Current Affairs 21st September 2015

Current Affairs 21st September 2015

Updated : 21-Sep-2015

Current Affairs 21st September 2015 - Important Points
Current Affairs 21st September 2015 - Details
Who has sworned in as Prime Minister of Egypt - Sherif Ismail
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 19th September 2015, Sherif Ismail sworned in as the Prime Minister of Egypt by the President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi.

Since 2011, this is the seventh national government in the country uprising that toppled the autocratic Hosni Mubarak.
Sherif Ismail has succeeded Ibrahim Mahlab who resigned in the second week of September 2015 between a corruption probe.
Ismail was the minister of petroleum and mineral resources in the Mahlab’s cabinet. He had also worked as the chairman of the Egyptian natural gas holding company (EGAS).
Name the BCCI President who has passed away - Jagmohan Dalmiya
On 20th September 2015, President of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jagmohan Dalmiya, passed away in Kolkata, West Bengal at the age of 75.
He was known as the architect for the rise of Cricket in India and its financial superpower. In 1983, he had started his journey in BCCI as its treasurer before becoming its secretary and has served BCCI for more than 30 years.
In 2001, he became the president of BCCI president and later again in March 2015, for second time, he became President of BCCI. From 1997 to 2000, Dalmiya had also served as President of the International Cricket Council (ICC). He was first Indian and first Asian to head the ICC.

P Siva Kumar, CVRDE Director, elevated as Distinguished Scientist
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 19th September 2015, the Union Ministry of Defense elevated P Sivakumar, Director of CVRDE, as a Distinguished Scientist or Scientist H. It is the highest honour conferred on a scientist in India.
CVRDE stands for Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment. His elevation was in recognition of his dedication and diligence in self-reliance effort for defence combat vehicle systems and sub-systems.
Achievements of P Sivakumar
- For his active role in the Arjun MBT project management, he was awarded with the Scientist of the Year Award 2010 of DRDO.
- He was involved in development of various products including the Arjun MBT Mark-II, Carrier Command Post Tracked Vehicle, unmanned ground vehicles.
- He was contributory in comparative trials with T-90 to decide the deployment strategy for ARJUN MBT.
- As the Director of CVRDE since March 2010 he has been contributory in developing critical systems for the Indian armed forces.
- He worked for more than 20 years in Design and Development of Transmission systems for tracked and wheeled vehicles application.
- He is a member of many professional institutions particularly American Gear Manufacturers Association (AGMA), American Society of Metals (ASM) and Institution of Engineers, India.
Who has won Greece elections - Alexis Tsipras-led Syriza party
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 20th September 2015, Alexis Tsipras-led Syriza party emerged as the largest party in the general elections to the Greece’s Parliament.
35% of total votes resulting in 144 seats in the 300-seat Parliament were secured by them. It is expected from Syriza to form a union government with Independent Greeks Party.
Since the formation of its first government at the national government in January 2015, it is the second election victory for Syriza in just nine months.
The present feat for Syriza is expected to give another opportunity for Greece to effectively deal with its long standing financial crisis and emigrants influx from Syria.
Two MoUs to strengthen bilateral ties are signed between - India & Laos
On 18th September 2015, two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations were signed by India and Laos. Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and President of Lao Choummaly Sayasone signed the MoU's in the Presidential Palace Ho Kham, Vientiane.

