Sie sind auf Seite 1von 207

GKTODAY

Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

This is a dynamic PDF E-book by GKToday. The latest version of this book can be downloaded from this link
Published by: GKTODAY.IN
GKToday © 2019 | All Rights Reserved

The authors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this E-book is
correct. However, GKToday does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any
loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result
from negligence, accident, or any other cause.
This document is a property of GKToday. Unauthorized Duplication is not allowed.
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Contents
......................... .. ... . .. ..... .................................................................
News Headlines: September 1-15, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 01, 2019 ................................................................................................................................ 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 2, 2019 .................................................................................................................................. 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 3, 2019 ................................................................................................................................. 4
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 4, 2019 ................................................................................................................................. 5
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 5, 2019 .................................................................................................................................. 5
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 6, 2019 ................................................................................................................................. 6
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 7, 2019 ................................................................................................................................. 7
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 8, 2019 ................................................................................................................................. 7
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 9, 2019 ................................................................................................................................. 8
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 10, 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 8
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 11, 2019 ................................................................................................................................ 9
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 12, 2019 .............................................................................................................................. 10
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 13, 2019 .............................................................................................................................. 10
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 14, 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 11
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 15, 2019 .............................................................................................................................. 12
September 1, 2019 .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Govt. to set up 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres across country ................................................................................. 13
‘Namaste Pacific’ Cultural Event held in New Delhi ............................................................................................................................... 13
India’s First Garbage Café to open in Chhattisgarh ............................................................................................................................... 14
Nadubhagam Chundan snake boat wins 67th Nehru Trophy in Alappuzha .................................................................................. 14
Mumbai-Surat AC Ferry Service to start from November ................................................................................................................... 15
New logo and Certificate identity of CBFC unveiled ............................................................................................................................. 15
India, Switzerland Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information kicks in ....................................................................... 15
Kalimantan: Indonesia to move capital from Jakarta to Borneo Island .............................................................................................. 16
MeitY and Google launch ‘Build for Digital India’ programme for engineering students ............................................................. 17
September 2, 2019 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Indian Navy Warships Arrive in Laem Chabang, Thailand for Port Visit .......................................................................................... 18
Tourism Minister inaugurates 1st-ever architectural LED illumination at Qutb Minar .................................................................. 18
Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul lock and Kandangi saree gets GI tag .............................................................................................................. 19
EC to host 4th General Assembly of Association of World Election Bodies .................................................................................... 19
India’s longest electrified train tunnel inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh .............................................................................................. 19
Samudrayaan project: NIOT to Launch Deep Sea Exploration & Mining Mission ......................................................................... 20
2019 edition of Defence Correspondents Course concludes at Mumbai ......................................................................................... 20
September month to be celebrated as ‘Rashtriya Poshan Maah’ ......................................................................................................... 21
September 3, 2019 ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Japan – India Defence Ministerial Meeting held in Tokyo ................................................................................................................... 21
14th UNCCD COP inaugurated at Greater Noida ................................................................................................................................. 21
72nd session of WHO Regional Committee of South-East Asia inaugurated in New Delhi ........................................................ 22
Garvi Gujarat: 2nd state bhawan of Gujarat inaugurated by PM Modi ............................................................................................ 23
PM Modi to get award from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan .................................................... 23
KVIC launches ‘Terracotta Grinder’ at Varanasi to reuse wasted pottery ........................................................................................ 23
Rishabh Pant: Fastest Indian wicket-keeper to claim 50 dismissals in Test cricket ....................................................................... 24
AUMX: 1st ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise begins ................................................................................................................................. 24
KVIC’s Reducing Plastic in Nature Project completes 1 year ............................................................................................................... 24
Growth of eight core sectors slows to 2.1% in July 2019 .................................................................................................................... 25
September 4, 2019 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
IAF inducts 8 US-made Apache AH-64E helicopters at Pathankot Air Force station .................................................................. 25
CEC Sunil Arora takes charge as AWEB Chairman .............................................................................................................................. 26
Vaishno Devi shrine named country’s ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’ ..................................................................................................... 26
‘Ashok Leyland’s heavy duty trucks becomes 1st to get BS-VI certification .................................................................................... 27
India to contribute $22 mn to GFTAM for 2020-22 ........................................................................................................................... 27
Indian Army Team Summit Mt. Leo Pargyil ........................................................................................................................................... 28
Yudh Abhyas 2019 to be held in US ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
CCEA hikes ethanol procurement price for fuel blending ................................................................................................................... 29
Nuakhai Juhar: Odisha’s harvest festival celebrated ............................................................................................................................... 29

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 2


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

September 5, 2019 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 29


Food Ministry puts blanket ban on single use plastic products from 15 Sept ................................................................................. 29
National Conference on ‘India-Africa Partnership in a Changing Global Order’ held in New Delhi ......................................... 30
1st National Conference on Cyber Crime Investigation inaugurated in New Delhi ....................................................................... 30
SATHI: IIT Kharagpur to assist academic institutes in neighbouring region ................................................................................... 31
Fourth Indian Ocean Conference 2019 held in Male ............................................................................................................................. 31
September 6, 2019 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 32
HRD Ministry awards IoE status to IIT-Madras, IIT-Khg, DU, BHU and University of Hyd ...................................................... 32
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addresses 8th Seoul Defense Defence Dialogue 2019 ............................................................... 33
Govt. launches updated Credit linked Capital Subsidy Scheme .......................................................................................................... 33
SCIENCE EXPLORER: 1st ever Mobile Science Exhibition flagged off in Leh ................................................................................. 34
EX TSENTR 2019: India, Pakistan forces to be part of military exercise in Russia ........................................................................ 35
Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired 31st SCOVA meeting ................................................................................................................................... 35
Glorious Diaspora – Pride of India’: Book on Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees released ..................................................... 35
5 September: International Day of Charity observed ............................................................................................................................ 36
Prof Muhammad Yunus conferred Lamp of Peace of Saint Francis award by Vatican ............................................................... 36
Mukesh Ambani rolls out JioFiber, offering minimum 100 Mpbs internet speed for Rs.699/month ...................................... 36
Rashid Khan of Afghanistan becomes the youngest Test captain ...................................................................................................... 37
5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) held in Vladivostok ..................................................................................................................... 37
September 7, 2019 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Swachh Mahotsav 2019 held at New Delhi ............................................................................................................................................ 38
Indian Railways wins Best Ministry for Implementation of Swachhata Action Plan for 2018-19 ............................................... 38
Kargil to Kohima 4,500 km ultra-marathon to mark 20 years of ‘Vijay Diwas’: IAF .................................................................. 39
India hosts 6th India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue .................................................................................................................. 40
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-doo ......................................................... 40
NGT asks centre to prepare plan for protection of Great Indian Bustard ....................................................................................... 41
India Pavilion inaugurated at 44th Toronto International Film Festival 2019 ................................................................................. 41
BKSP retains U17 Girls Subroto Cup International Football title ....................................................................................................... 42
‘Loktantra Ke Swar’ (Hindi): Books on President’s speeches released .............................................................................................. 43
28th Indo–Thai CORPAT begins in Thailand ........................................................................................................................................ 43
September 8, 2019 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 43
New Delhi to host 1st conference on Military Medicine for SCO member states .......................................................................... 43
Project ‘Bal Basera’ at AIIMS Rishikesh to be inaugrated on 9 Sept ................................................................................................ 44
PM Modi launched indigenously-built coach for Mumbai metro ...................................................................................................... 44
Centre sets up Task Force for drawing up National Infrastructure Pipeline ................................................................................... 45
Annual Asian Achievers Awards: Anil Agarwal honoured with lifetime achievement award ...................................................... 45
Telangana’s first food park inaugurated in Nizamabad district .......................................................................................................... 46
September 9, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
SLINEX 2019: India and Sri Lanka conducts Joint Naval Exercise .................................................................................................... 46
7th RCEP Ministerial Meeting commence in Bangkok from 8-10 September ............................................................................... 47
MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup: IOC beats PNB ........................................................................................................................................ 47
Three Animal Species in India Extinct Due To Desertification: Researchers .................................................................................. 48
India’s first-ever helicopter summit held in Dehradun ......................................................................................................................... 49
76th Venice International Film Festival Awards .................................................................................................................................... 49
Hurricane Dorian: India announces $ 1million humanitarian aid for Bahamas ............................................................................... 50
8 September: International Literacy Day observed ................................................................................................................................ 50
September 10, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 50
PM raises India’s target to restore degraded land to 26 million hectares by 2030 ....................................................................... 50
Visitor’s Awards 2019: Recipients announced .......................................................................................................................................... 51
PM Modi to launch National Animal Disease Control Programme ................................................................................................... 52
Govt constitutes 3-member committee to look into assets, liabilities of J&K ................................................................................... 53
68th Plenary session of North Eastern Council held in Guwahati, Asssam ..................................................................................... 53
CHC Farm Machinery: Multilingual Mobile App launched for farmers ........................................................................................... 54
National Conference on Crop Residue Management held in New Delhi ......................................................................................... 54
Prime Minister to Launch Kisan Man Dhan Yojana on the 12th of September .............................................................................. 55
DPIIT to launch Plastic Waste Management Campaign ....................................................................................................................... 55
IPPB rolls out Aadhaar-enabled payment services ................................................................................................................................. 55
India, ADB sign $200-million loan agreement for upgrading rural roads in Maharashtra .......................................................... 56
September 11, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 56

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 3


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

India-Nepal petroleum products pipeline inaugurated .......................................................................................................................... 56


Sports Ministry derecognises Paralympic Committee of India ............................................................................................................ 57
IAF resurrects 17th Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ to operate Rafale aircraft ...................................................................................... 58
PM Modi meets PM of St. Vincent and Grenadines in New Delhi .................................................................................................... 58
IR to recharge phones of passengers using Plastic Bottle Crushers at stations ............................................................................... 59
Skill India gets its first Batch of IES officers to ISDS cadre ................................................................................................................. 59
Madhya Pradesh government offers cows for adoption online .......................................................................................................... 59
Health Minister announces plans to set up National Genomic Grid (Cancer) ............................................................................... 60
8th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER8) held in Abu Dhabi .......................................................................................... 60
September 12, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 61
DRDO flight tests Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) ........................................................................................ 61
PK Sinha appointed Principal Advisor to PM Modi ............................................................................................................................... 61
Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra appointed Principal Secretary to PM Modi ............................................................................................ 61
President of India addresses India-Iceland Business Forum in Reykjavik ......................................................................................... 62
24th World Energy Congress held in Abu Dhabi .................................................................................................................................. 62
PM Modi launched National Artificial Insemination Programme ....................................................................................................... 63
GeM and Punjab Government inks MoU to set up Project Management Unit .............................................................................. 63
HRD Ministry launches Curriculum for Life Skills (Jeevan Kaushal) designed by UGC ............................................................... 63
Foundation Stone for Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) laid In Mumbai ................................................................................................ 64
UNCCD COP14: Drought Toolbox launched ........................................................................................................................................ 64
September 13, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64
Athlete Hima Das named brand ambassador of Gatorade by PepsiCo ............................................................................................ 64
Indian, Chinese soldiers engage in face-off briefly in Ladakh ............................................................................................................. 65
Unani Medical Centre to be inaugurated at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi ................................................................................ 65
PM inaugurates Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Sahibganj ............................................................................................................... 66
PM inaugurates New Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha building in Ranchi ................................................................................................... 66
HRD Ministry introduces study of Artificial Intelligence at school level ........................................................................................... 66
India joins Global AMR R&D hub as a new member ........................................................................................................................... 67
‘Mukhya Mantri Dal Poshit Yojana’: launched in Uttarakhand ........................................................................................................... 67
National Green Tribunal forms committee to stop illegal groundwater extraction ....................................................................... 67
Maitree 2019: Indo-Thailand Joint Military Exercise to be held in Meghalaya ............................................................................... 68
September 14-15, 2019 ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 68
14 September: Hindi Divas .......................................................................................................................................................................... 68
First ever arrested landing of Naval Tejas successfully executed in Goa .......................................................................................... 69
Railways Ministry signs MoU with CII for facilitation of green initiatives ........................................................................................ 69
UN appoints Indian Army veteran Abhijit Guha as head of Hodeidah mission .............................................................................. 70
118 new Community Radio Stations to be set-up in India ................................................................................................................... 70
HimVijay exercise: to be organised by IAF on Chinese border in October ...................................................................................... 71
Rajasthan launches ‘Jan Soochna Portal’ ................................................................................................................................................... 71
UNESCO to publish Guru Nanak Dev’s writing in world languages ................................................................................................ 72
Maritime Communication Services in India launched ........................................................................................................................... 72
Multiple Choice Questions ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 72

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 4


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

News Headlines: September 1-15, 2019


Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 01, 2019
India
Final list of the Assam National Register of Citizens announced; 19 lakh people left out
Union Home Minister Amit Shah meets his Singapore counterpart K. Shanmugam met in New Delhi
‘Namaste Pacific’ held in New Delhi to showcase the culture of the Pacific countries such as
Australia, NZ, Papua New Guinea and Fiji
Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock calls on Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi
Gujarat govt. to start ferry service between Hazira port in Surat and Bandra in Mumbai from
November
New logo and identity of CBFC designed by Rohit Devgun unveiled
Economy & Corporate
IRCTC to restore service charges on e-tickets from Sept 1; Rs 15 for non-AC, Rs 30 for AC classes
L&T Construction awarded contract to build Navi Mumbai international airport
Google and Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) launch ‘Build for Digital India’ programme for
engineering students
IIT Kharagpur, Amazon Web Services (AWS) launch National Artificial Intelligence Resource Portal
(NAIRP)
World
Saudi Arabia creates new ‘Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources’ separate from the energy
ministry
Swedish packaging pioneer Hans Rausing, known for Tetra Pak, dies at 93
Sports
Nadubhagam Chundan snake boat wins 67th Nehru Trophy boat race at the Punnamada Lake in
Alappuzha, Kerala
Tejinderpal Singh Toor wins silver in men’s shot put in an athletic meet at Decin, Czech Republic
India beat Nepal in final to win the SAFF under-15 football championship at Kalyani, West Bengal
Italian bodybuilder, boxer and actor Franco Columbu, dies aged 78
Sai Deepak Patel from Hyderabad sets Guinness World Record for one leg full contact knee strikes in
3 minutes.
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 2, 2019
India
New Governors appointed in 5 states: Maharashtra: Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Telangana: Tamilisai
Soundararajan, Kerala: Arif Mohammed Khan, Himachal Pradesh: Bandaru Dattatreya and
Rajasthan: Kalraj Mishra
EC launches Electors Verification Programme (EVP) that seeks to update electoral rolls through
crowd sourcing
Amended provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act come into effect, penalties for traffic rules violation
hiked
September being celebrated as Rashtriya Poshan Maah, theme: ‘Complementary Feeding’
POSHAN is Prime Minister’s Overreaching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment
Country’s longest electrified rail tunnel of 6.7 km between Cherlopalli and Rapuru inaugurated at
Gudur in AP
Samudrayaan’ project of National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai to send a manned
submersible vehicle to carry out deep underwater studies
Pakistan to grant consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav, who is on death row in the country, on
September 2
AP govt. orders inquiry into complaints about groundwater pollution caused by the uranium mining
in Kadapa district
Dindigul lock and Kandangi saree from Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu given the Geographical Indication

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 3


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

tag
Economy & Corporate
Over 5.65 crore income tax returns were filed by taxpayers for the Assessment Year 2019-20
Mahindra & Mahindra to acquire 55% in ride hailing and radio taxi operator Meru Travel Solutions
Banking details of Indians with accounts in Switzerland will be available to tax authorities from
September 1 with the coming into effect of the automatic exchange of information regime between
the two countries
World
Pakistan government launches its own mineral water brand ‘Safe Drinking Water’
Iran launches jet-propelled drone named Kian
Fourth South Asian Speakers’ Summit being held in the Maldives capital, Male on September 1-2
2019 Hugo Award for the best science fiction/fantasy won by Malaysian author Zen Cho for her
novel ‘If At First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again’
Italy’s President asks Giuseppe Conte, who resigned as PM recently, to lead a coalition of the 5-Star
Movement and opposition Democratic Party (PD)
Tibetan monk Sogyal Rinpoche, author of ‘The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying’ in 1992, dies in
Thailand at the age of 72
Google to shut down its job application tracking system ‘Google Hire’ on September 1, 2020
Sports
Jasprit Bumrah becomes 3rd Indian after Harbhajan Singh and Irfan Pathan to take hat-trick in test
cricket at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica
Yashaswini Singh Deswal wins gold in women’s 10m air pistol in the ISSF World Cup in Rio de
Janeiro
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc wins Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps
Jinson Johnson betters his own men’s 1500m national record in 3 min 35.24 sec in Berlin
Virgil van Dijk of Netherlands and Liverpool wins UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award, Olympique
Lyonnais and England’s Lucy Bronze wins Women’s award
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 3, 2019
India
PM Modi to receive award from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan
PM Modi inaugurates ‘Garvi Gujarat’, the second state bhawan of Gujarat in New Delhi
IAF Chief BS Dhanoa flies MiG-21 sortie with Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman
Chandrayaan-2: Vikram Lander successfully separates from orbiter
India’s Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan Gaurav Ahluwalia meets Kulbhushan Jadhav in
Islamabad
The 11-day long 14th Conference of Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification (UNCCD COP 14) inaugurated at Greater Noida
Week-long WHO Regional Committee of South-East Asia inaugurated in New Delhi
EC organising ‘A- WEB (Assembly of Association of World Election Bodies) conference, in Bengaluru
on September 2-4
KVIC launches ‘Terracotta Grinder’ at Varanasi to reuse wasted pottery
Tibetan government in exile celebrates its 59th Democracy Day at McLeodganj in Dharamsala,
Himachal Pradesh
Sanjeev Kumar Jha breaks the Guinness World Record for the ‘Fastest Full Contact Kick’
The state-owned TV channel Bangladesh Television (BTV) starts telecast for viewers in India on DD
free dish
Economy & Corporate
Growth of eight core industries dropped to 2.1% in July
World
1st ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise (AUMX) being held in Thailand and Singapore from September 2-6

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 4


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Japan to launch special police unit to patrol disputed isles in East China Sea
Hurricane Dorian pummels Bahamas
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya in Tokyo
Sports
Rishabh Pant becomes the fastest Indian wicket-keeper to claim 50 dismissals in Test cricket in his
11th test
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 4, 2019
India
IAF inducts 8 Apache AH-64E attack helicopters made by US company Boeing at Pathankot Air
Force station
CEC Sunil Arora becomes new Chairman of the Association of World Election Bodies (AWEB)
India to contribute USD 22 mn to Global Fund for AIDS, TB, Malaria for 2020-22
Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in J&K named country’s ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’
‘Nuakhai’, a harvest festival welcoming the new crop, celebrated in Odisha
Delhi govt. includes OBC, Gen category students in ‘Jai Bheem Mukhyamantri Yojana’ for financial
assistance for competitive exams’ coaching
Former Kalahandi king Udit Pratap Deo dies at 71 in Bhubaneswar
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 36,562.91 (–769.88), NSE Nifty: 10,797.90 (–225.35)
Govt hikes ethanol procurement price for fuel blending for one year starting December
approves Rs 9,300 crore capital infusion in IDBI Bank; govt. to give Rs 4,557 crore and the LIC will
provide Rs 4,743 crore
Ashok Leyland becomes the first commercial vehicle maker to get BS-VI certification for heavy duty
trucks
World
5 killed as Hurricane Dorian hits Bahamas: PM Hubert Minnis
Nepal: School building constructed with India’s assistance in Jhapa District
Sports
India beat hosts West Indies by 257 runs in 2nd and final test at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica, win
series 2-0
Virat Kohli becomes India’s most successful Test captain after his 28th win at Kingston, Jamaica
ISSF World Cup
India top medals tally with 5 gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals at Rio de Janeiro
Manu Bhaker and Saurabh Chaudhary won gold in mixed 10m air pistol
Apurvi Chandela and Deepak Kumar won gold in mixed 10m air rifle
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 5, 2019
India
National Conference on ‘India-Africa Partnership in a Changing Global Order’ organized by Indian
Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi
1st National Conference on Cyber Crime Investigation and Cyber Forensics being held at CBI HQ in
Delhi on September 4-5
Centre to take Indian Army’s help to protect, breed the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard in
the Pokhran firing range in Rajasthan
IIT Kharagpur to set up Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institute (SATHI) to assist
academic institutes in the neighbouring region
Rajasthan HC strikes down law for life-long govt house, 10-member staff to ex-CMs
21 killed in firecracker factory blast in Batala, Punjab
Use of single-use plastic products banned at Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution
Ministry and its PSUs from September 15

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 5


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Economy & Corporate


BSE Sensex: 36,724.74 (+161.83), NSE Nifty: 10,844.65 (+46.75)
RBI makes it mandatory for banks to link retail loans with external benchmarks like repo from Oct 1
CRISIL cuts 2019-20 GDP forecast to 6.3% from 6.9% earlier
IHS Markit India Services Business Activity Index down to 53.8 in July to 52.4 in August
Pm Modi In Russia
20th India-Russia annual summit between PM Modi and President Vladimir Putin held in
Vladivostok
Roadmap for cooperation in Hydrocarbons for 2019-24 signed
India, Russia ink pact for maritime route between Chennai and Vladivostok
PM visits Zvezda shipbuilding complex in Vladivostok
World
India, Pak agree to visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims for Kartarpur Sahib Corridor
Fourth Indian Ocean Conference 2019 held in Male on September 3-4; theme: ‘Securing the Indian
Ocean Region: Traditional and Non-Traditional Challenges’
Spain first, India 34th in World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index 2019
Vienna (Austria) is world’s most liveable city, Delhi 118th, Mumbai 119th: Economist Intelligence Unit
Sports
Senior National Aquatic Championship in Bhopal: Srihari Nataraj of Karnataka and Shivani Kataria
of Haryana named best male and female swimmers respectively; Karnataka adjudged best team
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 6, 2019
India
Teachers’ Day celebrated on September 5 – the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
HRD Ministry awards the status of Institute of Eminence to the IIT-Madras, the IIT-Kharagpur,
Delhi University, Benares Hindu University and the University of Hyderabad
Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram sent to Tihar jail in INX Media case
kick-starts POSHAN Maah 2019 with year-long campaign on the ‘Eat Right India’ movement.
Coffee table book titled ‘Glorious Diaspora- Pride of India’ on Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees
released
74-year old Erramatti Mangayamma becomes the oldest woman ever to give birth in Guntur (AP)
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 36,646.74 (–77.97), NSE Nifty: 10,840.65 (-4.1)
launches updated Credit linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) to allow MSMEs access to capital.
FDI in India jumps 28% to $ 16.33 billion in Q1 of 2019-20: Govt.
Mukesh Ambani rolls out JioFiber, offering minimum 100 Mpbs internet speed for Rs 699 a month
Pm Modi In Russia
India announces $1 billion line of credit for the development of Russia’s Far East
PM Modi addresses plenary session of 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) in Vladivostok
World
Rajnath Singh attends Seoul Defence Dialogue 2019 held on September 4-6 with the theme, Building
Peace Together: Challenges and Vision’
EAM S. Jaishankar meets his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi in Jakarta
Bangladesh’s Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus conferred ‘Lamp of Peace of Saint Francis ‘
award by Vatican
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam formally withdraws controversial extradition bill that would
have allowed criminal suspects to be extradited to mainland China for trial
YouTube to pay USD 170 mn fine for collecting personal data on children without their parents’
consent in US
FAO rises global cereal output estimate by 22 million tonnes to 2708 million tonnes for 2019
International Day of Charity observed on September 5, the death anniversary of Mother Teresa

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 6


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019
More Ebooks At @Aj_ebooks
Sports
India lose 1-2 to Oman in their opening fixture of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Guwahati
At 20 years & 350 days, Rashid Khan of Afghanistan becomes the youngest captain in test cricket
Rahmat Shah becomes first cricketer from Afghanistan to score a Test century
Infosys Foundation partners Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy to groom talent in small cities
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 7, 2019
India
National Green Tribunal asks centre to prepare plan for protection of the Great Indian Bustard
Karnataka: IAS officer S. Sasikanth Senthil resigns, saying democracy’s building blocks being
compromised
Books on President’s speeches ‘Loktantra Ke Swar’ (Hindi) and ‘The Republican Ethic’ (English)
released
Swachh Bharat Mission’s Book on Behavior Change Communication released
IAF to start 4,500 km ultra-marathon from Kargil to Kohima on September 21 commemorating 20
years of ‘Vijay Diwas’
Swachh Bharat Mission awards: Railways Ministry wins Swachh Award in Swachhta Action Plan
category
States and districts awarded for improved sex ratio and awareness generation under Beti Bachao
Beti Padhao campaign
Union Culture Ministry rolls out 25 new mobile science museums, including one for Ladakh.
Kiran Nagarkar, who won 2001 Sahitya Akademi Award for his English novel Cuckold (1997), dies in
Mumbai at 77
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 36,982 (+337), NSE Nifty: 10,946 (+98)
India’s foreign exchange reserves decline by USD 446 million to USD 428.604 billion in the week to
August 30
Sixth India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue in New Delhi from September 7 to 9
Telangana’s 1st mega food park inaugurated at Lakkampally village in Nizamabad district by Union
Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Chairman Vinai Kumar Saxena given three-year
extension
Union Minister Piyush Goyal to attend 7th RCEP Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok from September 8
to 10
World
India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) being organised by navies of the two nations
in Bangkok from Sept 5 to 15
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-doo in Seoul
India-USA holding joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas in Washington from September 5 to 18
Zimbabwe’s former PM and President Robert Mugabe dies at the age of 95 in Singapore
Sports
Bangladesh Krida Shiksha Prothishtan (BKSP) retain U17 Girls Subroto Cup International Football
title in New Delhi
Former Pakistan leg-spinner Abdul Qadir, who played in 64 tests and 104 ODIs, dies at the age of 63
in Lahore
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 8, 2019
India
ISRO loses contact with Chandrayaan 2’s lander Vikram and rover Pragyan housed inside it during
its descent to the lunar surface.
Madras HC Chief Justice Vijaya K. Tahilramani resigns after being transferred to Meghalaya HC
Conference of Military Medicine for Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) Member States to be

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 7


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

held in New Delhi on September 12-13


COP14
14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
(UNCCD) currently underway in Greater Noida
Local and Regional Governments Day observed on Day 6 of the COP14
Theme of conference: ‘Restore land, Sustain future’
Economy & Corporate
Centre sets up a task force for drawing up the National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) of Rs 100 lakh
crore from the fiscal year 2019-20 to 2024-25
PM Modi launches an indigenous coach built by Bharat Earth Movers (BEML), Bengaluru for
Mumbai metro network
World
Typhoon Lingling kills 3 in South Korea before moving to North Korea
Philippines: Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) militants start giving up their arms to
independent foreign monitors
Vedanta Resources Chairman given Anil Agarwal lifetime achievement award at the Annual Asian
Achievers Awards in London
Sports
India Red beat India Green by an innings and 38 runs to clinch Duleep Trophy title in Bengaluru
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 9, 2019
India
Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter locates Lander Vikram on surface of moon: ISRO Chairman Dr K. Sivan
Indian Cheetah, pink-headed duck and the Great Indian Bustard extinct due to desertification in
India according to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Ram Jethmalani, noted lawyer and Law Minister under PM Vajpayee, passes away at 95 in New Delhi
Actor and Kathak dancer Veeru Krishnan dies in Mumbai
Economy & Corporate
Aviation Ministry organises the country’s first helicopter summit in Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Venice Film Festival Awards
Golden Lion: ‘Joker’ directed by Todd Phillips
Grand Jury Prize: ‘An Officer and a Spy’ by Roman Polanski
Silver Lion for Best Director: Roy Andersson for ‘About Endlessness’
Volpi Cup for Best Actress: Ariane Ascaride in ‘Gloria Mundi’
Volpi Cup for Best Actor: Luca Marinelli in ‘Martin Eden’
World
International Literacy Day celebrated on September 8 with ‘Literacy and Multilingualism’ as its
theme
India announces $ 1million humanitarian aid for Hurricane Dorian Bahamas
Typhoon Faxai hits Tokyo
Sports
Canada’s Bianca Andreescu defeats Serena Williams of US 6-3, 7-5 in final to win women’s singles
title at US Open tennis
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco wins Formula One Italian Grand Prix at Monza
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) win 93rd All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey tournament in
Chennai
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 10, 2019
India
PM raises India’s target for restoring degraded land from 21 million hectare to 26 million hectares by
2030
Recipients of Visitor’s Awards 2019 for research in various fields announced; awards were instituted

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 8


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

in 2014 to promote competition amongst Central Universities.


Govt sets up 3-member committee to look into assets, liabilities of J&K to be given to 2 UTs that will
come into existence from Oct 31
UP’s ex-CM Kalyan Singh rejoins BJP after completing his term as Rajasthan governor
Economy & Corporate
S&P BSE Sensex: 37,145.45 (+164), NSE Nifty: 11,003.05 (+57)
RBI Committee headed by Harsh Vardhan of Bain & Co. suggests standardisation of loan documents
for development of home loan securitisation market
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) rolls out Aadhaar-enabled payment services
Agriculture ministry launches mobile app “CHC Farm Machinery” to enable farmers to avail custom
hiring services of CHCs
ANGAN (Augmenting Nature by Green Affordable New-habitat) Conference focussed on Energy
Efficiency in Building Sector being held in New Delhi on September 9-11
India, ADB sign 200-million-dollar loan agreement for upgrading rural roads in Maharashtra
Sixth India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue, led by NITI Aayog and China’s NDRC (National
Development and Reforms Commission), held in New Delhi on September 7-9
Academic Institutions Can Retain Patents If They Fund Research: Govt.’S Draft Intellectual Property Rights (Iprs) Policy
Samsung unveils mobile apps Good Vibes for deaf-blind and Relumino for visually impaired
Gemopai Electric launches e-scooter Astrid Lite at Rs 79,999
World
World Energy Congress being organised in Abu Dhabi from September 9 to 12 with its theme as
‘Energy for Prosperity’
US Open
Spain’s Rafael Nadal defeats Russia’s Daniil Medvedev to win Men’s Singles title at US Open Tennis
Men’s Doubles title won by Colombia’s Juan Sebastián Cabal & Robert Farah
Women’s Doubles title won by Belgium’s Elise Mertens & Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus
Mixed Doubles title won by Bethanie Mattek-Sands of US & UK’s Jamie Murray
SPORTS
Australia (497/8 d, 186/6 d) beat England (301 & 197) by 185 runs in fourth Test at Old Trafford,
Manchester; retain Ashes series
Afghanistan (342, 260) defeated hosts Bangladesh (205, 173) by 224 runs in the one-off Test in
Chittagong
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 11, 2019
India
Sri Lanka-India Maritime Exercise SLINEX 2019 being held off the coast Visakhapatnam from
September 8 to 12
IAF Chief resurrects Ambala-based 17th Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ to operate Rafale aircraft
PM Modi meets PM of St Vincent and Grenadines Ralph Everard Gonsalves in New Delhi
Railways to help recharge phones of passengers using plastic bottle crushers at stations
Madhya Pradesh government to offer cows for adoption online
Economy & Corporate
PM’s of India and Nepal jointly inaugurate the Motihari-Amlekhganj petroleum products pipeline
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to participate in 8th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable
(AMER8) in Abu Dhabi from Sept 10
World
Restrictive measures in J&K being progressively eased: India at 42nd Session of U.N. Human Rights
Council in Geneva
President Ram Nath Kovind meets Iceland’s President Guoni Johannesson in capital Reykjavik.
Eritrea is the world’s worst country for press censorship says US-based Committee to Protect
Journalists

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 9


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Thailand becomes first country in Asia to roll out plain cigarette packaging
US President Donald Trump fires National Security Advisor John Bolton
UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize
The 2019 UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize, which is sponsored by the government of South
Korea, was awarded to:
‘National Office of Literacy and Education for Adults’ in Algeria for its ‘National Strategy for
Multilingual Literacy’ programme
‘Textile Fibres and Development Company’ (SODEFITEX) in Senegal for its ‘Functional literacy and
follow-up vocational training for farmers in southern Senegal in national languages’ programme
UNESCO Confucious Prize
The 2019 UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, which is sponsored by the government of China,
was awarded to:
‘Camacol Antioquia’ in Colombia for its ‘Obras Escuala’ programme
‘BASAbali’ in Indonesia for its ‘BASAbali Wiki’ programme
‘Nuovo Comitato il Nobel per I Disabili’ in Italy for its ‘TELL ME – Theatre for Education and
Literacy Learning of Migrants in Europe’ programme
Sports
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports derecognises Paralympic Committee of India for violating the
National Sports Development Code of India, 2011
Hero MotoCorp CMD Pawan Munjal to be inducted to Asia Pacific Golf Hall of Fame
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 12, 2019
India
PM launches National Animal Disease Control Programme and National Artificial Insemination
Programme in Mathura
PM launches Swachhata Hi Seva campaign at Mathura with special focus on ‘plastic waste
awareness and management’
Pramod Kumar Mishra is new Principal Secretary to PM, Pradeep Kumar Sinha is new Principal
Advisor to PM
Foundation stone of Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) laid in Mumbai by Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union
Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE)
HRD Ministry launches the Curriculum for Life Skills (Jeevan Kaushal) designed by UGC
Saint Vincent and Grenadines becomes 79th nation to join Gurugram-headquartered International
Solar Alliance (ISA)
Veteran music director Usha Khanna wins Maharashtra government’s ‘Lata Mangeshkar Award’
National Forest Martyrs Day observed at the Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun
DRDO flight tests Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) in Kurnool (AP)
Railways to install water bottle crushers in 407 stations
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 37,270.82 (+125.37), NSE Nifty: 11,035.70 (+32.65)
Airtel launches ‘Xstream Fibre’ broadband service with 1Gbps speed for Rs 3,999 a month
World
Italy: Five Star Movement and Democratic Party (PD) coalition led by PM Giuseppe Conte wins vote
of confidence in Parliament
Former Indonesian President Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie dies at the age of 83
World Suicide Prevention Day observed on September 10
Sports
India hold Asian Champions Qatar to goal-less draw in FIFA World Cup qualifier match in Doha
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 13, 2019
India
Ladakh: Indian, Chinese soldiers engage in face-off briefly near Pangong Tso Lake

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 10


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Jharkhand: PM inaugurates multi-modal cargo terminal on River Ganga at Sahibganj online from
Ranchi
PM inaugurates New Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha building in Ranchi
HRD Ministry introduces study of Artificial Intelligence at school level
India joins the Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research and Development (R&D) hub
Military Medicine Conference of Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) countries in New Delhi
on September 12-13
Uttarakhand: ‘Mukhya Mantri Dal Poshit Yojana’ to provide ration card holders 2 kgs of pulses at
subsidised rates every month
National Green Tribunal (NGT) forms committee to stop illegal groundwater extraction
Indo-Thailand Joint Military Exercise Maitree – 2019 in Meghalaya from September 16 to 29
Sudha Murthy’s new book titled ‘The daughter from a wishing tree’
Pension Scheme For Farmers
PM launches Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana (KMDY) for farmers in Ranchi
KMDY will provide pension of Rs 3,000 per month farmers on attaining the age of 60
Farmers between the age of 18 to 40 years can join
Pension Scheme For Traders
PM launched the National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self-Employed Persons in Ranchi
Open for traders with annual turnover not exceeding Rs 1.5 crore.
Pension of Rs 3,000 per month will be provided on attaining the age of 60.
Traders between the age of 18 to 40 years can join.
Economy & Corporate
BSE Sensex: 37,104.28 (–166.54), NSE Nifty: 10,981.05 (–54.65)
RBI reduces the risk weight requirement for consumer loans to 100% from 125%
India’s factory output, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), grows 4.3% in July
2019
Inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (retail inflation) was 3.21% in August
Gujarat retains top spot on LEADS (Logistics Ease Across Different States) Index for 2019
Athlete Hima Das named brand ambassador of Gatorade by PepsiCo
World
Outgoing India’s ambassador to UAE Navdeep Singh Suri conferred with the Order of Zayed II
honour
No Indian university in top 100 of Times Higher Education World University Ranking
17 Indian peacekeepers in UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) awarded medals in recognition of
their service to the people
Indian woman police officer Chhaya Sharma among 6 winners of the 2019 Asia Society Game
Changers award announced in New York
International Day for South-South Cooperation observed on September 12 with its theme as ‘From
Commitment to Action — Follow up to Buenos Aires Plan of Action+40’.
Tonga’s Prime Minister Akilisi Pohiva dies in Auckland (NZ) at the age of 78
Sports
Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) renames the Feroz Shah Kotla as Arun Jaitley stadium
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 14, 2019
India
Indian Armed Forces to organise HimVijay exercise on the Chinese border in October
Naval variant of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas makes a successful short arrested landing on the
Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF) in Goa
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad launches maritime communication services at Mumbai for
supporting those travelling on sea
12-day long 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to United Nations Convention to Combat

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 11


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Desertification (UNCCD) concludes in Greater Noida with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration
Rajasthan launches ‘Jan Soochna Portal’ under the Rajasthan for quick access to infotmation on govt.
departments
Economy & Corporate
S&P BSE Sensex: 37,407.36 (+303.08), NSE Nifty: 11,080.75 (+97.95)
Foreign exchange reserves increase by USD 1.004 billion to USD 429.608 billion in the week to
September 6
Exports drop 6% to $26.13 bn in August, imports down 13.45% to $39.58 billion; trade deficit narrows
to $13.45 bn
RBI proposes Rs 200 crore minimum equity capital to set up small finance bank under the ‘on tap’
licence regime
‘Internal Working Group’ set up by RBI pitches for federal body like GST Council in farm sector
Indian Railways signs MoU with CII for facilitation of green initiatives such as energy savings
Indian Railways removes flexi-fare scheme from Humsafar trains
Hero Electric launches two new electric scooters Optima ER and Nyx ER priced from Rs. 68,000
World
President Ram Nath Kovind meets Swiss President Ueli Maurer in Berne, addresses the Federal
Council of Switzerland
UNESCO to translate and publish anthology of Guru Nanak Dev’s writings in world languages on his
550th birth anniversary
India gifts solar panels to UN — one each for 193 member states – for installation at UNHQ in New
York
India’s Lieutenant General (Retired) Abhijit Guha appointed as the head of the UN mission in
Hodeidah, Yemen
Sports
Spain to face Argentina in final of Men’s basketball World Cup in Beijing.
2020 FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup to be held in India from Nov 2-21
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 15, 2019
India
2772 gifts to PM on auction from Sept 14 to Oct 3 to fund Namami Gange Project
Govt to offer 1,000 PhD Fellowships to ASEAN students at IITs
Hindi Diwas celebrated on September 14. On this day in 1950, Hindi adopted by the Constituent
Assembly as one of the official languages of the Republic of India
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar flags off ‘Jaldoot’ water conservation initiative in Pune
Final NRC (National Register of Citizens) list of Assam published online
Tamil Nadu govt announces winners of Anna Medals for personnel from police, fire and forensic
departments
Chairpersons of New House Committees
Finance: BJP MP Jayant Sinha
External Affairs, BJP Lok Sabha MP PP Chaudhary
Commerce: YSR Congress Party MP V Vijayasai Reddy
Defence: BJP MP Jual Oram
Home Affairs: Congress Rajya Sabha MP Anand Sharma
Information Technology: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor
Incentives For Exporters
The government relaxed priority sector lending norms to provide additional export credit of up to
Rs 68,000 crore
Rs 50,000 crore scheme unveiled to reimburse taxes and duties paid by exporters
Insurance cover under the Export Credit Insurance Scheme (ECIS) enhanced to improve lending by
banks to SMEs

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 12


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Economy & Corporate


Aadhaar verification to be mandatory for new dealers from Jan 2020: GSTN
Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan to head govt’s committee to study issues related to non-
personal data
World
President Ram Nath Kovind unveils the bust of Mahatma Gandhi at Villeneuve in Switzerland
Drone attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi group hit two oil facilities run by the Saudi Arabian
govt. owned company Aramco
Russia: World-first floating nuclear plant arrives at Pevek port in country’s far east after completing
5000 km journey that began on August 23 from Murmansk
Arcadia School Education project of Bangladesh wins Aga Khan Architecture Award
Hungarian writer and dissident Gyorgy Konrad dies at 86 in Budapest
Tiananmen Square ‘Tank Man’ photographer Charlie Cole dies in Indonesia at the age of 64
Sports
India beat Bangladesh by five runs to lift U-19 Asia Cup cricket title in Colombo
Ex-cricketer Kapil Dev appointed Chancellor of Haryana Sports University at Rai in Sonipat district.
September 1, 2019
Govt. to set up 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres across country
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced government’s target of setting up 12,500 AYUSH (Ayurveda,
Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy) Centres across India. Out of which government is
trying to set up 4000 such centres in 2019 itself. The announcement was made by PM Modi during giving
away Yoga Awards to winners for Outstanding Contribution for Promotion and Development of Yoga in New
Delhi.
Key Highlights
During the Yoga Awards ceremony, PM Modi also released 12 commemorative postal stamps to honour
eminent practitioners, scholars as well as Great Master Healers of AYUSH Systems. These
commemorative postal stamps highlight great work and acknowledge achievements of Great Master
Healers of AYUSH Systems.
PM also launched 10 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres located in Haryana- This is in line with Union
Ministry of AYUSH’s commitment to make 12,500 AYUSH Health and Wellness Centres functional in next
3 years. In total around 1.5 lakh health and wellness centres (HWCs) are being opened across country.
Why AYUSH Centres?
Objective: Main focus of these centres will be to empower community for self care by assimilating
AYUSH based healthy food and lifestyle, social behaviour as well as use of medicinal plants for primary
health care (PHC).
AYUSH and Yoga are strong pillars of ‘Fit India’ movement and are attributed to Yoga, Pranayama and
Ayurveda. To provide comprehensive primary healthcare, AYUSH components have been integrated into
health and wellness centres under Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY).
These AYUSH centres would complement National Health Policy (NHP), 2017 that insists upon
integrating and mainstreaming of AYUSH services in conventional health care delivery system.
Significance: This would begin mainstreaming of preventive, holistic, rehabilitative, curative, and
palliative AYUSH care for achieving comprehensive health care.
‘Namaste Pacific’ Cultural Event held in New Delhi
A cultural event called ‘Namaste Pacific’ to showcase in India the culture of Pacific countries such as
Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji was held in New Delhi. The event was jointly
organized by High Commissions of Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and Fiji.
Key Highlights of Event
Participants: Event saw participation of members of diplomatic community, government officials,
business leaders, and cultural personalities.
International Solar Alliance and Pollinate Energy based in India, Nepal, and Australia and solar lanterns
from Barefoot College in Rajasthan were also showcased at event.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 13
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Cuisine: Among the cuisine showcased at the event, a curated menu included Fiji’s national drink ‘Kava’
and dishes slow-cooked in an earth oven using heated rocks in a pit oven specially dug for purpose at New
Zealand High Commission.
Traditional masks and artefacts from Papua New Guinea as well as Pacific Green furniture and other
products from Fiji were also displayed.
Artist: A multi-award-winning R&B and soul artist from New Zealand named Aaradhna, performed with
her band. She is part Indian and part Samoan and has to her credit four individual albums.
Significance
Cultural events hold importance as they encourage people to people links between India and countries in
Pacific region which receive a boost through an event like Namaste Pacific.
Why India? India being highly respected among pacific country and as it is becoming an important
country in Pacific region, it is appropriate to celebrate Pacific culture in India. Such event is an example of
things that unite the countries of Indo-Pacific.
India’s First Garbage Café to open in Chhattisgarh
India’s first ‘Garbage Café’ will soon be opened in Ambikapur city in north Chhattisgarh. It is initiative of
Ambikapur municipal corporation. It aims to make Ambikar city plastic-free.
India’s first ‘Garbage Café
In this unique Café, poor people and rag pickers will get free food in exchange for one kilogram of plastic.
Besides they will also provided with breakfast in return for exchanging half a kilogram of plastic brought
to the cafe. The collected garbage through this café will be sold at Solid Liquid Resources Management
Centre. It will be further be turned into granules and will then be used in the construction of roads in the
city.
Ambikapur City and Waste management
It is Chhattisgarh’s first dustbin-free city. It has efficient solid waste management system.
It has been hailed as second cleanest city in the country in Swachhata rankings after Indore.
It also has road made with plastic granules and asphalt. 1st such road in Chattisgarh was made in the city
by mixing eight lakh plastic bags. The road constructed by mixing plastic and asphalt is durable, because
water does permeate through it.
The opening of garbage cafe is another step towards the city’s aim to become free from plastic waste.
The Self Help Groups (SHGs) of women are involved in door to door collection of waste.
Nadubhagam Chundan snake boat wins 67th Nehru Trophy in Alappuzha
‘Nadubhagam Chundan’, the snake boat of Pallathuruthy Boat Club, lifted the 67th Nehru Trophy at
Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha in Kerala. This year was67th edition of coveted boat race.
The event was inaugurated by Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala. Renowned cricketer Sachin
Tendulkar was the chief guest of the event.
Key Highlights
Participants: A total of 79 boats, including 23 snake boats, participated in this years’ Nehru trophy. Out of
this, 20 snake boats, including 9 Champions Boat League (CBL) teams, are competing in main race and
remaining 3 snake boats in exhibition race.
Nadubhagam Chundan: More than 6 decades after victory in exhibition race held in 1952, which was later
declared the 1st edition of regatta, Nadubhagam Chundan, rowed by Pallathuruthy Boat Club lifted Nehru
trophy for 1st time. Pallathuruthy Boat Club has thus emerged winner in maiden race of inaugural edition
of Champions Boat League (CBL). The CBL (championsboatleague.in), which is billed as a game-changing
initiative, seeks to professionalise Kerala’s largely scattered snake-boat races, while commercialising them
without losing conventional spirit of the sport.
Nadubhagam Chundan (snakeboat) won the 1st round of CBL and 9 points, by clocking 4.24 minutes to
cover distance of 1,050 metres, leaving behind their fellow competitors.
‘Chambakkulam Chundan’ rowed by the United Boat Club, Kainakary, and ‘Karichal Chundan’ (Police
Boat Club) and Devas Chundan (NCDC Boat Club, Kumarakom) secured 2nd, 3rd and 4th positions
respectively.
Saradhy of Police Boat Club won final of Thekkanodi Women Tharavallam.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 14
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

The next leg of race will be held on 7 September at Thazhathangadi near Kottayam. CBL was originally
slated to begin on 10 August but it got rescheduled due to heavy rains that wreaked havoc across state.
About Nehru Trophy Boat Race
It was instituted to commemorate the visit of country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to the area
and his boat ride in Alappuzha lake in 1952.
It was on Nadubhagam Chundan that PM Nehru hopped on after snakeboat came 1st in an exhibition race
during his visit to Alappuzha. Later on his return to New Delhi, PM Nehru donated a silver trophy, a
replica of a snakeboat.
Mumbai-Surat AC Ferry Service to start from November
Gujarat government has given in-principle approval for a air-conditioned passenger ferry service between
Hazira port in Surat and Bandra in Mumbai. The operations of this ferry service are likely to begin in
November 2019.
Mumbai-Surat AC Ferry Service
The AC passenger ferry service will have 20 rooms and a capacity of 300 passengers.
Frequency: It will operate between Hazira port in Surat and Bandra in Mumbai once in a week to start
with. Eventually, its frequency will be increased in future depending on public response and passenger
traffic.
Timing: Initially, the cruise ship will start from Bandra at 7 pm on Thursday, and will arrive at Hazira
(Surat) port at 9 am on Friday. Its return journey will begin at 6 pm Friday from Hazira, reaching Bandra
at 8 pm Saturday.
Other Developments–
Ro-Ro passenger ferry: Gujarat government operates a Roll On-Roll Off (Ro-Ro) passenger cum cargo ferry
service between Dahej (in Surat) and Ghogha (in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district) under a public-private
partnership (PPP) mode.
Gujarat will get an early warning dissemination system worth Rs.45 crore for early information on cyclones
along its 1,600-km coastline. This system will be built by Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority
(GSDMA) under National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP). NCRMP is a joint undertaking of
World Bank and National Disaster Management Authority.
New logo and Certificate identity of CBFC unveiled
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) unveiled its new logo and certificate identity at a first-of-
its-kind film industry interaction between eminent industry leaders and CBFC board members held in
Mumbai, Maharashtra. The new logo and certificate identity designed by Rohit Devgun was revealed by
Prasoon Joshi, Chairman, CBFC.
Key Highlights
New logo and certificate identity has been created by Designer Rohit Devgun with technical support from
National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL).
This new design is futuristic in its approach and is in sync with new digital world.
It is also interactive in its design sensibility.
About National Securities Depository Limited
NSDL is an Indian central securities depository based in Mumbai and is one of the largest Depositories in
World.
It was established in August 1996 and since then it has established a state-of-the-art infrastructure that
handles most of the securities (such as Stocks, Shares, money, property etc.) held and settled in
dematerialized (Demat or electronic form) form in Indian capital market.
India, Switzerland Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information kicks in
Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) Regime between Switzerland and India kicked off from
September 1, 2019. Under this mechanism, India will start receiving information on all financial accounts
held by Indian residents in Switzerland, for the year 2018. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has hailed
this move as a significant step in the government’s fight against black money and end of “Swiss bank
secrecy” era.
About Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI)

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 15


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

It is the exchange of information between countries without having to request it. It aims to reduce global
tax evasion. It is to be carried out under Common Reporting Standard (CRS).
CRS is agreed global standard for it which has been approved by Organisation for Economic Co-operation
and Development (OECD) in 2014. It is global reporting standard for such exchange of information, which
takes care of aspects such as confidentiality rules and data safeguards.
India-Switzerland AEOI: Both countries had signed joint declaration on the introduction of the AEOI in
tax matters on a reciprocal basis in November 2016. Under it-
Both countries intend to start collecting data in accordance with global AEOI standard in 2018 and
to exchange it from 2019 onwards.
Both jurisdictions will inform each other of any relevant developments in respect to implementation
of OECD CRS in their respective domestic laws.
Each jurisdiction will confirm that it has informed other jurisdiction about the modalities made
available to persons making voluntary disclosure of their financial assets for smooth transition to
system of automatic exchange of information.
Significance of AEOI
It is likely to shed more light on wealth stashed away by Indians in Swiss bank accounts, for so long
governed by strict local rules of secrecy. Through this mechanism, banking details of Indians with
accounts in banks in Switzerland will be available to tax authorities (mainly CBDT) in India. Indian tax
authorities will receive information in respect of all financial accounts held by Indian residents in
Switzerland of calendar year 2018. It will also include details for accounts closed in 2018 will also be
available. It should be noted that under this mechanism, India will not receive information on bank
accounts prior to 2018.
Kalimantan: Indonesia to move capital from Jakarta to Borneo Island
Government of Indonesia has announced to move its current capital from Jakarta (on the island of Java) to
the sparsely populated East Kalimantan (on Borneo island). Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo has
announced that his government plans to build smart, green capital city on Borneo island. However, t some
environmentalist groups fear $33billion relocation plan of capital city may put further pressure on Borneo
island’s rainforest dwelling species like the orangutan.
Reasons for shifting of capital city
Indonesia’s current capital, Jakarta, is home to more than 10 million people. It climate-threatened
megacity as it has some of the world’s worst air pollution and traffic congestion. Poor urban planning has
left 40% of the city below sea level.
The shifting of capital city is part of a broader strategy to decentralise Indonesia’s economic growth as
Jakarta is home to 60% of the country’s population and accounts for over half of its economic activity.
Kalimantan is almost four times bigger that Jakarta, but accounts for less than a tenth of the gross
domestic production (GDP). It is also much more central in Indonesia’s archipelago of 17,000 islands.
Borneo Island
It is the third-largest island in the world and the largest in Asia. It is home to some of the world’s greatest
tropical rainforests. It is politically divided among three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei (see
map below). Kalimantan is Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo and it comprises 73% of island’s
geographic area.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 16


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

MeitY and Google launch ‘Build for Digital India’ programme for engineering students
Tech giant Google and Union Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) launched ‘Build for Digital India’
programme for engineering students. Google and Meity have signed a statement of intent for rolling out
the programme.
About ‘Build for Digital India’ programme
Objective: The programme will offer a platform to engineering students for developing market-ready,
technology-based solutions that addresses key social problems.
Process: Applicants will take part in online and offline learning opportunities on key technologies which
includes Machine Learning (ML), Cloud and Android that will be offered by Google’s Developer Student Club
network and other Google Developer networks.
Google will also offer mentorship sessions in strategy, product design and technology to most promising
products and prototypes.
Focus Areas-
Addressing key social problems:
As part of programme, engineering students across India will be invited to present their ideas and
solutions in areas such as education, agriculture, healthcare, women safety, infrastructure, smart cities,
smart mobility and transportation, environment, accessibility and disability as well as digital literacy.
AI can help address the toughest social challenges of India:
Advanced new technologies such as Machine Learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) can help address
at scale some of toughest social challenges that India faces today.
Significance: This initiative will not only motivate college students across India to innovate but will also

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 17


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

produce some good technology solutions for some major social challenges of India.
It will also inspire and equip young engineers with technical and entrepreneurial skills and mentorship
they need to turn their bright ideas into tomorrow’s breakthrough solutions.
September 2, 2019
Indian Navy Warships Arrive in Laem Chabang, Thailand for Port Visit
As part of Indian Navy’s Overseas Deployment to South East Asia and Western Pacific, two Indian Navy
warships, INS Sahyadri and INS Kiltan arrived at Laem Chabang, Bangkok for a port call from 31 August
to 3 September 2019. The port call is a demonstration of India’s warm ties with Thailand.
Key Highlights
During the port call, there would be professional interactions between personnel of both navies(Indian
Navy and Royal Thai Navy), official calls and interaction with dignitaries of Royal Thai Navy.
In addition to professional meet, social engagements, visits by local populace and various sports events are
also planned during the visit.
On completion of visit, Indian Navy and Royal Thai Navy ships would be undertaking a Passage Exercise
at sea. This would further build on levels of interoperability between navies to ensure peaceful and secure
seas for all.
Ships are scheduled to depart Laem Chabang on September 3.
About INS Sahyadri & INS Kiltan
INS Sahyadri (F49): is a Shivalik-class multi-role Guided Missile Stealth Frigate
INS Kiltan (P30): is a Kamorta-class Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvette
Both are equipped with a versatile array of weapons and sensors and can carry multi-role helicopters.
These two ships are latest, indigenously designed and built warships which represent ‘coming of age’ of
India’s warship building capabilities.
They are part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet under the Operational Command of Flag Officer
Commanding-in-Chief (CIC), Eastern Naval Command, based at Visakhapatnam.
Tourism Minister inaugurates 1st-ever architectural LED illumination at Qutb Minar
Prahalad Singh Patel, Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism, inaugurated first-ever
architectural LED illumination at Qutb Minar, the 12th-century monument, in New Delhi. Now with
bottom to top illumination, the architectural beauty of historic Qutb Minar will display its historic majesty
after sunset.
This step towards promotion of tourism is in line with Prime Minister’s goal of doubling foreign and
domestic tourists in next 5 years.
Key Highlights
Objective behind illuminating historic monuments: To showcase monuments during late evenings,
thereby enhancing visitor experience.
A total of 358 technologically advanced LED lights have been used to highlight architectural beauty
including arches and minarets of Qutb Minar. These will consume 62% less electricity than conventional
light fixtures.
New illumination comprises lighting that accentuates the silhouette of monument with interplay of light
and shade. The monument will be illuminated from 7 pm to 11 pm.
Significance: Qutb Minar complex is a true reflection of India’s culture and contains history of several
eras, therefore illumination of this magnificent monument will highlight true beauty of its elements and
will not only increase the footfall of visitors but also benefit communities around it.
Background
To highlight archaeological magnificence of India’s historical monuments, Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) has taken up the project to illuminate important monuments of Delhi. The illumination of Red Fort,
Purana Qila, Safdarjung Tomb and Humayun’s Tomb has already been completed and Tughlakabad Fort is
also expected to be illuminated in coming time.
Also, as part of efforts to increase footfall in evening, public entry timings at Safdarjung Tomb, Humayun’s
Tomb and Red Fort have been extended to 9 pm and Qutb Minar is already open till 10 pm.
Qutb Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) and is one of most visited historical site in national

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 18


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

capital.
Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul lock and Kandangi saree gets GI tag
The Geographical Indications Registry (GIR) in Chennai has accorded coveted Geographical Indication (GI)
tag to Dindigul lock and Kandangi saree from Tamil Nadu. This takes total number of such indigenous
products that have been accorded GI tag from Tamil Nadu to 31.
Dindigul locks
They are known throughout world for their superior quality and durability. More than 3,125 lock
manufacturing units are limited to an area of 5 km in and around Dindigul. This is the main reason
Dindigul city is also called as Lock City.
The lock manufacturing units in the city are concentrated in Nallampatti, Nagelnagar, Kodaiparailpatti,
Kamalapatti and Yagappanpatti. The abundance of iron in this region is main reason for growth of this
industry.
There are over 50 varieties of locks made by artisans using raw materials such as brass plates and MS flat
plates procured from the nearby towns, including Salem and Madurai. Government institutions such as
prisons, godowns, hospitals, and even temples use these locks instead of other machine-made ones.
Kandangi sarees
They are manufactured in entire Karaikudi taluk in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu. They are made up of
high quality cotton from Coimbatore. The main characteristic of these sarees are its bright colours that
hold strong. They are characterised by large contrast borders. Some varieties of this saree are known to
have borders covering as far as two-thirds of saree which is usually around 5.10 m-5.60 m in length. These
cotton sarees are usually worn in summer and are bought by customers in bulk. These sarees are manually
made using winding machine, shuttle, loom and bobbin. It is team effort of families who live in the town of
Karaikudi and it forms part of their basic livelihood.
EC to host 4th General Assembly of Association of World Election Bodies
Election Commission of India (ECI) is hosting 4th General Assembly of Association of World Election
Bodies (A-WEB) at Bengaluru, Karnataka from 2 to 4, September, 2019. At the same time, India will take
over as A-WEB’s Chair for 2019-21 term.
4th General Assembly of A-WEB
It will be presided by Chief election commissioner Sunil Arora. Its deliberations includes discussions on
challenges and furthering partnership among election management bodies (EMB) and programmes to be
undertaken by A-WEB in 2019-20. It will see participation of over 120 participants from 50 countries in
various A-WEB events. It is said to be the largest congregation of EMB delegates in India.
Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB)
It is the largest and first global association of Election Management Bodies (EMBs) worldwide. It was
established in 2013 in Song-do, South Korea.. Its permanent secretariat is located at Seoul, South Korea. At
present, it has 115 EMBs as Members & 20 Regional Associations/Organisations as Associate Members.
Under the slogan of ‘Democracy to Grow for All Worldwide’, its secretariat provides-
(i) Training programs for election officials of member nations
(ii) Undertakes country programs at request of member organization
(iii) Provides support during election cycle to boost election management capacity.
India’s longest electrified train tunnel inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh
Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu dedicated the country’s longest electrified rail tunnel between
Cherlopalli and Rapuru in Andhra Pradesh. He also inaugurated electrified railway line between
Venkatachalam and Obulavaripalli at Gudur railway station and also flagged off Gudur-Vijayawada inter-
city superfast express.
Cherlopalli-Rapuru Electrified rail tunnel
It is located between Cherlopalli and Rapuru Railway Stations in Andhra Pradesh. It was built at a cost of
Rs. 437 crore and has 44 trolley refuges and 14 cross-passages in a horseshoe design. New Australian
Tunneling Method (NATM) was used to construct this tunnel. Its total length is 6.3km. Its height (from rail
level to roof) is 6.5 meters and minimum height of contact wire is maintained at 5.2m. LED lightening is
provided at 10m intervals inside the tunnel. It is provided by two traction power supply sub-stations near
Cherlopalli and near Rapuru. It will provide viable rail connectivity between Krishnapatnam Port and
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 19
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

hinterland for seamless movement of freight.


Venkatachalam-Obulavaripalli Electrified railway line
It has nine railway stations along the route, 146 bridges, 60 road-under-bridges and two tunnels. It has no
level crossings. It reduces distance by 72 km for trains coming from Guntakal division to Krishnapatnam
and eases traffic density in the Obulavaripalli-Renigunta-Gudur section. It will facilitate operation of
freight trains on Obulavaripalli-Venkatachalam-Krishnapatnam Port route. It will also provide shortest
path on Chennai-Howrah and Chennai-Mumbai rail routes. It will ease congestion of both freight and
passenger carrying trains in Vijayawada-Gudur-Renigunta-Guntakal sections.
Samudrayaan project: NIOT to Launch Deep Sea Exploration & Mining Mission
National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) will launch ‘Samudrayaan project by 2021-22 to explore the
deep sea region. It is pilot project of Union Ministry of Earth Sciences as part the Rs 6000 crore ‘Deep
Ocean’ mission for deep ocean mining of rare minerals.
Samudrayaan project
It proposes to send indigenously developed submersible vehicle with three persons to a depth of about
6000 metres to carry out deep underwater studies. It will be undertaken by the NIOT, Chennai and is in
line with ISRO’s ambitious ‘Gaganyaan’ mission of sending an astronaut to space by 2022. It is expected to
become a reality by 2021-22. The indigenously developed submersible vehicle developed as part of this
project is capable of crawling on sea bed at a depth of 6km for 72 hours. Whereas, currently submarines
deployed can only go about 200 metres deep into the sea. The project will go deeper in phases with more
trials and ocean mining is expected to commence in 2022. The expenditure of this ambitious project is
expected to be around Rs 200 crore.
Significance of Project: If it is successful, India will join selected league of developed nations in the
exploration of minerals from deep oceans. Developed countries have already carried out such missions.
India could be 1st developing country to undertake such a project.
Background
International Sea Bed Authority (ISBA) has allocated India75,000 sq km site in Central Indian Ocean Basin
(CIOB) for exploration of polymetallic nodules from seabed. The estimated resource of polymetallic
nodules in this site is about 380 million tonnes, containing 92.59 million tonnes of manganese, 4.29 million
tonnes of copper, 4.7 million tonnes of nickel and 0.55 million tonnes of cobalt.
2019 edition of Defence Correspondents Course concludes at Mumbai
The Indian Navy and Coast Guard leg of Defence Correspondents Course (DCC), a course for selected
journalists from regional and national media houses, concluded at Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Naval leg culminated with a valedictory reception hosted by Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet
(FOCWF) for participants and organisers where understanding and bonhomie between teachers and
students made it clear that naval leg was successful in its primary task. DCC now moves to Chandigarh
for the phase with the Indian Air Force.
About Defence Correspondents Course
Objective of DCC:
To enlighten journalists on nuances of naval operations and their significance.
To build over time, a pool of journalists at all levels, who understand the Armed Forces and are
cognizant of domain when reporting on stories regarding the maritime environment
DCC was conducted at Western Naval Command, Mumbai. It was coordinated by Maritime Warfare Centre
(MWC) Mumbai.
Over the first 3 days, during Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard (ICG) phase of a week, which started on
26 August 2019, the DCC participants were apprised on organisation, roles and responsibility of Indian
Navy, ICG and Naval Value System.
The 32 participants of course visited Naval Dockyard Mumbai and were also taken for Heritage Walk
around dockyard. Course also visited frontline submarines and warships of Indian Navy and Coast Guard.
A visit to the Joint Operations Centre (JOC) and a brief on the coastal security construct brought
participants up to speed on nuances and workings of coastal defence mechanism.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 20


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

September month to be celebrated as ‘Rashtriya Poshan Maah’


Union Government is celebrating the entire month of September as “Rashtriya Poshan Maah” (National
Nutrition Month) to emphasise the need for healthy nutrition. This initiative is aimed at sensitising public
on healthy eating, addressing twin issues of malnutrition and undernutrition and obesity in some sections
and also intensifying existing nationwide campaign for ‘malnutrition-free India‘.
About Rashtriya Poshan Maah
Theme: ‘Complementary Feeding’
Rashtriya Poshan Maah was first announced by PM Modi in his recent ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme, while
speaking about malnutrition. He also highlighted that due to lack of awareness, both poor and affluent
families are affected by it.
Purpose of celebrating Poshan month is to take message of nutrition to every nook and corner of India and
to focus on complimentary food, treatment and prevention from infections in children.
POSHAN Abhiyaan:
POSHAN stands for Prime Minister’s Overreaching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment. The POSHAN
Abhiyaan is a multi- ministerial convergence mission with vision to address malnutrition with a targeted
approach by 2022.
Poshan Abhiyaan was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2018 from Jhunjhunu in
Rajasthan. It aims at achieving improvement in nutritional status of children up to 6 years of age,
adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating mothers.
September 3, 2019
Japan – India Defence Ministerial Meeting held in Tokyo
Union Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh co-chaired the Japan–India Defence Ministerial Meeting with
Defence Minister of Japan Takeshi lwaya in Tokyo, Japan. The dialogue discussed various issues of mutual
concern which includes ways to further strengthen existing bilateral co-operative arrangements and
adopt new initiatives towards achieving peace and security in region.
Key Highlights of Meet
Indo-Pacific vision at length with an expression of India’s preference for a rules-based order along with
centrality of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The importance of Special Strategic and Global Partnership (SSGP) between India and Japan in addressing
regional peace, security and stability was also highlighted.
Two Ministers discussed emerging regional security scenario as well as inclusiveness and security for all.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh invited participation of Japanese companies and other stakeholders at
biennial DefExpo 2020 to be held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.
India and Japan will continue to work together to further deepen defence ties between both nations.
General understanding about more co-operation is required in Defence Equipment and Technology Co-
operation.
14th UNCCD COP inaugurated at Greater Noida
The 12-day 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
inaugurated at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
During the meet, Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Prakash
Javadekar expressed that mass awareness and public participation is the need of the hour as be it climate
change or desertification, human actions have a role in disturbing balance of nature.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the high-level segment meeting on 9 September 2019.
Key Highlights
Participants: An estimated 7,200 participants including ministers and representatives of governments,
intergovernmental and non-government organizations, scientists, women and youth from 197 Parties are
expected.
COP will take around 30 decisions with actions that aim to strengthen land-use policies worldwide and
address emerging threats which includes forced migration, sand and dust storms, and droughts.
122 countries which includes Russia, China, Brazil, India, South Africa and Nigeria which are among the
largest and most populous nations on Earth have agreed to make Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 21


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

achieving land degradation neutrality a national target.


Significance: Such large scale conferences holds importance as many countries come together at a world
platform like this to share good stories and experiences that will help the world. UNCCD is very important
as it is expected that some good outcomes which will be notified in Delhi Declaration, which will form the
future course of action.
About UN Convention to Combat Desertification
UNCCD is an international agreement on good land stewardship (carefully and responsibly conducting,
supervising or managing).
It helps countries, people and communities to create wealth, grow economies and secure sufficient food,
water and energy. It ensures that land users have an enabling environment for sustainable land
management.
The 197 Parties to Convention, through partnerships set up robust systems to manage drought promptly
and effectively.
Good land stewardship based on a sound policy and science helps integrate and accelerate achievement of
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), builds resilience to climate change and prevents biodiversity
loss.
NOTE:
In 2019, India being the global host for COP 14 will take over COP Presidency from China for next 2 years
i.e. till 2021.
India among selected few countries to have hosted COP of all 3 Rio conventions on climate change,
biodiversity and land. Now by hosting COP 14, India will highlight its leadership in navigating land
management agenda at global level and will also provide a stage to mainstream sustainable land
management in country’s national development policies.
72nd session of WHO Regional Committee of South-East Asia inaugurated in New Delhi
Union Minister of Health, Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the week-long 72nd session of World Health
Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for South-East Asia (SEA) in New Delhi. This is the 2nd occasion
that India is hosting Regional Committee meeting. Last meeting was also hosted by India in New Delhi.
Indian Health Minister, Harsh Vardhan was unanimously elected as chair of 72nd session. He called for a
‘mission-mode approach’ for creating and spreading public health success stories from region.
Key Highlights
The week-long meeting of WHO Regional Committee of South-East Asia, is being attended by Health
Minister’s and experts from member nations to deliberate on public health issues and work towards
elimination of diseases. 8 Health Ministers from the 11 countries of WHO’s South-East Asian Region
(SEAR), among others were present at inaugural session.
The session provides a unique opportunity to identify innovative solutions to common problems that
countries in this diverse region face.
Deliberation: At meeting, the member nations will deliberate, among other issues, strengthening of
emergency preparedness capacities, cervical cancer, eliminating measles as well as addressing high
burden of tuberculosis (TB).
Updating the Flagship Priorities is one of the agenda of this Regional Committee as it will help ensure
continued progress. The flagship priorities have provided targeted focus and been responsible for a series
of remarkable achievements such as in advancing maternal and child health, tackling measles and rubella,
in battle against NCDs (Non Communicable Diseases), NTDs (Neglected tropical diseases), TB
(Tuberculosis) and AMR (Antimicrobial resistance). The region has performed with skill and determination
in achieving these flagship priorities.
Union Health Minister highlighted India’s effort in promoting healthcare in country-
1. Government of India has fast-tracked many policy initiatives aimed at achieving all the core tenets
of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to deliver affordable and inclusive healthcare for all.
2. Government aims for Universal Health for all, a disease-free India and global standards of excellence
in healthcare.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 22


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

3. Emphasising the need for healthy nutrition government is observing the month of September as
“Poshan Maah” (Nutrition Month). This is to sensitise the public on healthy eating and address twin
issues of malnutrition and undernutrition and obesity in some sections, while intensifying the
campaign for a “malnutrition-free India’.
NOTE: WHO Regional Committee of South-East Asia is the highest decision making and governing body
of WHO in the region.
Garvi Gujarat: 2nd state bhawan of Gujarat inaugurated by PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated ‘Garvi Gujarat’, the second state bhawan of the Gujarat
government in the national capital New Delhi.
During the inauguration PM Modi was accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy Chief
Minister Nitin Patel and former chief minister Anandiben Patel, who currently serves as governor of Uttar
Pradesh.
About Garvi Gujarat
The new building is situated at Akbar Road in national capital and is built in more than 7,000 sq metres of
area.
It has been described as a mix of traditional and modern architecture with a rich reflection of western
state’s culture. It will also represent the culture, craft and cuisine of Gujarat.
This is the ‘first eco-friendly’ state Bhawan in national capital.
It has been built at a cost of around Rs.131 crore by Gujarat Government. It was completed 3 months ahead
of the deadline.
Bhavan is equipped with traditional and modern artefacts and technologies and will serve as a home for
Gujaratis in New Delhi.
PM Modi to get award from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to receive an award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for one
of his ambitious projects- Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan (SBA). This award will be conferred to him during his
visit to United States in late September 2019.
About Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan
Swachh Bharat Mission was launched by PM Modi in 2014, to improve the overall cleanliness in the
country and eliminate open defecation nationwide in five years.
Its components include construction of household toilets, community and public toilets and solid waste
management (SWM).
The mission has two thrusts-
(1) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (rural): It operates under Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation
(2) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (urban): It operates under Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
About Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
It is a private foundation founded by Bill Gates and Melinda Gates.
It was launched in 2000 and is based in Seattle, Washington.
It is reported to be largest private foundation in world, holding $50.7 billion in assets.
KVIC launches ‘Terracotta Grinder’ at Varanasi to reuse wasted pottery
Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) launched first ever ‘Terracotta Grinder’ at Sewapuri in
Varanasi, Uttar Preadesh. This machine will grind the wasted and broken pottery items for re-using in
pottery-making.
About Terracotta Grinder
It was designed by KVIC Chairman, Vinai Kumar Saxena.
It was fabricated by a Rajkot-based engineering unit.
Benefits:
Earlier the wasted pottery items were grinded in normal khal-musal (mortar and pestle) and its fine
powder was mixed with normal clay but now the new Terracotta grinder will make grinding of wasted
pottery items faster than the traditional mortar and pestle. Mixing this fine powder is important as when
the powder is mixed in stipulated ratio to normal clay, it makes resulting pottery items stronger.
It will also help in solving problem of shortage of clays.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 23


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Terracotta grinder will lessen the cost of production. The cost of one tractor trolley of clay is Rs.2,600 in the
Varanasi area, therfore, by mixing 20% of this wasted terracotta powder, the potter will make a saving of
at least Rs.520. This will also create more job opportunities in villages.
This will also meet the growing demand for terracotta products at Varanasi railway station following a
direction by Union Ministry of Railways to Zonal Railways and IRCTC to take urgent necessary action for
ensuring the use of locally produced, environment friendly terracotta products such as Kulhad, glasses
and plates for serving passengers through all static catering units at Varanasi and Raibareilly railway
stations.
This machine will be a boon for potters as Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSME) Nitin Gadkari has proposed to introduce kulhads and other terracotta products at 400 prominent
railway stations. However, the proposal is under active consideration of Indian Railways.
Rishabh Pant: Fastest Indian wicket-keeper to claim 50 dismissals in Test cricket
Rishabh Pant became fastest Indian wicket-keeper to claim 50 dismissals in Test cricket. He broke
previous record held by MS Dhoni for India. Pant claimed his 50th test dismissal in his 11th test during
India vs West Indies. MS Dhoni had taken 15 tests to get to 50 Test dismissals.
Pant’s records
He achieved his 50 dismissals in Test cricket milestone by dismissing West Indies’ Kraigg Brathwaite in
2nd innings of West Indies in the second Test. In December 2018, he had equaled world record for most
catches in test cricket by wicket-keeper in Test match against Australia at Adelaide. In this test match, he
had taken 11 catches. Other cricketers to hold the record include Jack Russell (England) and AB de Villiers
(South Africa).
AUMX: 1st ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise begins
The first ASEAN-US Maritime Exercise (AUMX) between regional bloc- Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) and United States kicked off at the Sattahip Naval Base in Thailand. The five day naval
exercise is co-led by the navies of US and Thailand. It will stretch into international waters in Southeast
Asia, including Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea and conclude in Singapore.
AUMX 2019
It will see participation of navies of all 10 members of ASEAN (Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam) and US. 8 warships, 4 aircraft and more
than thousand personnel from US and 10 ASEAN countries are taking part. Navies of these countries will
take part in the naval exercises which include boarding of target vessels to simulate search and seizure.
Significance
This mega maritime exercise comes at a time of stepped-up US engagement in region and tensions
between China, US and Southeast Asian nations over South China Sea (SCS). China is claiming its
sovereignty over much of SCS by invoking its so-called nine-dash line as supposed historical justification
to the waters, which are key global shipping route. Its claim is overlapping parts of SCS are claimed by
Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Philippines.
KVIC’s Reducing Plastic in Nature Project completes 1 year
Khadi and Village Industries Commission’s (KVIC) REducing PLAstic in Nature (REPLAN) project has
completed one year. The project was launched in September 2018 as part of KVIC’s commitment to
Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. It aims to remove existing waste plastic material from nature and use it in
semi-permanent manner, so that presence of plastic waste in nature is reduced to a large extent
About REPLAN project
Under this project, KVIC manufactures plastic-mixed handmade paper at its Kumarappa National
Handmade Paper Institute (KNHPI) in Jaipur, Rajasthan. In this project, the waste plastic is collected,
chopped, cleaned, beaten and treated for softness. After that, it is mixed with paper raw material i.e.
cotton rags pulp in ratio of 80 % (pulp) and 20% (plastic waste). So far, KVIC has sold over 6 lakh
handmade plastic mixed carry bags since launch of this project.
About Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC)
It is statutory body established under the Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act of 1956. KVIC
works under Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with aim to plan, promote, facilitate,
organise and assist in the establishment and development of khadi and village industries in the rural areas
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 24
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

in coordination with other agencies engaged in rural development.


