Current Affairs Update – 28-30 September, 2016

Hello and welcome to exampundit . Here are the important Current Affairs from 28th to 30th September, 2016. These are important for the upcoming IBPS PO VI Mains, RBI Assistant, NIACL AO and Bank of Maharashtra PO Exams.
Current Affairs at a Glance – 28-30 September, 2016
  1. The union Ministry for Micro, Small and Medium
    Enterprises (MSMEs)
    has
    signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World
    Bank for investing Rs 2,200 crore to set up training centres for MSME
    sector across India by 2017
    , minister of state for MSME, Haribhai
    Parthibhai Chaudhury said at an ASSOCHAM event held in New Delhi.
  2. Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd on Friday said it has executed a share purchase agreement for the acquisition of 99.49
    per cent of the equity shareholding of BSS
    Microfinance Pvt Ltd (Company)
    from
    its existing shareholders for an aggregate cash consideration of Rs. 139.2
    crore.
  3. In a fresh move to offer secured
    and improved cloud services to Indian developers and enterprise customers, Google
    has announced to open a new “Google Cloud Region” which is expected to
    go live in Mumbai
    in 2017
    .
  4. The Union Government on 29
    September 2016 notified the constitution of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).
    The Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934 (RBI Act) has been amended by the Finance
    Act, 2016,  to provide for a statutory
    and institutionalised framework for a Monetary Policy Committee, for
    maintaining price stability.
  5. Railways Minister Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu on 29 September 2016
    launched various Railways Services and
    dedicated them to the nation
    . These Railways services are: Liberalised
    station to station special freight rates policy. Policy providing sub quota of
    33% to women within reserved categories for the allotment in catering units. Policy
    giving preference to local domicile holders for commercial licenses at
    stations. New system of allocating vacant berths after final charting to
    wayside stations.
  6. The Union Government on 30
    September 2016 decided to raise the
    Employees Provident Fund (EPF) investment in Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) from existing 5 per cent to 10 per cent
    . The
    decision has been taken considering the good returns in ETF investment.
  7. Infosys on 28 September 2016
    launched Skava
    Commerce
    , a modern, mobile-first and modular e-commerce platform
    that delivers engaging omni-channel experiences.
  8. The Union Government on 28
    September 2016 approved
    assistance of 1269 crore rupees for drought affected Maharashtra
    .
    Out of the total amount, around 589 crore rupees will be supplementary
    assistance for damage to Kharif crops and over 679 crore rupees for Rabi crops.
  9. The Cabinet Committee on Economic
    Affairs (CCEA) on 28 September 2016 approved ‘Project SAKSHAM’. It is a New Indirect Tax Network (Systems
    Integration) of the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
    It will
    help in integrating system of Central Board of Excise and Customs with the GST network before the roll out in April
    2017
    . The total project cost involved is
    2256 crore rupees
    which will be incurred over a period of seven years.
  10. The Delhi International Airport
    Limited (DIAL) on 27 September 2016 announced that the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) has become the first airport
    in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve carbon neutral status
    .
  11. West Bengal government has
    decided to install
    monorail from Budge Budge in South 24-Parganas to Ruby Connector in Kolkata
    .
    This was informed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 29 September 2016.
  12. Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on
    terror launch pads across the Line of Control
    . Director General of
    Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh said the motive of the
    operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into
    the Indian Territory.
  13. Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
    and Telangana government
    on 28 September 2016 signed a Memorandum of
    Understanding (MoU) to provide digital classes across the state through its
    state channel Mana TV.
  14. World Economic Forum (WEF) on 27
    September 2015 released the Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) 2016-2017.
    The report assesses the competitiveness landscape of 138 economies. The report
    highlights that for second consecutive year, India has jumped 16 places in the GCI
    report to occupy the 39th spot
    .
  15. Online fashion portal Myntra on 29 September 2016 announced
    the appointment of Dipanjan Basu as
    the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
  16. Retired IAS officer Shakti Sinha was on 29 September 2016 appointed as the Director of Nehru Memorial Museum and
    Library (NMML)
    .
  17. The Union Government on 29
    September 2016 appointed R Subramania Kumar as Executive Director (ED) of
    state-owned Indian Overseas Bank
    .
  18. The International Translation Day was on 30
    September 2016 observed
    across
    the world with the theme Translation and Interpreting: Connecting Worlds.
  19. World Maritime Day was
    observed across the world on 29 September 2016
    . Theme for the day is
    shipping: indispensable to the world.
  20. World Rabies Day was observed on 28 September 2016.
  21. The Indian men’s hockey team lifted
    the 4th U-18 Asia Cup after defeating hosts
    Bangladesh 5-4
    in a pulsating summit clash here on Friday.
  22. Noted Telugu writer Prof. Kalakaluri Enoch was on 29 September 2016 conferred with Moortidevi Award of Bharatiya Jnanpith for the year 2015
    at function in New Delhi
    . The award was given for his novel Ananta
    Jeevanam.
Finance/Industry/Banking –
India inks Rs 2,200 crore MoU with World Bank to set up MSME training
centres

