IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF 12th AUGUST, 2019

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF 12th AUGUST, 2019

1. International Youth Day: 12 August

The United Nations' (UN) International Youth Day is celebrated on August 12 each year to recognize efforts of the world's youth in enhancing global society.

• It is meant as an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide.

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF 9th AUGUST, 2019

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF 9th AUGUST, 2019

1. Reconstruction of 380 earthquake affected cultural and heritage sites completes in Nepal
In Nepal reconstruction of 380 earthquake affected cultural and heritage sites have been completed.

• More than 2.12 billion Nepali rupees spent on reconstruction of 96 World Heritage monuments and 284 other archaeological and cultural sites.
• Over 150 heritage sites are scheduled to be reconstructed in the current financial year.
• Besides the Government of Nepal many other countries including India, China, USA, Switzerland, Sri Lanka and Japan are providing financial assistance for the reconstruction of quake-affected heritage monuments.

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF 8th August,2019

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF 8th August, 2019

1. The United States designates China a "currency manipulator"

The United States has designated China a "currency manipulator", a move that could escalate the tense trade relations between the two nations.

• During the 2016 presidential elections, Donald Trump had promised to label China as a currency manipulator.
• Treasury Department announced that Secretary Steven Mnuchin, under the auspices of President Trump, has determined that China is a 'Currency Manipulator'.

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF 7th AUGUST , 2019

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF 7th AUGUST , 2019

1)    July 2019 confirmed as the hottest month ever recorded
According to scientists at the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, July 2019 was the warmest month on record for the planet.

• Citing the Climate Change Programme, which analyses temperature data from around the planet, CNN reported that July was around 0.56 ℃ warmer than the global average temperature between 1981-2010.

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF AUGUST 1^st, 2019

              IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF AUGUST 1^st, 2019

1.      World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is being observed from 1st to 7th August 2019.

a.       World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year in more than 120 countries to encourage breastfeeding and improve the health of babies around the world.

b.       It was first celebrated in 1992 by World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA).

c.       WBW is being jointly organized by WABA (World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action), WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund).

d.       WBW came up with the goal to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life which yields tremendous health benefits, providing critical nutrients, protection from deadly diseases such as pneumonia and fostering growth and development for the first time in 1991.

e.       Theme of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2019 : “Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding.”

2.      India and United Kingdom launched 2-year joint initiative- Innovating for Clean Air (IfCA) in Bengaluru (Karnataka). 

a.       This initiative is aimed at providing unique air quality measurement system by integrating satellite and sensor data and support India’s transition to Electric Vehicles (EVs).

3.      External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is on a 2-day visit to Thailand to attend key ministerial meetings of the regional forums of ASEAN, Mekong Ganga Cooperation (MGC) and East Asia Summit.

a.       He met his Thai and New Zealand counterparts in Bangkok today's morning and held discussions on bilateral issues.

b.       Tomorrow, the Minister will take part in the 9th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

c.       The 26th ASEAN Regional Forum will take place tomorrow afternoon.

4.      The Cabinet today approved increasing the number of Supreme Court judges from 30 to 33, excluding the Chief Justice of India (CJI). 

a.       Once the bill is passed in the Parliament, the strength of judges will increase to 34, including the CJI.

5.      The parliament today passed the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill 2019.

a.       With this bill, driving without licence will be punishable with ₹5,000 as against ₹500 earlier.

b.       A fine of ₹10,000 will be imposed for drunken driving, while speeding will be punishable with ₹5,000. 

c.       Further, those not providing way for emergency vehicles will be fined ₹10,000.

6.      Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today announced that electricity would be free for those who consume less than 200 units. 

7.      President Ram Nath Kovind has given assent to the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019 passed by the Parliament, making it a law. 

a.       The law criminalises instant triple talaq and seeks up to three years in jail for guilty. 

8.      Parliament has passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Bill 2019 with Lok Sabha approving it today.

a.       The Bill is aimed at providing greater clarity on permissibility of corporate restructuring schemes, clarity on rights and duties of authorised representatives of voters. 

