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SBI becomes 1st Indian bank to link up with China's National Advance Payment System

4th edition of the Internet of Things (IoT) India Congress

The United States designates China a currency manipulator

Achiver’s Academy Shivamogga

www.achieversacademyshimoga.com 7812926702, 8951437441 Page 1

Dear Readers,

This Monthly Magazine is a complete docket of important news and events that occurred in a

month of August 2019. We have compiled important &Expected questions which can be asked in

upcoming Banking & Insurance Exams, interviews and all upcoming Competitive Exams.

SL NO. CONTENTS Page No.

1 AWARDS & HONOURS

2-8

2 NATIONAL NEWS

9-34

3 INTERNATIONAL NEWS

34-41

4 NEW APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

41-49

5 BANKING AWARENESS

49-55

6 RANKS & REPORTS

56-58

7 SCHEMES & APPS

59-63

8 DEFENCE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

64-67

9 IMPORTANT DAYS & EVENTS

67-70

10 BUSINESS & MOUS

71-75

11 BOOKS & AUTHORS

76

12 SPORTS NEWS

77-87

13 OBITUARIES 87-91

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AWARDS & HONOURS Former Cricketer Kapil Dev honoured with Bharat Gaurav Award

East Bengal club will officially start the centenary celebrations on its foundation day with a glittering

ceremony at the Netaji Indoor Stadium.

East Bengal club will be awarded India’s first cricket World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev with

its highest honour, Bharat Gaurav.

Ruhan Rajput honoured with ‘Entrepreneur of the Year Award, 2019’

Ruhan Rajput, a renowned entrepreneur, co-founder and Director of Einfolge Technologies Pvt Ltd was

awarded the prestigious Entrepreneur Award 2019 at New Delhi.

Ravish Kumar wins Ramon Magsaysay award 2019

Indian journalist Ravish Kumar has been awarded the 2019 Ramon Magsaysay Award for “harnessing

journalism to give voice to the voiceless”. The Magsaysay award was started in 1957 and celebrates the memory and leadership example of

the former Philippine president Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay.

President Kovind honoured with the highest award of Republic of Guinea

President Ram Nath Kovind has been awarded the National Order of Merit by the President of

Guinea for his exceptional contribution to the advancement of overall relations and development of mutual

cooperation between India and Guinea and for promoting friendship and partnership between the people of

both the countries.

Indian-origin doctor wins Miss England 2019

Bhasha Mukherjee, a 23-year-old Indian origin doctor was crowned Miss England 2019. Bhasha holds

two different medical degrees, has an IQ of 146 and is fluent in 5 different languages. As a winner of

Miss England, she will be entered into the Miss World contest 2019.

Statue of Unity shortlisted for UK-based structural award

The Statue of Unity, a memorial to Sardar Patel, in Gujarat's Kevadia town has been shortlisted for 'The

Structural Awards 2019' of the UK-based Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE).The 182-metre-tall

statue was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31 last year.

Ravichandran Ashwin named “PCA Player of the Month”

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been named as Professional Cricketers Association’s

Player of the month of July 2019.




He has been named for his consistent performances in the county championships as he hit 197 runs and

picked up 23 wickets from just 3 matches for Nottinghamshire.

ISRO announces Vikram Sarabhai Journalism Award in Space Science, Technology and Research

As part of the centenary year celebrations of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of Indian space programme,

ISRO institutes two categories of awards in journalism.

ISRO has announced its “Vikram Sarabhai Journalism Award in Space Science, Technology

and Research” to recognize and reward journalists who have actively contributed towards the field

of space science, applications, and research.

66th National Film Awards

The 66th National Film awards have been announced by Rahul Rawail, head of the Jury for feature

films.

ii. The Jury unanimously conferred the award for the Most Film Friendly State to “Uttarakhand” for

furthering the growth of the film industry in the state including creating an environment for ease of filming in

the state.

The list of Award winners under the different categories is mentioned as under:

Sr.

No. Category Winner

1 Best Feature Film Hellaro (Gujarati Film )

2 Best non feature

film

Son Rise by Vibha Bakshi and The Secret Life of Frogs

by Ajay and Vijay Bedi

3 Best Director Adhitya Dhar for Uri : The Surgical Strike

4 Best Actor Ayushmann Khuranna for Andhadhun and Vicky

Kaushal for Uri : The Surgical Strike

5 Best Actress Keerthy Suresh for Mahanati

NITI Aayog to launch the 4th Edition of WTI Awards

The NITI Aayog will launch the 4th Edition of Women Transforming India (WTI) Awards. The WTI

Awards is being organized in collaboration with the United Nations to recognize women entrepreneurs

from across India. This year’s theme is ‘Women and Entrepreneurship’, in continuation of the theme for WTI Awards 2018.




WhatsApp has collaborated with NITI Aayog for WTI Awards 2019 and will be providing support

amounting to US$100,000 to the award winners.

BAFTA LA to honour Steve Coogan with Charlie Chaplin Award

Actor Steve Coogan will be felicitated with the Charlie Chaplin Award by the British Academy’s Los

Angeles branch. He will receive the honour during the 2019 Britannia Awards.

The Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy recognises the talents whose

popularity and cultural impact exemplifies the uniquely transcendent quality of excellent comedy.

Pranab Mukherjee, Bhupen Hazarika, Nanaji Deshmukh conferred Bharat Ratna 2019 Award

Former President Pranab Mukherjee, Assamese singer-composer Bhupen Hazarika and social activist

Nanaji Deshmukh have been awarded the country’s highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, by President Ram

Nath Kovind.

Bhupen Hazarika and Nanaji Deshmukh have been honoured posthumously.

'Gully Boy', 'Andhadhun' bag awards at Indian Film Festival, Melbourne

‘Gully Boy' and 'AndhaDhun' managed to bag top honours at The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.

'Gully Boy' was awarded best film at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and Tabu was awarded best actress

in 'Andhadhun.'

Meanwhile, Sriram Raghavan was awarded best director for the movie 'Andhadhun.'

Lionel Messi Wins UEFA Goal of the Season Award 2018-19

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has been awarded UEFA’s Goal of the Season award 2018-19 for his free-kick

against Liverpool.

Cristiano Ronaldo was runners-up in the UEFA award for the goal he scored for Juventus against his

former team Manchester United.

National Youth Awards conferred for development and social service work

The Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports (I/C) conferred the National Youth Awards. The awards

were conferred to 20 individuals (aged between 15-29 years) and 3 organizations for excellent work and

contribution in different fields of development and social service.

Wg Cdr Abhinandan Varthaman to be honoured with Vir Chakra

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman will be honoured with the Vir Chakra on Independence

Day.

Priyam Chatterjee becomes 1st Indian chef to win French honour




Priyam Chatterjee became the 1st Indian chef to be awarded the ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre du Mérite

Agricoleto’ by the government of France to recognise his contribution towards reinventing the gastronomic

scene in India.

Rajasthan bags award at World Education Summit 2019

Rajasthan wins the “best innovation and initiative leadership award” for its achievements in higher

education in the World Education Summit-2019 held in New Delhi.

ISRO Chairman K. Sivan honoured with A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award

Tamil Nadu government has awarded K. Sivan with its Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Award. K. Sivan is

currently serving as the chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation.

India Today’s Rajdeep Sardesai bags prestigious Prem Bhatia Award for political reporting

Veteran journalist and consulting editor at India Today TV Rajdeep Sardesai has been awarded the 2019

Prem Bhatia Award for Outstanding Political Reporting.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be honoured with “Order of Zayed”

The United Arab Emirates will honour the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the “Order of

Zayed“, the highest civilian award of the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will recieve the award

during his visit to the UAE.

Longest documentary “100 Years of Chrysostum” will receive Guinness Award

A biographical documentary “100 Years of Chrysostum” will receive Guinness Award in the category

of longest documentary.

The “100 Years of Chrysostum” is based on the life of Philipose Mar Chrysostum, scripted and directed

by filmmaker Blessy.

Five sportspersons to get Dhyanchand award

The Selection Committee for sports awards 2019 recommended names of five sportspersons for the

Dhyanchand award this year.They are Manuel Fredricks (hockey), Arup Basak (table tennis), Manoj

Kumar (wrestling), Nitten Kirrtane (tennis), and C Lalremsanga (archery).

The committee also nominated 19 names for Arjuna award including cricketers Ravindra Jadeja and

Poonam Yadav. Bajrang Punia and Deepa Malik have been picked for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna by

the committee.

CCMB scientist K Thangaraj awarded JC Bose Fellowship

Dr K Thangaraj, Chief Scientist at Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR)– Centre for

Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) was awarded JC Bose Fellowship.




Thangaraj was given this fellowship for his outstanding contributions in the field of population and medical

genomics.

Home Ministry fixes the retirement age of CAPF personnel at 60 years

The Union Home Ministry has fixed the retirement age of all Central Armed Police Force personnel

at 60 years.

MHA has issued the order following the 2019 Delhi High Court verdict. The high court verdict asked the

Ministry to fix a retirement age that would be uniform for all members of the CAPFs “irrespective of

rank”.

Mitchell Johnson becomes MCC Honourary Life member

Former Australian pace bowler Mitchell Johnson has been elected as an Honorary Life Member of the

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

Johnson represented Australia in 153 One Day Internationals picking up 239 wickets, 73 international Test

matches claiming 313 wickets and 30 T-20 Internationals in which he takes 38 wickets.

Indian-American teen wins South Asian Spelling Bee competition 2019

Navneeth Murali, an Indian-American teenager from New Jersey, has won the 2019 South Asian Spelling

Bee contest. The prize money for this contest is USD 3,000.

The South Asian Spelling Bee (SASB) is an annual spelling bee platform in the US for children of South

Asian descent.

IIT-Delhi start-up wins NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Award 2019

IIT-Delhi, Ankita Gulati was awarded the NCPEDP-Mphasis Universal Design Award 2019 for

developing a multisensory kit named TouchVision.

Prasar Bharati to soon introduce two awards – Neelum Sharma Tejaswini award & Achyutananda

Sahoo Award

Prasar Bharti Chairman A Suryapakash has announced that Prasar Bharati would soon be introducing two

awards – the Neelum Sharma Tejaswini award and the Achyutananda Sahoo Award.

Neelum Sharma launched and presented a number of path breaking shows, a few among them being Badi

Charcha and Tejaswini.

JNU Professor Meeta Narain was conferred the ‘Pushkin Medal 2019’

JNU Professor Meeta Narain was conferred the ‘Pushkin Medal – 2019’. This award is the highest honour

given to an Indian scholar by the Russian government.

Pushkin Medal is given to a scholar of Russian language and literature for outstanding contribution to

Russian studies abroad.

Conservationist Vivek Menon wins Clark Bavin Award

Conservationist Vivek Menon, head of Delhi-based conservation non-profit, Wildlife Trust of India was

awarded the prestigious Clark R Bavin Wildlife Law Enforcement Award for the year 2019 in Geneva.




UAE confers PM Modi with its Highest Civilian Award

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has awarded PM Modi with the Order of Zayed, its highest civilian

award, which was conferred earlier in April 2019 in recognition of his distinguished leadership for giving a

big boost to bilateral relations between the two countries.

CPWD-DG Prabhakar Singh selected for ‘Eminent Engineer Award 2019’

Prabhakar Singh, Director General, Central Public Works Department has been chosen for the ‘Eminent

Engineer Award for the Year 2019’. This Elite and Prestigious Award shall be conferred to him on the ‘Engineers Day’ on September 15, 2019,

in New Delhi.

PM Modi conferred ‘The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance’ in Bahrain

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred ‘The King Hamad Order of the Renaissance’ during his

meeting with the King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Manama. PM Modi is the first Indian Prime

Minister to visit Bahrain.

Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2018 Announced

Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award 2018 announced. The award is given in 4 categories: Land

Adventure, Water Adventure, Air Adventure and Life Time Achievement. The awardee will receive

statuettes, certificates and award money of Rs. 5 lakh each.

Land Adventure: Aparna Kumar, Shri Dipankar Ghosh, Shri Manikandan K

Water Adventure: Prabhat Raju Koli

Air Adventure: RameshwerJangra

Life Time Achievement: Wangchuk Sherpa

Indian documentary ‘I’m Jeeja’ wins award at We Care Film Festival

Indian documentary film “I’m Jeeja” has won the award at the 14th edition of the ‘We Care Film Festival

on Disability Issues’. “I’m Jeeja” has won the award in the ‘Under 30 minute’ category. The

documentary directed by Swati Chakraborty

Eric Cantona to be honoured with UEFA President’s Award

Former Manchester United forward player Eric Cantona will be honoured with the 2019 UEFA President’s

Award. The award recognises outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal

qualities of the player.

ONGC’s CMD Shashi Shanker honoured with Distinguished Fellowship of IOD, 2019

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Shashi Shanker was

honoured with the Distinguished Fellowship of the Institute of Directors (IOD) 2019. He was honoured

during the 29th Institute of Directors (IOD) Annual Day Ceremony.




Robot manufacturer ‘Avishkaar’ wins NASSCOM Design4India Award

Tweak, a revolutionary new robotics kit, designed by Avishkaar has won NASSCOM Design4India

Award in the category – Digital Ergonomic Product at the recently concluded Design Summit held in

Bengaluru on 22-23 August.

Maitri mobile app win tech prize in US

Maitri Mobile app clinched the bronze medal at the Technovation Challenge. It is the world’s largest

technology and entrepreneurship programme for girls, held in San Francisco, US.

A team of 5 girls students nicknamed “Tech Witches” have developed a mobile app named Maitri.

DAY-NULM conferred the prestigious SKOCH Governance Gold Award

Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM), has been conferred

the prestigious SKOCH Governance Gold Award. It has been conferred the award for its initiative “Portal

for Affordable Credit and Interest Subvention Access (PAiSA)”.

Lionel Messi wins ‘Forward of the Season’ award

Barcelona’s Lionel Messi bagged the Forward of the Season award for the 2018/19 UEFA Champions

League campaign.

Virgil van Dijk named as Defender of the Season

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk won the Defender of the Season award for the 2018/19 UEFA

Champions League campaign.

Virgil van Dijk wins ‘Player of the Year’ award

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk won the Men’s Player of the Year award for the 2018/19 UEFA

Champions League campaign

HPCL declared best navratna at Dun & Bradstreet PSU awards

Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has bagged the best navratna award in

manufacturing category at Dun & Bradstreet PSU Awards 2019 consecutively for the second year in a row.

Kerala Tourism receives three PATA Gold Awards

Kerala Tourism has won three prestigious Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold awards in Nur-

Sultan (Astana), Kazakhstan.The awards are given for an ethnic food restaurant run by women at

Kumarakom(Kerala) under its Responsible Tourism(RT) mission, the second one for Kerala tourism

campaign advertisement ‘Come Out and Play’ and the third one was for its website

www.keralatourism.org. This year(2019), Kerala Tourism won the highest number of PATA awards in the

South Asia region.




NATIONAL NEWS

India extends $500,000 assistance to Gambia

During the President Ram Nath Kovind’s visit to Gambia, India has promised to extend an assistance of

USD 500,000 to Gambia.

The assistance will contribute in supporting the skill development and cottage industry projects in the

West African country.

Dharmendra Pradhan launches Atal Community Innovation Centre

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas & Steel has launched Atal Community Innovation Centre

(ACIC) in New Delhi, to encourage the spirit of innovation at the community level.

This initiative aim is to provide solution-driven design thinking to serve society.

Atal Innovation Mission has a key role to perform in order to achieve the target of five trillion dollar

economy by 2025.

Cabinet approves ISRO Technical Liaison Unit at Moscow

Cabinet has approved the setting up of ISRO Technical Liaison Unit (ITLU) at Moscow in Russia.

The unit will collaborate with Space agencies and industries in Russia and neighbouring countries

for mutually synergetic outcomes.

DD News channel bagged Champions of Empathy Award

DD News is awarded with “Champions of Empathy Award” for spreading awareness about hepatitis.

Director General of DD News, Mayank Agrawal received the Award from Lok Sabha Speaker Om

Birla.

IIT Hyderabad develops, eco-friendly solar cells using ‘kumkum dye’

Scientists at IIT Hyderabad have developed low-cost, environment-friendly solar cells by employing

an off-the-shelf dye used to make kumkum or vermilion.

The dye-sensitised solar cell (DSSC) is based on New Fuchsin (NF) dye with aqueous electrolyte and

platinum-free counter electrodes, according to the research published in the Solar Energy journal.

Culture Minister announces to include Nepali, Santhali in fellowships for Artistes

Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel has announced to include Nepali and Santhali languages in fellowships

for Artistes.They are the remaining 02 languages from the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in the

Sub-Field of Literature for the award of Senior or Junior Fellowships to Outstanding Artistes.

India’s first Lightest and indigenous Bullet Proof Jacket ‘Bhabha Kavach’ from Ordnance Factory

Board gets nod of MHA




India’s Lightest Bullet Proof Jacket ‘Bhabha Kavach’ by Ordnance Factory Board was launched at the

International Police Expo 2019. Developed by OFB and MIDHANI this state-of-the-art jacket can withstand

7.62mm hard steel core or bullets fired from an AK-47 rifle, 5.56mm INSAS bullet and even the recently

decommissioned 7.65mm bullet of self-loading rifle (SLR).

Govt notifies constitution of National Traders’ Welfare Board

The commerce and industry ministry has notified the constitution of a National Traders’ Welfare

Board that will identify ways to improve access to funds for this unorganised sector and suggest measures to

simplify acts and rules applicable to traders.

One Nation-one Ration Card scheme implemented on pilot basis in four States

In a major boost to national food security, government launched the One Nation-One Ration Card scheme

on a pilot basis in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Rural India set to become ODF by October 2

Rural India is poised to become Open Defecation Free (ODF) by 2nd October this year due to the

successful implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin).

West Bengal launches awareness campaign for preserving greenery and keeping environment clean

The West Bengal Government has launched an awareness campaign for preserving the greenery and

keeping the environment clean.

The State Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched the campaign named as ‘Save Green, Stay Clean’ in

Kolkata.

BIS to set up Pashmina testing centre in Leh

Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Director General Ms. Surina Rajan said that BIS would set up

a Pashmina testing centre in Leh, in partnership with the lab of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development

Council (LAHDC), Leh.

‘Drive for Pashmina’ is a Motor bike expedition to create awareness and promote Pashmina.

Arvind Kejriwal announces Delhiites to get free electricity up to 200 units

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced that Delhiites will get cheapest electricity in the

country. He said, consumers consuming up to 200 units of electricity will not need to pay their power

bills.

Delhi government will give full subsidy to those consuming up to 200 units of electricity.

22nd National Conference on e-Governance to be held in Shillong

The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG), in association with Union

ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) and the Meghalaya government will organise

the 22nd National Conference on e-Governance 2019 on August 8 and 9 in Shillong, Meghalaya.




KABIL set up to ensure supply of critical Minerals to Indian market

A joint venture company Khanij Bidesh India limited has been set up with the participation of 3 Central

Public Sector Enterprises.

These CPSEs are National Aluminium Company Limited, Hindustan Copper Limited and Mineral

Exploration Company limited.

KABIL will ensure supply of critical Minerals to Indian domestic market.

MIB launches a competition for designing Postage Stamp

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has launched a competition for designing a Postage Stamp

along with the First Day Cover to commemorate Golden Jubilee edition of International Film Festival

of India (IFFI). ii. International Film Festival of India (IFFI) started way back in 1952, is an ‘A’ grade film festival

accredited to the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF) and is one of the

oldest and most prestigious festivals in Asia.

India, UK launch clean air initiative in Bengaluru

The Innovating for Clean Air (IfCA), is a UK-India joint initiative providing Indian and UK stakeholders

opportunities to test interventions related to air quality and EV integration, was launched in Bengaluru.

This initiative provides a unique measurement system for air quality by integrating satellite and sensor

data, and helping to support India’s transition to electric vehicles”. The programme is led by Innovate

UK — part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Mobile library service launched by Delhi Public Library

Culture and Tourism Minister flagged off a mobile library bus service which aims to reach out

to readers in Delhi, especially those in slums, resettlement colonies and rural areas.

ii. The 5 buses mobile library service was launched under the “Ghar Ghar Dastak Ghar Ghar Pustak”

Scheme of the Delhi Public Library (DPL).

IIT-KGP researchers develop tech for solid waste management

A research team at IIT Kharagpur has developed a technology which can generate energy from solid

waste with high moisture content. ii. The new technology Hydro Thermal Carbonization (HTC) can convert municipal solid waste

to biofuel, soil amendment and absorbents.

President Kovind inaugurates exhibitions on M. Gandhi and Khadi in Gambia

President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated exhibitions on Mahatma Gandhi and Khadi at the “Ebunjan

Theatre” in the Gambia to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma Gandhi.

President of Gambia: Adama Barrow; Capital: Banjul.

India to conduct 1st National Time Release Study for efficient trade flow




The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, as part of its strategic commitment to improving

global trade, is conducting India’s first national Time Release Study (TRS). The exercise will be

institutionalized on an annual basis.

This initiative will help India maintain the upward trajectory on Ease of Doing Business, particularly on

the Trading Across Borders indicator which measures the efficiency of the cross border trade

ecosystem.

Maharashtra: 1st State to adopt Digital fingerprint and iris scanning system

Maharashtra became the first state to adopt a digital fingerprint and iris scanning system to aid police

investigations. The Automated Multi-modal Biometric Identification System (AMBIS) adopted by the Maharashtra

Police will soon be replicated across the country, with the state government working with the National

Crime Records Bureau in New Delhi to create standards to be used by other state police forces.

Govt sanctions over Rs 3 crore to construct new bridge in place of Lakshman Jhula

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat sanctioned over Rs 3 crore for construction for a new

bridge in place of Lakshman Jhula.

The iconic Lakshman Jhula across the Ganges in Rishikesh was closed on July 12 by local administration

after an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) report said that the bridge was not fit for use.

Art – 370 and Art -35-A revoked from J&K by GOI

A series of historical decisions which includes the scrapping of Article 370 & Art-35-A and

the introduction of “J&K Reorganisation Bill 2019” were taken today during the session of Rajya

Sabha.

Article 370 was providing special autonomous status to the Indian state “Jammu & Kashmir” which will

be no longer applicable from today.

