Sunday, 31 August 2014

CURRENT AFFAIRS UPTO 30TH AUG



CURRENT AFFAIRS UPTO 30TH AUG

Indigenously built INS Kolkata inducted in Indian NavyINS kolkata - Current-Affairs
            On 16th August 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inducted INS Kolkata into Indian Navy. This is India's own largest indigenously built warship which makes it different from other warships India already had and makes it among important National Current Affairs.
It has many capabilities which makes it versatile for Indian Navy and certainly has boosted power of Indian Navy. On this occasion apart from Prime Minister Narendra Modi defence minister of India Mr Arun Jaitley and chief of naval staff Admiral RK Dhowan were also present.
This warship is constructed by the Mazagon Dockyards Limited and warship design has been prepared by Navy's design bureau. Weight of warship INS Kolkata is 6800 tonne.


Next generation ICBM Dongfeng -41 with range of 12,000 kilometres unveiled by China
            Among the International Current Affairs, China recently in first week of August, unveiled its next generation Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM). Missile was called Dongfeng - 41 (DF-41). 
With this China entered in the club of countires having very long range missiles. Do you know.. Dongfeng - 41 has a varing range between 12000 km to 15000 km which is huge if we talk about missiles. By its range it can be compared with US rocket Minuteman and Russian RS-24M Yars.
DF-41 is nuclear solid-fueled road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile. 

Rajni Razdan took oath as new UPSC Chairperson
 On 16th August 2014, Rajni Razdan became Union Public Service Commission new chairperson. She was appointed for this post by President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee eariler on 14th August. Her tenure will be of Six year.
Rajni Razdan is 64 years old. She joined UPSC as a member in 2010. She is a former IAS officer of Haryana cadre of 1973 batch. She was Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms, Public Grievances and Pensions.
Do you Know :
Who was Chairman of UPSC before appointment of Rajni Razdan ?
Ans : Prof. D P Agrawal

Serena Williams bagged her first Cincinnati Open title after defeating Ana Ivanovic

On 17th August 2014,  World number one American professional tennis player Serena Williams won her first ever Cincinnati Open by defeating Serbian tennis player Ana Ivanovic. Serena Williams defeated Ana Ivanovic by 6-4, 6-1. It was her 62nd career WTA title.
Do you Know :
Who is world number one in among Men Tennis Players ?
Ans: NOVAK DJOKOVIC of Serbia.

Kenya to bar travellers from Ebola-hit countries to be on safer side

The Kenyan government has taken decision to bar passengers travelling from three West African countries hit by the Ebola outbreak. This decision of suspension will be effective from Tuesday midnight. This step has been taken to take measures urgently required to stop entry of Ebola virus in the country.

Gaurav Gill of Team MRF won Malaysian Rally

On 17th August 2014, Gaurav Gill of Team MRF won the Malaysian Rally. 
With this result, the two Team MRF drivers will be involved in the straight battle for the title as the racing bandwagon.
Gaurav Gill is defending Asia Pacific Rally Champion (APRC). He won this with his MRF teammate Jan Kopecky. Though there was a problem with rear suspension still Gaurav made sure to finish on top, 13 mins ahead of Australia's Mark Pedder.

Parsis celebrated their New Year - Navroz

On 18th August 2014, Parsis community across the world celebrated their new year, which is known as "Navroz"
Do you know ?
Their calender do not match with the Gregorian calendar as Parsis calender has 12 months with exactly 30 days in each month, so this adds up to 360 days after 12 months. So they add additional five days, which are known as Gatha. This completes a solar year. 

Federer bagged Cincinnati open Title by defeating David Ferrer

On 18th August 2014, Roger Federer a swiss tennis player won Cincinnati title for Sixth time. Its amazing to know that he reached the final six times here and won for all the six times. 
He defeated David Ferrer a Spanish tennis player by 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 to mark his sixth win.
In women this title was clinched by Serena Williams.

Mahela Jayawardene announced retirement from International Test Cricket

On 18th August 2014, Mahela Jayawardene, a Sri Lankan Cricket star said good bye to test cricket. Mahela Jayawardene is 37 years old but was still a backbone of the batting order of Sri Lankan Cricket team. His test score speaks for him as he scored total of 11,814 runs in 149 test matches. Which makes an average of 49.84 during a long 17 years test career.

Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi selected as the Chairman of the Estimates Committee of Parliament

On 16th August 2014, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan selected Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi as the Chairman of the Estimates Committee of Parliament. This committee suggests alternative policies in order to bring about efficiency and economy in govt. administration.
Do you Know :
The Estimates Committee consists of 30 Lok Sabha members who are elected on yearly basis among all loksabha members.

Surya Kiran-VII, an Indo-Nepal Combined Army Training Exercise started in Uttarakhand

On 18th August 2014, Indo-Nepal Combined Army Training Exercise kicked off near Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, which was named as Surya Kiran-VII. This joint military excercise of two countries will be conducted from 18th August 2014 to 31st August 2014. Nearly 300 personnel from both the armies are taking part in this excercise which is happening at an altitude of 5000-6000 feet under the aegis of Guard Division. This is a mountain terrain of Pithoragarh in the Northern Himalayas.

India called off foreign secretary level talks with Pakistan, angered by Pakistan's consultations with Kashmiri separatists

On 18th August 2014, India called off secretary level talks with Pakistan as India angered by Pakistan's consultations with Kashmiri separatists. This tough decision was taken by Union Govt after Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit decided to have meeting with Kashmiri separatist Hurriyat leaders in Delhi. 
As we are already aware that high-level talk between the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan was to be help on 25th of August this year.
Even after Indian govt taken tough stand, Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit went ahead to meet Kashmiri separatist Hurriyat leaders in Delhi.

Ravi Shastri appointed as the Director of Indian Cricket Team to oversee Indian Team

On 19th August BCCI (Board of Cricket Control India) appointed Ravi Shastri as the Director of Indian Cricket Team. Now first responsibilty of Ravi Shastri will to assist Indian team in upcoming ODI series and t-20 match against England. 
Sanjay Bangar and Bharat Arun were named as asistant coaches while R Sridhar will be fielding coach of Indian Team, Duncan Fletcher will continue to be head coach of Indian Cricket Team.


AFI president Adille Sumariwala appointed as the Chef-de-Mission for 2014 Asian Games

On 18th August 2014, President of Athletics Federation of India (AFI) Adille Sumariwala was appointed as Chef-de-Mission for Asian Games, which is important among sports current affairs. It means he will be representing India at the Asian Games 2014. 
Asian Games 2014 are scheduled to held in September 2014 at Incheon, South Korea. 
Do you Know :
Asian Games are governed by Olympic Council of Asia

England defeated India by 3-1 to bag Pataudi Trophy

On 17th August 2014, England bagged 5-match Pataudi Trophy test-series. Out of 5 matches played, India won only one match and one match was draw, rest all three matches were won by England.
After this defeat India was slipped down in Test Rankings too. Now India is at 5th Position in ICC Test Rankings.

TCS and Bharti Foundation announced to spend Rs 200 cr to Modi's Clean India Campaign

On 18th August 2014, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Bharti Foundation announced to spend 100 crore each for PM's Clean India Campaign. 
TCS said that it will provide hygienic sanitation facilities in 10000 schools for girl students, on the other hand Bharti Foundation said that it will build toilets in Ludhiana in next three years covering every rural household.
Well this was very positive response from corporate sector showing their social responsibility.

World Photography Day observed across the world on 19th August

On 19th August World Photography Day observed across the world. It was 175th anniversary of the first permanent photographic process patented and freely released.
Founded in 2009, World Photo Day hosted its first global, online gallery in 2010 with the goal to unite local and global communities in a worldwide celebration of photography.
Do you Know :
First permanent photographic process patented and freely released to the world on August 19th, 1839.

India and Czech Republic Signed MoU on Technical Cooperation in the Field of Railway Sector

On 19th August 2014, A MoU was signed at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi between Ministry of Railways and Czech Railways on Technical Cooperation in the field of railway sector. 
The potential cooperation areas mentioned in the MoU are Freight operations, Passenger operations - including raising speed, Infrastructure building and management, Information & communication technologies especially for passenger amenities etc. 
Initially MoU is valid for three years which can be extended for successive periods of one (1) year at a time.

