Page
1 CURRENT AFFAIRS
August 1-2, 2014
the World Wealth Organisation (WHO)
head on 1 August 2014 to introduce a
$100 million plan to deploy hundred
more
medical
professionals
in
the
affected areas.
2) Palghar became the 36th and the
newest district of Maharashtra on 1
August 2014. It was carved out from
which district, which was India’s most
1) Which three West African countries
are
the
worst-hit
with
the
Ebola
Explanation : The proposal for a new,
outbreak, which is said to be the largest
smaller and manageable Palghar district
recorded Ebola outbreak in history? –
was hanging fire for over two decades.
Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone
The proposal was finally cleared by the
Explanation : Ebola epidemic is a viral
disease spread through the Ebola virus.
The present Ebola outbreak, which
began in Guinea in February 2014, has
spread to Liberia, and Sierra Leone. It is
2 CURRENT AFFAIRS
the most severe in recorded history,
Page
populous district? – Thane
both in the number of cases and
fatalities.
Over
340
deaths
Maharashtra Cabinet on 13 June 2014.
With a population of over 12 million, till
31 July 2014, Thane held the distinction
of being the most populated district in
the
country,
spread
across
9,600
sq.kms of hills, forests and coastal
areas.
were
3) A three-day ceasefire in the Gaza
reported from Guinea, 233 from Sierra
Strip went into effect on 1 August 2014
Leone and over 150 from Liberia. The
bringing a temporary break in the
leaders of West African countries met
ongoing war between Palestinian group
Hamas and the Israeli Army. This
security
ceasefire
which
Swaraj, on the other hand, raised the
countries/entities? –The United Nations
snooping issue in a very strong manner
and the USA
in the dialogue. Kerry called on Indian
was
called
by
Explanation : The hostilities between
Hamas and Israel started on 8 July
2014 and around 1,450 Palestinians
have been killed in it. Israel claimed that
Sushma
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1
August 2014. It was the first Cabinetlevel between the Obama administration
and the new Indian Government.
5) Who
died. But this ceasefire too crumbled
Security Adviser (NSA) who tendered
within a few hours as Israel struck
his resignation on 31 July 2014 more
Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip after
than 20 months ahead of his contractual
capture of an Israeli soldier. At least
retirement? – Nehchal Sandhu
been announced since the conflict
began, but each has been broken within
a few hours by renewed fighting.
3 CURRENT AFFAIRS
stockpiling.
61 of its soldiers and 3 civilians also
four short humanitarian ceasefires have
Page
and
was
the
deputy
National
Explanation : Nehchal Sandhu was a
former Intelligence Bureau Director and
he had joined the NSA’s office in March
2013 on a three-year contract. The
4) US Secretary of State John Kerry
tenure of Joint Intelligence Chief Ajit Lal
headed a high-powered delegation to
and
co-chair the annual India-US Strategic
Prakash Menon also came to an end on
Dialogue with the Indian External Affairs
31 July and they did not receive any
Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi
extension. With these two officials
on 31 July 2014. This was which edition
retiring, the secretariat of NSA Ajit
of India-US Strategic Dialogue? – Fifth
Doval
Explanation : No breakthroughs marked
Military
has
Adviser
been
left
Lt.
General
with
three
vacancies.
this 5th edition of strategic dialogue
6) Who are the 6 winners of the Ramon
between India and the U.S. on the trade
Magsaysay Awards 2014 as announced
facilitation talks at the WTO. India
on 31 July 2014? – Hu Shuli (China),
stayed firm on the issues of food
Saur Marlina Manurung (Indonesia),
Randy Halasan (The Philippines), Wang
international debut at the age of 20, he
Canfa (China), Omara Khan Masoudi
has been a mainstay of the South
(Afghanistan), The Citizen Foundation
African line-up in all forms of the game.
(Pakistan)
He announced his retirement on 30 July
Explanation : The Magsaysay Awards,
often regarded as Asia’s version of the
8) What is the name of the last surviving
popular Philippine president Ramon
member of the plane named ‘Enola
Magsaysay, who died in a 1957 plane
Gay’ that dropped the first atomic bomb
crash. These are given to personalities
on Hiroshima, who passed away during
from Asia for their contribution in
July 2014? – Theodore Van Kirk
Explanation :
Van
Kirk
was
the
………Read More about Magsaysay
navigator of the plane named ‘Enola
Awards 2014
Gay’
7) Which
announced
great
cricket
all-rounder
his
retirement
from
all
formats of the game during July 2014? –
Jaques Kallis of South Africa
Explanation : Jaques Kallis was one of
the greatest all-rounders of all time in
the game of cricket. He was on par with
the likes of Imran Khan, Ian Botham and
Kapil Dev. During his illustrious career,
4 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Lanka.
Nobel Prize, are named after the
various fields of the society.
Page
2014 during the ODI series against Sri
spanning nearly two decades, Kallis
played a total of 519 internationals in
which he scored 25,534 runs with 62
centuries and took 577 wickets, besides
338
catches.
Since
making
his
that
Japanese
on
6
city
of
August
1945
Hiroshima.
on
Tom
Ferebee and Paul Tibbets were the
other
members
of
this
mission.
However, as far as crew-members of
this plane were concerned, Van Kirk
was the last surviving member since the
death of Morris Jeppson in 2010.
9) General Dalbir Singh Suhag on 31
July 2014 took charge as new chief of
the Indian Army. He succeeded Gen.
Bikram Singh, who retired on the same
day. Suhag is the ………Chief of the
Army Staff – 26th
Explanation :
59-year-old
Suhag,
a
Explanation :
Multiplex
chain
Inox
Gurkha officer who had participated in
Leisure Ltd. announced its plan to
the 1987 Indian Peace Keeping Force
acquire
(IPKF) operation in Sri Lanka, was till
Cineplexes. It has executed transaction
now the Vice-Chief of Army Staff. An
documents to acquire 100% of the
alumnus of Sainik School, Chittorgarh,
equity share capital of Satyam from its
he joined National Defence Academy in
existing
1970 and was commissioned into 4/5
consideration of Rs. 182 crore. Satyam
GR (FF) in June 1974.
Cineplexes has a total of 38 screens
10) Which multiplex chain is poised to
acquire Delhi-based Satyam Cineplexes
as announced on 30 July 2014? – Inox
Leisure Ltd
now
in
Delhi-based
Satyam
shareholders
Amritsar,
for
Mysore,
a
Rohtak,
Aurangabad, Jodhpur, Indore and New
Delhi and another 30 are in the pipeline
in six cities. With this acquisition, Inox
will expand its presence to 50 cities with
91 multiplexes and 358 screens.
August 3, 2014
India’s top health watchdog on 2
August 2014 issued an advisory to
state health intelligence officials and to
Page
5 CURRENT AFFAIRS
the
National
Centre
for
Disease
Control (NCDC) to keep a watch on
the disease. What is the name of
1) With
west
and
central
African
countries continuing to witness an
outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus,
India’s health watchdog that issued
this advisory? –Integrated Disease
Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
Explanation : IDSP was launched with
Explanation :
World Bank assistance in November
during his meeting with all Union
2004 to detect and respond to disease
Secretaries on 4 June 2014, had
outbreaks quickly. The project was
spoken of reforming the public service
extended for 2 years in March 2010.
delivery
The
during
governance deficit. Getting an affidavit
12th Plan under NRHM (National Rural
is a tough task for the common man.
Health Mission) with outlay of Rs. 640
People have to either shell out money
Crore from domestic budget.
to
Programme
continues
get
The
system
affidavits
Prime
and
Minister,
bridging
from
notary
the
or
approach a gazetted officer.
2) In
a
landmark
initiative
Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on 1 August
3) Who was appointed as the new
2014 pushed for shifting to self-
Chairman of the Central Board of
certification of documents and pitched
Direct Taxes (CBDT) on 1 August
for minimum use of affidavits. On this
2014? – K.V. Chowdary
day all ministries and departments at
the Centre and in states were asked to
make provision for self-certification of
documents in place of affidavits. Under
the
self-certification
method,
the
original documents are required to be
produced at the final stage. What is
Page
6 CURRENT AFFAIRS
the provision for false self-certification
in this initiative? – The person charged
with false self-certification can be
booked under relevant sections of the
Indian Penal Code
Explanation : K.V. Chowdary is the
1978-batch officer belonging to the
Indian Revenue Service (IRS). He was
working
as
the
Member
(Investigations) of the direct taxes
revenue collection board till now and
succeeded R.K. Tewari who retired on
31 July 2014. CBDT is the top policy
making body of the Income Tax
department and is constituted of six
members apart from the Chairman.
4) Vishal Sikka, who took charge as
prize of Rs. 5 lakh apart from a
CEO and MD of Infosys on 1 August
citation.
Recipients
2014, is the ………….head of the
include
Mother
company – Fifth
Narayanan, Ustad Bismillah Khan,
Explanation :
He
replaced
S.D.
Shibulal, who was among the cofounders of Infosys founded in 1981.
of
the
award
Teresa,
K.R.
Lata Mangeshkar, Sunil Dutt, Dilip
Kumar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and
Maulana Wahiduddin Khan.
Four earlier CEOs of the company
were N.R. Narayan Murthy (1981 to
2002), Nandan Nilekani (2002 to 2007)
and S. Gopalakrishnan (2007 to 2011).
Sikka is the first CEO to be outsourced
from outside the organisation.
6) What is the name of the latest
Global
Positioning
System
(GPS)
satellite of the United States (U.S.)
that was launched on 1 August 2014
from
Cape
Canaveral
Air
Force
Station? – GPS IIF-7
5) Who was chosen for the 22nd edition
Explanation : This satellite has an
of
National
expected service life of twelve years
Sadbhavana Award? – Muzaffar Ali,
and will replace USA-132 (GPS IIR-2),
the noted filmmaker
which was the first Block IIR satellite to
the
Rajiv
Gandhi
Explanation : Muzaffar Ali is known for
directing the classic Bollywood film
‘Umrao Jaan’. He is also known for his
Page
7 CURRENT AFFAIRS
social work and Sufi poetry. The award
is given in the memory of late Prime
Minister Rajiv Gandhi and is given for
outstanding contribution towards the
promotion
of
communal
harmony,
peace and goodwill. It carries a cash
enter service and was launched in July
1997. GPS IIF-7 is the part of the US
Air Force’s Global Positioning System
(GPS), a program aimed at providing
worldwide
navigational data
which
began in the 1970s. Although originally
developed for military use, some GPS
signals are also made freely available
for civilian navigation and the network
is used by most commercial navigation
devices. The decision to make the
airliner became lost and strayed into
GPS available to civilian users was
Soviet airspace, where it was shot
taken by Ronald Reagan in 1983, after
down.
269 people were killed when a Korean
August 4, 2014
time since Commonwealth Games of
1986
(Edinburgh).
From
1990
Australia dominated six Games till
19th Commonwealth Games in 2010.
2) Which
host
the
21st Commonwealth Games of 2018? –
raised
Gold Coast City (Australia)
on
the
2014
20th Commonwealth
held
at
Glasgow
(Scotland). Which country topped the
medals tally? – England
8 CURRENT AFFAIRS
would
1) On 3 August 2014 the curtains were
Games
Page
city
Explanation :
Gold
Coast
City
is
situated in the Queensland province of
Australia. The city would host the
Explanation : England was placed at
21st Commonwealth Games from 4 to
first spot in the medals tally with a haul
15 April 2018. The hosting rights to
of 58 gold, 59 silver and 57 bronze
Gold Coast City were awarded in
medals. Australia followed with 49
November 2011. It thus would be the
gold, 42 silver and 46 bronze medals
fifth
while Canada was at third place with
Australia, with the earlier stagings in
32 gold medals. England finished at
1938 (Sydney), 1962 (Perth), 1982
the top in the medals tally for the first
(Brisbane), and 2006 (Melbourne).
hosting
of
these
games
in
3) What is India’s final position in the
charge of sexual assault. The two
medals tally in the 20th Commonwealth
were not staying with the Indian
Games 2014 that culminated on 3
contingent
August 2014? – Fifth
Games Village. The arrest of the two
Explanation : India was placed at fifth
placed
Canada
(after
England,
and
respectively).
hosts
India
Australia,
won
15
gold
bronze medals. India’s total medal tally
was thus 64, which is far less than the
19th Commonwealth Games of 2010 at
New Delhi, where India won a total of
101 medals.
thoroughly embarrassed.
5) Indian badminton player Parupalli
Kashyap (P. Kashyap) created history
by winning men’s singles gold medal
at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in
Glasgow on 3 August 2014. He thus
became the first Indian player in 32
years and the third overall to win the
4) What is the name of the Secretary
the
Indian
Olympic
Association (IOA) who was arrested
on 2 August 2014 at the ongoing
9 CURRENT AFFAIRS
badminton
singles’
title
in
Commonwealth Games. Who are the
two players who had won the title in
the past for India? –Prakash Padukone
and Syed Modi
Commonwealth Games on charges of
Explanation : Prakash Padukone had
drunken driving? – Rajeev Mehta
won the men’s singles gold medal at
Explanation :
Page
Commonwealth
of officials left the Indian contingent
men’s
of
the
Scotland
medals, 30 silver medals and 19
General
at
Rajeev
Mehta
was
arrested on 2 August 2014 following
reports of an alleged assault at City
Centre of Glasgow. On the other hand
unattached wrestling referee, Virender
Malik, was arrested for a more serious
the 1978 Commonwealth Games in
Edmonton
(Canada),
Syed
Modi
retained it for India four years later at
Brisbane (Australia)
6) Prime
Minister
Narendra
Modi
visited Nepal on 3 and 4 August 2014.
