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VETRII IAS STUDY CIRCLE
CURRENT AFFAIRS
TNPSC
(AUGUST - 2015)
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My Dear Aspirants,
Greetings to all of you! “What we think we become” Gautama Buddha we all have dreams To
make dreams come into reality it takes a lot of determination, dedication, self discipline and
continuous effort.
We at VETRII IAS Study Circle are committed to provide the right guidance, quality coaching
and help every aspirants to achieve his or her life’s cherished goal of becoming a civil servant.
The class room coaching at VETRII IAS Study Circle is meticulously planned to equip the
aspirants with all the relevant facts and fundamentals of the subjects. Further the VETRII IAS
Study Circle Study materials aims support the candidate by providing the most relevant
study material in a comprehensive manner.
Wishing You All The Very Best !!
DIRECTOR
(M.Shunmugam)
Vetrii IAS Study Circle.
TNPSC VETRII IAS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
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INDEX
SL. NO
TITLE
PAGE NO
1. TAMIL NADU 1
2. INDIA 9
3. INTERNATIONAL 25
4. ECONOMY 29
5. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 30
6. SPORTS 31
CURRENT AFFAIRS TAMIL NADU
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1. Desalination plants in Ramnad, Tuticorin
The State government has sanctioned 60 MLD capacity seawater reverse osmosis
desalination plants, one each at Kuthiraimozhi in Ramanathapuram and Alanthalai in
Tuticorin to benefit over 1,100 rural habitations where safe drinking water has been a
perennial problem.
2. TN announces award in Kalam’s name
Amidst demands to honour the former President APJ Abdul Kalam, The Tamil
Nadu government said that his birthday, October 15, would be observed as ‘Youth
Awakening Day’ every year.
Kalam award for ISRO scientist
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, presented the first APJ Abdul Kalam award to Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist N. Valarmathi, who led the team that
successfully launched Radar Imaging Satellite RISAT-1 in 2012. The Kalpana Chawla
award for courage and daring enterprise was awarded to Jothimani from Erode, a lorry
driver.
Science centre named after Kalam
Responding to demands voiced by various sections, the Puducherry government
announced that the newly inaugurated science centre-cum-planetarium would be named
after former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
3. Special camps for scheme
The Department of Posts has provided an age relaxation of one year to be eligible
for Sukanya Samriddhi/Selvamagal Semipu deposit scheme. While the age limit is
up to 10 years, it was extended to 11 years. This offer will expire by December 2, 2015.
4. TN has fourth highest number of rehab centres
Even as protests seeking total prohibition in Tamil Nadu, data show that Tamil
Nadu had the fourth highest number of Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts
(IRCA) in the country receiving Central government assistance.
The scheme, launched exclusively for girls below 10 years of age, allows parents or
guardians to deposit up to Rs.1.5 lakh a year in this scheme, which provides an
interest rate of 9.1 per cent.
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These centres received Rs.2.03 crore in Central government funds for supported
projects. The number of centrally supported projects at these IRCAs has risen from 14 in
2012-13 to 24 in 2014-15.
5. Rare Chera, Chola coins found in Thanjavur
Ten coins including a Sangam age Chera coin datable to circa second century BCE,
eight Chola period coins and a Vijayanagara period coin have been found in a trench
excavated by Tamil University, Thanjavur, at Senthalaipattanam.
Of the eight Chola coins one belongs to the emperor Raja Raja Chola and another
to his son, Rajendra Chola. Three trenches – two at Senthalaipattanam and one at the
nearby Mandripattanam – have yielded gold core, glass beads, micro beads, potsherds and
a terracotta pipe for transporting water.
6. Amalendu Krishan of TIFR wins Ramanujan Prize
The Ramanujan Prize for 2015 has been won by mathematician Amalendu Krishan
of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumabi. Dr.Krishna has been recognised
for outstanding contributions in the area of algebraic K-theory, algebraic cycles and the
theory of motives.
7. Now, an app to help farmers source seed
Using smart phones linked 9,600 fertilizer dealers, 4,500 primary cooperative
agriculture credit societies and 8,300 private seed dealers with an android app. These
dealers and societies have been asked to update their stock position using the app, Agri
Stock Monitoring System, which is updated on the website www.tnagrisnet.tn.gov.in that
farmers can check.
8. Ramanujam to head State information panel
K.Ramanujam, a 1978-batch IPS officer, is likely to be appointed as the State Chief
Information Commissioner. He will hold office till the age of 65. Mr.Ramanujam is
presently the adviser to the Tamil Nadu government and is expected to be sworn in by the
Instituted in 2005, the Ramanujan Prize carries a citation and a cash of
$15,000. This is the second time being awarded to an Indian, with Sujatha
Ramadorai having won it in 2006.
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Governor on August 9 along with two State Information Commissioners. He succeeds
K.S.Sripathi, whose tenure ended in April 27 this year.
9. Celebrating National Handloom Day on August 7
Distribution of Sant Kabir Awards & National Awards by Shri Narendra modi.
3 Kancheepuram weavers get awards
Expert weaver V.Sundararajan was presented with the Sant Kabir award by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi for his contribution to the revival of the world famous
Kancheepuram silk saree.
The award was presented at the 1st National Handloom Day for his invaluable
contribution towards development of handlooms. In 2001, he received national award in
silk saree weaving along with his wife. Two others from the same town, K.Jayanthi and
V.Palanivelu, won the national award for weavers.
10. State, Coast Guard pay homage to officers killed in Dornier crash
When the Dornier aircraft crashed. The Coast Guard had launched one of the
biggest search operations over sea in recent times, code named “TALASH” to look for
the aircraft. The operation lasted 36 days and finally the wreckage and human remains
were recovered by MSV Olympic Canyon of Reliance Industries from the seabed, at a
depth of about 960 metres.
11. Madras Stock Exchange bid for makeover hits a roadblock
MSE, one of India’s oldest stock exchanges, had to exit the stock exchange business
in 2014, as it couldn’t meet with regulator Sebi’s requirements regarding net worth for
such entities.
In 2012, Sebi passed an order mandating regional stock exchanges to have a
minimum net worth of Rs. 100 crore and an annual trading volume of Rs. 1,000 crore.
The market watchdog gave a two-year window for exchanges to comply or quit. Last year,
MSE decided to exit.