Dutch teenager Max Verstappen to become youngest Formula One driver at the age of Just 16Max Verstappen - Formula One Youngest Driver

 Among the Important Sports Current Affairs, Max Verstappen of Netherlands is in news as he will become youngest Formula One driver in the formula one race history. He is supposed to compete for the 2015 season. He will be starting with Scuderia Toro Rosso. He is just 16 years old now, by the time he will complete 2015 season he will be 17 years and few months old. Thus he will break the record of Spain Driver Jaime Alguersuari. Jaime Alguersuari was 19 years and few months old when he made his debut in 1990.

Book titled "Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi" authored by Faraz Ahmad released

On 19th August book titled "Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi: An Inside Job?" authored by Faraz Ahmad was released by a Senior journalist Vinod Mehta.
Author has his different views on assassination of Rajiv Gandhi, he feels it was a contract job and has nothing to do with Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam.
Faraz Ahmad is a print journalist and has a vast working experience of covering crime and politics.
Do you Know :
Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi was on 21st May 1991.

World-renowned yoga guru B K S Iyengar passed away at 96

On 20th August 2014, World-renowned yoga guru Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar passed away due to renal failure at Pune. He was 96 years old. 
He made yoga popular in man parts of world as he visited about 60 countries spreading the messgae of Yoga.
Bellur Krishnamachar Sundararaja Iyengar founded style of yoga Iyengar Yoga. He is credited with integrating the eight aspects of astanga yoga.

EMI facility on Debit Card - ICICI Bank became the first bank in India to do it

Amongthe Important banking Current Affairs, On 19th August 2014, ICICI Bank launched EMI facility on debit cards, thus becoming first bank in India to do so.
Customers can also win rewards points in transactions this way apart paying money in installments.
Do you Know :
Full Form of ICICI ?
Industrial Credit and Investment Corporation of India..

Senior Congress MP from Kerala, Prof K V Thomas appointed as Chairman of Public Accounts CommitteeKV Thomas Pac Chairman

 On 20th August 2014, Senior Congress leader K V Thomas took over as the new Chairman of Parliament's Public Accounts Committee, a news among important national current affairs. Important to tell that Post of PAC chairman is held by a member of opposition party. 
This key committee examines CAG reports once they are tabled in Parliament. PAC has a responsibility to check whether money granted by the Parliament has been spent by Government within the scope of the Demand, which makes it very important committee.
Do you Know : 
Who was the former PAC chairman ?
Ans : Murli Manohar Joshi (BJP).

Shree Swaminarayan Mandir opned in UK is the world's first "Green" Hindu templeFirst Green Temple UK

 On 19th August 2014, In Kingsbury of northwest London, United Kingdom, World's first Hindu eco-temple was opened. This temple is dedicated to Shree Swaminarayan so named as Shree Swaminarayan Mandir.

Apart from having traditional Indian architecture, intricate carvings and masterful artistry with green technologies this temple also have solar panels on its roof and a rainwater harvesting system which makes it first green eco friendly hindu temple in the World.

Imphal Court ordered to release human rights activist Irom SharmilaActivist Irom Sharmila

 A court in Imphal on 19th August 2014, ordered release of human rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu, thus dismissing that she was attempting to commit suicide by doing hunger strike.
She is known as Iron Lady for his so long protest.
Do you Know ? 
Human rights activist Irom Sharmila Chanu has been on indefinite fast for 13 years demanding revoking of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, (AFSPA) from the state. She begun her hunger strike in Nov 2000 when 10 persons were killed by Assam Rifles while an encounter with militants.

Nagpur Metro Rail Project was approved by Union Cabinet

On 20th August, Union Cabinet approved much awaited Nagpur Metro Rail Project. This project will be of 38.21 Km involving two corridors, North-South Corridor and East-West Corridor.
North-South Corridor will be of 19.65 Km while East-West Corridor will be of 18.55 km. The project will be implemented by Nagpur Metro Rail Corporation Limited. 50% of this project will be owned by Central Govt and other 50% will be owned by state Govt.
Deadline of completion of this project is set by March 2018.

Thailand coup General Prayuth Chan-ocha named as new PM of ThailandGeneral Prayuth Chan Ocha

 On 21st August 2014, Thailand coup leader, Army Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha was elected as the new Prime Minister of Thailand, thus be became the 29th Prime Minister of Thailand, which is an important news among international current affairs. Army Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha is 60 years old and was due to retire from army in few months.
Chan-Ocha is already working as de facto premier since the 22 May 2014 coup. As we are aware that Yingluck Shinawatra was dismissed as Prime Minister of Thailand after a court ruling, since then power has been seized by Chan-Ocha.

