Current Affair September 2015

Nirdeshak September Month Current Affair Pdf

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1st September

1) What is the most important recommendation of the Law Commission of India (LCI) pertaining to death-penalty, as disclosed in its report no. 262 that was released on 31 August 2015? It has recommended the abolition of death penalty in all cases except those related to terrorism and waging war against India

Explanation: The Law Commission of India, led by Justice Ajit Prakash Shah, former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, has recommended that death penalty should be kept only for cases pertaining to terror and war against the country. A 272-page draft report of the Law Commission, which was released on 31 August 2015, is thus a reversal of commissions earlier stand on death penalty. This was the 262nd report of the Law Commission. It is worth mentioning that in 1962, the Law Commission, in its 35th Report, had recommended retention of death penalty. India is one of 59 countries where the death penalty is still awarded by courts.

2) What is the name of the scheme for online release of new LPG connections, which was launched by Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan recently? Sahaj

Explanation: Sahaj is the name of the scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas that facilitates online release of new LPG connections, through the portal mylpg.in to enable customers to register for new LPG connections online, as well as make on line payments for the same. The scheme was launched on 30 August 2015, initially in 13 cities Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Patna and Pune. It will be launched all over the country very shortly.

3) During August 2015 which High Court of the country had declared Jain communitys practice of Santhara as illegal, which was stayed by the Supreme Court on 31 August 2015? Rajasthan High Court

Explanation: The Supreme Court on 31 August 2015 stayed the order passed by Rajasthan High Court declaring Santhara as illegal. The High Court, in a judgment on 10 August 2015 had declared the practice illegal and an offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Santhara is a Jain custom of embracing voluntary death. It involves practitioners taking an oath to stop eating until they die of starvation. According to Jains, this is a way to purge oneself of bad karma and attain moksha. After Rajasthan High Courts order, the Jain country all over


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the country had launched protest against the order, stating that the judiciary is trying to intervene in its pious religious practices.

4) How many cities and towns of the country have been identified by the Union Govt. for implementation of its ambitious Housing for All scheme under which assistance of over Rs. 2 lakh crore would be provided over the next six years for enabling two crore urban poor own their own houses? 305

Explanation: 305 towns and cities spread across nine states of the country have been identified for implementation of Housing for All scheme. The selected cities and towns are in Chhattisgarh (36 cities/towns), Gujarat (30), Jammu and Kashmir (19), Jharkhand (15), Kerala (15), Madhya Pradesh (74), Odisha (42), Rajasthan (40) and Telangana (34). Besides these nines states, six more states have signed Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Ministry committing them to implement six mandatory reforms essential for making the housing mission in urban areas a success. It is worth mentioning that under Housing for All scheme, two crore houses are targeted to be built for the poor in urban areas by year 2022, coinciding with 75 years of Independence. Housing for All scheme was launched as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 June 2015.

5) Which district of Kerala is on its way to be declared as the first total HIV/AIDS literate district in the country? Palakkad

Explanation: Keralas Palakkad district would soon be declared as the first total HIV/AIDS literate district in the country. This was announced by district panchayat president T.N. Kandamuthan on 31 August 2015. To make the district total HIV/AIDS literate district, a special project titled Jyothirgamaya was implemented with the cooperation of 91 gram panchayats and four municipalities in the district. The project was to educate people about AIDS and the need to remove the stigma and discrimination against its victims. Under this project, workers of Asha, Anganwadi and Kudumbasree had distributed pamphlets in every household, conducted awareness classes, quiz contests and rallies.

6) Who was appointed as the new Home Secretary on 31 August 2015? Rajiv Mehrishi

Explanation: Rajiv Mehrishi, a 1978 batch IAS officer from Rajasthan cadre, was appointed as the new Home Secretary on 31 August 2015. He replaced L.C. Goyal, who sought premature voluntary retirement on the same day, barely a few months after being appointed to the post, and was appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO). With this Rajiv Mehrishi became the third Home Secretary to be appointed by the Modi


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government in the past one year. Mehrishi was Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (Ministry of Finance) till now.

7) Which country created history by topping the medals tally at the 15th World Championships of Athletics that concluded on 30 August 2015 at Beijing? Kenya

Explanation: This was the first time that Kenya topped the medals tally at the World Athletics Championships, which is the most prestigious athletics event in the world. With seven gold medals, six silver and three bronze was at top spot ahead of Jamaica (7 gold and 2 silver) and the United States (6 gold and 6 silver). It was the best ever finish for Kenya in World Championships as the country once again performed exceedingly well in its traditional domains of middle- and long-distance running with gold medals for David Rudisha in the mens 800m, Vivian Cheruiyot in the womens 10,000m and Ezekiel Kemboi and Hyvin Jepkemoi triumphing in the mens and womens 3,000m steeplechase respectively. Kenyas final gold medal was won by Asbel Kiprop in the 1500m.

2nd September

1) The Reserve Bank of India on 31 August 2015 declared which two banks of the country as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs), which literally means that these banks are so integral to the national economy that their failure would have to be prevented at any cost? SBI and ICICI Bank

Explanation: While State Bank of India (SBI) is the largest public sector bank and the largest banking entity in the country, ICICI Bank is the largest private sector bank in the country. The two banks were designated as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) by the RBI, meaning their collapse could have a cascading impact on the entire financial system and the economy. SBI and ICICI have been so designated on the basis of a systemic importance score, arrived at after an analysis of the banks size as a percentage of annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Banks with assets that exceed 2% of GDP will be considered to be part of this class of lenders. As of 30 June 2015, SBIs loan book was worth Rs.12.8 trillion and ICICIs loan book was close to Rs.4 trillion. The RBI had issued the framework for dealing with Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) on 22 July 2014. The D-SIB framework requires the RBI to disclose the names of banks designated as D-SIBs every year in August starting from August 2015. The framework requires that D-SIBs may be placed in four buckets depending upon their Systemic Importance Scores (SISs). Based on the bucket in which a D-SIB is placed, an additional common equity requirement has to be applied to it, as mentioned in the D-SIB framework. While SBI has been kept in Bucket -3 category, ICICI Bank has been placed in Bucket-1 category. In November 2011, the Basel committee of the Bank for International


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Settlements (BIS) announced a framework for identifying global systemically important banks and the additional buffers that such banks need to hold.

2) What important trend in household financial savings during 2014-15 was seen in the country as disclosed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 1 September 2015? Financial savings of households have successfully reversed a 5-year long dipping trend

Explanation: Financial savings stands for savings or investments done in deposits, stocks, insurance, mutual funds, pension funds and other such instruments. According to the preliminary estimates released by the RBI on 1 September, the household financial savings in the country have successfully broken a five year trend over which the share of financial savings was seen dipping. Household financial saving for 2014-15 placed at 7.5 % of Indias national income as against 7.3% in 2013-14. The gross domestic saving rate declined for the second consecutive year to 30% of national income. This largely reflected the reduction in the saving rate of households on account of a decline in physical assets as well as in valuables. On the other hand, household financial saving gained from returns turning attractive with the moderation in inflation as well as the pick-up in economic activity. An earlier RBI study had noted that households had to face persistently high inflation in the midst of a weakening outlook for employment and income growth, and their preference for inflation hedges in the form of gold and real estate led to a decline in financial savings.

3) Global ratings agency Fitch, on 1 September 2015, downgraded which PSU banks Viability Rating by one notch to bb on account of the growing risk to the banks capital position from mounting stock of stressed assets? Punjab National Bank (PNB)

Explanation: PNBs Viability Rating (VR) was downgraded by one notch to bb to reflect the growing risk to the banks capital position from its mounting stock of stressed assets, which has risen at a faster rate than its capital replenishment. On the other hand, Fitch also warned IDBI Bank about vulnerability to a downgrade due to rise in the stressed asset ratio. Fitch affirmed the Long Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at BBB- for banks including State Bank of India (SBI), PNB, Canara Bank, IDBI Bank, ICICI Bank, Bank of Baroda and its subsidiary in New Zealand.

4) What is the name of the historic temple in the ancient town of Palmyra in Syria, the destruction of which by the militants of the Islamic State (IS) was confirmed by a satellite image released by the United Nations (UN) on 1 September 2015? Temple of Bel


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Explanation: The Temple of Bel is dedicated to the Palmyrene gods and was one of the best-preserved parts of the ancient city. It was destroyed by the militants of the IS during August 2015. Maamoun Abdul Karim, the head of the Syrian Department of Antiquities and Museums, had on 31 August said that the Temple of Bel had suffered a large explosion, but that he believed most of the site had remained intact. But a satellite photo of the site confirmed that the main structure of Temple of Bel has been completed blown. IS has previously targeted historical sites in areas under its control in Iraq and Syria, regarding their ancient temples and sculptures as heretical. The sale of looted antiquities is one of the groups main sources of funding. It has also been accused of destroying ancient sites to gain publicity.