He became the first Indian Prime
Minister to come to Nepal on a state
visit in last 17 years. Who was the last
Prime Minister to visit Nepal? – Late
Inder Kumar Gujral
came only to attend the SAARC
Summit.
7) How much financial assistance was
announced for Nepal by the Indian
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 3
August 2014 on his state visit? – $1
billion
Explanation: Inder Kumar Gujral had
visited Nepal on a state visit in 1997.
After that Prime Minister Atal Bihari
Vajpayee had visited Kathmandu in
2002 but it was not a state visit and he
Explanation : This $1 billion credit to
Nepal was offered on concessional
rates and would be used for road and
hydro-power projects to be developed
in the country.
August 5, 2014
objective of charting a new course in
bilateral relations. In which year this
historic treaty was signed between the
Page
10 CURRENT AFFAIRS
two countries? – In 1950
Explanation : The official name of this
bilateral treaty is “Treaty of Peace and
1) India and Nepal on 4 August 2014
agreed to review, adjust and update
the “Treaty of Peace and Friendship”
between
the
countries
with
an
Friendship Between the Government
of India and the Government of
Nepal”.
The
movement
of
treaty
people
allows
and
free
goods
between the two nations and a close
Explanation :
relationship
on
forward by the Union Govt. ensures
matters of defence and foreign affairs.
that questions on ‘English Language
After an abortive attempt in 1952 of
Comprehension
the Communist Party of Nepal to seize
marks out of the total 200, will not be
power with Chinese backing, India and
counted for preparing merit list of
Nepal
and
candidates. The govt. also said this is
intelligence cooperation under treaty
its opinion and it was not sure whether
provisions, and India sent a military
this would translate into policy.
and
stepped
collaboration
up
military
The
formula
Skills’,
brought
worth
22.5
mission to Nepal. It was signed on 31
July 1950 at Kathmandu by the then
Prime
Minister
of
Nepal
Mohan
Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana and
Indian
ambassador
to
Nepal,
Chadreshwar Narayan Singh.
3) What is the name of India’s first
multi-sensor moored observatory that
was deployed between North Pole and
Norway during July 2014? – IndARC
Explanation : The IndARC observatory
2) Union Govt. on 4 August 2014
came up with a formula to resolve the
ongoing controversy pertaining to the
Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT).
What
is this
formula
which
was
Page
11 CURRENT AFFAIRS
rejected by some sections of civil
services aspirants who are demanding
scrapping CSAT altogether? – The
section
on
English
language
comprehension skills should not be
included for gradation or merit
has been termed as a major milestone
in India’s scientific endeavours in the
Arctic region. This observatory has
been designed and developed by the
Earth System Science OrganisationNational Institute of Ocean Technology
(ESSO-NIOT) Chennai and ESSONational Centre for Antarctic and
Ocean Research (NCAOR). It was
deployed from the Norwegian Polar
Institute’s research vessel R.V. Lance
in Kongsfjorden Fjord of the Arctic
roughly halfway between North Pole
5) The government of Portugal on 4
and Norway on 23 July 2014.
August 2014 announced how much
relief package for country’s largest
4) S.K. Jain, who was arrested by the
CBI on charges of allegedly accepting
a bribe of Rs 50 lakh to enhance the
credit limit of some companies, was
the Chairman and Managing Director
(CMD) of which public-sector bank? –
Syndicate Bank
Explanation : He was arrested on 2
August 2014 by the CBI and was
suspended by the Union Govt. on 4
August 2014. Jain was appointed
CMD of state-owned Syndicate Bank
in July last year for a period of five
years. He was one of the youngest
CMDs of a public sector bank and was
Page
12 CURRENT AFFAIRS
due to retire in 2020.
listed bank – Banco Espirito Santo
(BES) to bill out the beleaguered
bank? – 4.9 billion euros ($6.58 billion)
Explanation : This relief package was
announced just months after Portugal
exited an international bailout and is
therefore expected to test the Euro
Zone’s resilience to another banking
crisis. The rescue of Banco Espirito
Santo would include split of the bank
into a “good bank”, renamed Novo
Banco, and a “bad bank”, which will
house BES’ exposures to the troubled
Espirito Santo business empire as well
as its subsidiary.
August 6, 2014
The major rates after this policy review
are as follows:
*
Short-term
lending
(repo)
rate
unchanged at 8%
* Cash reserve ratio (CRR) unchanged
at 4%
* SLR cut by 0.50% to 22% to unlock
1) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
presented its bi-monthly policy review
on 5 August 2014. It kept the policy
repo
rate
under
the
liquidity
banking funds
* Lowers banks’ SLR holdings in heldto-maturity category by 0.5% to 24%
adjustment facility (LAF) unchanged at
8.0%. It also left the cash reserve ratio
The other major estimates/projections
(CRR) of scheduled banks unchanged
in this policy review are as follows:
at 4.0% of net demand and time
liabilities (NDTL). However, which is
Page
13 CURRENT AFFAIRS
the only major rate to be changed in
* Estimates GDP growth at 5.5% for
current fiscal
this policy review? – Statutory Liquidity
* Targets 8% CPI inflation by January
Ratio (SLR)
2015, 6% by Jan 2016
Explanation : The SLR of scheduled
* Govt policies to improve domestic
commercial banks was reduced by 50
demand, supply conditions
basis points from 22.5% to 22.0% of
* Higher oil prices, pass-through of
their
administered price increases pose
NDTL
with
effect
from
fortnight beginning 9 August 2014.
the
upside risks to inflation
* Monsoons still a concern, posing
undergraduate
risks to inflation
courses
* Govt. action on food management
Explanation : In this notification, the
and fast-tracking project completion to
UGC
improve supply
colleges
* Banking sector reforms will continue
has
and
asked
across
postgraduate
universities
and
India
stop
to
dissection of animals immediately. The
ban
follows
discussions
with
the
People for the Ethical Treatment of
2) Who on 5 August 2014 took over as
Animals (PETA) India and the Minister
the first woman Chief Justice of
for Women & Child Development,
Calcutta High Court, which is the
Maneka Gandhi. The UGC had issued
oldest High Court of India? – Justice
a partial ban on dissection in 2011. It
Manjula Chellur
is estimated that around 19 million
Explanation : Justice Chellur was till
now the Chief Justice of Kerala High
Court. She broke the gender barrier on
animals are dissected in the labs of
country’s universities and colleges
every year.
a number of occasions, starting from
being
the
first
lady
advocate
to
practice in Bellary in Karnataka
4) On 4 August 2014 what deadline
was announced by Beijing’s Municipal
Environmental Protection Bureau for
Page
14 CURRENT AFFAIRS
3) What
important
notification
pertaining to dissection of animals in
ban of all coal use in the city? –
Year 2020
colleges was issued by the University
Explanation :
Grants
Environmental
Commission
(UGC)
during
Beijing’s
Protection
Municipal
Bureau
August 2014? – It has banned the
announced year 2020 as the deadline
dissection in zoology and life sciences
for imposing complete ban of coal in
the Chinese capital. Coal-fired power
and heating is a major generator of
become the largest mobile handsets
greenhouse gases and has helped
selling company in India? – Micromax
turn China into the world’s largest
emitter of carbon and other heattrapping gases. Coal accounted for a
quarter
of
Beijing’s
energy
consumption in 2012 and 22% of the
fine particles floating in the city’s air.
Motor vehicles, industrial production
and general dust also contributed to
pollution in city with a population of 2.1
crore. Pressure is growing on China’s
central government to clean up the
country’s polluted environment, as
discontent over smog and water and
soil
contamination
grows
among
China’s growing middle class.
Explanation : Micromax is a homegrown mobile brand. According to data
released
by
Counterpoint
of April-June 2014 toppled South
Page
15 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Korean mobile giant Samsung to
Kong-based
Technology
Market
Research, Micromax’s share of the
overall handset market (smartphones,
feature
phones,
handsets)
stood
and
at
low-cost
16.6%,
while
Samsung settled for 14.4% during
April-June 2014. Nokia was relegated
to the third spot with a 10.9% share,
while Karbonn’s share was 9.5% and
Lava’s
5.6%.
However,
Samsung
retained its top slot in the smartphone
market with a 25.3% share, while
home-grown
5) Which company during the quarter
Hong
players
Micromax
(19.1%) and Karbonn (5.9%) were
second and third, respectively.
August 7, 2014
(Indonesia) during December 2013.
India wanted more attention paid to its
concerns
over
WTO
limits
on
stockpiling of food which will ultimately
hit its subsidised food distribution
programme,
the
world’s
largest,
targeted at nearly 850 million people.
1) In order to solve the ongoing tussle
between India and the WTO (World
has
2) The Securities Laws (amendment)
suggested fixing of the base year for
Bill, 2014 was approved unanimously
food subsidies on the basis of average
by the Lok Sabha on 6 August 2014.
of last three years. What is the year
This Bill empowers the SEBI with
proposed by the WTO to be taken as
powers to disgorge (taking back the
the base year? – 1986-87
money) the money from fraudulent
Trade
Organisation),
India
Explanation : India is of the view that
taking 1986-87 as a base year in
2014-15 is completely illogical and it
Page
16 CURRENT AFFAIRS
has hence suggested a more scientific
calculation for base year calculation.
Indian Government had vetoed the
companies and schemes. SEBI has
issued disgorgement orders only in
two cases in over two decades of its
formation. Which two cases are these?
– IPO irregularities issue of 2006 and
the Satyam Computer scandal
adoption of a WTO treaty to simplify,
Explanation :
standardise and streamline the rules
provisions in this bill, the money
for shipping goods across borders,
collected through SEBI’s disgorgement
having previously agreed to its terms
orders will now be parked in SEBI’s
at a ministerial conference in Bali
According
to
the
Investor
Protection
and
Education
Fund (IPEF).
signalling systems.
3) The Union Cabinet on 6 August
4) Noted Indian cartoonist Pran Kumar
2014 cleared a proposal to allow 100%
Sharma, popularly known as Pran,
foreign direct investment (FDI) in
passed away on 5 August 2014 at the
Indian Railways. Apart from this, two
age of 75. He was the creator of iconic
U.S. companies were shortlisted for a
Indian cartoon characters such as
proposed diesel locomotive factory to
Chacha Chaudhary and his friend
be built in Bihar. Which two companies
Sabu, Shrimatiji, Pinki, Billoo, Raman
are these? – GE and EMD
and Channi Chachi. What was the
Explanation : GE (GE Transportation
Systems) is a leading U.S. based
locomotive
17 CURRENT AFFAIRS
manufacturer
and
is
name of first character created by
him? – ‘Dabbu’
Explanation : He created the character
engaged in manufacturing of both
‘Dabbu’
electric and diesel locomotive engines.
newspaper ‘Milap’. His most famous
EMD
(Electro-Motive
for
character
and
sells
which was first published in 1969 in
diesel-electric locomotives and diesel
‘Lotpot’, a famous Hindi magazine.
power engines under the EMD brand.
Later (in 1981) all his characters were
It is owned by Caterpillar through its
given shelf space in Gulshan Rai’s
wholly owned subsidiary Progress Rail
Diamond Comics and this publication
Services Corporation.
became almost synonymous with Pran
After 100% FDI in Indian Railways,
Chacha
Delhi-based
Inc.)
manufactures
was
a
Diesel,
designs,
Page
building of rail links, electrification and
Chaudhary
and his comic characters.
except operations of trains, FDI can be
5) Who was appointed as the Deputy
brought into all other areas like high-
NSA (National Security Advisor) on 4
speed train systems, freight terminals,
August 2014? – Arvind Gupta
Explanation : The post of Deputy NSA
Explanation :
had fell vacant after the resignation of
‘Lights Out’ was held on the occasion
Nehchal Sandhu, who took retirement
of the 100 years of the First World
on 31 July 2014 some 20 months
War. Under this lights were turned-off
before the end of his term. Arvind
all over Britain on 4 August 2014 to
Gupta is a 1979-batch Indian Foreign
pay tribute to all those who died in this
Service (IFS) officer who retired in
War. The “Lights Out” project was
2013. He was presently working as
organised by the Royal British Legion
Director-General
of
and people in the UK were urged to
Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA).
leave just one light on or candle
of
Institute
The
project
named
burning for an hour approaching the
6) Which country during August 2014
held a special tribute named ‘Lights
Out’ to pay tribute to all those who
died in the First World War? – Britain
declaration of war. It was inspired by a
famous comment made by the then
Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey,
shortly before the war began on 4
August 1914.
August 8, 2014
Page
18 CURRENT AFFAIRS
1) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on
6 August 2014 issued guidelines for
asset
reconstruction
companies
(ARCs) to increase their investments
in security receipts (SRs) with the
objective of strengthening the asset
recovery sector. What is the minimum
prescribed percentage of funds that
ARCs would now have to invest in
Police Commissioner Satyapal Singh.
SRs as directed in this RBI guideline?
The committee has been asked to give
– 15%
its report within one month after
Explanation :
This
minimum
investment requirement for ARCs was
5% at present. Public sector banks sell
their
bad
loans
or
NPAs
(non-
performing assets) to these ARCs.
Sale of bad loans to ARCs gained
momentum in 2013-14 mainly because
banks were able to obtain better prices
for these sales. But this RBI directive
is likely to dissuade ARCs from
offering a better price, since they will
now have to make a higher upfront
payment.
making a comprehensive review of the
existing security set-up and suggest
measures to further strengthen it. In
the previous Lok Sabha, a committee
on security in Parliament complex,
headed by then Deputy Speaker Karia
Munda, was set up in the aftermath of
the pepper spray attack inside Lok
Sabha by a suspended Congress MP
that sparked massive outrage. The
Parliament witnessed a terrorist attack
on 13 December 2001 when five
terrorists in a white Ambassador car
with a red beacon had stormed the
Parliament complex.
