Indian workers win $ 20 mn settlement with US co
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NEW YORK: Nearly 200 Indian workers, brought to the US by an American marine construction firm to repair damaged oil rigs and other facilities in the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina, have won a US $ 20 million settlement against the company accused of defrauding and exploiting them.
The agreement has been reached to resolve numerous labour trafficking lawsuits against Signal International that was found liable by a federal jury this year for defrauding and exploiting workers it lured from India.
The lawsuits are among the largest labour trafficking cases in US history.
The Alabama-based company will also issue an apology to the Indian workers, who brought to the US to be employed as welders, pipefitters and in other positions to repair oil rigs and other facilities damaged by the 2005 hurricane.
The workers allegedly each paid the labor recruiters and a lawyer between US $ 10,000 and US $ 20,000 or more in recruitment fees and other costs after recruiters promised good jobs, green cards and permanent US residency for them and their families.
Most sold property or plunged their families deeply into debt to pay the fees, according to a statement yesterday from Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC), a civil rights law firm that spearheaded the lawsuits.
However, when the men arrived from India in 2006, they discovered that they would not receive the green cards or permanent residency that had been promised.
The company also allegedly forced them each to pay US $ 1,050 a month to live in "isolated, guarded labor camps" where as many as 24 men were cramped in small rooms while none of the company's non-Indian workers were required to live in the company housing.
Signal has filed for bankruptcy protection and the agreement, once approved, would resolve the 11 lawsuits against it representing the more than 200 Indian workers.
"These workers have waited seven long years for justice. This agreement and apology from the company will allow the workers to finally move on with their lives. It also serves as a warning to companies that might exploit guest workers," SPLC deputy legal director Jim Knoepp said.
In February, a federal jury in New Orleans awarded USD 14 million in damages to five Indian guest workers represented by the SPLC, finding that the company and its agents engaged in labor trafficking, fraud, racketeering and discrimination.
The jury also found that one of the plaintiffs was a victim of false imprisonment and retaliation.
NEW YORK: Nearly 200 Indian workers, brought to the US by an American marine construction firm to repair damaged oil rigs and other facilities in the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina, have won a US $ 20 million settlement against the company accused of defrauding and exploiting them. The agreement has been reached to resolve numerous labour trafficking lawsuits against Signal International that was found liable by a federal jury this year for defrauding and exploiting workers it lured from India.
The lawsuits are among the largest labour trafficking cases in US history.
The Alabama-based company will also issue an apology to the Indian workers, who brought to the US to be employed as welders, pipefitters and in other positions to repair oil rigs and other facilities damaged by the 2005 hurricane.
The workers allegedly each paid the labor recruiters and a lawyer between US $ 10,000 and US $ 20,000 or more in recruitment fees and other costs after recruiters promised good jobs, green cards and permanent US residency for them and their families.
Most sold property or plunged their families deeply into debt to pay the fees, according to a statement yesterday from Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC), a civil rights law firm that spearheaded the lawsuits.
However, when the men arrived from India in 2006, they discovered that they would not receive the green cards or permanent residency that had been promised.
The company also allegedly forced them each to pay US $ 1,050 a month to live in "isolated, guarded labor camps" where as many as 24 men were cramped in small rooms while none of the company's non-Indian workers were required to live in the company housing.
Signal has filed for bankruptcy protection and the agreement, once approved, would resolve the 11 lawsuits against it representing the more than 200 Indian workers.
"These workers have waited seven long years for justice. This agreement and apology from the company will allow the workers to finally move on with their lives. It also serves as a warning to companies that might exploit guest workers," SPLC deputy legal director Jim Knoepp said.
In February, a federal jury in New Orleans awarded USD 14 million in damages to five Indian guest workers represented by the SPLC, finding that the company and its agents engaged in labor trafficking, fraud, racketeering and discrimination.
The jury also found that one of the plaintiffs was a victim of false imprisonment and retaliation.
6 Britons held for terror links deported; Indian still in jail
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BEIJING: Six Britons who were detained along with an Indian and 13 other foreigners in China for their alleged "terror links" have been deported to UK while Indian embassy officials were expected to have consular meeting with Rajiv Mohan Kulshrestha, who remained under detention.
Six Britons, who were detained have been deported, state-run Global Times reported on Thursday.
They were among 20 foreigners who were detained at Ordos Airport in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on July 10 on suspicion of terror links.
They allegedly watched promotion videos of a banned terror group in their hotel rooms. All the 20 members were linked to the South Africa-based charity, Gift of the Givers founded by Indian-origin Imtiaz Sooliman.
Of the 20, nine are British nationals and two are dual British-South African nationals in the group. Others included eight South Africans and one Indian, the Daily report said.
The group was on a 47-day tour to "explore the ancient China" before being arrested.
"Six have been deported, and the remainder [British nationals] are still detained. Consular staff have visited the group to provide assistance and we are liaising with Chinese authorities," a spokesperson of the British Embassy told the Global Times.
Indian officials were expected to meet Kulshrestha after the formalities related to consular access, officials said.
Chinese think-tanks defended the detention and deportation saying it was warranted as they violated Chinese law by watching a terror related video.
Li Wei, who specialised in counter-terrorism with the Chinese Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the daily that those who watched the terror video violated China's law on countering terrorism.
"Their detention was warranted," Li said, adding that the deportation was based on the international practice.
The UN security council has passed resolutions demanding countries to punish those who watch, promote and spread terror videos, Li said.
It was the first case which involved foreigners watching terror materials in China, and authorities have to investigate how they obtained those videos, he said. "If they brought the videos to China from abroad, then they are guilty of illegally carrying terror materials," Li said.
In a notice issued in 2014, the Muslim-dominated Xinjiang province's government banned sending, copying, reposting, uploading, playing and storing of terror-related videos and those violating the rules faced detention and criminal liabilities.
Xinjiang province bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Afghanistan has witnessed a string of attacks reportedly carried by separatist East Turkestan Islamic Movement, a group linked with al-Qaeda.
BEIJING: Six Britons who were detained along with an Indian and 13 other foreigners in China for their alleged "terror links" have been deported to UK while Indian embassy officials were expected to have consular meeting with Rajiv Mohan Kulshrestha, who remained under detention. Six Britons, who were detained have been deported, state-run Global Times reported on Thursday.
They were among 20 foreigners who were detained at Ordos Airport in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on July 10 on suspicion of terror links.
They allegedly watched promotion videos of a banned terror group in their hotel rooms. All the 20 members were linked to the South Africa-based charity, Gift of the Givers founded by Indian-origin Imtiaz Sooliman.
