Current Affairs 22nd September 2015

Current Affairs 22nd September 2015

Updated : 22-Sep-2015

Current Affairs 22nd September 2015 - Important Points
Current Affairs 22nd September 2015 - Details
NASSCOM’s report on Contributions of India’s Tech Industry to the US economy released
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 21st September 2015, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman released NASSCOM’S report on Contributions of India’s Tech Industry to the US economy in Washington, the USA.

This report tries to appraise the positive impact of investments made by Indian IT BPM companies in the US by way of job creation, contribution by way of taxes and more importantly impact of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) measures on the US economy.
Highlights of the report
- Indian IT companies have invested 2 billion US dollars between 2011 and 2013 in the USA.
- The USA is the largest market for Indian IT-BPM (Information Technology-Business Process Management) exports.
- At present, Indian IT industry supports 411000 direct and indirect jobs in the USA.
- They paid around 22.5 billion US dollars in federal, state and local taxes between 2011 and 2015.
- While direct and indirect jobs supported by India’s IT sector in the US grew at an annual rate of 10 percent between 2011 and 2014, the average jobs growth rate in the USA was only 1.7 percent during the same period.
- More than 120000 American lives touched under the CSR initiatives.
- Indian IT companies provide operational support to over 90 per cent of Fortune 500 firms and thousands of other American businesses.
- Indian technology industry pays equivalent wages to the US national and foreign worker.
- In the USA, shortage of skilled talent is expected to continue to grow and will result in shortfall of 445000 computer professionals by 2022.
About NASSCOM
National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM). It is a trade association of Indian Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry.
It eases business and trade in software and services and encourages the advancement of research in software technology. B V R Mohan Reddy is the present chairman of NASSCOM.
Where did the EMI-EMC & NFTR test facilities inaugurated - BEL-Ghaziabad
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 21st September 2015, Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) – Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) test facility and Near Field Test Range (NFTR) were inaugurated at the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL)-Ghaziabad by the Chairman Chief of Staff Committee (COSC) Anup Raha.

Currently he is also serving as the Air Chief Marshal and the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).
These testing facilities will give motivation in developing and manufacturing products of superior performance and reliability with capability to operate in dense electromagnetic environment in the battlefield.
About Bharat Electronics Limited
- A wide range of products are manufactured in the areas of Electro OpticsMilitary Communication Systems, Radars, Weapon Systems, C4I Systems, Shelters, Electronic warfare Systems, etc.
- In 1954, it was established under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Bangalore.
- BEL (Ghaziabad) specializes in design, development, manufacturing and production of Ground Radars, Antenna systems and Command & Control Systems.
Where did the Rehearsal of Chang’e-5 lunar mission conducted - China
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 21st September 2015, Chang’e-5 was in news as China shipped Long March-5 carrier rocket from Tianjin port for a rehearsal of Chang’e-5 lunar mission.
It was the first drill executed in a launch site that involved both the carrier rocket and a probe.
It is the first of its kind technology for China as it will be involved in automatic sampling, an unmanned docking 400000 km above the lunar surface and ascending from the moon without a launch site.
Features of Chang’e-5 lunar mission
- It is China’s initial sample return mission to the moon.
- It has been named after the Chinese moon goddess Chang'e.
- It is called as a sample return mission as it will return the Earth with at least 2 kilograms of lunar soil and rock samples.
- It is expected to land on the Moon by 2017 and is currently under development.
- It consists of Long March 5 rocket that will be used to launch the probe.
- The rocket will carry 14 tonnes of payload to geostationary transfer orbit, the largest carrying capacity in China.
Who is appointed to Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees - Richie Richardson
Among the important appointments, On 21st September 2015, Richie Richardson was appointed to the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