Growth of eight core sectors slows to 2.1% in July 2019
According to official data released by Government, Growth of eight core industries (Index of Eight Core
Industries) dropped to 2.1% in July 2019. It was mainly due to contraction in coal, crude oil, natural gas and
refinery products. These eight sectors had expanded by 7.3% in July 2018. Moreover, it has declined by
6.2% during April to July, 2019-20 over the corresponding period of previous year.
Sector wise breakaway (July 2019)

Index of Eight Core Industries


It is monthly production index, which is also considered as lead indicator of the monthly industrial
performance. It contains production and growth figures of eight core industries viz. steel, electricity,
crude oil, refinery products, coal, cement, natural gas and fertilizers. It is compiled by Central Statistic
Organisation (CSO) under Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry based on monthly production
information received from source agencies. These core industries are considered as main or key industries
of the economy and serve as backbone of all other industries
Weightage: Petroleum Refinery production (weight: 28.04%), Electricity generation (19.85%), Steel
production (17.92%), Coal production (10.33%), Crude Oil production (8.98%), Natural Gas production
(6.88%), Cement production (5.37%), Fertilizers production (2.63%
Relation with index of industrial production (IIP): These eight core sectors constitute 40.27% of IIP.
Economic Slowdown
The data concerned with slowdown in growth of eight core sector comes days after India’s GDP growth
rate slowed to 6-year low of 5% for first quarter of FY 2019-20. It was down from 5.8% in fourth quarter of
FY 2018-19. In first quarter of the previous financial year, GDP growth was 8.2%. This effectively means
that India’s growth rate has fallen by 3% in barely a year’s time. This is fourth successive decline in GDP,
from 8% in 1st quarter of FY19 to 5% in this quarter. It is also the slowest growth since Q1 in 2013.
September 4, 2019
IAF inducts 8 US-made Apache AH-64E helicopters at Pathankot Air Force station
The Indian Air Force inducted 8 Apache AH-64E attack helicopters at Pathankot Air Force station. The
Apache AH-64E helicopters are made by US company Boeing and will give a major boots to combat
capabilities of Indian Air Force.
Key Highlights
Aircraft were formally inducted at induction ceremony held at Pathankot Air Force station with Air Chief
Marshal B S Dhanoa as the chief guest. The ceremonial key was handed over by Boeing company.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 25


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Apache helicopters are being purchased to replace Mi-35 fleet. These helicopters will be deployed in
Western regions of India.
Background: In September 2015, IAF had signed a multi-billion dollar contract with US government and
Boeing Ltd for 22 Apache helicopters. The first 8 helicopters have been delivered on schedule and last batch
of helicopters is to be delivered by March 2020.
About AH-64E Apache
It is one of world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, and is flown by the US Army.
Features:
It has capability to shoot fire and forget anti tank guided missiles, air to air missiles, rockets and other
ammunitions.
It is also capable of delivering variety of weapons such as: air to ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra
rockets and air to air Stinger missiles.
It has modern EW (Electronic Warfare) capabilities to provide versatility to helicopter in a network centric
aerial warfare.
It also carries one 30 mm chain gun with 1200 rounds as part of area weapon sub system.
To add to lethality of helicopter, it carries fire control radar that has a 360° coverage and nose mounted
sensor suite for target acquisition as well as night vision systems.
These are day/night, all weather capable and have high agility and survivability against battle damage.
CEC Sunil Arora takes charge as AWEB Chairman
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sunil Arora assumed Chairmanship of Association of World Election
Bodies (A-WEB) for the term 2019-21. India has taken over the AWEB Chair from Romania for two year
period. AWEB is a multilateral platform for election management bodies from across the world to share
best electoral practices.
Key Highlights
Background: India was unanimously nominated to be Vice-Chair of AWEB at the last General Assembly
held at Bucharest (Capital of Romania) in 2017.
AWEB Flag was handed over to the new Chairman, Sunil Arora. This flag will remain with Election
Commission of India (ECI) for 2 year term till 2021.
More than 110 delegates from 45 countries attended the meeting held in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
An AWEB Centre would be set up at India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management
(IIIDEM) in New Delhi for documentation, research and training and for sharing best practices.
Association of World Election Bodies (AWEB)
It was established in October 2013 and has been empowering democratic framework of member countries
since then.
With 120 EMBs (election management bodies) from 111 countries as its members and 21 international
organisations as associate members, it has become the largest global organisation of EMBs.
It provides momentum to spread of electoral democracy.
Significance: As a number of nascent democracies are still working to stabilize their political system by
improving their legal and electoral systems thereby, organizations such as AWEB could provide
professional support and advice by sharing experience, skills and innovations with support and
participation of its Member nations.
About Sunil Arora
He is 1980 batch Rajasthan cadre, Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer.
He is retired and has served as a secretary to the Government of India in two ministries.
He is currently serving as 23rd Chief Election Commissioner of India.
Vaishno Devi shrine named country’s ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’
Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir has been named
country’s ‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’. President Ram Nath Kovind will confer the award to Shri Mata
Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) during the ‘Swachh Mahotsav’ to be organised by Ministry of
Drinking Water and Sanitation on 6 September 2019.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 26


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Key Highlights
The Rankings of Swachh Iconic Places was released by Union ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of
Drinking Water and Sanitation.
Vaishno Devi Shrine which is visited by thousands of devotees daily, received a special award in 2017 from
union ministry of drinking water and sanitation for bagging 2nd spot behind Golden Temple. In 2018,
shrine was also declared as cleanest religious place by India Today Group.
Why Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine? The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine has been adjudged on basis of overall
improvement in sanitation brought about by board due to several initiatives taken in last few years to
ensure cleanliness of entire shrine area.
Initiatives: taken by board includes not only equid dung management centre, installing water kiosks, kill
waste machines, but also collection, transportation and disposal of waste along with regular mopping up
of waste though a workforce of 1300 sanitation workers, among others have enabled shrine to achieve top
rank.
Other competitors: The shrine competed with many other iconic places in country including-
Church and Convent of St Francis of Assissi (Goa), Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Maharashtra), Tirupati
Temple (Andhra Pradesh), Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh), Golden Temple (Punjab), Kamakhya Temple (Assam),
Jagannath Puri (Odisha), Ajmer Sharif Dargah (Rajasthan), among others.
‘Ashok Leyland’s heavy duty trucks becomes 1st to get BS-VI certification
Commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland announced that its entire range of heavy duty trucks has been
upgraded to meet BS-VI emission norms, which come into force from 1 April 2020. With this upgradation
the leading truck and bus maker Ashok Leyland has become 1st Indian original equipment manufacturer
(OEM) to meet BS-VI emission norms across its entitre range of heavy duty trucks (gross vehicle weight of
16.2. tonne and above).
Key Highlights
Ashok Leyland is the flagship company of Hinduja Group.
It has received compliance certificates from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). It has
become first Indian commercial vehicle maker to get BS VI certification for its entire heavy trucks range.
Although, Ashok Leyland’s heavy trucks are BS-VI ready but they await BS VI-fuel availability. Ashok
Leyland is looking at putting these trucks in some select regions such as NCR-Rajasthan where BS VI-fuel
is available.
The new BS-VI trucks are being built on a new modular platform and will offer such trucks in four engine
options.
Cabins of BS-VI trucks may also look different due to large cooling systems and other required norms. The
BS-VI trucks will offer telematics solutions too.
BS-VI compliance in the LCV and ICV range is expected to be completed shortly.
About Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)
It is an autonomous body affiliated to Union Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
It offers comprehensive certification and homologation services for all kinds of vehicles.
India to contribute $22 mn to GFTAM for 2020-22
India has announced contribution of $22 million to Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFTAM) for 6th
Replenishment Cycle (for year 2020-22). This is an increase of 10% over the amount contributed by India in
5th cycle.
Key Highlights
India stands firm to its long-standing partnership with Global Fund and its commitment to eliminate
AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
India’s pledge for the Global Fund demonstrates–
Its strong political leadership and commitment to fight HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria and to achieve the
universal health for all.
Its equally strong commitment to work across borders by joining hands in fighting epidemics of
these three diseases.
India was the 1st implementing country to host a replenishment milestone of Global Fund. It has now

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 27


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

become 1st among G20, BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and implementer countries to
announce the pledge for 6th Replenishment Conference, thus setting up a precedent for other donors to
contribute generously for the global cause.
Financing efforts to accomplish India’s goals of elimination of TB, HIV and Malaria and has inched a step
closer in this direction by with increasing pledge amount and stepping up Global Fund efforts to
strengthen health systems and save 16 million more lives across the world.
Partnership between India and Global Fund
India shares a sustained partnership with Global Fund since 2002 both as recipient and as a donor.
With investment of nearly $2 billion so far, Global Fund support has made significant contribution in
attaining India’s targets related to HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria reduction as well as escalating country’s
fight against these three diseases.
In current funding cycle (2018-21), the Global Fund has allocated $500 million to India. As a donor, India
has contributed $46.5 million so far till 2019 including US$ 20 million for 5th Replenishment Cycle.
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (the Global Fund)
The international organization commenced its operations in January 2002 and maintains its secretariat in
Geneva, Switzerland.
It is an international financing and partnership organization that aims to attract, leverage and invest
additional resources to end epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria to support attainment of
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Global Fund is a financing mechanism rather than an implementing agency and is also the world’s largest
financier of AIDS, TB, and malaria prevention, treatment, and care programs.
Indian Army Team Summit Mt. Leo Pargyil
An Indian Army team successfully summited Mount Leo Pargyil at 6773m on 20 August 2019. The
expedition team hoisted National Flag atop Mt Leo Pargyil after an extremely challenging climb in harsh
weather.
Key Highlights
The expedition was flagged off on 10 August by Commander, Tri Peak Brigade from Pooh in Himachal
Pradesh and the expedition was flagged in by Lieutenant General PM Bali, Western Command on 31 Aug
2019 at Jhakri near Rampur Bushar.
The expedition comprised entire of troops from 18th Battalion Mahar Regiment of Tri Peak Brigade.
About Mount Leo Pargyil
It is 3rd highest peak of Himachal. It lies in Zanskar range in kinnaur District.
It is considered to be among most challenging and technically difficult peak to scale.
Yudh Abhyas 2019 to be held in US
The joint military training exercise between India and United States (US) named Yudh Abhyas – 2019 will
be held at Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord, Washington, US from 05-18 September 2019. It is being conducted
as part of the ongoing Indo-US defence cooperation. It is one of the largest joint running military training
and defence corporation endeavors between both countries. This will be overall 15th edition of the joint
exercise hosted alternately between the two countries.
Exercise Yudh Abhyas 2019
It will provide opportunity to armed forces of both countries to train in integrated manner at Battalion
level with joint planning at Brigade level. They will jointly rehearse multiple scenarios during the exercise
with view to understand each other’s organisational structure and battle procedures. In this edition of
exercise, armies of both countries will jointly train, plan and execute series of well developed operations
for neutralization of threats of varied nature. It will be undertaken by both countries in operational setting
under United Nations (UN) mandate. Apart from this, experts from both sides will hold expert academic
and military discussions to share each other’s experiences on varied topics for mutual benefit.
Significance of exercise: It will result in higher degree of jointmanship that will further facilitate
interoperability between armed forces of both countries to meet any unforeseen contingency across the
globe. It will also serve as ideal platform for armed forces of both countries to learn from each other’s
expertise and experiences of planning and execution of operations.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 28


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

CCEA hikes ethanol procurement price for fuel blending


The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given
its approval to increase price of ethanol procured by public sector oil marketing companies (OMCs) for one
year starting December 2019. It also increased price of ethanol derived from C heavy molasses from Rs
43.46 a litre to Rs 43.75 per litre, and for B heavy molasses to Rs 54.27 per litre from Rs 52.43 earlier. It also
has fixed price of ethanol from sugar, sugarcane juice, sugar syrup route at Rs 59.48 per litre. The
increased prices have been approved for the forthcoming 2019-20 sugar season and will be applicable from
1 December 2019 to 30 November 2020.
Background
Union Government is implementing Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme wherein Oil Marketing
Companies (OMCs) sell petrol blended with ethanol up to 10%. This programme was extended to whole of
India except UTs of Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands with effect from April 2019 to promote
use of alternative and environment friendly fuels. This intervention also seeks to give boost to agriculture
sector and reduce import dependence for energy requirements.
Government had notified administered price of ethanol since 2014 and since 2018 Government for first
time announced differential price of ethanol based on raw material for ethanol production. These
decisions have significantly improved supply of ethanol and also ethanol procurement by Public Sector
OMCs has increased from 38 crore litre in ethanol supply year 2013-14 to estimated over 200 crore litre in
2018-19. Government has taken multiple steps to limit sugar production in the Country and to increase
domestic production of ethanol. These steps include allowing diversion of B heavy molasses and
sugarcane juice for ethanol production.
Nuakhai Juhar: Odisha’s harvest festival celebrated
Nuakhai Juhar, a harvest festival welcoming the newly harvest crop of the season was celebrated in
Odisha. It is one of the most ancient festivals celebrated in Odisha to welcome new crop of the season. It is
an important social festival of Western Odisha and is an agricultural festival.
About Nuakhai Juhar
It is also called Nuakhai Parab or Nuakahi Bhetghat.
Observed on: It is observed on Panchami Tithi of month of Bhadraba.
Nuakhai is derived from two words- ‘nua’ means new and ‘khai’ means eat, therefore it signifies “eating of
new rice”. Celebration: On this auspicious day, people worship food grain, prepare special meals and
everyone eats it together. Farmers offer the 1st produce from their lands to Goddess Samaleswari, the
famous mother goddess of Sambalpur district of Odisha and then consume it personally.
Nuakhai festival is mainly observed in western part of Odisha for possession of welcome newly harvest
crop of the season.
It is the harvest festival of Odisha wherein farmers are in possession of new rice of season. It is observed
to welcome new rice of season.
It is celebrated across districts such as Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Balangir, Bargarh,
Sundargarh, Boudh and Sonepur also across several areas of Jharkhand.
Several cultural programmes- folk songs and dances are organised on this day to display state’s local
culture and tradition.
September 5, 2019
Food Ministry puts blanket ban on single use plastic products from 15 Sept
Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution has announced a blanket ban on all
types of single use plastic products in various departments of Ministry and all its Public Sector Units
(PSUs) including Food Corporation of India (FCI) starting from 15 September 2019.
Key Highlights
The decision on this ban on use of single-use plastic products was taken in a high level meeting held by
Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan. Union Minister has
asked officials to make alternate arrangements to ensure that the ban is effective.
The high level meeting was held with Secretaries of both Departments i.e. Consumer Affairs and Food, CMD
FCI, DG Bureau of India Standards (BIS), MD of central warehousing corporation (CWC), Director Legal

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 29


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Metrology along with other senior officials of Ministry.


Moreover, the department has distributed cloth bags to employees to reduce consumption of single use
plastics.
Steps taken by Ministry so far:
During the Swachhata Pakhwada and Swachhata Hi Sewa campaign, department of fertilizers has
distributed cloth bags produced by Women’s Self help Group (SHG) Laxmi Devi Swasya Group of village
Maragondanahalli Grama Panchayat Ramohalli district, Karnataka to its employees to reduce
consumption of single use plastics. As per the department, it is a small step to reduce single-use plastic
usage and, to make people aware of viable alternative, while at the same time to improve income and
livelihood of rural women of India.
National Conference on ‘India-Africa Partnership in a Changing Global Order’ held in New Delhi
National Conference on ‘India-Africa Partnership in a Changing Global Order: Priorities, Prospects and
Challenges’ held in New Delhi. It was organized by Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA).
India-Africa Relation
India and African nations have always been natural partners in civilization, culture, and progress (like
both fought colonialism together) which were forged by a strong bond of long traditions of historical
goodwill, shared experiences, interests, civilizational contacts, mutuality of worldviews and friendship,.
In cold war era, Africa’s support played a decisive role in making Non- Aligned Movement initiated by
India, Egypt and Yugoslavia into a powerful voice of developing world. Thereby, the sense of solidarity and
unity formed during Cold War days continues to drive India-Africa relations to this date.
Africa’s ‘Agenda 2063’ for its overall development is in line with India’s broad guiding principles of
engagement with the continent. Therefore, India’s interactions with Africa in recent years have acquired
vibrancy and dynamism.
In recent years, there has been unprecedented intensification of political engagement with 32 high-level
visits from India to African countries apart from several ministerial visits which has helped in overall
strengthening of relations between India and Africa.
India has hosted more than 36 leaders from Africa since 3rd India-Africa Forum Summit held in 2015 and
has opened 6 additional missions in the region to increase its diplomatic outreach in Africa.
Africa has become an important trade and investment partner for India. With bilateral at $62.66 billion in
2017-2018 and cumulative investments in Africa amounting to $54 billion, this has made India the 4th-
largest investor in Africa. However, there remains great uncharted potential to be explored.
India’s development initiatives: such as human resource development and capacity building under Indian
Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, Grant Assistance and Lines of Credit to Africa
has made India a close partner of Africa in its socio-economic transformation.
Challenge for India and Africa: is to work together to bring about reformed multilateralism, whether in
United Nation and United Nation Security Council (UNSC) or in other international organisations, to
change global order. This is not only in mutual interest of both nations but in interest of all developing
countries.
India will also work with Africa to improve agriculture as Africa has 60% of world’s arable land, but
produces just 10% of global output.
India, with its vast experience with digital revolution would certainly support Africa’s development;
spread digital literacy; extend education and health; improve delivery of public services; mainstream the
marginalized and expand financial inclusion.
India on its part has initiated a series of policy interventions such as TEAM 9 initiative, Focus Africa
Programme and India Africa Forums Summit process to strengthen and diversify India’s the engagement
with African states.
1st National Conference on Cyber Crime Investigation inaugurated in New Delhi
First National Conference on Cyber Crime Investigation and Cyber Forensics is being held on 4-5
September 2019 at Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Headquarters in New Delhi. It was inaugurated
by CBI Director Rishi Kumar Shukla.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 30


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Key Highlights
The two-day conference covers one of the mandates of CBI which is to investigate crimes with inter-state
and international ramifications.
Conference Objective: To create a platform and bring together investigators, forensic experts, academia
and lawyers to discuss challenges related to cybercrime and ways to find solutions.
Need: Cybercrimes pose unique challenges to law enforcement officers and such crimes are complex and
require certain skills and forensic skills for detection.
Focus Areas:
To create capacity building and to create a pool of competent investigators, judicial officers, prosecutors
and digital forensic analysts who are digitally aware.
To create a platform for sharing good practices to learn from experiences of various State police and Law
Enforcement Agencies.
Participants: Around 50 officers including DGPs, ADGPs, and SPs dealing with cybercrime, officials and
academia are participating in Conference.
SATHI: IIT Kharagpur to assist academic institutes in neighbouring region
Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has been selected for setting up a Sophisticated Analytical
and Technical Help Institute (SATHI), a Department of Science and Technology (DST) initiative of Centre.
Centre has allotted an amount of Rs.125 crore over a period of financial years (starting from 2019-20) for
the purpose.
About SATHI
Objective: SATHI is a state-of-the-art, professionally managed science and technology infrastructure
facility. Its primary objective will be to extend help to academic institutes in neighbouring regions.
As per Department of Science and Technology mandate, the SATHI Centre will run 24×7 round the year.
At least 70% of instrument use time will be reserved for external users from other start-ups,
entrepreneurs, academic institutes, industry and national laboratories.
Facility would involve highest level of expertise of IIT KGP in several key convergence domains of science
and technology like structural and safety engineering, medical sciences, soft materials, advanced
communication, nano technology and quantum photonics.
SATHI- IIT-Kharagpur
SATHI Centre at IIT Kharagpur would aim towards becoming a national centre of excellence, catering to
the scientific need of the country. IIT Delhi has also been chosen for the DST initiative.
IIT-KGP has already identified the requisite physical infrastructure for setting up this facility and is
expected to start the activities for centre soon.
IIT-KGP will treat SATHI Centre as its Social Scientific Responsibility (SSR) programme for promoting
culture of science-based entrepreneurship and start-ups in the country.
Under the initiative Research establishments and industries, particularly start-ups and manufacturing
units, will also be able to use sophisticated instruments in a few select areas.
Fourth Indian Ocean Conference 2019 held in Male
Fourth Indian Ocean Conference 2019 was recently held in Male, capital of Maldives. The two-day
conference was held from 3-4 September 2019. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was one of
the speakers at Indian Ocean Conference 2019 event.
About Fourth Indian Ocean Conference 2019
Chair of the conference: Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe
Organiser: It was organised by India Foundation (based in New Delhi), in association with Government of
Maldives and S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore.
Participants: Ministers, officials and scholars from several countries are attending the 2-day event.
Theme for 4th Indian Ocean Conference 2019 was: ‘Securing the Indian Ocean Region: Traditional and Non-
Traditional Challenges’.
Conference discussion themes were grouped under 3 broad categories of-
Marine Ecology: Climate Change, Global warming and consequent rise of sea levels, pollution,

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 31


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources


Navigational Security: Freedom of navigation, United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea
(UNCLOS) and its effective implementation, natural and manmade hazards to navigation, piracy
Terrorism: Rising spectre of terrorism in IOR, marine terrorism
Importance of IOR: With Indian Ocean region coming to global focus such as China seeking to increase its
foothold in the region and with increasing need for countries from across the region to come together to
confront terrorism and violent extremism, the littoral countries, including India gathered for a 2-day
conference in Male. Many of the challenges faced by IOR poses serious and immediate problems for the
region. Therefore these challenges require concerted and sustained partnership efforts across region and
beyond.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Key issues for IOR underlined during conference include-
Climate change, Rising sea water levels
Hazardous levels of sea pollution are leading to depletion of marine livestock. Also, illegal,
unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing elude consensus in international deliberation
Proper implementation of maritime laws under UNCLOS
Combating illicit trafficking of humans and narcotics
Participants countries of Indian Ocean region (IOR) agreed to enhance intra-regional cooperation through
participating in and strengthening formal intergovernmental bodies such as Indian Ocean Rim
Association (IORA).
September 6, 2019
HRD Ministry awards IoE status to IIT-Madras, IIT-Khg, DU, BHU and University of Hyd
Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) have issued orders to 5 public Universities
namely, IIT Madras, Banaras Hindu University, IIT Kharagpur, University of Delhi and University of
Hyderabad conveying their declaration as Institutions of Eminence (IoE).
Key Highlights
HRD Ministry has taken the steps on advice of University Grants Commission (UGC) and Empowered
Expert Committee to implement the Institutions of Eminence (IoEs) scheme.
Private Universities: In addition to above mentioned 5 public Universities, HRD Ministry also issued
Letters of Intent (LoI) to 5 Private Universities namely, Amrita Viswavidyapeetham (Tamil Nadu), Vellore
Institute of Technology (Tamil Nadu), Jamia Hamdard (New Delhi), Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
(Odisha) and Bharti Institute, Satya Bharti Foundation (Mohali) for accepting and sending their
preparedness for being declared as Institutions of Eminence (IoE). These institutions will be required to
submit their readiness for starting academic operations as IoEs.
IoE Deemed Universities: Also in respect of 2 more Universities, O.P Jindal University (Haryana) and Shiv
Nadar University (Uttar Pradesh), letters were issued to State Government to pass legislation in State
Assembly to cease the status of these Universities as Private Universities under State and so as to enable
them to be considered as IoE Deemed Universities.
In regard to State Universities, namely Anna University (Tamil Nadu) and Jadavpur University (West
Bengal)- were also selected by State Governments and Empowered Committee. They have been asked to
indicate their commitment towards their contribution under IoE scheme.
About Institutions of Eminence scheme
It has been launched in order to implement commitment of Union Government to empower Higher
Educational Institutions (HEIs) and to help them become world class teaching and research institutions, as
announced by Union Finance Minister Late Arun Jaitely in his budget speech of 2016.
Under the scheme 10 public and 10 private institutions are to be identified to emerge as world-class
Teaching and Research Institutions.
Accordingly, University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified guidelines UGC (Declaration of Government
Educational Institutions as Institutions of Eminence) Guidelines, 2017 for public institutions and UGC
(Institutions of Eminence Deemed to be Universities) Regulations, 2017 for private institutions on 7

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 32


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

September 2017 to provide regulatory structure for enabling HEIs to become world-class teaching and
research institutions. This will increase the affordability of access to high quality education for ordinary
Indians.
Background
In the first round under Institutions of Eminence (IoE) scheme, 6 institutions were selected as IoEs:
(1) In Public Category
Indian Institute of Sciencee (IISc), Bangalore
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi
(2) Private Category
Birla Institute of Technology& Sciences (BITS), Pilani
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay
Jio Institute under Greenfield category.
The 3 Public Institutions were declared IoEs, while 3 private institutions were issued Letters of Intent
(LoI). As of now, there are 16 institutions as IoEs, apart from which another 4 institutions where State
Government’s confirmation and commitment is awaited.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh addresses 8th Seoul Defense Defence Dialogue 2019
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a keynote address at ‘Seoul Defence Dialogue 2019’ during his
visit to South Korea. The theme of Defence Dialogue was- ‘Building Peace Together: Challenges and Vision’.
Defence Minister is on a 3-day visit to Seoul.
Key Highlights of Address
During the address Defence Minister highlighted that among the numerous security challenges that
world is facing, gravest is that of terrorism as no country in world is safe from terrorism.
He called for collective international action to check perpetrators of terrorism. He also advocated strong
measures against those who support and finance terrorism and provide sanctuary to terrorists.
India has been actively pursuing counter terrorism cooperation bilaterally, regionally and globally
through United Nations and other fora.
With world politics today being in a state of flux, it has aggravated global and regional challenges to
international peace and security. Also, new and emerging technologies have impacted regional and global
security environment.
India’s neighboring region is confronted with numerous traditional and non-traditional security threats
such as transnational crimes, terrorism, conflicts, maritime threats, proliferation as well as the challenges
of sustainable development.
India’s ‘neighbourhood first policy’: As India’s foreign policy has always prioritized on good relations
with its neighbours, therefore India also supports for peace and stability in Korean Peninsula and its
denuclearisation through dialogue and diplomacy.
India has also strengthened co-operative engagements in Indo-Pacific region on basis of principle of
SAGAR– Security and Growth for All in the Region, a principle that remains cornerstone of India’s outlook
for Indo-Pacific region.
About Seoul Defense Dialogue 2019
It was held in Seoul, capital of South Korea.
Defense officials and experts from around 50 countries and 5 international organizations attended the
Dialogue, however, U.S. representative did not attend.
Background: Seoul Defense Dialogue was launched in 2012 as a vice ministerial level multilateral security
consultation regime for talks on Asia-Pacific cooperation and peace on Korean Peninsula.
Govt. launches updated Credit linked Capital Subsidy Scheme
Union Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Nitin Gadkari launched the updated Credit
linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) to allow micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) access to
capital. Union Minister re-Launched the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy (CLCS) web portal during the 2-day
workshop on ‘Credit Linked Capital Subsidy and Delayed Payment of MSMEs’ held at New Delhi.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 33


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

During the course of workshop Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) was also signed by office of
Development Commissioner (MSME), Ministry of MSME with 11 Nodal Banks.
About Credit linked Capital Subsidy Scheme
It provides 15% subsidy for additional investment up to Rrs.1cr. for technology upgradation by MSMEs in
the specified 51 sub-sectors. Now in relaunched scheme there is an additional 10% subsidy to SC-ST
entrepreneurs while special provisions have been made for 117 ‘aspirational’ districts, northeastern region
and hill states.
In February 2019, Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved an outlay of Rs.2,900 crore
for CLCSS scheme. Now, it is a demand-driven one without any upper limit on overall annual spending on
subsidy disbursal.
Significance: CLCSS scheme would be crucial in raising MSME contribution to gross domestic product
(GDP) from current 29% to 50%, in addition to increasing exports from sector to 50% from 40% now.
Steps taken by Government to solve long standing problems of MSME sector
Government will soon implement the recommendations of UK Sinha committee. It suggested Rs.5,000-
crore stressed asset fund (SAF) for domestic MSMEs hurt by demonetisation, Goods and Service Tax (GST)
and an ongoing liquidity crunch. It also suggested to make PAN numbers a ‘Unique Enterprise Identifiers’
for procurement, availing government sponsored benefits, and other purposes.
Centre appealed all stakeholders to use MSME Samadhan Portal so that sufficient data could be gathered
about wilful defaulters, register themselves on stock exchanges. MSME ministry will soon launch ‘Bharat
Craft’, a marketing portal for marketing of their products.
Ministry has already notified that all companies registered with Companies Act, 2013 with a turnover of
more than Rs.500 crore and all Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) shall be required to get
themselves on boarded on TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System) platform which is set up as
per notification of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Due Payments: Ministry has also notified that all companies who get supplies of goods or services (G&S)
from Micro and Small Enterprises and whose payments to suppliers exceeds 45 days from date of
acceptance of G&S, shall submit a half yearly (6 months) return of Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs
(MCA) stating the amount of payments due and reason of delay.
SCIENCE EXPLORER: 1st ever Mobile Science Exhibition flagged off in Leh
Union Minister of State for Culture and Tourism (Independent charge), Prahlad Singh Patel flagged off
Leh’s 1st ever Mobile Science Exhibition (SCIENCE EXPLORER) of National Council of Science Museums
(NCSM) for entire Ladakh Region.
Key Highlights
NCSM jointly with Department of Science &Technology (DST), Government of India simultaneously
carried out the National launch of 25 new Mobile Science Exhibition buses for Aspirational Districts of
India with aim to create a scientific awareness among the rural children.
The buses will travel to schools in Aspirational Districts through out the year (except during vacations).
Each specially designed bus contains 20 interactive exhibits and other demonstrations related to children
and rural life. More Exhibition buses will be added in coming years.
About Mobile Science Exhibition (MSE) programme
Background: The MSE programme was originally launched as Mobile Science Museum (MSM) in 1965. 1st
MSE on theme ‘Our Familiar Electricity’ was inaugurated at Ramakrishna Mission Boys’ School,
Narendrapur (near Kolkata) on 17 November 1965 and the 1st MSE Bus was flagged off in 1966 from Birla
Industrial and Technological Museum (in Kolkata).
Its mission was that- ‘if people cannot visit museum, let the museum visit people at their doorsteps’.
It is the largest and longest running outreach programme of National Council of Science Museums
(NCSM). NCSM is an autonomous S&T institution under Ministry of Culture and is primarily engaged in
‘Communicating Science to Empower People’ through its network of 25 Science Centres or Museums
spread across India.
Significance: It is successful in creating a scientific awareness in society, in supplementing formal

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 34


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

education with non-formal mode of science education, in nurturing scientific temper and creative
potential of young people in areas where MSE programmes are conducted. MSE in Ladakh will benefit all
people of Ladakh through its mobility and knowledge.
EX TSENTR 2019: India, Pakistan forces to be part of military exercise in Russia
Armies of India, Pakistan will take part in this year’s military exercise TSENTR 2019 that will be conducted
by Russia from September 9 to 23, 2019. This will be the first time that forces from India and Pakistan will
participate in multilateral exercise together since airstrikes conducted by Indian force, deep in Pakistan’s
Balakot district in February 2019. Earlier armies of India and Pakistan had met last year as part of military
exercise conducted by Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) – also held in Russia.
Background
Russia holds major military exercise every year at one of its four military Commands i.e Vostok (East),
Zapad (West), TSENTR (Centre) and Kavkas (South). It rotates through four main Russian operational
strategic commands.
About Exercise TSENTR 2019
It will be conducted as part of the annual series of large scale exercises that form part of Russian Armed
Forces’ annual training cycle. This year it will be conducted by Central Military Commission of Russia at
Donguz training ranges, Orenburg, Russia. Apart from host Russia, military contingents from China,
Tajikistan, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan will also take part in this mega event.
This year’s exercise is aimed at evolving drills of participating armies in fight against international
terrorism and ensuring military security in strategic central Asian region. Its strategic measures will
mainly focus on evaluating level of troop preparedness, raising level of inter- operability, acquisition of
required skills and demonstrate readiness of participating armies.
It will comprise two modules-
(i) 1st module: It will include counter- terror operations, repelling air strikes, reconnaissance operations
and defensive measures.
(ii) 2nd Module: It will focus on offensive operations.
Dr. Jitendra Singh chaired 31st SCOVA meeting
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern
Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, chaired
31st meeting of Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA), held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
The 31st SCOVA meeting was organised by Department of Pensions & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoP&PW),
Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions.
Key Highlights of Meet
Minister emphasized on maximum digitization of documentation process dealing with pensioners’ cases.
Retired employees are a healthy and productive workforce for India and therefore the government needs
to streamline and channelize their energies in a productive direction.
DoP&PW should be reoriented in such a way that pensioners become a part of nation building process.
One should learn from pensioners’ experience such as a retired person could do counseling for pensioners
in his respective field of expertise.
On the demand of SCOVA members, Minister agreed to hold its meeting bi-annually instead of once a year
and also directed for prompt and time bound redressal of grievances of pensioners.
Department of Pensions has already-
Digitalized process of providing life certificate by pensioners and other documents.
Started Pension Adalats through video conferencing. Therefore, interaction process between
Government Departments and Pensioners has increased manifold with the use of technology.
Started Pensioners’ Portal where one can easily check PPO status. Thus, optimizing use of
technology for welfare of pensioners.
SCOVA has gone a long way in addressing issues related to Pensioners in a focused manner.
Glorious Diaspora – Pride of India’: Book on Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees released
A Coffee Table Book titled ‘Glorious Diaspora- Pride of India’ on Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardees was
released by Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 35


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

About ‘Glorious Diaspora- Pride of India’


The book contains the brief profiles of recipients of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards (PBSA) from 2003
to 2019. It has been brought out by Indian Diaspora Club.
It includes inspiring profile of Distinguished Overseas Indians who have made their indelible mark in
various fields.
About Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award
PBSA was first launched in 2003. It is the highest honour conferred upon by the Indian Governmen to
overseas Indian.
Since its launch, many deserving people of Indian origin from across the world have been honoured, which
includes politicians, economists, scientists, artists and business leaders from around the world.
The PBSA is conferred every year on January 9, which is celebrated as Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD). It
was chosen as the day since it was on 9 January 1915, Mahatma Gandhi (greatest Pravasi) returned to
India from South Africa and led India’s freedom struggle thereafter.
PBSA is conferred by President of India as part of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention. It is
conferred on a Non-Resident Indian (NRIs), Person of Indian Origin (PIOs) or an institution/organization
established and run by NRIs or PIOs, who have made a significant contribution in any one of following
ways-
Supporting India’s causes and concerns in a tangible way
Social as well as humanitarian causes in India or abroad
For promoting a better understanding of India abroad
Building closer links between India, overseas Indian community and their country of residence
Philanthropic and charitable work
Welfare of local Indian community
While convention was held on an annual basis till 2014, it is being organized once in 2 years from 2015.
5 September: International Day of Charity observed
The International Day of Charity is observed every year on September 5 across the world. It aims to
recognise role of charity in alleviating human suffering within and among nations. It also seeks to raise
awareness and provide common platform for charity related activities for charitable, philanthropic and
volunteer organizations and individuals all over the world for their own purposes on national, regional
and international level.
Background
The International Day of Charity was instituted by United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by adopting
resolution A/RES/67/105PDF on 17 December 2012. Why September 5? It is death anniversary of Mother
Teresa. It was celebrated for first time in 2013. On this day, UN invites all Member States, international
and regional organizations, as well as civil society to commemorate this day for encouraging charity,
including through education and public awareness-raising activities.
Prof Muhammad Yunus conferred Lamp of Peace of Saint Francis award by Vatican
Vatican awarded Bangladesh’s Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus prestigious ‘Lamp of Peace of Saint
Francis ‘ award for his contribution towards establishing peace and harmony.
Prof Muhammad Yunus
He is Bangladeshi social entrepreneur, banker, economist, and civil society leader. He was awarded the
Nobel Peace Prize (2008) for founding Grameen Bank and pioneering concepts of microcredit and
microfinance.
About Lamp of Peace of Saint Francis Award
It aims to honour those who work towards promoting peace and harmony. It was first presented by
Vatican in 1981 to Polish trade union leader Lech Walesa. Some of its recipients include Pope John Paull II,
Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and former Russian leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Its last two winners were
Angela Merkel and King Abdullah II of Jordan.
Mukesh Ambani rolls out JioFiber, offering minimum 100 Mpbs internet speed for Rs.699/month
Reliance Jio Infocomm has commercially launched its fiber-based wired broadband service called
JioFiber, which offers a bundle of services such as high-speed internet, landline phone and High Definition

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 36


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

(HD) television.
Key Features of JioFiber
Broadband services offer a minimum internet speed of 100 Mbps with plans starting at Rs.699 per month for
100 GB, while higher plans come with freebies like high definition television (TV) sets and set-top boxes.
For those customers opting for annual subscription, Reliance is offering a free set top box.
Jio’s broadband service is offering free voice calling to anywhere in India, TV video calling/conferencing as
well as unlimited data.
Gold Plan: Jio is offering complimentary TV sets to annual subscribers of broadband with ‘Gold’ plan in
range of `Rs.1,299 to Rs.8,499 per month under introductory welcome offer. JioFiber will offer broadband
internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps for Rs.8499/month.
Worry:
In order to lure customers, JioFiber is also offering EMI options for annual plans. As far as the wired
broadband market is concerned, current market leader BSNL will take a hit from Jio’s offers.
Also the welcome pack of Jio provides significant incentive for existing urban cable and DTH subscribers,
who can afford annual upfront payment to JioFiber. Therefore, Jio’s offer is a game-changer that poses
considerable threat to other DTH service providers like Airtel Digital TV, Tata Sky and Dish TV.
Its pricing is structured in such a way that it could trigger a massive wave of disruption in broadband
services market. Jio Infocomm’s rivals including Airtel and BSNL will now have to try to play catch-up on
prices and freebies to retain customers.
Rashid Khan of Afghanistan becomes the youngest Test captain
At the age of 20 years & 350 days, the spinner of Afghanistan, Rashid Khan has becomes the youngest
captain in test cricket. He led Afghanistan for the first time in a Test Match and is now the youngest
skipper ever in the history of Test Cricket.
Key Highlights
Afghanistan had named Rashid as captain for all formats of game following the team’s disappointing World
Cup campaign in England and Wales in early 2019 as the team was not able to win a single match in
tournament.
Rashid has broken a 15-year-old record set by Tatenda Taibu of Zimbabwe in 2004, to become youngest
cricketer to lead a side in longest format of game. He broke record during the one-off Test match between
Afghanistan against Bangladesh.
Rashid achieved the youngest Test captain feat at 20 years 350 days old whereas Tabu had earlier scripted
the record at age of 20 years 358 days.
When 19-year-old Rashid stepped in as skipper for Afghanistan against Scotland in 1st of ICC Cricket
World Cup Qualifiers Bulawayo held in Zimbabwe in 2018, he had also become youngest captain in
international cricket. Rashid was given captaincy in absence of Afghanistan skipper Asghar Stanikzai
who was diagnosed with appendicitis.
Although Afghanistan had received the Test status in 2017 however it did not get an ideal start in longest
format of game as they were defeated by India within 2 days in their 1st Test match. Later, in their next
match, Afghanistan was able to outclass Ireland by seven wickets earlier this year.
5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) held in Vladivostok
The fifth edition of Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) was held in Vladivostok, Russia from September 4 to 6,
2019. It was aimed at roviding a platform for discussing issues aimed at expanding international
cooperation in Asia-Pacific region and developing the economy of Russias Far East. The participants in
Summit were India, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, and South Korea. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi
was Chief Guest at the event being hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Key Takeaways from Summit
India’s Line of Credit (LoC): PM Modi while addressing Plenary Session of 5th EEF announced LoC worth
$1 billion for the development of the Far East region of Russia. This is the first-ever region-specific LoC
extended by India in a foreign country.
Act Far East policy: PM Modi also announced launching of India’s “Act Far East” policy. Russia’s Far East
is rich in resource, but is sparsely populated region. This policy aims to tap this region’s resources
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 37
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

potential and also find opportunities for skilled workers to find employment in this region. It also ties in
well with Indo-Pacific concept, and opens up possibilities for India to use Arctic route to connect with
northern Europe.
About Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)
It is annual event held at Vladivostok, Russia to encourage foreign investment in the Russian Far East. It
was established by decree of Russia President Vladimir Putin in 2015.
It is aimed at supporting economic development of Russia’s Far East and to expand international
cooperation in Asia-Pacific region.
Objectives:
(i) Strengthening ties between Russian business and federal, regional, and local government bodies on side
and international investment community on other side.
(ii) Conducting comprehensive expert assessment of Russia’s Far East economic potential and improving
its competitiveness and attractiveness to investors.
(iii) Showcasing new investment and business opportunities such as advanced special economic zones
(SEZs), Vladivostok Free Port, and state support for high-potential investment projects.
Events at this Forum: These are held in the form of panel sessions, roundtables, business breakfasts,
televised debates and business dialogues devoted to Russia’s relationships with various countries.
September 7, 2019
Swachh Mahotsav 2019 held at New Delhi
Swachh Mahotsav 2019 was held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on 6 September 2019. The function was
organised by Union Ministry of Jal Shakti. On this occasion, President of India Ram Nath Kovind
presented the Swachh Bharat Awards in various categories for outstanding contribution to Swachh
Bharat Mission.
Key Highlights
On the occasion of Swachh Mahotsav 2019, Union Minister of Jal Shakti Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
formally released ‘Swachh Bharat Mission’s Book on Behavior Change Communication’. The book was received
by President Ram Nath Kovind.
President Kovind described cleanliness as pathway to success and highlighted that construction of toilets
across country under Swachh Bharat Mission has become peoples’ campaign and not just a government
campaign and at the same time helped in maintaining dignity of women as well as their empowerment.
President highlighted that cleanliness is also an essential condition for success of ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’
launched by government in 2019.
About Swachh Bharat Awards 2019
Best Swachh Iconic Place award: was awarded to Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in Jammu and Kashmir. The
Shrine was selected on basis of overall improvement in sanitation.
Swachh Award in Swachhta Action Plan category: awarded to Ministry of Railways.
Swachhta Pakhwada Award: was given to Department of Defence.
Power Grid Corporation received award in category of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) for its
contribution to Swachh Bharat Kosh.
Award for Open Defecation Free (ODF) and Behavior Change: were given to Gujarat and Sikkim
Ganga Gram: Village Baghori in Uttarkashi
Swachh Bharat Summer Internship: 1st prize was given to Ranjitha S for NCC, Bharatiya Shaheed Sainik
School (Nainital) for NSS, and Vision Youth Association (Anantapuramu in Andhra Pradesh) for Nehru
Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS)
Indian Railways wins Best Ministry for Implementation of Swachhata Action Plan for 2018-19
On occasion of Swachh Mahotsav 2019 held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi (on 6 September 2019),
President of India Ram Nath Kovind presented an award to Indian Railways as Best Ministries for
Implementation of Swachhata Action Plan for 2018-19.
Key Highlights
Award was received by Chairman of Railway Board Vinod Kumar Yadav, on behalf of the Indian Railways.
He regularly conducts meetings with General Managers of Zonal Railways through video conferencing to
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 38
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

discuss Swacchata subject.


President kovind also presented Best Swachh iconic Place award to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Terminus (CSMT) Mumbai under Swachh Bharat Mission initiative. The award will be received by
Ministry of Railways jointly along with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) partner. The 3 best stations as per Cleanliness Ranking Survey for 2018 i.e. Jaipur,
Jodhpur and Tirupati were also awarded.
STEPS TAKEN BY RAILWAYS TO MAINTAIN CLEANLINESS
Union Minister for Railways, Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal has been persuading all Railway
officials to Make Cleanliness an Organisational Culture.
Cleanliness Drive: Recently Railways Minister directed all Railway officials to observe a special 10 days
cleanliness drive for trains and stations starting from 2 September 2019. These perpetual drives are also
monitored by uploading of selected photographs on E-Drishti and Minister’s dashboard.
Feedback from commuters: is further used to promote cleanliness campaign of railways, which together
is biggest service provisioning public place in India.
Indian Railways had spent nearly Rs.3000 Crore on cleanliness drives on its various properties during
2018-19.
What is Swachhata Action Plan (SAP)?
It is one of flagship initiatives of Prime Minister Naredra Modi towards making Swachh
Bharat everyone’s business.
Launched: SAP was formally launched on 1 April 2017, with active participation of 72 Ministries and
Departments. It has brought all Ministries and Departments under one umbrella and contributed towards
achieving Swachh Bharat by 2019.
During 1st year of implementation during Financial Year 2017-18, Ministries and Departments
implemented multiple innovative ideas along with making financial contribution of over Rs.18000 crore.
SAP is being monitored at the level of Committee of Secretaries led by Cabinet Secretary.
SAP has seen a multi-dimensional range of activities including adopting villages, support for sanitation
infrastructure, solid and liquid waste management, cleaner monuments, school sanitation, better
sanitation in hospitals and iconic places etc.
Nodal agency: for SAP is Union Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation. It has been engaged with SAP
implementing Ministries and Departments to provide actionable ideas, support implementation as needed
and reporting and monitoring through online portal www.swachhataactionplan.com.
Kargil to Kohima 4,500 km ultra-marathon to mark 20 years of ‘Vijay Diwas’: IAF
To commemorate 20 years of ‘Vijay Diwas’ or ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ (named after successful Operation
Vijay), the Indian Air Force is organising an ultra-marathon named as ‘Kargil to Kohima (K2K): Glory Run’
spanning over 4,500 km from Kargil to Kohima. The marathon run was flagged off by Air Chief Marshal B
S Dhanoa in a ceremony held at Vayu Bhavan in New Delhi.
Key Highlights of Ultra-Marathon
This unique expedition of ultra-marathon from Kargil to Kohima commencing on 21 September 2019 will
culminate on 6 November 2019. It will be from Kargil War Memorial at Dras in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K),
and Kohima War Cemetery in Kohima (Nagaland).
Why Kargil to Kohima? Kohima and Kargil are two forward most outposts of India in east and north
where two of the most fierce battles of modern India were fought in 1944 and 1999, respectively. The event
is to commemorate 20th year of victory in Kargil war.
Objective: Aim of expedition is to promote awareness for safety of pedestrians and recently launched ‘Fit
India Movement’ by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with paying tribute to bravehearts who made
the supreme sacrifices.
Expedition Team: A composite team of 25 air warriors consisting of officers and airmen, including one
woman officer Flight Lietutant Rishab Jeet Kaur and Warrant Officer Indra Pal Singh (51) will also run in
this ultra-marathon. The expedition is led by Squadron Leader Suresh Razdan, a Su-30 aircraft pilot.
The team has been selected after regressive selection trials and is undergoing their 1st phase of strenuous

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 39


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

training. This will be followed by 2nd phase of training at Leh, Ladakh.


The team will cover distance of more than 4,500 mm in 45 days by running an average of 100 mm per day.
Adventure Activities: Team will undertake adventure activities such as camping and living outdoors,
managing and surviving in snow, rain and extreme climate through varied terrain of Ladakh, Himachal
Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West-Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Assam and Nagaland.
NOTE: ‘Operation Vijay’ was India”s limited war against Pakistan in Kargil in 1999
India hosts 6th India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue
India is hosting 6th India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED) in New Delhi. The three-day Dialogue
will be held from 7-9 September 2019. Every year NITI Aayog (earlier Planning Commission) on Indian side
and National Development and Reforms Commission (NDRC) on Chinese side lead SED Mechanism
wherein a bilateral Dialogue is held annually alternately at capital cities of two countries i.e. in New Delhi
and Beijing.
About 6th India-China Strategic Economic Dialogue
It will be chaired by Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog Rajiv Kumar and Chinese side will led by chairman,
National Development and Reforms Commission (NDRC). Also, senior representatives from policy making,
industry and academia will participate in dialogue from both sides.
The dialogue will comprise of round table meetings of Joint Working Groups (JWG) followed by technical
site visits and closed door G2G meetings.
Focus Areas: SED will focus on collaboration between two countries on areas of Infrastructure, Energy,
Resource Conservation, High-Tech, Pharmaceuticals and Policy coordination.

Background
India-China SED was established in December 2010 between erstwhile Planning Commission and National
Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of China during the visit of then Chinese Prime Minister Wen
Jiabao to India. Since then, the SED has served as an effective mechanism for enhancing bilateral practical
cooperation.
Under the aegis of SED, senior representatives from both sides (India and China) come together to
constructively deliberate on and share individual best practices and successfully identify sector-specific
challenges as well as opportunities for enabling ease of doing business (EDB) and at the same time
facilitating bilateral trade and investment flows.
At 2nd SED (held in November 2012) at New Delhi, it was decided to constitute 5 standing Joint Working
Groups (JWGs) on Policy Coordination, Infrastructure, Environment, Energy, and High Technology under
SED for strengthening cooperation in these fields. Also a 6th Joint Working Group on Pharmaceuticals has
also been constituted after 5th SED, which was held in Beijing on 14 April 2018 (just before informal Wuhan
Summit between PM Narendra Modi and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping).
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-doo
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeongdoo, Minister
of National Defence, on the second day of his 3-day visit to Republic of Korea (ROK) in Seoul. Indian
Defence Minister is on a three-day visit to South Korea with an aim to intensify bilateral defence and
security relations.
Key Highlights of Meet
Two leaders comprehensively reviewed bilateral defence co-operation between the countries and noted
that defence co-operation lies at heart of Special Strategic Partnership between India and ROK. Both also
exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Discussions were held on ongoing co-operation at Service-to-Service level and prospects for enhanced co-
operation between defence industries of India and Korea.
Agreements Signed: To further the defence educational exchanges and to extend logistical support to each
other’s Navies both countries signed two major agreements. This agreement is expected to enhance
defence co-operation between two countries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid homage at National Cemetery of Korea to brave martyrs who had

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 40


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

laid down their lives for Korean nation. He also visited War Memorial to which he presented a copy of
citation received by Indian 60th Para Field Hospital for its exceptional contributions during Korean War
(1950 –1953).
India-Korea Defence Ties
India is already developing strong military hardware cooperation with South Korea as Indian Army has
already inducted K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers (which is a modified version of South Korea’s Samsung-
Techwin K-9 Thunder) built in partnership with Indian firm Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and South Korean
Hanwha Techwin.
NGT asks centre to prepare plan for protection of Great Indian Bustard
A National Green Tribunal (NGT) Bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel has
directed Central government to prepare a time-bound action plan within two months for protection of
Great Indian Bustard. This decision is in response to the high mortality rate of birds noted by NGT.
Key Highlights
Committee: NGT Bench headed by Justice A K Goel constituted a joint committee comprising officials of
Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Ministry of Power, Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and nominees of Energy Departments of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The
committee was tasked to prepare an action plan for implementation of suggestions put forth by Wildlife
Institute of India (WII) over the isuue.
Plea: NGT was hearing a plea filed by Centre for Wildlife and Environment Litigation (CWEL), through
advocate Gaurav Bansal, seeking directions to ministry to make bio-diversity impact assessment
mandatory for every wind-power project, irrespective of its size/capacity. Plea stated that the reason for
high mortality rate of critically endangered species of birds as per 30th Forest Advisory Committee
meeting is power lines, especially high-voltage transmission lines with multiple overhead wires as the
bird have poor frontal vision. It put forth that 75% of birds have died due to collision with power lines in
past 30 years.
Environment Ministry also acknowledged that adult mortality among GIB is still very high due to
collisions with power-lines that crisscross their flying paths.
WII Report Recommendations:
It suggested a slew of measures, such as mitigation of all power transmission lines passing through
priority bustard habitats and disallowing new wind turbines, solar farms among others.
Steps should be taken to reduce poaching of specie and other wildlife in Thar landscape.
Poaching of GIB and other wildlife in Thar landscape could be reduced by improving protection
enforcement through training of forest department frontline staff in smart patrolling tools with help of
conservation organisations.
About Great Indian bustard
Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps
Population: 200 individuals worldwide. Its largest populations are found in Indian state of Rajasthan.
Status: It is Listed in-
Schedule I of Indian Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972,
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) or Bonn Convention
Appendix I of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora)
IUCN Red List- as Critically Endangered
National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016)
It has also been identified as one of the species for recovery programme under Integrated Development of
Wildlife Habitats of Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
India Pavilion inaugurated at 44th Toronto International Film Festival 2019
India Pavilion was inaugurated at 44th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2019 by High
Commissioner of India to Canada Vikas Swarup on 6 September 2019. The Inauguration of India Pavilion
at TIFF 2019 will provide a platform to showcase Indian Cinema in overseas market and facilitate new

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 41


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

business opportunities.
About Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
TIFF was founded in 1976 and since then it has grown to become a permanent destination for film culture
operating out of TIFF Bell Lightbox, located in downtown Toronto.
It is one of the world’s largest publicly attended film festivals. Every year it attracts more than 480,000
people.
TIFF’s mission: To transform the way people see world through film.
44th TIFF 2019
Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is
participating at 44th TIFF 2019 which is currently being held from 5-15 September 2019 at Toronto,
Ontario, Canada.
The market potential for Indian content in Toronto is huge because of strong presence of Indian diaspora
and great interest in Indian Cinema. As India-Canada are in a co-production treaty and therefore
opportunities to work on co-producing films with Canada will be explored by Delegation during course of
the Festival.
Inauguration Ceremony- Participants and Discussion
Nearly 60 eminent personalities from Film-making Sector & Film Festivals, participated at Inauguration
Ceremony of India Pavilion.
Discussions were held on topics including Participation in Golden Jubilee edition of IFFI 2019 (in Goa) and
details regarding nature of programming during Festival.
50th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2019 poster and brochure were also released at TIFF 2019.
The year 2019 marks the Golden Jubilee Edition of IFFI which is to be held in Goa later this year. TIFF
provides ideal platform for global outreach of 50th IFFI 2019.
Significance for India:
Film-makers of Global Film Fraternity get opportunity to understand key elements of Festival and the
impact of Indian Cinema on film making globally. Indian movies have created new benchmark in film
making globally and every Film Festival acknowledges enormous potential of India’s soft Power.
A number of participants showed keen interest in understanding policy framework on matters related to
Co-production Agreements and Ease of Doing Business (EDB) in domain of Indian Media & Entertainment
Industry. Stakeholders were also informed about various initiatives undertaken by Government related to
Single Window Clearance for filming in India.
BKSP retains U17 Girls Subroto Cup International Football title
Bangladesh Krida Shiksha Prothishtan (BKSP) defeated Nilmani English School, Manipur with 4-0 to
successfully defend their U17 Girls Subroto Cup International Football 2019 title held in New Delhi.
Key Highlights
In first half of game, Bangladesh Krida Shiksha Prothishtan (BKSP) started with enjoying majority of
possession while Nilmani English School from Manipur failed to make any further impact and half ended
with Bangladesh leading 2-0.
The second half, started with Nilmani English School, Manipur trying to take game to BKSP but they
didn’t have much success. Bangladesh held their ground and defended their goal by maintaining a very
strong formation at the back and later launched timely counter attacks to push Manipur defence back.
The game ended with Shirina Akter, Akilma Akter and Sapna Rani scoring for Bangladesh Krida Shiksha
Prothistan (BKSP) and cruising the team to a 4-0 win over Nilmani English School, Manipur, in final of
Diamond jubilee edition of Subroto Cup (U-17 girls).
Result: Bangladesh Krida Shiksha Prothishtan: scored 4 with Aklima Akter (2), Shirina Akter, Sapna Rani
and beated Nilmani English School, Manipur: 0
Prize Money: BKSP, Bangladesh won a sum of Rs.4,00,000 and Nilmani English School, Manipur won
Rs.2,50,000.
THE INDIVIDUAL AWARDS:
Best Coach: Jaya Chakma, BKSP (Bangladesh)

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 42


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Best goalkeeper: Surudhani Kisku, BKSP (Bangladesh)


Best Player: Afeida Khandaker, BKSP (Bangladesh)
Most Contributing School for Football: Nilmani English School (Manipur)
Fair play Award: Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai.
About Subroto Cup International Football Tournament
It is one of the famous inter-school football tournament in India. It was founded in 1960 and since then it is
being conducted annually every year.
It is named after Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee.
It is conducted by IAF, with help of Union Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
‘Loktantra Ke Swar’ (Hindi): Books on President’s speeches released
Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu released the Books on President’s speeches titled ‘Loktantra Ke
Swar (Khand 2)’ in Hindi and ‘The Republican Ethic (Volume 2)’ in English in a function organized at
Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi.
About Books
The Second Volume of Books are a compilation of 95 speeches delivered by President of India Ram Nath
Kovind during his 2nd year in office starting July 2018 to July 2019.
The speeches of President represent vision, aspirations and ethos of country and also represent contours
of a New India.
The books are a collection of nuggets of President’s wisdom and visionary world view and also a testament
of faith in strength of India.
Speeches have been divided into 8 categories:
1. ‘Addressing the Nation’
2. ‘Windows to the World’
3. ‘Educating India: Equipping India’
4. ‘Dharma of Public Service’
5. ‘Honouring our Sentinels’
6. ‘Spirit of the Constitution and Law’
7. ‘Acknowledging Excellence’
8. ‘Mahatma Gandhi: Moral Exemplar, Guiding Light.
Publisher: Books have been brought out by Publications Division under Union Ministry of Information &
Broadcasting.
e-version: To meet the demands of readers preferring to read in e-mode, the Books will also be available
on Kindle and App Store.
28th Indo–Thai CORPAT begins in Thailand
The 28th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between Indian Navy (IN) and
Royal Thai Navy (RTN) is being conducted from 5 to 15 September 2019. Indian Naval (IN) Ship Kesari and
His Majesty’s Thailand Ship (HTMS) Kraburi along with Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both the navies are
participating in this CORPAT. It is poised to further enhance strong bilateral ties and maritime
cooperation between both countries.
Indo–Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)
Indian Navy ships and aircraft of Andaman and Nicobar Command have been participating in biannual
Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) with Royal Thai Navy (RTN) since 2003. It reflects India’s strong desire for
peaceful Indian Ocean safeguarded through good maritime order in the region.
Objectives: To ensure effective implementation of United Nations Conventions on Laws of the Sea
(UNCLOS). This international convention specifies regulations regarding protection and conservation of
natural resources, prevention and suppression of illegal, unregulated fishing activity/ drug trafficking/
piracy, conservation of marine environment, exchange of information in prevention of smuggling, illegal
immigration and conduct of Search and Rescue operations at sea.
September 8, 2019
New Delhi to host 1st conference on Military Medicine for SCO member states
The first Conference on Military Medicine for Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) Member States
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 43
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

will be held in New Delhi from 12-13 September 2019. The conference will also be 1st military co-operation
event hosted by India under SCO Defence Co-operation Plan 2019-2020, after India became an SCO
member country in 2017.
About Conference on Military Medicine for SCO Member States
Objective of Conference: To share best practices in field of military medicine, build capacities and
overcome common challenges
Participants: SCO Member States will be represented by senior military medical practitioners. These
Military medicine experts from SCO member countries will meet in New Delhi for a 2-day conference
starting from September 12. Apart from member countries, Dialogue Partners Nepal and Sri Lanka will
also be sending their delegations to participate in conference. Representatives from Pakistan may also
attend the event.
It will be conducted by Indian Armed Forces under the aegis of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff (HQ
IDS).
Key Highlights of Conference:
During the conference, Indian Armed Forces will also demonstrate Rapid Action Medical Team and
organise a visit for delegates to Army Research and Referral Hospital.
Deliberations will take place between participating military medicine experts of SCO Member countries
on rendering of combat medical support, measures to improve patient safety and humanitarian assistance
during disasters.
Conference will be preceded by a meeting of heads of delegations to discuss areas of cooperation in field of
military medicine between SCO member countries.
Project ‘Bal Basera’ at AIIMS Rishikesh to be inaugrated on 9 Sept
Bal Basera or a Crèche is a project for the welfare of Children of Construction Workers was deployed at
AIIMS Rishikesh site. The project is supported by Central Public Works Department (CPWD). It will be
inaugurated by Deepa Singh, President CPWD Officers’ Wives Association on 9 September 2019.
Bal Basera shall accommodate about 35 Children and shall be run by CPWD Officers’ Wives Association
(OWA). AIIMS Rishikesh Project is being executed by CPWD.
CPWD Officer’s Wives Association
It is a Socio Cultural Organization run by the wives of officers of Central Public Works Department
(CPWD). It was founded in 1971 by Late Mrs Rachel Muthachen and is actively involved in social welfare
activities of weaker sections of society since last 48 years.
It provides monetary help to families of CPWD employees in distress, donate funds for organizations
engaged in humanitarian causes, manage a large number of Bal Baseras and organizing health camps at
construction site as well as run a Vocational Training Centre, a Day Care Centre and a Pre nursery School
in New Delhi.
Background
CPWD has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CPWD Officers’ Wives Association for
organising heath camps and managing crèches at construction sites in a formal and organised manner
on large scale and on pan India basis so that workers and their children could lead a healthy and
productive life.
PM Modi launched indigenously-built coach for Mumbai metro
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an indigenously-built metro which would be used by upcoming
Mumbai metro network. The coach has been built by Bharat Earth Movers (BEML), Bengaluru.
Key Highlights
The metro coach built by Bharat Earth Movers (BEML) is the first in list of 500 coaches to be delivered to
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC). It has been built by BEML at its Bengaluru facility in flat 75 days.
Mumbai Metro project shows that that financial capital is catching up with National Capital after decades
in modern public transport and is pumping in more than Rs.1.2 lakh crore to build 14 metro corridors
stretching 337-km over next decade.
The new coach will enable commuters to travel along with their bicycles to the destinations, as is seen in
cities of developed world.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 44


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

PM Modi also laid foundation for 3 more metro lines entailing a length of more than 42 km and to be built
at an investment of over Rs.19,000 crore.
These 3 new lines take total number of metro lines to 14 across Mumbai metropolitan region. The new
corridors are-
1. 2-km Gaimukh-Shivaji Chowk (Mira Road) metro-10
2. 8-km Wadala-CST metro-11
3. 7-km Kalyan-Taloja metro-12 corridor
PM Modi laid foundation for 32-storey Metro Bhavan at Aarey Colony, one of the two large green belts of
megaplois (even against mounting public criticism). The metro headquarters will be integrated operations
and control centre for proposed 14 metro lines in and around Mumbai.
Centre sets up Task Force for drawing up National Infrastructure Pipeline
Central government constituted a task force for drawing up a roadmap for ‘National Infrastructure
Pipeline’ (NIP) of Rs.100 lakh crore from financial year 2019-20 to 2024-25. The Task Force is headed by
Economic Affairs Secretary Atanu Chakraborty would cover greenfield and brownfield projects costing
above `Rs.100 crore each.
About Task Force
Objective:
To identify technically feasible and economically viable infrastructure projects that can be initiated during
current fiscal year.
Task force would draw up a list of infrastructure projects that can be set rolling in 2019-20 as it looks at
steps to tide over the economic slowdown.
Focus Areas of Task Force
Task Force will work on listing projects that can be included in pipeline for each of remaining 5 years. It
would draw up a list of infrastructure projects and look for financially and technically viable projects that
can be started in 2019-20.
It will also estimate annual infrastructure investment costs and guide ministries in identifying
appropriate sources of financing as well as monitor projects to ensure minimisation of cost and time
overrun. Although each ministry would be responsible for monitoring their respective projects in terms of
cost and deadlines but the task force will suggest measures to monitor projects so that cost and time
overrun is minimised.
Panel would also enable marketing of projects in pipeline through National Investment and Infrastructure
Fund and India Investment Grid, among others.
It will submit its report by 31 October for fiscal year 2019-20 and on indicative pipeline for fiscal years
2021-25 by 31 December 2019.
Challenges:
To achieve gross domestic product (GDP) of $5 trillion by 2024-25, India needs to spend about $1.4 trillion
(Rs.100 lakh crore) over these years on infrastructure. In past decade (FY 2008-17), India invested about
$1.1 trillion on infrastructure.
To step-up annual infrastructure investment so that lack of infrastructure does not become a binding
constraint Indian economy’s growth.
Annual Asian Achievers Awards: Anil Agarwal honoured with lifetime achievement award
Vedanta Resources Chairman Anil Agarwal was conferred lifetime achievement award at prestigious
Annual Asian Achievers Awards in London, UK. The year 2019 marks the 19th edition of Annual Asian
Achievers Awards.
Key Highlights
Novelist Jeffrey Archer helped raise GBP 150,000 for India-based charity group Yuva Unstoppable in an
auction at awards night.
Theme for 19th Annual Asian Achievers Awards: ‘Inclusivity’. As inclusivity is not about diversity but about
being inclusive of everyone therefore this year’s candidates included LGBT community also.
ASIAN ACHIEVERS AWARDS 2019 WINNERS
Onkardeep Singh MBE: Achievement in Community Services
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 45
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Faisal Islam: Achievement in Media, Arts & Culture


Vipul Vadera: Businessperson of the Year
Kush Kanodia: Entrepreneur of the Year
Krishna Omkar: Professional of the Year
Harjit Singh Bhania: Sports Personality of the Year
Hafsa Qureshi: Uniformed, Civil and Public Services
Neeta Patel: Woman of the Year
Anil Agarwal: Lifetime Achievement Award
Rajesh Agrawal, London Deputy Mayor: Editor’s Award for Public Services
Dr. Nilesh U Patel MD: Editor’s Award for Contribution to Thoracic Surgery
Pradip Dhamecha: Editor’s Choice Award for Community service, Philanthropy and Entrepreneur
About Asian Achievers Awards
The annual awards are hosted by Asian Business Publications Ltd (ABPL). ABPL are publishers of Asian
Voice and Gujarat Samachar.
It recognises outstanding work from individuals from across all professions and businesses within Asian
community as well as acknowledge accomplishments of finest in United Kingdom’s Asian community.
The award is now into its 19th year and is consistently favoured by Asian community as most prestigious
and highly respected awards.
Telangana’s first food park inaugurated in Nizamabad district
Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal inaugurated Telangana’s first food park at Lakkampally village in
Nandipet Mandal of Nizamabad district, Telangana. It has been set up at a cost of ₹109 under Centre’s
Food Park Scheme and is promoted by Smart Agro Food Park.
About Mega Food Park
It has been set up on 78 acre of land. It is estimated to provide direct and indirect employment
opportunities to 50,000 youth and benefit one lakh farmers. It will generate additional investment of
about ₹250 crore will be generated with setting up of 22 food processing units in the park, generating a
turnover of about ₹14,000 crore.
About Mega Food Park Scheme
It is being implemented by Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries to give major boost to food
processing sector by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of the supply chain with
particular focus on perishables. Projects under this scheme have been merged under Ministry of Food
Processing’s comprehensive flagship scheme-‘Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana’.
Objective: To create modern infrastructure facilities for food processing along value chain from farm to
market through cluster based approach with strong forward and backward linkages.
Cluster approach: It is based on “Cluster” approach and envisages creation of state of art support
infrastructure in well-defined agri/horticultural zone for setting up of modern food processing units along
with well-established supply chain.
Implementing agencies of Mega Food Park project: It is implemented by Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV)
which is Body Corporate registered under the Companies Act. State Government, State Government
entities and Cooperatives are not required to form separate SPV for implementation of this project.
Funding: Central Government provides financial assistance upto Rs. 50 Crore per Mega Food Park project.
Mega food park Project Components: It typically consists of (i) supply chain infrastructure including, (ii)
collection centres, (iii) primary processing centres (PPC), (iv) central processing centres (CPC), (v) cold
chain.
September 9, 2019
SLINEX 2019: India and Sri Lanka conducts Joint Naval Exercise
The ‘SLINEX 2019’, the bilateral maritime exercise between India and Sri Lanka commenced on 7
September 2019 and will go on till September 14th. Sri Lankan Navy has sent two offshore patrol vessels
SLNS Sindurala and SLNS Suranimala to India to participate in seventh annual Joint Indo-Lanka Maritime
Fleet Exercise- SLINEX 2019. The offshore patrol vessels, SLNS Sindurala and Suranimala left from
Trincomalee Port (of Sri Lanka) for India and arrived in port of Visakhapatnam (India).
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 46
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

About SLINEX 2019


SLINEX (Sri Lanka India Naval Exercise) will be attended by 323 Sri Lankan navy personnel including Flag
Officer Commanding the Naval Fleet.
The week-long joint Naval exercise features wide ranging naval exercises including helicopter operations.
Significance: Exercise signifies the desire of both countries to enhance co-operation and to further
strengthen mutual trust and interoperability between two navies. The bilateral maritime exercise will
enable Indian Navy and Sri Lankan navies to rehearse and improve own capabilities and enhance
operational effectiveness required to maintain maritime security in Indian Ocean region (IOR).
NOTE: First ever SLINEX exercise took place in 2005.
7th RCEP Ministerial Meeting commence in Bangkok from 8-10 September
The 7th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) ministerial meeting of 10 members of
ASEAN countries and their six FTA (free trade agreement) partners is being held in Bangkok, Thailand
from 8-10 September 2019.
Key Highlights of Meet
Participants: Along with 7th RCEP Ministerial Meeting 7th East Asia Economic Ministers Summit and
16th ASEAN India Economic Ministers (AEM) meeting are also being held in Bangkok from 8-10
September 2019, which will be attended by Economic Ministers and senior leaders of 10 ASEAN member
countries and 8 East Asia Summit (EAS) countries. EAS meeting will discuss regional and global economic
developments and ASEAN’s outlook on Indo-Pacific regions.
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways, Piyush Goyal is representing India at the meet. He
will also hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Russia, Japan, China, Singapore, Indonesia,
Thailand, Australia, New Zealand.
Discussion and Deliberations:
Participants emphasized that the ongoing global uncertainties have added to urgency to conclude mega
free trade agreement (FTA) between these nations.
As per the joint statement issued after the meeting, which reviewed RCEP negotiations on 8 September (in
Bangkok), the 16 negotiating partners agreed that they should not lose long-term vision of deepening and
expanding value chains in RCEP.
Matters related to promotion of trade and investment among partner countries will be discussed in India
ASEAN AEM and EAS-EMM meetings.
India-ASEAN
India’s engagement with ASEAN is at core of ‘Act East’ policy of India. ASEAN is the gateway to Indian
Ocean region (IOR) and as close partners, there is convergence of views in India’s and ASEAN outlook in
region.
Trade and investment relations: India and ASEAN’s trade relation continue to grow as India’s bilateral
trade jumped threefold from $21 billion in 2005-06 to $96.7 billion in 2018-19. Also, in 2018-19 ASEAN
countries together emerged as largest trading partner of India (followed by USA), with a share of 11.47% in
India’s overall trade on the other hand India was ASEAN’s 6th largest trading partner in 2018.
Investment flows between Indian and ASEAN are also substantial. In between April 2018 to March 2019
the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows into India from ASEAN was about $16.41 billion (which is
about 36.98 % of total FDI flow into India) and FDI inflows from India to ASEAN in 20018 amounted to $1.7
billion, placing India as ASEAN’s 6th largest source of FDI.
About Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)
It is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) between 10 member states of Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) and its 6 free-trade agreement (FTA) partners- India, China, Japan, South Korea,
Australia and New Zealand. ASEAN members countries are Cambodia, Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos,
Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar.
RCEP negotiations were formally launched in November 2012 at ASEAN Summit held in Cambodia.
MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup: IOC beats PNB
Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) emerge champion in the 93rd All-India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey
tournament by defeating Punjab National Bank (PNB) with 3-1 in final held at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 47
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Murugappa Group Chairman M M Murugappan gave away trophy to the winning team.
Key Highlights
IOC, the defending champion of the season, after a goalless first quarter managed to
open its account in 23rd minute when Gurjinder Singh beat rival goalkeeper from a penalty corner.
Gurjinder Singh handed IOC a 2-0 advantage 15 minutes later, converting another penalty corner.
PNB scored 1 goal in 44th minute when Vishal Antil slammed home from a penalty corner.
Later in the 59th minute of the tournamnet Veteran Deepak Thakur scored the final goal of the game.
About MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup hockey
It is the 2nd oldest hockey tournament in country after Beighton Cup in Kolkata.
As the domestic tournament is in its 93rd edition it showcases a rich legacy as it has been a breeding
ground for some of Indian hockey’s most celebrated stars.
The 93rd All India MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey tournament was held from 29 August to 8
September at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Egmore, Chennai.
Participants: A total of 10 teams participated in tournament, pooled across 2 groups of 5 teams each.
Defending champions of tournament was Indian Oil Corporation. Indian Air Force (IAF) team is
participating for 1st time in the tournament while teams from Indian Army and Navy (who are regulars to
tournament), are also taking part. So, for first time, hockey teams from all 3 forces are participating.
Prize Money: Winner of tournament received Rs.6 lakhs while runners up get Rs.3.5 lakhs. Cash prize of
Rs.10,000 were given along with a high-end bicycle each to best forward, best midfielder, best goalkeeper,
the most promising player of tournament and man of the match of finals.
Three Animal Species in India Extinct Due To Desertification: Researchers
According to some researchers three animal species namely Indian Cheetah, pink-headed duck and Great
Indian Bustard have become extinct due to desertification in India. The study by researchers was put forth
at 14th meeting of Conference of Parties to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
(UNCCD COP 14).
The UNCCD COP 14 meeting is being held in national capital from 2-13 September 2019 and is being
attended by representatives of 196 countries with almost 5000 participants.
Key Findings of Study
Researchers claimed having a database of over 5.6 million specimens, collected from all over India and also
from neighbouring countries before independence which gives a lot of information about how things have
changed in more than 100 years.
While speaking at UNCCD COP 14 meeting Kailash Chandra, Director of the Zoological Survey of India
(ZSI), country’s apex organisation on animal taxonomy, stressed that-
Immense changes are occurring because of deforestation and desertification and animals are the
worst sufferers of land degradation
Around 40% of country’s land is facing threat of desertification and over 30% of its land area has
been degraded through deforestation, over-cultivation, soil erosion and depletion of wetlands, which
is causing severe adversities to animals.
Desertification not only impacts animals but the entire biodiversity, which includes microscopic
animals to human beings and also the entire food chain too.
Even though India faces a growing crisis of land degradation but its not only India, but the entire
world which faces problems regarding soil aridity.
Reason for desertification: Desertification is caused due to increasing use of insecticides, pesticides,
conversion of forest land to agricultural land, industries and chemicals and indiscriminate
development which is increasing adversities for the animals. But everything has to be regulated so
that it could be minimised the process could be reversed.
Species Extinctions: A minimum of 3-4 species have already become extinct from India (like Indian
Cheetah, Pink-headed duck, Javan, and Sumatran rhino) is primarily due to land degradation and
desertification in combination with other factors. Population of Great Indian Bustard, a desert bird
which was earlier found in many states, has reduced to less than 150. Many more species are on

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 48


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

verge of becoming extinct and therefore fall into category of critically endangered species.
Steps taken by Governent:
A breeding programme for GIB has been initiated by government.
Projects initiated by Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) focuses on
steps required to save animals from extinction and ensure a healthy environment for endangered species.
Elephant project, Rhino project, Tiger project and other variants of this kind are in action to protect and
preserve animal lives.
There are 771 protected areas whose land composition cannot be changed, which is boosting animal
population.
India’s first-ever helicopter summit held in Dehradun
Union Ministry of Civil Aviation organised country’s first ever helicopter summit at Sahastradhara
helidrome in Dehradun, capital of Uttarakhand. The summit was based on theme of expanding connectivity
through helicopters.
Key Highlights of Summit
Organiser: The first-of-its-kind conclave, a Helicopter Summit- 2019 was organised jointly by Civil
Aviation Ministry, Uttarakhand government and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries
(FICCI).
Indian Air Force (IAF) was also invited at the summit to talk on ‘Role of IAF helicopters in MEDEVAC i.e.
medical evacuation at National level‘.
Participants: The conclave was attended by Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat,
Aviation Secretary P S Kharola, Joint Secretary in Aviation Ministry Usha Padhee, officials of Directorate
General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), state’s Chief Secretary and officials from all Indian helicopter operators
were present.
Incentives announced: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat announced that aviation firms offering
helicopter services in areas identified under UDAN Yojana (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), a Regional
Connectivity Scheme will get an additional subsidy from Uttarakhand government in addition to the
subsidy given by the Centre.
Significance: Considering geographical situation of Uttarakhand, helicopter services are very important
for state as it may take up to 20 hours to reach border areas. As border areas of Uttarakhand were
endowed with great scenic beauty the helicopter services will also make it easier for filmmakers to shoot
their films in picturesque locations of state, which has emerged as one of country’s finest film shooting
destinations in recent years.
76th Venice International Film Festival Awards
76th Venice International Film Festival was, held at Venice Lido in Venice, Italy from 28 August 7
September 2019. The Festival was organised by La Biennale di Venezia and is officially recognised by
FIAPF or the International Federation of Film Producers Association.
Venice International Film Festival
The award was founded in 1932.
Objective: To raise awareness and promote international cinema in all its forms as art, entertainment and
as an industry, in a spirit of freedom and dialogue.
The Film Festival also organises retrospectives and tributes to major figures as a contribution towards a
better understanding of history of cinema.
Venice International Film Festival 2019: It is the 76th edition of the world’s oldest film festival. Venezia 76
Jury is chaired by Lucrecia Martel, film director, Argentina.
List of Winners at 76th Venice Film Festival Awards
GOLDEN LION for Best Film to: ‘Joker’ directed by Todd Phillips
SILVER LION- Grand Jury Prize to: ‘An Officer and a Spy’ by Roman Polanski
SILVER LION- Award For Best Director to: Roy Andersson for ‘About Endlessness’
VOLPI CUP For Best Actress: Ariane Ascaride in ‘Gloria Mundi’ (a French domestic drama)
VOLPI CUP For Best Actor: Luca Marinelli in ‘Martin Eden’
BEST SCREENPLAY Award to: ‘No. 7 Cherry Lane’, written and directed by Yonfan
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 49
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

SPECIAL JURY PRIZE to: ‘The Mafia Is No Longer What It Used to Be’, directed by Franco Maresco
MARCELLO MASTROIANNI AWARD FOR YOUNG ACTOR to: ‘Toby Wallace in Babyteeth’, directed
by Shannon Murphy
Hurricane Dorian: India announces $ 1million humanitarian aid for Bahamas
India has announced an immediate humanitarian assistance of $1 million to help people in The Bahamas
affected by Hurricane Dorian. The disaster relief aid extended by India signifies that it stands in solidarity
with The Bahamas in this difficult time.
Key Highlights
Hurricane Dorian has caused a large scale destruction in The Bahamas.
As per reports, the death toll from naural calamity has risen to over 40 and is likely to increase even more,
even as search and rescue teams are still trying to reach out to Bahamian communities isolated by
floodwaters and debris in wake of Hurricane Dorian.
About Hurricane Dorian
It was an extremely powerful and destructive Category 5 hurricane. It was the first major hurricane of
2019 Atlantic hurricane season.
The hurricane devastated northwestern Bahamas, caused catastrophic damage to Grand Bahama and
Abaco Island and also caused significant damage to Southeastern United States and Atlantic Canada.
About The Bahamas
It is a country within Lucayan Archipelago (or Bahama Archipelago), in Caribbean. Bahama Archipelago is
an island group that comprises of Commonwealth of The Bahamas and British Overseas Territory of
Turks and Caicos Islands.
It is located on the northwestern edge of West Indies.
The Bahamas was formerly a British colony and became an independent country within the
Commonwealth in 1973.
8 September: International Literacy Day observed
The International Literacy Day (ILD) is being observed every year across the world on 8 September to
emphasize importance of literacy to individuals, society and communities. The day was instituted in 1966
by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This year it was 54th
International Literacy Day.
ILD 2019 theme announced by UNESCO was “Literacy and Multilingualism”. It seeks to highlight
importance of embracing linguistic diversity in education and literacy development as it is central to
addressing persisting literacy challenges and to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
Background
The International Literacy Day (ILD) was officially proclaimed by UNESCO in its 14th Session in November
1966. Since then, it is celebrated annually by member countries of UNESCO.
Why September 8th? On this day in year 1965, World Congress of Ministers of Education had met for first
time in Tehran, Iran to discuss the programme of education at international level.
Purpose of this day:
(i) To mobilize public opinion in favour of struggle against illiteracy.
(ii) To disseminate information on literacy and
(iii) To raise public awareness and the significance of literacy for individual and national development.
September 10, 2019
PM raises India’s target to restore degraded land to 26 million hectares by 2030
Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised India’s target for restoring degraded land from its earlier target of
21 million hectares (MH) to 26 million hectares (MH) by 2030. The announcement was made by PM Modi
while speaking at the high level segment at 14th session of Conference of Parties (COP) to United Nations
Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
UNCCD COP-14 is being hosted by India this time and as many as 196 countries, 70 environment
ministers and over 8,000 delegates from across globe are participating in 12-day conference from
September 2 to September 13 being held at Greater Noida. Agenda of UN conference is to reverse
degradation of land and fix critical gaps in its management.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 50


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Key Highlights
At the conference the participant nations are brainstorming on ways to tackle land desertification with
over 120 countries setting land degradation neutrality target for 2030. The outcome of the conference i.e.
‘New Delhi Declaration’, which will lay down measures to combat desertification, will be released.
PM Modi reiterated India’s resolve to tackle the problem of plastic waste and stressed upon initiatives for
greater South-South Cooperation in addressing issues of climate change, biodiversity and land degradation.
He also called upon leadership of UNCCD to conceive global water action agenda which is central to Land
Degradation Neutrality strategy, which has been defined by parties to UNCCD as ‘a state whereby the
amount and quality of land resources, necessary to support ecosystem functions and services, remains stable or
increases within specified temporal and spatial scales and ecosystems’.
India will also setup a global technical support institute for UNCCD member countries for their capacity
building and support regarding Land Degradation Neutrality.
India uses remote sensing and space technology for multiple applications such as land restoration,
therefore, PM announced that India could help friendly countries develop land restoration strategies
through cost effective satellite technology.
Why addressing land degradation important? When we address degraded lands, we also address water
scarcity, thereby augmenting water supply, enhancing water recharge, slowing down water run-off and
retaining moisture in soil are all parts of a holistic land and water strategy. Thus, restoring health of land
is critical for sustainable development.
Land desertification is the biggest environment challenge which the world is facing as latest data shows
that one third (33%) of greenhouse gases (GHGs) are emitted from land degradation. Climate change along
with human activities have facilitated land degradation which poses threat to humanity and potentially
dire consequences and nearly 50% of people on earth are affected by impact of climate change and natural
calamities.
Significance
Since 30% of India’s total land area has been hit by land degradation, therefore the country has high stakes
in land restoration. If this target of restoring 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 is realised, it
would be one of the biggest environmental achievements for the country.
Some steps taken in the direction
In between 2015-2017, tree cover and forest cover of country increased by 0.8 million hectares.
Centre government has created Jal Shakti Ministry to recognise value of water in all forms.
Zero liquid discharge policy has been imposed on many industries.
Visitor’s Awards 2019: Recipients announced
Recipients of Visitor’s Awards 2019 for research in various fields were announced by President’s
Secretariat. The award will be conferred by President Ram Nath Kovind at an event to be held at
Rashtrapati Bhavan the date for which is yet to be announced.
Visitor’s Awards 2019
The Awards will be presented for Research in-
Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Physical Sciences
Biological Sciences
Technology Development.
Recipients of 2019 Award
Professor Sibnath Deb: He is from Pondicherry University. He will be awarded for his research in field of
child protection, especially his focus on child abuse and neglect, student’s mental health and HIV/AIDS.
Professor Sanjay Puri: He is from School of Physical Sciences in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). He
will be awarded for his research in field of non-equilibrium statistical physics and nonlinear dynamics.
Professor Asad Ullah Khan: He is from Inter-disciplinary Biotechnology Unit in Aligarh Muslim
University (AMU). He will be awarded for identifying Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) problem in India:
mechanism of spread and control of AMR.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 51


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Dr Partima: She is from Special Centre for Nanoscience in Jawaharlal Nehru University. She will be
awarded for her research on nano biosensors and nano-bio interactions especially early-stage cancer
diagnosis using nanomaterials bases biosensing platform.
Dr Shaon Ray Chaudhuri: She is from Department of Microbiology in Tripura University. She is awarded
for Technology Development, for developing microbial biofilm reactor for conversion of dairy wastewater
into biofertilizer.
About Visitor’s Awards
These awards were instituted in 2014. Since 2014, President annually confers Visitor’s Awards in various
categories to the recipients.
Objective: To promote healthy competition amongst Central Universities as well as motivate them to
adopt best global practices in pursuit of excellence.
Selection Committee for Visitor’s Awards 2019: It was headed by Sanjay Kothari, Secretary to President
and comprised of eminent persons and academicians, assisted by a Sub-Committee. It made selections
through an online application submitted from all Central Universities for each category.