5) India won a historic Test series against Sri Lanka as it defeated the hosts by 117 runs in the third and final test match played in Colombo on 1 September 2015. With this win India ended a 22-year long wait for a Test series win over Sri Lanka on their home soil. Who had led India in the last Sri Lankan Test series win 22-years ago? Mohammad Azharuddin

Explanation: Indias last series success in Sri Lanka came under Mohammad Azharuddins captaincy in 1993 when they won 1-0. India won this Test series under the captaincy of new Test captain Virat Kohli. Needing 386 runs to win the final Test as well as the series, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 268 after tea on the fifth day at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo to hand the tourists a 2-1 series scoreline. India fought back after losing the opening Test in Galle by 63 runs to win the second at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo by 278 runs and then took the enthralling final Test in the last session of play. Ravichandra Ashwin, who took 21 wickets in the series, was adjudged Man of the Series.

6) Who was appointed as the new Finance Secretary on 31 August 2015? Ratan P. Watal

Explanation: Union Govt. on 31 August designated Revenue Secretary Ratan Watal as the new Finance Secretary. He is a 1978-batch IAS officer of the Andhra Pradesh cadre. On the other hand Shaktikanta Das took charge as the Secretary for Department of Economic Affairs after Rajiv Mehrishi on his last day in office was appointed Home Secretary for a two-year tenure. Financial Services Secretary Hasmukh Adhia was appointed as the new Revenue Secretary while Corporate Affairs Secretary Anjuly Chib Duggal took over from Adhia.

7) Who took over as the new Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on 31 August 2015? Raghav Chandra


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Explanation: Raghav Chandra, the former additional secretary and financial advisor to the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation, on 31 August assumed his office as the head of the NHAI. An IAS Officer of the 1982 batch Madhya Pradesh Cadre, he has held important positions in the Central Government and the Government of Madhya Pradesh.

3rd September

1) The Reserve Bank of India on 1 September 2015 issued draft guidelines pertaining to interest rates and base rates. In the draft, RBI has sought to implement what new methodology for interest rates of the banks? It has prescribed a uniform method by which banks have to arrive at the interest rates for providing loans

Explanation: The new draft guidelines RBI has proposed to encourage banks to move to the so-called marginal-cost-of-funds-based determination of their minimum lending rates. Using this methodology, the base rates of banks could soften a tad, going by the easy liquidity in the banking system currently. This could also reduce the lag between changes in deposit rates and lending rates. Thus banks could lose some of their freedom to fix lending rates. The RBI has proposed to fix 1 April 2016, for implementing the new methodology. This will give sufficient time to all banks to adopt the new base rate methodology as well as the spread guidelines. Banks will have to submit a roadmap clearly indicating the time frame for adopting the new methodology within a period of two months from the date of the final circular. The central bank has sought stakeholders feedback on or before 15 September 2015.

2) A huge one-day Bharat Bandh strike was observed by almost all the 10 major trade unions associated with the public sector and a few private associations on 2 September 2015. Against what the strike call was given? Against the proposed amendments to various labour legislations and the to protest the alleged anti-labour policies of the Narendra Modi government

Explanation: On 2 September over 13 lakh employees from the public, private and foreign banks joined the nationwide strike called by trade unions to protest the alleged anti-labour policies of the Narendra Modi government. Employees and officers from 25 public sector banks, 11 private sector banks and nine foreign banks were part of this strike. The call for strike was given by 10 Central trade unions. The trade unions have given the strike call over a 12-point charter of demands, including withdrawal of the proposed anti-worker amendments in labour laws and stopping the disinvestment and privatisation of PSUs. On the other hand bank unions protested against the governments plan to revamp the working of the public sector banks.


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3) Manipur witnessed huge violence on 31 August and 1 September 2015 after a general strike called by the tribal student organisations to protest against the passage of three Bills in the state Assembly. 8 persons died while over 30 persons were injured as the strike turned violent. The tribal student groups are protesting against which three Bills? 1) Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill 2015, 2) Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Seventh Amendment) Bill 2015 and 3) Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill 2015

Explanation: The tribal student groups claimed the Protection of Manipur Peoples Bill, 2015 and the other two amendment Bills would facilitate buying of land by migrant workers in the State. The issue of losing ones ancestral land is a big issue in Manipur as the indigenous population is getting outnumbered due to inward migration from neighbouring countries and other parts of the country. While the ethnic population is demanding imposition of an Inner Line Permit (ILP), in line with a few north-eastern States to restrict outsiders, the government passed the Bills prompting fresh clashes. As a result violence erupted on 1 September and spread across many districts. Houses of many MLAs were set on fire. In Chandel district houses of two MLAs were torched, while in Ukhrul houses of three MLAs were set ablaze. Houses of six MLAs in Senapati district, three in Tamenglong and six in Churachandpur were vandalised.

4) Union Government on 2 September 2015 announced which landmark and first-of-its-kind reform associated with oil and natural sector? It announced that it will now auction small oil and gas fields to private firms

Explanation: In a huge reform for countrys oil and gas sector, Union Oil and Natural Gas Ministry on 2 September announced that it will, for the first time, auction 69 small and marginal oil and gas fields surrendered by state-run explorers like ONGC. The government hopes to raise Rs. 70,000 crore from the sale. The government expects private companies to boost output from the areas that hold resources of more than $10 billion. India, the worlds No. 4 oil consumer, meets only a fraction of its demand through local sources and wants to boost private and foreign participation in its industry, dominated by state-run Oil and Natural Gas Corp and Oil India and privately-held Reliance Industries Ltd.

5) In order to enable seamless travel by different metros and other transport systems across the country, the Ministry of Urban Development has come out with a smart National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) model which will be inter-operable across different transport systems in the country. Which payment entity is being given the task of establishing a robust payment system for this proposed card initiative? National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)

Explanation: The smart National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) model will primarily enable seamless travel by different metros and other transport systems across the country, besides retail


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shopping and purchases. Globally, there is no nationwide common card except in Singapore wherein inter-operability is confined to city only. Hence the card based on NCMC model is expected to address the deficiencies associated with other cards being used in Singapore and other countries. The Ministry of Urban Development has decided to task the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) with indigenous development and management of clearing and settlement of payments, simulating cards, terminals and network, a support base of vendors for providing certified tools, cards, terminals and other services.

6) Google Inc. unveiled a redesign of its iconic logo on 1 September 2015. The new design spells Google in a sans-serif typeface, similar to the one being used by Googles newly created holding company, Alphabet. With this Google has done how many modifications in its logo since it started its operations? Five

Explanation: This was the fifth such modification in its logo since the search engine giant started its operations in 1998. The compact version of the logo, used to identify most of its apps, bids farewell to the little blue g icon and replaces it with a uppercase G colored in blue, red, yellow and green to match the full logo.

4th September

1) Which railway zone became the first zone of the Indian Railway to eliminate all unmanned level crossings as announced on 2 September 2015? West-Central Railway (WCR) Zone

Explanation: The West-Central Railway (WCR) Zone, with its headquarters at Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh, became the first-ever zone of the Indian Railway to have eliminated all unmanned level crossings. Out of total 118 unmanned level crossings falling on West-Central Railways as on 1 April 2014, 80 were eliminated in the financial year 2014-15 and remaining 38 have been achieved in current financial year by 31 August 2015. This was done by constructing 33 Limited Height Sub Ways (LHs) and manning of 30 level crossings. This achievement by The West-Central Railway (WCR) Zone is a landmark achievement in the annals of the Indian Railway as unmanned railway crossings continue to remain a deathtrap in India. As many as 126 persons were killed in accidents involving unmanned level crossing in year 2014-15. Indian Railway has over 30 thousand level crossings out of which nearly 40% are unmanned ones.

