Current Affairs Weekly PDF

Current Affairs Weekly PDF - August 2018 First Week (1-7)

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INDIAN AFFAIRS
Cabinet clears 46 amendments to GST laws
• On August 1, 2018, In a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi amendments of GST
Laws were approved. It includes hiking threshold limit to Rs.1.5 crore , allowance of employers to claim
input tax credit on food, transport and insurance provided to employees under any law.
Cabinet approved LIC-IDBI deal of LIC acquiring 51% stake at IDBI Bank
• On August 1,2018, The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , cleared the purchase
of 51 per cent controlling stake in IDBI bank by state-run insurer Life Insurance Corporation (LIC).
According to the deal the bank will get Rs 10,000 crore to Rs 13,000 crore depending on the share price.
India, Germany sign pact for collaboration in area of sustainable urban development
• On August 1, 2018, India and Germany signed an agreement on financial and technical
cooperation.According to this agreement, Germany will give nearly Rs 8,500 crore (1,055 million Euros)
for development of India.This will focus on sustainable urban development and renewable energy in
areas of sanitation, solid waste management and promotion of urban mobility.
Shri Shripad Yesso Naik lays the foundation stone of the 2nd Phase of construction of NEIAH in Shillong
• On July 29, 2018, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for AYUSH Shri Shripad Yesso Naik laid
the foundation stone of the 2nd Phase of Construction of North East Institute of Ayurveda &
Homeopathy (NEIAH) at NEIAH Campus in Mawdiangdiang, Shillong. The estimated cost of the
construction is Rs 40.80 crore.
FOCAL: a dedicated portal to connect cargo owners and shippers launched by The Inland Waterways
Authority of India (IWAI)
• On August 1,2018, The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) launched a dedicated portal
named FOCAL(Forum of Cargo-Owners and Logistics-Operators) to connect cargo owners and shippers
with real time data on availability of vessels.
NITI Aayog to host Investors’ Conference for the Holistic Development of Islands
• On 10th August 2018, NITI Aayog is set to host an Investors’ Conference for the Holistic Development of
Islands, at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi. This Conference will be inaugurated by Amitabh
Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog. The Conference is organized by NITI Aayog along with the respective UT
Administration.
Health Ministry signs MoU with Electronics Ministry to facilitate access of Ayushman Bharat
• National Health Agency (NHA) and Common Service Centres (CSC) scheme under the Digital India
Programme, have signed a MoU to provide information and eligibility validation services to
beneficiaries, mainly in remote areas.The MoU was signed by Dr. Indu Bhushan, CEO, National Health
Agency (NHA) and Dr. Dinesh Tyagi, CEO, CSC-SPV.
Rajasthan becomes first State to implement Centre’s ‘Biofuel Policy’
• On August 1, 2018, Rajasthan becomes the first state to implement Centre’s ‘Biofuel Policy.’ For this
Rajasthan has established a Centre of Excellence in Udaipur to promote research in alternate fuels and
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energy sources. State Rural Livelihood Development Council will also encourage women’s self-help
groups (SHGs) to have additional income through supply of biodiesel.
Chhattisgarh CM & actress Kangana Ranaut launch mobile distribution scheme ‘Mobile Tihar’
• On 30th July 2018, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and actress Kangana Ranaut launched
‘Mobile Tihar’, a smartphone distribution scheme under the Sanchar Kranti Yojna (SKY) in Raipur,
Chhattisgarh.
Cabinet Approvals on August 2, 2018
• On August 2, 2018, the Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi approved the following:
➢ Cabinet approves Extension of Concessional Financing Scheme (CFS)
➢ Cabinet approves: Raising of Extra Budgetary Resources (EBR) amounting up to Rs. 15,000 crore
during the financial year 2018-19
➢ Cabinet approves Policy Framework for exploration and exploitation of Unconventional
Hydrocarbons
➢ Cabinet approves issue of fresh equity to the extent of 15% of the paid up equity capital by
Hindustan Copper Limited
➢ Cabinet approves Re-structuring of the Agricultural Scientists’ Recruitment Board (ASRB).Click
here to read more.
Assam releases final NRC draft, 40 lakh declared ‘illegal citizens’ of India
• On July 31, 2018, Assam government released its final draft of National Registry of Citizens of Assam.
40.07 lakh people who have not made their name to the list have been declared ‘illegal
immigrants’.According to the release, Out of 3,29,91,384 (3.29 crore) total applicants, 2,89,83,677 (2.9
crore) people have been found eligible to be included in the National Register of Citizens.Click here to
read more.
‘State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index’ released by BEE and AEEE
• On August 2, 2018, Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy
(AEEE) released the ‘State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index’.It was launched by Mr. A.K. Bhalla,
Secretary, Ministry of Power; Dr Ajay Mathur, DG, TERI in the presence of senior officials from the
Ministry and BEE. States are categorised based on their efforts as ‘Front Runner’, ‘Achiever’, ‘Contender’
and ‘Aspirant’.
Front Achiever Contender States Aspirant states
Runner States
States
Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal,
Andhra Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Bihar,
Pradesh, Tamil Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Mizoram,
Kerala, Nadu, Uttarakhand. Assam, Nagaland,
Maharashtra , Haryana. Arunachal Pradesh,
Punjab. Meghalaya, Sikkim,
Himachal Pradesh
Seva Bhoj Yojna: new scheme worth Rs.325 crore launched by the Ministry of Culture, Government of
India
• On August 2, 2018, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India launched the new scheme Seva Bhoj
Yojna. Total outlay of the scheme is Rs. 325.00 Crores for financial years 2018-19 and 2019-20.The
Objective of the Scheme is to reimburse the CGST and IGST to Religious/Charitable Institutions who
provide Food free of cost without any discrimination to Public/Devotees.
Logo, tagline for GI launched by Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu
• On August 2, 2018, the Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu launched
a logo and tagline for Geographical Indications (GI).With an Objective to create awareness about
Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs).The slogan for the GI tag is: Invaluable Treasures of Incredible
India.Some of the GI tagged products are: Darjeeling Tea, Tirupathi Laddu, Kangra Paintings, Nagpur
Orange and Kashmir Pashmina.
Piyush Goyal Approves a New Promotion Policy for Railway Sportspersons
• Union Minister of Railways, Coal, Finance & Corporate Affairs, Piyush Goyal has approved a new policy
for promotion of Railway Sportspersons. As per this new policy, in addition to the sportspersons who
won a position or medal in Olympics, all the sportspersons and coaches who have been awarded
with Padma Shri will also be promoted as officers.