PM Modi to launch National Animal Disease Control Programme


In one of the major efforts towards doubling farmers income and empowering farmers, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi will be launching National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) on 11 September
2019 from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. The NADCP aims towards eradicating Foot and Mouth Disease
(FMD) and Brucellosis in the livestock.
Key Highlights
During his visit to Mathura PM Modi will also launch National Artificial Insemination Programme on 11
September. He shall also be taking up Swachhta Hi Seva Programme.
He is also expected to simultaneously launch of nationwide workshops in Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVK) in
all the 687 Districts of country on topic of vaccination, disease management, artificial insemination and
productivity.
About National Animal Disease Control Programme
Objective: The programme aims to-
1. Vaccinate more than 500 Million Livestock including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs against
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
2. Vaccinate 36 Million Female Bovine Calves annually in its fight against Brucellosis disease.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 52


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Two components of Programme–


(1) Controlling of diseases by 2025
(2) Eradication of by 2030
Funds: The programme 100% funding from Central Government, of Rs.12,652 Crores for a period of 5
years till 2024. Earlier, Centre and state governments used to contribute funds in ratio of 60:40.
Coverage: Scheme envisages vaccination coverage to 30 crore bovines (cows-bulls and buffaloes) and 20
crore sheep or goat and 10 million pigs.
Need: The disease of FMD and brucellosis are common among livestock such as- cow, buffaloes, bulls, pigs,
sheep and goats. Both the diseases have a direct negative impact on trade of milk and other livestock
products.
As per government data if a cow or buffalo gets infected with FMD, the milk loss is up to 100% which could
last for4-6 months. In case of Brucellosis, the milk output reduces by 30% during entire life cycle of animal
and also causes infertility among animals. Also, the infection of brucellosis can also be transmitted to farm
workers and livestock owners.
Govt constitutes 3-member committee to look into assets, liabilities of J&K
Union government has constituted a 3-member committee to oversee the bifurcation of Jammu and
Kashmir (J&K) into two union territories and look into distribution of assets and liabilities of J&K between
two successor Union territories that will come into existence on October 31.
Key Highlights
Background: The decision of constituting a committee is in succession to abrogation of special status
given to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and bifurcation of state into two UTs, as announced by
Centre on August 5. Thereby after revocation of Article 370, apportionment of assets and liabilities of
existing state of J&K shall be subject to recommendations of a committee constituted by central
government.
Committee Constitution: The three member committee will be chaired by Sanjay Mitra, former defence
secretary and the members include retired IAS officer Arun Goyal and retired Indian Civil Accounts
Service (ICAS) officer Giriraj Prasad Gupta.
The central government has constituted the advisory committee in exercise of the powers conferred by
Section 84 and Section 85 of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
According to Section 84 of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the assets and liabilities of
existing state of J&K have to be apportioned between Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and
Ladakh.
According to Section 85 of Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the central government, by an
order, can establish one or more advisory committees for apportionment of rights, assets and liabilities of
companies and corporations constituted for existing state of Jammu and Kashmir between two Union
territories.
68th Plenary session of North Eastern Council held in Guwahati, Asssam
68th Plenary session of North Eastern Council (NEC) was held in Guwahati, Assam on 8- 9 September
2019. Plenary session was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. All Governors and Chief
Ministers of 8 north eastern states and senior officials from states and key Union Ministries also attended
the meet. They suggested on increasing the scope of NEC’s interventions in Region and improving funds
flow to states.
Key Highlights of 68th NEC Plenary session
Home Minister asserted that Article 371, which provides special provisions for North Eastern states, will
not be tampered with.
He stressed that development of North East is priority of NDA government and stressed to resolve border
disputes among North Eastern states through dialogue.
He also highlighted some of the key areas in which Union Ministries have taken initiatives includes-
upgradation of airports, increasing air connectivity of north east region with South-East Asian (SEA)
countries, strengthening broadband network and mobile connectivity especially in uncovered villages in

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 53


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

areas along international border.


He appealed all militants’ outfits in north eastern states to shun violence and assured to welcome them
into mainstream but at the same time also cautioned that zero tolerance policy against terrorism will be
continued. He termed North East as storehouse of varied culture and several languages and dialects.
There were deliberations on progress made in various projects funded by NEC, outlays by Central
Ministries in North Eastern Region and plans for period beyond March 2020, when 14th Finance
Commission era comes to an end.
Decisions and recommendations of NEC Plenary will be sent to various Ministries and departments of
Central and state governments for taking appropriate action.
North Eastern Council (NEC)
It is a regional planning body and a resource centre. NEC has been given its highest budgetary allotment
of Rs.1476 crore for year 2019-20, therefore it could play a major role in guiding states towards achieving
goal of development at par with the rest of India. Home Minister announced that NEC will earmark 30% of
its fund for focussed funding of priority areas and deprived sections of society in North East.
NEC’s Vision and Objective: Includes creation of shared infrastructure, setting up of shared institutions
and finding & pursuing common interests for all 8 states.
CHC Farm Machinery: Multilingual Mobile App launched for farmers
Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Parshottam Rupala launched a multilingual
Mobile App called ‘CHC Farm Machinery’ for the farmers during a conference on National Conference on
Crop residue Management held in New Delhi. Minster also sought ideas from farmers to ensure zero
burning in all villages and also thanked farmers for bringing down incidents of stubble burning.
About ‘CHC Farm Machinery’ App
With the help of the app, farmers can now get affordable access to cutting-edge technology at their
doorsteps.
Features of App:
It connects farmers with Custom Hiring Service Centers (CHC) in their area.
It will allow farmers to avail custom hiring services of CHCs located in a radius of 50 km.
It can be downloaded on any android phone from Google Play Store.
National Conference on Crop Residue Management held in New Delhi
Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare inaugurated National
Conference on Crop residue Management for farmers from states of Punjab, Delhi, Haryana and Uttar
Pradesh. The conference was held at New Delhi.
Key Highlights of Conference
Organiser: This conference was organized by Government of India in collaboration with ICAR (Indian
Council of Agricultural Research) in order to address concerns of farmers and State Governments.
Participants: The conference was attended by more than 1000 farmers from 4 states of Punjab, Delhi,
Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, who shared their innovative ideas, experiences and suggestions adopted for
in-situ crop residue management.
MoS for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare requested further support and ideas from farmers to ensure zero
burning in all villages and stressed that success stories from these States should be shared with all
farmers.
Significance: The conference would go a long way in mitigating the problem of stubble burning besides
creating awareness among farming community.
Background
Agriculture Ministry has implemented a Central Sector Scheme for period 2018-19 to 2019-20 in States of
Punjab, Haryana, NCT of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to support the efforts taken by respective state
governments in addressing air pollution and to subsidize machinery required for in-situ management of
crop residue through agriculture mechanization. The total outgo of Central funds is Rs.1151.80 crores
During the year 2018-19, State Governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have distributed
32,570 machines to farmers on individual ownership basis and established 7,960 Custom Hiring Centres.
As a result, as per the report of High Power Committee chaired by Dr. Nagesh Singh, the straw burning
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 54
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

events in 2018 have reduced by 15% and 41% as compared to that in 2017 and 2016 respectively.
Prime Minister to Launch Kisan Man Dhan Yojana on the 12th of September
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is schedule to launch Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana on 12 September 2019 at
Ranchi in Jharkhand. During his visit, PM Modi will also inaugurate-
400 Ekalvya Model Residential Schools to provide quality upper primary, secondary, and senior
secondary level education to ST Students in Tribal dominated areas.
New Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha Building and lay foundation stone for New Secretariat Building at
Ranchi.
Multi-Modal vessel Terminal built on banks of river Ganga at Sahebganj.
About Kisan Maan Dhan Yojana
Objective: KMDY seeks to secure the lives of 5 Crore Small and Marginal Farmers by providing a
minimum pension.
Eligibility: All small and marginal farmers who are currently between ages of 18 to 40 years can apply for
scheme.
Fund: Scheme has an outlay of Rs.10,774 Crores for next 3 years (2019-2022).
Features:
The minimum pension provided under KMDY would be of Rs.3000/month, to those who attain 60 years of
age.
Farmer’s monthly contribution can be made from instalments of PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan
Samman Nidhi Yojana) or through Common Service Centres (CSCs).
DPIIT to launch Plastic Waste Management Campaign
Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under Union Ministry of Commerce &
Industry, is set to launch Plastic Waste Management Campaign on 11 September 2019. The campaign will
be launched under Swachhta Hi Sewa 2019 which is beginning from 11 September.
Key Highlights
As part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to action for Plastic Waste Management, during his
Independence Day speech the theme of this year’s Swachhta Hi Sewa 2019 is ‘Plastic Waste Management’.
DPIIT is playing a critical two-fold role for success of campaign as mandated by Department of Drinking
Water and Sanitation under Ministry of Jal Shakti. Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation has also
requested DPIIT to mandate the use of plastic waste by cement kilns and DPIIT will ensure that all
collected plastic waste may be recycled in cement kilns by Diwali 2019.
About Plastic Waste Management Campaign
Under the PWM campaign DPIIT will-
First ensure recycling of plastic waste collected on 2 October 2019 (Birth anniversary of Mahatama
Gandhi) in cement kilns, and
Secondly ensure collection of plastic waste on and around industrial areas all across country
through nationwide shramdaan on 2nd October 2019.
For this DPIIT has urged all State Governments and Union Territories (UTs) to mobilise Industrial Parks
in States and UTs for collection of plastic waste across all Industrial Estates, Industrial Areas, Parks,
Nodes and Corridors for Swachhta hi Sewa 2019.
DPIT has also requested state governments to sensitize Industrial Parks by focusing on Plastic Waste
Management on a sustained and continuous basis. State and UTs Governments will monitor the campaign
through their nodal teams to be set up by them.
IPPB rolls out Aadhaar-enabled payment services
The India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has rolled out of Aadhaar Enabled Payment System Services (AePS).
The announcement of roll out was made by Union Minister for Communications, Electronics and IT Ravi
Shankar Prasad at the first anniversary celebrations of India Post Payments Bank in New Delhi.
About IPPB’s AePS
With the launch of AePS, the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) has now become single largest platform in
India for providing interoperable banking services to customers (of any bank) by leveraging last mile
unprecedented reach of Indian Postal network.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 55
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

IPPB’s AePS services


To avail these AePS of IPPB, customers can simply authenticate their identity with Aadhaar
authentication and fingerprint scan to complete a transaction. Also, with AePS services, any person with a
Aadhaar linked bank account can perform basic banking services like cash withdrawals and balance
enquiry irrespective of bank they hold their account with.
By leveraging AePS customers can now access their accounts (with any bank) by simply using their
fingerprint for balance enquiry right/cash withdrawal at their doorstep through Postmen and Gramin Dak
Sevaks (GDS).
IPPB’s services are now available in over 136,000 Post Offices and delivered by over 195,000 Postmen and
GDSs therefore, the ability of Postmen and GDS to reach every village on an almost daily basis has reduced
the distance to access banking services to nearly ‘0 kms’.
The launch of AePS by IPPB enhances the last mile interoperable banking infrastructure by 2.5 times.
IPPB also delivers simple and affordable banking solutions through intuitive interfaces available in 13
different languages.
Significance:
The Aadhaar Enabled Payment System Services would give a strong boost to Centre’s efforts in expanding
access to financial services for millions of unbanked and underbanked customers.
With this AePS, the Centre envisions to ride the 440 Central schemes on-boarded to Direct Benefit
Transfer (DBT) platform on IPPB platform too. Also, in order to work with government’s key mantra of
‘inclusive banking’, the Department of Posts should strive for banking the unbanked, funding the
unfunded and securing the unsecured.
India, ADB sign $200-million loan agreement for upgrading rural roads in Maharashtra
India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed 200-million dollar loan agreement for upgrading rural
roads in 34 districts of Maharashtra with the objective of improving road safety and better connecting
rural areas with markets and services. The agreement was signed between Sameer Kumar Khare,
Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) in Union Ministry of Finance and Sabyasachi
Mitra, Deputy Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission.
Key Highlights about ADB Project
Need: In 2016-17 Maharashtra accounted for about 15% of gross domestic product (GDP) but economic
development in the state is concentrated around urban centres of Mumbai, Pune, and Thane. About 20
million people (or 17% per cent of state’s population) still live below national poverty line, while in some
districts mainly in rural areas it is as high as 40%. Also, Maharashtra’s agriculture accounts for about 47%
of employment, engages as much as 79% of rural labour force, and contributes 11% to state GDP.
Features:
Under the project the roads in rural areas will improve the condition of about 2100 kilometres of rural
roads to all-weather standards. This will boost links between local residents and economic centres across
the state.
The project will also work with Maharashtra Rural Road Development Association (MRRDA), the rural
infrastructure agency, to develop road safety, road asset management, contract management, and climate
resilient design. The loan provided by ADB is accompanied with a technical assistance grant of $1 million
to support MRRDA to improve its management performance in these areas.
Total cost of project: is $296 million and out of this government will provide $96 million. The project is
due for completion at end of September 2024.
Importance: The upgraded roads under ADB project will improve rural connectivity, boost links between
local residents, productive agricultural land, and economic centers across the state. This will further help
enhance agricultural productivity and incomes, rural livelihoods and alleviate poverty.
September 11, 2019
India-Nepal petroleum products pipeline inaugurated
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepal counterpart KP Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated South Asia’s
first cross-border petroleum products pipeline from Motihari (in Bihar) in India to Amlekhgunj in Nepal

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 56


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

through video conference. Both leaders also expressed confidence that bilateral relations between India
and Nepal will continue to further deepen and expand across diverse sectors. Also regular exchanges at
highest political levels have laid down a forward-looking agenda for expanding India-Nepal partnership.
This important connectivity project have been early implemented and completed much ahead of schedule
as the deadline was 30 months but it was readied in just 15 months.
About Motihari-Amlekhgunj pipeline
It is a first-ever cross-border petroleum products pipeline in the South Asia region.
Usage:
The Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum products pipeline is a 69-kilometre pipeline with a capacity of 2
million metric ton (MMT) per annum. It will provide cleaner petroleum products at an affordable cost to
people of Nepal. It is envisaged to put in place a mechanism for assured, continuous, cost effective, quality
and eco-friendly supply of petroleum products to Nepal.
In the first phase, the pipeline will be used to supply diesel from India. Nepalese government has made
necessary arrangement for Nepal Army to provide security to pipeline on their side of border.
Builder: India’s largest refiner the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) built the pipeline, with an investment
of more than Rs.324 crore, in collaboration with Nepal Oil Corporation Ltd (NOCL). It has been built in
fulfilment of commitment made under an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in August 2014.
The India-Nepal are also working to build additional storage facility at Amlekhgunj Depot (in Nepal) which
will supplemet the storage of petroleum products in Nepal towards which NOCL has committed estimated
cost of Rs.75 crore.
Significance: The pipeline reiterates India’s commitment to support development of Nepal according to
priorities of neighbouring country. It is one of the best examples of connectivity in terms of trade and
transit and infrastructure.
Also NOCL is expected to save Rs.2 billion annually in freight of petroleum products and save millions of
rupees extra by reducing leakage of petroleum products.
Background
The Motihari-Amlekhgunj oil pipeline project was 1st proposed in 1996. However, the project finally edged
closer to reality during PM Modi’s visit to Kathmandu in 2014.
Then in August 2015, governments of India-Nepal inked an agreement to execute the project but following
the 2015 earthquake in Nepal the project construction was delayed and supply obstruction along the
southern border following Madhesi agitation. In April 2018, the project construction works finally began.
At present, the products are being transported from India to Nepal by tankers/trucks at 13 pick-up points
(7 products and 6 LPG).
Sports Ministry derecognises Paralympic Committee of India
Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) derecognised the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI)
for violating National Sports Development Code of India, 2011.
Key Highlights
Government has suspended PCI in accordance with provisions under clause I (ix) and clause I (x) of
Annexure-III of National Sports Development Code of India 2011.
Issue: In a letter addressed to Secretary-General of Paralympic Committee of India Chandrashekhar J. it was
mentioned that a complaint was received against PCI from Rao Inderjit Singh regarding his removal from
President’s post of PCI. Therefore, an explanation was sought from PCI through Ministry’s notices dated
from 11 July to 29 August 2019. However, the explanation was not found satisfactory and hence the action
was been taken.
Explanation provided: On 4 May 2019, PCI had conducted an Annual General Meeting (AGM) in which a
resolution was adopted that barred public servants from getting elected to its executive. Thereby, Rao
Inderjit Singh was removed as President by a majority vote.
Government Response: It was after removal of Rao Inderjit Singh PCI’s President that the government
found PCI failing the good governance practices and also held them accountable for violating its own
constitution as well as National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 in removing the elected President.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 57


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

MYAS has also cited district’s registrar’s order, according to which amendment of byelaws is seen as a
violation of Karnataka Societies Registration Act 1960 and 1961.
About Paralympic Committee of India
PCI was founded in 1992. It was then earlier named as ‘Physically Handicapped Sports Federation of India’.
It is the national body responsible for selecting athletes to represent India at Paralympic Games (or
Paralympics) as well as other international athletic meets.
PCI also manages Indian teams at these events.
IAF resurrects 17th Squadron ‘Golden Arrows’ to operate Rafale aircraft
Indian Air Force (IAF) has resurrected the Air Force Station (AFS) Ambala-based Number 17 Squadron, also
known as ‘Golden Arrows’, which will operate the 1st squadron of Rafale fighter jets in near future. The
resurrection ceremony of 17th Squadron was presided over by IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) B.S.
Dhanoa.
First batch of Rafale jets are scheduled to be formally handed over to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on 8
October in France and are set to arrive in India in May 2020.
IAF also plans to resurrect another former MiG-21 squadron, 101 Squadron also called as ‘Falcons’, which
too was ‘number-plated’ (removed from active list, and its identity mothballed for future use) and were
later decommissioned as part of IAF’s long-term plan to phase decades-old aircraft out of service. 101
Squadron, the 2nd Rafale squadron, will be based in Hashimara to operate on Sino-Indian front.
About 17th Squadron: ‘Golden Arrows’
The resurrected17 Squadron aka Golden Arrows will be the first IAF squadron to be equipped with state of
the art Rafale fighter aircraft. Rafale is an extremely capable, 4th generation, multirole aircraft with
advanced weapons.
This Rafale squadron will be based in Ambala and operationally committed to India-Pakistan frontier.
Combat history of 17 Squadron: It was formed at Ambala in 1951 and was equipped with Harvard-II B
fighter. By November 1955, the Squadron converted fully to De Havilland Vampire and by 1957 Hawker
Hunter fighter aircraft were flown by ‘Golden Arrows’, which it flew with distinction in 1971 war
(Bangladesh Liberation War), winning numerous gallantry awards.
In December 1961, Golden Arrows actively participated in Goa Liberation Campaign and in 1965
operations as a reserve force.
In 1975, the Squadron converted to Mig-21 M and on November 1988, the Squadron was presented
‘Colours’ by then President of India R Venkataraman.
Under the command of then Wing Commander and current ACM BS Dhanoa, the squadron distinguished
itself in Operation ‘Safed Sagar’ (or 1999 kargil conflict).
PM Modi meets PM of St. Vincent and Grenadines in New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Prime Minister of St. Vincent and Grenadines Dr. Ralph Everard
Gonsalves in New Delhi. Prime Minister R.E Gonsalves who is on a first ever visit of Prime Minister of St.
Vincent and Grenadines to India is also participating in high-level United Nations Convention on Combating
Desertification (UNCCD) Symposium, a 12-day conference being held from 2-13 September 2019 at Greater
Noida.
Key Highlights
PM Gonsalves noted enormous goodwill for India in St. Vincent and Grenadines and also in Carribean and
Latin American region. He expressed appreciation for India’s developmental cooperation with the region
as well as for India’s prompt assistance subsequent to natural calamities.
Both the leaders PM Modi and PM Gonsalves noted the close cooperation between two countries including
in international fora.
Both also agreed to enhance cooperation between two nations including in reas of skill development,
education, training, culture, disaster management and finance.
About St. Vincent and Grenadines
It is an island country that lies within the Lesser Antilles, in eastern Caribbean Sea.
It is a sovereign state. It consists of island of Saint Vincent and northern Grenadine Islands (which stretch
southward toward Grenada).

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 58


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

St. Vincent and Grenadines registered a historical achievement of becoming the smallest country ever to
be elected as a non-permanent member of United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
IR to recharge phones of passengers using Plastic Bottle Crushers at stations
Indian Railways will help recharge phones of passengers if they use plastic bottle crushing machines
installed at stations. The step is in a bid to promote Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to junk
single use plastic. In PM Modi’s 2019 Independence Day speech he appealed to nation to eliminate single-
use plastic and to find alternatives to plastic water bottles on a priority basis.
Key Highlights
Railways have already issued directions regarding ban on use of single-use plastic on its premises starting
from 2 October 2019. A pledge will be administered by railways to cut use of plastic on October 2.
Indian Railways will be installing 400 bottle-crushing machines at selected stations, in which passengers
wanting to use the feature will simply have to key in their phone number into machine and their phone
will be recharged but the details of recharge will not be known immediately.
Steps Taken by Railways to curb Plastic Menace:
At present 160 bottle-crushing machines are available at 128 stations.
Plastic bottle shredders have been installed at Secunderabad railway station
Also, instructions have been given to railway staff for collecting all the used plastic bottles at railway
stations and send them for recycling.
Railway ministry had already issued instructions to all vendors and staff across its network and
premises to use reusable bags so as to reduce plastic footprint.
The South Western Railway zone is also in talks with some artisans from Karnataka to supply
‘kulhads’ for serving tea on trains, instead of plastic cups. Therefore, the initiative to shift towards
plastic-free operations will financially help artisans and farmers as demand for their items or
products will increase.
Skill India gets its first Batch of IES officers to ISDS cadre
The first batch of newest central government services, ‘Indian Skill Development Services’ (ISDS)
commenced their training program at Administrative Training Institute (ATI), Mysuru, Karnataka. This is
the first batch which is joining ISDS cadre from Indian Engineering Service (IES) Examination conducted
by UPSC (Union Public Service Commission).
Key Highlights
As this is the 1st batch of young minds from IES to be included in Union Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship (MSDE), the aim behind it is to attract young and talented administrators towards
institutionalizing Skill Development environment in country.
The new service will give a new impetus to central government’s skilling initiative by significantly
improving efficiency and effective implementation of various schemes.
In coming years MSDE will be able to create a workforce of trained skill administrators who will further
enable ministry to achieve the set goals of the Skill India Mission.
About Indian Skill Development Services
It is the newest central government services and has 263 all India posts.
This service has been specially created for Training Directorate of Union Ministry of Skill Development and
Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
The ISDS service caters to highly specific task of skill development and thus is a unique combination of
skills, technology, management and public service.
It is a Group ‘A’ service and the cadre comprises of 3 posts at Senior Administrative Grade, 28 posts at
Junior Administrative Grade, 120 posts at Senior Time Scale and 112 posts at Junior Time Scale.
Madhya Pradesh government offers cows for adoption online
The state government of Madhya Pradesh is launching an online service for those wanting to adopt a cow
and provide sheds to them at gaushalas (cow shelters) across the State. People can adopt a cow for a
minimum period of 15 days and can go on supporting it till animal’s lifetime. This initiative is part of
Madhya Pradesh government’s ‘Project Gaushala’.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 59


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Key Highlights
Contributions: Through the online service to be offered by government, donors would be able to pick a
gaushala from 626 in State, and pay the amount to fulfil a cow’s diet of half a kilo (0.5 kg) of grain, 5 kilos of
green feed and 10 kilos of wheat chaff a day, in case of a non-lactating, non-pregnant cow. Paying for a
cow’s feed for 15 days would cost Rs.1,100 and for taking care of cow’s diet for 10 years would cost Rs.3 lakh
while feeding a cow for 6 months would cost Rs.11,100. Each contributor will be featured on Animal
Husbandry Department’s website and receive a certificate.
Initially the donors would not be able to pick a specific cow to feed but if the service receives a positive
response, the state department may post details of cows with photographs online so that donors could
pick their choice.
Donation overview: District Collectors would be responsible for making sure that donations are put to
desired use and state Department will keep donors informed.
Users: The online service could be used by donors, including NRIs who could pay gaushala managers
directly for a borewell, a bull, a biogas plant or a shed. A bull would cost donors Rs.1.5 lakh that the
Department would procure from other States to designated gaushala.
Why MP has taken the step? There are nearly 7 lakh abandoned cattle in MP and 13 lakh left on streets by
rearers during the day, therefore Gaushalas manages to houses at least 75% stray cattle.
Health Minister announces plans to set up National Genomic Grid (Cancer)
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Aswini Kumar Choubey, announced that
government plans to set up a National Genomic Grid, so as to take cancer research to the next level and
make treatment viable for people of different economic classes. This National Genomic Grid will study
genomic data of cancer patients from India.
About National Genomic Grid (Cancer)
The National Genomic Grid for India-specific cancer research will collect samples from cancer patients
from India to study genomic factors influencing cancer and identifying the right treatment modalities for
Indian population.
The grid to be formed will be in line with National Cancer Tissue Biobank (NCTB) set up at Indian
Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras. NCTB functions in close association with Indian Council for Medical
Research (ICMR) and has the capacity to stock 50,000 genomic samples from cancer patients.
The government plans to set up National Genomic Grid in same style as that of NCTB with pan-India
collection centres by bringing all cancer treatment institutions on board.
The grid will have four parts, with the country divided into east, west, north and south.
8th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER8) held in Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates hosted the 8th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER8) on 10 September
2019, alongside the 24th World Energy Congress (which will be held from 9-12 September 2019) in Abu
Dhabi, UAE. India is the co-host along with UAE at the AMER8 event.
Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan who is on a 3-day visit to
United Arab Emirates (UAE), will participate in 8th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER8) in Abu
Dhabi.
About 8th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable
UAE with India as co-host of AMER8, convened International Energy Forum (IEF) energy ministers and
heads of key international organisations to debate energy security in age of change with a view to
empower responsible growth in Asia as well as the world.
The AMER8 is structured in two plenary sessions that will focus ministerial dialogue on-
1. The role of new technologies for a more competitive and productive world energy mix
2. Advancing inclusive access to secure, affordable, and sustainable energy services
Significance: Ministerial dialogue findings at AMER8 will help to inform 17th Ministerial International
Energy Forum to be held in 2020. India which is the co-host of AMER8, will seek to advance these dialogue
outcomes when it convenes 9th Asian Ministerial Roundtable (AMER9) in 2021 in New Delhi.
Background
United Arab Emirates (UAE) took over the hosting of ‘8th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable’ from
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 60
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Kingdom of Thailand that focused dialogue on global energy markets in transition to move from vision to
action at 7th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER7) held in Bangkok, Thailand from 1-3 November
2017. This was with a view to deepen ministerial foresight on energy market security and the role of
innovation to empower responsible growth.
The key ministerial dialogue findings of AMER7 that was laid down in concluding statement by
Government of Thailand informed ministerial dialogue at 16th International Energy Forum Ministerial
hosted by India on 10-12 April 2018 in New Delhi (IEF16).
September 12, 2019
DRDO flight tests Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM)
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the government agency charged with the
military’s research and development, successfully flight tested indigenously developed low weight, fire
and forget Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM) in ranges of Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh (AP).
Test Highlights
The missile was launched from a man portable Tripod launcher and target was mimicking a functional
tank.
In a major boost for Indian Army, all the mission objectives were met as missile hit the target in top attack
mode and destroyed it with precision.
This is 3rd series of successful testing of MPATGM. Thus the test paves way for Indian Army to have
developed 3rd generation MPATGM indigenously.
About Man Portable Antitank Guided Missile (MPATGM)
It is an Indian 3rd-generation fire-and-forget anti-tank guided missile. The missile is derived from Nag ATGM
of India.
Currently it is developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in partnership with
Indian defence contractor VEM Technologies Private Limited.
MPATGM is incorporated with state-of-the-art Infrared Imaging Seeker along with advanced avionics.
Features:
Mass- 14.5 kg
Length- 1,300 mm (4 ft 3 in)
Warhead- High-explosive anti-tank warhead
Operational range- 2.5 km
PK Sinha appointed Principal Advisor to PM Modi
Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of P.K. Sinha as Principal
Advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with effect from 11 September 2019. He is currently functioning
as as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). His appointment as Principal
Advisor will be coterminus with the term of Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
About PK Sinha
He is a 1977 Batch IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh (UP) Cadre. During his career in IAS, he has served with
distinction in many capacities both at level of Central Government as well as in Uttar Pradesh
Government.
At the Central Government: He served as Cabinet Secretary from 13 June 2015 to 30 August 2019. Prior to
this, he has for many years served in the Energy and Infrastructure Sectors as Secretary in Union
Ministries of Power and Shipping and as Special Secretary in Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
At the State Government level: He has held various posts like District Magistrate (DM) of Jaunpur and
Agra, Commissioner of Varanasi, Secretary (Planning) and Principal Secretary (Irrigation) among others.
Education: He is an Economics graduate from St. Stephens College, University of Delhi. He did his post-
graduation in Economics from Delhi School of Economics (DSE). While in service he also obtained Masters
Diploma in Public Administration and an M. Phil in Social Sciences.
Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra appointed Principal Secretary to PM Modi
Appointments Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Dr. P.K. Mishra as Principal
Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with effect from 11 September 2019. He was currently
functioning as Additional Principal Secretary to PM Modi. His appointment as Principal Secretary will be

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 61


https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

co-terminus with the term of Prime Minister or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
About Dr Pramod Kumar Mishra
He has a Ph.D in Economics/Development Studies from University of Sussex, M.A. in Development
Economics at University of Sussex as also M.A. in Economics at Delhi School of Economics (DSE) and B.A.
Hons. (Economics) from G.M. College (Sambalpur University) in 1970.
He served as Additional Principal Secretary to PM Modi during 2014-19. He is credited with introducing
innovation and transformative changes in human resource management, particularly appointments to
senior positions.
As Secretary Agriculture & Cooperation, he was involved in national initiatives like National Food Security
Mission (NFSM) and National Agriculture Development Programme (RKVY). He has also served as
Chairman of State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC) and in area of Disaster management.
His has been involved in research and academic work for more than 4 years at Institute of Development
Studies (UK), negotiation and execution of Asian Development Bank (ADB) and World Bank projects,
member of Governing Board of International Crop Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and
participation as expert/resource person in several international conferences.
He was also recently conferred with United Nations SASAKAWA Award 2019, the most prestigious
international award in disaster management.
His publications include–
Agricultural Risk, Insurance and Income: A Study of Impact and Design of India’s Comprehensive
Crop Insurance Scheme, Avebury, Aldershot, UK (1996)
The Kutch Earthquake 2001: Recollection Lessons and Insights, National Institute of Disaster
Management, New Delhi, India (2004)
Edited Development and Operation of Agricultural Insurance Schemes in Asia, Asian Productivity
Organization, Tokyo, Japan (1999)
President of India addresses India-Iceland Business Forum in Reykjavik
President of India Ram Nath Kovind, addressed the India-Iceland Business Forum in Reykjavik, (capital of
Iceland) on 11 September 2019. President Kovind is on a 3 day visit to Reykjavik, Iceland from 9-11
September 2019. This is part of President’s three first leg visit to– Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia. This
is also the first visit of an Indian President to Iceland since visit of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam in 2005.
Highlights of India-Iceland Business Forum
India-Iceland Relation: India’s growth and commitment to sustainability and Iceland’s business strengths
and niche capacities complement each other and make for a natural partnership.
The technological prowess of Iceland and scientific skills of India could embrace each other to drive 4th
Industrial Revolution and machine-intelligence age.
India’s transformative growth programmes and next-generation infrastructure projects present large
opportunities for Icelandic companies.
There is scope to enhance economic partnership in areas such as trade, investment, services to research
and innovation.
Even though India-Iceland’s bilateral trade figures are modest but Indian market and Iceland’s business
strengths can still add significant numbers to them.
Iceland can source manufactured goods, fruits and vegetables, chemicals and engineering goods and
textiles from India.
There is a lot of economic potential and opportunities between India and Iceland in pharma, healthcare,
finance, hospitality, tourism services and biotech space.
24th World Energy Congress held in Abu Dhabi
The 24th World Energy Congress was held in Abu Dhabi, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre,
United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 9-12 September 2019. It was held under the patronage of Sheikh Khalifa
bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE.
About 24th World Energy Congress
Theme of this year’s 4-day World Energy Congress: ‘Energy for Prosperity’. This theme also represents
ambitious and dynamic energy transition of UAE.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 62
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Objective: To bring together international energy stakeholders including governments, academia and
media, private and state corporations.
The Congress welcomed more than 15,000 participants including 72 Ministers, 250 high-level speakers,
500 CEOs, 1000 media persons with 40,000 square-metre exhibition space that will cover entire energy
spectrum.
World Energy Congress (WEC)
Background: The World Energy Congress is a triennial event and has been running since 1924. With over
150 countries represented, WEC is world’s largest and most influential energy event that covers all
aspects of energy agenda.
It is a global flagship event of World Energy Council.
It offers a unique platform for global energy leaders to explore new energy futures, new strategies and
critical innovation areas.
The congress enables dialogue amongst Ministers, CEOs, policy-makers and industry practitioners on
critical developments in energy sector.
PM Modi launched National Artificial Insemination Programme
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Artificial Insemination Programme at Mathura,
Uttar Pradesh. He also launched a country wide workshop in all Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in all 687
Districts of country on vaccination, disease management, Artificial Insemination and Productivity.
The National Artificial Insemination Programme was launched on sidelines with ‘Swachhta Hi Seva’
Programme, 2019 and National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) at Mathura.
Significance
During the launch of National Artificial Insemination Programme, PM Modi emphasized that to expand
the Dairy and farming sector in India, research and better technology are the need of the hour.
Government has also launched Startup Brand Challenge so that these innovations and new technology
could come from villages and will work towards farmers’ welfare and employment generation.
Since Animal Husbandry and other allied activities have a greater role to play in increasing farmers’
income therefore investments in Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and bee-keeping will bring in more returns.
GeM and Punjab Government inks MoU to set up Project Management Unit
Government e-Marketplace (GeM) under Department of Commerce, Union Ministry of Commerce &
Industry and Government of Punjab, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a GeM
Organizational Transformation Team (GOTT) Project Management Unit (PMU) in the state.
Key Highlights
Punjab is the 1st state which will establish GOTT PMU for effectively utilising this transformational
initiative towards inclusive, efficient and transparent procurement. Among CPSUs, as of now only Steel
Authority of India (SAIL) has already signed MoU for setting up of PMU. Many other states and CPSUs are
in process of setting up GOTT PMUs.
It is estimated that through initiatives of GOTT PMU, Government of Punjab will be able to transact
around Rs.1700 crore in terms of annual Gross Merchandize Value (GMV) on GeM platform in 1st year and
over Rs.3000 crore per annum, over a period of time.
Importance: To further strengthen and enable Government departments towards a market based
procurement, Department of Expenditure under Union Ministry of Finance has advised Ministries and
Departments of Central and State Governments to consider services of GOTT on an outcome based self-
sustenance model. GOTT will assist buyer agency to redesign procurement processes and enhance
competencies to derive maximum benefit from online marketplace.
About GeM: It is the national public procurement portal that was launched in August 2016. Since then it
has transformed public procurement landscape in country with transparency, efficiency and inclusion. It
has facilitated procurement worth more than Rs.34,000 crore of goods & services by various Government
Departments, Organisations and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
HRD Ministry launches Curriculum for Life Skills (Jeevan Kaushal) designed by UGC
Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development Sanjay Dhotre launched the Curriculum for
Life Skills or Jeevan Kaushal designed by University Grants Commission (UGC) in New Delhi.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 63
https://t.me/pdf4exams https://t.me/allupscmaterials
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

About Curriculum for Life Skills (Jeevan Kaushal)


Curriculum for Life Skills (Jeevan Kaushal) encourages development of life skills in every individual as an
essential part of wholesome learning. Importance of this new curriculum initiative of UGC on life skills is
that this will lead to improvement in collective efficiency of country’s young population.
It addresses the problem of prevalent obsession with earning marks in different examinations. This
current examination-driven education encourages narrow and selective reading and rote learning, which
ultimately leads to deficit in actual learning.
In real life, one also needs to be skilled for coping with diverse situations that one may encounter in life.
Foundation Stone for Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) laid In Mumbai
Union Minister of state for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) Mahendra Nath Pandey laid
the foundation stone for Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) at Mumbai, Maharashtra. The concept of IIS was
envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he had visited Vocational Education and Training
Centre in Singapore.
Union Cabinet had given its nod to set up Indian Institute of Skills (IISs) in 3 cities namely, Mumbai,
Ahmedabad and Kanpur to give wings to the Skill India Mission. These institutes will be constructed and
operated on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model and on a not-for-profit basis.
About Indian Institute of Skills (IIS)
IIS Objective: To provide skill training in highly-specialised areas to students who want to pursue
technical education after completing Class X and XII and also to make them employable and industry
ready for New India and global market.
IIS seeks to ensure that 5,000 trainees will be passing out every year with 70% placement opportunities.
As per MSDE, the IIS will be a tertiary care institute in skills ecosystem that will offer best of required
courses in emerging and high demand areas such as deep technology, aerospace, among others. IIS will be
on the lines of the IITs and IIMs.
The launch of IIS is a step towards making India the Skill Capital of the World.
Partner: Tata Education Development Trust (TEDT) was selected as the private partner for setting up IIS
at NSTI campus in Mumbai. TEDT was selected through a competitive bidding process. Tata Group is
investing nearly Rs.300 crore in 4.5-acre campus.
UNCCD COP14: Drought Toolbox launched
At the ongoing 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification (UNCCD) at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida a Drought Toolbox was launched on
the 10th day of conference (on 11 September 2019) which was dedicated to the theme of Drought. India is
hosting the ongoing UNCCD COP14 that started from 2 September and will culminate on 13 September
2019.
About Drought Toolbox
It is a one-stop shop for all actions on drought.
It is a kind of knowledge bank that may be used by vulnerable countries, such as India, to reduce drought
risk and be better prepared and effectively respond to it.
It is a web page that provides involved stakeholders easy access to case studies and other resources to
support action on drought preparedness with aim to boost resilience of people and ecosystems to drought.
It contains tools that strengthen ability of vulnerable countries and enable communities to anticipate and
prepare for drought effectively, mitigate their impacts and find land management tools that help them to
build resilience to drought.
It will help countries in framing/fine-tuning their respective national drought policies in due course based
on monitoring, forecast, and early warning.
September 13, 2019
Athlete Hima Das named brand ambassador of Gatorade by PepsiCo
PepsiCo India has roped in India’s star athlete Hima Das as the brand ambassador for its sports drink
brand Gatorade. With this the 19-year old Hima Das joins ace shuttler PV Sindhu (since 2017) and javelin
thrower Neeraj Chopra (since 2018) as the brand’s ambassadors in country.
Key Highlights

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 64


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

The upcoming campaign of the brand- ‘Nothing Beats Hima. Nothing Beats Gatorade’, will pay tribute to the
sprint runner while building on brand’s belief that sports performance is driven from within.
During the period of partnership, Gatorade India will also be working with Hima Das to understand her
training and race-day nutrition better.
As per PepsiCo India, Hima personifies the spirit of its sports drink brand Gatorade through her
persevering attitude and unwavering spirit to win.
Gatorade claims that its formula has right amount of fluids, carbohydrates and electrolytes that can help
an athlete rehydrate, replenish and refuel while playing any sport. Thus Gatorade is the perfect fuel to
partner with Hima Das as she sets out to achieve new accolades for the country.
Indian, Chinese soldiers engage in face-off briefly in Ladakh
Tensions between Indian and Chinese border troops intensified once again as soldiers of India and China
were engaged in a prolonged face-off near Pangong Tso lake in eastern Ladakh. The confrontation began
on northern bank of 134-km-long Pangong Tso, two-thirds (nearly 66%) of which is controlled by China as
it extends into Tibet.
Key Highlights
The patrolling Indian troops were confronted by People’s Liberation Army (China) soldiers, who objected
to their presence near Pangong Tso. This then led to a scuffle between two sides.
As the Indian troops held their ground arguing that they were on their territory, additional personnel
were deployed. Following this both sides returned to their bases.
The face-off, however, was de-escalated later and disengaged fully after local delegation-level talks. India
has lodged a complaint following which delegation-level meeting was immediately called at Border
Personnel Meeting (BPM) point in Chusul (in Leh district) to resolve the issue.
Since transgressions are a common feature along unsettled Line of Actual Control (LAC), thus both sides
have instituted several mechanisms to resolve such issues. BPMs by local commanders at designated
points along LAC are called by either side.
Background
The Indian-Chinese troops scuffle comes a month ahead of major bilateral visits between PM Modi and
Chinese Premier Xi Jinping. This is not the first time that such an incident has occured. In 2018, ahead of
Modi-Xi Wuhan summit in April, Chinese troops allegedly breached the Line of Actual Control (LoA) 28
times.
Relations between two countries remain tense following China’s opposition to abrogation of Article 370
which grants special status to Jammu and Kashmir. A day after Indian government declared J&K state a
Union Territory and took away its special status, the Chinese Foreign Ministry put out a statement in
strong opposition. Since then, China has been backing Pakistan in its criticism to India’s move.
China had specifically objected to conversion of Ladakh into a Union Territory and also supported
Pakistan’s diplomatic moves at United Nations.
About Pangong Tso
It is a Tibetan name for ‘high grassland lake’
It is also called Pangong Lake.
It is is a long narrow, deep, endorheic (landlocked) lake situated at a height of about 4,350 m.
It is 134 km long and extends from India to Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR), China.
It is a brackish water lake in Himalayas.
Unani Medical Centre to be inaugurated at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik will be inaugurating Unani
Medical Centre at New OPD Building in Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi on 13 September 2019.
Key Highlights
The Unani Medical Centre is started by Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine (CCRUM) under
Union Ministry of AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy).
At present, CCRUM is running Unani Medical Centers at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital and Deen Dayal
Upadhyay Hospital in New Delhi.
CCRUM will be engaged in providing research as well as health care facilities through Unani Medicine to

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 65


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

patients at different government hospitals in Delhi.


About Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine
It was established by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) as an autonomous
organisation in 1979.
It was founded with the objective to initiate, aid, develop and to co-ordinate scientific research in Unani
System of Medicine.
It is engaged in multifaceted research activities in field of Unani medicine.
Its research programme comprises clinical research, drug standardization, survey and cultivation of
medicinal plants and literary research.
PM inaugurates Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Sahibganj
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s second Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal (built at
Sahibganj) online from Ranchi, Jharkhand. He also laid the foundation of a secretariat building in the state
capital (Ranchi) which will come up at an estimated cost of Rs.1238.92 crore.
About Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal at Sahibganj
This is the 2nd of three Multi Modal Terminals (MMTs) being constructed on river Ganga under Jal Marg
Vikas Project (JMVP). In November 2018, PM Modi inaugurated first MMT at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
The Rs.290 crore multi-modal cargo terminal has been built by Inland Waterways Authority of India
(IWAI) on River Ganga at Sahibganj.
It will have a cargo storing capacity of 3 million tonne (MT) per year, a stockyard and parking and berthing
space for two vessels.
Government has also planned an investment of Rs.376 crores for capacity enhancement in Phase-II to 54.8
lakh tonnes per annum. The development in Phase II will be entirely made by private concessionaire,
under public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
Importance:
It will open up industries of Jharkhand and Bihar to global market and provide Indo-Nepal cargo
connectivity through waterways route.
It will play an important role in transportation of domestic coal from local mines located in Rajmahal area
(in Sahibganj district) to other thermal power plants located along National Waterway-1 (NW-1).
Cargo to be transported from terminal includes coal, stone chips, fertilisers, cement and sugar.
The convergence of Road-Rail-River Transport at Sahibganj through the new Multi Modal Terminals will
connect this part of hinterland to Haldia (in Kolkata), to North-East states via Bangladesh by river-sea
route and further to Bay of Bengal.
PM inaugurates New Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha building in Ranchi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated newly constructed Vidhan Sabha or Legislative Assembly of
Jharkhand building at Kute gram in Ranchi (capital of Jharkhand). PM Modi was accompanied by
Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and Jharkhand Governor Droupadi Murmu for the inauguration.
Key Highlights
This newly constructed three-storey building of Jharkhand Assembly has been constructed at a cost of
Rs.465 crore.
The foundation stone of new Jharkhand Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) was laid by Raghubar Das on 12 June
2015.
It is being dubbed as 1st paperless Legislative Assembly in country.
HRD Ministry introduces study of Artificial Intelligence at school level
Union Ministry of Human Resource and Development has prepared a module to introduce study of
Artificial Intelligence (AI) at the school level. The announcement for the initiative was made by Union
Human Resource and Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishak while addressing Central Board of
Secondary Education’s Teachers Awards 2018-19. During the event, 34 teachers were felicitated for their
outstanding and innovative contribution in field of teaching.
Key Highlights
Internet is a great learning tool but the role of teachers has become more significant as the young and
impressionable minds should be guided while accessing internet.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 66


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

The study of Artificial Intelligence at school level is a big leap in country’s education system as artificial
intelligence which was otherwise taught at the college level, is now being introduced from class 8th.
For this purpose HRD Ministry has joined hands with technology leaders like Intel.
Other three initiatives announced by HRD Ministry-
1. CBSE’s Calendar of Activity
2. Ten manuals for schools, teachers and students
3. Vidya Daan: It is a unique initiative in which a repository of content is prepared by teachers by
uploading study materials for students of class 6th-10th on an on-line platform called Diksha App.
India joins Global AMR R&D hub as a new member
India has joined Global Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research and Development (R&D) hub as a new
member. The announcement in this regard was made by Department of Biotechnology, Union Ministry of
Science & Technology in New Delhi on 12 September 2019.
Key Highlights
India will be a member of the hub’s board of members of from 2019 itself.
By partnering with the hub, India looks forward to work with all partners and to boost their existing
capabilities, resources and also to collectively focus on new research to address drug-resistant infections.
The issue of AMR requires global action with active participation from all world regions and One Health
sectors. AMR refers to a microbe’s ability to resist the effects of drugs and medication that once could
successfully treat the microbe.
Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development Hub
The Global AMR R&D hub was launched in May 2018 on the sidelines of 71st session of World Health
Assembly (WHA), following a call from G20 leaders in 2017.
Members: With inclusion of India, the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Development hub
now has 16 countries (including India), European Commission, 2 philanthropic foundations as members. It
also has 4 international organisations as observers.
It is a global partnership that works to address challenges and improve coordination and collaboration in
global AMR research and development
It supports global priority setting and evidence-based decision-making on allocation of resources for AMR
R&D. This is done by identifying gaps, overlaps as well as potential for cross-sectoral collaboration and
leveraging.
Global AMR R&D Secretariat: It is established in Berlin, Germany. Its secretariat supports the hub’s
operations and is currently financed through grants from German Federal Ministry of Education and
Research (BMBF) and Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).
‘Mukhya Mantri Dal Poshit Yojana’: launched in Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat launched a scheme called ‘Mukhya Mantri Dal Poshit
Yojana’ to provide state ration card holders two kilograms of two different varieties of pulses available at
prices much lower than the market rate. During the launch CM distributed pulse packets among the
beneficiaries.
About Mukhya Mantri Dal Poshit Yojana
Under the scheme State government will offer a subsidy of Rs.15 per kilogram on variety of pulses
identified, including chana, malka and masur.
Each eligible beneficiary and ration card holders in state will get 2 kgs of pulses at subsidised rates every
month under the scheme.
Pulses at subsidised rates to people will fulfill their protein requirement. The scheme will help in achieving
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a healthy India.
23.32 lakh ration card holders of state will benefit from the scheme. They will get 2 kgs of Chana dal
(chickpeas split) at rate of Rs.44 per kg in Septemver 2019. Currently, Chana dal comes at Rs.65-Rs 70 per
kg in the open market.
National Green Tribunal forms committee to stop illegal groundwater extraction
Expressing concern over depleting groundwater levels, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has set up a
committee to formulate steps required to prevent illegal extraction of groundwater.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 67


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

NGT’s decision was take in response to hearing of a plea filed by a city resident, Shailesh Singh seeking
action against depleting groundwater levels in nation and prevention of its illegal extraction.
Key Highlights of Committee
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel directed the committee to evolve a
robust mechanism for ensuring that groundwater is not illegally extracted and to monitor manning and
functioning of Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
Committee may look into the reports already submitted. The report may be furnished within 2 months by
e-mail.
Members: Committee comprises of joint secretaries of Union Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MoEF) and Union Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), National
Remote Sensing Centre, National Institute of Hydrology (Roorkee) and Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB).
Nodal agency will be the Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) for coordination and
compliance.
Arguments by NGT
The tribunal took to notice that despite a 1996 order of Supreme Court order with regard to groundwater
extraction, the water level has only gone down. The SC order had directed central government to
constitute a body to look into the issue of groundwater depletion.
However, in spite of clear directions of Supreme Court, the CGWA is unwilling to take the ownership of
subject and repeatedly takes the plea that it does not have infrastructure or that the responsibility of
dealing with problem is of States and not that of the said authority.
Thus NGT stressed that it is high time that working of CGWA is reviewed and remedial measures are
taken, including assessment of suitability of the person to head it. NGT also held that CPCB report that
states that water intensive industries can be allowed even in semi-critical and critical areas without any
further safeguards may not be acted upon till further orders.
Maitree 2019: Indo-Thailand Joint Military Exercise to be held in Meghalaya
The 2019 edition of Maitree, the joint military exercise between India and Thailand will be conducted from
16-29 September at Foreign Training Node, Umroi, in Meghalaya.
Maitree: Indo-Thailand Joint Military Exercise
Exercise MAITREE is a joint military exercise which is being conducted between armies of India and
Thailand since 2006. This annual training event is held alternatively in Thailand and India.
Aim of Military Exercise is to share experience gained during various counter-terrorism operations.
Significance:
Exercise MAITREE is significant in terms of security challenges faced by both countries in the backdrop of
changing facets of global terrorism.
It will enhance the level of defence cooperation between Indian Army (IA) and Royal Thailand Army (RTA)
which will further foster defence cooperation and bilateral relations between two nations.
Maitree 2019
The contingents of Indian Army and Royal Thailand Army (RTA) comprising of 50 soldiers each will
participate in the exercise.
The scope of this joint military exercise covers, company-level joint training on counter-terrorism
operations in jungle and urban scenario
September 14-15, 2019
14 September: Hindi Divas
Hindi Divas (or Hindi day) is an annual day which is observed every year on 14 September all over India
since 1953, to celebrate the popularity of Hindi as an official language of India. Although the Hindi Day is
mostly observed by Government of India, but many private organizations and voluntary groups also
celebrate the day.
Hindi is the forth most spoken language in world. As per latest figures, 43.63% people in India currently
speak Hindi language. Section 343 (1) of Constitution of India, in reference of Hindi as official language,
reads- The official language of Union shall be Hindi and script Devanagari. The form of the marks used for
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 68
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

official purposes of Union will be international form.


About Hindi Day
Why 14 September? It is because on this day in 1949, Constituent Assembly of India had adopted Hindi
written in Devanagari script as official language of Republic of India. 14 September 1949 also marks 50th
birthday of Beohar Rajendra Simha who was among stalwarts who rallied and lobbied pan-India in favor of
Hindi. Their efforts came to fruition following adoption of Hindi as official language and this decision was
ratified by Constitution of India that came into effect on 26 January 1950.
Celebrations: Many programs are organized across the country on the occasion of Hindi Day. Debate
competitions, poetry recitations, Essay copies, plays, and exhibitions are organized in schools, colleges,
and educational institutions.
Hindi fortnightly is organized in government offices i.e. from September 14 to next 15 days, various
competitions are held in government office. Also, government offices that do good work for development
of Hindi throughout the year are also honored with prizes.
Every year on occasion of Hindi Diwas, President of India presents Rajbhasha awards to people for their
contribution towards the Hindi language, at a ceremony in Delhi.
First ever arrested landing of Naval Tejas successfully executed in Goa
The First ever arrested landing of Naval variant of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, a 4.5 generation,
light weight, multirole fighter was successfully executed at the Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF), INS
Hansa in Goa. This will pave the way for this Indigenous platform to undertake Aircraft Carrier landing
demonstration on board the Indian Naval Aircraft Carrier, Vikramaditya.
Key Highlights
The LCA (Navy) Flight Test Team was led by Cmde J A Maolankar (Chief Test Pilot), Capt Shivnath Dahiya
(LSO) and Cdr J D Raturi (Test Director).
They successfully executed a text book arrested landing that heralds the arrival of true indigenous
capability and displays professional prowess of our scientific community Aeronautical Development
Agency (ADA) embedded with design and build capability of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Labs involved in executing this land mark event.
Other Participants– Certification Agency (CEMILAC), Quality Agency (DGAQA) and all the men and
women on the ground who serviced the aircraft and monitored it during strenuous trails.
Besides marking the beginning of a new era where multiple agencies have come together to achieve a
common goal, this event has also put India on the world map as a country with capability to design a deck
landing aircraft.
What is Shore Based Test Facility (SBTF)?
SBTF replicates the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. It was built to train naval pilots in complex
manoeuvres of landing on short flight deck of an aircraft carrier before they move on to actual carrier.
Railways Ministry signs MoU with CII for facilitation of green initiatives
Union Ministry of Railways signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Confederation of Indian
Industries (CII) for facilitation of green initiatives in Indian Railways. The MoU would carry forward some
major Green initiatives undertaken by Indian Railways as part of India’s contribution towards mitigation
of global warming and combating climate change.
Key Highlights
Railways have been making concerted efforts to ensure cleanliness and hygiene in trains and on station
premises.
Objectives of MoU-
Greening of Railway properties
Energy efficiency in manufacturing facilities and railway workshops
Demonstrative pilots of ‘net-zero energy buildings/railway stations’
Development of Green procurement policy, waste management policy, solid waste disposal, carbon
neutrality, phytoremediation
Capacity and skill development by continuous sharing of best practices on energy and environment

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 69


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

through training programmes


3 Coffee Table Publications: One each on Energy Efficiency, GreenCo Rating and Green Buildings
(including railway stations) were also released for wide circulation as part of efforts taken by Indian
Railways team as envisaged in MoU.
Background
In 2016 Indian Railways & CII signed a MoU on Green Rating & Energy Efficiency Studies of IR’s
Production Units & major workshops. After assessment in last 3 years 50 Railway units including
workshops and production units, 12 Railway stations and 16 more buildings and other facilities have
achieved GreenCo certification.
GreenCo rating system: It is developed by CII. It evaluates the green initiative and rate of performance of
industrial units who are pursuing environmentally sustainable practice and also certifies green building,
green campus and green schools etc.
UN appoints Indian Army veteran Abhijit Guha as head of Hodeidah mission
Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of United Nations (UN) appointed India’s Lieutenant General
(Retired) Abhijit Guha as the head of UN mission in Hodeidah, Yemen. Guha, who has 39 years of national
and international military experience will be succeeding Danish Lieutenant General Michael Lollesgaard,
who served in these posts from 31 January to 31 July 2019.
Besides leading the UN Mission in support of Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA), Guha will also assume the
chair of Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC). RCC is responsible for redeploying forces of
Yemeni warring parties in accordance with their agreement.
About Abhijit Guha
He is a graduate of India’s Defence Services Staff College, the College of Combat, and National Defence
College.
He has held many important commands, staff and instructional appointments within Indian Army which
includes leadership of an Infantry Brigade and Infantry Division, and of Mumbai Area.
He retired from Indian Army in 2013 and since then he has served on Expert Panel on Technology and
Innovation in UN Peacekeeping (2014) and High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (2015).
International Portfolios:
He has also served as a Military Observer as part of United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia
during 1992-23.
From 2009-2013: He served as Deputy Military Adviser and Military Adviser within the Office of Military
Affairs of United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), while also establishing Office
of Peacekeeping and Strategic Partnerships (OPSP) in 2013.
He has also led a number of United Nations’ investigations and boards of inquiry in Africa and Middle
East.
About UN Mission in support of Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA)
On 16 January 2019 UN Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution 2452 (2019) and decided to
establish United Nations Mission to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA), a special political
mission that was authorised for an initial period of 6 months to lead and support functioning of
Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC), assisted by a secretariat staffed by UN personnel, to
oversee governorate-wide ceasefire, mine action operation and redeployment of forces.
On 16 July 2019 UNSC extended the mandate of mission overseeing Yemen Ceasefire Accord for 6 months
(until 15 January 2020) by unanimously adopting resolution 2481 (2019).
118 new Community Radio Stations to be set-up in India
Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar announced that 118 new Community
Radio Stations (CRS) are in process of being set-up across country. The approved lists of applicants have
already been granted Letter of Intent (LoI) for setting up CRS. It is expected that these Community Radio
Stations will become operational within a period of next 6 months.
Key Highlights
The areas where CRS to be set up includes 16 from Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts, 6 from
most LWE affected districts, 17 from Aspirational Districts, 25 from coastal districts, 3 from North-East

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 70


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

and 2 from Jammu and Kashmir.


