WBCS Current Affairs 19/09/2015 to 25/09/2015

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1. Former Indian Cricket team captain Sourav Ganguly has been appointed as President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB). It was announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata in Kolkata. Sourav Ganguly will succeed Jagmohan Dalmiya as the post fallen vacant following his death. Prior to this appointment, Ganguly was the Joint-secretary of the CAB. Avishek Dalmiya, son of Jagmohan Dalmiya will now succeed Ganguly as Joint-secretary of the CAB. About Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) CAB is the nodal governing body for cricket in West Bengal. Its headquarters is located at Eden Gardens stadium, Kolkata. It organizes different types of cricket tournaments in West Bengal.

2. Industrialist Mukesh Ambani has been named as India’s richest person for ninth consecutive year in a row with a net worth of 18.9 billion dollars in the 2015 Forbes magazine’s India rich list. Presently, Mr. Ambani is the Chairman, Managing director (MD) and largest shareholder of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL). It should be noted that RIL is India’s second most valuable company by market value after Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

3. Union Government has given its approval for implementation of Integrated Air Command & Control System (IACCS) project of Indian Air force (IAF) with allocation of 8,000-crore rupees. Decision in this regard was taken by Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the proposal forwarded by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC). Earlier in November 2014, DAC had given its nod for addition of 4 more nodes IAF’s IACCS. About Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) IACCS system is an automated command and control system for Air Defence (AD) which integrates different air sensors and radars to protect Indian airspace. Presently, India has 5 IACCS nodes. The addition of four more nodes will help IAF to cover isolated islands thereby providing a security umbrella to the entire country. On completion of this project, the air headquarters will get a composite air situation picture as it is going to integrate Air Force, Army, Naval and civilian radars. IACCS will help IAF to connect all of its air, space and ground assets quickly for total awareness of a region and facilitate real-time transport of data, images and voice amongst aircraft, satellites and ground stations.

4. Critically acclaimed Marathi film ‘Court’ has been selected as India’s official entry to the Best Foreign Language category of the 88th Academy Awards 2016 (popularly known as Oscars).

5. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sports Ministry of China to crack down on the supply and manufacture of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDS) in the country. Singing of MoU will help in exchange information between Interpol and China’s law enforcement agencies in order to target and dismantle PEDS producers and help other countries catch drug cheats among their athletes. PEDS which are basically used as performance-enhancing drugs are openly sold online on Chinese websites and shipped to other countries around the world by regular mail. Presently, China is world’s top producer and exporter of PEDS which are manufactured and trafficked by underground labs in the country. About World Anti-Doping Agency WADA is global Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) that aims at harmonizing anti-doping regulations in all sports and countries. It is collective initiative led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Established: in 1999 in Lausanne Switzerland under so called Declaration of Lausanne to coordinate, promote and monitor the fight against drugs in sports. Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.

6. Alexis Tsipras of left wing Syriza party has sworn in as the Prime Minister of Greece. He was administered oath to the office by the President Prokopis Pavlopoulos. It is second time, Alexis Tsipras has sworn in as the PM of Greece. Earlier in January 2015, he had sworn in for first becoming youngest PM of Greece since 1865 at the age of 40.

7. Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn has resigned following the revelation that the world’s largest carmaker (in terms of sales) had manipulated US diesel car emissions tests. His resignation comes after the German carmaker admitted that it had deceived US regulator Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in exhaust emissions tests by installing a device to give more positive results. What is the issue? Volkswagen had cheated on emissions tests especially in its diesel cars in order to enhance their technical performances by trading off US environmental guidelines. Media has dubbed this manipulation scandal of diesel car emissions tests as Diesel Dupe. During the test cars were fitted with devices with manipulation software in cars with diesel engines that could manipulate the emissions norms. It is estimated that company has sold around 11 million vehicles worldwide by violating the environmental norms. The case has sparked a criminal investigation worldwide which could lead to legal action with financial fines for the auto giant.

