We are here for you to provide the important current affairs of September 18 2017 which have unique updates of all daily events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, India Today, Indian Express, Business Standard, all Government official websites. Our complete current affairs helps you to get more marks in Banking, insurance, UPSC, SSC, CLAT, Railway and all other competitive Exams.
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Indian Affairs
Home Minister launches Intelligence wing of Sashastra Seema Bal and WARB app
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has launched first Intelligence Wing of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Welfare & Rehabilita tion Board (WARB) App in New Delhi authorized to Protect the shared borders of India with Nepal and Bhutan. It has been confirmed as the Lead Intelligence Agency (LIA) for both the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders.
Need of Intelligence Wing of SSB :-
i.SSB Director General Archana Ramasundaram informed that Intelligence Wing of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) is used to prevent criminals and smugglers from taking advantage of the friendly borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
ii.The intelligence wing will have 650 field and staff agents to gather information about these borders frequently used by criminals and Kashmiri terrorists returning from Pakistan.
Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB) App :-
Welfare and Rehabilitation Board (WARB) App implements to facilitate retired CAPFs (Central Armed Police Forces) and Assam Rifles personnel to get their grievances redressed, then can look for skill development training through National Skill Development Corporation under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna, re-employment and other relevant important information.…..Click here to view more details
INS Garhial carries relief material under ‘operation Insaniyat’ for Rohingya refugees
India will be started ‘operation Insaniyat’ by INS Garhial to help Bangladesh for the Rohingya refugees. Indian Navy will carry around 86 thousand family packs as relief material in the ongoing operation.
- The ship will be expected to reach Chittagong on 25th of this month. The ship carries relief material consisting of rice, pulses, sugar, salt, cooking oil, biscuits and mosquito nets will be provided to the affected people.
- On 14th and 15th of September ,a C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the Indian Air Force delivered around 107 tonnes of relief material for Rohingya Muslim refugees in Bangladesh in two sorties to Chittagong.
Each jute bag based family pack has rations, toiletries and mosquito net. These have been handed over to District administration in Cox Bazar for distribution to refugees.
Odisha passes bill for setting up first Odia language university
On September 14,2017, The Odisha government passed a bill for starting the first Odia language university for post-graduate in literature, linguistics and epigraphy. After Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, Odisha became the fourth state in country to have a special university for development of its language and literature.
About the University:-
i. The university would be established in Bhubaneswar.
ii. It would also administer PG courses in literary criticism, evolution of east Indian language scripts, historical scripts, archaeology, musicology and translation into and from Odia.
iii. The proposed university also aims at making Odia script more adaptable to computer technology.
iv. It would work as an education and resource centre for Sanskrit and other ancient languages as well.
India exempts import duty on goods for FIFA U-17 World Cup
On September 17,2017, The government announced that it has exempted import duty for sports items and a wide range of goods for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup India.
The exempted goods:-
The following goods will also be exempted from the integrated tax levied under the GST.
i. All sports goods, sports equipment and sports requisites; fitness equipment; team uniform/clothing; spares, accessories and consumables of the same.
ii. Doping control equipment, first aid kits, satellite phones/GPS, dining/kitchen items, and office consumables, are also among the goods that have been exempted from the import duty.
iii. Broadcast equipment and supplies used in organising and during the event imported by FIFA Host Broadcasters too falls in the exemption list.
But CBEC (Central board of excise and customs) issued a notification that importers will have to furnish undertakings that all the goods, excluding gift items, souvenirs, mementos will be re-exported within three months of conclusion of the World Cup.
About FIFA U-17 World Cup :-
i. The first FIFA event to be held in India will be spread over six cities including New Delhi ,Kochi ,Kolkata ,Guwahati ,Navi Mumbai and Margao.
ii. It starts on October 6 and have 52 matches. The final football match, on October 28, will be played at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium.
iii. India, as the host country, is automatically qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017
iv. Brazil, Spain, Germany, France, USA, England, Paraguay, Japan and Korea DPR, are among the nations participating in the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup event.
v. The 17th edition of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, has the slogan ‘Football takes over’.
International Affairs
Russia, Iraq restore air travel after 13-years
Russia and Iraq restored scheduled commercial airline services on 17th of Sept. for the first time since 2004.
Key Points:
i.According to the Russia’s civil aviation authority the first commercial flight arrives on 17th of sept.
ii.As per the the Russian airport’s online departure and arrival timetables an Iraqi Airways plane left Baghdad at10.31 am (0731 GMT) and was expected to arrive at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport at 2.19 pm (1119 GMT).
iii.It is a signal on the part of the Iraqi authorities that Russian nationals can safely visit Iraq.
iv.The two countries may also later agree on air travel to the Iraqi city of Basra.
v.Russia suspended regular flights to Iraq in 2004 after the US-led invasion in 2003 flinged the Arab country into war.
