Daily Current affairs - September 19th, 2018 for all competitive exams
Cabinet approves ordinance making Triple talaq a
punishable offence
The Union Cabinet has approved an ordinance
making triple talaq a punishable offence.
- The
Supreme Court had in a verdict in August last year declared it illegal and
unconstitutional.
- It
was cleared by the Lok Sabha but was stuck in the Rajya Sabha. Though the
ordinance has been cleared, for now, it must be placed before the
Parliament and the bill would still need to be passed.
‘e-Sahaj’ portal launched by GoI
The Government
has launched an online ‘e-Sahaj’ portal for grant of Security Clearance. The
portal will facilitate an applicant to submit application online and also to
view the status of his application from time to time.
- MHA
is the nodal Ministry for security clearances in certain sensitive sectors
before issue of licence/permit, permission, contract etc, to companies/
bidders/individuals by the administrative Ministry.
- The
objective of national security clearance is to evaluate potential security
threats, including economic threats, and provide risk assessment before
clearing investment and project proposals in key sectors.
- The
aim is to strike a healthy balance between meeting the imperatives of
national security and facilitating ease of doing business and promoting
investment in the country.
- MHA
has cleared about 1,100 cases of security clearance in the past one year.
Although the given timeline is 90 days, MHA strives to decide Security
Clearance cases in 60 days (average time per case in 2018 is 53 days),
which is being reduced further. In 2016, there were 209 cases which were
over 6 months old; in 2017, this came down to 154 cases and further down
to 47 cases in 2018.
Piyush Goyal inaugurates the first ever India
tourism Mart 2018
The Union Minister for Railways and Coal, Shri
Piyush Goyal inaugurated the ‘first ever’ India Tourism Mart (ITM 2018) in the
presence of Union Tourism Minister, Shri K J Alphons and the Tourism Minister
of Morocco, Mr. Mohamed Sajid, in New Delhi.
Uttar Pradesh Police to launch first-ever
‘dial-FIR’ scheme
In this scheme, a common man can register
regular crimes without going to a police station, by dialing the emergency
number UP 100 and file an FIR, a call-based FIR.
- An
e-FIR or dial-FIR scheme is the FIR (first information report) that sets
the law into motion and to start investigation.
PM Modi, Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina jointly
launched Indo-Bangla Pipeline Project
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladesh
counterpart Sheikh Hasina jointly launched the construction
of India-Bangladesh Friendship Product Pipeline Project through video
conferencing.
- The
project will go a long way in strengthening the Indo-Bangla ties.
India-Bangladesh Friendship Product Pipeline
Project:
- The 130-kilometre
pipeline will connect Siliguri in West Bengal in India and Parbatipur
in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh.
- The
capacity of the pipeline will be 1 million metric tons per
annum.
- The
estimated project cost will be Rs 346 crore and it will be
completed in 30 months time.
- This
will be the first such pipeline through which refined diesel will be
supplied to Parbatipur depot from Numaligarh of Assam in India.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) center at New Delhi
The
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has announced that it will
establish its South Asia Area Office and Technology Innovation Centre at New
Delhi.
- The
International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is an agency of the United
Nations (UN) whose purpose is to coordinate telecommunication operations
and services throughout the world. Originally founded in 1865, as the
International Telegraph Union, the ITU is the oldest existing
international organization. ITU headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland.
The ITU
consists of three sectors:
1. Radiocommunication
(ITU-R) — ensures optimal, fair and rational use of
the radio frequency (RF) spectrum.
2. Telecommunication
Standardization (ITU-T) — formulates
recommendations for standardizing telecommunication operations worldwide.
3. Telecommunication
Development (ITU-D) — assists countries in
developing and maintaining internal communication operations.
India, Malta sign three MoUs in Maritime
Cooperation, Tourism and Training
India and Malta signed three Memorandum of
Understandings (MoUs) in the fields of Maritime Cooperation, Tourism and
Training.
- These
MoUs were signed after delegation level talks between Vice President
Venkaiah Naidu and President of Malta, Ms. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.
Vice President Naidu visited in Malta in the second phase of his visit to
three European countries viz. Serbia, Malta and Romania. It was the first
senior Indian leader to visit Mediterranean nation in last 28 years.
