 August 2014 to hold talks with her Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Chaudhry, nearly two years after the Indo-Pak talks were stalled due to incidents along the LoC.

2)According to information released by Indias power regulator Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC), around what percentage of countrys total power generation capacity is contributed by diesel gensets (generators)? Around 36%Explanation: According to the information released by CERC during August 2014, millions of diesel generator (DG) sets working to meet the shortage in industrial and commercial units now add up to a cumulative capacity of 90,000 MW or around 36% of countrys current installed generation capacity. Taking into account domestic loadrunning on gensets, would take this figure to beyond 90,000 MW. That figure is nearly equal to what was Indias total installed power generation capacity just over a decade ago (March 2002). According to CERC data, DG capacity is growing at a rate of 5,000 MW to 8,000 MW every year. That is higher than the cumulative nuclear and solar capacities being added year-on-year in the country.

3)Who was nominated as the Parliamentary Party leader of the AIADMK on 18 August 2014 following the election of M Thambidurai as Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha? P VenugopalExplanation: P. Venugopal, a two-time Lok Sabha MP from Tiruvallur (reserved) constituency, will be AIADMK Parliamentary Party leader and the floor leader of the party in Lok Sabha. A Navaneethakrishnan, Rajya Sabha MP and former Advocate-General, will be the Deputy Parliamentary Party leader and the floor leader in the Rajya Sabha. AIADMK has the third largest MPs in the Lok Sabha after the BJP and Congress.

4)WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on 18 August 2014 said that he will soon leave the EcuadorianEmbassy he has been holed up for nearly two years to avoid his arrest. He has been living in which countrys EcuadorianEmbassy which he wants to leave now? BritainExplanation: Julian Assange, whose website WikiLeaks published classified US military and diplomatic documents embarrassing the US government, has been living inside the Ecuadorian embassy building in London since being granted diplomatic asylum by the Ecuador Govt. in August 2012. He is under continuous surveillance and will be arrested if he leaves the building. Scotland Yard officers have been stationed outside the building round-the-clock for two years now. Reports suggest that he has developed life-threatening ailments that require hospitalisation.

5)Who will head the Indian contingent as the Chef-de-Mission for the oncoming 17thAsian Games to be held at Incheon, South Korea during Sep-Oct 2014? Adille SumariwalaExplanation: Adille Sumariwala is the President of the Athletics Federation of India (AFI). India won 65 medals in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou in China with 12 medals (5 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze) coming from athletics.

6)With 16,100 MW wind power produced in 2013, China was ranked World top wind power producing country in the recently released Renewables 2014 Global Status Report. What was Indias rank in this report? 5thExplanation: India added 1,700 MW wind producing capacity in year 2013 to emerge as the fifth largest wind power producing country. China was followed by USA, Germany, Spain and India to complete the Top 5 nations in this list. In terms of annual investment in the wind energy sector in 2013, China ranked number one followed by Germany, UK, India and Canada. Worlds aggregate wind power capacity during 2013 stood at 3,18,000 MW.

7)Who was the founder of the Jharkhand Disom Party (JDP) which merged with the BJP on 18 August 2014? Salkhan MurmuExplanation: Jharkhand Disom Party (JDP) was founded in 2002 by Salkhan Murmu, who was a former MP of the BJP. It was founded with the objective of working for the rights of the Adivasi (tribal) people of Jharkhand. The party was merged with the BJP as it wants to fight the next assembly elections in the state under the banner of BJP.

8)The Department of Telecom (DoT) is considering merger of Mumbai and Kolkata circles with Maharashtra and West Bengal service areas. This step will end roaming charges on subscribers travelling from these two cities to other parts in respective states and vice versa. Which Telecom Minister had in 2004 started the discussion to merge certain circles like Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai into their respective states? Dayanidhi MaranExplanation: Dayanidhi Maran, the then Telecom Minister in 2004, had asked the DoT to merge Chennai service area with Tamil Nadu, Mumbai with Maharashtra and Kolkata with West Bengal so that customers are not required to pay roaming charges within a state. Later, plans for merger of Uttar Pradesh West and East were also taken up. However, in 2005, only Chennai was merged with Tamil Nadu.