About Iraq:
Capital: Baghdad
President: Fuad Masum
PM: Haider al-Abadi
Currency: Iraqi Dinar
Japan releases postage stamps on Indian Yoga experts
On 17th September 2017, Japanese postal department released postage stamps on Yoga Expert Mr.Bishnu Charan Ghosh and his family members, in Kolkata.
Postage stamps on Indian Yoga experts:
i. Japan has released postage stamps on Indian Yoga experts Mr.Bishnu Charan Ghosh, his son Mr.Biswanath Ghosh, daughter Ms.Karuna Ghosh and Karuna’s father in law Mr.Asutosh Ghosh.
ii. This is to honour their contribution in spreading awareness about Yoga.
iii. This is the first time Japan has released postal stamps on Yoga Experts.
iv. These stamps were officially displayed in Kolkata by the Japanese Consul General in Kolkata, Masayuki Taga.
v. Mr.Bishnu Charan Gosh was a Bengali bodybuilder and a Yoga expert. He lived in 1903 – 1970.
About Japan:
i. Capital – Tokyo
ii. Currency – Yen
iii. National language – Japanese
iv. Prime Minister – Mr.Shinzo Abe
China opens dual-use highway to Nepal through Tibet
On 15th September 2017, China opened a dual use highway in Tibet to the Nepal border which could be used for civilian and defence purposes, in China.
Dual-use highway:
i. The highway is 40.4 km long and 25 m wide.
ii. It has 4 double lanes. It is classified a first-tier highway.
iii. It connects Xigaze airport and Xigaze city centre in Tibet.
iv. It has a short section linking the national highway to the Nepal border.
v. This could be used for both civilian and defence purposes.
vi. The highway will reduce half of the journey time between the Xigaze airport and Xigaze city.
vii. This road would help to ease the traffic congestions and export economy of China.
About China:
i. Capital – Beijing
ii. Currency – Renminbi
iii. Official language – Standard Chinese
iv. President – Mr. Xi Jinping
Iron Union 5: Joint military exercise of US and UAE started in Abu Dhabi
On 16th September 2017, The US and UAE’s joint military exercise began in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Iron Union 5:
i. The joint military exercise is named as Iron Union 5.
ii. It is carried out in order to maintain bilateral relations and exchange training and military expertise between the two countries.
iii. The focus of the exercise is to upgrade and boost the readiness of the UAE’s armed forces and to improve both the armies’ international co-operation.
iv. The Iron Union 5, is an extension of of Iron Claw exercises.
v. Iron Claw exercises are organised by the UAE with friendly countries to exchange and develop their skills according to the latest advanced military systems.
About UAE (United Arab Emirates):
i. Capital – Abu Dhabi
ii. Currency – UAE dirham
iii. Official language – Arabic
iv. President – Mr.Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
v. Vice President & Prime Minister – Mr.Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Few facts about UAE:-
- UAE’s traditional dance, yowalah.
- Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest human-made structure in the world since2008.
Business
GSTN reopens composition scheme window for small traders
The GST Network (GSTN) has reopened the facility till 30th September for small taxpayers with a turnover of up to Rs 75 lakh to select for composition scheme. The taxpayers who opt this scheme could file returns on a quarterly basis unlike the others who have to file returns on a monthly basis.
i.Earlier this scheme was ended in August 16 but around 11 lakh taxpayers, out of total 85 lakh opted for the scheme. Those who sign up before 30 September will get the benefit of the scheme from 1 October, until which they will be treated as normal assessees.
ii.GSTN CEO Prakash Kumar said that the composition scheme is created to simplify and reduce the burden of smaller taxpayers.
iii.To opt for the scheme, the taxpayer needs to log into his account at the GST Portal www.gst.gov.in and select the “Application to opt for the composition scheme” under the “Services” menu.
iv.After fill the form, they have to submit the application using Digital Signature or E-signature or Electronic Verification Code.
Ola ties up with Karnataka Tourism Department to launch tourism campaign
On September 16 2017, Due to the United Nations theme for this year’s World Tourism Day, Ola and the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation initiated a campaign to promote and raise awareness about responsible tourism named “GhoomoResponsibly”.
i.Tourism and IT-BT Minister Priyank M. Kharge flagged off this campaign in Bangalore. Ola aims to raise awareness about being a responsible tourist, respecting local culture and promoting environmentally-conscious tourism in Karnataka.
ii.Shenaz Treasury, popular actress and travel vlogger becomes a part of this campaign embarked on an exciting road trip that span across seven states,14 days and cover 21 lesser-known locations across India with Ola Outstation, Ola’s smart mobility solution for inter-city travel.
iii.Shenaz will plan to encourage people to take road trips and will travel around some breathtaking architecture, ancient ruins and temples in locations such as Hampi, Aihole, Badami and Pattadakal, before heading to Andhra Pradesh.