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Rs 722 cr sanctioned for 8 water projects in Haryana by NABARD

• On August 2, 2018, NABARD sanctioned Rs 722 crore for eight water projects in the rural areas
of Haryana. Additionally, the state government has sent three more project proposals, costing Rs
236.85 crore, to NABARD for financial assistance.
MSME launches Mission Solar Charkha for implementation of 50 Solar Charkha Clusters across India
• The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched Mission Solar Charkha for
implementation of 50 Solar Charkha Clusters throughout India. The budget for this mission is: Rs 550
crore for 2018-19 and 2019-20.
Textile ministry launches SAATHI initiative
• On August 3, 2018 Ministry of Textiles and Ministry of Power have joined hands under the initiative
SAATHI(Sustainable and Accelerated Adoption of efficient Textile technologies to Help Small
Industries) in order to sustain and accelerate the adoption of energy efficient textile technologies in the
powerloom sector.
‘WOW’ (Wellness of Women) app launched for creating awareness on preventive healthcare by FICCI LO
• On August 3, 2018, FICCI Ladies Organisation, the women’s wing of Federation of Indian Chamber of
Commerce and Industry has launched a mobile application called “WOW” (Wellness of Women).
This platform allows users to talk to doctors through video conferencing or connect with them via voice
or email.
India & Japan to cooperate in bamboo sector in Tripura
• On August 3, 2018, a team from the Japanese Embassy in New Delhi and stakeholders in the Bamboo
handicraft sector of Tripura took part in a workshop called ‘Bridging Japan and India by Bamboo’.Rs
1000-crore soft loan agreement is going to be signed between JICA and Tripura Government.
Maharashtra govt approves over Rs 7,000 crore for water projects
• On August 1 2018, Maharashtra state minister informed that Maharashtra govt. has approved over Rs
7,000 crore to fulfill the drinking water projects in scarcity hit regions.The government has approved
Rs 7,952 crore to finish 6,624 water projects in 10,583 villages under the National Rural Drinking
Water Scheme.
Mukhyamantri Yuva Nestam: Andhra Pradesh Government launches unemployment allowance scheme.
• On August 3, 2018, Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu launched ‘Mukhya Mantri-Yuva
Nestham’ scheme to allowance to unemployed youth in the state.The allowance will be of Rs 1000 per
month.
Kadaknath chicken meat from Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh gets GI tag
• On August 3, 2018, the famous Kadaknath chicken meat from Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh has
now got a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.The application was made in the category of “Meat
Product, Poultry & Poultry Meat“, was approved on July 30.
‘Shaur nahin’ mobile app launched in Shimla, Manali by Himachal Pradesh Government to curb noise
pollution
• On August 4, 2018, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur launched ‘Shaur Nahin’ app as a
part of the first phase of ‘horn not ok’ awareness campaign in Manali and Shimla.With an Objective to
stop unnecessary noise pollution.
‘Swachha Meva Jayate’: cleanliness campaign launched by Karnataka government
• On August 2,2018, Karnataka government launched ‘Swachha Meva Jayate’ campaign.It was launched
by Dr G Parameshwara, deputy chief minister of Karnataka.The department of Rural Development also
released the logo of the campaign: a little boy and a little girl standing in front of the map of Karnataka.
Delhi topped the N-SIPI to be the top ‘most investor-friendly’ destination list: NCAER
• On August 4, 2018, according to a report called N-SIPI (State Investment Potential Index) series by
economic think-tank NCAER, Delhi has topped the list and has replaced Gujarat.
Rank State/UT
1 Delhi
2 Tamil Nadu
3 Gujarat
4 Haryana
5 Maharashtra
6 Kerala
7 Andhra Pradesh
8 Telangana
9 Karnataka
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10 West Bengal
29th GST Council meeting: Sub-committee formed under MoS Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla to address
MSME woes
• On August 5, 2018, GST council in its 29th meeting decided to create a sub-committee headed by MoS
Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.With an
Objective to address the issues, challenges and concerns of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
(MSME).
Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill 2018 gets President’s assent
• On 5th August 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind gave his assent to the Fugitive Economic Offenders Bill,
2018, that will prevent offenders from avoiding legal process and escaping the country.
122 New Research Project selected at a cost of Rs 112 Crore under IMPRINT-2 : HRD Minister Prakash
Javadekar
• On August 5, 2018, the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has
approved 122 new research projects at a cost of Rs 112 crore under IMPRINT-2.With an Objective for
advancing research in the high education institutions.
Govt imposed 120% tariffs on 29 US imports effective from September 18
• On August 5, 2018, India imposed new higher tariffs of 120% against 29 goods imported from
the United States.These will come into effect from September 18,2018.The products include: almonds,
walnuts and apples.
International Conference on Sustainable Growth through Material Recycling inaugurated by Road
Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari: NITI Aayog
• On August 6, 2018, NITI Aayog’s International Conference on “Sustainable Growth through Material
Recycling: Policy Prescriptions” was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways &
Ganga Rejuvenation, Shri. Nitin Gadkari at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi.With an Objective to
Development and growth of material recycling in India, creating jobs , reducing exports and protecting
the environment.
2 committees constituted to monitor illegal immigrants : Manipur Govt
• On August 6, 2018, after the final draft of National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, Manipur
government has constituted two committees to deal with illegal migrants. The first is State Level
Monitoring Committee which will monitor the entry or presence of illegal immigrants in the state.The
second is : the District Level Monitoring Committee with respective deputy commissioners as
its chairman.
10th round of talks between India and Sri Lanka to widen scope for free trade agreement to be finalized
by December
• On August 6, 2018, India and Sri Lanka are going to hold the 10th round of talks on free trade
agreements and aims at concluding the negotiations by December.The Economic and Technology Co-
operation Agreement (ETCA) would help in boosting economic ties between the two countries by
liberalising trade norms.
B-Hub: country’s first hub for biotech, pharma sector set up in Telangana
• On August 6, 2018, the Telangana government will set up a biotech and pharma facility, B-Hub, India’s
first organised cluster for life sciences Research & Development at Genome Valley.With an Objective to
support manufacturing activities for bio-pharma R&D.
The world’s first-ever high energy storage device has been built in Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh
• On August 6, 2018, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu unveiled the world’s first-ever thermal battery
in Amravati, Andhra Pradesh state. It has been manufactured by the Bharat Energy Storage Technology
Private Limited (BEST). It had an estimated cost of Rs 660 crore.
Meghalaya hosted 5th Act East Business Show -2018 to strengthen business ties between ASEAN
countries
• From 20th to 23rd June 2018, 5th Act East Business Show -2018 was held in Shillong, Meghalaya. Aim: to
strengthen business ties between ASEAN countries and northeastern states. Also, to explore the
potential of Meghalaya and its neighboring states.
2 portals: Bidder Information Management System (BIMS) and Bhoomi Rashi – PFMS Linkage launched
by Shri Nitin Gadkari
• On August 7, 2018, the Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Shri Nitin Gadkari launched 2 IT initiatives of the Road Transport
& Highways Ministry named:Bidder Information Management System (BIMS) and Bhoomi Rashi and
PFMS linkage.
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Parliament passes Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2018

