Current Affairs and General Knowledge for June 2015. Part-4

1. Ericsson appoints Paolo Colella as India Head: Swedish telecom equipment maker Ericsson appointed Paolo Colella as India Head with effect from September

2. China, India fast-track BCIM economic corridor project: China and India are adding fresh momentum to the establishment of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor, which is expected to develop gradually before more ambitious goals are achieved.

3. ADB promises $600 mn to help Nepal ‘build back better’ : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) pledged $600 million to help Nepal ―build back better‖ after the devastating April 25 earthquake, which had resulted in huge loss of lives and property. ADB has approved an immediate assistance of $200 million and promised an additional $400 million for the rebuilding of Nepal, ADB President Takehiko Nakao told the International Conference on Nepal‘s Reconstruction.

4. Aditya Puri continues to be the highest paid bank CEO: Aditya Puri, the Managing Director of HDFC Bank, continues to be the highest paid bank chief in the country.

5. Leander Paes became 47th player to join 100 partners club on ATP Circuit: India‘s tennis player Leander Paes became the 47th player to play with 100 different partners on ATP Circuit. The 42-year-old achieved this land mark feat when he joined Marcel Granollers of Spain in a match against Treat Huey and Scott Lipsky at the Aegon Open in Nottingham, the UK.

6. Maharashtra topped the list of States and UTs in IPR filing in 2013-14: IBEF report: India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) in the third week of June 2015 released a report on Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) filing in India during 2013-14. According to this Report Maharashtra topped the list of states and Union Territories (UTs), According to Report Bengaluru was the top city in IPR filing. The top five states and UTs: Maharashtra (2892) Karnataka (1639) Tamil Nadu (1436) Delhi (1009) Andhra Pradesh (879).

7. SBI appoints Anshula Kant as CFO: State Bank of India has appointed Anshula Kant as its Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Kant has been designated as the Deputy Managing Director and CFO of the bank, SBI said in a filing on the BSE.

8. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar conferred with Columbia’s highest civilian award: The spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar was conferred with the Columbia‘s highest civilian award Orden de la Democracia Simon Bolivar en el grado de cruz Caballero (Order of the Democracy Simon Bolivar) by Columbia.

9. UK NRI philanthropist chosen for V K Krishna Menon Award: Benni Joseph Mavelil, a UK-based philanthropist has been chosen for the VK Krishna Menon award in recognition of his outstanding professional and altruistic achievements, contributions and services to the community and wider multicultural society.

10. VIKRAM-100 13th fastest supercomputer in India inaugurated at PRL: 13th fastest supercomputer in India inaugurated at PRL. One of the fastest supercomputers in India named after eminent scientist Dr Vikram Sarabhai was inaugurated at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), an organisation that was founded by him at Ahmedabad in 1947. This is the first supercomputer in Gujarat of this magnitude

11. RBI permits banks to borrow from global institutions: RBI permitted banks, which are authorised to deal in foreign exchange, to borrow from international /multilateral financial institutions without approaching it for case-by-case approval. Conditions, These international/ multilateral financial bodies will include institutions of which the Government of India is a shareholding member, institutions that have been established by more than one government, or those that have shareholding by more than one government and other international organisations.

12. Government Approve Establishment of six new Indian Institutes of Management: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, gave its approval for setting up of six new Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) in the country. These new IIMs will be located at Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Sambalpur (Odisha), Amritsar (Punjab). These IIMs will begin functioning from assigned temporary campuses and shift to their permanent sites after construction of their campuses. It is intended that these six new IIMs will commence their first academic session from 2015-16.

13. First Successful Artificial Heart Transplant In UAE: A medical team in Sharjah‘s Al Qasimi Hospital successfully completed a pioneering surgery implanting a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) on a 21-year-old Emirati patient.The surgery is the first-of-its-kind in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

14. The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed: The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has been observed on 26th June 2015 globally with the theme for 2015 : Let‘s Develop our Lives, our Communities, our identities without Drugs. This day was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 7 December 1987 to help create a society free of illegal drugs and drug abuse, for which each year the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects a theme for the day.

15. India Fourth Largest Carbon Emitter: WRI Analysis: India is fourth largest carbon emitter in the world in terms of per capita emission accounting for 6.6 % of global emissions for the year 2012. It was revealed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in its latest analyses of the country-wise carbon emissions of climate-damaging greenhouse gases (GHGs). China (25.26%), US (14.4%), European Union (10.16%), 6.69% India.

16. Australia to join China-led infra bank AIIB: Australia, recently, announced that it would join the new China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as a founding member, contributing about $930 million to the financial institution of which India will be the second largest shareholder. About AIIB: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is an international financial institution proposed by China.