2) Who
is
heading
the
special
committee to review the security of
Indian Parliament that was constituted
on 7 August 2014? – RK Singh,
Page
19 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Former Union Home Secretary
Explanation : This special committee
was constituted Lok Sabha Speaker
Sumitra Mahajan and will include
former
Rajasthan
DGP
Harish
Chandra Meena and former Mumbai
3) What are the names of two former
Khmer
Rouge
leaders
who
were
sentenced for life by Cambodia’s UNbacked court on 7 August 2014 after
being found guilty of crimes against
humanity? – Nuon Chea and Khieu
Samphan
Explanation : The two are the most
senior
surviving
ex-Khmer
Rouge
officials and were convicted for crimes
Congress voted 78-26 for the package
against humanity, political persecution
of Bills that will break this monopoly
and other inhumane acts committed
and will allow foreign companies to
during the infamous Khmer Rouge era
sign
from 1975-1979. 88 year old Nuon
Mexico. The reform is the centrepiece
Chea was known as “Brother Number
of President Pena Nieto’s reform drive
Two” during Khmer Rouge era while
to breathe new life into Latin America’s
83 year old Khieu Samphan was the
second biggest economy. However,
head of the state. Led by “Brother
this move is opposed by the leftist
Number One” Pol Pot, who died in
opposition who is saying that it will
1998, the Khmer Rouge dismantled
amount to a damaging privatisation of
modern society with regime atrocities
Pemex.
affecting
virtually
every
family
profit-sharing
contracts
with
in
Cambodia.
5) Indian
cricket
team
almost
Page
20 CURRENT AFFAIRS
surrendered to English bowlers as it
4) Mexico’s Congress on 6 August
was dismissed for a paltry 152 runs in
2014 gave final approval to a historic
the opening day of the fourth Test
reform
an
match at Manchester on 7 August
important state-controlled sector to
2014. The Indian team became the
foreign investment for the first time
owner of an ignominous statistic with
since 1938. Which sector is this? –
six of their batsmen getting out for
Energy Sector (comprising of oil and
ducks (zero), thereby equalling the
natural gas)
record number of six ducks in a single
that
would
open
up
Explanation : Mexican energy sector
has been a monopoly of state-run
energy giant Pemex since foreign
companies were kicked out of Mexico
75 years ago. On 6 August country’s
Test inning by an international team.
India now jointly hold this record of six
ducks with which two other countries?
–South Africa and Bangladesh
Explanation :
Six
Indian
batsmen
Ravichandran
Ashwin
had
against
their
(Murali Vijay, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar
respectable
Pujara,
Jadeja,
names. The last time that India had
Pankaj
five batsmen out for duck was during
Singh) were dismissed without scoring
the 1952 series at the Headingley,
a single run. Only three batsmen –
when England won by seven wickets
Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (71),
inside four days.
Ravindra
Bhuvneshwar
Ajinkya
Kumar
Rahane
and
(24)
scores
(40)
and
August 9, 2014
declaration has been issued by the
WHO
till
date?
– Three
times (including this Ebola declaration)
Explanation :
PHEIC
is
a
legally
binding international instrument on
disease
21 CURRENT AFFAIRS
surveillance,
Organization
control, and response adopted by 194
(WHO) on 8 August 2014 declared the
countries worldwide. It was first issued
Ebola outbreak in West Africa to be an
in April 2009 for H1N1 (Swine Flu)
international public health emergency.
epidemic. The second declaration of
The emergency was declared a Public
PHEIC was issued in May 2014 with
Health
the resurgence Polio after its near-
1) The
Page
prevention,
World
Health
Emergency
of
International
Concern (PHEIC), which is the name
eradication.
of the formal declaration of health
declared its third PHEIC in response to
emergency by the WHO. On how
the outbreak of Ebola in Western
many
Africa.
occasions
the
PHEIC
On
8
August
WHO
2) U.S. fighters dropped bombs on
desperately
Islamic militants in Iraq on 8 August
However, the U.S. President vowed
2014, a day after U.S. President
anew not to put American combat
Barack
the
troops back on the ground in Iraq,
Pentagon to launch targeted airstrikes
being mindful of the public’s aversion
on Islamic militants in Iraq. This attack
to another lengthy war.
Obama
authorised
in
need
of
supplies.
is the deepest American engagement
in Iraq since U.S. troops withdrew from
the country after nearly a decade of
war.
In
which
year
U.S.
troops
withdrew completely from Iraq? – In
2011
Explanation : The withdrawal of U.S.
military forces from Iraq began in June
2009
and
was
completed
by
December 2011. The last U.S. troops
left Iraq on 18 December 2011, in
accordance with the agreement signed
between
George
the
W.
then U.S.
Bush
and
President
the
Iraqi
Government. U.S. troops had invaded
Page
22 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Iraq on 20 March 2003.
At the request of the Iraqi Govt.,
American military planes on 7 August
2014 also carried out airdrops of food
and water to tens of thousands of Iraqi
religious minorities (the Yazidis) atop a
mountain surrounded by militants and
3) What is the name of the Border
Security Force (BSF) jawan, who was
swept into Pakistan by strong currents
of Chenab River and after being
picked up by Pakistan Rangers, was
handed over to BSF authorities on 8
August 2014? –Satyasheel Yadav
Explanation : Satyasheel Yadav was
captured by Pakistani troops after he
was swept away by strong currents in
the
Chenab
river
into
Pakistani
territory on 6 August 2014. He was
handed over to BSF authorities on 8
August in RS Pura sector of Jammu
district in the Jammu sector by the
Pakistani Rangers. Indian Govt. had
raised the issue of the expeditious
release
of
Satyasheel
through
diplomatic channels both in India and
Pakistan on 7 August 2014.
4) Who
was
5) Social
networking
Managing Director (MD) of public-
Facebook
during
sector based Mangalore Refinery and
acquired which cyber-security startup
Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) on 7
firm to boost its huge server network?
August 2014? – H. Kumar
– PrivateCore
Explanation : H.Kumar replaced PP
Explanation :
Upadhya, who retired as MD of MRPL
California-based cyber-security startup
on 31 July 2014. Kumar was till now
firm that was launched in 2012. The
posted
company
as
the
appointed
as
Executive
the
Director
company
August
PrivateCore
specializes
in
2014
is
a
protecting
(corporate strategy and planning) of
servers against malware and other
Hindustan
Corporation
kinds of virus intrusions. However, the
Limited (HPCL). MRPL is an oil
terms of this deal were not released by
refinery
the two companies.
Petroleum
established
Mangalore
in
(Karnataka).
1993
at
It
a
is
subsidiary of ONGC.
August 10-11, 2014
1) Turkish
Prime
Minister
Recep
Page
23 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Tayyip Erdogan won the Presidential
election held in the country on 10
August 2014. Why these elections
were a watershed event in country’s
91-year history? – Because this was
the
first-ever
direct
elections in the country
presidential
Explanation : The Turkish president
domestic
was previously chosen by parliament,
sectors. What are the names of
but a 2010 referendum gave Turks the
business trusts associated with real
power to choose the head of state by
estate and infrastructure which would
direct vote. With 99% of ballot boxes
be created and listed with these SEBI
counted, Erdogan had 51.95% of the
guidelines? – Real Estate Investment
vote.
Trusts
Opposition
Ekmeleddin
candidate
Ihsanoglu,
a
former
diplomat and academic had 38.34%
and the third candidate, Selahattin
Demirtas,
had
9.71%.
60-year
Erdogan old has been in power since
2003. Barred by party rules from
seeking
minister,
a
fourth
he
term
has
faced
as
prime
multiple
challenges to his 11-year rule, amid
growing opposition to his authoritarian
style. A clear victory in these elections
is expected to solidify his hold on
Turkey.
24 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Page
SEBI
and
these
Infrastructure
Explanation : Finance Minister Arun
Jaitley had outlined the proposal for
establishment
Investment
of
Real
Trusts
Infrastructure
Estate
(REITs)
Investment
and
Trusts
(InvITs) in the Union Budget 2014-15
presented on 10 July 2014. The new
norms would enable listing and trading
of REITs and InvITs as any other
security
on
the
stock
exchange
platforms and would also help create
new platforms for raising of funds by
capital
cleared
market
final
regulator
guidelines
for
creation and listing of business trusts
for key sectors of real estate and
infrastructure on 10 August 2014.
These guidelines have been cleared to
help
(REITs)
into
Investment Trusts (InvITs)
real
2) India’s
investments
attract
greater
foreign
and
estate
companies.
and
Along
infrastructure
with
foreign
investors, domestic institutions like
insurers, pension funds and provident
funds would also be allowed to invest
in these trusts.
3) SEBI gave its approval to single
law by the U.S. President Barack
registration for stock brokers recently.
Obama on 8 August 2014 and which
What would be the main benefit for
authorises the President to appoint a
brokers with this approval? – Now the
Special Envoy in the near East and
brokers would not need to obtain
South Central Asia? –‘Near East and
multiple certificates from SEBI for
South Central Asia Religious Freedom
operating in the different segments of
Act’
equity, equity derivatives, currency
derivative and debt
Explanation :
Explanation :
The
House
of
Representatives had passed the Bill
Under
proposed
associated with this Act on 25 July and
regime, initial certificate of registration
the Senate passed it on 29 July 2014.
as stock broker/clearing member will
The Bill requires the Special Envoy to
be granted by SEBI and subsequent
promote the right of religious freedom
permissions
stock
of religious minorities in the countries
other
of the near East and South Central
stock exchanges/clearing corporations
Asia, denounce the violation of such
will be granted by respective stock
right, and recommend appropriate US
exchange/clearing
Government
to
brokers/clearing
the
act
as
member
of
corporation
after
responses
to
such
following the prescribed procedure.
violations. The Special Envoy carries
The latest SEBI move will also obviate
the rank of that of an ambassador.
the need for separate certificate for
Page
25 CURRENT AFFAIRS
each category of operations – trading
member,
member
trading-cum-self
and
professional
clearing
clearing
member.
5) Who is the author of the book
‘Strictly Personal’’, the new biography
of
the
former
Manmohan
Prime
Singh
and
Minister
his
wife
Gursharan Kaur, which is to be
4) What is the name of the newly
constituted act which was signed into
released
during
August
2014?
–
Daman
Singh,
the
daughter
of
Manmohan Singh
years before 2004. The book portrays
her parents on the basis of interviews
Explanation : Daman Singh’s book
does not deal with the period of Dr.
Singh’s tenure as the Prime Minister,
with them conducted over the past five
years, and Manmohan Singh’s letters
to friends during his student years.
instead it is a description of all the
August 12, 2014
domain – the limitless sky. It would be
a full service airline service and may
take to the skies in October 2014.
2) Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
Page
26 CURRENT AFFAIRS
introduced
The
Repealing
and
1) What is the name of the proposed
Amending Bill, 2014 in the Lok Sabha
airline of Tata-SIA Airlines Limited
on 11 August 2014, which seeks to
(TSAL), a joint-venture between Tata
remove obsolete Amendment Acts and
Group and Singapore International
Principal Acts from the statute books
Airlines (SIA)? –‘Vistara’
as they have outlived their utility. How
Explanation :
much-anticipated
many archaic laws are proposed to be
name was announced on 11 August
repealed through this bill? – Thirty Six
2014 by TSAL amid the release of the
(36)
aubergine and gold logo of ‘Vistara’.
Explanation : This is the first time
‘Vistara’ is derived from the Sanskrit
since 2001 that such an exercise is
word, which means limitless expanse
being undertaken by the Law Ministry.
and draws inspiration from the brand’s
The
The
Amendment
Acts
which
are
sought
to
be
repealed
include
invasion.
Iraqi
President
Fouad
amendments to the Representation of
Massoum nominated Haider al-Abadi,
the People Act, Marriage Act, Election
a member of the government’s Shia
Laws,
Anand
coalition, as the country’s next Prime
Marriage Act and the Evidence Act.
Minister. But this nomination has set
Two of the standalone Acts which will
off a potential clash with Nouri al-
also be repealed through the Bill are
Maliki, the current Prime Minister, who
Foreign Jurisdiction Act, 1947, and
has demanded he remain in power.
Sugar Undertaking (Taking Over of
Maliki has insisted that he had the
Management) Act. Through the Bill,
right to form the government as he
the Government also seeks to amend
commands the largest bloc in the Iraqi
a ‘patent error’ committed by the Law
Parliament. On 10 August, a defiant
Ministry during the passage of the
Maliki mustered Iraqi forces in the
Whistleblowers Bill. While the Bill
Green Zone, Baghdad’s government
became an Act in May this year, it is
centre. However, Maliki has been
called the ‘Whistleblowers Protection
accused
Act, 2011’ instead of ‘2014’. Between
agenda and excluding the moderates
1950 and 2001, over a hundred Acts
from power.
Divorce
Laws
and
of
pursuing
a
sectarian
have been repealed by such bills.
Page
27 CURRENT AFFAIRS
4) What is the name of NASA’s
3) Who was nominated as the new
vintage spacecraft which successfully
Prime Minister of Iraq to replace Nouri
completed a return visit to the earth-
al-Maliki on 11 August 2014? – Haider
moon system during August 2014? –
al-Abadi
ISEE-3
Explanation : Haider al-Abadi, is a low-
Explanation : The ISEE-3 spacecraft
key figure who spent much of his life
made its closest approach to the earth
living
before
on 9 August 2014 and a flyby of the
2003
moon on 10 August 2014. Its closest
in
returning
exile
to
in
Iraq
Britain,
after
the
approach was 15,600 km from the
Bradman’s 66-year-old record for most
moon’s surface. This spacecraft was
scores
originally launched in 1978 and was
Sangakkara of Sri Lanka
tasked with studying the outer reaches
of the earth’s magnetosphere. Its
second mission was in the 1980s to
chase comets before NASA decided to
shut
it
down
in
1997.