9.      President also given his assent to the Companies (Amendment) Bill, 2019.  

a.       The Bill seeks to amend the Companies Act, 2013. 

b.       It aims to tighten Corporate Social Responsibility-CSR compliance, transfer certain responsibilities to National Company Law Tribunal and recategorise certain offences as civil offences.

10. President also gave his assent to the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill 2019. 

a.       The bill seeks to provide for a comprehensive mechanism to ban the unregulated deposit schemes other than deposits taken in the ordinary course of businesses and to protect the interest of depositors. 

b.       It will work as a crackdown on Ponzi schemes and will help protect the interests of poor people and their hard-earned money. Depositors have been given a top priority in the bill.

11. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today announced that the Lower House will become paperless from the next session. 

a.       He said the move will save crores of rupees to the exchequer.

12. In a major boost to national food security, the government, today launched the One Nation-One Ration Card scheme on a pilot basis in 4 states namely Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra and Gujarat from today.

a.       Families who have food security cards can buy subsidized rice and wheat from any ration shop in these states. 

b.       Their ration cards should be linked with Aadhar Number to avail this service.

c.       The Centre is intended to extend the programme to all states by August next year so that the portability of the food security card implemented. 

13. Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved setting up of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) at Moscow, Russia. 

a.       It is mandated to collaborate with Space agencies and industries in Russia and neighbouring countries for mutually synergetic outcomes.

b.       It will enable effective technical coordination for timely interventions on diversified matters with Russia and neighbouring countries for realization of the programmatic targets of ISRO.

c.       Note: This will be third such Technical Liaison Unit. Department of Space (Dos) already has instituted technical Liaison Units, namely ISRO Technical Liaison Units (ITLU) at Washington (Untied States) and Paris (France) with prime objective to liaise with various Government and space agencies in US and Europe, respectively

14. A 3-member mediation panel in the Ayodhya land dispute case submitted its report in a sealed cover to Supreme Court today. 

a.       The panel comprises former apex court judge Kalifulla, spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and senior advocate Sriram Panchu. 

b.       The outcome of the mediation process will be considered by a 5-judge Constitution Bench headed by CJI tomorrow.

15. The Postal Department has announced that it has decided to convert the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) into a Small Finance Bank (SFB), enabling it to offer small loans to customers.

a.       Besides, the department also looks to open one crore accounts for IPPB in 100 days.

16. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has relaxed External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) norms for corporates, non-banking lenders by relaxing end-use restrictions with regard to working capital, general corporate purpose and repayment of rupee loans. 

a.       This decision was taken after receiving feedback from stakeholders for easing liquidity in the domestic market.

17. To encourage the spirit of innovation at the community level, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan today launched Atal Community Innovation Centre in New Delhi. 

a.       This initiative aims to encourage the spirit of innovation through solution-driven design thinking to serve society.

18. RN Ravi was sworn in as the new Governor of Nagaland at a function at Raj Bhawan in Kohima.

a.       Acting Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court, Arup Kumar Goswami, administered him the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, state ministers and other officers. 

19. 1984-batch Indian Police Service officer of Gujarat cadre Rakesh Asthana has been given the additional charge of Narcotics Control Bureau for 6 months.

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF JULY  31^st, 2019

              IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF JULY 31^st, 2019

1.      Almost 1,000-year-old Shawala Teja Singh Temple located in Sialkot city of Pakistan, which was sealed for last 72 years, has been re-opened for devotees for the 1st time since partition. 

a.       Decision to reopen temple was issued by Paksitan Prime Minister Imran Khan.

2.      As part of an effort to combat climate change and deforestation. , individuals in Ethiopia planted more than 35 crore trees today.

a.       The planting is part of the 'Green Legacy' initiative that aims to plant 400 crore trees in Ethiopia this rainy season and is being led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

3.      The Union Cabinet has approved the Jammu & Kashmir Reservation (Second Amendment) Bill, 2019.

a.       This bill provides 10% reservation to the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) of the state in educational institutes and government jobs. 

4.      The Rajasthan Legislative Assembly today introduced 2 bills to check incidents of mob lynching and honour killing in the state. 

a.       The bills will make both offences cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable with life imprisonment and fine of up to ₹5 lakh. 

b.       The bill also has a provision to appoint a Nodal Officer to prevent incidents of lynching in the state.

