Current-Affairs-from-18-July-to-12-July-2015-Exam-Oriented

Current-Affairs-from-18-July-to-12-July-2015-Exam-Oriented

18 July 2015 Current Affairs

• The Reserve Bank of India on 17 July 2015 signed a Special Currency Swap Agreement with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. 

Under the arrangement, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka can draw up to 1.1 billion US dollar for a maximum period of six months. This special arrangement is in addition to the existing Framework on Currency Swap Arrangement for the SAARC Member Countries.

• Veteran Telugu playback singer V Ramakrishna passed away on 15 July 2015 after battling cancer. He was 68. He is survived by wife, a daughter and a son.

Born in 1947, Ramakrishna sang about 5000 songs in a career spanning nearly four decades. He had done huge hit songs in films like Andala Ramudu, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Mutyala Muggu. He made his singing debut in 1972 with the Telugu song Vayase Oka Poolathota from the movie Vichitra Bandham. He was also popular for a number of devotional songs that he sang. He made his singing debut in 1972 with the Telugu song Vayase Oka Poolathota from the movie Vichitra Bandham. He was also popular for a number of devotional songs that he sang. 

• The observation was made by the bench comprising Justices M A Attar and A M Magray while ruling that the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002  cannot be enforced in the state. It was enacted by Indian Parliament in 2002.

• Justice Kurian Joseph of the Supreme Court (SC) on 15 July 2015 sought a clarification from the Union Government on the constitutional status of the Chief Justice of India.

The question was raised during the hearing of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act, 2014. The six-member NJAC, chaired by the Chief Justice, gives equal status to the executive and judiciary in the appointments and transfers of judges in the higher judiciary including the Chief Justice of India.

• Kutchi New Year: Hindu New Year in Kutch Region of Gujarat

Kutchi New Year of Kutchi community in the Kutch region in Gujarat was observed on 18 July 2015. Kutchi community observes this New Year on the second day of shukla paksha or waxing phase of moon in Ashada month – Ashadhi Beej or Dwitiya.

• 2nd Sohra Marathon-2015 was held in Meghalaya on 17 July 2015. The marathon was flagged off at Mawkdok in East Khashi 

Hills District by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, who also joined the runners in the marathon. The marathon, named after the Cherrapunji’s historical name Sohra, started and ended at Mawkdok crossing through 13 destinations.

• The annual Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival) began on 18 July 2015 at Puri of Odisha.

The nine-day-long Rath Yatra will see congregation of more than 50 lakh devotees from India and abroad. The 2015 celebration of Ratha Yatra is the Millennium’s first Nabakalebar Rath Yatra, where all the Lords of Puri Jagannath Temple get new avatar after nineteen years.

• Scientists belonging to the University of California of the USA conducted a research that led to the development of mini heart (Cardiac Microphysiological System) on a microchip using human stem cells. The study was led by Indian-origin scientist Anurag Mathur.

The Cardiac Microphysiological System, which is hardly the width of a human hair, is expected to replace non-human animal models that are used in drug discovery and development process.

• Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT) and IMRB International (formerly Indian Market Research Bureau) on 17 July 2015 jointly released the ITOPS 2015 Study.

The study deals with the performance of the IT hardware market performance between April 2014 and March 2015 that included notebooks, desktops, phablets, tablets, smart phones, servers and peripherals.

• Union Government launched Delhi Police Railway Helpline Number 1512

The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Haribhai Parathibhai Chaudhary on 17 July 2015 launched the Centralized Delhi Police Railway Helpline number 1512. This helpline will serve as a very useful mechanism for rail passengers. The passengers now can file complaints and make suggestions from moving trains without deboarding through this helpline. An FIR will be lodged on fax or email and copy of the FIR will be sent to the complainant through fax/email/post.

• A woman having a child through surrogacy is entitled to maternity leave: Delhi HC

Delhi High Court on 17 July 2015 ruled that a woman, who is in government service and has a child through surrogacy, is also entitled to maternity leave. In its direction, the court said that denial of leave would be detrimental to both mother and child.

