9 to 15 Nov 2015
1) The
results of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2015 were declared on 8 November 2015
in which the Grand Alliance of Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad Yadav humiliated
BJP-led NDA front. The Grand Alliance comprising Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), Lalu
Prasad Yadav’s RJD and the Congress notched-up a stunning 178 seats against 58
mustered by the NDA. With this win, Nitish Kumar would become Bihar Chief
Minister for ………..time. – Fourth
Explanation: Nitish
Kumar has been Bihar Chief Minister for three terms. His first term was just
for 8 days in March 2000 when he was part of the erstwhile Samata Party. His
second term was from 24 November 2005 to 20 May 2014. On 16 May 2014 he had
resigned taking moral responsibility for his party’s poor performance in the
Lok Sabha Elections 2014. His third term was from 22 February 2015 as he
succeeded his former ally Jitan Ram Manjhi. Having won a decisive mandate in
2015 Bihar Assembly Elections, Nitish is poised to become Bihar Chief Minister
for fourth time. He will now take oath after Chhath festival, state’s most
prominent festival.
Results
at a Glance : Bihar Assembly Elections 2015 (Total Seats 243)
JD(U)
Combine – 178
JD(U)
– 71, RJD – 80, Congress – 27
BJP
Combine – 58
BJP
– 53, LJP – 2, RLSP – 2, HAM – 1
Others
– 7
2) History
was created in Myanmar on 8 November 2015 as country’s first openly contested
national election in 25 years was held on this day. The results of these
historic elections were declared on 9 November in which Aung San Suu Kyi’s
party emerged as the winner. What is the name of this party? – National
League for Democracy (NLD)
Explanation: The
elections held on 8 November 2015 were Myanmar’s first general elections
since its long-ruling military ceded power to President Thein Sein’s
quasi-civilian government in 2011. It is also believed to be country’s first
free elections since 1990.
According
to preliminary reports Nobel-laureate Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for
Democracy (NLD) has won majority of the seats in these elections. On 9 November
the opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) conceded its defeat
to NLD. The military-backed USDP has been in power since 2011. However, 25% of
seats are reserved for unelected military representatives, who are expected to
side with the USDP.
Suu
Kyi is barred from the presidency as the constitution disqualifies anyone with
foreign offspring. Her children are British.
3) West
African country Sierra Leone was declared Ebola-free by the World Health
Organization (WHO) on 7 November 2015 bringing huge cheer to country’s
populace. With this, which is the only country in the region still affected
with this deadly virus? – Guinea
Explanation: The
ongoing Ebola epidemic in West Africa primarily affected three countries –
Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Other neighbouring countries like Senegal,
Mali and Nigeria were also affected by Ebola to marginal extent. But Liberia
and Sierra Leone have been officially declared Ebola-free in 2015 and with it
Guinea remains the only country still affected with it.
Ebola
has killed over 11 thousand people in West Africa since it was first reported
in Guinea in December 2013. This is the most widespread Ebola epidemic in
history. However, with huge efforts on part of governments, NGOs, WHO and other
organizations, Liberia was officially declared Ebola-free first in May and
later September 2015. On 7 November Sierra Leone was also declared Ebola-free.
There are a handful Ebola cases still in Guinea, from where the epidemic
started.
4) Global
FMCG behemoth Nestle’s Indian subsidiary re-launched its popular Maggi noodles
in India on 9 November 2015. Maggi re-launch was done five months after they
were banned for allegedly containing lead beyond permissible levels. Nestle
India has partnered with which online company for this product’s rollout?
– Snpadeal
Explanation: Nestle
India began rollout of Maggi noodles from 9 November and for this the company
has tied up with online marketplace Snapdeal.
Nestle
India announced that all samples of Maggi Noodles Masala have been cleared by
three National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories-accredited
labs as mandated by the Bombay High Court.
However,
Maggi noodles will not be available in eight states that have banned its sale.
In
June 2015, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) had banned
Maggi noodles, saying it was unsafe and hazardous for consumption after finding
lead beyond permissible limits. The company had soon withdrawn the noodles
brand from the market.
5) Y.
Ramakrishna Reddy and Lakshmi Kanta Reddy, two amateur archaeologists, came to
news recently for discovering rock paintings belonging to Mesolithic periods in
Andhra Pradesh. The paintings representing geometrical designs are seen on a
big boulder executed in red ochre. This unique discovery has been made in which
district of Andhra Pradesh? –Kadapa
Explanation: Kadapa
district is in Rayalseema region of Andhra Pradesh. The discovery of paintings
belonging to Mesolithic periods was made at Peddakona near Anantapadmanabha
temple in Kadapa district.