EAM Jaishankar attends 10th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation in Bangkok

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended 10th Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) in

Thailand’s Bangkok. In MGC the Ministers adopted the new MGC Plan of Action 2019-2022 that envisages project-based

cooperation in the seven areas of MGC cooperation, namely tourism and culture, education, public

health and traditional medicine, agriculture and allied sectors, transport and communication, MSMEs

as well as three new areas of cooperation, i.e. water resources management, science and technology,

skill development and capacity building.

HRD Minister inaugurates Technology Expo at IIT Delhi

Human Resources Development Minister inaugurating Technology Expo at IIT Delhi to showcase the

latest innovation in the field of science and technology.

Over 80 latest innovations and 90 research posters by institutions from across the country are

showcasing the prototypes developed by the investigators

ISRO sets up SSAM in Bengaluru




K Sivan, chairman, Isro, laid the foundation stone for Space Situational Awareness Control Centre at

Peenya in Bengaluru. Isro has set up a directorate of space situational awareness and management aiming at protecting high

valued space assets from space debris close approaches and collisions. The control centre would

facilitate the intensified activities foreseen for SSAM, in view of increasing debris population and

operational space assets.

Maharashtra to get world’s first ultra-fast Hyperloop project

Maharashtra has granted infrastructure project status for a $10 billion plan to establish the world’s first

ultra-fast hyperloop project. The projects aims to link Mumbai with the neighboring city of Pune.

Hyperloops use magnets to levitate pods inside an airless tube, creating conditions in which the pods can

shuttle people and freight at speeds of up to 1,200 km per hour.

Tamil Nadu to get Silk Samagra for development of silk industry

Tamil Nadu, which has been ranked among the leading silk producing States in the country, will receive

about Rs 6.22 crore under the Silk Samagra — an Integrated Scheme for Development of Silk Industry

(ISDSI) implemented by the Union government through the Central Silk Board (CSB) at an outlay of RS

2,161.68 crore for three years from 2017-18 for the overall development of silk in the country.

“Aadi Perukku” festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, the “Aadi Perukku” festival was celebrated.

People performed puja’s on the banks of larger water bodies including sea coasts, lakes and rivers.

The festival is to show reverence by the public to rivers, as the traditional season of sowing of seeds

for the next crops.

At the Hogenakkal Waterfalls in Dharmapuri, tourists and pilgrims participated in the “Aadi

Perukku” festival.

Udaipur set to host India’s largest education Brainstorm

The third edition of India’s largest education brainstorming event, the ScooNews Global Educators Fest

(SGEF) will be held on August 09 and 10 in Udaipur- the City of Lakes.




It will bring together over 500 educators to discuss the way towards establishing India as the next global

education powerhouse.

The theme for this year’s fest is ‘Education for Sustainability: Moving on from conformity to

creativity’.

Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister flags off riot control vehicle 'Vajra'

Arunachal Pradesh State Home Minister Bamang Felix flagged of Five Anti-Riot police vehicle, also

known as ‘Vajra’, from Police Headquarter in Itanagar.

This is the first set of anti-riot vehicles introduced in the state police department.

These vehicles come with special features for quick response, automatic multi-barrel launchers for

tear gas, with a capacity of 12 persons and a battery backup for long hours stuck in the rioting crowd.

Aamir Khan launches Mission Shakti sports initiative in Maharashtra

Film actor Aamir Khan attended the launch function of Mission Shakti, an initiative by Maharashtra

minister Sudhir Mungantiwar to train athletes from Chandrapur and Gadchiroli for international

events like the Olympics.

Rajasthan Assembly passes bills against honour killings and Mob Lynching

The Rajasthan Assembly passed Bills against mob lynching and honour killing, which make the

cognisable, non–bailable and non-compoundable offences with life imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 5

lakh. The bill to curb honour killing also has a provision of the death penalty for the convict.

Now Rajasthan has become the 2nd state after Manipur which passed a law to curb lynching cases.

Centre has approved the project to link Kosi & Mechi rivers

The Centre has approved a Kosi-Mechi river interlining project in Bihar. Estimated cost of the project

is Rs 4,900 crore.

The project will provide irrigation for over 2.14 lakh hectares of command areas spread across the

districts of Araria, Kishanganj, Purnia and Katihar in north Bihar.

This is India’s 2nd major river linking project after Ken-Betwa of Madhya Pradesh.

Udaipur to host India’s Largest Education Brainstorm

The 3rd edition of India’s largest education brainstorming event, the ScooNews Global Educators Fest

(SGEF) will held in the city of lakes, Udaipur.

It will bring together over 500 educators to discuss the way towards establishing India as the next global

education powerhouse.

The theme for fest is Education for Sustainability: Moving on from Conformity to Creativity’.

2nd All India Annual Conference of IIS Officers

The 2nd All India Annual Conference of Indian Information Service Officers was held in New Delhi.

The Conference was organized with a view to attain greater integration of all Media Units under the

Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in order to further amplify government communication.




A Performance Review of Media Units under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting was also

conducted during the Conference.

Mohali gets first 3-D traffic signal

Mohali traffic police have launched 3-D Smart Traffic Signal devised by the students of a Chandigarh

university. The wireless system, called ‘Intelights’, has been installed at the traffic crossing near the Airport Road,

on a pilot project basis, and will regulate traffic signals with a smart bird’s eye view wireless sensor

system.

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.

That is slightly hotter than July 2016, when the world was on the receiving end of the El Nino effect.

AP govt all set to launch Navodayam scheme for MSMEs

The Andhra Pradesh government will launch a scheme for restructuring of loans of Micro Small and

Medium Enterprises Development (MSMEs) under the Dr YSR Navodayam scheme to support the

stressed MSME sector.

The decision has been taken as the MSME sector contributes immensely for the economic development of

the state and employment creation to the local youth.

India’s largest Women Startup Summit 2019 held in Kochi

Seeking to promote women entrepreneurship in a big way, Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) hosted a women

startup summit, in association with the Indian women network floated by Confederation of Indian

Industries (CII), at the integrated startup complex, Kochi.

Quarter of the world's population facing extreme water stress

Nearly a quarter of the world's population lives in 17 countries facing extremely high water stress, close to

"day zero" conditions when the taps run dry.

The World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas ranked water stress, drought risk.

Qatar, Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Jordan, Libya, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Eritrea, UAE, San Marino,

Bahrain, India, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Oman and Botswana made up the top 17.

President Kovind gives assent to AERA (Amendment) Bill- 2019




President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India,

AERA (Amendment) Bill- 2019.

A Gazette Notification to this effect has been issued.

The Parliament had passed the bill on 2nd of this month.

The bill increases the threshold of annual passenger traffic for major airports from 15 lakh to over 35

lakh passengers.

UP Govt extends bilateral agreements with Netherlands till 2024

The Uttar Pradesh government has extended bilateral agreements with Netherlands till 2024. The

previously inked MoUs sought cooperation and exchange of the knowledge and techniques in the fields

of solid waste management, spatial planning, water management including restoration of water bodies and

mobility planning.

Kochi to host Summit on Coastal Shipping on August 30

The annual Coastal Shipping and Inland Water Transport Business Summit will be held in Kochi,

Kerala on August 30.

The 7th edition of the summit will address how short sea and container feeder shipping can secure a stronger

future.

Bengaluru gears up to host the 10th AASF Asian Age Group Championships 2019

Bengaluru for the very first time will host the 10th AASF Asian Age Group Championships 2019

starting 24th September 2019.

The event will give the country’s swimming enthusiasts an opportunity to witness the largest Aquatic

Event in the continent.

The nine-day sporting extravaganza will have over 40 countries and more than 1200 participants

vying for top honours in four different aquatic disciplines such as swimming, diving, water polo and

the visually-mesmerizing artistic swimming.

5595 electric buses sanctioned under FAME scheme

The Department of Heavy Industry has sanctioned 5,595 electric buses under the phase II of Faster

Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme.

The buses are sanctioned to 64 cities in 22 states and union territories for intracity and intercity operations

in order to push for clean mobility in public transportation.

Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum in Punjab sets record

The Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum in Punjab’s Anandpur Sahib town is all set to find a place in the Asia

Book of Records for becoming the most visited museum in the Indian sub-continent in a single day.

The museum had witnessed a record footfall of 20,569 visitors on a single day on March 20, becoming the

most visited museum in the Indian sub-continent in a single day.




Industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla to build 100 high-tech gaushalas in Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath announced that industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla has agreed

to build 100 high-tech gaushalas in the state from the group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund

in the next 18 months.

India’s first underwater train to be launched in Kolkata soon

India’s first underwater train project in Kolkata is almost complete. The metro will soon be operational soon

in Kolkata under the Hubli river.

The 16-kilometre long Kolkata Metro project will connect Salt Sector 5 with Howrah Maidan.

‘One Nation, One Ration Card’ to be rolled out in India by June 1, 2020

“One Nation One Ration Card” scheme to be rolled out in India from June 1, 2020. To implement the

scheme successfully, the centre has kick started inter state portability of ration card pairing two states each.

The pairs are made between Telangana-Andhra Pradesh as well as Maharashtra-Gujarat.

KVIC launches “Leather Mission” on World Tribal Day

The Khadi and Village Industry Commission has launched “Leather Mission” on World Tribal Day.

Under this mission, the commission will give leather kits to the leather artisans across the nation.

President hosts ‘At Home’ reception for Freedom Fighters

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, hosted an ‘At Home’ reception for freedom fighters.

The reception was hosted on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of Quit India Day (August 9) at

Rashtrapati Bhavan. On the occasion, the President honoured and felicitated 78 freedom fighters from

across the country.

UP’s “Vriksharopan Mahakumbh” drive creates world record

Uttar Pradesh’s “Vriksharopan Mahakumbh” drive has created world record after planting more than 22

crore saplings. The drive was launched on the occasion of 77th anniversary of Quit India Movement. More

than 22 crore saplings were planted at 12.2 lakh locations under the drive in state.

ii. Another record of “largest distribution of saplings in the world” was created when 76823 saplings were

distributed free in just 6 hours in Prayagraj.

3rd International Electric Vehicle (EV) Conclave held in Manesar

The 3rd International Electric Vehicle Conclave was inaugurated at the International Centre for

Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar, Haryana.

The Conclave was held to create a knowledge sharing platform to ensure flow of information at all levels in

the automotive sector.




Every child to get rotavirus vaccine by September: Health Minister Harsh Vardhanf

Every child will be administered rotavirus vaccine by the end of the year as Union Health Ministry is set to

expand its vaccination programme across the country.

Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the vaccine is expected to be available in all 37 States and Union

Territories by September this year.

Environment minister Prakash Javadekar launches a website for COP14

Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar launched a website 'unccdcop14india.gov.in, which

contains all the information related to COP14.

The 14th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat

Desertification (COP14), will take place on 2-13 September 2019 at the India Expo Centre & Mart,

Greater Noida, Delhi NCR.

Gogabeel lake in Bihar declared state’s first ‘Community Reserve’

Gogabeel, an ox-bow lake in Bihar, has been declared as the state’s first ‘Community Reserve’. It is

located in the Katihar district of Bihar.

Gogabeel is formed from the flow of the rivers Mahananda and Kankhar in the north and the Ganga in the

south and east. It is the fifteenth Protected Area (PA) in Bihar.

Telangana: MEIL constructs world’s largest lift irrigation project

Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) has unveiled yet another pivotal moment in the

Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP), as it successfully commenced operations in the world’s

largest Laximpur underground pumping station (LUPS – The Package 8).

Punjab govt to provide 28000 agro-machines to farmers to prevent stubble burning

With a view to making Punjab a ‘zero stubble burning state’, the Punjab Agriculture Department has

initiated a massive drive to provide more than 28000 agro-machines/farm equipment to farmers.

Subsidy component of 278 crore rupees will be provided for the scheme during the current fiscal year

under the first phase for in-situ management of paddy residue.

Air India first flight over North Pole from Delhi to San Francisco

On the nation’s Independence Day, Air India will become the 1st Indian airline to fly over the North

Pole while connecting New Delhi and North America.

The inaugural flight over the Polar region will take flight on August 15, 2019, and will fly from New Delhi

to San Francisco.

Doordarshan produced a patriotic song “Watan” Union Information and Broadcasting Minister has released a patriotic song “Watan” to mark the occasion of

Independence Day, 2019.




ii. The song is sung by singer Javed Ali, penned by lyricist Alok Shrivastav and musically composed by

Dushyant. The patriotic song is produced by Doordarshan.

iii. The song highlights several path-breaking initiatives of the government including the determination and

vision behind the recent successful launch of “Chandrayaan 2”.

Headgear becomes mandatory for children above 4 years

Central government has made “Headgear” mandatory for children above 4 years while travelling on a

motorcycle.

The safety measures for the children travelling on motorcycles have been included in the Motor Vehicles

(Amendment) Act 2019.

Two new UTs, J&K and Ladakh will come into existence on Oct 31

President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to legislation for bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir, and two

Union Territories, Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh will come into existence on October 31.

CRPF 'Madagaar' Helpline number restored in Jammu and Kashmir

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) announced that its 'Madadgaar Helpline' number 14411 was

restored after it went inactive due to communication disruption in Jammu and Kashmir.In the tweet, CRPF

also mentioned that people can also seek help on its Twitter and Facebook handles @CRPFmadadgaar.

Army launches ‘Mission Reach Out’ in Jammu

The Army has launched ‘Mission Reach Out’ in Jammu to ensure basic necessities and essential services

are available in the region.

A high-level Mission Reach Out conference to review the prevalent situation in the region was held in the

Nagrota Military Station was chaired by White Knight Corps Commander Lt Gen Paramjit Singh.

NGT directs govt to submit a report on standards for lead in PVC pipes

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Centre to submit a report on standards of lead and to phase out

lead as a stabiliser in Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipes that are commonly used in most buildings.

Indian Railways manufacture locomotive with 180 kmph speed

Indian Railways has manufactured a high-speed locomotive in West Bengal’s Chittaranjan Locomotive

Works (CLW), achieving a top speed of 180 km per hour.

The minister also mentioned that the new locomotive is produced under the “Make in India” initiative of the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

Centre launches Swachh Nagar app

Swachh Nagar app was launched by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry. An app that will

allow users to have waste — solid, wet or construction and demolition (C&D) — collected by their urban




local bodies along with a new protocol on wastewater treatment that would become a part of cleanliness

rankings of cities.

J&K will host Global Investors Summit 2019

Jammu and Kashmir administration will host a 3 days global investors summit from October 12

in Srinagar.

The summit will provide J&K with an opportunity to showcase its strengths, strategies and potential. It will

also provide an opportunity to allay fears and apprehensions in the minds of outside trade and the business

community.

‘Panchamirtham’ of Palani temple gets GI tag

The Panchamirtham is an ‘abhishega prasadam’ of the Murugan temple has been bestowed with

the Geographical Indication tag.

The Murugan temple is situated in Tamil Nadu.

The panchamirtham is a combination of five natural substances — banana, jaggery, cow ghee, honey and

cardamom.

CBI should be given statutory status equal to CAG, says CJI

Chief Justice of India, Justice Ranjan Gogoi said Central Bureau of Investigation should be given

statutory status equal to Comptroller and Auditor General.

CAG: Rajiv Mehrishi

CJI : Ranjan Gogoi

CBI Director General : Rishi Kumar Shukla

Former PM Manmohan Singh files Rajya Sabha nomination from Rajasthan

Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh filed nomination papers as a Congress candidate for the by-

poll to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan.

Dr. Singh filed four sets of nomination papers in the chamber of Returning Officer in the Rajasthan

Assembly.

This seat fell vacant in June this year after demise of BJP Member Madan Lal Saini.

Legislative Party of Sikkim Democratic Front merges with BJP

The legislative party of Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) merged itself with Bharatiya Janta Party.

Out of 13, 10 MLAs of the SDF joined BJP in the presence of party general secretary Ram Madhav

in New Delhi.

Senior SDF leader Dorjee Tshering Lepcha said, they want to work under the leadership of Prime

Minister Narendra Modi for the development of the state.




Odisha CM dedicates ‘The Rath’ to the people

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has dedicated ‘The Rath,’ a steel monument seeking to

accentuate Odisha’s diverse culture and rich heritage, to the people.

India’s first space museum inaugurated in Hyderabad

India’s first Space Science Museum opened in Hyderabad.It is a collaborative effort between the Indian

Space Research Organization (ISRO) and the BM Birla Science Centre.The BM Birla Science Centre has

given 9000 square feet of space in its Science Museum building.

Odisha CM announces 'Mo Sarkar' initiative for transparency in governance

In a bid to ensure transparency in governance, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the "Mo

Sarkar" initiative during Independence Day celebration in the state.The new initiative will commence from

October 2 on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti.

Mumbai all set to get first Indian Institute of Skills

Mumbai is all set to get the first Indian Institute of Skills – IIS, the foundation stone of which will be laid

next month. Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey today

announced that the institute is likely to be operational by next year.

Free ride for women on govt buses from Oct 29 in Delhi: Kejriwal

Women will be able to travel free of charge on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster scheme buses

starting October 29, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced.

Health ministry sets target to reduce HIV cases by 2020

With an aim to bring down incidence of HIV/AIDS by 20,000 per year for the next two years, the Union

Health Ministry is reaching out to targeted areas like prisons and women remand homes as cases in these

places are much higher as compared to the general population.

India contributes USD 5 million to UN Palestine refugee agency

India has contributed USD 5 million to the UN Palestine refugee agency and called for ensuring sustained

fiscal support for the organisation’s work.

The UNRWA has been providing health, education, relief and social services, as well as emergency

humanitarian assistance, across its five areas of operations in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, and the

Gaza Strip since 1950.

High-level committee constituted to review Defence Procurement Procedure

Union government has constituted a 12-member high-level committee to revise and align the procedure

of Defence procurement with the aim of strengthening the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The panel will

be headed by the Director-General (Acquisitions).




“Aadi Mahotsav” begins in Leh-Ladakh

National Tribal Festival “Aadi Mahotsav” has begun in Leh-Ladakh. The theme of the festival is “A

celebration of the spirit of Tribal Craft, Culture and Commerce”.

The 9 day Adi Mahotsav will showcase traditional art and handicrafts and cultural heritage of the country.

Tawlhlohpuan, Mizo Puanchei & Tirur betel vine gets GI tag

Tawlhlohpuan & Mizo Puanchei from Mizoram, and Tirur betel vine from Kerala has received

the Geographical Indication tag.

GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a

reputation that are due to that origin.

5th BRICS Minister of Environment Meeting held in Bazil

5th BRICS Minister of Environment Meeting was held in Sao Paulo, Bazil. Union Environment Minister

Prakash Javadekar along with Environment Ministers of other 4 countries attended the meeting.

ANZ slashes forecast for India’s GDP growth in 2019/20 to 6.2%

The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) slashed its forecast for India’s economic growth

to 6.2% in the financial year ending next March from a previous estimate of 6.5%, warning it would be

tough for authorities to engineer a turnaround.

Finance Commission to visit Rajasthan

The 15th Finance Commission headed by Chairman, N.K. Singh and including Members of the

Commission will visit the State of Rajasthan from 16th August to 19th August 2019.

The Commission will hold the other meeting with the representatives of the State’s Panchayati Raj

Institutions and Rural Local Bodies, representatives of the Urban Local Bodies and the

representatives of the Political Parties of the State.

Prakash Javadekar announces the launch of a campaign to make India free of single-use plastic

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar has announced that a massive campaign will be launched to

make India free of single-use plastic.

In this regard, a series of meetings will be held with all stakeholders including state governments to

chalk out a concrete plan to make it a people's campaign to realise the ultimate target.

Four New Products get GI Tag

The Geographical Indication (GI) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade has

recently registered 4 new GIs.

Palani Panchamirtham from Palani Town in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu State.

Tawlhlohpuan and Mizo Puanchei from the state of Mizoram.




Tirur Betel leaf from Kerala are the latest additions to the list of registered GIs.

GI is an indication used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or

a reputation that are due to that origin.

Union HRD Minister inaugurates International Conference on Teacher Education

The Union Minister of Human Resource Development inaugurated the International Conference

titled “Journey of Teacher Education: Local to Global” in New Delhi.

The 2-day event is being organized by the National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) as part of

silver jubilee celebration of its establishment in 1995.

Odisha approves conservation plan of lakes “Chilika and Ansupa”

The Odisha Wetland Authority has approved implementation of an integrated management plan of lakes

“Chilika and Ansupa“.

The Chilika lake is India’s largest brackish water lagoon and Ansupa is the Odisha’s largest freshwater lake.

President inaugurates Bunker Museum in Mumbai

President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated underground Bunker Museum at Raj Bhavan, Mumbai.

The British-era bunker was discovered in 2016 and has 13 rooms such as Shell Store, Gun Shell, Cartridge

Store and Central Artillery Store. The 15,000 square feet underground bunker museum has virtual reality

booths in which visitors can “time travel” to the 19th century.

Lucknow’s iconic Hazratganj Chauraha becomes Atal Chowk

Lucknow’s famous ‘Hazratganj Chauraha’ has been renamed as ‘Atal Chowk’ in memory of former

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Also, the UP government has prepared a draft for developing a memorial for Atal Bihari Vajpayee — Atal

Smriti Upvan.

Vice President embarks on a three-nation visit to Lithuania, Latvia & Estonia

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has embarked on a three-nation visit to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.

He is accompanied by a high-level delegation.

Vice President's visit will be the first-ever high-level visit to the three Baltic countries.

Vellore district to be trifurcated; Ranipet, Tirupattur to become new districts

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that Vellore district will be trifurcated and two

new districts, Ranipet and Tirupattur, will be formed.

Vellore will be the headquarters of these two new districts.

The Chief Minister also announced that a new taluk will be formed with K V Kuppam as its

headquarters.




Assam gets its first-ever CNG fuel station in Dibrugarh

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated the first-ever CNG fuel station of the state in

Dibrugarh.

With the inauguration of this clean and green fuel station, it will reduce environmental pollution.

Mr. Sonowal has given much emphasis to make the state free from pollution.

HRD Minister inaugurates two-day international conference on teacher education

Union Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ inaugurated an international

conference on teacher education in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that India has traditionally been known for leadership in education

and teacher preparation.

He said for thousands of years, Indian teacher was considered as Vishwa Guru or world’s teacher.