2) Which city became the first-ever city from Africa to get the hosting rights of the Commonwealth Games as announced on 2 September 2015 for the Commonwealth Games for 2022? Durban (South Africa)

Explanation: South Africas Durban city was confirmed as the host of the Commonwealth Games 2022. This announcement was made at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF)


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general assembly in Auckland (New Zealand) on 2 September. Durban was the only bidder for the games as Canadas Edmonton city had withdrawn its bid in February 2015 due to financial reasons. The Games will be held from 18 to 30 July 2022. It will be the 22nd staging of the event, which is held every four years. Athletes from more than 50 countries, most of which are former British colonies, compete in these Games. The Commonwealth Games was last held in 2014 in Glasgow, with Australias Gold Coast hosting the 2018 event

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3) What is the proposed date for merger of the Forward Markets Commission (FMC) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as notified by the Union Govt. on 2 September 2015? 28 September 2015

Explanation: FMC is the erstwhile regulator of the commodity derivatives market. While presenting the budget for 2015-16, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had proposed the merger of FMC with SEBI to strengthen the regulation of the commodity markets. As this merger comes into effect, the Forward Contracts Regulation Act, 1952 will automatically repealed and the regulation of countrys commodity derivatives market will shift to SEBI under the Securities Contracts Regulation Act, 1956.

4) Which city has for the first time overtaken Mumbai in unsold housing units and thus become the city with the second-highest residential real estate inventory overhang after the National Capital Region (NCR)? Bengaluru

Explanation: With more than 84,000 unsold housing units by the end of the second quarter (April-June) of 2015 Bengaluru has surpassed Mumbai for the first time and is the second-highest residential real estate inventory overhang after the NCR. This was disclosed by JLL India, a private entity with interests in real estate information.

5) What is the new name of Mount McKinley, the tallest mountain of the United States, which was renamed sometimes back? Denali

Explanation: During August 2015 the Obama administration renamed Mount McKinley as Denali, as it was originally known by Alaska natives before it was renamed to honour President William McKinley. At 20,310 feet, Denali is not only the USAs tallest mountain, its also the tallest mountain in North America. It is also worth mentioning that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in its latest survey found that the mountain is now 10 feet shorter than its earlier measured height of 20,320 feet, which was measured using 1950s-era technology. The USGS


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and several other federal agencies and universities teamed up to use a precise GPS measurement of the peaks location.

6) The first spatially continuous map of worldwide forest tree density was prepared by a Yale University scholar and his team was released recently. What is the approximate number of trees worldwide as disclosed by this study? 3.04 trillion

Explanation: The study by T. W. Crowther, the first author from Yale University, Connecticut, U.S. and others used nearly 4,30,000 ground-sourced measurements of tree density from all the continents except Antarctica to generate a global map of forest trees. Till date, scientists have relied on satellite images to provide estimates of global forest area. As a result, it was not possible to know the number of trees. The study was published in the Nature journal. It disclosed that there are just 3.04 trillion trees in the world. Though this number is higher than previous estimate, the number of trees cut down each year is a staggering 15.3 billion and the global forest cover loss is approximately 192,000 sq. km per year. As a result, the global number of trees has reduced by as much as 46% since the start of human civilisation.

5th 6th 7th September

1) The Union Govt. on 5 September 2015 announced the acceptance of the long-standing demand of one rank, one pension (OROP) pertaining to the pensions of ex-servicemen. OROP would be implemented with effect from 1 July 2014, and would cost the government Rs 18,000-22,000 crore this year. However, numerous proposals of the govt. were rejected by ex-servicemen, who have staged an almost three-month-long public agitation for their demand of OROP. Which major proposal of the govt. was severely criticized by the ex-servicemen? About the exclusion from OROP of those who took premature retirement (PMR)

Explanation: In simple terms, OROP implies uniform pension be paid to the armed forces personnel retiring in the same rank with the same length of service, regardless of their date of retirement. However, in its proposals, the Union Govt. rejected the provisions of OROP for personnel taking voluntary retirement (VRS) premature retirement (PMR). This proposal was severely criticized by the ex-servicemen fraternity and they said they will continue to hold their protests against the govt. However, later on 6 September 2015 Prime Minister cleared the air from OROP controversy by announcing that servicemen who have taken early retirement will be eligible to receive the benefits of OROP. After this announcement, the ex-servicemen who were holding hunger protest for last 88 days called-off the hunger strike but said they will continue with the stir till all their demands were met by the Govt.

Key points of Union Govt.s OROP grant


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OROP granted with effect from 1 July 2014

Arrears to be paid in four half-yearly instalments

Widows of casualties to be paid in single instalments

OROP will raise annual pension bill by Rs. 8,000-10,000 crore

This amount will rise in tandem with military salaries

Arrears will involve one-time payment of Rs. 10,000-12,000 crore

Pensions to be equalised and adjusted once every 5 years

Pensions to be average of maximum & minimum in 2013

2) In a significant development in the ongoing European migrant crisis, two countries on 5 September 2015 opened their borders to thousands of exhausted refugees. Which are these two countries? Germany and Austria

Explanation: On 5 September 2015, both Germany and Austria threw open their borders to thousands of refugees as after days of confrontation and chaos, Hungarys government deployed over 100 buses overnight to take thousands of refugees to the Austrian frontier. From Austria these migrants entered Germany, with over 1,000 arriving by special trains in Munich. Hungary, the main entry point into Europes borderless Schengen zone for refugees, has earlier taken a hard line, vowing to seal its southern frontier with a new, high fence by 15 September. It is worth mentioning that almost all the migrants entering through Hungary have shown their willingness to take refuge in Germany. The migrant crisis of 2015 has become Europes most acute refugee crisis since the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s. The migrant crisis arose through the rising number of refugees and economic refugees, from areas such as the Middle East and Africa coming to the European Union across the Mediterranean Sea and the Balkans, and applying for asylum. Highest number of migrants is from war-ravaged Syria and followed by Eritrea and Afghanistan.

3) A committee set up by the government to rationalise distribution incentives for financial products and curb their mis-selling, has in its report recommended flexible exits for financial products and that profits from exit charges not accrue to product providers. Who headed this committee? Sumit Bose, former Finance Secretary

Explanation: The report of the Sumit Bose Committee has recommended that the choice of withdrawal of all financial products, except those pertaining to pensions, should remain with the


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investor. It clearly said that financial products should have flexible exit options and the cost of exit must be limited. Currently, products such as unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs) have a lock-in period of at least five years. It was increased from three years following a spate of customer complaints prior to September 2010, when market volatility led to poor returns for policyholders, who exited early.

4) The recently released RBI Annual Report for 2014-15 had revealed that the central banks Contingency funds, used in case of unforeseen shocks, have fallen to 8.4% of total assets. Apart from this, for the last two years, the RBI has made no transfers to its Contingency Fund or its Asset Development Fund. What is the stipulated target for funding of RBIs contingency funds? 12% of assets

Explanation: While the total in these contingency funds of the RBI stood at Rs. 2,424 billion in 2012-13, it was Rs. 2,434 billion in 2014-15. This meant that balance in these funds has barely changed since 2013. The capital requirements of a central bank can vary considerably depending on a number of factors, according to the annual report. The annual report also showed that the RBI had been transferring 99.9% of its profits to the government, without keeping any amount for itself. This is a sharp increase from the 40-50% it had transferred in the 2010-13 period. In the financial year 2014-15, the RBI transferred Rs.659 billion to the government coffers, up from Rs.150 billion in 2010-11.

5) Which noted international NGOs Indian units licence to receive foreign donations was cancelled by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) during September 2015? Greenpeace India

Explanation: The MHA cancelled the registration of Greenpeace India under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA). This meant that the NGO, part of an international network by the same name, would not be able to receive any kind of foreign donations from now on. This order came on 2 September 2015 after the NGO was given a 180-day notice to tender a reply to the MHA. It is worth mentioning that on 10 April 2015, the Union Govt. had suspended Greenpeace Indias licence to receive foreign donations, citing its campaigning, protesting and lobbying against government of Indias policies.

6) During September 2015 Barack Obama achieved which distinction as the President of the United States? He became the first-ever sitting US President to cross the Arctic Circle to go to Alaska

Explanation: US President Barack Obama on 3 September 2015 visited Kotzebue, a town of some 3,000 people in the Alaska Arctic. This visit marked the first-ever visit of Alaska by a


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sitting American President and thus crossing the Arctic Circle. As Obama closed out a three day tour of the state of Alaska focused almost entirely on climate change, he sought to show solidarity with Alaska natives and rural Alaskans, whose immense challenges are rarely in the national spotlight. Some 100,000 Alaskans live in areas vulnerable to melting permafrost, US government estimates show.