  • The union Ministry for Micro,
    Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding
    (MoU) with the World Bank for investing Rs 2,200 crore to set up training
    centres for MSME sector across India by 2017, minister of state for MSME,
    Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhury said at an ASSOCHAM event held in New Delhi.
  • Highlighting that the government
    will soon bring a project for promoting honeybee keeping, he said that Ministry
    had taken various steps like – making databank, introducing credit guarantee
    scheme, barcode, enabling online complaint and other such initiatives during
    the course of past two years.
  • “We are working to make
    MSMEs GSTN-ready and we need the support of various associations to see how the
    sector can take advantage of the new tax reform which is going to be historic,
    start up or no start up you have to be tax compliant,” said additional
    secretary and development commissioner at MSME ministry SN Tripathi.
  • The ministry of MSME has also
    prepared a framework to restructure loans quickly if the banks are convinced of
    the viability of the MSME unit.
Kotak Bank to acquire 99.5% stake in BSS Microfinance
  • Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd on Friday
    said it has executed a share purchase agreement for the acquisition of 99.49
    per cent of the equity shareholding of BSS Microfinance Pvt Ltd (Company) from
    its existing shareholders for an aggregate cash consideration of Rs. 139.2
    crore.
  • BSS Microfinance is a non-banking
    finance company, classified as a NBFC-MFI. The transaction is subject to
    obtaining all necessary regulatory and other approvals, including from the
    Reserve Bank of India.
  • As on June-end 2016, BSS had
    microfinance loans of Rs. 483 crore.
Google to open ‘India Cloud Region’ to help customers, developers
  • In a fresh move to offer secured
    and improved cloud services to Indian developers and enterprise customers, Google
    has announced to open a new “Google Cloud Region” which is expected
    to go live in Mumbai in 2017.
  • Announcing the “Google Cloud
    Regions” at an event in San Francisco titled “Horizon” on
    Thursday, the company unveiled the locations of eight new Cloud Regions –
    Mumbai, Singapore, Sydney, Northern Virginia, Sao Paulo, London, Finland and
    Frankfurt.
  • The local region will help make
    Google Cloud Platform services even faster for Indian customers, enhancing
    differentiators that are already motivating companies to choose Google as their
    partner, the company said in a statement.
  • With more than one billion end
    users, Google Cloud has gained significant traction in India and across the
    world.
Union Government notifies constitution of Monetary Policy Committee
  • The Union Government on 29
    September 2016 notified the constitution of the Monetary Policy Committee
    (MPC).
  • The Reserve Bank of India Act,
    1934 (RBI Act) has been amended by the Finance Act, 2016,  to provide for a statutory and
    institutionalised framework for a Monetary Policy Committee, for maintaining
    price stability.
  • As per the provisions of the RBI
    Act, out of the six Members of Monetary Policy Committee, three Members will be
    from the RBI. The other three Members of MPC will be appointed by the Central
    Government.
In exercise of the powers
conferred by section 45ZB of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, the Union
Government has accordingly constituted the Monetary Policy Committee of RBI,
with the following composition:
  1. The Governor of the Bank:
    Chairperson, ex officio
  2. Deputy Governor of the Bank, in
    charge of Monetary Policy: Member, ex officio
  3. One officer of the Bank to be
    nominated by the Central Board: Member, ex officio
  4. Chetan Ghate, Professor, Indian
    Statistical Institute (ISI): Member
  5. Pami Dua, Director, Delhi School
    of Economics (DSE): Member
  6. Ravindra H. Dholakia, Professor,
    Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad: Member
The Members of the Monetary Policy
Committee appointed by the Union Government will hold office for a period of