5.      Indian Air Force (IAF) today launched an air-combat mobile game 'Indian Air Force: A Cut Above' and it's available for those using Android and iOS devices. 

a.       It also features a pilot sporting a moustache like Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. 

6.      Indian multinational corporation Infosys launched its state-of-the-art Cyber Defence Center in Bucharest (Romania). 

a.       This Defence Center is an expansion of services delivered via Infosys Digital Innovation Center which opened in Bucharest in early 2019.

7.      Wing commander Tarun Chaudhri became 1st pilot of Indian Armed Forces (IAF) to do a Wing Suit Skydive Jump. 

a.       The jump was accomplished from an altitude of 8500 feet (2590.8 meters) from a Mi-17 helicopter. 

b.       This is 1st IAF Wing Suit Skydive Jump by a pilot who has flown and captained same type of helicopter.

8.      Two Karnataka teenagers, Aman K A and A U Nachiketh, have won a $15,000 (around ₹10.3 lakh) National Geographic Explorer Award at the 2019 Google Science Fair competition. 

a.       The duo developed an eco-friendly and cost-effective process of coagulating rubber latex using 'bimbli' fruit's extract, replacing formic acid.

9.      India has signed Rs.1,500 crore deal to acquire R-27 air-to-air missiles from Russia for equipping Su-30MKI combat aircraft fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and for boosting its capabilities in beyond visual range warfare.

10. Noted economist and former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Deputy Governor Subir Vithal Gokarn (60) passed away. 

a.       Gokarn also represented India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Bhutan at the International Monetary Fund Executive Board. 

b.       He served as the Deputy Governor of the RBI between 2009 and 2013.

11. 1984-batch IAS officer from Jharkhand cadre, Rajiv Kumar has been appointed as the new Finance Secretary. 

a.       Kumar has replaced 1983-batch IAS officer Subhash Chandra Garg as the Finance Secretary. 

b.       Note : Garg was transferred to the Power Ministry as the secretary on July 24.

12. ITBP Director General S S Deswal was given additional charge of counter-terror force National Security Guard (NSG). 

a.       He will take over from incumbent NSG DG Sudeep Lakhtakia who is set to retire on 31st July 2018.

13. Café Coffee Day today appointed S V Ranganath as its interim Chairman after the death of founder-chairman V G Siddhartha.

14. BJP MLA Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri has been elected as Karnataka Assembly Speaker. 

15. Former Indian cricketer Venugopal Rao has announced his retirement from all forms of the sport.

a.       The 37-year-old, who captained Andhra Pradesh's Ranji team in the past, played 16 ODIs for India before appearing in 65 IPL matches. 

16. Jamaican cricketer Chris Gayle today became the 1st cricketer to slam a hundred in Global T20 league in Canada. 

a.       Gayle hit a 47-ball hundred to help his side Vancouver Knights post 276/3 against Montreal Tigers, the second-highest total by any team in T20 cricket. 

17. Batsman Prithvi Shaw has been handed a backdated suspension of eight months by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for doping violation. 

a.       The period of Shaw's suspension would begin retrospectively from March 16, 2019 and end at midnight on November 15, 2019.

IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF JULY  30^th, 2019

              IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS OF JULY 30^th, 2019

1.       (30th July) is World Day against Trafficking in Persons.

a.       This day was established by the UN General Assembly in the year 2013.

b.       Aim of this Day : To raise awareness of the plight of victims of human trafficking and to protect their rights.  

c.       Theme of World Day against Trafficking in Persons 2019 : ‘Call your government to action’

2.      Rajya Sabha today passed The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2019. 

a.       This Bill criminalises instant triple talaq and seeks up to three years in jail for guilty. 

3.      The 22nd National Conference on e-Governance 2019 will be held during 8-9th August 2019 at Shillong.

a.       The conference will be jointly organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), in association with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India and the State Government of Meghalaya.

b.       It will provide a platform to disseminate knowledge on effective methods of designing and implementing sustainable e-Governance initiatives to provide end-to-end Digital services, exchange experience in solving problems, mitigating risks, resolving issues and planning for success.

c.       This conference is part of the DARPG’s 100 days initiatives in the new Government.

d.       28 States and eight Union Territories will participate in the conference.

e.       Theme of the Conference : “Digital India: Success to Excellence”

4.      Lok Sabha today passed the Consumer Protection Bill, 2019.

a.       This bill aims at protecting the interests of consumers by establishing authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumers’ dispute.

