General Affairs
Can't Stay New Provisions Of SC/ST Act As It Is Legislation: Top Court
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The new amendments to the SC/ST law passed by Parliament cannot be stayed at this stage, the Supreme Court said Wednesday, as it sought the Centre's response on a batch of pleas challenging the fresh provisions.
The pleas have sought declaration of the new amendments to the Schedule Castes and Schedules Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as ultra vires.
Parliament on August 9 had passed the bill to overturn the apex court order concerning certain safeguards against arrest under the SC and ST law.
The new amendments had overturned the March 20 order on rampant misuse of the stringent SC/ST Act and held that there shall be no immediate arrest on any complaint filed under the law.It had also passed a slew of directions and said a public servant can be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act only after prior approval by the competent authority.
Today, a bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan issued notice to the Centre and sought its response in six weeks.
Counsel for petitioner Prathvi Raj Chauhan said the bench should at least stay the operation of the new provisions till the petition is being heard by the court.
To this, the bench said "What stay? It is now a legislation and cannot be stayed at this stage."
The counsel said the government has brought in the new provisions to overrule the verdict passed by the court and without removing the defects.
The bench then said "we know that government has brought in new amendments, that too without removing the defects".
The court was hearing the pleas alleging that the two Houses of Parliament had "arbitrarily" decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.
"It is submitted that in context of this SC/ST(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Section 18 A of the Atrocities Act, which excludes Section 438 of CrPC, violates constitutional mandate under Articles 14 and 21," one of the pleas said.
It alleged that after these amendments, the structure of the Act has become violative of with "basic principles of liberty and accountability".
The plea said that the court cannot remain a "mute spectator to the abuse of law" as "we are living in a civilized society and there were many growing instances of misuse of this Act, there is an apprehension that the amended law would also fast become a new tool of harassment and the arrest on the basis of mere allegation without preliminary enquiry is violation of fundamental rights".
The amendments rule out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs, notwithstanding any court order. They provide that no preliminary inquiry will be required for registering a criminal case and an arrest under this law would not be subject to any approval.
The pleas have sought declaration of the new amendments to the Schedule Castes and Schedules Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as ultra vires.
Parliament on August 9 had passed the bill to overturn the apex court order concerning certain safeguards against arrest under the SC and ST law.
The new amendments had overturned the March 20 order on rampant misuse of the stringent SC/ST Act and held that there shall be no immediate arrest on any complaint filed under the law.It had also passed a slew of directions and said a public servant can be arrested in cases lodged under the SC/ST Act only after prior approval by the competent authority.
Today, a bench of Justices A K Sikri and Ashok Bhushan issued notice to the Centre and sought its response in six weeks.
Counsel for petitioner Prathvi Raj Chauhan said the bench should at least stay the operation of the new provisions till the petition is being heard by the court.
To this, the bench said "What stay? It is now a legislation and cannot be stayed at this stage."
The counsel said the government has brought in the new provisions to overrule the verdict passed by the court and without removing the defects.
The bench then said "we know that government has brought in new amendments, that too without removing the defects".
The court was hearing the pleas alleging that the two Houses of Parliament had "arbitrarily" decided to amend the law and restored the previous provisions in such a manner so that an innocent cannot avail the right of anticipatory bail.
"It is submitted that in context of this SC/ST(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Section 18 A of the Atrocities Act, which excludes Section 438 of CrPC, violates constitutional mandate under Articles 14 and 21," one of the pleas said.
It alleged that after these amendments, the structure of the Act has become violative of with "basic principles of liberty and accountability".
The plea said that the court cannot remain a "mute spectator to the abuse of law" as "we are living in a civilized society and there were many growing instances of misuse of this Act, there is an apprehension that the amended law would also fast become a new tool of harassment and the arrest on the basis of mere allegation without preliminary enquiry is violation of fundamental rights".
The amendments rule out any provision for anticipatory bail for a person accused of atrocities against SC/STs, notwithstanding any court order. They provide that no preliminary inquiry will be required for registering a criminal case and an arrest under this law would not be subject to any approval.
Manmohan Singh's Cutting Attack On PM Modi Over Black Money, Notes Ban
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Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today sharply criticised the government on demonetisation and jobs data and said the state of affairs in the country were a powerful indictment of the BJP-led government.
On the data of jobs created under the current government, Manmohan Singh said the numbers put out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government were questionable.
"People are not impressed with the figures that are being put out by the Modi government to justify the creation of large number of jobs," he said.
He also attacked PM Modi's notes ban in 2016, days after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that over 99 per cent of the banned cash was back in the system.
"Nothing concrete has been done to bring back the promised billions of dollars allegedly held abroad as black money," said Dr Singh.
He also accused the government of "bad implementation" of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). "Programmes like Make in India and Stand Up India are yet to make a meaningful impact on industrial production growth. Small and marginal enterprises are yet to derive significant benefit from the ease of doing business schemes. The hasty implementation of demonetisation and GST has hurt enterprises."
This is not the first time that he has taken on his successor over the notes ban and GST. These "coercive steps" cost the nation hugely and broke the backs of businesses, he said last year.
"Our neighbourhood is far less secure than it was in 2014. Our relations with neighbours have deteriorated in the last four years. The Modi government has failed to address issues relating to a creative use of science and technology for national transformation. Academic freedom is sought to be curbed. The environment in our universities is being vitiated." All of this, he said, "is a powerful indictment of the Modi government's performance." He also called for a meaningful national debate on issues.
On the data of jobs created under the current government, Manmohan Singh said the numbers put out by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government were questionable.
"People are not impressed with the figures that are being put out by the Modi government to justify the creation of large number of jobs," he said.
He also attacked PM Modi's notes ban in 2016, days after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that over 99 per cent of the banned cash was back in the system.
"Nothing concrete has been done to bring back the promised billions of dollars allegedly held abroad as black money," said Dr Singh.
He also accused the government of "bad implementation" of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). "Programmes like Make in India and Stand Up India are yet to make a meaningful impact on industrial production growth. Small and marginal enterprises are yet to derive significant benefit from the ease of doing business schemes. The hasty implementation of demonetisation and GST has hurt enterprises."
This is not the first time that he has taken on his successor over the notes ban and GST. These "coercive steps" cost the nation hugely and broke the backs of businesses, he said last year.
"Our neighbourhood is far less secure than it was in 2014. Our relations with neighbours have deteriorated in the last four years. The Modi government has failed to address issues relating to a creative use of science and technology for national transformation. Academic freedom is sought to be curbed. The environment in our universities is being vitiated." All of this, he said, "is a powerful indictment of the Modi government's performance." He also called for a meaningful national debate on issues.
NaVIC GPS System To Alert Fishermen About Disasters, Maritime Boundary
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Fishermen can now be alerted about natural disasters and position of the International Maritime Boundary Line while they are at the sea using the NaVIC system, a home-grown GPS, a senior ISRO scientist said Friday.
This will help in loss of lives of fishermen and alert them from entering the waters of the neighbouring countries, he said.
The system was developed after the Kerala government approached the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following Cyclone Ockhi that claimed lives of fishermen who did not get timely information about the approaching disaster in December last year.
Nilesh Desai, Deputy Director of the ISRO's Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad said the low-cost device can also give information about the location of fish available in the sea.