On 3rd January 2016, Sydney test against Australia will be seen as the last match to be by him as the manager.
List of Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees
- Jeff Crowe (New Zealand)
- Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
- Chris Broad (England)
- Richie Richardson (West Indies)
- Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe)
- David Boon (Australia)
- Javagal Srinath (India)
National Animal of Nepal - Cow
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 20th September 2015, as per the new secular constitution of Nepal, Cow was declared as the National Animal of Nepal by Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav at a special ceremony held in Parliament at Kathmandu.
With this announcement, cow will have constitutional protection and cow slaughter has also been banned.
NASA developing space shotgun as part of - Asteroid Redirect Mission
Among the important International Current Affairs, In the third week of September 2015, Brooklyn-based Honeybee Robotics that is involved in the development of the technology announced that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is developing a space shotgun to test the strength of asteroids and other space rocks.
The space shotgun is intended to determine whether mass is solid enough for sampling and it is part of NASA’s Asteriod Redirect Mission.
Features of Asteriod Redirect Mission (ARM)
- It is NASA’s first-ever robotic mission to visit a large near-Earth asteroid, collect a multi-ton boulder from its surface, and redirect it into a stable orbit around the moon.
- Once an asteroid is in a stable orbit, astronauts will explore it in the deep space and return with samples.
- The samples collected will lead to new scientific discoveries about the formation of our solar system and beginning of life on Earth.
- By 2020, a spacecraft will be launched and the astronauts will return with samples in 2020s as a part of the mission.
- The mission also will reveal planetary defense techniques to divert dangerous asteroids and protect Earth if needed in the future.
- It is part of NASA’s plan to advance the new technologies and spaceflight experience needed for a human mission to the Martian system in the 2030s.
Draft National Encryption Policy has been released by - Union Government
In the fourth week of September 2015, The Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY) released the Draft National Encryption Policy.
The purpose of the policy is to encourage use of encryption technologies and products among governmental agencies, businesses and citizens for more secure communications and financial transactions in the cyber space.
It was formed under Section 84A and Section 69 of Information Technology Act, 2000 that deals with prescribing modes or methods of encryption and decryption respectively.
Highlights of Draft National Encryption Policy
- It encourages use of encryption for storage and communication among the agencies and individuals covered under it.
- Under the policy, except the central and state government departments, all the organizations and citizens should store plain text information for 90 days from the date of transaction and produce the same to law enforcement agencies as and when demanded.
- Research and Development programs will be initiated for the development of indigenous algorithms and manufacture of indigenous products for Encryption, hashing and other cryptographic functions.
- A Technical Advisory Committee will monitor the technology development in the area of Cryptography to make appropriate recommendations on all aspects of Encryption policies and technologies.
- However, mass use encryption products, social media applications such as facebook, twitter, etc , and SSL/TLS encryption products being used in Internet-banking and payment gateways, e-commerce and password based transactions were exempted from it purview.
- Its vision is to enable information security environment and secure transactions in Cyber Space for individuals, businesses, Government including nationally critical information systems and networks.
- Its objectives are synchronizing with the emerging global digital economy, encouraging use of encryption for ensuring the security and confidentiality of data and encouraging wider usage of Digital Signature by all entities including government.
- It is applicable to all the Central and State Government Departments, statutory organizations, executive bodies, business and commercial establishments, Public Sector Undertakings, academic institutions, government personnel and citizens.
- All vendors of encryption products shall register their products with the designated agency of the Government.
- The Government will notify the list of registered encryption products from time to time, without taking responsibility for security claims made by the vendors.
Indigenously built vessels Apoorva & C-421 has been commisioned by - Indian Coast Guard
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 21st September 2015, Indian Coast Guard (ICG) commissioned two indigenously built ships Apoorva and C-421 at the Naval Dock in Mumbai by Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Western Naval Command SPS Cheema.
The introduction of the vessels is expected to increase maritime security along the Arabian Sea coast.
Characterstics of ICGS Apoorva
- It is a 50 meter long Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV).
- It can achieve a maximum speed of 33 knots and displaces 317 tonnes.
- It is provided with state-of-the-art weaponry, advanced communication and navigational equipment that make her an ideal platform for undertaking multifarious close-coast Surveillance, interdiction, Search & Rescue and medical evacuation missions.
Features of ICGS C-421
- It is a water jet propelled vessel.
- It is fitted with medium range armaments, the ship is designed for close coast and shallow water operations.
- It is the 27th in the series of IBs constructed by L & T Limited and can achieve a maximum speed of 45 Knots.
- It is based at Androth (L&M Islands), under the administrative and operational control of the Commander, Coast Guard District Headquarters No 12.
Rajasthan Vexation Litigation Prevention Bill 2015 was passed by - Rajasthan Assembly