Applications from NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations), Educational Institutions (both private and
public), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been granted approvals.
About Community Radio Stations
CRs act as essential communication channels for enhancing last mile of outreach of government. Plans are
underway to ensure expansion of community radio network to each district of country.
Community radios are small (low power) FM radio stations with a coverage area of about 10-15 km radius,
depending on geography of area. These Community radio stations play a significant role in dissemination
of agriculture-related information, government schemes for people’s welfare, weather forecast among
others.
HimVijay exercise: to be organised by IAF on Chinese border in October
The exercise codenamed as ‘HimVijay’ is scheduled to be carried out by Indian Armed Forces in October
2019 in Arunachal Pradesh, close to borders with China. In these upcoming war games, the Indian Armed
Forces plan to deploy their latest American weapons systems such as M777 ultra-light howitzers and
Chinook heavy-lift helicopters.
About HimVijay exercise
HimVijay exercise is planned by India at over 10,000 feet in the northeast (in Arunachal Pradesh). It will be
held a little further from Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Participants:
This exercise assumes greater significance as Indian Army will for the 1st time see in action its Integrated
Battle Groups (IBGs)– the brainchild of Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat. Also, three mountain IBGs carved
out of Panagarh-based 17 Corps’ (Mountain Strike Corps) 59 Mountain Division will be in action. IBGs are
touted to be mainstay of future operational strategies in Western, Northern and Eastern theatres.
The exercise will mainly test war fighting abilities of newly-raised 17 Mountain Strike Corps and the 17
MSC has been provided with M777 Ultra-Light Howitzers as they would be in an attack mode against the
‘enemy’ locations and would require lighter guns.
Exercise will also involve Indian Air Force (IAF) which would provide aerial elements for real war-type
drills.
Operation ‘will see the participation of more than 15,000 personnel, with each IBG consisting of nearly
5,000 troops backed by a combination of tanks, medium artillery, helicopters and transport aircraft.
Exercise will see in action C130J Super Hercules, AN32s and the C17s besides helicopters from both Army
Aviation and IAF.
Rajasthan launches ‘Jan Soochna Portal’
The state government of Rajasthan launched ‘Jan Soochna Portal’, a portal for quick access to information
on government departments. The portal was launched by Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and is a
step of state government towards making Rajasthan a model state for good governance and accountability
in administration.
About Jan Soochna Portal
The public information portal has been developed by state’s information and technology (IT) department.
In portal 23-24 types of information will be made available pertaining to 13 departments on a single
platform. The information will also be available on self-service ‘E-Mitra Plus‘ kiosk.
Rajasthan has now become first state in country to provide information about a dozen departments on a
single platform.
The portal has been launched under Rajasthan Innovation Vision (RAJIV) campaign.
The move will bring transparency and accountability, and empower the right of people to seek
information.
With the launch of portal, state government has expressed its intention of using technology for
transparency and would further strengthen and expand the scope of the Right to Information (RTI) law.
Through this portal common man will get information pertaining to 13 departments online in a lucid
language. The portal is inspired by the very spirit of Section 4 (2) of RTI Act, 2005, i.e. Proactive Disclosure

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 71


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

of Information.
UNESCO to publish Guru Nanak Dev’s writing in world languages
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has decided to translate and
publish an anthology of writings of Baba Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism (and also 1st of 10 Sikh
Guru) in world languages to commemorate 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
Also, National Book Trust (NBT) will publish Gurbani (various compositions by Sikh Gurus and other
writers of Guru Granth Sahib) in different Indian Languages.
Key Highlights
The year 2019 mark 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. Thus to promulgate the teachings of
Guru Nanak Dev, Government of India is also holding a series of events and has initiated many projects
which include-
Construction of Kartarpur Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab’s Gurdaspur district to
international border
Development of the historic town of Sultanpur Lodhi as a heritage town on smart city principle
Upgradation of Sultanpur Lodhi railway station
Release of commemorative coins and postage stamps
Setting up of a Centre for Inter Faith Studies at Guru Nanak Dev University, among others
Maritime Communication Services in India launched
Maritime Communication Services to offer broadband services to support those travelling at sea was
launched at Mumbai, Maharashtra. Along with Maritime Communication Services, a web portal for
reporting stolen mobiles to help trace them was also launhced. This portal is under a project called Central
Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system, which has been undertaken by Department of Telecom for
addressing security, theft and other concerns including reprogramming of mobile handsets.
Key Highlights
Maritime connectivity will offer broadband services to enable high-end support to those travelling on
sailing vessels, cruise liners and ships in India by providing access to voice, data and video services to
sailing vessels, cruise liners and coastal vessels using satellite.
Nelco Ltd which is India’s leading VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) solutions provider will now
provide quality broadband services to maritime sector. VSAT technology offers a satellite internet
connection globally.
Nelco, a Tata Group company through global partnerships, infrastructure including transponder capacity
on satellite of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and a comprehensive service portfolio aims to
help energy, cargo and cruise vessels by enabling customer services.
Background: Nelco is the first Indian company to offer communication services to the maritime sector in
Indian waters. Nelco has a licence from government for IFMC (in-flight and maritime connectivity) that
allows to offer voice and internet services while flying over Indian skies and sailing in Indian waters, both
for Indian se well as international aircraft and vessels.
In December 2018, Government announced IFMC licence program, which seeks to liberalise satellite
communications services in the country. IFMC licence not only enabled connectivity for onboard users on
ships but also brings operational efficiency for shipping companies.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Yashaswini Singh Deswal is associated to which city?
[A] Bhopal
[B] Ranchi
[C] Mumbai
[D] Delhi
Answer: Delhi
Young shooter Yashaswini Singh Deswal from Delhi has recently won gold in the women’s 10m Air Pistol
event at the ISSF World Cup at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. With the win, she has also secured an Olympic
quota for India. This is India’s 9th quota in shooting for 2020 Tokyo Games. World no.1 Olena Kostevych
of Ukraine claimed the silver, while Serbia’s Jasmina Milavonovic bagged the bronze in the ongoing
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 72
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

event.
2. A cultural event ‘Namaste Pacific’ was held in which city?
[A] Chennai
[B] Lucknow
[C] Delhi
[D] Kolkata
Answer: Delhi
In Delhi, a cultural event ‘Namaste Pacific’ was recently jointly organised by the High Commissions of
Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji to showcase in India the culture of the Pacific
countries. Aaradhna, a multi-award-winning R&B and soul artist from New Zealand, performed with her
band. Aaradhna is part Indian and part Samoan and has to her credit four individual albums. Traditional
masks and artefacts from Papua New Guinea and Pacific Green furniture and other products from Fiji
were also displayed. There was also showcase of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Pollinate
Energy based in Australia, Nepal and India, and solar lanterns from Barefoot College in Rajasthan.
3. Union IT Ministry has rolled out ‘Build for Digital India’ in partnership with which company?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Google
[C] Infosys
[D] Wipro
Answer: Google
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has rolled – out programme ‘Build for
Digital India’ along with Google for engineering students. The programme will offer a platform to
engineering students to develop market-ready, technology-based solutions that address key social
problems. As part of the program, engineering students across the country will be invited to present
their ideas and solutions in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities and
infrastructure, women safety, smart mobility and transportation, environment, accessibility and
disability and digital literacy. Applicants will take part in online and offline learning opportunities on key
technologies such as Machine Learning (ML), Cloud and Android that will be offered through Google’s
Developer Student Club network and other Google Developer networks. Google will also offer mentorship
sessions in product design, strategy and technology to the most promising products and prototypes. This
initiative will not only motivate the college students across India to innovate but will also produce some
good technology solutions for some major social challenges of India.
4. Which IIT has collaborated with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to launch National Artificial Intelligence
Resource Portal (NAIRP)?
[A] IIT Kharagpur
[B] IIT Kanpur
[C] IIT Bombay
[D] IIT Madras
Answer: IIT Kharagpur
IIT Kharagpur has collaborated with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to develop a National Artificial
Intelligence Resource Portal (NAIRP) to promote learning and development in the artificial intelligence
(AI). The aim of the portal is to make the search for AI learning resources simpler and more accessible to
learners, practitioners and researchers in India. The initiative has got funding from the Ministry of
Human Resources Development (MoHRD), as part of the National Digital Library of India (NDLI) project
which is being spearheaded by the premier institute. NAIRP will index a wide variety of AI-specific
learning materials and allow interested candidates access to different resources for converting concepts
into working modules.
5. Which team has won the 2019 edition of Nehru Trophy boat race?
[A] Nadubhagam Chundan
[B] Champakulam Chundan
[C] Karichal Chundan
[D] Devas chundan
Answer: Nadubhagam Chundan

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 73


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Nadubhagam Chundan, the snake boat of Pallathuruthy Boat Club, lifted the 67th edition of the coveted
Nehru Trophy at the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha. In a nerve-biting race, Champakulam chundan
rowed by the United Boat Club, Kainakary finished second. Karichal chundan (Police Boat Club) and Devas
chundan (NCDC Boat Club, Kumarakom) finished in 3rd and 4th places. The Nehru Trophy boat race was
instituted to commemorate the visit of the India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to the area and
his boat ride in the lake. The Nehru Trophy is the first race of the inaugural edition of the Champions
Boat League (CBL). CBL, hosted by Kerala Tourism, is the India’s first-ever boat-race on the lines of IPL.
There will be 12 races in the CBL beginning with the Nehru Trophy and concluding with President’s
Trophy Boat Race in Kollam on November 23.
6. Which country’s team has won the 2019 SAFF under-15 football championship?
[A] India
[B] Nepal
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Bangladesh
Answer: India
In football, India won the 2019 SAFF under-15 title by defeating Nepal by 7-0 in the final at the Kalyani
Stadium in West Bengal. This victory meant that India are now the most successful team in the
tournament’s history — winning the title for a record 3rd time after previous wins in 2013 and 2017.
7. Bangladesh has signed agreement with which Indian company to set up gas-based plant in Meghnahat?
[A] Reliance Power
[B] Adani Power
[C] Hindustan Power
[D] Tata Power
Answer: Reliance Power
The Government of Bangladesh has signed an agreement with Reliance Power of India to set up 750 Mega
Watt gas-based power plant in Meghnahat near Dhaka. The construction of the plant will be completed
by 2022 and its estimated cost is one billion dollars. Under the agreement, Bangladesh will purchase
electricity from the project for a period of 22 years at a pre-decided tariff rate equivalent to 5.85 Takas
per unit at a total cost of approximately 8 billion dollars. Apart from this, a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) has also been signed with Petro Bangla to set up 500 Million standard cubic feet
per day LNG terminal at Kutubdia Island near Chittagong in Bangladesh.
8. Which movie has become the first Bollywood film to go plastic-free?
[A] War
[B] Dream Girl
[C] Mission Mangal
[D] Coolie No. 1
Answer: Coolie No. 1
Varun Dhawan’s upcoming movie ‘Coolie No. 1’ has become the first Bollywood film to go plastic-free. The
environmental friendly initiative was taken by director of movie David Dhawan and its producers Vashu
Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani and Deepshikha Deshmukh. The movie is all set to release on May 1, 2020.
Their decision comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, urged
people to shun single-use plastic and encouraged usage of jute and cloth bags to protect the environment.
9. India’s longest electrified rail tunnel has recently inaugurated in which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Karnataka
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Tamil Nadu
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
In Andhra Pradesh, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu has recently dedicated the India’s longest
electrified rail tunnel i.e situated between Cherlopalli and Rapuru. He also inaugurated the 112-km long
electrified railway line between Venkatachalam and Obulavaripalli. The length of the electrified rail
tunnel is 6.6km. The tunnel has 44 trolley refuges and 14 cross-passages in a horseshoe design. It is built
in the shape of a ‘horse shoe’ using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) at a cost of Rs 437 crore.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 74


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

The height of tunnel (rail level to roof) is 6.5m and the minimum height of contact wire is maintained at
5.2m. The track is constructed without using Ballast by providing Bi-block sleepers and Vaslo fittings.
There are LED lights at an interval of every 10 metres inside the travel. The newly constructed tunnel will
provide seamless rail connectivity between the Krishnapatnam Port and the hinterland areas.
10. Tejinderpal Singh Toor is associated to which sports?
[A] Wrestling
[B] Table Tennis
[C] Shotput
[D] Boxing
Answer: Shotput
Asian Games gold medallist shotputter Tejinderpal Singh Toor clinched a silver with a best throw of
20.09m in his last attempt during an athletic meet at Decin, Czech Republic. Tajinder was awarded with
the 2019 Arjuna Award. Though, he couldn’t meet the World Championship standard but his efforts were
good enough to earn him a silver at the event.
11. India’s first-ever architectural LED illumination has taken place in which historical monument?
[A] Qutb Minar
[B] Tughlakabad Fort
[C] Khajuraho
[D] Konark
Answer: Qutb Minar
Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Prahalad Singh Patel has inaugurated the first-ever
architectural LED illumination at the historic Qutb Minar in New Delhi. With the illumination, the
architectural beauty of the 12th century monument will display its historic magesty after sunset. The
new illumination comprises lighting that accentuates the silhouette of the monument with the interplay
of light and shade. The duration of illumination will be from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily with a monthly
cost of Rs16,615/- which comes out merely to Rs 1,99,388/- for a year. The aim to illuminate the historic
monuments is to showcase monuments during late evenings & to enhance the visitor experience. The
Qutb Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site & is one of most visited historical site in the national
capital.
12. India’s first garbage cafe is set to open in which city?
[A] Ranchi
[B] Lucknow
[C] New Delhi
[D] Ambikapur
Answer: Ambikapur
In a unique initiative, the Ambikapur municipal corporation of Chhattisgarh will soon open India’s first
‘Garbage Cafe’ in the city of Ambikapur. This initiative is a step towards making the city plastic-free. In
this unique Cafe’ poor people and rag pickers will get free food in exchange for 1Kg of plastic, while
breakfast will be provided if half a kilogram of plastic is brought to the cafe. The collected garbage will be
sold at Solid Liquid Resources Management Centre (SLRMC). The collected plastic waste would further be
turned into granules and will then be used in the construction of roads in the city. Ambikapur is
Chhattisgarh’s first dustbin-free city. The city has an efficient solid waste management system. The Self
Help Groups (SHGs)of women are involved in door to door collection of waste. The city has been hailed as
the 2nd cleanest city in the country in Swachhata rankings. The opening of this garbage cafe is another
step towards the city’s aim to become free from plastic waste.
13. Garvi Gujarat Bhavan, which is in news recently, is located in which city?
[A] Chandigarh
[B] New Delhi
[C] Gandhinagar
[D] Ahmedabad
Answer: New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated the Garvi Gujarat Bhavan in New Delhi. The new
building is situated near the Congress headquarters at Akbar Road in the national capital & has been built

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 75


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

at a cost of around Rs 131 crore by the Gujarat Government. It has 19 suite rooms, 59 regular rooms, a
restaurant, a public dining hall, a business centre, a souvenir shop, a multi-purpose hall, conference hall,
four lounges, a gymnasium, a yoga centre, a terrace garden and a library built on an area of 20,325 square
meters. The Bhavan is equipped with traditional and modern artefacts and technologies and will serve as
a home for Gujaratis in the national capital. It will represent the culture, craft and cuisine of Gujarat. This
building is in addition to the old Gujarat Bhavan at Chanakyapuri, which will continue to function.
14. Which state has recently celebrated Agrarian festival ‘Nuakhai’?
[A] Odisha
[B] West Bengal
[C] Karnataka
[D] Jharkhand
Answer: Odisha
The agrarian festival ‘Nuakhai’ has recently celebrated with great pomp and gaiety by the people of
western Odisha districts. This major agrarian festival of this region is being celebrated in every nook and
corner collectively with much fanfare and religious fervour. The Nuakhai Juhar is a major ritual of the
festival. It is an exchange of greetings with friend relative and well-wishers. The elders are wished
Nuakhai Juhar and they give blessings for long life, happiness and prosperity. Being an agrarian festival,
the eldest in each household in rural pockets worshipped their paddy fields praying for a bumper crop
and favourable weather. Women folk leave bed early to perform the Nukhai rituals with decorating the
house with colourful rangoli.
15. Which state government has decided to play the role of a recruitment agency for the youth wanting to
work abroad?
[A] UP
[B] Punjab
[C] MP
[D] HP
Answer: Punjab
The Punjab Employment Generation Department (PEGD) has decided to play the role of a recruitment
agency for the youth wanting to go abroad for studies and work. It will also set up a special cell to send
the youth for studies abroad. The move came after regular complaints of fraud by travel agents. The
special cell will have a tie-up with foreign public universities which offer education at reasonable rates.
This will not only save students from frauds but also help them financially as the commission which
foreign institutes pay to the agents would be returned to them. This facility is already available in Andhra
Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana.
16. Where is the headquarters of World Resources Institute (WRI)?
[A] New York
[B] Paris
[C] Berlin
[D] Washington
Answer: Washington
The World Resources Institute (WRI) has recently released a report titled “Reducing Food Loss and
Waste” with the support of the Rockefeller Foundation. The report has quantified global food wastage —
nearly one-third of the food i.e. produced each year goes uneaten, costing the global economy over $940
billion. The uneaten food is responsible for emitting about 8% of planet-warming greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere. Some of these actions include developing national strategies for food loss and waste
reduction, creating national public-private partnerships, launch supply chain initiatives, reducing small-
holder losses and shifting consumer social norms. The WRI is a global research non-profit organization
that was established in 1982 with funding from the MacArthur Foundation under the leadership of James
Gustave Speth. Its headquarters is located at Washington, United States.
17. Who has been elected as Chair of the 72nd Session of the WHO –SEARO?
[A] Nirmala Sitharaman
[B] Raj Nath Singh
[C] Narendra Modi

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 76


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

[D] Harsh Vardhan


Answer: Harsh Vardhan
Union Health Minister, Dr Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the 72nd Session of World Health Organization
(WHO) Regional Office for South-East Asia (SEARO) in New Delhi. This is the 2nd time that India is
hosting Regional Committee meeting. Dr Vardhan was unanimously elected as Chair of the 72nd Session
of the WHO -SEARO. The event coincides with the ambitious ‘Fit India Movement’ launched by Prime
Minister Narendra Modi about remaining fit and doing physical activities like yoga, sports, cycling, etc.
The Government of India (GoI) is also observing the entire month of September as “Poshan Maah”
(Nutrition Month) to sensitize the public towards healthy eating, address the twin issues of
malnutrition/under-nutrition and problem of obesity in some sections of the population, and intensifying
the campaign towards a ‘Malnutrition-Free India’.
18. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched the first-ever ‘Terracotta Grinder’ in
which city?
[A] Nasik
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Varanasi
[D] Thiruvananthapuram
Answer: Varanasi
The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has launched the first-ever ‘Terracotta Grinder’ at
Sewapuri in Varanasi. This machine can be used to grind wasted and broken pottery items for re-use in
pottery-making. The Terracotta grinder was designed by the KVIC Chairman and fabricated by a Rajkot-
based engineering unit. It will make grinding of wasted pottery items faster than the traditional mortar
and pestle. It will lessen the cost of production and will also help in solving the problem of shortage of
clays. The machine will also be a boon for potters as Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSME) Nitin Gadkari has proposed to introduce Kulhads and other terracotta products at
400 prominent railway stations. The proposal is under active consideration of the Railways.
19. Which Indian personality has been chosen by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for the 2019 Global
Goalkeeper Award’?
[A] Azim Premji
[B] Medha Patkar
[C] Vandana Shiva
[D] Narendra Modi
Answer: Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be honoured with the prestigious ‘ 2019 Global Goalkeeper Award’ by
the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for his leadership and commitment to his ambitious pet project
“Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA)” on 24th September 2019. The Prime Minister will also address global
leaders and corporate executives at the Bloomberg Global Business Forum during his visit here for the
high-level UN General Assembly (UNGA) session. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA), which was launched
on 2nd October 2014, is a nationwide initiative aimed to inspire the public to voluntarily clean public
spaces as a service to the nation. The aim of the campaign is to achieve the vision of a ‘Clean India’ by 2nd
October 2019. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a private foundation owned by billionaire
philanthropist and Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his wife Melinda Gates.
20. The 4th South-Asian Speaker’s Summit was recently held in which city?
[A] Paris
[B] Geneva
[C] New Delhi
[D] Male
Answer: Male
The 4th South-Asian Speaker’s Summit was recently held in Male, Maldives. The summit was meant to
achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) but Pakistan tried to raise the issue of abrogation of Article
370 provisions on Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) despite not being part of the agenda. The Indian delegation
in the summit was represented by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha,
Harivansh Narayan Singh. Though, India maintained that J&K is an internal matter. The summit adopted
the Male Declaration & ignored Pakistan’s concern on Kashmir.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 77


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

21. Which city is holding the COP14 to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification?
[A] Amritsar
[B] Hyderabad
[C] Pune
[D] Greater Noida
Answer: Greater Noida
The 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification is at
Greater Noida on 2nd September 2019. The core agenda of the 12-day Conference is to reverse land
degradation and its outcomes while accelerating positive achievements for people and for ecosystems.
The main objective of the convention is to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought in
countries experiencing serious drought or desertification. The delegates from 196 countries are
participating in COP14. The Parties to the Convention will agree on the actions they will take over the
next 2 years and beyond to get the world on a sustainable development path.
22. Who is the newly appointed chairman of Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB)?
[A] Ashok Lavasa
[B] N Gopalaswami
[C] Sunil Arora
[D] Navin Chawla
Answer: Sunil Arora
Sunil Arora, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, has recently assumed Chairmanship of
Association of World Election Bodies (A-WEB) for the term 2019-21 as India takes over the Chair from
Romania. He succeeded Lon Mincu Radulescu. The AWEB Flag was handed over to the new Chairman,
Sunil Arora and it will remain with Election Commission of India (ECI) for the 2 year term till 2021. More
than 110 delegates from 45 countries attended the meeting. A-WEB is the first global organization of
election management bodies, and the membership currently consists of 97 organizations from 94
countries. The constituent units of the A-WEB are the Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) of different
countries, structured to work together and learn from the experiences and best practices from one
another.
23. Which iconic place has been adjudged as the India’s Best Swachh Iconic Place’?
[A] Tirupati Temple
[B] Mata Vaishno Devi shrine
[C] Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
[D] Ajmer Sharif Dargah
Answer: Mata Vaishno Devi shrine
The famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has been adjudged as the India’s
‘Best Swachh Iconic Place’ on the basis of the overall improvement in sanitation. The ranking of Swachh
Iconic Places was recently released by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of drinking water
and sanitation. The initiatives of water kiosks, reverse vending machines, equip dung management
centre, installation of kill waste machine, collection, transportation, and disposal of waste along with
regular mopping up of waste though a workforce of 1300 sanitation workers (Shrine cadre and
outsourced) have enabled the shrine to achieve the top rank. The President will confer the prestigious
award to the Shrine during the Swachh Mahotsav to be organized by the Ministry of Drinking Water &
Sanitation on the 6th September 2019.
24. Where is the headquarters of Global Fund for AIDS, TB and malaria (GFTAM)?
[A] Geneva
[B] Paris
[C] New York
[D] Berlin
Answer: Geneva
India has recently announced a contribution of $22 million to the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and malaria
(GFTAM) for the 6th replenishment cycle (2020-22). This is an increase of 10% over the amount
contributed by the country in the 5th cycle. India was the first implementing country to host a
replenishment milestone of the Global Fund and now has become the first among G20, BRICS and

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 78


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

implementer countries to announce the pledge for the 6th Replenishment. India has had a sustained
partnership with the Global Fund since 2002 both as a recipient and as a donor. The Global Fund is a
partnership designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The GFTAM is an
international financing and partnership organization that aims to attract, leverage and invest additional
resources to end the epidemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria to support attainment of the
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations. Its headquarters is located in
Geneva, Switzerland.
25. What is the theme of the 2019 edition of World Coconut Day (WCD)?
[A] Coconut for Good Health, Wealth & Wellness
[B] Coconut for Family Wellness
[C] Coconut for Healthy Life
[D] Coconut for Family Nutrition, Health, and Wellness
Answer: Coconut for Family Wellness
The World Coconut Day (WCD) is observed every year on 2nd of September to increase coconut farming
with focus on productivity and product diversification. The day is also celebrated to commemorate the
formation day of Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC). In India, the day is celebrated every year
under the aegis of Coconut Development Board (CDB) in various coconut growing states across the
country. The 2019 theme is ‘Coconut for Family Wellness’. The APCC is an inter-governmental
organisation of 18- member countries mandated to promote, coordinate, and harmonise coconut
developmental activities of the Asian Pacific region.
26. The first US-Asean Maritime Exercise (AUMX) has officially started from which country?
[A] Thailand
[B] Vietnam
[C] Brunei
[D] Singapore
Answer: Thailand
In Thailand, the first US-Asean Maritime Exercise (AUMX) officially started at the Royal Thai Fleet
headquarters at Chon Buri’s Sattahip district. The aim of the 5-day AUMX is to train the regional navies
in delivering humanitarian assistance and mitigating disasters. The exercise provides a new multilateral
venue to work together on shared maritime security priorities in the region. The joint exercise will
involve 1,250 military personnel. The AUMX is co-led by the US and the Royal Thai Navy and will be
preceded with pre-sail activities in Thailand, Singapore and Brunei, followed by sea drills in international
waters in the Gulf of Thailand as well as the South China Sea. The exercise will conclude in Singapore.
27. Where is the headquarters of Global Tiger Forum (GTF)?
[A] Lucknow
[B] New Delhi
[C] Chennai
[D] Gandhinagar
Answer: New Delhi
The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has recently confirmed the presence of tigers in high-
altitude regions of Sikkim, Uttarakhand, West Bengal and Arunachal Pradesh in a study submitted to the
Union Ministry of Environment. The Ministry will use a study on the status of tiger habitats in high
altitude ecosystems to have a high altitude tiger master plan. The report provides the action strategy for
a high altitude tiger master plan with gainful portfolio for local communities and ensuring centrality of
tiger conservation in development, through an effective coordination mechanism, involving stakeholders
and line departments operating within the landscape. The study is led by the Global Tiger Forum (GTF)
with range country governments of Bhutan, India and Nepal. It is also supported by the Integrated Tiger
Habitat Conservation Programme (ITHPC) of the IUCN and KfW (German Development Bank). The GTF
is the only intergovernmental and international body established with members from willing countries to
embark on a global campaign to protect the Tiger. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi.
28. Which company has become the India’s first commercial vehicle maker to get BS-VI certification for
heavy duty trucks?
[A] Tata Motors
[B] Ashok Leyland

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 79


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

[C] Mahindra & Mahindra


[D] Swaraj Mazda
Answer: Ashok Leyland
Ashok Leyland has become the first Indian Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to meet the Bharat
Stage VI (BS-VI) emission norms across its full range of heavy-duty trucks with gross vehicle weight of
16.2 tonnes and above. The company has recently received certificates from Automotive Research
Association of India (ARAI) confirming compliance with BS-VI emission standard. ARAI is an autonomous
body affiliated to the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, which offers comprehensive
certification and homologation services for all kinds of vehicles. As per Supreme Court ruling, no BS-IV
vehicle will be sold across the country with effect from April 1, 2020. Instead, the BS-VI emission norm
will come into force across the country. Ashok Leyland is a flagship company of the Hinduja Group and is
the India’s 2nd largest commercial vehicle manufacturer.
29. Mount Leo Pargyil is the mountain peak of which state?
[A] Sikkim
[B] J&K
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Uttarkhand
Answer: Himachal Pradesh
The Indian Army team has successfully summited Mount Leo Pargyil (6773m) on 20thAug 2019 after an
extremely challenging climb in harsh weather. They hoisted the National Flag atop Mt Leo Pargyil. The
expedition was flagged in by Lieutenant General PM Bali on 31 Aug 2019 at Jhakri near Rampur Bushar.
Mt Leo Pargyil is the 3rd highest peak of Himachal Pradesh and is considered to be among the most
challenging and technically difficult peak to scale. It lies in the Zanskar range.
30. The Indo-US military training Exercise “Yudh Abhyas 2019” is being conducted in which city?
[A] Jhansi
[B] New York
[C] Ajmer
[D] Washington
Answer: Washington
The 15th edition of the joint military exercise “Yudh Abhyas 2019” is being conducted between India and
United States at Joint Base Lewis Mc Chord in Washington, USA from 05-18 September. It is one of the
largest joint running military training and defence corporation endeavors between India and USA. The
exercise will provide an opportunity to the armed forces of both countries to train in an integrated
manner at Battalion level with joint planning at Brigade level. Both armies will jointly train, plan and
execute a series of well developed operations for neutralization of threats of varied nature.
31. Bianca Andreescu, who has become 1st teen to reach US Open semi-finals in decade, is from which
country?
[A] Canada
[B] United States
[C] Germany
[D] Austria
Answer: Canada
The 19-year-old Canadian teen Bianca Andreescu has become the first teen to reach US Open semi-finals
in a decade since Caroline Wozniacki in 2009. To spot in the final, she defeated Belgium’s Elise Mertens
by 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. Andreescu could become the first teen to win a Grand Slam title since Maria Sharapova
captured the 2006 US Open and she would be the youngest US Open champion since Russia’s Svetlana
Kuznetsova in 2004.
32. Which prominent personality has been conferred the Vatican’s ‘Lamp of Peace of Saint Francis ‘ award?
[A] Narendra Modi
[B] Muhammad Yunus
[C] Sachin Tendulkar
[D] A R Rahman

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 80


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

Answer: Muhammad Yunus


Nobel Laureate from Bangladesh Professor Muhammad Yunus has been conferred the ‘Lamp of Peace of
Saint Francis ‘ award by the Vatican for his contribution towards establishing peace and harmony. The
ceremony was recently took place at the historical Papal Basilica of Assisi in Italy. The award is
recognition for distinguished work by an individual for promoting peace and dialogue among people. The
Lamp of Peace award was first given to the Polish trade union leader Lech Walesa in 1981. Dalai Lama,
Mikhail Gorbachev and Angela Merkel are a few other prominent persons who received this award
earlier.
33. The Mobile Science Exhibition (MSE) programme has been launched from which city?
[A] Ranchi
[B] New Delhi
[C] Shimla
[D] Leh
Answer: Leh
Union Tourism and Culture Minister, Prahlad Singh Patel has recently flagged off the first Mobile Science
Exhibition (MSE) at Leh Palace in Leh. For the first time, a national programme is being launched from
Leh. The aim of the programme is to popularize Science and Technology (S&T) among students as well as
the people. The MSE programme is specially designed in a bus so that it can reach the doorsteps of
people. The bus will travel from school to school in rural areas and organize exhibitions throughout the
year. Along with the exhibition, some other programmes like Sky Observation Programme through
telescope, science film show, Science Demonstration Lectures etc will also be organized. The programme
carries a number of interactive exhibits related to everyday science. Each specially designed bus contains
20 interactive exhibits. The Culture Ministry will launch 25 Mobile Science Exhibition buses across the
country.
34. The 2019 UNICEF South Asian Parliamentarian conference for Children was held in which city?
[A] Male
[B] Paris
[C] Colombo
[D] Geneva
Answer: Colombo
In Sri Lanka, the UNICEF South Asian Parliamentarian conference on Children Right’s Convention was
held in Colombo from 2nd to 3rd September 2019. The conference gave the parliamentarians the
opportunity to make fresh commitments to push the national agendas for the realization of child rights.
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified human rights treaty. But, during
the conference, the Pakistani delegates tried to raise the Kashmir issue which led to a sharp reaction from
the Indian side. The Indian delegation consists of Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi and BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal
spoke in unison to counter Pakistan’s claims.
35. Which state government has recently signed pact with Delaware State of America for sister state?
[A] Andhra Pradesh
[B] Jharkhand
[C] Maharashtra
[D] Gujarat
Answer: Gujarat
The Gujarat Government has recently signed the Sister State MoU with elaware State of America in
Gandhinagar. This is the first sister state MoU signed by Gujarat with any state of America. According to
official sources, cooperation in the field of services and investment opportunities in GIFT IFSC have also
been discussed during the meeting. The sectors like Biotechnology University, bio sciences, financial
services, animal husbandry and dairy, port services have been short listed for future cooperation.
36. Which company has recently bagged $300 mn contract from ICICI Bank to provide digital technology
led services?
[A] Reliance
[B] Wipro
[C] Infosys

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 81


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

[D] Tata
Answer: Wipro
The digital transformation and IT services major, Wipro Limited has bagged a strategic contract valued
at $300 million from the ICICI Bank to provide digital technology led services. Under the contract, Wipro
will offer a comprehensive suite of services to ICICI Bank for the next 7 years. Earlier, Mumbai-based IT
services firm Vara lnfotech was providing these services to the ICICI Bank. As part of this strategic deal,
Wipro will absorb about 3,800 employees of Vara lnfotech along with its existing contracts, facilities and
assets, on a going concern basis, through a business transfer agreement for an all cash consideration of
Rs 321 crore. This transaction is expected to be completed during the quarter ending September 30, 2019
and is subject to customary closing conditions.
37. Which is the world’s most liveable city, according to EIU’s Global Liveability Index 2019?
[A] Sydney
[B] Vienna
[C] Melbourne
[D] Paris
Answer: Vienna
The Global Liveability Index 2019 has been released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The index
assesses which locations around the world provide the best or the worst living conditions. Each factor in
a city is rated as acceptable, tolerable, uncomfortable, undesirable or intolerable. The 2019 index is topped
by Vienna (Austria), followed by Melbourne and Sydney. In India, New Delhi and Mumbai ranked 118th
and 119th out of 140 cities. While war-ravaged Damascus (Syria) ranked the world’s least liveable city,
followed by Lagos (Nigeria) and Dhaka (Bangladesh).
38. On which date, the 2019 edition of International Day of Charity is observed recently?
[A] September 5
[B] September 4
[C] September 3
[D] September 6
Answer: September 5
The International Day of Charity is observed every year on 5th of September to raise awareness and
provide a common platform for charity related activities all over the world for individuals, charitable,
philanthropic and volunteer organizations for their own purposes on the local, national, regional and
international level.
39. The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has tied up with which bank for DBT facility?
[A] PNB
[B] SBI
[C] BoB
[D] BoI
Answer: SBI
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has partnered with State Bank of India (SBI) for direct
transfer of benefits electronically into bank accounts of all stakeholders. As per pact, SBI will provide e-
payment services directly to bank accounts of all ESIC beneficiaries and payees without any manual
intervention as an integrated and automated process. The bank would provide e-payment integration
with the enterprise resource planning processes of ESIC through its cash management product e-
payment technology platform. The e-payment integration would effect statutory benefit payments to
ESIC beneficiaries as well as other payees on real time basis, reducing time lags and delays and at the
same time, help eliminate mistakes and errors caused by repetitive and manual data entries.
40. What is the India’s rank at the WEF’s World Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2019?
[A] 55th
[B] 34th
[C] 67th
[D] 25th
Answer: 34th

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 82


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

The World Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI) 2019 has been released by the World
Economic Forum (WEF). In it, India has moved up six places to rank 34th because of its rich natural and
cultural resources and strong price competitiveness. Spain topped the index, followed by France,
Germany, Japan and the United States. The index covered 140 economies & measures the set of factors
and policies that enable sustainable development of travel and tourism sector which contributes to the
development and competitiveness of a country.
41. Kiran Nagarkar, who passed away recently, was the renowned personality in which field?
[A] Politics
[B] Playwright
[C] Sports
[D] Science
Answer: Playwright
Kiran Nagarkar (77), the acclaimed English-Marathi novelist and playwright, has passed away in Mumbai,
Maharashtra on 5th September 2019. He was known for his works such as ”Saat Sakkam Trechalis”
(Seven Sixes Are Forty Three) (1974), ”Ravan and Eddie” (1994) and the epic English novel ”Cuckold” (1997).
He released his latest novel ”Jasoda” in November 2017.
42. Srihari Nataraj is associated to which sports?
[A] Boxing
[B] Swimming
[C] Judo
[D] Chess
Answer: Swimming
Srihari Nataraj from Bengaluru has won the best male swimmer award at the 73rd Glenmark National
senior aquatic championships at the Prakash Tarun Pushkar pool. He created a national record in the
men’s 100m backstroke. Meanwhile, Shivani Kataria from Haryana was adjudged as the best woman
swimmer. Karnataka won the overall championship and men’s team title. And, Maharashtra took the
women’s team trophy.
43. The 4th edition of Indian Ocean Conference (ICO-2019) was held in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Beijing
[C] Colombo
[D] Male
Answer: Male
The 4th edition of Indian Ocean Conference (ICO-2019) was held in Male from September 3-4. It was
organized by India Foundation, in association with the Government of Maldives and the S. Rajaratnam
School of International Studies (Singapore). The theme of the IOC 2019 is ‘Securing the Indian Ocean
Region: Traditional and Non-Traditional Challenges’.
44. Where is the headquarters of Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA)?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Pune
[C] New Delhi
[D] Chennai
Answer: New Delhi
In New Delhi, the national conference on ‘India-Africa Partnership in a Changing Global Order–Priorities,
Prospects and Challenges’ was organized by Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA). The ICWA is devoted
exclusively for the study of international relations and foreign affairs. It is also a member of the United
Nations Academic Impact, The Vice President of India is the ex-officio President of ICWA, while the
Minister of External Affairs is its Vice-President. It headquarters is located in National capital.
45. The 1st national conference on Cybercrime Investigation was held in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Lucknow

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 83


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

[C] Jaipur
[D] Bhopal
Answer: New Delhi
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently organized the first national conference on
Cybercrime Investigation and Forensics at its headquarters in New Delhi. The aim of the 2-day
conference was to create the platform and bring together investigators, lawyers, forensic experts and
academia to discuss challenges related to cybercrime and ways to find solutions. The conference covers
one of the mandates of CBI which is to investigate crimes with inter-state and international
ramifications.
46. Which IIT has been selected for the Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help Institute (SATHI)?
[A] IIT Kanpur
[B] IIT Kharagpur
[C] IIT Madras
[D] IIT Indore
Answer: IIT Kharagpur
After IIT Delhi, IIT Kharagpur has been selected for the “Sophisticated Analytical and Technical Help
Institute (SATHI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) of the Union government. The
SATHI Centre will run 24×7 round the year. At least 70% of instrument time will be reserved for external
users from other academic institutes, national laboratories, start-ups, entrepreneurs and the industry.
The institute will treat the SATHI Centre as its Social Scientific Responsibility (SSR) programme to
promote the culture of science-based entrepreneurship and start-ups in the country.
47. Who has become the youngest-ever captain in Test cricket history?
[A] Nayeem Hasan
[B] Taijul Islam
[C] Mominul Haque
[D] Rashid Khan
Answer: Rashid Khan
On 5th September, Afghanistani leg spinner Rashid Khan (20) has scripted history as he became the
youngest-ever Test captain after leading his team against Bangladesh in the one-off Test. Previously, the
record was held by former Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Tatenda Taibu. At the age of 19 years and 165 days,
Rashid Khan had also become the youngest player to captain an international side.
48. Who led Indian delegation at the 5th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF-2019)?
[A] Vijay Keshav Gokhale
[B] Narendra Modi
[C] Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
[D] Ram Nath Kovind
Answer: Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first Indian premier to visit the Far East Russia in
Vladivostok. He attended the 20th India-Russia annual summit with President Putin and announced $1
billion loan for the development of Far East region. Mr. Modi also attended 5th Eastern Economic Forum
(EEF). The forum focuses on development of business and investment opportunities in the Russian Far
East Region, and presents enormous potential for developing close and mutually beneficial cooperation
between India and Russia in the region.
49. What is the India’s position in terms of total gold reserve, according to the World Gold Council (WGC)?
[A] 7th
[B] 6th
[C] 9th
[D] 10th
Answer: 10th
According to the latest report by World Gold Council (WGC), United States leads the country list with
total gold reserves of 8,133.5 tonnes followed by Germany (3,366.8 tonnes), InternationalMonetary Fund
(IMF) (2,451.8 tonnes),Italy (2,451.8 tonnes) and France (2,436.1 tonnes). India is at the 10th spot with 618.2
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 84
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

tonnes. Interestingly, in terms of individualcountries, India actually ranks 9th since the IMF occupies the
third positionafter the U.S. and Germany.
50. Who is the head of the RBI task force which calls for participation of non-banks to develop secondary
market for corporate loans?
[A] B P Kanungo
[B] TN Manoharan
[C] M K Jain
[D] N S Vishwanathan
Answer: TN Manoharan
The 6-member RBI task force, headed by Canara Bank Chairman TN Manoharan, has recommended the
setting up a Self-Regulatory Body (SRB) of market participants to finalize details for the secondary
market for corporate loans, including the standardization of documents. It has also called for amending
regulations of SEBI, IRDA and PFRDA to enable participation of non-banking entities such as mutual
funds, insurance companies, and pension funds. It has also called for setting up a Central Loan Contract
Registry (CLCR), as well as an online loan sales platform to conduct auctions and sale of such loans.
51. Freedom fighter Heeralal Sharma, who passed away recently, was from which district of Rajasthan?
[A] Bikaner
[B] Udaipur
[C] Jaipur
[D] Kota
Answer: Bikaner
Freedom fighter Heeralal Sharma has passed away at the age of 95 in Bikaner, Rajasthan. He took active
part in freedom struggle and was also jailed for two years.
52. The 28th cycle of Indo-Thai CORPAT has started in which city?
[A] Kochi
[B] Kolkata
[C] Bangkok
[D] Chennai
Answer: Bangkok
The 28th cycle of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) between the navies of the two
countries has started in Bangkok, Thailand from September 5 to 15 to increase bilateral ties and
maritime cooperation. The objectives of the Indo-Thai CORPAT are to ensure effective implementation of
United Nations Conventions on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS).
53. Abdul Qadir, who passed away recently, was the renowned leg-spinner of which country?
[A] India
[B] Pakistan
[C] Bangladesh
[D] South Africa
Answer: Pakistan
Abdul Qadir Khan (63), Pakistan’s master leg-spinner, has passed away in Lahore on 7th September 2019.
He played in 67 Tests and 104 ODIs had a total 368 wickets in his international career. Cricket pundits
and writers believe that his biggest achievement was to keep the art of wrist spin alive during the eras of
the 70s and 80s when fast bowlers dominated world cricket.
54. Who is the head of the task force to draw project pipeline for infrastructure?
[A] Shobhana K. Pattanayak
[B] Arun Goyal
[C] Rajiv Kumar
[D] Trilochan Mohapatra
Answer: Rajiv Kumar
The Union government has constituted a task force for drawing up National Infrastructure Pipeline of Rs

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 85


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

100 lakh crore from the fiscal year 2019-20 to 2024-25. The Task Force headed by Rajiv Kumar (Economic
Affairs Secretary) will identify technically feasible and economically viable infrastructure projects that
can be initiated in the current fiscal. The National Infrastructure Pipeline would include greenfield and
brownfield projects costing above 100 crore rupees. It also enables robust marketing of the pipeline of
projects requiring private investment through the India Investment Grid and National Investment &
Infrastructure Fund.
55. Which country has been declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1)?
[A] Nepal
[B] India
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Bangladesh
Answer: India
India has been declared free from Avian Influenza (H5N1) by the OIE-World Organisation for Animal
Health. The status will last only till another outbreak is reported. H5N1 is a highly contagious viral
disease that particularly affects domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys and ducks. The virus can also
infect humans causing death in some cases.
56. Which member-countries of the WHO South-East Asia region have successfully controlled Hepatitis B?
[A] India, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka
[B] Bangladesh, Indonesia, Vietnam and Myanmar
[C] India, Nepal, Myanmar and Thailand
[D] Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand
Answer: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand have recently become the first four countries in the World
Health Organization (WHO)’s South-East Asia region to have successfully controlled Hepatitis B. The
virus is said to be controlled when the disease occurrenceis reduced to less than 1% among children less
than 5 years of age. Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and
chronic disease.
57. Which Indian organisation has released a report titled ‘Mid-Monsoon 2019 Lightning’?
[A] ISRO
[B] IMD
[C] SEBI
[D] RBI
Answer: IMD
The report titled ‘Mid-Monsoon 2019 Lightning’ has been prepared by Climate Resilient Observing
Systems Promotion Council (CROSPC), a research body of the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
It’s a first-of-its-kind report on lightning incidents in India. As per report, in the 4-month period between
April and July, Odisha recorded the highest number of lightning strikes in the country, followed by
Maharashtra with 6.26 lakh strikes and Karnataka with 6.21 lakh. The lightning strikes have caused at
least 1,311 deaths. UP recorded the highest casualties with 224 deaths, followed by Bihar (170), Odisha
(129) and Jharkhand (118).
58. The POSHAN Maah 2019 has been started with which mass media campaign?
[A] POSHAN Abhiyaan
[B] Swachh Bharat Mission
[C] Ayushman Bharat
[D] Eat Right India
Answer: Eat Right India
Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has kick-started POSHAN Maah (nutrition month) 2019 with a
year-long social and mass media campaign on the Eat Right India movement. This movement is aligned
with the government’s flagship public health programmes such as POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anemia Mukt
Bharat, Ayushman Bharat Yojana and Swachh Bharat Mission. Dr. Vardhan also launched the new Eat
Right India logo that represents a healthy plate, an online eat right quiz and online course for frontline
health.
59. The WHO South-East Asia Region has set target of which year to eliminate measles & rubella?
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 86
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

[A] 2022
[B] 2023
[C] 2024
[D] 2025
Answer: 2023
The member-countries of the World Health Organisation (WHO) South-East Asia Region have resolved to
eliminate highly infectious childhood killer diseases measles and rubella by 2023. The resolution was
adopted at the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for South-East Asia in New Delhi. Till date,
5 countries have eliminated measles – Bhutan, DPR Korea, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste. Six
countries have controlled rubella – Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste.
Measles is dangerous for the poor, as it attacks malnourished children and those with reduced immunity.
It can cause serious complications, including blindness, encephalitis, severe diarrhoea, ear infection and
pneumonia, while rubella/ Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS) causes irreversible birth defects.
60. Which EU country has decided to phase out the controversial weedkiller glyphosate by 2023?
[A] Germany
[B] Poland
[C] France
[D] Britain
Answer: Germany
Germany has decided to phase out the controversial weedkiller glyphosate by the end of 2023 to protect
insect populations that play a pivotal role in ecosystems and pollination of food crops. The chemical is
also suspected to cause cancer in humans. The ban is a major blow to German agrochemical
manufacturer Bayer CropScience. Glyphosate is popular in India too where farmers use the chemical as
an alternative to expensive manual weeding. Earlier, Austria became the first EU member to ban
glyphosate use in July 2019.
61. The International conference ‘ANGAN’ has been organized in which city?
[A] Berlin
[B] Geneva
[C] Paris
[D] New Delhi
Answer: New Delhi
On 9th September 2019, a 3-day long International conference ANGAN for Energy Efficiency in Building
Sector is being organized by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in New Delhi. Indo-German Technical Co-
operation is also partnering in the event. Experts and policy makers from 16 countries are participating
in this event to discuss various alternative options and technologies in the field of design and
construction of energy efficient commercial as well as residential buildings. The event will provide a
platform to deliberate on interdependence between organizations, systems sustainability and feedback
loops for better resource efficiency.
62. Who won the 2019 edition of men’s singles US Open Tennis title?
[A] Novak Djokovic
[B] Roger Federer
[C] Rafael Nadal
[D] Daniil Medvedev
Answer: Rafael Nadal
Spain’s Rafael Nadal has won the 2019 edition of men’s singles US Open Tennis title by defeating Daniil
Medvedev in a five-set epic with a thrilling 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4. This is his 4th US Open title and 19th
Grand Slam trophy. He moved one shy of Roger Federer’s all-time men’s record 20 Grand Slam triumphs
and became the 2nd-oldest New York champion in the Open era after Ken Rosewall in 1970 at age 35.
63. What is the theme of the 24th World Energy Congress (WEC-2019)?
[A] Securing Tomorrow’s Energy Today
[B] Energy Transition Towards 2030
[C] Energy for Prosperity

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 87


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

[D] Embracing New Frontiers


Answer: Energy for Prosperity
The 24th World Energy Congress (WEC-2019) has started in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Sheikh
Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim of the WEC is to
bring together international energy stakeholders, including governments, private and state corporations,
academia and media. The theme of this Congress is ‘Energy for Prosperity’, which also represents the
ambitious and dynamic energy transition of the country.
64. Asia’s first 5th Generation – VR based Advanced Driver Training simulator centre launched at which
city?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Chennai
[C] Dehradun
[D] Bhopal
Answer: Chennai
Asia’s first 5th Generation – Virtual Reality based Advanced Driver Training Simulator Centre was
launched at the Automobile Association of Southern India Centre (AASI), Chennai. In the first 6 months,
AASI will train 200 Ambulance drivers free of cost, under ‘Safe Drivers Campaign’. In the first 6 months,
AASI will train 200 Ambulance drivers free of cost under ‘Safe Drivers Campaign’. The simulator was
ideated, designed and developed by Chennai based Red Chariots Technologies Pvt Ltd.
65. UNESCO has tied up with which Indian state to promote its Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)?
[A] Rajasthan
[B] Madhya Pradesh
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Punjab
Answer: Rajasthan
The UNESCO has tied up with the Rajasthan government to promote community-based responsible
tourism based on the rich Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of the state. The project will be implemented
in the districts of Jodhpur, Barmer, Jaisalmer and Bikaner and seeks to spur the socio-economic growth
of selected artist communities. It will focus on intangible cultural heritage traditions such as pottery,
weaving and other crafts, as well as music traditions, in order to create community-led and community-
benefitting tourism opportunities.
66. The team of which telescope has won the 2020 ‘Oscars of Science’?
[A] Extremely Large Telescope
[B] Giant Magellan Telescope
[C] Thirty Meter Telescope
[D] Event Horizon Telescope
Answer: Event Horizon Telescope
The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) team of 347 scientists has won the 2020 ‘Breakthrough Prize in
Fundamental Physics’ for the first image of a super-massive black hole. The $3 million prize is also known
as the ‘Oscars of Science’. The team produced the world’s first-ever image of a black hole circled by a
flame-orange halo of white-hot plasma on the Messier 87 (M87) galaxy on 10th April 2019. EHT is a large
telescope array consisting of a global network of radio telescopes.
67. Which country is hosting the multi-nation Exercise TSENTR 2019?
[A] India
[B] Russia
[C] China
[D] Uzbekistan
Answer: Russia
Indian Army is participating in the multi-nation war games Exercise TSENTR 2019 along with armies of
China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The exercise is being conducted by
Central Military Commission of Russia between September 9 to 23 at Donguz training ranges in
Orenburg. The 2019 exercise consists of two modules. The first module includes counter- terror

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 88


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

operations, repelling air strikes, reconnaissance operations and defensive measures, while the second
focus on offensive operations.
68. What is the 2019 theme of International Literacy Day (ILD)?
[A] Literacy in a digital world
[B] Reading the Past, Writing the Future
[C] Literacy and Multilingualism
[D] Literacy and skills development
Answer: Literacy and Multilingualism
The International Literacy Day (ILD) is celebrated every year on 8th of September to raise awareness and
remind people of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. The 2019 theme is
‘Literacy and Multilingualism’.
69. Which state government has decided to set up a Time Bank?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Rajasthan
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Madhya Pradesh
The Happiness Department of Madhya Pradesh government has decided to set up a Time Bank that
would lend currency to an hour, which could be exchanged to learn a new skill without the need for any
paper money. It’s a reciprocal service exchange which uses units of time as currency. Under the scheme,
people who have the time can also volunteer help needy people. The time banks will enable person-to-
person, person-to-agency and agency-to-agency transactions. The first Time Bank was set up in Japan in
1973.
70. Who won the 2019 edition of women’s singles US Open Tennis title?
[A] Bianca Andreescu
[B] Caroline Wozniacki
[C] Simona Halep
[D] Naomi Osaka
Answer: Bianca Andreescu
Bianca Andreescu has won the 2019 edition of women’s singles US Open Tennis title by defeating Serena
Williams in the final by 6-3, 7-5. With this, she became the first Canadian to win a Grand Slam singles
title.
71. India’s first-ever helicopter summit was recently held in which city?
[A] Patna
[B] Lucknow
[C] New Delhi
[D] Dehradun
Answer: Dehradun
India’s first-ever helicopter summit is organized by Union Ministry of Civil Aviation at Sahastradhara
helidrome in Dehradun, Uttarakhand on theme of expanding connectivity through helicopters. The
Indian Air Force (IAF) was invited at the summit to talk on the role of IAF helicopters in MEDEVAC
(Medical evacuation) at the national level.
72. The UNCCD COP 14 is taking place in which city?
[A] Colombo
[B] Paris
[C] New Delhi
[D] Geneva
Answer: New Delhi
The 14th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification (UNCCD COP 14) is taking place in New Delhi from 2 to 13 September 2019. The agenda of
the conference is to reverse degradation of land and fix critical gaps in its management. According to
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 89
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

researchers at the UN conference, the Indian Cheetah, pink-headed duck, and the Great Indian Bustard
have become extinct due to desertification.
73. Veeru Krishnan, who passed away recently, was the renowned Indian classical dancer of which form?
[A] Mohiniyattam
[B] Kathak
[C] Kathakali
[D] Bharatanatyam
Answer: Kathak
Veeru Krishnan, Bollywood actor and renowned Kathak dancer , has passed away in Mumbai on 7th
September 2019. He is best remembered for his roles in films like Raja Hindustani, Dulhe Raja and Akele
Hum Akele Tum among others.
74. Who is the head of the committee to oversee bifurcation of J&K?
[A] Sanjay Mitra
[B] Giriraj Prasad Gupta
[C] Arun Goyal
[D] K L Mishra
Answer: Sanjay Mitra
The Union Government has constituted a 3-member committee to look into distribution of assets and
liabilities of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) between Union territories of J&K and Ladakh, which will officially
come into existence on October 31. The committee will be chaired by former defence secretary Sanjay
Mitra.
75. India is the co-host along with which country at the 8th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable
(AMER8)?
[A] Israel
[B] Vietnam
[C] UAE
[D] Malaysia
Answer: UAE
India is the co-host along with UAE at the 8th Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable (AMER8) in Abu
Dhabi. Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is participating in the 3-day conference
which will debate energy security in the age of change with a view to empower responsible growth in
Asia and the world.
76. The 25th Senior Women’s National Football Championship has kicked off from which state?
[A] Telangana
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Jharkhand
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh
The 25th edition of the Hero Senior Women’s National Football Championship has started at Pasighat in
Arunachal Pradesh on 10th September 2019. Overall 30 teams from across India is participating the 15-
day event. Teams have been divided into 8 groups.
77. What is the theme of the 2019 edition of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD)?
[A] Take a Minute, Change a Life
[B] Working Together to Prevent Suicide
[C] Connect, Communicate, Care
[D] Light a candle near a Window
Answer: Working Together to Prevent Suicide
The World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is observed every year on 10th of September to provide
worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. The 2019 theme is “Working Together to Prevent
Suicide”.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 90


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

78. Which team has clinched the 2019 Duleep Trophy title?
[A] India Blue
[B] India Green
[C] India Red
[D] India Yellow
Answer: India Red
India Red has clinched the 58th season of the Duleep Trophy tournament by defeating India Green by an
innings and 38 runs in the final at Bengaluru. Abhimanyu Easwaran, who made a brilliant 153 for India
Red, was adjudged the player of the match.
79. The Indo-Lanka Maritime Fleet Exercise – SLINEX 2019 has started in which city?
[A] Chennai
[B] Kolkata
[C] Visakhapatnam
[D] Pune
Answer: Visakhapatnam
The 7th edition of bilateral Maritime Exercise ‘SLINEX 2019’ between Indian & Sri Lankan Navies has
recently started in the Bay of Bengal off the Vizag port (Visakhapatnam) in Andhra Pradesh. The aim of
the exercise is to enhance co-operation and to further strengthen mutual trust and interoperability
between the two Navies.
80. The first conference on military medicine for SCO member-states is being held in which city?
[A] New Delhi
[B] Beijing
[C] Moscow
[D] Tashkent
Answer: New Delhi
The first conference on military medicine for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states is
scheduled to be held in New Delhi from September 12 to 13, 2019. The aim of the conference is to share
best practices in the field of military medicine, build capacities and overcome common challenges.
81. Indian Railways has launched its first-ever ‘fun zone’ for kids in which railway station?
[A] Hazrat Nizamuddin
[B] Bhopal
[C] Visakhapatnam
[D] Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus
Answer: Visakhapatnam
Indian Railways has launched its first-of-its-kind ‘fun zone’ for kids at the Visakhapatnam railway station
in Andhra Pradesh. The games ranging from video shooting to other indoor games aim to keep children
engaged during long waiting hours at platforms. The fun zone will have all the high-tech gaming
activities at par with game parlours. It is an innovative initiative by the Waltair division of East Coast
Railway (ECoR) under non-fare revenue entertaining waiting passengers/kids.
82. Who has become the first bowler to take 100 wickets in Twenty20 International cricket?
[A] Lasith Malinga
[B] Mohammed Shami
[C] Cameron Bancroft
[D] Jasprit Bumrah
Answer: Lasith Malinga
On 9th September 2019, Lasith Malinga from Sri Lanka became the first bowler to claim 100 wickets in
Twenty20 International cricket as he struck 4 times with four balls in the third match against New
Zealand. He surpassed Pakistan spinner Shahid Afridi’s tally of 97 scalps to become the leading T20I
wicket-taker. Malinga is known for bowling yorkers with his slinging action.
83. Gaurvi Singhvi, who became the world’s youngest open water swimmer to cross the English Channel,

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 91


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

is from which district of Rajasthan?


[A] Bikaner
[B] Hanumangarh
[C] Udaipur
[D] Jaipur
Answer: Udaipur
Gaurvi Singhvi (16) from Udaipur has made India proud by becoming the world’s youngest open water
swimmer to cross the English Channel in 13 hours and 26 minutes in August 2019. The Channel is a water
body that separates southern England from northern France and links southern part of North Sea to the
Atlantic Ocean.
84. Who is the newly appointed chairman of Press Trust of India (PTI)?
[A] K N Shanth Kumar
[B] Mahendra Mohan Gupta
[C] Vijay Kumar Chopra
[D] Aveek Kumar Sarkar
Answer: Vijay Kumar Chopra
The Chief Editor of the Punjab Kesari Group, Vijay Kumar Chopra has been appointed the chairman of
Press Trust of India (PTI). Chopra succeeded N Ravi, Publisher and former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu.
PTI is the largest news agency in India & is headquartered in New Delhi.
85. Which noted writer has been chosen for the 40th Sarala Puraskar?
[A] Haraprasad Das
[B] Radha Mohan Gadanayak
[C] Manasi Pradhan
[D] Pradeep Dash
Answer: Pradeep Dash
Renowned Odia writer Dr Pradeep Dash will be conferred with the prestigious ‘Sarala Puraskar” for his
poetry work ‘Charu Chibar O Charjya’ on October 26. The award is recognized as the foremost literary
award of Odisha & is instituted by Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), which is a charitable
wing of IMFA Ltd. The IMFA Ltd. is the leading and the only fully integrated producer of Ferro alloys in
India.
86. Which Indian personality has been chosen for the 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Hall Of Fame?
[A] Shyam Saran
[B] Deepak Nayyar
[C] Pawan Munjal
[D] Praveen Someshwar
Answer: Pawan Munjal
Dr. Pawan Munjal, CMD of Hero MotoCorp, will be inducted into the 2019 Asia Pacific Golf Hall Of Fame
on 6th November 2019. With this, He will join legendary golfers such as Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and
more on this list. Besides his two-wheeler business, Dr. Munjal is one of the biggest promoters of golf,
football, field hockey and cricket not only in India but around the globe as well.
87. The 22nd edition of UN Committee on CRPD was held at which city?
[A] Geneva
[B] Paris
[C] New York
[D] Berlin
Answer: Geneva
The 22nd edition of United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) was
held at UNHRC in Geneva from 2nd & 3rd September 2019. In this session, UN Committee on CRPD took
up India’s First Country Report on ‘Status of Disability in India’ for consideration. An Indian delegation
was headed by Mrs. Shakuntala D. Gamlin (Secretary of DEPwD). She highlighted various initiatives taken
by the Government in the recent past for inclusion and empowerment of PwDs in line with the
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 92
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

obligations under UNCRPD. India ratified this Convention on 1st October 20117 in pursuance of Article 35
of the Convention.
88. The National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP) has been launched from which city?
[A] Chennai
[B] Mathura
[C] Gandhinagar
[D] New Delhi
Answer: Mathura
The Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently launched the National Animal Disease Control
Programme (NADCP) for eradicating the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Brucellosis in the livestock
from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh. The aim of the programme is to vaccinate over 500 Million Livestock
including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats and pigs against the disease. It will be implemented for a period of
five years till 2024 at a cost of around Rs 13000 crore. Beside this, Mr. Modi also launched Swachhta Hi
Seva’ Programme 2019 and National Artificial Insemination Programme.
89. Who has been appointed the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
[A] J F Pochkhanawalla
[B] Riyad Mathew
[C] Pramod Kumar Mishra
[D] Veerendra Kumar
Answer: Pramod Kumar Mishra
Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, a Gujarat cadre IAS officer belonging to the 1972 batch, has been appointed as
the new Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi with effect from September 11. He
succeeded Nripendra Misra. Prior to this appointment, he was the additional Principal Secretary to the
Prime Minister and was holding the rank of a Cabinet minister.
90. Which state government has decided to set up India’s first International Women’s Trade Centre
(iWTC)?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Kerala
[D] Odisha
Answer: Kerala
The Kerala government has decided to set up India’s first international women’s trade centre (iWTC) in
Kozhikode to accelerate women entrepreneurship and secure gender parity. It is in consonance with the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first phase of iWTC is being executed under
the Gender Park’s “Vision 2020”. It is scheduled to be completed by 2021.
91. Scientists have used which telescope to discover water vapor in the atmosphere of a super-Earth
“K2-18b”?
[A] Extremely Large Telescope
[B] Hubble Space Telescope
[C] Astrosat
[D] Spektr-RG
Answer: Hubble Space Telescope
For the first time, the astronomers at the University College London have discovered water vapour in the
atmosphere of an Earth-size planet called K2-18b. They used data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.
The exoplanet “K2-18b” is 8-times the mass of Earth and known as a super-Earth. It orbits a red dwarf
star 110 light-years away from Earth in the Leo constellation. The planet was first discovered in 2015 by
NASA’s Kepler spacecraft. An exoplanet refers to a planet beyond our solar system.
92. Which Indian diplomat has been bestowed the UAE’s First Class Order of Zayed II award?
[A] Raveesh Kumar
[B] Navdeep Singh Suri
[C] Rahi Masoom Raza

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 93


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

[D] Syed Akbaruddin


Answer: Navdeep Singh Suri
UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has bestowed the First Class Order of Zayed II award
on Indian Ambassador Navdeep Singh Suri. The award is given in recognition of his contribution to the
development and strengthening of friendly relations and co-operation between the two countries. It is a
rare honour given to any diplomat.
93. Amit Sharma, who has created history by making world’s biggest static website – Cheapflightsall.com,
is from which city?
[A] Pune
[B] Delhi
[C] Bengaluru
[D] Ranchi
Answer: Delhi
Amit Sharma, a Delhi resident, and owner of Cheapflightsall.com, has created history by making world’s
biggest static website – Cheapflightsall.com. With this feat, he registered his name in 6 different records
viz. Limca Book of Records 2019, International Book of Records 2018, World Book of Records 2019, Indian
Achiever Book of Records 2019, India Book of Records 2019 and Asia Book of Records 2019.
94. Rajasekar, who passed away recently, was the veteran actor-director of which regional cinema?
[A] Telugu
[B] Kannada
[C] Tamil
[D] Malayalam
Answer: Tamil
Rajasekar (61), the veteran Tamil actor, cinematographer and director, has passed away in Chennai, Tamil
Nadu on 8th September 2019. He also acted in a number of successful television serials and he became
popular for his role in the popular daily – Saravanan Meenatchi.
95. India’s 2nd riverine Multi-Modal terminal (MMT) in built on which river?
[A] Ganga
[B] Yamuna
[C] Brahmaputra
[D] Godavari
Answer: Ganga
India’s 2nd riverine Multi-Modal terminal (MMT) has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra
Modi at Sahibganj in Jharkhand on 12th September 2019. It is constructed by Inland Waterways
Authority of India (IWAI) on river Ganga under Jal Marg Vikas Project at a cost of Rs 290 crore in a record
time of about 2 years. The terminal at Sahibganj will open up industries of Jharkhand and Bihar to the
global market and provide Indo-Nepal cargo connectivity through waterways route. India’s first MMT
was built at Varanasi.
96. Who is the author of the book ‘Savarkar: Echoes from a forgotten past’?
[A] Romila Thapar
[B] Vikram Sampath
[C] Irfan Habib
[D] Ramachandra Guha
Answer: Vikram Sampath
The book ‘Savarkar: Echoes from a forgotten past 1883-1924’ has been authored by Bengaluru-based
historian Vikram Sampath. It describes the life of freedom fighter and Philosopher Vinayak Damodar
Savarkar (Veer Savarkar) from his birth in 1883 to his conditional release to Ratnagiri in 1924.
97. NITI Aayog has selected which company to set up India’s first Digital Capability Centre (DCC)?
[A] Google
[B] Microsoft

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 94


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

[C] Reliance
[D] McKinsey
Answer: McKinsey
The National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) has selected McKinsey & Company to set
up India’s first Digital Capability Centre (DCC), which will showcase advanced technologies and provide a
test bed for emerging innovations. McKinsey supports five such digital capability centres across the
globe – Aachen, Chicago, Singapore, Venice, and Beijing. DCC is a unique digital manufacturing learning
centre offering company leaders and their workforces hands-on experience and workshops in next
generation technology to help them advance their operations, design and productivity and can be used at
all levels of the value chain.
98. Which country has become first in Asia to roll out plain cigarette packaging?
[A] Thailand
[B] Indonesia
[C] India
[D] Singapore
Answer: Thailand
Thailand has become first country in Asia to roll out plain cigarette packaging. Here, the health impact is
huge and smoking-related illnesses are a leading cause of death. The standardized packaging includes a
graphic picture of tobacco’s effects on the body and the logo-free brand name written in plain font. In
2012, Australia became the first country in the world to introduce plain packaging.
99. Ronaldo Laitonjam is associated to which sports?
[A] Hockey
[B] Boxing
[C] Football
[D] Cycling
Answer: Cycling
In Cycling, Ronaldo Laitonjam from India has won his 4th gold medal at the 2019 Track Asia Cup
competition at the Indira Gandhi indoor stadium in New Delhi. He also created a new Asian record by
clocking 10.065 seconds in the qualifying round of the men’s junior 200m time trial event in the
tournament. Previously, the record was held by China’s Liu Qi. Overall, India topped the medals tally with
10 gold, 8 silver and 7 bronze.
100. Gurugram Police has tied up with which tech giant for traffic updates?
[A] Microsoft
[B] Facebook
[C] Google
[D] Infosys
Answer: Google
The Gurugram traffic police have tied up with Google maps for dissemination of traffic related
information such as planned road closures, diversions, traffic alerts regarding road crash etc. in real time
for public use. The basic idea behind this arrangement is to prompt commuters to make intelligent
choices in order to make their commuting experience hassle-free.
101. Which State government has launched Mukhyamantri Vyapari Samuhik Niji Durghatna Beema
Yojana?
[A] Himchal Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Haryana
Answer: Haryana
The Haryana government has recently launched two insurance schemes – Mukhyamantri Vyapari
Samuhik Niji Durghatna Beema Yojana (MVSNDBY) and Mukhyamantri Vyapari Kshatipurti Beema
Yojana (MVKBY) – for registered small and medium traders. An insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh would be
provided under the Durghatna Yojana and from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 25 lakh under the other scheme. The
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 95
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

premium of 38 crore people of both the schemes would be paid by the State government. Traders
registered under the Haryana Goods and Service Tax (HGST) Act, 2017 would be covered under these
schemes.
102. The National Conference on “Criminal Activities and Radicalization in Jails” was organized by which
organisation?
[A] BSF
[B] CISF
[C] BPR&D
[D] CRPF
Answer: BPR&D
The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has recently organized the National
Conference on “Criminal Activities and Radicalization in Jails : Vulnerability of Inmates and Jail Staff and
their Protection” in New Delhi. The aim of the 2-day Conference is to provide a platform for the prison
personnel of all ranks at the national level to share their candid views on various operational as well as
administrative issues.
103. Which country has inaugurated Southeast Asia’s largest solar power farm?
[A] Thailand
[B] Vietnam
[C] Myanmar
[D] Indonesia
Answer: Vietnam
Vietnam has recently inaugurated Southeast Asia’s largest solar power farm which has the capacity to
produce 688 million kWh of electricity annually. The Dau Tieng Solar Power Complex is constructed on
the Dau Tieng Reservoir – the largest artificial lake in Vietnam – and is expected to generate 10% of the
country’s solar energy to guarantee supply to 320,000 homes.
104. Indo-Thailand joint military exercise Maitree 2019 is being conducted in which state?
[A] Meghalaya
[B] Chhattisgarh
[C] Nagaland
[D] Mizoram
Answer: Meghalaya
The joint Military Exercise Maitree-2019 between India and Thailand is being conducted at Foreign
Training Node, Umroi (Meghalaya) from 16-29 Sep 2019. Its aim is to share experience gained during
various counter terrorism operations in their respective countries.
105. Where is the headquarters of the Global Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) Research and Development
(R&D) Hub?
[A] Poland
[B] Germany
[C] Austria
[D] France
Answer: Germany
India has recently become a member of the Global Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) Research and
Development (R&D) Hub. The hub was launched during the 71st session of the World Health Assembly in
2018 & is headquartered in Germany. It is aimed at helping countries decide the allocation of resources
for R&D on AMR by identifying gaps and overlaps. AMR is a cause of worry in developing nations like
India, where the burden of infectious disease is high and healthcare spending is low.
106. Megan Schutt, who became the first woman to claim two hat-tricks in international cricket, is from
which country?
[A] Australia
[B] West Indies
[C] South Africa
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 96
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

[D] New Zealand


Answer: Australia
Australian fast bowler Megan Schutt has scripted history by becoming the first woman to claim two hat-
tricks in international cricket. Schutt also became the only woman cricketer from Australia to claim a
hat-trick in One Day Internationals (ODIs) in the third ODI against West Indies in Antigua on September
12, 2019. She had claimed her first hat-trick in a T20I against India in 2018.
107. Which union ministry has launched the Curriculum for Life Skills (Jeevan Kaushal)?
[A] Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
[B] Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[C] Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
[D] Ministry of Human Resource Development
Answer: Ministry of Human Resource Development
Union Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Sanjay Dhotre has recently launched the
Curriculum for Life Skills (Jeevan Kaushal) designed by University Grants Commission (UGC) in New
Delhi. The curriculum cover the set of human talents acquired by an individual via classroom learning or
life experience that can help them to deal with problems encountered in day to day life. This includes the
core skills each individual must possess internally as well as externally for the betterment of self and the
society as a whole.
108. The Drought Toolbox has officially released in which UNCCD event?
[A] COP15
[B] COP16
[C] COP17
[D] COP14
Answer: COP14
The 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has
officially released the Drought Toolbox, which is a one-stop shop for all actions on drought. The toolbox
can be used by countries to assess drought risks in their regions much in advance, and prepare to deal
with the water scarcity. It uses 30 parameters such as soil moisture, rainfall data and temperature data of
the present and past. The drought –forecasting toolbox can accurately evaluate the vulnerability of
different geographic regions to drought.
109. Which Indian police officer has been chosen for the 2019 Asia Society Game Changer award?
[A] R. Sreelakha
[B] Sanjukta Parashar
[C] Roopa Divakar Moudgil
[D] Chhaya Sharma
Answer: Chhaya Sharma
IPS officer Chhaya Sharma, who led the investigation into the brutal 2012 Nirbhaya gangrape, has been
chosen for the 2019 Asia Society Game Changers award along with six others for redefining the role of
female police officers. The award identifies and honours true leaders who are making a positive
contribution to the future of Asia. This is the first time that all the awardees are women since the awards
were launched in 2014.
110. Who has become the first Indian woman athlete to be recommended for Padma Vibhushan?
[A] P V Sindhu
[B] Sakshi Malik
[C] Dipa Karmakar
[D] Mary Kom
Answer: Mary Kom
MC Mary Kom from Manipur has become the first Indian woman athlete to be recommended for Padma
Vibhushan by the Sports Ministry. She is the only woman to become World Amateur Boxing champion
for a record six times, and the only woman boxer to have won a medal in each one of the seven world
championships. If recommendations are accepted, Mary Kom will become the 4th sports personality to
receive the Padma Vibhushan after chess great Vishwanathan Anand, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 97


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

and mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary. Mary Kom won the Padma Bhushan in 2013 and Padma Shri in
2006.
111. Which state government has launched Mukhyamantri Dal Poshit Yojana?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Punjab
[C] Nagaland
[D] Manipur
Answer: Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand government has recently launched Mukhyamantri Dal Poshit Yojana (MDPY) to
provide low-priced pulses for poor in the State. As per scheme, two kg of pulses at subsidised rates would
be made available to 23.32 lakh ration card holders every month. The Chana dal (chick peas split) is being
made available at a rate of Rs 44 per kg / month. The current market rate of this pulse is Rs 65 to 70 per
kg.
112. On which date, the National Hindi Divas (NHD) is celebrated in India?
[A] September 16
[B] September 13
[C] September 14
[D] September 15
Answer: September 14
The National Hindi Divas (NHD) is celebrated every year on 14th of September in India. On this day, in
1949, the Constituent Assembly of India had adopted Hindi written in Devanagari as the official language
of the country. The Rajbhasha Hindi is spoken by around 40% people across the country & is the single
largest spoken language among the 22 languages in the 6th schedule of the constitution.
113. Which Indian athlete has become the brand ambassador of PepsiCo’s sports drink brand Gatorade?
[A] Bajrang Punia
[B] Vinesh Phogat
[C] Hima Das
[D] Saurabh Chaudhary
Answer: Hima Das
Indian ace sprinter Hima Das from Assam has been named as the brand ambassador of PepsiCo India for
its sports drink brand Gatorade. With this feat, she joined ace badminton player PV Sindhu and star
javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra as the brand’s ambassador in the country. Gatorade India will work with
Hima Das during the period of partnership to understand her training and race-day nutrition better.
114. The 2020 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be held in which country?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] South Africa
[C] West Indies
[D] India
Answer: India
The 7th edition of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2020 will be hosted by India from 2nd to 21st November
2020. The host cities for the tournament are yet to be approved with FIFA. Spain are the defending
champions. India had previously hosted the men’s U-17 World Cup in 2017.
115. Who is the author of the book “Fortune Turners: The Quartet That Spun India To Glory”?
[A] Dicky Rutnagur
[B] Boria Majumdar
[C] Aditya Bhushan
[D] N S Ramaswami
Answer: Aditya Bhushan
The book titled “Fortune Turners: The Quartet That Spun India To Glory” has been authored by Aditya
Bhushan and Sachin Bajaj. It is an ode to the famous Indian spin quartet of Bishan Singh Bedi, Erapalli
Prasanna, Bhagwat Chandrashekhar and Srinivas Venkataraghavan, who took 853 Test wickets among
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 98
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

them.
116. Cryodrakon boreas, which is in news recently, is associated to which type of species?
[A] Pterosaurs
[B] Rapidosaurus
[C] Dinosaurs
[D] Stegosaurus
Answer: Pterosaurs
Scientists at Queen Mary University in London has recently discovered a new species of pterosaur –
Cryodrakon boreas – which flew over North America 77 million years ago and was one of the largest
flying animals that ever lived. This plane-sized reptile has a wingspan of 10 m and weighs 250 kg. In
Greek, its name literally translates to “Frozen dragon of the north wind”.
117. Where is the headquarters of the Botanical Survey of India (BSI)?
[A] Pune
[B] Chennai
[C] Kolkata
[D] Delhi
Answer: Kolkata
Scientists from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) have recently discovered two new species of
Zingiber (commonly referred to as ginger) in the Peren district and Dimapur district of Nagaland. Of the
two species, Zingiber dimapurense is taller in size, with leafy shoots measuring 90-120 cm high, whereas
the leafy shoots of Zingiber perenense reach up to 70 cm in height. It must be noted that the rhizome of
Zingiber officinale (common ginger) is used as a spice in kitchens across Asia, and also for its medicinal
value. The headquarters of BSI is located in Kolkata.
118. According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), what is the India’s position in the world to provide
international standard bulletproof jackets?
[A] 4th
[B] 5th
[C] 6th
[D] 8th
Answer: 4th
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), India has become the 4th country after the US, UK and
Germany to have its own national standard on bulletproof jacket which provides 360-degree protection.
Now, India has also begun exporting bulletproof jackets as per its own standards to over 100 countries
including European nations. As per the BIS norms, two PSUs Medani and Ordnance factory at Avadi,
Chennai and private firms SNPP (Palwal), Starwire (Faridabad) in Haryana and MKU (Kanpur) in Uttar
Pradesh are manufacturing bulletproof jackets. The BIS is a national body that sets quality standards for
various products and services.
119. Which veteran Indian Army officer has been appointed to lead United Nations’ Mission in war-hit
Yemen?
[A] Abhijit Guha
[B] Divya Ajith Kumar
[C] Satinder Kumar Saini
[D] K. Sreeram Kumar
Answer: Abhijit Guha
Lieutenant General (retired) Abhijit Guha has been appointed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
as the Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee (RCC) and head of the United Nations Mission
to support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA). He has been tasked with leading the UN oversight of a
ceasefire agreement between Yemen’s government and the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the strife-torn
Yemen’ port city of Hodeidah. He will succeed Lieutenant General Michael Lollesgaard.
120. Which state government has launched ‘Jan Soochna Portal’?
[A] Punjab

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 99


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 1-15, 2019

[B] Odisha
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Rajasthan
Answer: Rajasthan
In Jaipur, the Rajasthan government has launched a ‘Jan Soochna Portal’ to provide information about
government authorities and departments suo motu to the public in the true spirit of the Right To

transparency and accountability, and empower the right of the people to seek information.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 100


GKTODAY

Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

This is a dynamic PDF E-book by GKToday. The latest version of this book can be downloaded from this link
Published by: GKTODAY.IN
GKToday © 2019 | All Rights Reserved

The authors and publisher have made every effort to ensure that the information in this E-book is
correct. However, GKToday does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any
loss, damage, or disruption caused by errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions result
from negligence, accident, or any other cause.
This document is a property of GKToday. Unauthorized Duplication is not allowed.
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Contents
......................... ........ . .. . .... ..............................................................
News Headlines: September 16-30, 2019 .................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 16, 2019 ................................................................................................................................ 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 17, 2019 ................................................................................................................................ 3
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 18, 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 4
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 19, 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 4
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 20, 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 5
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 21, 2019 ................................................................................................................................ 5
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 22, 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 6
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 23, 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 7
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 24, 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 7
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 25, 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 8
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 26, 2019 ............................................................................................................................... 9
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 27, 2019 ............................................................................................................................. 10
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 28, 2019 ............................................................................................................................. 10
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 29, 2019 .............................................................................................................................. 11
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 30, 2019 ............................................................................................................................. 12
September 16, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
IBSF World Billiards Championship: India’s Pankaj Advani wins title ........................................................................................................ 12
Justice P Lakshmana Reddy appointed as 1st Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh ........................................................................................... 13
Special Training Programme for Maldivian Civil Servants to be conducted in India ............................................................................. 13
A Memorial pillar to Polish Refugees unveiled in Kolhapur ......................................................................................................................... 14
Pune’s iconic Jayakar Bungalow restored ......................................................................................................................................................... 14
For the first time Survey of India to deploy 300 drones for mapping country ....................................................................................... 14
Spain wins 2nd FIBA basketball World Cup title ............................................................................................................................................ 15
GSTN to make Aadhaar authentication mandatory for new dealers from January 2020 .................................................................... 15
September 17, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Commerce Ministry launches Steel Import Monitoring System ................................................................................................................. 16
DRDO hands over New-Generation Wargaming Software to Navy ......................................................................................................... 16
1st India, Singapore, Thailand Trilateral Naval Exercise begins ................................................................................................................... 16
Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline ‘1100’ launched in Himachal Pradesh ........................................................................................ 17
RBI expands coverage of Bharat Bill Payment System .................................................................................................................................. 17
MFIN and Sa-Dhan launches ‘Code for Responsible Lending’ .................................................................................................................... 18
National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development inaugurated ................................................................................................ 18
Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research launched ................................................................................................................................. 19
Russia holds Center-2019 International Command Exercise ....................................................................................................................... 19
September 18, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Hyderabad-Karnataka region Renamed ‘Kalyana Karnataka’ ...................................................................................................................... 19
5th International Ramayan Festival organized in New Delhi ....................................................................................................................... 20
Rustom-2: DRDO’s UAV crashes in Karnataka’s Chitradurga .................................................................................................................... 20
Sri Lanka unveils South Asia’s tallest tower in Colombo .............................................................................................................................. 21
‘Astra’ air-to-air missile successfully flight tested from Su-30 MKI ........................................................................................................... 21
Bangladesh PM receives Dr Kalam Smriti International Excellence Award 2019 ................................................................................... 21
ISRO, DRDO signs MoUs to provide technologies for Human Space Mission ....................................................................................... 22
UK returns ‘stolen’ 12th century Buddha statue 57 years later ................................................................................................................... 22
National Seminar on ‘Emerging Trends in Public Architecture’ held in New Delhi .............................................................................. 22
September 19, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
US President names Robert O’Brien as USA’s new National Security Adviser ........................................................................................ 23
Four new Supreme Court judges appointed, strength now 34 .................................................................................................................. 23
IAF inaugurates Vijaynagar’s Advance Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh ...................................................................................... 24
Telangana government declares 2020 as Artificial Intelligence year ........................................................................................................ 24
Govt scraps import duty on open cell TV panel used to make TV sets .................................................................................................... 25
Cabinet approves Payment of PLB to railway employees (for FY 2018-19) ............................................................................................ 25
India Post starts Speed Post Service to 6 new Foreign Countries .............................................................................................................. 26
Cabinet approves promulgation of Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance 2019 .................................................................... 26
Social Justice Minister T C Gehlot launches MIS portal under Accessible India Campaign ................................................................ 27
HRD Ministry launches Waste Management Summit for Women Entrepreneurs ................................................................................. 28