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12. Rs. 1,000 crore MoUs signed for MSME sector in Kancheepuram
A total 60 MoUs bringing an investment of Rs.544 crore were signed at the district-
level road show in Kancheepuram. As far as Kancheepuram district was concerned, a total
of 153 MoUs, including the 60 pacts signed have been inked to bring in investments of
around Rs.1,000 crore from the MSME sector in 12 industries projected to attract
investments from multinational companies at the GIM.
A MoU for setting up a Free Trade and Warehousing Zone with an investment of
Rs.100 crore by the J.Matadee Free Trade Zone Private Limited, at Mannur village near
Sriperumpudur, was also signed. The Hunan Tongpanshi Trade Company Limited,
Hunan Province, China, signed an MoU with the government for setting up a Chinese
food industry at Mevallurkuppam near Sriperumbudur with an investment of Rs.1 crore.
13. Yet to open butterfly park already has winged guests
The butterfly park set up at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur, has
already started receiving butterflies even before its formal launch. Zoo authorities said
that the caterpillar-shaped park was being built in 2.7 hectares of land near Otteri Lake at
a cost of Rs.4 crore. The park will host hundreds of colourful winged insects.
14. Rs. 1,000 cr. for integrating Chennai airport terminals
The old terminals of the Chennai airport will be reconstructed and integrated with
the existing terminals at an estimated cost of Rs.1,000 crore. Chairman of Airports
Authority of India (AAI) R.K. Srivastava who inspected the airport said, “The present
SEBI
• The Madras Stock Exchange was registered on August 12, 1937.
• When it first opened doors in 1937 it had five members. During the
capital market boom in 1980s, the membership shot up to 114. At
present, MSE has over 200 shareholders.
• It was the fourth stock exchange to be established in the country
and the first in South India.
• The Madras Stock Exchange was the 14th stock exchange to exit
under market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India
exit policy, which was issued in 2012.
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terminals were constructed few years ago at a cost of Rs. 2,000 crore for a capacity of 23
million people. Now, it is time to reconstruct the old terminals and merge them with the
existing ones; then, the capacity would increase to 30 million people.”
15. E-transfer of patta in State soon
Digitisation of land records, launched to prevent malpractices in patta transfer, is
nearing completion and transfer of pattas through online will be rolled out in Tamil Nadu
soon. “While land records data pertaining to Chennai District have been computerised, in
rural areas, a pilot scheme for online patta transfer has already been launched in 12 taluks
in 12 districts,” said A.S. Vasuki, Commissioner of the Survey and Settlement.
How the public benefits
People can apply online for patta transfer through any Common Service Centre
(CSC) in their neighbourhood
Status of the application can be viewed online
Digitally-signed patta can be downloaded anytime from anywhere
How it helps officials
Computerisation will bring down the regular work load
Officials can electronically authenticate the identity of service-seekers without the
need for manual authentication
Work can be monitored online and pending
16. Another feather in the cap for Madurai City
Close on the heels of Madurai City finding a favourable mention in the Swachh
Bharat rankings in the country, another feather has been added to its cap. The Madurai
Corporation has emerged as the ‘Best Corporation’ in the state and will be receiving an
award of Rs.25 lakh from the Chief Minister on Independence Day.
17. Tiruchi airport gets e-tourist visa system
The Tiruchi International Airport became one of the gateways for foreign tourists
entering the country with e-tourist visas, an online visa issue system introduced by the
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Union government. Tiruchi is now one of the 16 designated airports in the country, which
have been approved as entry points for foreigners arriving in the country with e-tourist
visas. While nine airports, including Chennai, were already approved, Tiruchi and six other
airports - Amritsar, Gaya, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Varanasi - have been added
to the system now.
Under the system, foreign tourists can apply for visas through the website
www.indianvisaonline. Gov.in minimum four days in advance of their arrival. The visas
would have a validity of 30 days from the date of arrival. Biometric details of the applicant
will be mandatorily captured on arrival in India. The facility can be availed for a maximum
of two visits to the country in a calendar year.
18. TN shortlists 12 corporations for smart city
Tiruchirapalli, Chennai, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Vellore, Salem, Erode, Thanjavur,
Tirunelveli, Dindigul, Madurai, Thoothukudi
19. CSG training centre at Ramanathapuram
To strengthen Coastal Security Group (CSG) personnel’s talent, a training centre
will be established on a 230-acre site at Olaikuda in Ramanathapuram district.
20. TN rools out master health plan for the poor
In a major initiative on preventive healthcare, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa
announced a comprehensive AMMA Master Health Check-Up plan in the Tamil Nadu
Assembly.
The announcements signalled the expansion of welfare schemes under ‘AMMA’
brand, the government had decided to launch the master health check-up as a pilot
programme at the Chennai Government General Hospital.
Slew of health schemes targets women, child
Launching the ‘Amma Magaperu Sanjivi scheme, Ms. Jayalalithaa said a bouquet
of 11 siddha medicines aimed at the welfare of pregnant women and new born would be
aimed at different stages of pregnancy to counter complaints such as nausea, iron and
vitamin deficiency, abdomen and hip joint pain.
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How Amma Arogya Thittam will be implemented
The Amma Arogya Thittam announced will be an expansion of the master health
check-up scheme. It envisages offering treatment post-master health check-up for all
health conditions that have been identified. Treatment would be provided at all
government hospitals and primary health care (PHCs) centres.
The scheme has not just been extended to the PHCs but considerably expanded to
include more investigations. The aim is to enable people to seek medical attention early
instead of at a later stage when the disease is florid.
21. Rs. 2,300 crore for Chennai airport makeover
Three years after the first phase modernisation of the Chennai airport, the second
round of work is all set to start soon with a whopping budget of Rs. 2,300 crore to increase
passenger and aircraft movement.
22. New industrial estates in four districts
The State government will earmark 165 acres of land for the formation of new
industrial estates in Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Tiruvarur and Pudukottai
districts.Announcing this during the demands for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
Department in the Assembly that the industrial estates will be set up at a cost of Rs. 30
crore each. If private industries are willing to set up estates elsewhere, SIDCO would be
willing to join hands with them.
41. Development aids population stability in TN
In signs that welfare polices in Tamil Nadu have had a positive effect, the religion-
wise figures of Census 2011 show that decadal growth rate of population in two major
communities — Hindu and Muslim — was lower than the national average.In the case of
Christians, while the growth was slightly higher than the all-India figure, their proportion
in the overall State population remained more or less the same as in 2001.
