Current Affairs Daily Updates August 1st 2016


Current Affairs 
Dear Readers,
Welcome to Mentor for Bank Exams. Here I am posting Daily Current affairs News Updates about the National and International events were listed here. Candidates those who are preparing for IBPS/SBI/PO/Clerk exam and all other competitive exams can use this. Kindly make use of these!!!
APPOINTMENTS
1) Tokyo elects Yuriko Koike as first female governor
Former Defence Minister Yuriko Koike has been elected governor of Tokyo, the first woman to lead Japan's capital.
Ms Koike, running as an independent candidate, received more than 2.9 million votes in Sunday's election, beating her opponents by a wide margin.
One of her key challenges will be curbing the financial problems plaguing Tokyo's preparations to host the 2020 Olympic Games.
2) Anant Maheshwari named Microsoft India chief
Anant Maheshwari will succeed Bhaskar Pramanik as the head of Microsoft in India. He will join the IT products and services major on September 1 as President and will take over the operations of the company with effect from January 1, 2017.
Pramanik, who led the firm for about five years, will retire next March.
Prior to this appointment, Maheshwari was President of Honeywell in India, taking care of its Aerospace, Automation and Control Solutions, the company’s Performance Materials division and its Technologies business.
3) Kedar Upadhye appointed Cipla global CFO
Cipla has appointed Kedar Upadhye as its global chief financial officer (CFO) effective today.
Until recently, Kedar was Vice-President, Global Generics Finance, and Head of Investor Relations in Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Cipla said in a statement.
Prior to Dr Reddy’s, he has worked with Pepsi India and Thermax Group, it added.
4) Dilip Rath takes charge as interim chairman of NDDB
After T Nanda Kumar quit as chairman of the Anand-headquartered National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), managing director of the organisation Dilip Rath, who is an erstwhile joint secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry, GoI took over as chairman from Monday, August 1 until the appointment of a regular incumbent.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Govt of India has given Rath additional charge of the post until the appointment of a regular incumbent.
Nanda Kumar had put in his resignation on June 29, which was accepted by the Appointments Committee of Cabinet on Wednesday, July 27, and he is to be relieved from duty from August 1.
5) Dilip Rath assumes additional charge as NDDB chairman
Dilip Rath, took over as the chairman of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Monday, after the department of personnel and training (DoPT), Government of India gave him the additional charge of the post until the appointment of a regular incumbent.
The chairman’s post fell vacant last week after T Nandakumar resigned before his five-year term ended.
Rath is currently the managing director of NDDB, an organisation he joined in 2011 after taking premature retirement from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).
Holding a MA degree in economics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Rath went on to complete MSc from the London School of Economics.
6) New Chief Justice of Patna High Court sworn in
Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari was on Monday sworn in as the Chief Justice of Patna High Court by Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind at a function herein Raj Bhawan.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, his Deputy Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Sushil Kumar Modi, Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Council Chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh and others were present at the occasion.
Bihar’s Advocate General Ram Balak Mahto, Principal Additional Advocate General Lalit Kishore and a host of senior advocates and government lawyers also attended the programme.
7) Anandiben Patel resigns as Gujarat chief minister
The chief minister of Gujarat and a long-time confidante of Prime Minister Narendra Modi resigned on Monday, as protests by the low-caste Dalit community threatened to hurt the standing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Anandiben Patel, who served as the state's first woman chief minister, posted the resignation letter on her Facebook page. She said the decision was driven by the fact that she was almost 75 years old, the age at which Modi expects ministers to retire.
Modi appointed Patel as his successor in Gujarat, his home state, in 2014. He had run the state for 13 years - an era of rapid industrial growth that his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) successfully pitched to voters as a "model" to bring prosperity to India's 1.3 billion people.
8) Darren Lehmann handed two-year extension as Australia coach
Darren Lehmann will continue as head coach of Australia until October 2019, after receiving a two-year contract extension. The 46-year-old's contract was due to expire in June 2017, but has now been extended to cover home and away Ashes series and the 50-over World Cup in 2019.
The extension was long rumoured with many in Australian cricket circles believing Justin Langer, Western Australia's coach, being the hot favourite to succeed Lehmann in 2019. Langer was Australia's interim coach in the Caribbean during the tri-series in June when Lehmann rested.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1) Teen Choice Awards 2016: Winners
The 2016 Teen Choice Awards was broadcast live from The Forum in Los Angeles last night, and there are a slew of big winners from the show hosted by John Cena and Victoria Justice.