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 2


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

September 20, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29


Govt to set-up National Police University at Greater Noida ........................................................................................................................ 29
First World Patient Safety Day observed by WHO on September 17 ....................................................................................................... 29
Rajnath Singh becomes 1st Defence Minister to fly LCA Tejas .................................................................................................................. 29
Digital Payment Abhiyan: DSCI, MeitY and Google India join hands ....................................................................................................... 29
Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria appointed next Chief of Indian Air Force .................................................................................................... 30
DRDO conducts all 5 successful trials of Air-to-Air Missile ‘Astra’ ........................................................................................................... 30
September 21, 2019 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
PM Modi, Mongolian President jointly Unveils statue of Lord Buddha ..................................................................................................... 31
Centre cuts Corporate Tax Rate for domestic investors ............................................................................................................................... 31
Home Minister launches ERSS, E-Beat Book System and E-Saathi App .................................................................................................. 32
Madhukar Kamath elected chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations ..................................................................................................... 32
Sonu Nigam wins Award at 21st Century Icon Awards, UK ....................................................................................................................... 33
Civil Aviation Minister orders setting up a mechanism to regularly Monitor Airfares .......................................................................... 33
National Conference on Agriculture- Rabi Campaign 2019 held in New Delhi ..................................................................................... 33
September 23, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
22 September: Daughter’s Day celebrated ...................................................................................................................................................... 34
India’s Divij Sharan clinches St. Petersburg doubles title ............................................................................................................................. 34
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) to be ready by January 2020 ..................................................................................................... 35
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel wins Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix ...................................................................................................... 35
CBDT to set up National e-Assessment centre in New Delhi .................................................................................................................... 36
September 22: World Rhino Day celebrated ................................................................................................................................................... 36
World Wrestling Championships: India’s bags 5 medals .............................................................................................................................. 37
Sports Ministry to create 20 National Centres of Excellence ...................................................................................................................... 37
Howdy Modi event held in Houston, Texas .................................................................................................................................................... 37
Gully Boy selected as India’s official entry to Oscars 2020 ......................................................................................................................... 38
Government launches UMMID initiative and NIDAN in health sector .................................................................................................... 38
21 September: International Coastal Clean-up Day Celebrated .................................................................................................................. 39
Ladakhi Shondol dance enters Guinness book of world record ................................................................................................................. 39
September 24, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39
First Gauri Lankesh National Award for Journalism awarded to Ravish Kumar .................................................................................... 39
Tiger Triumph: India-US joint tri-services exercise to be held in Andhra Pradesh ............................................................................... 40
Census 2021: Foundation stone of Janganana Bhawan (Census building) laid ....................................................................................... 40
Current Affairs Q+A: Onion Price Rise ............................................................................................................................................................ 40
What is Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT)? .............................................................................................................. 41
UN Climate Action Summit, 2019 held in New York .................................................................................................................................. 42
Census 2021: Digital Collection of Data and Multipurpose Card Proposed ............................................................................................ 42
September 23: International Day of Sign Languages observed .................................................................................................................. 43
23 September: 89th Saudi National Day 2019 celebrated .......................................................................................................................... 43
6th India water week inaugurated .................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Ponung Doming – First woman officer from Arunachal Pradesh to become Lieutenant Colonel In Indian Army ....................... 44
Vice President inaugurates 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier ........................................................ 44
Russia formally joins Paris Agreement on Climate Change ......................................................................................................................... 45
71st Primetime Emmy Awards – 2019: Key Winners ................................................................................................................................... 45
Quick Facts: Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) of Gujarat ......................................................................................................................... 46
September 25, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46
50 kilowatt ”Gandhi Solar Park” inaugurated by PM at UN Headquarters ............................................................................................ 46
Amitabh Bachchan to get Dadasaheb Phalke Award – 2018 ..................................................................................................................... 47
PM Modi receives Global Goalkeepers Award ............................................................................................................................................... 47
What is Private Security Agency Licensing Portal? ........................................................................................................................................ 48
Govt. launches ‘CHC-Farm Machinery’ mobile app for farmers ............................................................................................................... 48
Quick Facts: Google win in European Union’s top court on the “right to be forgotten” globally ..................................................... 49
Quick Facts: What is CTRL-Labs? Why Facebook is acquiring it? ............................................................................................................ 49
Key Facts: Why RBI has abruptly placed restrictions on PMC Bank? ....................................................................................................... 50
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina wins GAVI’s ‘Vaccine Hero’ award ........................................................................................................... 51
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 ............................................................................................................................................................... 51
Govt. launches ‘Krishi Kisan’ mobile app ......................................................................................................................................................... 52
64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference being held in Kampala ................................................................................................ 52
September 26, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 53

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 3


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Gandhi Peace Garden inaugurated at UN HQ in New York ....................................................................................................................... 53


ICGS Varaha: commissioned at Chennai Port Trust ..................................................................................................................................... 53
Kristalina Georgieva appointed as new IMF chief .......................................................................................................................................... 53
Health Ministry launches ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ campaign .................................................................................................................. 54
Last Thursday of September celebrated as World Maritime Day (WMD), 2019 ................................................................................... 55
Preventive Vigilance portal: launched by PNB ................................................................................................................................................. 55
First India-Caribbean Summit – 2019 .............................................................................................................................................................. 55
Hurun India Rich List 2019: Mukesh Ambani richest Indian ...................................................................................................................... 56
Economic Advisory Council to PM reconstituted under Bibek Debroy .................................................................................................... 56
Bangladesh lifts ban on Hilsa export to India .................................................................................................................................................. 57
IAAF Council: Adille Sumariwalla re-elected as its member ....................................................................................................................... 58
9th India-China Financial Dialogue held in New Delhi ................................................................................................................................ 58
September 27, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
September 27: World Tourism Day ................................................................................................................................................................. 58
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes 2019 ............................................................................................................................................................. 59
India to attend SAARC Council of Ministers meeting .................................................................................................................................. 60
‘Tikki Mausi’ mascot: unveiled by Odisha govt. and UNICEF .................................................................................................................... 60
JNU signs MoU with IIT Delhi for Research, Technology Development ................................................................................................ 60
September 27: Google celebrates its 21st birthday ........................................................................................................................................ 61
MoU signed to set up Kalam Centre for Science and Technology at CUJ ............................................................................................... 61
Malabar Exercise 2019: India, Japan, US Naval Exercise begins ................................................................................................................. 62
China launches its first Amphibious Assault Ship .......................................................................................................................................... 62
September 26: International Day for Total Elimination of nuclear weapons .......................................................................................... 63
Right Livelihood Award 2019 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 63
UAE’s Hazza Al Mansouri became first Arab Astronaut in space ............................................................................................................. 64
IMD World Digital Competitiveness ranking 2019 ....................................................................................................................................... 64
Mahatma Gandhi’s 80-year-old Letter wishing Jews ‘Era of Peace’ Unveiled ......................................................................................... 65
Mobile app for lawyers, litigants launched by Delhi HC .............................................................................................................................. 65
First Indigenous High-Temperature Fuel Cell System launched ................................................................................................................ 65
Infosys wins UN Global Climate Action Award in ‘Climate Neutral Now’ category ............................................................................ 66
September 28, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 66
2017-18 National Tourism Awards .................................................................................................................................................................. 66
KAZIND-2019: lndo-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise to be held in Uttarakhand ............................................................................ 67
UNWTO selects India as host country to celebrate World Tourism Day 2019 ..................................................................................... 67
COAS Gen Bipin Rawat takes charge as Chairman of COSC .................................................................................................................... 68
MASCRADE 2019 organised by FICCI in Delhi ........................................................................................................................................... 68
Air Marshal HS Arora appointed as Vice Chief of Indian Air Force ......................................................................................................... 69
Punyabhushan Award presented to archaeologist Dr. G.B. Deglurkar .................................................................................................... 69
Suresh Chitturi appointed Chief of International Egg Commission ........................................................................................................... 69
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to offer tourist visas for the first time ............................................................................................................... 69
September 29, 2019 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 70
September 28: World Rabies Day ..................................................................................................................................................................... 70
West Bengal’s Midnapore becomes 5000th Wi-Fi enabled railway station .............................................................................................. 71
K. Siva Reddy awarded Saraswati Samman ..................................................................................................................................................... 71
September 30, 2019 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 71
Bathukamma-2019: The Telangana Flower Festival begins ........................................................................................................................ 71
Corps of Army Air Defense at Gopalpur honored with President Colors ............................................................................................... 72
PIO cards to continue as valid travel document upto March 2020 ........................................................................................................... 72
Minor Planet named after Pandit Jasraj ............................................................................................................................................................ 73
Scientist Thanu Padmanabhan gets MP Birla Memorial Award ................................................................................................................. 73
India lift SAFF U-18 Championship title for first time .................................................................................................................................. 74
Centre to introduce rating system for SMEs for easy loans ........................................................................................................................ 74
Highlights: NITI Aayog’s School Education Quality Index (SEQI) ............................................................................................................ 74
Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhadauria takes charge as IAF Chief ................................................................................................................ 75
September 29: World Heart Day ....................................................................................................................................................................... 75
September 30: World Translation Day ............................................................................................................................................................ 76
Justice Rajendra Menon recommended as next Chairman of Armed Forces Tribunal ......................................................................... 76
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Delhi-Meerut PKG-3 .............................................................................................................. 76
Multiple Choice Questions .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 77

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 4


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

News Headlines: September 16-30, 2019


Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 16, 2019
India
Special Training Programme for Maldivian Civil Servants to be conducted in Mussoorie and New
Delhi from September 16 to 28
Justice P Lakshmana Reddy appointed as first Lokayukta of AP after its bifurcation in 2014
Memorial pillar unveiled for Polish refugees who lived in Valivade village of Maharashtra’s Kolhapur
district during World War II
Renovated Jayakar Bungalow inaugurated inside the premises of National Film Archives of India in
Pune
11 died when a tourist boat capsized in Godavari River near Devipatnam in Andhra Pradesh
Economy & Corporate
52nd Engineers Day celebrated in India on September 15 with ‘Engineering for change’ as its theme
Engineers Day is celebrated on birth anniversary of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861-1962)
Railway Board Chairman Vinod Kumar Yadav wins Eminent Engineers Award of The Institution of
Engineers
World
International Day of Democracy observed on September 15 with ‘Participation’ as its theme
Sports
Spain defeat Argentina 95-75 in final in Beijing to win men’s World Basketball Championship
India’s Sourabh Verma wins men’s singles title at Vietnam Open badminton tournament in Ho Chi
Minh City
India’s Lakshya Sen wins men’s singles title at the Belgian International Challenge badminton in
Leuven
India’s Pankaj Advani wins title in 150-up format at the IBSF World Billiards Championship in
Mandalay, Myanmar
Kenya’s Geoffrey Kamworor creates new world record in men’s Half Marathon at Copenhagen in
58min 01sec
Indonesia’s Rory Hie wins the Classic Golf & Country Club International Championship title in
Gurugram
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 17, 2019
India
DRDO hands over to a new-generation wargaming software developed by New Delhi-based ISSA
(Institute for Systems Studies and Analysis) to the Indian Navy
Trilateral naval exercise involving India, Singapore and Thailand in Port Blair from September 16 to
20
Himachal Pradesh: Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline ‘1100’ launched for redressal of public
grievances
Economy & Corporate
Wholesale Price Index (WPI) based inflation unchanged at 1.08 per cent in August
RBI allows all repetitive bill payments such as school fees, insurance premiums and municipal taxes
through Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS)
Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) and Sa-Dhan along with FIDC (Finance Industry
Development Council) launch Code for Responsible Lending (CRL)
National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development (NCCCR&D) inaugurated at IISc,
Bengaluru
Same Deutz-Fahr (SDF) India launches Agromaxx range of tractors
German consumer electronics brand Telefunken enters the Indian TV market
World
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer observed on September 16 with its theme

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 3


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

as ‘32 Years and Healing’


Tokyo tops the list of World’s Safest Cities by The Economist Intelligence Unit; Mumbai 45th, Delhi
52nd
Russia holding Center-2019 military exercises involving other nations from September 16 to 21
India’s Raghu Rai wins the inaugural edition of the William Klein Photography Award in France
Wing Commander Anjali Singh becomes India’s 1st female military diplomat to be posted in an
Indian mission abroad
President Ram Nath Kovind meets his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor in capital Ljubljana
Bangladesh accords Guard of Honour to India Coast Guard Director General Krishnaswamy
Natarajan
Sports
India’s Kaushal Dharmamer clinches men’s singles title at Myanmar International Series Badminton
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 18, 2019
India
Hyderabad Karnataka region renamed as ‘Kalyana Karnataka’ by the Karnataka government
Hyderabad Karnataka region comprises 6 districts of Karnataka: Bidar, Ballari, Kalaburagi, Koppal,
Raichur and Yadgir
5th International Ramayan Festival organized by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), in
New Delhi
Air-to-air missile Astra of 70 km range, developed by DRDO, flight tested from Sukhoi-30 MKI by
IAF
ISRO, DRDO ink MoUs for development of human centric systems for human space mission
UAV Rustom-2 belonging to DRDO crashes during trial in agriculture field in Chitradurga district of
Karnataka
All six Bahujan Samaj Party MLAs in Rajasthan defect to the ruling Congress whose tally rises to 106
in 200-seat Assembly
12th century bronze Idol of Buddha, which was stolen from Nalanda Museum of ASI in August 1961,
returned to India by UK
Economy & Corporate
waives the three-year lock-in period on NRI investments in infrastructure debt funds (IDFs)
46th National Management Convention held by All India Management Association (AIMA) in New
Delhi
World
Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao resigns
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina receives Dr Kalam Smriti International Excellence Award in Dhaka
Pacific Ocean island nation Solomon Islands ends diplomatic relations with Taiwan in favour of
China
Sri Lanka unveils 350-metre-tall Lotus Tower, South Asia’s tallest tower, in Colombo city
Sports
Sports Ministry sanctions Rs 5 crore to athlete Anju Bobby George’s Athletics Academy at Bengaluru
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 19, 2019
India
Four High Court Chief Justices V. Ramasubramanian, Krishna Murari, S. Ravindra Bhat and
Hrishikesh Roy appointed as Supreme Court judges.
Arunachal Pradesh: Resurfaced runway at Advance Landing Ground in Vijay Nagar inaugurated by
IAF
Union Cabinet approves ordinance to ban production, import, distribution and sale of electronic
cigarettes
Waste Management Accelerator for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs launched at WAWE Summit
2019 organised by AICTE

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 4


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Economy & Corporate


Govt scraps import duty on open cell TV panel used to make television sets
Skill India and IBM jointly launch Train-the-Trainer program in Artificial Intelligence
Telangana government declares 2020 as Artificial Intelligence year
Hero Cycles ties up with Japan’s Yamaha Motor Co to launch Lectro e-cycle series
World
US President names Robert O’Brien as the new National Security Adviser
India was the leading country of origin of international migrants in 2019 with a 17.5 million strong
diaspora: UN
Israel’s ruling Likud party led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu wins 32 seats in the 120-member
Parliament (Knesset)
Sports
Vinesh Phogat wins bronze medal in women’s 53 kg at the World Wrestling Championships at Nur-
Sultan (Kazakhstan)
‘Bing Dwen Dwen’ (panda) and ‘Shuey Rhon Rhon’ (lantern) unveiled as mascots for the 2022 Winter
Olympics and Paralympics respectively
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 20, 2019
India
Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria appointed next Chief of the Indian Air Force
SITMEX-19 (Singapore India Thailand Maritime Exercise) held in the Andaman Sea
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) hands over 2nd Scorpene class submarine ‘Khanderi’ to Navy
Rajnath Singh becomes 1st Defence Minister to fly the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’ in
Bengaluru
Govt to set-up state-of-the-art National Police University at Greater Noida
Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) crosses milestone of 1 crore beneficiaries, was
launched on January 1, 2017
Parents with more than 2 children before July 25, 2019 can contest panchayat polls: Uttarakhand HC
‘Himalayan Odyssey’, book written by Mathrubhumi Group CMD & Rajya Sabha MP
Veerendrakumar, released
Open defecation down by 47% in India between 2000-2017: WHO-UNICEF report
Bamboo Forum of India celebrates World Bamboo Day on September 18
Filmmaker Shyam Ramsay, known for horror films in Bollywood, dies at 67 in Mumbai
Economy & Corporate
Banks asked by govt. not to declare any stressed loan account of MSMEs as NPA till March 2020
Centre approves 8.65% interest rate on deposits in Employees Provident Fund for 2018-19
Factory investment at 3-year low of Rs 3.31 lakh crore in 2017-18: Annual Survey of Industries
NASSCOM’s Data Security Council of India (DSCI), MeitY and Google India join hands for nationwide
‘Digital Payment Abhiyan’
32 companies join hands to launch a packaging waste management venture to tackle plastic waste
World
Former Tunisian dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, toppled in 2011, dies in exile in Saudi Arabia at 83
First World Patient Safety Day observed by WHO on September 17
Sports
Hopewel Elias HSS (Meghalaya) beat Bangladesh Krida Shiksha Protishthan (BKSP) 1-0 in final to win
Subroto Cup boys’ (under-17) football tournament in New Delhi
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 21, 2019
India
Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga meets President Kovind and PM Modi in New Delhi
PM Modi, Mongolian President jointly unveil statue of Lord Buddha at Gandan Monastery in
Ulaanbaatar via videoconferencing from Delhi

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 5


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Home Minister Amit Shah launches Chandigarh Police’s e-BEAT system, Emergency Response
Support System (ERSS) and the ‘E-Saathi App
Bhagat Ram Vats, a former PTI senior correspondent who covered the first Lok Sabha polls, dies at
97
Economy & Corporate
Effective corporate tax rate for existing companies cut to 25.17% from 34.94% now. For new
companies, it will be 17.01% as against 29.12% now
Country’s foreign exchange reserves decline by USD 649 million to USD 428.96 billion in the week to
September 14
Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri orders setting up a mechanism to regularly monitor
airfares in the country.
Madhukar Kamath elected chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for 2019-20
Tata Motors unveils electric vehicle (EV) technology ‘Ziptron’ that will power its electric cars
World
Pacific island nation Kiribati ends diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favour of China
Two killed as Tropical Storm Imelda hits Texas (USA)
Singer Sonu Nigam wins Magnificent Performing Arts Award at 21st Century Icon Awards in
London
Sports
Manish Kaushik wins bronze medal in 63 kg in World Men’s Boxing Championship in Ekaterinburg
(Russia)
Bajrang Punia wins bronze in Men’s 65 kg freestyle at World Wrestling Championship in Kazakhstan
Ravi Dahiya wins bronze in Men’s 57 kg freestyle at World Wrestling Championship in Kazakhstan
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 22, 2019
India
Voting in Haryana and Maharashtra Assembly elections on October 21, counting on October 24: EC
‘Gully Boy’, directed by Zoya Akhtar, is India’s entry in Best Foreign Language Film category at 92nd
Academy Awards
Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga visits the Mahabodhi temple at Bodh Gaya, Bihar
Gujarat and New Jersey (US) ink ‘sister state agreement’
Social media firms can’t avoid liability for damage caused by fake news: Madras High Court
IAF’s 4500 km long Kargil to Kohima (K2K) Ultra-Marathon – ‘Glory Run’ flagged off from Kargil
War Memorial, Drass; to end on November 6 in Kohima.
Gst Council Decisions
GST on hotel room tariffs of ₹1,000 to ₹7,500/night cut to 12% from 18%
GST on hotel room tariffs above ₹7,500/night cut to 18% from 28%
GST on caffeinated beverages hiked to 28% plus additional cess of 12% as against the current rate of
18%
GST on outdoor catering cut to 5% from 18%
12% cess on 1,500 cc diesel, 1,200 cc petrol vehicles with capacity to carry up to 13 people
GST rate hiked on railway wagon, coaches from 5% to 12%
GST on marine fuel cut from 18% to 5%
Economy & Corporate
Postal accounts to be linked with Aadhaar for transparency: IT and Communications Minister Ravi
Shankar Prasad
Driving License, Registration Certificate and other transport related information presented in
electronic form will be acceptable: Transport Ministry
World
International Coastal Cleanup Day observed on September 21 (3rd Saturday of September every
year)

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 6


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Typhoon Tapah hits Japan’s southern Okinawa islands


Sports
Amit Panghal wins silver in men’s 52 kg category at the World Men’s Boxing Championship in
Ekaterinburg (Russia)
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 23, 2019
India
National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) to be ready by January 2020
Economy & Corporate
CBDT issues order to set up a National e-Assessment centre (NeAC) in New Delhi for faceless and
nameless assessment
World
Iran to release British-flagged tanker Stena Impero that was seized in the Strait of Hormuz
waterway on July 19
China Open Badminton Winners
Women’s Singles: Spain’s Carolina Marin
Men’s Singles: Japan’s Kento Momota
Men’s Doubles: Indonesia’s Marcus Fernaldi Gideon & Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo
Women’s Doubles: China’s Chen Qingchen & Jia Yifan
Mixed Doubles: China’s Zheng Siwei & Huang Yaqiong
Sports
World Wrestling Championships in Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan): Rahul Aware wins bronze on men’s 61
kg freestyle, Deepak Punia wins silver in men’s 86 kg freestyle
India’s Divij Sharan and Igor Zelenay of Slovakia win men’s doubles title at St Petersburg Open
tennis
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel wins Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
South Africa beat India by 9 wickets in 3rd T20I at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, 3-match
series ends 1-1
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 24, 2019
India
India and the US to hold tri-services exercise codenamed Tiger Triumph in AP
Foundation stone of Janganana Bhawan (Census building) laid in New Delhi
Families of govt. employees dying after serving less than 7 years will get enhanced pension
launches ‘UMMID’ (Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders) initiative
to tackle inherited genetic diseases of new born babies
IRCTC’s Tejas Express train from Delhi to Lucknow to start from October 5
NRIs holding valid Indian passports can now apply for Aadhaar on arrival without the 182-day
waiting period
Two-thirds of deaths of children under 5 years due to malnutrition: India State-Level Disease Burden
Initiative
Journalist Ravish Kumar receives the first Gauri Lankesh National Award for Journalism in
Bengaluru
Economy & Corporate
Kharif foodgrain production estimated at 140.57 million tonnes in 2019-20
PM Modi pledges to more than double India’s non-fossil fuel target to 400 gigawatts
National Conclave on Enhancing Energy Efficiency in MSME sector organised by BEE in New Delhi,
Knowledge Management Portal SIDHIEE launched
3 Indian women entrepreneurs to fly to US on All India Roadshow on Women’s Economic
Empowerment through Entrepreneurship (AIRSWEEE) fellowship
KTM launches super bike 790 Duke in India priced at Rs 8.63 lakh
Students at the Lovely Professional University (LPU) invent barcode-LED based system to locate

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 7


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

seats in movie theatres


PSU LNG importer Petronet to buy 18% stake in LNG terminal of Tellurian Inc. of US in Louisiana for
$2.5 billion
World
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opens Climate Action Summit in New York
PM Modi inaugurates Gandhi Solar Park at the UN headquarters and Gandhi Peace Garden in New
York
20 killed as fresh unrest erupts in Indonesia’s restive Papua region on New Guinea island
‘Game of Thrones’ is Outstanding Drama Series at Emmy Awards in Los Angeles
International Day of Sign Languages observed on September 23 with its theme as ‘Sign Language
Rights for All’
International Day of Peace observed on September 21 with its theme as ‘Climate Action for Peace’
British travel group Thomas Cook declares bankruptcy, stranding tourists worldwide
PM Modi presented with the keys to Houston city by its Mayor Sylvester Turner on his arrival at the
‘Howdy Modi’ event
Laver Cup Tennis
Europe defeats Team World 13-11 to win Laver Cup tennis tournament in Geneva
Singles winners: Alexander Zverev (Europe), Roger Federer (Europe), Taylor Fritz (Team World),
Rafael Nadal (Europe)
Doubles winners: John Isner & Jack Sock (Team World), Nick Kyrgios & Jack Sock (Team World)
Sports
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and Zee launch an 8-team league called the Zee Kushti Dangal
Former India cricketer Madhav Apte, who played 7 Tests in 1952-53, passes away at 86
Japan’s Naomi Osaka wins women’s singles title at the Pan Pacific Open tennis tournament in Tokyo
Czech Republic’s Karolina Muchova wins women’s singles title at Korea Open tennis in Seoul
Koneru Humpy wins first leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix series in Russia
India’s Laxman Rawat wins men’s title at World 6-Red snooker tournament in Mandalay, Myanmar;
women’s title won by Wongharuthai Nutcharat of Thailand
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 25, 2019
India
launches web portal to help private security agencies get licenses
India International Science Festival (IISF) to be held in Kolkata from November 5 to 8
India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), also known as Mangalyaan, completes 5 years of orbiting Mars
Amitabh Bachchan wins Dada Saheb Phalke award 2019
India Water Week-2019 being organised from September 24 to 28 in New Delhi with theme ‘Water
Cooperation-Coping with 21st Century Challenge’
President Ram Nath Kovind presents National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards for 2017-18 to 41 people
AYUSH Ministry launches ‘Professor Ayushman’ comics to increase awareness among kids on use of
herbs, home remedies
Economy & Corporate
launches ‘CHC-Farm Machinery’ mobile app for farmers to hire tractors and other farm machineries
launches mobile app ‘Krishi Kisan’ to help farmers take benefit of field demonstration of new farm
technologies, seed hubs and weather advisories.
Global SME Business Summit 2019 in New Delhi on September 24-25; theme: ‘Making Indian MSMEs
Globally Competitive’
NASSCOM signs agreement with China’s I-Campus for healthcare innovation
17 Indian companies in Forbes’ list of World’s Best Regarded Companies
World
UN Climate Summit: New leadership group led by India, Sweden to transit into low-carbon economy
64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference being held in Uganda’s capital Kampala from

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 8


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

September 22 to 29
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina wins ‘Vaccine Hero’ award of Global Alliance for Vaccination and
Immunisations (GAVI)
UK Supreme Court rules PM Boris Johnson’s decision to suspend parliament till Oct 14 ‘unlawful’
19 killed as 5.8 magnitude earthquake hits Pakistan Occupied Kashmir’s Mirpur
FIFA Awards
Best Men’s Goalkeeper: Alisson of Liverpool & Brazil
Best Men’s Player: Lionel Messi of Barcelona & Argentina
Best Men’s Coach: Jürgen Klopp of Liverpool
Best Women’s Player: Megan Rapinoe of Reign FC & United States
Best Women’s Goalkeeper: Sari van Veenendaal of Arsenal & Atlético Madrid and Netherlands
Best Women’s Coach: Jill Ellis of United States
FIFA Fair Play Award: Marcelo Bielsa and the Leeds United squad
FIFA Puskás Award for Best Goal of the Year: Daniel Zsori of Hungary who scored for Debrecen
against Ferencvaros in Hungarian league
Sports
Manipur beat Railways in final 1-0 to clinch 25th Senior Women’s National Football Championship in
Arunachal Pradesh
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 26, 2019
India
Health and Family Welfare Ministry launches ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ campaign along with the
National TB Prevalence Survey
Indian Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel ‘Varaha’ commissioned at the Chennai Port Trust
Army Chief presents ceremonial ‘President’s Colours’ to 2 battalions of Punjab Regiment in
Ramgarh, Jharkhand
Mukhyamantri Kirayedar Bijli Meter Yojana: People staying on rent in Delhi will get free electricity
up to 200 units
Economy & Corporate
ADB lowers India’s growth forecast from 7.2% to 6.5% in 2019-20 in its Asian Development Outlook
(ADO) Update
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) reconstituted under existing Chairman
Bibek Debroy
CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievances Redress and Monitoring System) reforms launched in
Postal Deptt
PNB launches Preventive Vigilance portal for its staff members to check procedural lapses
‘Reset: Regaining India’s Economic Legacy’, book written by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, released
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani tops the IIFL Wealth-Hurun India Rich List 2019
9th India-China Financial dialogue held in New Delhi
Right Livelihood Award
4 winners announced by Sweden-based Right Livelihood Foundation.
The award consists of a cash prize of one million Swedish kronor ($103,000) for each laureate
Winners are: Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, Sahrawi human rights activist Aminatou
Haidar, Chinese women’s rights lawyer Guo Jianmei and the Brazilian Hutukara Yanomami
Association and its leader Davi Kopenawa.
World
India announces USD 12 million grant for high impact developmental projects in the Pacific Islands
Developing States (PSIDS)
Gandhi Solar Park and Gandhi Peace Garden inaugurated at UN HQ in New York
PM delivers keynote address at Bloomberg Global Business Forum in New York
PM Modi gets ‘Global Goalkeeper’ award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for Swachh Bharat

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 9


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Abhiyan
Payal Jangid gets ‘Changemaker’ award from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for her fight
against child marriage
India, Japan, US trilateral maritime exercise ‘Malabar’ in Japan from Sept 26 to Oct 4
Sports
Pankaj Advani and Aditya Mehta win IBSF World Snooker Team Championship event in Mandalay,
Myanmar
Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president Adille Sumariwalla re-elected as member of the IAAF
Council
Sebastian Coe re-elected unopposed as president of the IAAF for a second term
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 27, 2019
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes
President presented Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes 2019 in New Delhi on the occasion of the 78th
Foundation Day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on September 26.
India
First Indigenous High Temperature Fuel Cell System developed by CSIR under ‘New Millennium
Indian Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)’ launched
MoU signed to set up Kalam Centre for Science and Technology (KCST) at the Central University of
Jammu (CUJ)
JNU and IIT Delhi sign MoU to cooperate in research, education and technology developments
Former Indian hockey captain Sandeep Singh, Olympic medallist wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, Akali
MLA Balkaur Singh join BJP in Haryana
Odisha govt. and UNICEF unveil mascot named ‘Tikki Mausi’ to spread awareness about nutrition of
children and women
Economy & Corporate
UNCTAD forecasts 6% growth for Indian economy in calendar year (CY) 2019 in its Trade and
Development Report 2019
RBI hikes withdrawal limit to Rs 10,000 from Rs 1,000 for depositors of Punjab & Maharashtra
Cooperative Bank (PMC)
Infosys wins UN Global Climate Action Award in the ‘Climate Neutral Now’ category
World
International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons observed on September 26
World Maritime Day (last Thursday of September) celebrated on September 26 by UN’s International
Maritime Organization (IMO) with its theme as ‘Empowering women in the maritime community’
US tops IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2019 (WDCR); India ranked 44th
First ever India-CARICOM leaders’ summit held in New York; India to provide USD 14-million grant
for community development projects in Caribbean nations
Multilateral Exercise TSENTR 2019 held in Russia from September 9 to 23; India was among 9
participating nations
Italian journalist Paolo Borrometi wins Peter Mackler Award at the City University of New York
Former French President Jacques Chirac (1995-2007) dies at the age of 86 in Paris
Bulgaria’s Kristalina Georgieva (66) to take charge as new MD of IMF from October 1
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 28, 2019
India
2017-18 National Tourism Awards: AP wins first prize for Best State/UT for Comprehensive
Development of Tourism
2017-18 National Tourism Awards: Uttarakhand was the Best Film Production Friendly State/UT.
India was selected as the host country for celebration of World Tourism Day on September 27 by
UNWTO.
World Tourism Day celebrated on September 27 with the theme ‘Tourism and Jobs — A Better

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 10


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Future For All’


India-Kazakhstan joint military exercise KAZIND-2019 to be held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand from
Oct 3 to 15
Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat takes charge as Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee
(COSC)
Air Marshal HS Arora appointed the Vice Chief of Indian Air Force
2 pilots from Indian Army and Royal Bhutan Army die in crash of Cheetah helicopter in Bhutan
Academically weak students in IITs will now have an option to take a three-year BSc degree
BJP’s Yuvraj Singh wins bypoll to the Hamirpur Assembly seat in UP
Congress candidate Devti Karma wins Dantewada (ST) Assembly bypoll in Chhattisgarh
BJP candidate Mimi Majumder wins Badharghat (SC) Assembly bypoll in Tripura
Mani C. Kappan of Nationalist Congress Party wins Pala assembly bypoll in Kerala
Visakhapatnam-Vijayawada UDAY Express AC Double Decker Train flagged off from
Visakhapatnam
MASCRADE 2019 (Movement Against Smuggling and Counterfeit Trade), organised by FICCI in
Delhi
Punyabhushan Award presented to archaeologist Dr. G.B. Deglurkar in Pune
Economy & Corporate
World Hindu Economic Forum in Mumbai from September 27 to 29
Suresh Chitturi, MD of Indian poultry firm Srinivasa Farms, appointed Chairman of the
International Egg Commission
World
PM Modi addresses 74th session of UN General Assembly in New York
Foreign Ministers of BRICS nations hold their annual meeting on the margins of UNGA in New York
British-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero, which had been seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz on
July 19, freed
Pacific island of Bougainville will hold a referendum on independence from Papua New Guinea in
November-December.
Saudi Arabia to offer tourist visas for the first time as part of a push to diversify its economy away
from oil
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 29, 2019
India
SC sets up a five-judge Constitution bench to hear a batch of pleas related to abrogation of Article
370
Stealth frigate INS Nilgiri launched for sea trials at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders in Mumbai
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissions the second Scorpene submarine Khanderi into the
Navy in Mumbai
West Bengal’s Midnapore becomes 5000th Wi-Fi enabled railway station; RailTel providing Wi-Fi
facility RailWire
NMCG holds a special session on ‘Rejuvenation of the River Ganga’ during India Water Week 2019 in
New Delhi
Saraswati Samman of the KK Birla Foundation presented to K. Siva Reddy for his Telugu poetry
collection ‘Pakkaki Ottigilite’
Writer V J James’s novel ‘Nireeswaran’ (Atheist) wins Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literature
Award in Kerala
Corps of Army Air Defence at Gopalpur in Odisha honoured with President Colours
Aadi Mahotsav (Tribal Festival) organized by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation
of India (TRIFED) at Noida (UP) from September 28 to October 8.
Economy & Corporate
Deadline to link PAN with Aadhaar extended till December 31: CBDT

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 11


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

World
Nepal launches three commemorative coins of denominations of 100, 1000 and 2500 Nepalese
rupees to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak
India hands over a new school building in Kathmandu costing Rs 2.41 crores to Nepal govt.
3 Senegalese UN peacekeepers killed in helicopter crash in Central African Republic
International Day for Universal Access to Information celebrated by UNESCO on September 28 with
theme as ‘Leaving No One Behind!’
World Rabies Day observed by WHO on September 28 — death anniversary of Louis Pasteur who
developed rabies vaccine
Current Affairs – News Headlines: September 30, 2019
India
Physicist Thanu Padmanabhan gets M P Birla Memorial Award 2019 in Kolkata for Cosmology
Former Foreign Secretary K P S Menon (junior) dies in Thiruvananthapuram at the age of 90
A minor planet, between Mars and Jupiter, named after classical vocalist Pandit Jasraj
Bathukamma, the nine-day festival of flowers, organised in Warangal district of Telangana from
September 29 to October 6
Economy & Corporate
Govt bans onion exports as prices remain high due to seasonal shortage
RBI brings Lakshmi Vilas Bank (LVB) under Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) due to a high level of
bad loans
World
Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference being held in Kampala, Uganda from September 22 to 29
World Athletics Championships In Doha
Christian Coleman of the United States wins gold medal in men’s 100m in a time of 9.76 seconds
Jamaica’s Tajay Gayle wins gold in men’s long jump with a jump of 8.69 metres
Kenya’s Ruth Chepngetich wins gold medal in women’s marathon in a time of 2 hours 32 minutes
and 43 seconds
DeAnna Price (US) wins gold medal in the women’s hammer throw with a throw of 77.54 metres
Sifan Hassan of Netherlands wins gold in women’s 10,000 metres in 30m 17.62s
Japan’s Yusuke Suzuki wins gold in men’s 50 kilometres walk in 4 hours, 4 minutes and 29 seconds
China’s Liang Rui wins gold in women’s 50 kilometres walk in in 4 hours, 23 minutes and 26 seconds
Korea Open Badminton At Incheon: Winners
Korea Open Badminton tournament was organised at Incheon from September 24 to 29, 2019
Kento Momota of Japan wins men’s singles title
China’s He Bingjiao wins women’s singles title
South Korea’s Kim So-yeong & Kong Hee-yong win women’s doubles title
Indonesia’s Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto win men’s doubles title
Thailand’s Dechapol Puavaranukroh & Sapsiree Taerattanachai won mixed doubles title
Sports
India’s Kaushal Dharmamer wins men’s singles title at Maldives International Challenge Badminton
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton wins Formula One Russian Grand Prix at Sochi
India win SAFF Under-18 football Championship by defeating Bangladesh 2-1 in final in Delhi
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus wins women’s singles title at Wuhan Open tennis
September 16, 2019
IBSF World Billiards Championship: India’s Pankaj Advani wins title
The Bengaluru-based cueist Pankaj Advani increased his tally of world titles to 22 by winning a 4th
straight final in the 150-up format at IBSF World Billiards Championship 2019 held in Mandalay,
Myanmar. Pankaj Advani defeated Nay Thway Oo of Myanmar.
Key Highlights
With this win and another trophy in the bag, Advani extends his remarkable run of winning a global

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 12


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

crown since 2003.


In the short format of billiards, this is Pankaj’s 5th title in last 6 years.
The 34-year-old is one of India’s most consistent sportspersons and has brought home a world trophy
every year ever since returning from a professional stint in the UK in 2014. He has won more world titles
in his sport than anyone else.
About IBSF World Billiards Championship
It is the premier, international, non-professional tournament for game of English billiards.
It was established in 1951 however, the event has been sanctioned by International Billiards and Snooker
Federation since 1973.
Justice P Lakshmana Reddy appointed as 1st Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh
Justice P Lakshmana Reddy, a retired judge of erstwhile Andhra Pradesh High Court was sworn-in as the
first Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh. His oath to office was administered by Governor Biswabhusan
Hairchandan at a function held in Vijayawada. Chief Minister of state Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, judges of
High Court and senior state government officials presided over the event.
Key Highlights
Justice P Lakshmana Reddy would serve in office of Lokayukta for 5 years. He is first Lokayukta to be
assuming charge since the state bifurcated in 2014.
The current YSR Congress government headed by Jagan Mohan Reddy amended the Lokayukta Act in
recent state budget session. This enabled the appointment of a retired judge as Lokayukta, paving the way
for constituting corruption-probing body.
The legislation establishing Lokayukta is part of state government policy to provide transparent and
corruption-free governance.
What is Lokayukta?
Lokayukta is an anti-corruption ombudsman organization in states. A Lokayukta investigates allegations
of corruption and irregularities against officials and is tasked with speedy redressal of public grievances.
Special Training Programme for Maldivian Civil Servants to be conducted in India
Special Training Programme for Maldivian Civil Servants is scheduled to be conducted at the hill town
Mussoorie (Uttarkhand) and New Delhi from 16 to 28 September 2019. A 32-member Maldivian delegation
arrived in India for taking part in Special Training Programme.
Key Highlights
India is the largest development partner for capacity building of Civil Servants of Maldives. A unique
feature of special training program is that 70% of delegates are women officials.
The inaugural session of Special Training Program for Maldivian Civil Servants taking place on 16
September would be chaired by K. V. Eapen, Secretary DARPG (Department of Administrative Reforms
and Public Grievances), Fatimath Amira, Member Civil Services Commission and V. Srinivas, Additional
Secretary DARPG.
Senior policymakers from the Government of India would be addressing the participants in 2-week
training program.
STP Sessions will take place on:
Public Policy and Governance, Ethics and Accountability and Redressal of Public Grievances, Sustainable
Development Goals (SDG), Motivation, Promoting Tourism, Innovation, Regional Cooperation in Indian
Ocean Region (IOR), India-Maldives Relations along with visits to Unique Identification Authority,
Passport Sewa Kendra and Election Commission of India (ECI).
About Special Training Programme
It is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his
Maldivian counterpart on his visit to Male (Maldives) in June 2019 on ‘Training and Capacity Building
Programme’ between India’s National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) and Maldives Civil Service
Commission (CSC).
One of the MoUs signed between NCGG and CSC of Maldives envisaged capacity building activities for
1000 Civil Servants of Maldives at National Centre for Good Governance over next 5 years.
PM Modi, during his visit, emphasised India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and assured India’s full support

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 13


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

to Maldives in realising its aspirations for broad-based socio-economic development and strengthening of
democratic and independent institutions.
A Memorial pillar to Polish Refugees unveiled in Kolhapur
A commemorative pillar in memory of Polish families and individuals who had made India their home
during World War II was unveiled at Valivade village in western Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. Around
5,000 refugees from Poland lived in Kolhapur’s Valivade village between 1942 and 1948.
The Memorial pillar was unveiled by Deputy Foreign Minister of Polish Republic Marcin Przydacz, Polish
Ambassador to India Adam Burakowski and Guardian Minister of Kolhapur Chandrakant Patil.
Key Highlights
A delegation from Poland, including 12 of the surviving polish refugees, arrived in Kolhapur for
commemoration of 80th anniversary of their stay in India.
A permanent museum dedicated to memory of 5,000 Polish people who lived in Valivade camp will be
built in next one year. The museum would contain photographs, paintings & other important items and
materials from #WWII era, to keep memories of past alive for next generations.
With the cooperation and affection of citizens of Kolhapur, Valivade could soon be transformed into a
‘mini Poland’, with its own church, schools and even a cinema.
History
During the Second World War, Poland was caught between Adolf Hitler’s Germany and Josef Stalin’s
Russia. Poland was dismembered by 1939 Nazi-Soviet Union pact or ‘the Devil’s Alliance’, with cream of
Poland’s officer corps, which included several members of country’s intelligentsia, massacred by NKVD (or
the Soviet secret police) in Katyn Forest in 1940. This in turn led to a stream of refugees who initially
endured the living hell of Soviet camps to make their way to Valivade village in Kolhapur district, 235 km
from Pune.
Pune’s iconic Jayakar Bungalow restored
The renovated Jayakar Bungalow, a classic heritage site situated inside the premises of National Film
Archives of India (NFAI) in Pune, Maharashtra was inaugurated by Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister for
Information and Broadcasting.
During the inauguration a special booklet ‘Parampara: An ode to Jayakar Bungalow’ that chronicles the
history of bungalow along with the story of its restoration was also released. A special feature of booklet
is the experiences shared by some of renowned film artists including.
About Jayakar Bungalow
The historical building is classified as a Grade I Heritage structure, which was built in 1945. It has a distinct
Tudor style of architecture.
It was once home to Mukundrao Ramrao Jayakar who was a barrister and first vice-chancellor of University
of Pune. It was then acquired by Indian law society, before it was handed over to Archives.
The bungalow is part of glory of Pune city and film researchers will certainly benefit from the site.
The bungalow is situated inside NFAI’s Pune campus and comprises of digital film library (where
researchers can access NFAI’s rich database), 3 film review rooms, and some antique articles of value. It
has been renovated with an outlay of Rs.3 crore.
For the first time Survey of India to deploy 300 drones for mapping country
Survey of India (SoI), the oldest scientific department of country will for the first time rely on drones to
map the country. SoI which is India’s National Survey and Mapping Organization is in charge of mapping
and surveying entire country. SoI is affliated to the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Key Highlights
Objective:
To provide good high-resolution foundation maps. Also, High-resolution maps will facilitate
digitisation of land titles in villages.
To map 75% of India’s geography (about 2.4 million sq km of 3.2 million sq km) within next two
years.
To fulfill above objective the organisation aims to procure about 300 drones and so far about 30 have been
sourced for the mega exercise.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 14


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

As a precursor to undertake such drone-based mapping exercises, Survey of India has signed agreements
with districts in Haryana (6), Karnataka (2) and Maharashtra (2). Every square kilometre mapped by
drones will be encapsulated in 2500 pictures and thus be a store of digital data.
Benefits
Currently the best SoI maps have a resolution of 1:250000 (i.e. 1 cm on the map represents 2500 cm on
ground), however, new maps under the project will have a 1:500 resolution (i.e. 1 cm on map will represent
500 cm).
Other than unprecedented detail, a consequence of mapping will be creating high resolution maps of land
in villages thereby facilitating digitisation of land titles in villages.
Sorting rural issues: A major consequence of drone-based exercise will be mapping of settled habitations
in villages. Based on availability of accurate maps, residents will finally be able to get property cards as
well as proper legal titles to their lands.
Spain wins 2nd FIBA basketball World Cup title
Spain captured its second FIBA basketball World Cup title after defeating Argentina with 95-75 in the gold
medal game held at Wukesong Arena in Beijing, China. The Spaniards won their 1st basketball World Cup
title in 2006 in Japan.
Key Highlights
The Spaniards capped a dominant run as they finished undefeated at 8-0.
Point guard Ricky Rubio was named Most Valuable Player of the international competition. He led Spain
with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. He surpassed Pablo Prigioni of Argentina as World Cup assists
leader since FIBA started recording all game statistics in 1994.
Marc Gasol won his 2nd championship in less than 3 months. He won NBA championship with Toronto
Raptors and has become 2nd player to win an NBA title and FIBA World Cup title in same year. In 2010,
Lamar Odom accomplished this feat for Los Angeles Lakers and USA Basketball.
Gasol who finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists was among 5 players named to FIBA World
Cup 2019 All-Star Five. The other four are Rubio, Bogdan Bogdanovic of Serbia, Luis Scola of Argentina
and Evan Fournier of France.
GSTN to make Aadhaar authentication mandatory for new dealers from January 2020
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Network has decided to make Aadhaar authentication or physical
verification mandatory for new dealers from January 2020 so as to check malpractices in GST. Aadhaar
authentication was earlier optional.
The announcement in this regard was made by Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar Sushil Kumar Modi, who
heads the Group of Ministers of GST Network.
Key Highlights
This decision was taken after noticing in last two years that there are a good number of fly-by-night
operators, who make fake invoices.
For those who do not want Aadhaar authentication, physical verification will be carried out, which will be
completed in 3 days.
As refunding is a big issue, the GST Network has also decided on complete online refunding from 24
September 2019 from a single source, either by Central GST or State GST.
Moreover, no State government is in favour of slashing the GST slab for Automobile sector from 28% to
18%, fearing loss of revenue.
About Goods and Services Tax (GST) Network
GSTN has been jointly registered by Central and State Governments as a not-for-profit Company under
Section 8 of Companies act, 2013.
It was primarily set up to provide IT infrastructure and services to Central government, State
governments, tax payers and other stakeholders for GST implementation.
The restructured GSTN, with 100% government ownership has equity 50:50 structure between Centre
and the States.
September 17, 2019

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 15


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Commerce Ministry launches Steel Import Monitoring System


Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways, Piyush Goyal launched Steel Import Monitoring
System (SIMS) in New Delhi. The system has been developed in consultation with Union Ministry of Steel
on the pattern of US Steel Import Monitoring and Analysis (SIMA) system.
About Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS)
SIMS has been notified with effect from 1 November 2019. It will provide advance information about steel
imports to Centre government and stake holders which includes steel industry (producers), steel
consumers (importers) to have effective policy interventions.
SIMS shall require importers to submit advance information in an online system for import of 284 steel
tariff lines at 8-digit HS code (Harmonized Item Description and Coding System) in order to obtain an
automatic Registration Number by paying required registration fee.
Function:
The importers of specified steel products will register in advance on web portal of SIMS and will provide
necessary information. The registration will be online and automatic and no human intervention is
required.
The importer can apply for registration not before 60th day and not after 15th day before expected date of
arrival of import consignment. The automatic Registration Number thus granted will remain valid for 75
days period. The importer shall also have to enter Registration Number and expiry date of Registration in
Bill of Entry to enable Customs for clearance of consignment.
The information about steel imports provided by importers on SIMS will be monitored by Steel Ministry.
DRDO hands over New-Generation Wargaming Software to Navy
The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over a New-Generation Wargaming
Software developed by New Delhi-based Institute for Systems Studies and Analysis (ISSA) to the Indian
Navy. ISSA is a premier DRDO laboratory.
About New-Gen Wargaming Software
New-Gen Wargaming Software is aimed at creating an environment that would enable Maritime Warfare
Centres (MWCs) to train using latest technological and computing tools.
The Software has been designed and developed by ISSA in collaboration with Maritime Warfare Centres
(MWCs), Visakhapatnam to meet contemporary operational and tactical level wargaming requirement of
Indian Navy.
Software Features:
It has versatile and user-friendly features, which enable globally playable wargaming scenarios between
multiple forces.
It also enables exercises to be conducted between geographically-dispersed locations over a wide area
network. Also, as architecture is forward compatible thus new functional and equipment modules can be
developed as well as easily plugged in.
1st India, Singapore, Thailand Trilateral Naval Exercise begins
The maiden Trilateral Naval exercise involving Indian Navy (IN), Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and
Royal Thailand Navy (RTN) commenced at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The five-day exercise
will be held from 16 to 20 September 2019.
About India, Singapore, Thailand Naval Exercise
Background: This Trilateral naval exercise was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his
address at Shangri-La dialogue in June 2018. The Initial Planning Conference (IPC) to discuss modalities of
exercise was held in May 2019 and Final Planning Conference (FPC) was held in August 2019. Earlier,
Malaysia has also showed interest in joining exercise.
Objective: To bolster maritime inter-relationships amongst India, Thailand and Singapore as well as to
contribute significantly towards enhancing the overall maritime security in the region.
Under the ambit of this exercise–
RSN Tenacious of Singapore (a guided missile stealth frigate) and His Majesty’s Thailand Ship (HTMS)
Kraburi (a guided-missile frigate of Thailand Navy) would exercise with Indian Naval Ship INS Ranvir (a
guided-missile destroyer), INS Kora (a missile corvette) and Sukanya (an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV))

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 16


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

along with P8I Long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.


Harbour phase: During the harbour phase scheduled at Port Blair, professional exchanges, sports fixtures,
and cross deck familiarisation visits would be organized.
Sea phase: It will be held from 18-20 September. Also, a host of surface and air operations that involves
gunnery, communication drills and force protection measures would be conducted thus, providing
experience gaining and learning from one another’s best practices.
The exercise would strengthen interoperability and development of a common understanding of
procedures. Also, apart from fostering cooperation, the trilateral exercise would provide an opportunity to
participating navies to come together in a spirit of collaboration to nurture stronger ties.
Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline ‘1100’ launched in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has launched Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline
‘1100’ (Chief Minister’s Service Resolution Helpline) for speedy and time-bound redressal of public
grievances using modern technology. By calling this helpline common citizens of state will be able to
resolve their complaints and problems.
With the launch of Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline Himachal Pradesh has now become 4th state in
country to provide this facility. So far this facility is available in Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar
Pradesh.
About Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline
Objective: The main focus of state government is to ensure that issues, problems and grievances of
general public were redressed at earliest and in a time-bound manner. For this purpose state government
has issued a toll-free number 1100 of this helpline.
The Seva Sankalp helpline is started in the new premises of Municipal Corporation Shimla. With the
launch of Helpline, Himachal’s common man does not have to come to Shimla to meet Chief Minister or
Ministers due to domestic or minor problems as now anyone can register a complaint on 1100 number
from a mobile phone sitting at home.
Around 56 departments and 6500 officers working under government have been linked to Chief Minister’s
Service Resolution Helpline by Geo Mapping and Geo Tagging. Thus this will make the process of
government work paperless.
Helpline will function 6 days a week (Monday-Saturday) from 7 am to 10 pm and the call center will be able
to file 40 complaints simultaneously.
Every complaint will be resolved within a period of 7-14 days. Strict action will be taken on delay in
resolving the complaint of people.
CM Thakur would himself regularly monitor the progress of helpline. He will sit at helpline center every
month and will review solutions to the problems related to their respective departments.
RBI expands coverage of Bharat Bill Payment System
In a consumer friendly initiative, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded the scope and coverage of
Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to include all categories of billers who raise recurring bills and
payments (except prepaid recharges) as eligible participants, on a voluntary basis.
Key Highlights
With the expansion of the scope of payment facility, RBI now allows other recurring/repetitive bill
payments like school fees, insurance premiums, EMIs and municipal taxes, which can also be paid through
BBPS.
At present, the facility of payment of recurring bills through BBPS is available only in five segments i.e.
direct to home (DTH), electricity, gas, water and telecom.
Expansion of biller categories would increase the user base of Bharat Bill Pay along with providing an
efficient, cost-effective alternative to existing systems and enhance consumer confidence and experience.
What is BBPS?
It is an integrated bill payment system that offers interoperable bill payment service to customers online
and via a network of agents on ground.
This interoperable platform enables a customer to pay bills like telephone, water, gas, direct-to-home
(DTH) and electricity at a single location (electronic or physical).
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 17
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

The system provides multiple payment modes and instant confirmation of payment.
BBPS functions under National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
MFIN and Sa-Dhan launches ‘Code for Responsible Lending’
Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) and Sa-Dhan along with FIDC (Finance Industry Development
Council) have jointly launched the ‘Code for Responsible Lending’ (CRL) for the micro credit industry. The
CRL was launched at Sa-Dhan’s 15th Annual National Conference held in New Delhi. Sa-Dhan is Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) recognised self-regulatory organisation and industry association for the microfinance
industry.
About ‘Code for Responsible Lending’
The CRL is sector-specific and entity-agnostic. A common CRL unveiled would bar more than three
lenders offering loans to a single borrower and cap the size of total lending to Rs.1 lakh per borrower.
A significant development in CRL adoption was signing up of Finance Industry Development Council (FIDC)
which makes CRL more inclusive in its coverage. FIDC is the self-regulatory organisation for registered
NBFCs.
CRL will be a step in right direction to restore confidence in non-banking lending community, as this will
bring better discipline and harmony among asset financing, loan financing and micro financing NBFCs.
In addition to CRL, a revised industry Code of Conduct (CoC) was also released for Microfinance
Institutions (MFIs) that will act as a binding and compulsory set of principles with respect to lending
practices.
Currently, more than 90 entities have signed up for CRL as ‘responsible lenders’, and soon all microfinance
lenders are expected to come forward to endorse and adhere to it.
Significance:
This launch is in line with Sa-Dhan’s objective of furthering responsible finance across entire sector. It is
also a significant self-regulatory step across all RBI-regulated entities and others that aim towards
safeguarding the interests of low-income customers by enhancing compliance and transparency.
Also, many lenders of diverse legal form are coming on board, as the code engages with all those catering
to same microfinance client.
It will bring about a level-playing field for all and ensure that client protection is more adequately
addressed.
National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development inaugurated
With the aim of addressing opportunities and challenges in development of clean coal technologies, Union
Minister of Science & Technology Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the National Centre for Clean Coal
Research and Development (NCCCR&D) at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. The NCCCR&D
has been launched at IISc. by Department of Science & Technology (DST).
National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development (NCCCR&D)
It is a national consortium on clean coal research and development led by IISc. The partner of IISc includes
IIT- Kharagpur, Madras, Guwahati, Bombay, and Hyderabad.
The consortium will work on identifying existing gaps in clean coal technology as major problem being
faced by Indian power plants is high level of pollutants and low thermal efficiency.
The new centre would address several critical Research & Development (R&D) challenges towards
development of clean coal technologies in tandem with developing supercritical power plant technologies,
both at materials and system level.
The centre will also address challenges such as development of low emission combustion and gasification,
and achieve high cycle efficiencies with reduced pollutants. IISc. has already set-up an advanced
indigenous supercritical CO2 test loop at a laboratory scale.
Significance:
Scientific and collective endeavours like NCCCR&D would enable achievement of an affordable, efficient,
and compact reliable clean energy system.
It would help India in achieving international targets and ‘nationally determined contributions’ on climate
change which inlcudes-

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 18


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

To have at-least 40% of our total requirement of energy to be from clean energy sources by 2030 (of
this India have already achieved around 34-35%)
Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) by 33% to 35% by 2030
Target beneficiaries of NCCCR&D: It includes national organisations such as the Gas Authority of India
Ltd. (GAIL), National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Bharat Heavy Electronics Ltd. (BHEL), Triveni
Turbines Ltd and Tata Power.
Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research launched
Union Minister of Science & Technology Harsh Vardhan launched an Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy
Research (ICER) equipped with modern facilities for conducting a wide spectrum of energy research
through knowledge network.
About Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research (ICER)
ICER is a first of its kind in India which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. This new centre would
realise the vision of affordable, efficient, compact and reliable clean energy systems.
It was formed to conduct socially relevant research to benefit people directly. Also, translational research
carried out by ICER faculty has resulted in technology transfers in India and abroad.
Research conducted here would be in line with various national missions to have more reach. ICER is also
considering starting a new Master’s course on energy.
ICER plans to expand its activities in several energy-related areas with an emphasis on process and
material development, in collaboration with manufacturing industry.
The centre is focused on developing sustainable technologies for renewable energy, combustion, next-
generation solar photovoltaic, concentrated solar power, novel energy storage technologies, hydrogen,
bio-mass and bio-fuels.
Russia holds Center-2019 International Command Exercise
Russia is holding its annual Center-2019 International Command Exercise involving six other nations
from 16 to 21 September 2019. Center-2019 is an annual strategic and operational military exercises which
aren’t aimed at any third-party country rather focus on counterterrorist operations and is purely
defensive in nature.
About Center-2019 International Command Exercise
Exercise Objectives:
To demonstrate readiness of Armed Forces of Russian Federation and the states of Central Asia
region to protect national interests
To increase level of interaction and compatibility of participants in solving joint tasks to protect
interests, preserve peace and ensure security in region.
To train troops for conducting military operations in modern conditions
To improve interoperability of military command and control units of armed forces of Russia and
allied States
Military Forces from India, China, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan will join Russia’s
Central Joint Strategic Command (JSC) for military exercises.
Some parts of military drills will be held outside Russia in member countries of Collective Security Treaty
Organization (CSTO) such as Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The annual exercises rotate and this year’s mainly focus on Central Joint Strategic Command (JSC). The
other JSCs are East, West, and Caucasus.
The 2019 exercise will be the biggest encompassing nearly 128,000 personnel, 20,000 pieces of equipment
and weapons, 600 aircraft and helicopters, and 15 warships.
Background
Ever since Russia started reconstructing its military in 2008, the Central Joint Strategic Command (JSC)
has held two exercises- in 2011 and 2015. In the 2015 exercises, nearly 95,000 personnel took part and they
were used as a preparation for Russian operations in Syria.
September 18, 2019
Hyderabad-Karnataka region Renamed ‘Kalyana Karnataka’
After completing the official procedure for renaming Hyderabad Karnataka region Chief Minister of

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 19


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Karnataka B.S. Yediyurappa made the official proclamation to rename the region as Kalyana Karnataka.
The Hyderabad Karnataka region comprises six north-eastern districts of Karnataka: Bidar, Kalaburagi,
Koppal, Ballari, Yadgir and Raichur.
The announcement was made by CM ahead of hosting of national flag in Kalaburagi on occasion of
commemoration of ‘Hyderabad-Karnataka Liberation Day’. All other formalities relating to renaming
would follow in consultation with Centre.
Key Highlights
The name ‘Kalya’ (in ‘Kalyana Karnataka’) comes from Kingdom of Kalyana, which was the epicenter of
Sharana movement and Vachana Sahitaya preached and followed by several social reformers, including
Basvanna.
The renaming of Hyderabad-Karnataka as Kalyana Karnataka has been a long standing demand of people
of the region.
CM also announced that a separate secretariat would be set up for the development of Kalyana Karnataka,
through which funds would be released for developmental work.
More funds for the all-round development of Kalyana Karnataka region would be allocated in the next
budget.
Background
The Hyderabad-Karnataka region was under Nizams of Hyderabad even after independence (1947) as the
last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan Bahadur, refused to annex his kingdom to Indian Union. Then on 17
September 1948 he merged with Indian Union after Police Action which forced the Nizam and his army to
surrender.
Owing to its backwardness, the region, comprising of Bidar, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Ballari, Yadgir and
Raichur enjoys special status under Article 371J of Constitution of India.
5th International Ramayan Festival organized in New Delhi
The 5th International Ramayan Festival organized by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is being
held from 17-19 September 2019 in New Delhi. The maiden day of festival was presided by Union Minister
for Home Affairs Amit Shah as Chief Guest.
Key Highlights
The year 2019 is 5th edition of International Ramayan Festival. The festival is being organized for 5th year
in row, during which 17 countries have participated with their artists and rendered their versions of
Ramayan.
The ICCR was established with the vision of propagating Indian culture and its values to the whole world
and organizing Ramayan festival is one way to realize this vision.
Ramayan is one such scripture of India that has transcended Personal, Religious, Societal, Cultural and
National boundaries and reached a Global audience.
About Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
It was founded in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who was independent India’s 1st Education Minister.
ICCR Objectives:
To actively participate in formulation and implementation of programmes and policies realting to
India’s external cultural relations
To foster and strengthen mutual understanding and cultural relations between India and other
countries
To promote cultural exchanges and develop relations with other countries and people, national and
international organization in field of Culture
Rustom-2: DRDO’s UAV crashes in Karnataka’s Chitradurga
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) called ‘Rustom-2’ belonging to Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) crashed during a trial in an agriculture field in Chitradurga district of Karnataka. No
casualties were reported from the crash. According to state government officials, the testing of ‘Rustom-2
UAV was in progress when the incident occurred.
About DRDO Rustom
It is a Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV. It is being developed by DRDO for Indian Army, Indian

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 20


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Navy and Indian Air Force.


Rustom is derived from National Aerospace Laboratory’s (NAL) LCRA (Light Canard Research Aircraft)
developed by a team under leadership of late Prof Rustom Damania in 1980s.
DRDO Rustom-2 UAV
It has been designed and developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) with its
production partners being aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Ltd
(BEL).
It is being developed on lines of predator drones of United States (US) to carry out surveillance and
reconnaissance (ISR) roles for the 3 Indian armed forces with an endurance of 24 hours.
It is capable of carrying various combinations of payloads like synthetic aperture radar (SAR), electronic
intelligence (ELINT) systems and situational awareness payloads (SAP).
Sri Lanka unveils South Asia’s tallest tower in Colombo
Sri Lanka unveiled a 350-metre-tall Lotus Tower which is now being dubbed as South Asia’s tallest tower
in Colombo city. Though the tower is still under construction President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena
decided to open the tower to public. As per the President, Lotus Tower is foreseen to be one of the
significant landmarks and an epitome of island country’s culture, economy and development.
About ‘Lotus Tower’
It is the tallest tower in South Asia in the shape of a 356-meter lotus.
The tower costs more than $100 million. The 80% of costs incurred has been funded by China under the
controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The 350-metre tall Lotus Tower has 17-storey and is located in Colombo. It comprises a hotel, a TV tower,
restaurants, a mall, a telecommunications museum, and auditorium.
Sri Lanka and China signed the Lotus Tower agreement in 2012 to build the tower. As per the agreement
China National Electronics Import and Export Corporation (CEIEC) was the general contractor.
‘Astra’ air-to-air missile successfully flight tested from Su-30 MKI
Indian Air Force (IAF) and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight
tested indigenous air-to-air missile, ‘ASTRA’, off the coast of Odisha. The beyond-visual-range missile was
launched from Su-30 MKI as a part of User trials.
Key Highlights
The live aerial target was engaged accurately demonstrating the capability of India’s first indigenously
designed ASTRA, air-to-air missile.
The mission profile was executed in a text book manner as various Radars, Electro-Optical Tracking
System (EOTS) and Sensors tracked the missile and confirmed its engagement with target.
About ASTRA
It has been designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the
premier research and development organisation of the armed forces in country.
It is capable of engaging targets of different ranges (including long-range and short-range targets) and
altitudes.
Range: 70 km
Bangladesh PM receives Dr Kalam Smriti International Excellence Award 2019
Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina was conferred Dr Kalam Smriti International Excellence
Award 2019 in Dhaka (Bangladesh Capital). She received the prestigious award for vision of a peaceful and
prosperous South Asia, free of tension, conflicts and terrorism. The award also acknowledged her
contribution in fostering cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
PM Sheikh Hasina was handed over the award by Chief Adviser of Dr Kalam Smriti International Advisory
Council and former Ambassador T.P. Sreenivasan.
About Dr Kalam Smriti International Excellence Award
The award was introduced in 2015. It has been instituted in memory of former President of India Dr. A.P.J.
Abdul Kalam.
It is annual award and is conferred every year to honour statesmen or leaders who have shown excellence
in respective fields to achieve best for their countries.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 21


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Since 2015, Presidents of the Maldives, Ghana and Mauritius has also received the prestigious award.
ISRO, DRDO signs MoUs to provide technologies for Human Space Mission
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) signed Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Defence
Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to provide technologies for development of human
centric systems for Human Space Mission to demonstrate its human space flight capabilities.
ISRO aims to demonstrate country’s human spaceflight capability before 75th anniversary of India’s
independence in 2022.
Key Highlights of MoU
The set of MoUs were signed between a delegation of ISRO scientists with various DRDO labs to provide
technologies for human centric systems and technologies specific to Human Space Mission. The MoUs
were signed by Directors of-
Aerial Delivery Research & Development Establishment (ADRDE)
Defence Food Research Laboratory (DFRL)
Defence Bio-Engineering & Electro Medical Laboratory (DEBEL)
Defence Laboratory (DL) Jodhpur
Centre for Fire, Explosive & Environment Safety (CFEES)
Defence Institute of Physiology & Allied Sciences (DIPAS)
Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS)
As per MoU, technological capabilities existing in DRDO labs for various defence applications will be
customised to meet requirements of ISRO’s human space mission.
To meet the stringent timelines, DRDO has already initiated customisation of required technologies and
all necessary support to ISRO for the human space flight.
Certain critical technologies that would be provided by DRDO to ISRO includes-
space food and space crew health monitoring and emergency survival kit
parachutes for safe recovery of crew module
radiation measurement and protection
UK returns ‘stolen’ 12th century Buddha statue 57 years later
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman handed over antique 12th century Bronze Idol of Buddha that
was stolen from Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Nalanda site museum in 1961 to Union Minister of
State for Culture & Tourism (IC) Prahlad Singh Patel in New Delhi.
This ‘stolen’ 12th century Buddha was returned a month before (in August 2019) to the Indian High
Commission by the London Metropolitan Police.
The Bronze statue of Buddha is documented as ‘Seated Buddha in Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It is of Ht. 6.5″
and belongs to Circa 12th Century AD. It was amongst the 19 bronze statues that were stolen from ASI
Museum at Nalanda in August 1961.
Background
The 12th century Bronze Idol of Buddha seated in the Bhumisparsha Mudra was stolen on 22 August 1961
from Nalanda Museum of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). After a gap of nearly 57 years, in February
2018, the stolen statue had resurfaced at an auction in Masstricht (a city in Netherlands) organized by a
London based dealer Rossi & Rossi.
Then on receiving information Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officer in London (UK) contacted
ASI, UK Customs and Art & Antique Unit of London Metropolitan Police. ASI also certified and confirmed
the findings and provided documentary evidence (FIR which was filed in 1961) that the statue was stolen
from Archaeological Museum, Nalanda.
Later on 15 August 2018, Scotland Yard handed over the Buddha statue to Indian High Commissioner to
UK, YK Sinha to mark India’s 72nd Independence Day.
National Seminar on ‘Emerging Trends in Public Architecture’ held in New Delhi
A National Seminar on ‘Emerging Trends in Public Architecture’ was held on 18 September 2019 at Vigyan
Bhawan, New Delhi. The Seminar was inaugurated by Hardeep S. Puri, Union Minister for Housing and
Urban Affairs.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 22


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Key Highlights of Seminar


The seminar was organized by Central Public Works Department as part of Nationwide Awareness
Campaign during ongoing ‘Construction Technology Year’. In a bid to increase the use of modern
technologies in the construction sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that April 2019-
March 2020 would be taken up as the ‘Year of Construction Technology’.
The seminar facilitated knowledge sharing of latest developments and capacity building in field of
Architecture design and planning in construction industry.
It also gave an opportunity to participants to discuss on latest developments and capacity building in
Architecture design field and planning in construction industry.
The CPWD shared its expertise and knowhow with various Engineering Departments, builders and
private agencies participating in Seminar.
The seminar also had deliberation on challenges in execution of works by CPWD.
September 19, 2019
US President names Robert O’Brien as USA’s new National Security Adviser
US President Donald Trump has named Robert C. O’Brien as his new National Security Adviser (NSA).
Robert currently serves as special envoy for hostage affairs at the State Department and will be
succeeding John Bolton, who departed the NSA post recently amid differences with President Trump and
other top advisers.
Key Highlights
Robert C. O’Brien is appointed to high-profile White House role at a time when President Trump faces a
number of foreign-policy challenges, particularly as administration determines how to respond to recent
attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil industry (Saudi Aramco), which some U.S. officials have blamed on Iran.
As President Trump is scheduled to attend the United Nations General Assembly in late September, the
new adviser’s debut on world stage comes quickly after his appointment.
About Robert C. O’Brien
He currently serves as Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs at US State Department and has a
long history in Republican foreign policy circles.
He will be President Trump’s 4th national security adviser.
He also served under George W. Bush administration at State Department and U.S. mission to United
Nation.
He was a senior foreign policy adviser to former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and a senior adviser to Gov.
Mitt Romney in his 2008 as well as 2012 presidential campaigns.
Four new Supreme Court judges appointed, strength now 34
The Centre on 18 September 2019 cleared the appointments of four new judges to the Supreme Court.
With the appointment, the judges’ strength in apedx court is now 34. On August 30, the Supreme Court
four chief justices for the appointment to the top court in order to fill the vacant posts.
Key Highlights
The newly appointed SC judges are-
1. Haryana High Court Chief Justice Krishna Murari
2. Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice V. Ramasubramanian
3. Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice S Ravindra Bhat
4. Kerala High Court Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy
Once the newly appointed 4 SC Judges takes oath, the total strength of Supreme Court (34) will be highest
ever till date.
The Supreme Court vacancies had increased its judicial strength from 31 to 34 (including Chief Justice of
India) following the enactment of Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Bill of 2019 into law. One of said
four judges would replace the vacancy following retirement of SC Justice A.M. Sapre.
Background
Originally, the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 provided for a maximum number of 10
judges (excluding CJI). This strength was increased to 13 by Supreme Court (Number of Judges)
Amendment Act, 1960, and to 17 in 1977. However, till the end of 1979, the working strength of Supreme

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 23


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Court was, restricted to 15 judges by cabinet (excluding CJI). But the restriction was withdrawn at request
of chief justice of India.
In 1986, the strength of top court was increased to 25 (excluding CJI). Later, the Supreme Court (Number
of Judges) Amendment Act, 2009 further augmented the strength of SC from 25 to 30.

IAF inaugurates Vijaynagar’s Advance Landing Ground in Arunachal Pradesh


The Indian Air Force (IAF) inaugurated the resurfaced runway at the Vijaynagar Advance Landing Ground
(ALG) in Changlang District in Arunachal Pradesh, which will enable operations by military transport
aircraft at the base near the China border. This has also re-established military transport aircraft
connectivity at this Eastern most hamlet of India.
The resurfaced runway was jointly inaugurated by Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Air
Commander Air Marshal R D Mathur and Eastern Army Commander Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan.
About Vijay Nagar ALG
Background: As part of efforts to strengthen military infrastructure along China border, IAF reactivated 8
ALGs to enable aircraft operations along border with China. The Vijay Nagar ALG was 1st activated in
2011-12 and was non-operational for fixed-wing operations since 2016. However, the runway has been
resurfaced under recently completed works there.
The repair of runway at Vijaynagar, was coordinated by Air Force Station, Jorhat. It was a challenging task
as there being no road connectivity, all the load had to be airlifted by helicopters.
Benefits of Airfield
The movement of larger transport aircraft to and from this airfield will act as a catalyst for development
of area and it will also facilitate movement of locals.
It is also important not only for local administration in extending their reach to residents of this remote
area but also crucial from a strategic point of view. ALG will assist in effective management of borders
with Myanmar and China (due to its location and proximity to both the borders) as well as will facilitate
launch of joint operations by Indian Army and Indian Air Force for defence of Vijaynagar salient.
NOTE:
India shares 3488 km of border with China, out of this State of Arunachal Pradesh share 1126 km length of
India-China border called Line of Actual Control (LAC). India shares 1643 km of border with Myanmar and
the border of Arunachal Pradesh with Myanmar is 526 km long.
Telangana government declares 2020 as Artificial Intelligence year
The state government of Telangana has decided to declare 2020 as Year of Artificial Intelligence and thus
will be organising various activities related to emerging technology throughout the year. This comes in
the backdrop of emerging talent pool as well as renewed focus by industry and other ecosystem players on
AI space in last 4-5 years.
Key Highlights

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 24


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Throughout the year 2020, which is going to be celebrated in Telangana as AI year, the state government
will be running multiple programs, meetings and activities such as hackathons, master classes and other
activities.
The government agencies will give challenges and make available data sets on which companies can run
algorithms.
The state government has signed up with NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India),
which has come out with ‘National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence‘ to run pilot projects in Telangana.
Telangana was 1st State to sign up with NITI Aayog when they prepared ‘AI for All’ document.
IT industry body NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies) is setting up a
Centre of Excellence in Data Sciences and AI in Hyderabad, Telangana. This CoE is expected to start its
activities in 2020.
Also, IIT- Khargapur is also coming up with its regional centre in Hyderabad to train students in AI in
partnership with State government.
Govt scraps import duty on open cell TV panel used to make TV sets
In a bid to boost domestic manufacturing, the Central government has removed 5% custom duty that was
imposed on import of open cell TV panel. Open cell TV panel are used in manufacturing of television sets
such as LED TVs.
Key Highlights
As per the notification issued by Union Ministry of Finance in this regard the open cell, (15.6 inch and
above), for use in the manufacture of Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) TV
panel would attract zero duty.
The government has also scrapped custom duty on import of Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), Cell
(glass board or substrate) and Chip on Film, which are used to manufacture open cell TV panels.
Open cell panel is an important part of TV manufacturing and covers 60-70% cost of the unit. The move to
scraps import duty on open cell TV panel would also help to reduce the price of TV panel by around 3% as
it would lower the input costs for TV makers.
Background
On 30 June 2017, the government had imposed a custom duty of 5% on import of such panel. Many TV
makers including Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association (CEAMA) had opposed the
increased duty, and have been complaining about a slump in demand and had requested government to
waive it. TV makers have since then been complaining about a slump in demand.
Currently, open cells panels are not manufactured in India and TV companies rely on imports of these key
components part of LED television sets. An import duty levied by government on open cell LED panels had
also pushed some electronics makers to import TV sets from neighbouring markets like Vietnam and
Thailand to avoid duties on open cell panels.
Cabinet approves Payment of PLB to railway employees (for FY 2018-19)
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved payment of Productivity Linked
Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days wages to eligible non-gazetted railway employees for Financial Year
(FY) 2018-19. The eligible non-gazetted railway employees for payment of PLB exclude Railway Protection
Force (RPF) and Railway Protection Special Force (RPSF) personnel.
About Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB)
PLB to all non-gazetted railway employees is an acknowledgement of their contribution to efficient
running of Indian Railways. PLB is for maintaining industrial peace and motivation of railway men.
PLB to more than 11.52 Lakh eligible non-gazetted railway employees (excluding RPF/RPSF personnel)
would entail an expenditure of Rs.2024.40 crores to exchequer.
This is 6th consecutive year that Union Government led by PM Modi has maintained a bonus of 78 days
wages. It has never lowered it.
Benefits:
Payment of PLB results in motivating the recipient railway employees to further improve performance of
Indian Railways, enhance productivity levels as well as maintain industrial peace.
There being large number of railway men and their families, this acknowledgement by payment of PLB
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 25
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

will enhance sense of inclusiveness and equity among them.