Gujarat to get India’s first CICET

India’s first Central Institute of Chemical Engineering & Technology will be set up in Gujarat. It will be

set up either in Ahmedabad or Surat. It will be built on the lines of Central Institute of Plastic Engineering

and Technology.

ii. The aim of setting up the institute is to facilitate the chemical industry with research and innovations.

India becomes the largest SO2 emitter in the world

India is the world’s largest emitter of anthropogenic sulphur dioxide, which is produced from coal

burning, and greatly contributes to air pollution. According to an analysis of a National Aeronautics and

Space Administration (NASA) data released by environmental NGO Greenpeace.

India has more than 15% of all anthropogenic sulphur dioxide (SO2) hotspots in the world detected by the

OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) satellite.

The major SO2 emission hotspots in India are:

Singrauli in Madhya Pradesh

Neyveli and Chennai in Tamil Nadu

Talcher and Jharsuguda in Odisha

Korba in Chhattisgarh

PM Narendra Modi to visit France, UAE, Bahrain from Aug 22 to 26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a three-nation state visit to France, UAE and Bahrain from

22nd to 26th August.

The Prime Minister's bilateral visit to France will be between 22nd and 23rd of this month.

On the second leg of the visit, Mr Modi will be in the United Arab Emirates from 23rd to 24th of this

month.




Nation pays homage to former PM Rajiv Gandhi on 75th birth anniversary

The nation is paying homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 75th birth anniversary on 20

August 2019.

Several programmes are being organised in different parts of the country to mark the occasion.

Rajiv Gandhi served as Prime Minister from 1984 to 1989.

NGT forms a panel to examine allegations of illegal sand mining in River Yamuna

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has formed a committee to examine allegations of illegal sand mining

in the Yamuna River and sought a report within a month.

The NGT action follows a move by the Delhi Jal Board which alleged illegal sand mining in the

Yamuna river.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel asked the panel consisting of

Delhi District Magistrate, Delhi Pollution Control

Prasar Bharati to soon introduce two awards - Neelum Sharma Tejaswini award & Achyutananda

Sahoo Award

Prasar Bharti Chairman A Suryapakash has announced that Prasar Bharati would soon be introducing

two awards - the Neelum Sharma Tejaswini award and the Achyutananda Sahoo Award.

The awards will be launched to remember Senior DD News anchor Neelum Sharma who passed

away on the 17th of August.

2nd Uday Express to run between Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada

Indian Railway’s 2nd double-decker Uday (Utkrisht Double-Decker Air Conditioned Yatri)

Express will run between Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. The train would consist of 9 double-decker

coaches and 2 power cars. The first service was launched on June 10th, 2018 between Coimbatore

Junction and Bangalore.

Zambian President arrives in New Delhi

President of Zambia Edgar Chagwa Lungu arrived in New Delhi on a three-day visit to India. Mr Lungu

will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and will hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra

Modi.

Assam: First humanoid robot ‘Palki’ serves up delicacies at Guwahati eatery

The humanoid robot Palki unveiled at the Guwahati’s Uruka restaurant, a women-run eatery, recently has

been a hit with patrons, especially the younger generation who enjoy the novelty of being served by her.




Hollongi Airport will be completed by March 31, 2022

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri announced that the Hollongi Airport in Itanagar

will be completed by March 31, 2022.

Mr Puri made the announcement while reviewing the status of Civil Aviation in Arunachal Pradesh

through a video conference with Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar.

“Op-Blue Freedom” flag off in Delhi

Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju and former India football captain Baichung Bhutia flagged off Op-Blue

Freedom in Delhi. This is an initiative in which a group of armed forces veterans train sports enthusiasts in

survival training and self-defence.

Op-Blue Freedom is a nation-wide adaptive scuba diving programme for people with disabilities as well as

the able-bodied. It comes under the parent project “Special Forces Adventures”.

Amazon’s largest campus in the world inaugurated in Hyderabad

Amazon has opened its largest campus in the world in Hyderabad. The campus covers 1.8 million square

feet and can accommodate 15,000 workers.

This is Amazon’s first owned-building outside of the US and and is also its largest tech base outside the

Seattle headquarters, which has about 155,000 contract employees.

9th Session of India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee

The 9th Session of the India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee was held in New Delhi. The Joint Trade

Committee reviewed the progress in cooperation in the power sector, renewable energy, petroleum and

natural gas, civil aviation and agricultural research.

The next session of the Joint Trade Committee meeting in Nairobi.

Super 50 programme launched in Maharashtra

Maharashtra’s Tribal Development Department in association with the Pace Educational Trust launched an

academic programme “Super 50”. The programme has been launched for young tribal students aspiring to

be doctors and engineers.

State Tourism Ministers’ conference held in New Delhi

Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel inaugurated the State Tourism Ministers’ Conference in New Delhi.

The conference, organised by the Ministry of Tourism was attended by state tourism ministers, secretaries of

tourism and senior officials from the states and union Territories

Rajasthan govt to provide 70 litres free water everyday to residents of 13 desert districts

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has approved a proposal to provide 70 litres of water for free to

residents of the 13 desert districts of the state.




The state government had previously approved to provide 40 litres of free water to all individuals in rural

areas of the state but the fresh decision was taken considering an additional need of 30 litres for residents

having livestock in the desrt areas.

New set of health warnings on “Tobacco packs”

The Health Ministry has notified the new warnings on “Tobacco packs”. It has been done by making an

amendment in the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products (Packaging and Labeling) Rules, 2008.

The text messages that will be printed on the packs are “tobacco causes painful death”. A quitline number

“1800-11-2356” will also be printed on the packs.

India to launch e-commerce portal “Bharatcraft” for MSME’s

Union Government is planning to launch an e-commerce portal named “Bharatcraft” for MSME’s. The

portal is based on other e-commerce portals like ‘Alibaba’ and ‘Amazon’. The portal will provide a

platform for MSMEs to market and sell their products and in turn boost the sector.

Discovery, WWF tie up to preserve Sundarbans

Discovery India and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India have partnered with the Forest Directorate, the

government of West Bengal and local communities to preserve Sundarbans.

President Kovind inaugurates the First World Youth Conference

President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the first-ever World Youth Conference. Which was organised by

the UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development

(MGIEP) at Vigyan Bhavan, Delhi. The theme of the conference was ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Gandhi for the Contemporary World:

Celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurates two-day National Conference on Varmam Science in Chennai

Union Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik inaugurated the two-day National Conference on

Varmam Science, a part of the Siddha system of medicine in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Punjab to canalise its rivers with technical support from World Bank, ADB

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has announced that his government would canalise all the

rivers of the state, taking technical support from the World Bank (WB) and the Asian Development Bank

(ADB).

5th UIDAI Aadhaar Seva Kendra becomes operational in Hisar, Haryana’s first

Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) fifth stand-alone Aadhaar Seva Kendra has become

operational on dry run basis at Hisar in Haryana. Till now, four Aadhaar Seva Kendras are operational

Amit Shah chairs 24th meeting of Western Zonal Council in Goa

Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired the 24th meeting of Western Zonal Council at Panaji in Goa.




It is a forum for the Centre and states to exchange ideas on issues like health, security and social

welfare.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Goa Chief

minister Pramod Sawant and representatives from the Union Territories of Daman and Diu, and

Dadra and Nagar Haveli attended the meeting.

Harsh Vardhan inaugurates FSSAI’s National Food Laboratory in Ghaziabad

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan inaugurated FSSAI’s National Food Laboratory (NFL) in

Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh on the occasion of 13th anniversary of the Food Safety and Standards Act,

2006.This national lab is a result of a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP), the first-of-its-kind in the food

laboratory sector.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar inaugurates National Centre for Avian Ecotoxicology

Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Prakash Javadekar has inaugurated the National

Centre for Avian Ecotoxicology at Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural Sciences (SACON) in

Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

IIT-Delhi establishes DESMI Centre of Excellence

Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi has partnered with Denmark-based firm to start DESMI Centre of

Excellence on Waste-to-Wealth at IIT-Delhi. The centre will provide support for implementing the

framework of pilot projects, which address waste collection and management with possible energy

generation.

PM Modi launches a redevelopment project of the Sri Krishna temple in Bahrain

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched redevelopment project of the 200-year-old Sri Krishna

temple in Manama, Bahrain.

The $4.2 million redevelopment project will be on a piece of land measuring 16,500 square feet. iii. The new

4-floor structure covering will cover 45,000 square feet, will have an overall height of 30 meters.

Alibaba Foundation and UCWeb to host 9.5 Philanthropy Conference 2019 in India

UC Web, on behalf of the Alibaba Foundation, will host the global sub forum of 2019 Alibaba

Philanthropy on September 5, 2019 in New Delhi.

PM Modi announced to celebrate September as a month of nutrition

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced to celebrate September as a month of nutrition.In his Mann Ki

Baat programme, Mr Modi laid emphasis on creating awareness to fight malnutrition among children,

particularly the girl child.

CBDT says small start-ups with turnover up to Rs 25 cr to continue to get a promised tax holiday

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has clarified that small start-ups with turnover up to 25 crore

rupees will continue to get the promised tax holiday as specified in the section of the Income Tax Act.The




Act provides a deduction for 100 per cent of the income of an eligible start-up for 3 years out of 7 years

from the year of its incorporation.

National Digital Library of India launched by HRD Ministry

Human Resource Development Ministry has launched the National Digital Library of India project to

develop a framework of virtual repository of learning resources with a single-window search facility. It has

been launched under the National Mission on Education through Information and Communication

Technology, NMEICT.

4th edition of the Internet of Things (IoT) India Congress 2019

The 4th edition of India’s largest confluence of digital technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) India

Congress 2019 held in Bengaluru, Karnataka with the theme of ‘Mainstreaming the Internet of

Things’. ii. It was inaugurated by Shri Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information

Technology, Government of India(GoI).

7th ‘Community Radio Sammelan’ to be held in Delhi

The 7th ‘Community Radio Sammelan’ will be held in New Delhi. The ‘Sammelan’ will witness the

representatives of community radio stations which will discuss experiences and possibilities of

programming. The theme of this year’s Sammelan is ‘Community Radio for SDGs’.

Microsoft to train 5000 govt employees on AI, cloud

Microsoft India launched a program under which it will train 5000 government employees over the next

year on AI (artificial intelligence) and cloud computing skills. This program was inaugurated by Amitabh

Kant, chief executive of NITI Aayog.

The program, called ‘Digital Governance Tech Tour’,

Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium to be renamed as Arun Jaitley Stadium

The Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) decided to rename Feroz Shah Kotla

Stadium as Arun Jaitley Stadium in the memory of its former president of DDCA. Jaitley was the

president of DDCA from 1999 to 2013. The renaming of the stadium will take place in September.

Tamil Nadu govt launches Education TV for school students

Tamil Nadu government launched its exclusive 24×7 education channel for school students. This TV

channel, aimed at benefiting students of classes I to XII. This is an initiative of the School Education

Department. The name of the channel is ‘Kalvi Tholaikkatchi’ (Education TV).

Astra Rafael Communication System inaugurated in Hyderabad

An Indo-Israel joint venture’s “Astra Rafael Communication System” was inaugurated in Hyderabad.

The system will design, develop and manufacture tactical communication systems for Indian armed forces.

The Joint Venture between Astra Microwave and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has become

India’s first private sector firm to manufacture cutting-edge software-defined radios in multiple variants.




NOAPS-single window clearing system of NMA launched

The Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge) has launched an integrated NOC online

Application Processing System for National Monuments Authority in New Delhi.

6 new states will be part of this Integrated Online Application Portal with Urban Local Bodies Count. The

details of States and Urban Local Bodies are as follows:

Madhya Pradesh (378)

Andhra Pradesh (110)

Haryana (15)

Punjab (10)

Jharkhand (3)

Telangana (1)

India to host COP14 of UN Convention in September

India will host the Conference Of Parties, COP 14, of the United Nations Convention to Combat

Desertification from 2nd to 13th September 2019.The event will be held at the India Mart and Expo, in the

Greater Noida area of New Delhi.

India Launches World’s First-Ever Facial BSID

India has become the first country in the world to issue Biometric Seafarer Identity Document

(BSID), capturing the facial biometric data of seafarers.

The new facial biometric technology is a marked improvement over the two-finger or iris-based bio-metric

data, with modern security features.

12th India Security Summit held in New Delhi

The 12th India Security Summit was held in New Delhi. The theme of the summit was “Towards New

National Cyber Security Strategy”.

Delhi government to launch “10 Hafte, 10 Baje 10 minute Har Ravivar, Dengue Par War”

Delhi government will launch mega 10-week campaign against dengue and chikungunya. The campaign

has been titled as “10 Hafte, 10 Baje 10 minute Har Ravivar, Dengue Par War”.

Cabinet approves 75 new medical colleges to be established by 2022

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar announced that the cabinet has approved 75 new medical colleges to be

established in the country by the year 2022, which will create an additional 15,700 MBBS seats.

Indian Institute of Petroleum sets up plant to turn plastic waste into diesel

Union Minister for Science and Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand,

Trivendra Singh Rawat inaugurated a waste plastics to diesel plant in Dehradun.

Bangladesh HC allows setting up factories in ‘Ecological Critical Area’ around Sundarbans




High Court in Bangladesh has allowed setting up of factories near the Ecologically Critical Area (ECA) of

Sundarbans.

The court asked the government to provide environmental clearance to three companies for setting up

LPG bottling plants in Mongla industrial area near the Sundarbans.

The Union Environment Ministry releases Rs 47,436 cr for green activities

The Union Environment Ministry has transferred Rs 47,436 crore to 27 States for afforestation. ii. The

amount has been released from the Compensatory Afforestation Fund.

Maharashtra cabinet clears the “vertical property rules”

The Maharashtra cabinet has cleared the “vertical property rules” to create a database of all flats,

buildings and commercial complexes. The “vertical property rules” would prevent property-related frauds,

where one flat or commercial unit is sold or mortgaged to multiple buyers or financial institutions.

Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul locks and Kandangi sarees get GI tag

Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul locks and Kandangi sarees have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags. The

famous Dindigul locks are known throughout the world for their superior quality and durability, thatsway the

city is called Lock City.

The lock-making industry in Dindigul is said to be over 150 years old and they makeover 50 varieties of

locks.

IIT Guwahati signs MoU with RD Grow Green India for safer drinking water

IIT Guwahati has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with RD Grow Green India Pvt for

Technology transfer for safer drinking water.

Drinking water contamination is a major problem in most of the states including Assam. This “chemical-

free” treatment technique might be useful to the citizens in rural and urban areas as well.

Air India to ban single-use plastic on flights

Air India, India’s national airline, will ban the usage of single-use plastic aboard its flights from October

2, 2019. The ban will come into effect on all flights of Air India Express and Alliance Air flights.

Centre approves Gorewada International Zoo in Nagpur

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar announced the approval for the new Gorewada International Zoo to be

inaugurated in Nagpur district of Maharashtra.

Modi launches 10 AYUSH health, wellness centres in Haryana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 10 AYUSH health and wellness centres in Haryana. The centres

are in line with the Ministry of AYUSH’s commitment to making 12,500 AHWCs functional in the next

three years.

M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates Aqua Aquaria India 2019




Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated Aqua Aquaria India 2019 in Hitex Exhibition

Center, Hyderabad, Telangana.

Nepal, India introduce friendship bus service between Kathmandu and Siliguri

A private transport company in Kathmandu has started a deluxe bus service for Siliguri in West Bengal. It

will leave Kathmandu at 3 pm (local time) and reach Siliguri via Kakkarvitta-Panitanki along the Indo-

Nepal border next day at around 11 am.

Total horticulture production estimated to be over 313 million tonnes this year

Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare released the Third Advanced Estimate

(2018-19) of area and production of various Horticulture Crops.

The total horticulture production of the country is estimated to be over 313 million tonnes which is

0.69 per cent higher than the production in 2017-18.

Most awaited “Assam’s National Register of Citizens List” released

State coordinator of the National Register of Citizens, Prateek Hajela has released the most

awaited Assam’s final National Register of Citizens list. The list has been made accessible online and at

all NRC seva kendras in the state.

The process of NRC Update was started in the state of Assam as per order of the Supreme Court of India in

2013. The NRC took five years and Rs 1,220 crore before getting published.

CBDT constitutes five-member “Startup Cell” for startups

The Central Board of Direct Taxes has announced the creation of a five-member special cell “Startup

Cell” for startups. The “Startup Cell” will address the grievances of the startups with relation to angel tax

and other tax-related issues. The ‘startup cell’ will be headed by the member (Income Tax and

Computerisation) of the board.

“Special Tiger Force” for Corbett Reserve to be set up by Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand government has decided to form a Special Tiger Force for Corbett Tiger Reserve. The

STPF will be effective in checking illegal human intrusion into the reserve through villages located on its

fringes.

Central TB Division signs MoU to fight tuberculosis with help of AI

The Central TB Division of the Health Ministry has signed an MoU with Wadhwani Institute for

Artificial Intelligence. Under the MoU, the division seeks to explore the application of cutting-edge

Artificial Intelligence technology in its fight against tuberculosis (TB).

“Mega Vendor Meet 2019” held at Lucknow

Research Designs and Standards Organization organized the “Mega Vendor Meet 2019” at Lucknow.

The special meet was organized to expand vendor base and spread information on greater business

opportunities in Railways Sector.




HM Amit Shah flags off battery operated electric buses in Ahmedabad, first only India operated

Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off battery operated 8 electric buses for Janmarg Bus Rapid

Transit System -BRTS route in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Maharashtra: Lifeline Express inaugurated at CSMT, Mumbai

The Lifeline Express, also known as “Hospital on Wheels”, has been inaugurated at Chhatrapati Shivaji

Maharaj Terminus by the Central Railway (CR) for its latest project, which involves providing medical

treatment to poor patients.

Bihar govt bans pan masala containing magnesium carbonate

Bihar government banned Pan Masala containing magnesium carbonate in the state, said commissioner

of food safety.

20 samples of different Pan Masala brands were collected and it was found that all of them consisted of

magnesium carbonate.

Maharashtra, Haryana Assembly Elections held on 21st October

Maharashtra and Haryana Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) Election 2019 Date, Scheduled on 21st

October, while counting of votes will be held on October 24.Both Maharashtra and Haryana are the first

states to go to polls after the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.

Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Gully Boy’ India’s official entry to Oscars 2020

The Film Federation of India (FFI) has chosen ‘Gully Boy’ as India’s official entry to the Oscars.“Gully

Boy”, produced by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar and directed by Zoya Akhtar’, featured Ranveer as

an up-and-coming rapper who sets out to achieve his dream by rhyming about his life on the Mumbai

streets.President of Film Federation of India: Firdausul Hasan

Ladakhi Shondol dance creates history by entering into Guinness book of records

Shondol dance, which is known as the royal dance of Ladakh, has created history by entering into

the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest Ladakhi dance.Shondol is a famous dance, which

artistes used to perform for the king of Ladakh.The event was held on the concluding day of the ongoing

Buddhist carnival Naropa festival near the Hemis Monastery in Ladakh.

Digital payments growing in India at 12.7% CAGR: KPMG

Digital payments in India are witnessing thriving growth with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of

12.7 per cent in the number of non-cash transactions, global advisory KPMG said.

September month to be celebrated as 'Rashtriya Poshan Maah'

The entire month of September will be celebrated as the Rashtriya Poshan Maah.




This year the theme is ‘Complementary Feeding’.

POSHAN Abhiyaan is a multi- ministerial convergence mission with the vision to address

malnutrition with a targeted approach by 2022.

Google signs a pact with IT ministry for 'Build for Digital India'

Tech giant Google has signed a statement of intent with the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) for

rolling out 'Build for Digital India' programme.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Foreign Ministers from South East Asia attend 52nd ASEAN summit

Foreign Ministers from South East Asia are attending the 52nd ASEAN summit in Bangkok.

The annual meeting opened with a call from the host Thailand for deeper integration to expand trade and

bolster prosperity in the region amid rising global challenges.

The US decries Chinese disruption of Mekong River

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has expressed concern over Chinese activities on the Mekong River

in Southeast Asia, calling them troubling trends.

Pompeo's concerns include the building of upstream dams, plans to blast river beds and the staging of

river patrols outside Chinese borders.

China has built 10 dams along the upper stretch of the Mekong, the part it calls the Langcang.

Critics have long warned that these actions can have disruptive environmental and economic effects

downstream.

72-year after Partition, Pakistan opens 19th century Gurdwara

Pakistan has thrown open the historic 19th-century old Gurdwara Chowa Sahib in Punjab province for

pilgrims, seventy-two years after Partition.

Gurdwara Chowa Sahib is located at the northern edge of the Rohtas Fort near Punjab’s Jhelum City. This

comes in the run-up to the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev in November.

The US withdraws from Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia

The US has formally withdrawn from Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) with Russia.

The INF was signed by then US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev

in 1987.

It banned missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 km.




But earlier this year the US and NATO accused Russia of violating the pact by deploying a new type

of cruise missile, which Moscow has denied.

11th Annual General Meeting of Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry held in Colombo

The 11th Annual General Meeting of the Indo-Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry was held in

Colombo.

Chief guest High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Mr. Taranjit Singh Sandhu appreciated the

contribution of Indo-Lanka Chamber towards strengthening of India- Sri Lanka bilateral relations.

He also enumerated the efforts made by the Indo-Lanka Chamber in further strengthening bilateral

economic relations.

U.S. labels China a ‘currency manipulator’

The United States has officially labeled China a “currency manipulator”. The US has accused China of

using yuan to gain “unfair competitive advantage” in trade.

The US took the action as Beijing has allowed its yuan to fall below the politically sensitive level of

“seven” to the U.S. dollar for the first time in 11 years.

International Army Scout Masters Competition kicks off in Jaisalmer

The fifth edition of "International Army Scout Masters Competition" was kicked off in Jaisalmer.

Jaisalmer military station is hosting the competition, which is happening as part of the international

Army games.

A total of eight countries comprising of China, Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan,

Sudan are participating in the event including the Indian Army team.

India contributes USD 5 million to UN Palestine refugee agency

India contributed 5 million USD to the UN Palestine refugee agency and called for ensuring sustained

financial support for the organisation’s work. The amount was hand over to the United Nations Relief

and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian Refugees. UNRWA has been providing health, education, relief and social services, as well as emergency

humanitarian assistance, across its five areas of operations in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, West Bank, and

the Gaza Strip since 1950.