four years, with immediate effect or until further orders, whichever is
earlier.
Railways Ministry launches
various Railways Services
  • Railways Minister Suresh
    Prabhakar Prabhu on 29 September 2016 launched various Railways Services and
    dedicated them to the nation. These Railways services are:
  • Liberalised station to station
    special freight rates policy.
  • Policy providing sub quota of 33%
    to women within reserved categories for the allotment in catering units.
  • Policy giving preference to local
    domicile holders for commercial licenses at stations.
  • New system of allocating vacant
    berths after final charting to wayside stations.
  • Launch of the new tag Train at a
    Glance 2016 and new Time Table effective from 1 October 2016.
Liberalised station to station special freight rates policy
  • Existing as well as new traffic
    shall be eligible.
  • Concession shall be granted up to
    a maximum of 30 percent on the incremental traffic over and above the benchmark
    NTKM.
  • Concession shall be in the form
    of percentage discount over the Normal Tariff Rate (NTR). It should be ensured
    that the concessional freight should not be less than the NTR of Class 100.
  • Concession shall be admissible to
    Block rake, two/multi point rake, Mini Rake etc.
  • Concession may be granted for
    retention of traffic also up to maximum of 15 percent.
  • STS scheme will be applicable for
    all terminals namely goods sheds, sidings, ports, CRTs, PFTOs etc.
  • Commodities excluded from STS are
    – All commodities with classification below Class-100,  All commodities under Main Commodity Head
    Coal & Coke, Iron ore, Military traffic, POL and RMC.
Policy providing sub quota of 33% to women for the allotment in
catering units
  • A Sub Quota of 33 percent for
    women in allotment of the reserved catering units was introduced in order to
    extend economic empowerment for women.
  • This will ensure allotment of
    minimum 8 percent stalls to women at A1, A, B & C category station and
    minimum 17 percent allotment at D, E and F category station.
  • There are approximately 8000
    Minor Catering Units over Indian Railways.
  • Under this provision, Railways
    shall ensure that women participation does not fall below a specific level.
Policy giving preference to local domicile holders for commercial
licenses at stations
  • In compliance of Budget
    Announcement 2016-17, a process of giving weightage to district Domicile
    Holders for commercial licenses at stations is being proliferated at all
    stations over Indian Railways.
  • It would help to build local
    ownership and rural empowerment along with socio-economic development.
  • The weightage to district
    domicile holders is being proliferated for allotment of Catering Units at all
    categories of stations.
  • It will ensure protection of
    livelihood of the small vendors.
  • The allotment of Minor Units over
    Indian Railways will ensure local ownership and will also promote regional /
    local cuisine, which is always a preferred choice.
Transfer of vacant berths for optimal utilisation of berths
  • This facility of transfer of
    berths remaining vacant after second charting at the train originating station
    to the next and subsequent stations will clear the way for the waitlisted passengers
    at such stations.
  • The PRS system will automatically
    allot vacant berths available at the originating stations after preparation of
    second chart to the subsequent stations where waitlisted passengers are
    available.
  • The passenger will get SMS on his
    registered mobile indicating the coach and berth number allotted.
  • This will help passengers
    boarding at road side stations to get confirmed berths.
  • The TTEs will be able to allot
    vacant berths on board after departure of the train only upto the next station
    where quota is available for the train.
  • At present about 3 lakh berths
    per year go unutilised while there may be demand at intermediate stations.
Union Government decides to raise EPFO Investment in ETF from 5 to 10
per cent