"There is no mobile network coverage in the deep seas. The gadget that is to be mounted to the device will have a bluetooth connectivity and through our NaVIC messaging feature, we will give more information on prospective storms," he said at a panel discussion organised at the Bengaluru Space Expo.
The bluetooth will be connected to mobile phone that will display messages.
If there are possibilities of a cyclone, the fishermen can be alerted on time. During the Kerala cyclone, they could not come back from the sea in time.
"This device will also alert the fishermen if they cross the International Maritime Boundary Line," Mr Desai said.
He said Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have also approached the ISRO in this regard. These two states witness fishermen from their states getting arrested by the maritime security agencies of Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively.
"If they venture (in the waters of the neighbouring countries), they get caught. It can alert them when they are nearing the international water. It will be in the local language," he said.
Mr Desai said they are also adding a feature in the device that will enable them to send messages to a hub. The message from the hub will be then passed on to their families while they are at the sea.
The ISRO also plans to give this device through its commercial arm and PSU Antrix as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
He said some 2,000 units have been built. Each device costs around Rs. 3,500..
This will help in loss of lives of fishermen and alert them from entering the waters of the neighbouring countries, he said.
The system was developed after the Kerala government approached the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following Cyclone Ockhi that claimed lives of fishermen who did not get timely information about the approaching disaster in December last year.
Nilesh Desai, Deputy Director of the ISRO's Space Application Centre, Ahmedabad said the low-cost device can also give information about the location of fish available in the sea.
"There is no mobile network coverage in the deep seas. The gadget that is to be mounted to the device will have a bluetooth connectivity and through our NaVIC messaging feature, we will give more information on prospective storms," he said at a panel discussion organised at the Bengaluru Space Expo.
The bluetooth will be connected to mobile phone that will display messages.
If there are possibilities of a cyclone, the fishermen can be alerted on time. During the Kerala cyclone, they could not come back from the sea in time.
"This device will also alert the fishermen if they cross the International Maritime Boundary Line," Mr Desai said.
He said Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have also approached the ISRO in this regard. These two states witness fishermen from their states getting arrested by the maritime security agencies of Sri Lanka and Pakistan respectively.
"If they venture (in the waters of the neighbouring countries), they get caught. It can alert them when they are nearing the international water. It will be in the local language," he said.
Mr Desai said they are also adding a feature in the device that will enable them to send messages to a hub. The message from the hub will be then passed on to their families while they are at the sea.
The ISRO also plans to give this device through its commercial arm and PSU Antrix as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
He said some 2,000 units have been built. Each device costs around Rs. 3,500..
Kerala Will Receive All Possible Medical Help, Union Minister Assures
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All possible steps for extending relief to the flood-affected Kerala are being taken under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is personally monitoring the situation, Union Minister JP Nadda said on Friday.
As many as 50 doctors had been kept on standby for deployment in affected areas at short notice while 12 public health teams -- each comprising public health specialist, microbiologist, and an entomologist -- kept ready, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare told the media during his visit to a hospital in Kochi and a few relief camps.
The Minister said a stock of 48 essential drugs was also kept ready for dispatch in case of emergency.
He said that on the state's request, a first tranche of 48 essential drugs, weighing about 73 metric tonnes, was airlifted by the Indian Air Force to Kerala. These included a total of 2.25 crore chlorine tablets, 80 MT bleaching powder, and four lakh sanitary napkins.
Insecticides/larvicides and fogging machines were also mobilised. As many as 18,00,000 capsules of drug for prophylaxis and treatment of leptospirosis or rat fever were also supplied.
Mr Nadda said that norms were relaxed and additional Rs. 18.71 crore approved for the southern state through the National Health Mission.
He said that a 40-member team from National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Bengaluru, had been deployed to undertake psychosocial assessment and community-based care.
The National Centre for Disease Control in Delhi is monitoring the situation vis-a-vis disease outbreak. Event-based daily reporting for epidemic diseases is being followed from August 21.
As many as 50 doctors had been kept on standby for deployment in affected areas at short notice while 12 public health teams -- each comprising public health specialist, microbiologist, and an entomologist -- kept ready, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare told the media during his visit to a hospital in Kochi and a few relief camps.
The Minister said a stock of 48 essential drugs was also kept ready for dispatch in case of emergency.
He said that on the state's request, a first tranche of 48 essential drugs, weighing about 73 metric tonnes, was airlifted by the Indian Air Force to Kerala. These included a total of 2.25 crore chlorine tablets, 80 MT bleaching powder, and four lakh sanitary napkins.
Insecticides/larvicides and fogging machines were also mobilised. As many as 18,00,000 capsules of drug for prophylaxis and treatment of leptospirosis or rat fever were also supplied.
Mr Nadda said that norms were relaxed and additional Rs. 18.71 crore approved for the southern state through the National Health Mission.
He said that a 40-member team from National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences, Bengaluru, had been deployed to undertake psychosocial assessment and community-based care.
The National Centre for Disease Control in Delhi is monitoring the situation vis-a-vis disease outbreak. Event-based daily reporting for epidemic diseases is being followed from August 21.
India To Make Two-Seater Passenger Aircraft By 2019
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State-run National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has tied up with Delhi-based Mesco Aerospace to develop two-seater Hansa-NG aircraft, the company said today.
"The agreement between the companies to design, develop, produce and market the Hansa-Next Generation (NG) aircraft will ease the availability of indigenous aircraft for pilot training," city-based NAL director Jitendra J. Jadhav said in a statement.
The aircraft is expected to be ready by 2019 for its first flight and will be certified by the regulatory authority Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by March 2020.
Once certified, Delhi-based Mesco will undertake production of Hansa, the Indian name of the bird swan, Mr Jadhav said. "Mesco will set up a service centre for the aircraft and market it in India and abroad," the statement added.
The Hansa-NG can also be used for bird reconnaissance at airfields, cadet training, coastal surveillance and hobby flying.
NAL targets to sell the aircraft at a cost of Rs. 80 lakh for the basic version and Rs. 100 lakh for a fully loaded version.
According to market reports, NAL estimates the country's current need at 70-80 two-seater aircraft.
"The agreement between the companies to design, develop, produce and market the Hansa-Next Generation (NG) aircraft will ease the availability of indigenous aircraft for pilot training," city-based NAL director Jitendra J. Jadhav said in a statement.
The aircraft is expected to be ready by 2019 for its first flight and will be certified by the regulatory authority Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by March 2020.
Once certified, Delhi-based Mesco will undertake production of Hansa, the Indian name of the bird swan, Mr Jadhav said. "Mesco will set up a service centre for the aircraft and market it in India and abroad," the statement added.
The Hansa-NG can also be used for bird reconnaissance at airfields, cadet training, coastal surveillance and hobby flying.
NAL targets to sell the aircraft at a cost of Rs. 80 lakh for the basic version and Rs. 100 lakh for a fully loaded version.
According to market reports, NAL estimates the country's current need at 70-80 two-seater aircraft.
Business Affairs
Anshula Kant appointed new SBI MD; to serve till September 2020
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The government on Friday appointed Anshula Kant as Managing Director of State Bank of India. The bank said that Anshula Kant will serve as the MD till she attains the age of superannuation on September 30, 2020, or until further orders, whichever is earlier. With her appointment, the India's largest public sector bank has total three MDs, including PK Gupta and DK Khara.