7) Noted music director Aadesh Shrivastava passed away in the early hours of 5 September 2015 after suffering with several bouts of cancer for around five years. Over the course of his career, he had composed music for over 100 Hindi films, including Chalte Chalte, Baabul,Baghban, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Rajneeti. Which recently released film includes some of his last works as music director? Welcome Back

Explanation: Aadesh Shrivastava was a noted music composer and singer of Indian music. Over the course of his career, he had composed music for over 100 Hindi films. He was diagnosed with Multiple myeloma (cancer of the plasma cells) in December 2010 and went through chemotherapy. His cancer had relapsed for the 3rd time recently and he passed away at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital & Medical Research Institute in Mumbai. Former actress Vijayta Pandit was her wife.

8) Wilfred De Souza, who passed away on 4 September 2015, was a 3-time Chief Minister of which state? Goa

Explanation: He was Chief Minister of Goa state for the first time from 18 May 1993 to 2 April 1994, for the second time from 8 April 1994 to 23 November 1998 and for the third time from 29 July 1998 to 8 February 1999. He passed away after suffering a heart attack on 4 September 2015. He was 88. He twice served as the states Chief Minister from Congress. He represented Goa Rajiv Congress (a breakaway faction of Indian National Congress) during his third tenure.

8th September

1) The meeting of the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors from the Group of 20 (G20) was held at which city on 4 and 5 September 2015? Ankara (Turkey)

Explanation: G20 is the group of the largest developing economies of the world. G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting was held from 4 to 5 September 2015 at Ankara. The meeting was attended by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and RBI Governor Raghram Rajan. The meeting was held primarily to review ongoing economic developments, the


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respective growth prospects and recent volatility in financial markets and its underlying economic conditions.

2) On 6 September 2015 G20 launched a new group with the objective to empower women and to boost the role of women in global economic growth. What is the name given to this newly formed group? W20

Explanation: W20 was formed as a grouping of female leaders to work toward empowering women and ensuring their participation in economic growth. It would work as an outreach group and seek to promote gender inclusiveness in economic growth process by empowering women. Gulden Turktan of Turkey was appointed as the first President of W20. All G20 countries are now expected nominate their members for the grouping.

3) National Reform Council, the council appointed by Thailands military rulers, on 6 September 2015 rejected a controversial new constitution that was drafted after last years coup. This newly drafted constitution met strong opposition on practically all sides of the political divide. What will be the main impact of this rejection on Thailands road to democracy? This comes as another setback for holding elections in the country

Explanation: It is worth mentioning that in 2014 the Thai army had ousted the elected government of the country led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra after months of unrest. Later a committee was formed to draft a new constitution for taking the country to new path of democracy. It was expected that a new election would be held in the country by the end of 2016. However, these hopes were dashed as the 247-member National Reform Council on 6 September rejected the draft charter by 135 votes to 105, with seven abstentions. Critics of the draft constitution say it would erode the power of political parties in favour of the army and prevent a genuine democracy from being established. Until a new constitution can be drafted, the military government retains its substantial powers. It is worth mentioning that Thailand has seen numerous different constitutions since the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932.

4) Which civic body of Mumbai city came to news after it imposed a ban on sale of meat during 8 days Paryushan Parva, which witnesses observance fasting by the Jain community? Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC)

Explanation: The Mira-Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC) announced that slaughter of animals will not be allowed under the Mira-Bhayander limits between 11 September and 18 September 2015. The resolution was moved by BJP corporaor Dinesh Jain, in which the BJP got


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29 votes in favour of the resolution, while the ruling partys ally Shiv Sena voted against it, along with the Congress and NCP.

5) Indian Railways is poised to enter into an agreement with which entity to facilitate getting images for mapping and communications to introduce Wi-Fi through the satellite system, as announced on 6 September 2015? ISRO

Explanation: Indian Railways will join hands with ISRO to get online satellite images for improving safety and enhancing efficiency. The tie-up will undertake a massive exercise of GIS (geographical information systems) mapping of the entire rail route and assets including buildings, land, workshops and other facilities in the network using geospatial technology. Geospatial technology involves GPS (global positioning systems), GIS and RS (remote sensing). Geospatial services will be available from satellite-assisted navigational support through the GPS aided geo-augmented navigation (GAGAN) system of ISRO. The agreement will facilitate getting images and communications through the satellite system. While the images will help in mapping the area, communications will enable the introduction of Wi-Fi service in trains in a larger way.

6) Who won the Italian F1 Grand Prix, summit race of which was held on 6 September 2015 at the Monza Circuit? Lewis Hamilton

Explanation: Reining F1 champion Lewis Hamilton (Britain), who represents Mercedes, won the Italian F1 Grand Prix to win his seventh title of the year. With this win he further cemented his position as seasons leader with 53 points lead over his teammate Nico Rosberg (Germany). Ferraris Sebastian Vettel (Germany) was third while Williams Felipa Massa (Brazil) was third.

7) Which Sahitya Akademi award winning Hindi writer came to news during September 2015 as he announced to return his award in protest against the murder of Kannada scholar and rationalist M.M. Kalburgi? Uday Prakash

Explanation: Uday Prakash, a former assistant professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi, was awarded the Sahitya Akademi award in 2010-11 for his collection of short stories, Mohan Das. He told that Prof. Kalburgis murder was part of a series of attacks on and instances of disrespect shown towards writers, artists, thinkers and intellectuals. He will return the award along with Rs. 1 lakh cash prize given to him with the award

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9th September

1) Which state on 7 September 2015 became the second in the country after Rajasthan to fix the minimum educational qualification for elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions? Haryana

Explanation: The Haryana State Assembly on 7 September 2015 passed a bill the Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Bill, 2015, for fixing the minimum educational qualification for elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions. The Bill fixed, matriculation as essential qualification for general candidates contesting the Panchayat elections while the qualification for the women (general) and Scheduled Caste candidate will be middle standard (VIII). However, in case of a woman candidate belonging to SC category contesting election for the post of Panch, the minimum qualification shall be V pass. Haryana thus became the second State after Rajasthan to fix educational and other qualifications for the candidates contesting PRI elections.

2) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8 September 2015 held a crucial meeting with about 40 captains of industry and leading economists at his residence on 8 September 2015. They deliberated on recent developments in the global economy and the opportunities it presents for India. What was the titled agenda of this meeting? Recent Global Events Opportunities for India

Explanation: This important meeting was held at a time when markets around the globe are turbulent due to a slowing Chinese economy. The Sensex slipped under 25,000 for the first time in 14 months a day before on 7 September. Industry leaders like Mukesh Ambani of Reliance Industries, Cyrus Mistry of Tata Group, Gautam Adani of Adani Group and Arundhati Bhattacharya of SBI took part in this meeting. India Inc. was also expected to bring up its concerns about the slow pace of reforms and weak GDP numbers. This meeting resulted in a shoot up in Indian capital markets as Prime Minister urged the industry to believe in the India growth story.

3) North and South Korea on 8 September 2015 agreed to hold which important event for citizens of both the countries? To hold re-union of war divided families of the two countries

Explanation: On 8 September, the two Koreas agreed to hold reunions of around 100 family members separated by the Korean War in the early 1950s. This reunion will be held from 20 to 26 October 2015 at the Diamond Mountain resort in North Korea. The highly emotional reunions were first held in 1988 and have not happened since February 2014. Most applicants for reunions are in their 70s or older and desperate to see their loved ones before they die. Many Koreans dont even know whether relatives on the other side of the border are still alive because their governments mostly ban the exchange of letters, phone calls or emails. About 22,500 Koreans


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had participated in brief reunions 18,800 in person and the others by video during a period of detente. None were given a second chance to meet their relatives, according to South Koreas Red Cross. The two Koreas remain divided along the worlds most heavily fortified border since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

4) According to a statement released by the Northern Command of the Indian Army on 7 September 2015, an Army court martial recently confirmed the life sentence to six of its personnel found guilty in the Machil fake encounter case that took place in Jammu & Kashmir. The Army verdict came in December 2013, but remained unconfirmed so far for procedural reasons. This incident involving killing of three Kashmir youths took place on 29 April 2010

Explanation: The Machil fake encounter case pertains to the killing of three Kashmiri youths Reyaz Ahmad, Mohammad Shafi and Shahzad Ahmadas by Army jawans on 29 April 2010 in the Machil sector of Kupwara district on the ground that they were foreign militants. However, a police investigation found out that the dead that the three youth were residents of Nadihal Rafiabad of Baramulla district. They were made to come to Machil by a former special police officer, Bashir Ahmad Lone, and his accomplices with the offer of jobs and later handed over to the Army personnel for Rs. 50,000 each. The six Army personnel found guilty in the case and hence awarded life sentence are Colonel Dinesh Pathania, Captain Opendra, Havildar Devender Kumar, Lance Naik Lakhmi, Lance Naik Arun Kumar and rifleman Abas Hussain. This is the first time Army personnel are being punished for human rights abuse in the Valley.