Of the 20, nine are British nationals and two are dual British-South African nationals in the group. Others included eight South Africans and one Indian, the Daily report said.
The group was on a 47-day tour to "explore the ancient China" before being arrested.
"Six have been deported, and the remainder [British nationals] are still detained. Consular staff have visited the group to provide assistance and we are liaising with Chinese authorities," a spokesperson of the British Embassy told the Global Times.
Indian officials were expected to meet Kulshrestha after the formalities related to consular access, officials said.
Chinese think-tanks defended the detention and deportation saying it was warranted as they violated Chinese law by watching a terror related video.
Li Wei, who specialised in counter-terrorism with the Chinese Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the daily that those who watched the terror video violated China's law on countering terrorism.
"Their detention was warranted," Li said, adding that the deportation was based on the international practice.
The UN security council has passed resolutions demanding countries to punish those who watch, promote and spread terror videos, Li said.
It was the first case which involved foreigners watching terror materials in China, and authorities have to investigate how they obtained those videos, he said. "If they brought the videos to China from abroad, then they are guilty of illegally carrying terror materials," Li said.
In a notice issued in 2014, the Muslim-dominated Xinjiang province's government banned sending, copying, reposting, uploading, playing and storing of terror-related videos and those violating the rules faced detention and criminal liabilities.
Xinjiang province bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Afghanistan has witnessed a string of attacks reportedly carried by separatist East Turkestan Islamic Movement, a group linked with al-Qaeda.
Pakistan summons Indian envoy over 'spy drone' issue
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NEW DELHI: Pakistan has summoned the Indian envoy to Foreign Office in Islamabad claiming violation of its territory by an alleged Indian "spy" drone which was being used for aerial photography near the Line of Control (LoC).
High commissioner T C A Raghavan was called to the Foreign Office today, an official of Indian mission said.
Pakistan on Wednesday claimed to have shot down an "Indian spy drone" at Bhimber along the line of control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
A Pakistani military statement said the drone was shot down after it violated Pakistan's airspace and "territorial integrity". "The spy drone is used for aerial photography," the statement said.
The Indian Army and the Air Force denied any of their drones had crashed or been shot down while operating along the LoC.
"Some reports of a drone crash in PoK are being referred to. No drone or UAV crash of the Indian Army has taken place," said a senior officer.
Experts said the drone shot down is sold commercially for aerial filming and contains no secret military technology.
A news agency quoted "Unmanned Systems" editor of IHS Jane's International Defence Review Huw Williams saying a Pakistani military photo appeared to show the drone is a Chinese-made DJI Phantom 3.
"Due to its limited operating range - about 2km - if the Indian military is using the system it would most likely be for close reconnaissance or security work," Williams said.
The Pakistani claim came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, in Russia.
Earlier this month, a Pakistani Rangers drone had crashed near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab's Shakargarh sector.
NEW DELHI: Pakistan has summoned the Indian envoy to Foreign Office in Islamabad claiming violation of its territory by an alleged Indian "spy" drone which was being used for aerial photography near the Line of Control (LoC).High commissioner T C A Raghavan was called to the Foreign Office today, an official of Indian mission said.
Pakistan on Wednesday claimed to have shot down an "Indian spy drone" at Bhimber along the line of control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
A Pakistani military statement said the drone was shot down after it violated Pakistan's airspace and "territorial integrity". "The spy drone is used for aerial photography," the statement said.
The Indian Army and the Air Force denied any of their drones had crashed or been shot down while operating along the LoC.
"Some reports of a drone crash in PoK are being referred to. No drone or UAV crash of the Indian Army has taken place," said a senior officer.
Experts said the drone shot down is sold commercially for aerial filming and contains no secret military technology.
A news agency quoted "Unmanned Systems" editor of IHS Jane's International Defence Review Huw Williams saying a Pakistani military photo appeared to show the drone is a Chinese-made DJI Phantom 3.
"Due to its limited operating range - about 2km - if the Indian military is using the system it would most likely be for close reconnaissance or security work," Williams said.
The Pakistani claim came days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Pakistani counterpart, Nawaz Sharif, in Russia.
Earlier this month, a Pakistani Rangers drone had crashed near the India-Pakistan border in Punjab's Shakargarh sector.
Vyapam scam: SC to hear CBI plea on July 20; MP bandh today, Cong seeks CM's resignation
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear on Monday the plea of CBI that Special Investigation Team (SIT) be allowed to file charge sheets in the Vyapam scam cases in which the investigation is over.
A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu, fixed the plea of the probe agency for hearing on July 20 and asked CBI to serve the copy of the application to the parties concerned.
Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Maninder Singh, appearing for CBI, said that the transfer of more than 185 Vyapam scam cases from SIT to CBI will take time and the state investigating agency be allowed to file charge sheets in the cases in which the probe is complete.
"Otherwise, the accused will get statutory bail on account of default of non-filing of charge sheets within stipulated time period," the ASG said.
On July 9, the Supreme Court had ordered transfer of the probe into all Vyapam scam cases and the deaths allegedly linked to it to CBI.
The apex court had passed the order while hearing a batch of petitions, including the one filed by senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh seeking apex court-monitored CBI probe into all cases arising out of the Vyapam scam.
While passing the order, the apex court had also taken on record the submission of the Madhya Pradesh government that it had no objection on transferring the investigation of cases relating to Vyapam scam to CBI.
Congress has alleged that around 49 persons linked to the Vyapam scam have died under mysterious circumstances, a charge refuted by the state government. The official figure is around 25 which the state government says includes suicides, accidents and some other unnatural deaths.
The multi-crore rupee professional examination scam involves several high-profile professionals, politicians and bureaucrats as accused.
The alleged scam involves MPPEB, which holds examinations for various posts such as that of teachers, medical officers, constables and forest guards.
MP bandh today, Cong seeks Chouhan's resignation
The day-long statewide bandh called by Madhya Pradesh Congress on Thursday began with party general secretary Digvijaya Singh and state unit president Arun Yadav demanding chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's resignation over the Vyapam scam.
Yadav, along with Congress workers, reached Digvijay's house in Shyamla Hills from where the duo went on a motorcycle towards various city areas in support of the bandh call.
Singh drove the motorcycle to some distance and later got into his four-wheeler.
State Congress unit's chief spokesman K K Mishra claimed that the "bandh was highly successful and people have supported it overwhelmingly."
The Congressmen also gave roses to people with a request to support the bandh.
Heavy security was deployed in all major cities of the state to prevent any untoward incident, a senior police official said.
However, Madhya Pradesh BJP's media in-charge Dr Hitesh Bajpai said the Congress' claim of bandh was "totally hollow as markets in the state normally open after 11am."