17. Andhra Pradesh government to form Krishi Cabinet: Andhra Pradesh government has decided to form a Cabinet sub-committee named as Krishi Cabinet. This sub-committee will focus on the challenges of the Primary Sector Mission of state government undertaken to make agriculture and its allied activities profitable and sustainable for all-round improvement of the rural economy.

18. United Bank tops list of highest bad loans among PSU lenders: United Bank of India has topped the list of public sector lenders with maximum bad loans including restructured assets as a percentage of total advances.

19. Govt. mulls importing onions to control price rise: The government is considering importing onions to boost domestic availability of the commodity and prevent spike in its prices.

20. India ranked best for investment: A ranking of destinations for attractiveness to foreign investors has placed India at the top among 110 countries. China has secured the 65th position and the U.S. is at the 50th. In the 2014 index, India was at the sixth position and Hong Kong was number one. The ranking is based on an index for baseline profitability that assumes that three factors affect the ultimate success of a foreign investment.

21. Govt to infuse additional Rs 11,500 cr in PSU banks in FY16: Government is likely to infuse additional USD 1.8 billion (about Rs 11,500 crore) in public sector banks this fiscal over and above USD 1.2 billion earmarked in the Budget, Finance Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi said. The government has earmarked Rs 7,940 crore in the Budget for recapitalisation of PSU banks for the current fiscal.

22. Government to borrow Rs 1.96 lakh crore in Q2 of FY16 : Government said it will borrow Rs 1.96 lakh crore from markets in the July-September quarter of the current financial year, 2015-16. The borrowing “calendar will be subject to changes, if circumstances so warrant, including for the reasons, such as, intervening holidays”, it said. Of the Rs 1.96 lakh crore, Rs 1.19 lakh crore would be raised through the auction of 91 days Treasury Bills.

23. India to become first country to make non-financial audit mandatory for companies: India will become the first country to make non-financial audit mandatory for companies of certain class. The audit, also known as secretarial audit, will ensure that all listed companies and public limited companies with paid-up capital of at least Rs 50 crore or public companies with a turnover of at least Rs 250 crore comply with all sections of Companies Act 2013.

24. J Jayalalithaa launches first phase of Chennai Metro: First phase of Chennai Metro service was inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa after she flagged off inaugural train. The first phase of Metro service covers the 10-km overhead (elevated) stretch. It connects Alandur in south Chennai to Koyabedu in the north.

25. Nadia district won the UN Public Service Award 2015 for eliminating open defecation: State – District Magistrate of Nadia long with Sabhapati of Nadia Zilla Parishad in West Bengal was conferred with United Nations Public Services Award 2015 for eliminating open defecation in the district.

26. Union Ministry of Home Affairs designated Agatti and Minicoy Islands as Immigration Check Post: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated Agatti and Minicoy islands of Lakshadweep as authorised Immigration Check Posts for entry into or exit from India.

27. Madhya Pradesh government starts e-registration of property all districts: Madhya Pradesh government has initiated the facility of e-registration of property documents in all the districts of state. Name Of Software Used for E – Registration – Sampada

28. Matti Makkonen pioneer of SMS technology, died: Matti Makkonen, the man responsible for conceiving the idea of short messaging service (SMS) technology, died following a brief illness. He was 63.

29. Greece became first developed nation to default on IMF debt: Greece became the first developed nation to default on International Monetary Fund (IMF) debt. It became a defaulter after it missed the deadline for payment of 1.7 billion dollar (1.5 billion euro) to IMF. The Eurozone Finance Ministers refused to extend its bailout to Greece after it rejected the proposal given by the troika viz., International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European Commission (EC) and European Central Bank (ECB).

30. Afghan prez Ghani nominates first female judge to Supreme Court: Afghan President Ashraf Ghani nominated a female judge to the Supreme Court in an unprecedented move that has angered some Islamic conservatives. Anisa Rasouli, the head of the Afghan Women Judges Association and a former juvenile court judge, was the only female nominated to the nine-member bench after the announcement was delayed due to opposition by a group of Islamic conservatives earlier this month.

31. Bharti Airtel becomes 3rd largest mobile operator in world: Sunil Mittal-led Bharti Airtel has become the world‘s third largest mobile operator with 303 million subscriber. With operations in 20 countries, Bharti Airtel, which is present in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Africa, has ―become the third largest mobile operator in the world in terms of subscribers.

32. World Bank approves $650 m loan for eastern freight corridor: The World Bank has approved an additional loan of $650 million for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC), which is aimed at the faster delivery of goods between the northern and eastern parts of the country.

33. Core sector registers 4.4 % growth in May: The index of eight core industries rose 4.4 per cent in May 2015 to 178.6, compared to its level in May 2014, the fastest seen since November 2014, and follows two straight months of contraction.

34. US, Cuba restore diplomatic ties, end 54 years of hostility: The United States and Cuba formally agreed to restore diplomatic relations on July 20, setting up a trip to Havana by John Kerry, who would become the first U.S. secretary of state to visit the country in 70 years.