The night's career award went to Justin Timberlake, while movies like "Deadpool," "Divergent" and others also received honours. Not to be left out were the awards for fashion and social media. It was a big night!
BANKING NEWS
1) ICICI Bank, Apollo to set up asset reconstruction firm
ICICI Bank and Apollo India Credit Opportunity Management have signed an MoU to set up an asset reconstruction company (ARC), the lender said.
ICICI Bank will pick up 30 per cent in the ARC. Current rules do not allow more than 50 per cent FDI by an entity in an ARC.
As the Centre is considering an increase in the cap to 100 per cent, Apollo will hold 70 per cent if the proposal goes through.
Otherwise, Apollo will have 50 per cent stake, with a third partner holding the remaining stake, sources said.
2) ICICI Bank reduces MCLR by 0.05%
Country's largest private sector lender ICICI Bank today announced a 0.05% reduction in its marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR).
The overnight MCLR will be 8.90% under the revised rate structure which is effective from today, sources said.
The one-year MCLR, to which the home loans are linked, has moved down to 9.10%, they said, adding that the reductions are across tenors.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced the MCLR from April 1 this year for faster transmission of its policy actions into actual lending rates by the banks.
Lenders are given the leeway to review their MCLR once in a month and it is the hope of the RBI that the competition will help them act faster.
3) ICICI, Axis bank join Swift’s global payments initiative
SWIFT announced that ICICI Bank and AXIS Bank are the first Indian banks to sign up for its global payments innovation initiative.
Both banks will be joining forces with more than 70 other leading banks globally. The initiative aims to enhance cross-border payments by leveraging SWIFT’s proven messaging platform and global reach.
In its first phase, the initiative will focus on business-to-business payments. Designed to help corporates grow their international business, improve supplier relationships, and achieve greater treasury efficiencies; the new service will enable corporates to receive an enhanced payments service directly from their banks
4) Exim raises $1bn bonds at lowest yield since 2000
Export Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) has raised $1 billion by floating 10-year bonds offering a coupon of 3.375%, marking a revival in appetite for Indian debt.
Exim Bank said that the yield on the bond is the lowest on a $500-million-plus bond since 2000.
In the last fortnight, Adani Transmission raised $500 million and pharma firm Glenmark mopped up $200 million.
Earlier in July, mortgage giant HDFC and the region's multilateral financial — Asian Development Bank, raised Rs 3,000 crore and Rs 500 crore, respectively, from international investors by floating rupee-denominated debt.
5) World Bank gives $100 million for Sri Lanka's economic reforms
The World Bank has approved a $100 million credit from the International Development Association (IDA) to support the Sri Lanka's economic reforms programme, officials said on Monday.
"Sri Lanka has been making steady progress on economic reforms, with the government aiming to create one million new jobs through a reform package focused on improving the country's competitiveness, transparency and macroeconomic stability," the report quoted a statement by the World Bank as saying.
A World Bank study, the Systematic Country Diagnostic, has highlighted the need for Sri Lanka to move from "a largely inward looking and public sector driven economy" to one that can unleash the potential of the private sector.
6) Exim Bank raises $1 billion from overseas bonds
Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) on Sunday announced raising of $1 billion (about Rs 6,700 crore) by selling bonds to overseas investors.
Initially announced for $500 million, the issue was upsized to $1 billion based on strong demand from the investors, Exim Bank said in a statement.

The issue attracted a total order book in excess of $2.50 billion from over 157 investors. This was the largest issuance ever for Exim Bank and also the largest single tranche issuance out of India in 2016, it claimed.
BUSINESS/ECONOMY
1) IRCTC's app ties-up exclusively with Mobikwik for e-cash payments
Mobile payments company MobiKwik and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) have announced an exclusive partnership, wherein MobiKwik will power e-cash payments on IRCTC's e-catering app, Food on Track.
The app allows passengers to book and get food from their preferred restaurants, delivered right at their train coaches. MobiKwik is also powering payments for IRCTC Connect, which allows users to book train tickets instantly.
2) Finance Minister calls for more FDI
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, has called for more Foreign Direct Investment and emphasized on stable and credible tax system.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has said there is a need to attract more global investments to India.
Delivering 1st memorial lecture at Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Memorial Lecture in New Delhi yesterday, Jaitley said, investments will help India build good business environment.