5) What is the name of the Indian e-mail tech start-up which helps people do research inside their Gmail App, that came to news as it won the regional round of Seedstars World, a global start-up competition recently? Strike

Explanation: The startup Strike was co-founded in September 2014 by Aishwarya Jain along with Akshay Katyal, his former colleague at tech company HackerEarth. The start-up has developed a technology that provides insights to users about people while checking mails on mobile. For example how they look like, where they work, their social profiles and public updates. It won a competition supported by the Switzerland-based venture builder Seedstars, which invests up to $1.5 million (Rs 9.9 crore) in start-ups in emerging markets.

6) Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) will sell the iconic bread and bakery brand Modern to which company as announced on 8 September 2015? Nimman Foods Private Ltd

Explanation: HUL will transfer its bread and bakery business under the brand Modern for an undisclosed amount to Nimman Foods Private Ltd. Nimman Foods is an investee company of


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Everstone Group. It is worth mentioning that Modern brand was once part of Modern Food Industries, a wholly owned Central Government-owned PSU. It was sold to HUL in January 2000 and was the first privatisation of public sector unit by the Government of India.

10th September

1) Andhra Pradesh Govt. on 9 September 2015 created history by taking the first step to link two mighty rivers of the state. This was done by diverting the water of one river from Tadepudi reservoir to facilitate supply to the other river. Which are these two rivers? Godavari and Krishna

Explanation: AP Govt. took first step to link Godavari and Krishna rivers as water from Godavari river was diverted from Tadepudi reservoir to facilitate supply to the Krishna river. This water would later be supplied to the Delta region. This move is seen as a major step towards linking Godavari and Krishna rivers. About 600 cusecs of water from Godavari has been diverted to Krishna. The water is being evacuated from Tadepudi lift irrigation to be diverted for supply into Prakasham barrage. It will take a couple of days for the water to find its way to the barrage. The State is working on Polavaram multi purpose project and the Pattiseema project to link Godavari and Krishna rivers. The linking of Godavari and Krishna is being seen as a major help for the delta region and drought-proofing water-short Rayalaseema region of the state.

2) The forthcoming Assembly elections in Bihar would he held in how many stages as announced by the Election Commission in its poll itinerary on 9 September 2015? Five stages

Explanation: Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi announced the election schedule for Bihar Assembly elections in New Delhi on 9 September. The elections will be held in 5 stages on October 12, 16 and 20 and November 1 and 5 while the results will be announced on 8 November 2015. Over 6 crore people are expected to exercise their franchise in the polls. The term of the 243-member Assembly ends on 29 November 2015. After ruling the State for 10 years, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is seeking a third term, this time in alliance with the RJD and the Congress after he walked out of NDA in June, 2013 snapping 17-year-old ties with the BJP.

3) British monarch Queen Elizabeth II on 9 September 2015 reached a major milestone by becoming the longest-reigning monarch in Britains history. Whose record of staying at the throne for 63 years and 7 months she surpassed? Queen Victoria

Explanation: Queen Victoria (1819-1901), the great-great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, was on the throne for 63 years and 7 months. On 9 September 2015, at around 17:30 local time


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in Great Britain, Queen Elizabeth surpassed this record of Queen Victoria to become the longest-reigning British monarch. She had occupied the throne on 6 February 1952 after death of her father King George VI. She was touring a remote part of Kenya when news of her fathers death arrived. Buckingham Palace marked the event by releasing an official photograph of the Queen taken by Mary McCartney. 89-year-old monarch has cut back on her international travel and has lightened her work load somewhat, but she still carries out many royal duties.

4) In an important initiative, the Union Govt. on 8 September 2015 set an ambitious literacy target under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY). What is this target? To achieve 100% literacy in villages adopted under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana by March 2016

Explanation: This announcement was made by Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Smriti Irani on 8 September. The announcement came as President Pranab Mukherjee regretted that India still lagged behind some of its neighbours in achieving 100% literacy. He said this at the International Literacy Day function where Tamil Nadu was felicitated as the best performing state by him. The HRD Minister also disclosed that there are 410 districts where villages have identified under the Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana. It is worth mentioning that the President had said From 18% in 1951 to 72.5% in 2011, we are still behind. Many of our sister developing countries including those in South Asia have almost 100 per cent literacy rate.

5) J. Manjula, the woman scientist of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), came to news recently. Why? She became the first-ever woman Director General of DRDO

Explanation: According to the announcement made by DRDO on 9 September 2015, J. Manjula has been named DRDOs first woman Director General and has taken charge of the Electronics & Communication Systems cluster. Manjula, who is a DRDO Outstanding Scientist, was Director of the Defence Avionics Research Establishment, Bengaluru, since July 2014. She took charge from K.D. Nayak.

6) Which state on 8 September 2015 announced imposition of a complete ban on manufacture and sale of gutka, pan masala, and other similar products containing tobacco? Haryana

Explanation: The Health Ministry of Haryana state imposed this ban with effect from 3 September 2015. Under the pertaining order, the manufacturing, storage, distribution and sale of gutka, pan masala, flavoured or scented tobacco, kharra and other similar products containing tobacco have been completely banned. Other products containing tobacco which are available in market are also included in it. The Haryana Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has issued


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notification in this regard, under which, sale and purchase of tobacco products have been prohibited for one year from 3 September. The ban also includes mix of other ingredients such as heavy metals and anti-caking agents, except to the extent of specifically permitted ingredients, silver leaf, binders, flavours, scents and fragrances.

11 September

1) Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 announced the Gold Monetisation Scheme under which gold in any form can be deposited with banks for a period of one to 15 years. What is the primary objective of this scheme? To bring out the huge amount of gold that is being kept idly by Indians

Explanation: The Gold Monetisation Scheme has been announced primarily to bring an estimated 20,000 tonnes of idle gold lying with Indian consumers into the economy and also reduce Indias dependence on gold imports. Under it, Indians citizens would be able to deposit gold in any form in the banks for a period of one to 15 years. This gold will earn interest and redemption will be at the prevailing market value at the end of the tenure of deposit. By taking advantage of Gold Monetisation Scheme, people can thus deposit idle gold with authorised agencies and take advantage of the price escalation of gold as well as earn interest on the deposit. The gold deposited with banks under the monetisation scheme will be allowed to be sold to jewellers in order to boost domestic supply. However, the government intends not to allow the Gold Monetisation Scheme to become a vehicle for converting black money into white. The draft proposal of Gold Monetisation Scheme was put up on 19 May 2015 while it was announced in the Union Budget 2015-16 with the aim of replacing both the existing Gold Deposit and Gold Metal Loan Schemes.

2) What is the primary objective of the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme, which was approved by the Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015? To rope in customers looking to buy gold as an investment

Explanation: Under the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme (SGBS) there will be no need to buy actual or physical gold as customers can buy gold bonds which will be relatable to the weight of gold. It is expected to attract people who look for gold as a worthy investment option. The bonds will be issued in denominations of 5 grams, 10 grams, 50 grams and 100 grams for a term of five years to seven years with a rate of interest to be calculated on the value of the metal at the time of investment. However, there would be a cap of 500 grams that a person can purchase in a year. Such bonds would be offered to only Indian citizens and institutions.


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3) Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 came out with which important approval for the telecom industry? It gave its approval to the spectrum trading guidelines which will allow telecom companies to buy and sell spectrum

Explanation: The guidelines for spectrum trading have been a much anticipated for countrys telecom industry. Under it, the idle spectrum with one service provider will be allowed to be transferred to the other service provider who is facing spectrum crunch. This is expected to help address the problem of shortage of spectrum, leading to better quality of services for mobile phone users. However, the ownership of the spectrum will remain with the Government of India. This is because the govt. gave the right of use to operators through auction. Spectrum trading would provide exit opportunity to operators who have not been able to build scale in India and have been facing unprofitable operations by selling off their spectrum. It would provide bigger players who have congested networks to buy new spectrum and improve the quality of service for customers.

4) The Union Cabinet announced which new policy for white label ATM operations in the country on 9 September 2015? It allowed 100% FDI under the automatic route for white label ATM operations

Explanation: White labeled ATMs are set up by private non-bank companies that own and operate their own brand of ATMs. Till date, foreign investment in while label ATM operations (WLAO), was allowed through the government approval route. This required some processing time and projects were delayed. The move to allow 100% FDI under the automatic route for white label ATM operations is expected to promote financial inclusion in the country. This is also expected to help in governments objective of enhancing ATM networks in semi-urban and rural areas.