  • The Union Government on 30
    September 2016 decided to raise the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) investment
    in Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) from existing 5 per cent to 10 per cent.
  • The decision has been taken
    considering the good returns in ETF investment.
  • An official release said, in the
    last one year, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has invested
    6577 crore rupees. The investment has yielded a good return of 13.24 per cent.
  • The past performance of the last
    six months from April, 2016 to August, 2016 also showed gradual appreciation in
    the returns from 0.37 per cent in March 2016 to 13.24 per cent in August 2016.
    Five per cent EPF has been invested in NIFTY 50 and SENSEX.
  • The pattern of investment
    prescribed by the Ministry of Finance has given guidelines for investment in
    equity from 5 per cent to 15 per cent.
Infosys launches e-commerce platform Skava Commerce
  • Infosys on 28 September 2016
    launched Skava Commerce, a modern, mobile-first and modular e-commerce platform
    that delivers engaging omni-channel experiences.
  • Skava is a Silicon Valley based
    e-commerce startup which was acquired by Infosys.
Highlights of the Skava Commerce Platform
  • The platform can help
    brick-and-mortar retailers to quickly launch new offerings, improve conversion
    rates of traffic coming from digital channels without making large investments
    upfront.
  • It can integrate with existing
    technologies while providing a future-ready architecture that will enable next
    generation shopping experiences leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and
    machine learning.
  • It also includes a responsive web
    store and native mobile shopping applications that can be managed by
    non-technical business users through SkavaSTUDIO- a web-based experience
    management tool.
Union Cabinet approves India-Singapore MoU in the field of Industrial
Property Cooperation
  • The Union Cabinet on 28 September
    2016 approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Singapore
    in the field of Industrial Property Cooperation.
  • The MoU will be signed between
    India’s Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion and the Intellectual
    Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) during the visit of Singapore’s Prime
    Minister to India from 4-7 October 2016.
Highlights of the MoU
  • It will enhance bilateral
    cooperation activities in the arena of Industrial Property Rights of Patents,
    Trademarks and Industrial Designs.
  • It is intended to give a boost to
    innovation, creativity and technological advancement in both regions.
  • It includes exchange of best
    practices, experiences and knowledge on Intellectual Property awareness among
    the public, businesses and educational institutions of both countries.
Union Government approves 1269 crore rupees for drought affected
Maharashtra
  • The Union Government on 28
    September 2016 approved assistance of 1269 crore rupees for drought affected
    Maharashtra. Out of the total amount, around 589 crore rupees will be
    supplementary assistance for damage to Kharif crops and over 679 crore rupees
    for Rabi crops.
  • The meeting for the Central
    Assistance to drought affected Maharashtra was chaired by the Home Minister
    Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. The Committee examined the proposal based on the
    report of the Central Team which visited the state in May 2016.
  • As per reports, Maharashtra had a
    demand of 3200 crore rupees. It sought 2000 crore rupees as supplementary
    relief aid for losses in the Kharif crops and 1200 crore rupees for rabi crops
    in 2015. The demand was raised under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF).
CCEA approves implementation of Project SAKSHAM
  • The Cabinet Committee on Economic
    Affairs (CCEA) on 28 September 2016 approved ‘Project SAKSHAM’. It is a New
    Indirect Tax Network (Systems Integration) of the Central Board of Excise and
    Customs (CBEC).
  • It will help in integrating
    system of Central Board of Excise and Customs with the GST network before the
    roll out in April 2017. The total project cost involved is 2256 crore rupees
    which will be incurred over a period of seven years.
The project SAKSHAM will help in
  • Implementation of Goods and
    Services Tax (GST)
  • Extension of the Indian Customs
    Single Window Interface for Facilitating Trade (SWIFT)
  • Other taxpayer-friendly
    initiatives under Digital India and Ease of Doing Business of Central Board of
    Excise and Customs
  • The implementation strategy for
    the project will be to ensure readiness of CBEC’s IT systems by 1 April 2017,
    when GST is to be introduced. The upgrade of the IT systems will be carried out
    while keeping the existing Tax-payer services running.
Union Cabinet approves closure of Hindustan Cables Limited
  • The Union Cabinet on 28 September
    2016 gave its approval for closure of Hindustan Cables Limited (HCL), Kolkata.
  • The approval was given as per the
    provisions of the Companies Act, 1956/2013, Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and
    other relevant Acts.
  • The employees of the company will
    be offered attractive VRS/ VSS Package at notional 2007 pay scales and other
    employees’ related liabilities including payment of salary and wages from April
    2015 till they are separated from the Company on VRS/VSS will be settled as
    well.
  • The disposal of assets of company
    will be in terms of the guidelines of Department of Public Enterprises on time
    bound closure of sick/loss making Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and
    disposal of movable and immovable assets.
Indira Gandhi International Airport becomes first in Asia-Pacific
region to achieve carbon neutral status
  • The Delhi International Airport
    Limited (DIAL) on 27 September 2016 announced that the Indira Gandhi
    International Airport (IGIA) has become the first airport in the Asia-Pacific
    region to achieve carbon neutral status.
  • DIAL is a GMR Group-led
    consortium which manages and operates IGI airport.
  • The announcement on the carbon
    neutral status was made by Airports Council International (ACI) during the
    Airport Carbon Accreditation certificate presentation ceremony held in
    Montreal, Canada.
  • The Airport Carbon Accreditation
    has upgraded Delhi Airport to ‘Level 3+, Neutrality’, which is the highest
    level of achievement available to airports across the world.
India –
West Bengal government decides to install Monorail
  • West Bengal government has
    decided to install monorail from Budge Budge in South 24-Parganas to Ruby
    Connector in Kolkata. This was informed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 29
    September 2016.
  • The 14-kilometre-long monorail
    route will connect Budge Budge to Ruby via Taratala, New Alipore and Prince
    Anwar Shah Road and will come up at a cost of 4216 crore rupees. This new
    service will also connect commuters to the proposed metro rail network between
    New Garia to Kolkata airport.
  • For execution of the monorail
    project, the state transport department will sign a Memorandum of Understanding
    (MoU) with Burn Standard Company Limited. Burn Standard Company Limited will be
    funding the project and the state government will provide land for the purpose.