In
an
unprecedented move, NASA formally
handed over control of ISEE-3 to a
private “ISEE-3 Reboot Project”, which
was formed through a crowd-funding
project.
of
Explanation :
plus?
Kumar
– Kumar
Sangakkara
struck his 10th double hundred in Galle
(Sri Lanka) on 9 August in the first
innings of the first Test match against
Pakistan. With this double century he
broke the record of nine double
centuries made by West Indian Brian
Lara. The knock also put him two
behind
the
great
Don
Bradman.
However, he managed to break the
Australian’s
5) Which batsman on 9 August 2014
broke
190
cricketing-great
Sir
66-year-old
record
for
most scores of 190 plus.
Don
August 13, 2014
Page
28 CURRENT AFFAIRS
1) Indian Parliament on 12 August
2014 passed the bill to empower SEBI
to act against ponzi operators and
market manipulators more effectively.
What is the name of this bill? – The
Securities Law (Amendment) Bill, 2014
Explanation : The bill was passed by
entering the television and newspaper
the Lok Sabha on 6 August 2014 and
business
the Rajya Sabha passed it on 12
August 2014. It empowers SEBI to act
against ponzi operators and market
manipulators more effectively through
search and seizure, attachment orders
and recovery proceedings and with
access to call data records. This
marks a dilution from the direct powers
granted to SEBI Chairman through as
many as three ordinances in the past
one year to authorise search and
seizure operations. Under the act
constituted (with the passing of this
bill), a special SEBI court would be set
up in Mumbai to fast track prosecution
proceedings launched by SEBI, as
also to clear search and seizure
operations proposed by SEBI.
Explanation : The Telecom Regulatory
Authority of India (TRAI) presented a
paper on “Issues Relating to Media
Ownership” on 12 August 2014 under
its Chairman Rahul Khullar. In this
paper
it
suggested
that
political
bodies, religious bodies and central
and state government ministries or
departments should be barred from
entry into broadcasting and television
channel distribution sectors. It also
recommended if such a permission
has been given, an appropriate exit
route must be provided. In an attempt
to ensure plurality of news and views,
it suggested restrictions on political
bodies and corporates entering the
television and newspaper business.
With respect to the ‘media regulator’,
Page
29 CURRENT AFFAIRS
2) What is the key recommendation of
Indian
telecom
regulator
TRAI
and
broadcasting
pertaining
to
independence of press in India, as
TRAI said – “Government should not
regulate the media; there should be a
single regulatory authority for TV and
print mediums.”
announced by it on 12 August 2014? –
Restrictions should be imposed on
political bodies and corporates from
3) Petroleum
Ministry
recently
accorded its in-principle approval for
stake-sale in ONGC which may fetch
state. The Prime Minister dedicated
the
about Rs. 18,000
this project on the occasion of his visit
crore to meet disinvestment target for
to the state on 12 August. He also laid
the current fiscal. For this how much
the foundation stone for Leh-Kargil-
stake-sale
Srinagar transmission system on this
government
in
the
company
is
proposed? – 5%
occasion.
Explanation : As per the Budget 201415,
the
disinvestment
target
is Rs. 58,425 crore including receipts
from
disinvestment
stake
of
government
in
the
non-government
companies.
The
Department
of
Disinvestment (DoD) has kick-started
the process of stake sale in ONGC
and has invited bids for appointing
merchant bankers to manage the
share sale.
5) The Wadia Group-owned GoAir
declared that it has entered into profit
zone by earning a profit of around Rs.
100 crore during financial year 201213. It has thus become only the
second airline in Indian market space
to earn profits. Which was the only
profit-earning airline in the Indian
airline space till now? – IndiGo
Explanation : GoAir was founded in
Page
30 CURRENT AFFAIRS
2005 as an aviation venture of Wadia
4) What is the name of the 45
group of Bombay Dyeing fame. IndiGo
megawatt hydro-electricity project in
was founded in 2006 by Rahul Bhatia.
J&K that was dedicated to the nation
It is the largest Indian airline at present
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
and was the only profitable airline
12
venture in India. Both GoAir and
August
2014?
–Nimoo
Bazgo
Hydroelectric Project
Explanation : The project is on the
Indus River and is situated at village
Alchi, 70 kilometers from Leh in J&K
IndiGo
operate
in
the
low-cost
segment but IndiGo’s marketshare of
around one-third of Indian market is
way more than that of GoAir (around
9%).
6) Tata Motors launched a new car
of pressure in the recent past, a lot
after a gap of almost 4 years on 12
depends on the success of the Zest.
August 2014. What is the name of this
car? – Zest
Explanation :
compact
Zest
sedan
is
a
launched
all-new
by
the
company. It is available in both petrol
and diesel variants. The top-end petrol
is priced at Rs.5.99 lakh and the topend
diesel
at
Rs.6.99
lakh
(ex-
showroom in Delhi). Given that the
Tata
Motors’
performance
in
the
domestic market has been under a lot
7) Oscar
winning
Hollywood
actor
Robin Williams was found dead in his
home in California on 11 August 2014.
He was considered one of the most
talented actors in Hollywood at present
with incredible ability to excel in both
comic and serious roles. For which film
he won the Oscar Award for Best
Supporting
Actor?
– ‘Good
Will
Hunting’ (1997)
August 15-16, 2014
passed bill? - The National Judicial
Appointments Commission Bill, 2014
Explanation : The bill was passed by
Page
31 CURRENT AFFAIRS
the Lok Sabha by a voice-vote. Union
Govt. is against the collegium system
of judges appointing judges. Under the
1) A landmark bill to overturn the
collegium system top judges of the
collegium system for higher judiciary
Supreme Court, headed by the Chief
was passed by the Lok Sabha on 13
Justice
August 2014. What is the name of this
appointment
of
India,
of
decides
judges
to
the
higher
courts. Under the new law, where the
Minsiter N. Chandrababu Naidu also
National
Appointments
asked the members of the advisory
Commission will decide appointment
committee on Capital City to see that
of judges to Supreme Court and High
the
hoc
capital
houses
key
Courts, seniority along with ability and
administrative
offices
during
the
merit will be considered for elevation.
interregnum.
2) 99th Constitution
Bill
4) Who was elected as the Deputy
was passed by the Lok Sabha on 13
Speaker of the Lok Sabha on 13
August 2014. What is the subject of
August 2014? - M. Thambidurai
this
Judicial
constitutional
Amendment
amendment?
–
Giving Constitutional status to the
proposed
National
Judicial
Appointments Commission
Explanation :
The
ad
Explanation :
M.
Thambidurai
represents AIADMK in the Lok Sabha.
He
was
elected
unanimously
as
almost all parties moved motions for
99th Constitution
his election, including the Congress.
Amendment Bill was passed by 367
The AIADMK has 37 MPs in the lower
members in favour and nil against it.
house of parliament and is the third
largest party after the Bharatiya Janata
3) Which city was chosen as the ad
hoc capital of Andhra Pradesh by the
Page
32 CURRENT AFFAIRS
state government on 12 August 2014?
– Vijayawada
Explanation : Vijayawada would be
used as ad hoc capital of the state
until the needed infrastructure and
other projects for the new capital are
completed.
Andhra
Pradesh
Chief
Party (BJP) and the Congress.
5) Who
were
presented
the
Outstanding Parliamentarian Awards
for
year
2012,
2011
and
2010
respectively on 12 August 2014? Sharad Yadav (2012), Karan Singh
(2011) and Arun Jaitley (2010)
6) Who are the two mathematicians of
Indian origin, who are among the eight
winners of the prestigious awards of
Explanation : The ‘Go-India’ Card has
the International Mathematical Union
been
(IMU) announced on 13 August 2014?
nominated
- Manjul Bhargava and Subhash Khot
Automatic Ticket Vending Machines
Explanation :
These
awards
were
announced at the inaugural session of
the 9-day International Congress of
Mathematicians (ICM) which began at
Seoul, Republic of Korea on 13
August. The 40 year-old CanadianAmerican Manjul Bhargava, a number
theorist from Princeton University, was
one of the four Fields Medalists
chosen for the ICM2014 awards. The
Fields Medal is considered the highest
award in mathematics. Subhash Khot,
an
Indian-American
theoretical
computer scientist at the Courant
Institute of Mathematical Sciences of
New York University was chosen for
the ICM2014 Rolf Nevanlinna Prize.
Page
33 CURRENT AFFAIRS
7) Indian Railways recently launched a
contact-less
smart
card
enabling
passengers to pay for reserved as well
as unreserved travelling train tickets
as part of a pilot project. What is the
name of this smart card with lifetime
validity? – ‘Go-India’
launched
(ATVMs)
to
UTS
and
be
used
counters
nominated
at
and
PRS
counters for reserved tickets. The card
will enable passengers to pay for
tickets for long distance reserved,
unreserved and suburban journeys. It
is part of a pilot project to be
implemented on two sectors – New
Delhi – Howrah and New Delhi –
Mumbai. On New Delhi – Howrah
sector this card could be used at 6
railway stations – New Delhi, Kanpur,
Allahabad,
Dhanbad,
Asansol
and
Howrah whereas on New Delhi –
Mumbai sector the card could be used
at New Delhi, Kota, Vadodara, Ratlam,
Surat and Mumbai Central. The card
would be of pre-paid nature and can
be bought for Rs. 70 where passenger
can get a value of Rs. 20 balance.
After that the card can be recharged
for Rs. 20 or in multiples of Rs. 50 up
to Rs. 5,000. Maximum recharge value
for ‘Go-India’ Card would be Rs.
10,000.
August 15-16, 2014
Indian players who represented the
country in open category included
Parimarjan
Negi,
Sethuraman,
Sasikiran, Adhiban and Lalith Babu.
Top three spots in women category
were claimed by Russia, China and
Ukraine respectively. Chess Olympiad
is a biennial chess tournament in
1) India created history on 14 August
which teams from all over the world
2014 by winning the bronze medal in
compete against each other. The
the 41 World Chess Olympiad held in
event is organised by FIDE, which
Norway. This was for the first time
selects the host nation. Total number
India won a medal in the Chess
of 1,570 players participated at the
Olympiad. Which country won the gold
41st edition of Chess Olympiad, with
medal (open category) in this edition of
881 in the open and 689 in the
Chess Olympiad? – China
women’s section.
st
Explanation :
41st edition
of
Chess
Olympiad was held from 1 to 14
August 2014 at Tromsø, a northern
34 CURRENT AFFAIRS
medal in the open category for the first
Page
city in Norway. China won the gold
Uzbekistan 3.5-0.5 in the final round.
time by defeating Poland 3-1 in the
11th and last round. Hungary clinched
the silver in open category while India
won bronze medal after crushing
2) What is the name of the new
scheme announced by the Prime
Minister Narendra Modi on 15 August
2014 to help the poor in opening bank
accounts, which will come with the
facility
of
a
debit
card
and
an
accidental insurance cover of Rs. 1
lakh? – ‘Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan
Explanation :
Yojana’
Varadarajan was the officer from the
Explanation : The Union Cabinet has
already
cleared
financial
inclusion
the
two-phase
scheme
under
which bank accounts will be opened
for 15 crore poor persons with an
overdraft facility of Rs 5,000 and
accidental insurance cover of Rs. 1
lakh. The scheme, to be pushed by the
government in a mission mode, seeks
to provide two accounts to 7.5 crore
identified households by August 2018.
The
Prime
Minister
in
his
Major
Mukund
44th battalion of Rashtriya Rifles, who
laid down his life in a gun battle after
killing
three
Hizbul
Mujahideen
militants in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)
earlier this year. He was leading an
anti-terrorist
search
operation
in
Qazipathri village in J&K. The other 54
gallantry awards announced on this
occasion were 12 Shaurya Chakras,
39 Sena Medals (gallantry), one Nau
Sena Medal (gallantry) and two Vayu
Sena Medals (gallantry).
Independence Day address observed
that people have mobile phones but
not bank accounts and he hoped that
the scheme will help in bringing the
benefits of formal banking system to
them.
4) The Reserve Bank of India on 14
August 2014 announced its decision to
reduce the number of mandated free
transactions for savings bank account
holders at other bank ATMs located in
six metro cities from five to three per
Page
35 CURRENT AFFAIRS
3) 55 gallantry awards (peacetime)
were
announced
on
the
eve
of
68thIndependence Day on 14 August
month. This reduction would come into
effect from which date? – 1 November
2014
2014. Who was conferred the lone
Explanation : The six metro cities
Ashok
(Mumbai,
Chakra,
India’s
highest
New
Delhi,
Chennai,
peacetime gallantry award? – Late
Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad)
Maj. Mukund Varadarajan
were chosen first for reducing the
number of mandated free transactions
showcasing the rich cultural heritage
as they are well-served in terms of
of Telangana, the CM chose the fort
payment infrastructure. This reduction
for
in the number of mandated free
celebrations
transactions will, however, not apply to
Telangana as a separate state. The
customers having no-frills/small/Basic
ruined Golconda Fort on the fringes of
Savings
Account
Hyderabad was the capital of Qutub
(BSBDA) type of accounts as well as
Shahi kingdom from 1518 to 1687.
for transactions done by savings bank
The fort was built by Kaktiyas of
account holders at ATMs situated
Warangal during 10th century as a mud
outside these six metro cities. Banks
fort and was fortified by Qutub Shahis.