Bangladesh signs uranium supply deal with Russia

Bangladesh signed a deal with Russia for the supply of uranium for its 2400 MW Rooppur Nuclear

Power Plant (RNPP). The deal was signed in Dhaka between the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission and Russian

Nuclear Fuel Supply Company (TVEL). Under this deal, Russia will supply the nuclear fuel needed for

the plant during its entire life cycle.

World’s thinnest ‘2D’ gold measures just 2 atoms




The scientists at the University of Leeds, (Leeds, England), have created the world’s thinnest gold

measuring 2 atoms thick or million times thinner than a fingernail.

In 2D form, gold becomes flexible that adds to its potential of being used more efficiently such as

in bendable screens, electronic inks, medical diagnostic tests, and water purification systems.

RBI to make NEFT available 24×7 for encouraging digital payments

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to make online payment system National Electronic Funds

Transfer (NEFT) available round-the-clock in a bid to boost digital transactions.

At present, the transfer of funds via NEFT is dependent on bank working hours. The facility of electronic

transfer of funds is available from 8 am to 7 pm on all working days of the week, except the second and

fourth Saturdays in a month.

India tops latest ICC Test rankings

India topped the latest ICC Test team rankings while New Zealand is placed 2nd and South Africa is in

3rd position.

India skipper Virat Kohli retains his number one position in the latest ICC Test batsmen’s rankings.

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'.

Bangladesh - Russia sign deal for a lifetime supply of Nuclear fuel

Bangladesh signed a deal with Russia for the supply of uranium for its 2400 MW Rooppur Nuclear Power

Plant (RNPP).

Under the deal, Russia will supply the nuclear fuel needed for the plant during its entire life cycle.

Work on the two units of the plants, each producing 1200 MW of electricity is scheduled to be

completed in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

Rohingya refugees get identity cards in Bangladesh

5 lakh Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh have been issued identity documents by the United

Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). UNHCR’s Bio-metric Identity Management

System (BIMS) fraud-proof cards are being issued jointly by Bangladeshi authorities and UNHCR to all

verified refugees over the age of 12.

UNHCR Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; UNHCR Head: Filippo Grandi.




Iran unveils three new precision-guided missiles

Iran unveiled 3 precision-guided missiles. The new line-up of air-to-air missiles named the “Yasin”,

“Balaban” and a new series of the “Ghaem” were developed jointly by the ministry and Sa Iran, also

known as Iran Electronics Industries.

President of Iran: Hassan Rouhani; Capital of Iran: Tehran. Currency of Iran: Rial.

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.

Two-day 22nd National Conference on e-Governance 2019 inaugurated in Shillong

Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the 22nd National Conference on e-Governance 2019 (NCeG), the first-ever

in North East region, in Shillong, Meghalaya.

The Conference is being attended by senior government officers from across India, researchers and

eminent personalities from the IT industry.

The conference will be held with the theme “Digital India: Success to Excellence”.

Papua New Guinea has highest number of living indigenous languages

United Nations report said that the Papua New Guinea has the highest number of living indigenous languages

in the world with 840. India stands fourth with 453.

South Korea will remove Japan from preferred trade list

South Korea has decided to remove Japan from its preferred trade list. South Korea has taken this

decision because Japan has failed to uphold international principles while managing its export controls on

sensitive materials. Preferred trade list is a list of nations receiving preferential treatment in trade.

15-km long national flag unfurled in Raipur, Chattisgarh

In Chhattisgarh, thousands of students and members of several social organisations unfurled a 15-km long

national flag by forming a human chain in Raipur ahead of the Independence day.

This event was organised by Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam Foundation to entered the Champions Book of

World Records (for the longest tricolour).




Flying unauthorized drone in Dhaka banned

In Bangladesh, flying of drones without permission from the authority has been banned in Dhaka.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police said that flying drone or any remote-controlled devices without

authorization is a punishable offence as it creates panic among people.

People in Dhaka are flying drones for the purposes of recreation or capturing a photo or unknown

reasons without seeking permission from the due authorities which is illegal.

Newly-Discovered lake in Nepal likely to become World’s Highest

A newly-discovered lake in Nepal is likely to set a new record of being the world’s highest lake replacing

Tilicho, which is situated at an altitude of 4,919 metres in the Himalayan nation and currently holding the

title.

Iceland commemorates 1st glacier “Okjokull” lost to climate change

Iceland commemorated the loss of 1st glacier “Okjokull”, lost due to climate change. A bronze plaque was

unveiled by Iceland in a ceremony which was attended by scientists and locals at the glacier in west-central

Iceland.

The plaque bears the inscription “A letter to the future”.

Nepal will host 5th meeting of India-Nepal Joint Commission

The 5th meeting of India-Nepal Joint Commission will be held in Kathmandu, Nepal. India’s Minister for

External Affairs and Nepal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs will co-chair the meeting.

World Humanitarian Day 2019

World Humanitarian Day is observed across the world on August 19 to pay tribute to workers who risk

their lives in humanitarian services and to gather support for people affected by crises around the world.

The day was designated by the UN General Assembly to commemorate the 19 August 2003 bombing of

the United Nations headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.

WHD 2019 campaign: #WomenHumanitarians.

Iceland commemorates first glacier lost to climate change

Iceland unveiled a plaque to its Okjokull ice sheet, the first of the country’s hundreds of glaciers to melt

away due to climate change.

PM Modi and Bhutanese PM jointly inaugurated 720 Megawatt Mangdechu hydroelectric plant in

Thimphu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Dr Lotay Tshering jointly inaugurated the

720 Megawatt Mangdechu hydroelectric plant in Thimphu.




This is the fourth plant built by India in Bhutan.

They also inaugurated the Ground Earth Station of South Asian Satellite, developed by Indian Space

Research Organization.

The first phase of Rupay card was also launched.

Sheikh Hasina, Sania Mirza to co-chair WEF’s India Economic Summit

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and tennis star Sania Mirza will be among co-chairs for India

Economic Summit to be held in New Delhi in October by the World Economic Forum, where hundreds of

Indian and global leaders would discuss India’s role in South Asia and on the world stage.

The summit will be held under the theme ‘Innovating for India: Strengthening South Asia, Impacting

the World’.

Iran unveils new missile defence system “Bavar-373”

Iran has unveiled new missile defence system “Bavar-373”. This is also Iran’s first domestically produced

long-range missile defence system which has been inducted into the country’s missile defence network. The

system was unveiled at an occasion of Iran’s National Defense Industry Day.

UN chief Guterres says 'deeply concerned' by Amazon fires

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he was "deeply concerned" by wildfires that have devoured

large sections of the Amazon rainforest, blanketing several Brazilian cities in thick smoke.

Russia launches a rocket carrying life-sized robot to International Space Station

Russia launched a rocket carrying life-sized robot to the International Space Station (ISS) from Baikonur

cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

The robot, named Fedor is the first-ever sent into space by Russia.

In order to test a new emergency rescue system, the robot was the Soyuz rocket's only passenger.

Russia launches floating nuclear reactor in Arctic

Russia launched the world’s first floating nuclear reactor. The vessel weighs 21,000 tons and has two

reactors with a capacity of 35 megawatts each.

Ocean energy gets renewable energy status

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has declared Ocean Energy as renewable energy status. It

has clarified to all stakeholders that energy produced using various forms of ocean energy such as tidal, wave

and ocean thermal energy conversion and shall be eligible for meeting the non-solar Renewable Purchase

Obligations (RPO).

Saudi Arabia allows women to travel abroad without permission from male guardian

In Saudi Arabia, a landmark reform allowing women over the age of 21 to receive passports and travel

abroad without permission from a male guardian has begun.




45th G7 Summit begins in Biarritz, France

The Group of 7 or G7 Summit has begun in Biarritz, France. It is an informal meeting between France,

the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Italy and Canada as well as the European

Union.

Serbia becomes 73rd non-regional member of AIIB, Greece as 74th

Serbia has officially become the 73rd non-regional member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment

Bank (AIIB).

The Resolution of the Board of Governors also confirmed Greece as a 74th member of that international

organization.

Indo Pacific Chiefs of Defence Conference 2019 to be held in Thailand

The 2019 Indo Pacific Chiefs of Defence (CHOD) Conference will be held in Bangkok, Thailand’s. In this

conference, India will be represented by Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) and Chief of the Air

Staff- Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa.

The theme for the conference is “Collaboration in a free and Open Indo – Pacific”.

Johnson & Johnson asked to pay $572 mn for Opioid addiction crisis

Johnson & Johnson has been ordered to pay $572 million for Opioid addiction crisis in the US.

Oklahoma court has accused J&J of its role in fostering the state’s opioid addiction crisis. The money will be

used to provide care for addicts, families and communities ravaged by the crisis.

Pakistan, China engage in joint aerial exercise 200 km north of Leh

The air forces of Pakistan and China are jointly exercising ‘Shaheen-VIII’ in Chinese city of Holton,

close to the Indian border near Ladakh. The annual joint training is the eighth of its kind between the two

countries since it was first launched in March 2001.

Indian Ambassador to Madagascar unveils commemorative plaque of Mahatma Gandhi road in

Antananarivo

A restored commemorative plaque of the Mahatma Gandhi road in Antananarivo was jointly unveiled by

the Indian High Commissioner to Madagascar Abhay Kumar and city’s Mayor Lalao Ravalomanana to

mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma.

Russian humanoid robot Fedor arrives at International Space Station

An unmanned spacecraft carrying Russia’s first humanoid robot Fedor be sent into orbit successfully

docked at the International Space Station.

Fedor can be operated manually by ISS astronauts wearing robotic exoskeleton suits.

Fedor stands 180 cm tall and weighs 160 kg.




ADB President meets PM Modi

Asian Development Bank, ADB, President Takehiko Nakao met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and

pledged to support the government’s new flagship initiatives.Mr Nakao commended the government’s vision

to make India a five trillion dollar economy.

Indonesia picks eastern Borneo island for new capital

Indonesia has chosen the eastern edge of jungle-clad Borneo island for its new capital, President Joko

Widodo said, as the country looks to shift its political heart away from congested megalopolis Jakarta.

NEW APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

IFSG appoints Justice A.K. Sikri as ombudsman

The Indian Federation of Sports Gaming (IFSG), country’s self-regulatory industry body for the online

fantasy sports gaming sector, announced the appointment of Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri as its ombudsman

and ethics officer.

Rakesh Asthana given additional charge of NCB

The Appointments Committee on Cabinet has given the additional charge of the post of Director

General Narcotics Control Bureau to Rakesh Asthana.

He is presently serving as the Director General of Civil Aviation Security.

Senior IAS officer Rajiv Kumar to be new Finance Secretary

Senior IAS officer Rajiv Kumar will be the new Finance Secretary.

The approval was given by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.

Mr Kumar, a 1984 batch Indian Administrative Service officer of Jharkhand cadre, is presently

serving as Secretary in the Department of Financial Services.

Giriraj Prasad Gupta takes over as new CGA

Giriraj Prasad Gupta, a 1983-batch Indian Civil Accounts Service (ICAS) officer, took over as

the Controller General of Accounts (CGA) with effect from August 1, 2019.

Gupta succeeds Anthony Lianzuala as the new Controller General of Accounts (CGA) under the Finance

Ministry.

RN Ravi sworn in as Nagaland governor

Former Intelligence Bureau officer RN Ravi was sworn in as the 20th governor of Nagaland. He

succeeded Padmanabha Acharya.




Atish Dabholkar appointed as the new director of ICTP

Atish Dabholkar, a theoretical physicist from India, has been appointed as the new director of Abdus

Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. He will succeed Fernando

Quevedo, who has led the centre since 2009.

Vishweshwar Hegde elected as Karnataka Assembly Speaker

The six-time MLA from Sirsi Assembly constituency and senior BJP leader Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri

was unanimously elected as the new Speaker of the Karnataka state Assembly.

The post had fallen vacant after the resignation of Speaker Ramesh Kumar.

Deputy Speaker Krishna Reddy proposed his name and tabled the motion in the Assembly.

Noel Quinn becomes interim CEO of HSBC

HSBC has announced the departure of its Chief Executive Officer John Flint. Noel Quinn, the head of

HSBC’s Global Commercial Banking unit will replace John Flint as the interim CEO.

Debashis Chatterjee becomes MD and CEO of Mindtree

Indian IT company Mindtree Ltd has announced the appointment of Debashis Chatterjee as its

new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

Also, S.N. Subrahmanyan, the CEO of Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) has been appointed as non-executive

vice chairman.

Amit Shah to head panel constituted to tackle mob violence and lynching

Union Home minister Amit Shah will head the panel constituted to combat incidents of mob violence

and lynching across the country. The government had formed a Group of Ministers (GoM) last year to

deliberate on incidents of lynching and make recommendations. When constituted, the panel was headed by

then Home minister Rajnath Singh.

New mobile app launched to assist farmers

The Ministries of Earth Sciences and Agriculture have launched a mobile application ‘Meghdoot’ that will

provide location, and crop and livestock-specific weather-based agro advisories to farmers in local

languages.

To begin with, the service would be available for 150 districts in different parts of the country.

Govt aims to enrol 150 million workers under PM pension scheme

The Union government will enrol around 150 million workers over the next three years under its flagship

pension scheme Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM), bringing more informal sector

workers under the social security net.




Siddhartha Mohanty takes over as MD, CEO of LIC HFL

LIC Housing Finance (LIC HFL) announced that Siddhartha Mohanty has assumed charge as Managing

Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NBFC.

Prior to taking over as MD and CEO of LIC HFL, Mohanty was the company’s COO.

Kandikuppa Sreekant becomes Power Grid CMD

State-owned Power Grid Corporation Director (Finance) Kandikuppa Sreekant assumed the charge of

the chairman and managing director of Power Grid Corporation of India. The Ministry of Power

order, the tenure of Kandikuppa Sreekant will be till December 31, 2023.

India’s Naaz Joshi won Miss World Diversity Title

India’s transsexual woman Naaz Joshi was crowned Miss World Diversity 2019. This event was held in

Port Louis, Mauritius. This was her 3rd successive victory in the beauty pageant Miss World Diversity.

Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting launches e-Rozgar Samachar

Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting has launched e-Rozgar Samachar. Rozgar Samachar is

the corresponding version of Employment News (English). It has been launched with a view to make

aspirants aware of job opportunities in government sector including public sector enterprises.

Chandrima Shaha to be the first woman president of INSA

Chandrima Shaha is set to be the 1st woman president of the Indian National Science Academy. Her

tenure will begin from January 2020. Chandrima Shaha was formerly the Director of the National Institute of

Immunology, Delhi.

Valentina Elangbam named as Green Ambassador of Manipur

Valentina Elangbam, a 9-year-old girl from Manipur, has been appointed as the brand ambassador for the

Chief Minister's Green Manipur Mission.

The young child was seen weeping profusely in a viral video after two trees that she had planted

were cut down.

Kakching district's Valentina is a class 5 student of Amutombi Divine Life School in Hiyanglam

Wabagai.

She had planted two Gulmohar trees when she was in class 1 near the bank of a river in her locality.

Alejandro Giammattei elected as Guatemala’s new president

Alejandro Giammattei has been elected as new president of Guatemala. He defeated former first lady

Sandra Torres for the president’s seat. Giammattei will succeed corruption tainted outgoing President Jimmy

Morales.




Ghotu Ram Meena named India’s next Ambassador to Republic of Congo

Ghotu Ram Meena has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of

Congo. Currently, Meena is serving as a counsellor, Embassy of India in Kyiv, Ukraine.

P.T. Usha appointed as a member of AAA’s Athletes Commission

Legendary Indian sprinter P.T. Usha, one of India’s greatest athletes, has been appointed as a member of

the Asian Athletics Association’s (AAA) Athletes Commission.

This is the 2nd time P.T. Usha has been appointed a member of the Asian Athletics Association’s Athletes

Commission.

PM to be the chairman of the Inter-State Council

The Inter-State Council has been reconstituted with Prime Minister as its chairman and 6 Union

ministers and all chief ministers as its members. Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the standing

committee of the Inter-State Council.

Harshad Pandurang Thakur appointed as NIHFW’s director

Harshad Pandurang Thakur has been appointed as the director of National Institute of Health and

Family Welfare. The proposal of appointment was approved by the appointments Committee of the Cabinet,

headed by Prime Minister.

Aditya Puri remains top-paid bank CEO

HDFC Bank’s managing director Aditya Puri remained the highest paid bank chief executive in India

with a monthly basic salary of Rs 89 lakh in FY19. Puri has led the bank — the most valuable lender in the

country — since its inception 25 years ago.

Bangladesh appoints Russell Domingo as head coach

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) appointed South African Russell Domingo as national team head coach

for a two-year term.

Domingo had played junior cricket for Eastern Province before moving into coaching at an early age.

He became South Africa U19 coach for the 2004 ICC U19 World Cup in Bangladesh.

Qamar Javed Bajwa’s term extended as Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff

Pakistan Prime Minister Office has announced a 3-year extension of General Qamar Javed Bajwa‘s

tenure as Chief of Army Staff.

Bajwa’s original term was to end in November 2019 after serving as Army chief for three years. He will

remain as Army chief till November 2022.

Shavendra Silva appointed as Commander of the Sri Lankan Army

President of Sri Lanka has appointed Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as 23rd Commander of the Sri

Lankan Army. He will replace Lt Gen Mahesh Senanayake as the Commander of the Sri Lankan Army.




Mr. Silva commanded the Sri Lankan Army’s 58 Division during the final stages of the war against the rebel

LTTE in 2009.

Karnataka categorises Nicotine as “class A poison”

The Karnataka government has amended the Karnataka Poisons (Possession and Sale) Rules 2015 and

notified Nicotine as “Class A poison”. The step has been taken to strengthen the enforcement of the ban on

production and sale of electronic cigarettes.

Paytm promotes CFO Madhur Deora as President

Digital payments player Paytm announced the promotion of its Chief Financial Officer Madhur Deora as

the company’s President.

Madhur joined the digital payment firm in October 2016. Earlier, Deora has served as Managing Director in

Citigroup’s investment banking business in New York, London and Mumbai.

Ravinder Takkar appointed as MD-CEO of Vodafone Idea

Ravinder Takkar has been appointed as the MD and CEO of Idea-Vodafone. He is currently a board

member of Vodafone Idea and Indus Towers, where he is responsible for all Vodafone Group interests in

India. He will replace Balesh Sharma after his resignation as the chief executive officer of Vodafone Idea

(VIL).

Paytm promotes CFO Madhur Deora as President

Gearing up for the next phase of growth in consumer Internet and financial services, digital payments player

Paytm has announced the promotion of its Chief Financial Officer Madhur Deora as the company’s

President.

Paytm elevates CFO Madhur Deora as the next President

Paytm has elevated its CFO Madhu Deora as President of the company.

Madhur joined the digital payment firm in October 2016.

Earlier, Deora has served as Managing Director in Citigroup's investment banking business in New

York, London and Mumbai.

Ajay Kumar appointed as Defence Secretary

Ajay Kumar has been appointed as Defence Secretary. Ajay Kumar is currently serving as Secretary in

Department of Defence Production. He will replace Sanjay Mitra, upon completion of his term.

Abdalla Hamdok takes charge as Sudan’s new Prime Minister

Prominent economist Abdalla Hamdok has been sworn in as Sudan’s new prime minister, leading the

country’s transitional cabinet months after a mass protest movement forced the military removal of long-time

authoritarian President Omar al-Bashir.




Home Secretary Rajeev Gauba appointed next Cabinet Secretary

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba has been appointed the new Cabinet Secretary, the country’s top

bureaucratic post, for a tenure of two years. He will succeed P K Sinha.

Ajay Kumar Bhalla appointed as Home Secretary

Ajay Kumar Bhalla was appointed as the new Union Home Secretary. He is currently serving as an officer

on special duty in the home ministry. He replaces Rajiv Gauba, who was appointed as the new cabinet

secretary.

Vikram Rathour appointed as Team India’s batting coach

Former Indian opener Vikram Rathour appointed as team India’s new batting coach. He will

replace Sanjay Bangar. While Bharath Arun and R. Sridhar were retained as bowling and fielding coaches.

Rajiv Gauba appointed as Cabinet Secretary

Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba appointed as a Cabinet secretary for two years. He will replace P.K. Sinha,

who was appointed Cabinet Secretary in 2015.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved his

appointment.

Former PM Manmohan Singh takes oath as Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan

Former Prime Minister and Congress leader Manmohan Singh took oath as a member of the Rajya

Sabha from Rajasthan.

HDFC Bank elevates Srinivasan Vaidyanathan to CFO level

Private lender HDFC Bank has appointed Srinivasan Vaidyanathan as its Chief Financial Officer

(CFO) as the bank seeks to strengthen compliance with regulatory norms. He was earlier Group Finance

Head.

CVC sets up 4-member Advisory Board for Banking Frauds

The Central Vigilance Commission has constituted a 4-member Advisory Board for Banking Frauds.

The ABBF will be headed by former Vigilance Commissioner T.M. Bhasin. Lenders will refer all large

fraud cases above Rs 50 crore to the board and on receipt of its recommendation or advice, the bank

concerned would take further action in such matters.

Paytm appoints Amit Nayyar as president of FSB

Digital payments company Paytm has appointed ex-Goldman executive AmitNayyar as president in

the financial services business of the company.

Paytm Founder: Vijay Shekhar Sharma.

Parent Organization: One97 Communications.




IAF’s Shalija Dhami becomes a first female flight commander

Indian Air Force’s Wing Commander Shalija Dhami has become the first female officer in the country to

become Flight Commander of a flying unit.

In a first, Karnataka to have 3 Deputy Chief Ministers

Karnataka will have three Deputy CMs for the first time after the newly formed BJP government

appointed Govind Makthappa Karajol, CN Ashwath Narayan and Laxman Sangappa Savadi to the

post. While Makthappa has been allotted Public Works Department, Narayan and Savadi have been given

higher education and transport portfolios, respectively.

India appoints Pavan Kapoor as ambassador to UAE

India appointed Pavan Kapoor as its next Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The 1990 cadre IFS officer will replace Navdeep Singh Puri, who has been heading the Indian

mission in UAE since October 2016.