India Post starts Speed Post Service to 6 new Foreign Countries


The Department of Posts under Union Ministry of Communications has announced commencing of
International Speed Post (EMS) Service to six new foreign destinations in Asia, Europe and South America.
Key Highlights
India Post has expanded speed post service to 6 new foreign destinations namely Bosnia and Herzegovina,
Brazil, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, Lithuania and North Macedonia. The Express Mail Service (EMS) to these 6
countries will henceforth be available at major post offices across India.
India Post currently provides speed post service to nearly 100 countries, as per the information available
on its website.
What is Express Mail Service?
EMS is a premium service that enables its users to send documents as well as merchandise faster. It also
provides added facility of being able to track movement of the item on internet.
This facility is expected to increase people to people contact with newly added 6 countries and foster trade
as EMS is popular channel for small and medium enterprises.
Cabinet approves promulgation of Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Ordinance 2019
Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Promulgation of Prohibition of
Electronic Cigarettes (production, manufacture, import, export, transport, sale, distribution, storage and
advertisement) Ordinance, 2019. The decision is being seen as a major health and wellness initiative for the
country.
Key Highlights
Upon promulgation of Ordinance-
Any manufacturing, production, import, export, transport, distribution or advertisement (including online

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 26


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

advertisement), sale (including online sale) of e-cigarettes shall be a cognizable offence punishable.
Committing the offence might lead to an imprisonment of up to 1 year or fine up to Rs.1 lakh or both for
1st offence and imprisonment of up to 3 years and fine up to Rs.5 lakh for a subsequent offence. Storing of
e-cigarettes shall also be punishable with an imprisonment up to 6 months or fine up to Rs.50,000 or both.
On the date of commencement of Ordinance, the owners of existing stocks of e-cigarettes will have to
suomoto declare as well as deposit these stocks with nearest police station.
Under the Ordinance, Sub-Inspector of Police has been designated as Authorized Officer to take action.
However, Central or State Governments may also designate any other equivalent officer(s) as Authorized
Officer for enforcement of provisions of Ordinance.
What are Electronic-cigarettes?
E-Cigarettes are battery-operated devices that produce aerosol (mist) (commonly called as vapor) by
heating a solution containing nicotine. This nicotine is the addictive substance in combustible cigarettes.
E-Cigarettes include all forms of Heat Not Burn Products (HNBP), Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
(ENDS), e-Hookah and other similar devices.
These novel products come with attractive appearances and multiple flavours to attract their potential
customers especially youth and children. Thereby, their use has increased exponentially especially among
youth and children and has acquired epidemic proportions in developed countries as well.

Social Justice Minister T C Gehlot launches MIS portal under Accessible India Campaign
Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawar chand Gehlot launched a Management
Information System (MIS) under Accessible India Campaign in New Delhi. The launch was in presence of
Secretaries of various nodal ministries including Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Union
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Union Ministry of Railways, Union Ministry of

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 27


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY),
Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
About MIS Portal
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwD), under Union Ministry of Social Justice
and Empowerment has developed a Management Information System (MIS) for stakeholders of Accessible
India Campaign.
MIS portal will bring all the nodal ministries and States and Union Territories (UTs) on a single platform
for monitoring the progress being made against each target of Accessible India Campaign (AIC).
The portal is made fully accessible for Divyangjans.
It will be useful in maintaining all the function on digital platform and capture data on a real-time basis.
Also, the monitoring of places being made accessible will become more effective as the portal has a
provision of uploading images of such features.
About Accessible India Campaign
Accessible India Campaign also known as Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, was launched by PM Modi on 3
December 2015, on the occasion of International Day of People with Disabilities (PwD). It was launched as a
nation-wide campaign for achieving universal accessibility for PwDs.
The campaign aims to serve PwDs in country and create an accessible physical environment that benefits
everyone, not just PwDs.
Several measures undertaken under programme includes- eliminating obstacles and barriers in
indoor/outdoor facilities such as schools, medical facilities, workplaces and transport system. The
programme also covers places like footpaths, curb cuts and other obstacles that block the flow of regular
pedestrian traffic.
HRD Ministry launches Waste Management Summit for Women Entrepreneurs
Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ launched multiple
new initiatives of All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) in New Delhi on 18 September 2019.
This includes Waste Management Accelerator for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs (WAWE Summit 2019),
Facilitation through Margadarshan and Margadarshak, Model Curriculum for Diploma Courses, and 360-degree
Feedback of Faculty. These schemes are launched to improve quality of education and will further
contribute in creating New India.
Key Highlights
Under Facilitation through Margadarshan and Margadarshak initiative: the topmost institutions will
mentor other institutions, so that they can improve their rankings and follow best practices of the mentor
institute. The Margdarshak (teachers) will also be guiding other institutions for their betterment and will
help in improving ratings under the mentorship of eminent institutes.
For India to be at top in World rankings, the path to be followed includes taking technical education to top
in world. It is necessary to create new courses to prepare students for better understanding in this
competitive age and, Model Curriculum for Diploma Courses is an effort in this direction.
The 360 degree feedback of faculty scheme will increase quality of education by encouraging both
students and teachers.
About WAWE Summit 2019
The WAWE (Waste Management Accelerators for Aspire Women Entrepreneurs) summit is scheduled to
be held in November-December 2019.
It will be jointly organised by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Indian Institute of Waste
Management (IIWM) at Jaipur, Rajasthan. IIWM and AICTE will be registering interested participation and
guiding them to connect from ‘Start Up India to Stand Up India’.
Theme: Make your own bag– empowering women to take up income generation activity and
entrepreneurship in waste management by making a business out of this record creating concept.
This conclave will be the largest gathering of young women students to promote entrepreneurship in
waste management and providing alternatives to single use plastic carry bags.
Such initiatives are important in order to raise technical education in country to world standards. It will
also be part of a series of activities to encourage entrepreneurship amongst young graduates.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 28
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

It is a great initiative because women have skills in their hands and it will further empower and motivate
women as well as encourage entrepreneurship among youngsters.
September 20, 2019
Govt to set-up National Police University at Greater Noida
Union Ministry of Home Affairs has announced to set up world-class National Police University (NPU) in
Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The proposed multi-disciplinary university will provide dynamic, state-of-
the-art learning and working environment for advancement and dissemination of education and research
in policing science and related areas.
About National Police University (NPU)
It will be established at prime location in the NCR region on a plot of 100 acres located at IT Park, Tech
zone in Greater Noida. Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) has offered land on a 90-
year lease at concessional rate at the cost of Rs 371 crore.
It will have dynamic, state-of-the-art learning and working environment dedicated to advancement and
dissemination of education, research and scholarships of highest quality in the domain of policing science,
forensic science, cyber forensics, criminology, criminal justice, risk management and related areas.
It will offer to students formal education programmes leading to award of bachelor’s, masters’ and
doctoral degrees as well as PG Diploma in specialised niche areas in police sciences, criminology, criminal
justice, cyber forensics, forensic science, risk management and allied subjects with special papers in
specified areas using classroom teachings initially and later also through distance learning mode.
First World Patient Safety Day observed by WHO on September 17
The first World Patient Safety Day was observed by World Health Organisation (WHO) on September 17.
This day launched by WHO as global campaign ‘Medication without Harm’. It aims to create awareness
around patient safety and urge people to show commitment to making healthcare safer. The theme for
World Patient Safety Day 2019 is ‘Patient Safety: a global health priority’ and slogan is ‘Speak up for patient
safety’.
Background
The establishment of World Patient Safety Day (to be marked annually on September 17) was endorsed by
WHO member states from all 194 countries on May 24, 2019 and was officially included on WHO list of
health dates. The purpose of observance this Day is to promote patient safety by increasing public
awareness and engagement, enhancing global understanding and working towards global solidarity and
action. It also marks coming together of all health stakeholders from across the world for patients
including care givers, patients’ groups, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
Rajnath Singh becomes 1st Defence Minister to fly LCA Tejas
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has scripted history by becoming first Defence Minister to fly Light
Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’, an indigenously-built multi-role fighter aircraft. He undertook 30-minute
sortie in LCA Tejas along with Air Vice Marshall Narmdeshwar Tiwari, at the Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited (HAL) Airport in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Defence Minister even controlled ‘Tejas’ in the air for some time and was shown Avionics and
Sophisticated Systems onboard the aircraft.
About Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas
It is fourth-generation fighter aircraft with several critical capabilities and is thus meant to strengthen
India’s air defence capabilities.
It is an indigenous light weight, multi role supersonic fighter aircraft developed in both fighter and trainer
versions. To reduce weight and increase component of LCA Tejas, life Advanced materials such as
composites are used in its manufacture.
It is designed to carry a veritable plethora of air-to-air, air-to- surface, precision guided as well as standoff
weaponry.
It has been developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
Digital Payment Abhiyan: DSCI, MeitY and Google India join hands
Nasscom’s Data Security Council of India (DSCI) has collaborated with Union Ministry of Electronics and

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 29


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

IT (MeitY) and Google India to launch nationwide awareness campaign ‘Digital Payment Abhiyan’. It was
launched by Union Communications and Electronics & IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad at Google-
organised event ‘Google for India’ in New Delhi.
About Digital Payment Abhiyan
It aims at increasing awareness about cashless payment, educate end-users on the benefits of making
digital payments, online financial security and urge them to adopt security and safety best practices.
It is pan-India campaign crafted in seven languages — Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali
and Marathi.
It will engage with users and make them aware of the dos and don’ts for different payment channels
including UPI, wallets, cards as well as netbanking and mobile banking
Implementation: To drive the campaign objectives and amplify outreach to users across all states,
NASSCOM’s DSCI has onboarded various digital payments ecosystem partners. These partners include
representation from banking, card networks as well as fin-tech segment.
Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria appointed next Chief of Indian Air Force
Government has decided to appoint present Vice Chief of Air Staff Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria as next
Chief of Air Staff. He will take charge from the incumbent Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa who is set to retire
on September 30. At present, he is the senior most officer in Inidan Air Force after BS Dhanoa.
About Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria
He was commissioned into Fighter Stream of Indian Air Force (IAF) in June 1980. Since then he has held
various Command, Staff and Instructional Appointments at various levels including the present one as
Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS).
Apart from being decorated with PVSM, AVSM, VM, he is one of the ADCs to supreme Commander. He
took over as the Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force in May 2019.
During his nearly 40 years of career, he has commanded a Jaguar squadron and a premier Air Force
Station and was also Chief Test Pilot as well as Project Director of National Flight Test Centre (NFTC) on
Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project.
With 4250 hours of experience on 26 different types of fighters and transport aircraft as well as with
unique distinction of being an Experimental Test Pilot, he is a category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and
a Pilot Attack Instructor.
DRDO conducts all 5 successful trials of Air-to-Air Missile ‘Astra’
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the Beyond Visual
Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’ from Su-30 MKI platform off the coast of Chandipur in
Odisha. These trials were held from 16-19 September 2019 and were conducted by Indian Air Force (IAF)
against Jet Banshee target aircraft simulating all possible threat scenarios.
Key Highlights
The 5 trials conducted during 16-19 September tested missiles in different configurations and all the
subsystems performed accurately met all mission parameters and objectives.
During the trial campaign, 3 missiles were launched in combat configuration with warhead and
manoeuvring targets were neutralized to establish the end game capability of missile. The trials also
included a direct hit of the target by telemetered missile at maximum range.
The missile has completed the user trial phase of weapon system successfully.
The present flight trials have proved the end to end performance of missile system in various combat
scenarios thus giving greater confidence to users.
The 5 successful trials of Astra will culminate into induction of missile system into Indian Air Force (IAF),
which will certainly be a force multiplier considering its accuracy and effectiveness in neutralizing aerial
threats.
About ASTRA
It is a state-of-the-art BVRAAM. It has range of more than 100 kms.
It also has modern guidance and navigation techniques.
The missile has midcourse guidance and Radio Frequency (RF) seeker based terminal guidance to achieve
target destruction with pin point accuracy.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 30


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

It has been developed by DRDO, together with Indian Air Force (IAF). Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL) has played a major role in modifying aircraft for weapon integration. More than 50 public and
private industries have contributed in building Astra weapon system.
September 21, 2019
PM Modi, Mongolian President jointly Unveils statue of Lord Buddha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of Mongolia H.E. Mr Khaltmaagiin Battulga, jointly unveiled
a statue of Lord Buddha and his two disciples, installed at historic Gandan Tegchenling Monastery in
Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia’s Capital) via videoconferencing from Delhi.
Key Highlights
Prime Minister had offered prayers at Gandan Tegchenling Monastery during his visit to Mongolia in
2015. Thus while underlining common Buddhist heritage and civilizational links between our two
countries and peoples, PM Modi had then announced to gift a Lord Buddha statue to Buddhist monastery.
Mongolian President is on a 5-day state visit to India. This is the 1st State Visit by a Mongolian President
in last 10 years. During his stay, the Mongolian President will participate in an India-Mongolia Business
Forum in New Delhi, visit Agra and attend an event. He will also be paying a visit to Bodh Gaya (Bihar)
before leaving for Karnataka where he will hold meeting with state Governor and attend a programme.
About the Statue unveiled
The Statue symbolizes the shared respect of our two countries for universal message of Lord Buddha.
Statue depicts Lord Buddha in a sitting posture along with his two disciples conveying the message of
compassion as well as peace and co-existence. The statue was installed and consecrated at Gandan
Monastery in Ulaanbaatar in early September 2019 during the 3rd edition of SAMVAAD dialogue held in
Ulaanbaatar (from 6-7 September 2019). 3rd edition of SAMVAAD dialogue brought together Buddhist
religious leaders, scholars and experts from different countries to deliberate on contemporary issues
related to Buddhism.
About Gandan Tegchenling Monastery
It is a prominent centre of Mongolian Buddhists and a treasure house of valuable Buddhist heritage. It
hosted 11th General Assembly of Asian Buddhist Conference for Peace (ABCP) (from 21-23 June 2019) to mark
the 50th anniversary of Conference. More than 150 guests from 14 countries including India, Nepal,
Russia, Sri Lanka, Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Bhutan, LPDR, Thailand, North Korea among others
had participated in event.
Centre cuts Corporate Tax Rate for domestic investors
The Centre government has cut the effective corporate tax rate for existing domestic companies to 25.17%
(from 34.94% now) and for new domestic companies, it will be 15% now. For this purpose the government
has brought in Taxation Laws (Amendment) Ordinance 2019 to make certain amendments in Income-tax
Act 1961 and Finance (No. 2) Act 2019.
Key Highlights
The announcement was in this regard was made by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs
Nirmala Sitharama ahead of 37th GST council meeting to be held in Goa. The new domestic
manufacturing companies will have to pay 15% tax.
Existing Domestic Company: A new provision has been added in Income-tax Act with effect from Financial
Year 2019-20, which allows any domestic company an option to pay income-tax at rate of 22% if they do
not avail any exemption or incentive. Now, the corporate tax rate for domestic companies shall be 25.17%
(inclusive of surcharge & cess), which was earlier nearly 35% as well as such companies shall not be
required to pay Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT).
New Domestic Company: Under the new provision a new domestic company incorporated on or after 1
October 2019 making fresh investment in manufacturing and commences their production on or before 31
March, 2023, will have to pay income tax at rate of only 15%.
Finance Minister has also announced the government decision to expand the scope of 2% CSR (corporate
social responsibility) spending. Fin Min also expressed confidence that the move is well studied whereby
industrial growth and investment which is due to increase with this move will compensate revenue
forgone for reduction. Also, total revenue foregone for reduction in corporate tax rate and other relief are

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 31


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

estimated to be at Rs.1.45 lakh crore.


Home Minister launches ERSS, E-Beat Book System and E-Saathi App
Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah launched three citizen centric services of Chandigarh Police, in
Chandigarh. The services launched include- Emergency Response Support System (ERSS – Dial 112), ‘E-
Beat Book’ System and ‘E-Saathi App’. Home Minister observed that the beat officer system has been
cornerstone of Indian Policing system for ages and by such Citizen Centric Services in Policing, a SMART
Police force can be built in India. He congratulated Chandigarh Police to have taken a lead in introducing
such Citizen Centric Services in Policing.
These valuable public services would effectively reduce response time of police to address distress calls of
public as well as strengthen police-public interface endeavour of community policing.
About Emergency Response Support System (ERSS – Dial 112)
ERSS is one of the key projects of Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under Nirbhaya Fund. It has been
designed to play a pivotal role in mitigation/preventing escalation of crime, predominantly against women
and children.
ERSS service provides-
Single emergency number ‘112’: Citizens can send their emergency information via call, SMS, email
as well as through 112 India mobile app.
Computer aided dispatch of field resources to location of distress.
‘Dial 112’ emergency response service is an initiative to strengthen proactive community policing that
would end confusion amongst distress callers, who at times end up dialing 100 (for police related services)
in case of fire/medical emergency cases, therefore, after starting this service, public will not face these
problems.
In future, Emergency Number for Road Accidents (1073),Women Helpline (1091, 181), Child Help Line
(1098), including other Helpline services would be added under 112 unified emergency response number.
About ‘E-Beat Book’ System
It is a web and mobile based application which will ease collection, updation and analysis of information
related to crime and criminals in real time basis. E-Beat Book would be linked with Crime and Criminal
Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), which would help in a real time updation of crime/criminal data.
At present, Chandigarh has been divided in 54 divisions and in each division, there is one ‘Atal Sehbhagita
Kendra’ that is under supervision of a Beat Officer, having an Android Phone to use app. The citizen can
directly approach ‘Atal Sehbhagita Kendra’ for redressal of their grievances and can render their
suggestions too.
About ‘E-Saathi’ App
It would help general public, including senior citizens, to remain in touch with police and also give
suggestions to facilitate participative community policing: ‘Your Police at Your Doorstep’ initiative.
The beat officer would be able to provide services such as servant verification, character certification,
passport verification, tenant verification etc. at a click of a button through app, without the people
needing to visit police station.
With this initiative, on one hand, where beat officer would become more efficient in their work, this would
make police-people communication a two-way process, on the other.
Madhukar Kamath elected chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations
Madhukar Kamath, chairman emeritus of advertising firm DDB Mudra group, has been elected as
chairman of Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for year 2019-2020. He has more than 4 decades of
experience in advertising and marketing services.
About Madhukar Kamath
He has also been president of Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) chairman of The
Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) and chairman of Mudra Foundation. He has been on the
board of the industry body, which certifies circulation figures of its member publications. He also helped
Omnicom acquire Mudra Group and integrate it into DDB Worldwide Network. He has served as
chairman and mentor of brand consultancy Interbrand and has led several industry bodies.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 32


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

About Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) of India


It is a not for profit circulation-auditing organisation. It is responsible for certifying and auditing the
circulations of major publications, primarily of newspapers and magazines in India. It is a voluntary
organisation, founded in 1948. It is private entity operating in different parts of the world. ABC’s services
such as certificates of circulation are being availed by advertisers, publishers, advertising agencies and
organisations connected with print media advertising.
Sonu Nigam wins Award at 21st Century Icon Awards, UK
Popular Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam has been honoured with ‘Magnificent Performing Arts
Award’ at the 21st Century Icon Awards in London, United Kingdom (UK).
Key Highlights
He was among a host of winners across a range of categories at a gala awards ceremony held in UK. The
ceremony was devised as a celebration of dynamic entrepreneurs and successful individuals chosen from
hundreds of nominations from all across the world.
The nominations for the annual award were from 22 different countries.
About 21st Century Icon Awards
These annual awards are the brainchild of UK-based Indian-origin entrepreneurs Preeti Rana and Tarun
Ghulati, co-founders of Squared Watermelon Ltd.
The 2019 edition of awards attracted more than 700 nominations which were narrowed down to 44
finalists.
Judges panel included personalities from varied fields, such as-
Sandip Verma: British Indian peer Baroness
Ibukun Adebayo from London Stock Exchange’s International Markets Unit
Denise Lewis: former British Olympic champion
The judges met in August 2019 to decide on the final 18 winners.
Other winners at 21st Century Icon Awards Ceremony
Outstanding Media and Entertainment Award: Kalli Purie, Vice-Chairperson of India Today Group
Specialist Professional Award: Charlotte Crosswell, CEO of Innovate Finance UK
Inspirational Icon Award: Asha De Vos, Marine Biologist, Ocean Educator and Pioneer Blue Whale
Research within Indian Ocean
Competitive Sports Award: Rachael Burford, Rugby Player and Founder of Burford Academy UK
Civil Aviation Minister orders setting up a mechanism to regularly Monitor Airfares
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri has ordered setting up a mechanism to regularly
monitor airfares in the country. With the setting up of new mechanism, the airfares will now be regularly
monitored by Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Key Highlights
The Aviation Ministry move to set up a mechanism in Civil Aviation Ministry and Directorate General of
Civil Aviation (DGCA) to monitor air fares on a regular basis is to keep an eye on how airlines pricing is
working.
With monitoring of airfares on an ongoing basis, the Ministry can get some learning from that and then
discuss it with airlines.
However, Aviation Ministry clarified that the government currently does not have any intention to
regularise the fares.
Centre is also concerned about higher taxes on aviation turbine fuel (ATF), and has also requested state
governments to reduce excise duty on it.
Besides this the aviation ministry, had also raised concern over pricing war between airlines that analysts
believe is primary reason for losses of airline industry.
National Conference on Agriculture- Rabi Campaign 2019 held in New Delhi
National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2019 was organized on 20 September 2019 at
NASC, Pusa in New Delhi. The conference was inaugurated by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of State
for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. The Conference was also attended by senior officers from Department
of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (DAC&FW), DARE, Indian Council of Agriculture Reasearch (ICAR) &

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 33


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

State Governments and Union Territories (UTs).


Key Deliberations of National Conference
Record production was achieved for food grains of about 285 million tonnes (MT) due to state
governments for effective implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes.
The Centre-state cooperation has made possible an all time high production of rice 116 million tonnes
(MT), wheat 102.5 million tonnes (MT), pulses and oilseeds.
Challenges:
The primary concern at present is of shortage of oilseeds. Therefore, to increase capacity and reduce
import of edible oils, suggestions were made on launching of a separate mission.
Participants emphasized that the demand for fertilizers should be made after consultation with farmer
organizations at District level. Also, Agriculture Departments of States should provide their fertilizer
demands to Centre in time so that availability can be ensured to farmers at crucial stages of crops.
The emphasis was made on to take advantage of favorable weather conditions so that better production
can be achieved in Rabi season. Moreover, State Agriculture Departments of Gujarat and Punjab were
advised to remain vigilant for locust (a tropical grasshopper,) attack as it has been reported in Rajasthan.
Solutions:
The department of AC&FW has decided to distribute seed mini-kits for Rabi crops, pulses and oilseed with
active involvement of State Agriculture Departments.
For Kisan Credit Card scheme major changes in terms of waiver of registration fee, minimum time for
issuance of KCC, widening range of loans etc have been made for covering large number of farmers.
Also, inputs were received from State Agriculture Departments for modification in Pradhan Mantri Fasal
Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and scheme would be reviewed accordingly.
September 23, 2019
22 September: Daughter’s Day celebrated
Daughter’s Day, a designated day to celebrate the importance of the girl child, is celebrated in India and
worldwide on the 4th Sunday of September every year. The Daughters’ Day 2019 was observed on Sunday
(September 22) in India.
The day is observed as a reminder of the fact that daughters are an asset to our society and there should
not be any patriarchal notions attached to their birth. It is also to remind ourselves and the world about
what your daughter means to you and how precious she is to you.
Background
In India, since ages there has always been certain stigma attached to being a girl child, therefore, initially,
Daughter’s day was celebrated to erase this stigma.
The primary objective of the day was to remove the notion that a girl child is a burden, and to remove the
cultural practices and issues like dowry, female infanticide and foeticide.
Although there isn’t a concrete history behind celebration of Daughter’s Day and also no particular year
which marks the beginning of daughter’s day celebration, in India.
India’s Divij Sharan clinches St. Petersburg doubles title
Divij Sharan of India and partner Igor Zelenay of Slovakia, clinched Men’s Doubles Title at ATP Tour
Tennis Tournament held in St. Petersburg in Russia. In the final, the duo defeated Italian pair of Matteo
Berrettini and Simone Bolelli (with 6-3, 3-6, 10-8).
Key Highlights
It was the 3rd title of season for Divij, who had won US $125,000 Ningbo Challenger a fortnight ago with
Australia’s Matthew Ebden. The 49th-ranked Divij has so far won 16 Challenger and 19 Futures doubles
titles, apart from 5 Tour titles.
It was also the 5th Tour doubles title for 33-year-old Divij Sharan, who had started the season brightly by
winning Maharashtra Open ATP title in Pune, Maharshtra with Rohan Bopanna.
Divij and Bopanna, who had won Asian Games gold in 2018 in Palembang, had tried to compete together in
professional circuit in 1st quarter of season, but opted to partner others later in an attempt to get into
bigger events. The duo Divij and Bopanna had beaten Italian pair of Berrettini and Bolelli for the only
success in Davis Cup tie against Italians on grass in Kolkata earlier in the season.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 34
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) to be ready by January 2020


The work on National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) set up to track any terror suspect and prevent
terrorist attacks with real time data, has been accelerated. This move comes after Union Home Minister
Amit Shah recently reviewed the progress of NATGRID project. In all probability, NATGRID will start
functioning by January 2020.
What is National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID)?
It is a robust intelligence gathering mechanism related to banking, immigration, individual tax payers, air
and train travels. The project is worth Rs.3400 crore and was conceptualised following 26/11 Mumbai
terror attacks.
NATGRID will have data related to all immigration entry and exit, air flyers, credit card purchases,
banking and financial transactions, individual tax payers, telecom, and train travelers among others to
generate intelligence inputs.
The data recovery centre of the NATGRID has been constructed in Bengaluru, Karnataka and its
headquarters is nearing completion in Delhi.
Phase I: In 1st phase, 10 user agencies and 21 service providers will be connected with NATGRID. In later
stages 950 organisations and then another 1,000 organisations will be connected with it.
10 agencies which will be able to access NATGRID data on real time basis are:
1. Intelligence Bureau (IB)
2. Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW)
3. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
4. Enforcement Directorate (ED)
5. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
6. Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)
7. Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
8. Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC)
9. Directorate General of Central Excise and Intelligence (DGCEI)
10. Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)
Initially, no state agencies will be given direct access to NATGRID data but in case any relevant
information is required, they can approach NATGRID through any of 10 user agencies.
NATGRID can also have readily available data on banking transactions and immigration as both sectors
are equipped with real time mechanism.
Background
In the wake of 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, the lack of real time data and information was considered to
be one of the major hurdles in detecting U.S. terror suspect David Headley’s movement across India
during his multiple visits between 2006 and 2009. He was main individual who had provided key
information and videos of terror targets to Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, which carried out attacks that
claimed 166 lives.
Thereby on 8 April 2010, the Cabinet Committee on Security had given approval to NATGRID project but
its work slowed down after 2012. On June 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held a review meeting
on the NATGRID and this is when the then Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi gave a detailed
presentation on ambitious project and the project was again taken up to complete.
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel wins Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix
Sebastian Vettel ended a 13-month win drought by leading a Ferrari one-two victory at Singapore Grand
Prix held on 22 September 2019. It was the first time a team had finished one-two in Singapore.
The victory was also a record 5th victory in Singapore for F-1 world champion Vettel, and 3rd in a row this
season for Ferrari. Vettel took the chequered flag 2.641 seconds ahead of Monegasque team mate Charles
Leclerc.
Key Highlights
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished 3rd while championship leader Lewis Hamilton was 4th. However,
with 6 races remaining, Hamilton holds a 64-point lead over Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who
finished 5th.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 35
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Sebastian Vettel is a four-time Formula One (F1) world champion. This was the German’s first win since
the August 2018 Belgian Grand Prix. He took advantage of an early pit stop to win Singapore Grand Prix
ended a 13-month winless streak in Formula One.
About Singapore Grand Prix
It is a motor race which forms a part of FIA Formula One World Championship.
The event takes place on Marina Bay Street Circuit. It was 1st held in 1966 and since then it has been held 20
times.
It was the inaugural night race and 1st street circuit in Asia designed for F1 races.
CBDT to set up National e-Assessment centre in New Delhi
National E-Assessment Centre (NeAC) will be setup in New Delhi as part of the Centre government’s
ambitious plan to launch faceless and nameless assessment for income tax payers from October 2019. The
order for the creation of NeAC was issued by Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), which frames policy
for Income-tax department.
About National E-Assessment Centre (NeAC)
It will be an independent office that will look after the work of e-assessment scheme, which is the recently
notified scheme for faceless and nameless assessment for income taxpayers.
The NeAC will exclusively focus on e-assessment and will have 16 officials. It will headed by a Principal
Chief Commissioner of Income-tax (PCCIT) as its chief. CBDT has appointed K M Prasad, a 1984-batch
Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer as chief or PCCIT of NeAC and Ashish Abrol, a 1993-batch IRS officer
as Commissioner or second-in-command of new unit.
NeAC will also serve notices to assesses specifying the issues for selection of their case for assessment and
once a response is received from them within a period of 15 days, the centre will allocate case to an
assessing officer using an automated system.
About e-assessment Scheme
Centre government had recently notified e-assessment scheme, to facilitate faceless assessment of
income-tax returns via completely electronic communication between tax officials and taxpayers. The
scheme will be rolled out from ‘Vijayadashami’ on 8 October 2019.
Under the scheme, a person shall not be required to appear either personally or via authorised
representative in connection with any proceedings before IT authority at the NeAC or Regional e-
assessment Centre (ReAC) or any other unit set up for this purpose under scheme.
In cases where any modification is required, the taxpayer will be provided an opportunity for a personal
hearing and such hearing shall be conducted exclusively by video conferencing.
September 22: World Rhino Day celebrated
The World Rhino Day is celebrated every year on 22 September to celebrate the world’s five rhinoceros
species, and to reflect on the challenges facing them. This special day provides the opportunity for cause-
related organizations, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), zoos, and public to celebrate rhinos in their
own unique ways.
About World Rhino Day
The World Wildlife Fund-South Africa in 2010, announced to celebrate World Rhino Day on 22 September
every year since then. The annual event took off on a global scale both on online and offline platforms
when Lisa Jane Campbell of Chishakwe Ranch in Zimbabwe and founder of Annamitici joined hands with
creative director Rhishja Cota in 2011 to create a massive awareness to protect all 5 species of rhinos from
extinction.
The activities on occasion of Rhino Day vary from one participant to another with activities such as
peaceful demonstrations, classroom projects, fundraising dinners, auctions and poster displays are
observed globally. The Donors and partners for the cause are able to contribute to organizations and
initiatives of their choosing.
World’s Five Rhinoceros Species living in Africa and Asia–
1. Javan Rhinos (Rhinoceros sondaicus): Critically Endangered (IUCN)
2. Sumatran rhinos (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis): Critically Endangered (IUCN)
3. Black rhinos (Diceros bicornis): Critically Endangered (IUCN)

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 36


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

4. White rhinos (Ceratotherium simum): Near Threatened (IUCN)


5. Greater One-Horned Rhinos (Rhinoceros unicornis): Vulnerable (IUCN)
World Wrestling Championships: India’s bags 5 medals
At the World Wrestling Championships held in Nur-Sultan (Kazakhstan), India’s Rahul Aware bagged a
bronze medal in men’s 61kg category bout while Deepak Punia won silver in men’s 86 kg freestyle. Rahul
Aware won against his opponent Tyler Lee Graff with 11-4.
Key Highlights
India finished with its best-ever medal haul at World Championships by winning 5 medals in Nur-Sultan.
The 5 medal includes- 1 silver and 4 bronze medals. India’s previous best show was at World
Championships in 2013, when India had 3 in their bag courtesy- Amir Dahiya (silver), Bajrang Punia
(bronze) and Sandeep Tulsi Yadav (bronze in Greco-Roman).
Rahul Aware’s was last Indian in contention at tournament and his bronze helped India finish with their
best-ever medal haul (5).
Deepak Punia by winning silver has become only 5th Indian to reach the final at senior World
Championships. After Deepak’s loss, two-time Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar remains the only Indian to
have won a World Championships title in 2010.
Deepak Punia was 4th Indian wrestler to secure his berth at 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Other wrestlers to
qualify for the 2020 Olympics in their respective weight categories include- Bajrang Punia, Ravi Kumar
and Vinesh Phogat.
Sports Ministry to create 20 National Centres of Excellence
Union Ministry of Sports will set up 20 National Centres of Excellence (NCE) to groom athletes for 2024
Paris and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. This is the first-of-its-kind move, with top-of-the-line coaches will
be training athletes in developmental group keeping upcoming Olympics in mind.
As per Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju, the standardising training on campuses
will enable athletes to attain much higher performances in their respective sport.
About National Centres of Excellence (NCE)
The new scheme will have the distinction of having a single scheme running in them for elite athletes.
Therefore, this would end differentiation in training and other facilities between athletes within same
campus.
Unlike earlier set-up of having various schemes running in same Sports Authority of India (SAI) regional
centres that leads to separate training, diet and kitting to athletes, this new scheme will ensure that
athletes in same premises have access to similar facilities.
While the NCE will be reserved for athletes training for Olympics, grassroot level athletes will be trained
at other SAI facilities and they will be moved to NCE depending on performance and possibility of an
Olympic medal. Thus, the two-tier training system will ensure that at both levels athletes get focused
training.
Each Centre of Excellence will offer funds for 4-6 specific sports.
20 Sports Authority of India (SAI) facilities that have been identified as National Centers of Excellence are
in-
Chandigarh, Lucknow, Trivandrum, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Imphal, Bhopal, Patiala, Guwahati, Sonepat,
Mumbai and Gandhinagar, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Indira Gandhi Stadium, Major Dhyan Chand
National Stadium, Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookherjee Swimming Pool
Complex, all in Delhi, National Water Sports Academy (Khelo India), Alleppey, National Boxing Academy
(Khelo India), Rohtak, National Wrestling Academy (Khelo India), Aurangabad.
Howdy Modi event held in Houston, Texas
Prime Minister Narendra Modi played host to United States President Donald Trump at NRG Stadium in
Houston, Texas, for an Indian-American rally dubbed the ‘Howdy Modi: Shared Dreams, Bright Futures’.
The mega ‘Howdy, Modi’ gala event saw around 50,000 Indian-Americans in attendance. Before this event,
no US President has ever addressed a community event along with an Indian Prime Minister.
Key Highlights of ‘Howdy Modi event’
The event highlighted the sharp shift in Indian diplomacy and new levels of India-US bilateral relations. It

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 37


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

also sent out a very strong message- that US-led by Donald Trump is standing firmly with India in its
fight against terrorism.
PM Modi and Trump went way out of way to show their unparalleled camaraderie. The event showcased
heightened friendship and warmth between India and leader of one of the most powerful nations in world.
It also showed how US is interested in exploring new avenues of cooperation with India.
Why Texas? As part of the event, PM Modi addressed 50,000 Indian-Americans in Houston, which is
reportedly the largest gathering ever for a foreign leader visiting US. As per Pew Research Center analysis
of US Census data, the US is home to nearly 4 million Indian-Americans, including about 300,000 in
Houston and nearby Dallas.
Organizer: The event is being organised by Texas India Forum (TIF), Inc, which is a non-profit organisation
that brings together Indian-American institutions and organisations in order to promote collaboration
within region and develop opportunities for engagement with India. The event has been organised with
the help of over 1,000 volunteers and 650 Texas-based Welcome Partner organisations.
Gully Boy selected as India’s official entry to Oscars 2020
Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt starrer Gully Boy has been announced India’s official entry to the Oscars.
The movie is a musical drama that revolves around a young man from Mumbai who uses rap music to
break free from his situations. It earned around 134 crore rupees in February alone. It was directed by
Zoya Akhtar.
About Oscar
The Academy award was first held in 1929. Each year an Oscar statuette made of gold – plated bronze is
awarded to the winners. However, today it is being made of nickel silver, plated in very little copper mixed
in 24 – carat gold.
The name ‘Oscar’ was coined by the director of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Margaret
Herrick. The statue is 34.3 cm tall and weighs 3.856 kg. The model for the statue was a Mexican actor. It
was sculpted by Cedric Gibbons.
India and Oscar
India has been submitting films to the award under the foreign film category since 1957. The movie
Mother India was the first submission in 1957. India received its first Oscar in 1982. Bhanu Athaiya won
the award for the best costume designer. So far only 5 Indians have won the award. They are as follows
Bhanu Athaiya – Best Costume Design – Movie: Gandhi, 1982
Satyajit Ray – Honorary award in 1992
Gulzar – Best song – Movie: Slumdog Millionaire, 2008
A R Rahman – Best score – Movie: Slumdog Millionaire, 2008
Resul Pookutty – Best sound mixing – Movie: Slumdog Millionaire, 2008
Ownership of the statuettes
The winners or their heirs can sell the statuettes only to the academy for 1 USD. An agreement is signed
between the winner and the academy every year to maintain the trend.
Government launches UMMID initiative and NIDAN in health sector
Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan has launched two initiatives to tackle the
menace of genetic diseases in newborns. These are:
The Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders (UMMID) initiative
National Inherited Diseases Administration (NIDAN)
Both of these initiates of Health Ministry are supported by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry
of Science and Technology.
The objective of UMMID initiative is to make treatment of expensive genetic diseases in newborns within
reach of all people. The NIDAN kendras are to be established under the UMMID initiative. These centres
will provide counselling, prenatal testing / diagnosis and management in government hospitals of the
country. Another objective is to produce skilled technicians in Human genetics to screen pregnant
women and newborn babies for inherited genetic diseases. The initiative has been launched and five
NIDAN kendras have been already established.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 38


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

21 September: International Coastal Clean-up Day Celebrated


Every year the third Saturday of September is marked as the International Coastal Cleanup Day. This year
September 21 was celebrated as the International Coastal Cleanup Day. It encourages people to clean
beaches, remove the garbage plaguing it. It has now become global with 6 million volunteers participating
from 90 countries.
The theme of this year is marine animal, The Pelican.

Need for the day


There are around 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean. Some of them were directly dumped in
to the sea, while the rest were swept into the sea from coast line. In 2018, more than 1 million volunteers
removed 23 million pounds of trash from the coastline all over the world in just one day. It is essential to
keep the beaches clean to protect the marine life and the ocean ecosystem.
History
It was started in 1986. It was begun by Linda Maraniss and Kathy O Hara. They worked on ocean
conservancy. Around 2,800 volunteers participated in the first clean up session.
Programme in India
In India the programme was conducted in several coastal cities. It was on a large scale on the shores of
Mumbai and Chennai. Chennai volunteers collected 900 kg of non – biodegradable waste and handed over
to municipal authorities for proper disposal. At Chennai Besant Nagar beach the event was organized by
the US Consulate General. More than 3000 volunteers participated. It also included team members from
Save Turtle. At Mumbai Versova beach more than 5,000 volunteers joined the cleaning programme.
Ladakhi Shondol dance enters Guinness book of world record
Ladakhi Shondol dance has created history by breaking into Guinness book of world records as the largest
Ladakhi dance. The Shondol dance was gracefully performed by about 408 women artists in traditional
dresses on the occasion of the Annual Naropa Festival.
Key Highlights
The dance performance was held on concluding day of the annual week long Buddhist carnival Naropa
festival, which was held near the Hemis Monastery. The Hemis Monastery is 11th-century world-famous
monastery in Ladakh.
The folk dance namely Shondol broke its previous record of 299 artists dance of Shondol in the 2018
festival.
About Shondol Dance
It is known as the ‘royal dance of Ladakh’. It is famous dance which was earlier used to be performed by
artists for King of Ladakh on special occasion.
This years’ dance was organised by Live to Love India, Drukpa Charitable Trust and Young Drukpa
Association. During the festival, it was not only focused on Zero usage of Plastic but also sensitise
religious and community leaders on plastic waste management and recycling.
September 24, 2019
First Gauri Lankesh National Award for Journalism awarded to Ravish Kumar
Senior journalist Ravish Kumar was awarded the inaugural Gauri Lankesh Memorial Award in Bengaluru.
The award was announced on 5 September 2019 on the 2nd death anniversary of Gauri Lankesh.
Ravish Kumar, the Managing Editor of NDTV India was chosen for the award for sharp news analysis and
uncompromising secular stance. Earlier, this year he was also conferred with Ramon Magsaysay award
2019.
About Gauri Lankesh National Award for Journalism
The year 2019 was the first edition of the award. It commemorates the values of democracy and fearless
journalism.
The award has been founded in memory of the journalist. It has been set up by the Gauri Lankesh
Memorial Trust.
At the award ceremony an English news website in honour of Gauri Lankesh-
(www.gaurilankeshnews.com) was also launched which will be managed by the trust. Also, ‘Nyaya Patha’,
the newspaper relaunched in memory of Gauri Lankesh.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 39
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Tiger Triumph: India-US joint tri-services exercise to be held in Andhra Pradesh


India and the United States are set to hold their first tri-services exercise code-named as ‘Tiger Triumph’
at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh. It is scheduled to be held in November 2019.
This will be only 2nd time that India will deploy assets and manpower from its Army, Navy and Air Force
together for an exercise with a foreign country. India had earlier conducted similar tri-service exercise
‘Indra wargames’ with Russia at Vladivostok in 2017.
Tiger Triumph: India-US tri-services Exercise
This first-ever tri-Service exercise between India and US will focus on large-scale amphibious
Humanitarian Relief and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. It will be held along eastern coast in Bay of
Bengal.
It is being organised under the aegis of headquarters of Integrated Defence Staff.
The announcement in this regard was made by US President Donald Trump in Houston during the
‘Howdy, Modi!’ event.
The scheduled exercise highlights strong and growing bilateral defence ties between India and America.
Background
The announcement about the tri-services exercise comes after Final Planning Conference (FPC) for India-
US Tri-Services Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) concluded at Headquarters Eastern Naval
Command on 20 September 2019. The conference was attended by delegates from US Navy and Marine
Corps and representatives from Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
During the conference, participants had a discussion on planning of exercise and interactions on issues
related to the conduct of exercise. Both teams from US and India also visited campsite at Kakinada and
conducted table-top exercises as preparatory activities.
NOTE:
Every Year, India and the US, hold a flurry of combat exercises namely-
1. Naval Malabar (with Japan as 3rd participant)
2. Counter-terror Vajra Prahar
3. Yudh Abhyas drills between India-US armies.
As of now, India and the US have conducted defence hardware trade around $18 billion over last 10 years
and many more defence deals are still in the pipeline.
Census 2021: Foundation stone of Janganana Bhawan (Census building) laid
Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone of Janganana Bhawan or Census Building in
New Delhi. It is the office of the census authority. The upcoming Janganana Bhawan is being built on a
Green Building concept. This shows Government’s commitment of taking forward and popularising the
concept of Green Buildings in the country. It is a seven-floor infrastructure which is being built with a
cost of Rs.44 crore and is expected to be completed by 2021.
Key Highlights
The 2021 census is the 16th Indian census. It will continue till February 2021 and culminate on March 1
midnight.
In the upcoming 2021 nationwide census exercise the process of a ‘Pen-Paper Census’ will be transformed
to a ‘Digital Census’ by using the latest technology. The future potential of an efficient and scientific
digital Census process is high, as it could lead to provision of public services through one platform.
Besides maintaining the data in paper forms, availability of data in digital form will not only help in
detailed multi-dimensional analysis but also for utilization for public welfare, using latest software.
Current Affairs Q+A: Onion Price Rise
Since May 2019, onion prices are constantly rising in India. The price has increased by Rs 20 – 25 per kg
across the country in the last 6 months.
Why are the Onion Prices rising?
The price rise occurs usually in the months when the onion consumption goes down. It is usually in the
month of October. This is mainly because lakhs of people in Maharashtra do not have onions and non –
vegetarian food during Navratri festival. It also occurs in the Shravan month that occurs in July and
August.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 40


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

However, the recent price rise is mainly because of the heavy rains, drought in 2018 and delayed monsoon
in 2019. This reduced and delayed their arrivals to the agricultural mandis.
It is also because of reduction in cultivation area of rabi crops in Maharashtra (Rabi onions are alone fit for
storage and not Kharif. Because, rabi onions have reduced moisture). In 2017 – 18, around 3.54 lakh
hectares of land were under onion cultivation. This reduced to 2.66 lakh hectares in 2018 – 19.
In Karnataka, the arrival of Kharif onions were delayed as heavy rains lashed the state few weeks ago. In
2018, 35,000 quintals of onions arrived the markets of Karnataka. This year it reduced to 25,000 quintals.
What are the government initiatives to control price rise?
On September 6, 2019, MMTC – Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation (India’s largest state owned
foreign exchange limited) floated contracts to import 2,000 tons of onions from China, Afghanistan, Egypt
and Pakistan. However, Pakistan was dropped after strong criticism.
The government also restricted the exports by hiking the Minimum Export Price to 850 USD per ton. ton.
Anticipating the price hike, government created buffer stock of 57,000 tons of which 18,000 had already
been offloaded. Also, government had ended the 10% export subsidy for onion.
Where does Onion grow in India?
Maximum onion production takes place in
Maharashtra – 4905 thousand tons
Karnataka – 2592 thousand tons
Gujarat – 1514 thousand tons
The other leading producers of Onion are Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. These 6 states
account to 90% of onion production of India. The Maharashtra belt alone contributes one – third of the
country’s onion production.
What are onion growing seasons of India?
The requirement of onion is constant throughout the year. However, availability of fresh onion is limited
to 7 months. There are 3 onion growing seasons in India. They are
Kharif crop – June to October
Late Kharif – August to September
Rabi crop – October to November
What is India’s onion production in the world scenario?
India is the second largest producer of onion in the world next to China. However, the productivity is low
as compared to other countries like Egypt, Iran and Netherlands. Productivity of China is 22 metric tons
per hectare. While the productivity of India is 14.2 metric tons per hectare.
What is Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism (GIFCT)?
On September 23, 2019, the members of GIFCT met at the UN General Assembly. It was led by the New
Zealand and French Presidents. They met to discuss the progress on the steps taken to implement
Christchurch Call to Action
What is GIFCT?
The GIFCT is a counter terrorism platform launched in 2011. However, it was formally established in 2017.
The original forum was led by a rotating chair from the 4 founding companies namely Microsoft,
Facebook, Youtube and Twitter. It was established to disrupt terrorist abuse on their respective platforms.
However, there are talks to make the organization independent.
Goals of GIFCT
Currently there are 6 working groups under GIFCT. They are
Countering Violent Terrorism
Criminal Justice and rule of law
Foreign Terrorist fighters
Detention and Reintegration
Currently 2 working groups are focused in the regions of Sahel and Horn of Africa. The groups are
engaged in the Horn of Africa to counter money laundering and financing of terrorism. In the Sahel region
the group is supporting border security, community engagement and police cooperation.
BSI

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 41


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

BSI is Border Security Initiative established by UNCCT – United Nations Counter Terrorism Center, US
and Morocco. The BSI will implement the UN Global Counter Terrorism Strategy. It includes the
resolutions of Security Council.
About Christ Church Call to Action
On March 15, 2019 the 17 minute terrorist attack against 2 mosques in ChristChurch, New Zealand was
live streamed. The attack killed 51 people and the live stream was viewed 4,000 times before being
removed. Two months later the leaders of France and New Zealand adopted ChristChurch Call. It is a
commitment made by governments and private companies to eliminate violent and extremist content
online.

UN Climate Action Summit, 2019 held in New York


The UN Climate Change Summit, 2019 was held in New York. The key focus of the summit is to accelerate
the actions to implement Paris agreement. To achieve this the summit focuses in 9 independent tracks
that are led by 19 countries supported by international organizations. India and Sweden are leading the
“Industry Transition” track and are supported by the World Economic Forum. The other tracks are as
follows:
Action Portfolios of the summit
The following action portfolios were prioritized in the summit
1. Energy transition – To accelerate the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy
2. Industry transition – To transform industries like steel, chemical, oil and gas, cement.
3. Nature based solutions – To increase sink capacity and increasing resilience of oceans, forestry and
agriculture by reducing emissions
4. Cities and local action – Building low – emission buildings, transport.
5. Resilience
6. Climate finance and carbon pricing
Apart from this there are other 3 additional key areas. They are
7. Mitigation – To create momentum for ambitious NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions) and
long term strategies that can achieve Paris agreement
8. Public mobilization and Youth Engagement – To take actions against climate change
9. Social and political drivers – to increase commitments in the areas like reduction in air pollution,
generating jobs, protect vulnerable groups that affect well – being of the people.
Industry transition
The prime ministers of India and Sweden will launch a leadership group in September 24, 2019. The group
will work on 3 central pillars
Public private collaboration
Industry commitment
Innovation and technology exchange
About UN Climate Action Summit
The first summit had taken place in California in 2018. The purpose of the summit is to bring leaders from
around the world together to hasten the implementation of Paris Agreement. At 2018 summit, the NDCs
were re-calibrated. It was an opportunity to recognize the roadblocks and increase the commitments.
Census 2021: Digital Collection of Data and Multipurpose Card Proposed
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has mooted the idea of a multipurpose identity card for citizens with all
utilities such as Aadhaar, bank accounts, passport and driving licence. He also announced that for first
time in 140-year history of census in India, data is proposed to be collected through a mobile app and
people who conduct door-to-door counting would be encouraged to use their own phone.
Home Minister Amit Shah also notified that National Population Register (NPR) is being prepared for the
first time in 2021 census. NPR is a list of usual residents of the country which could be the basis for a pan-
India version of Assam’s National Register of Citizens (NRC). The data for NPR will also be collected along
with the census exercise.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 42


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Key Highlights about Census 2021


During Census 2021, the digital collection of data will be adopted through mobile app. The app is being
developed indigenously for collecting the data and in Android phones.
The use of latest technological developments during upcoming Census process is a revolutionary
initiative as in this process, people will be able to upload the details of self and family on newly developed
mobile app themselves.
The Census 2021 data will become base for country’s future planning, development initiatives and welfare
schemes so that India’s total 130 crore population gets benefitted from it. Therefore, people’s
wholehearted participation is key to success of exercise.
A total of 33 lakh enumerators would be mobilised for data collection. Enumerators are the persons who
conduct door-to-door counting.
The exercise will be done in 16 languages to facilitate people in filling their details properly.
An amount of Rs. 12,000 crore will be spent on India’s first digital census.
Background
The census exercise first began in 1865 with a pen and paper. The upcoming 2021 census exercise is the
sixteenth census in the country and eighth census after independence.
In March 2019, the government had announced that next census will be conducted in two phases with 1
March 2021 as the reference date. For Jammu and Kashmir and snow-bound areas of Uttarakhand and
Himachal Pradesh the reference date shall be the 1 October 2020. A pre-test of Census 2021, which began
on 12 August 2019 will go on till the end of September 2019.
September 23: International Day of Sign Languages observed
The International Day of Sign Languages is observed all across the world on 23 September every year as
part of the International Week of the Deaf, which takes place from 24-30 September every year.
About International Day of Sign Languages
The United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) has proclaimed 23 September as International Day of Sign
Languages.
Objective: To raise awareness of importance of sign language in full realization of human rights of people
who are deaf.
The resolution establishing IDSL acknowledges importance of preserving sign languages as part of
linguistic and cultural diversity as well emphasizes the ‘nothing about us without us’ principle, in terms of
working with deaf communities.
IDSL 2019 Theme: ‘Sign Language Rights for All!’
Background
The proposal for establishing IDSL came from World Federation of the Deaf (WFD). WFD is a federation of
135 national associations of deaf people that represents about 70 million deaf people’s human rights
worldwide. The resolution A/RES/72/161 was sponsored by Permanent Mission of Antigua and Barbuda to UN
and co-sponsored by 97 UN Member States. It was adopted by consensus on 19 December 2017. The first
IDSL was celebrated on 23 September 2018 as part of International Week of the Deaf (on 24-30 September).
Why 23 September? It was chosen to commemorate the date that WFD, an advocacy organisation was
established in 1951. This day marks birth of WFD which has as one of its main goals as preservation of sign
languages and deaf culture as pre-requisites to realisation of human rights of deaf people.
What are Sign languages?
These are fully fledged natural languages that are structurally distinct from spoken languages. Since
natural sign languages are complex as well as has a limited lexicon, there is also an international sign
language, which is used by deaf people in international meetings and informally when travelling and
socializing.
23 September: 89th Saudi National Day 2019 celebrated
Every year 23 September is observed as Saudi National Day as a day to commemorate the name changing
of what was previously known as the Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The day is
now a public holiday in the Kingdom.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 43


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Saudi National Day 2019


The year 2019 marks the 89th edition of Saudi National Day. Since years citizens of the kingdom have
designated 23 September as the day to pay homage to heritage of Saudi Arabia, to appreciate its culture,
and to promote pride in the country and its rich history.
The Day is celebrated with folklore dances, traditional festivals as well as other cultural activities arranged
in all major cities in Kingdom.
Background
The Kingdom of Nejd and Hejaz was a dual monarchy that constituted many dominions and tribes. In
early 1900s, the ruler of Nejd, King Abdul Aziz, known as Ibn Saud (or ‘son of Saud’ in West), reconquered
his family’s ancestral home city of Riyadh and began nearly 30 years of conquests in region. By the year
1932, King’s forces managed to gain control over most of central Arabia and he then changed name of his
realm to his family name- ‘the House of Saud’. Saudi National Day celebrates the passing of this royal
decree.
6th India water week inaugurated
On September 24, 2019, President Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 6th India water week at Vigyan
Bhavan in New Delhi. The Theme of the week: “Water Cooperation – Coping with 21st Century
Challenges”. The event is organized by Ministry of Jal Shakti.
About India Water Week
India Water Week (IWW) 2019 will focus on future challenges. This is based on the hypothetical prediction
that the likelihood of conflicts due to water related issues might increase as population in the 21st century
continues to grow. Hence water cooperation becomes vital. The event will also focus on issues like water
scarcity, water for food security, development of inland water ways, cleaning river Ganga, etc.
During the week international conferences are to be held on international and regional cooperation in
water management. The event will also exhibit technologies and latest solutions supporting the theme.
The event is being organized since 2012. It had been organized 5 times since then in 2012, 2013, 2015 and
2017. In 2017, India partnered with the European Union as international partner.
Need for the event
According to WHO 785 million people do not have access to basic drinking water in the world.
According to NITI Aayog, in India around 2 lakh people die every year due to inadequate access to
safe water.
Ponung Doming – First woman officer from Arunachal Pradesh to become Lieutenant Colonel In Indian
Army
Ponung Doming is the first lady officer from Arunachal Pradesh in the Indian army to be elevated to the
rank of Lieutenant colonel.
She was commissioned into the Indian army as Lieutenant in 2008. She is currently posted in Pune,
Maharashtra. Doming had completed her graduation in civil engineering. She served the UN Peace
keeping force in Congo in 2014.
Women in Indian Armed forces
Women in armed forces were recruited only in the officer’s rank till 2018. The Indian army for the first
time issued notification in 2019 inviting female applicants for the position of Soldier General Duty,
personnel below officer rank. There are around 3.8% of women officers in the army. Navy has 6% of women
officers and air force has 13% of women officers.
Punita Arora was the first woman officer to become Lieutenant General in the Indian armed forces. She
had won 15 medals in her 36 years of services in the Indian armed forces. She was from Punjab.
In India, females are not allowed to serve in combat units like armored corps, infantry and Mechanised
infantry. The role of women in Indian army began in 1888 when the British Raj began Indian Military
Nursing Service. It was only in 1992, the Indian army began inducting women in non – medical roles. Later
in 2007, the UN first all female peace keeping force was deployed to Liberia by India. This was first of its
kind not only in India but through out the world!
Vice President inaugurates 150th Birth Anniversary celebrations of Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier
At Kottal in Kerala, vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated 150th birth anniversary celebrations

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 44


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

of Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier. He emphasized the importance of Ayurvedic medicine and Atharva Veda at
the event.
About Vaidyaratnam P S Warrier
He was an Ayurvedic physician. He founded Kottakal Arya Vaidyasala in 1902 for manufacture and sale of
Ayurvedic medicines in India. He also established a Ayurvedic Patasala in 1917 that is now operating as an
Ayurveda college. The group now has 5 hospitals, 3 medicine factories, R&D centers, 200 acres of herbal
gardens.
Arya Vaidya Sala
The Arya Vaidya Sala institutions are headquartered at Kottakkal, Malappuram district. It operates 5
hospitals and and a charitable center. It is currently treating 800,000 patients. It also assists in Ministry of
AYUSH in providing training and advises. The Ayurvedic pills discovered by the center has revolutionized
Ayurvedic medicines. The center owns herbal gardens, medicinal plant researches. It also works on
researches with CSIR – Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of Government of India.
Awards and recognitions
Government of India issued postage stamps in his honor. In 1933, he was conferred with the title
“Vaidyaratna” in recognition of his services to humanity by the then Governor General of India.
Russia formally joins Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Russia has formally accepted the 2015 Paris agreement on Climate Change. The Prime Minister of Russia
Dmitry Medvedev has recently signed a document in this regard. As per the document Russia will now
allocate financial resources towards developing countries for prevention of and adaptation to climate
change.
Key Highlights
United Nations Climate Action Summit in New York: The formal support by Russia to Paris climate
agreement comes came just hours ahead of a new major UN climate summit. The new major Climate
Action Summit in New York is aimed towards reinvigorate faltering Paris accord as mankind is releasing
more greenhouse gases than ever into the atmosphere. It is trying to tackle ever increasing gas emissions.
What is Paris Agreement? It is an agreement within United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCC) that was signed in 2016. It deals with greenhouse-gas-emissions (GHG) mitigation,
adaptation, and finance.
This agreement on climate change gives countries a choice in how to join accords by ratification,
acceptance, approval/accession to agreement which depends on their national legislation.
Important Fact
Russia is world’s fourth largest emitter.
Russia had signed the Paris accord in 2016, however, the recent decision to ‘accept’ the accord signifies
Russia’s consent to obligations under Paris Agreement.
As of now there are 11 countries which are yet to formally ratify Paris Agreement. These are: Iran, Oman,
Yemen, Angola, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, South Sudan, Suriname, and Eritrea.
71st Primetime Emmy Awards – 2019: Key Winners
The 71st Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony was held on 22 September 2019, at the Microsoft Theater in
Downtown Los Angeles, California, US. The annual award honored the best in U.S. prime time TV
programmes from 1 June 2018 until 31 May 2019. The awards are chosen by the Academy of Television
Arts & Sciences.
List of winners at 71st Primetime Emmy Awards 2019:
IN COMEDY SERIES CATEGORY
Outstanding Lead Actor: Bill Hader for Barry
Outstanding Lead Actress: Phoebe Waller-Bridge for Fleabag
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Tony Shalhoub for The Marvelous Mrs Maisel
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Alex Borstein for The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Outstanding Writing: Phoebe Waller-Bridge for Fleabag
Outstanding Directing: Harry Bradbeer for Fleabag

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 45


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

IN LIMITED SERIES OR MOVIE CATEGORY


Outstanding Lead Actor: Jharrel Jerome for When They See Us
Outstanding Lead Actress: Michelle Williams for Fosse/Verdon
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Ben Whishaw for A Very English Scandal
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Patricia Arquette for The Act
Outstanding Directing: Johan Renck for Chernobyl
Outstanding Writing: Craig Mazin for Chernobyl
Outstanding Television Movie: Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
Outstanding Limited Series: Chernobyl
Outstanding Competition Program: RuPaul’s Drag Race
IN VARIETY SERIES CATEGORIES
Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series: Don Roy King for Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Variety Sketch Series: Saturday Night Live
Outstanding Writing for a Variety Talk Series: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Outstanding Variety Talk Series: Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
IN DRAMA SERIES CATEGORY
Outstanding Lead Actor: Billy Porter for Pose
Outstanding Lead Actress: Jodie Comer for Killing Eve
Outstanding Supporting Actor: Peter Dinklage for Game of Thrones
Outstanding Writing: Jesse Armstrong for Succession
Outstanding Supporting Actress: Julia Garner for Ozark
Outstanding Director: Jason Bateman for Ozark
Outstanding Drama Series: Game of Thrones
Outstanding Comedy Series: Fleabag
Quick Facts: Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) of Gujarat
The Gujarat government has launched country’s first ‘Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)’ which is being
described as world’s first market for trading in Particulate Matter (PM) emissions. ETS was launched in
Surat ETS) to encourage and incentivize the industrial units to cut air pollution.
Even though trading mechanisms for pollution control do exist in many parts of world but none of them is
for PM emissions.
What is Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)?
It is a regulatory tool that is aimed at reducing the pollution load in an area and at the same time
minimising the cost of compliance for the industry. ETS is a market in which traded commodity is
particulate matter emissions.
The Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) sets a cap on total emission load from all industries. Thereby,
various industries can buy and sell the ability to emit particulate matter, by trading permits (in kilograms)
under this cap and for this reason ETS is also called as a cap-and-trade market.
Functioning of ETS: Under the cap-and-trade market, the GPCB will first define the total mass of pollution
that can be released into air over a certain fixed period by all industrial units or factories collectively. This
will be equivalent to the cap (or limit) and the permits would then become units which could be bought
and sold between traders under the ETS.
Why launched in Surat? Since Surat is a densely-populated industrial centre and textiles and dyeing
houses there produce heavy air pollution. Also, industries in Surat had already installed Continuous
Emission Monitoring Systems that makes it possible to estimate the mass of PM being released.
September 25, 2019
50 kilowatt ”Gandhi Solar Park” inaugurated by PM at UN Headquarters
In a first of its kind symbolic effort by India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a 50 kilowatt
‘Gandhi Solar Park’ at the Headquarters of United Nations (UN). The gesture highlights India’s willingness
to go beyond the talk on climate change.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 46


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Key Highlights
PM inaugurated the solar park at UN Headquarters New York City, United States (US) during a special
commemorative event that celebrated the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
World leaders including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and President of South Korea Moon-
Jae-in were also present at the occasion in New York, US. The leaders also launched a United Nations (UN)
postage stamp of Mahatma Gandhi, at a special event- ‘Leadership Matters: Relevance of Gandhi in the
Contemporary World’ in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Chamber in UN Headquarters.
About ‘Gandhi Solar Park’
At a contribution of about $1 million, India has gifted solar panels that have been installed on the roof of
UN Headquarters. There are total 193 panels in this roof-top solar park, with one panel each for every 193
UN Member State.
The solar panels are powered up to reach max of 50 KW of power generation. The energy generated in
park is equivalent to energy that would have been created through use of 30,000 kilograms of coal. It also
has a carbon sequestration of 1000 seedlings which will grow into trees over a period of 10 years.
Amitabh Bachchan to get Dadasaheb Phalke Award – 2018
Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan will be honoured with India’s highest award in cinema, the
Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2018. He will be conferred the prestigious film honour for his
‘outstanding contribution for the growth and development of Indian cinema’. The award comes in the year
that marks Amitabh Bachchan’s golden jubilee (50 years) in cinema. The announcement in this regard was
made by Minister of Information & Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar.
About Amitabh Bachchan
He made his debut in 1969 with film ‘Saat Hindustani’.
For past five decades he is one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema.
Awards:
He has also been honoured with Padma Shri (1984), Padma Bhushan (2001) and Padma Vibhushan (2015).
In 2007, the French Government conferred upon him with France’s highest civilian honour- ‘the Knight of
the Legion of Honour’, for his exceptional career in the world of cinema and beyond.
He has also been conferred with 4 national awards and 15 filmfare trophies.
About Dadasaheb Phalke Award
It is country’s highest film honour. It was introduced by government in 1969.
The award was founded to commemorate ‘father of Indian cinema’, Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, popularly
known as Dadasaheb Phalke. He directed Raja Harischandra (1913), India’s first feature film.
In 2018, at 65th National Awards, Vinod Khanna was posthumously honoured with Dadasaheb Phalke
Award 2017 for his priceless contribution to cinema.
First Recipient: Devika Rani, ‘the first lady of Indian cinema’.
Prize: Award comprises a Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus), a shawl and a cash prize of Rs.10 Lakh.
PM Modi receives Global Goalkeepers Award
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received the 2019 ‘Global Goalkeeper Award’ by the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation at a ceremony held on the sidelines of United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) meeting in
New York City, US.
PM Modi was honoured with international award for his leadership of Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan (or Swachh
Bharat Mission), which he had launched on 2 October 2014 as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.
About Global Goalkeepers Award
The awards were started by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The year 2019 marks the fourth annual Global Goals Awards.
The Goalkeepers award seeks to bring together leaders from across the world to accelerate progress for
ending poverty and fighting inequality.
Receiving the award is a special recognition and honour that celebrates political leader who has shown
their commitment to Global Goals by impactful work in their native country and/or globally.
About Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan
SBA is an ambitious mission that seeks to improve cleanliness through solid and liquid waste

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 47


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

management and making villages across India open-defecation free (ODF). It also aims to accelerate the
efforts to achieve universal sanitation coverage in India by 2019 as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his
150th birth anniversary. It is also the world’s largest behavioural change programme.
As of now, 90 million toilets have been built across country to eliminate open defecation by 2 October
2019. Also, currently 98% of India’s villages have rural sanitation coverage instead of 38% in 2014.
What is Private Security Agency Licensing Portal?
Emphasising the need to increase the number of licensed private security, Union Home Minister Amit
Shah launched the ‘Private Security Agency Licensing Portal’ in New Delhi. It is a web portal to help
private security agencies get licenses.
About Private Security Agency Licensing Portal
It is a single-window system for issuing licences to private security agencies. The move attempts to
streamline licensing regime with Home ministry becoming the dashboard for regulating industry under
The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005.
The web portal will be available in all official languages of India (22) in next 90 days. Thus such facilitation
would give a pan-India profile to online licensing process.
Also, with the online availability of credentials, it would become easier for an agency registered in one
state to expand its operations in another state. Since most of the police stations across country are
connected online, thus the online police verification of security guards would become easy by accessing
pan-India criminal records online.
The online portal would ensure transparency in licensing the private security sector and would give a
boost to its credibility.
Importance:
Increasing the number of agencies with licences would enhance trustworthiness of private security sector
as they have vital importance for safe and secure business environment. The move is also in line with
achieving Prime Minister’s vision of $5 trillion economy by providing employment as well as guarding
vital corporations and financial hubs in the country.
Way Ahead
Private security industry could join the government and start awareness campaigns to make people aware
in encouraging only licence holder agencies in sector.
To ensure basic discipline among the employees private agencies should try to recruit retired paramilitary
and military personnel represent or people who have undergone at least National Cadet Corps (NCC)
training. This assumes importance as private security personnel are 1st line of responders against criminals
in society.
Also, there is a need to impart Indian Penal Code (IPC) related knowledge to private security guards
during their training itself.
Govt. launches ‘CHC-Farm Machinery’ mobile app for farmers
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar launched ‘CHC Farm
Machinery’ mobile App in New Delhi. The Multi-lingual Mobile App CHC Farm Machinery is for farmers to
hire tractors and other farm machineries.
About ‘CHC Farm Machinery’ App
The mobile application connects farmers with Custom Hiring Service Centres in their nearby vicinity. The
app can be downloaded on any android phone from Google Play Store.
Through this app the farmers can now select and order the required machinery at rates feasible for them
from Custom Hiring Centers (CHC) located in radius of 50 Kms. Thus farmers, primarily small and
marginal farmers, will have easy access to high value and technical agricultural equipments and this will
further facilitate optimum use of all types of inputs using these farming machines.
The app is already available to custom service providers for registration and uploading with geo-reference
photographs of agricultural machinery custom service centers as well as photographs of machinery
available in it.
As of now over 40,000 custom hiring service centers have registered on this mobile app for the purpose of
renting more than 1,20,000 agricultural machineries & equipments.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 48
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Benefits: Using the app will take mechanization to maximum farm holdings in a short time frame and will
also increase the income of the farmers.
NOTE: To provide Agricultural Machinery on rental basis to the Farmers, specially small & marginal
farmers who cannot afford to buy the high value machinery & equipments, the Custom Hiring Centers/
Farm Machinery banks and Hi-tech hubs have been established under various Schemes such as–
Mission on Agricultural Mechanization
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana
Crop Residue Management Schemes of DAC&FW under Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
welfare.
Quick Facts: Google win in European Union’s top court on the “right to be forgotten” globally
The European Union’s top court on 24th September, 2019, ruled that Google does not have to apply “Right
to be forgotten law” globally. This means that the US based Tech giant has to remove data links to
personal information only in its European version of search results and not elsewhere in the world.
The Court of Justice of the EU said there was no obligation for a search engine to carry out de –
referencing on all versions of its search results. The world’s popular search engine had previously warned
about the dangers in EU’s over reach outside its borders in the name of “Right to be forgotten”
Who filed the case against Google? Why?
The case was filed by a French watch dog CNIL demanding fine of 100,000 Euros for the tech giant
refusing to de – list sensitive information globally. Google took the fight to European Court of Justice. The
demand was to remove satirical photo montage of a female politician and couple of articles referring to
public relations officers of Church of Scientology.
What is Right to be Forgotten?
The right to be forgotten was laid down by the European Court in 2014. Under the law the court ruled that
people can ask search engines like Google to remove irrelevant information appearing under searches for
their names. Since then Google received 845,501 million requests and removed 45% of the requests.
Background of the law
The Right to be forgotten has its roots from a French concept called “right of oblivion”. It offers protection
to personal data. The European legal systems tend to give privacy more weight than the American
systems especially in balancing personal protections against free expression. In 1995 the European Court
of Justice ruled in favor of a Spaniard who objected the prominent display of legal notices referring to his
old debts. The court ruled that the search engines must honor requests from public to remove
objectionable links
Significance of Google’s win
The ruling according to privacy activists will offer relief from vindictive online behavior and will aid
people who want to forget their past mistakes and start fresh. The case was a landmark test of whether
people can demand omitting information about themselves without smothering freedom of speech and
public interest. Policy makers around the world looked it as a test if the EU can extend its laws beyond its
borders.
The search engine was supported by other digital big shots like Microsoft, Twitter, Facebook. They
together believe that the right prevents or at the least discourages an Internet user. The right will also
brush aside internet freedom if less democratic parts of the world embraced same policy. The major
concern in the US was that removing information from the internet contradicts the open nature of the
web and hinders free flow of information.

Quick Facts: What is CTRL-Labs? Why Facebook is acquiring it?


On 23rd September, 2019, Facebook announced that it will acquire CTRL – Labs, a tech company that
makes wrist bands capable of reading minds. The band can transmit electrical signals from brain into
computers as digital input. The deal is worth approximately, from 500 million USD to 1 billion USD. This is
the most substantial acquisition of Facebook after its acquisition of virtual reality company Occulus on a
deal of 2 billion USD in 2014.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 49


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

CTRL – Labs was founded by Patrick Kaifosh, a neuro scientist and Internet Explorer creator Thomas
Reardon.
What is CTRL – Labs?
CTRL – labs is a start up looking to guide computers with the help of brain signals without using hands.
The lab is working on brain science, machine learning and intends to create interfaces for people to
control and manipulate the digital gadgets just by thinking.
What is CTRL – Labs’s wrist band?
The flagship product of CTRL – labs is a wrist worn device. It measures neuron activity in the brain and
imitates the same motion on computer screen. This device does not read minds. However, it is capable of
acquiring signals from brain and electrical impulses that come from muscle cells. In lay man terms the
company says that one need not move his hand to move the hand on the screen. He just has to think about
moving his arms.
Why is Facebook acquiring CTRL labs?
The acquisition eludes the company’s Building 8 initiative. Building 8 is a secretive research group. Regina
Dugan, the leader of Building 8 announced it in 2017. Under the initiative Facebook had been working on
non – invasive sensors that will help people communicate. The goal of the initiative is to let users type 100
words a minute using their minds alone. But not everything wandering in the brain, only specific
information that it intends to convey.
Under Building 8 initiative, Facebook also plans to create sensors that allows users hear using vibrations
on skin.
Apart from Building 8 initiative Facebook also wants to build new ways to interact with computers.
Bottom line, Facebook is on the verge of integrating online and offline lives.
How does the band work?
The band leverages EMG to translate mental thought processes into action. EMG is Electrodiagnostic
medicine technique to record and evaluate electrical activity in skeletal muscles. The band contains 16
electrodes to monitor electrical signals from motor neuron. The device detects the firing of a neuron at its
axon which is called action potential. This puts the device above other wearable devices as they use EEG to
measure electrical activity of the brain.
Key Facts: Why RBI has abruptly placed restrictions on PMC Bank?
The Reserve Bank of India has imposed caps on withdrawals made by customers of Punjab and
Maharashtra Cooperative Banks for 6 months. The imposition was invoked by the central bank under
Section 35 A of India’s Banking Regulation act, 1949.
PMC is spread across 6 states and has a network of 137 branches.
What are the restrictions imposed?
During the period of restriction, the customers of PMC bank are not allowed to withdraw more than Rs
1,000. RBI has also imposed restrictions on lending by cooperative bank. The notification issued by RBI
said that the PMC banks cannot grant or renew loans, make investment, borrow funds, accept fresh
deposits, agree or disburse payments without prior permission from the central bank. The bank said that
the restrictions will be eased according to the performance of PMC banks. However, the bank license had
not been withdrawn.
Why were the restrictions imposed?
The restrictions were a precautionary measure to prevent a run on the bank. The gross bad loans of the
bank account to 3.76% of its advances and PMC discloses it is much higher than this. Also, these
restrictions are precautionary measures while the central bank completes its audit on PMC. Though
auditing of cooperative banks are done by state government, RBI has power to audit cooperative banks
once a year.
The bank reported profit of 99 crores in 2019 as compared to 100 crores in 2018. Similarly the NPAs of the
bank increased largely. It was 1.05% in 2018 and increased to 2.19% in 2019. The capital adequacy ratio was
12.29% in 2018 and increased to 12.62% in 2019. Capital Adequacy ratio is the measurement of bank’s
available capital in terms of percentage of bank’s risk – weighted credit exposures. It is calculated by

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 50


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

dividing the bank’s capital by its risk weighted assets.