Hockey Madhya Pradesh was inducted as 23rd Associate Member by Hockey India

Among the sports current affairs, On 21st August 2014, Hockey India inducted Hockey Madhya Pradesh as 23rd Associate Member. Hockey Madhya Pradesh was previously known as Madhya Pradesh Hockey Association. 
Hockey India was formed on 20 May 2009. It is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
Do you Know :
Who is President of Hockey India ?
Ans : Mariamma Koshy
Who is Secretary General of Hockey India ?
Ans : Dr. Narinder Batra

Delhi-based wrestling academy, Guru Hanuman Akhara chosen for 2014 Rashtritya Khel Protsahan Puraskar

On 21st August 2014, a Delhi-based wrestling academy named as Guru Hanuman Akhara was chosen for the Rashtritya Khel Protsahan Puraskar of 2014. Under the category of establishment and management of sports academies of excellence this Akhara was chosen for this prestigious award.
This award is scheduled to be given on 29th August 2014 at National Sports Awards function and will be given by President of India, Pranab Mukherjee. 
Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyan Chand awards will also be given.

Chairman and managing director of Indian Bank T M Bhasin elected as Chairman of Indian Banks AssociationIndian Bank T M Bhasin - IBA

 Among the Banking Current Affairs, On 20th August 2014, chairman and managing director of Indian Bank Mr T M Bhasin was elected as Chairman of Indian Banks Association (IBA). Mr T M Bhasin will be the chairman of IBA for 2014-15.
Do you Know :
Who was the previous chairman of IBA ?
Ans : Chairman and managing director of Punjab National Bank, Mr K R Kamath. He was Chairman of IBA for two consecutive tenures 2012-13 and 2013-14. 

Prime Minister inaugurated 765 kv Ranchi-Dharmjaygarh-Sipat Transmission Line connecting the Eastern and Western parts of the country

Among the National Current Affairs on 21st August 2014, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi inaugurated 765 kv Ranchi-Dharmjaygarh-Sipat Transmission Line connecting the Eastern and Western parts of the country. This was an online inauguration at Prabhat Tara, Dhurwa, in Ranchi.





Eminent Kannada writer and Litterateur UR Ananthamurthy passed awayLitterateur UR Ananthamurt

 On 22nd August 2014, an eminent Kannada writer UR Ananthamurthy passed away. He took his last breath in Banglore. He died because of kidney failure at the age of 82.
He had a great name in Kannada literature and was also considered among the pioneers of Navya movement. 
UR Ananthamurthy was also nominated for Man Booker International Prize in 2013. 

New irrigation scheme Pradhan Mantri Krishi Seenchayi Yojana announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

On 19th August, When PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for four lane road stretch of 166 km in Haryana, he also announced Pradhan Mantri Krishi Seenchayi Yojana to cater irrigation needs of all the people who doing farming across the country.
Total 1000 crore rupees has been allocated for this irrigation scheme.

India's first indigenously built stealth warship INS Kamorta commissioned into Indian Navy by Defence Minister

Among the important National Current Affairs. On 23rd August 2014, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley commissioned INS Kamorta in Indian Navy. INS Kamorta is first indigenously-built stealth anti-submarine of India. INS Kamrota was commissioned in Vishakhapatnam. All weapon systems of INS Kamorta has been manufactured indigenously as this anti-submarine has been built by state-owned Gardenreach Shipbuilders in Kolkata. 
INS Kamorta will be serving in Vishakhapatnam-based Eastern Command of Indian Navy. 
INS Kamorta is carrying short range missiles,  Active Towed Array Decoy System and can also carry ASW helicopter.

After getting orders of transfer to Mizoram, Maharashtra governor K Sankaranarayanan resignedK Sankaranarayanan resigned

 After getting the orders of transfer to Mizoram, Maharashtra governor K Sankaranarayanan has reigned from the post.
For the time being, Gujrat's new governor O P Kohli has been asked to take care of Governor's duties of Maharashtra till a new person joins. 
K Sankaranarayanan is a veteran congress leader and his tenure as a Governor would have ended by 2017 but he resigned. 