3) NRIs/PIOs can now send funds online for Modi govt's flagship schemes like Swachch Bharat, Clean Ganga
NRIs and Persons of Indian Origion (PIOs) will now be able to make monetary contributions online for government's flagship programmes 'Swachch Bharat' and Clean Ganga among other social sector projects, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj announced in Tuesday.
Swaraj said this while chairing a meeting of the India Development Foundation of Overseas Indians (IDF-OI), a not-for-profit trust established by government of India with an aim to supplement country's social development efforts.
4) SEBI’s first phase of new enterprise portal goes live
Markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has initiated the first phase of its new enterprise portal to facilitate accurate and timely dissemination of information to the watchdog’s internal and external stakeholders.
The new portal, which would replace the regulator’s existing portal in a phased manner, went live on July 29 and is being developed by IT major Tech Mahindra.
The first phase of the project provides the employees of the SEBI and some of its market intermediaries with an interactive portal.
5) IRB Infra bags Rs 2,100-crore Rajasthan-Gujarat NHAI project
Toll road firm IRB Infrastructure Developers has received a contract worth Rs 2,100 crore from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for a six-lane project in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
In a company released statement, IRB said that it has emerged as a preferred bidder for the six-lane project from Udaipur to Rajasthan/ Gujarat border on section of NH-8 in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
BOOKS AND AUTHORS
1) India Rising: Fresh Hope, New Fears authored by Ravi Velloor
A book titled India Rising: Fresh Hope, New Fears by Ravi Velloor chronicles India's journey in the decade before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rise.
The book was released in April 2016 by Singapore Emeritus Senior Minister (ESM) Goh Chok Tong.
The book captures the significant events of the years under former India Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and examines how the country dealt with those issues.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
1) US skydiver jumps without parachute into net from 25,000ft
American Luke Aikins has become the first person to jump from 25,000 ft (7,620m) without a parachute, landing safely in a net.
Mr Aikins - who has more than 18,000 jumps under his belt - fell dead centre into the 100x100ft net in Simi Valley, southern California.
During the two-minute fall aired live on Fox television, the 42-year-old reached the speed of 120mph (193km/h).
To loud cheers, he climbed out of the net and hugged his wife and young son.
2) Rare 3,000-year-old tree found in China
A rare yew tree whose extract is used to treat cancer and is believed to be about 3,000 years old has been discovered in China, authorities said on Sunday.
The living tree is located in Huanggou Forest, in northeast China’s Jilin Province.
It is more than 40 metres tall and has a diameter of 1.68 metres, said Yang Yongsheng, head of the forest administration.
According to the provincial forestry department, it is the oldest — believed to be about 3,000 years old — and the best-preserved Chinese yew in Jilin.
NATIONAL NEWS
1) Andhra Pradesh, Japan agriculture ministry ink pact to develop food value chain
The Andhra Pradesh government on 30 July 2016 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Japan to develop a food value chain in the state.
Under the MoU, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) will encourage direct investments by Japanese companies in the fields of agriculture and food-related industry in Andhra Pradesh.
Along with developing a food value chain, it will also establish food industrial parks and develop cold chains.
2) Suresh Prabhu to flag off Delhi-Agartala broad gauge train service today
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu will flag off the maiden broad gauge train service from Agartala to Delhi today.
The 'Tripura Sundari Express' will run weekly between Agartala and Anand Vihar in New Delhi.
It will have commercial stoppages at 16 stations and cover a distance of 2461 kms in 46 hrs. 50 minutes.
The train will leave Agartala for New Delhi every Thursday and will leave New Delhi for the return journey every Monday.
The Railway Minister will also lay the foundation stone of the Agartala-Akhaura International Rail link Project with Bangladesh Railway Minister Md. Mazibul Hoque.
3) Resolution for renaming of Madras High Court passed
Even as a Bill introduced by the Union Law Ministry to rename the Madras High Court as the High Court of Chennai awaits Parliamentary nod, the State Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday urging the Centre to rename it as the High Court of Tamil Nadu.
Moving the resolution in the House, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa said that the High Court was located in the city of Chennai but has jurisdiction over the whole State of Tamil Nadu.
4) NTPC commissions NP Kunta power project
NTPC Ltd has commissioned a 50 MW (1X50 MW) capacity solar photovoltaic power project of NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Power Project Stage-I at Anantapuramu in Andhra Pradesh on July 29.
With this, the installed capacity of NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Power Project Stage-I coming up at at Anantapuramu has touched 250 MW and that of NTPC Group now stands at 47,228 MW.