35. WORLD INVESTMENT REPORT 2015: UNCTAD released World Investment Report 2015.The report was titled as, ‗Reforming International Investment Governance‘. UNCTAD- United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

36. FIRST UNIT OF BENGAIGAON THERMAL POWER PROJECT COMMISSIONED: BHEL commissioned first 250 MW unit of NTPC‘s Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project of NTPC in Assam. BHEL is executing the NTPC‘s project for setting up three units of 250 MW each as coal- based project which will be completed by 2016. BHEL- Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. NTPC- National Thermal Power Corporation.

37. SACHIN TENDULKAR NAMED AS GREATEST TEST PLAYER OF 21ST CENTURY: Former Indian Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar is voted as the best Test player of 21st century in an online poll.

38. RBI RELEASED FSR 2015: RBI has released Financial Stability Report June 2015. This is the Eleventh issue of its half yearly publication.

39. DEADLINE FOR EXCHANGING PRE-2015 CURRENCY NOTES EXTENDED BY 6 MONTHS: RBI has extended the deadline for exchanging pre-2005 currency notes by 6-months i.e. till 31st December 2015. Earlier on 23rd December 2014, it extended the deadline for echanging pre-2005 notes of various denominations by another six months till 30th June 2015 for previous 31st December 2015.

40. SPACE X FALSON-9 ROCKET BROKE APART IN FLAMES: Space X Falcon-9 rocket broke apart in flames minutes after lifting off from Cape Canaveral. The accident occurred in only two and half minutes after the launch. This incident is the third failure to send supplies to the ISS in the last 8 months.

41. SRI LANKAN PRESIDENT DISSSOLVED PARLIAMENT: Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena dissolved Parliament Sirisena dissolved the parliament within 160 days after assuming his office This dissolution ends the term of the coalition government that was appointed for a period of 100 days after the presidential election.

GK TEST

1. Who is appointed as India the Head of Ericsson?
a. P.V.Reddy b. Paolo Colella
c. William Ricky d. Anurag Patel

2. Aditya Puri is the highest paid CEO of which Bank?
a. ICICI b. Axis
c. HDFC d. Yes Bank

3. Which state tops in the list of states of Intellectual property rights 2013-14?
a. Maharashtra b. Sikkim
c. UP d. Bihar

4. Who was conferred with Columbia’s highest civilian award?
a. Narendra Modi b. Sushma Swaraj
c. S S Negi d. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

5. First Unit of Bengaigaon. Thermal Power Project commissioned in?
a. Assam b. Manipur
c. UP d. Maharashtra

6. Who released world investment report?
a. World bank b. IMF
c. ADB d. UNCTAD

7. Which mobile operator of India is world’s 3rd largest mobile operator?
a. Vodafone b. BSNL
c. Bharti Airtel d. Reliance

8. Which country proposed Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank?
a. China b. Japan
c. USA d. UK

9. Which state government announced to form Krishi cabinet?
a. Haryana b. Punjab
c. Andhra Pradesh d. Gujarat

10. Which country topped in the list of carbon emitters?
a. India b. USA
c. China d. UK

11. When is World International Day against Drug abuse and illicit trafficking observed?
a. 26th June b. 21st June
c. 29th June d. 1st May

12. Government announced to infuse how much additional fund in Public Sector Banks in 2016?

a. Rs 11500 cr b. Rs. 12000 cr
c. Rs. 10500 cr d. Rs. 8500 cr

13. Which state won the UN Public Service award for 2015 for eliminating open defecation?
a. West Bengal b. Maharashtra
c. Kerala d. UP

14. In Which State recently Metro Rail Service Started?
a. Punjab b. Haryana
c. Tamilnadu d. Jharkhand

15. Which country is the 1st to default on IMF debt?
a. Greece b. Italy
c. USA d. India

16. Which state started e-registration of property in all district?
a. Madhya Pradesh b. Assam
c. Punjab d. Haryana

17. Which country’s President dissolved parliament?
a. Sri Lanka b. Iran
c. Iraq d. Nepal

18. Which player named as Greatest Player of 21st Century?
a. Kapil Dev b. Sachin Tendulkar
c. Rahul Dravid d. Virat Kohli

19. Which Indian Player won women’s double Canada Badminton Tournament 2015?
a. Jwala Gupta b. Deepika Kumari
c. Bhagwan Das d. Sania Mirza

20. RBI increased deadline for exchanging pre-2005 currency notes extended upto?
a. 31st December 2015 b. 31st August 2015
c. 21st October 2015 d. 31st January 2016

Answers

1) B
2) C
3) A
4) D
5) A
6) D
7) C
8) A
9) C
10) C
11) A
12) A
13) A
14) C
15) A
16) A
17) A
18) B
19) A
20) A