• On 6th August 2018, the Parliament passed the Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2018 that ensures
severe punishment for those convicted of raping girls below 12 years of age. This bill will replace the
Criminal Law Ordinance, promulgated by President Ram Nath Kovind on 22nd April 2018.
NGT constituted a committee to monitor Ganga rejuvenation project; headed by a former Allahabad
High Court judge
• On 6th August 2018, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), constituted a committee, to be headed by a
former Allahabad High Court judge, to monitor the rejuvenation project of Ganga from Haridwar to
Unnao in Uttar Pradesh. National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) will be the nodal agency to
coordinate with the committee. It will coordinate and provide inputs to the panel.
Andhra govt and Holytech sign MoU on setting up electronics manufacturing plant
• On August 7, 2018, Andhra Pradesh Government signed an MoU with electronics company Holytech. It
will have cost of Rs. 1400 crores.
GOAMILES: Goa Tourism’s app-based taxi service flagged off by CM Manohar Parrikar
• On August 7, 2018, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Tourism Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar
flagged off the Goa Tourism Development Corporation’s app-based taxi service
called ‘GOAMILES’ in Panaji.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
First ‘Nepal-India Think Tank’ Summit held in Kathmandu for bilateral cooperation
• On July 31, 2018, First ‘Nepal-India Think Tank’ Summit held in Kathmandu, Nepal.With an Objective to
foster greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing among the think tanks of the two countries. It was
inaugurated by Former Prime Minister of Nepal and Co-Chairman of ruling Nepal Communist
Party, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
India imposed safeguard duty on solar cells imports from China and Malaysia for two years
• On August 1, 2018, India imposed safeguard duty on solar panels imported from China and
Malaysia for 2 years.With an Objective to protect domestic players from losing the market to them.
World’s First Intertidal Art Gallery Opened in Maldives
• The Intertidal art gallery called Coralarium is located at the Fairmont Madives Sirru Fen Fushi resort.
The Art Gallery is filled with around 30 Sculptures acting as a habitat for coral and other marine
species.
India elected president of Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development for 2 years
• On August 4, 2018, India was elected as the President of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting
Development (AIBD) for a period of two years. India won for the first time against Iran. Sri Lanka was
elected as vice-chair.
Japan overtakes China to become world’s second-largest stock market: Bloomberg
• On August 5, 2018, according to Bloomberg’s data Japan is now the world’s second-largest stock
market.It has overthrown China as its total equity is $6.17 trillion and that of China’s is $6.09
trillion.The United States is the world’s biggest market for stocks, with total worth just over $31 trillion.
Exercise Maitree: Annual Joint military exercise between Indian Army and Royal Thai Army conducted
between 06 to 19 August 2018 in Thailand
• On August 7, 2018, the opening ceremony of Exercise Maitree, a joint military exercise between Indian
Army and Royal Thai Army , was held in Chachoengsao province , Thailand. It will be conducted
between August 6-19th 2018.

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BANKING & FINANCE

RBI releases its Third Bi-monthly Policy on August 1, 2018
• On August 1, 2018, a 3 day 6 member meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee headed by Governor
Dr. Urjit Patel concluded where RBI released its 3rd bi-monthly policy.The Next meeting will be
scheduled from October 3-5, 2018.
Policy rates 2nd bi-monthly 3rd bimonthly in
in June 6 2018
th August 1,2018
Repo Rate 6.25% 6.50%
Reverse Repo Rate 6.0% 6.25%
Marginal Standing 6.5% 6.75%
Facility (MSF)
Bank Rate 6.5% 6.75%
Reserve Ratios
Cash Reserve Ratio 4% 4%
(CRR)
Statutory Liquidity 19.5% 19.5%
Ratio (SLR)