Pramod Agarwal to succeed Coal India chairman AK Jha

Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) has selected Pramod Agarwal as the next chairman of Coal

India. He is a 1991 batch IAS from Madhya Pradesh cadre. He will take over after the present chairman A K

Jha retires in January 2020.

Agarwal is currently principal secretary for urban development and housing department in Madhya

Pradesh.

Lionel Aingimea becomes the new President of Nauru

Former human rights lawyer Lionel Aingimea won the presidential election of the pacific nation Nauru by

defeating his rival David Adeang by 12-6 votes. He is now the 15th President of Nauru succeeding the

outgoing President Baron Waqa.

Capital of Nauru: Yaren; Currency of Nauru: Australian dollar.

GoI extends tenure of CBDT Chairman P C Mody

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister has approved the extension of the

tenure of CBDT Chairman Pramod Chander Mody. The tenure of the CBDT chairman has been extended

by one year.

DDCA names Atul Wassan as chairman of senior selection committee

Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) appointed Atul Wassan as the chairman of the senior

selection committee while Mayank Tehlan was named as the chairman of the junior selection committee for

the season of 2019-20.




Rating Agency ICRA terminates CEO Naresh Takkar

ICRA Ltd ousted its Managing Director and group Chief Executive Officer Naresh Takkar. ICRA has

terminated the employment of Takkar with immediate effect over allegations of misconduct at the credit

rating agency under Takkar. This is the first time a top official of a rating agency has been fired by the

company’s board.

P.K. Sinha appointed as Officer on Special Duty in PMO

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved the appointment of P.K. Sinha as “Officer on

Special Duty” in the office of the Prime Minister. P K Sinha was earlier serving as the Cabinet Secretary

before the appointment of Rajiv Gauba.

Lakshmi Vilas Bank MD & CEO Parthasarathi Mukherjee announces resignation

Lakshmi Vilas Bank, the mid-sized private sector lender announced the resignation of its chief executive

officer Parthasarathi Mukherjee.

Actor Govinda appointed as the brand ambassador of Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh government will appoint filmstar Govinda as brand ambassador to promote the state’s

traditions and tourist places.

Madhukar Kamath elected as chairman of the ABC (2019-20)

Madhukar Kamath was elected as the chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for 2019-

20.He will replace Hormusji N Cama. He presently served as the chairman emeritus of DDB Mudra group

and mentor of Interbrand India. ABC established: 1948; Headquarters: Mumbai.

CBDT sets up NeAC & appoints KM Prasad as first Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax of

NeAC

Central Board of Direct Tax(CBDT) has newly set up National e-Assessment Centre (NeAC) in Delhi.

CBDT has also appointed 1984 batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer Krishna Mohan Prasad as the

first Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax of NeAC.

President appoints five new Governors

President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed new Governors for five states: Rajasthan, Maharashtra,

Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana.

Former Union Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya will be the Governor of Himachal Pradesh in place of

Kalraj Mishra

Kalraj Mishra, has been given the charge of Rajasthan, replacing incumbent Governor Kalyan Singh.

Former Uttarakhand Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari has been named the Governor

of Maharashtra replacing C. Vidyasagar Rao,




Former Union Minister, Arif Mohammed Khan was appointed Governor of Kerala replacing P.

Sathasivam,

Tamil Nadu BJP president Tamilisai Soundararajan will be the new Governor of Telangana replacing

E.S.L Narshiman.

Manoj Mukund Naravane takes charge as VC of Army staff

Lieutenant General Manoj Mukund Naravane took charge of Vice Chief of the Army Staff.

Naravane, who was earlier heading the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, succeeds Lieutenant

General Devraj Anbu superannuated on August 31.

Govt accepts State Bank of India MD Anshula Kant’s resignation

The government has accepted the resignation of State bank of India’s managing Director Anshula Kant,

following her appointment as MD and chief financial officer of the World Bank.

BANKING AWARENESS

India Post Payments Bank to be converted into SFB

The postal department has decided to convert the India Post Payments Bank into a small finance bank.

This bank will provide micro credit at the doorsteps to individuals and SME’s. The postal department has

also target the milestone of 1 crore accounts for IPPB in 100 days.

NHB to provide liquidity infusion facility of Rs 10,000 cr to HFCs

To further ease the funds for the housing sector, National Housing Bank (NHB) will provide additional

liquidity infusion facility of Rs 10,000 crore to Housing Finance Companies (HFCs). This will be an

additional liquidity infusion for individual loans for affordable housing.

SBI, Shanghai becomes first Indian bank to link up with CNAPS

The State Bank of India’s (SBI) Shanghai branch is now connected to China’s National Advance

Payment System (CNAPS). SBI is the only Indian bank to have obtained the license to do business in local currency and also

inducted to the CNAPS by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC).

RBI allows Bank of China to offer regular banking services in India

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed “Bank of China” to offer regular banking services in the

country.

Banks falling under this schedule have to adhere to the norms of the RBI. ‘Bank of China Limited’ has

been included in the 2nd Schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.

https://chat.whatsapp.com/ClIKVdefedj5GpJLbY75ZH





RBI allows domestic banks to sell NPAs abroad as one-time settlement

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) allowed domestic banks to directly sell their bad loans in manufacturing

and infrastructure sectors to investors abroad as part of one-time settlement (OTS) exercises. The move will

allow overseas investors to take direct loan exposure to Indian corporates.

RBI to set up “Central Payment Fraud Registry”

The Reserve Bank of India has decided to set up a “Central Payment Fraud Registry”. The registry will

track frauds in the payment systems.

Under this registry, payment system participants will be provided access to it for near-real time fraud

monitoring. The aggregated fraud data will be published to educate customers on emerging risks.

SEBI approves SGX and NSE to operate jointly in GIFT City

Securities and Exchange Board of India has approved Singapore Stock Exchange and National Stock

Exchange of India Ltd to operate jointly in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, Gandhinagar.

The two entities will create a new platform for trading called NSE International Financial Service

Centre (IFSC)-SGX Connect.

Mastercard launches identity check express to secure online transaction

Mastercard announced the launch of Identity Check Express, a next-generation, mobile-first

authentication solution that aims to redefine the e-commerce journey for Indian consumers.Mastercard

Identity Check Express combines the latest technology, including device intelligence and behavioural

biometrics, with the latest EMV 3-D Secure and FIDO authentication standards to deliver

an uninterrupted mobile payment experience.

RBI slashes repo rate by 35 basis points

The Reserve Bank has cut the repo rate by 35 basis points to 5.40

per cent to give a fillip to the economy.

Repo rate is the rate at which RBI lends to banks.

This is the fourth consecutive time that the RBI's Monetary Policy Committee reduced the rate.

On earlier three occasions, RBI had reduced repo rate by 25 basis points each.




RBI announces measures to open up liquidity for NBFCs

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced two key measures to help non-bank financial companies

(NBFCs) which are facing a severe liquidity squeeze.

The first is harmonisation of single counterparty exposure limit for banks’ exposure to single

NBFCs with the general single counterparty exposure limit.

Max Life Insurance launches ‘Speed Dial – your partner for life’ initiative on fourth ‘Protection Day’

Max Life Insurance Co Ltd (‘Max Life’/’Company’), one of India’s leading life insurance companies, has

announced the launch of one-of-its-kind initiative, ‘Speed Dial Max Life Insurance – Your Partner for

Life’ further reinforcing its customer obsession.

ADB to provide $200 million for rural road project in Maharashtra

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 200 million loan for improving road infrastructure

in 34 districts of Maharashtra.

The aim of the project is to connect rural areas with markets and services. Roads in rural areas would

be upgraded to all weather standards which will boost links between local residents and economic centres

across the state.

RBL Bank launches India’s first health-focused credit card

Private sector bank, RBL Bank and digital healthcare platform Practo have partnered to launch an industry-

first co-branded health credit card. This credit card is powered by Mastercard.

RBL Bank’s new credit card offers benefits like online consultations with doctors and a free health check-

up.

AePS crosses 200 million transactions in July: NPCI

National Payments Corporation of India has announced that Aadhaar enabled Payment System has crossed

the milestone of over 200 million transactions during July 2019. The transaction count of AePS stood at

220 million in july 2019.

MD & CEO of NPCI: Dilip Asbe.

EnKash Launched India’s first Corporate Credit Card for SME’s

Business-to-business payments startup EnKash has launched the country’s first corporate credit card

called ‘Freedom Card’ for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

The Freedom Card would give SMEs and startups the freedom to avail credit facility for immediate needs

and to manage their liquidity.

RBI clarifies rules on ‘free ATM transactions’

The Reserve Bank of India has clarified rules on ‘free ATM transactions’ provided by banks to its

customers. Banks provide certain number of free transactions at ATMs to their customers and beyond that

impose charges.




Danish bank launches world’s 1st negative interest rate home loan

Denmark’s third-largest bank, Jyske Bank, has launched the world’s first negative interest rate home

loan, where the charge is -0.5% a year. This means that Jyske Bank will effectively pay borrowers 0.5% a

year to take out a loan.

ADB lends $23 Million to GR Infraprojects Limited to Expand Road Building Capacity in India

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed an agreement to invest $23 million in Non-Convertible

Debentures being issued by GR Infraprojects Limited (GRIL) to help the company rapidly scale up its

construction of roads and highways in India through the purchase of new building equipment.

PM pushes for digital payment with ‘yes to digital payment, no to cash’ motto

Giving a fresh push to digital transactions in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave the motto of

‘yes to digital payment, no to cash”. He called for increasing the use of digital payments all over the

country.

India contributes $1 million to UN fund

India has contributed USD one million to the UN Special Purpose Trust Fund for the Resident

Coordinator System. The Special Purpose Trust Fund (SPTF) is a specific fund housed within the UN

Secretariat established to receive, consolidate, manage and account for all contributions and financial

transactions of the new Resident Coordinator system in a transparent and effective way.

Housing finance companies to be treated as NBFCs; come under RBI oversight

The Reserve Bank said that housing finance companies (HFCs) will be treated as one of the categories of

NBFCs for regulatory purposes and it will come under its (RBI’s) direct oversight.

The Finance (No 2) Act, 2019 (23 of 2019) has amended the National Housing Bank Act, 1987, conferring

certain powers for regulation of Housing Finance Companies (HFC) with Reserve Bank of India

India’s forex reserves reaches life-time high of $430.57 bn

India’s forex reserves has reached the highest ever valuation of $430.57 bn. As per the latest RBI data,

India’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $1.620 billion in the week to 9 August due to rise in foreign

currency assets.

RuPay launched in Bhutan, 9 MoUs exchanged between New Delhi, Thimphu

Nine MoUs and one power purchase agreement were exchanged between India and Bhutan in the presence

of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering at the Simtokha Dzong

(Monastery in Semtokha, Bhutan).

PM Modi also launched RuPay Card in Bhutan. He launched the RuPay Card by making a purchase at

Simtokha Dzong.

Rupee becomes Asia’s worst performing currency this month




The Indian rupee has become Asia’s worst-performing currency in August amid foreign fund outflows,

global trade tensions and pressure from China’s yuan. The local currency has slumped 3.49% against the US

dollar so far this month, heading towards its second-worst monthly loss in four years.

RBI allows e-mandate for cards for recurring transactions

The Reserve Bank of India has permitted processing of e-mandate on credit and debit cards for recurring

transactions (merchant payments). The maximum limit for such a transaction will be Rs 2,000.

India hands over NPR 2.45 billion to Nepal for housing reconstruction

India handed over a cheque of NPR 2.45 billion to Nepal on towards the reimbursement for housing

reconstruction in Nuwakot and Gorkha Districts during the Fifth Joint Commission Metting (JCM) held

in Kathmandu.

FATF Asia-Pacific Group blacklists Pakistan

Pakistan has been placed on the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force’s Asia Pacific

Group. Pakistan has been blacklisted for non-compliance and non-enforcement of safeguards against terror

financing and money laundering.

Pakistan has failed in 32 of 40 ‘compliance’ parameters for its legal and financial systems.

Acko partners with ZestMoney to offer credit insurance

Acko General Insurance, an insurtech company, has partnered with ZestMoney, a consumer lending

fintech, to offer credit insurance. This insurance will help ZestMoney customers cover their monthly EMI

payments during times of crisis.

SEBI announces Rs 1 crore reward for insider trading informants

The Securities and Exchange Board of India has announced a new mechanism to reward insider trading

informants to uncover insider trading cases. The reward would be 10 per cent of the money collected,

subject to a maximum amount of Rs 1 crore.

Narendra Modi launches RuPay card in UAE

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has launched the RuPay card, making the UAE the first country in

the Middle East to initiate the Indian indigenous system of electronic payment. RuPay card scheme was

launched in 2012 to fulfil the Reserve Bank of India’s vision to have a domestic, open and multilateral

system of payments.

Bandhan Bank launches a co-branded credit card with Standard Chartered

Bandhan Bank launched a co-branded credit card in association with Standard Chartered bank. This

credit card would be offered to 40 lakh savings bank account holders across the 1,000 branches of Bandhan

Bank.

MD & CEO of Bandhan Bank: Chandra Shekhar Ghosh.

CEO of Standard Chartered Bank: Zarin Daruwala.




RBI to transfer Rs 1.76 lakh crore to government

The Reserve Bank of India has approved the transfer of record Rs 1.76 lakh crore dividend and surplus

reserves to the government. The sum of Rs 1,76,051 crore comprises Rs 1,23,414 crore of surplus for the

year 2018-19 and Rs 52,637 crore of excess provisions identified as per the revised Economic Capital

Framework.

Canara Bank introduced OTP facility for ATM withdrawal

Public sector Bank, Canara Bank has launched India’s first OTP facility for ATM withdrawals. This

additional factor of authentication protects from unauthorized ATM cash withdrawals for cardholders.

Now Canara Bank ATMs get safer and more secured with OTP facility on cash withdrawals above ₹10,000

in a day.

Indian Bank opens MSME Centralised Processing Centre

Indian Bank has opened MSME CPC (centralised processing centre) in Chennai. The centralised

processing centre will give a boost to the bank’s MSME portfolio and will lead to speedy disposal of micro,

small and medium enterprises’ loans.

Bimal Jalan panel recommends a review of economic capital framework every five years

The Bimal Jalan panel of the Reserve Bank has recommended that the revised economic capital framework

will be reviewed every five years.

The RBI, Under the revised framework, decided to transfer 52,637 crore rupees excess provisions to the

government.

Cabinet nod to 100 pc FDI in coal mining, contract manufacturing

In major decisions to liberalise Foreign Domestic Investment (FDI) norms to boost investment, the Union

Cabinet approved 100 per cent FDI in coal mining and contract manufacturing through automatic

route.

The meeting also liberalised sourcing norms concerning single-brand retail and allowed 26 per cent FDI

in the digital media with government approval.

Irdai sets up single point of contact for regulatory sandbox

Insurance regulator Irdai has set up a single point contact for its regulatory sandbox (RS) initiative,

wherein financial technology firms can seek permission to experiment with innovative approaches for the

growth of the sector.

Centre releases Rs 47,436 crore to various states for afforestation

The Centre released Rs 47,436 crore to various states in a major boost towards promoting afforestation and

achieving green objectives in the country. The money is released under the Compensatory Afforestation

Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA).




10 public sector banks to be merged into four

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a big consolidation of public sector banks:

PNB, OBC and United Bank to be merged (PNB will be the anchor bank). Consolidated

PNB+OBC+United Bank to be 2nd largest PSB with Rs 18 lakh crore business and 2nd largest branch

network in India. PNB will be the anchor bank in this merger.

Canara Bank and Syndicate Bank to be merged. Canara Bank will be the anchor lender.

Union Bank of India, Andhra Bank and Corporate Bank to be merged. Consolidated

Union+Andhra+Corporation Banks to be 5th largest PSB with Rs 14.6L Cr. business & 4th largest branch

network in India. Union Bank of India will be anchor lender in the this merger.

Indian Bank to be merged with Allahabad Bank. Consolidated Indian & Allahabad Banks to be 7th

largest PSB with Rs 8.08 lakh crore business.

After the merger, the number of India’s public sector banks drops to 12 from 27 earlier. Earlier, Dena

Bank and Vijaya Bank were also merged with Bank of Baroda which came into effect from April 1, 2019.

Apart from this, the government announced Rs 55,250 crore upfront as capital infusion in the PSBs.

RBI extends banking license of Rupee Cooperative Bank till Nov 30, 2019

Rupee Co-op. Bank Ltd., Pune has been granted extension for its banking license by the RBI till November

30, 2019.

ADB President Nakao pledges USD 12 billion support to govt’s initiatives

Asian Development Bank, ADB, President Takehiko Nakao met Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his

visit to India and pledged to support the government’s new flagship initiatives.

IDBI Bank launches repo-linked home, auto loans

LIC owned IDBI Bank has launched a home and auto loan product linked to the repo rate.The lender is

offering home loan for up to Rs 75 lakh with a tenor of up to 35 years.The interest rate on home loan will be

from 8.30 per cent per annum onwards.




RANKS & REPORTS

London named the world’s best city for students

London has named the world’s best city for students for the 2nd consecutive year, beating Tokyo and

Melbourne that came 2nd and 3rd, respectively, on a new worldwide ranking.

According to the rankings, India’s best student city is Bengaluru (81st), followed by Mumbai (85th),

Delhi at 113th and Chennai at 115th, out of a total of 120th cities in the list.

Sai Praneeth enters top 20 in World Badminton Rankings

Indian shuttler B.Sai Praneeth has jumped four places to enter in the top 20 players in the latest World

Badminton Rankings.

Praneeth is now World No.19 in Men's Singles badminton ranking.

Among other Indian Men's singles shuttlers, Kidambi Srikanth has maintained his tenth position

while Sameer Verma retains his 13th position.

In Women's Singles, P.V.Sindhu has retained her 5th position and Saina Nehwal 8th position.

India slips to 7th largest economy in 2018

According to the World Bank, India has been pushed to the 7th place in the global GDP

rankings in 2018. In 2017, India had emerged as the 6th largest economy.

The US remains the top economy with a GDP of $20.5 trillion in 2018. China was the 2nd largest

economy with $13.6 trillion, while Japan took the 3rd place with $5 trillion.

India’s GDP was at $2.7 trillion in 2018, while UK and France were at $2.8 trillion.

India still remains the fastest-growing major economy in the world.

London named world’s best student city

The UK capital London has been named as the world’s best city for students for the second consecutive

year.

The ‘QS Best Student Cities Ranking’ compiled by global education consultancy QS Quacquarelli

Symonds highlights each city’s performance.

According to the rankings, India’s best student city is Bengaluru (81st), followed by Mumbai (85th),

Delhi (at 113) and Chennai (at 115) out of a total of 120 cities ranked in the list.

India Ranked as 46th Highest Risk Country in Water Stress Index 2019

India has been ranked as the 46th highest risk country in the world in the Water Stress Index 2019,

formulated by London-based risk analytics firm Verisk Maplecroft.

As per the index, 11 of 20 largest Indian cities face an ‘extreme risk’ of water stress while 7 of them are in

the ‘high risk’ category.

Chennai is the “tip of the iceberg” for India’s water-stressed cities.




Walmart ranked as India’s top retailer: Report

US retail giant Walmart is India’s top retailer, according to a study by Euromonitor International

tracking Asia’s largest retailers.

Walmart topped the rankings in India for 2018, after it acquired internet retailer Flipkart last year in a $16

billion deal.

Odisha police station in top 10 in India

Tarava police station in the Subarnapur district of Odisha has been adjudged as one of the 10 best police

stations in India in the annual ranking for the year 2018. The certificate of excellence and a trophy awarded by the Union Home Ministry were handed over

to Tarava police inspector Dulamani Bhoi by Odisha DGP R.P. Sharma.

Forbes list of best-paid female athletes: Serena Williams on top, PV Sindhu grabs 13th spot

Serena Williams, 37, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, topped the rich list, after earning $29.2m (£24.3m),

including $25m (£20.57m) in endorsements, according to Forbes.

Indian badminton player P.V. Sindhu came in tied for 13th ($5.5 million), with Thai golfer Ariya

Jutanugarn ($5.3 million).

Manipur tops in Breastfeeding, Infant & Young Child Feeding Practices

Manipur has topped the rankings in Breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in the

country. Health and Family Welfare Minister released a report on Breastfeeding. Uttar Pradesh,

Rajasthan and Bihar are at the bottom positions in the report card.

Bill Gates regains second-richest spot while Mukesh Ambani slips to 18th place in world rich list

Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates has regained the world’s second-richest person spot with $106 billion

wealth, as per Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

Jeff Bezos, Amazon’s CEO remained on top.

World’s Forest Animal Population Drops 53% Since 1970: WWF Report

The global population of forest-dwelling vertebrates has plummeted in the period between 1970 and 2014,

according to a study published by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Berlin.

Karnataka tops the State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index

The State Rooftop Solar Attractiveness Index-SARAL was launched during the Review Planning and

Monitoring (RPM) Meeting with States and State Power Utilities. Karnataka has topped the index which

evaluates Indian states based on their attractiveness for rooftop development.

Delhi ranks as 10th fastest growing market globally: Knight Frank

Delhi is the 10th fastest growing prime market globally on Knight Frank’s Prime Global Cities Index. The

capital region, by virtue of its limited supply of luxury properties, saw a 4.4 per cent rise in weighted average

of capital values.




Dwayne Johnson leads Forbes’ highest-paid actors list, Akshay Kumar in top 10

Dwayne Johnson has added another feather to his cap by emerging as the highest-paid actor on the 2019

Forbes’ list. The ‘Hobbs and Shaw’ actor’s earnings of 2018 were rock solid as he raked in a total income of

USD 89.4 million. Akshay Kumar ranked 4th in the list.

‘Statue of Unity’, Mumbai’s Soho House among Time’s 100 greatest places in the world

The 597-ft tall ‘Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat and Mumbai’s Soho House have been featured by the Time

magazine in its second annual list of the 2019 World’s greatest places, in a compilation of 100 new and

newly “noteworthy destinations.

Gujarat ranked first in composite water management index

CWMI (Composite Water Management Index ) 2.0 ranks various states for the reference year 2017-18 as

against the base year 2016-17. “Gujarat continues to hold on to its rank one in the reference year (2017-

18), followed by Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu,” the release said.