"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Kant as the Managing Director (MD), SBI till the date of her superannuation i.e. September 30, 2020," an order from the Personnel Ministry said. Her name was recommended by the Bank Boards Bureau for the post.
The seat fell vacant after SBI MD B Sriram resigned from the SBI MD post on June 30, days after he was appointed to lead the IDBI Bank as its MD and CEO for three months. Anshula has been serving the bank as its Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since May 2014 and June 2015, respectively.
Anshula Kant, a graduate in Economic Honours from Lady Shri Ram College for Women and a Post-Graduate in Economics from Delhi School of Economics joined State Bank of India as a probationary officer in 1983. She has handled many crucial assignments over three decades in the bank. She has an extensive experience in retail banking, corporate credit, cross-border trade and banking in developed markets - both retail and wholesale.
"The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Kant as the Managing Director (MD), SBI till the date of her superannuation i.e. September 30, 2020," an order from the Personnel Ministry said. Her name was recommended by the Bank Boards Bureau for the post.
The seat fell vacant after SBI MD B Sriram resigned from the SBI MD post on June 30, days after he was appointed to lead the IDBI Bank as its MD and CEO for three months. Anshula has been serving the bank as its Deputy Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since May 2014 and June 2015, respectively.
Anshula Kant, a graduate in Economic Honours from Lady Shri Ram College for Women and a Post-Graduate in Economics from Delhi School of Economics joined State Bank of India as a probationary officer in 1983. She has handled many crucial assignments over three decades in the bank. She has an extensive experience in retail banking, corporate credit, cross-border trade and banking in developed markets - both retail and wholesale.
Top brands of India: HDFC leads the list, Reliance Jio on the 10th spot
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With brand value of $21.7 billion, HDFC Bank emerged as India's top brand as mentioned in a report by WPP and Kantar Millward Brown. In the report, called BrandZ Most Valuable Indian Brands, HDFC tops with two new entrants - Life Insurance Corporation and Tata Consultancy Services. LIC was values at $19.8 billion, while TCS was valued at $15 billion.
"HDFC Bank has retained its No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive year with a rise of 21% to a brand value of $21.7 billion. The bank has built a reputation for its sustainable livelihood initiative by introducing smaller loans worth as little as $175 that can be accessed via its bank branches," the report elaborated.
"Insurance brand LIC comes in at No. 2 ($19.8 billion) thanks to the key role played by its pension plan business whilst Tata Consultancy Services ranked No. 3 ($15.0 billion), having leveraged digital technologies to drive growth and business transformation," it said.
The report also added that there are 7 new entrants in the top 15 list this year.
Another expected entrant is Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio. Couple of months after its launch that disrupted the telecom industry with its cheap data plans and wide availability, Jio rushed to the 11th spot. This year it breached the top 10 list.
The top 10 spots were occupied by HDFC, LIC, TCS, Bharti Airtel with $11.4 billion, State Bank of India with $7.8 billion, Maruti Suzuki with $6.9 billion, Kotak Mahindra Bank with $6.6 billion, Asian Paints with $6.1 billion, ICICI Bank with $4.8 billion and Reliance Jio with $4 billion.
The firm released its first India listing in 2014. In 2017's listing, it had 50 companies, which increased to 75 brands this year "to reflect the strength of India's growing economy and a marketplace in which more local brands are emerging to present consumers with increased choice."
The report further stated that since its launch five years ago, the total value of the top 50 Indian brands grew 110% to a cumulative $146.1 billion. It said that it was their strongest year till now. The report revealed that the brand value was pushed by rising consumer confidence, increased brand awareness and the country's return to rapid economic growth.
"HDFC Bank has retained its No. 1 spot for the fifth consecutive year with a rise of 21% to a brand value of $21.7 billion. The bank has built a reputation for its sustainable livelihood initiative by introducing smaller loans worth as little as $175 that can be accessed via its bank branches," the report elaborated.
"Insurance brand LIC comes in at No. 2 ($19.8 billion) thanks to the key role played by its pension plan business whilst Tata Consultancy Services ranked No. 3 ($15.0 billion), having leveraged digital technologies to drive growth and business transformation," it said.
The report also added that there are 7 new entrants in the top 15 list this year.
Another expected entrant is Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio. Couple of months after its launch that disrupted the telecom industry with its cheap data plans and wide availability, Jio rushed to the 11th spot. This year it breached the top 10 list.
The top 10 spots were occupied by HDFC, LIC, TCS, Bharti Airtel with $11.4 billion, State Bank of India with $7.8 billion, Maruti Suzuki with $6.9 billion, Kotak Mahindra Bank with $6.6 billion, Asian Paints with $6.1 billion, ICICI Bank with $4.8 billion and Reliance Jio with $4 billion.
The firm released its first India listing in 2014. In 2017's listing, it had 50 companies, which increased to 75 brands this year "to reflect the strength of India's growing economy and a marketplace in which more local brands are emerging to present consumers with increased choice."
The report further stated that since its launch five years ago, the total value of the top 50 Indian brands grew 110% to a cumulative $146.1 billion. It said that it was their strongest year till now. The report revealed that the brand value was pushed by rising consumer confidence, increased brand awareness and the country's return to rapid economic growth.
Prime minister talks up electric cars but no word on FAME 2
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India was best placed globally to be an early mover in connected, clean, congestion free and electric mobility around the world but did not announce the highly anticipated FAME 2 scheme that is expected to lay down fiscal incentives for electric cars, two wheelers and charging stations.
While inaugurating the two day global mobility summit organised in Delhi by Niti Ayog, Modi said India has far fewer number of vehicles per capita than other countries which meant it does not have the baggage of other economies that were built on the back of private car ownership. "Our starting point is fresh. We have little of the legacy of resource-blind mobility," he said. "This gives us the window of opportunity to create an all-new, seamless mobility eco-system.
On the technology front, our strengths lie in information technology, big data, digital payments, and the internet-enabled shared economy. These elements are increasingly becoming the drivers of the global future of mobility." "Charged mobility is the way forward. We want to drive investments across the value chain from batteries to smart charging to Electric Vehicle manufacturing. India's business leaders and manufacturers are now poised to develop and deploy break-through battery technology. We want to build India as a driver in Electric Vehicles."
India lags other countries in the area of electric mobility but in the last 18 months the government has started making noises about a swift transition from internal combustion engines that power the cars today to battery operated vehicles. The government had launched an over-arching FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles) scheme in March 2015 to spur purchase and usage of electric vehicles in the country that expired in March last year but has been extended till the end of this month. Under this scheme the government has given financial support to 186,431 electric or hybrid vehicles worth Rs 256.93 crore. Further, a grant of Rs 280 crore has been sanctioned for nearly 500 electric buses in 9 major cities in the country.
A revised version of the scheme, FAME 2 with a much bigger corpus of Rs 9,300 crore for 5 years has been prepared and Modi was expected to launch it today. Out of this Rs 1000 crore would be for incentivising charging infrastructure in the country, which is cited as a major hindrance in proliferation of electric vehicles in the country. The automobile industry was also waiting to see if the incentives on purchase of electric cars would be extended to private cars as well. Modi however gave an indication that it may not be the case.