Experts state that the data reiterates the understanding that development,
represented by better education, health and other social welfare measures, contribute
significantly more to population stability than religion.According to the data, the Hindu
population in Tamil Nadu saw an increase of 14.91 per cent between 2001 and 2011.
Christians and Muslims grew by 21.86 and 16.73 per cent respectively. In the same
period, the overall population in Tamil Nadu grew by 15.60 per cent. In the State, the
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growth of population among Hindus and Muslims was markedly lower than national
average of 16.76 percent and 24.60 per cent.
While Christians clocked a growth rate of 16.73 per cent in Tamil Nadu, the
national average was 15.52 per cent. Significantly, unlike Hindus, there were more women
than men among Christians and Muslims in 2011.
As a proportion to the overall State population, Hindus stood at 87.5, Christians at
6.12 and Muslims at 5.86 per cent. In 2001, Christians were 6.06 per cent and Muslims
were 5.56 of the total population.
Welfare measures
Professor at the International Institute of Population Sciences, Dr. P. Arokiasamy,
said the data was reflective of the lead the southern States have taken in terms of socio-
economic parameters.
“This is not a new trend. Intensive population campaigns since the 1980s coupled
with robust welfare measures have helped Kerala and Tamil Nadu stabilise their
population to a great extent relatively,” he said.Dr. Arokiasamy said the two States were
among the earliest to achieve the fertility replacement rate (average number of children
born per woman) of 2.1.
42. Healthy sign: study reveals decline in child labour in cotton fields
With issues of child labour in hybrid cotton seed production in the country
receiving global attention, a study has revealed that there is a sharp decline in the number
of children below 14 years employed in the highly labour intensive activity in the recent
years.
Of the total 95,000 acres of cotton production in India in 2014-15, Gujarat has
largest area covering 48,000 acres (50 per cent) while Attur taluk in Salem district is the
main production centre in the State with about 7,000 acres (7.4 per cent), followed by
Kallakurichi in Villupuram district and Sitteri in Dharmapuri district.
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1. Jan Aushadhi
“Jan Aushadhi” is the flagship programme of Department of Pharmaceuticals
under Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers to make “Quality Generic Medicines” available to
the masses at affordable prices. The Govt. of India plans to scale up the programme by
opening 3000 Jan Aushadhi stores spread all over the country.
2. World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August 2015)
Breastfeeding and Work: Let’s Make it Work!
3. Vaccine developed to fight Ebola
The Ebola virus is likely to be eradicated once for all as a new vaccine developed
against the disease by Public Health Agency of Canada has shown 100% efficiency in a trial
that was carried out in Guinea. A dummy virus (vesicular stomatitis virus, or VSV) was
designed with diluted elements of Ebola.
4. Centre inks peace accord with Naga insurgent outfit
The government signed a peace accord with the Nationalist Socialist Council of
Nagaland (IsakMuivah), one of the largest insurgent outfits, which has been demanding a
unified Naga identity and a separate ‘Nagalim’ State for over six decades.
R.N. Ravi, the Naga interlocutor, signed the accord with the NSCN-IM at a much
publicised ceremony at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence. Besides Mr.Modi,
Home Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval were present.
5. India to host meeting of 14 Pacific island nations
On August 21, India will host the heads of 14 island nations at the Forum for India-
Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), in what is seen as a first step towards greater
engagement with the region, which is important from an economic and geostrategic
standpoint.
The upcoming summit in Jaipur is expected to pave the way for agreements in
agriculture, food processing, fisheries, solar energy, e-networks for coordination in
telemedicine and tele-education, space cooperation and climate change, all of which were
mentioned as areas of potential cooperation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his
visit to Fiji in 2014.
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6. Centre denies plans to build DNA database, but experts fault Bill
The Union government has denied plans to develop a DNA database of citizens,
similar to the biometric database of Aadhaar, as feared by many when the Human DNA
profiling Bill was introduced in the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha Union Minister of State for Science and
Technology Y.S. Chowdary said the government did not propose to establish a DNA
databank of castes, communities and groups to profile, store and match their DNA data.
Lalji Singh, recognised as the father of DNA finger printing technology in India, said the
Bill was an improvised version of the one he framed several years ago.
What the bill says
Set up a National DNA Data bank, defined as “a consolidated DNA profile
storage and maintenance facility, whether in computerised or other from”.
Appoint a DNA Bank manager to supervise, execute and maintain the data
bank.
Make recommendations for maximising the use of DNA techniques and
technologies in the administration of justice.
Form a National DNA Profilling Board for regulatory purposes headed by
the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Disgnostics in Hyderabad.
What the DNA Data Bank Will Store
Index of the crime scene, suspect, offender, missing persons, unknown
deceased persons, volunteers
Other DNA indices as may be specified by regulations.
INDIA’s STRATEGY
During his 2014 visit, Modi announced visa on arrival for nationals of all
Pacific island countries
Increase in annual grant-in-aid to these island countries from $125,000 to
$200,000 for community projects.
India ready to support the setting up of a Trade Office in New Delhi to
promote bilateral trade
PM has offered training programmes for the diplomats of these countries.
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7. Citizenship soon for those who fled religious persecution
In a move that will have far-reaching implications in Assam and some parts of
north-west India, the Union Home Ministry will amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant
citizenship to undocumented migrants who fled religious persecution in Pakistan and
Bangladesh.
The migrants include not just Hindus but also Buddhists, Christians, Zoroastrians,
Sikhs and Jains. To Home Ministry sources have confirmed that a Bill is in the works to
amend the Act and make changes to some provisions in the Foreigners Act, 1946, the
Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920, and the passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950.
8. Sundar Pichai to spearhead Google
Sundar Pichai has worked on some of Google’s best-known products — from the
Chrome browser to the Android mobile software. Chennai-born Mr. Pichai, 43, was named
chief executive officer of the Internet titan, as Google unveiled a new corporate structure,
creating an umbrella company dubbed Alphabet.
He will oversee the biggest company under that umbrella, which will still be called
Google and will continue to include some of its household products, including its search
engine, ads, maps, apps, YouTube and the Android system.
Passport rules will now allow government to offer these people long-term
visas while their case for citizenship is considered by the authorities.
The amended Citizenship Act will exempt them from the status of illegal
immigrants.