Bank
Deposit
the
first
Independence
after
formation
Day
of
are also free to offer free transactions
above this mandated limit.
6) Which
Iranian-born
professor
became the first woman ever to win
5) In a departure from the over five-
the Fields Medal of the International
decades-old tradition of Independence
Mathematical Union (IMU), which is
Day celebrations at Parade Grounds,
considered the top prize in the field of
the
mathematics?
Telangana
Chief
Minister
K.
Chandrasekhar Rao on 15 August
2014 hoisted the national flag at a
newly selected historic spot in capital
Page
36 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Hyderabad. Which place is this? – The
Golconda Fort
– Dr.
Maryam
Mirzakhani
Explanation : Maryam Mirzakhani is a
Iran-born woman professor at Stanford
University (US). She received the
Fields Medal, known as the Nobel
Explanation : The Andhra Pradesh
Prize
of
governments of the past had been
International Congress of Mathematics
organising this event at the Parade
in Seoul on 13 August 2014, along
Grounds in Secunderabad for well
with
over 5 decades. In a move aimed at
honoured with the prize this year. The
three
mathematics,
other
at
the
mathematicians
other recipients were Artur Avila,
the Bharatiya Mahila Bank on 14
Manjul Bhargava and Martin Hairer.
August 2014? – SM Swathi
Dr. Mirzakhani’s research focusing on
geometry and dynamical systems has
contributed to the understanding of
symmetry of curved surfaces, which
has
implications
for
physics
and
quantum field theory.
Explanation : SM Swathi was till now
the General Manager of Corporation
Bank.
She
headed
important
branches, zones and other offices
during her tenure in Corporation Bank.
She took the charge on 14 August
2014.
7) Which woman bank officer was
appointed as the Executive Director of
August 17, 2014
based in Mumbai. It is engaged in
manufacturing
warships
and
submarines for the Indian Navy, as
1) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16
August 2014 dedicated to the nation
Page
37 CURRENT AFFAIRS
the largest indigenously-built destroyer
warship – INS Kolkata. This huge
6800-tonne
warship
has
been
manufactured by which PSU defence
unit? – Mazgaon Dock Limited (MDL)
well
as
associated
offshore
support
platforms
and
vessels
for
offshore oil drilling. INS Kolkata is a
part of the Kolkata Class destroyers
and is the first of the three such ships
that will join the Indian Navy in the
next few years. It has an in-built antisubmarine capability and can take on
Explanation : Mazgaon Dock Limited is
an anti-ship missile and fighter aircraft.
public-sector undertaking (PSU) unit
INS Kolkata is also the first Indian ship
to be armed with the land attack, anti-
expenditure of the Government of
ship Brahmos missile.
India.
2) The
2nd Summer
Youth
Olympic
Games started on 16 August 2014 in
China with Rugby making its return to
the Olympic programme after 92 years
with these Games. Which Chinese city
is hosting these Games? – Nanjing
Explanation :
Games
The
were
Youth
established
Olympic
by
the
International Olympic Committee in
2007. The first-ever Summer Youth
Olympic Game was held in 2010 at
Vancouver
(Canada).
Over
200
countries are taking part in these
Games to be held from 16 to 28
August 2014.
3) Who was appointed the Chairman
of the Public Accounts Committee
(PAC) by Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra
Mahajan on 16 August 2014? – K.V.
Page
38 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Thomas
Congress leader and former Food
Minister. PAC is the top finance panel
the
comprises
of
selected
Members of Parliament (MPs). It is
formed every year with a strength of
not more than 22 members of which
15 are from Lok Sabha, the lower
house of the Parliament, and 7 from
Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the
Parliament. The term of office of the
PAC members is one year. The
Chairman of PAC is selected from the
opposition.
4) The greatest-ever female chess
player retiredfrom competitive chess
arena on 14 August 2014 with the
conclusion of the 41st World Chess
Olympiad at Tromsø (Norway). She
had been the world No.1 woman
player for 25 years and had been one
of the world’s top players for a couple
of decades. She was once ranked No.
8 among men. What is the name of
this legendary player? – Judit Polgar
Explanation : K.V. Thomas is a senior
of
It
Indian
Parliament
and
is
constituted for the auditing of the
Explanation : Judit Polgar of Hungary
has sometimes been rated as the
greatest sportswoman of all time. Judit
did not want to play with women
because they posed no challenge for
her. Besides, she was good enough to
Governor.
beat the strongest of men. She has
approached
defeated 10 world champions. The
required legislative changes. Which
chess greats whom Judit Polgar had
post is this? – Chief Operating Officer
defeated
(COO)
in
included
her
illustrious
Garry
career
Kasparov,
Viswanathan Anand, Anatoly Karpov,
Veselin Topalov and the present World
Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen.
She was the youngest of the three
legendary Hungarian sisters – called
Polgar Sisters, the other two being
Susan (the eldest) and Sofia (the
middle-one).
For
this
the
RBI
has
government
for
Explanation : The RBI, the central
bank of India, is presently headed by a
Governor and assisted by four deputy
governors
looking
after
different
functions of the bank. It now wants to
create a post of COO and re-allocate
work among the five. The RBI has
been deliberating on a broad HR
restructuring
exercise
to
align
5) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
organisational
resources
and
announced on 14 August 2014 that its
structures with the needs of the
board has given approval to create an
domestic economy and changes in the
additional post in the rank of Deputy
external environment.
Page
39 CURRENT AFFAIRS
August 18, 2014
1) Who was selected as the Chairman
of
the
Estimates
Committee
of
Parliament by the Lok Sabha Speaker
Sumitra Mahajan on 16 August 2014?
– Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi
Explanation :
The
Estimates
Committee consists of 30 members, all
from Lok Sabha, who are elected
by Lok
amongst
Sabha
its
every
members.
year
from
The
main
function of this committee is to suggest
alternative policies in order to bring
about efficiency and economy in govt.
administration.
Who was named man of the series? –
James Anderson of England
Explanation : James Anderson took 25
wickets in the series and contributed
heavily in India’s series defeat. He
gave this sterling performance despite
being
involved
in
a
controversy,
involving India’s Ravindra Jadeja. The
loss at Oval was the third biggest
innings defeat for India. With this
2) Who was selected as the Chairman
of
the
Committee
on
Public
Undertakings (CoPU) of Parliament by
the
Lok
Sabha
Speaker
Sumitra
series
win
England
retained
the
Pataudi Trophy, awarded to the winner
of the England-India Test Cricket
series.
Mahajan on 16 August 2014? – V.
Shanta Kumar
4) Which
area
of
upper
Assam’s
Golaghat district came to news during
3) India lost the 5th and final test of the
Test series against England at the
Oval on 17 August 2014 to lose the
Page
40 CURRENT AFFAIRS
series 1-3. India suffered a humiliating
loss by an innings and 244 runs after
August 2014 due to raids by armed
groups from Nagaland, that left 11
dead and seven injured and forced
over 10,000 people to take shelter in
relief camps? –Uriamghat
they were bundled out for a paltry 94
Explanation : Uriamghat is situated
in the second innings in the final test.
along the disputed Assam-Nagaland
England won the series despite a
border.
defeat at Lord’s in the second Test.
Nagaland-based armed groups on 12
It
witnessed
raids
from
and 13 August 2014. The incident
created panic among the people living
Commission (UPSC) on 16 August
in the disputed area. Assam Chief
2014? – Rajni Razdan
Minister Tarun Gogoi on 16 August
2014 sought Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s intervention for restoration of
peace in the Uriamghat area.
Explanation : Rajni Razdan was till
now a member of the UPSC. She
succeeded Prof. D.P. Agrawal, who
also administered the oath of office
and secrecy to her. Razdan, an IAS
5) What is the name of the Indo-Nepal
Combined Army Training Exercise that
started from 18 August 2014 near
Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand? – Surya
Kiran-VII
Explanation : Surya Kiran-VII is a joint
Officer of Haryana Cadre of 1973
Batch, joined the UPSC as Member on
19 April 2010. UPSC is India’s central
agency authorised to conduct some of
the
premier
all-India
examinations
including IAS, IES, CDS, NDA, etc.
bilateral army exercise between India
and Nepal being conducted from 18
7) In order to honour its jawans and
August to 31 August 2014. It is being
officers killed in action, the Central
held
of
Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has
Pithoragarh in the Northern Himalayas
decided to prefix the name of these
at an altitude of 5000-6000 feet under
courageous people with an honourable
the aegis of Guard Division. It is the
word. Which word is this? – ‘Shaheed’,
Second
which means a martyr
in
Page
41 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Exercise
the
mountain
Battalion
and
Level
terrain
Combined
approximately
300
personnel including officers and JCOs
from both the armies are participating
in this exercise.
6) Who
took
Explanation : CRPF is India’s largest
paramilitary force and is the leading
anti-Naxal operations force, which by
virtue of its huge deployment has the
over
as
the
new
highest casualty rate among all forces
Chairman of Union Public Service
deployed in internal security duties. It
recently issued orders for use of the
violence, protests and incidents of
prefix ‘Shaheed’ with immediate effect
looting during August 2014 as a result
for all casualties where the trooper or
of the shooting of a black teenager by
officer was on duty. There was a
a white policeman? – Ferguson
demand from all quarters about the
need to address the slain personnel in
a befitting manner. CRPF has the
maximum deployment of troops in antiNaxal operations at close to 90,000
personnel and has lost hundreds of
men in combating Maoists over the
years.
Explanation : Ferguson is a small
suburb in St. Louis County in the state
of Missouri. The violence and protests
started after a black unarmed teenager
Michael Brown was killed by a white
police officer on 9 August 2014. On 16
August 2014 Missouri Governor Jay
Nixon declared a state of emergency
8) Which suburb of Missouri State in
and announced a curfew to go into
the
effect between midnight and 5 a.m.
U.S.
witnessed
widespread
August 19, 2014
Pakistan slated to be held on 25
August 2014 at Islamabad. What was
the reason given for calling-off these
Page
42 CURRENT AFFAIRS
talks? –Pakistani High Commissioner
Abdul Basit’s meetings with Kashmiri
separatist leaders belonging to the
Hurriyat
1) India on 18 August 2014 called off
Foreign
Secretary-level
talks
with
Explanation :
India on
18
August
conveyed a blunt message to Pakistan
that it was interfering in India’s internal
affairs by holding talks with Kashmiri
generator (DG) sets working to meet
separatists.
the
India
was
upset
that
shortage
in
industrial
and
despite being firmly told by the Indian
commercial units now add up to a
Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh that
cumulative capacity of 90,000 MW or
Pakistan has to choose between India
around
or separatists for talks, its top envoy
installed generation capacity. Taking
Abdul Basit in New Delhi went ahead
into account domestic loadrunning on
with the meeting with the separatist
gensets, would take this figure to
leader Shabbir Shah, the leader of
beyond 90,000 MW. That figure is
Jammu
nearly equal to what was India’s total
Freedom
and
Kashmir
Party
Democratic
(JKDFP).
36%
of
country’s
current
Sujatha
installed power generation capacity
Singh was to travel to Islamabad on 25
just over a decade ago (March 2002).
August 2014 to hold talks with her
According to CERC data, DG capacity
Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Chaudhry,
is growing at a rate of 5,000 MW to
nearly two years after the Indo-Pak
8,000 MW every year. That is higher
talks were stalled due to incidents
than the cumulative nuclear and solar
along the LoC.
capacities being added year-on-year in
the country.
Page
43 CURRENT AFFAIRS
2) According to information released
by India’s power regulator Central
3) Who
Electricity
Commission
Parliamentary Party leader of the
(CERC), around what percentage of
AIADMK on 18 August 2014 following
country’s
generation
the election of M Thambidurai as
by
Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha? –
capacity
Regulatory
total
is
power
contributed
diesel
was
nominated
as
the
gensets (generators)? –Around 36%
P Venugopal
Explanation :
Explanation : P. Venugopal, a two-time
According
to
the
information released by CERC during
Lok
August
(reserved)
2014,
millions
of
diesel
Sabha
MP
from
constituency,
Tiruvallur
will
be
AIADMK Parliamentary Party leader
will be arrested if he leaves the
and the floor leader of the party in Lok
building. Scotland Yard officers have
Sabha. A Navaneethakrishnan, Rajya
been stationed outside the building
Sabha MP and former Advocate-
round-the-clock for two years now.
General,
Reports
will
be
the
Deputy
suggest
that
Parliamentary Party leader and the
developed
floor leader in the Rajya Sabha.
that require hospitalisation.
he
life-threatening
has
ailments
AIADMK has the third largest MPs in
the Lok Sabha after the BJP and
Congress.
5) Who will head the Indian contingent
as
the
Chef-de-Mission
for
the
oncoming 17th Asian Games to be held
4) WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange
at Incheon, South Korea during Sep-
on 18 August 2014 said that he will
Oct 2014? –Adille Sumariwala
soon leave the Ecuadorian Embassy
he has been holed up for nearly two
years to avoid his arrest. He has been
living
in
which
country’s
Ecuadorian Embassy which he wants
to leave now? – Britain
Explanation : Adille Sumariwala is the
President of the Athletics Federation of
India (AFI). India won 65 medals in the
2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou in
China with 12 medals (5 gold, 2 silver
and 5 bronze) coming from athletics.