8. Baseball legend Yogi Berra from United States has passed away. He was 90. His humorous quotes had made him one of America’s most beloved sports icons. He also had inspired the famous cartoon character of Yogi Bear.

9. Telecom service provider Uninor has rebranded itself as Telenor in India. The company also has changed its tag to ‘Ab life full paisa vasool’ from ‘Sabse Sasta’. For the rebranding exercise, the company is going to spend around 100 crore rupees. Background Norway-based Telenor entered India in 2009. Initially it had a joint venture with realty major Unitech, which however exited in 2012. The company subsequently started operating with the name of Telewings, and in 2014, Telenor bought 100 per cent stake in the company. In 2009, Norway-based firm Telenor had entered into Indian market as Uninor through a joint venture (JV) with Unitech Wireless. But later in 2014, Unitech had completely exited from the operations and Telenor group had increased its stake in the Indian entity to 100%. Earlier in September 2015, the company had changed its name from Telewings Communications Services to Telenor (India) Communications.

10. Eminent Hindi writer Dr Kamal Kishore Goenka has been conferred with prestigious 24th Vyaas Samman for year 2014. He was bestowed with this award in recognition of his work ‘Premchand ki Kahaniyon ka Kaal Kramanusaar Adhyayan’. It is a critical analysis of the work Hindi literature’s doyen Munshi Premchand.

11. Hindustan Times Group chairperson Shobhana Bharatia and PepsiCo Chairman Indra Nooyi have been awarded 2015 Global Leadership Award of the US-India Business Council (USIBC). They were honoured with this award for their roles as top women leaders in the Business world and their commitment to driving a more inclusive global economy.

12. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has given its approval to a multi-billion dollar deal to purchase Military helicopters from United States aviation giant Boeing. Under this deal, India will purchase 22 Apache Attack helicopters and 15 Chinook heavy-lift choppers from Boeing.

13. Rajasthan Legislative Assembly has passed two bills to provide reservation in educational institutions and government jobs to economically backward classes (EBC) and special backward classes (SBC) including Gujjars. Two Bills are Rajasthan Special Backward Classes Reservation Bill, 2015: Provides five per cent reservation to five communities in government services and educational institution. Five communities are: Banjara/Labana/Baldiya, Gujar/Gurjar, Gadiya/Gadoliya/Lohar, Gadariya/ Gayari /Gadri and Raika/Rebari/Debasi Rajasthan Economically Backward Classes Reservation Bill, 2015: Provides fourteen per cent reservation to unreserved category. The state assembly also passed a resolution to include both the reservation bills in 9th Schedule of the Constitution which protects any legislation (law) inserted within it from judicial review. With the passing of these bills, Rajasthan exceeds the 50 per cent reservation cap/limit laid down by the Supreme Court as they do not change the reservation quota of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Other Backward Class (OBCs) categories. Presently, Rajasthan has reservation quotas amounting to 49. 5 per cent including 15 per cent for SCs, 7.5 per cent for STs and 27 per cent OBCs.

14. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the setting up of Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC). ISLRTC will be set up as a Society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 and initially will be located at the Institute for Physically Handicapped, New Delhi. It will be established under the aegis of the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities which comes under Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

15. Ministry Health and Family Welfare has released National Health Profile (NHP) 2015, which provides comprehensive information related to health sector. The 11th edition of the document has been prepared by Central Bureau of Health Intelligence (CBHI) and for first time was released in e-book (digital) version in lines with Digital India initiative. It was released by Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda in New Delhi. Key facts NHP focuses on key health information under six major indicators viz. demographic, socio-economic, health finance and health status indicators, comprehensive information on health infrastructure and human resources in health in India. Demographic indicators: gives information about population statistics and vital statistics. Socio-economic indicators: gives the information on education; Economic indicators, Employment, Social Indicators, Drinking Water and Sanitation and Housing and Amenities. Health Status Indicators: gives information related to incidence and prevalence of common Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases. It also provides a short overview of National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardio-vascular Disease and Stroke (NPCDCS) and vital information of Reproductive and Child Health of respective states and UTs Health Finance: gives an overview of Public Expenditure on Health, Health Coverage and Insurance, Household Out of Pocket Expenditure (OOP) on Health, Public Expenditure on Health with International Comparison, External Assistance to Government for Health Sector Programmes along with Explanatory notes on Health Data. Human Resources: gives an overview of availability of human resource or manpower working in the Health Sector in the country. Health Infrastructure: gives detailed information of various medical institutes in the country including of medical and dental Colleges, Nursing Courses, AYUSH Institutes and Paramedical Courses apart from admissions to BDS and MDS Courses. It should be noted that CBHI has been publishing National Health Profile annually since 2005. Data in the NHP helps in deciding direction of future course, strengths and weaknesses in the health sector of the country.