Mauritius-based SBM Group the first foreign lender has received Reserve Bank of India’s approval to
operate in the country as SBM Bank (India)
• On August 2, 2018, RBI has given approval to State Bank of Mauritius to operate in the country through
a wholly-owned subsidiary route under the name SBM Bank(India).It is the first such bank to get such
approval. Currently it has 4 operational branches in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and
Ramachandrapuram.
Indian Bank revises interest rates on FCNR(B) deposits
• On 1st August 2018, Indian Bank has revised interest rates on Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Banking)
– FCNR(B)deposits with immediate effect.
Deposit period Revised Previous Interest
Interest Rate Rate
1 year and above but less than 2 3.68 % 3.59 %
years (in US Dollar terms)
2 years and above, but less than 3 3.88 % 3.77 %
years
3 years and above but less than 4 3.97 % 3.89 %
years
4 years and above but less than 5 3.99 % 3.92 %
years
up to 5 years 4% 3.93 %
RBI bars Fino Payments Bank from enroling new customers
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred Fino Payments Bank from adding new customers after it
observed anomalies regarding deposits in the existing accounts. Recently, Paytm Payments Bank was
also barred by RBI to add new customers after violation of KYC process.
Bandhan Bank surpasses YES Bank market capitalisation; becomes 7th most valued bank
• On 1st August 2018, Bandhan Bank surpassed YES Bank’s market capitalisation (m-cap) and became
the sixth most valuable private sector bank and seventh most valued listed lender. As on 1st August
2018, HDFC Bank, SBI and Kotak Mahindra Bank occupied the top three positions respectively, based on
market capitalization.
Vikas Bonanza 456: a new deposit scheme launched by Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB)
• On August 3,2018, Karnataka Vikas Grameena Bank (KVGB) launched a new deposit scheme
called Vikas Bonanza 456.The scheme is of a tenure of 456 days with interest rate of 7.10 per cent for
public and 7.60 per cent for senior citizens.It also offers annualized return of 7.35% for the general
public and 7.89% for senior citizens.
Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance tie up with Fincare Small Finance Bank for bancassurance
• On August 4, 2018, Edelweiss Tokio Life Insurance has tied up with Fincare Small Finance Bank to offer
specialised product offerings to the bank customers. It aims to push life insurance to the rural
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population.As per the MoU, two products will be offered: Point of Sale (POS) product and a protection
product.
Rs 4,989.55 crore collected from customers in FY18 by 24 banks for not maintaining minimum account
balance
• On August 6, 2018, 21 public sector banks and 3 major private sector lenders collected Rs 4,989.55
crore from customers for non-maintenance of minimum balance in their accounts in 2017-
18.SBI collected Rs.2433 crore nearly half the amount raised by the 24 banks put together.
HDFC Bank raised fixed deposit rates by up to 0.6%
• On August 6, 2018, HDFC increased fixed deposit rates on various maturities by up to 0.6 per cent.
Tenors Final increased rates (in %)
6 months to 9 months 6.75
9 months three days to 1 year 7
1 year to 2 years 7.25
2 years to 5 years 7.10
Umbrella Organisation’ to revive Urban Co-op Banking: RBI
• On August 5, 2018, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has allowed non-fund-based Umbrella
organisations(UO) at State levels to revive India’s co-operative banking sector.It would conduct non-
fund activities in the areas of training, capacity building and IT infrastructure and research.Gujarat is
the first State in the country to have an UO for the UCB sector.
HDFC Life inks pact with Vijaya Bank to sell insurance products
• On August 4, 2018, HDFC Life Insurance and Vijaya Bank signed an MoU where the bank will sell the
insurer’s products through its branches. HDFC Life already has 163 bancassurance partners.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