"Public Transport must be the cornerstone of our mobility initiatives. Our focus must also go beyond cars, to other vehicles such as scooters and rickshaws. Large segments of the developing world depend on these vehicles for mobility," he said. "We must leverage the full potential for vehicle pooling and other innovative technical solutions to improve private vehicle utilization. People from villages should be able to bring their produce to the cities with ease and efficiency. Convenient mobility means safe, affordable and accessible for all sections of the society. This includes the elderly, the women and the specially-abled. We need to ensure that public transport is preferred to private modes of travel."
"We will soon put in place a stable policy-regime around electric and other alternative fuel vehicles. Policies will be designed as a win-win for all, and enable huge opportunities in the automotive sector." While there are only a handful electric cars like Mahindra e2o and e-Verito, available in the country today, manufacturers have started to prepare a roadmap for launching electric cars. Market leader Maruti Suzuki which has joined hands with Toyota Motor Corp to develop electric cars for India, said it would start testing 50 units of the prototype of an electric version of its hatchback Wagon R in India from next month. The car would eventually be launched in 2020.
"In India there is significant number of people who are eagerly waiting to have their own car. It is said that EV will be approximately 30 percent in 2030," said Osamu Suzuki, chairman, Suzuki Motor Corp. "We have decided to launch EV in India around 2020 in cooperation with Toyota Motor Corporation. We will start road running test using fleet of 50 EV prototype vehicles in India from next month for developing safe and easy to use EV for Indian customers in line with Indian climatic and traffic conditions. We have also decided to commence production of lithium ion battery for automobile at our plant in Gujarat in 2020. Regarding increasing the penetration of EV in India it is obvious that it cannot be done without sufficient charging infrastructure development. In this regard we look forward to proactive leadership from the government of India."
While inaugurating the two day global mobility summit organised in Delhi by Niti Ayog, Modi said India has far fewer number of vehicles per capita than other countries which meant it does not have the baggage of other economies that were built on the back of private car ownership. "Our starting point is fresh. We have little of the legacy of resource-blind mobility," he said. "This gives us the window of opportunity to create an all-new, seamless mobility eco-system.
On the technology front, our strengths lie in information technology, big data, digital payments, and the internet-enabled shared economy. These elements are increasingly becoming the drivers of the global future of mobility." "Charged mobility is the way forward. We want to drive investments across the value chain from batteries to smart charging to Electric Vehicle manufacturing. India's business leaders and manufacturers are now poised to develop and deploy break-through battery technology. We want to build India as a driver in Electric Vehicles."
India lags other countries in the area of electric mobility but in the last 18 months the government has started making noises about a swift transition from internal combustion engines that power the cars today to battery operated vehicles. The government had launched an over-arching FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid & Electric Vehicles) scheme in March 2015 to spur purchase and usage of electric vehicles in the country that expired in March last year but has been extended till the end of this month. Under this scheme the government has given financial support to 186,431 electric or hybrid vehicles worth Rs 256.93 crore. Further, a grant of Rs 280 crore has been sanctioned for nearly 500 electric buses in 9 major cities in the country.
A revised version of the scheme, FAME 2 with a much bigger corpus of Rs 9,300 crore for 5 years has been prepared and Modi was expected to launch it today. Out of this Rs 1000 crore would be for incentivising charging infrastructure in the country, which is cited as a major hindrance in proliferation of electric vehicles in the country. The automobile industry was also waiting to see if the incentives on purchase of electric cars would be extended to private cars as well. Modi however gave an indication that it may not be the case.
"Public Transport must be the cornerstone of our mobility initiatives. Our focus must also go beyond cars, to other vehicles such as scooters and rickshaws. Large segments of the developing world depend on these vehicles for mobility," he said. "We must leverage the full potential for vehicle pooling and other innovative technical solutions to improve private vehicle utilization. People from villages should be able to bring their produce to the cities with ease and efficiency. Convenient mobility means safe, affordable and accessible for all sections of the society. This includes the elderly, the women and the specially-abled. We need to ensure that public transport is preferred to private modes of travel."
"We will soon put in place a stable policy-regime around electric and other alternative fuel vehicles. Policies will be designed as a win-win for all, and enable huge opportunities in the automotive sector." While there are only a handful electric cars like Mahindra e2o and e-Verito, available in the country today, manufacturers have started to prepare a roadmap for launching electric cars. Market leader Maruti Suzuki which has joined hands with Toyota Motor Corp to develop electric cars for India, said it would start testing 50 units of the prototype of an electric version of its hatchback Wagon R in India from next month. The car would eventually be launched in 2020.
"In India there is significant number of people who are eagerly waiting to have their own car. It is said that EV will be approximately 30 percent in 2030," said Osamu Suzuki, chairman, Suzuki Motor Corp. "We have decided to launch EV in India around 2020 in cooperation with Toyota Motor Corporation. We will start road running test using fleet of 50 EV prototype vehicles in India from next month for developing safe and easy to use EV for Indian customers in line with Indian climatic and traffic conditions. We have also decided to commence production of lithium ion battery for automobile at our plant in Gujarat in 2020. Regarding increasing the penetration of EV in India it is obvious that it cannot be done without sufficient charging infrastructure development. In this regard we look forward to proactive leadership from the government of India."
NCLAT seeks details on Walmart-Flipkart business model in India
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The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) has asked US-based brick-and-mortar behemoth Walmart and its recent acquisition, Flipkart, to explain their business model in India.
The NCLAT has asked Walmart International Holdings Inc to file its reply before it by September 20, 2018. It has also asked trader's body CAIT, which has filed an appeal before NCLAT challenging the go-ahead by the CCI on Walmart's $16 billion acquisition of Flipkart, to file its understanding over the Walmart's business model in India.
NCLAT is the appellate authority for the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
"Before going into the merit of the appeal, we intend to know the manner in which Walmart International Holdings, Inc. and Flipkart Private Ltd do their business in the relevant market in India," said an NCLAT bench headed by Chairman Justice S J Mukhopadhaya.
The tribunal further said: "The appellant (CAIT) may file relevant list of dates and their understanding of sales by Respondent No 2 (Walmart International) by way of an additional affidavit within a week thereof."
The NCLAT has directed the matter be listed on 5 October.
Last month, while clearing Walmart's acquisition of Flipkart, the CCI observed that complaints about the deal violating FDI rules "may merit policy intervention" but that did not fall in its ambit. The CCI had said it is "not likely to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India and, therefore, the same is hereby approved."
It had observed that the complaint about Flipkart's discounting practice or preference to select e-tailers is not specific to this merger deal and is "already prevalent" in the market.
Earlier, on August 18 Walmart had informed that it had completed the deal with Flipkart and now holds a 77 per cent stake in the Indian e-commerce major. Besides, the Bentonville giant's investment includes $2 billion of new equity funding to help accelerate the growth of the Flipkart business.
As per the provisions of the I-T law, Walmart has to deduct withholding tax on payments made to sellers and deposit it with the Indian authorities on the seventh day of the subsequent month, which falls on September 7.
Walmart India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Inc, owns and operates 21 Best Price Modern wholesale stores in eight states in the country. Walmart International Holdings, Inc is a subsidiary of Walmart Inc.
The NCLAT has asked Walmart International Holdings Inc to file its reply before it by September 20, 2018. It has also asked trader's body CAIT, which has filed an appeal before NCLAT challenging the go-ahead by the CCI on Walmart's $16 billion acquisition of Flipkart, to file its understanding over the Walmart's business model in India.