5.      Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee launched a unique initiative called ‘Didi Ke Bolo’ (Tell your sister) campaign to reach out to people of State. 

a.       This campaign for common masses, is devised to entertain voters’ regarding various issues for which phone number (9137091370) and website www.didikaybolo.com are also launched.

6.      The Rajya Sabha today passed the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes Bill, 2019.

a.       This bill seeks to protect small investors from ponzi schemes and prevent unregulated entities from collecting deposits from individuals. 

b.       The bill provides for a jail term ranging from 1 year to 10 years for people running ponzi schemes and fine ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹50 crore.

7.      Union Culture and Tourism Minister of State (independent charge) Prahlad Patel today announced that 10 centrally protected monuments across India will be open to public from sunrise till 9 p.m.

a.        Currently gates of most monuments are closed for visitors by 5:30-6 pm.

b.       Those 10 monuments are :

                                           i.      Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi

                                         ii.      Safdarjung Tomb in Delhi

                                       iii.      Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneswar

                                       iv.      Dulhadev Temple in Khajuraho

                                         v.      Shekh Chilli Tomb in Kurukshetra

                                       vi.      Group of Monuments at Pattadakal in Karnataka

                                     vii.      Gol Gumbaj in Karnataka

                                   viii.      Group of Temples in Maharashtra (Markanda)

                                        ix.      Man Mahal in Uttar Pradesh (Varanasi)

                                          x.      Rani ki Baav in Paatan, Gujarat.

8.      The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed a fine of about 26 lakh rupees on 2 online payment solutions providers for non-compliance of regulatory guidelines.

a.       The central bank said in a release that Mobikwik Systems Private Limited has been slapped a fine of 15 lakh rupees while Hip Bar Pvt Ltd faced a fine of 10.85 lakh rupees.

b.       It stated that these two prepaid payment instrument (PPI) issuers were levied a monetary penalty for non-compliance of regulatory guidelines.

9.      Nearly two years after West Bengal got Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its version of Rasgulla, Odisha today received the GI tag for "Odisha Rasagola". 

a.       Note : The GI tag for Rasgullas to the neighbouring states recognises two distinct varieties of the sweet in taste and texture.

10. India and Mozambique have signed 2 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on sharing white shipping information and co-operation in the field of Hydrography.

a.       These MOUs were signed in the presence of Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Mozambican counterpart Atanasio Salvador M’tumuke in Maputo,.

b.       Note : The defense minister is on a 3 days visit to South African country, Mozambique.

11. The 6th of 8th indigenously built Landing Craft Utility (LCU) MK IV class ships 'LCU L 56' was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command, at Visakhapatnam.

a.       The LCU L56 is an amphibious ship with its primary role being transportation, deployment and recovery of main battle tanks, armoured vehicles, troops and equipment from ship to shore and vice-versa.

12. Jagdeep Dhankar has been sworn in as the new Governor of West Bengal.

a.       The Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court T.B Radhakrishnan administered the oath of office and Secrecy to him at a simple function in Raj Bhavan in Kolkata.

13. The International Cricket Council (ICC) today officially launched the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC).

a.       To be played over two years, the World Test Championship will witness the top 9 Test teams in the world compete in 71 Test matches across 27 series. 

b.       The two top teams will then go head to head in the World Test Championship final to be held in the United Kingdom in 2021.

c.       Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies are the 9 teams that will battle it out for the top honours in the World Test Championship.

d.       The inaugural ICC World Test Championship will be played from 1st of next month to 30th April 30, 2021.

14. US sprinter Dalilah Muhammad broke the world record in women's 400 metre by finishing the race in 52.20 seconds at the US championships. 

a.       The previous record of 52.34 seconds was set by Yuliya Pechonkina (Russia) on August 8, 2003. 

15. Former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38.

a.        Evra, who earned 81 caps with the French national team, played for United between 2006 and 2014 and won five Premier League titles and the Champions League title.