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Union Government launched Progress Panchayat to reach out to minority
community
  • The Union Government on 29
    September 2016 launched Progress Panchayat. This Panchayat is aimed at reach
    out the minority community and publicize the various welfare measures taken by
    the NDA government for their betterment.
  • The programme was kick started by
    Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs (independent charge) Mukhtar Abbas
    Naqvi from Mewat region of Haryana. The programme will be organized in 100
    places across the country in the coming days where Union Ministers will
    interact with people about the several schemes.
  • During the programme, the
    government will also seek feedback and suggestions from the people for better
    implementation of the welfare schemes.
Indian Army conducts surgical strikes across Line of Control

  • Indian Army conducted surgical
    strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control. Director General of
    Military Operations Lieutenant General Ranbir Singh said the motive of the
    operation was to hit out at the terrorists who were planning to infiltrate into
    the Indian Territory.
  • Lt General Singh informed that
    significant casualty was caused to terrorists during the operation. He said
    that it is a matter of serious concern that there have been many infiltration
    bids by terrorists at LoC and it was reflected in the terror attacks in Poonch
    and Uri on 11 September and 18 September 2016.
  • As per DGMO nothing was done
    despite India’s persistent request to Pakistan not to allow territory under its
    control to be used for terror activities. He said Pakistan gave a commitment to
    India in 2004 that it will not allow its soil to be used for anti India terror
    activities.
  • Besides, he also informed that
    almost 20 infiltration attempts have been successfully foiled by Indian Army in
    2016. India has also offered consular access to apprehended terrorists from
    Pakistan and finger prints and DNA samples of the terrorists killed in Uri and
    Poonch attacks can also be made available to the neighbouring country.
ISRO signs MoU with Telangana to provide digital classes

  • Indian Space Research
    Organization (ISRO) and Telangana government on 28 September 2016 signed a
    Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to provide digital classes across the state
    through its state channel Mana TV.
  • As per the MoU, the ISRO’s
    Development & Educational Communication Unit (DECU) will work with the
    state government to disseminate educational content using satellite technology.
  • IT Minister KT Rama Rao said that
    this arrangement would help the channel start coaching classes from 1 October
    2016. The channel will telecast a four-hour programme daily.
  • Besides, about 6000 schools of
    the state will launch digital classes from 14 October 2016. The digital classes
    will provide a platform for lakhs of students and job aspirants to get quality
    education.
Union Government approves name change of Gurgaon to Gurugram
  • The Union Government gave its
    approval to change the name of Gurgaon to Gurugram.
  • Haryana Chief Minister Manohar
    Lal Khattar on 27 September 2016 announced that the city as well as the
    district of Gurgaon will now onwards be known as Gurugram.
  • Also known as the Millennium
    City, Gurgaon is recognized both nationally and globally as an industrial,
    information technology, software and corporate hub.
Lists & Reports –
Global Competitiveness Report 2016-2017 released by World Economic
Forum; India moves to 39th spot