Ramakrishna
Reddy, working as conductor in the Proddutur bus depot of AP State Road
Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and Lakshmi Kanta Reddy, a police constable in
APSP battalion, Siddhavatam, discovered these paintings during their visit to a
fort in the region.
The
paintings representing geometrical designs are seen on a big boulder executed
in red ochre. The lines painted in the shape of rectangles, triangles and
circles denote abstract forms of some animals.
11-12th
NOV 2015
1) Union
Govt. on 10 November 2015 issued letter of award (LoA) for setting up a new
electric locomotive factory in Bihar to Alstom Manufacturing India Limited.
This new state-of-the-art plant is being established at which place in Bihar?
– Madhepura
Explanation: The
Electric Locomotive Factory (ELF) at Madhepura will be established as a joint-venture
between Ministry of Railways and Alstom Manufacturing India Limited. For this a
new entity will be established as a joint-venture between the two entities.
The
factory would manufacture and supply modern electric locomotives of high horse
power (HP), i.e., 12000 HP. The plant will manufacture and procure 800 such
locomotives in 11 years. The basic cost of these 800 electric locomotives will
be Rs. 19,000 crore. The project requires only five electric locomotives to be
imported. The balance 795 locomotives are to be manufactured in India.
These
High Horse Power (12000 HP) locomotives would be a quantum leap over the
existing 6000 HP locomotives used for freight operations. These modern and
powerful electric locos will be useful for heavy haul freight operations and
mega freight operations in the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and all India
operations.
Investment
of Rs. 1,300 crore will be done to establish this ELF. Establishment of ELF at
Madhepura is expected to lead to substantial development of ancillary
manufacturing units, generation of direct and indirect employment and
substantial development in the region.
2) Union
Govt. on 9 November 2015 issued letter of award for setting up a Diesel
Locomotive Factory (DLF) at Marhowra (District Saran) in Bihar. 1,000 diesel
locomotives will be manufactured at this DLF over a period of 10 years. Which
US-based company has roped in for this joint-venture? – GE Global
Sourcing India Pvt. Limited
Explanation: GE
Global Sourcing India Pvt. Limited is the Indian subsidiary of US conglomerate
GE. This entity will form a joint-venture with Ministry of Railways for
establishment for this proposed DLF at Marhowra in Bihar.
The
DLF at Marhowra will manufacture and supply modern diesel locomotives of 4500
HP and 6000 HP to Indian Railways. The basic cost of 1000 Freight Locos will be
about Rs.14,656 crore.
This
project is expected to usher in new technologies into the Indian Industry at
large through high paced indigenization within first two to three years of
commencing production. The move is also seen as a giant leap forward in Union
Govt.’s ‘Make in India’ drive.
3) Union
Govt. eased foreign direct investment (FDI) norms for how many sectors on 10
November 2015? – Fifteen (15)
Explanation: The
Union Govt. eased FDI norms in 15 major sectors on 10 November and raised the
Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval limit from Rs 3,000 crore to
Rs 5,000 crore.
The
major sectors in which FDI norms have been relaxed included defence,
construction, civil aviation, media, mining, broadcasting, banking, agriculture
and single brand retail.
Within
defence manufacturing, firms can automatically increase foreign ownership to
49%, without seeking government approval.
In
banking sector it will now become easier for private sector lenders such as
Axis bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Yes Bank to raise fresh foreign capital, as
foreign portfolio investors can buy stakes of up to 74% on condition there will
be no change in control and management.
The
government also eased rules on sourcing for single-brand retailers,
particularly for high-tech, and allowed them to sell online without specific
permissions.
4) RBI
Governor Raghuram Rajan was elected as the Vice-Chairman of the Bank of
International Settlement (BIS) on 10 November 2015. With this he became the
first Indian central bank Governor to become the vice-chairman of BIS. BIS is
headquartered in which Swiss city? –Basel
Explanation: BIS
is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, and acts as a coordinating body among
central banks to ensure global monetary and financial stability. Its board
comprises all central bankers.
Rajan,
who has been a vocal votary for increased co-ordination among central banks,
was elected vice-chairman of the entity and will have a three-year term.
Rajan
was appointed RBI Governor amid a currency crisis in 2013 which he was able to
tackle soon after he assumed charge. He has been a strong critic of
unconventional monetary policies such as quantitative easing and keeping
interest rates at near-zero level for long.