Evolution over the years:
• 2004: Joined Google, was called a “low-key manager”.
• 2008: Led the launch of Google chrome browser
• 2009: Launched Chromebook, OS
• 2010: Launched WebM format
• 2013: Added Android to Google
• 2014: As Product Chief in Oct. 2014, he became Larry Pange’s second-in-
command.
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9. Nine U.S. satellites to be flown from Sriharikota
In a small but significant progress in the chequered Indo-U.S. space equations,
Indian satellite launchers will for the first time put a few U.S. – made satellites into space
from Indian soil. ISRO’s commercial venture Antrix Corporation recently signed contracts
to launch nine micro and nano spacecraft separately as small copassengers on the PSLV
lightlifter during this year and next, according to information from ISRO officials.
“As on date, Antrix Corporation Ltd. has signed agreement to launch about nine
nano/micro (U.S.) satellites during the 2015-2016 time-frame from the Sriharikota launch
pad.” Another positive outcome with the U.S. is the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
(NISAR), signed about two years ago, to co-develop a radar imaging satellite and launch it
from India around 2019-20. It will be the first synthetic aperture radar satellite in dual
frequency.
10. Rs.120 cr. for urban renewal plan
A new phase of India’s urban renewal began with the Union Urban Development
Ministry announcing the release of Rs.120 crore to the States and Union Territoties. As
part of the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the money
will be directly transferred to municipal councils nationwide, something that is happening
for the first time in India’s urban governance.
The Ministry has identified 482 cities, and each will receive Rs.25 lakh to pinpoint
flaws (in the existing service providing mechanisms such as water supply and sewerage)
and come up with solutions.
The 482 cities where this new approach of urbanism will be adopted are towns
with a population of above one lakh. Under AMRUT, the five year Central assistance of
Rs.50,000 crore will be one third of the project cost for cities with a population of above 10
lakh and 50 percent of project cost for cities and towns with a population of below 10 lakh.
11. Ban only on sites promoting child porn, says Centre
Following massive uproar over its move to ban 857 pornography sites, the Union
government said the ban would be lifted. However, sites that promoted child porn would
continue to be prohibited.
The government on asked Internet service providers to restrict “open and free”
access to 857 porn websites to protect Indian cultural fabric. The government has decided
that the ban will be partially lifted.
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12. 14 months on, nominated Anglo-Indian Lok Sabha member Richard Hay
sworn in
After an unprecedented wait of more than 14 months, the Anglo-Indian community
got a representative in the 16th Lok Sabha when a former Professor from Kerala, Richard
Hay, took oath The second member nominated from the community, actor George Baker
from West Bengal, is yet to take oath.
13. Boosting digital footprint in rural areas
A research group at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) has set up
India’s first pilot test-bed which uses unused TV spectrum to provide broadband Internet
connectivity. It could be used by the NDA government’s flagship Digital India programme
to enhance broadband Internet connectivity to rural areas at a cheaper cost.
To access the Internet, the villagers have been provided with low cost WiFi tablets
by IITB and have received the help of an NGO (PUKAR) in educating the villagers about
the use of Internet.
14. Mumbai gets a flamingo sanctuary
Mumbai is setting another record after being home to a national park for decades.
If the Sanjay Gandhi national park is right in the heart of the city, The Thane Creek
Flamingo Sanctuary, Which came into being is on its periphery.
The Maharashtra Revenue and Forest Department notified the northern part of the
creek as a wildlife sanctuary under Section 18 of the Wildlife (Protection Act), 1972. The
sanctuary will be the State’s second marine sanctuary after the one at Malvan. The creek
has been attracting flamingos in large numbers since 1994.
15. Tripura passes resolution against death penalty
The Tripura Assembly has passed a resolution requesting the Centre to amend
Section 302 of the IPC to abolish capital punishment. The resolution is apparently a fallout
of the recent hanging of Yakub Memon, convict in the 1993 Mumabi serial blasts case.
16. NRIs, PIOs and OICs to get Aadhaar
The government has decided that Aadhaar enrolment of NRIs, Persons of Indian
Origin and Overseas Citizen of India should be eventually allowed to help them
authenticate their identity digitally, Planning Minister Rao Inderjit Singh told the Lok
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Sabha. “The government has decided that a longer term goal should be to expand Aadhaar
enrolment activities in order to ensure that all persons on Indian soil (Resident Indian,
NRIs, OCI/PIO and visa holding visitors) shall be empowered with a unique
identity/identifier that can be authenticated on a digital platform any time anywhere.”-
PTI.
17. Weave new designs: Modi
Promoting handlooms as he did khadi last year, Prime Minister Narendra modi
stressed on new designs, branding and e-commerce to launch the rich, colourful heritage
on a global scale.
Inaugurating the 1st National Handloom Day in Chennai, Mr.Modi said he had
asked people to use at least one khadi garment to help artisans during his ‘Mann ki baat’
programme last October and the sale of khadi products had since then gone up by 60
percent compared to the same period last year.
Handlooms constituted 15 percent of the total cloth consumption in the country.
“If you raise this to 20 per cent, it will be a huge boost to the sector as the turnover will
increase by 33 percent.”
18. ‘Missing’ manual scavengers
The bulk of manual scavengers who are engaged in cleaning night soil in rural
pockets of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are found missing in the recently released Socia
Economic Caste Census – 2011 data.
In an irony of sorts, the SECC has enumerated just 356 manual scavengers in the
two States that as per census-2011, have 2.28 lakh insanitary latrines out of which 10,357
are serviced manually.
19. Now, Aadhaar must for all jail visitors in Telangana
Faced with the daunting task of screening criminals posing as visitors to jails, the
Telangana Prisons Department (TPD) has found a solution, thanks to the Aadhaar system.
In the near future, all those visiting prison inmates should carry their Aadhaar cards.
Preventing cheating
The Aadhaar ID as well as the biometrics of the visitors will be verified with the
UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) server to check if the visitor’s identity is
genuine. The TPD had recently sought support from the UIDAI for this initiative.
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20. Watch out, scenic Vembanad estuary is shrinking every year
Each year, Vembanad estuary is shrinking by 0.288 sq km, which would leave
serious ecological impact on the lives on its banks.
A group of researchers from the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa, came to
the conclusion after evaluating the coastal morphological data of 44 years between 1967
and 2011.