Explanation : Julian Assange, whose
website WikiLeaks published classified
Page
44 CURRENT AFFAIRS
US military and diplomatic documents
embarrassing the US government, has
been living inside the Ecuadorian
embassy building in London since
being granted diplomatic asylum by
the Ecuador Govt. in August 2012. He
is under continuous surveillance and
6) With
16,100
MW
wind
power
produced in 2013, China was ranked
World’ top wind power producing
country
in
Renewables
the
recently
2014
Global
released
Status
Report. What was India’s rank in this
report? – 5th
Explanation : India added 1,700 MW
assembly elections in the state under
wind producing capacity in year 2013
the banner of BJP.
to emerge as the fifth largest wind
power producing country. China was
followed by USA, Germany, Spain and
India to complete the Top 5 nations in
this list. In terms of annual investment
in the wind energy sector in 2013,
China ranked number one followed by
Germany, UK, India and Canada.
World’s
aggregate
wind
power
capacity during 2013 stood at 3,18,000
MW.
8) The Department of Telecom (DoT)
is considering merger of Mumbai and
Kolkata circles with Maharashtra and
West Bengal service areas. This step
will
end
roaming
charges
on
subscribers travelling from these two
cities to other parts in respective
states and vice versa. Which Telecom
Minister had in 2004 started the
discussion to merge certain circles like
Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai into
7) Who
was
the
founder
of
the
Jharkhand Disom Party (JDP) which
merged with the BJP on 18 August
Page
45 CURRENT AFFAIRS
2014? – Salkhan Murmu
their respective states? – Dayanidhi
Maran
Explanation : Dayanidhi Maran, the
then Telecom Minister in 2004, had
Explanation : Jharkhand Disom Party
asked the DoT to merge Chennai
(JDP)
by
service area with Tamil Nadu, Mumbai
Salkhan Murmu, who was a former MP
with Maharashtra and Kolkata with
of the BJP. It was founded with the
West Bengal so that customers are not
objective of working for the rights of
required to pay roaming charges within
the
of
a state. Later, plans for merger of Uttar
Jharkhand. The party was merged with
Pradesh West and East were also
the BJP as it wants to fight the next
taken up. However, in 2005, only
was
Adivasi
founded
(tribal)
in
2002
people
Chennai was merged with Tamil Nadu.
August 20, 2014
capital
Hyderabad,
who
originally
came from Andhra areas were scared
with this survey as they felt that the
information collected from them would
be used against them at a later stage.
As various sections of the state
populace were apprehensive about
this survey, the matter was taken to
Page
46 CURRENT AFFAIRS
1) What
is
the
name
of
the
the
Hyderabad
High
Court
about
controversial survey conducted by the
validity of the survey. The High Court
Telangana Government throughout the
on 14 August 2014 permitted the
state on 19 August 2014 and due to
Telangana government to go ahead
which various sections of the state
with the survey on the assurance of
were scared and apprehensive? –
the state’s Advocate General that the
“Samagra
exercise
Kutumbh
Survey”
or
was
not
mandatory and
“Intensive Household Survey”
denizens could choose not to answer
Explanation :
the
The
“Intensive
queries
of
enumerators.
The
Household Survey”, completed in one
survey was conducted across the ten
day across Telangana, was to identify
districts in the state with the help of
genuine beneficiaries of government
four lakh government employees and
welfare
a
measures.
The
surveyors
huge
team
of
outsourced
sought to see bank account details
enumerators in the state.
and the Aadhar card. The government
2) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on
had
the
18 August 2014 constituted a 15-
Act.
member inter-regulatory committee to
Residents of Telangana, especially
monitor the growing phenomenon of
declared
Shops
and
holidays
under
Establishment
shadow
banking.
Who
has
been
Manipur. She began her fast on 4
appointed as the Chairman of this
November 2000 after witnessing the
committee?
killing of 10 people by the army at a
– P.
Vijaya
Bhaskar (Executive Director, RBI)
bus stop near her home in Manipur.
Explanation : Shadow banking refers
to banking-like activity by non-banking
finance
companies
(NBFCs)
that
remain outside the regulatory net.
Page
47 CURRENT AFFAIRS
They
generally
operate
as
Her
protests
against
the
abuses
allegedly committed by security forces
are subject of which law, which has
been opposed in the state? – Armed
Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA)
intermediaries between investors and
Explanation : Sharmila, known as the
borrowers. The role of this newly
Iron
constituted committee will be to find
unwavering and non-violent protest,
out the volume of money in shadow
has refused food and water for almost
banks, who the investors are and
14 years to draw attention to abuses
direction of the money flow, etc. Also
allegedly committed by security forces,
real estate dealings will be looked into
a subject which comes under the
very meticulously by the committee.
purview of the AFSPA. The AFSPA,
The 15-member committee comprises
which
of officials of the RBI, Securities and
northeastern India and Kashmir, gives
Exchange Board of India (SEBI),
security forces sweeping powers to
Central Economic Intelligence Bureau
search, enter property and shoot-on-
and the National Housing Bank (NHB).
sight and is seen by critics as cover for
Lady
of
covers
Manipur
large
for
parts
her
of
human rights abuses.
3) A Manipur court on 19 August 2014
ordered
the
woman
Irom
release
of
Sharmila,
Manipuri
who
4) What is the name of the Mission
has
Director of the Direct Benefits Transfer
staged a 14-year hunger strike in
(DBT) Scheme, who resigned from the
protest at human rights abuses in
post
during
August
2014?
– S.
Sundareshan
upcoming ODI series against England,
Explanation :
Sundareshan
was
a
1976 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre
and was appointed Mission Director,
Direct Benefits Transfer Scheme, in
June
2013.
The
reason
for
his
Chief Coach Duncan Fletcher? – Ravi
Shastri, Former Indian cricketer and
captain
Explanation :
While
Fletcher
will
continue as the head coach of the
much touted DBT programme was
team,
rolled-out
indication
by
the
previous
UPA
the
shake-up
that
his
is
wings
a
clear
will
be
government on 1 January 2013, for
clipped. Under pressure to act after
transferring
various
India’s disastrous performance in the
welfare schemes through the Aadhaar-
Test series, the BCCI also appointed
linked platform. The UPA government
former players Sanjay Bangar and
had also initiated transfer of LPG
Bharat Arun as assistant coaches and
subsidy through DBT from 1 June
R. Sridhar as the fielding coach as it
2013, under which consumers are paid
revamped
cash subsidy to help them buy LPG
BCCI also gave a “break” to bowling
cylinders at market price.
coach Joe Dawes and fielding coach
subsidies
of
Director of the Indian cricket team by
48 CURRENT AFFAIRS
a decision which virtually sidelined
resignation was not disclosed. The
5) Who was appointed as the Team
Page
the BCCI on 19 August 2014 for the
the
team
management.
Trevor Penny for the upcoming ODI
series.
August 21, 2014
Iyengar) is credited with integrating the
eight aspects of astanga yoga, now
known as ‘Iyengar’s Yoga’. His iconic
book
“Light
on Yoga” has been
translated into 19 languages and has
sold more than 3 million
worldwide.
Padma
He
was
Vibhushan,
copies
awarded
the
India’s second
highest civilian award, during the
Republic Day celebrations earlier this
year.
1) World-renowned Yoga guru B.K.S.
Page
49 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Iyengar passed away at a Pune
hospital on 20 August 2014 at the age
2) Who
of 96 years. He was considered one of
committee to recommend restructuring
the foremost Yoga teachers in the
of Food Corporation of India (FCI) that
world and founded the style of yoga
was
known as “Iyengar Yoga”. Iyegar is
Government on 20 August 2014? –
credited
Shanta Kumar
with
providing
global
is
heading
constituted
by
high-level
the
Union
popularity to Yoga with his unusual
Explanation : Shanta Kumar is the
style. What is the name of the iconic
former Chief Minister of Himachal
book
is
Pradesh and is presently a Lok Sabha
considered as the Bible of Modern
MP of the BJP. The committee will
Yoga? – “Light on Yoga”
mainly
Explanation : B.K.S Iyengar (full name
restructuring or unbundling of FCI to
Bellur
improve its operational efficiency and
written
by
him
Krishnamachar
which
Sundararaja
study
various
models
of
financial management as well as
programme
will
be
used
for
measures for overall improvement in
infrastructure investments in India.
management of foodgrains by FCI. It is
commonly
perceived
that
FCI
is
plagued with several functional and
cost inefficiencies, which need to be
removed for efficient management of
foodgrains and saving costs.
4) On 20 August 2014 the Finance
Ministry ordered a forensic audit to be
done at the branches of two banks in
view of the reports of misappropriation
of funds worth Rs. 436 crore. Which
two banks are involved in this matter?
3) Which international finance entity
– Dena Bank and Oriental Bank of
launched a $2.5-billion onshore Indian
Commerce (OBC)
rupee bond programme on 20 August
2014 so as to strengthen the capital
market
and
support
infrastructure
development in India? – International
Page
50 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Finance Corporation (IFC)
Explanation :
reports,
a
According
to
Mumbai-based
media
branch
manager of Dena Bank mobilised fixed
deposits (FDs), using middlemen, to
the tune of Rs 256.5 crore from seven
Explanation : IFC is a member of the
corporates, while in the case of OBC,
World Bank Group. It finances and
misappropriation of funds to the tune
provides advice for private sector
of Rs. 180 crore was reported. In the
ventures and projects in developing
wake of rising scams in public sector
countries in partnership with domestic
banks, the Finance Ministry is looking
financial institutions and banks. Under
at
the rupee bond programme, IFC will
strengthening of risk management,
use
rupee-
appointment of bank chiefs for longer
denominated bonds and swaps to
tenures, separation of posts and better
raise local currency financing of up to
quality of nominee and independent
$2.5 billion or Rs. 15,000 crore over
directors.
a
combination
of
the next five years. Proceeds from the
various
steps,
including
5) Who took over as the fourth Deputy
Before taking this responsibility at RBI,
Governor of the Reserve Bank of India
Mundra
(RBI) during July 2014? – Subhash
Managing
Sheoratan Mundra (S.S. Mundra)
public-sector bank – Bank of Baroda
Explanation : S.S. Mundra took the
charge as the Deputy Governor of the
RBI on 31 July 2014. Three other
deputy governors of the RBI are Urjit
Patel, HR Khan, and R. Gandhi.
was
the
Director
Chairman
and
(CMD)
the
of
(BOB). Mundra filled the vacancy
created by the retirement of K.C.
Chakrabarty in April 2014, two months
before his five-year tenure was come
to an end.
August 22, 2014
services
are
available
to
citizens
electronically? –‘Digital India’ Project
Explanation : The project, which has a
total overlay of Rs 1 lakh crore, aims
to ensure that government services
are available to citizens electronically
and help people gain benefits from the
Page
51 CURRENT AFFAIRS
latest information and communication
1) What is the name of the ambitious
technology.
e-governance project of the Union
envisages bringing all the existing
Govt., which was approved by the
initiatives such as the Ebiz project, E-
Union Cabinet on 20 August 2014 and
kranti, virtual classroom, e-visas and
which aims to ensure that government
the National Optical Fibre Network
‘Digital
India’
project
project under a single umbrella. Other
programmes include implementation of
3) What is the name of the American
e-office
Government
journalist who was killed by the
departments paperless, encouraging
militants of the Islamic State of Iraq
domestic manufacturing of electronic
and Syria (ISIS) by beheading, as
products and kick starting Research &
shown in a video released by the
Development
militants on 19 August 2014? – James
to
make
and
entrepreneurship
development fund. The project was
unveiled in the Budget 2014-15 and is
being directly monitored by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
Foley
Explanation : The militants of the
Islamic State had released a horrific
video which contained the beheading
of
2) Who was chosen as the next Prime
Minister of Thailand by country’s juntaappointed legislature on 21 August
2014? – General Prayuth Chan-ocha
Explanation : General Prayuth Chanocha is due to retire from the army
U.S.
freelance
photojournalist
James Foley. The White House on 20
August 2014 authenticated the video
as real. James Foley thus became the
first American citizen to be formally
executed
under
the
ISIS
establishment.
Page
52 CURRENT AFFAIRS
during September 2014 and was the
only candidate put forward for the post
4) What is the name of the Punjabi
of Prime Minister. He served as de
film, the slated release of which on 22
facto
the
August 2014 was stopped by the
elected govt. of Yingluck Shinawatra
Union Govt. on 21 August 2014? –
on 22 May 2014. Thai legislature’s
‘Kaum De Heere‘
premier
since
toppling
choice of Gen. Prayuth as next Prime
Minister will now be endorsed by Thai
King Bhumibol Adulyadej as a mere
formality.
Explanation : ‘Kaum De Heere‘ is a
Punjabi film on former Prime Minister
Indira Gandhi’s assassination and its
release was barred by the govt. citing
apprehensions
order
Explanation : Hindustan Unilever was
problems in parts of the country. The
listed at 14th place and in the list and
decision was taken collectively by the
was followed by TCS (57th place), L&T
Information and Broadcasting Ministry,
(58th place), Sun Pharma Industries
Home Ministry and the Central Board
(65thplace) and Bajaj Auto (96th place)
of Film Certification (CBFC) after
among Indian companies. The list has
watching
been
topped
reportedly based on the lives of the
global
cloud
assassins of the late Prime Minister
Salesforce for the fourth year in a row.
Indira Gandhi – Beant Singh, Satwant
Forbes’ ‘World’s 100 Most Innovative
Singh
Companies’ is based on innovation
the
and
of
law
movie.
Kehar
and
The
Singh
film
and
is
is
alleaged to glorify their act.
by
California-based
computing
company
premium, which is a measure of how
much investors have bid up the stock
5) Which 5 Indian companies were
listed
among
‘World’s
100
Forbes’
Most
list
of
the
Innovative
Companies’ released on 20 August
2014?