Scarlett Johansson tops Forbes highest-paid actresses list

For the second consecutive year, Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson has topped the Forbes’ list of highest-

paid female actors in the world. Spurred by the success of her summer Marvel film Avengers: Endgame, the

34-year-old actor’s earning reached USD 56 million.

DBS named ‘World’s Best Bank’ by Euromoney magazine

In a feat unmatched by other banks globally, DBS (HQ – Singapore) has become the first bank to

concurrently hold three global best bank awards. This was achieved after DBS was named “World’s Best

Bank” by leading global financial publication Euromoney in its 2019 Awards for Excellence.

India ranks 86th in Henley Passport Index

India slipped to 86th spot from the previous 79th place with access to 58 countries. The country shared the

spot with Mauritania, and Sao Tome and Principe.

Japan retained its top spot as the world’s most powerful passport in 2019

Rajasthan ranks 1st in free medicine scheme implementation

Chief minister Ashok Gehlot’s flagship free medicine scheme secured the top position in the country in

the ranking issued by the National Health Mission (NHM).

Kerala, TN, Himachal top India’s child well-being index, says report

Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry topped the charts in the child well-being index, a

tool designed to measure and tracks children’s well-being comprehensively. Meghalaya, Jharkhand and

Madhya Pradesh featured at the bottom

Mumbai ranked 45th, Delhi 52nd on world’s safe cities list; Tokyo safest: Study

Mumbai has been ranked as the 45th safest city on the Safe Cities Index (SCI), while Delhi stood at the

52nd position, according to a report by Economist Intelligence Unit.




SCHEMES & APPS

West Bengal launches awareness campaign ‘Save Green, Stay Clean’

The West Bengal Government has launched an awareness campaign ‘Save Green, Stay

Clean’ for preserving the greenery and keeping the environment clean.

The State Government will distribute more than 1 lakh saplings throughout the state for spreading of

greenery.

Gujarat CM launches ‘Vhali Dikri Yojna’

Gujarat Chief Minister has launched the ‘Vhali Dikri Yojna’ from his home town Rajkot, Gujarat. The

scheme for the welfare of the girl child.

According to the scheme, the State Government will pay Rs. 4,000 to every girl child at the time of

admission to Standard 4th, Rs. 6,000 at the time of taking admission to Standard IX, Rs. 1-lakh at the

time of taking admission for higher education at the age of 18 and another Rs. 1-lakh at the time of

marriage. It is a statewide cash incentive scheme for every girl child born in Gujarat.

Flipkart launches ‘Samarth’ to empower Indian artisans, weavers and craftsmen

Flipkart, India’s leading e-commerce marketplace launched ‘Flipkart Samarth’ – a breakthrough initiative

aimed at bringing India’s artisans, weavers, and handicrafts producers onto e-commerce.

Odisha govt launches Small Savings Incentive Scheme

Odisha government has launched the ‘Odisha Small Savings Incentive Scheme’ for the calendar year 2019

under the notation “AQ” series.

LIC launches Jeevan Amar protection plan

LIC has launched a new term-insurance plan called Jeevan Amar. It is a non-linked, without profit, pure

protection plan, and is available for sale offline. It offers the flexibility to choose from two death benefit

options – level sum assured and increasing sum assured.

Air India launches ‘Discover India’ scheme

Air India has introduced a ‘Discover India’ scheme valid for sale and travel up to March 31, 2020.

The scheme is rolled out to meet the growing demand of passengers to fly to different places of tourist and

religious interest within the country by the Indian diaspora and foreign tourists.

Uttar Pradesh approved 'Mukhyamantri Nirashrit Besahara Govansh Sahbhagita Yojana'

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved 'Mukhyamantri Nirashrit Besahara Govansh Sahbhagita Yojana'.

The scheme seeks people's participation in the protection of the stray cattle by providing Rs 30 per

animal every day.

Rs 109.50 crore has been sanctioned for this scheme.




“Operation Number Plate” Launched by RPF

Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Indian Railways launched a Special Drive with a Code

Name “Operation Number Plate” to identify and verify all vehicles parked in Railway premises,

circulating area, parking and even in the ‘No Parking’ areas for a longer duration.

Union HRD Minister to launch ‘Samagra Shiksha-Jal Suraksha’ drive

Union HRD Minister will launch ‘Samagra Shiksha-Jal Suraksha’ to create awareness about Water

Conservation among all school students in the country. So that they can become competent,

conscientious and committed water citizens of our nation. The department has prepared a detailed outline

to implement this programme in all the schools in the country.

Hardeep Singh Puri launches Swachh Survekshan 2020

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri

launched the Swachh Survekshan 2020 (SS 2020).

It is the fifth edition of the annual cleanliness survey conducted by the Ministry of Housing and

Urban Affairs (MoHUA).

Alongside, the Swachh Survekshan 2020 Toolkit, SBM Water PLUS Protocol and Toolkit, Swachh

Nagar - an integrated waste management app and AI enabled mSBM App were also launched.

Karnataka launches E-Step to empower student start-ups

The Department of IT, BT and S&T in Karnataka, through Karnataka Innovation and Technology Society

(KITS), has launched the E-Step, an initiative to empower student start-ups.

E-Step focuses on boot camps, mentoring and training programmes which cover various aspects of

entrepreneurship.

PM announces Jal Jeevan Mission to ensure safe drinking water to all households

Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on the occasion of Independence day, he announced 'Jal Jivan'

mission to make drinking water available to all households.

The government will spend 3.5 lakh crore rupees for the mission.

He said that the movement towards water conservation has to take place at the grassroots level and it

should not be limited to mere a Government programme.

Jal Shakti Minister launches Swaccha Survakshan Grameen

Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat launched the country's largest sanitation survey Swachh

Survekshan Grameen-2019.

The aim of this survey is to engage rural communities in improvement of the sanitation status of their

districts and states through the intensive campaign.

The 45-day long survey will take place in 18 thousand villages of 698 districts.




Mumbai all set to get first Indian Institute of Skills

Mumbai is all set to get the first Indian Institute of Skills - IIS, the foundation stone of which will be laid

next month.

Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey

announced that the institute is likely to be operational by next year.

Mr. Pandey informed that the project will be executed on a Public-Private Partnership basis, wherein

Tata Educational and Development Trust will build the infrastructure and run the centre at an

investment of 300 crore rupees.

Manipur CM launches “School Fagadaba” scheme

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh launching the “School Fagadaba” (Make education better) scheme

to improve the infrastructure of government schools in the state.

The objective of the scheme was to ensure better infrastructure, quality education and overall improvement

of government schools to make them model schools.

Minority Affairs Ministry Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to inaugurate “Hunar Haat”

Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Chief Minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot will

inaugurate this “Hunar Haat” at Jawahar Kala Kendra in Jaipur.

“Hunar Haat” has proved to be an effective programme to provide employment and employment

opportunities to master artisans.

Chief minister of Punjab launched “Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana”

The chief minister of Punjab has launched a universal health insurance scheme “Sarbat Sehat Bima Yojana

“ benefiting nearly 46 lakh families. With this scheme, covering 76% of the state’s population.

The scheme would entitle beneficiaries to avail annual cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh per family per

year, including pre-existing diseases.

Union HRD Minister launches NISHTHA

Union HRD Minister launched the training programme NISHTHA, (National Initiative for School Heads

and Teachers Holistic Advancement) to improve Learning Outcomes at the Elementary level across the

country. This is the largest teachers’ training programme of its kind in the world.

Textiles minister Smriti Irani launches sustainable fashion project “SU.RE”

The Union Minister for Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani has inaugurated Project SU.RE(Sustainable

Resolution). This is a joint project of CMAI(Clothing Manufacturers Association of India)& IMG

Reliance(International Management Group, during Lakme Fashion Winter/Festive 2019 in Mumbai,

Maharashtra. The aim of this initiative is to move towards sustainable fashion that contributes to a clean

environment.




Haryana govt rolls out Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojana

Haryana Government announced the roll-out of ‘Mukhya Mantri Parivar Samridhi Yojna’ which will

provide social security to families. Under the scheme, Rs 6000 per year will be given to each eligible family.

The eligibility for the scheme is for families having an annual income less than Rs 1,80,000 or a total

landholding of fewer than two hectares.

Under the scheme, each beneficiary family will be entitled to get Rs 500 per month.

App launched to help Paralympians to look up accessible places in Tokyo

A mobile app — IndTokyo — was launched to help Indian para-athletes to look up accessible places in

Tokyo during their visit to the city for the 2020 Paralympics Games.

Govt Launched mobile app “Janaushadhi Sugam”

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers launched a mobile application “Janaushadhi Sugam”. This

app will enable people to search for Janaushadhi generic medicines and the stores at the tip of their fingers.

Delhi Lt. Governor launches ‘QR Code Scheme’ on Himmat Plus app

Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Anil Baijal launched a ‘QR Code Scheme’ on the Himmat Plus app in

Delhi. This mobile app launched by the Delhi Police to ensure the safety of women. This added feature is to

ensure that only genuine and verified drivers ferry passenger to their destinations from airports and railway

and metro stations.

HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal launches integrated web portal for school education ‘Shagun’

Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank launched a web portal

‘Shagun’ to provide all-inclusive information on school education including the results of students through a

single platform.

Fit India Campaign’: Meghalaya CM launches ‘walk to work’ campaign in state

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma took the lead to launch the campaign of Fit India Movement

which has been launched in the country by the Prime Minister.

The Chief Minister took a two-kilometer walk from his residential quarters to his office chamber at Main

Secretariat, Shillong launching the #WalktoWorkMeghalaya which is a part of the ‘Fit India Campaign’.

Rajnath inaugurates Ladakhi-Kisan-Jawan-Vigyan Mela in Leh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the 26th Mela of Ladakhi-Kisan-Jawan-Vigyan Mela in

Leh.

The mela was organised by the Leh-based Defence Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR) of DRDO,

which was established in 1960 to meet the fresh food requirement of the soldiers deployed in the harsh

terrain of Ladakh




India’s first garbage cafe to be opened in Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh

In a unique initiative, the Ambikapur municipal corporation of Chhattisgarh will open a first-of-its-kind

'Garbage Cafe' within a few days.

This initiative is a step towards making the city plastic-free.

In this unique Cafe' poor people and rag pickers will get free food in exchange for one kilogram of

plastic, while breakfast will be provided if half a kilogram of plastic is brought to the cafe.

HUA launches ‘Angikaar campaign’, to bring PMAY(U) beneficiaries into Ujjawala, Ayushman

Bharat fold

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry launched the ‘Angikaar campaign’, a move aimed at

bringing beneficiaries of PMAY (urban) into the fold of other central schemes such as Ujjawala and

Ayushman Bharat.

Rajasthan launches AB-MGRSBY health insurance scheme

The Rajasthan government launched a new health insurance scheme - Ayushman Bharat-Mahatma

Gandhi Rajasthan Swasthya Bima Yojna (AB-MGRSBY).

The scheme will be implemented after merging the Centre's Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan

Arogya Yojna (AB-PMJAY) and the state's Bhamashah Swasthya Bima Yojna (BSBY).

Vice President launches ‘Mukhya Mantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana’ in Jharkhand

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu launched the Jharkhand government’s ‘Mukhya Mantri Krishi

Ashirwad Yojana’. ii. Under this scheme, money would be directly transferred into the bank accounts of farmers in the state.

Features of the scheme are:

Rs 5,000 will be given to those farmers having 1 acre or less agricultural land.

Rs 10,000 will be given to those farmers having 2 acres of agricultural land.





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DEFENCE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

India test-fires Surface to Air-Missile from Chandipur

India successfully test-fired its all-weather tracked-chassis Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-

SAM) from a mobile launcher at launch complex III of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur in

Odisha. This Missile Jointly developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and

Bharat Electronics Ltd, the QR-SAM weapon system is a quick reaction, network-centric missile

system capable of search-on-the-move.

First time ever! India to conduct its biggest tuberculosis preventive trial with two new vaccines

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched India’s first large-scale trial for two new TB

vaccines – IMMUVAC and VPM1002. This is the first time a large preventive TB vaccine trial involving

more than 12,000 healthy household contacts of newly diagnosed TB patients from across six states of India

are set to be enrolled.

Artificial Intelligence used to detect fast radio bursts

Scientists have developed an automated system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect and capture

fast radio bursts (FRBs) in real-time. FRBs are mysterious and powerful flashes of radio waves from space, thought to originate billions of

light-years from the Earth.

This research is done by Scientists of the Swinburne University of Technology in Australia.

NASA satellite uncovers ‘first nearby super-Earth’

The Super-Earth planet named GJ 357 d was discovered in early 2019 owing to NASA’s Transiting

Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), a mission designed to comb the heavens for exoplanets.

Scientists have characterised the first potentially habitable world outside our own solar system located

about 31 light-years away.

IIT-Guwahati develops hand-held device to detect bacteria

A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati has developed a portable device to

detect bacteria without cell culture or microbiological assays.

The hand-held device, with the bio-compatible sensor, can also diagnose time-critical illnesses such as

meningitis.

SpaceX launches Falcon 9 loaded with Israel’s AMOS-17

US carrier rocket Falcon 9 loaded with Israeli AMOS-17 communication satellite successfully lifted off

from a space centre in Florida, spacecraft manufacturer SpaceX.

Amos-17, built by Boeing, will provide Ka, Ku and C-band signal transmission and expand Israeli

communications satellite operator Spacecom’s coverage in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.




INS Tarkash arrives in Norway for a 3-day visit

INS Tarkash has arrived in Norway for a 3 day visit as part of Western Fleet Overseas Deployment. The

ship is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet and is under the operational command of Flag Officer

Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command.

India to participate with Pakistan, China in SCO exercise

In the backdrop of simmering tensions between the two, India and Pakistan will be participating in a major

upcoming exercise under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Russia.

The exercise called ‘Tsentr (Centre) 2019’ is tentatively scheduled to be held from September 10 to 21

at Orenburg.

Army launches ‘Mission Reach Out’ in Jammu

The Army has launched “Mission Reach Out” was chaired by White Knight Corps Commander Lt Gen

Paramjit Singh in Jammu.

This Mission aims to ensure basic necessities and essential services are available in the region post the

abrogation of the provisions of Article 370 and reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir.

IIT Kharagpur researchers develop low-cost blood test device

Researchers from IIT Kharagpur have developed a low-cost diagnostic device which can perform various

pathological tests by using blood taken from a fingerprick.

The device requires only a paper strip based kit integrated with a smartphone to enable analytics and readout

functions and an LED light for imaging.

Huawei launches its own operating system HarmonyOS

Chinese telecom giant Huawei unveiled its own operating system will be called the HongmengOS, known

in English as the HarmonyOS.

The operating system will be released as an open-source platform worldwide to encourage adoption.

Japanese Maritime Self Defence Ship visits Kochi

Japanese ship “JS Sazanami“, visited Kochi on a 2 day goodwill visit. JS Sazanami, a Japanese Maritime

Self Defence Force Ship is a missile destroyer.

INS Tarkash participates in KONKAN bilateral exercise

The 14th Edition of KONKAN series of annual bilateral exercises between Indian Navy and Royal Navy of

Britain is currently underway off the South Coast of UK.

INS Tarkash, the Indian Navy's stealth frigate is exercising with the Royal Navy's Daring Class

Destroyer, HMS Defender with integral helicopter Wildcat.

KONKAN-19 will involve Gunnery Shoots, Manoeuvres, Cross Deck Flying, ASW Screening and

Air Defence exercise.




Indian Army wins International Army Scout Masters competition

The Indian Army won the 5th International Army Scout Masters competition.

The games were held at Rajasthan's Jaisalmer's Military station under the aegis of Southern

Command of Indian Army.

A total of eight teams from India, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Sudan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and

Belarus participated in the competition.

Navy to host multi-lateral exercise ‘MILAN’ in Visakhapatnam

The Indian Navy would be hosting ‘MILAN’, a multilateral naval exercise in Visakhapatnam in March

2020.

The MILAN series of biennial exercises, which commenced in 1995 and conducted at Andaman

and Nicobar Command (ANC) until last year.

Last year’s edition was conducted for the first time on the mainland at the eastern naval command

(ENC).

DRDO transfer design of Mobile Metallic Ramp to Indian Army

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over the design of Mobile Metallic

Ramp (MMR) to the Indian Army at a ceremony held at DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi.

(MMR) load-bearing capacity of 70 metric ton.

Cerebras Systems reveals “world’s largest computer chip”

Artificial intelligence(AI) company Cerebras Systems has unveiled the world’s largest single silicon-based

processor named Cerebras Wafer Scale Engine(WSE).

This chip has 1.2 trillion transistors, the basic on-off electronic switches that are the building blocks of

silicon chips.

Russia sends its first humanoid robot Fedor into space

Russia launched an unmanned rocket carrying a life-size humanoid robot named Fedor, (Final

Experimental Demonstration Object Research). It is a silvery anthropomorphic robot stands 1.80 metres

(5 foot 11 inches) tall and weighs 160 kilogrammes (353 pounds).

NASA honours Rolling Stones by naming rock on Mars

NASA announced that it has named rock on Mars in honour of the iconic English band, The Rolling

Stones. The space agency revealing that the “Rolling Stones Rock” was a stone that was sent rolling after

NASA’s InSight lander touched down on the Mars’ surface.

Intel launches first artificial intelligence chip Springhill

Intel Corp launched its latest processor, it’s first using artificial intelligence (AI), designed for large

computing centres.




The chip developed at its development facility in Haifa, Israel. The name of the chip is Nervana NNP-I or

Springhill and it is based on a 10 nanometre Ice Lake processor that will allow it to cope with high

workloads using minimal amounts of energy.

Ceo of Intel: Robert H. Swan; Intel established: 18 July 1968.

IAF to get 'building blaster' Spice-2000 bombs by mid-September

In a major boost for India's aerial firepower, the Indian Air Force is set to receive the 'building blaster'

version of the Balakot air strike-fame Spice-2000 bombs by mid-September.

The Spice-2000 bombs are scheduled to be delivered to the Indian Air Force (IAF) from Israel

around mid-September along with the Mark 84 warhead.

IMPORTANT DAYS & EVENTS

Birth anniversary of Premchand celebrated

The birth anniversary of a great novelist and celebrated storyteller Munshi Premchand is observed every

year on 31 July.

He was born on 31st July 1880 in Lamhi Village near Varanasi.

Premchand's stories confront the truth of this society underlining the importance of truth, justice and

loyalty.

143rd birth anniversary of freedom fighter Pingali Venkayya

143rd birth anniversary of freedom fighter Pingali Venkayya celebrates on 2nd of August. Pingali

Venkayya, a freedom fighter and the designer of the flag on which the Indian national flag was based was

born on this day in 1876, near Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh.

Venkayya’s design for the National Flag was finally approved by Mahatama Gandhiin a Congress

meeting in Vijayawada in 1921.

World Breastfeeding Week Has Observe

The Food and Nutrition Board, Ministry of Women and Child Development, is organizing several

activities on the theme “Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding” during the World Breastfeeding

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

Lalit Kala Akademi celebrates 65th Foundation Day




National Academy of Art, Lalit Kala Akademi, celebrated its 65th Foundation Day in New Delhi.The

event was inaugurated by Culture and Tourism Minister. The Minister also inaugurated art camp and

artwork and painting exhibition and released a book – Mithila Ki Lok Chitrakala.

Hiroshima Day: 6th August

August 6 marks the anniversary of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima during World War II. The horrific

incident took place on August 6, 1945, when the United States dropped an atomic bomb named Little Boy,

on the town of Hiroshima in Japan.

This was the first time in the history of warfare when an atomic bomb was used against a nation.

National Handloom Day: 7th August

India celebrates National Handloom Day every year on 7th August. The day is celebrated to honour the

handloom weavers in the country and also highlight India’s handloom industry. Bhubaneswar has been

chosen as the venue for the celebrations of the day for its rich tradition of Handlooms.

Quit India Movement Day: 08 August

The Quit India Movement was a movement launched at the Bombay session of the All-India Congress

Committee by Mahatma Gandhi on 8 August 1942.

On this day the Congress adopted the historic 'Quit India Resolution' which declared among other

things that the immediate ending of the British rule in India was an urgent necessity.

On the same Gandhi made a call to Do or Die in his Quit India speech delivered in Bombay at the

Gowalia Tank Maidan.

International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: 9 August

United Nations observes 9th August every year as International Day of the World’s Indigenous

Peoples.

The day is celebrated to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups. This year’s observance

is dedicated to Indigenous Peoples’ Languages in view of 2019 being marked as the

International Year of Indigenous Languages.

Nagasaki Day: 9th August

Japan commemorates the 9th August every year as the Nagasaki day. On August 9, 1945, the United

States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan.

It was code named “Fat Man” due to the design of the bomb as it had a wide, round shape. This happened

3 days after dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima.

World Biofuel Day: 10th August




World Biofuel Day is observed every year on the 10th of August to create awareness about the importance

of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels.

Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas is organising World Biofuel Day on 10th August 2019 at

Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.

This year the theme of the World Biofuel Day is “Production of Biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil

(UCO)”

International Youth Day: 12 August

The International Youth Day 2019 is observed across the world on 12 August with the

theme “Transforming education”.

International Youth Day 2019 will examine how Governments, young people and youth-led and youth-

focused organizations, as well as other stakeholders, are transforming education so that it becomes a

powerful tool to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Dr Vikram Sarabhai’s 100th Birth Anniversary

The country is celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of scientist and innovator Dr Vikram A

Sarabhai. He is considered as the father of India’s space program.

The lander of Chandrayaan-2, India’s second mission to the moon, is named ‘Vikram’ to honour the late Dr

Vikram Sarabhai.

World Photography Day: 19 August

August 19 is observed as World Photography Day.

The day is observed so that people around the world can communicate their feelings and express

themselves through the art of photography.

The prelude to this announcement was that on January 9, 1839, where the French Academy of

Sciences proclaimed the Daguerreotype process.

Sadbhavana Diwas: 20 August

Sadbhavana Diwas is celebrated on 20 August every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of

former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. This year will be the 75th Birth Anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi.

World Senior Citizen’s Day 21 August

The World Senior Citizen’s Day is celebrated on the 21st of August each year. The day is known to

increase awareness of the factors and issues that affect older adults, such as age deterioration and the study of

problems that affect their lives, elder abuse.