India, Sri Lanka Inks MoU For Construction Of
5000-MT Temperature Controlled Warehouse
India and Sri Lanka signed an
MoU for construction of a 5000-metric ton temperature controlled warehouse in
Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
- The
warehouse will be constructed with an Indian grant assistance of 30 crore
Sri Lankan rupees.
- The
project envisages construction of a 5000-metric ton temperature
controlled warehouse for fruits and vegetables to minimize its
post-harvest losses.
India, Germany sign pact to boost vocational
education, training
India and Germany signed a memorandum of
agreement (MoA) to focus on the field of dual vocational education and training
and skill development.
India signs financing loan agreement with World
Bank for UKWDP
A Loan Agreement for IBRD Credit of US$74
million equivalent for the Uttrakhand Workforce Development Project
(UKWDP) was signed between India and the World Bank.
- The
Project objective is to improve the quality and relevance of training at
priority Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and to increase the number
of labor-market-relevant workers through short-term training in
Uttrakhand.
The
Project has three components:
- Improving
the quality and relevance of ITI Training;
- Increasing
the number of skilled workers certified under National Skills
Qualification Framework (NSQE) - Compliant Short Term Training; and
- Policy
and Institutional Development and Project Management.
Bangladesh cabinet clears deal with India for
port usage
Bangladesh's Cabinet has approved a draft
agreement with India to enable New Delhi to use the Chittagong and Mongla
ports for the movement of goods to and from northeast India.
- According
to the cabinet Secretary Shafiul Alam, the agreement will be effective
for five years with a provision of automatic
renewal for another five years.
Germany launches world's 1st Hydrogen-Powered
Train
Germany has rolled out the world’s first
hydrogen-powered train, signalling the start of a push to challenge the
might of polluting diesel trains with costlier but more eco-friendly
technology.
- The two
Coradia iLint trains were built by French train-maker
firm Alstom. It started operating on a 100 km (62-mile) route between
Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerde and Buxtehude in northern Germany.
Vodafone Idea board approves merger with Aditya
Birla Telecom
The Board of Directors of Vodafone Idea
Limited, India's largest telecom operator, approved the merger of the
Vodafone Idea Limited with the Aditya Birla Telecom Limited (ABTL), the
parent company of Idea Cellular. The merger was approved under the relevant
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
- The
merger is now subjected to approval of the National Company Law
Tribunal. The Aditya Birla Telecom Ltd holds 11.15% stake in
telecom infrastructure firm Indus Towers Ltd.
SEBI approves new KYC norms for FPIs, revised
settlement mechanism
Markets regulator SEBI approved a slew of proposals,
including a revised framework for the settlement of cases and
new KYC norms for foreign portfolio investors.
- The
watchdog has approved a proposal to allow foreign investors to trade in
commodity derivatives market, except for sensitive commodities, as well
as common application form for the registration of FPIs in the
domestic market.
- The
board has given its nod for amending delisting regulations. Further,
inter-operability of clearing houses for commodities and new methodology
to calculate the total expenses ratio for fund managers have been
cleared.
7th World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) summit held in
Seoul
7th UNWTO
Global Summit on Urban Tourism is being held in Seoul, capital of South Korea.
Theme: ‘A 2030 Vision for Urban Tourism’.
- Organized
by: World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and
Seoul Metropolitan Government and supported by Ministry of Culture, Sports
and Tourism of South Korea and Seoul Tourism Organization.
- The
summit provides unique platform to discuss key issues shaping future of
urban tourism in the context of the 2030 Urban Agenda. It brings together
high-level representatives from National Tourism Administrations, city
authorities and related stakeholders, serving as platform to exchange
experiences and expertise.
- The
World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is the United Nations agency responsible
for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible
tourism.
- UNWTO’s
membership includes 158 countries, 6 Associate Members and over 500
Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational
institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.
India ranks 3rd on family-owned business list:
CSRI Report
India ranks third globally in terms of
number of family-owned businesses with 111 companies having a total market
capitalisation of $839 billion.
- India
closely follows China with 159 firms and the US with 121 firms,according
to the ‘Credit Suisse Family 1000 in 2018’ study, published by the
Credit Suisse Research Institute (CSRI).
Dr Raghupati Singhania conferred with civilian
honour of Mexico
Chairman and MD, JK Tyre & Industries
Ltd., Dr Raghupati Singhania has been conferred
with 'Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle', the highest honour accorded
to non-nationals by the Government of Mexico.