– Hindustan
Unilever,
Tata
Consultancy Services (TCS), Larsen &
Toubro (L&T), Sun Pharma Industries
and Bajaj Auto
price of a company above the value of
its
existing
expectations
53 CURRENT AFFAIRS
of
future
based
on
innovative
results like new products, services and
markets. Salesforce, with a market cap
of
USD
35.87
billion,
had
an
innovation premium of 75.9% and
continued its reign as Forbes’ most
innovative company for the fourth
straight year.
Page
business
August 23-24, 2014
2) Which state government on 21
August 2014 announced proposal to
clamp complete prohibition on liquor in
various phases? – Kerala
Explanation : The Congress-led United
Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala,
which met 21 August 2014 to discuss
1) What is the name of India’s first
Naval vessel with all weapon systems
built
indigenously,
that
was
commissioned into the Indian Navy on
23 August 2014? – INS Kamorta
Explanation :
INS
Kamorta
the liquor policy of the government,
decided to bring in prohibition in a
phased
manner.
The
state
govt.
proposed to make Kerala a dry state in
10 years. Presently Gujarat is the only
dry state of India.
was
commissioned into the Indian Navy by
Page
54 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Defence
Minister
Arun
Jaitley
at
3) India’s
capital
market
regulator
Vishakhapatnam on 23 August. The
SEBI on 22 August 2014 ordered
first
was
which NBFC entity to refund the
handed over to Indian Navy by Garden
money raised from some 58.5 million
Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd.
customers
(GRSE) earlier on 12 July 2014.
investment schemes (CIS)? – Pearls
GRSE is a public-sector ship building
Agrotech Corp. Ltd
enterprise and has manufactured INS
Explanation :
indigenously-built
stealth
Kamorta. The ship will be based at the
Vishakhapatnam-based
Command of Indian Navy.
Eastern
through
Delhi-based
collective
Pearls
Agrotech operates from 15 regional
offices and had 3.35 million field
associates in 2011-12. SEBI found
languages and have been awarded
Pearls
with important literary prizes.
Agrotech
violating
CIS
regulations by mobilizing the money
without
being
registered
with
the
regulator. The company offered two
kinds of plans- a cash-down payment
plan and an instalment payment plan.
Under the former, it offered to allot
land to customers within 270 days of
payment and under the latter within 90
days.
5) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on
22 August 2014 released the charter
of customer rights, which seeks to
provide the right to be treated with
courtesy to both the customer and the
financial services provider. What are
the important clauses of this charter?
- The customer should not be unfairly
4) U.R. Ananthamurthy, the writer of
incredible
literary
works
like
‘Samskara’ and ‘Bharatipura’ and the
winner
of
India’s
highest
literary
award- the Janapith Award, passed
away on 22 August 2014. He did his
writings
in
which
language?
–
Kannada
Explanation : U.R. Ananthamurthy (full
Page
55 CURRENT AFFAIRS
name
Udupi
Rajagopalacharya
Ananthamurthy) was considered the
doyen of Kannada literature. He was
the pioneer of the ‘Navya’ movement.
His works have been translated into
several
Indian
and
European
discriminated against on grounds such
as gender, age, religion, caste and
physical ability when offering and
delivering financial products by the
financial services provider
- The key risks associated with the
financial product as well as any
features
that
may
especially
disadvantage the customer should be
made
known
to
him/her
by
the
financial services provider
-
The
financial
services
provider
should provide customers with product
terms and conditions that are in simple
language, easily understandable, and
with sufficient information that the
customer
could
be
reasonably
designed for members of a target
expected to make an appropriate
market group or may use defensible,
choice of product
commercially
- The financial services provider may,
however,
have
products
which
certain
are
special
acceptable
economic
rationale for discriminating between
customers
specifically
August 25, 2014
customer-friendly
payment
model
followed by certain service providers
Explanation :
stance
on
The
toughening
two-step
RBI
authentication
process is primarily aimed to set right
an unintended wrong arising out of the
1) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
during August 2014 notified that the
two-step authentication for credit card
Page
56 CURRENT AFFAIRS
transactions
including
‘card
not
present transactions’ is a must as
mandated
under
the
rules.
This
announcement was made by the RBI
primarily to set right which anomaly? –
To bring under check the so-called
so-called customer-friendly payment
model followed by certain service
providers. By doing so, they have
managed
to
authentication
give
the
requirement
two-step
a
slip.
According to the RBI, however, this is
resulting in foreign exchange outflow.
The non-adherence to the two-step
authentication process has also made
the field uneven for players especially
in
fields
such
as
taxi
operation.
Frequent taxi users among credit card
holders will prefer a cab provider who
accepts
a
hassle-free
payment
process.
3) Maharashtra
Governor
K.
Sankaranarayanan on 24 August 2014
quit the office consequent to his
transfer from Maharashtra. He was
2) History
was
created
at
Delhi’s
prestigious St. Stephen’s College on
transferred to which state as its next
Governor? – Mizoram
23 August 2014 as student from the
Explanation :
Hindi medium was elected president of
was transferred from Maharashtra to
its students’ union. What is the name
Mizoram on the same day. He was
of this student who achieved this
also the only Governor appointed by
success
humble
the Congress-led UPA to openly come
background for a college traditionally
out against the manner in which the
known as college of the elite? –Rohit
Modi
Kumar Yadav
resignation. He took strong exception
despite
his
Explanation : Rohit Kumar Yadav, is
the son of Harish Yadav, who works
K.
Sankaranarayanan
Government
sought
his
to the Union Home Secretary’s action
seeking his resignation.
as a gardener in the college premises.
A student of 3rd year BA Programme,
Rohit has been educated in Hindi
medium all through his student life. St.
Page
57 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Stephen’s
does
not
work
in
accordance with other Delhi University
colleges. While other colleges are yet
to
conduct
their
students’
union
elections, St. Stephen’s conducted its
polls on 23 August and announced the
result the same day.
4) Which company replaced IT giant
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as
India’s most admired company in
Forbes’ list of ‘India’s Most Admired
Companies for 2014’ released during
August 2014? – ITC Limited
Explanation : ITC Limited is tobaccoto-consumer
goods
conglomerate.
Releasing the third annual list of 45
most admired companies in India for
Record on 23 August 2014? – Katie
the
Ledecky
year
2014,
Forbes magazine
announced there are as many as 19
new entities on the list including GMR
Infra,
Shapoorji
Cellular, BSES
Pallonji,
Rajdhani
Idea
Limited,
Cognizant and Abbott Pharma. In the
latest list for the year 2014, ITC is
followed
by
infrastructure
engineering
major L&T,
and
Hindustan
Unilever, carmaker Maruti Suzuki and
public sector bank SBI among the top
five
most
admired
companies
in
Explanation :
17-year
old
Katie
Ledecky broke her own World Record
women’s 1500 m freestyle swimming
which she had set in June 2014 by
completing the event in 15 minutes
28.36 seconds. She hacked almost six
seconds off her previous record. This
feat was achieved at the ongoing Pan
Pacific Championships being held in
Gold Coast, Australia.
India. In comparison, the list for 2013
was topped by TCS, followed by HUL,
6) Who won the Belgian F1 Grand Prix
ITC, Infosys and SBI at in the top-five.
held on 24 August 2014? – Daniel
TCS has moved down to the sixth
Ricciardo of Red Bull team
position this year. The rankings are
based on a survey of over 1,500
companies as per responses from the
top industry executives, including on
Page
58 CURRENT AFFAIRS
the basis of peer group response.
Explanation : Australian driver Daniel
Ricciardo pipped this year’s F1 leader
Nico Rosberg (Germany) to second
spot while third place was claimed by
Williams’ Valttteri Bottas (Germany).
Now Red Bull’s Rosberg has 29 points
5) What is the name of the American
teenaged swimmer who broke her own
women’s 1500 m freestyle World
lead
over
his
teammate
Lewis
Hamilton (Great Britain) for 2014’s F1
title.
August 26, 2014
to
automate
undertake
a
the
new
process
project
and
called
“Knowledge Vault”. “Knowledge Vault”
has pulled in 1.6 billion facts to date.
1) Search engine behemoth Google is
in the process of building the largest
store of information in human history
that
autonomously
gathers
and
merges data from across the web to
provide unprecedented access to all
facts about the world. What is the
name given to this enormous project of
information
and
implemented
knowledge
by
Google?
made from 1993 to 2011 illegal and
arbitrary.
How
many
coal
block
allocations stand cancelled with this
order? – 218
–
Centre on this issue, the SC Bench
elaborated that the entire allocation of
be a type of knowledge base or a
system that stores information so that
59 CURRENT AFFAIRS
declared all coal block allocations
Explanation : While pulling up the
Explanation : “Knowledge Vault” will
Page
Supreme Court on 25 August 2014
being
“Knowledge Vault”
machines as well as people can read
it. Google’s existing knowledge base,
called “Knowledge Graph” relies on
crowd-sourcing
2) In an important development, the
to
expand
its
information. However, humans could
only take it so far so Google decided
218 coal blocks as recommended by
the Screening Committee from 14 July
1993,
in
allocation
government
36
meetings
made
and
through
dispensation
the
the
route
suffered from the vice of arbitrariness
and legal flaws. Though the present
judgment would imply that the coal
block allocations are to be cancelled,
the Bench said the consequences of
declaring the allocations illegal would
seats. In Karnataka Congress secured
be considered on 1 September 2014
win in 2 assembly constituencies while
taking into account the investments
1 seat went into BJP’s fold. In Punjab,
made
various
Congress and the ruling Shiromani
projects and the procedure to be
Akali Dal (SAD) shared one seat each
adopted for cancellation. In February
while in Madhya Pradesh BJP won 2
2012, the court had also ordered the
and Congress got 1 seat.
by
companies
for
cancellation of spectrum allocations
and directed fresh auction.
4) French President Francois Hollande
dissolved
on
25
August 2014 and after accepting the
Assembly
Bihar,
resignation of Prime Minister Manuel
and
Valls and ordering him to form a new
Karnataka came as a setback for the
government by 26 August. What was
ruling National Democratic Alliance
the main reason for resignation of
(NDA) as Congress-led opposition
Manuel Valls’ Socialist government? –
scored a major win over NDA. How
The
many seats were won by Congress
economy
constituencies
Madhya
in
Pradesh
and its allies? – 10
issue
Explanation :
of
country’s
France
stagnant
has
had
Explanation : Congress and its allies
effectively no economic growth this
won
year
10
out
constituencies
60 CURRENT AFFAIRS
government
3) The results of the by-elections in 18
Punjab,
Page
the
were
held
of
18
where
during
Assembly
by-elections
August
2014.
and
President
approval ratings are at an all-time low.
The country is under pressure from the
Remaining 8 seats were won by BJP
European
and its allies. The so-called “Grand-
finances in order.
Alliance”
of
RJD-JDU-Congress
in
Bihar won 6 out of 10 seats while BJP
won and its allies won the remaining 4
Hollande’s
Union
(EU)
to
get
its
5) Renowned
Sir
In his 60-plus years of acting, he
Richard Attenborough passed away at
amassed some 70 acting credits,
the age of 90 on 24 August 2014. As
including “Brighton Rock,” “The Great
the Director of much-lauded “Gandhi”
Escape,”
he became an unflagging pillar to
Rillington Place,” “Jurassic Park” (as
British cinema. In which year his film
the failed theme park developer) and
“Gandhi” won 8 Oscar awards to etch
the 1994 remake of “Miracle on
its name in the history of film making?
34th Street.” (Naturally, he played Kris
– 1982
Kringle.) He was a constant advocate
Explanation :
Actor-Director
He
won
the
1982
Academy Award (Oscar) for Best
Director and the Academy Award for
Best Picture for “Gandhi”. Apart from
his
film-making
talent,
Richard
Attenborough was a prolific actor too.
“Doctor
Dolittle,”
“10
for the British film industry as well as
other humanitarian causes, including
his extensive work as a goodwill
ambassador for UNICEF. He was
awarded the Martin Luther King Jr.
Peace Prize in 1983.
August 27, 2014
1) Tata Value Homes, a subsidiary of
Page
61 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Tata Housing with focus on affordable
housing, on 26 August 2014 entered
into partnership with which online
seller to enable users to buy houses
online? – Snapdeal
Explanation :
As
partnership,
about
part
1,000
of
the
homes
across projects in cities like Mumbai,
Home Minister Rajnath Singh. What is
Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore and
the name of this newly constituted
Chennai will be put up for sale on
panel? – ‘Margadarshak Mandal’
Snapdeal. These houses are priced
between Rs. 18-70 lakh and range
from
1
BHK
to
3
BHK.
Upon
possession of the house, customers
buying the house through Snapdeal
will get Rs. 10,000 per month for a
year as an assured rent (whether they
stay on premise or lease it out) as part
of the deal. Tata Value Homes will
continue to sell through its own portal
Explanation : The trio of Atal Bihari
Vajpayee,
L.K.
Advani
and
Murli
Manohar Joshi had occupied the top
rung of BJP since the formation of the
party in 1980. Vajpayee has been
unwell, and has not been active in
politics for several years. L.K. Advani
and Murli Manohar Joshi are still
active in politics.
as well.
3) Which four persons were named as
2) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
dropped veteran leaders Atal Bihari
Vajpayee,
L.K.
Advani
and
Murli
Manohar Joshi from its parliamentary
Board, the party’s highest decisionmaking body, on 26 August 2014. The
Page
62 CURRENT AFFAIRS
three veterans, leading lights of the
BJP for nearly four decades, were
dropped
from
its
central
election
committee too. The three leaders were
however placed in a new five-member
guidance panel along with Prime
Minister Narendra Modi and Union
the new Governors of the four states
of Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka
and Goa by the President on 26
August
2014?