The research team consisting of P.K.Dinesh kumar, Girish Gopinath,
R.ManiMurali and K.R.Muraleedharan noted that the “rapid pace in urbanisation in the
region has brought tremendous changes to the major islands in the estuary”.
21. Important visit to a long time ally: BJP
The announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to the
United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken many by surprise but partymen say that a visit to
India’s long time ally was important when juxtaposed with the other visits that the Prime
Minister may undertake later, most notably to Isreal.
22. Tremors rock North India
A high-intensity earthquake struck the Hindukush region in Afghanistan tremors
of which were felt in several parts of North India, including Jammu and Kashmir and
Delhi.
According to the India Meteorological Department, the earthquake with a
magnitude of 6.2 on the Richter scale hit Afghanistan at around 3.35 p.m. Tremors were
also felt in Srinagar and adjoining areas of J&K. There was no report of any damage or
casualty so far.
23. After a decade, Athirapilly project gets green light
The 163-MW Athirappilly hydroelectric project, proposed across the Chalakudy
River, has received the go-ahead from the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River
Valley and Hydroelectric Projects.
24. Soon, space programmes will use indigenously made titanium sponge
The national Space programme can now fully bank on made-in-India titanium
sponge that goes into making its satellite and launch vehicle parts. The titanium sponge
Modi will be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the UAE after Indira Gandhi
in 1981.YUDH ABHYAS – 2015. India, US combined Military exercise.
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plant initiated and sponsored by the Indian Space Research Organisation nine years back
became operational at Chavara in Kerala last month. Only six other countries produce
titanium sponge commercially. This will mean a big saving on foreign exchange
considering that the Indian Space Research Organisation alone has been importing a
significant 200-300 tonnes of titanium sponge each year from Russia, Japan or China.
The precious commodity was being imported because of the absence of a plant to
make high-quality sponge although “the country has the third largest reserve of minerals
bearing titanium,” ISRO said.
The indigenous Ti sponge is completely qualified for space applications and gives a
big boost to the ‘make in India’ campaign.” It said about 350 tonnes of Ti sponge with
nearly 70 per cent of aerospace grade or 99.7 per cent purity material was realised. VSSC
realised aerospace-grade Ti6Al4V products at Mishra Dhatu Nigam (Midhani) in
Hyderabad.
25. BIMARU States: the shoe fits even now
In a speech in Gaya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that while Rajasthan and
Madhya Pradesh were no longer “BIMARU” states, Bihar continued to suffer this fate. So
which are India’s real BIMARU states? The term BIMARU – an abbreviation for Bihar,
Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh – was coined in 1980 by the demographer
Ashish Bose in a paper he wrote in the early 1980s.
He examined a range of demographic indicators to conclude that these states,
home to 40 per cent of the country’s population, lagged significantly behind the southern
states, and were contributing the most to India’s population explosion.
Index of backwardness: How BIMARU states fare (rank from the bottom) Bihar Jharkhand Madhya
Pradesh Chhattisgarh Rajasthan Uttar
Pradesh 2 4 2 4 9 9
26. Suhasini Haidar wins Prem Bhatia Award
The Prem Bhatia Memorial Award for the Best Political Reporting-2015 was
awarded to Suhasini Haidar. Ms. Haidar was awarded for her 21-year-long career
reporting on and analysing the bewildering variety of conflicts and surges around the
world.
27. TTD package for international tourists
International tourists arriving in India would be offered an integrated package by
the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Department comprising a special darshan of Lord
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Venkateswara at Tirumala, visit to other religious places and shopping malls in its
vicinity, pick-up and drop at the airport and hotel accommodation.
Initially, the package to visit Tirupati would be offered to tourists who are NRIs or
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO). The AP Tourism Department would be soon launching
online the customised tour package.
28. Rs. 300-cr. relief package for ryots
The government on Wednesday announced a relief package of Rs. 300 crore to
provide diesel and seed subsidy, among others, in order to save standing kharif crops in
the eventuality of drought and deficit rainfall.
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi, approved allocation of Rs. 300 crore to provide diesel and seed subsidy, save
horticulture crops and improve fodder supply.
The government approved Rs. 100 crore for implementing the diesel subsidy
scheme for protective irrigation of crops. Under the scheme, 50 per cent diesel subsidy
would be given to farmers to supplement irrigation to protect standing kharif crops in
areas where rainfall deficit is more than 50 per cent.
29. Rural job scheme empowered women: NCAER
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
(MGNREGS) reduced poverty by up to a third, gave a large number of women their first
opportunity to earn income in cash, reduced reliance on moneylenders, and did not
significantly affect rural wages, a new research has found.
Officials of the Ministry of Rural Development and the National Council of Applied
Economic Research (NCAER) released a new report, which used data from two rounds of
the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) — 2004-05 and 2011-12 — conducted by
the NCAER and the University of Maryland. Comparisons of the two rounds of the survey
found that the programme reduced poverty overall by up to 32 per cent and prevented 14
million people from falling into poverty.
30. Vizhinjam to become reality
Kerala’s dream project, Vizhinjam International Multipurpose deepwater Seaport,
is set to become a reality with the signing of the concession agreement between the State
1st Indian city to join world Tourism cities federation council - kochi
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and Adani Vizhinjam Ports Ltd. (AVLP) of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd.
(APSEZ), the private multi-port operator selected to build the superstructure and operate
the seaport.
31. Maggi ban goes, but fresh tests ordered
The Bombay High Court revoked the nationwide ban on Maggi noodles but in the
interest of public health, ordered fresh testing of all variants of the product to be completed
within six weeks.
Swiss food manufacturer Nestle India, which had challenged the ban order of the
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, will be able to manufacture and sell its
products only if results of the new tests show lead levels within permissible limits.
32. ‘Start-up, stand-up’ campaign is Modi's new route to push growth
The Prime Minister announced the “Start- up India, Stand up India” scheme aimed
at promoting entrepreneurship at the bottom of the pyramid. Each of the 1.25 lakh bank
branches across the country should encourage at least one Dalit for Adivasi entrepreneur
and one woman entrepreneur.
33. Electronic eyes watch traffic cops
The Telangana government has given 100 hand-held cameras to the Hyderabad
traffic police. These cameras be used to record traffic policemen’s interaction with the
public. The officials are hopeful that this move, the first in the country, would not only curb
corruption but also enhance the department’s image.