5) Centre relaxes norms for foreign tourists visiting Ladakh
The Centre has decided to relax the requirement of a Protected Area Permit for foreigners visiting various parts of Ladakh including the Nubra valley, Jammu and Kashmir government said on Sunday.
The notification has been issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in this regard.
J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has directed the Tourism Department to expedite necessary approvals and initiate work on various tourism infrastructure projects for which DPRs have already been submitted for approval of the central government.
6) HRD Minister inaugurates IIT Goa Campus
Union Minister of Human Resource Development Shri Prakash Javdekar inaugurated Indian Institute of Technology, Goa on Saturday, July 30th.
He also laid the foundation stone for IIT Goa Students’ Hostel. The newly set up IIT Goa shall function from temporary campus at Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi and will be mentored by IIT Mumbai.
Speaking on the occasion Union HRD Minister stated that IITs are recognised world over as premier institutes of academic excellence.
He also stated that the Ministry is working towards increasing the perception of IITs so that IITs are ranked top in world rankings.
7) Kudankulam plant is safest in the world, says Russian official
The two units of India's Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP), which is being implemented with strong safety enhancement requirement, can withstand an energy accident like the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster of 2011 in Japan, a Russian nuclear industry official has said.
In an interview to The Hindu, Vladimir Angelov, director of projects for the ASE group of companies in India, said, "We analysed the basic technical design of Units 1 and 2 in terms of the lessons from Fukushima. We came to the conclusion that they would have withstood a Fukushima-like incident."
SPORTS NEWS
1) India to host Kabaddi World Cup in October
India will host 12 teams in the Kabaddi World Cup scheduled to take place in October, the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) announced on Sunday.
The United States, Canada, UK, Australia, Iran, Poland, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Korea, Japan and Kenya, apart from hosts India, are set to take part in the competition for the top honours.
Kabaddi became a part of Asian Games in the year 1990 and India has won all the gold medals since then.
2) Patna Pirates crowned Season 4 Champions of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi
Season 4 of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi ended on a high note at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium with reigning champions Patna Pirates recording a 37-29 victory over the formidable Jaipur Pink Panthers in the finale.
It was a closely contested 40 minutes of perhaps the finest kabaddi game of the season, as both teams battled for supremacy. Dharmaraj Cheralathan captain of the Patna Pirates, hoisted up the golden trophy amidst spectacular scenes of celebration.
It was Patna’s aggression versus Jaipur’s tactics and in the end, it was Patna Pirates who stamped their authority and emerged as champions of the League, claiming their second trophy.
3) Lewis Hamilton wins German Grand Prix to maintain F1 championship lead
Lewis Hamilton dominated the German Grand Prix to move into a 19-point lead in the championship over Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg.
Hamilton shot into the lead at the start from second on the grid as Rosberg slipped to fourth, where he finished after a difficult afternoon.
Rosberg was penalised for forcing Red Bull's Max Verstappen off the track.
The German finished behind Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Verstappen after being unable to make up the lost time.
4) Novak Djokovic wins fourth Rogers Cup championship
Moments after closing out his straight-sets win over Kei Nishikori, newly-crowned Rogers Cup champ Novak Djokovic saluted fans at the Aviva Centre and tossed his sweaty wristbands into the crowd.
Then the 29-year-old Serbian tennis star entered the stands to hug his coaches and his doubles partner, Nenad Zimonjic.
Minutes later in the trophy ceremony he asked the fans who stuck around to hug the person next to them. Only a handful joined the bonding exercise, but Djokovic wheeled to his left and wrapped the on-court public address announcer in a bear hug.
5) Simona Halep defeats Madison Keys to win Rogers Cup women’s title
The large contingent of red-and-yellow-clad Romanian fans at Uniprix Stadium got what they came for: a convincing victory by Simona Halep in the final of the women’s Rogers Cup.
A roar went up and flags were waving as Halep defeated error-prone American Madison Keys 7-6 (2), 6-3 to claim the title in Canada on her second try, one year after heat stroke forced her to retire from the championship match.
6) Ashwin equals Anil Kumble, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar's record
Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin continued his supreme form with the ball, as he claimed yet another five-wicket haul against West Indies and equalled the feat achieved by legendary Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and Anil Kumble.
With his 18th five-for in 34 Test matches, the off-spinner also earned the distinction of becoming only the third Indian bowler to have five-wicket innings hauls in three consecutive Test matches after spinners Bhagwat Chandrasekhar and current coach Anil Kumble. 





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