- Melba
Pria, Ambassador of Mexico to India presented the award
to Dr Singhania on behalf of the President of Mexico on the eve
of 128th National Day of Mexico.
Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma signed as
ambassadors of Skill India Campaign
Actors Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma have
been signed on to promote and endorse the Skill India
Mission, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The
actors through their film are saluting India’s entrepreneurs and skilled
workforce, especially homegrown artisans, craftspeople and weavers.
BARC Director K N Vyas appointed Atomic Energy
Commission chief
Director of Bhaba Atomic Research Centre
(BARC) Kamlesh Nilkanth Vyas has been appointed as Secretary,
Department of Atomic Energy and Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission.
Tajinder Mukherjee Takes Over As CMD of
NICL
Tajinder Mukherjee has taken over as the Chairman
and Managing Director of National Insurance Company Limited (NICL).
- Prior
to joining NIC, she was posted as General Manager and Chief Underwriting
Officer of New India Assurance.
- She
has over 33 years of experience in the insurance industry having joined as
a Direct Recruit Officer 1983 batch in United India Insurance
Company.
Emmy awards 2018 announced: complete list of
winners
The 70th annual primetime Emmy honors handedout
at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Michael Che and Colin
Jost hosted the show.
Sl.
No. |
Category
|
Winner
|
1.
|
Best Comedy
|
The Marvelous Mrs.
Maisel
|
2.
|
Best Drama
|
Game of Thrones
|
3.
|
Best Actress, Comedy
|
Rachel Brosnahan,
“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”
|
4.
|
Best Actor, Comedy
|
Bill Hader, “Barry”
|
5.
|
Best Actress, Drama
|
Claire Foy, “The
Crown”
|
6.
|
Best Actor, Drama
|
Matthew Rhys, “The
Americans”
|
7.
|
Best Actress,
Limited Series or TV Movie
|
Regina King, “Seven
Seconds”
|
8.
|
Best Actor, Limited
Series or TV Movie
|
Darren Criss, “The
Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
|
9.
|
Writing for a Comedy
Series
|
Amy
Sherman-Palladino, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (“Pilot”)
|
10.
|
Writing for a Drama
Series
|
Joel Fields and Joe
Weisberg, “The Americans” (“Start”)
|
11.
|
Writing for a
Limited Series, Movie or Drama
|
William Bridges and
Charlie Brooker, “Black Mirror: USS Callister”
|
12.
|
Directing for a
Comedy Series
|
Amy
Sherman-Palladino, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (“Pilot”)
|
13.
|
Directing for a
Drama Series
|
Stephen Daldry, “The
Crown” (“Paterfamilias”)
|
14.
|
Directing for a
Limited Series
|
Ryan Murphy, “The
Assassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
|
Independent India’s 1st Woman IAS officer
passes away
India’s first woman IAS officer after
Independence, Anna Rajam Malhotra, who served in the Madras State under
then Chief Minister C. Rajagopalachari and at the Central government, died in
Mumbai.
- She
was 91. Ms. Malhotra joined the civil services in 1951 and opted
for the Madras cadre.
Lewis Hamilton wins Singapore Grand Prix
2018
Lewis Hamilton won the Singapore Grand
Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit, in Singapore. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton
won the 1st position. He was followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in
the 2nd spot.
- Ferrari’s
Sebastian Vettel finished in the 3rd place. With this victory, Lewis
Hamilton has increased his chances of winning this year’s Formula One
World Championship.
Hangzhou to Host 2022 Asian Para Games
The Asian Paralympic
Committee (APC) confirmed that Hangzhou in China will host
the fourth edition of Asian Para Games in 2022.
- The
confirmation came following a visit to Hangzhou in July by APC President
Majid Rashed and CEO Tarek Souei.
Virat Kohli, Mirabai Chanu recommended for 2018
Khel Ratna Award
India cricket captain Virat Kohli and World
champion weightlifter Mirabai Chanu were jointly recommended for this year’s
Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award – the country’s highest sporting honour.
- If
approved by Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Kohli will become
the third cricketer to get the Khel Ratna after the legendary Sachin
Tendulkar (1997) and the double world cup-winning captain skipper Mahendra
Singh Dhoni (2007).