NCLAT is the appellate authority for the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
"Before going into the merit of the appeal, we intend to know the manner in which Walmart International Holdings, Inc. and Flipkart Private Ltd do their business in the relevant market in India," said an NCLAT bench headed by Chairman Justice S J Mukhopadhaya.
The tribunal further said: "The appellant (CAIT) may file relevant list of dates and their understanding of sales by Respondent No 2 (Walmart International) by way of an additional affidavit within a week thereof."
The NCLAT has directed the matter be listed on 5 October.
Last month, while clearing Walmart's acquisition of Flipkart, the CCI observed that complaints about the deal violating FDI rules "may merit policy intervention" but that did not fall in its ambit. The CCI had said it is "not likely to have an appreciable adverse effect on competition in India and, therefore, the same is hereby approved."
It had observed that the complaint about Flipkart's discounting practice or preference to select e-tailers is not specific to this merger deal and is "already prevalent" in the market.
Earlier, on August 18 Walmart had informed that it had completed the deal with Flipkart and now holds a 77 per cent stake in the Indian e-commerce major. Besides, the Bentonville giant's investment includes $2 billion of new equity funding to help accelerate the growth of the Flipkart business.
As per the provisions of the I-T law, Walmart has to deduct withholding tax on payments made to sellers and deposit it with the Indian authorities on the seventh day of the subsequent month, which falls on September 7.
Walmart India, a wholly owned subsidiary of Walmart Inc, owns and operates 21 Best Price Modern wholesale stores in eight states in the country. Walmart International Holdings, Inc is a subsidiary of Walmart Inc.
Coal India, NTPC, among 11 public sector companies shortlisted for share buyback
-
The Finance Ministry has prepared a tentative list of 11 central public sector enterprises (CPSEs) that will conduct a share buyback during the ongoing financial year. The Department of Investment and Public Asset Management prepared the list after discussing the proposal with these 11 companies from sector ranging from power production to aeronautics.
The list of 11 CPSEs compiled by the government include Coal India, NTPC, NALCO, NMDC, NLC, BHEL, NHPC, NBCC, SJVN, KIOCL and Hindustan Aeronautics. The shortlisted companies have been asked to buyback the shares in accordance to the capital restructuring guidelines laid out by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management on May 27, 2016
The guidelines set by the Department mandate that companies worth Rs 2,000 crore, and cash and bank balance more than Rs 1,000 crore have to mandatorily buy back shares. Officials however said that not all CPSEs shortlisted by the Finance Ministry will be able to buyback the shares during the financial year 2018-19 on account of their business plans, according to a PTI report.
The Department had also asked every CPSE to analyse cash and bank balance, expansion plans, borrowing plans, net worth and market value of shares in the first board meeting after the closure of a financial year. The companies have also been asked to explore options for buying back of shares.
Share buybacks offer a route for companies to return some wealth to their shareholders, while potentially boosting their stock prices. In a share buyback, a company will absorb or retire the repurchased shares, and rename them treasury stock. Buying back stock is also a route to make a business look more attractive to investors. By reducing the number of outstanding shares, a company's earnings per share ratio is automatically increased.
The list of 11 CPSEs compiled by the government include Coal India, NTPC, NALCO, NMDC, NLC, BHEL, NHPC, NBCC, SJVN, KIOCL and Hindustan Aeronautics. The shortlisted companies have been asked to buyback the shares in accordance to the capital restructuring guidelines laid out by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management on May 27, 2016
The guidelines set by the Department mandate that companies worth Rs 2,000 crore, and cash and bank balance more than Rs 1,000 crore have to mandatorily buy back shares. Officials however said that not all CPSEs shortlisted by the Finance Ministry will be able to buyback the shares during the financial year 2018-19 on account of their business plans, according to a PTI report.
The Department had also asked every CPSE to analyse cash and bank balance, expansion plans, borrowing plans, net worth and market value of shares in the first board meeting after the closure of a financial year. The companies have also been asked to explore options for buying back of shares.
Share buybacks offer a route for companies to return some wealth to their shareholders, while potentially boosting their stock prices. In a share buyback, a company will absorb or retire the repurchased shares, and rename them treasury stock. Buying back stock is also a route to make a business look more attractive to investors. By reducing the number of outstanding shares, a company's earnings per share ratio is automatically increased.
General Awareness
GENERAL AWARENESS PRACTICE MCQs FOR ALL BANK EXAMS
-
1. The world's No Tobacco day is observed on 31st May. This year the theme is:
1) "Tobacco and heart disease
2) "Tobacco and Cancer
3) "Tobacco and Lung Cancer
4) "Tobacco and health problems
5) "Tobacco and Life Risk
2. The Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIII, a biannual event started between which of the following two countries:
1) India and Nepal
2) India and Bangladesh
3) India and Pakistan
4) India and Bhutan
5) India and Myanmar
3. For the first time,which country is hosting Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-Regional AntiTerrorist Structure Legal Experts meeting 2018?
1) India
2) Pakistan
3) China
4) Nepal
5) Bhutan
4. Vikas Gowda announced his retirement. He is:
1) The chief secretary of RBI
2) The only Indian to win commonwealth games in Weightlifting
3) The only Indian to win Commonwealth Games medal in Discus throw
4) The Chief Election Commissioner
5) The Indian origin Srilankan cricketer .
5. The new Messaging App 'Kimbho' was launched by :
1) BHEL
2) BSNL
3) TATA
4) Patanjali
5) Ayush
6. Sangeeta Bahl is in the news recently. The reason is :
1) She has become the oldest Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest.
2) She is the youngest Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest.
3) She is the double amputee to climb Mt everest
4) She created world record by scaling 3 highest mountains in single climbing season.
5) She hails from Telangana state.
7. Which city is going to be NATO's 1st Latin American Global Partner?
1) Cuba
2) Colombia
3) Brazil
4) Peru
5) Argentina
8. Recently, Alicia Pucheta became the first interim woman President of which country ?
1) Paraguay
2) Poland
3) Finland
4) Ireland
5) cuba
9. Nepal is the first country in WHO's South-East Asia Region to defeat Trachoma. Trachoma is a : 1) Eye disease caused by infection
2) Liver disease
3) Pancreas disease caused by virus
4) Brain disease
5) Small and large intestine disease caused by viral infection
10. The United States has withdrawn to invite which country from Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise:
1) Russia
2) Pakistan
3) North Korea
4) India
5) China
11. Prime minister launched Eastern Peripheral Expressway recently. Which among the following are true about Expressway:
a) It has been launched in Bagpat, Uttar Pradesh.
b) Eastern Peripheral Expressway is 235 km long.
c) It is India's first highway to be lit by solar power .
1) Only a and b are true
2) Only b and c are true
3) All a, b and c are true
4) None of them are true
5) Only a and c are true
12. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed every year on May 29 and this year the theme is:
1) "UN Peacekeepers: 70 Years of Service and Sacrifice".
2) "UN Peacekeepers: Many Years of Service and Sacrifice".
3) "UN Peacekeepers: Life for Service and Sacrifice".
4) "UN Peacekeepers: Service and Sacrifice".
5) "UN Peacekeepers: Change the lives for better future".
13. Which country has banned products from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain, accusing it of supporting terrorism.?
1) US
2) Israel
3) Qatar
4) India
5) UK
14. India, United States and Japan will deploy 22nd Malabar exercise at Guam. Guam is a:
1) Guam is a US island territory in Micronesia, in the Western Pacific.