34. India’s Mars mission exceeds expectations
Newly released images of the Martian surface taken by the Indian Mars orbiter
show Ophir Chasma, a canyon 317 km long to the south of the Martian equator. The
‘chasma’ is part of Valles Marineri’s which scientists say is the largest canyon system in the
entire solar system. A ‘chasma’ is a long, steepsided depression as designated by the
International Astronomical Union.
Hamari Dharohar – To preserve the rich heritage of the Parsi Minority
community.
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The three-dimensional images of the terrain of interest were taken by the Mars
Colour Camera on July 19 from a distance of 1,857 km and with a resolution of 96 metres.
The walls of the chasma contain many layers and the floors contain large, deposits of
layered materials.
Ophir Chasma
The Ophir Chasma lies in the corporate quare (quadrangle) and is named after
Mars enthusiast Ophir Bentov of Los Angeles, who has invested in Mars expenditions for
eventual human exploration.
35. Kerala now declares itself ‘complete digital State,’ thanks to e- district
initiative
With the State making remarkable strides in the implementation of various
e-governance initiatives, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy declared Kerala the ‘complete
digital State. “The State has achieved 100 per cent mobile density, 75 per cent e- literacy,
highest digital banking rate and broadband connection up to panchayat level,”
Mr. Chandy said in his 69th Independence Day speech at the Central Stadium here.
“The implementation of e-district programmes in all districts and linking of
Aadhaar and bank accounts have laid a strong foundation for Digital Kerala. I am proud to
declare the State the complete digital state, based on these indicators.”
36. Media pundits creating atmosphere of gloom: PM
Indicating a change in emphasis, Mr. Modi renamed the Ministry of Agriculture as
the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, while stressing that the government
would work to raise farm productivity and increase areas under irrigation to ensure “per
drop, more crop”.
37. Mixed reaction to Modi’s Red Fort Address
Power House
• Power House: A house and access to basic services like electricity for
all by 2022
• Financial Inclusion: Modi said that 17 crore bank accounts were
opened through Prime Minister’s Jan Dhan Yojana.
Om Prakash Rawat – New Election Commissioner
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38. Made-in-India vehicles for U.N.mission in Mali
In a sign of increasing Indian defence exports in the global market, Tata Motors
has supplied 520 vehicles to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation
Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), including ambulances, jeeps, water and fuel tankers,
revovery and refrigeration trucks and buses.
The contract was won in 2014 against stiff international competition and these
vehicles have been deployed in mission areas in West Africa.
Global presence
“Tata motors exports its range of specialised de”
39. Naidu lays stone for food part, industrial hub in Kurnool district
In a step towards ushering in industrial growth in Kurnool district, Andhra
Pradesh Chief Minister N.Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation-stone for Kurnool ultra
mega food park at Thangadancha in Jupadu Bungalow mandal and Orvakal mega
industrial hub at Pudicherla in Orvakal mandal.
40. Delhi is now India’s rape capital, show NCRB data
For the first time in history, Delhi is officially the “rape capital” of India. Even
while the pace of increase in the number of such cases proportionate to its women
population was higher than for any other city or State last year. Delhi is higher in both
absolute and proportionate terms, show data from the National Crime Records Bureau.
41. Helping fishermen know the behaviour of the sea, fishing zones
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is gearing up
to augment its network of wave buoys and tide gauges for ocean forecast and climate
CM ON FOUNDATION LAYING SPREE
o Mega food park at Thangadancha
o Mega industrial hub at Pudicherla
o Maize processing unit by Ambuja
o Drip and sprinkler manufacturing unit at Thangadancha
DISHA – A mobile app for digital Saksharta Abhiyan to aid digital literacy in
Bihar.
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studies. The network generates real-time information on waves, tides, ocean currents,
tsunami and sea surface temperature, as well as movement of fish shoals.
INCOIS has a network of 21 tide gauges in stalled with funds from the Indian
Tsunami Early Warning Project.
42. Kerala banana variant on GI list
It’s an Onam gift for the banana farmer here, the ‘nendran’ banana variety,
‘Chengalikodan,’ has been accorded. The Geographical Indication (GI) status.
GI status is an indication that identifies goods as produced from a particular area,
which has special quality or reputation attributable to its geographical origin.
43. Muslim Population growth slows
India’s Muslim population is growing slower than it had in the previous decades,
and its growth rate has slowed more sharply than that of the Hindu population.
The decadal Muslim rate of growth is the lowest it has ever been in India’s history,
as it is for all religions. The distribution of data is of the total population by six major
religious communities — Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Jain — besides
“Other religions and persuasions” and “Religion not stated”.
44. Sachin may captain ‘Green Army’ of Maharashtra
Master blaster sachin Tendulkar may become Maharashtra’s ‘Green Army chief.’
After superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who is the ‘tiger ambassador’ of the State, Mr.
Tendulkar will promote the cause of environment in Maharashtra by being part of the
Green Army, a State government initiative for schoolchildren.
Under the Green Army initiative, every school nominates minimum 10 students
each to undertake or work in various projects for environment conservation in their
respective areas. As per the State government estimate, 10 lakh students are part of this
Green Army.
About Indian Bank
Indian Bank is one of the oldest bank in India. It was established in
1907 as a private bank
It was nationalised in 1969
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45. Centre unveils list of 98 smart cities; U.P. & T.N. strike it rich
Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu urged local and international
investors to put their money on the Smart City Mission assuring them that it was a safe bet.
Mr. Naidu unveiled a list of 98 cities with Uttar Pradesh taking the largest share of
developing 13 smart cities followed by Tamil Nadu.
It’s official 12 Smart Cities for Tamil Nadu
Officially, the Centre has announced that Tamil Nadu, one of the most urbanised
States in the country, will get 12 smart cities. That is all the 12 corporations in the State will
get the Smart City tag.
It may be an uphill task for Chennai, the oldest corporation in the country, as it
was ranked in the middle at the State-level challenge, say officials. Tiruchi was ranked the
top. Dindigul, a smaller and newer corporation, was ranked high.It could be retrofitting
model over 500 acres or redevelopment model covering 50 acres or a greener city in about
250 acres. It can be either of the three models or a mix ot them.
A smart City aims to improve resident’s quality of life, provide a clean and
sustainable environment and facilitate application of smart soulutions. The focus is on
sustainable and inclusive development.