The MoUs include Air Services Agreement to start direct flights between two countries and another agreement for three Quick Impact Projects (under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation programme) in the agriculture sector.
India-Laos Bilateral Relations
In February 1956, the diplomatic relations between Indian Government and the Government of Laos were established. India has enjoyed longstanding, friendly and mutually supportive relations with Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR).
There exist excellent political relations between India and Lao PDR. On account of this, the Lao PDR has been supportive of major issues of regional and international concerns to India. In 2010, Laos supported India’s candidatures for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2011-2013.
Who has won 2015 Beijing International Marathon - Mariko Kipchumba of Kenya
Among the important Sports Current Affairs, On 20th September 2015, the annual Beijing International Marathon was won by Mariko Kipchumba of Kenya by finishing 42.195-km course in 2 hours 14 minutes and 25 seconds.
Ethiopian runner Betelhem Cherenet won the title in 2 hours 27 minutes and 31 seconds in women’s competition.
With the feat, Kipchumba (41) became the first non-Ethiopian athlete to win the event since 2011. Francis Kiprop won the 2011 event.
Do You Know :
- Since 1981, the annual marathon race is being held in the Chinese capital Beijing.
- It begins at Tiananmen Square and finishes at the National Olympic Sports Centre stadium.
- Every year around 5000 athletes from different parts of the world paticipate in it.
- In the men’s category either a Kenyan or an Ethiopian won the race since 2004.
Who has been conferred with Cricket Club of India’s honorary life membership - Sania Mirza & Ajinkya Rahane
Among the important Sports Current Affairs, In third Week of September 2015, Sania Mirza and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane were conferred with honorary life membership of Cricket Club of India (CCI).
As the members of the club, the recipients will be allowed to use its facilities along with one’s spouse.
The membership of CCI is a prestigious ownership which is awarded regularly to sportsmen and eminent persons as recognition of their contribution to their respective fields.
About CCI
- On 8th November 1933, CCI was incorporated with an aim to promote cricket and other sports in the country.
- It is located at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
- Its membership list comprises of : few of them are-Michael Ferreira (billiards), Geet Sethi (billiards), MS Dhoni, Muralitharan and Sunil Gavaskar.
- Non-sproting personalities are also awarded the privilege by the club like- John Major (former UK Prime Minister), Mukesh Ambani, Dilip Kumar, R K Laxman, M J Akbar and Lata Mangeshkar.
- Its contributions to sports and cricket in particular, have given it a unique position in the history of not only India but the entire world.
Who has won 2015 Singapore Grand Prix of Formula One - Sebastian Vettel
Among the important Sports Current Affairs, On 20th September 2015, the 2015 Singapore Grand Prix of Formula One was won by Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel from Germany. Australian Daniel Ricciardo is the runner up. The race was held on the the first street circuit in Asia, Marina Bay Street Circuit.
Ferrari, Red Bull, Mercedes, Williams and Toro Rosso were the top 5 Teams of the 2015 Singapore Grand Prix of Formula One.
For Vettel, Moreover, this was his third victory of the season 2015. Earlier he had won Malaysian Grand Prix 2015 and Hungarian Grand Prix 2015.
Veteran Leftist Sadhan Gupta died
On 19th September 2015, Veteran Communist leader MP Sadhan Gupta passed away on 19 September 2015 following age-related illness. He was 98 years old.
Gupta was an eminent barrister and Independent India’s first visually challenged person to be elected as an MP.
Gupta was born on 7 November 1917 (change the date formay) in Dhaka, now in Bangladesh. He rose to fame when he argued the case of the Emperor vs Shibnath Banerjee in pre-independence era.
As an infant, he suffered a smallpox attack that took a toll on his vision. He studied at Calcutta Blind School and ranked among top ten in Matriculation examination. He studied economics from Presidency College and passed LLB from Calcutta University.
Gupta became a CPI member in 1939. In 1969, he was elected to West Bengal Assembly from Kalighat.
In 1986, he was appointed advocate general during the Left Front regime.
Who has presented the National Tourism Awards 2013-14 - President Pranab Mukherjee
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 18th September 2015, the National Tourism Awards 2013-14 at a function held at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi were presented by President Pranab Mukherjee.
Some of the important recipients of awards
- Gujarat has been awarded as the Best Film Promotion Friendly State/Union territory.