5) Which entity was presented the Gandhi International Peace Prize for the year 2014 by the President on 9 September 2015? Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)

Explanation: ISRO was awarded this prize at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on 9 September. ISRO was chosen for this prestigious prize for its efforts improving the life of the common man and remaining rooted in its core mission of national regeneration even as it achieved unprecedented success in iconic missions such as Mars mission and PSLV. The award was received by ISROs Chairman AS Kiran Kumar. Gandhi International Peace Prize was first awarded in 1995 on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The prestigious prize carries Rs. 1 crore cash prize, a plaque and a citation.


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6) Global rating agency Standard & Poors (S&P) downgraded which leading Latin American countrys credit rating to junk grade on 9 September 2015? Brazil

Explanation: The downgrade of Brazils credit rating from investment grade to junk grade thus further hampered President Dilma Rousseffs efforts to regain investors trust and pull the country out of recession. Brazil is the largest economy of Latin America. It is worth mentioning that Moodys Investors Service had downgraded Brazil less than a month ago to the brink of junk, but said its investment grade was safe for now. S&P said its decision was based on the mounting political problems that have muddled economic policy. When Brazil first got the coveted investment-grade stamp from S&P, after decades of financial volatility, it was considered a star among developing nations. Once Rousseff took office in 2011, however, the economy began to slow down sharply and last quarter it officially entered a recession.

12 September

1) The United Nations General Assembly on 10 September 2015 gave its approval to which countrys resolution under which this countrys flag will fly at the United Nations (UN) despite this country not being a member of the UN? Palestine

Explanation: The UN General Assembly gave its overwhelming approval to a Palestinian resolution which permits the flag of Palestine to fly at the UN Headquarters in New York. There were 119 votes in favour out of 193 UN members while the United States and Israel were among eight countries that voted against the Palestinian-drafted resolution. Palestine described this as a major step toward full UN membership. Most of the 28-nation European Union were among the 45 nations that abstained from voting. However, France and more than half a dozen others voted in favour of the Palestinian resolution after the EU split on the issue. In 2012, the General Assembly approved the de facto recognition of the sovereign state of Palestine. That followed a failed bid by the Palestinians to secure full U.N. membership.

2) 12th World Hindi Conference, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 10 September 2015, is being held in which city? Bhopal

Explanation: The 3-day World Hindi Conference (WHC) will conclude on 12 September 2015. The conference primarily focuses on exploring the possibilities of expanding the influence of Hindi across the world. The main feature of this conference is that with it the WHC has returned to India after an interval of 32 years. It is also the first time that Madhya Pradesh is hosting this premier event. While the first edition of WHC was held in 1975 at Nagpur, the last WHC to take place in India was the 3rd edition which took place in New Delhi in 1983. The last WHC was held in Johannesburg in 2012.


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3) Union Cabinet approved the constitution of a new Law Commission on 9 September 2015. This will be which edition of the Law Commission? 21st

Explanation: The Law Commission is a non-statutory body constituted by the government from time to time primarily for reviewing the effectiveness and relevance of present laws. It was originally constituted in 1955 and is re-constituted every three years. The 20th Law Commission was headed by Justice A.P. Shah and its tenure had ended on 31st August 2015. 21st Law Commission will also have 3-year tenure and it came into effect from 1 September 2015. The Commission will consist of a full-time chairperson and four full-time members (including a member-secretary) among others.

4) During September 2015, who was appointed as the newest full time member of NITI Aayog? Prof. Ramesh Chand

Explanation: With his inclusion in the NITI Aayog as a full-time member, Prof. Ramesh Chand thus became the third full-time member of this body. Prof. Chand is also a member of a task force on Agriculture Development of NITI Aayog. Renowned economist Bibek Debroy and V K Saraswat, the former DRDO chief, are the other two full time members of NITI Aayog. NITI Aayog, which stands for National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog, is headed by economist Arvind Pangariya.

5) According to the information disclosed by Lebanese sources and confirmed by the U.S. officials, which prominent country has recently joined the ongoing war in Syria by backing President Bashar al-Assads forces? Russia

Explanation: It was confirmed on 9 September 2015 that Russian forces have begun participating in military operations in support of Syrian government troops. Two U.S. officials also confirmed that Russia has sent two tank landing ships and additional aircraft to Syria in the past day or so and has deployed a small number of naval infantry forces. However, the numbers of Russians involved in the war so far was very small and they are only providing logistical support to Syrian forces. The move comes at a time when forces of President al-Assads government have faced major setbacks on the battlefield in a four-year-old multi-sided civil war that has killed 2,50,000 people and driven half of Syrias 23 million people from their homes. Russia has been one of al-Assads main allies.

6) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 11 September 2015 inaugurated a new terminal of Chandigarh airport. This new terminal will handle both domestic as well as international flights and will be operated and maintained by Chandigarh International Airport Ltd (CHIAL). Which two state governments have equal stake in CHIAL? Punjab and Haryana


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Explanation: The new terminal of Chandigarh airport is part of the Rs. 939 crore project, which is expected to boost the economic and industrial development in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. It will be operated and maintained by Chandigarh International Airport Ltd (CHIAL), a joint venture between Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the governments of Punjab and Haryana. AAI has 51% stake in the project while Punjab and Haryana have 24.5% equity each. Designed on the green building concept, the terminal in Mohali (Punjab) is spread over 53,000 sq. mts. and can handle 1,600 passengers, including 450 international travellers, during peak time. Punjab had given 305 acres of land at Jheorheri village in Mohali to AAI in 2008 for setting up the new facility.

7) India Test captain Virat Kohli recently acquired stake in which franchisee team of Indian Premier Tennis League (IPTL) to become a co-owner of it? UAE Royals

Explanation: Virat Kohli became a co-owner of UAE Royals, which is one of the five franchisee teams of the Mahesh Bhupathi promoted IPTL. UAE Royals will be led by Swiss great Roger Federer. Other franchisee teams in IPTL are Indian Aces, Japan Warriors, Philippine Mavericks and Singapore Slammers. The UAE leg of the league will be held from December 14 to 16 at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

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13 -14 September

1) Over 90 persons were killed and many injured when mining gelatin and detonators stored in a house near a restaurant exploded on 12 September 2015 in Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh. This accident took place in which town of Jhabua district? Petlawad

Explanation: Petlawad is a small town in Madhya Pradeshs Jhabua district with a population of over 15 thousand. It came to news on 12 September 2015 for a huge blast that took place at around 8:30 am in towns centre. Police initially thought that the reason for this blast was explosion in a cooking gas cylinder in the restaurant. But later it was confirmed that gelatin sticks kept in the house of one Rajendra Kumar Kaswa had exploded, killing most of its occupants and those on the vicinity. Kaswa allegedly had a licence to deal in explosives used in mining operations.

2) In an important event in British politics, who was elected as the new leader of opposition Labour Party on 12 September 2015? Jeremy Corbyn

Explanation: Jeremy Corbyn is an avowed socialist and Karl Marx admirer. He defeated two former Labour ministers, Yvette Cooper and Andy Burnham, and Liz Kendall to get elected as


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the leader of Britains main opposition party Labour Party. His election as Labour Party leader is expected to throw more weight to the proposed exit of Britain from the European Union. Corbyn, a left winger and parliamentary veteran with a long history of voting against his own party, triumphed on a message of promising to increase government investment though money-printing and re-nationalising vast swathes of the economy.

3) BJPs student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) swept Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections by bagging all four positions as announced on 12 September 2015. The ABVP won posts of president, vice-president, secretary and joint secretary by defeating Congress-affiliated National Students Union of India (NSUI). What is the name of the Aam Aadmi Partys student entity, which made its debut at the campus polls this year and finished at third position? Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS)

Explanation: Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS) is the newly formed students entity of AAP behind which AAP head and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had thrown his weight. But it was unable to perform well. Satender Awana was elected president of DUSU while Sunny Dedha won vice presidents post. Anjali Rana and Chhattarpal Yadav were elected as secretary and joint secretary respectively. Last year too, ABVP had swept the polls trouncing NSUI to bag all four seats. DUSU is the representative body of the students from most colleges and faculties of the varsity. The polls have been keenly contested over decades and are seen as a stepping stone to party politics.

4) Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong registered a landslide victory in the general election held in the country on 11 September 2015. His party returned to the power with a massive mandate for the 12th time since Singapore attained independence. What is the name of this ruling party which has ruled Singapore since it attained Independence some 50 years ago? Peoples Action Party (PAP)

Explanation: The Peoples Action Party (PAP) won an absolute majority of 83 seats in the 89-member Parliament. The PAPs main rival the Workers Party, ended up with just six seats, less than the seven it held in the outgoing parliament. A number of smaller parties also ran. The PAP, which has been ruling the city-state since independence in 1965, got 69.86% of the popular vote, an increase of almost 10 percentage points from its share in 2011. The victory thus again dashed hopes of a two-party system emerging in Singapore. This was the first general election after the death of Lee Kuan Yew, father of Prime Minister Lee.


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5) What was the special feature of the US Open womens singles final that was played on 12 September 2015 and was won by Flavia Pennetta of Italy? It was the first-ever all-Italian Grand Slam womens final in the Open Era

Explanation: The 2015 US Open womens singles was played between Italys Roberta Vinci and her compatriot Flavia Pennetta. Roberta Vinci had shocked and ousted World No. 1 Serena Williams in the semi-final. In the finals Flavia Pennetta defeated Vinci by 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 to win her maiden Grand Slam singles title. At 33 years, Pennetta became the oldest first-time Grand Slam womens champion in the Open era. The breakthrough win came in Pennettas 49th Grand Slam appearance, the most needed for any womens major champion, two more than Frances Marion Bartoli when she won at Wimbledon in 2013. She however announced her retirement from international tennis after this win. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi was among the spectators in Arthur Ashe Stadium who watched this first all-Italian womens Grand Slam final of the Open Era.

6) Leander Paes and Martina Hingis won the 2015 U.S. Open mixed doubles title by defeating Sam Querrey and Bethanie Mattek-Sands in the finals on 11 September 2015. This was mixed doubles title of the year for Paes and Hingis Third

Explanation: Leander Paes (India) and Martina Hingis (Switzerland) defeated American duo Sam Querrey and Bethanie Mattek-Sands by 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 to add the US Open crown to their wins at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. They thus became the first team since 1969 to win three Grand Slam mixed doubles titles in the same season. The only other team to win three majors in the same year were Marty Riessen and Margaret Court 46 years ago. 42-year old Paes has also passed his former doubles partner, Mahesh Bhupathi, as the most successful mixed doubles champion in the Open Era with nine Grand Slam titles.

7) World welterweight boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (US) ended his illustrious boxing career on 12 September 2015 with a win over Andre Berto to claim the 49th and final win of his career. He thus ended 49-0 to match the record of which heavyweight boxing legend? Rocky Marciano

Explanation: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. had announced that the bout with Andre Berto will be his final fight and with an emphatic win over Betro, Mayweather ended his career with 49 wins and no losses. He thus matched the record of the legendary American boxer Rocky Marciano, who had perfect record of 49 wins from similar number of professional bouts with 43 knock-outs.


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15 September

1) Who was elected as the new Prime Minister of Australia on 14 September 2015 after Tony Abbott was ousted from power in an internal party ballot in the ruling Liberal party? Malcolm Turnbull

Explanation: Malcolm Turnbull, a former Liberal Party leader and Communications Minister, became Australias fourth Prime Minister in just over two years after Tony Abbott lost a leadership ballot by members of his party. The members of the ruling Liberal Party voted 54 to 44 to replace Abbott with Turnball. The change in leadership continues an extraordinarily volatile period in Australian politics. The Liberals were elected in 2013 as a stable alternative to the then-Labour government. Labour came to power under Kevin Rudd at elections in 2007, only to dump him for his deputy Julia Gillard in 2010 months ahead of elections. The bitterly divided and chaotic government then dumped Ms. Gillard for Rudd just months before the 2013 election. Before Rudd was elected in 2007, John Howard was in power for almost 12 years.

2) World No.1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia won the US Open mens singles title on 13 September 2015 by defeating his arch-rival Roger Federer in the finals. With this title win, Djokovic once again broke Federers dream of his 18th Grand Slam title. Djokovic has now won how many singles Grand Slam titles? Ten

Explanation: Novak Djokovic clinched his third Grand Slam title of 2015 and 10th career major with a 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 triumph over Roger Federer, who was the sentimental favourite. Djokovics 10 Grand Slam titles makes him level with American Bill Tilden and just one shy of Bjorn Borg (Sweden) and Rod Laver (Australia) on the all-time list. Djokovic has won the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles this year. This was his second US Open title to add to his 2011 triumph. On the other hand the defeat shattered 34-year-old Federers bid to become the oldest US Open champion in 45 years and left him marooned on 17 Grand Slam titles, the last of which came at Wimbledon in 2012.

3) Recent media reports have disclosed that the supremacy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) as the number one militant organization in Kashmir has ended. An indigenous organization, with almost all members from Kashmir has replaced it. Which organization is this? Hizbul Mujahideen

Explanation: Recent media reports disclosed that the indigenous Hizbul Mujahideen, with almost all members from Kashmir, is now back as the number one militant group. It thus ended the supremacy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which had a majority of members from Pakistan. In the


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most dependable estimates available from J&K police and other sources, about 200 active militants are operating in the State. Of them, over 80 are in Hizbul Mujahideen, while LeT has about 60 members, of which 40 are believed to be Pakistanis. Many other militant groups have altogether vanished or are on the fringe. Jaish-e-Mohammed, founded by Maulana Masood Azhar, who was released in 1999 in Kandahar in exchange for passengers of the hijacked IC 814 aircraft, is now down to less than a dozen militants on its rolls. Many see it as a warning to policymakers in both Centre and State to wake up to the new tide of local youths joining militancy, and the dramatic indigenisation of militant violence, which since the late 1990s was dominated by LeT.

4) What is the name given to the first-ever bilateral naval exercise between India and Australia that commenced from 12 September 2015 at Visakhapatnam? AUSINDEX-15

Explanation: AUSINDEX-15 is the name given to the first bilateral naval exercise being conducted off the east coast of India from 12 September to 19 September 2015. The exercise focuses on anti-submarine warfare as the two countries look at deepening defence cooperation especially in the Indian Ocean. The Royal Australian Navy has sent three ships for the exercise Sirius (fleet tanker), Arunta (Anzac class frigate), and (Collins class submarine) while the Indian Navy is represented by INS Shivalik (stealth frigate), INS Ranvijay (guided missile destroyer) and INS Shakti (fleet tanker). The exercise also aims at strengthening professional interaction, both in harbour and at sea and would be a start for attaining interoperability between the two navies.

5) Who was unanimously elected as the new Chairman of the Press Trust of India (PTI) on 14 September 2015? Hormusji N Cama (Director, Bombay Samachar)

Explanation: Hormusji Cama is associated with Bombay Samachar, a daily, which is the oldest continuously-published newspaper in India from 1855. He succeeded Mahendra Mohan Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of the Jagran Prakashan Limited, the publisher of Dainik Jagran. Riyad Mathew, Director of Malayala Manorama Group was elected as the new Vice Chairman of PTI. PTI is the largest news agency in India and a cooperative of more than 500 Indian newspapers. It is the only news agency in India which operates its own communication satellite to broadcast news and information.

6) The 6th Indo-Maldives joint Military Training Exercise, which concluded on 13 September 2015, was held at which place? Thiruvananthapuram


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Explanation: The sixth edition of Indo-Maldives joint Military Training Exercise was held from 31 August to 13 September 2015 at Pangode Military Station in Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala). It was titled EKUVERIN 2015 and comprised of 45 soldiers from the Bihar Regiment of Indian Army and same number of marines from the Maldivian National Defence Force. It was the first joint exercise involving an international contingent to be conducted at Thiruvananthapuram, which is being developed as a Training Node by the Indian Army. It is worth mentioning that the joint Military Training Exercise between Indian and the Maldives was started in 2009 with the first edition taking place in Belgaum (Karnataka). The bilateral exercise is held annually, alternately in India and Maldives, with the aim of enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between defence forces of the two countries.

7) Which billionaire businessman came to news for recently purchasing the iconic Lincoln House in Mumbai for a huge price of Rs. 750 crore? Cyrus Poonawalla

Explanation: Lincoln House is located in the Breach Candy area of south Mumbai, which was used to house the US consulate. It is spread over an area around 50,000 square feet. It was recently purchased by Cyrus Poonawalla, the billionaire chairman of the Pune-based Serum Institute, for an exorbitantly high price of Rs. 750 crore. This deal also became the largest real estate deal in the countrys financial capital. The high-profile deal came within a week of industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birlas deal worth Rs 425 crore for buying Jatia House in the plush Malabar Hill area.