Indian presence in chabahar is expected to off set Chinese
presence in Pakistani of Gwadar
COST CUTTER: The port will be used to dhip crude
oil and urea, greatly reducing India’s transportation
costs
AFGHAN CONNECT: A railway to be built by Ircon
International, will connect Chabahar port to
Zahedan on Afghan border
BIGGER LINK: The port will link to International
North-South Transport Corridor that will connect
India with Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and other
Central Asian trading partners.
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46. NITI Aayog launches India Energy Security Scenarios 2047
47. Union government launches E-payment Module to deposit Compensatory
levies into CAMPA funds
It was launched, in order to make these payments for diversion of forest land
quicker and more transparent.
Every Smart City will have the following features
E-Governance and Citizen Services
Public information, grievance redressal
E-service delivery
Monitoring crime through video
Water Management
Smart meters and management
Leakage identification, preventive maintenance
Monitoring water quality
Waste Management
Waste to energy and fuel
Waste water treatment
Reduction, recycling of construction waste
Urban Mobility
Smart parking
Intelligent traffic management
Integrated multi-modal transport
Energy Management
Renewable sources of energy
Energy efficient and green buildings
NITI Aayog launched the second version of an open source web based tool India
Energy Security Scenarios 2047 calculator (IESS2047)
CAMPA Fund
Levies are imposed on development projects that seek land inside a reserved
forest or a Protected Area (PA) in a sanctuary or a national park.
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48. India become Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus free, country ie mothers and new borns are
free from tetanus at the time of birth.
This is second milestone achieved by India in public health sector after it was
declared polio free country in 2014
49. ‘Housing for All’ scheme
305 cities were identified by Union Ministry of Housing and urban Poverty
Alleviation (HUPA) for beginning of construction of houses for the urban poor under the
scheme.
HUPA – Will Provide 2 laksh crore rupees over the next six years for construction
of houses
About Maternal and Neonatal tetanus Tetanus – caused by the bacterium
clostridium tetani
Goverment gives nod to rename Delhi’s Aurangeb Road as Abdul Kalam Road
and it was decided by New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC)
Union Government launched this scheme named as Pradhan Mantri Awas
Yojana in June 2015. Under the aegis of Housing for all by 2022 Mission.
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1. Obama takes ‘biggest step’ to tackle climate change
Obama aims to set an example ahead of the U.N. climate change summit in Paris in
December. The final rules propose a 32 per cent cut in carbon emissions from power plants
by 2030 on 2005 levels, up from the initial proposal of 30 per cent. However, states will
only have to comply by 2022 rather than 2020 as originally proposed, and will be able to
submit their plans on meeting the targets by 2018 in stead of 2017.
2. Plane debris arrive in France
Airplane debris that washed up on the Indian Ocean island of Reunion and may
belong to a vanished Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777 arrived in France.
3. The MH370 Mystery
Boeing 777 debris found on the island of Reunion appears to prove that missing
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 crashed in the Indian Ocean, but the cause of the disaster
remains unknown. MH370 took off from Kuala Lumpur with 227 passengers and 12 crew
at 12:41 am on March 8 last year, bound for Beijing.
4. Myanmar declares national emergency
Myanmar’s President headed to devastated rural regions where a state of
emergency was declared after deadly monsoon rains displaced tens of thousands of people,
flooded swathes of rice paddy and prompted fears of dams collapsing.
5. India set to be most populous nation
In seven years, India will surpass China to become the world’s most populous
country and will have 1.7 billion residents by 2050, new projections from the United
Nations show,. Experst, however, caution that India might be lowering its fertility at a
faster rate than what the U.N.’s projections indicates.
The world population reached 7.3 billion as of mid-2015, adding approximately
one billion people in the past 12 years.
It wil take 15 years to add the next billion people, taking the world population to
8.5 billion in 2030. By 2050, the world will have 9.7 billion people and 11.2 billion by 2100.
Nigeria which will be the third largest populated country in the world in 2050 overtaking
the U.S. – grow the fastest. China’s population will start declining by the 2030s, while
India’s is projected to decline only after 2069 when its population is around 1.75 billion.
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6. Victory over Ebola
The alacrity and eagerness shown by the research community to find a safe and
efficacious vaccine against the deadly Ebola virus has borne fruit. The interim results of a
Phase III clinical trial in Guinea using a novel virus vaccine (rVSV-ZEBOV) have shown
100 percent efficacy after 10 days of vaccination. People who received it three weeks after
randomisation (delayed vaccination).
7. London’s museums most googled in the world
London has been named the most googled city in the world for its art galleries,
performing arts and innovative design.
8. World’s first ant map launched
The world’s first ever ant map showing the distribution of the tiny industrious
creature around the globe was launched by the University of Hong Kong in a bid to shed
more light on the insect world.
9. India, Bangladesh to mount joint fight against fake currency
Indian and Bangladeshi security agencies have agreed to work in close
coordination to curb the smuggling of counterfeit currency notes, posing a threat to
national security.They have signed a memorandum of understanding to this effect. At a
meeting of the Joint Task Force on Fake Currency Notes in Dhaka, the two sides
committed themselves to sharing intelligence on a real-time basis.
10. China devalues currency by 1.9 per cent
The People’s Bank of China (PBoC), China’s central bank, decided to devalue the
yuan, also known as the renminbi, by 1.9%, the largest devaluation in two decades. The
midpoint for the Yuan was fixed at 6.2295 per US dollar compared 6.1162 per US dollar.
The PBoC termed this a one-time action, aimed at increasing the “market-orientation and
benchmark status” of the currency.
China devalues yuan again,
Following 1.9 % devaluation of its currency, China lowered its “daily fix” of the
yuan to 6.3306 per US dollar, a further decline of 1.6%. The yuan is allowed to trade at plus
or minus 2 percent around this midpoint.
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11. Africa takes a giant step towards polio eradication
Continent achieves a year without any new causes of wild polio for the first time.
12. As U.S. changes tack, India redraws UNSC bid
Despite facing unexpected opposition from the U.S. to its bid for a permanent seat
in the United Nations Security Council, India plans to make a go of it. The U.S. has joined
Russia and China in their blocking of any large-scale reforms of the council and rejection of
veto power to new members, “The U.S. and these other countries cannot veto U.N. reform,
which will be decided by the General Assembly, where each country has one equal vote”.