StarAgri Finance signs MoU with Karur Vysya Bank to aid traders and farmers
• On August 1, 2018, To provide financial assistance to commodity traders and farmers, StarAgri
Finance signed MoU with private lender Karur Vysya Bank.Micro-lending would be provided to traders
and farmers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
Lucknow Metro, BSNL ink pact to facilitate customer services through smart cards
• On August 1, 2018, Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) and BSNL have signed an MoU for
extending benefits in customer services. BSNL will use the smart card services of LMRC for collection of
post-paid bills.
India’s GDP growth to rise to 7.5% this fiscal, says Morgan Stanley
• Morgan Stanley has predicted, India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 7.5 % in this financial
year 2018 – 2019. Morgan Stanley’s report forecasts Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation to remain
above the inflation target of 4 % and the current account deficit below 2.5 % of GDP.
NHAI to Sign MoU with SBI for a long term, unsecured loan of Rs 25,000 Crore
• National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is getting an unsecured loan of Rs 25,000 crore from State
Bank of India (SBI) for 10 years with 3 years of moratorium on repayments.This is the largest amount
of loan that has been sanctioned to NHAI in one shot. Also, this is the largest long term unsecured loan
sanctioned by SBI at a time to any entity.
Apple has become the world’s first publicly traded company to be valued at USD 1 trillion
• On August 3 2018, Apple is the world’s first publicly traded company to be valued at USD 1 trillion.It
marks the latest triumph of a trend-setting company that two mavericks named Steve started in a
Silicon Valley garage 42 years ago.
DIPP starts programme for startups in energy sector
• On August 3, 2018, the commerce and industry ministry joined hands with Invest India to offer
its three-month programme ‘Integrate to Innovate’ for startups in the sector.This programme would be
carried out by the department of industrial policy and promotion (DIPP).
Reliance Jio, SBI ink pact to boost digital transactions
• On August 3, 2018, State Bank of India (SBI) has inked a pact with Reliance Jio Infocomm to integrate its
digital banking solution Yono with MyJio application. It is a 30:70 joint venture between SBI and
Reliance.

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Tech Mahindra & Government of Telangana collaborate to launch India’s first blockchain district
• On August 3, 2018, the Telangana State Information Technology, Electronics and Communication
department (ITE&C) signed an MoU with Tech Mahindra to launch India’s first Blockchain district
in Telengana at the International Blockchain Congress 2018.
Startup India launched the Startup Academia Alliance programme
• Startup India launched the “Startup Academia Alliance programme”, which is a special mentorship
opportunity between academic scholars and startups working in similar domains. Aim: to minimize the
gap between scientific research and its industrial applications to enhance the impact of these
technologies.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Fortune 500 list 2018 features 7 Indian companies; RIL tops in the Indian Private sector
• On August 2, 2018, 7 Indian companies have been listed in Fortune’s 500 list 2018 of world biggest
corporations.IOC is the highest ranked company from India followed by RIL which jumped 55 places &
ranked 148th .IOC ranked 137th in 2018 with a significant jump from 168th position from 2017.
Javed Akhtar bestowed with Shalaka Samman, highest honour of Hindi Sahitya Academy
• Hindi Academy Delhi has given its highest Shalaka Samman for 2017-18 to bollywood lyricist and
poet Javed Akhtar.He is a father of Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. The lyricist has also been honoured
with the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2007.He is also a recipient of the Sahitya
Akademi Award in Urdu for his collection of poems entitled Lava.
President gives away Outstanding Parliamentarian awards from 2013-2017
• On 1st August 2018, President Ram Nath Kovind, presented the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award for
the years 2013-2017, in New Delhi.
Award Winner For the Year
Dr Najma Heptullah 2013
Hukum Dev Narayan 2014
Ghulam Nabi Azad 2015
Dinesh Trivedi 2016
Bhartruhari Mahtab 2017
Indian-origin mathematician Akshay Venkatesh wins prestigious Fields Medal
• On 1st August 2018, Akshay Venkatesh, an Indian-Australian mathematician, was awarded the Fields
medal at the International Congress of Mathematicians in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Other 3 winners of
Fields medal are:Caucher Birkar,Peter Scholze,Alessio Figalli.
Anvar Sadath: the first Indian to win the International Contributions Award
• On August 4, 2018, K.Anvar Sadath is the first Indian to receive the International Contributions
Award given by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT), USA.He also
won Science Literature Award (2005)given by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and
Environment (KSCSTE), and he also received Dr. C.P. Menon Memorial Award (2012).
Indian-origin prison guard Sashi Cheliah wins 10th MasterChef Australia 2018
• On August 4, 2018, Sashi Cheliah, A 39-year-old prison guard from Adelaide, won the title of MasterChef
Australia 2018. It was the 10th Season. He defeated fellow contestant Ben Borsht.