2) Guam is a Japan's island territory in Micronesia.
3) Guam is an Indian island territory near Indian ocean.
4) Guam is a Japan's island territory near Red Sea
5) Guam is a richest city in US.
15. In the fourth week of May, which country has passed a tougher anti-terror law?
1) Malaysia
2) Indonesia
3) India
4) Myanmar
5) France
16. Gaj Yatra launched in Garo Hills recently. In which state it is:
1) Nagaland
2) Tripura
3) Meghalaya
4) Manipur
5) Odisha
17. Which state Government Launches Reuse Of Treated Waste Water Policy ?
1) Telangana
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Goa
4) Gujarath
5) Manipur
18. Prime minister inaugurated India's first 14-lane highway. It is between:
1) Delhi-Meerut
2) Delhi-jaitser
3) Delhi-sirpur
4) Meerut-dispur
5) Chennai-meerut
19. Name the Indian cartoonist who has won award in the best caricature category at the 2018 World Press Cartoon awards:
1) Srikumar saran
2) Thomas antony
3) Madhukar gupta
4) Sreedhar
5) Sraswathi narasimha rao
20. The US Capitol ,for the first time will host which among the following gathering of community: 1) African-americans
2) Muslims
3) Indian-Americans
4) Muslim-Americans
5) immigrants
21. Name the former World Shooting Champion who won the gold in the Grand Prix in Munich, Germany:
1) Heena sidhu
2) Rajwant singh
3) Tejaswini sawant
4) Surya kanthi
5) Anju mudgal
22. Choose the correct answer?
a) India will be the host country for celebrations of World Environment Day 2018
b) The theme for this year is 'Beat Plastic Pollution'
c) World environment day is celebrated on 5th June.
d) Cuba was the host country for the world environment day 2017.
1) Only a and b are true
2) Only b and c are true
3) Only a and c are true
4) Only c and d are true
5) Only a, b and c are true
23. The ASEAN India Film Festival has started in New Delhi. The Headquarters of ASEAN are at : 1) Jakarta, Indonesia
2) New Delhi, India
3) Beijing, China
4) Canberra, Australia
5) Kaulalumpur, Malaysia
24. The second stage of Archery World Cup 2018 has been started in Antalya. Antalya is in:
1) Malaysia
2) Finland
3) Turkey
4) Bhutan
5) Nepal
25. Dr. Kamaljit S. Bawa has been conferred with the prestigious Linnean Medal. Which of the statements are true about this:
a) The Linnean Medal is awarded to a biologist every year by the Linnean Society of London
b) He became the first Indian to win this award
c) Dr. Bawa is Botanist and the President of ICRISAT d) He is the Indian Botanist and President of ATREE
1) Only a and c are true
2) Only b and c are true
3) Only c and D are true
4) Only a and d are true
5) Only a,b and d are true
26. Which Indian airport has been recognized as the world's first fully solar energy-powered airport by United Nations Environment Programme?
1) Cochin international Airport
2) Goa International Airport
3) Indira Gandhi International Airport
4) Rajiv Gandhi International airport
5) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
27. The BCCI and UN Environment has signed an agreement to promote 'green' Cricket in India. the main aim is to:
1) Focus on phasing out singleuse plastic across stadiums in the country, highlighting hazards of plastic pollution .
2) Focus on planting trees around the stadiums
3) Focus on Non-smoking across stadiums. Highlighting hazards of smoking pollution
4) Focusing on hazards of drunk and drive cases, and avoidance of accidents
5) Focusing on eradicating air pollution
28. Who launched the twin pit toilet technology ad campaign for the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) ?
1) Aamir khan
2) Akshay kumar
3) Anil kapoor
4) Rishi kapoor
5) Jackie shroff
29. As per Lancet's latest study, India's rank in terms of Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index is :
1) 125
2) 134
3) 145
4) 167
5) 150
30. On 25th May 2018, which International union has brought in to effect the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rule?
1) ASEAN
2) NATO
3) SAARC
4) EU
5) BIMSTEC
31. Choose the correct one:
a) India was ranked 44th in terms of competitiveness for year 2018
b)The US became the most competitive economy country
c) Malaysia and UK are in the second and third place
1) Only a is true
2) Only b and c are true
3) Only a and c are true
4) Only c is true
5) Only a and b are true
32. The 5th India-CLMV Business Conclave 2018 was held in which country?
1) Cambodia
2) Myanmar
3) Vietnam
4) Laos
5) India
33. Name the actor/actress who has been collaborated with NITI Aayog for the promotion of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) launched by the Central government:
1) Shraddha kapoor
2) Ranbir kapoor
3) Sushant singh rajput
4) Hrithik roshan
5) Jai hemant shroff
34. Which UN organization has launched a data visualisation application recently?
1) UNO
2) UNSC
3) UNDP
4) UNFPA
5) UNICEF
ANSWERS:
1) 1 2) 1 3) 2 4) 3 5) 4 6) 1 7) 2 8) 1 9) 1 10) 5
11) 5 12) 1 13) 3 14) 1 15) 2 16) 3 17) 4 18) 1 19) 2 20) 3
21) 3 22) 5 23) 1 24) 3 25) 5 26) 1 27) 1 28) 2 29) 3 30) 4 31) 5 32) 1 33) 3 34) 5
1. The world's No Tobacco day is observed on 31st May. This year the theme is:
1) "Tobacco and heart disease
2) "Tobacco and Cancer
3) "Tobacco and Lung Cancer
4) "Tobacco and health problems
5) "Tobacco and Life Risk
2. The Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIII, a biannual event started between which of the following two countries:
1) India and Nepal
2) India and Bangladesh
3) India and Pakistan
4) India and Bhutan
5) India and Myanmar
3. For the first time,which country is hosting Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-Regional AntiTerrorist Structure Legal Experts meeting 2018?
1) India
2) Pakistan
3) China
4) Nepal
5) Bhutan
4. Vikas Gowda announced his retirement. He is:
1) The chief secretary of RBI
2) The only Indian to win commonwealth games in Weightlifting
3) The only Indian to win Commonwealth Games medal in Discus throw
4) The Chief Election Commissioner
5) The Indian origin Srilankan cricketer .
5. The new Messaging App 'Kimbho' was launched by :
1) BHEL
2) BSNL
3) TATA
4) Patanjali
5) Ayush
6. Sangeeta Bahl is in the news recently. The reason is :
1) She has become the oldest Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest.
2) She is the youngest Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest.
3) She is the double amputee to climb Mt everest
4) She created world record by scaling 3 highest mountains in single climbing season.
5) She hails from Telangana state.
7. Which city is going to be NATO's 1st Latin American Global Partner?
1) Cuba
2) Colombia
3) Brazil
4) Peru
5) Argentina
8. Recently, Alicia Pucheta became the first interim woman President of which country ?
1) Paraguay
2) Poland
3) Finland
4) Ireland
5) cuba
9. Nepal is the first country in WHO's South-East Asia Region to defeat Trachoma. Trachoma is a : 1) Eye disease caused by infection
2) Liver disease
3) Pancreas disease caused by virus
4) Brain disease
5) Small and large intestine disease caused by viral infection
10. The United States has withdrawn to invite which country from Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise:
1) Russia
2) Pakistan
3) North Korea
4) India
5) China
11. Prime minister launched Eastern Peripheral Expressway recently. Which among the following are true about Expressway:
a) It has been launched in Bagpat, Uttar Pradesh.
b) Eastern Peripheral Expressway is 235 km long.
c) It is India's first highway to be lit by solar power .
