Current Affairs Daily Digest – September 17 2019
1. Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao resigns
Asian Development Bank President Takehiko Nakao announced his resignation which will be effective from January 16. He became the President of ADB on April 28, 2013.
The new president will be elected in accordance with an open, transparent and merit-based procedure. The resignation with a deep sense of satisfaction and gratitude. With support from staff, Board members, and member governments.
2. RBI expands coverage of Bharat Bill Payment System
In a consumer friendly initiative, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has expanded the scope and coverage of Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) to include all categories of billers who raise recurring bills and payments (except prepaid recharges) as eligible participants, on a voluntary basis.
3. Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline ‘1100’ launched in Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has launched Mukhya Mantri Seva Sankalp Helpline ‘1100’ (Chief Minister’s Service Resolution Helpline) for speedy and time-bound redressal of public grievances using modern technology. By calling this helpline common citizens of state will be able to resolve their complaints and problems.
4. 1st India, Singapore, Thailand Trilateral Naval Exercise begins
The maiden Trilateral Naval exercise involving Indian Navy (IN), Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Royal Thailand Navy (RTN) commenced at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The five-day exercise will be held from 16 to 20 September 2019.
5. DRDO hands over New-Generation Wargaming Software to Navy
The Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) handed over a New-Generation Wargaming Software developed by New Delhi-based Institute for System Studies and Analysis (ISSA) to the Indian Navy. ISSA is a premier DRDO laboratory.
6. MFIN and Sa-Dhan launches ‘Code for Responsible Lending’
Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) and Sa-Dhan along with FIDC (Finance Industry Development Council) have jointly launched the ‘Code for Responsible Lending’ (CRL) for the micro credit industry. The CRL was launched at Sa-Dhan’s 15th Annual National Conference held in New Delhi.
Sa-Dhan is Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recognised self-regulatory organisation and industry association for the microfinance industry.
7. Anjali Singh becomes India’s first female military diplomat
Anjali Singh became India’s first female military diplomat to be posted in any of the Indian missions abroad. Singh joined the Indian Embassy in Russia as the Deputy Air Attache. Singh is trained on MiG-29 fighter aircraft, joined her new assignment on September 10. She is the first female Indian Armed Forces Officer to be posted as a military diplomat in any of the Indian missions abroad.
8. India, Slovenia sign seven MoUs to boost bilateral ties
The President of India Ram Nath Kovind and his Slovenian counterpart Borut Pahor have agreed to strengthen multilateralism and promote multi-polar world. President Ram Nath Kovind reached Ljubljana, Slovenia in the final leg of his visit to – Iceland, Switzerland and Slovenia. Ram Nath Kovind’s visit is the first-ever presidential visit from India to Slovenia.
9. Cognizant appoints Ramkumar Ramamoorthy as CMD of India opertion
IT major Cognizant has appointed Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, currently the executive director, as chairman and managing director of Cognizant India.
The company has fallen back on the CTS old-timer to head the India operations at a time when the company is entangled in a series of legal issues in India with tax and other authorities and looks to get back on the growth trajectory.
10. Visa, BillDesk partner to roll out interface for recurring payments
Visa, a global leader in payments technology, and BillDesk, leader in the Indian payments business, have partnered to roll out of SI-Hub, a seamless and secure way to make recurring payments using cards with a one-time enrollment.
11. Sunil Paliwal takes charge as Chairman & MD of Kamarajar Port
Sunil Paliwal, a 1993 batch Tamil Nadu Cadre IAS Officer, took charge as Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Kamarajar Port Ltd.
Before this, Sunil Paliwal was Tamil Nadu Labour and Employment Secretary. Starting his career as Sub Collector of Cuddalore district, he had also served as Additional Collector in Nagapattinam district and Collector of Tirunelveli, Theni and Kanniyakumari districts.
12. Wipro Infrastructure and BEML sign MoU
Defence PSU BEML Ltd and Wipro Infrastructure Engineering (WIN) have signed an MoU to work together in the areas of aerospace, industrial automation, 3-D printing, artificial intelligence and hydraulic system engineering.
13. Tata Power Renewable commissions 150 MW solar capacity in Rajasthan
Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) has commissioned a 150 MW solar capacity in Pokharan, Rajasthan.
With the commissioning of this solar capacity, TPREL, a subsidiary of Tata Power, has increased its renewable capacity to 2,628 MW, inching closer to its target of generating 40 per cent of its total generation from clean energy sources.
14. WPI inflation dips to 1.08% in August
Wholesale price index (WPI)-based inflation for August came in at 1.08 per cent, much lower than 4.62 per cent recorded in the same month last year. On a sequential basis, WPI remained at the same level recorded in July.
15. Unilever achieves 100% renewable electricity use target across five continents
Global consumer goods firm Unilever said it has achieved 100% renewable electricity usage at its offices, factories and other facilities across five continents in line with its target to become a carbon neutral company by 2030.