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNS

C B Ananthakrishnan assumes charge as Director (Finance) of HAL
• On 1st August 2018, C B Ananthakrishnan took charge as Director (Finance) of Hindustan Aeronautics
Ltd (HAL). Earlier, C B Ananthakrishnan was the Executive Director (Finance) at HAL Corporate Office.
Deepak Parekh re-appointed as Non-Executive Director on the board of HDFC
• On 30th July 2018, Deepak Parekh was re-appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the board of
HDFC. Also, J.J. Irani and Keki Mistry were reappointment as directors to HDFC’s board.Upendra Kumar
Sinha and Jalaj Ashwin Dani were also appointed as independent directors.
IIFL Mutual Fund appoints Anup Maheshwari as joint CEO and CIO
• On 31st August 2018, IIFL Mutual Fund appointed Anup Maheshwari as the joint Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) and chief investment officer (CIO) with effect from the middle of August 2018.

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Oscar Kerketta appointed the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Rwanda
• On 1st August 2018, Oscar Kerketta was appointed the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic
of Rwanda. At present, Oscar Kerketta is Additional Secretary in the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).
Emmerson Mnangagwa re-elected as Zimbabwe president
• On August 3, 2018, Incumbent Emmerson Mnangagwa(ZANU-PF party) has been re-elected
as Zimbabwe’s president. Earlier he was the Vice-President and is called ‘the crocodile’.ZANU-PF, which
has ruled the southern African country since independence in 1980.
Anurag Sachan appointed MD, DFCCIL
• Anurag Sachan was appointed as Managing Director of Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India
Ltd. (DFCCIL). Sachan, a 1981-batch officer of Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE), is at present
Chief Administrative Officer of Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla rail link project.He has been appointed to
the post for a period up to July 31, 2020.
3 HC judges appointed as Supreme Court justices
• On August 4, 2018, 3 High court judges were appointed to the Supreme Court,.The appointed judges
are:Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph,Madras High Court Chief Justice Indira Banerjee
and Orissa HC Chief Justice Vineet Saran.The number of judges in the top court after the fresh
appointments has gone up to 25.
Man Mohan Bhanot : the next Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to the Republic of
Equitorial Guinea
• On August 4, 2018, Man Mohan Bhanot appointed as the next Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of India to the Republic of Equitorial Guinea.He will be the first resident Ambassador of
India to the Republic of Equitorial Guinea.He is presently Ambassador to Syria.
Ajay Data, first Indian to become a member of ICANN panel country code Names Supporting
Organization (ccNSO)
• On 3rd August 2018, Ajay Data was appointed member of the Country Code Names Supporting
Organisation (ccNSO).He has become the first Indian to be made member of the Country Code Names
Supporting Organisation (ccNSO).
Aditya Vikram and Pramod Chandra Mody appointed CBDT members
• On 6th August 2018, the government appointed Aditya Vikram and Pramod Chandra Mody as members
of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Aditya Vikram is a 1981 batch Indian Revenue Service (Income
Tax) officer. He is the principal director general (logistics) in Delhi.Pramod Chandra Mody is a 1982
batch Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) officer. He is the principal chief commissioner, Mumbai.
S Gopakumar joins United India Insurance as Director & GM
• On 7th August 2018, United India Insurance Company appointed S Gopakumar as its Director and
General Manager with immediate effect. Earlier, S Gopakumar was Managing Director and Chief
Executive Officer of GIC Housing Finance Ltd.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Scutoid: Scientists discover new shape after studying human cells
• American and Spanish scientists have discovered a new 3D shape called “scutoid” during a study on
how tissues are moulded to form the skin, cavity linings and the building blocks of organs.
NASA names Sunita Williams, 8 others, for first space flights on commercial spacecraft
• Indian-origin U.S. astronaut Sunita Williams is among the 9 astronauts selected by NASA (National
Aeronautics and Space Administration) to fly the first missions into space on commercial spacecraft,
starting in 2019.The astronauts will launch on Boeing CST-100 Starliner and SpaceX Dragon capsules to
the International Space Station starting in 2019.
Chinese researchers ‘create’ world’s first single-chromosome yeast
• Chinese scientists have created the first single-chromosome yeast without affecting the majority of its
functions. Molecular biologists at the Centre for Excellence in Molecular Plant Sciences, China used
CRISPR-Cas9 genome-editing to develop a single-chromosome yeast strain.
Rashmi: India’s first humanoid robot, can speak Hindi, Bhojpuri, Marathi
• Ranjit Srivastava has developed Rashmi, India’s first humanoid robot, which can speak Hindi, Bhojpuri,
Marathi and English.He uses linguistic interpretation (LI), artificial intelligence (AI), visual data and
facial recognition systems. It gives facial, eye, lips, and eyebrow expressions. It can move its neck.