• Prashant Pathrabe appointed as Interim Director of Film and Television Institute of India

His appointment was approved by Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry. However, he will also continue to serve as the Director of Press Information Bureau (PIB) unit in Pune.

• CCI approved deal involving Aegon Religare Life Insurance Joint Venture

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) on 17 July 2015 approved the proposed deal related to a Joint Venture Aegon Religare Life Insurance Company where Religare Enterprises will now exit this joint venture. Under the transaction, Religare Enterprises will sell its entire holding in the life insurance joint venture while existing shareholders including the Netherlands-based Aegon and Bennett, Coleman & Co Ltd (BCCL) will hike their stakes.

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17 July 2015 Current Affairs

• Parineeti Chopra is ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ Ambassador In Haryana

The Haryana government appointed Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra as its brand ambassador for the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign to promote the cause of the girl child. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the nationwide campaign from Haryana’s Panipat town in January 2015 to promote the cause of the girl child. The campaign was launched from Haryana as the state has the worst sex ratio at 879 females per 1,000 males. The child sex ratio in Haryana is worst among all states in the country. Out of the 100 worst districts in India for sex ratio, Haryana accounts for 12 districts.

• Union Government Approved Signing of India-Canada Civil Aviation Pact

The Union government approved the signing of a pact between India and Canada to enhance technical knowledge in the field of civil aviation and deepen bilateral cooperation between them. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which also seeks to foster greater commercial and economic cooperation between the two countries.

• INS Astravahini Decommissioned

Indigenously built Torpedo launch and recovery vessel (TLRV) ‘INS Astravahini’ has been decommissioned after almost 31 years in service to the nation. It was decommissioned in a ceremony held at the Ship Building Centre (V) at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The vessel was developed by Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL).  INS Astravahini was an auxiliary vessel of the torpedo launching and recovery (TLRV) class. It was commissioned in Indian Navy in 1984, at Visakhapatnam and served for about 31 years.

• Rita Chowdary Appointed Director Of National Book Trust

The government has appointed Sahitya Akademi Award-winning writer Rita Chowdhury as the Director of National Book Trust (NBT). The post had fallen vacant after MA Sikandar retired in August last year.

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16 July 2015 Current Affairs

• CCEA approves Intra State Transmission System

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) on 16 July approved the creation of an Intra-state Transmission System (ISTS) in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Rajasthan at an estimated cost of 8548 crore rupees. Of this total amount National Clean Energy Fund (NCEF) will contribute 3,419 crore rupees i.e. 40 per cent for this project.

• India Ranked 33rd ‘Most Reputable Nation In The World’

India’s reputation globally has improved greatly while that of its neighbours – China and Pakistan has nosedived in the eyes of the world. India is ranked 33rd among 55 countries as far as its reputation perceived by people from across the world is concerned. Its reputation has increased by 7.4%. Pakistan and China on the other hand is among the bottom 10 countries. China is ranked 46th while Pakistan is ranked 53rd in the world reputation rankings – two ranks higher that the two worst countries – Iran (54) and Iraq (55). Canada has been named as the most reputable nation in the world, in a recent survey on how countries are perceived across the world.The north American country reclaimed the top spot in the Reputation Institute’s annual report, which looks at the government, environment and economy of 55 nations.

• Remnants of India’s One of the Oldest Port Discovered In Goa

Scientists in the country have found remnants of a historically important port on Goa’s Zuari river which is expected to be amongst the oldest signs of human trade on the central west coast and may be contemporary to Dwarka in Gujarat. The Port is supposed to be existed between 1000 to 3500 AD which makes it India’s oldest ports. The researchers are also of the opinion that they may discover a dockyard similar in structure to Lothal dockyard in Gujarat which was discovered by Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1954.

• Japan’s Lower House Approved Change To Self-defence Law

The lower house of Japan’s parliament has approved two controversial bills that change the country’s security laws, despite protests in Tokyo.The change paves the way for the Japanese military to potentially fight abroad for the first time since World War II.