If it comes to a vote, India will need the support of at least 129, or two-thirds, of the
193 member-states. However, the unity of the U.S., Russia and China on the issue puts the
whole process of expansion in some doubt.
13. Inferno in China
• The first explosion was equivalent to 3 tonnes of TNT and the second to 21 tonnes of
TNT.
• The area is home to Tianhe-1, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, which was
shutdown as a precaution after the blasts.
14. Iran submits nuclear records to IAEA
Iran has submitted documents linked to its past nuclear activity, the U.N.’s atomic
watchdog has confirmed, a key condition of a probe into suspected efforts to create nuclear
arms.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) signed a “road map” with Iran to
investigate its nuclear progamme, as part of an overall accord with major world powers.
• August 11, 2015 marked one year since the last wild: Polio case in
Africa was detected in central Somalia.
• Africa’s last polio-endemic country, Nigeria, reached 1 year
without a reported case.
• $80 million funds earmarked by Nigeria for the polio programme
this year
• If Africa goes two more years without reports of the disease, the
WHO will declare the continent polio-free
• In the year two other polio-endemic countries, Paldstant and
Afghanistan, there have been 28 and six cases, respectively, this year.
• Global health experts hope that by 2018 polio will be wiped
out.
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The historic deal is aimed at curbing Iran’s nuclear activity in exchange for relief on
painful economic sanctions. The IAEA said Iran had met a key deadline by handing over
the papers.
15. Iran no longer on restricted visa list
India sees Iran as a key supporter in the wake of the growing threats and influences
the Islamist terror groups such as the Islamic state in Central Asia. India has liberalised its
visa policy for Iran and struck it off the prior referral category (PRC) of countries. Three
categories of visas – employment, conference, students and research visa – were on the
restricted list till now.
The union Home Ministry issued an order which said Iran was no longer on the
PRC list, which has countries such as Pakistan Bangladesh and China
“The order means that Iranians can easily apply for visas at our consulate in Iran
and each application will not have to be forwarded to [the] Intelligence Bureau and [the]
Research and Analysis Wing here for verification. ”
16. Malaysian Tamils prepare to invest Rs. 200 crore in Nanguneri SEZ
Representatives of Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO), who
are scheduled to participate in the Global Investors Meet (GIM), to be held at Chennai in
the second week of September, plan to bring a team of prospective investors from Malaysia
to the AMRL Multiproduct Special Economic Zone, the State’s largest SEZ in Nanguneri
near here after the meet.
“Since Tamil Nadu is all set to become a ‘Tiger Economy’, thanks to the conducive
investment climate.
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1. Centre to pump Rs.70,000 cr. into PSU banks
Minister of State for Finance Jayant Sinha told reporters that the proposed National
Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) that the Union Cabinet had approved will make
equity investments of Rs.20,000 crore every year in commercially viable long gestation
projects which will help to kick-start the economy.
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1. GSLV set to launch GSAT-6 tomorrow
The GSLV-D6 satellite launcher powered by the indigenously developed upper
cryogenic stage will be flown. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is using the
vehicle to send the 2,117-kg CSAT-6 communication satellite into space.
The 2,117-kg GSAT-6 is a predominantly S-band communication satellite that
enables multimedia applications. It will be used purely for ‘strategic’ purposes by the
Armed Forces and for societal uses during a disaster or an emergency, according to A.S.
Kiran Kumar, Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation. The fourth-generation
national satellite is also designated as INSAT-4E.
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1. Saina one step away from history
Becomes first Indian to reach the final of a WBC
Olympic bronze medallist Saina Nehwal became the first Indian to reach the finals of
the World Badminton Championships, assuring herself of a silver medal here. The World No. 2
Indian notched up a 21-17, 21-17 win over Indonesia’s Lindaweni Fanetri, who was struggling
with her right knee, in the semi finals of the women’s singles.
2. Heartbreak again as Sania ends up with silver
Saina Nehwal’s quest to become the first Indian world champion in badminton ended
in heartbreak as she lost 21-16, 21-19 to title-holder Carolina Martin.
3. Usain Bolt wins 200 meters title in the world Athletics championships
Usain Bolt’s records
Usain Bolt is regarded as the fastest person in the world. First man to win
six Olympic gold medals in sprinting event and a ten time world
champion.
First athelete to hold both the 100 metres and 200 metres world records
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Information about operations
S.No Year Operation
Name Purpose
1 2013 Operation Rahat IAF’s rescue operation in Uttarakhand Floods
2 2013 Operation Ganga
Prahar/Operation
Surya Hope
Relief work jointly done by India and Nepal in
Indi-Nepal border that was devastated by
Earthquake
3 2014 Operation Megh
Rahat/Mission
Sahayata
Rescue work in J&K floods
4 2014 Operation
Sadbhavan
Rescue work in J&K floods
5 2015 Operation Maitri Relief work in Nepal Earthquake
6 2015 Operation Rahat To evacuate Indian from Yemen
7 2015 Operation
Talaash
Search of missing Dornier Aircraft near
Chennai
8 2015 Operation
Barricade
Tamil Nadu; to check smugglers in
Ramanathapuram area
9 2015 Operation Shiva Indian Army; to ensure safety of Amarnath
Yatra
10 2015 Operation Ruchi Kerala; to ensure food safety
11 2015 Operation DOGA Delhi; for sanitation
CURRENT AFFAIRS
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India’s Ambassadors
Personalities Ambassadors for
Amitabh Bachchan UNICEF
Maharashtra Horticulture
Andhra Pradesh Health
Tiger Ambassador for Maharashtra
Shahrukh Khan West Bengal
INTERPOL’s “Turn Back Crime” Campaign
Saina Nehwal Andhra Pradesh Tourism
Aamir Khan UNICEF
Incredible India
Prachi Desai Goa
Preity Zinta Himachal Pradesh
Sania Mirza Telangana
UN Women
Hirthik Roshan Maharashtra Tourism
Steffi Graf Kerala’s Ayurveda
Farhan Akhtar UN Women
Sangaram Singh People for Animal And Sanjay Gandhi Animal
Care Centre
Mary Kom North Eastern States
Kruti Tiwari Digital India
Ira Singhal For the programmes of department of
empowerment of persons with disabilities
MS Dhoni ‘National Icons’ by Election Commission of
India (to promote and create awareness of
voting in the elections) Saina Nehwal
Mary Kom
Aamir Khan