16 September

1) What important event pertaining to Indias hopes of an expanded U.N. Security Council (UNSC) took place at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on 14 September 2015? The UNGA adopted a resolution to use a text as the basis for discussions on the issue of reforms pertaining to the Security Council

Explanation: While the U.N.s Inter-governmental negotiations (IGN) have been under way since 2008, this is the first time that a negotiating text pertaining to reforms in the UN Security Council and its expansion has being accepted to begin talks, as opposed to just statements and speeches. The resolution primarily pertains to equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council. However, the resolution doesnt mean that Indias dreams of a seat at the high table of the U.N. are going to be realised immediately, but it is a significant step forward from years of ambiguity. Indias Permanent Representative to the U.N. Asoke Mukerji also elaborated that the resolution had faced several hurdles from P-5 countries like China, USA and Russia, as well as from countries opposed to India.


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2) The Pentagon, the headquarters for U.S. defence establishment, recently set up a first-ever country specific special cell with the objective of speeding up its defence ties with India. What is the name of this first-of-its-kind cell? India Rapid Reaction Cell (IRRC)

Explanation: India Rapid Reaction Cell (IRRC) the first-ever country special cell at Pentagon was established to speed up United States defence ties with India and accelerate the process of co-development and co-production of hi-tech military equipment in the country. It was established soon after Ashton Carter assumed Pentagons leadership role in February 2015. It is headed by Keith Webster, Director, International Cooperation Office of the Under Secretary of Defence for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.

3) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 14 September 2015 announced canceling the certificate of registration of which entity of the Sahara Group? Sahara India Financial Corporation Limited

Explanation: The registration certificate of Sahara India Financial Corporation Limited (SIFCL) to act as a non-banking financial company (NBFC) was cancelled effective 3 September 2015 under the RBI Act. Following this, SIFC cannot transact the business of a non-banking financial institution. It is worth mentioning that in June 2008 the RBI had banned the finance company from accepting deposits. During its investigations, RBI had found SIFCL had continuously flouted know-your-customer norms, as well as those relating to asset-liability management and investments. SIFCL was registered on December 1998, with an office in Lucknow.

4) The World Bank on 14 September 2015 released the first ever ranking of States on the Ease of Doing Business in India. The rating assessed states over a six-month period from January to June 2015 on the issue of implementation of ease of doing business policy. Which state topped this list? Gujarat

Explanation: Gujarat implemented 71.14% of the reforms, according to the assessment. Andhra Pradesh came second with a score of 70.12%, Jharkhand third at 63.09%, Chhattisgarh fourth with 62.45% and Madhya Pradesh fifth with 62%. The largest recipients of foreign investments, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, were ranked eighth and twelfth with less than 50 per cent scores. The rankings reflect the ease of doing business in these States by the small and medium enterprises rather than foreign investors. It is worth mentioning that Chief Secretaries of States participating in the Make in India workshop inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi during December 2014 had finalised this action plan on Ease of Doing Business. It was decided later to evaluate States to assess progress by June 2015.


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5) Which state govt. on 16 September 2015 announced making it mandatory for all high rise buildings in the state to have solar power generation facility? Tamil Nadu

Explanation: This announcement was made in the Tamil Nadu Assembly by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on 16 September. The rule would be applicable to all group developments (with more than eight dwelling units) also. In effect, it will cover almost 90% of residential and commercial developments in cities like Chennai and Coimbatore. Under it all new multistorey buildings (more than four floors) will have to establish solar power generation facility. This is being seen as the first-of-its-kind initiative in urban solar power plants. Last time the state government came out with such a major environment-friendly initiative in the housing sector was in 2001 when rainwater harvesting structures were made mandatory for all buildings. The state is also a pioneer in the renewable energy sector with an installed wind energy capacity of more than 8,000MW, and has come out with a policy pushing solar power generation.

17 September

1) What is the main finding of the much-anticipated report on human rights violations in Sri Lanka prepared by the U.N. Human Rights Office (OHCHR), which was released in Geneva on 16 September 2015? There were horrific level of human rights violations and abuses in Sri Lanka between 2002 and 2011

Explanation: Human rights violations in Sri Lanka during the LTTE war has been a bothersome episode in Sri Lankas road to peace and elimination of the LTTE. In March 2014, the U.N. Human Rights Council had adopted a resolution on a comprehensive investigation into alleged serious violations and abuses of human rights and related crimes by both parties in Sri Lanka during the period between 2002 and 2011. The period covers three events- a) the commencement of a ceasefire agreement between the Sri Lankan government and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in February 2002, b) he conclusion of the Eelam War in May 2009 and c) the submission of final report by the Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC) in November 2011. The LLRC was established by the previous regime headed by Mahinda Rajapaksa in May 2010. The OHCHR report has also recommended the establishment of a hybrid special court, integrating international judges, prosecutors, lawyers and investigators.

2) What is the name of the exhibition that was started on 15 September 2015 at the India Gate lawns in New Delhi to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Indo-Pak War of 1965? Shauryanjali

Explanation: Shauryanjali has recreated the battle scene in various sectors beginning from Rann of Kutch to the ceasefire and Tashkent Summit. It has been presented as an ode to splendid


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show of valour and sacrifice of Indian Armed Forces personnel for protecting the borders of the country. The exhibition was inaugurated by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

3) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister on 16 September 2015 released the water of river Godavari into Krishna to mark the formal linking of the two rivers. This event was performed at which village near Vijayawada? Ibrahimpatnam

Explanation: Andhra Pradesh government claimed that the state is the first in the country to formally link two major rivers of the country. The govt. also announced that the place of confluence of the two rivers near Ibrahimpatnam would be developed as a tourism place. The linkage of Godavari water with Krishna basin is being made possible by the Pattiseema lift irrigation scheme on Godavari river at Pattisam village in West Godavari district. The inter-linking of rivers has been on the cards and on the drawing board for a long time, from the days when eminent engineer K L Rao was irrigation minister in the Union Cabinet in 1950s. The plan was revived during Atal Bihari Vajpayees NDA government.

4) Which European country on 15 September 2015 declared state of emergency in two of its counties in view of the ongoing migrant crisis? Hungary

Explanation: The state of emergency was declared in two southern counties as tough new laws to stop migrants entering illegally came into force in the country. After the new Hungarian laws came into effect at midnight, police sealed a railway crossing point that had been used by tens of thousands of migrants. The state of emergency gives police extra powers and would allow troop deployments if parliament approves. The EU is facing a huge influx of migrants, many fleeing conflict and poverty in countries including Syria. More than 500,000 migrants had arrived at the EUs borders this year, compared with 280,000 in 2014. The vast majority have come by boat across the Mediterranean.

5) Which author of Indian author was among the six writers short-listed for the prestigious Man Booker Prize 2015, as announced on 15 September 2015? Sunjeev Sahota

Explanation: Sunjeev Sahota was short-listed for his book The Year of the Runaways, which centers around the lives of three Indian men, one a Dalit and a woman, all migrants from India. 34-year old Sahota has received glowing reviews for the book. This is the second year that the prize has been open to writers of any nationality, writing in English and published in the United Kingdom. Till 2014, the Booker Prize was open to authors only from the U.K. and Commonwealth, Republic of Ireland and Zimbabwe. The others whose books have been short-


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listed are British writer Tom McCarthy for his book Satin Island, Anne Tyler (U.S.) for A Spool of Blue Thread, Hanya Yanagihara (U.S.) for A Little Life, Marlon James (Jamaica) for A Brief History of Seven Killings, and Chigozie Obioma (Nigeria) for The Fishermen.

18 September

1) Ushering another banking revolution in the country, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on 16 September 2015 accorded in-principal approval for 10 small finance banks. These banks will focus on small geographies for operations but with a strong capital base. Which 10 entities were selected for these small banks? 1) Au Financiers, 2) Capital Local Area Bank, 3) Disha Microfin, 4) Equitas Holdings, 5) ESAF Microfinance, 6) Janalakshmi Financial Services, 7) RGVN (North East) Microfinance, 8) Suryoday Micro Finance, 9) Ujjivan Financial Services and 10) Utkarsh Micro Finance

Explanation: The selection of these small banks was on the basis of the recommendations from three different committees, backed by a detailed case study for each applicant, including that by an External Advisory Committee chaired by former deputy governor Usha Thorat. An important factor was proposed to reach into unbanked areas and underserved sections of the population. Draft guidelines for licensing of small finance banks were released for public comments on 17 July 2014 and based on the comments, the final norms for licensing of small finance banks were issued on 27 November. Earlier, in 2009 a Committee on Fin

Current Affair September 2015

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