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on a 3-day visit to Vietnam

Among the Important National Current Affairs, On 24th August 2014, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived Vietnam. Her visit to Vietnam will be 3 days long. This visit will focus cooperation in defence, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and textiles etc. For India Vietnam is very important strategically too. 
India and Vietnam shares robust economic ties which is clear from the fact that bilateral trade of these two countries is USD 8 billion, from which Indian exports stands about USD 5.4 billion.
It is also important to note that Vietnam has renewed India's lease of two oil blocks in South China Sea for another year, which sent a very positive message to Indian Govt. 
Sushma Swaraj will also inaugurate the the 3rd Round-table of the ASEAN-India Network of think-tanks in Vietnam.

Daniel Ricciardo emerged as winner of Belgian GPDaniel Ricciardo - GP

 On 24th August 2014, Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo won Belgian Grand Prix, he was driving for Red Bull team. This is third victory of Daniel Ricciardo this season as he has already won Hungary in July and Canadian Grand Prix in June. 

Actor-director Richard Attenborough, who also directed film Gandhi, passed away at 90Richard Attenborough

 On 24th August 2014, renowned filmmaker and actor Richard Attenborough passed away in London. He was 90 years old. 
He was very popular in India too after he filmed biopic on Mahatma Gandhi, that film was also named as Gandhi, which was his greatest success too. For film Gandhi he won total of eight Oscars, which also include Oscar for best picture. He also won Academy award for same. 
Born on 29 August 1923 in Cambridge, England was among the great directors in the world. Before being an director he was also an actor.

Cone-shaped copper awl which is termed as Oldest metal object was found in woman's grave in Israel

Now a current affairs which takes us to history,  As an antique copper awl was recently discovered in Israel which is claimed to be the world's oldest metal object. 
A team of archaeologists found this metal object at a burial site in Tel Tsaf from a woman's grave.
As per archaeologists this metal object dates back between 5100 BC and 4600 BC. 

Katie Ledecky broke women's 400-meter freestyle world Record to create her new RecordKatie Ledecky

 On 23rd August 2014, An American distance swimmer Katie Ledecky created a World Record in Women's 1500 Meter, which is among important sports current affairs. 
She borke the previous world record hold by herself. She already had an record of swimming the distance in 15 mins 34.23 seconds, which she broke by covering the same distance is 15 mins 28.36 seconds.
She made this new record at 2014 Pan Pac Championships on the Gold Coast, Australia and it was her fifth gold medal at Gold Coast meet. 
Congratulations Katie Ledecky !

Supreme Court of India declared that all Coal Blocks after 1993 were illegal and Arbitrary

On 25th August 2014, The Supreme Court of India gave a major verdict related to coal blocks. In its verdict Court said that coal blocks allocated by the concerned committee from 1993 to 2010 were illegal and this distribution was arbitrary and was not transparent. 
Though Court also said that a furthur hearing is needed to decide wheather these 218 allocations should be cancelled. 

India's First Ethanol-Run Bus Rolled out in Nagpur by Union GovernmentFirst Ethanol Run Bus Rolled

 On 22nd August 2014, India's first ever Ethanol-run environment-friendly public buses were launched by Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari. 
Ethanol run buses will be a big hit if these buses deliver effective service. As India imports petrol, diesel and gas worth over Rs 6 lakh crore every year, so India have to look at alternative fuels to minimize this import cost and this will also make country self reliant. 
Friends who have studied Chemistry seriously must be aware that Ethanol also called ethyl alcohol. It is pure alcohol and is a volatile, flammable, colorless liquid. 
Positive thing is that it can produced in large quantities in India.

Finance Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was named new Turkish Prime MinisterAhmet Davutoglu

 Among the International Current Affairs, Finance Minister Ahmet Davutoglu was named new Turkish Prime Minister. He was named as New Prime Minister of Turkey on 10th August 2014. He will be assume office from 28th August 2014 as he will be replacing Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
He had served as chief advisor to Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He was Finance Minister of the country since 2009. 

First IIEST was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee at Shibpur in West Bengal

On 24th August 2014, The first Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology (IIEST) of the country was inaugurated by The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee at Shibpur, Howrah, West Bengal.
Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur, was formly known as Bengal Engineering and Science University and it was established in 1856. 
IIEST is a public institution for research and education in engineering science and technology. In March 2014 the institute got national status by amending National Institutes of Technology and Science Education and Research (NITSER) Act, 2007. It was renamed to IIEST Shibpur from Bengal Engineering and Science University. 