• Indian-American Woman Sunita Viswanath Honoured with Champion of Change

The White House honoured an Indian-American woman Sunita Viswanath as one of the 12 ‘Champions of Change’ for her effort in protecting environment and communities from the effect of climate change.Viswanath was the only Indian American to figure in the list, and was selected for her work in encouraging Hindus to take care of the environment.

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15 July 2015 Current Affairs

• RBI Constitutes Deepak Mohanty Committee To Frame Action Plan On Financial Inclusion

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has  set up a committee to work out a five-year action plan to spread the reach of financial services to unbanked population. The committee will be a 14-member panel which will be headed by RBI executive director Deepak Mohanty the committee will review the existing policy of financial inclusion including supportive payment system and customer protection.

• Champions League T20 of Cricket Scrapped with Immediate Effect

The Governing Council of the Champions League T20 (CLT20) has decided to scrap the tournament with immediate effect. CLT20 was scrapped due to lack of interest or poor response of the fans and popularity of the tournament and difficulty in managing it. Its popularity was also poor in respect of other domestic T20 tournaments such as Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League in Australia and South Africa’s Ram Slam T20.

• World Youth Skills Day was Observed On 15 July

The World Youth Skills Day was on 15 July observed globally for the first ever time. The day was observed under the theme Youth skills for work and life in the post-2015 agenda. The theme is in line with the upcoming Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030. The World Youth Skills Day was established by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly on 11 November 2014. The Assembly designated 15 July as the World Youth Skills Day in order to raise awareness about the importance of investing in youth skills development.

• PM Narendra Modi Launched Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikash Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 15 July in New Delhi. The main objective behind the launch is to create skilled man power at grass-root level by giving them vocational, technical and skill development education.

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14 July 2015 Current Affairs

• Rakesh Sahni Appointed Chairman of NVDA

Madhya Pradesh government has appointed former Chief Secretary Rakesh Sahni as the Chairman of Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA).  After his retirement from the post of chief secretary, the 1972 batch IAS officer also served as the Chairman of MP Electricity Regulatory Commission.

• Legendary Music Director MS Viswanathan Died

Legendary music director Manayangath Subramanian Viswanathan (MSV) was died on 14 July in Chennai. He was 87. He had composed music for over 1700 films in Tamil, Malayalam and Kannada and worked with three Chief Ministers MG Ramachandran, M Karunanidhi and Jayalalithaa. MS Viswanathan was born on 24 June 1928 in Elapulli in Palghat district of Tamil Nadu. He was the only film music composer to receive the Tamil Isai Sangam’s Isai Perarignar title, usually conferred on professional classical musicians.Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has conferred the Thirai Isai Chakravarthy (in Tamil means The Emperor of Cine Music) title.

• Union Government Approved Defence Proposals Worth Rs 30,000 crore

Union Government on 14 July approved defence proposals worth over 30000 crore rupees for buying four more P81 long-range maritime patrol aircraft for the Indian Navy and to replace Indian Army’s vintage air defence guns of 60s. Decision in this regard by was taken by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

• Four Indians Among 32 Young Leaders Named by Asia Society In New York

Four Indians are among 32 young leaders named by a prestigious global non-profit organisation as its 2015 class of young leaders, focused on shaping a brighter future for the Asia-Pacific region and confronting the most vexing challenges facing the region. Mishi Choudhary, Sanjay Vijayakumar, Aarti Wig and Manish Dahiya have been named the Asia 21 Young Leaders by New York-based Asia Society in its leadership program that identifies and brings together Asia-Pacific’s top leaders under 40.

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13 July 2015 Current Affairs

• India and Tajikistan Signed Agreements In Culture & HRD

India and Tajikistan on 13 July signed agreements in the field of culture and human resource development after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Tajikistan. The two leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon also agreed to promote the International North South transport corridor (INSTC). The INSTC is the ship, rail, and road route for moving freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. The two sides also discussed measures to tap the rich potential in trade and commerce and to encourage joint ventures and investments.