  • World Economic Forum (WEF) on 27
    September 2015 released the Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) 2016-2017. The
    report assesses the competitiveness landscape of 138 economies.
  • The 2016-17 report comes out in the
    context of persistent slow growth and a near-term outlook that is fraught with
    renewed uncertainty fueled by continued geopolitical turmoil, financial market
    fragility, and sustained high debt levels in emerging markets.
  • Despite unorthodox monetary policy,
    global GDP growth has fallen from levels of 4.4 percent in 2010 to 2.5 percent
    in 2015. This fall in growth reflects not only the productivity slowdown
    documented in 2015-16 Report, which has continued during 2016, but also what
    now seems like a long-term downward trend in investment rates.
  • Switzerland, Singapore and the US
    remain as the world’s most competitive economies.
  • The report highlights that for
    second consecutive year, India has jumped 16 places in the GCI report to occupy
    the 39th spot. In 2015-16 GCI report, India was placed at 55th position as
    compared to 71st rank in 2014-15 report.
  • In the report, India showed
    biggest improvement in rankings as its competitiveness improved on several
    fronts including efficiency in goods market, business sophistication and
    innovation.
Appointments –
Myntra appoints Dipanjan Basu as Chief Financial Officer

  • Online fashion portal Myntra on
    29 September 2016 announced the appointment of Dipanjan Basu as the Chief
    Financial Officer (CFO).
  • Basu’s appointment will be
    effective from 17 October 2016.
  • Previously, Dipanjan Basu served
    as the Chief Finance & Operating Officer for Wipro’s Digital &
    Consulting Business where he was responsible in building and setting up new
    businesses, M&A and investments in startups.
Shakti Sinha appointed as Director of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library

  • Retired IAS officer Shakti Sinha
    was on 29 September 2016 appointed as the Director of Nehru Memorial Museum and
    Library (NMML). His appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of
    the Cabinet (ACC).
  • Sinha, who served in the Prime
    Minister’s Office during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure, was also Director in
    India Foundation, a think tank aligned to the RSS.
  • The post of Director of NMML was
    vacant since the resignation of its previous Director Mahesh Rangarajan in the
    year 2015.
R Subramania Kumar appointed Executive Director of Indian Overseas Bank
  • The Union Government on 29
    September 2016 appointed R Subramania Kumar as Executive Director (ED) of
    state-owned Indian Overseas Bank.
  • Kumar is currently serving as the
    Executive Director of Indian Bank.
US appoints Jeffrey DeLaurentis as first Cuban Ambassador in 55 years
  • The United States on 27 September
    2016 appointed its first Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis to Cuba in 55. The two
    countries broke off relations in 1961 after the communist revolution.
  • He was appointed to the post by
    President Barack Obama, who said that it was a step towards a more normal and
    productive relationship. He said that there was no better qualified public
    servant.
  • But this appointment will need an
    approval from the Republican-led Senate, which has opposed to his dealings with
    the communist island.
  • The new ambassador DeLaurentis
    had been working at the new US embassy in Havana, which opened since 2014. He
    served in Havana during the transition period between the two nations which
    includes re-opening of embassies in Washington and Havana. This was followed by
    resuming travel and trade relations on a limited basis.
World Bank reappoints Jim Yong Kim for second term as President

  • Executive Directors of the World
    Bank on 27 September 2016 agreed unanimously to reappoint Jim Yong Kim to a
    second five-year term as President of the World Bank Group, beginning 1 July
    2017.
  • The Board noted that in the first
    year of Kim’s leadership, which began in July 2012, shareholders endorsed two
    ambitious new goals for the institution.
  • They were: Elimination of extreme
    poverty by 2030, and Promotion of shared prosperity. These new initiatives
    boosted the income growth of the bottom 40 percent of the population in every
    developing country.
Days –
International Translation Day observed across the world