About Ola :-
ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd., operating under the trade name Ola, is an Indian online transportation network company. It was founded as an online cab aggregator in Mumbai, but is now based in Bangalore.
Founded – 3 December 2010
Founder – Bhavish Aggarwal, Ankit Bhati
Headquarters – Bangalore, Karnataka,
Appointments & Resigns
Y C Modi appointed as Director General of NIA
Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Y C Modi is appointed as the new director general of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced on 18th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.Modi will replace Sharad Kumar, who will retire on 30th October.
ii.The order was issued by the Ministry for Home Affairs.
iii.Modi is an IPS officer of the 1979 batch of the Haryana cadre and was appointed as the chief of NIA on 30th July 2013.
About NIA
National Investigation Agency (NIA) is a central agency established by the Indian Government to combat terror in India. It acts as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency.
The agency is empowered to deal with terror related crimes across states without special permission from the states.
The Agency came into existence with the enactment of the National Investigation Agency Act 2008 by the Parliament of India on 31 December 2008.
Awards & Recognition
69th Primetime Emmy Awards 2017
On 17th September 2017, the 69th Annual PrimeTime Emmy Awards ceremony took place at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California, United States.
Emmy Awards 2017:
i.The Annual Prime Emmy Awards honours the best US television programmes broadcasted from June 1, 2016 to May 31, 2017.
ii.The award winners were chosen by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.The ceremony was hosted by Stephen Colbert.
iii.The 69th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards were held on 9th September 10th September 2017.
The Handmaid’s Tale becomes first online series to win Outstanding Drama Series Award:
i.The Handmaid’s tale produced by Hulu (online video streaming network) won the Outstanding Drama Series Award.
ii.This is the first time in Emmy Awards’ history a series from an online streaming network wins the Outstanding Drama Series Award among television series.
iii.The Handmaid’s tale is based on Margaret Atwood’s novel..…..Click here to view more details
President’s medal for former DIG D Roopa who exposed alleged jail irregularities
On 16th September 2017, Former DIG D Roopa, who revealed alleged irregularities at the central jail in Bengaluru, was awarded the President’s medal, in Bengaluru.
Former DIG Roopa awarded President’s medal:
i. Former DIG Roopa was awarded the medal by Governor Vajubhai Vala at a ceremony at Raj Bhavan in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
ii. The award was given to Roopa for her meritorious service.
iii. In July 2017, D Roopa, DIG of Prisons (at that time), submitted a report to the Director General of Prisons mentioning that Sasikala, who was serving a 4 year sentence in the disproportionate assets case at Parapanna Agrahara Central Prison, was given preferential treatment and there was ‘a talk’ that Rs.2 crore was involved in the deal.
iv. Following that D Roopa was posted as Deputy Inspector General of Police and Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety in Bengaluru.
About Karnataka:
i. Capital – Bengaluru
ii. Official language – Kannada
iii. Governor – Mr.Vajubhai Vala
iv. Chief Minister – Mr.Siddaramaiah
Science & Technology
Airtel Payments Bank – First payments bank in India to integrate the UPI on its digital platform.
Airtel Payments Bank has become the first payments bank in India to integrate the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on its digital platform announced on 17th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i.It will help in making instant money transfers to any bank account in India and will add to customer choice and convenience for making secure digital payments to online and offline merchants.
ii.It will allow all 20 million bank customers to create their personalised UPI handles on the Airtel app.
iii.It would also be able to link their bank accounts on BHIM app and make UPI payments.
iv.For UPI-based payments and transfers, customers are not required to furnish their bank details to enable transactions and can create easy to remember IDs, ensuring optimal data security.
v.Customers can also use MyAirtel app (Bank section) to scan any UPI QR code for making merchant payments.
vi.Customers can also link their Airtel Payments Bank savings accounts to any of their UPI handles on popular apps such as BHIM or UPI apps of other banks.
vii.This can be done by selecting Airtel Payments Bank from the link or change account section and select airtel payments bank from the listpost which customer details will be linked.
Google launches digital payment app ‘Tez’ in India
Google has launched its Unified Payments Interface (UPI)-based digital payment service by the name ‘Tez’ in India announced on 18th of Sept. 2017.
Key Points:
i. Google has become the latest international giant to enter the fast growing digital payments industry in India. ‘Tez’ means fast in Hindi.
ii. Tez was launched by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at an event in New Delhi.
iii. The new Google payment App ‘TeZ’ is powered by UPI. It is a payments protocol built by the Government-backed National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
iv. Google Tez supports several local languages including Hindi, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu.