Celebration to mark record of 100 Years of Chrysostum




A function will be held in Kerela to celebrate the Guinness Book of World Records entry of 100 Years of

Chrysostum, a biographical documentary on Metropolitan Emeritus of the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian

Church of Malabar, Philipose Mar Chrysostum.


World Mosquito Day

World Mosquito Day, observed annually on 20 August, is a commemoration of British doctor Sir Ronald

Ross’s discovery in 1897 that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans.

International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism: 21 August

United Nations observes 21 August every year as International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the

Victims of Terrorism.

International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief: 22

August

United Nations observes 22 August every year as “International Day Commemorating the Victims of

Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief”.

Govt to make FASTag mandatory for all vehicles from December 2019

Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari have announced that FASTags will become

mandatory for all vehicles from December this year. FASTag enabled vehicles can cruise through the

dedicated FASTag lane without stopping at toll plazas on National Highways.

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition: 23 August

United Nations observes 23 August every year as “International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave

Trade and its Abolition”. The Day is observed to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples. The day was

designated by UNESCO to memorialize the transatlantic slave trade.

International Day Against Nuclear Tests: 29 August

United Nations observes International Day Against Nuclear Tests on 29 August every year. It is

observed to increase awareness and education about the effects of nuclear weapon test explosions or any

other nuclear explosions

National Sports Day 29 August

The National Sports Day in India is celebrated on 29 August, on the birth anniversary of hockey legend

Major Dhyan Chand. This day marks the birthday of Major Dhyan Chand Singh, the hockey player who

won gold medals in Olympics for India in the years 1928, 1932 and 1936. He scored over 400 goals in his

career, from 1926 to 1948.





International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances: 30 August

United Nations observes 30 August every year as International Day of the Victims of Enforced

Disappearances. The day is observed to prevent enforced disappearances and bring to justice those

responsible, as enforced disappearance has frequently been used as a strategy to spread terror within the

society.

BUSINESS & MOUS

India extends line of credit worth $170mn for water related projects in Guinea

India extended a line of credit worth USD 170 million for the installation of water-related projects in

Guinea during President Ram Nath Kovind’s last-leg of the three-nation tour to West Africa.

India extends $500,000 assistance to the Gambia

President Ram Nath Kovind extend assistance of USD 500,000 in support of skill development and cottage

industry projects in the West African country.

India also received an instrument of ratification of the International Solar Alliance Framework

Agreement from the Gambia.

Edelweiss Tokio Life ties up with MobiKwik to offer insurance solutions

Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance, a private life insurer, has tied up with MobiKwik, a leading fintech

platform, to offer mobile-based group insurance solutions for the latter’s customers.

AustralianSuper, Ontario Teachers’ to invest $2 bn in NIIF

AustralianSuper and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan will invest $1 billion each in the National

Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) Master Fund. The agreements include commitments of $250 million each in the Master Fund and co-investment rights

of up to $750 million each in future opportunities alongside the Fund.

Reliance to acquire Google-backed fashion portal Fynd

Billionaire Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries Ltd will acquire a majority stake in Shopsense Retail

Technologies Pvt. Ltd, which runs fashion portal Fynd, for Rs 295.25 crore ($41.9 million at current

exchange rates).

Overall, Reliance will acquire an 87.6% stake in Fynd.

IIT Madras partners with NIOT to harness electricity from ocean waves

The Indian Institute of Technology Madras partnered with National Institute of Ocean

Technology to harness electricity from ocean waves.




Both institutions will together develop turbines that can harness the power of ocean waves to generate

electricity.The research is being headed at IIT Madras.

UNIDO and NISE to partner for skill development program

The National Institute of Solar Energy and the United Nations Industrial Development

Organization have signed an agreement to initiate a skill development programme for different levels of

beneficiaries in the solar thermal energy sector.

NISE and UNIDO will engage national and international experts to bring the best practices by developing

specialized training material.

India & Bangladesh to set up committee for optimum use of water resources

India and Bangladesh have agreed to set up a Joint Technical committee for optimum use of Ganges

water. The river Ganga’s water is being received by Bangladesh under the Ganga Water Sharing

Treaty 1996.

Indian Bank signs up Corporate Agency pact with Chola MS

Indian Bank has entered into a corporate agency agreement with Cholamandalam MS General Insurance

Company Ltd.

Under the agreement, Indian Bank will distribute the latter’s insurance products ranging from motor, home,

health PA, and travel insurance, and SME and commercial line of business etc.

Rel Jio & Microsoft partners to offer cloud infrastructure for businesses

Reliance Jio and Microsoft announced a partnership to accelerate the digital transformation in India. Under

this deal, Microsoft will bring in the Azure Cloud on Jio Network and target the enterprise and business users

seeking a technological shift.

MHA, Tripura Govt & NLFT(SD) sign agreement

A memorandum of settlement was signed by the Union Home Ministry, the Tripura state government and

the National Liberation Front of Tripura (SD).The agreement amongst three parties was signed after 5

years of negotiations.After the agreement, 88 members of the organisation will surrender on 13th August.

EnKash Launches ‘Freedom Card’ – India’s First Corporate Credit Card for SMEs/ Start-ups

EnKash, a two-year-old Card focused Fin-tech startup founded by Hemant Vishnoi, Yadvendra Tyagi and

Naveen Bindal, have announced the launch of the EnKash ‘Freedom Card’, India’s FIRST Corporate

Credit Card for SMEs / MSMEs and startups.

Huawei launches its own operating system Harmony OS

Huawei Technologies Co unveiled its much-anticipated in-house operating system Harmony OS, marking

the Chinese tech giant’s arguably biggest push to build its own software ecosystem.




OYO partners ACKO to launch complimentary insurance cover for guests

Hospitality firm OYO has partnered ACKO General Insurance to launch complimentary insurance cover

for guests at booking price for its properties across India.

Naval Air Enclave & CIAL inks MoU for air operations

The Naval Air Enclave in Kochi and Cochin International Airport Limited have signed a MoU for

commencement of naval air operations from the NAE, a naval aviation facility at CIAL in Nedumbassery.

Ola ‘acquihires’ AI start-up Pikup.ai

Cab aggregator Ola announced acquihiring of Pikup.ai, an Artificial Intelligence startup based in

Bengaluru.

Acquihiring typically refers to a transaction in which the staff• of the target company join the acquiring

fi•rm.

CEO of Ola: Bhavish Aggarwal; Headquarter: Bengaluru.

Aditya Birla Health Insurance and Axis Bank ink bancassurance pact

Aditya Birla Health Insurance (ABHI), a stand-alone health insurer, has entered into a bancassurance

partnership with Axis Bank, the country’s third largest private sector bank.

HCL Tech signs MoU with MADC for expansion of MIHAN campus

HCL Technologies has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Airport

Development Company (MADC) for expansion of its Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at

Nagpur (MIHAN).

Wipro partners with IISc on robotics and 5G

Wipro announced a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to conduct advanced

applied research in autonomous systems, robotics and 5G.

Wipro IISc Research and Innovation Network (WIRIN), a hybrid industry-academia collaboration unit,

which will drive idea discovery, research and innovation in technology and product design.

SMVDU, NISE sign MoU to achieve national solar mission

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Jammu and National Institute of Solar Energy

(NISE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work jointly to achieve the objective

of National Solar Mission through training programmes. The MoU, which will be valid till 5 years.

BookMyForex partners with YES Bank to launch Forex Card on Visa network

BookMyForex.com, the world’s first and largest marketplace for foreign exchange and remittances,

announces the launch of a co-branded Multi-Currency Forex Travel-card in partnership with YES

Bank and Visa to offer a seamless experience to Indian overseas travellers.


http://bookmyforex.com/



Mahindra Finance to acquire 58.2% stake in Sri Lanka’s Ideal Finance for Rs80 cr

India’s Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services (Mahindra Finance) said that it has entered into a joint

venture deal with Sri Lanka’s Ideal Finance to acquire up to 58.2% stake in the company for LKR 2

billion (nearly Rs80 crore).

AWHO and Tata Realty sign MoU for quality housing

Army Welfare Housing Organization (AWHO) and Tata Realty & Housing have signed a memorandum

of understanding (MoU). This MoU enables the personnel of Indian Army to immediately take over dwelling

units in 13 ‘Ready to Move in’ projects of Tata Realty spread over 10 cities at a discount ranging from 11%

to 27%.

Infosys and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign announce partnership in precision medicine

Digital services and consulting major Infosys has announced a strategic partnership with University of

Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) to develop new technologies and systems in precision medicine.

Digit Insurance forays into Bancassurance with Karur Vysya

General insurance company Digit Insurance announced its first Bancassurance tie-up with Karur

Vysya Bank. Together, they are looking forward to delivering innovative products like the ones aimed for

catering insurance needs of SMEs.

RTGS system to open at 7 AM from August 26 as RBI extends operating hours

Transfer of funds through the high-value RTGS system will be available from 7 am instead of 8 am from

August 26.At present, the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) System is available for customer transactions

from 0800 hours to 1800 hours and for inter-bank transactions from 0800 hours to 1945 hours.

Bharti AXA Life ties up with Akshaya Patra to support mid-day meal programme

Bharti AXA Life Insurance, a private life insurer, has partnered with Akshaya Patra Foundation to

support and contribute to the mid-day meal programme for government school children.

Amazon to acquire 49% stake in Kishore Biyani’s Future Coupons

Kishore Biyani-led Future Group announced that American e-commerce giant Amazon.com is acquiring a

49% stake in a group entity — Future Coupons Ltd. Financial details of the transaction were not

disclosed.

Indian Bank signs MoU with Tata AIG

Public sector Bank, Indian Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tata AIG

General Insurance.

CEO of Indian Bank: Padmaja Chunduru.

CEO of Tata AIG General Insurance: Neelesh Garg.


http://amazon.com/



Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and NACO signed an MoU

The Department of Social Justice signed an MoU with the National AIDS Control Organization

(NACO). The signed MoU will enhance outreach on AIDS prevention, address the risk of HIV transmission among all

substance users and empower the discriminated and vulnerable groups such as victims of HIV/AIDS, drug

abuse and female sex workers.

SIDBI partnered with Incuspaze to open coworking space for MSMEs

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has partnered with Incuspaze Solutions Private

Limited (Incuspaze) to open a first-of-its-kind co-working space. This coworking space exclusively

designed for MSMEs and startups. This coworking space, named @Workspaze.

Microsoft and ISB partner to advance AI skilling in India

The Indian School of Business (ISB) and Microsoft India announced a new partnership to take forward

their shared vision for an AI-empowered India. Through the creation of the AI Digital Lab, the two

organizations will collaborate in research which will use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

(ML) to study issues that are relevant for business and public policy.

Amazon India launches Military Veterans Employment programme

Amazon India has launched a Military Veterans Employment programme in the country. This

programme will create employment opportunities for military veterans and their spouses across the

company’s fulfilment centres, sort centres and delivery centres in India.

PUMA partners with Goonj to promote circular economy

Global Sports Company PUMA is partnering with Goonj, an award-winning, India based non-profit

specializing in using the urban surplus to trigger grassroots development work.

Government-e-Marketplace signs MoU with SIDBI

Government e-Marketplace has signed an MoU with Small Industries Development Bank of India. The

MoU aims to benefit MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, Self Help Groups, Women Self Help Groups and

various loan beneficiaries under MUDRA and Stand-up India scheme.

BSE and SUFI join hands to launch steel futures

The Steel Users Federation of India has signed an MoU with the Bombay Stock Exchange to launch

trading in steel futures. BSE and SUFI will work towards enlisting steel futures in both long and flat

segments, which will bring stability, risk-aversion besides creating a level-playing field for all players.

Max Bupa and Indian Bank signed bancassurance tie-up for health insurance solutions

Indian Bank has signed a bancassurance agreement with a standalone health insurance player, Max Bupa to

provide Max Bupa’s suite of health insurance products to its customers. MD & CEO of Max Bupa: Ashish

Mehrotra.MD & CEO of Indian Bank: Padmaja Chunduru.




BOOKS & AUTHORS

Vice President’s book titled “Listening, Learning & Leading” released

Home Minister Amit Shah released a Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu’s book titled “Listening,

Learning & Leading”.

The book captures the glimpses of the Vice President’s 330 public engagements across the country in the last

2 years. The book also showcases the Vice President’s feat as the Rajya Sabha Chairman in enhancing its

effectiveness and promoting its efficiency.

Anupam Kher’s autobiography realeased

Padma Bhushan awardee Anupam Kher’s autobiography “Lessons Life Taught Me, Unknowingly”,

which chronicles his failures, rejections and lessons learnt in his life and in a career spanning 500 films, was

released here by his friend and eminent actor Rishi Kapoor, his wife Neetu Kapoor and the fellow cast of the

NBC show New Amsterdam.

“Sridevi: Girl Woman Superstar” a book on the life of Sridevi

The book, titled ‘Sridevi: Girl Woman Superstar’ will be launched on Sridevi’s 56th birth anniversary.

The book is written by author-screenwriter Satyarth Nayak. The book will be published under the Ebury

Press imprint of Penguin Random House in October 2019.

Culture Minister to launch book ‘ The Diary of Manu Gandhi’

Culture Minister will launch the book “The Diary of Manu Gandhi” at a function in New Delhi.

The book has been brought out by National Archives of India, on the occasion of 150th anniversary of

Mahatma Gandhi in collaboration with Oxford University Press.

“Big Billion Startup: The Untold Flipkart Story” book will be launched in October

A new book recounting the story of how Binny Bansal and Sachin Bansal (both-former founders of

Flipkart) built e-commerce giant Flipkart. This book is written by Mihir Dalal. The book is titled as “Big

Billion Startup: The Untold Flipkart Story” and will be published by “Pan Macmillan India”. This book

will be launched in October 2019.

Book on former US President titled “Obama: The Call of History” released

A new book titled “Obama: The Call of History” has been released. The book has been written by Peter

Baker, the Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times.

Haryana CM releases book penned by senior IPS officer O P Singh

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar released a book titled ‘Jin Dhoondha Tin Paaiyan’ penned by

senior IPS officer O P Singh.

“A Short History of Indian Railways” book penned by Rajendra B Aklekar released

A new book named “A Short History of Indian Railways”, has been penned by veteran journalist and

author Rajendra B Aklekar.




SPORTS NEWS

Tarun Chaudhri becomes first IAF pilot to complete wingsuit skydive jump

Wing Commander Tarun Chaudhri has become the first Indian Air Force pilot to perform a wingsuit

skydive jump.

Chaudhri achieved the feat during the Kargil Diwas celebrations at Air Force Station in Jodhpur.

The jump was accomplished from a Mi-17 helicopter from an altitude of 8,500 feet.

Ellyse Perry becomes first cricketer to reach 1000 runs, 100 wickets in T20Is

Australia all-rounder Ellyse Perry became the first cricketer of either gender to reach the rare milestone

of scoring 1000 runs and taking 100 wickets in the T20 format.

Team India announced for WorldSkills International Competition 2019

Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India announced the 48-

member contingent which will represent India at the biggest showcase of skills excellence in the world,

called WorldSkills International Competition 2019.

Also referred as the ‘Olympics for Skills’, the event is scheduled in Kazan, Russia from 22nd to

27th August 2019.

More than 1,500 competitors from 60 countries will compete in 55 skill competitions at this mega

event.

BCCI suspends Prithvi Shaw for doping violation

Indian Test opener Prithvi Shaw has been suspended by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)

till November 15, 2019, for a doping violation.According to a BCCI release, Shaw had inadvertently

ingested a prohibited substance, which can be commonly found in cough syrups.

Aishwary wins gold at Sardar Sajjan Singh Sethi memorial shooting

In Shooting, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar clinched a gold medal in Men’s Rifle 3 Positions (3P) at 12th

Sardar Sajjan Singh Sethi Memorial Masters competition in New Delhi.

Football Giant ‘East Bengal Club’ turns 100 years

Football Giant East Bengal Club turns 100 years in 1 August 2019.On this day in 1920, East Bengal Club

was established at Kumartuli Park in North Kolkata.Former Indian Cricket Captain Kapil Dev was given

‘Bharat Gourav’ Award at the function.

Former footballer Manaranjan Bhattacherjee and Bhaskar Ganguli were presented Life Time

Achievement Awards.P. K. Banerjee was given best football coach of the Century award.




Lionel Messi suspended from Argentina for 3 months

Soccer body CONMEBOL suspended Lionel Messi from international matches for three

months because of accusations of corruption he made at the latest Copa America.

The South American body also fined the superstar in USD 50,000 for his comments after Argentina’s 2-

1 win against Chile in the third-place playoff of the tournament.

Satwiksairaj & Chirag 1st Indian doubles pair to win Super 500 title

India’s Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty scripted a piece of history by breaching the ‘Chinese

Wall’ of reigning World champions Li Jun Hui and Liu Yu Chen, with a victory in the men’s doubles

final of the Thailand Open badminton championship in Bangkok.This is the first-ever Indian men’s

combination to win a BWF Super 500 title.

French inventor crosses English Channel on ‘Flyboard’

French inventor Franky Zapata is 1st person in history to cross the English Channel on the jet-

powered hoverboard. Zapata completed the crossing in 22 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 110mph (177km/h) flying 15-20

metres (50-65ft) above the water.

Adarsh Singh wins double gold in shooting meet

Adarsh Singh outclassed his rivals in the Sardar Sajjan Singh Sethi Memorial Masters competition,

winning the gold medal in both the men and junior 25 metres rapid fire pistol event in New Delhi.

Deepak Punia wins Junior World Championship title

Deepak Punia won the gold medal at the Junior World Championships held in Talinn, Estonia. He

defeated Russia’s Alik Shebzukov to win the 86 kg junior freestyle title. With the victory, he has become the

1st Indian in 18 years to win a Junior World Championship title.

Lionel Messi banned for three months for 'corruption' comments

World's best footballer Lionel Messi will not play again for Argentina this year after being handed a

suspension and fine for his criticism of South American Football Confederation.The Barcelona superstar

accused the South American governing body of being "corrupt" during the Copa America.

Rohit Sharma becomes the batsman with most number of sixes in T20Is

India’s opening batsman Rohit Sharma has become the batsman with the most number of sixes in the

T20I format.

Sharma blasted two sixes to go past West Indies’s Chris Gayle at the top spot. The right-handed Sharma

now has 106 sixes in the format whereas Gayle has 105.




Vinesh Phogat Wins 3rd Successive Gold in 53kg in Poland Open

Vinesh Phogat has bagged her third consecutive gold in women’s 53kg category after winning the Poland

Open wrestling tournament in Warsaw.

Fiona Kolbinger 1st woman to win 4,000km cycling race

German cancer researcher Fiona Kolbinger won the mixed annual 4,000km(2,485 miles) cycling

Transcontinental Race from Burgas in Bulgaria to Brest in France. Kolbinger becomes the 1st woman to win one of the world’s toughest cycling races in her first ultra-

distance event.

Colin Ackermann becomes first seven-wicket taker in T-20

Leicestershire skipper Colin Ackermann stunned the world with his record-breaking bowling performance

against Birmingham Bears as he became the first-ever seven-wicket taker in the T20 cricket.

Mary Kom, Lovlina Borgohain selected for world boxing championships

Six-time world champion M C Mary Kom and Lovlina Borgohain have been selected for the upcoming

women's world boxing championships based on their recent performances.

The 36-year-old Mary Kom, who has already claimed two gold medals this year India Open and a

recent tournament in Indonesia, has been selected in the 51kg category.

World and Asian bronze-medallist Borgohain will be competing in the 69kg category.

World Archery suspends AAI for violating guidelines

The World Archery (WA) has suspended the Archery Association of India for violating its guidelines.

The AAI violated the WA’s guidelines by electing two parallel bodies. As per the suspension order, the

last event in which the Indian archers can participate under the Indian flag is the World Archery Youth

Championships to be held in Madrid.

Cricket Australia unveils new transgender inclusive policy

The Cricket Australia has announced new transgender inclusive policy. This policy will enable

transgender players to play the game of cricket at the highest levels.

The decision aligns in accordance with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) gender recognition policy

and gender diversity guidelines.

BCCI has agreed to come under NADA ambit

The Board Of Control For Cricket In India has agreed to come under the ambit of the National Anti-

Doping Agency.

This decision makes Indian Cricket’s governing body a sports federation as per government norms. As a

result, all cricketers will now be tested by NADA.




Rafael Nadal wins Montreal Masters title

Rafael Nadal wins in Montreal to win 35th Masters crown. He defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev by 6-

3, 6-0. With the win, he also extended his record haul of Masters 1000 titles. Nadal has successfully

defended a hard court title for the first time in his career.

Chennai Lions beat Dabang Delhi to win UTT

Chennai Lions wins the Ultimate Table Tennis league. They defeated Dabang Delhi in the finals by 8-1.

Chennai Lions collected the winner’s share of Rs. 75 lakh while Delhi settled for Rs. 50 lakh.

Bajrang Punia wins gold at Tbilisi Grand Prix

Bajrang Punia wins gold at Tbilisi Grand Prix held in Tbilisi, Georgia. He defeated Iran’s Peiman Bibyani

by 2-0 in the 65 kg final of the men’s freestyle competition. It was the 4th gold of the season for the Asian

Games champion.

Sourabh Verma wins Hyderabad Open

Indian Badminton star Sourabh Verma clinched the Men’s Singles title in the Hyderabad Open.

He beat Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew in a 52-minute final clash. Sourabh Verma belongs to Madhya Pradesh.

Khelo India to be held in Assam from 10th to 22nd January

The Khelo India will be held in Assam from 10th to 22nd of January 2020.In a bid to give a boost to

sports infrastructure, the Assam government will build 22 thousand playgrounds at the village level.500 such

playgrounds will be inaugurated this year.

Virat Kohli becomes second-highest run-getter for India in ODIs

Skipper Virat Kohli became the second-highest run-getter for India in ODIs as he played a knock of 120

runs against Windies in the second ODI.Kohli broke the record of former captain Sourav Ganguly who

scored 11,363 runs in 311 ODIs.Kohli is only behind the legendary batsman Sachin Tendulkar.

Aishwarya Pissay wins FIM Bajas World Cup

Aishwarya Pissay made history by becoming the first Indian to win a world title in motorsports as she won

the FIM World Cup in women’s category after the final round of the championship in Varpalota,

Hungary.

Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu wins Rogers Cup 2019

Canadian teenager Bianca Andreescu wins Rogers Cup tennis tournament 2019 held in Toronto, Canada.

She was the first Canadian to win the event in 50 years. Serena Williams was the runner-up in the final.




Women’s T20 cricket included in the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Women’s T20 Cricket has been confirmed for inclusion at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games,

following a joint bid by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the England and Wales Cricket Board

(ECB), the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) announced.

Chennai duo wins BWF World Senior Badminton title

The Indian duo of Ajith Haridas and Vijay Lancy won the men’s doubles 40-plus title in the Yonex BWF

World Senior Badminton Championship held at Katowice, Poland.

India’s Vinesh Phogat claims silver in Medved wrestling event

Top Indian woman wrestler Vinesh Phogat lost to N Malisheva of Russia in the 53kg final of the Medved

event in Minsk, Belarus.

Uttarakhand gets full member status in BCCI

The Committee of Administrators (CoA) have granted the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU) full

BCCI membership.

KKR appoints Brendon McCullum as head coach

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) appointed Brendon McCullum as

its new head coach.

Former New Zealand batsman McCullum was closely associated with the KKR as a player first from

2008 to 2010 and again from 2012-13.

He was part of the IPL Championship squad in 2012.

Deepak Punia Becomes India's 1st Junior Wrestling World Champion in 18 Years

Grappler Deepak Punia became India's first junior World Champion in 18 years after he claimed a gold

medal at the junior worlds with a win over Russia's Alik Shebzukhov at Tallinn, Estonia.

India beat England to win Physical Disability World Series 2019

India won the Physical Disability World Series 2019 in England after defeating the hosts in the final at the

New Road Stadium in Worcester.

The Indian team defeated England by 36 runs in the final on to clinch the elusive trophy.

The six-nation tournament was organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Kohli becomes first batsman to score 20,000 international runs in a decade




Indian skipper Virat Kohli added yet another feather in his cap as he became the first batsman to

score 20,000 international runs in a single decade.

Ravi Shastri appointed as Head Coach of Indian Cricket Team

Former all-rounder Ravi Shashtri has been appointed as the head coach of Indian cricket team for another

two years.

Cricket Advisory Committee led by former Indian Cricket captain Kapil Dev along with Anshuman

Gaekwad and Shantha Rangaswamy conducted interviews of shortlisted candidates for Indian cricket

team’s head coach.

India win historic gold in Junior Track Cycling World Championships

The Indian junior men’s team comprising Esow Alben, Ronaldo Singh, James Singh and Rojit Singh

created history as they won the gold medal in the Team Sprint event at the Junior Track Cycling World

Championships in Frankfurt, Germany.

Bajrang Punia to get Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna

Medal-winning wrestler Bajrang Punia is all set to get the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, the country’s

highest sporting honour..

Hima Das, Mohammad Anas win gold in Athleticky Mitink Reiter event

Indian sprinters Hima Das and Mohammad Anas have won a gold medal and Nirmal Tom clinched a

bronze medal in 300m races at the Athleticky Mitink Reiter event.

The event was held in Czech Republic.

India wins U-12 Asian Tennis Team championship

India have won the gold medal at the Under 12 Asian Tennis Team championship held in Kazakhstan.

India defeated Chinese Taipei in the summit clash to win the title.

Labuschagne becomes 1st Concussion Substitute cricket player

Australian player Marnus Labuschagne has become the 1st Concussion Substitute player in the history of

International cricket.

ii. A Concussion Replacement Request is the notification made to the ICC Match Referee in accordance with

the process set out by ICC.

NCPCR & IIT Kanpur develops kit to spread sexual abuse awareness

The IIT Kanpur has developed a kit in collaboration with the National Commission for Protection of

Child Rights to spread awareness about sexual abuse among children.

The kit can be used in classrooms for kids aged between 8-12 and in a group of 30-35 students in one

session.

Rookie Gauri Karhade claims maiden title on Hero WPGT




Rookie Gauri Karhade showed great nerves as she carded a one-over 73 in the final round to land her maiden

title at the 12th Leg of Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour in Hyderabad.

Panjab University wins MAKA trophy

Panjab University, Chandigarh has won the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) trophy, the Selection

Committee for sports awards 2019 announced.

Hima Das wins gold in 300m at Athleticky Mitink Reiter event in Czech Republic

Top Indian Sprinter Hima Das bagged a gold medal in the women’s 300m race at the Athleticky Mitink

Reiter in the Czech Republic.

Muhammed Anas wins gold medal in 300m race at Athleticky Mitink Reiter

Indian ace athlete Muhammed Anas bagged a gold medal in the men’s 300m race at the Athleticky

Mitink Reiter in the Czech Republic.

DDCA to name stand after Virat Kohli at Feroz Shah Kotla

Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has announced that there will be a stand named after Indian

skipper Virat Kohli at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi.

India win gold at Under- 12 Asian Tennis Team championship in Kazakhstan

India has won gold at the Under 12 Asian Tennis Team championship held in Kazakhstan.India defeated

Chinese Taipei 2-1 in the summit clash to win the title.The final was a tie of three matches - 2 singles and

one double and India won both the singles matches while lost the doubles encounter.The team comprised

Manas Dhamme, Arnav Paprakar and Tamil Nadu's Pranav Rethin.

Mitchell Johnson becomes MCC Honourary Life member

Former Australian pace bowler Mitchell Johnson has been elected as an Honorary Life Member of the

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).

ii. Johnson represented Australia in 153 One Day Internationals picking up 239 wickets, 73 international

Test matches claiming 313 wickets and 30 T-20 Internationals in which he takes 38 wickets.

Mumbai to host World Youth chess meet

The prestigious World Youth Chess Championship will be held in Mumbai in October 2019. India’s latest

chess sensation and the world’s second youngest Grand Master Praggnanandhaa R from Chennai will be the

star attraction at the Championship.

Para swimmer Satendra Singh Lohia crosses America’s Catalina Channel

Indian Para Swimmer Satendra Singh Lohia has become the first Asian swimmer to cross the Catalina

Channel of America. Satendra holds the Asian record of crossing both the English and Catalina channels.

Paytm retains title sponsorship of Indian cricket for 5 years




The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced that mobile payments and e-commerce company

“Paytm” has retained the title sponsorship rights. Paytm has retained the title sponsorship rights for all

cricket matches, domestic and international, played in India for 5 years.

Gold medal for India in World Police and Fire Games

B.N.S. Reddy beats Bruce Barrios of the U.S. in the men’s singles final to win the gold medal at the World

Police and Fire Games. The tournament was held in Chengdu, China.

Indian women’s hockey team win Olympic Test Event

The Indian Women’s Hockey team won the Olympic Test Event by registering a 2-1 win against

Japan in the final at Oi Hockey Stadium in Tokyo, Japan.

Haryana Police inspector bags gold in World Police Games

Haryana Police Inspector Nirmala has bagged a gold medal in wrestling at the World Police and Fire

Games 2019, which were held in Chengdu, China.

WADA suspends accreditation of NDTL for six months

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has suspended the accreditation of India’s National Dope

Testing Laboratory (NDTL) for six months in what could be a massive blow to anti-doping movement in

the country with less than a year left for Tokyo Olympics.

India won Bronze in World Archery Youth Championships

The Indian team of Sukhbeer Singh, Sangampreet Singh Bisla and Tushar Phadtare clinched a bronze

medal in the junior compound men’s team event in the World Archery Youth Championships in Madrid,

Spain.

PV Sindhu becomes first Indian to win World Championships gold

Ace Indian shuttler PV Sindhu has won the World Championships title defeating Japan’s Nozomi

Okuhara in the final at Basel, Switzerland. Sindhu defeated her Japanese opponent Nozomi Okuhara to 21-

7, 21-7.

Gokulam Kerala FC wins Durand Cup

In football, Gokulam Kerala FC won the 129th Durand Cup, defeating heavyweights Mohun Bagan 2-1 at

the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.

Bagan had more possession, but Gokulam were superb in counter-attacks.

Komalika Bari becomes recurve cadet at the World Archery Youth Championships

India’s Komalika Bari became recurve cadet world champion at the World Archery Youth

Championships in Madrid, Spain. She defeated higher-ranked Sonoda Waka of Japan 7-3 in the final.

BWF World Championships: Sai Praneeth finishes with bronze




India’s B Sai Praneeth lost the men’s singles semi-final 13-21, 8-21 to World No. 1 Kento Mmomta of

Japan at the BWF World Championships 2019 in Basel but finished with his maiden medal at the world

meet.

With this, Praneeth became the first Indian male shuttler in 36 years to secure a medal in the BWF

World Championships.

India clinches gold medal in World Archery Youth Championships

India clinched a gold medal in the compound junior mixed team event of the World Archery Youth

Championships in Madrid.

Sukhbeer Singh and Raginee Markoo prevailed over their Swiss opponents Andrea Vallaro and Janine

Hunsperger 152-147 to clinch their second medal of the tournament.

Kohli becomes most successful Indian captain in overseas Tests

As India registered a comprehensive 318-run win over West Indies in the first Test of two-match series,

skipper Virat Kohli added yet another feather to his cap, becoming the most successful Indian captain in

overseas Tests.

Kohli went past former captain Sourav Ganguly to achieve the feat. This was Kohli’s 12th overseas Test

victory. He broke the record in his 26th match as skipper. Ganguly had 11 Test wins from 28 matches.

Iran to let women attend football World Cup qualifier

In Iran, women fans will now be allowed as spectators into the stadium for next football World Cup

qualifier match in October. FIFA has been stepping up pressure on Iran to ensure entry of women to watch

the match.

Sumit Nagal becomes first Indian to win a set against Roger Federer

Sumit Nagal became the first Indian to win a set against Roger Federer. Nagal achieved the feat during his

first-round match against Federer in the US Open as he outclassed him in the first set.

West Indies fast bowler Cecil Wright retires at 85

West Indies pacer Cecil Wright has announced his retirement from all forms of cricket at the ripe old age

of 85. Wright made his first-class debut for Jamaica against a Barbados side which had legends Wes Hall and

Sir Garfield Sobers.

Indian team won four medals in Worldskills Kazan competition in Russia

Indian team created history by winning one gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the world’s biggest

international vocational skill competition, 45th WorldSkills Kazan 2019, Russia.

S Aswatha Narayana won the gold medal in water technology, Pranav Nutalapati won a silver medal in

web technologies, Sanjoy Pramanik and Shweta Ratanpura won one bronze medal each in Jewellery and

graphic design technology.

App launched to help Paralympians in Tokyo




A mobile app was launched to help para-athletes to look up accessible places in Tokyo during their visit to

the city for the 2020 Paralympics Games. The application “IndTokyo” which was launched by Arhan

Bagati, Awareness and Impact Ambassador of Paralympic Committee of India, at the ‘Countdown to Tokyo

2020’.

World Para Badminton Championships 2019 held in Switzerland

The 2019 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships was held from 20 to 25 August 2019 in Basel,

Switzerland. India won a total of 12 medals in the Championship with 3 Gold Medals. China won the

championships with a total of 13 medals (7 Gold).

In women’s singles SL3 event, Manasi Girishchandra Joshi won a Gold Medal.

In men’s singles SL3 event, Pramod Bhagat won a Gold Medal.

Pune youth becomes first Indian to complete ‘La Ultra The High’ marathon

Ashish Kasodekar, a youth hailing from Pune, has become the first Indian to complete the 555 kms long

‘La Ultra The High’ marathon in Ladakh.

This marathon is also known as the cruellest marathon of the world.

FIFA U- 17 Women’s World Cup India 2020: Bhubaneswar gets provisional clearance as 1st venue

The city of Bhubaneswar got a provisional clearance as the first venue for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World

Cup India 2020, the Organising Committee confirmed.

Indian team creates history at WorldSkills event in Russia, wins 4 medals

Indian team created history by winning one gold, one silver and two bronze medals at the world’s biggest

international vocational skill competition, 45th WorldSkills Kazan 2019, Russia.

S Aswatha Narayana won the gold medal in water technology

25th Senior Women’s National Football Championship to be held in Arunachal Pradesh

The 25th Senior Women’s National Football Championship will be held in Arunachal Pradesh for the

first time from September 10 to 24 next month.

The tournament will be held in the oldest town of the state Pasighat in East Siang District.

Abhishek Verma and Elavenil Valarivan won the gold medal in shooting WorldCup

Abhishek Verma won the gold medal and Saurabh Chaudhary won the bronze medal, in a dominant

display by Indian shooters in the men’s 10m air pistol event. While Elavenil Valarivan opened India’s

account with a gold in the women’s 10m air rifle event of the World Cup at Rio de Janeiro.

V K Vismaya wins gold in 400m at MJS in Brno, Czech Republic




Indian sprinter VK Vismaya clinch the gold medal in the 400m run at the International Athletic Meeting –

Josef Seckar Memorial (MJS) in Brno, Czech Republic. She produced her personal best timing of 52.12s to

clinch the gold medal.

Jalaj Saxena sets rare record in Indian first-class cricket history

Kerala all-rounder Jalaj Saxena has become the first Indian cricketer to score over 6,000 runs and take

over 300 wickets in first-class cricket and still not have played for Team India.

Rahul Aware wins bronze in 61 kg free-style category at World C’ship

Indian wrestler Rahul Aware has won a bronze medal in men’s 61-kilogram freestyle category at the

World Championship in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan.

Amit Panghal settles with historic silver in World Championships

Amit Panghal settled for the silver medal at World Boxing Championships after he lost to

Uzbekistan’s Shakhobidin Zoirov 3-2 in the 52kg category final.

India Thrash Nepal 7-0 to Win U-15 SAFF Championship

A convincing India U-15 team thrashed Nepal 7-0 to lift the SAFF U-15 title at the Kalyani Stadium in

Kalyani, West Bengal

OBITUARIES

Famous Mithila and Sujani Artist Karpuri Devi passes away at 94

A famous Mithila (Madhubani) and Sujani Artist Karpuri Devi from Bihar has passed away at the age of 94.

Karpuri Devi has mastered in Mithila Painting and Sujani art. Her works are not known only in the state and

country, but also in other countries like US, UK, Japan, and France.

Veteran Gujarati journalist Kanti Bhatt passes away

Veteran Gujarati journalist, author and columnist Kanti Bhatt passed away. He also worked as writer

and editor in various Gujarati publications like Chitralekha, Mumbai Samachar, Janshakti, Sandesh,

Yuva Darshan, Jansatta, Vyapar and Abhiyan.

Cricket commentator Anant Setalvad, passes away

Cricket commentator Anant Setalvad, who used to draw pictures of the game’s progress on airwaves with

his fine command of the English language, from the mid 1960s through to the 1980s, passed away .

Anant was the commentator for All India Radio (AIR) in Ranji Trophy and other BCCI tournaments

and also for Test matches.

Veteran Telugu actor Devadas Kanakala passes away at 75




Veteran Telugu actor Devadas Kanakala, who helped many budding actors hone their skills through his

film institute, has passed away. He was 75.

Coffee tycoon Siddhartha found dead in river

V.G. Siddhartha, the founder of India’s largest coffee chain Cafe Coffee Day (CCD) , was found dead, 36

hours after he went missing near Mangaluru in southern Karnataka state.

An investigation is underway to determine whether Siddhartha took his own life.

Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj passes away

Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj passed away. She was the 1st full time

woman external affairs minister of India.

She was also the youngest cabinet minister at 25 when she joined the Haryana government in 1977 and

the first woman chief minister of Delhi.

Nobel laureate and beloved author Toni Morrison passes away

Toni Morrison, the 1993 Nobel laureate in literature passed away. She was the 1st African American

woman to win the Nobel in literature. Ms. Morrison was the author of several novels, children’s books and

essays.

Among them were celebrated works like Song of Solomon, which received the National Book Critics

Circle Award in 1977, and Beloved, which won the Pulitzer Prize in 1988.

Former T.N. Minister Jennifer Chandran passes away

Former Fisheries Minister S. Jennifer Chandran passed away. She won from the Tiruchendur Assembly

constituency in 1996 and served as a Minister in the DMK government from 1996-2001.

Former Padma Shri award winner Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy passes away

Former Padma Shri award winner and educationist Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy passed away. She

received the Padma Shri award in 2010 for her contribution to the field of education. She was the founder

of the Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) Group of Schools.

Hrithik Roshan’s grandfather, filmmaker J Om Prakash passes away

Indian filmmaker and actor Hrithik Roshan’s grandfather, J Om Prakash, has passed away at the age of

93. The ace filmmaker and producer was known for films like ‘Aas Ka Panchhi,’ ‘Aaye Din Bahar Ke,’

‘Ayee Milan Ki Bela,’ ‘Aankhon Aankhon Mein’ ‘Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke’ and ‘Aap Ki Kasam.’

Noted educationalist Mrs YGP passes away

Noted educationalist and founder of the Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan (PSBB) Group of Schools, YG

Rajalakshmi Parthasarathy, has passed away following a cardiac arrest at the age of 93.

Freedom fighter Dayanidhi Nayak passes away at 95

Noted freedom fighter Dayanidhi Nayak, who struggled against the British Government during the Quit

India movement, has passed away at the age of 95.




Former ASG Amarendra Sharan passes away

Senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General Amarendra Sharan passed away. Sharan was the

Additional Solicitor General in the Supreme Court from 2004 to 2009.

Veteran actor Vidya Sinha passes away

Veteran Bollywood actress Vidya Sinha passed away. She was renowned for her role in Basu Chatterjee’s

film “Rajnigandha”.

She was a major figure in Bollywood in the 1970s-1980s. Her list of notable films includes Mera Jeevana,

Chhoti Si Baat, Safed Jhooth and many others.

Former India cricketer V.B. Chandrasekhar passes away

Former India and Tamil Nadu cricketer V.B. Chandrasekhar passed away. He represented India in 7

ODIs.

V.B. Chandrasekhar was also a National selector from 2004 to 2006. He was a part of the last Tamil Nadu

team which won the Ranji Trophy in 1988.

Padma Shri awardee Damodar Ganesh Bapat passes away

Damodar Ganesh Bapat from Chhattisgarh, a noted social worker and Padma Shri award winner, passed

away. He was known for his social work in tribal areas in Chhattisgarh. He dedicated his life to the

treatment and service of leprosy patients.

Bangladeshi novelist Rizia Rahman passes away

Renowned Bangladeshi novelist Rizia Rahman passed away. She had received the Bangla Academy

Literary Award in 1978 and was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2019.

Neelum Sharma, senior DD News anchor, passes away

Senior journalist Neelum Sharma, a founding anchor with over 20 years of association with DD News,

has passed away. Neelum, known for programmes like ‘Badi Charcha’ and ‘Tejasvini’, was conferred with

the Nari Shakti Award by President Ram Nath Kovind earlier this year.

Roger Rabbit creator Richard Williams dies at 86

Triple Oscar-winning and triple BAFTA-winning animator, Richard Williams, has passed away.

Known for his work ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’, the acclaimed animator was also a director, producer,

author, and teacher, reported Variety.

Veteran music composer Mohammed Zahur Hashmi passes away

Veteran music composer Mohammed Zahur Hashmi, popularly known as Khayyam passed away. He was

best known for his music in classic films such as Umrao Jaan and Kabhi Kabhie. He was also a recipient

of Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Padma Bhushan.

Sahitya Akademi Award winner NS Tasneem passes away




Eminent Punjabi writer and Sahitya Akademi winner Professor Niranjan Singh Tasneem passed away.

Tasneem was awarded Sahitya Akademi award in 1999 for his novel ‘Gawache Arth’ (The Lost Meaning)

which was based on Punjab and lives of Punjabis in 1984. He was also awarded Punjab’s highest literary

honour “Punjabi Sahit Rattan” in 2015. He had served as a professor at SCD Government College,

Ludhiana.

Former Madhya Pradesh CM Babulal Gaur passes away

Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Babulal Gaur passed away. He served as the Chief Minister of

Madhya Pradesh from August 2004 to November 2005 and represented Govindpura Assembly seat for 10

times.

Former Bihar CM Jagannath Mishra passes away

Former Bihar Chief Minister Jagannath Mishra passed away. He was 3-time Chief Minister of Bihar. He

was an economics professor at Bihar University and also authored several books.

‘Robin Hood of Rae Bareli’, Five-Time MLA Akhilesh Singh passes away

Five-time MLA and the “Robin Hood of Rae Bareli” Akhilesh Singh has passed away after a prolonged

illness..

Former finance minister Arun Jaitley passes away

Former Union finance minister and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley passed away. He was a lawyer by

profession. He held the portfolios of Finance Ministry, Corporate Affairs Ministry, Defence Ministry, and

Minister of Information and Broadcasting.

India’s first woman DGP Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya passes away

India’s first woman Director General of Police (DGP), Kanchan Chaudhary Bhattacharya passed away.

She was a 1973 batch officer, made history in 2004 when she was appointed as the DGP of Uttarakhand.

She was also the second woman IPS officer in the country.

A.K. Subbaiah, Karnataka BJP’s first president, passes away

Ajjikuttira Kariappa Subbaiah, the first president of BJP in the State who later turned a bitter critic of the

party, passed away due to age related complications.

Punjab (MLA) Rajnish Kumar Babbi passes away

Congress (MLA) from the Mukerian assembly seat in Punjab, Rajnish Kumar Babbi passed away. He was

first elected to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha in the 2012 assembly polls as an Independent from Mukerian.

Socialist leader and former Palghar MLA Navnitbhai Shah passes away Socialist leader and former MLA of Palghar Navnitbhai Shah passed away. He took part in the freedom

struggle in 1942 at the Gowalia Tank maidan in Mumbai. He was an active member of the Rashtra Seva Dal

in Mumbai between 1943-49.

Veteran Bengali actor Nimu Bhowmik passes away




Veteran Bengali actor Nimu Bhowmik passed away. He acted characters of different shades in ‘Ganadebata’

(1979), ‘Baghini’ (1968), ‘Dadar Kirti’ (1980), ‘Guru Dakshina’ (1987). His last film, ‘Dash Mash Das

Diner Galpo’.

Veteran actor and multi-faceted artiste S.K. Padmadevi passes away

Veteran actor and multi-faceted artiste S.K. Padmadevi passed away. she was part of the first Kannada

talkie film ‘Bhakta Dhruva’ (1934).She also starred in ‘Samsara Nouke’, first Kannada social film (1936).

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