The bandh was not supported by a section of Muslim community as it was called on the eve of Eid festival.
"Congress should have organised the bandh after Eid. At this crucial time we make purchases for Eid celebration," a senior journalist from the minority community said.
He said the shutdown was just a day ahead of Bohra community's Eid on July 17 and his Eid too is falling on July 18 or July 19, he added.
Meanwhile, some businessmen put up posters against the bandh at some places in the busy Chowk bazaar and also posted advertisements in newspapers to protest the closure call.
The CBI had on Wednesday registered three FIRs and formally launched its probe in the high-profile Vyapam scam.
The Congress has alleged that an accused in the scandal extended favours to Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other BJP and RSS leaders, a charge denied by them.
The CBI team, which has been camping in Bhopal for the last two days, registered three cases in connection with the massive rigging of examinations for recruitment in government jobs and admissions in educational institutions, naming among others a member of Madhya Pradesh Backward Classes and Minorities Commission member and his son.
The premier investigating agency also launched a probe into the "mysterious" deaths of five persons associated with the scam.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear on Monday the plea of CBI that Special Investigation Team (SIT) be allowed to file charge sheets in the Vyapam scam cases in which the investigation is over.
A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu, fixed the plea of the probe agency for hearing on July 20 and asked CBI to serve the copy of the application to the parties concerned.Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Maninder Singh, appearing for CBI, said that the transfer of more than 185 Vyapam scam cases from SIT to CBI will take time and the state investigating agency be allowed to file charge sheets in the cases in which the probe is complete.
"Otherwise, the accused will get statutory bail on account of default of non-filing of charge sheets within stipulated time period," the ASG said.
On July 9, the Supreme Court had ordered transfer of the probe into all Vyapam scam cases and the deaths allegedly linked to it to CBI.
The apex court had passed the order while hearing a batch of petitions, including the one filed by senior Congress leader Digvijay Singh seeking apex court-monitored CBI probe into all cases arising out of the Vyapam scam.
While passing the order, the apex court had also taken on record the submission of the Madhya Pradesh government that it had no objection on transferring the investigation of cases relating to Vyapam scam to CBI.
Congress has alleged that around 49 persons linked to the Vyapam scam have died under mysterious circumstances, a charge refuted by the state government. The official figure is around 25 which the state government says includes suicides, accidents and some other unnatural deaths.
The multi-crore rupee professional examination scam involves several high-profile professionals, politicians and bureaucrats as accused.
The alleged scam involves MPPEB, which holds examinations for various posts such as that of teachers, medical officers, constables and forest guards.
MP bandh today, Cong seeks Chouhan's resignation
The day-long statewide bandh called by Madhya Pradesh Congress on Thursday began with party general secretary Digvijaya Singh and state unit president Arun Yadav demanding chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's resignation over the Vyapam scam.
Yadav, along with Congress workers, reached Digvijay's house in Shyamla Hills from where the duo went on a motorcycle towards various city areas in support of the bandh call.
Singh drove the motorcycle to some distance and later got into his four-wheeler.
State Congress unit's chief spokesman K K Mishra claimed that the "bandh was highly successful and people have supported it overwhelmingly."
The Congressmen also gave roses to people with a request to support the bandh.
Heavy security was deployed in all major cities of the state to prevent any untoward incident, a senior police official said.
However, Madhya Pradesh BJP's media in-charge Dr Hitesh Bajpai said the Congress' claim of bandh was "totally hollow as markets in the state normally open after 11am."
The bandh was not supported by a section of Muslim community as it was called on the eve of Eid festival.
"Congress should have organised the bandh after Eid. At this crucial time we make purchases for Eid celebration," a senior journalist from the minority community said.
He said the shutdown was just a day ahead of Bohra community's Eid on July 17 and his Eid too is falling on July 18 or July 19, he added.
Meanwhile, some businessmen put up posters against the bandh at some places in the busy Chowk bazaar and also posted advertisements in newspapers to protest the closure call.
The CBI had on Wednesday registered three FIRs and formally launched its probe in the high-profile Vyapam scam.
The Congress has alleged that an accused in the scandal extended favours to Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other BJP and RSS leaders, a charge denied by them.
The CBI team, which has been camping in Bhopal for the last two days, registered three cases in connection with the massive rigging of examinations for recruitment in government jobs and admissions in educational institutions, naming among others a member of Madhya Pradesh Backward Classes and Minorities Commission member and his son.
The premier investigating agency also launched a probe into the "mysterious" deaths of five persons associated with the scam.
PM's visit to Varanasi cancelled second time in row
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VARANASI: Rains once again may have played spoil sport as for the second time in a row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Varanasi was cancelled here on Thursday. However, state BJP chief Laxmikant Bajpayi claimed arrangements were foolproof and the PM cancelled his visit only because of the death of a labourer working at DLW ground on the intervening night.
The 19-year-old labourer Devnath aka 'Manna' was decorating flowers on the stage when he got in touch with some wire and got electrocuted on the intervening night on Wednesday and Thursday, the police said.
Earlier, on June 28, heavy rains forced cancellation of PM's visit to Varanasi forcing energy minister Piyush Goyal to take up supervision of preparation for PM'd rescheduled visit on July 16. Waterproof tents, improved drainage system were thus put in place this time DLW ground where the PM was scheduled to make a public address.
Rains began, however, since Wednesday night after mainly three sunny days and humidity and were continuing leading to heavy waterlogging at several places in and around the DLW ground and other part of the city.
However, state BJP chief Laxmikant Bajpayi while confirming the cancellation of PM's visit said that the sole reason this time was "an unfortunate death of a labourer working for preparation of DLW public address ground."
The PM like on June 28 was scheduled to inaugurate BHU's 324-bed Rs 187-crore Trauma Centre, lay foundation stone for two sub-stations, ring road and four-laning from Babatpur Airport to Kuchhehry Crossing.
What will happened to the fate of Trauma Centre especially as the inauguration of the same has been cancelled for the third time. PM Narendra Modi was expected to inaugurate the trauma centre on October 14, 2014 but the visit was cancelled because of Hud-hud cyclone.
He was again scheduled to inaugurate the same on June 28 but rains kept him away like on Thursday leading to disappointment among the residents of Varanasi, whose wait for their local MP is getting longer and longer.
VARANASI: Rains once again may have played spoil sport as for the second time in a row, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Varanasi was cancelled here on Thursday. However, state BJP chief Laxmikant Bajpayi claimed arrangements were foolproof and the PM cancelled his visit only because of the death of a labourer working at DLW ground on the intervening night.The 19-year-old labourer Devnath aka 'Manna' was decorating flowers on the stage when he got in touch with some wire and got electrocuted on the intervening night on Wednesday and Thursday, the police said.