August 20, 2014

1)What is the name of the controversial survey conducted by the Telangana Government throughout the state on 19 August 2014 and due to which various sections of the state were scared and apprehensive? Samagra Kutumbh Survey or Intensive Household SurveyExplanation: The Intensive Household Survey, completed in one day across Telangana, was to identify genuine beneficiaries of government welfare measures. The surveyors sought to see bank account details and the Aadhar card. The government had declared holidays under the Shops and Establishment Act. Residents of Telangana, especially capital Hyderabad, who originally came from Andhra areas were scared with this survey as they felt that the information collected from them would be used against them at a later stage. As various sections of the state populace were apprehensive about this survey, the matter was taken to the Hyderabad High Court about validity of the survey. The High Court on 14 August 2014 permitted the Telangana government to go ahead with the survey on the assurance of the states Advocate General that the exercise was not mandatory and denizens could choose not to answer the queries of enumerators. The survey was conducted across the ten districts in the state with the help of four lakh government employees and a huge team of outsourced enumerators in the state.2)The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 18 August 2014 constituted a 15-member inter-regulatory committee to monitor the growing phenomenon of shadow banking. Who has been appointed as the Chairman of this committee? P. Vijaya Bhaskar(Executive Director, RBI)Explanation: Shadow banking refers to banking-like activity by non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) that remain outside the regulatory net. They generally operate as intermediaries between investors and borrowers. The role of this newly constituted committee will be to find out the volume of money in shadow banks, who the investors are and direction of the money flow, etc. Also real estate dealings will be looked into very meticulously by the committee. The 15-member committee comprises of officials of the RBI, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Central Economic Intelligence Bureau and the National Housing Bank (NHB).

3)A Manipur court on 19 August 2014 ordered the release of Manipuri woman Irom Sharmila, who has staged a 14-year hunger strike in protest at human rights abuses in Manipur. She began her fast on 4 November 2000 after witnessing the killing of 10 people by the army at a bus stop near her home in Manipur. Her protests against the abuses allegedly committed by security forces are subject of which law, which has been opposed in the state? Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)Explanation: Sharmila, known as the Iron Lady of Manipur for her unwavering and non-violent protest, has refused food and water for almost 14 years to draw attention to abuses allegedly committed by security forces, a subject which comes under the purview of the AFSPA. The AFSPA, which covers large parts of northeastern India and Kashmir, gives security forces sweeping powers to search, enter property and shoot-on-sight and is seen by critics as cover for human rights abuses.

4)What is the name of the Mission Director of the Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) Scheme, who resigned from the post during August 2014? S. SundareshanExplanation: Sundareshan was a 1976 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre and was appointed Mission Director, Direct Benefits Transfer Scheme, in June 2013. The reason for his resignation was not disclosed. The much touted DBT programme was rolled-out by the previous UPA government on 1 January 2013, for transferring subsidies of various welfare schemes through the Aadhaar-linked platform. The UPA government had also initiated transfer of LPG subsidy through DBT from 1 June 2013, under which consumers are paid cash subsidy to help them buy LPG cylinders at market price.5)Who was appointed as the Team Director of the Indian cricket team by the BCCI on 19 August 2014 for the upcoming ODI series against England, a decision which virtually sidelined Chief Coach Duncan Fletcher? Ravi Shastri, Former Indian cricketer and captainExplanation: While Fletcher will continue as the head coach of the team, the shake-up is a clear indication that his wings will be clipped. Under pressure to act after Indias disastrous performance in the Test series, the BCCI also appointed former players Sanjay Bangar and Bharat Arun as assistant coaches and R. Sridhar as the fielding coach as it revamped the team management. BCCI also gave a break to bowling coach Joe Dawes and fielding coach Trevor Penny for the upcoming ODI series.

August 21, 2014

1)World-renowned Yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar passed away at a Pune hospital on 20 August 2014 at the age of 96 years. He was considered one of the foremost Yoga teachers in the world and founded the style of yoga known as Iyengar Yoga. Iyegar is credited with providing global popularity to Yoga with his unusual style. What is the name of the iconic book written by him which is considered as the Bible of Modern Yoga? Light on YogaExplanation: B.K.S Iyengar (full name Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar) is credited with integrating the eight aspects of astanga yoga, now known as Iyengars Yoga. His iconic book Light on Yoga has been translated into 19 languages and has sold more than 3 million copies worldwide. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, Indias second highest civilian award, during the Republic Day celebrations earlier this year.

2)Who is heading high-level committee to recommend restructuring of Food Corporation of India (FCI) that was constituted by the Union Government on 20 August 2014? Shanta KumarExplanation: Shanta Kumar is the former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and is presently a Lok Sabha MP of the BJP. The committee will mainly study various models of restructuring or unbundling of FCI to improve its operational efficiency and financial management as well as measures for overall improvement in management of foodgrains by FCI. It is commonly perceived that FCI is plagued with several functional and cost inefficiencies, which need to be removed for efficient management of foodgrains and saving costs.