From Mumbai to Lonavala - this was launch of first seaplane service in MaharashtraSea Plane Mumbai

 On 25th August 2014, first seaplane service of Maharashtra was launched. It was from Mumbai to Lonavala. This maiden aircraft took off from Juhu airport and touched the water of Pawana Dam in Pune district of Maharashtra. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) in collaboration with Maritime Energy Heli Air Services Pvt. Ltd. (MEHAIR) launched this service. 
Cessna 208A aircraft was used in this first flight. 

Famous Malayalam actor Chemancherry Narayanan Nair passed away at 79

Famous Malayalam drama and film actor Chemancherry Narayanan Nair passed away on 25th August 2014. He was 79 years old. 
He acted is many famous films, few are Mukham moodiakal, Abhijathyam, Ammakkilikoodu, Balettan. Apart from films he also contributed in TV serials by his acting.

Ministry of Textiles sign MoU with Flipkart for welfare of handloom weavers

On 25th August 2014, Ministry of Textiles signed MoU with Flipkart India Pvt. Ltd. This MoU will help in providing online marketing space to handloom weavers which will eventually boost the handloom sector, empower the weavers and boost manufacturing in the country.
Flipkart will be helping weavers by giving online platform, infrastructural support in data analytics and customer acquisition which will help handloom weavers to scale up their business.

Penalty of Rs 2545 was imposed on 14 car makers by CCI for unfair practices

On 25th August 2014, The Competition Commission of India (CCI) imposed heavy fines on 14 car companies as CCI found car companies were doing unfair business practices in the spare parts market. This decision was taken as CCI found that auto companies were not making genuine spare parts freely available in the open market.  
The fine has been calculated at 2% of average turnover of a particular company. 
Companies were ordered to deposit penalty within 60 days. 

In U.K. Indian origin MP Seema Malhotra appointed as Shadow MinisterSeema Malhotra

 On 25th August 2014, Indian Origin Seema Malhotra was appointed as first shadow minister in U.K.. Labour party leader Ed Miliband appointed Seema Malhotra first ever Shadow Minister. Shadow Minister was appointed for prevention of violence against women and girls. 

French government dissolved by President Francois Hollande over economic policy

On 25th August 2014, French President Francois Hollande dissolved his government over the issue of economic policy. French Prime Minister Manuel Valls offered resignation which was accepted by Hollande. Manuel Valls has been ordered to form a new government by 26 August 2014. 

A record in Limca Book was set by BSF men in tree planting

BSF men took a great initiative by planting saplings at all BSF locations on 19 August 2014. This was a special tree plantation drive under a Green Mission.  Within 30 minutes around 2 lakh saplings were planted at all the Frontiers Headquarters, Sector Headquarters, Training Institutions, Battalion Headquarters and all Border Outposts which made a record in LIMCA book of records. 
Good Job !

Govt cleared name of R N Ravi as new chief of Joint Intelligence Committee

On 25th August 2014, Union Government appointed Mr. R N Ravi as the new chief of Joint Intelligence Committee. Joint Intelligence Committee assess intelligence gathered by various intelligence agencies including IB and RAW. 
Mr. R N Ravi is a IPS officer of 1976 batch. He got retired in 2012 from the post of Special Director of Intelligence Bureau. He will be holding this charge for next three years, his rank and pay will be equal to Secretary to the Government.
Please Note :  IPS officer Ramesh Chand Tayal also appointed as Central Reserve Police Force Special Director-General. 

Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit resigned from post of Kerala Governor

On 26th August, Sheila Dikshit resigned from the post of Kerala's Governor. She said I didn't do resign under any pressure but I have followed my heart. 
Former CM of Delhi Sheila Dikshit (from 1998 to 2013) was appointed Kerala governor in March 2014.

Indo-Russia maiden aerial exercise at Astrakhan region, near the Caspian Sea in Russia
On 25th August 2014, India and Russia started their maiden aerial exercise at Astrakhan region, near the Caspian Sea in Russia. This aerial exercise involves aircraft like Su-30MKI and Mi-17 helicopters which will help in cooperation between air forces of two countries. 
This exercise will be till 5th September 2014 as this is of ten days. This is very first such event between two air forces of these countries, though Indian and Russia already have war exercises of armies and navies.
Russia is also major supplier of arms to India.