Earlier, on June 28, heavy rains forced cancellation of PM's visit to Varanasi forcing energy minister Piyush Goyal to take up supervision of preparation for PM'd rescheduled visit on July 16. Waterproof tents, improved drainage system were thus put in place this time DLW ground where the PM was scheduled to make a public address.
Rains began, however, since Wednesday night after mainly three sunny days and humidity and were continuing leading to heavy waterlogging at several places in and around the DLW ground and other part of the city.
However, state BJP chief Laxmikant Bajpayi while confirming the cancellation of PM's visit said that the sole reason this time was "an unfortunate death of a labourer working for preparation of DLW public address ground."
The PM like on June 28 was scheduled to inaugurate BHU's 324-bed Rs 187-crore Trauma Centre, lay foundation stone for two sub-stations, ring road and four-laning from Babatpur Airport to Kuchhehry Crossing.
What will happened to the fate of Trauma Centre especially as the inauguration of the same has been cancelled for the third time. PM Narendra Modi was expected to inaugurate the trauma centre on October 14, 2014 but the visit was cancelled because of Hud-hud cyclone.
He was again scheduled to inaugurate the same on June 28 but rains kept him away like on Thursday leading to disappointment among the residents of Varanasi, whose wait for their local MP is getting longer and longer.
Obama rebukes reporter at news conference over question on Iran N-deal
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ATHENS: Greece on Wednesday geared up for a parliamentary vote on draconian reforms demanded by eurozone creditors in exchange for a huge new bailout, just hours after a bombshell report from the International Monetary Fund criticized the deal.
The outcome of the crucial vote was far from clear after the IMF issued a stark warning that Greece would need far more debt relief to stop it crashing out of the common currency thanEuropean governments have so far been willing to contemplate.
The last-ditch deal struck Monday saw Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras agree to sweeping changes to labour laws, pensions, VAT and other taxes - many of which had been rejected by voters in a public referendum - in exchange for new funds to keep Greece's struggling economy alive.
The parliament in Athens must approve the deal before the 18 other eurozone leaders start negotiations over what Greece is to get in return: a three-year bailout worth up to 86 billion euros ($95 billion), its third rescue programme in five years.
Under the new plan, eurozone governments will contribute between 40 and 50 billion euros, the IMF will contribute another major chunk and the rest will come from selling off state assets and the financial markets, a European official said.
Tsipras has predicted "the great majority of Greek people" will support the deal, but admits he "cannot say with certainty" that it will be enough to stop Greece exiting the eurozone - a so-called "Grexit" - until the final bailout agreement is signed.
'Dramatic deterioration'
A senior IMF official also said the fund would only participate in a third bailout if its EU creditors produce a clear plan. The current deal "is by no means a comprehensive, detailed agreement", the official said.
It was not the first time the IMF has urged greater debt relief. But political analysts questioned why the strongly-worded report -- which creditors were aware of on Sunday, two days before it was published - appeared not to have been taken into account in the agreement.
The revelations put greater strain on Tsipras, who has been forced to turn to pro-European opposition parties to get the reform measures through parliament in the face of opposition from some 30 rebel lawmakers in his own radical left Syriza party.
The embattled premier said he took "full responsibility" for signing an accord he did "not believe in, but which I signed to avoid disaster for the country" as it teetered on the brink of economic collapse.
"A prime minister must fight, speak the truth, take decisions and not run away," Tsipras said in an interview on Greek public television, when asked whether he would resign if the reforms fail to pass or he loses his parliamentary majority.
Tsipras ally Panos Skourletis, minister for employment, urged lawmakers to "vote for the bill", saying the government would "reduce the painful consequences of this agreement".
But Syriza's hardline leftists, lead by Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis, were reported by Greek media to have decided not to vote for the measures but call instead for a return to the drachma.
Polls published late Tuesday by Kapa Research found 72 percent of Greeks surveyed thought the deal was necessary, with the majority blaming Europe for the "tough measures", but many see it as a humiliating climbdown for a country still reeling from years of painful austerity.
Civil servants went on strike Wednesday, the first big stoppage since the 40-year-old took power. But despite the turmoil his popularity seemed undented, with 68.1 percent of people saying that if the political fallout from the vote should result in a new coalition, it should be led by Tsipras.
More payments due
Under the deal, Greek assets for privatisation will be parked in a special fund worth up to 50 billion euros, with some 25 billion euros of the money earmarked to recapitalise Greece's banks.
Tsipras said the establishment of the fund meant ordinary Greeks' savings were safe, but added that the reopening of the banks -- which have been closed for over a week - depended on the finalising of the deal, which could take a month.
The European Central Bank has been keeping Greek banks afloat with emergency liquidity, but it could be forced to cut off that aid if Greece misses a huge debt repayment due on Monday.
European governments on Tuesday also clashed over options to help Greece meet its short-term cash needs while it waits for a eurozone bailout deal to be finalised, likely to take at least four weeks.
In a sign of the ongoing concern about the global fallout of the Greek crisis, US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew will travel to Germany and France on Wednesday and Thursday for talks with top officials.
If Greece does pass the agreement, Europe's next step would be to push the deal through several national parliaments, many in countries that are loath to afford Athens more help.
ATHENS: Greece on Wednesday geared up for a parliamentary vote on draconian reforms demanded by eurozone creditors in exchange for a huge new bailout, just hours after a bombshell report from the International Monetary Fund criticized the deal.The outcome of the crucial vote was far from clear after the IMF issued a stark warning that Greece would need far more debt relief to stop it crashing out of the common currency thanEuropean governments have so far been willing to contemplate.
The last-ditch deal struck Monday saw Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras agree to sweeping changes to labour laws, pensions, VAT and other taxes - many of which had been rejected by voters in a public referendum - in exchange for new funds to keep Greece's struggling economy alive.
The parliament in Athens must approve the deal before the 18 other eurozone leaders start negotiations over what Greece is to get in return: a three-year bailout worth up to 86 billion euros ($95 billion), its third rescue programme in five years.
Under the new plan, eurozone governments will contribute between 40 and 50 billion euros, the IMF will contribute another major chunk and the rest will come from selling off state assets and the financial markets, a European official said.
Tsipras has predicted "the great majority of Greek people" will support the deal, but admits he "cannot say with certainty" that it will be enough to stop Greece exiting the eurozone - a so-called "Grexit" - until the final bailout agreement is signed.