What is Section 35 A of India’s Banking Regulation act, 1949?
Section 35A of the Banking Regulation act provides powers to RBI to give directions to banks. It enables
RBI with the power to take action in order to prevent a banking company acting detrimental to the
interests of the depositors.
Is PMC a scheduled bank?
Yes PMC is a scheduled bank. It was provided the status of scheduled bank in 2000. The banks that are
accounted in the second schedule of RBI act, 1934 are called scheduled banks. The banks with reserve
capital more than 5 lakhs rupees are qualified to become scheduled banks. The banks should also satisfy
RBI that its affairs are carried out in a way with no harm to the interest of the depositors.
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina wins GAVI’s ‘Vaccine Hero’ award
Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has been conferred with prestigious ‘Vaccine Hero’ award of
Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunisations (GAVI) in recognition of Bangladesh’s outstanding
success in vaccination to immunise children. She was conferred the award at a ceremony at United
Nations Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of 74th session of UN General Assembly (UNGA).
Key Highlights
She was conferred with GAVI’s ‘Vaccine Hero’ award in recognition of country’s outstanding success in
vaccination, and especially for her role in eliminating polio, cholera and various communicable diseases.
She also hopes to reach the target of ‘vaccines for all’ in Bangladesh well ahead of 2030.
Earlier, Bangladesh has been honoured with GAVI Alliance Awards in 2009 and 2012 for its outstanding
performance in improving child immunization status.
As of now, dedicated vaccine centres, and more than 18,000 community clinics and union health centres
are providing vaccination services across Bangladesh.
About ‘Vaccine Hero’ award
The ‘Vaccine Hero’ award has been introduced by Geneva-based global vaccine alliance (GAVI).
It recognises global figures and leaders whose dedication to Vaccine Alliance’s mission has played a key
role in helping GAVI and its partners to protect millions of children across all across the world.
The award is conferred on those who have set out a clear ambition and displayed urgency in providing life
saving vaccines to children at the same time ensuring that no child is left out.
NOTE: The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI) is an international organization that
was created in 2000. It a global health partnership of public and private sector organizations with shared
goal of- ‘immunisation for all’ and creating equal access to new and underused vaccines for children living
in world’s poorest countries.
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019 were presented at La Scala opera house in Milan, Italy. It is an
association football award presented annually by FIFA, the highest governing body of football. The FIFA
The Best Football Awards
FIFA’s The Best Awards ceremony: List of Winners
Best Men’s Player: Lionel Messi of Barcelona & Argentina
Best Men’s Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker of Liverpool & Brazil
Best Men’s Coach: Jürgen Klopp of Liverpool
Best Women’s Coach: Jill Ellis of United States
Best Women’s Player: Megan Rapinoe of Reign FC & United States
Best Women’s Goalkeeper: Sari van Veenendaal of Arsenal & Atlético Madrid and Netherlands
FIFA Fair Play Award: Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United squad
FIFA Puskás Award for Best Goal of the Year: Daniel Zsori of Hungary who scored for Debrecen against
Ferencvaros in Hungarian league
Men’s World 11 team of year:
Alisson Becker (BRA/Liverpool)
Virgil Van Dijk (NED/Liverpool), Marcelo (BRA/Real Madrid), Sergio Ramos (ESP/Real Madrid), Matthijs De

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 51


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Ligt (NED/Juventus)
Frenkie De Jong (NED/Barcelona), Luka Modric (CRO/Real Madrid), Eden Hazard (BEL/Real Madrid)
Lionel Messi (ARG/FC Barcelona), Cristiano Ronaldo (POR/Juventus), Kylian Mbappe (FRA/PSG)
Women’s World 11 team of year:
Sari Van Veenendaal (NED/Atletico Madrid)
Lucy Bronze (ENG/Lyon), Nilla Fischer (SWE/Linkopings), Wendie Renard (FRA/Lyon), Kelly O’Hara
(USA/Utah Royals)
Julie Ertz (USA/Chicago), Amandine Henry (FRA/Lyon), Rose Lavelle (USA/Washington)
Marta (BRA/Orlando), Alex Morgan (USA/Orlando), Megan Rapinoe (USA/Reign FC)
Govt. launches ‘Krishi Kisan’ mobile app
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar launched ‘Krishi Kisan’
mobile app to help farmers take benefit of field demonstration of new farm technologies, seed hubs as well
as weather advisories.
The Minister urged farmer to utilize these services for betterment of their cultivation methods and
thereby ensuring higher agricultural productivity.
About Krishi Kisan App
It will provide farmers the information of best demonstration of high-yielding crops and seeds in their
nearby vicinity.
The mobile app is free of cost and can be downloaded from Google Playstore. The Farmers can then login
and get details of nearest crop demonstration fields, which the government does to showcase new
technologies and visit them.
The ‘Krishi Kisan’ platform can be utilized by any farmer with high quality of crops to demonstrate best
practices of cultivation to other farmers so that this will help other farmers also to adopt these methods.
Besides providing demonstration of high-yielding variety (HYV) of crops and seeds the App will also help
in geo-fencing and geo-tagging of crop. In the Krishi Kisan app the government has geo-tagged crop
demo fields and seed hubs not only to track their performance but also help farmers to take benefits.
The government is also distributing seed mini-kits to farmers for multiplication and since now that they
are geo-tagged, the government can track whether mini-kits are being used. The app will also give
weather forecast message to farmers. Through app, the government will also provide farm level weather
advisory on a pilot basis in following four districts-
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Rajkot (Gujarat)
Nanded (Maharasthra)
64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference being held in Kampala
The 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference is being held in Kampala, the capital of Uganda from
22 to 29 September. An Indian parliamentary delegation led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will be
attending the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
Indian Delegation at 64th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference
The conference will also be attended by Indian delegation comprising of presiding officers and secretaries
from state legislatures from India who are members of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
Assam Speaker Hitendra Nath Goswami and Uttarakhand Speaker Prem Chand Aggarwal will also
participate in the conference.
The delegation will also include Lok Sabha Secretary General Snehlata Shrivastava apart from Member of
Parliaments including Roopa Ganguly, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, L. Hanumanthaiah and Aparajita
Sarangi.
During conference around ten workshops will be held on various subjects, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om
Birla being lead speaker in some of workshops. Indian parliamentary delegation will also interact with
Indian diaspora during their stay in Uganda.
During the visit, Lok Sabha Speaker Birla will also be holding bilateral meetings with top leadership of

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 52


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Uganda and his counterparts from other commonwealth countries to discuss matters of mutual interest
and parliamentary cooperation.
September 26, 2019
Gandhi Peace Garden inaugurated at UN HQ in New York
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with United Nation chief Antonio Guterres and other world leaders,
inaugurated the Gandhi Peace Garden at the UN headquarters in New York. The inauguration was held
during a special commemorative event on that marked Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary.
About Gandhi Peace Garden
It is an innovative initiative under which Consulate General of India (in New York), Shanti Fund (a Long
Island-based NGO) and State University of New York- Old Westbury have entered into an agreement for
planting 150 trees.
It is a crowdsourced project, with people adopting trees in memory of their loved ones at the State
University of New York-Old Westbury campus. The garden is in an open site within 600 acres campus of
the University.
The garden is dedicated in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and seeks to underline that his principles act as a
moral compass as world grapples with challenges of climate change, terrorism and corruption
ICGS Varaha: commissioned at Chennai Port Trust
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissioned Indian Coast Guard offshore patrol vessel ‘Varaha’ at
Chennai Port Trust. The ship would be based at New Mangalore and will operate from New Mangalore
port covering up to Kanyakumari. It will be under administrative and operational control of Commander
Coast Guard region (west). It will also have on board 14 officers and 89 men.
The ship will add to the strength of ICG in responding to threats of maritime terrorism, smuggling and
challenges of maritime enforcement.
About ICGS Varaha
It is the fourth in series of seven 98-m Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV) of Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
It has been designed and built indigenously by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) at its Katupalli ship building yard in
North Chennai.
Features
It is fit with latest navigation and communication equipment.
It is designed to carry one twin engine helicopter and 4 high speed boats.
It also has some most advanced sensors and machinery as well as a 33-millimetre (mm) gun. It will also be
fitted with 12.7 mm gun with fire control system.
Special features of ship includes-
Integrated Bridge System
Automated Power Management System
Indigenously built Integrated Platform Management System
Halo Traversing System
Kristalina Georgieva appointed as new IMF chief
The Bulgarian Economist Christina Georgieva was appointed as the new head of the International
Monetary Fund.
Kristalina Georgieva
Kristalina had served as Chief Executive in World Bank as well. Before becoming CEO of the bank in 2019,
she had served in number of top positions in the Bank since 2008. In 2014, she served as Vice – President
of European Commission. She had run the post of Secretary – General at the UN for a very short duration.
Her tenure ended following a vote at the UN Security Council where Antonio Guterres gained its support.
She began her career at the World Bank in 1993. Her works and coordination towards disaster around the
world in 2010 were applauded. It included floods in Pakistan, earthquake in Haiti and Chile, industrial
accident at Ajka, Hungary and Romanian floods.
Awards
Georgieva was named “European of the year” in 2010. She was also awarded “EU Commissioner of the
year” for her handling of humanitarian crisis in Pakistan and Haiti.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 53


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Responsibilities of IMF Chief


The responsibilities of IMF chief are defined in IMF’s Article of Agreement. According to the article, the chief shall
coordinate the operating staff and the funds of IMF under an Executive board. He or she is responsible for
appointment and dismissal of the staff of the Fund.
Selection Process of IMF Chief
The IMF chief is appointed by a 24 member Executive board. It is completely merit based. The directors of the board
were allowed to file nominations for the post till 2011. After 2011, the appointments were based on managerial,
diplomatic and professional skills of the director.
Indians in IMF
Indian born Gita Gopinath was the first Indian woman to hold a higher position in IMF. She joined IMF in 2018 as a
Chief Economist. Before her the Ex – RBI chief Raghuram Rajan was the first Indian to hold the position of Chief
Economic Advisor in the IMF.
Reports published by IMF
IMF publishes 2 major reports (1) World Economic Outlook – It is published biennially. It gives an overview and
detailed analysis of the world economy by considering the issues of industrial countries, economies in the mode of
transition and developing countries. (2) Global Financial Stability Report – It is also published twice a year. The
report assesses stability of global financial market and emerging markets.

About IMF
IMF is an international organisation headquartered at Washington DC. It consists of 189 countries. IMF
works towards global monetary cooperation, facilitates international trade and secures financial stability.
It was formed in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference.
Health Ministry launches ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ campaign
In an effort to reach out to every tuberculosis (TB) patient in the country, Ministry of Health and Family
Welfare launched ‘TB Harega, Desh Jeetega’ campaign in New Delhi. Along with the campaign
government also launched ‘National TB Prevalence Survey’, the country’s largest-ever conducted TB
prevalence survey.
The government initiatives are in line with country’s intended target of becoming TB-free India before
2025. The global target to eliminate TB worldwide is 2030.
About ‘TB Harega Desh Jeetega’ Campaign
The campaign will work on 3 pillars-
1. Clinical approach
2. Public health component
3. Active community participation
The supporting aspect of campaign includes- patient support, private sector engagement, political and
administrative commitment at all levels.
The government will ensure that all patients, at private/public hospitals, receive free-of-cost and high-
quality TB care.
Other Government Initiatives for TB
According to TB India report 2019, 21.5 lakh cases of TB were notified to Revised National Tuberculosis
Control Programme (RNTCP) in 2018. It showed a 16% increase from 2017, which is the highest so far.
Under the National Strategic Plan for ending TB (NSP 2017-25), the RNTCP is strengthening private
sector engagement so as to increase the reach to more TB patients, improve access to TB care and provide
incentives to doctors for notifying TB patients and treatment outcomes.
Under Nikshay Poshan Yojana (NPY) TB patients are given Rs.500 per month for nutritional assistance
during the TB treatment. Since April 2018, over 20.8 lakh beneficiaries have received benefits worth
Rs.427 crore under NPY. In September 2018 72% of all TB patients in aspirational districts of India were
covered for health-related interventions, compared to a target of 100%.
National level committee had been formed that included membership from 17 ministries and also,
department of post and department of financial services have supported expansion of TB services across
the country.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 54


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Last Thursday of September celebrated as World Maritime Day (WMD), 2019


Every Year, World Maritime Day (WMD) is observed on the last Thursday of September. This year, it is
being observed on September 26, 2019. This day marks date of adaptation of International Maritime
Organization (IMO) Convention in 1958. The day was first observed in 1978. It acknowledges the
importance of maritime industry and to highlight importance of shipping safety, maritime security and
marine environment.
World Maritime Day, 2019: Theme
The theme of World Maritime Day, 2019 is “Empowering Women in the Maritime Community”. The theme provides
an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of gender equality, in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable
Development Goals, and to highlight the important – yet underutilized – contribution of women within the maritime
sector.

International Maritime Organization (IMO)


IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for regulating shipping. It was established
in 1948 in Geneva as ICMO and came into force in 1959. Its headquarters are in London, United Kingdom.
It has 171 member states and 3 associate members. India was one of the earliest members of IMO and had
joined it as member-state in 1959. IMO’s functions are to develop and maintain a comprehensive
regulatory framework for shipping and its remit. This framework addresses various areas like safety, legal
matters, environmental concerns, technical co-operation, maritime security and efficiency of shipping.
Preventive Vigilance portal: launched by PNB
Punjab National Bank launched a Preventive Vigilance (PV) portal to facilitate its staff members to check
procedural lapses as well as promote good practices. It was launched during a function held at PNB
Corporate Office, chaired by Central Vigilance Commissioner Sharad Kumar. Besides PV portal e-pledge
mission was inaugurated.
About Preventive Vigilance portal
To promote vigilance awareness in the banking system, PNB introduced the first of its kind technology
based solutions through Preventive Vigilance portal.
PV portal will facilitate all staff members to contribute towards arresting procedural lapses and unhealthy
practices.
It will also usher in a coherent climate conducive to banking for modern age.
First India-Caribbean Summit – 2019
Prime Minister Modi met the leaders of the Caribbean Community on 25th September, 2019, in New York.
The meeting focused on fighting climate change and increasing India’s participation in the grouping
At the meeting, PM Modi announced 14 million USD grant for community development projects in the
region. He also extended 150 million USD of line of credit for renewable energy, solar and climate change
related projects.
Leaders and representatives of the Caribbean countries Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Tobago and
Trinidad attended the meeting. Modi also invited the countries to join ISA (International Solar Alliance)
and Coalition for Disaster Resilient infrastructure.
Why did India initiate the summit?
Carricom economies are highly dependent on trade. They are Single Market Economies. It means the
economies allow free movement of goods, labor and services within the community. Hence, the return on
investment is faster. Caribbean is home to more than 1 million Indian diasporas. The countries are rich in
oil and petroleum.
Carricom Grouping
Carricom is Carribean Community whose establishment was a 15-year struggle. It was inspired by the
emerging European community. After multilateral trade agreements like Central American Common
Market, 1960 and Latin American Free Trade Agreement, 1960 and Andean Pact, 1969, Carricom was
established in 1973. The Carricom Grouping has 15 member states and 5 associate members. They came
together to form an economic and political community.
15 members of the grouping include Bahamas, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Barbados, Dominica, Guyana,
Grenada, Haiti, Montserrat, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Vincent, St Lucia, Tobago and Trinidad. The
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 55
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

associated members include Bermuda, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Turks and Cayman Islands.
India – Carricom relations
The first meeting of India – Carricom Foreign ministers was held in 2005. Since then, the trade between
India and Carricom began to grow. India exports 16 million USD worth goods to the Carricom countries
according EXIM report 2010. It includes transport equipment, machinery, iron and steel, pharmaceuticals,
cosmetics, metals, etc. The imports from the countries include 1.5 million USD worth goods. They are
mostly metal scraps and wood products. Though the countries are rich in oil, India is currently not
importing oil from Carricom countries.
The first India-Caribbean Conclave was held in 2009. In the conclave the potential areas of investment in
the countries like small scale industries, water pumps for irrigation, medicine, etc were identified.
Hurun India Rich List 2019: Mukesh Ambani richest Indian
Reliance Industries’ Chairman Mukesh Ambani is India’s richest man as mentioned in the IIFL Wealth-
Hurun India Rich List 2019. He has topped the list of richest Indians for the 8th consecutive year. He
currently has a net worth of Rs 3.8 lakh crore.
IIFL Wealth-Hurun India Rich List 2019
The 8th edition of report was released by Hurun Report India and IIFL Wealth Management.
London-based SP Hinduja & family, with assets worth Rs.1.86 lakh crore, retained 2nd rank in the list,
while Wipro founder Azim Premji secured 3rd place with a net wealth of Rs.1.17 lakh crore.
Key Findings of List
As per latest IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List, the number of Indians having a net worth of over
Rs1,000 crore has grown to 953 this year from 831 in 2018.
The number of Indians billionaires in terms of US dollar has reduced to 138 from 141.
The combined wealth of top 25 Indians in list equates to 10% of India’s GDP and that of 953 accounts
for 27%.
Although cumulative wealth for 2019 shows an increase of 2% compared to 2018 but the average
wealth shows a decline of 11%.
With 246 individuals (or 26% of list), Mumbai is absolute capital when it comes to the residence of
top entrepreneurs of India. Mumbai is followed by New Delhi (175) and Bengaluru (77).

Economic Advisory Council to PM reconstituted under Bibek Debroy


Government of India has reconstituted Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) under
existing Chairman Bibek Debroy. The reconstitution is for a period of two years, with effect from 26
September 2019.
Key Highlights
Along with Chairman Bibek Debroy, Ratan P Watal will also continue as Member Secretary of the
reconstituted EAC-PM. Apart from these two full-time members, EAC-PM will have 2 part-time members

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 56


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

as against 3 in outgoing panel.


While Ashima Goel continues to be one of part-time members and Sajjid Chinoy (Chief India economist at
J.P. Morgan) has been roped in as the new member. The economists Rathin Roy and Shamika Ravi, who
were the two existing part-time members, have been dropped in reconstituted EAC-PM.
Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM)
It is an independent body constituted to advise the government (especially prime minister) on economic
and related issues.
EAC-PM advises PM Modi on macroeconomic issues and other matters referred to it by PM himself. So far
the suggestions made by the EAC-PM to PM on economic matters have not been made public.
The Council submitted papers on issues such as employment, macroeconomic situation and growth to
Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Bangladesh lifts ban on Hilsa export to India
Bangladesh Government will allow 500 tons of Hilsa fish to be exported to India prior to the eve of Durga
Pooja. Bangladesh accounts to nearly 75% of world Hilsa production. The government of Bangladesh had
imposed ban on its export to India due to its over – exploitation.
About Hilsa
Hilsa is an endemic species of Bangladesh. It is generally referred to “King of Fish” for its soft texture and
pleasant flavor. It is the national fish of Bangladesh.
Why did Bangladesh stop export of Hilsa?
The population of Hilsa was fast decreasing in the river systems of Bangladesh. This was mainly due to
Over exploitation, construction of dams, dumping of domestic and industrial wastes into water
bodies.
The fish are also affected by the oil spills.
Their required amount of plankton reduced due to chemical pollution.
There are around 4 million fishermen involved in Hilsa fishing alone! This led to over exploitation.
The fish is also smuggled out of Bangladesh after the ban. This causes high loss of revenue for the
government.
Hilsa was under grave danger mainly due to over – consumption. Apart from reduction of its population,
the size of the fish also began to reduce. Therefore, the Government of Bangladesh brought in several
measures to save the species. The export ban was one such step.
IUCN Status of Hilsa
The fish received the status of “Threatened Species” under IUCN red list.
Steps by Bangladesh to save Hilsa
Bangladesh had introduced ban on catching baby Hilsa in 2018. It had announced strict fines on people
buying and selling Hilsa weighing less than a pound. Even today in order to protect the endemic species,
Bangladesh has prohibited Hilsa fishing in Padma and Meghna rivers during breeding season.
Steps by Bengal Government to save Hilsa
The Bengal government has a local state legislature that empowers the Fisheries department to fine and
arrest people catching Baby Hilsa.
Cultural significance
A Bengali feast is incomplete without the Hilsa. In the past, Bengali families presented Hilsa (wrapped in
red sari) to the groom’s family. It is also offered to Goddess Saraswati during Navarathri festival.
Habitat
Hilsa unlike Salmon cannot be farmed. This is mainly because of their peculiar habitat through
aquaculture. The adult Hilsa swims several kilo meters upstream to fresh water from sea for spawning
(laying eggs) and return back to sea.
The fish is abundantly present in the Sunderbans and in the slow flowing waters of Ganga – Brahmaputra.
They are usually found at the mouth of the river.
The fish is also found near the mouth of Godavari river of Andhra Pradesh. It plays a significant role in the
recipes of Andhra as well. The people of Andhra offer the fish to goddess Lakshmi during Navarathri
festival.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 57


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

IAAF Council: Adille Sumariwalla re-elected as its member


The President of Athletics Federation of India (AFI), Adille Sumariwallam has been re-elected as member
of Council of International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). His election is for a second four-
year term.
Key Highlights
The election took place during 52nd Congress of sport’s world governing body at Doha, Qatar. The elective
Congress was held just two days before World Athletics Championships opens in Doha.
Adille Sumariwallam who is a former Olympian, received 121 votes to get elected as one of the 13 individual
members of IAAF Council.
Sebastian Coe (62) of Britain was also re-elected unopposed as IAAF President for a second term. He is the
former Olympic and world champion middle-distance runner.
Along with Sumariwallam and Co, four Vice Presidents were also elected.
About International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)
It is the international governing body for sport of athletics.
It was established on 17 July 1912 in Stockholm, Sweden. It is headquartered in Monaco.
Membership: 215 member federations
9th India-China Financial Dialogue held in New Delhi
The 9th India-China Financial dialogue was held in New Delhi on wide-ranging issues of mutual interest.
At the dialogue a high level Chinese delegation led by Zou Jiayi, Vice Minister of Finance, China interacted
with Indian delegation led by Atanu Chakraborty, Secretary of Department of Economic Affairs, Union
Ministry of Finance.
About India-China Financial Dialogue
Background: India-China Financial Dialogue is a mechanism between India and China with an aim to
promote cooperation in financial sector. During this dialogue, both sides have in-depth exchange of views
on macroeconomic situation and policy, bilateral investment, cooperation in multilateral framework and
financial cooperation. Both countries are also committed towards promoting favorable environment for
enabling continuous growth of bilateral trade and investment, strengthening healthier and balanced
development of trade and economic cooperation as well as further enhancing partnership between two
countries.
In April 2018, India and China bilateral relationship entered into a new era after historic informal Wuhan
summit held between Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and China’s President Xi Jinping.
9th India-China Financial Dialogue
At the conclusion of Financial Dialogue, a joint statement was issued reflecting the mutual understanding
and shared vision of both nations to further strengthen cooperation in financial sector.
The 10th India-China Financial Dialogue will be held in China.
September 27, 2019
September 27: World Tourism Day
The United Nations World Tourism Day is celebrated on September 27. The day aims at creating
awareness on social, political, cultural and economic values among international community.
Background
The UNWTO – United Nations World Tour Organization has been celebrating World Tourism Day since
1980. The day was chosen because on this day, the UNWTO Statues were adopted.
Why is the chosen date appropriate?
UNWTO believes that the date is appropriate as it comes at the end of high tourist season in the northern
hemisphere. In southern hemisphere it is the start of tourist season.
Tourism is at its peak during this season all over the world mainly because Earth is at Autumnal Equinox
Position. It completes its Summer Solstice journey during this period. This makes the weather perfect for
a tour in most of the regions on the earth.
How is the day celebrated?
UNWTO invites people world wide to participate in the celebrations. Usually a host country is chosen.
Different competitions, tourism awards, presentations, photo competitions are organized.
THEME 2019: “Tourism and Jobs – A better future for all”

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 58


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Tourism and jobs


The focus of UNWTO in 2019 is on education, skills and jobs. According to UNWTO, Tourism generates
10% of world jobs. Creating equitable employment is important to achieve social inclusion, peace and
security.
According to ILO – International Labor Organization, more than 190 million are unemployed. Therefore, it
is essential for every sector to create jobs. This can be achieved at faster rate by embracing new
technology.
UNWTO’s take on jobs in Tourism
UNWTO believes that as tourism is labor intensive, it is a major source of employment. According to its
data, one job in tourism sector creates one and a half additional jobs. This accounts to one in 10 jobs
worldwide.
As accommodation and restaurants create jobs at the fastest rate among all sectors, developing tourism
can aid in faster growth of the economy.
Tourism and SDG
Tourism is a major contributor of SDG – Sustainable Development Goals – 8, 12 and 14. They are as follows
SDG 8 – Decent work and Economic
SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production
SDG 14 – Life below water
By 2030, the target is to devise and implement policies that promote tourism that creates jobs and
promotes local culture.
Tourism at G20
The G20 leaders recently at the 2019 Summit valued tourism as a major contributor to global economic
growth and sustainable development. Agreements were signed to maximize tourism among the G20
countries.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes 2019
President of India Ram Nath Kovind, presented Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes 2019, for outstanding
contributions in science and technology at a function held at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. The awards
were presented on the occasion of the 78th Foundation Day of Council of Scientific and Industrial
Research (CSIR).
Prize Recipients
Biological Sciences winners: Dr. Kayarat Sai Krishnan (Indian Institute of Science Education and
Research, Pune); Dr. Soumen Basak (National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi)
Chemical Sciences: · Dr. Raghavan B Sunoj (IIT, Bombay); Dr. Tapas Kumar Maji (Jawaharlal Nehru
Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bengaluru)
Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary Sciences: Dr. Subimal Ghosh (IIT, Bombay)
Engineering Sciences: Manik Varma (Microsoft Research India, Bengaluru)
Mathematical Sciences: Dr. Dishant Mayur Bhai Pancholi (Institute of Mathematical Sciences,
Chennai), Dr. Nina Gupta (Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata)
Medical Sciences: Dr. Dheeraj Kumar (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and
Biotechnology, New Delhi), Dr. Mohammad Javed Ali (LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad)
Physical Sciences: Dr. Aninda Sinha (IISc, Bengaluru), Dr. Shankar Ghosh (TIFR, Mumbai)
About Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) Awards
It is the highest multidisciplinary science awards in India. It recognizes outstanding Indian work in
science and technology.
This prestigious science award is presented annually by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR) for notable and outstanding research, applied/fundamental, in environmental science, biology,
mathematics, Physics, chemistry, engineering, and medicine.
This most coveted award is named after the founder Director of CSIR, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar. It was 1st
awarded in 1958.
Award Comprises of: a citation, a plaque, and cash prize of Rs.5 lakh. In addition, recipients also receive
Rs.15,000/month up to age of 65 years.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 59


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

India to attend SAARC Council of Ministers meeting


The SAARC Council of Ministers meeting is to be held on New York on 26th September 2019. Despite of the
heightened tensions between India and Pakistan over Kashmir and its recently changed Constitutional
status, the countries have agreed to participate in the meeting.
The meeting is being chaired by Nepal and that might bring in positive outcomes. The 2 countries have
already sent their concurrent officials to attend the meeting.
SAARC is an annual summit and there were speculations it might not happen this year due to the
escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.
Previous SAARC Summits and issues
The last and the 18 th SAARC summit was held in Kathmandu. Pakistan was to host the next SAARC
summit. However, India pulled out of it following the Uri attack that killed 19 people. India said, it is ready
to attend future SAARC summits if Pakistan took steps to tackle terror attack.
India – Pakistan disputes is the major cause for the ineffectiveness of SAARC. India being the major
contributor with its unbeatable economic, military and international influence the disparity will bring
reluctance from smaller states to work with India.
India, hence plans to strengthen BBIN initiatives to boost the trade and earn the strategic partnership
with its neighbors. In 2018, Pakistan objected the Motor Vehicle Agreement proposed by India at the 18th
SAARC summit. India hence pursued the motor vehicle agreement through BBIN.
Uri attack
th
On 18 September, 2016, 4 heavily armed terrorists attacked Indian army brigade headquarters in Uri.
Terrorist group Jaish – e – Mohammed was involved in planning and execution of the attack. 17 army
personnel were killed and 30 soldiers were injured.
SAARC
SAARC is South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. The member nations of the grouping are
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. SAARC comprises of 21%
of world population and 3.8% of world economy. SAARC was founded in Dhaka. There is no anthem for
SAARC as that of other groupings (Eg: ASEAN)
As soon as SAARC was formed, SAFTA – South Asian Free Trade Agreement was the first major and
fruitful step. It was signed in 2004. The agreement increased the exports substantially from 206 billion
USD in 2009 to 602 billion USD in 2010.
The primary objective of the organization is to promote welfare of the people of South Asia accelerating
their social and economic growth.
‘Tikki Mausi’ mascot: unveiled by Odisha govt. and UNICEF
With an aim to spread awareness about nutrition of children and women, the Department of Women &
Child Development and Mission Shakti, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with United Nations
International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) unveiled a mascot named ‘Tikki Mausi’. The state
government initiative highlights that Women and children are central to any welfare programme.
Key Highlights
The department in collaboration with UNICEF also launched a comprehensive state-level communication
strategy to make the public aware about child and woman’s nutrition and their development.
The mascot- ‘Tikki Mausi’ aims to change the behaviour of common people and make them aware about
child and woman’s nutrition and development in every household. Why the name ‘Tikki Mausi’? The
mascot has been named so in reference to second mother of a child. Tikki Mausi is gregarious character
and is an empathetic protagonist with extensive knowledge on all issues related to women and children,
thus loves to talk to people and raise their awareness on key positive social behaviors and practices.
The mascot will also take care of providing the right information about state government projects for
women and children to every household for better future of children in the state and thereby spread
awareness for better health care of children and their development.
JNU signs MoU with IIT Delhi for Research, Technology Development
The two premier institutions, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and IIT Delhi inked a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in research, education and technology developments in science and

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 60


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

other disciplines.
Key Highlights of MoU
MoU Objective: To recognise each other’s strengths and co-operate in research, education and technology
developments in disciplines of science, engineering, management and social sciences.
As per JNU, the agreement will not only bring the two institutes together but will enormously benefit
teaching, research and technology development of social and national importance.
The JNU and IIT Delhi collaboration will also facilitate access to each other’s libraries and central research
facilities. This will further intensify joint research projects and other related academic activities.
JNU is committed towards working together with IIT Delhi in establishing joint ventures (JVs). These JVs
will specially emphasise on disaster research and a comprehensive study of North Eastern regions of India
as the research in these areas will generate much input for policies and governmental programmes. JNU
has already established Special Centre for North Eastern Studies and a Special Centre for Disaster Research.
September 27: Google celebrates its 21st birthday
Google celebrated its 21st birthday on September 27, 2019, with a doodle of a vintage computer and a
Google homepage on it.
When was Google founded?
Google was founded by PhD students Larry Page and Sergey Brin at Stanford University. They named its
“Googol”. Googol is a mathematical term and it equals to 10 raised to the power of 100.
The controversy
Google registered its company on September 15, 1997. Hence, many consider that this is the official birth
date of Google. It filed for an incorporation on September 4, 1998 and hence it is also considered as one of
its birth dates by many others.
However, since 2006 Google has celebrated its birthday on September 27. In 2005, it was on September 26
and on September 7 the year before. The previous years had different dates.
Traditionally Google makes its birthday on the Google home page on September 27. This is because,
Google actually is unaware of its exact launch date.
Why was September 27 chosen?
Google agreed to the confusion over its birthday in 2013. It assented to the fact that it celebrated its
birthday on four different dates! However, September 27 had been stuck because the first birthday doodle
was used on that day in 2002.
When was the first Google Doodle launched?
The first Doodle was launched on August 30, 1998. Google was young then with Yahoo and Bing as its
heavy competitors. The first doodle marked the Burning man festival.
About Burning man festival
Burning man is an annual festival held in the western US. Every year a temporary city is erected in the
Black Rock desert in Nevada. It is being celebrated since 1986. At the festival, the community explores
various artistic expressions. The purpose of the event is to generate a society that connects individuals to
his or her creative powers.
Google in India and China
Over 75% of 25 million regular internet users prefer Google search engine over other search engines.
On the other hand, Google is banned in China. The other websites banned in China include Facebook,
YouTube, Picasa, Maps, Docs, drive, Dropbox, Flickr, etc. China has strict censorship policy. This is because
the Chinese government controls the internet, restricts, bans and deleted content that are not in the
interest of the state. China has legal and administrative regulations for internet surfing. The Cyberspace
administration of China takes care of the blocking and censorship.
MoU signed to set up Kalam Centre for Science and Technology at CUJ
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked between Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) and Central University of Jammu (CUJ) for the establishment of Kalam Centre for
Science and Technology (KCST) at the university. The MoU was signed in presence of Defence Minister
Rajnath Singh.
Key Highlights of MoU
MoU Objective: To undertake as well as facilitate multidisciplinary directed basic and applied research

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 61


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

and technology development in identified research verticals. These research verticals would be namely-
Computational System Security and Sensors.
Kalam Centre for Science and Technology (KCST):
It will be a world-class centre that will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment leading
to increase in research scholars in these areas.
The centre will be a national asset and will contribute towards making India stronger and prosperous.
The DRDO under Union Ministry of Defence will be establishing a high-end research centre to promote
quality research which in long run will create a pool of scientists from this region.
About Central University of Jammu (CUJ)
It is a Central government-funded university and was established under Central Universities Act 2009.
It was founded with the vision to contribute knowledge and technology innovation to the country and the
world.
Malabar Exercise 2019: India, Japan, US Naval Exercise begins
The Malabar Exercise 2019, the trilateral maritime exercise between navies of India, Japan and the US
began off the coast of Japan. The year 2019 is the 23rd edition of Malabar Exercise.
Key Highlights
Indian Navy: Two frontline indigenously designed and built Indian naval ships participating in exercise
are- INS Sahyadri, a multi-purpose guided-missile frigate and INS Kiltan, a ASW (anti-submarine warfare)
Corvette. In addition to ships, a P8I (Poseidon Eight India) Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft has also
reached Japan for the exercise.
The US Navy: It is being represented by USS McCampbell (DDG-85), a Los Angeles-Class Attack
Submarine, and a ‘P8A‘ Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
Japan Navy: known as The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF). It is participating with its JS
Kaga, a Izumo class helicopter destroyer, JS Samidare and Choukai, a guided-missile destroyers and a ‘P1’
Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
During the harbour phase, the three partner navies would conduct sports fixtures, official protocol visits,
reciprocal ship visits, professional interactions in subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) and social
events.
Significance
Malabar 2019 exercise seeks to further strengthen India-Japan-US naval cooperation and enhance
interoperability, based on shared values and principles. The exercise involves complex maritime
operations in surface, sub-surface and air domains. It also focuses on maritime interdiction operations
(MIO), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-air and anti-surface firings. Apart from these it also includes
visit board search and seizure (VBSS) and tactical scenario-based exercise at sea.
Thus the participation of Indian naval ships and aircraft in the trilateral exercise would significantly
bolster strong maritime bonds of friendship between three participant countries and at the same time it
would contribute towards security and stability in region.
China launches its first Amphibious Assault Ship
China has launched its first amphibious assault ship in Shanghai. This ship would enable ground forces to
carry out attacks on enemy territory from sea. It is independently developed by China and has a strong
capacity in amphibious operations as well as performing a variety of tasks.
About China’s Amphibious Assault Ship
The new ship is the first in Type 075 class of amphibious assault ship, which is also defined as a type of
landing helicopter dock.
After undergoing equipment debugging, mooring and navigational, the ship will have a strong capability
to carry out amphibious combat and other tasks.
China’s Defence Capability
Since in power, Chinese President Xi Jinping has advocated a new military doctrine as per which the 2.3
million Chinese military (largest in the world), has reduced the size of its army by 3 lakhs in last few years
and expanded its navy and air force manifold to enhance its global influence.
Also, since 2013 China, in a major reorganization of its military doctrine has increased development of its

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 62


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

navy (People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy), which included building several aircraft carriers besides
submarines, assault ships and frigates as part of its efforts to expand its global influence.
The Chinese Navy’s has one aircraft carrier- the Liaoning, which was commissioned in 2012. Moreover, PLA
Navy’s 2nd indigenously built aircraft carrier is currently undergoing trials and 3rd one is being built at
furious pace. China now also plans to acquire about 5-6 aircraft carriers in the coming years.
Currently, China has 20 Type 052Ds destroyers, either in active service or being fitted out for service
soon. The Destroyers are fast, highly manoeuvrable long distance warships which are also used to
accompany aircraft carriers.
September 26: International Day for Total Elimination of nuclear weapons
Every year September 26 is marked as the International Day for total elimination of Nuclear weapons. It is
being observed since 2014. The day is observed to enhance public awareness about the threat posed to
humanity by nuclear weapons.
Background
The United Nations General Assembly declared the day in 2013 through a resolution 68/32. The resolution
was passed at a high – level General Assembly on Nuclear disarmament. In the resolution the assembly
called in for urgent commencement of a conference. The conference was held on Disarmament of
convention of nuclear weapons and to prevent the possession, production, testing, stockpiling and
transfer of nuclear weapons.
Every year the day is marked by the ICAN campaigners all around the world.
ICAN
ICAN is the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. It received the Nobel Prize for peace in
2017. It is a non – Governmental Organization that promotes and implements Nuclear weapon ban treaty
or the treaty on Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
Nuclear weapon ban treaty
In 2017, ICAN came up with an international treaty on prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. The treaty was
first in its kind. It is an international agreement to prohibit nuclear weapons. Till August 29, 2019, only 26
states have ratified it. In the UN, a resolution can be ratified only if a minimum of 50 countries ratify it.
India denounced from voting in favor of the resolution.
Who are the current Nuclear powers in the world?
US, Russia, France, Britain, India, China, Pakistan and North Korea. There are 5 European countries
hosting US Nuclear weapons in their soil as a part of NATO treaty. It includes Germany, Belgium,
Netherlands, Italy and Turkey. According to the UN, there are 14,000 nuclear war heads in the world.
Obstacles on the path of Nuclear free world
The Iran Nuclear deal that was signed to prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons was collapsed
after the US President announced the withdrawal of US from JPCOA plan.
The nuclear weaponization in North Korea aim at hitting the west coast of US according to the experts.
The odds between India and Pakistan came close to an armed conflict earlier this year. The situation has
become more precarious after India changed the constitutional status of Kashmir recently.
The countries holding the highest number of nuclear weapons, US and Russia recently decided that they
would no longer honor the INF treaty – Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces. The treaty prevents the
countries from developing missiles that are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Right Livelihood Award 2019
The winners of Right Livelihood Award 2019 were announced in Stockholm, Sweden. The year 2019 was
celebrated as the 40th anniversary of Right Livelihood Award, widely known as ‘Alternative Nobel Prize’.
2019 Right Livelihood Award Laureates
The Sweden-based Right Livelihood Foundation announced 4 winners in 2019 edition of awards, namely-
1. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg– for inspiring and amplifying political demands for urgent
climate action reflecting scientific facts
2. Sahrawi human rights activist Aminatou Haidar- for her steadfast nonviolent action, despite
imprisonment and torture, in pursuit of justice and self-determination for people of Western Sahara
3. Chinese women’s rights lawyer Guo Jianmei– for her pioneering and persistent work in securing
women’s rights in China.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 63
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

4. Hutukara Yanomami Association (Brazil) and its indigenous leader Davi Kopenawa– for their
courageous determination to protect the forests and biodiversity of Amazon, and the lands and
culture of its indigenous peoples
About Right Livelihood Award
The award was established in 1980 and is presented by Swedish Right Livelihood Foundation. The award
honours and supports courageous people solving global problems. So far, there are 178 Right Livelihood
Award Laureates from 70 countries.
The Swedish Right Livelihood Foundation has Special Consultative Status with UN Economic and Social
Council. Thus the award also seeks to help protect those Award recipients whose life and liberty are in
danger.
Unlike most other international prizes, the Right Livelihood Award has no categories. The award consists
of a cash prize of 1 million Swedish kronor ($103,000) for each laureate.
UAE’s Hazza Al Mansouri became first Arab Astronaut in space
The United Arab Emirates’s (UAE) Hazza Al Mansouri became the first Emirati and the first Arab
astronaut to travel to International Space Station (ISS). However he is only the 3rd Arab in space after
Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz of Saudi Arabia (1985), and Mohammad Faris (1987) of Syria.
He blasted into space accompanied by Oleg Skripochka of Russia and NASA astronaut Jessica Meir
onboard a Soyuz MS-15 rocket from Baikonur in Kazakhstan.
About Hazza Al Mansouri
The 35-year-old is a former pilot in the UAE armed forces. He will be the first Emirati astronaut and first
Arab on orbiting laboratory of ISS, but not the first Muslim.
He will spend 8 days at International Space Station (ISS) doing scientific experiments with other
international astronauts.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center provided Al Mansoori with a 10kg bag, which includes important
elements of Emirati heritage, culture and history, which will be placed in museums upon his return.
UAE’s Space Plans
As part of UAE’s space plans, the Arab nation has announced its aim to also become the first Arab country
to send an unmanned probe to orbit Mars by 2021. The country has named its Mars mission as “Hope”.
In the long-term, UAE also plans to build a “Science City” to replicate life on Mars. It also aims to create
the first human settlement on red planet by 2117.
IMD World Digital Competitiveness ranking 2019
The ranking measures the readiness and capacity of 63 economies to adopt digital technologies. It gives its
ranking based on the digital exploration skills of the economies for economic transformation in
governance, business and society.
Rankings
US topped the list followed by Singapore in the second place. Sweden was ranked third followed by
Denmark and Switzerland in the 4th and 5th places respectively. The other top 10 digitally most competitive
economies include Netherlands (6th), Finland (7th), Hong Kong, Norway and Republic of Korea.
The largest jump was seen in China. China moved to 22nd position from its 30th position in 2018.
IMD World Competitiveness
The yearbook is published by the Swiss based International Institute for Management Development. The
year book is being published since 1989. However, the ranking was begun in 2017.
India
India advanced 4 places from 48 th to the 44 th . The report mentions the following reasons for the
improvement
Talent Sub factor
Training and Education
E – Participation
The ranking says India exceeds in technological factors, telecommunication, IT and media stock market
capitalization. However, India still has to focus on wireless broadband, internet users, etc.
The largest improvements were experienced by Asian countries like India, China, Korea and Indonesia.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 64


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

How was the ranking done?


The World Digital Competitiveness Center prepares the ranking based on three factors namely
Knowledge – The capacity of the economy to understand and learn new technologies
Competence – How well an economy competes with other countries to develop new digital
innovations
Future readiness – the preparedness of the economy for the coming developments.
Mahatma Gandhi’s 80-year-old Letter wishing Jews ‘Era of Peace’ Unveiled
The National Library of Israel unveiled an 80 – year old handwritten letter by Mahatma Gandhiji on the
day World War II broke out. He had wished the Jewish people an era of peace in his letter.
Gandhiji had addressed the letter the Bombay Zionist Association that was struggling to turn the support
of Indian leaders in favor of the movement to establish a home for the Jews.
When was the letter written?
The letter was written by Gandhiji on the occasion of Jewish new year, that is, on September 1, 1939. It also
marked the day when Germany invaded Poland and set the world at war.
The letter was addressed to Shohet
Shohet – The Indian Jewish leader
Shohet saw the movement as the only way to unite the Jewish population in India. It included the wealthy
Baghdadi Jews, local European Jews and Israelian Jews. As Gandhiji remained silent on the killing of Jews
Shohet wanted to win him over his side. However, he couldn’t convince Mahatma to become an active
defender of European Jews.
Mobile app for lawyers, litigants launched by Delhi HC
On September 27, 2019, the Delhi High Court launched a new mobile application. The app makes the
services of the court digitally accessible to litigants and lawyers. It was inaugurated the Delhi High Court
Chief Justice D N Patel.
The application bestows with details of the status of the case, cause list and other access links to the
court’s website.
Key features of the application
The advocates can apply for E – Inspection and gate passes using the app.
The litigants can also use the app to get gate passes.
Both the litigants and the advocates can get updates of the display board of high court and Supreme
Court by using the app. Display boards were installed under the E – Court project. The boards
display the called-out case status on the screen
The app provides links to learn information about the chief judges and sitting judges.
First Indigenous High-Temperature Fuel Cell System launched
The President of India Ram Nath Kovind launched the first Indigenous High-Temperature Fuel Cell
System developed by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under ‘New Millennium Indian
Technology Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)’. The launched was made at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi on
the occasion of 78th Foundation Day CSIR.
About High-Temperature Fuel Cell System
The system has been developed under India’s flagship program ‘New Millennium Indian Technology
Leadership Initiative (NMITLI)’.
It has been developed by CSIR in partnership with Indian industries. This makes it a unique example of
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) among CSIR’s three Laboratories- (CSIR-NCL, Pune; CSIR-NPL, New Delhi;
CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi (Chennai Center)) and two Indian industries namely, M/s Thermax Limited (Pune)
and M/s Reliance Industries Limited (Mumbai).
Function:
The 5.0 kW fuel cell system generates power in a green manner. It uses methanol or bio-methane, with
heat and water as bi-products for further use. This further amounts to more than 70% efficiency, which
otherwise may not be possible by other energy sources.
Fuel Cells developed are based on High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HTPEM) Technology.
Application:

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 65


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

In the field of clean energy, Fuel Cell distributed power generation systems are emerging as one of the
most promising alternative to grid power.
This development is most suitable for distributed stationary power applications and where highly reliable
power is essential with simultaneous requirement for air-conditioning such as- for small offices, data
centers, commercial units, etc.
It will also meet the requirement of efficient, clean and reliable backup power generator for telecom
towers, remote locations as well as strategic applications.
Fuel Cells fit well in India’s mission of replacing diesel with green and alternate fuels, thus this
development would replace Diesel Generating (DG) sets and will help in reducing India’s dependence on
crude oil.
Infosys wins UN Global Climate Action Award in ‘Climate Neutral Now’ category
Information Technology (IT) major Infosys has won the United Nations Global Climate Action Award
(UNGCAA) in the ‘Climate Neutral Now’ category for “Infosys’ Journey to Carbon Neutrality”. The
announcement of winners was made after UN Climate Summit in New York, US was convened by UN
Secretary General (UNSG) Antonio Guterres.
Key Highlights
Infosys is India’s 2nd-largest IT company and is one of the first companies of its type to commit to carbon
neutrality. With more than 229,000 employees and clients in 46 countries, Infosys has sought to address
its significant carbon footprint in all aspects of its global operations.
The award will be presented to Infosys on December 2019, at UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) to be
held in Santiago, Chile.
Infosys is the only corporate from India to earn this recognition for its efforts to combat climate change. It
was chosen for the UN Global Climate Action Award from 670 applications.
Why Infosys was awarded?
Infosys was recognised for its’ pledge to become carbon neutral, which serves as a beacon for guiding
world towards a more sustainable future for all. In 2011, Infosys had made a voluntary commitment to
United Nation to become carbon neutral. Since then it has undertaken an accelerated plan and
implemented energy efficiency measures as well as switched to renewable energy, while offsetting any
remaining emissions through its carbon offset projects.
In October 2018, Infosys also pledged to demonstrate its commitment to moving to a low carbon economy,
at ‘Climate Neutral Now’ platform by UNFCCC. The company highlighted that it is transitioning to
renewable energy for all its electricity needs, and has reduced its per capita energy consumption by over
51% since 2008.
About United Nations Global Climate Action Award
These awards are spearheaded by Momentum for Change initiative at UN Climate Change.
The projects which are awarded are recognized as an innovative solution that addresses climate change as
well as helps drive forward progress on many other sustainable development goals, such as- innovation,
gender equality and economic opportunity.
The UN Climate Change’s Momentum for Change initiative is implemented with the support of The
Rockefeller Foundation. It operates in partnership with World Economic Forum (WEF), donors supporting
implementation of UN Climate Change’s Gender Action Plan and Climate Neutral Now.
September 28, 2019
2017-18 National Tourism Awards
National Tourism Awards for 2017-18 were presented by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi
on 27 September 2019 on occasion of World Tourism Day. This year a total of 76 awards were given under
various categories.
2017-18 National Tourism Awards Winners
Andhra Pradesh: The state won the first prize for Best State for Comprehensive Development of Tourism.
Andhra is known for its beaches and temples, and won the award for overall growth in tourism category.
Goa and Madhya Pradesh: Both states were announced as joint winners in Adventure Tourism category.
Uttarakhand: The Himalayan state won the best film promotion friendly state. Telangana: It won the best

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 66


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

state in innovative use of IT category.


About National Tourism Awards
The National Tourism Awards are presented every year by Union Ministry of Tourism, to various
segments of the travel and tourism industry.
These awards are presented to State Governments/Union Territories, classified hotels, heritage hotels,
approved travel agents, tour operators and tourist transport operators, individuals as well as other private
organizations in recognition of their performance in their respective fields. It also encourages healthy
competition with an aim to promote tourism in country.
The awardees are selected by Committees constituted for purpose and the decision of Union Ministry of
Tourism is final and binding.
KAZIND-2019: lndo-Kazakhstan Joint Military Exercise to be held in Uttarakhand
A joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan named KAZIND-2019 is scheduled to be held in
Pithoragarh district, Uttarkhand from 3-15 October 2019. The exercise focuses mainly on counter
terrorism operation.
About KAZIND-2019
Objective: To conduct company level joint training between India and Kazakhstan with emphasis on
counter terrorism operation in mountainous terrain.
The KAZIND-2019 is the fourth edition of the annual event. The joint military exercise is conducted
alternatively in Kazakhstan and India every year.
The 13-day exercise will be held in mountainous terrain of Pithoragarh with about 100 soldiers from both
Indian and Kazakhstan armies participating.
During the 2019 edition of exercise, aspects of emerging trends of global terrorism and hybrid warfare
have also been included. Also both countries will share with each other their experiences of counter
insurgency and counter terrorism operations.
Significance
In the series of military training exercises undertaken by India with various countries, the KAZIND
exercise with Kazakhstan is crucial in terms of security challenges faced by the two nations amid
changing trends in global terrorism. Also, this joint military exercise will enhance the level of defence
cooperation further fostering bilateral relations between the two nations.
UNWTO selects India as host country to celebrate World Tourism Day 2019
The World Tourism Day which observed globally on 27 September is hosted by a different country every
year. India has been selected as the host country for celebration of World Tourism Day 2019 by United
Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This is for the very first time that India will host the day
in its National Capital, New Delhi.
World Tourism Day 2019: Host Country
India was selected as the host country as it has a distinct geographical existence than the rest of Asia.
Moreover, India offers a tourist several tourism options, varied cuisines, history, arts, language, music
forms, faiths, adventures and places among others.
As India is the host country for World Tourism Day 2019, therefore the event around 2019 theme ‘Tourism
and Jobs: a better future for all’ will take place in Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi from 26-28 September 2019.
This is the first time that India will be hosting World Tourism Day.
About World Tourism Day
It is observed every year globally on 27 September with the aim of raising awareness about importance of
tourism among global community as well as to encourage its social, political, cultural and economic
values. The celebrations of World Tourism Day have been led by United Nations World Tourism
Organisation (UNWTO) since 1970.
World Tourism Day 2019 Theme– “Tourism and Jobs: A better future for all”, is in line with UNWTO’s
overall emphasis on skills, education and jobs throughout the year.
About United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)
It is the United Nations specialized agency which works towards promoting sustainable, responsible and
universally accessible tourism.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 67


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

It was founded 43 years ago on October 1975. It is headquartered in Madrid, Spain.


Parent organization: United Nations Economic and Social Council (UNESCO).
Members: 158 countries, 6 territories and more than 500 affiliate members. Its members represents
educational institutions, private sector, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.
COAS Gen Bipin Rawat takes charge as Chairman of COSC
Chief of Army Staff General Bipin Rawat takes charge as Chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC).
He received the baton of Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) from outgoing Indian Air Force (IAF)
Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) BS Dhanoa, who retires on 30 September 2019. The ACM BS Dhanoa was
appointed as Chairman, COSC on 31 May 2019.
Key Highlights
In the present set-up, the most senior Chief functions as Chairman COSC. Therefore, after Air Marshal RKS
Bhadauria will take over as IAF Chief from outgoing ACM BS Dhanoa, Gen. Rawat will be the most senior
Service Chief.
The Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) comprises chiefs of India Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force
however, the senior most member is appointed its chairperson.
Mandate: Chairman of COSC is tasked with ensuring synergy among the three services (Army, Navy and
Air Force) as well as evolve common strategy to deal with external security challenges facing the country.
Background
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his 2018 Independence Day address, announced the appointment of
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) who will be above the three Chiefs of armed forces. This major decision was
aimed at military reforms and tri-Service integration. The Chief of Defence Staff will act as single-point
military adviser to government on military and strategic issues. A high-level committee (including
Cabinet Secretary and Defence Secretary) has been appointed to finalise the modalities and charter of new
role. The recommendations of committee are expected to be submitted to government in November 2019.
However, the present COSC is an additional role and tenures have been very short. For example- ACM
Dhanoa took over as Chairman COSC on 31 May from former Navy Chief Adm Sunil Lanba. After he steps
down on September 30, Gen Rawat who will take over as Chairman COSC then, is set to retire on
December 31 after three years in office. However, as the most senior Chief, he is set to be the India’s first
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
MASCRADE 2019 organised by FICCI in Delhi
‘MASCRADE 2019’- Movement Against Smuggling and Counterfeit Trade scheduled’, an annual flagship
FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry) event was held from 26-27 September
2019 in New Delhi. This year was the sixth edition of MASCRADE event which was organised by FICCI
CASCADE (Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities Destroying the Economy).
The theme for MASCRADE 2019 is ‘Containing Counterfeiting, Smuggling and Piracy: A Winning Strategy’.
Key Highlights of MASCRADE 2019
Background: Since its inception, the MASCRADE initiative has seen participation from various
international bodies offering a platform for experts to come together and find a solution to problem of
smuggling, counterfeiting and piracy of goods that impacts almost every country and affects almost every
brand owner around globe.
The event, strive towards bring in best minds from policy making, law, enforcement agencies, media,
brand protection, industry, among others to find a holistic and permanent solution to problem of
counterfeiting and smuggling. This is because if this is left unchecked it can have a disastrous impact on
economies globally.
During the event FICCI CASCADE felicitated Best Performing Officers who have worked exceptionally in
apprehending, combating and administrating preventive mechanisms with regards to illicit trading
activities from various law enforcement departments of government.
Moreover, FICCI CASCADE released detailed report titled – ‘Impact of Smuggling on Indian Economy and
Employment’ during “MASCRADE 2019” event.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 68


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Report Findings
The report was a compilation of facts and figures on smuggling and adopted a research approach and
methodology that estimates the loss of employment and revenue in 5 key industries namely- Readymade
Garment, Textiles, Tobacco Products (Cigarettes), Capital Goods (Machinery and Parts) and Consumer
(Electronics) Durables.
The report further highlighted the key challenges posed by smuggling as well as the possible solutions
needed to make compliance and processes more robust.
Air Marshal HS Arora appointed as Vice Chief of Indian Air Force
Air Marshal Harjit Singh Arora has been appointed as the new Vice Chief of Indian Air Force (IAF). He will
be succeeding Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria who will take over as Chief of Air Staff on September 30 after
the retirement his predecessor and the incumbent Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief ACM BS Dhanoa.
Air Marshal HS Arora currently heads the Gandhinagar headquartered South Western Air Command of
Indian Air Force. Therefore, meanwhile, Air Marshal B Suresh has been appointed as Western Air
Commander of Air Force.
About Air Marshal HS Arora
He was commissioned in IAF as a fighter pilot in December 1981.
He has diverse experience of accident-free operational flying including MiG 21, MiG 29 and other aircraft
in IAF inventory and also helicopters.
Career: From 2006 to 2009, he was deputed as Defence Attache at Embassy of India, Bangkok, Thailand.
As a Wing Commander he commanded 45 Squadron and was later the Commander of an Air Defence
Direction Centre (ADDC) in Western Sector. He is a graduate of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) and
National Defence College (NDC) and is Master of Philosophy in Defence and Strategic Studies.
Honour: In recognition of his distinguished service, he was commended by Air Officer Commanding-in-
Chief in 1997. He was also awarded Ati Vishist Seva Medal on 26 Jan 2011 by President of India.
Punyabhushan Award presented to archaeologist Dr. G.B. Deglurkar
The eminent Archeologist Dr. G.B. Deglurkar was conferred with prestigious Punyabhushan Award for his
long-standing contribution to the field of Indian Archaeology through renowned Deccan College Post
graduate & Research Institute. He was presented the award by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu at an
special public award function in Pune, Maharashtra.
About Punyabhushan Award
The word ‘Punyabhushan’ in Marathi means ‘Jewel of Pune’.
The award has been instituted by Pune based Punyabhushan Foundation.
It was first awarded in 1989 and since then it is awarded every year to an eminent personality from the
field of science, art, culture, music, social service, industry, or sports.
Suresh Chitturi appointed Chief of International Egg Commission
Suresh Chitturi, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of India’s leading poultry firm Srinivasa Farms,
has been appointed as chairman of the International Egg Commission (IEC). The Srinivasa Farms is
recognised as one of the builders of the Indian Poultry industry in the last 50 years.
Key Highlights
In the history of the IEC institution, Suresh Chitturi will be the first chair from Asia.
His appointment was made at the IEC Global Leadership Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
He is appointed as the Chairman of IEC for a period of next two years.
His work has been recognised at a global level as he was engaged in advocacy for poultry industry,
internationally.
About International Egg Commission (IEC)
It is a membership organisation dedicated to the global egg industry. It was established in 1964, at the 2nd
International Egg Conference held in Bologna, Italy. So far IEC has membership in over 80 countries.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to offer tourist visas for the first time
The kingdom of Saudi Arabia will offer tourist visas for the first time as part of a push to diversify its
economy away from oil. The move to open up the ultra-conservative kingdom to holidaymakers comes
just two weeks after devastating attacks on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure, which has roiled global

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 69


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

energy markets.
Key Highlights
Kickstarting tourism in the kingdom is one of the centrepieces of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s
Vision 2030 reform programme so as to prepare the biggest Arab economy for a post-oil era.
Country’s tourism attraction treasure includes- 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a vibrant local culture
and breathtaking natural beauty.
Initially, Saudi Arabia will open applications for online tourist visas to citizens of 49 countries. The
kingdom will also ease its strict dress code for foreign women, thereby allowing them to go without body-
shrouding abaya robe that is still mandatory public wear for Saudi women.
However, the kingdom, which forbids alcohol and has a strict social code, is seen by many as a hard sell for
tourists.
Prince Mohammed is already seeking to change the way world views Saudi Arabia through a sweeping
liberalisation drive that has brought new cinemas, mixed-gender concerts and sporting extravaganzas to
Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to Build Tourism
In kingdom Visas are restricted to expat workers, their dependents and Muslim pilgrims travelling to holy
sites in Mecca and Medina, however, in a bid to kickstart tourism Saudi Arabia began issuing visas to
visitors for attending cultural and sporting events in 2018.
In 2017, the kingdom announced a multi-billion dollar project to turn 50 islands and other pristine sites on
Red Sea into luxury resorts.
The kingdom is also developing historic sites like centuries-old Mada’in Saleh. This site is home to
sandstone tombs of same civilisation which built Petra, the Jordanian city.
September 29, 2019
September 28: World Rabies Day
The World Rabies Day is marked by the Global Alliance World Rabies Control. It is a non – profit
organization. The headquarters of the organization are located in United States. The day is endorsed on
the anniversary of death Louis Pasteur who developed the first rabies vaccine.
The aim of World Rabies Day is to create awareness about the impact of rabies on human and animals,
increase efforts of rabies control, create awareness about prevention of the disease.
Theme: “Rabies: Vaccinate to eliminate”
Rabies and SDG
One of the SDGs is to reduce human deaths from dog transmitted rabies across the world to zero by 2030.
Global Alliance World Rabies Control
It is a non profit organization that currently aims to implement the above SDG. It was established in 2007.
Its main functions are dog vaccination, surveillance, diagnosis, education and community out reach.
History
The first Word Rabies day campaign was organized on September 8 2007. It was partnered by the Alliance
for Rabies Control and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (USA).
International agencies and World Rabies Day
In 2013, the WHO, FAO and World Organization for Animal Health released a joint statement on global
elimination of rabies on the World Rabies day. Hence, they joined the campaign. In 2015, 33 African
countries joined the campaign by organizing a Pan – African Rabies Control Network.
What is Rabies?
Rabies is a viral disease and is fatal by the time its symptoms start appearing. It causes inflammation in
the brain and disrupts mental functions. According to National Health Policy, around 59,000 people die of
Rabies every year all over the world. 90% of the death occur in children living in Asia and Africa.
Symptoms of rabies
It takes 2 to 3 months for the symptoms to occur. The initial signs are fever and head ache which are often
unnoticed. Hydrophobia or the fear of water is the most common symptom of rabies. In the later stages, it
causes anxiety, paralysis, insomnia, anger, paranoia, terror, etc.
How does rabies spread?
Rabies spreads through animal bites. It can be affected by warm – blooded animals including humans.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 70


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

They are dogs, monkeys, bats, cattle, wolves, foxes, raccoons, weasels, rabbits, coyotes, etc.
Rabies in India
In India Rabies is a major health problem. According to National Health Policy, around 20,000 people die
of rabies annually. In India, the disease mostly occurs in children in the age between 5 and 15.
India’s Initiatives against Rabies
Animal Birth Control – Anti Rabies Program (ABC – AR)
India controls rabies through Animal Birth Control and rabies vaccination. Through the Animal Birth
Control program, the animals are made sterile and their breeding stops and hence their population
declines. India also uses Rabies vaccines to prevent rabies. All the street dogs are vaccinated under the
program. The ABC – AR program is conducted by the Animal Welfare Board of India.
Mission Rabies
Mission rabies is a program being organized annually by the Worldwide Veterinary Service since 2013.
The street dogs are vaccinated under the program. The program is currently conducted in India, Sri
Lanka, Malawi, Tanzania and Uganda.
West Bengal’s Midnapore becomes 5000th Wi-Fi enabled railway station
The Midnapore railway station has become the 5,000th railway station to be Wi – Fi enabled. According to
RailTel, Rail Wire Wi – Fi is the biggest public Wi Fi in the world.
About Rail Wire Wi – Fi
Rail Wire is an initiative by RailTel under the Indian Railways. It is a joint venture with MSOs offering
multimedia access, voice and video.
In a span of 44 months, around 5,000 stations have received Wi – Fi facility. The first station to avail this
facility was the Mumbai Central Station in January 2016.
Rail Tel
It is a Mini – Ratna Public Sector Undertaking that owns the Pan – India optic fiber network. The Optic
Fiber Cable (OFC) system was first proposed by the Railway reform committee, 1983. Mini Ratna are the
the Public Sector Undertakings that has earned a profit of Rs 30 crore in the last three years.
Rail Tel was established in 2000 as a PSU under the Indian Railways.
RailTel provides free Wi Fi access at the station in collaboration with Google. In 2016, Google announced
public Wi Fi initiative called Google Station. It plans to spread the initiatives to locations like malls and
cafes as well.
Along with Google, Tata Trust was also roped in to provide Wi Fi at B,C,D and E category stations as well.
K. Siva Reddy awarded Saraswati Samman
K Siva Reddy is a Telugu poet. He was awarded the Saraswati Samman award for his collection Pakkaki
Ottigilite in 2018.
About Saraswati Samman
The award is considered as the highest recognition in the field of Indian literature. It carries a cash prize
of Rs 15 lakhs. The award is instituted by the KK Birla Foundation and is honored with once in a year.
The award is provided after a rigorous selection process carried out by Chayan Parishad. Chayan Parishad
is the selection committee that is assisted by regional committees. It consists of eminent writers and
scholars of various languages.
About K Siva Reddy
K Siva Reddy was born in an agricultural family. He is a renowned modern poet in Telugu. He has also
taught English literature.
About Pakkaki Ottigilite
The poem was published in 2016. It is an anthology of 104 poems in blank verses. Blank verse has no
rhyme. It consists of lines of 5 feet. The verses are the in the form of responses by the poet to the social
changes over the years, the evolution of his own self and his relationship with the world
September 30, 2019
Bathukamma-2019: The Telangana Flower Festival begins
Bathukamma, the flower festival of Telangana, is being celebrated in state’s Warangal district. The nine-
day long festival of flowers will be celebrated from 29 September to 6 October 2019. Bathukamma marks
the beginning of Sharath Ruthu and it is widely celebrated by young girls and women.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 71


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

About Bathukamma
What is Bathukamma?
The ‘Bathukammas’ are basically the cone shaped flower stack, at street corners and temples in the city.
Women and young girls dances around these Bathukammas to shower their offerings. These
Bathukammas’ are then later immerse in water.
The festival is celebrated towards the end of monsoon and heralds the abundance that nature has to offer.
The festival begins on day of Mahalaya Amavasya, and is celebrated with much fanfare for 9 days.
Why is Bathukama Celebrated?
This floral festival is to pray to the Goddess for health and achievements of each family. The word
Bathukamma means- ‘Mother Goddess come to life’. The festival represents the culture and identity of
people of Telangana and involves the worship of Maha Gauri – “Life Giver” in form of Gauri Devi (patron
goddess of womanhood).
How is it celebrated?
Preparing a Bathukamma is a folk art and requires careful attention. On a brass plate, called as tambalan,
flowers of different colours are carefully arranged in circular rows, one layer on top of other. The
Bathukamma then gradually increases in size and looks more vibrant and colourful and is kept before
family goddess and prayers are offered. With the onset of evening, women, in their best attires, put
Bathukamma in their courtyard and encircle around it, and then sing songs which creates an ambience of
peace and harmony. Before dusk, they carry it on their heads and immerse it in water and later they share
the ‘maleeda’ (a dessert made with sugar and corn bread) among friends.
Corps of Army Air Defense at Gopalpur honored with President Colors
President Ram Nath Kovind presented President’s Colors award to the Corps of army air defense. The
Supreme Commander of the Indian armed forces recalled the participation of Air Defense troops in world
war II, Burma Campaign, siege of Imphal and Kohima, Arakan operations, recapture of Rangoon.
The award was provided on the occasion of 25 years of army air defense college.
Apart from Presidents Colors award, they also won 4 military crosses, 7 Indian Distinguished service
medals, 1 medal of British empire.
The Corps of Army air defense had been awarded with 2 Kirti Chakras, 2 Ashoka Chakras, 20 Vir Chakras,
113 Sena Medals, 9 Shaurayas.
A Rashtriya salute was provided to the Supreme Commander during the program. The President is on a
two – day visit to Odisha with his wife Savita Kovind.
Corps of army air defense
The air defense was in existence since 1940. However, it got recognition as an independent arm only in
1994.
It is an active corps of Indian army that are tasked with the air defense. They are responsible for the
protection of Indian air space below 5,000 feet.
Indian air defense in world war II
In world war II, the Indian air force played an important role in stopping the advance of Japanese troops in
Burma. During the mission, the troop first targeted Arakan base. The strike mission then continued to
attack other Japanese bases at Chiang Mai, Mae hong Son.
It was the first operation of the troop in the world.
Operation Gibraltar
In 1962, during the Sino – Indian war, the military planners failed to deploy IAF against the Chinese forces.
This resulted in losing a significant amount of advantage to the Chinese.
However, in 1965 when Pakistan launched Operation Gibraltar to infiltrate Kashmir, the IAF carried out
independent raids against PAF (Pakistan Air Force) bases. This helped to win the second Kashmir war
against Pakistan.
It was the first operation of the troop in India.
PIO cards to continue as valid travel document upto March 2020
The Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards along with valid foreign passport will be considered for exit or
entry into India till 31 March 2020. Government of India had earlier advised all PIO card holders to convert

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 72


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

their cards to Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards by 30 September 2019.


Key Highlights
The Indian Consulate in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) stated that as per the latest advisory issued by
Government of India-
The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) will now accept Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cards as valid travel
document till 31 March 2020 along with valid foreign passport
The Indian Immigration Check Post(s) will continue to consider all PIO cards valid for exit/entry into
India till 31 March 2020
The advisory also stated that all the valid PIO cardholders as on 9 January 2015 are requested to apply for
conversion of PIO card to OCI card as per guidelines at the earliest.
Condition: However, this extension of time-line is subject to condition that if in the meantime any
deadline is notified by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) thereby making hand written PIO
cards invalid, then PIO cardholders may have to obtain appropriate visa from Indian Missions or Posts
abroad.
What is Persons of Indian Origin Card (PIO Card)?
Overseas Indians also known as Non-resident Indians (NRIs) or Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) are people
of Indian birth/descent/origin who live outside Republic of India. PIO card was a form of identification
issued to PIOs who held a passport in a foreign country other than following countries- Pakistan, Iran,
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, China and Sri Lanka. Thereby the Citizenship (Amendment) Act,
2003, made provision for acquisition of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) by Person of Indian Origin
(PIOs) of 16 specified countries other than Pakistan and Bangladesh
Minor Planet named after Pandit Jasraj
The IAU – International Astronomical Union has named a minor planet between Mars and Jupiter after an
Indian classical singer Pandit Jasraj. He is the first Indian musician to receive this honor. The planet was
discovered on November 11, 2006.
The minor planets discovered are given permanent numbers by the IAU. The number given to Pandit
Jasraj planet was 300128 which is a reverse order of his date of birth 28/01/30.
About the minor planet
The asteroid, formally known as minor planet was discovered by the Catalina sky survey from the
telescopes based in Arizona. As of September 2019, there are 5,41,131 numbered planets and 7,97,078
unobserved planets.
Pandit Jasraj
Pandit Jasraj has received numerous awards, titles and honors. It includes Padma Vibhusha and Sangeet
Natak Akademi awards. He belongs to the Mewati Gharana age of music. It was founded by the brothers
Utd Ghagge Nazir Khan and Utd Wahid Khan at the court of Jodhpur.
Asteroid belt
The asteroid belt between mars and Jupiter in the solar system has 4 main belts namely Ceres, Vesta,
Pallas and Hygiea.
The belt was formed from a group of planetesimals. Planetesimals are precursors of proto planets.
Between mars and Jupiter, the gravitational pull is higher from Jupiter, the pull imbued the proto planets
to accrete into a planet. As days passed, the collisions became violent shattering them into asteroids.
International Astronomical Union
The IAU was founded in 1919. The objective of the organization was to promote and safeguard
astronomical science in every aspect. The organization recognizes the authorities assigning names and
designations to celestial bodies.
The IAU general assembly meets once in 3 years. The last IAU assembly was held a Vienna, Austria in 2018.
The next IAU assembly is to be held at Busan, South Korea in 2021.
Scientist Thanu Padmanabhan gets MP Birla Memorial Award
The 62 year old Physicist and Cosmologist Thanu Padmanabhan was conferred the prestigious M P Birla
Memorial Award 2019 for his contributions to the world of cosmology. He received the award at a
programme held at M P Birla Planetarium in Kolkata. The planetarium is currently in its 54th year and

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 73


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

had played a pioneering role by initiating an Astronomy Awareness Programme in 1965.