Indian Steel Association elected C. S. Verma as its first PresidentC S Verma - SAIL
 On 26th August 2014, Mr. C S Verma, Chairman of SAIL was elected as the first President of the Indian Steel Association. Indian Steel Association is a association of Major domestic steel producers of India. 
Aim of this association is to work towards transforming the Indian steel industry as a global leader in Quality, Productivity & Competitiveness.

Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa got new Governors
On 27th August 2014, Four states of India viz. Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa got their new Governors. Appointment of new Governors was done by President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee. 
Following are the details : 
·  Rajasthan - Mr. Kalyan Singh appointed as new Governor,
·  Karnataka - Mr. Vajubhai Rudabhai appointed as new Governor,
·  Maharashtra - Ch. Vidyasagar Rao appointed as new Governor,
·  Goa - Mridula Sinha appointed as new Governor.
·   
Deal of sharing Towers was signed between Reliance Jio Infocomm and BSNL
On 26th August 2014, Reliance Jio Infocomm (RJIL) inked a deal with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).  RJIL will be taking around 4000 mobile towers of BSNL. 
Important thing to know about RJIL is that, it is the first telecom operator to get a unified licence for all 22 service areas in India, it allows RJIL to give servie of voice telephony too. 

Chabad House - Jewish centre in Mumbai reopened after 26 November 2008 attack
On 26th August 2014, Chabad House in Mumbai was reopened. Chabad House is Jewish centre also known as Nariman House. Nearly after six years after 26/11 terror 
attack in 2008 it was reopened. On this occasion 25 Rabbis representing the Jewish community were gathered from all over Asia.
Do you Know ?
Opened in 2003, Chabad House centre is among the eight synagogues in Mumbai. 

Union Finance Ministry ordered the forensic audit of UCO bank, Dena bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce
The Union Finance Ministry ordered limited forensic audit of UCO bank, Dena bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce. 
UCO bank audit was ordered to find out irregularities in some non-performing accounts during sanction of loans.
Audit of Dena Bank and Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) was ordered as some officials were suspected of misappropriating the funds.


Recep Tayyip Erdogan sworn in as Turkey's 12th President

On 28th August 2014, Recep Tayyip Erdogan was sworn in as President of Turkey, thus he became 12th President of Turkey in a ceremony held at Parliament of Turkey in Ankarra. Recep Tayyip Erdogan won the elections held in August 2014 with 51.79 percent votes.
He is from Justice and Development Party and was serving as Prime Minister of Turkey since 2003.

Shah Rukh Khan becomes INTERPOL Turn Back Crime campaign Ambassador

On 27th August 2014, Shah Rukh Khan became the Interpol's ambassador for its "Turn Back Crime" campaign. This campaign aims at promoting awareness among the masses about how each can play a role in preventing crime.
He became first Indian to be made as ambassador for this Global campaign. 

Government launched Dot Bharat domain

On 27th August 2014,  Union Government on India launched a new domain Dot Bharat (.भारत) in Devanagari script. It was launched in a formal function in New Delhi. 
This domain is aimed to people who are non-english speaking. This domain will be covering eight languages like Hindi, Bodo, Dogri, Konkani, Maithili, Marathi, Nepali and Sindhi. 
This will help to connect people with social media and provide contents in regional languages. 

Ramanujam committee to identify obsolete laws

Among the important National Current Affairs, On 27th August 2014, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi set up a committee chaired by R. Ramanujam. Ramanujam committee will identify the obsolete laws. This committee will be examining the laws which may have become obsolete within the last 10 to 15 years. 
Ramanujam committee will be submitting its report in three months, on its basis a bill will be introduced in Parliament by Govt in winter session.

Snapdeal and Tata Value Homes tied up to sell affordable homes

On 26th August, Tata Value Homes tied up with Snapdeal to sell apartments. This is the first time some real estate venture has tied up with some e-commerce venture. 
Snapdeal is currently having 25 million subscribers and is serving its customers in more than 5000 cities and towns.
Tata Value Homes Limited is wholly owned subsidiary of TATA Housing Development Company Limited.