'Dramatic deterioration'
A senior IMF official also said the fund would only participate in a third bailout if its EU creditors produce a clear plan. The current deal "is by no means a comprehensive, detailed agreement", the official said.
It was not the first time the IMF has urged greater debt relief. But political analysts questioned why the strongly-worded report -- which creditors were aware of on Sunday, two days before it was published - appeared not to have been taken into account in the agreement.
The revelations put greater strain on Tsipras, who has been forced to turn to pro-European opposition parties to get the reform measures through parliament in the face of opposition from some 30 rebel lawmakers in his own radical left Syriza party.
The embattled premier said he took "full responsibility" for signing an accord he did "not believe in, but which I signed to avoid disaster for the country" as it teetered on the brink of economic collapse.
"A prime minister must fight, speak the truth, take decisions and not run away," Tsipras said in an interview on Greek public television, when asked whether he would resign if the reforms fail to pass or he loses his parliamentary majority.
Tsipras ally Panos Skourletis, minister for employment, urged lawmakers to "vote for the bill", saying the government would "reduce the painful consequences of this agreement".
But Syriza's hardline leftists, lead by Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis, were reported by Greek media to have decided not to vote for the measures but call instead for a return to the drachma.
Polls published late Tuesday by Kapa Research found 72 percent of Greeks surveyed thought the deal was necessary, with the majority blaming Europe for the "tough measures", but many see it as a humiliating climbdown for a country still reeling from years of painful austerity.
Civil servants went on strike Wednesday, the first big stoppage since the 40-year-old took power. But despite the turmoil his popularity seemed undented, with 68.1 percent of people saying that if the political fallout from the vote should result in a new coalition, it should be led by Tsipras.
More payments due
Under the deal, Greek assets for privatisation will be parked in a special fund worth up to 50 billion euros, with some 25 billion euros of the money earmarked to recapitalise Greece's banks.
Tsipras said the establishment of the fund meant ordinary Greeks' savings were safe, but added that the reopening of the banks -- which have been closed for over a week - depended on the finalising of the deal, which could take a month.
The European Central Bank has been keeping Greek banks afloat with emergency liquidity, but it could be forced to cut off that aid if Greece misses a huge debt repayment due on Monday.
European governments on Tuesday also clashed over options to help Greece meet its short-term cash needs while it waits for a eurozone bailout deal to be finalised, likely to take at least four weeks.
In a sign of the ongoing concern about the global fallout of the Greek crisis, US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew will travel to Germany and France on Wednesday and Thursday for talks with top officials.
If Greece does pass the agreement, Europe's next step would be to push the deal through several national parliaments, many in countries that are loath to afford Athens more help.
The parliament in Athens must approve the deal before the 18 other eurozone leaders start negotiations over what Greece is to get in return: a three-year bailout worth up to 86 billion euros ($95 billion), its third rescue programme in five years.
Under the new plan, eurozone governments will contribute between 40 and 50 billion euros, the IMF will contribute another major chunk and the rest will come from selling off state assets and the financial markets, a European official said.
Tsipras has predicted "the great majority of Greek people" will support the deal, but admits he "cannot say with certainty" that it will be enough to stop Greece exiting the eurozone - a so-called "Grexit" - until the final bailout agreement is signed.
'Dramatic deterioration'
A senior IMF official also said the fund would only participate in a third bailout if its EU creditors produce a clear plan. The current deal "is by no means a comprehensive, detailed agreement", the official said.
It was not the first time the IMF has urged greater debt relief. But political analysts questioned why the strongly-worded report -- which creditors were aware of on Sunday, two days before it was published - appeared not to have been taken into account in the agreement.
The revelations put greater strain on Tsipras, who has been forced to turn to pro-European opposition parties to get the reform measures through parliament in the face of opposition from some 30 rebel lawmakers in his own radical left Syriza party.
The embattled premier said he took "full responsibility" for signing an accord he did "not believe in, but which I signed to avoid disaster for the country" as it teetered on the brink of economic collapse.
"A prime minister must fight, speak the truth, take decisions and not run away," Tsipras said in an interview on Greek public television, when asked whether he would resign if the reforms fail to pass or he loses his parliamentary majority.
Tsipras ally Panos Skourletis, minister for employment, urged lawmakers to "vote for the bill", saying the government would "reduce the painful consequences of this agreement".
But Syriza's hardline leftists, lead by Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis, were reported by Greek media to have decided not to vote for the measures but call instead for a return to the drachma.
Polls published late Tuesday by Kapa Research found 72 percent of Greeks surveyed thought the deal was necessary, with the majority blaming Europe for the "tough measures", but many see it as a humiliating climbdown for a country still reeling from years of painful austerity.
Civil servants went on strike Wednesday, the first big stoppage since the 40-year-old took power. But despite the turmoil his popularity seemed undented, with 68.1 percent of people saying that if the political fallout from the vote should result in a new coalition, it should be led by Tsipras.
More payments due
Under the deal, Greek assets for privatisation will be parked in a special fund worth up to 50 billion euros, with some 25 billion euros of the money earmarked to recapitalise Greece's banks.
Tsipras said the establishment of the fund meant ordinary Greeks' savings were safe, but added that the reopening of the banks -- which have been closed for over a week - depended on the finalising of the deal, which could take a month.
The European Central Bank has been keeping Greek banks afloat with emergency liquidity, but it could be forced to cut off that aid if Greece misses a huge debt repayment due on Monday.
European governments on Tuesday also clashed over options to help Greece meet its short-term cash needs while it waits for a eurozone bailout deal to be finalised, likely to take at least four weeks.
In a sign of the ongoing concern about the global fallout of the Greek crisis, US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew will travel to Germany and France on Wednesday and Thursday for talks with top officials.
If Greece does pass the agreement, Europe's next step would be to push the deal through several national parliaments, many in countries that are loath to afford Athens more help.
IPL will come back stronger with 8 teams, insists Shukla
-
KOLKATA: The controversy-ridden IPL remains a "robust" product, its chairman Rajeev Shukla said on Thursday insisting that the event will come back stronger with a minimum of eight teams.
Shukla, among a host of questions, was asked about the future of IPL and the number of teams it will have after the two-year suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
"We are always concerned about IPL and let me assure you the next edition will be a bigger success. IPL is a robust product and this judgement (suspension of teams) should not affect IPL as a product. The idea is to have the tournament in full format with a minimum of eight teams. We can't hold the event with six teams," Shukla made it clear.
Shukla said there are many options available for the road ahead for the IPL, something he will discuss with the Governing Council in Mumbai on Sunday. One of the options is to run two suspended teams with BCCI control, he said.