1) Only a and b are true
2) Only b and c are true
3) All a, b and c are true
4) None of them are true
5) Only a and c are true
12. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed every year on May 29 and this year the theme is:
1) "UN Peacekeepers: 70 Years of Service and Sacrifice".
2) "UN Peacekeepers: Many Years of Service and Sacrifice".
3) "UN Peacekeepers: Life for Service and Sacrifice".
4) "UN Peacekeepers: Service and Sacrifice".
5) "UN Peacekeepers: Change the lives for better future".
13. Which country has banned products from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain, accusing it of supporting terrorism.?
1) US
2) Israel
3) Qatar
4) India
5) UK
14. India, United States and Japan will deploy 22nd Malabar exercise at Guam. Guam is a:
1) Guam is a US island territory in Micronesia, in the Western Pacific.
2) Guam is a Japan's island territory in Micronesia.
3) Guam is an Indian island territory near Indian ocean.
4) Guam is a Japan's island territory near Red Sea
5) Guam is a richest city in US.
15. In the fourth week of May, which country has passed a tougher anti-terror law?
1) Malaysia
2) Indonesia
3) India
4) Myanmar
5) France
16. Gaj Yatra launched in Garo Hills recently. In which state it is:
1) Nagaland
2) Tripura
3) Meghalaya
4) Manipur
5) Odisha
17. Which state Government Launches Reuse Of Treated Waste Water Policy ?
1) Telangana
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Goa
4) Gujarath
5) Manipur
18. Prime minister inaugurated India's first 14-lane highway. It is between:
1) Delhi-Meerut
2) Delhi-jaitser
3) Delhi-sirpur
4) Meerut-dispur
5) Chennai-meerut
19. Name the Indian cartoonist who has won award in the best caricature category at the 2018 World Press Cartoon awards:
1) Srikumar saran
2) Thomas antony
3) Madhukar gupta
4) Sreedhar
5) Sraswathi narasimha rao
20. The US Capitol ,for the first time will host which among the following gathering of community: 1) African-americans
2) Muslims
3) Indian-Americans
4) Muslim-Americans
5) immigrants
21. Name the former World Shooting Champion who won the gold in the Grand Prix in Munich, Germany:
1) Heena sidhu
2) Rajwant singh
3) Tejaswini sawant
4) Surya kanthi
5) Anju mudgal
22. Choose the correct answer?
a) India will be the host country for celebrations of World Environment Day 2018
b) The theme for this year is 'Beat Plastic Pollution'
c) World environment day is celebrated on 5th June.
d) Cuba was the host country for the world environment day 2017.
1) Only a and b are true
2) Only b and c are true
3) Only a and c are true
4) Only c and d are true
5) Only a, b and c are true
23. The ASEAN India Film Festival has started in New Delhi. The Headquarters of ASEAN are at : 1) Jakarta, Indonesia
2) New Delhi, India
3) Beijing, China
4) Canberra, Australia
5) Kaulalumpur, Malaysia
24. The second stage of Archery World Cup 2018 has been started in Antalya. Antalya is in:
1) Malaysia
2) Finland
3) Turkey
4) Bhutan
5) Nepal
25. Dr. Kamaljit S. Bawa has been conferred with the prestigious Linnean Medal. Which of the statements are true about this:
a) The Linnean Medal is awarded to a biologist every year by the Linnean Society of London
b) He became the first Indian to win this award
c) Dr. Bawa is Botanist and the President of ICRISAT d) He is the Indian Botanist and President of ATREE
1) Only a and c are true
2) Only b and c are true
3) Only c and D are true
4) Only a and d are true
5) Only a,b and d are true
26. Which Indian airport has been recognized as the world's first fully solar energy-powered airport by United Nations Environment Programme?
1) Cochin international Airport
2) Goa International Airport
3) Indira Gandhi International Airport
4) Rajiv Gandhi International airport
5) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
27. The BCCI and UN Environment has signed an agreement to promote 'green' Cricket in India. the main aim is to:
1) Focus on phasing out singleuse plastic across stadiums in the country, highlighting hazards of plastic pollution .
2) Focus on planting trees around the stadiums
3) Focus on Non-smoking across stadiums. Highlighting hazards of smoking pollution
4) Focusing on hazards of drunk and drive cases, and avoidance of accidents
5) Focusing on eradicating air pollution
28. Who launched the twin pit toilet technology ad campaign for the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) ?
1) Aamir khan
2) Akshay kumar
3) Anil kapoor
4) Rishi kapoor
5) Jackie shroff
29. As per Lancet's latest study, India's rank in terms of Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index is :
1) 125
2) 134
3) 145
4) 167
5) 150
30. On 25th May 2018, which International union has brought in to effect the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rule?
1) ASEAN
2) NATO
3) SAARC
4) EU
5) BIMSTEC
31. Choose the correct one:
a) India was ranked 44th in terms of competitiveness for year 2018
b)The US became the most competitive economy country
c) Malaysia and UK are in the second and third place
1) Only a is true
2) Only b and c are true
3) Only a and c are true
4) Only c is true
5) Only a and b are true
32. The 5th India-CLMV Business Conclave 2018 was held in which country?
1) Cambodia
2) Myanmar
3) Vietnam
4) Laos
5) India
33. Name the actor/actress who has been collaborated with NITI Aayog for the promotion of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) launched by the Central government:
1) Shraddha kapoor
2) Ranbir kapoor
3) Sushant singh rajput
4) Hrithik roshan
5) Jai hemant shroff
34. Which UN organization has launched a data visualisation application recently?
1) UNO
2) UNSC
3) UNDP
4) UNFPA
5) UNICEF
ANSWERS:
1) 1 2) 1 3) 2 4) 3 5) 4 6) 1 7) 2 8) 1 9) 1 10) 5
11) 5 12) 1 13) 3 14) 1 15) 2 16) 3 17) 4 18) 1 19) 2 20) 3
21) 3 22) 5 23) 1 24) 3 25) 5 26) 1 27) 1 28) 2 29) 3 30) 4 31) 5 32) 1 33) 3 34) 5
1) "Tobacco and heart disease
2) "Tobacco and Cancer
3) "Tobacco and Lung Cancer
4) "Tobacco and health problems
5) "Tobacco and Life Risk
2. The Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN-XIII, a biannual event started between which of the following two countries:
1) India and Nepal
2) India and Bangladesh
3) India and Pakistan
4) India and Bhutan
5) India and Myanmar
3. For the first time,which country is hosting Shanghai Cooperation Organisation-Regional AntiTerrorist Structure Legal Experts meeting 2018?
1) India
2) Pakistan
3) China
4) Nepal
5) Bhutan
4. Vikas Gowda announced his retirement. He is:
1) The chief secretary of RBI
2) The only Indian to win commonwealth games in Weightlifting
3) The only Indian to win Commonwealth Games medal in Discus throw
4) The Chief Election Commissioner
5) The Indian origin Srilankan cricketer .
5. The new Messaging App 'Kimbho' was launched by :
1) BHEL
2) BSNL
3) TATA
4) Patanjali
5) Ayush
6. Sangeeta Bahl is in the news recently. The reason is :
1) She has become the oldest Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest.