5) In
a major breakthrough the Bangladesh Government handed over a very prominent
ULFA leader to India on 11 November 2015. What is the name of this leader who
is a founding member and general secretary of ULFA? – Anup Chetia
Explanation: Anup
Chetia, a founding member of United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) and its
general secretary, is wanted for murder, abductions and extortion in India.
He
had sought political asylum in Bangladesh thrice in 2005, 2008 and in 2011
after Bangladesh police arrested him in December 1997 and was subsequently
handed seven years of jail terms by two courts for cross-border intrusion,
carrying fake passports and illegally keeping foreign currencies.
Attempts
for Chetia’s secure custody had been on for last two decades and his return is
likely to weaken ULFA leader Paresh Barua’s position.
ULFA
is the most prominent separatist organization in Assam.
13-14th
NOV 2015
1) What
was India’s retail inflation (consumer price index) during October 2015, which
was a four-month high, as disclosed in govt. data released on 12 November 2015?
– 5.0%
Explanation: Consumer
price index based inflation, which is the primary inflation gauge as far as RBI
is concerned, rose to 5% in October versus 4.41% in the previous month (September
2015). This was disclosed in the data released by the Central Statistics Office
(CSO) on 12 November.
Rise
in inflation was primarily due to record increase in food products,
particularly pulses. Higher demand for consumer durables and food items during
the festival season beginning in October also contributed to rise in inflation.
2) What
is the name of India’s newest communications satellite that was launched on 11
November 2015 and will replace Insat-3A and 4B satellites? – GSAT-15
Explanation: GSAT-15
is country’s latest communications satellite that was launched successfully
from Kourou in French Guiana (South America) on 11 November 2015. It was
launched by Arianespace’s Ariane VA-227 launch vehicle.
It
will replace the ageing Insat-3A and Insat-4B satellites that are in the same
orbital slot when they expire.
GSAT-15
has 24 transponders on-board that will mainly cater to public and private
direct-to-home broadcasters besides VSAT operators. It is worth mentioning that
a majority of private operators use capacity leased on foreign spacecraft.
GSAT-15,
including the fee to European launch company Arianespace, has cost over Rs. 850
crore.
3) In
a historic development in Japan’s aviation history, country’s first-ever
passenger jet aircraft was successfully flown on 11 November 2015. Which
Japanese conglomerate has developed this aircraft? – Mitsubishi
Explanation: Japan’s
first ever domestic passenger jet, which was tested on 11 November is called
Mitsubishi Regional Jet (MRJ) and has been developed by Mitsubishi Heavy
Industries. Its test run was completed at Nagoya airport.
MRJ
has two-engines, is approximately 35 meters (115ft) long and can seat about 80
passengers. Its maiden test flight culminated a decade of development for a
programme aimed at competing with other regional passenger jet manufacturers
such as Brazil’s Embraer and Canada’s Bombardier.
The
plane marks a new chapter for Japan’s aviation sector, which last debuted a
commercial airliner in 1962 – the YS-11 turboprop, which was discontinued about
a decade later.
Firms
in Japan were banned from developing aircraft by US occupiers following its
defeat in the 2nd World
War.
4) Delhi
Govt. held first-ever “Yamuna Aarti” on 13 November 2015. This event, being
initiated as part of government’s efforts towards cleaning the river and
promoting tourism, was held at which Ghat on Yamuna? – Kudesia Ghat
Explanation: The
first-ever “Yamuna Aarti” was held on the lines of the famous Ganga Aarti held
at Haridwar, Rishikesh and Varanasi. Delhi Govt.’s Water and Tourism Department
organized this event and 11 priests from Varanasi were invited to conduct the
event.
The
aim of the event is to showcase the cleaner and brighter side of the Yamuna and
also promote its banks as a spiritual destination for visitors.
5) Which
Indian private sector entity bought a 40% stake in OakNorth Bank, a British
lender to small businesses and entrepreneurs, as disclosed on 13 November 2015?
– Indiabulls Group
Explanation: Mumbai-based
Indiabulls Group acquired a 40% stake in OakNorth Bank, a British entity which
provides loans to small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Indiabulls,
which has interests in real estate development, financial services and lending,
bought the stake through Indiabulls Housing Finance, India’s second-largest
private housing finance company. The total cost of this acquisition is 66
million pounds ($100 million).