"There are many options available and we will discuss them all in the meeting on Sunday. One option is that BCCI runs the two teams and responsible people will be deputed for the job," he said.
Asked about the possible conflict of interest if BCCI decides to take control of CSK and RR, Shukla said: "There is no question of any conflict of interest. BCCI is anyway supervising the IPL. There are two main areas: one is players' auction which is transparent and the other is managing teams. Credible people can be deputed to do the managing job."
On the return of the Kochi franchise, he said, "the arbitrator has given the verdict and we are going to appeal after seeking legal opinion. I can't say anything more as the matter is under litigation."
Shukla refused to comment when asked about CSK and RR being banned for life.
He went on to say that the Governing Council will deliberate on the Lodha Committee report on Sunday.
"We will deliberate on there report in the meeting. After that, a sub-group will be constituted and it will study the report. Based on that, we will decide how the report will be implemented," Shukla added.
KOLKATA: The controversy-ridden IPL remains a "robust" product, its chairman Rajeev Shukla said on Thursday insisting that the event will come back stronger with a minimum of eight teams.Shukla, among a host of questions, was asked about the future of IPL and the number of teams it will have after the two-year suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
"We are always concerned about IPL and let me assure you the next edition will be a bigger success. IPL is a robust product and this judgement (suspension of teams) should not affect IPL as a product. The idea is to have the tournament in full format with a minimum of eight teams. We can't hold the event with six teams," Shukla made it clear.
Shukla said there are many options available for the road ahead for the IPL, something he will discuss with the Governing Council in Mumbai on Sunday. One of the options is to run two suspended teams with BCCI control, he said.
"There are many options available and we will discuss them all in the meeting on Sunday. One option is that BCCI runs the two teams and responsible people will be deputed for the job," he said.
Asked about the possible conflict of interest if BCCI decides to take control of CSK and RR, Shukla said: "There is no question of any conflict of interest. BCCI is anyway supervising the IPL. There are two main areas: one is players' auction which is transparent and the other is managing teams. Credible people can be deputed to do the managing job."
On the return of the Kochi franchise, he said, "the arbitrator has given the verdict and we are going to appeal after seeking legal opinion. I can't say anything more as the matter is under litigation."
Shukla refused to comment when asked about CSK and RR being banned for life.
He went on to say that the Governing Council will deliberate on the Lodha Committee report on Sunday.
"We will deliberate on there report in the meeting. After that, a sub-group will be constituted and it will study the report. Based on that, we will decide how the report will be implemented," Shukla added.
GENERAL AWARENESS PRACTICE QUESTIONS FOR IBPS P.O. EXAM
-
1. MUDRA bank launched by PM on 27 June 2015 with a corpus of ........... and credit guarantee of Rs.3,000 crore.
1) Rs.10,000 crore
2) Rs.70,000 crore
3) Rs.20,000 crore
4) Rs.40,000 crore
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. MUDRA stands for ........
1) Mind Units Development and Refinance Agency
2) Minimum Units Development and Refinance Agency
3) Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency
4) More Units Development and Refinance Agency
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Which bank is now under the obligation of refinancing micro-finance institutions in the business of lending to small entities?
1) RBI
2) SBI
3) MUDRA Bank
4) Corporation Bank
5) BMB
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. The role of MUDRA bank is .....
1) laying down policy guidelines for micro enterprise financing business, registration, accreditation and rating of MFI entities.
2) lay down responsible financing practices to ward off over-indebtedness and ensure proper client protection principles and methods of recovery.
3) to provide the finance to Non - Corporate Small Business Sector (NCSBS).
4) it would partner with state / regional level financial intermediaries to provide finance to last mile financier of small / micro business enterprises.
5) All of above
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. One of the product of MUDRA bank is Shishu. Shishu covers the loan up to .....
1) Rs.1,50,000
2) Rs.40,000
3) Rs.70,000
4) Rs.20,000
5) Rs.50,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Kishor, one of the product of MUDRA bank provide the loan of ..........
1) Rs.50,000 to Rs.5 lakh
2) Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.5 lakh
3) Rs.20,000 to Rs.5 lakh
4) Rs.50,000 to Rs.15 lakh
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Tarun, the product of MUDRA bank provides the loan of .......
1) Rs.5 lakh to Rs.7 lakh
2) Rs.3 lakh to Rs.10 lakh
3) Rs.5 lakh to Rs.15 lakh
4) Rs.1 lakh to Rs.10 lakh
5) Rs.5 lakh to Rs.10 lakh
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Which of the following barrower is eligible to barrow from MUDRA bank?
1) Small manufacturing unit
2) Shopkeepers
3) Fruits / vegetable vendors
4) Artisans
5) All of above
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Till a separate legislation made, MUDRA bank run as subsidiary of ......
1) SBI
2) NABARD
3) RBI
4) NHB
5) SIDBI
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Which is the first bank launched Mudra Card under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana based on the RuPay platform on 4 July 2015?
1) Axis Bank
2) SBI
3) Corporation Bank
4) Kotak Mahindra Bank
5) Canara Bank
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Project Tatkal, an initiative to provide doorstep services and expedite Home Loan Application (HLA) process on 3 July 2015 launched by .......
1) SBI
2) Andhra Bank
3) PNB
4) Bank of India
5) UBI
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Union minister for environment is ..........
1) Prakash Javadekar
2) Maneka Gandhi
3) Bandaru Dattatreya
4) Thawar Chand Gehlot
5) V.K. Singh
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. ICICI launches 'Tap-n-Pay' in collaboration with ....... based on the Near-Field Communications (NFC) technology?
1) TCS
2) Microsoft
3) Infosys
4) Tech Mahindra
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. The highlight of the 'Tap-n-Pay' is .....
1) enable customers to make over-thecounter payments without using cash.
2) allows users to just tap the NFC enabled tag or mobile phone at the merchant's point-of-sale device to make payments.
3) is a prepaid account, which can be availed by customers of any bank by simply registering for it and transferring money online from any bank account.
4) it can be offered in many bank accounts.
5) All of above
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Apprentices Protsahan Yojana (APY) aims to support one lakh apprentices during the
period up to...
1) March 2017
2) March 2018
3) March 2019
4) March 2016
5) March 2020
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. RBI decided to allow AD Category-I Banks to borrow foreign currency from International / Multinational Financial Institutions on 25 June 2015. In this context, AD means ........
1) Additional
2) Add-on
3) Authorized Dealer
4) Amplified
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. Which state launched the Mhara Gaon- Jagmag Gaon scheme on 1 July 2015, aimed at providing 24 hour uninterrupted power supply to rural domestic consumers in a phased manner with their active participation?