(Rajasthan),
(Maharashtra),
C.
– Kalyan
Vidyasagar
Vajubhai
Singh
Rao
Rudabhai
Vala (Karnataka) and Mridula Sinha
(Goa)
Explanation : Kalyan Singh is a former
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. C.
Vidyasagar Rao is a former Union
Minister while Vajubhai Rudabhai Vala
is a senior leader of the BJP. Mridula
Sinha is a renowned Hindi writer and
storey
is a
Mahila Morcha
synagogue, a cafeteria and a function
president Mridula Sinha. On the other
room for the Jewish community. The
hand Manipur Governor Vinod Kumar
top two floors, due to be turned into a
Duggal will continue to hold additional
museum, have been left bearing the
charge
damage from bullets and grenades as
former
of
BJP
Mizoram
until
regular
has
a
a reminder of the tragedy.
4) What is the name of the Jewish
5) What is the name of the probe
centre in Mumbai that reopened on 26
launched by American space agency
August 2014, nearly six years after
NASA which passed Neptune’s orbit
heavily-armed
on 25 August 2014? – ‘New Horizons’
Pakistani
terrorists
people inside during the infamous
terrorist attacks of 2008? – Chabad
House
63 CURRENT AFFAIRS
House
arrangement for the office is made.
stormed the building and killed six
Page
Chabad
Explanation :
‘New
Horizons’
was
launched on 19 January 2006 from
Cape Canaveral to study the dwarf
planet Pluto, its moons and one or two
Explanation : Chabad House is the
Kuiper Belt objects. It is scheduled to
name of a Jewish centre in South
pass through the Pluto system on 14
Mumbai was left bullet-ridden and
July 2015. The probe craft passed
bereft of its directors Rabbi Gavriel
through Neptune’s orbit nearly 25
Holtzberg and his pregnant wife Rivky,
years after Voyager 2 spacecraft
who were both killed in the siege. They
executed the first-ever flyby of faraway
were among 166 people killed in the
Neptune and its icy moon Triton.
three-day onslaught which started on
the evening of 26 November 2008,
which targeted five-star hotels, the
popular Leopold Cafe and the main
train station. The refurbished five-
6) Sheila
Dikshit
tendered
her
resignation on 26 August 2014 as the
Governor of which state? – Kerala
Explanation : The former Delhi chief
7) The trustees of the Employees’
minister Sheila Dikshit was appointed
Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)
the Governor of Kerala by the UPA-II
on 26 August 2014 retained the rate of
government about five months ago.
interest on provident fund deposits for
She thus became the eighth Governor
2014-15. The move will benefit over 5
to have resigned since the Narendra
crore subscribers across the country.
Modi government came to power on
What is this retained rate of interest? –
26 May 2014.
8.75% per annum
August 28, 2014
time by Air India. ‘Air-India Day’ stands
for what? – Air India’s amalgamation
with erstwhile Indian Airlines into one
airline as ‘Air India’ on 27 August 2007
Explanation : Rs. 100 tickets are being
sold only through Air India website
from 27-31 August for travel during 27
Page
64 CURRENT AFFAIRS
August to 30 September 2014.
1) India’s national carrier offered air
tickets at Rs. 100 (excluding fuel
surcharge, taxes and fees) for five
days beginning 27 August 2014 on the
occasion of ‘Air India Day’. ‘Air India
Day’ is being celebrated for the first
2) 19th Rajiv Gandhi National Quality
Awards
for
announced
the
by
year
Union
2012
Minister
were
for
Consumer Affairs, Food and Public
Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan on 26
August 2014. Which organisation has
won the highest prize under this Award
Explanation : According to the Britain-
category?
based Syrian Observatory for Human
– Rail
Wheel
factory
(Ministry of Railways), Bangalore
Explanation : The award winners and
recipients
of
commendation
certificates were selected from a total
of 63 applicants from various sectors
following vigorous evaluation by a
group
of
qualified
and
trained
professionals from different spheres of
intellectual activity. The awards, given
annually, were instituted by the Bureau
of Indian Standards (BIS) in the year
1991 with a view to encouraging
Indian
manufacturing
and
Rights, Douglas McCain died in a
battle between rival extremist groups
in
the
suburbs
of
Aleppo,
the
commercial capital and largest city of
Syria. He reportedly converted from
Christianity to Islam several years ago.
While McCain is the first American
jihadi to have died fighting for ISIL in
Syria, he is not the only one. The US
estimates say that there are about 100
American passport holders who are
fighting for ISIS in Syria and Iraq.
service
organizations to strive for excellence
and giving special recognition to those,
who are considered to be the leaders
of quality movement in India.
4) Ratan Tata, Tata Sons Chairman
Emeritus,
recently
investments
marketplace
in
made
personal
which
online
company?
–
Page
65 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Snapdeal.com
3) What is the name of the U.S. citizen
Explanation : Snapdeal is the second
who came to limelight for being the
largest online marketplace in India
first American jihadi to have died in
after Flipkart.com. The company has
Syria while fighting for Islamic State of
raised about $400 million since its
Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a terrorist outfit
inception and has invested about $100
that has gained control of large parts
million in logistics and operations to
of Syria and Iraq? – Douglas McAuthur
expand its presence in the $3 billion
McCain
Indian e-Commerce market. Snapdeal
currently
houses
million
defines the cables, connectors and
diverse
communications protocols used in a
categories from over 50,000 sellers.
bus for connection, communication,
Snapdeal claims that it had seen
and power supply between computers
600% growth year-on-year for the last
and electronic devices. The first USB
two years.
standard
products
over
across
5
500
was
1.0
which
was
introduced in January 1996. The USB
5) The
(UIF)
USB
has
Implementers
come
up
Forum
with
the
specifications for a new USB standard.
This standard would make it sure that
there’s a new universal port where it
doesn’t
matter
which
side
faces
upwards or which end of the cable is
used. What is the name of this new
upcoming USB standard? –USB 3.1
3.1 is will be an update of USB 3.0
which was released in November
2008. It will be backward compatible
with USB 3.0 and USB 2.0. Using
three power profiles of those defined in
the USB Power Delivery Specification
it lets devices with larger energy
demands request higher currents and
supply voltages from compliant hosts.
USB 3.1 is compatible with up to
Explanation : USB stands for Universal
10Gbps data transfer rates. That
Serial
means a full movie can be transferred
Bus,
developed
an
in
industry
the
standard
mid-1990s
that
in a single second, theoretically.
Page
66 CURRENT AFFAIRS
August 29-30, 2014
1) The city of Chennai celebrated its
landmark anniversary during August
2014. What landmark anniversary is
this? – 375th
Explanation : The city of Chennai
domestic natural gas came after a
(previously
series
known
as
Madras)
of
consultations
committee.
August 2014. The city was established
recommendations said that natural
on 22 August 1639 as on this date the
resources should be priced at the
East India Company acquired a small
highest price possible in the market,
piece
of
based on market-determined pricing.
Chandragiri (Peda Venkata Raya) for
This will ensure energy security for the
establishing Fort St. George. This
country
event
the
exploration and production, efficient
modern city of Madras, which slowly
use of the resource and reduction in
started building up around Fort St.
the import burden. The first report of
George. The city thus completed 375
this committee was brought out in
years
January 2014.
land
laid
of
from
the
its
the
king
foundation
of
establishment
during
by
committee
encouraging
in
the
celebrated its 375th anniversary on 22
of
The
by
its
domestic
August 2014.
3) 2nd Summer
2) What
is
the
most
recommendation
Committee
on
of
gas
the
concluded at China’s Nanjing city on
Kelkar
28 August 2014. Which country topped
pricing,
as
committee presented during August
Page
67 CURRENT AFFAIRS
2014? – Domestic gas prices should
be linked to the market
The
Olympics
important
disclosed in the second report of the
Explanation :
Youth
the medals tally at these games? –
China
Explanation : Hosts China won 38
gold, 13 silver and 14 bronze medals
to top the medals tally with a total of
committee
to
65 medals. Russia was second with 27
recommend a new gas-pricing formula
gold medals and the United States
was constituted in 2013 under former
was third with 10 gold medals. The
Finance Secretary Vijay Kelkar. The
second edition of Summer Youth
suggestion of market-linked pricing for
Olympics 2014 was held from 16 to 28
August 2014 at Nanjing. The first-ever
Summer Youth Olympic Game was
held in 2010 at Vancouver (Canada).
5) The Central Board of Direct Taxes
(CBDT) on 28 August 2014 constituted
a high-level committee to scrutinise all
4) To strengthen warehousing facilities
in the commodity futures market,
regulator
Forward
Markets
Commission (FMC) has come out with
which
important
proposal
during
govt. official heads this committee? –
TheJoint Secretary of the Foreign Tax
and Tax Research Unit -1 of CBDT
Explanation :
be established for the accreditation of
about this mechanism was announced
warehousing service providers
by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his
public comments have been sought by
15 September 2014, come in the wake
of Rs 5,600 crore payment scam at the
National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL)
that
surfaced
in
July
last
year,
exposing loopholes in the system. The
proposed changes are being made
because at present no uniform norms
are being followed by national level
68 CURRENT AFFAIRS
retrospective tax amendment. Which
August 2014? – Uniform norms should
Explanation : The draft rules, on which
Page
income tax cases arising out of the
commodity
exchanges
for
accreditation of warehousing service
providers (WSPs).
The
announcement
Budget 2014-15 speech on 10 July
2014. According to the terms of
reference for the new committee, it
would decide on such retrospective
cases within of 60 days of receiving
them from the Assessing Officer.
Retrospective tax is the tax rate levied
by income tax department which is
perceived higher by the company
being assessed, charged higher due to
some unknown reasons.
August 31, 2014
on 30 August 2014 to turn Varanasi
into a ‘smart city’. This MOU was
signed on the occasion of Indian Prime
Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit
to Japan. Which Japanese city would
provide its expertise to turn Varanasi
in a smart city? – Kyoto
1) Narendra Modi arrived at which
Explanation : Under the signed MOU a
country on 30 August 2014 on his first
‘Smart Heritage Cities Programme’
bilateral foreign visit outside South
would be implemented in Varanasi.
Asia after becoming Prime Minister? –
Under this programme Kyoto will
Japan
provide cooperation in the fields of
Explanation : Prime Minister Narendra
Modi arrived at Tokyo on his five-day
official
visit
to
Japan.
The
two
countries Modi visited before Japan
are Bhutan and Nepal. This Japan visit
is expected to boost bilateral relations
Page
69 CURRENT AFFAIRS
in several key fields such as defence,
civil nuclear and infrastructure besides
conservation and modernisation of
Varanasi, as well as art, culture and
academics. Kyoto is called the city of
ten thousand shrines and has been
the imperial capital of Japan for more
than
1,000
years.
The
city
has
modernised while keeping its old city,
temples and monuments alive.
commerce.
3) Prof. Bipan Chandra, who passed
2) India
and
Japan
signed
a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
away on 30 August 2014, was a
renowned
academician
with which field? – History
associated
Explanation : Prof. Bipan Chandra was
Which player defeated Sindhu in this
considered
match? – Carolina Marin of Spain
to
be
a
specialist in
economic and political history of India.
He wrote several authentic books on
modern Indian history including ‘The
Rise
and
Growth
Nationalism’,
‘In
of
the
Economic
Name
of
Democracy: The JP Movement and
the
Emergency’,
‘Nationalism
and
Colonialism in Modern India’ and ‘The
Making of Modern India: From Marx to
Gandhi’. Prof. Chandra had donned
multiple
roles
including
that
of
chairperson of the Centre for Historical
Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University,
Member
of
the
University Grants
Explanation :
9th seeded
Carolina
Marin defeated P.V. Sindhu by 21-17,
21-15 to reach women’s singles final.
She will take on World No.1 and
reigning Olympic champion Li Xuerui
of China in the finals. The 11th seeded
Sindhu had created history on 29
August 2014 when she made into the
semi-finals to become the first Indian
to
notch
two
medals
at
the
badminton’s most prestigious event,
having also clinched the bronze last
year in Guangzhou.
Commission (UGC) and the Chairman
of the National Book Trust (NBT). His
5) What is the GDP growth rate of
text books on History have been
India during the first quarter (April-
taught in schools and colleges in the
June) of 2014-15, which is the best
country for a long time.
growth rate in around ten quarters? –
Page
70 CURRENT AFFAIRS
5.7%
4) India’s P.V. Sindhu had to be
content with the bronze medal in
women’s singles event at the World
Badminton Championships held at
Copenhagen (Denmark) after she lost
in the semi-final on 30 August 2014.
Explanation : The GDP growth of 5.7%
during first quarter (Q1) was recorded
as compared with the same quarter of
2013-14.
According
to
the
data
released by the Central Statistics
Office (CSO) on 29 August 2014,
quarterly
at
economic activities which registered
constant (2004-2005) prices for Q1 of
significant growth in Q1 of 2014-15
2014-15 is estimated at Rs14.38 lakh
over Q1 of 2013-14 are electricity, gas
crore, as against Rs13.61 lakh crore in
& water supply at 10.2%, financing,
Q1 of 2013-14, showing a growth rate
insurance, real estate and business
of
services at 10.4% and ‘community,
5.7%
71 CURRENT AFFAIRS
quarter
Page
GDP
over
of
at
factor
the
previous
cost
corresponding
year.
The
social and personal services’ at 9.1%.
Current Affairs | Banking & Financial | Daily Multiple Choice Questions | Free PDF