This
major investment by Indiabulls is expected to enable it to accelerate and
expand ambitious growth plans to take on the major banks in small business
segment. The announcement coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s
maiden visit to Britain.
15-16th
NOV 2015
1) The
10th edition of Group of
20 (G20) Summit started on 15 November 2015. The event is being held in the
shadow of the terror attack in Paris two days ago. Which city is hosting this
prestigious Summit, which is also being attended by Indian Prime Minister
Narendra Modi? – Antalya (Turkey)
Explanation: Antalya,
the southwestern Turkish city known for breathtaking views, is hosting the 2015
G20 Summit on 15 and16 November 2015. The Summit features 20 largest economies
of the world and includes all major developed and developing economies.
The
G-20 comprises of Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany,
India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa,
South Korea, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and the European Union.
Heads
of states of 6 countries have been invited as guest representatives to the
Summit. These 6 countries are – Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Senegal, Singapore, Spain
and Zimbabwe.
French
President François Hollande is not attending the Summit due to the Paris
attacks of 13 November and has sent Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and Finance
Minister Michel Sapin as his representatives.
The
economic agenda of the 2015 G20 Summit was completely overshadowed by
terror following terror attacks in Paris and Turkey over the weekend.
2) At
least 129 persons were killed in a massive terror attack on French capital
Paris on 13 November 2015. The attack comprised of at-least 8 armed militants
who carried out firing sprees at some most famous restaurants and a theatre.
What is the name of the theatre that bore the brunt of this attack with over 90
persons killed here? – Bataclan Theatre
Explanation:
The famous Bataclan Theatre, situated in Boulevard Voltaire, was the most
prominent target of this attack. The attack was carried out as the American
rock band ‘Eagles of Death Metal’ were playing a sold-out concert to
about 1500 guests at the theatre.
The
attackers reportedly forced people to lie on the floor and then sprayed them
with bullets, shooting at anyone who tried to flee.
Two
explosions were also carried out near Paris’ most prominent football stadium –
the Stade de France. At that time a friendly football match between hosts
France and Germany was being played at the stadium and was watched by French
President François Hollande and German Foreign Minister.
Other
attacks were at four restaurant stadiums in the city. The responsibility of the
terror attack was taken by the Islamic State (IS). The attack was the biggest
attack in Paris since the Second World War.
3) What
is the name of the Advanced Torpedo Defence System developed by the DRDO, which
was handed over to the Indian Navy on 14 November 2015? – ‘Mareech’
Explanation: ‘Mareech’
is a state-of-the-art indigenous system for torpedo detection and
countermeasures. It has been jointly developed by Naval Physical and
Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Kochi and Naval Science and Technological
Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam. The system was handed over to the Indian Navy
by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at a function held at NSTL on 14 November.
It
offers a complete solution to detect and locate the incoming torpedo and to apply
countermeasures to protect naval platform against torpedo attack. Two
production grade Maareech systems have been developed and user evaluation
trials completed onboard two Indian Navy ships.
4) The
Pentagon (US Defence Headquarters) on 14 November 2015 announced that the head
of the Islamic State (IS) in Libya has been killed in a U.S. airstrike. What
was his name? – Abu Nabil
Explanation: Pentagon
Press Secretary Peter Cook on 14 November claimed that Abu Nabil (also known as
Wissam Najm Abd Zayd al-Zubaydi) was an Iraqi national. He was a longtime
al-Qaeda operative and later, became the senior Islamic State leader in Libya.
His
death came days after an American drone hit claimed the life of the terror
group’s dreaded executioner, Jihadi John. This Pentagon announcement also came
as the Islamic State claimed responsibility for 13 November’s attacks in Paris
that killed at least 129 people.
The
Pentagon expects that Nabil’s death will degrade ISIS’s ability to meet the
group’s objectives in Libya, including recruiting new ISIL members,
establishing bases in Libya, and planning external attacks on the U.S.
5) Indian
Badminton ace Saina Nehwal lost to which Chinese player in women’s singles
finals of China Open Super Series on 15 November 2015? – Li Xuerui
Explanation: The
finals of the China Open Superseries women’s singles was played on 15 November
2015 in Fuzhou (China) between India’s Saina Nehwal and Li Xuerui of China.
While Saina was the defending champion, Xuerui is the reigning Olympic
champion.
Xuerui
defeated Saina in straight games by 21-12, 21-15. Saina couldn’t match the
speed and precision of the reigning Olympic champion Xuerui and despite taking
lead in both the games, she squandered it some unforced errors.
EmoticonEmoticon