3)Which international finance entity launched a $2.5-billion onshore Indian rupee bond programme on 20 August 2014 so as to strengthen the capital market and support infrastructure development in India? International Finance Corporation (IFC)Explanation: IFC is a member of the World Bank Group. It finances and provides advice for private sector ventures and projects in developing countries in partnership with domestic financial institutions and banks. Under the rupee bond programme, IFC will use a combination of rupee-denominated bonds and swaps to raise local currency financing of up to $2.5 billion orRs.15,000 crore over the next five years. Proceeds from the programme will be used for infrastructure investments in India.

4)On 20 August 2014 the Finance Ministry ordered a forensic audit to be done at the branches of two banks in view of the reports of misappropriation of funds worth Rs. 436 crore. Which two banks are involved in this matter? Dena Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC)Explanation: According to media reports, a Mumbai-based branch manager of Dena Bank mobilised fixed deposits (FDs), using middlemen, to the tune of Rs 256.5 crore from seven corporates, while in the case of OBC, misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs. 180 crore was reported. In the wake of rising scams in public sector banks, the Finance Ministry is looking at various steps, including strengthening of risk management, appointment of bank chiefs for longer tenures, separation of posts and better quality of nominee and independent directors.5)Who took over as the fourth Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) during July 2014? Subhash Sheoratan Mundra (S.S. Mundra)Explanation: S.S. Mundra took the charge as the Deputy Governor of the RBI on 31 July 2014. Three other deputy governors of the RBI are Urjit Patel, HR Khan, and R. Gandhi. Before taking this responsibility at RBI, Mundra was the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the public-sector bank Bank of Baroda (BOB). Mundra filled the vacancy created by the retirement of K.C. Chakrabarty in April 2014, two months before his five-year tenure was come to an end.

August 22, 2014

1)What is the name of the ambitious e-governance project of the Union Govt., which was approved by the Union Cabinet on 20 August 2014 and which aims to ensure that government services are available to citizens electronically? Digital India ProjectExplanation: The project, which has a total overlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, aims to ensure that government services are available to citizens electronically and help people gain benefits from the latest information and communication technology. Digital India project envisages bringing all the existing initiatives such as the Ebiz project, E-kranti, virtual classroom, e-visas and the National Optical Fibre Network project under a single umbrella. Other programmes include implementation of e-office to make Government departments paperless, encouraging domestic manufacturing of electronic products and kick starting Research & Development and entrepreneurship development fund. The project was unveiled in the Budget 2014-15 and is being directly monitored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

2)Who was chosen as the next Prime Minister of Thailand by countrys junta-appointed legislature on 21 August 2014? General Prayuth Chan-ochaExplanation: General Prayuth Chan-ocha is due to retire from the army during September 2014 and was the only candidate put forward for the post of Prime Minister. He served as de facto premier since toppling the elected govt. of Yingluck Shinawatra on 22 May 2014. Thai legislatures choice of Gen. Prayuth as next Prime Minister will now be endorsed by Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej as a mere formality.3)What is the name of the American journalist who was killed by the militants of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) by beheading, as shown in a video released by the militants on 19 August 2014? James FoleyExplanation: The militants of the Islamic State had released a horrific video which contained the beheading of U.S. freelance photojournalist James Foley. The White House on 20 August 2014 authenticated the video as real. James Foley thus became the first American citizen to be formally executed under the ISIS establishment.

4)What is the name of the Punjabi film, the slated release of which on 22 August 2014 was stopped by the Union Govt. on 21 August 2014? Kaum De HeereExplanation: Kaum De Heere is a Punjabi film on former Prime Minister Indira Gandhis assassination and its release was barred by the govt. citing apprehensions of law and order problems in parts of the country. The decision was taken collectively by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Home Ministry and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) after watching the movie. The film is reportedly based on the lives of the assassins of the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi Beant Singh, Satwant Singh and Kehar Singh and is alleaged to glorify their act.

5)Which 5 Indian companies were listed among Forbes list of the Worlds 100 Most Innovative Companies released on 20 August 2014? Hindustan Unilever, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Sun Pharma Industries and Bajaj AutoExplanation: Hindustan Unilever was listed at 14thplace and in the list and was followed by TCS (57thplace), L&T (58thplace), Sun Pharma Industries (65thplace) and Bajaj Auto (96thplace) among Indian companies. The list has been topped by California-based global cloud computing company Salesforce for the fourth year in a row. Forbes Worlds 100 Most Innovative Companies is based on innovation premium, which is a measure of how much investors have bid up the stock price of a company above the value of its existing business based on expectations of future innovative results like new products, services and markets. Salesforce, with a market cap of USD 35.87 billion, had an innovation premium of 75.9% and continued its reign as Forbes most innovative company for the fourth straight year.