1) Karnataka
2) AP
3) Haryana
4) West Bengal
5) Bihar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18. Which state became the largest producer of solar power after installing 1167 MW solar power plant, demoting Gujarat to second position?
1) Tamilnadu
2) MP
3) Rajasthan
4) HP
5) Haryana
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. 14th edition of 10 - day Indo - French joint naval exercise being conducted in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Goa is named as ........
1) Varuna
2) Indra
3) Garuda
4) Yudha Abhayas
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. UNCTAD World Investment Report says India leads in regional inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in South Asia. How much FDI attracted by India during 2014 as per this report?
1) $ 34 billion
2) $ 18 billion
3) $ 24 billion
4) $ 14 billion
5) $ 40 billion
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. As per the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2015, the largest FDI recipient in 2014 in the world is ....
1) China
2) USA
3) Japan
4) Australia
5) France
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. What rank hold by India in 2014 as per the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2015 in the attracting of FDI in the world?
1) 11th
2) 8th
3) 9th
4) 4th
5) 6th
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. Which nation had the largest outward flow of FDI about $ 337 billion as per the UNCTAD report? (UNCTAD stands for United Nations Conference on Trade and Development).
1) China
2) France
3) USA
4) India
5) Canada
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. Ambubachi Mela, a four-day long Mela at Kamakhaya Devi temple concluded in ......
1) Assam
2) Haryana
3) Rajasthan
4) Karnataka
5) Kerala
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. List of famous Fairs / Melas given. Locate the wrong combination.
1) Sonepur Mela - Bihar
2) Pushkar Mela - Karnataka
3) Chandrabhaga Mela - Odisha
4) Gangasagar Mela - West Bengal
5) Hemis Gompa Fair - Jammu and Kashmir
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. Japan's Parliament passed a bill to lower voting age from 20 to ........
1) 14
2) 12
3) 16
4)10
5) 18
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27. Which country is NOT a member of K2K Economic Corridor?
1) Bangladesh
2) China
3) Pakistan
4) Myanmar
5) All of the above are the members of K2K Economic Corridor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28. K2K refers to ........
1) Kolkata and Kunming
2) Kohima and Kunming
3) Kolkata and Kuienen
4) Kohima to Kunming
5) Kolkata to Kodaikanal
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29. Valcano Calbuco erupted. It is in .....
1) Argentina
2) Chile
3) India
3) Peru
4) Indonesia
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30. List of Volcanoes given. Locate the correct combination.
1) Mount Vesuvius - Italy
2) st.Helens - UK
3) Sinabung - Indonesia
4) Zhupanovsky - Russia
5) Santorini - Greece
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31. Narcondam, Deccan Traps, Baratang, Dhosi Hill, and Barren Island volcanoes are in .......
1) USA
2) UK
3) Italy
4) India
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32. A national memorial will be set up in the memory of Jayaprakash Narayan in at Lala Ka Tola, Sitab Diara, district Chhapra (Saran) in .....
1) Bihar
2) Odisha
3) West Benal
4) UP
5) AP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33. Loknayak is ....
1) Chittaranjan Das
2) Jayaprakash Narayan
3) C.F. Andrews
4) Lala Lajapat Rai
5) Gopinath Bordoloi
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34. Sampoorna Swarajya (Total Revolution) proposed by .......
1) Nehru
2) Vallabhbhai Patel
3) Mahatma Gandhi
4) Jayaprakash Narayan
5) Indira Gandhi
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35. Which Airport named after Jayaprakash Narayan?
1) Hyderabad
2) New Delhi
3) Patna
4) Bengaluru
5) Varanasi
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36. Construction of a memorial for former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao was completed in the premises of ........
1) Raj Ghat
2) Shanthi Ghat
3) Ektha Sthal
4) Samatha Sthal
5) Narayan Ghat
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37. On 24 June 2015, central government approved a plan to set up six more IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) at Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Sambalpur (Odisha) and also at
1) Kaladi (Kerala)
2) Sri Rangam (Tamilnadu)
3) Udupi (Karnataka)
4) Champaran (Bihar)
5) Amritsar (Punjab)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers:
1-3, 2-3, 3-3, 4-5, 5-5, 6-1, 7-5, 8-5, 9-5, 10-3
11-1, 12-1, 13-4, 14-5, 15-1, 16-3, 17-3, 18-3, 19-1, 20-1
21-1, 22-3, 23-3, 24-1, 25-2, 26-5, 27-3, 28-1, 29-2, 30-2
31-4, 32-1, 33-2, 34-4, 35-3, 36-3, 37-5
1) Rs.10,000 crore
2) Rs.70,000 crore
3) Rs.20,000 crore
4) Rs.40,000 crore
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. MUDRA stands for ........
1) Mind Units Development and Refinance Agency
2) Minimum Units Development and Refinance Agency
3) Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency
4) More Units Development and Refinance Agency
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. Which bank is now under the obligation of refinancing micro-finance institutions in the business of lending to small entities?
1) RBI
2) SBI
3) MUDRA Bank
4) Corporation Bank
5) BMB
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4. The role of MUDRA bank is .....
1) laying down policy guidelines for micro enterprise financing business, registration, accreditation and rating of MFI entities.
2) lay down responsible financing practices to ward off over-indebtedness and ensure proper client protection principles and methods of recovery.
3) to provide the finance to Non - Corporate Small Business Sector (NCSBS).
4) it would partner with state / regional level financial intermediaries to provide finance to last mile financier of small / micro business enterprises.
5) All of above
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. One of the product of MUDRA bank is Shishu. Shishu covers the loan up to .....
1) Rs.1,50,000
2) Rs.40,000
3) Rs.70,000
4) Rs.20,000
5) Rs.50,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Kishor, one of the product of MUDRA bank provide the loan of ..........
1) Rs.50,000 to Rs.5 lakh
2) Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.5 lakh
3) Rs.20,000 to Rs.5 lakh
4) Rs.50,000 to Rs.15 lakh
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Tarun, the product of MUDRA bank provides the loan of .......
1) Rs.5 lakh to Rs.7 lakh
2) Rs.3 lakh to Rs.10 lakh
3) Rs.5 lakh to Rs.15 lakh
4) Rs.1 lakh to Rs.10 lakh
5) Rs.5 lakh to Rs.10 lakh
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Which of the following barrower is eligible to barrow from MUDRA bank?
1) Small manufacturing unit
2) Shopkeepers
3) Fruits / vegetable vendors
4) Artisans
5) All of above
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9. Till a separate legislation made, MUDRA bank run as subsidiary of ......