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China successfully tests first hypersonic aircraft: Xingkong-2 or Starry Sky-2

• On 3rd August 2018, China successfully tested “Xingkong-2” or “Starry Sky-2”, its first waverider
hypersonic aircraft that could carry nuclear warheads and penetrate any current generation anti-
missile defence systems.
ISRO’S 5700kg GSAT-11 satellite the heaviest one will launch from French Guiana’sspaceport in
November 30,2018.
• On August 7, 2018, ISRO announced that it would launch the heaviest communication satellite GSAT -11
from French Guiana onNovember 30, 2018.This satellite weighs over 5.7 tonnes or 5700 kg .It will be
launched from the European spaceport Arianespace.This will help in increasing internet speed of the
country of 14 gigabit per second data transfer speed.

SPORTS
Lewis Hamilton wins 6th Hungarian Formula 1 Grand Prix
• On 29th July 2018, Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes won the Hungarian Grand Prix for the 6th time, at the
Hungaroring circuit, in Hungary. This is the 67th career victory for Lewis Hamilton. Daniel
Ricciardo was named Driver of the Day by Formula One for finishing at fourth position after starting
from the 12th position.
World Junior Squash Championships 2018 held in Chennai, India
• From 18th to 29th July 2018, World Junior Squash Championships 2018 was held in Chennai,
India. Egypt national junior squash team defeated England 2-0 in the final and emerged as the 2018
World Junior Squash Champions. India finished in 11th position.
Event Winner Runner-up
Men’s Individual Mostafa Asal (Egypt) Marwan Tarek (Egypt)
Women’s Individual Rowan Elaraby (Egypt) Hania El Hammamy(Egypt)
Men’s Team Egypt England
Karman Kaur Thandi became the sixth Indian woman tennis player to crack the top-200 rankings in
singles; ranked 200th in WTA
• On August 3, 2018, Karman Kaur Thandi became the sixth Indian woman tennis player to crack the top-
200 rankings in singles in the WTA chart.She is now ranked 200.
A 10-year-old named Clark Kent beat a record that Michael Phelps held for 23 years
• On August 1 2018, Ten-year-old swimmer Clark Kent Apuada of California placed first in all seven
events at the Far West International Swimming Championship and broke Olympian Michael
Phelps record.
Gaganjeet Bhullar wins his first European Tour title at Fiji International (Golf)
• On 5th August 2018, India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar won his first European Tour title at the Fiji International,
at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, in Fiji. Australia’s Anthony Quayle finished in the second
position. South Africa’s Ernie Els finished at tied third with Australia’s Ben Campbell. Another Indian
Ajeetesh Sandhu finished at tied 43rd position.
Virat Kohli’s 22nd ton propels him to the top of ICC Test rankings for batsmen
• Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli reached number 1 position in the ICC Player Rankings for Test
Batsmen, as per the latest ICC ranking released on 5th August 2018.He has replaced Steve Smith as the
as the top-ranked batsman.
Asian Nations Cup Chess Tournament 2018
• On July 28th to August 3, 2018, the biennial Asian Nations Cup Chess Tournament was held in Hamadan,
Iran. It was organized by Iran Chess Federation on behalf of Asian Chess Federation. India
won 5 medals: 1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze.India ranked 2nd in the overall ranking.
BWF World Championships 2018
• From 30th July to 5th August 2018, BWF World Championships 2018 also known as TOTAL BWF World
Championships 2018 was held at Nanjing Youth Olympic Games Sports Park in Nanjing, China.
Mascot: was named “Yu Bao”.Click here to read more.
Los Cabos Open 2018
• From 30th July to 4th August 2018, Los Cabos Open 2018 also known as the Abierto Mexicano de Tenis
Mifel presentado por Cinemex was held in Los Cabos, Mexico. Italy’s Fabio Fognini won the men’s
singles title. El Salvador’s Marcelo Arévalo and Mexico’s Miguel Ángel Reyes-Varela won the men’s
doubles title.

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