16. The Union Cabinet gave its approval for minor amendments in earlier MoU signed to facilitate implementation of Indo-German Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education Programme. Decision in this regard was taken by Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. In order to make changes, a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) between India and Germany will be signed for implementation of Indo-German Strategic Partnerships in Higher Education programme.

17. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Cambodia for bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism. The MoU was signed during Vice President Hamid Ansari’s visit to Cambodia on September 16, 2015 in order to promote bilateral tourism between the two countries. It also seeks enhancing investment and promoting exchange of experience in management, marketing and destination development in this field.

18. Indian Coast Guard has commissioned two new ships named Fast Patrol Vessel ICGS Apoorva and Interceptor Boat C-421. The ships were commissioned by Vice Admiral SPS Cheema, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of Western Naval Command (Mumbai) off the naval dockyard in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

19. Every year September 21 is being observed as International Day of Peace across the world. The theme for the year 2015 is Partnerships for Peace- Dignity for All. Significance: The International Day of Peace acknowledges the efforts of those who have strived to end conflict and promote peace. This day is also observed as a day of ceasefire. The United Nations calls all nations and people to devote this day to strengthen the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples. About International Day of Peace The International Day of Peace was established in 1981 by a passage of resolution 36/67 of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The first Peace Day was observed in September 1982. This day coincides with its opening session of UNGA which usually held annually on the third Tuesday of September. In 2001, UNGA had unanimously voted to adopted resolution for established 21 September as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire.

20. Sherif Ismail has sworn-in as the new Prime Minister of Egypt. He was administered oath to the office by President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. He will succeed Ibrahim Mehleb who had resigned from office following a corruption scandal involving his cabinet minister.

21. Nepal has adopted new Constitution marking the country’s transition to a secular and democratic republic. The new Constitution was unveiled by Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav at a special ceremony held in Parliament at Kathmandu. Earlier the Parliament had unanimously adopted the new Constitution by a 507-25 votes in the 601 seat Constituent Assembly (CA) after seven years of painstaking deliberations. The lawmakers of CA from Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and UCPN- Maoist supported the new constitution. The new constitution defines the Nepal, a majority Hindu nation as a secular republic divided into seven federal provinces. It should be noted that this is fifth constitution enacted by Nepal. The previous four constitutions were enacted in 1959, 1962, 1990 and 1999. Background The new Constitution has been drafted by second Constituent Assembly (CA) which was elected in 2013. Chairman of CA was Subash Nemwang. The first CA established 2008 after the abolishment of the Himalayan country’s 240-year-old Hindu monarchy was not able to finish its task despite four extensions.

22. Eminent Urdu litterateur Shamim Hanfi was conferred with inaugural Jnangarima Manad Alankaran award of Bharatiya Jnanpith. The Urdu scholar is known for his books on criticism like Ghazal Ka Naya Manzarnama, Jadidiyat ki Falsafiyani Asas and Infiradi Shaoor aur Ijtemai Zindagi.

23. India’s Ajay Jayaram has won silver medal in 2015 Korea Open Badminton tournament in the Men’s singles category. In the final match played at Seoul, he lost to World no. one Cheng Long of China by 14-21, 12-21 score settling to silver medal.

24. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Jagmohan Dalmiya passed away in in Kolkata, West Bengal. He was 75. As a cricket administrator, he is hailed as the architect for the rise of Cricket in India and its financial superpower.