2) She is the youngest Indian woman to scale the Mount Everest.
3) She is the double amputee to climb Mt everest
4) She created world record by scaling 3 highest mountains in single climbing season.
5) She hails from Telangana state.
7. Which city is going to be NATO's 1st Latin American Global Partner?
1) Cuba
2) Colombia
3) Brazil
4) Peru
5) Argentina
8. Recently, Alicia Pucheta became the first interim woman President of which country ?
1) Paraguay
2) Poland
3) Finland
4) Ireland
5) cuba
9. Nepal is the first country in WHO's South-East Asia Region to defeat Trachoma. Trachoma is a : 1) Eye disease caused by infection
2) Liver disease
3) Pancreas disease caused by virus
4) Brain disease
5) Small and large intestine disease caused by viral infection
10. The United States has withdrawn to invite which country from Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) Exercise:
1) Russia
2) Pakistan
3) North Korea
4) India
5) China
11. Prime minister launched Eastern Peripheral Expressway recently. Which among the following are true about Expressway:
a) It has been launched in Bagpat, Uttar Pradesh.
b) Eastern Peripheral Expressway is 235 km long.
c) It is India's first highway to be lit by solar power .
1) Only a and b are true
2) Only b and c are true
3) All a, b and c are true
4) None of them are true
5) Only a and c are true
12. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed every year on May 29 and this year the theme is:
1) "UN Peacekeepers: 70 Years of Service and Sacrifice".
2) "UN Peacekeepers: Many Years of Service and Sacrifice".
3) "UN Peacekeepers: Life for Service and Sacrifice".
4) "UN Peacekeepers: Service and Sacrifice".
5) "UN Peacekeepers: Change the lives for better future".
13. Which country has banned products from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain, accusing it of supporting terrorism.?
1) US
2) Israel
3) Qatar
4) India
5) UK
14. India, United States and Japan will deploy 22nd Malabar exercise at Guam. Guam is a:
1) Guam is a US island territory in Micronesia, in the Western Pacific.
2) Guam is a Japan's island territory in Micronesia.
3) Guam is an Indian island territory near Indian ocean.
4) Guam is a Japan's island territory near Red Sea
5) Guam is a richest city in US.
15. In the fourth week of May, which country has passed a tougher anti-terror law?
1) Malaysia
2) Indonesia
3) India
4) Myanmar
5) France
16. Gaj Yatra launched in Garo Hills recently. In which state it is:
1) Nagaland
2) Tripura
3) Meghalaya
4) Manipur
5) Odisha
17. Which state Government Launches Reuse Of Treated Waste Water Policy ?
1) Telangana
2) Andhra Pradesh
3) Goa
4) Gujarath
5) Manipur
18. Prime minister inaugurated India's first 14-lane highway. It is between:
1) Delhi-Meerut
2) Delhi-jaitser
3) Delhi-sirpur
4) Meerut-dispur
5) Chennai-meerut
19. Name the Indian cartoonist who has won award in the best caricature category at the 2018 World Press Cartoon awards:
1) Srikumar saran
2) Thomas antony
3) Madhukar gupta
4) Sreedhar
5) Sraswathi narasimha rao
20. The US Capitol ,for the first time will host which among the following gathering of community: 1) African-americans
2) Muslims
3) Indian-Americans
4) Muslim-Americans
5) immigrants
21. Name the former World Shooting Champion who won the gold in the Grand Prix in Munich, Germany:
1) Heena sidhu
2) Rajwant singh
3) Tejaswini sawant
4) Surya kanthi
5) Anju mudgal
22. Choose the correct answer?
a) India will be the host country for celebrations of World Environment Day 2018
b) The theme for this year is 'Beat Plastic Pollution'
c) World environment day is celebrated on 5th June.
d) Cuba was the host country for the world environment day 2017.
1) Only a and b are true
2) Only b and c are true
3) Only a and c are true
4) Only c and d are true
5) Only a, b and c are true
23. The ASEAN India Film Festival has started in New Delhi. The Headquarters of ASEAN are at : 1) Jakarta, Indonesia
2) New Delhi, India
3) Beijing, China
4) Canberra, Australia
5) Kaulalumpur, Malaysia
24. The second stage of Archery World Cup 2018 has been started in Antalya. Antalya is in:
1) Malaysia
2) Finland
3) Turkey
4) Bhutan
5) Nepal
25. Dr. Kamaljit S. Bawa has been conferred with the prestigious Linnean Medal. Which of the statements are true about this:
a) The Linnean Medal is awarded to a biologist every year by the Linnean Society of London
b) He became the first Indian to win this award
c) Dr. Bawa is Botanist and the President of ICRISAT d) He is the Indian Botanist and President of ATREE
1) Only a and c are true
2) Only b and c are true
3) Only c and D are true
4) Only a and d are true
5) Only a,b and d are true
26. Which Indian airport has been recognized as the world's first fully solar energy-powered airport by United Nations Environment Programme?
1) Cochin international Airport
2) Goa International Airport
3) Indira Gandhi International Airport
4) Rajiv Gandhi International airport
5) Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
27. The BCCI and UN Environment has signed an agreement to promote 'green' Cricket in India. the main aim is to:
1) Focus on phasing out singleuse plastic across stadiums in the country, highlighting hazards of plastic pollution .
2) Focus on planting trees around the stadiums
3) Focus on Non-smoking across stadiums. Highlighting hazards of smoking pollution
4) Focusing on hazards of drunk and drive cases, and avoidance of accidents
5) Focusing on eradicating air pollution
28. Who launched the twin pit toilet technology ad campaign for the Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) ?
1) Aamir khan
2) Akshay kumar
3) Anil kapoor
4) Rishi kapoor
5) Jackie shroff
29. As per Lancet's latest study, India's rank in terms of Healthcare Access and Quality (HAQ) Index is :
1) 125
2) 134
3) 145
4) 167
5) 150
30. On 25th May 2018, which International union has brought in to effect the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rule?
1) ASEAN
2) NATO
3) SAARC
4) EU
5) BIMSTEC
31. Choose the correct one:
a) India was ranked 44th in terms of competitiveness for year 2018
b)The US became the most competitive economy country
c) Malaysia and UK are in the second and third place
1) Only a is true
2) Only b and c are true
3) Only a and c are true
4) Only c is true
5) Only a and b are true
32. The 5th India-CLMV Business Conclave 2018 was held in which country?
1) Cambodia
2) Myanmar
3) Vietnam
4) Laos
5) India
33. Name the actor/actress who has been collaborated with NITI Aayog for the promotion of Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) launched by the Central government:
1) Shraddha kapoor
2) Ranbir kapoor
3) Sushant singh rajput
4) Hrithik roshan
5) Jai hemant shroff
34. Which UN organization has launched a data visualisation application recently?
1) UNO
2) UNSC
3) UNDP
4) UNFPA
5) UNICEF
ANSWERS:
1) 1 2) 1 3) 2 4) 3 5) 4 6) 1 7) 2 8) 1 9) 1 10) 5
11) 5 12) 1 13) 3 14) 1 15) 2 16) 3 17) 4 18) 1 19) 2 20) 3
21) 3 22) 5 23) 1 24) 3 25) 5 26) 1 27) 1 28) 2 29) 3 30) 4 31) 5 32) 1 33) 3 34) 5
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