  • The International Translation Day
    was on 30 September 2016 observed across the world with the theme Translation
    and Interpreting: Connecting Worlds.
  • This is the annual event for the
    translation community and event is marked with a series of dedicated events,
    seminars and symposiums across the world.
  • In 1991, FIT launched the idea of
    an officially recognised International Translation Day to show solidarity of
    the worldwide translation community in an effort to promote the translation
    profession.
World Maritime Day observed with theme Shipping: Indispensable to the
World

  • World Maritime Day was observed
    across the world on 29 September 2016. Theme for the day is shipping:
    indispensable to the world.
  • The theme was chosen to focus on
    the critical link between shipping and global society and to raise awareness of
    the relevance of the role of International Maritime Organization (IMO) as the
    global regulatory body for international shipping. The importance of shipping
    to support and sustain today’s global society gives IMO’s work a significance
    that reaches far beyond the industry itself.
  • Besides, to mark the 2016 World
    Maritime Day, a parallel event will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 4 to 6
    November 2016.
World Rabies Day observed with theme Rabies: Educate. Vaccinate.
Eliminate.

  • World Rabies Day was observed on
    28 September 2016. The theme for World Rabies Day is Rabies: Educate.
    Vaccinate. Eliminate. The day is annually celebrated to raise awareness about
    rabies prevention and to highlight progress in defeating the disease.
  • The theme of the day emphasises
    on the two crucial actions that communities can do to prevent rabies. It also
    reflects the global target to eliminate all human deaths from dog-mediated
    rabies by 2030.
  • In addition, 28 September also
    marks the anniversary of Louis Pasteur’s death, the French chemist and
    microbiologist, who developed the first rabies vaccine.
Sports –
India beat Bangladesh to lift U-18 hockey Asia Cup

  • The Indian men’s hockey team
    lifted the 4th U-18 Asia Cup after defeating hosts Bangladesh 5-4 in a pulsating
    summit clash here on Friday.
  • The young Indians held their
    nerves in the dying moments of the nail-biting finale as they exacted revenge
    for a 4-5 loss to the hosts in the tournament opener.
  • With the half time score tied at
    1-1, the second half of the game began at a frantic pace as India took the lead
    with two quickfire goals before Bangladesh levelled the scores 3-3.
  • India responded immediately by
    slotting their fourth goal but the hosts kept their hopes alive by levelling
    the scores again. As the game wore on, Bangladesh slowly started to wrest away
    the rhythm.
Indian women’s Kabaddi team wins gold in Asian Beach Games

  • Indian women’s Kabbadi team on 28
    September 2016 bagged gold medal at the 5th Asian Beach Games. In the summit
    clash played at Bien Dong Park in Danang, Vietnam, the team defeated Thailand
    41-31.
  • This was fifth gold in succession
    for the Indian team. The Indian women’s kabaddi team had been winning the gold
    since the inception of the biennial Games in 2008.
  • For Thailand, it was the fifth
    time in a row they had lost to India in a final.
  • Besides, the Indian men’s beach
    kabaddi team settled for the Silver medal. The Indian team lost the game to
    arch-rivals Pakistan 28-30. India had won gold in men’s beach kabaddi the 2008
    and 2010 editions.
Official Emblem launched for FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017

  • The Local Organising Committee
    (LOC) of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 on 27 September 2016 unveiled the
    Official Emblem for the event. The FIFA U-17 World Cup will be India’s first
    international football event.
  • The FIFA U-17 World Cup India
    2017 will be held in six venues across the country during October 2017.
  • The emblem of the first-ever FIFA
    tournament in India was designed as a celebration of the country’s richness and
    diversity of cultures. The logo includes elements of the Indian Ocean, the
    banyan tree, the kite and the starburst, which is an interpretation of the
    Ashoka Chakra, an integral part of the national identity.
  • Each of the elements has been
    selected for its deep significance in the culture of the country.
Key highlights of the emblem
  • The Indian Ocean that serves as
    the base of the emblem is an integral part of the subcontinent.
  • The banyan tree is the national
    tree of India, deeply rooted in the culture and ethos of India.
  • The kite is the symbol of freedom
    and fun. Popular across the country, it represents the soaring aspirations of
    India’s young and vibrant democracy.
  • The starburst that sits on the
    top of the emblem evokes festivity and celebration.
Awards & Honors –
Telugu writer Prof Kalakaluri Enoch conferred 29th Moortidevi Award
  • Noted Telugu writer Prof.
    Kalakaluri Enoch was on 29 September 2016 conferred with Moortidevi Award of
    Bharatiya Jnanpith for the year 2015 at function in New Delhi. The award was
    given for his novel Ananta Jeevanam.
  • The novel was thought-provoking
    and contemplative as it depicted the struggle of the weak, the downtrodden and
    the common man of Rayalaseema. This is the first time a Telugu writer was
    selected for the award.
  • Veteran art historian Dr Kapila
    Vatsyayana presented the award to Prof. Kalakaluri Enoch.
Tirupati Airport awarded Best Tourist Friendly Airport