- M/s Kuoni Travel India Pvt Ltd, Gurgaon received the first prize for Best Inbound Tour Operators/Travel agents in the category of earning Foreign Exchange of 100 crore rupees or more in a year.
- The state of Gujarat was awarded for the Best State/UT for Comprehensive Tourism Development
- Heritage City Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh as the Best Heritage City
- Department of Tourism of Kerala received the award for Most Innovative use of Information technology.
- The Great backwaters of Kerala by Kerala Tourism has been awarded the Best Tourism Film.
- M/s Trail Blazer Tours India Pvt was given first prize in the category of earning Foreign Exchange of 50-100 crore rupees in a year.
- M/s Eco Mobility and Hospitality Pvt Ltd won the first prize in Category I of Tourist Transport Operator.
- The Coffee Table Book Gujarat’s 50 Golden Destinations by Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Ltd got the award of Best Tourism Promotion Publicity material.
- Municipal Council of Maheshwar (Distt.Khargone) in Madhya Pradesh for Best Civic Management of a Tourist Destination in B Category.
- M/s Snow Leopard Adventure Pvt Lts, Gurgaon won the prize for Best Adventure Tour Operator.
Do You Know :
- Union Ministry of Tourism annually presents the National Tourism Awards to various segments of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. These awards are being given since the early 1990s.
- The awards are awarded to State Governments, Union Territories, hotels, travel agents, tour operators and individuals in recognition of their performance in their respective fields.
- The awards are given in several categories including Comprehensive Development of Tourism, Best Heritage City, Best Heritage Walk, Best Hotels, Best Rural Tourism Project, Medical Tourism Facilities, Awards to Inbound Tour Operators and Travel Agents for their outstanding work.
International Day of Peace observed globally on - 21st September
Among the important International Current Affairs, On 21st September 2015, The International Day of Peace was observed with the theme "Partnerships for Peace- Dignity for All" across the world to mark the efforts of those who have worked hard to end conflict and promote peace.
The United Nations General Assembly has dedicated this day to strengthen the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
On this day, the United Nations invites all nations and people to honour a halting of hostilities and honours the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.
Four new isotopes discovered by researchers at - Manipal University
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 2nd September 2015, Researchers from the Manipal Centre of Natural Sciences at Manipal University, Karnataka in collaboration with researchers at GSI, Germany claimed to have discovered four new atomic nuclei to be added to the Chart of the Nuclides.
The claim was made in the journal Physics Letters B published by H. M. Devaraja from the Manipal Centre of Natural Sciences at Manipal University.
The collaborators focused on the development of new methods of synthesis for the super heavy elements.
The nuclei are one isotope each of the elements berkelium (Bk, atomic number 97) and neptunium (Np, atomic number 93) and two isotopes of the element americium (Am, atomic number 95). The researchers used a new, highly sensitive method to create and detect the nuclei.
How it was discovered?
The researchers shot at a 300-nanometer-thick beam of curium with accelerated calcium nuclei. In the collisions, the atomic nuclei of the two elements touched and formed a compound system for a very short time. After about a sextillionth of a second, before the compound system could fall apart again, the two nuclei involved interchanged a number of their protons and neutrons. Different isotopes formed as the end products of this exchange.
Who has been awarded with Jnangarima Manad Alankaran award - Urdu scholar Shamim Hanfi
Among the important National Current Affairs, On 20th September 2015, Renowned Urdu scholar Shamim Hanfi was conferred with the Jnangarima Manad Alankaran by Bharatiya Jnanpith in New Delhi at the annual Kavita Samay, an evening of poetry recitation by authors in Hindi and Urdu.
He is famous for his books on criticism like Infiradi Shaoor aur Ijtemai Zindagi, Jadidiyat ki Falsafiyani Asas and Ghazal Ka Naya Manzarnama.
He was born on 17th November 1938 in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Later, he moved to Allahabad for higher studies.
Apart from a eminent scholar, he has also been a freelance contributor for various Hindi and Urdu newspapers and periodicals.
About Jnangarima Manad Alankaran award
- The Jnangarima Manad Alankaran award was constituted by Bharatiya Jnanpith in 2015 to honour 70 years of the institution.
- The award identifies the contribution of writers in Indian languages.
- A Saraswati statue, a silver citation and a shawl is given to the recipient of this literary honor.