On 21st September 2015, the Rajasthan Vexation Litigation Prevention Bill, 2015 was passed by Rajasthan Assembly. The aim of the bill is to avoid filing of baseless cases and to check the misuse of law for personal benefits.
After Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Madhya Pradesh to pass such legislation, Rajasthan became the fifth state in India to do so.
It is a legal move or action initiated spitefully and without Probable Cause by an individual solely to harass or subdue an opponent or adversary. According to the bill, the tendency to file vexatious litigation was increasing.
The courts have shown their agony by imposing heavy costs on vexatious litigants. These litigants persistently file baseless cases and misuse the process of law to settle personal scores. Besides harassing the innocent, these also put strain on the already overburdened judicial system.
Who is appointed as Managing Director of Harley Davidson's India operations - Vikram Pawah
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 21st September 2015, Vikram Pawah was appointed as the Managing Director of India operations of US cult bike maker Harley Davidson with immediate effect. Pawah has replaced Anoop Prakash, who was appointed as the Managing Director of Harley Davidson Canada.
Pawah will be responsible to manage Harley Davidson India’s leadership team responsible for in-country sales, dealer network management, marketing, service and operations activities to expand the company’s presence in the country.
He has spent 21 years with Honda in India and Australia and has more than 24 years of experience in the auto industry. His most recent role was as Assistant Vice President and Operating Head - Sales with Honda Cars India Ltd.
Who has won 12 medals at Pars International Cup in Tehran - Indian Wushu team
Among the important Sports Current Affairs, From 19th September to 20th September 2015, 12 medals comprising of one gold, four silver and seven bronze medals were secured by the Indian Wushu team at the Fifth International Pars Wushu Cup held in Tehran.
On the last day of the tournament, India’s L. Budhachandra Singh won the gold medal after defeating Masod Ansari of Iran in the final of the 56 kg category. On the other hand, Mukesh Choudhary and Rajani Deori grabbed silvers for the country.
The Indian team won two silver and three bronze medals in the previous edition held at Zenjan, Iran.
About Wushu sports
Wushu, traditional Chinese sports, is an exhibition and a full-contact sport. It is derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. At present, wushu has become an international sport through the International Wushu Federation (IWUF). The federation organizes the World Wushu Championships every two years.
The launch of Android Developer Nanodegrees programme has ben announced by - Google & Tata Trusts
On 21st September 2015, Search engine Google and Tata Trusts in association with Udacitylaunched a scholarship programme to educate Indian students in Android development.
1000 scholarships will be offered to deserving students by Google and Tata Trusts as a part of the programme. The students will be awarded with Android Developer Nanodegrees.
It is aimed at transforming India into a hub of high-quality mobile developers for global and local applications and an education credential designed to help developers learn new skills.
It conists of courses developed and taught by experts from the Google Developer Relations team. It will also include project reviews, mentorship and career services from Udacity.
The duration of the course will be an average of 6 to 9 months and will cost 9800 rupees per month. 50% of the fees will be refunded upon completion of the course by Udacity.
MoU for Swavlamban Health Insurance Scheme for Disabled Persons Signed
On 21st September 2015, The Trust Fund for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, under the Department of Empowerment of People with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MOSJ&E), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the New India Assurance Company Limited.
Health insurance, Swavlamban Health Insurance Scheme, for the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) will be provided as aimed by the MoU. It also aims to improve the general health condition & quality of life of persons with disabilities.
Main features of the Scheme
- The scheme will also provide health insurance cover of up to 200000 rupees per annum as family floater.
- The insurance will have a single premium across age band.
- It can be availed by the beneficiary aged between 18 years and 65 years with family income of less than 300000 rupees per annum.
- The insurance scheme will provide comprehensive cover to the PwD beneficiary, spouse and two children.
Name the Odia Lyricist who has passed away - Nizam Died
On 22nd September 2015, Renowned Odia lyricist Nizam passed away in Bhubaneswar following cardiac arrest and kidney failure at the age of 62.
He was born in 1952 in Cuttack. He started his career as an All India Radio artiste.In 1977, he moved into Odia Film Industry as a lyricist. He had written songs for over 100 films in his 35 years of career.
Hrudayara Eei Sunyata Ku Aaji Pachari Mu Jebe Sune, Needa Bhara Rati, Madhu Bhara Janha, Mu Je Eka Pagala Bhanra etc are some of the most famous songs written by him.
Who has won 12 awards at 67th Primetime Emmy Awards - Game of Thrones
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 20th September 2015, Famous American fantasy drama television series, Game of Thrones, created for HBO won 12 awards at the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Game of Thrones grabbed 12 awards, including best drama series. It was the first time that the popular fantasy drama won the best drama series award.
Awards won by Game of Thrones
- Outstanding Direction in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Make-Up for a Single-Camera Series (Non-Prosthetic)
- Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Scripted Series
- Outstanding Special Visual Effects
- Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Single-Camera Picture Editing for a Drama Series
- Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary or Fantasy Program (One Hour or More)
- Outstanding Drama Series
- Outstanding Supporting Actor (Peter Dinklage)
- Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
- Outstanding Sound Editing for a Series
- Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series