  • Airports Authority of India’s
    Tirupati Airport on 27 September 2016 was awarded the Best Tourist Friendly
    Airport under the category for State Annual Excellence Awards for the year
    2015-16 by Andhra Pradesh Tourism.
  • The award was presented on the
    eve of World Tourism Day by the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Nara Chandra
    Babu Naidu at Bhawani Islands, Vijayawada.
Uttam Singh to be honoured with Lata Mangeshkar Award for Lifetime
Achievement

  • Veteran music director and
    violinist Uttam Singh on 27 September 2016 was named for the 2016 Lata
    Mangeshkar Award for Lifetime Achievement of the Maharashtra Government.
  • The award carries a citation, a
    trophy and 500000 rupees in cash.
  • His songs and score for the movie
    Pinjar won him much critical acclaim. It is considered to be his finest work as
    composer.
World –
Four SAARC member countries including India decided to boycott the
Summit in Islamabad

  • Four SAARC member countries,
    namely India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan, decided to boycott the 19th
    SAARC Summit to be hosted by Pakistan. The summit is scheduled to be held in
    Islamabad from 9 to 10 November 2016.
  • India was the first nation to boycott
    the summit. It conveyed to current SAARC Chair Nepal that increased
    cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in
    internal affairs of member states by one country created environment which is
    not conducive to successful holding of Summit.
  • Later, India was joined by
    Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan who pulled out of the summit by citing the
    problem of terrorism in the region.
  • As per rules, the summit is
    postponed if any head of state or government decided not to participate in the
    summit. But a formal announcement can be made only by Nepal after internal
    consultation. Nepal is the current chair of SAARC.
92 percent of world’s population is breathing unhealthy air: WHO

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
    on 27 September 2016 released its report on pollution, which is extremely
    worrying. The report claims that 92 percent of the world’s population lives in
    places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits. This mean, 9 out of 10
    people globally are breathing poor quality air.
  • Maria Neira, head of the WHO’s
    department of public health and environment, termed the report as a ‘public
    health emergency’. She also urged governments to take up measures like cutting
    the number of vehicles on the road, improving waste management and promotion of
    clean cooking fuel.
  • The WHO report is based on data
    collected from more than 3000 sites across the globe. According to the report,
    poorer countries have much dirtier air than the developed world.
World’s first baby born from new procedure using DNA of three people

  • The world’s first baby was born
    from a new procedure that combines the DNA of three people. The baby was born
    in Mexico.
  • The baby was born on 6 April 2016
    after his Jordanian parents travelled to Mexico where they were cared for by US
    fertility specialists.
  • The baby was born using the new
    and controversial technology, called mitochondrial donation, which incorporates
    DNA from three persons.
  • The five-month-old boy has the
    usual DNA from his parents, and a small amount of genetic code from a donor.
WHO declares Region of the Americas as Measles free
  • The World Health Organisation
    (WHO) on 27 September 2016 declared the Region of the Americas as Measles free.
    The declaration came during the 55th Directing Council of the Pan American
    Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO).
  • With this, the Americas became
    the first in the world to have eliminated measles, a viral disease that can
    cause severe health problems, including pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling
    and even death.
  • This achievement marked
    culmination of a 22-year effort involving mass vaccination against measles,
    mumps and rubella throughout the Americas.

Obituaries –
Shimon Peres, former Prime Minister of Israel, dies
  • Former Israeli Prime Minister
    Shimon Peres passed away on 28 September 2016 at Ramat Gan, Israel. He was 93.
  • Peres served twice as Israel’s
    Prime Minister and once as President.

Regards

Team ExamPundit

This post was last modified on November 27, 2017 8:55 am