August 23-24, 2014

1)What is the name of Indias first Naval vessel with all weapon systems built indigenously, that was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 23 August 2014? INS KamortaExplanation: INS Kamorta was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley at Vishakhapatnam on 23 August. The first indigenously-built stealth was handed over to Indian Navy by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. (GRSE) earlier on 12 July 2014. GRSE is a public-sector ship building enterprise and has manufactured INS Kamorta. The ship will be based at the Vishakhapatnam-based Eastern Command of Indian Navy.2)Which state government on 21 August 2014 announced proposal to clamp complete prohibition on liquor in various phases? KeralaExplanation: The Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, which met 21 August 2014 to discuss the liquor policy of the government, decided to bring in prohibition in a phased manner. The state govt. proposed to make Kerala a dry state in 10 years. Presently Gujarat is the only dry state of India.

3)Indias capital market regulator SEBI on 22 August 2014 ordered which NBFC entity to refund the money raised from some 58.5 million customers through collective investment schemes (CIS)? Pearls Agrotech Corp. LtdExplanation: Delhi-based Pearls Agrotech operates from 15 regional offices and had 3.35 million field associates in 2011-12. SEBI found Pearls Agrotech violating CIS regulations by mobilizing the money without being registered with the regulator. The company offered two kinds of plans- a cash-down payment plan and an instalment payment plan. Under the former, it offered to allot land to customers within 270 days of payment and under the latter within 90 days.

4)U.R. Ananthamurthy, the writer of incredible literary works like Samskara and Bharatipura and the winner of Indias highest literary award- the Janapith Award, passed away on 22 August 2014. He did his writings in which language? KannadaExplanation :U.R. Ananthamurthy (full name Udupi Rajagopalacharya Ananthamurthy) was considered the doyen of Kannada literature. He was the pioneer of the Navya movement. Hisworks have been translated into several Indian and European languages and have been awarded with important literary prizes.

5)The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 22 August 2014 released the charter of customer rights, which seeks to provide the right to be treated with courtesy to both the customer and the financial services provider. What are the important clauses of this charter?- The customer should not be unfairly discriminated against on grounds such as gender, age, religion, caste and physical ability when offering and delivering financial products by the financial services provider- The key risks associated with the financial product as well as any features that may especially disadvantage the customer should be made known to him/her by the financial services provider- The financial services provider should provide customers with product terms and conditions that are in simple language, easily understandable, and with sufficient information that the customer could be reasonably expected to make an appropriate choice of product- The financial services provider may, however, have certain special products which are specifically designed for members of a target market group or may use defensible, commercially acceptable economic rationale for discriminating between customers

August 25, 2014

1)The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) during August 2014 notified that the two-step authentication for credit card transactions including card not present transactions is a must as mandated under the rules. This announcement was made by the RBI primarily to set right which anomaly? To bring under check the so-called customer-friendly payment model followed by certain service providersExplanation: The toughening RBI stance on two-step authentication process is primarily aimed to set right an unintended wrong arising out of the so-called customer-friendly payment model followed by certain service providers. By doing so, they have managed to give the two-step authentication requirement a slip. According to the RBI, however, this is resulting in foreign exchange outflow. The non-adherence to the two-step authentication process has also made the field uneven for players especially in fields such as taxi operation. Frequent taxi users among credit card holders will prefer a cab provider who accepts a hassle-free payment process.

2)History was created at Delhis prestigious St. Stephens College on 23 August 2014 as student from the Hindi medium was elected president of its students union. What is the name of this student who achieved this success despite his humble background for a college traditionally known as college of the elite? Rohit Kumar YadavExplanation: Rohit Kumar Yadav, is the son of Harish Yadav, who works as a gardener in the college premises. A student of 3rd year BA Programme, Rohit has been educated in Hindi medium all through his student life. St. Stephens does not work in accordance with other Delhi University colleges. While other colleges are yet to conduct their students union elections, St. Stephens conducted its polls on 23 August and announced the result the same day.

3)Maharashtra Governor K. Sankaranarayanan on 24 August 2014 quit the office consequent to his transfer from Maharashtra. He was transferred to which state as its next Governor? MizoramExplanation: K. Sankaranarayanan was transferred from Maharashtra to Mizoram on the same day. He was also the only Governor appointed by the Congress-led UPA to openly come out against the manner in which the Modi Government sought his resignation. He took strong exception to the Union Home Secretarys action seeking his resignation.

4)Which company replaced IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as Indias most admired company in Forbes list of Indias Most Admired Companies for 2014 released during August 2014? ITC LimitedExplanation: ITC Limited is tobacco-to-consumer goods conglomerate. Releasing the third annual list of 45 most admired companies in India for the year 2014, Forbes magazine announced there are as many as 19 new entities on the list including GMR Infra, Shapoorji Pallonji, Idea Cellular,BSES Rajdhani Limited, Cognizant and Abbott Pharma. In the latest list for the year 2014, ITC is follow