• ‘GAGAN’ Satellite Based Navigation System Launched

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on 13 July launched the GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system,which would make airline operations more efficient and reduce costs. GAGAN is a satellite-based navigation system which provides autonomous, high precision geo-spatial location information of the user in terms of latitude, longitude and height along with velocity and time. Jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), at an investment of Rs 774 crore, GAGAN will offer seamless navigation to the aviation industry.

• Lt General Man Mohan Singh Rai Appointed as new Vice-Chief of Indian Army 

Lieutenant General Man Mohan Singh Rai has been appointed as the Vice-Chief of the Indian Army. He is presently the Eastern Army Commander and will succeed Lt Gen Philip Campose who superannuates on 31 July 2015.He is from the Corps of Engineers and is an alumnus of National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla. He was commissioned from the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, on 15 December 1976.

• India and Georgia Signed MoU on Electoral Cooperation

India and Georgia on 13 July signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of election management and administration.The MoU was signed by Nasim Zaidi, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India and Tamar Zhvania, Chairperson, Central Election Commission of Georgia in New Delhi.

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12 July 2015 Current Affairs

• India and Kyrgyzstan Signed Four Agreements

India and Kyrgyzstan on 12 July signed four agreements, including in defence and culture, after talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev. The agreement on defence cooperation seeks to “deepen cooperation in matters relating to defence, security, military education and training, conduct of joint military exercises, exchange of experience and information, exchange of military instructors and observers. The second is a Memorandum of Mutual Understanding and Cooperation in the field of elections. The third is a MoU between Kyrgyzstan’s economy ministry and the Bureau of Indian Standards on cooperation in the field of standards. The fourth agreement deals with culture.

• India and Turkmenistan Signed Seven Agreements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held formal talks with Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow during which the two leaders discussed a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. They discussed ways to increase regional cooperation and connectivity. After the talks, India and Turkmenistan signed seven agreements for enhanching cooperation among the two nations.The agreements were signed in the fields of defence, supply of chemical products, foreign affairs, sports, science and technology, medicine and tourism.

• Wimbledon Championship 2015 Winners

Wimbledon Championship was held from 29 June to 12 July 2015.The tournament had taken place at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, London, United Kingdom.
* Men’s Singles :-  Novak Djokovic of Serbia on 12 July won men’s singles title of Wimbledon. In the final match, he defeated Roger Federer of Switzerland. This was his third Wimbledon title and Grand Slam crown.
* Women’s Singles :- Serena Williams (US) won her sixth Wimbledon women’s singles title. In the final match played she defeated Garbine Muguruza of Spain. This was her fourth Grand Slam championship in a row and 21st Grand Slam title overall.
* Women’s Doubles :- Sania Mirza (India) and Martina Hingis (Switzerland) pair won the 2015 women’s Doubles Wimbledon Title. Sania Mirza became the first female player from the country to win a women’s doubles Grand Slam trophy.
* Men’s Doubles :- Jean-Julien Rojer (Netherlands) and Horia Tecau (Romania) pair won the 2015 men’s Doubles Wimbledon Title.
* Mixed Doubles :- Indian tennis veteran Leander Paes won the mixed doubles event of the Wimbledon Championship with legendary Martina Hingis (Switzerland).
* Boys’ Doubles :- Sunil Nagal became the sixth Indian to win a Grand Slam junior title after winning the boys doubles trophy at the Wimbledon championship.Yuki Bhambri was the last Indian to taste success at the top level in junior tennis when he won the Australian Open boys singles title in 2009. Ramanathan Krishnan (Wimbledon, 1954), Ramesh Krishnan (French Open and Wimbledon, 1979) and Leander Paes (Wimbledon 1990, U.S. Open 1991) are the other junior Grand Slam singles champions from India.  Sania Mirza had won the Wimbledon girls doubles title in 2003 with Russian partner Alisa Kleybanova.

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