About Thanu Padmanabhan
He is a professor of Inter-university Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics in Pune, Maharashtra. He is a
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awardee as well as a Padma Shri-recipient scientist (2007).
He is a visiting faculty to several institutes in the US and the UK and has contributed to the fields of
general relativity, gravitation and cosmology. He is currently involved an adjunct faculty member of IISER
(Mohali), IISER (Trivandrum) and Jamia Millia Islamia and had been adjunct faculty of TIFR, IISER (Pune),
Raman Research Institute and Harish Chandra Research Institute.
About M P Birla Memorial Award
The award was established in 1993 to recognise the excellence in research in space science, astrophysics,
astronomy, and related areas. It comprises a citation, trophy and a cheque for Rs 2,51,000.
Previous recipients of MP Birla Memorial Award include former president APJ Abdul Kalam and a host of
noted physicists such as Dr GM Nair, Prof KD Abhayankar, Prof Govind Swarup and Prof JV Narlikar.
India lift SAFF U-18 Championship title for first time
India won the SAFF Under-18 football Championship by defeating Bangladesh by 2-1 in final held in
Kathmandu, Nepal. This is India’s maiden SAFF U-18 trophy.
Key Highlights
Background: In 2015 football tournament India remained runners up and in 2017 India finished 3rd. The
2019 Host country Nepal had lifted earlier two editions of the Championship but could not qualify for semi
finals this time.
Match Highlights: India played aggressively from the beginning of the match and Vikram Pratap Singh
did not take much time to hand India a 1-0 lead. Singh scored in 2nd minute of the game. Then before the
conclusion of 1st half, Bangladesh’s Yeasin managed to score an equaliser in 40th minute which brought
the scoreline to 1-1. In 2nd half, both the teams gave each other tough competition and restricted each
other from scoring a goal. However, within 1st minute of injury time, Ravi Bahadur Rana scored 2nd and
decisive goal for India to lift the third edition of tournament.
Most Valuable Player of Championship: Ninthoinganba Meetei of India
SAFF U-18 Championship
It is a football championship for male footballers under the age of 18. It is organized by South Asian
Football Federation (SAFF). The championship was held for first time in August 2015 in Nepal.
Number of Participant teams- 8
Most successful team(s)- Nepal (2nd titles)
Centre to introduce rating system for SMEs for easy loans
Centre is considering a proposal to introduce a rating system for small and medium enterprises (SME) to
help them get credit easily. The announcement in this regard was Union Minister for Road Transport and
Highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari while addressing women entrepreneurs in Chennai.
Key Highlights
Need: The Central government is making all efforts to reduce finance costs and power price to SME
industry so as to help them tackle the prevailing sense of gloomy industrial scenario. This dull industrial
scenario is due to the business cycle, demand and supply issues and a global downtrend.
Steps Taken: With the Central Government fixing a target of generating 5 crore more jobs in MSME
sector in the next 5 year, the Centre is in the process of introducing a national portal for Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to market their products easily.
Highlights: NITI Aayog’s School Education Quality Index (SEQI)
The Government of India think tank NITI Aayog released the SEQI – School Education Quality Index. SEQI
evaluates the performance of states and union territories in the school education sector. The report has
categorized the states as small and large states for ease of comparability. The Union Territories are
categorized separately.
Key findings of the report
Between 2015 – 16 and 2016 – 17, 18 of the 20 large states have improved in overall performance. The
highest incremental performance was recorded in Kerala. Kerala had a score of 77.6% in 2015 – 16. It
has increased to 82.2% in 2016 – 17.
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 74
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

The other states that have shown incremental performance following Kerala were Tamil Nadu,
Haryana, Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh.
Of all the large states, Rajasthan made a quantum jump by scoring 8% more than the previous score.
Karnataka and Uttarakhand declined in overall performance.
Among the small states, the incremental performance was shown by Tripura, Manipur, Meghalaya,
Nagaland and Goa. The scores declined in Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
About SEQI
The SEQI was conceptualized by MHRD and NITI Aayog. The index is divided into 2 categories
Outcomes – It includes learning, infrastructure and facility, access and equity
Governance processes and structural reforms
The institution considers 34 indicators while deciding the ranking. The highest weightage is given to
learning outcomes.
As school education is a subject on Concurrent list, state – level leadership is crucial for fruitful outcomes.
The index helps to review the status of school education quality. It acts as a feedback to the government
initiatives and their implementation.
Other Index by NITI Aayog
Apart from SEQI, NITI Aayog also release heath index and composite water management index annually.
They were first launched in 2018. The purpose of launching the indices is to promote cooperative and
competitive federalism among states. Apart from this, NITI Aayog also released SDG index in 2018 to
measure the progress of states towards the SDGs for 2030.
About NITI Aayog
It is National Institution for Transforming India, established to achieve SDG and to enhance cooperative
federalism in India. The Prime Minister is the chairperson of the think tank. It was established in 2015. The
think tank replaced 65-year-old planning commission. One of the major initiatives of NITI Aayog is the use
of blockchain technology in E – Governance. The name of this project is India chain. The vision of the
project is to link India chain and India Stack, the digital infrastructure that forms the backbone of Aadhar
project.
Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhadauria takes charge as IAF Chief
Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria took charge as the new Chief of the Indian Air Force
(IAF). He is now the 26th Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force. He succeeds outgoing Air Chief
Marshal BS Dhanoa, who retired after 41 years of service in IAF on 30 September 2019.
About Air Marshal Bhadauria
He was commissioned in the fighter stream of Indian Air Force in June 1980, and since then he has held
various command, staff and instructional positions.
He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy (NDA) and has won the coveted Sword of Honour for
standing first in overall order of merit.
He also has 4,250 hours of flying experience on 26 types of fighters and transport aircraft. He is also one of
the few Air Force pilots to fly a Rafale jet. In July 2019, during Exercise Garuda between Air Forces of India
and France, Bhadauria had flown the aircraft.
September 29: World Heart Day
The World Heart Day was created by the World Heart Federation to inform the people around the globe
that Cardio Vascular diseases are the world’s leading cause of death. Its main objective is to educate people
that by controlling risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, 80% of premature
deaths can be avoided.
Background
According to World Health Organization, around 18 million people die of cardio vascular diseases every
year. The major causes of the disease according to the organization are tobacco consumption, alcohol,
unhealthy lifestyle, sedentary life style, unhealthy food and irregular sleep.
According to the medical journal The Lancet, the prevalence of the disease has increased by 50% in 2016 as
compared to 1990.
As the mortality rate due to heart diseases were high, the world leaders committed to reduce it by 25% by

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 75


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

2025. The World Heart Day is one of the steps towards achieving the goal.
About World Heart Federation
The World Heart Federation is a non – governmental organization. The headquarters of the organization
is located in Geneva, Switzerland. It founded the World heart day along with the global leaders in 2000.
September 30: World Translation Day
The World Translation Day is marked by the United Nations to pay tribute to the language professionals.
By this, the organization plays a crucial role in bringing nations together. This strengthens cooperation,
understanding, facilitates dialogues, contributes to development and strengthens world peace and
security.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2017 to highlight the role of language
professionals and declared September 30 as International Translation day. The event is promoted by the
International Federation of Translators.
Theme: Translation and Indigenous languages
Significance of the theme
Many indigenous languages are disappearing. When a community loses its language, it is on its way to
lose its culture. The theme of 2019 aims at preserving and protecting the indigenous languages that are in
danger of disappearing.
International Federation of Translator
It was set up in 1953. The purpose of the organization is to enhance the cooperation amongst professional
translators all over the world.
Justice Rajendra Menon recommended as next Chairman of Armed Forces Tribunal
A Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi has recommended former
Delhi High Court Chief Justice Rajendra Menon as the next chairman of Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT). The
other members of bench included Justices SA Bobde and S Abdul Nazeer.
Key Highlights
If the appointment of Justice Rajendra Menon is approved by Centre, he will assume the charge once the
incumbent Chairman of Armed Forces Tribunal, Justice Virender Singh retires on 6 October 2019.
Attorney General KK Venugopal informed the court that the file of Justice Menon was under
consideration of Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) headed by Prime Minister.
About Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT)
It is a military tribunal in India that was established under the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007. The Act
gives the AFT power for adjudication/trial of disputes and complaints with respect to enrolments,
appointments, commission, and conditions of service in respect of persons subject to Army Act (1950), The
Navy Act (1957) and Air Force Act (1950).
The AFT has the Principal Bench in New Delhi. It has Regional Benches at Lucknow, Chennai, Chandigarh,
Jaipur, Guwahati, Kochi, Mumbai and Kolkatta. Except Chandigarh and Lucknow Regional Benches, which
have 3 benches each, all other locations have a single bench. Each AFT Bench comprises of a Judicial
Member and an Administrative Member.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurates Delhi-Meerut PKG-3
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) Nitin Gadkari inaugurated the Delhi-Meerut
Package-3 connecting Dasna in Ghaziabad to Hapur. It is the most awaited third package of Delhi Meerut
expressway.
About Delhi-Meerut Package-3
It is a 22 kilometre-long stretch built with a cost of Rs.1989 crore. The ambitious project boasts several
underpasses and construction of a major bridge across upper Ganga canal.
The project will help in decongesting National Capital Region (NCR) and will bring significant reduction in
pollution level. It will also lead to reduction in travel time by more than an hour.
The Package 3 has-
A 6 lane section with 2 plus 2 lane service road on either sides
An important 4.68 long 6 lane elevated cooridor at Pilkhuwa.
This 4.68-km long 6-lane elevated corridor at Pilkhuwa has been conferred Gold Medal for innovation in
construction technology. Also, Pilkhuwa Viaduct has also been awarded as outstanding concrete structure

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 76


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

of western UP.
The Delhi-Meerut Expressway project
It is 82 kilometre-long Delhi-Meerut Expressway that connects Delhi with Meerut in western Uttar
Pradesh.
It is being implemented in four packages-
1. 7 kilometre-long expressway from Sarai Kale Khan in Delhi to UP Gate which was already completed
in June 2018 under Phase-I
2. 28 km long 6-lane expressway/ 8-lane NH 24 from Ghazipur border to Dasna in UP (which is 60%
complete)
3. 23 km long 6-lane NH 24 with 2+2 lane service roads on either sides from Dasna to Hapur in UP
(which is inaugurated)
4. 78 kilometre-long greenfield six-lane expressway from Hapur to Meerut, under Phase-IV which is
expected to be completed by end of 2019.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which international organisation has sanctioned Rs 3,000 crore aid for food parks in India?
[A] World Bank
[B] AIIB
[C] ADB
[D] IMF
Answer: World Bank
The World Bank (WB) will provide Rs 3,000 crore assistance to finance, mini and mega food parks across
the country. This move will help boost farmers’ income. This information was revealed by the Union
Minister of State for Food Processing Industries Rameswar Teli during the 15th Indo-US Economic
Summit. The summit was organized by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce-North India Council
(IACC-NIC) in New Delhi on 13th September.
2. Kaushal Dharmamer is associated to which sports?
[A] Squash
[B] Badminton
[C] Tennis
[D] Chess
Answer: Badminton
Indian shuttler Kaushal Dharmamer from Mumbai clinched the 2019 Myanmar International Series with
a come-from-behind win over Indonesia’s Karono Karono in a thrilling men’s singles final in Yangon.
3. India defeated which country to clinch 2019 ACC Under-19 Asia Cup cricket tournament?
[A] Pakistan
[B] Afghanistan
[C] Sri Lanka
[D] Bangladesh
Answer: Bangladesh
On 14th September 2019, Indian cricket team clinched the 8th edition of ACC Under-19 Asia Cup title
with a thrilling 5-run win over Bangladesh in a low-scoring final at Colombo. Left-arm spinner Atharva
Ankolekar was emerged as the star of the Indian team, with figures of 5 for 28 from 8 overs.
4. Which Indian sportsperson has clinched the 2019 IBSF World Billiards Championship in Myanmar?
[A] Subhash Agarwal
[B] Yasin Merchant
[C] Pankaj Advani
[D] Aditya Mehta
Answer: Pankaj Advani
Pankaj Advani has clinched a record 22nd world titles by winning a fourth straight final in the 150-up
format at the 2019 IBSF World Billiards Championship in Myanmar. He is one of India’s most consistent

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 77


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

sportspersons. He has brought home a world trophy every year ever since returning from a professional
stint in the UK in 2014. In the short format of billiards, this is Pankaj’s 5th title in the last 6 years.
5. Which Indian shuttler clinched the men’s singles title at the 2019 Vietnam Open Super 100 badminton
tournament?
[A] Kaushal Dharmamer
[B] Sourabh Verma
[C] Lakshya Sen
[D] Sun Fei Xiang
Answer: Sourabh Verma
In Badminton, Sourabh Verma clinched the men’s singles title at the 2019 Vietnam Open Super 100 title
at the Ho Chi Minh City. He defeated China’s Sun Fei Xiang in a thrilling summit clash by 21-12, 17-2,
21-14. This victory marks Verma’s second Super 100 win in the ongoing calendar year. He had won the
Hyderabad Open earlier in August.
6. The Kerala government has recently inked MoU with which country on cancer care?
[A] Sri Lanka
[B] Vietnam
[C] Indonesia
[D] Maldives
Answer: Maldives
The Kerala government and the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) have jointly signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Maldives (GoM) to strengthen cancer care in the island
nation. The aim of the pact is to bolster cancer care programmes in the Maldives through the expertise of
RCC. As part of the agreement, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and laboratory staff with the health care
centres in the Maldives are to be provided with special training at RCC.
7. Sanjib Datta, who passed away recently, was the veteran personality of which field?
[A] Cricket
[B] Film Industry
[C] Photography
[D] Swimming
Answer: Film Industry
Sanjib Datta (54), the renowned Bollywood editor, has passed away in Kolkata on 15th September 2019.
He worked on films like “Dor”, “Mardani”, “Iqbal”, “Ek Hasini Thi”. Datta has been credited for editing
more than 80 films, including Hindi and Bengali. He worked with filmmakers like Kundan Shah, Sriram
Raghavan, Pradeep Sarkar among others.
8. What is the theme of the 2019 edition of International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer?
[A] 44 Years and Healing
[B] 32 Years and Healing
[C] 50 Years and Healing
[D] 48 Years and Healing
Answer: 32 Years and Healing
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed every year on 16th of
September to commemorate the date of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete
the Ozone Layer in 1987. The 2019 theme ‘32 Years and Healing’ celebrated over 3 decades of remarkable
international cooperation to protect the ozone layer and the climate under the Montreal Protocol. It
reminds us that we must keep up the momentum to ensure healthy people and a healthy planet.
9. Which international organisation has decided to publish Guru Nanak Dev’s writing in world languages?
[A] UNESCO
[B] UNICEF
[C] WHO
[D] SAARC
Answer: UNESCO
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 78
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has decided to translate
and publish an anthology of the writings of Guru Nanak Devji in world languages to mark his 550th birth
anniversary. To mark this event, the Indian government is also holding a series of events and has
initiated many projects which includes- Construction of Kartarpur Corridor from Deva Baba Nanak in
Gurdaspur district in Punjab to the international border, the development of the historic town of
Sultanpur Lodhi as heritage village, the up-gradation of Sultanpur Lodhi Railway Station and release of
commemorative coins and postal stamps. The National Book Trust (NBT) will also publish Gurbani in
different Indian Languages.
10. Which Indian cricketer has been appointed the first chancellor of Rai Sports University in Sonepat?
[A] Ravi Shastri
[B] Kapil Dev
[C] Sachin Tendulkar
[D] VVS Laxman
Answer: Kapil Dev
The Haryana Government has recently appointedcricket legend Kapil Dev as the first Chancellor of Rai
Sports University in Sonepat district. TheUniversity will have powers to conduct academic and training
programmes in physical education and sports sciences. The Sports University of Haryana will be the
third Sports University in the countryafter Swarnim Gujarat Sports University (Gandhinagar) and Tamil
Nadu PhysicalEducation and Sports University (Chennai).

11. Which noted personality has been conferred the Dr Kalam Smriti International Excellence Award 2019?
[A] Shashi Tharoor
[B] Narendra Modi
[C] Aung San Suu Kyi
[D] Sheikh Hasina
Answer: Sheikh Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has been conferred the Dr Kalam Smriti International
Excellence Award 2019 in Dhaka for her vision of a peaceful and prosperous South Asia, free of tension,
conflicts and terrorism. It acknowledged her contribution to fostering cooperation between India and
Bangladesh. The award has been instituted in the memory of former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul
Kalam. It is given every year to honour statesmen or leaders who have shown excellence in their fields to
achieve the best for their countries
12. What is the theme of the 38th Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF -2019)?
[A] Share a Story
[B] Read the World
[C] Open Books, Open Minds
[D] Reading, it’s my right
Answer: Open Books, Open Minds
The 38th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) is being held from 30th of October to 9th of
November 2019 with theme ‘Open Books, Open Minds’. Here, authors, publishers, intellectuals and artists
from across the world will bring their experiences and expertise to this prominent event and partake in a
vibrant cultural programme. Apart from this, UNESCO has also named Sharjah as the World Book Capital
City (WBCC) for the year 2019 in recognition of the city’s continuous efforts in promoting books and
literacy.
13. Kodiakkarai Wild Life sanctuary, sometimes seen in news, is situated in which state?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Odisha
[D] Kerala
Answer: Tamil Nadu
Recently, a unique exercise of re-habitating deer population has been started in the Kodiakkarai Wild Life

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 79


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. This follows up-gradation works being undertaken at the cost of Rs 8 crores in
the Sivagangai Gardens of Thanjavoor under the smart city scheme of the Central government. The
graceful deers have been transported by using special trucks to Kodiyakkarai, in Vedaranyam district on
the shores of the Bay of Bengal.
14. Who is the author of the book “Turbulence & Triumph: The Modi Years”?
[A] Anita Desai
[B] Durjoy Datta
[C] Chetan Bhagat
[D] Rahul Agarwal
Answer: Rahul Agarwal
The pictorial book titled “Turbulence & Triumph: The Modi Years” has been jointly authored by Rahul
Agarwal and Bharathi S Pradhan. It traces the journey of Narendra Modi from his days as a young boy
from Vadnagar in Gujarat to New Delhi’s 7, Lok Kalyan Marg as the 14th prime minister of India. It is
replete with anecdotes from family, friends, colleagues, associates, testimonials of leaders from India and
the world across party lines.
15. Sathar, who passed away recently, was the renowned actor of which regional cinema?
[A] Odia
[B] Hindi
[C] Kannada
[D] Malayalam
Answer: Malayalam
Veteran Malayalam actor Sathar (67), who was known for his character roles in films, has passed away at
Aluva on 17th September 2019. He has over 300 movies to his credit, including Tamil and Telugu films. At
the height of his acting career, Sathar married his popular co-star Jayabharathy in 1979 though they got
separated later. Their son Krish Sathar is also an actor besides running his own business in London.
16. Who has become the India’s first female military diplomat?
[A] Nikita Singh
[B] Abha Dawesar
[C] Mridula Koshy
[D] Anjali Singh
Answer: Anjali Singh
Wing Commander Anjali Singh has become the India’s first female Indian Armed Forces (IAF) Officer to
be posted as a military diplomat in any of the Indian missions abroad. She joined the Indian Embassy in
Russia as the Deputy Air Attache. Singh is an aeronautical engineer who served with fighter squadrons
during her 17-year military career. An air attache is an Air Force officer who is part of a diplomatic
mission and typically represents the chief of his home air force in the foreign country where he or she
serves.

17. Mayank Vaid, who has becomes first Indian to complete Enduroman triathlon, is from which state?
[A] Haryana
[B] Tripura
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] West Bengal
Answer: Himachal Pradesh
Mayank Vaid from Himachal Pradesh has become the 44th person in the world and first Indian to
complete the ‘Enduroman – Arch to Arc’ — a triathlon from England to France which is considered to be
one of the toughest endurance competitions in the world. He is also the first Asian person to complete
this triathlon in solo capacity. Vaid also broke the record for the shortest time taken to complete the
triathlon — involving running, swimming and cycling — in 50 hours and 24 minutes.

18. Who has been sworn in as the first Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh?
[A] P. Lakshman Reddy
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 80
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

[B] Ajeya Kallam


[C] Dwaraka Tirumala Rao
[D] Malladi Vishnu
Answer: P. Lakshman Reddy
Justice P. Lakshman Reddy, a retired judge of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh High Court, has been sworn
in as the first Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh since the State was bifurcated in 2014. He will hold the
position for a period of 5 years. Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan administered the oath to him at
Tummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram. The YSR Congress government amended the Lokayukta Act in
the recent budget session & enabled appointment of a retired judge as Lokayukta, which pave the way for
constituting the corruption-probing body.

19. What is the theme of the 52nd National Engineer’s Day (NED) in India?
[A] Role of Engineers in a developing India
[B] Engineering for change
[C] Find Smart Engineering Solutions
[D] Engineering Challenges for Knowledge Era
Answer: Engineering for change
The National Engineer’s Day (NED) is celebrated every year on 15th of September in India to mark the
birth anniversary of acclaimed civil engineer Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. He was known as the
father of Modern Mysore for his outstanding contribution to society. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna
in 1955 for his contributions to the nation. The 52nd Engineer’s Day 2019 was recently celebrated with
theme ‘Engineering for change’.

20. Which country’s team has won the 2019 men’s FIBA World Basketball Championship?
[A] Argentina
[B] China
[C] Spain
[D] France
Answer: Spain
The Spain men’s national basketball team has won the 2019 men’s FIBA World Basketball Championship
in Beijing, China. In the final, they defeated Argentina with a score of 95-75.

21. Who has become the first Indian wrestler to qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics?
[A] Sakshi Malik
[B] Pawan Kumar
[C] Babita Kumari
[D] Vinesh Phogat
Answer: Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat has become the first Indian wrestler to qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the 53-kg
category after beating American Sarah Hildebrandt in the World Championships in Nur Sultan,
Kazakhstan on 18th September 2019. She scored an impressive 8-2 win over the world championship
silver medalist to secure her place at the Tokyo Games.
22. On which date, the 2019 edtion of World Bamboo Day (WBD) is celebrated?
[A] September 17
[B] September 20
[C] September 18
[D] September 19
Answer: September 18
The World Bamboo Day (WBD) is celebrated every year on on 18th of September by the World Bamboo
Organization to generate awareness about conserving and promoting the bamboo industry. India is the

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 81


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

world’s second-largest cultivator of bamboo after China with over 130 species. In the Budget presented in
Parliament on July 2019, Government of India (GoI) focused on reviving traditional industries such as
bamboo, khadi and honey, through a cluster-based approach. It will be done under the Scheme of Fund for
Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI), which aims to organise such industries and artisans
into clusters to make them competitive.
23. According to latest UN International Migrant Stock 2019 report, which country is the leading country
of origin of international migrants in 2019?
[A] India
[B] Mexico
[C] China
[D] Russia
Answer: India
A dataset titled ‘International Migrant Stock 2019’ has recently released by the Population Division of the
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. The data provides the latest estimates of the number of
international migrants by age, sex and origin for all countries and areas of the world. As per UN report,
India is the leading country of origin of international migrants in 2019 with a 17.5 million strong diaspora.
Migrants from Mexico constituted the 2nd largest diaspora with 11.8 million people followed by China
with 10.7 million people and Russia with 10.5 million people. The report says that the number of migrants
globally reached an estimated 272 million.
24. What is the theme of the 2019 edition of International Day of Democracy
[A] Space for Civil Society
[B] Participation
[C] Democracy under Strain
[D] Engage for Change
Answer: Participation
The International Day of Democracy is observed every year on 15th of September to promote and uphold
the principles of democracy. The theme for year 2019 is ‘Participation’ , which is an opportunity to recall
that democracy is about people. Democracy is built on inclusion, equal treatment and participation —
and it is a fundamental building block for peace, sustainable development and human rights
25. Who is the author of the book “The Cousins Thackeray: Uddhav, Raj and the Shadow of their Senas”?
[A] Amrita Mukherjee
[B] Dhaval Kulkarni
[C] Vani Kaushal
[D] Shaili Chopra
Answer: Dhaval Kulkarni
The book titled “The Cousins Thackeray: Uddhav, Raj and the Shadow of their Senas” is written by
journalist-author Dhaval Kulkarni. The book is a deep-dive narrative into the history of the Thackeray
family, life and times of their grandfather, social reformer-author Prabodhankar Thackeray, and the
childhood and political careers of Uddhav and Raj Thackeray. It also examines questions about identity
politics, and the social, cultural and economic matrix that catalyzed the formation of the Shiv Sena and
the MNS from it.
26. Who is the director of Indian documentary film “Moti Bagh”, which is nominated for 2019 Oscars?
[A] Sanjay Kak
[B] Ashvin Kumar
[C] Nirmal Chander
[D] Aarti Shrivastava
Answer: Nirmal Chander
Moti Bagh, a documentary film based on the struggle of an 83-year-old farmer ‘Vidyadutt’ in a remote
Himalayan village, has been nominated for the 2019 Oscars. The film is directed by Nirmal Chander & is
about a farm in the hills of Uttarakhand runs by farmer who grows award-winning radishes and writes
poetry. The film highlights migration of locals from several villages in the Garhwal and Kumaon regions
of the state.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 82


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

27. Which country has unveiled South Asia’s tallest tower?


[A] Myanmar
[B] Bangladesh
[C] India
[D] Sri Lanka
Answer: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has recently unveiled South Asia’s tallest tower in Colombo, which is constructed at a cost of
over $100 million. However, 80% of cost was funded by China under the controversial Belt and Road
Initiative (BRI). The 350-metre-tall 17-storey Lotus Tower is consists of a television tower, a hotel, a
telecommunications museum, restaurants, auditorium, an observation deck, a shopping mall and a
conference centre. The tower, which is spread over an area of 30,600 sq. metres, is expected to function
as Sri Lanka’s ‘digital TV tower’. It is built with fiber optic cables and is fully equipped with necessary
telecommunication equipment.
28. Which Payments Bank has launched ‘Bharosa savings account’ ?
[A] Paytm Payments Bank
[B] Jio Payments Bank
[C] India Post Payments Bank
[D] Airtel Payments Bank
Answer: Airtel Payments Bank
The Airtel Payments Bank has launched the Bharosa Savings Account to deepen the financial inclusion in
the country. It has been designed to serve the unique needs of under-banked and unbanked population of
India. The account offers free Personal Accident Insurance cover worth Rs 5 Lakhs on maintaining a
balance of just Rs 500 along with one debit transaction per month. Customers will be also eligible for
cashback – if they decide to receive government subsidies in their Bharosa Account or if they make cash
deposits in it.
29. Which state government has launched Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline 1100?
[A] Himachal Pradesh
[B] Andhra Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh government has launched Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline 1100 for speedy
and time-bound redressal of public grievances. The helpline will function 6 days a week (Monday-
Saturday) from 7 am to 10 pm.
30. The first-ever trilateral naval exercise ‘SITMEX’ has started among India and which countries?
[A] Indonesia & Vietnam
[B] Seychelles & Mauritius
[C] Singapore & Thailand
[D] Maldives & Cambodia
Answer: Singapore & Thailand
On 16th September 2019, the first-ever trilateral naval exercise titled ‘SITMEX’ involving the Republic of
Singapore Navy (RSN), Royal Thailand Navy (RTN) and Indian Navy (IN) commenced at Port Blair in
Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The aim of the 5-day exercise is to bolster the maritime inter-
relationships amongst Singapore, Thailand and India, and contribute significantly to enhance the overall
maritime security in the region.
31. ISRO has signed pact with which organization for Gaganyaan project?
[A] VSSC
[B] NASA
[C] DRDO
[D] BARC
Answer: DRDO

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 83


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has signed Memorandum of understanding (MoU) with
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for development of human centric systems
specific to the Human Space Mission (HSM) under the Gaganyaan project. Some of the critical
technologies to be provided by the DRDO to ISRO include space food, space crew health monitoring and
emergency survival kit, radiation measurement and protection, and parachutes for safe recovery of crew
module. The aim of the ISRO is to demonstrate human spaceflight capability before the 75th anniversary
of India’s independence in 2022.
32. The 5th International Ramayana Festival (IRF-2019) was held in which city?
[A] Kochi
[B] Lucknow
[C] New Delhi
[D] Chennai
Answer: New Delhi
The 5th edition of International Ramayana Festival (IRF-2019) was organized by Indian Council for
Cultural Relations (ICCR) in New Delhi on September 17-19. In the festival, which is generally organised
before Navaratra, artists showcase cultural interpretations of the epic. The artists from 17 countries
participated in the fest & rendered their versions of Ramayan.
33. Which state government has decided to declare 2020 as Year of Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] Karnataka
[C] Himachal Pradesh
[D] Telangana
Answer: Telangana
The Telangana government has decided to declare 2020 as Year of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by
organizing various activities related to the emerging technology. The state government has also signed
pact with NITI Aayog, which released the ‘National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence’ to run pilot
projects in the state.
34. The National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development (NCCCR&D) has launched in which
city?
[A] Bengaluru
[B] Kolkata
[C] Delhi
[D] Chennai
Answer: Bengaluru
In Bengaluru, the National Centre for Clean Coal Research and Development (NCCCR&D) has been
launched at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.) by the Department of Science & Technology (DST). The
NCCCR&D is a national consortium that will address opportunities and challenges in the development of
clean coal technologies. The target beneficiaries of NCCCR&D include organisations such as the National
Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Gas Authority of India Ltd. (GAIL), Bharat Heavy Electronics Ltd.
(BHEL), Tata Power, and Triveni Turbines Ltd.
35. Which renowned Indian photographer has been chosen as first recipient of Acadmie des beaux-arts
Photography Award – William Klein?
[A] Pablo Bartholomew
[B] Atul Kasbekar
[C] Raghu Rai
[D] Ashok Salian
Answer: Raghu Rai
Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai has been chosen as the first recipient of the first edition of the
prestigious French Award of the Acadmie des beaux-arts Photography Award – William Klein . The prize
of 1,20,000 euros will be presented to Rai in the Palais de l’Institut de France on 30th October 2019. As a
consecration award, this prize is intended to reward a photographer for his/her entire career and
commitment to photography. The award is in honour of the celebrated American-born French

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 84


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

photographer and filmmaker William Klein, who was best known for his unusual photography
techniques. Raghu is the photojournalist who captured with his lens the stark after-effects of the Bhopal
Gas Tragedy (1984) and brought to viewers the hard-hitting visuals during the Bangladesh War (1971).
36. The first-ever World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) is observed on which date?
[A] September 14
[B] September 15
[C] September 16
[D] September 17
Answer: September 17
The first-ever World Patient Safety Day (WPSD) is observed on 17th of September to raise global
awareness about patient safety and encourage global solidarity and action. The theme of the very first
WPSD is “Patient Safety: a global health priority” and the slogan is “Speak up for Patient Safety!”.
37. India’s Easternmost Village-Vijaynagar is situated in which district of Arunachal Pradesh
[A] Upper Siang
[B] Changlang
[C] Lohit
[D] East Kameng
Answer: Changlang
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has recently inaugurated resurfaced runway at India’s Easternmost Village-
Vijaynagar in Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Vijayanagar Advanced Landing Ground (ALG)
is important for ensuring quick mobilization of troops and sending supplies to the Line of Actual Control
(LAC) with China. Here, the runaway is 4,000 feet long and at present is fit only for AN-32 aircraft
operations. The IAF had first commenced its operations in Vijaynagar with the Dakota and Otter aircraft
in 1962. This was the year when the India-China war took place. The Vijayanagar is not connected by
road. It is surrounded by Myanmar on three sides and the fourth side comprises stretches of Namdapha
National Park.
38. Which state government has decided to carry out bio-fencing to reduce human-animal conflict?
[A] Karnataka
[B] Uttarakhand
[C] Uttar Pradesh
[D] Himachal Pradesh
Answer: Uttarakhand
To reduce human-animal conflict, the Uttarakhand government has decided to carry out bio-fencing by
growing various species of plants in those areas viz. lemongrass, agave, rambans, and chilly. The move is
to prevent wild animals from entering residential areas and to protect agricultural crops and livestock in
areas adjoining to forests. This biotic method is environment-friendly and harvesting of such plants can
also be economical for farmers. Leopards, bears, elephants and wild boars are a major threat to human life
and livestock.
39. Which union ministry has launched the common digital platform for the issuance of electronic
Certificates of Origin (CoO)?
[A] Ministry of External Affairs
[B] Ministry of Home Affairs
[C] Ministry of Commerce and Industry
[D] Ministry of External Affairs
Answer: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
In New Delhi, the Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has launched the common digital platform for
the issuance of electronic Certificates of Origin (CoO). This platform will be a single access point for all
exporters, for all FTAs/PTAs and for all agencies concerned. The Certificate of Origin (CoO) will be issued
electronically if agreed to by the partner countries. The authorities of partner countries will be able to
verify the authenticity of certificates from the website. The new platform reduces transaction costs and
time for exporters.
40. Karan Vandana is a new hybrid variety of which crop?

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 85


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

[A] Maize
[B] Pulses
[C] Wheat
[D] Rice
Answer: Wheat
Karan Vandana (DBW 187) is a new hybrid wheat variety which is resistant to yellow rust and white blast
and can give significantly higher yield than normal varieties. It is likely to be soon launched across the
country. It is rich in protein & iron, and has high heat tolerance across the country. It has been developed
by the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) under the Indian Council of Agricultural
Research (ICAR).
41. Gandan Tegchenling Monastery, which is in news recently, is located in which country?
[A] Colombo
[B] New Delhi
[C] Ulaanbaatar
[D] Dharamshala
Answer: Ulaanbaatar
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and visiting Mongolian President Khaltmaagiin Battulga have jointly
unveiled a golden statue of Lord Buddha at Gandan Tegchenling Monastery in Ulaanbaatar through
video-conferencing in New Delhi. The monastery is a prominent centre of Mongolian Buddhists and a
treasure house of valuable Buddhist heritage. Built in the mid 19th century, Gandan is the only monastery
where Buddhist services continued to function even during the Communist period.
42. Which state to host India’s first-ever trans art festival?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Karnataka
[C] Tamil Nadu
[D] Kerala
Answer: Kerala
Kerala will host the India’s first-ever trans art festival titled “Varnapakitt-2019”. In it, talented
transgender members will get a platform to showcase their artistic and creative skills. As part of the art
festival, the state government has also invited applications for cash awards from 10 transgenders who
have proved their excellence in various social fields except cinema. The 2-day event is considered to be
the first such state-sponsored art festival to be organized exclusively for transgenders in the country.
43. Who is the author of the book “Being Gandhi”?
[A] Dhaval Kulkarni
[B] Amrita Mukherjee
[C] Paro Anand
[D] Sanjay Kak
Answer: Paro Anand
The book titled “Being Gandhi” has been authored by award-winning author Paro Anand. This new book
will mark the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi by looking beyond the leader and his politics and
into his way of life. It explores “not Gandhi the man or his life as a leader, but really the Gandhian way
that must remain relevant to us”.
44. NEAT scheme, which is in news recently, is related to which field?
[A] Education
[B] Sports
[C] Arts
[D] Journalism
Answer: Education
The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) has decided to launch a new public-private
partnership scheme – National Educational Alliance for Technology (NEAT) – using Artificial Intelligence
(AI) to make learning more personalized and customized as per the learner’s requirements. The scheme is

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 86


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

expected to begin operations by early November 2019 & aims to harness technology for better learning
outcomes in higher education. The start-ups which join the government platform must offer 25% free
coupons for students from disadvantaged communities.
45. Who has been appointed the new Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF)?
[A] Siddharth Shrivastava
[B] Rakesh K Singh Bhadauria
[C] P S Chander
[D] Narendra Rajput
Answer: Rakesh K Singh Bhadauria
Air Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, who played a key role in negotiating the Rafale deal, has
been appointed the new Chief of the Indian Air Force (IAF). He will take charge from the incumbent Chief
B S Dhanoa on September 30 on his superannuation.
46. The Union Government has decided to set-up state-of-the-art National Police University (NPU) at
which city?
[A] Dehradun
[B] Greater Noida
[C] Pune
[D] Bhopal
Answer: Greater Noida
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to set-up a world-class National Police University
(NPU) in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The proposed state-of-the-art university will offer to the students
formal education programmes leading to the award of the bachelor’s, masters’ and doctoral degrees as
well as PG Diploma in specialized niche areas in police sciences, cyber forensics, criminology, criminal
justice, forensic science, risk management and allied subjects.
47. The Deocha Pachami Dewanganj-Harinsingha coal block is located in which state?
[A] Jharkhand
[B] West Bengal
[C] Odisha
[D] Tripura
Answer: West Bengal
The Union Government has entered into an allotment agreement with West Bengal Power Development
Corporation (WBPDCL) for Deocha Pachami Dewanganj-Harinsingha coal block. It is the world’s second
largest block. The project is slated to generate both direct and indirect employment in West Bengal
considerably and also contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
48. Which tech giant has joined hands with the Union Government for ‘Digital Payment Abhiyan’?
[A] Facebook
[B] Twitter
[C] Google
[D] Microsoft
Answer: Google
Nasscom’s Data Security Council of India (DSCI) has recently collaborated with the Ministry of
Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Google India to launch a nationwide awareness
campaign ‘Digital Payment Abhiyan’. The campaign will educate end-users on the benefits of making
digital payments and urge them to adopt security and safety best practices. The pan-India campaign has
crafted in seven languages — Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali and Marathi — and will
engage with users and make them aware of the dos and don’ts for different payment channels including
UPI, wallets, cards as well as net-banking and mobile banking,
49. Which state government has decided to make Sanskrit mandatory in all schools from class 3 to 8?
[A] Uttarakhand
[B] Himachal Pradesh
[C] Madhya Pradesh

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 87


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

[D] Chhattisgarh
Answer: Uttarakhand
The Uttarakhand government has decided to make Sanskrit language compulsory in all government and
private schools from Classes 3 to 8. According to estimates, over 89% of the populace of the state speaks
the four languages including Hindi (45%) followed by Garhwali (23.03%), Kumaoni (19.94%) and Jaunsari
(1.35%). Interestingly, main regional languages Kumaon and Garhwali have been accorded the status of
endangered languages by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO).
50. Which is the official mascot of the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics?
[A] Bing Dwen Dwen
[B] Shuey Rhon Rhon
[C] Asian black bear
[D] Bing Keun-suk
Answer: Shuey Rhon Rhon
The “Shuey Rhon Rhon” is the official mascot of the 2022 Winter Paralympics, which is scheduled to be
held in Beijing, People’s Republic of China, from 4 to 13 March 2022. The mascot is a Chinese lantern child
designed with lanterns as the prototype. Lanterns represent harvest, celebration, warmth and light.
51. Who is the newly elected chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for 2019-20?
[A] Praful Sen
[B] Girish Ahuja
[C] Madhukar Kamath
[D] Milan Saxena
Answer: Madhukar Kamath
Madhukar Kamath, chairman emeritus of advertising firm DDB Mudra Group, has been unanimously
elected chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for 2019-20. Beside this, he is the president of
Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) and also the chairman of the Advertising Standards
Council of India (ASCI).
52. Which Indian singer has won the Magnificent Performing Arts Award at 21st Century Icon Awards in
London?
[A] Shreya Ghoshal
[B] Sonu Nigam
[C] Arijit Singh
[D] Sunidhi Chauhan
Answer: Sonu Nigam
Popular Bollywood playback singer Sonu Nigam has been honoured with the Magnificent Performing
Arts Award at the annual 21st Century Icon Awards in London. The awards is the brainchild of UK-based
Indian-origin entrepreneurs Tarun Ghulati and Preeti Rana.
53. The ‘E-Beat Book’ System has been launched from which city?
[A] Delhi
[B] Chennai
[C] Bengaluru
[D] Chandigarh
Answer: Chandigarh
In Chandigarh, Union Minister for Home Affairs Amit Shah launched three citizen centric services –
Emergency Response Support System (ERSS – Dial 112), ‘E-Beat Book’ System and the ‘E-Saathi App’ – of
the Chandigarh Police. ERSS has been designed to play a pivotal role in mitigation or preventing
escalation of crime, especially against women and children. Citizens can send their emergency
information through call, sms, email and through the 112 India mobile app. The ‘E-Beat Book’ is a web and
mobile based application which will ease the collection, updation and analysis of the information related
to crime and criminals in a real time. The ‘E-Saathi’ App would help the general public to remain in touch
with the police and also give suggestions to facilitate participative community policing (‘Your Police at
Your Doorstep’ initiative).

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 88


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

54. Who is the author of the book “From Leeches to Slug Glue: 25 Explosive Ideas that Made (and Are
Making) Modern Medicine”?
[A] Roopa Pai
[B] Amish Tripathi
[C] Ravinder Singh
[D] Savi Sharma
Answer: Roopa Pai
The book, titled “From Leeches to Slug Glue: 25 Explosive Ideas that Made (and Are Making) Modern
Medicine” has been written by bestselling author Roopa Pai. In its 25 chapters, the book explores
breakthroughs like vaccination, anaesthesia, X-rays and the germ theory, apart from revolutionary ideas
like compassionate care for the mentally ill and mandatory hand-washing for surgeons.
55. Which high court has recently ruled that the right to access Internet is part of the fundamental Right
to Education (RTE) & Right to Privacy?
[A] Kerala
[B] Delhi
[C] Allahabad
[D] Jabalpur
Answer: Kerala
The Kerala High Court has recently ruled that the right to have access to the Internet is part of the
fundamental Right to Education (RTE) & also the Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The verdict came on a petition filed by a Kozhikode college student challenging her expulsion for not
adhering to restrictions on the use of mobile phone.
56. Keeladi, which is in news recently, is the historical site of which state?
[A] Kerala
[B] Tamil Nadu
[C] Karnataka
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Tamil Nadu
The report titled, ‘Keeladi-An Urban Settlement of Sangam Age on the Banks of River Vaigai’ has recently
published by the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department (TNAD). The report is the major turning point in
the cultural historiography of the ancient Sangam Age, which is generally considered between 300 BC
and 300AD. In it, TNAD stated that the cultural deposits unearthed during excavations at Keeladi in
Sivaganga district could be safely dated to a period between 6th century BCE and 1st century CE. Hence,
the recent scientific dates obtained for Keeladi findings push back the date of Tamil-Brahmi script to
another century, i.e. 6th century BCE.
57. Who is the head of the SEBI committee to suggest norms for Social Stock Exchanges (SSE)?
[A] Shamika Ravi
[B] Amit Chandra
[C] Ishaat Hussain
[D] Vineet Rai
Answer: Ishaat Hussain
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has recently constituted a committee on Social Stock
Exchanges (SSE) under the chairmanship of Ishaat Hussain, Director of SBI Foundation. The committee
shall examine and make recommendations with respect to possible structures and mechanisms, within
the securities market domain, to facilitate the raising of funds by social enterprises and voluntary
organizations.
58. Which Indian armed force has conducted rare exercise Chang Thang Prahar in Eastern Laddakh?
[A] Indian Coast Guard
[B] Indian Navy
[C] Indian Air Force
[D] Indian Army
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 89
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Answer: Indian Army


The Indian Army conducted a massive rare exercise named ‘Chang Thang Prahar’ at a high altitude area
in Eastern Laddakh bordering China for testing and improving its war-fighting capabilities. The
integrated exercise involved the use of infantry, mechanized forces, T-72 tanks, with force multipliers
such as artillery guns and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
59. Which state government has decided to ban private practice of govt. doctors?
[A] Chhattisgarh
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Andhra Pradesh
[D] Odisha
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to ban private practice by doctors working in government
hospitals and increase their salaries as compensation in accordance with the recommendations made by
the experts committee on reforms in the health sector headed by former Union Health Secretary K.
Sujatha Rao. This is the second time that government doctors are being barred from private practice in
Andhra Pradesh. Private practice by government doctors was banned in undivided Andhra in April 1993
by the then Chief Minister N.T. Rama Rao.
60. Pusa Yashasvi is a new potential variety of which crop?
[A] Wheat
[B] Rice
[C] Pulses
[D] Maize
Answer: Wheat
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has released a new potential blockbuster wheat variety
– Pusa Yashasvi (HD-3226) – for planting in the upcoming rabi crop season. The new variety has high
genetic yield potential at 79.6 quintals as compared to other varieties of wheat. It is highly resistant to all
rusts and Karnal bunt, besides other fungal pathogen diseases such as flag smut, powdery mildew and
foot rot. The HD-3326 also has higher content of protein and gluten (which contributes to strength and
elasticity of the dough), apart from more zinc (at 36.8 parts per million, as against 34.8 for HD-3086 and
36 for HD-2967) and good chapatti, bread and biscuit quality.
61. The 74th Session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has started in which city?
[A] Geneva
[B] New York
[C] Copenhagen
[D] Berlin
Answer: New York
In New York, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently addressed the 74th Session of United Nations
General Assembly (UNGA) and participated in other multilateral and bilateral engagements. Mr. Modi
also addressed the first-ever High-level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which will launch
new efforts to provide access for all to affordable, inclusive and resilient health systems. He also
addressed the ‘Leaders’ Dialogue on Strategic Responses to Terrorist and Violent Extremist Narratives’
that deals with the Office of Counter-terrorism.
62. What is the theme of the 2019 edition of International Day of Sign Languages?
[A] Sign Language for Peace
[B] With Sign Language, Everyone is Included
[C] Sign Language for Deaf
[D] Sign Language Rights for All
Answer: Sign Language Rights for All
The International Day of Sign Languages is observed every year on 23rd of September to raise awareness
of the importance of sign language in the full realization of the human rights of people who are deaf. The
theme for year 2019 is ‘Sign Language Rights for All’.
63. Who became the first Indian male boxer to qualify for the final of the World Boxing Championships?

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 90


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

[A] Mohammed Ali Qamar


[B] Gaurav Solanki
[C] Amit Panghal
[D] Dinesh Kumar
Answer: Amit Panghal
Ace Indian boxer Amit Panghal settled for a silver at the AIBA Men’s World Boxing Championships at
Ekaterinburg in Russia. He lost to Shakhobidin Zoirov of Uzbekistan Zoirov in flyweight (48-52 kg)
category. Though, Panghal created history as he became the first Indian male boxer to qualify for the final
of the Championships. He has already secured a berth at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
64. Madhav Apte, who passed away recently, was the legendary player of which sports?
[A] Chess
[B] Football
[C] Cricket
[D] Hockey
Answer: Cricket
Veteran cricketer Madhavrao Laxmanrao Apte (86) has passed away in Mumbai, Maharashtra on 23rd
September 2019. He made his Test debut against Pakistan at the Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai in
November 1952 and played his last test against West Indies at Kingston in April 1953. Apte was the Indian
opener for 7 Test matches in the early 1950s in which he scored 542 runs that included an unbeaten 163
against the likes of Frank King, Gerry Gomez, Frank Worrell, Alf Valentine and Sonny Ramadin in the
Queens Park Oval Test of 1953.
65. Who is the author of the book “Girl Power: Indian Women Who Broke The Rules”?
[A] Paro Anand
[B] Roopa Pai
[C] Amish Tripathi
[D] Neha J Hiranandani
Answer: Neha J Hiranandani
The book titled “Girl Power: Indian Women Who Broke The Rules” has been authored by Neha J
Hiranandani. It gives details the struggles and achievements of 50 remarkable women. The book features
contemporary women like Olympic medallist PV Sindhu as well as historical figures like the warrior
queen Abbakka of Chowta dynasty who singlehandedly defeated the Portuguese six times. And also about
life of the octogenarian sharpshooter – Chandro Tomar, who is popularly known as ‘Revolver Dadi’.
66. Which country lifted 2019 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship title?
[A] Australia
[B] India
[C] Pakistan
[D] Iran
Answer: Iran
Iran has lifted the 2019 Asian Men’s Volleyball Championship title by defeating Australia in straight sets
at Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran.
67. The Delhi government has recently launched “champions campaign” to fight against which disease ?
[A] Dengue
[B] Malaria
[C] Chikungunya
[D] Japanese encephalitis
Answer: Dengue
The Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal has recently launched “champions campaign” in the National
Capital in a fight against dengue. He urged people to encourage their friends to inspect their homes to
check their homes for mosquito larvae & to clean stagnant water. The campaign visualizes that citizens
should promptly reach out to 10 of their friends and asks them to check their premises for signs of
dengue.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 91


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

68. Which movie has been named as India’s official entry to Oscars 2020?
[A] Article 15
[B] Gully Boy
[C] Kesari
[D] Badhaai Ho
Answer: Gully Boy
Director Zoya Akhtar’s musical drama film “Gully Boy” has been named as India’s official entry in the Best
Foreign Language Film category to the 92nd Academy Awards (Oscars 2020). The movie chronicled the
story of Mumbai’s street rappers and was said to loosely based on rapper Naezy’s life.
69. The 2019 C40 World Mayors Summit is scheduled to be held in which city?
[A] Washington
[B] New Delhi
[C] Berlin
[D] Copenhagen
Answer: Copenhagen
The Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will attend the 2019 C40 World Mayors Summit held in
Copenhagen, Denmark to speak on his government’s experience in lowering pollution, including the Odd-
Even scheme, and other issues. He will join leaders of several cities such as New York, London, Paris, Los
Angeles and Berlin to deliberate on the climate crisis impacting the world at the summit from October
9-12.
70. Which noted personality is to be appointed as the brand ambassador of Madhya Pradesh?
[A] Sachin Tendulkar
[B] Sandeep Singh
[C] Govinda
[D] Asha Bhosle
Answer: Govinda
Film star Govinda has been appointed as the brand ambassador of Madhya Pradesh to promote the state’s
traditions and tourist places. It is state government’s intention that the message about the state’s
traditions and tourist destinations should reach the masses. The Kamal Nath government has also plans
to set up a film city in the state and plans to promote Madhya Pradesh as a destination for film making.
71. The world’s first camel hospital is located in which city?
[A] Tehran
[B] Jaipur
[C] Dubai
[D] Bikaner
Answer: Dubai
At Dubai, the world’s first camel hospital is all set to expand its facilities by an additional 50% in response
to the increase in demand for its services. It is a unique hospital catering specifically to the needs of the
burgeoning camel industry that has been flourishing and growing by leaps and bounds over the past few
years. The aim of the hospital is to contribute significantly to the Research and Development (R&D) of
camel medicine as part of increasing the global body of therapeutic knowledge related to the desert
animal. Camels are an integral part of the United Arab Emirate (UAE)’s heritage. Historically, camels,
known as the ‘Ship of the Desert’ were a source of transport as well as food and milk in the region.
72. UMMID initiative, which is in news recently, is associated to tackle which cause?
[A] Old-age related problems
[B] Genetic diseases of newborn babies
[C] Water borne diseases
[D] Pollution related diseases
Answer: Genetic diseases of newborn babies
The Union Science and Technology (S&T) and Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has recently launched
‘UMMID (Unique Methods of Management and treatment of Inherited Disorders)’ initiative to tackle
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 92
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

inherited genetic diseases of newborn babies. The aim of the new initiative is to create awareness about
genetic disorders amongst clinicians and establish molecular diagnostics in hospitals so that the benefits
of developments in medical genetics could reach patients.
73. Which country has launched its biggest peacetime operation after Thomas Cook collapse?
[A] France
[B] UK
[C] United States
[D] Germany
Answer: UK
The UK government has launched its biggest peacetime repatriation – Operation Matterhorn – in its
history, after British travel firm Thomas Cook collapsed on 23rd September 2019. Thomas Cook’s
administration puts 22,000 jobs at risk worldwide. The corporate bankruptcy left some 6, 00,000 tourists
stranded worldwide. The travel company was founded in 1841 by a Derbyshire-based cabinet-maker
named Thomas Cook.
74. What is the theme of the 2019 edition of International Day of Peace?
[A] Stand-Up For International Peace
[B] Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All
[C] Climate Action for Peace
[D] Together for Peace: Respect, Safety and Dignity for All
Answer: Climate Action for Peace
The International Day of Peace is observed every year on 21st of September to commemorate and
strengthen the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme for Year 2019
“Climate Action for Peace” is to draw attention to the importance of combating climate change as a way
to protect and promote peace throughout the world.
75. S K Padmadevi, who passed away recently, was the legendary actress of which regional cinema?
[A] Kannada
[B] Tamil
[C] Telugu
[D] Odia
Answer: Kannada
Veteran actor and multi-faceted artiste S.K. Padmadevi (95), who was part of the first Kannada talkie film
that went on sets, has passed away in Bengaluru, Karnataka on 19th September 2019. She remained active
in theatre till late 1960s and acted in several plays by H.L.N. Simha and Ballari Raghavacharya. She later
joined All India Radio (AIR) and worked on audio plays for over two decades. Ms. Padmadevi was awarded
the R. Nagendra Rao award for lifetime achievement by Karnataka Chalanchitra Academy in 2016.
76. Shondol dance of which city has created history by entering into the Guinness Book of World Records
as the largest dance?
[A] Udaipur
[B] Ladakh
[C] Kochi
[D] Shimla
Answer: Ladakh
The Shondol dance of Ladakh has created history again by breaking into the Guinness book of world
records as the largest Ladakhi dance when 408 women artists in traditional dresses performed gracefully
the folk dance on the occasion of the 2019 Buddhist carnival ‘Naropa Festival’. The fest was held near the
11th-century world-famous Hemis Monastery in Ladakh & was organised by the Live to Love India,
Drukpa Charitable Trust and Young Drukpa Association. Earlier, this famous dance was used to be
performed by artists for King of Ladakh on special occasion.
77. Who has been appointed as the new Principal Chief Commissioner of Income-tax (PCCIT) of the
National e-assessment centre (NeAC)?
[A] P S Joshi

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 93


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

[B] M S Mudgal
[C] K M Prasad
[D] T K Sharma
Answer: K M Prasad
The National e-Assessment Centre (NeAC) has been set up by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT)
in the national capital as part of the government’s ambitious plan to launch faceless and nameless
assessment for Income Tax (IT) payers from October 2019. K M Prasad, the 1984-batch Indian Revenue
Service (IRS) officer, has been appointed as the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income-tax (PCCIT) of
the new Centre.
78. Which state tourism has won the PATA Gold award for an ethnic food restaurant run by women?
[A] Maharashtra
[B] Tripura
[C] Odisha
[D] Kerala
Answer: Kerala
At Nur-Sultan (Astana) in Kazakhsta, the Kerala Tourism has won three prestigious Pacific Asia Travel
Association (PATA) Gold awards viz. for an ethnic food restaurant run by women at Kumarakom under its
Responsible Tourism Mission, for an advertisement campaign of Kerala Tourism ‘Come Out and Play’ and
for its website (www.keralatourism.org) respectively. The ad campaign was run by Stark Communication
& the Kerala Tourism website has been designed and maintained by Invis Multimedia.
79. India and which country are set to hold their first tri-services exercise ‘Tiger Triumph’?
[A] United States
[B] United Kingdom
[C] France
[D] Poland
Answer: United States
India and the United States are set to hold their first trilateral-service military exercise codenamed
‘Tiger Triumph’ at Visakhapatnam and Kakinada in November 2019. The exercise is being organized
under the aegis of the headquarters of the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS).
80. Which noted journalist has won the first Gauri Lankesh National Award for Journalism?
[A] Rajdeep Sardesai
[B] Karan Thapar
[C] Prannoy Roy
[D] Ravish Kumar
Answer: Ravish Kumar
In Bengaluru, Senior journalist and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Ravish Kumar has recently received the
first Gauri Lankesh National Award for Journalism by freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy. He was chosen
for the award for sharp news analysis and uncompromising secular stance by the Gauri Lankesh
Memorial Trust (GLMT). Apart from this, three books – ‘Neera Nade’ by Prof. Vinaya Okkunda, ‘Dehali
Nota’ by senior journalist D. Umapathy, and Ravish Kumar’s ‘Free Voices’ translated as ‘Maatige Enu
Kadime’ by Harshakumar Kugwe.
81. The Gandhi Solar Park (GSP) has recently inaugurated at headquarters of which international
organisation?
[A] IMF
[B] European Union
[C] United Nations
[D] WHO
Answer: United Nations
On 24th September 2019, the Gandhi Solar Park (GSP) and the ‘Gandhi Peace Garden’ have inaugurated
by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with others world leaders at UN headquarters. On the occasion,
a special UN Postage on Mahatma Gandhi’s 150 years also released. The GSP is a first-of-its-kind

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 94


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

symbolic Indian effort at the UN that highlights India’s willingness to go beyond the talk on climate
change and climate action. While, the Peace Garden is dedicated in the memory of Gandhi and is a
crowd-sourced project, with people adopting trees in the memory of their loved ones. Mr. Modi was also
conferred the “Global Goalkeeper” award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the Swachh Bharat
Abhiyan launched by his government.
82. Which renowned personality has been named for 2019 Dada Sahab Phalke award?
[A] Rajkumar Hirani
[B] Lata Mangeshkar
[C] Sanjay Leela Bhansali
[D] Amitabh Bachchan
Answer: Amitabh Bachchan
The doyen of modern Indian Cinema, Amitabh Bachchan has been named for the prestigious Dada Sahab
Phalke award for his outstanding contribution to the film industry. It is the India’s highest award in
cinema, which is conferred by the Government of India (GoI) for outstanding contribution to the growth
and development of Indian Cinema. It consists of a Swarn Kamal and a cash prize of Rs 10 Lakh. In a
career spanning five decades, Bachchan has given memorable performances film after film and is a four-
time National Film Award winner.
83. Which state government has launched a housing loan subsidy scheme – Aponar Apon Ghar?
[A] Assam
[B] Odisha
[C] Jharkhand
[D] West Bengal
Answer: Assam
In Guwahati, the Assam Government has rolled out a housing loan subsidy scheme – Aponar Apon Ghar
– where in financial relief will be provided towards purchase or construction of the first house for the
family. The subsidy up to Rs 2.50 lakh will be provided for loan amounts from Rs 5 to Rs 40 Lakh. This
move will boost the demand and led to the expansion of real estate in the state.
84. Which state has clinched the 25th Senior Women’s National Football Championship?
[A] Punjab
[B] Manipur
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] Chhattisgarh
Answer: Manipur
Defending champion Manipur has clinched the title of the 25th Senior Women’s National Football
Championship for the 20th time. In the final at CHF Ground in Pasighat (Arunachal Pradesh), Manipur
defeated Railways 1-0 in a thrilling contest. Bala Devi is the highest scorer in the tournament with 20
goals. Elangbam Panthoi Chanu of Manipur and Sanju of Railways won the best goalkeeper & the Most
Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament award, respectively.
85. Rahul Aware is associated to which sports?
[A] Tennis
[B] Badminton
[C] Wrestling
[D] Boxing
Answer: Wrestling
Indian wrestler Rahul Aware has won a bronze in men’s 61Kg free-style category at the 2019 World
Championship in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan. However, this was not an Olympic category and thus the
bronze did not help Aware qualify for the Tokyo Games. It was India’s fifth medal at this edition of the
World Championships with a total haul of 1 silver and 4 bronzes. In the ongoing event, Deepak Punia in
men’s 86kg category was forced to pull out of the final due to an injury and settled for silver.
86. Which state government has launched Swachhata hi Seva Abhiyan?
[A] Madhya Pradesh
[B] Uttar Pradesh
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 95
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

[C] Himchal Pradesh


[D] Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: Madhya Pradesh
The Madhya Pradesh government has launched a month-long Swachhata hi Seva Abhiyan from 25th
September to till October 25 against the single-use plastic. The campaign will encourage alternatives by
eliminating single-use plastic and non-standard polythene in markets, malls and shops etc. The aim of
the campaign is to administer oath to at least 50 lakh citizens against the use of single-use plastic.
Through this campaign, the government has targeted to reach 2 crore urban population so that they can
be made aware to single used the plastic-free city as well as to celebrate plastic-free Deepawali. People
will also be made aware to use cloth bags in the campaign. The competition will be organized in the
market places at the district level to free the markets from single used plastic.
87. Who has been elected president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (ABMSS) 2020?
[A] Ramaiah Daripalli
[B] Jadav Payeng
[C] Francis D’Britto
[D] Saalumarada Thimmakka
Answer: Francis D’Britto
Vasai-based Catholic priest Father Francis D’Britto, who is writer and environmentalist, has been elected
president of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Sahitya Sammelan (ABMSS) 2020. He is the first Christian to be
elected president of the ABMSS. Fr. D’Britto is known for serving people beyond the four walls of the
Catholic Church & attributed his success to the people who have stood by him for several decades.
88. Adam Harper, who has been awarded the 2019 SASTRA Ramanujan prize, is from which country?
[A] Germany
[B] Poland
[C] England
[D] Italy
Answer: England
Mathematician Adam Harper of University of Warwick (England) has been awarded the 2019 SASTRA
Ramanujan prize for several outstanding contributions to analytic and probabilistic number theory. The
prize carries a citation and an award of $10,000 and is conferred annually on mathematicians from across
the world who are less than 32 years of age, working in an area influenced by the genius Srinivasa
Ramanujan. Every year, this prize is awarded by SASTRA University on its campus near Kumbakonam in
Tamil Nadu, on Ramanujan’s birth anniversary (December 22).
89. Bhagat Ram Vats, who passed away recently, was the veteran personality of which field?
[A] Journalism
[B] Sports
[C] Politics
[D] Science
Answer: Journalism
Bhagat Ram Vats (97), a former PTI senior correspondent who covered India’s first Lok Sabha polls, has
passed away on 18th September 2019. He started his career with The Statesman, New Delhi, and later
joined the Press Trust of India (PTI). He travelled extensively with first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru
for 14 years & covered his activities in India and abroad, especially his election tours in 1952, 1957 and
1962. Vats authored a book — ‘Foreign Intrigue Against India’ — on different aspects of the country’s
Partition and its neighbours.
90. The Union Government has instituted the highest civilian award in the field of contribution to the
unity and integrity of India in the name of which freedom fighter?
[A] Bal Gangadhar Tilak
[B] Bhimrao Ambedkar
[C] Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
[D] Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose
Answer: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 96


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

The Union Government has instituted the highest civilian award in the field of contribution to the unity
and integrity of India, in the name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The award seeks to recognize notable and
inspiring contributions to promote the cause of national unity and integrity and to reinforce the value of
a strong and united India. The award will be announced on the occasion of the National Unity Day (NUD)
on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel on 31st of October. The award would consist of a medal and a
citation. No monetary grant or cash award would be attached to this Award. Not more than 3 awards
would be given in a year. It would not be conferred posthumously except in very rare and highly
deserving cases.
91. Which country is the partner country for the 6th India Water Week (IWW-2019)?
[A] Japan
[B] France
[C] Germany
[D] United Kingdom
Answer: Japan
At Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi, President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the 6th edition of ”India Water
Week (IWW-2019)”, which is organised by Ministry of Jal Shakti with the theme of ”Water cooperation-
coping with 21st-century challenge’ . Japan and European Union have been associated as partner
countries for this mega event. Under this campaign, the entire Government of India (GoI) machinery of
over 1000 senior Central Government officers have joined the States to promote focused interventions
for water collection and conservation, including restoration and renovation of traditional water bodies.
92. Ponung Doming has become the first woman officer from which state as Lieutenant Colonel?
[A] Manipur
[B] Arunachal Pradesh
[C] Mizoram
[D] Nagaland
Answer: Arunachal Pradesh
Ponung Doming has created history by becoming the first woman Army officer from Arunachal Pradesh
to be elevated to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Army. Earlier, IAF Wing Commander
Shaliza Dhami became the 1st female officer to be appointed as flight commander of a flying unit.
93. Which Indian sportsperson has been honoured with a IAAF Veteran Pin ?
[A] Viswanathan Anand
[B] Milkha Singh
[C] PT Usha
[D] Abhinav Bindra
Answer: PT Usha
During the 52nd IAAF Congress at Doha, Indian track and field legend PT Usha has been honoured with a
IAAF Veteran Pin by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) in recognition of her
contribution to the growth of the sport. She is often called the “queen of track and field”. At the 1982 New
Delhi Asian Games, Usha won silver in 100m and 200m events. At the Asian Championships in Kuwait
City in 1983, she won gold in 400m. In the 1985 Jakarta Asian Championships, Usha won six medals – five
gold and a bronze.
94. Payal Jangid, who has become the first Indian to win the Changemaker Award from Gates Foundation,
is from which state?
[A] Punjab
[B] Rajasthan
[C] Odisha
[D] Uttar Pradesh
Answer: Rajasthan
The 17-year old Payal Jangid from Rajasthan has become the first Indian to win the Goalkeepers Global
Goals Changemaker Award by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in New York. She was recognised
for her campaign to end child labour and child marriage. Jangid, who fought against her own marriage at
a young age, work towards the abolition of child marriage in her village “Hinsla”, which is a child-friendly
village (Bal Mitra Gram), and other neighbouring villages. Her campaign includes organizing rallies,
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 97
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

putting up posters, paining walls and going door-to-door to speak to families on the same.
95. Sebastian Coe, who has been re-elected as IAAF chief, is from which country?
[A] Germany
[B] France
[C] Britain
[D] Japan
Answer: Britain
During the 52nd IAAF Congress at Doha, Sebastian Coe from Britain has been re-elected as president of
the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for a second term for 4 years. Coe is the
former Olympic and world champion middle-distance runner. Beside this, Adille Sumariwalla (the
President of Athletics Federation of India (AFI)) was re-elected as member of the Council of IAAF for a 2nd
four-year term.
96. Who has become the first Indian cricketer to bowl 3 maidens in single T20I?
[A] Jasprit Bumrah
[B] Jhulan Goswami
[C] Deepti Sharma
[D] Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Answer: Deepti Sharma
Off-spinner Deepti Sharma from Agra has become the 1st Indian cricketer to bowl 3 maidens in T20I. This
history was created during the India’s first T20I against South Africa at the Lalabhai Contractor Stadium
in Surat, Gujarat. She ended with figures of 4/8 with three of the four overs to lead India to victory. India
beat South Africa by 11 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
97. Who has been honoured with the 2019 Rights Livelihood awards?
[A] Holly Gillibrand
[B] John Paul Jose
[C] Ridhima Pandey
[D] Greta Thunberg
Answer: Greta Thunberg
The 16-year-old Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg has been honoured as one of four winners of
the 2019 Rights Livelihood awards for inspiring and amplifying political demands for urgent climate
action reflecting scientific facts. The award is known as Sweden’s alternative Nobel Prize. Ms. Thunberg
shares the award with Brazilian indigenous leader Davi Kopenawa of the Yanomami people, Chinese
women’s rights lawyer Guo Jianmei and Western Sahara human rights defender Aminatou Haidar. The
four laureates will received a cash award of 1 million Swedish crowns ($103,000) each.
98. Who has been selected the new head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)?
[A] Kristalina Georgieva
[B] Scott Morris
[C] Emmanuel Macron
[D] Christine Lagarde
Answer: Kristalina Georgieva
Bulgarian economist Kristalina Georgieva has been named as the new Managing Director (MD) of the
International Monetary Fund (IMF). She is the first person from an emerging market economy to lead the
IMF. Georgieva will succeed Christine Lagarde for a five-year term from October 2019.
99. The first-ever India-Caricom leaders’ summit was held in which city?
[A] New York
[B] Pune
[C] New Delhi
[D] London
Answer: New York
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted the first-ever India-Caricom summit in New York with a focus on
fighting climate change and increasing India’s participation with the grouping. Mr Modi announced a $14
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 98
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

million US dollar grant for community development projects in the Caricom and another $150 million line
of credit for solar, renewable energy and climate change related projects. The Caricom grouping has 15
members-states and 5 associate members. Mr. Modi also invited them to join the International Solar
Alliance (IAS) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
100. The 2nd Singapore – India Hackathon is being held in which IIT?
[A] IIT Madras
[B] IIT Indore
[C] IIT Delhi
[D] IIT Bombay
Answer: IIT Madras
To promote innovation, 2nd edition of Singapore – India Hackathon will be organised at IIT Madras in
Chennai from Sep 28 to 29, 2019. The Hackathon is the first of its kind joint International hackathon
between India and Singapore during which the selected bright students from India and Singapore will
work in collaboration to develop innovative and out-of-the- box solution for some of the daunting
problems faced by our societies. This year, the hackathon is focused on quality education, Good Health
and clean energy.
101. The 5th India International Science Festival (IISF- 2019) is scheduled to be held in which city?
[A] Kolkata
[B] Chennai
[C] New Delhi
[D] Kochi
Answer: Kolkata
The 5th edition of India International Science Festival (IISF- 2019) will be held at Kolkata with theme
“RISEN India – Research, Innovation, and Science Empowering the Nation” from 5th to 8th November.
The event expects to host a gathering of approximately 12,000 participants from India and abroad.
102. Which state has become the first Indian state to issue highest number of golden cards under
Ayushman Bharat scheme?
[A] Nagaland
[B] Tripura
[C] Arunachal Pradesh
[D] J&K
Answer: J&K
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has become the first state in India to issue highest number of golden cards
under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). Over 11 lakh golden cards have
been generated within first 90 days of the launch of the scheme with 60% families having at least one
golden card which is highest in the country.
103. Which Indian sportsperson has become an athlete member of Team Visa for the Olympic Games
Tokyo 2020?
[A] Sachin Tendulkar
[B] Mary Kom
[C] PV Sindhu
[D] Abhinav Bindra
Answer: PV Sindhu
Payment technology company Visa has appointed world badminton champion Pusarla Venkata Sindhu
(PV Sindhu) as its brand ambassador for two years. Besides promoting the brand through advertising
campaigns, Sindhu has also become an athlete member of Team Visa for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
Visa has been supporting the Olympic Games as a worldwide sponsor since 1986. It has signed a contract
as the exclusive payment technology partner through 2032. It is currently the only payment brand
available at Olympic venues.
104. Paolo Borrometi, who won the 2019 Peter Mackler Award for Courageous Journalism, is from which
country?
[A] Italy
© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 99
Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

[B] Denmark
[C] Sweden
[D] Norway
Answer: Italy
Italian journalist Paolo Borrometi, who was assaulted over his coverage of mafia activity in Sicily and now
living under police protection, has won the prestigious 2019 Peter Mackler Award for Courageous and
Ethical Journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism.
105. Which Indian corporate has won UN Global Climate Action Award in the ‘Climate Neutral Now’
category?
[A] Reliance
[B] Infosys
[C] Tata
[D] Birla
Answer: Infosys
Infosys has won the prestigious United Nations Global Climate Action Award in the ‘Climate Neutral
Now’ category. With this feat, Infosys has become the only corporate from India to earn the recognition
for its efforts to combat climate change. The award will be presented to Infosys at the UN Climate
Change Conference (COP25) in Santiago, Chile on December 2019.
106. What is the India’s rank in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2019 (WDCR)?
[A] 45th
[B] 46th
[C] 44th
[D] 48th
Answer: 44th
As per latest IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2019 (WDCR), India has been ranked at 44th
position in terms of digital competitiveness in the world as the country has made improvement in terms
of knowledge and future readiness to adopt and explore digital technologies. The ranking measures the
capacity and readiness of 63 nations to adopt and explore digital technologies as a key driver for
economic transformation in business, government and wider society.
107. Which state government has unveiled a mascot ‘Tikki Mausi’ to combat malnutrition among children?
[A] Odisha
[B] Jharkhand
[C] West Bengal
[D] Bihar
Answer: Odisha
The mascot ‘Tikki Mausi’ has been launched by the Odisha government in collaboration with UNICEF to
spread awareness about child and woman’s nutrition. The mascot has been named as ‘Tikki Mausi’ in
reference to the second mother of a child. The mascot resembles a typical friendly neighbourhood aunty
that has words of advice for everyone starting from mothers to children and adolescents.
108. Venu Madhav, who passed away recently, was the noted actor of which regional cinema?
[A] Odia
[B] Malayalam
[C] Telugu
[D] Hindi
Answer: Telugu
Venu Madhav (51), the well-known Telugu comedian and actor, has passed away in Secunderabad on 25th
September 2019. He started as a mimicry artiste and forayed into movies. His filmography had over 170
movies in Telugu. Other than Telugu films, he even acted a few Tamil films. The 2016 film “Dr
Paramanandaiah’s Students Gang” remains his last release.
109. JNU has signed pact with which IIT for research, education & technology?

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 100


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

[A] IIT Bombay


[B] IIT Indore
[C] IIT Delhi
[D] IIT Madras
Answer: IIT Delhi
The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has inked an agreement with IIT-Delhi for cooperation in
research, education and technology developments in science and other disciplines. This collaboration will
also facilitate access to each other’s libraries and central research facilities to intensify joint research
projects and other related academic activities.
110. On which date, the 2019 International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, is observed?
[A] September 26
[B] September 25
[C] September 27
[D] September 28
Answer: September 26
The International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons is observed every year on 26th of
September to provide an occasion for world community to reaffirm its commitment to global nuclear
disarmament as high priority.
111. Which Indian organistion has discovered 30 reels of unedited footage on Mahatma Gandhi?
[A] NITI Aayog
[B] NFDC
[C] NFAI
[D] Fox Star Studios
Answer: NFAI
The National Film Archive of India (NFAI) has recently discovered 30 reels of unedited footage on
Mahatma Gandhi that amounts to almost 6 hours of duration. These 35mm celluloid footages, unedited
and stock shots with title cards in between, belonged to several prominent film studios of the time like
Paramount, Pathe, Warner, Universal, British Movietone and Wadia Movietone. The major highlight of
the discovery is a rare half-an-hour footage that has visuals of a special train carrying Mahatma Gandhi’s
ashes, after his assasination on 30th January 1948, from Madras to Rameshwaram. In 1964, the NFAI was
established as a media unit of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) with headquarters at
Pune, Maharashtra.
112. Which country has launched the world’s biggest transport space ship for space station?
[A] Israel
[B] Japan
[C] Germany
[D] Poland
Answer: Japan
Japan has successfully launched an unmanned spacecraft “Kounotori8” towards the International Space
Station (ISS) from the Tanegashima Space Center at Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in
southwestern Japan. The acronym ‘Kounotori8’ stands for “white stork” in Japanese & intends to deliver
about 5.3 tonnes of supplies to astronauts at the ISS.
113. Who is the newly appointed chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee (CCS)?
[A] Bipin Rawat
[B] B S Dhanoa
[C] Karambir Singh
[D] Sunil Lanba
Answer: Bipin Rawat
Indian Army chief General Bipin Rawat has become the new chairman of Chiefs of Staff Committee
(COSC). He succeeded IAF chief – Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa. The COSC is consists of
chiefs of the Army, the Navy and the Air Force and the senior most member is appointed its chairperson.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 101


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

The Chairman of COSC is tasked with ensuring synergy among the three services and evolves common
strategy to deal with external security challenges facing the country.
114. Which state has bagged the Best State award for overall growth in tourism category?
[A] Telangana
[B] Goa
[C] Madhya Pradesh
[D] Andhra Pradesh
Answer: Andhra Pradesh
The National Tourism Awards 2017-18 were recently presented by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on the
occasion of World Tourism Day (WTD-2019). In it, Andhra Pradesh has bagged 3 national tourism awards
in different categories viz. ‘Best State for comprehensive development of tourism’, ‘Excellence in
publishing in English’ and the ‘Best tourist-friendly Railway Station (Visakhapatnam). Goa and Madhya
Pradesh were the joint winners in the Adventure Tourism category and Uttarakhand won the award for
the Best Film Promotion-Friendly State. Telangana won the award for the Best State for the innovative
use of IT.
115. Sarah Taylor, who recently retired from international cricket, is from which country?
[A] West Indies
[B] New Zealand
[C] England
[D] Australia
Answer: England
England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor, who is regarded as one of the world’s best wicketkeepers, has
recently retired from international cricket because of her ongoing battle with anxiety. Sarah made her
England debut in 2006 and scored 6,553 international runs. She was also a magnetic keeper behind the
stumps, creating waves with her innovative methods that led her to 232 dismissals, the most in women’s
cricket. Taylor had previously gone on an indefinite break from cricket after the 2016 World T20 in India
before returning for the 2017 World Cup.
116. What is the theme of the 2019 edition of World Tourism Day (WTD)?
[A] Tourism opens doors for women
[B] Tourism and the Digital Transformation
[C] Tourism and Jobs
[D] Tourism: Responding to the Challenge of Climate Change
Answer: Tourism and Jobs
The World Tourism Day (WTD) is observed every year on 27th of September to create awareness on the
role of tourism among the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural,
political and economic values worldwide. The 2019 theme is “Tourism and Jobs: A Better Future for All”.
117. Which actor has been chosen as goodwill ambassador for Maharashtra polls?
[A] Akshay Kumar
[B] Salman Khan
[C] Priyanka Chopra
[D] Madhuri Dixit
Answer: Madhuri Dixit
Actor Madhuri Dixit has been chosen as goodwill ambassador by the Chief Electoral Office (CEO) in
Maharashtra to create awareness among people about the importance of voting. The State Assembly polls
are scheduled for October 21 and results will be declared on October 24. She will be seen in a video titled
‘Let’s Vote” speaking about the democratic process and role of voters in the development of the country.
118. Which state government has decided to set up museum at the house of Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar?
[A] Bihar
[B] Jharkhand
[C] West Bengal
[D] Odisha

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 102


Current Affairs [PDF] - September 16-30, 2019

Answer: West Bengal


The West Bengal government has decided to set up a museum at the north Kolkata house of 19th century
social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar where he had spent the last few years of his life. The museum
chronicles his life from his birth place at Birsinghapur village in Paschim Medinipur district to the house
in north Kolkata. He was a key figure of the Bengal Renaissance and the most prominent campaigner for
Hindu widow remarriage.
119. “KAZIND – 2019” is the joint military exercise of India & which country?
[A] Kazakhstan
[B] Kyrgyzstan
[C] Tajikistan
[D] Turkmenistan
Answer: Kazakhstan
The 4th edition of Indo-Kazakhstan joint military exercise “KAZIND – 2019” will be conducted at
Pithoragarh from 2nd to 15th October 2019. The aim of the exercise is to conduct company level joint
training with emphasis on counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain.
120. Which space agency has successfully launched the RamanSat 2 miniature satellite?
[A] NASA
[B] ISRO
[C] JAXA
[D] Roscosmos
Answer: NASA
NASA has successfully launched the RamanSat 2 miniature satellite designed by 17-year-old Indian
student Aabhaas Sikka. The satellite was developed by Sikka during his internship with SPACE India with
help from SPACE Group Founder and CMD Sachin Bahmba along with the company’s research team. It is
carrying equipment to measure the radiation from Sun and space.

© 2019 GKToday | All Rights Reserved | https://www.gktoday.in 103

Das könnte Ihnen auch gefallen