25. British-American romance novelist Jackie Collins passed away on 19 September 2015 in California, United States. She was 77 and died due to stage 4 breast cancer.

26. Japan’s parliament has passed two security laws to amend its pacifist constitution framed after WWII to allow its troops to fight abroad. The bills already have been approved by Parliament’s lower house and it was voted into law by the Upper Chamber on 19 September 2015. Key facts These laws are considered as major defence policy shift of Japan that could let troops fight overseas for the first time since 1945. They also in turn loosen the limits of the pacifist constitution on the military and allow Japan to get involved in collective self-defence. The major defence policy shift of Japan comes in the light of China’s increasing military strength and assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region. Earlier Article 9 of Japan’s Pacifist Constitution renounced of war and clearly mentioned Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right and will not use military force as means for settling international disputes. However, new security laws allow Japanese troops to fight abroad in case of collective self-defence or Japan’s survival is threatened. It will also give fillip to defence expenditure and industry of Japan which is presently 9th largest country in terms of defence expenditure.

27. Metro Man Elattuvalapil Sreedharan has been invited to the United Nations’ High Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport (HLAG-ST). He has been invited by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to serve on his HLAG-ST for a period of three years. Mr. E Sreedharan has accepted this offer.

28. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched National Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh to provide 24×7 power supply to every house. To start the scheme in Varanasi, PM laid foundation stone of two power substations and Union Government will provide 572 crore rupees to implement it. Apart from launching IPDS, PM also laid the foundation stone of seven other developmental projects in Varanasi. He also formally inaugurated the biggest Trauma centre of the country in Banaras Hindu University. About Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) Aim: To strengthen the transmission and distribution (T&D) networks, 100 per cent metering urban areas and smarten it with information technology. It was announced in Union Budget 2014-15 and is one of the flagship schemes of the Union Ministry of Power core attempt to ensure 24×7 power for all. Objective: It envisages strengthening of sub-transmission network by Information Technology (IT) enablement. IT enablement will help in reduction in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses, establishment energy accounting /auditing system, improvement in billed energy based on metered consumption and improvement in collection efficiency.

29. India and Laos have inked two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Air services and Quick Impact Projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) programme to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. These MoU’s were signed in presence of Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and his counterpart President of Lao Choummaly Sayasone in Vientiane. Vice President Hamid Ansari is on four-day official state visit to Cambodia and Laos. It is also first visit of an Indian Vice President to Laos.

30. Afghan refugee teacher Aqeela Asifi has won the 2015 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Nansen Refugee Award.

31. The Supreme Court (SC) has stayed the implementation of the Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015. The bill which was passed recently sets mandatory minimum qualification for candidates contesting Panchayati elections. The stayed order was issued by a SC bench headed by Justice J Chelameswar on petitions challenging the validity of the Act. The SC bench also issued notices to the Haryana government and the State Election Commission seeking their response in 4 weeks. Backgrond Earlier in September 2015, Haryana legislative assembly had passed this amendment bill in order to improve the quality of leadership, accountability and governance in Panchayati Raj institutions (PRIs). The amendment act has set mandatory minimum qualification of Class 10 pass for the men contesting in general category and Class 8 pass for women in general category. While women in the Scheduled Caste category need to be Class 5 pass to be eligible. Soon after the act got assent, state government had notified the changes in conditions of eligibility for panchyat elections on 8 September 2015, a day prior to the opening of nominations elections.

32. Perumanna Grama Panchayat in Kozhikode district of Kerala has become the first Panchayat in the State, to declare its own water policy. The water policy has been framed in the lines of the State government’s water policy declared in 2008.

33. An indigenously developed second generation anti-tank guided missile, Amogha-I was successfully test fired. Test: Test firing was carried out on September 10, 2015 at Babina Army Range, Madhya Pradesh. In the test two missiles were fired and both hit targets placed at 2.8 km as well as 2.6 km respectively. Both missile flights met all design parameters and designed path profile without any deviation.