1) SBI
2) NABARD
3) RBI
4) NHB
5) SIDBI
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10. Which is the first bank launched Mudra Card under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana based on the RuPay platform on 4 July 2015?
1) Axis Bank
2) SBI
3) Corporation Bank
4) Kotak Mahindra Bank
5) Canara Bank
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11. Project Tatkal, an initiative to provide doorstep services and expedite Home Loan Application (HLA) process on 3 July 2015 launched by .......
1) SBI
2) Andhra Bank
3) PNB
4) Bank of India
5) UBI
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. Union minister for environment is ..........
1) Prakash Javadekar
2) Maneka Gandhi
3) Bandaru Dattatreya
4) Thawar Chand Gehlot
5) V.K. Singh
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13. ICICI launches 'Tap-n-Pay' in collaboration with ....... based on the Near-Field Communications (NFC) technology?
1) TCS
2) Microsoft
3) Infosys
4) Tech Mahindra
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. The highlight of the 'Tap-n-Pay' is .....
1) enable customers to make over-thecounter payments without using cash.
2) allows users to just tap the NFC enabled tag or mobile phone at the merchant's point-of-sale device to make payments.
3) is a prepaid account, which can be availed by customers of any bank by simply registering for it and transferring money online from any bank account.
4) it can be offered in many bank accounts.
5) All of above
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15. Apprentices Protsahan Yojana (APY) aims to support one lakh apprentices during the
period up to...
1) March 2017
2) March 2018
3) March 2019
4) March 2016
5) March 2020
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. RBI decided to allow AD Category-I Banks to borrow foreign currency from International / Multinational Financial Institutions on 25 June 2015. In this context, AD means ........
1) Additional
2) Add-on
3) Authorized Dealer
4) Amplified
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. Which state launched the Mhara Gaon- Jagmag Gaon scheme on 1 July 2015, aimed at providing 24 hour uninterrupted power supply to rural domestic consumers in a phased manner with their active participation?
1) Karnataka
2) AP
3) Haryana
4) West Bengal
5) Bihar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18. Which state became the largest producer of solar power after installing 1167 MW solar power plant, demoting Gujarat to second position?
1) Tamilnadu
2) MP
3) Rajasthan
4) HP
5) Haryana
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19. 14th edition of 10 - day Indo - French joint naval exercise being conducted in the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Goa is named as ........
1) Varuna
2) Indra
3) Garuda
4) Yudha Abhayas
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. UNCTAD World Investment Report says India leads in regional inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in South Asia. How much FDI attracted by India during 2014 as per this report?
1) $ 34 billion
2) $ 18 billion
3) $ 24 billion
4) $ 14 billion
5) $ 40 billion
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. As per the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2015, the largest FDI recipient in 2014 in the world is ....
1) China
2) USA
3) Japan
4) Australia
5) France
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. What rank hold by India in 2014 as per the UNCTAD World Investment Report 2015 in the attracting of FDI in the world?
1) 11th
2) 8th
3) 9th
4) 4th
5) 6th
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23. Which nation had the largest outward flow of FDI about $ 337 billion as per the UNCTAD report? (UNCTAD stands for United Nations Conference on Trade and Development).
1) China
2) France
3) USA
4) India
5) Canada
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. Ambubachi Mela, a four-day long Mela at Kamakhaya Devi temple concluded in ......
1) Assam
2) Haryana
3) Rajasthan
4) Karnataka
5) Kerala
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
25. List of famous Fairs / Melas given. Locate the wrong combination.
1) Sonepur Mela - Bihar
2) Pushkar Mela - Karnataka
3) Chandrabhaga Mela - Odisha
4) Gangasagar Mela - West Bengal
5) Hemis Gompa Fair - Jammu and Kashmir
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
26. Japan's Parliament passed a bill to lower voting age from 20 to ........
1) 14
2) 12
3) 16
4)10
5) 18
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
27. Which country is NOT a member of K2K Economic Corridor?
1) Bangladesh
2) China
3) Pakistan
4) Myanmar
5) All of the above are the members of K2K Economic Corridor
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
28. K2K refers to ........
1) Kolkata and Kunming
2) Kohima and Kunming
3) Kolkata and Kuienen
4) Kohima to Kunming
5) Kolkata to Kodaikanal
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
29. Valcano Calbuco erupted. It is in .....
1) Argentina
2) Chile
3) India
3) Peru
4) Indonesia
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30. List of Volcanoes given. Locate the correct combination.
1) Mount Vesuvius - Italy
2) st.Helens - UK
3) Sinabung - Indonesia
4) Zhupanovsky - Russia
5) Santorini - Greece
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
31. Narcondam, Deccan Traps, Baratang, Dhosi Hill, and Barren Island volcanoes are in .......
1) USA
2) UK
3) Italy
4) India
5) None
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
32. A national memorial will be set up in the memory of Jayaprakash Narayan in at Lala Ka Tola, Sitab Diara, district Chhapra (Saran) in .....
1) Bihar
2) Odisha
3) West Benal
4) UP
5) AP
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33. Loknayak is ....
1) Chittaranjan Das
2) Jayaprakash Narayan
3) C.F. Andrews
4) Lala Lajapat Rai
5) Gopinath Bordoloi
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
34. Sampoorna Swarajya (Total Revolution) proposed by .......
1) Nehru
2) Vallabhbhai Patel
3) Mahatma Gandhi
4) Jayaprakash Narayan
5) Indira Gandhi
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
35. Which Airport named after Jayaprakash Narayan?
1) Hyderabad
2) New Delhi
3) Patna
4) Bengaluru
5) Varanasi
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
36. Construction of a memorial for former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao was completed in the premises of ........
1) Raj Ghat
2) Shanthi Ghat
3) Ektha Sthal
4) Samatha Sthal
5) Narayan Ghat
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37. On 24 June 2015, central government approved a plan to set up six more IIMs (Indian Institute of Management) at Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Sambalpur (Odisha) and also at
1) Kaladi (Kerala)
2) Sri Rangam (Tamilnadu)
3) Udupi (Karnataka)
4) Champaran (Bihar)
5) Amritsar (Punjab)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Answers:
1-3, 2-3, 3-3, 4-5, 5-5, 6-1, 7-5, 8-5, 9-5, 10-3
11-1, 12-1, 13-4, 14-5, 15-1, 16-3, 17-3, 18-3, 19-1, 20-1
21-1, 22-3, 23-3, 24-1, 25-2, 26-5, 27-3, 28-1, 29-2, 30-2
31-4, 32-1, 33-2, 34-4, 35-3, 36-3, 37-5
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