Usage Of Tez
i. Tez can be used to pay strangers through ‘Cash Mode’ without sharing personal information.
ii. It can securely send money to people nearby without sharing personal information including phone number and bank account details.
iii. Google also announced a programme called ‘Tez for Business’, which offers businesses new ways to unlock the potential of digital payments and engage their customers.
iv. Online businesses can integrate the Payment Request API so they can securely accept UPI Payments using Tez on their mobile websites with a few taps.
v. Through Tez App businessperson can engage directly with their customers to share offers, send payment reminders, link to their mobile website or customer support, and more.
Environment
Long-endangered snow leopard upgraded to ‘vulnerable’ status
On 14th September 2017, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) announced that the snow leopard which was considered to be a long endangered species has been upgraded to ‘vulnerable’ status.
Upgradation to ‘vulnerable’ status:
i. Snow leopards were listed as endangered species in 1972.
ii. A 3 year assessment made by scientists inferred that there are more than 2500 mature snow leopards.
iii. Experts estimated that around 4,000 snow leopards live in the wild, there could be even more than 10,000.
iv. Scientists were able to survey only a small fraction of the animal’s habitat.
v. The rate of their decline is slower than the previously thought rate.
vi. Experts said that upgradation to vulnerable status doesn’t mean that they are safe.
vii. The snow leopards still face severe problems of poaching and loss of prey in their Himalayan habitat.
viii. Some positive developments are seen such as increase in the number of protected areas, local communities’ efforts to protect them from poachers, and development of predator-proof livestock corrals (protects both livestock and snow leopards).
About International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN):
i. Purpose – Nature conservation, improving biodiversity
ii. Location – Gland, Switzerland
iii. Director General – Inger Andersen
iv. President – Zhang Xinsheng
Sports
Lewis Hamilton wins Singapore Grand Prix 2017
On 17th September 2017, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton won the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, in Singapore.
Lewis Hamilton’s win:
i. Lewis Hamilton finished the race first and won the Singapore Grand Prix.
ii. He was followed by Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo in the 2nd position and Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in the 3rd.
iii. Lewis Hamilton finished 4.5 s ahead of Daniel Ricciardo.
iv. Hamilton’s rival Sebastian Vettel withdrew in the middle of the race due to his damaged Ferrari car.
v. Hamilton scored 263 points.
vi. The race was reduced to 58 laps out of 61 due to safety reasons.
About Lewis Hamilton:
i. Nationality – British
ii. Championships – 3
Chris Gayle becomes first batsman to hit 100 sixes in T20Is
West Indies legend Chris Gayle has become the first batsman to hit 100 sixes in the shortest format of the game during their Twenty20 International match.
Key Points:
i.The match was played against hosts England at Chester-le-Street on 17th of Sept. 2017.
About Chris Gayle
Christopher Henry Gayle is a Jamaican cricketer and a former captain, who plays international cricket for the West Indies.
Born on 21 September 1979 (age 37)
Batting Left-handed
Bowling Right-arm off Spin
Role Batting All-rounder, Opening batsman
Obituary
‘Father of nephrology in India’ Dr.K.S.Chugh dies of cancer at 85
On 17th September 2017, Dr.K.S.Chugh, the “father of nephrology in India”, died at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.
Dr.K.S.Chugh’s death:
i. Dr.K.S.Chugh was suffering from blood cancer for the past two years.
ii. He was admitted at the PGIMER a few days ago.
iii. He died on 17th September 2017.
iv. His cremation took place on the same day.
v. Dr.Chugh was professor and former head of department of nephrology at the PGIMER.
vi. He has received the Padma Shri award.
vii. He was presently working with Fortis Hospital at Mohali.
viii. The International Society of Nephrology listed him among 50 legends in nephrology.
ix. Dr.Chugh had 413 papers, including 38 chapters, published in national and international journals and books.
About Dr.K.S.Chugh:
i. Nationality – Indian
ii. Born – Amritsar, Punjab
iii. Occupation – Nephrologist
RJD leader and former Union minister Mohammed Taslimuddin passed away
On September 17 2017,Former Union minister and senior Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Mohammed Taslimuddin,74 died in a Chennai Appollo hospital. He had visited to Chennai for a parliamentary committee meeting.
i.Taslimuddin was a prominent Muslim leader.He hailed from Seemanchal area in Bihar, was a seven-time MLA and five-time MP. He was the Union minister of state for home in the UPA I government at the Centre.
ii.Taslimuddin started his political career as a sarpanch. In 1969 for the first time, he became a mukhiya before being elected to the Bihar Assembly.
