Introduction
Current Affairs is a type of broadcast journalism where the emphasis is on detailed analysis and discussion of news stories that have recently occurred or ongoing at the time of broadcast. The article Current Affairs September 18th 2018 includes News summary on current events of International, National, Banking, Sports, Awards, Appointments and Obituaries importance of September 18th 2018.
International
PM Modi & PM Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh inaugurate construction of Indo-Bangla pipeline project
Key Highlights:
- On September 18, 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and PM of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the construction of India-Bangladesh Friendship Product Pipeline Project.
- This is in accordance to the MOU signed between the 2 countries in April during Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale’s visit to Dhaka.
- The estimated project cost will be 346 crore rupees and it will be completed in 30 months time.
- It is a 130-kilometre pipeline that will connect Siliguri in West Bengal in India and Parbatipur in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh.
Static GK:
- Capital of Bangladesh: Dhaka.
- Currency Bangladesh: Bangladeshi taka
Bangladesh Cabinet approved deal with India for port usage of Chittagong and Mongla
Key Highlights:
- On September 18, 2018, Bangladesh Cabinet approved a draft agreement with India for port usage of Chittagong and Mongla ports to strengthen the existing cordial bilateral ties.
- This would enable New Delhi to use the ports for the movement of goods to and from northeast India. It would be according to the rules of General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
- Nepal and Bhutan has also been approved to join the team.
- Aslo, under the agreement only Bangladeshi vehicles and vessels would be used to carry the goods inside Bangladesh.
- The Bangladeshi authorities would use tracking systems like global positioning system (GPS), e-lock and e-seal to identify the goods carrying vessels.
Static GK:
- Capital of Nepal: Kathmandu.
- Currency Nepal: Nepalese Rupee
- Capital of Bhutan: Thimpu.
- Currency Bhutan: Bhutanese ngultrum
Germany launches world’s first hydrogen-powered train
Key Highlights:
- On 17th September 2018, Germany launched the world’s first hydrogen-powered train with costlier but eco-friendly technology.
- The two Coradia iLint trains were built by French train-maker firm Alstom. It started operating on a 100 km (62-mile) route between Cuxhaven, Bremerhaven, Bremervoerde and Buxtehude in northern Germany.
- The Coradia iLint trains can run for nearly 1,000 km on a single tank of hydrogen. It can carry up to 300 passengers. It runs at a speed of 140 km/h.
- Hydrogen will be pumped into the trains from a 40-foot high steel hydrogen gas container at Bremervoerde station.
- Hydrogen trains have fuel cells that produce electricity through a combination of hydrogen and oxygen, leaving steam and water as the only emissions. Excess energy is stored in ion lithium batteries.
National
Harsh Vardhan releases draft India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)
Key Highlights:
- On 17th September 2018, Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, released the draft India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) and a booklet on ‘Montreal Protocol – India’s Success Story’.
- An improved website on the Ozone Cell of the Ministry and a Management Information System (MIS) for Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) were also launched.
- He also released two handbooks for trainers and technicians on “Good Service Practices and installation of room air-conditioners with HCFC-22 and flammable refrigerants”.
- Also, “A Guide for integration of topics related to HCFC Phase out and Energy efficiency in Architectural Curriculum” was released.
- ICAP has been prepared by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The process was initiated in July 2017.
Government of India inaugurates the All India Pension Adalat
Key Highlights:
- On 18th September 2018, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurated the ‘Pension Adalat’.
- Dr Jitendra Singh also presented the ‘Anubhav’ awards 2018 to 6 pensioners for their contribution to create institutional memory for the departments. The Anubhav scheme was instituted through the idea of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015.
- He also launched a booklet named “An era of sustained reforms for Central Government Pensioners” with simplification of rules and steps to strengthen the Grievance Portal and make it user friendly.
- Pension Adalat is organised by the Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare (DoP&PW).
Mr Ahluwalia launches C-DAC Information Media Server (CIMS)
Key Highlights:
- S.S. Ahluwalia, Minister of State for Electronics and IT has launched C-DAC Information Media Server (CIMS) for improving Good Governance.
- C-DAC Information Media Server is a dedicated computer appliance with specialized application software that will offer audio and video on demand.
- This system is low of cost and affordable. It has been built with single board computer with powerful and energy efficient multi-core processor.
- It does not need any special purpose internet service provider or data connectivity. It can be easily configured and deployed at various locations.
Indo-German collaboration in vocational education and training
Key Highlights:
- On 18th September 2018, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce (IGCC) in the area of vocational education and training.
- According to the MoU, students who complete specific training courses in India will receive a certificate that is recognised in India and enables its recognition in Germany.
- They will be able to apply for jobs in companies in India and also in Germany, very easily.
- German ambassador to India, Martin Ney, was present when the MoU was signed. This idea was initiated in May 2017, by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
India – Morocco Tourism Bilateral meeting held in New Delhi
Key Highlights:
- On September 17, 2018, a bilateral meeting on Tourism Cooperation between India and Morocco was held in New Delhi.
- It was held between Minister of State for Tourism (IC), Government of India, Shri. K. J. Alphons, and Minister of Tourism, Air Transport, Handicraft and Social Economy, Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Mohamed Sajid.
unique projects including Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse project inaugurated by S&T minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan in Delhi
Key Highlights:
- On September 18, 2018, Union Science & Technology minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurated 2 projects at Sun Dial Park in New Delhi.
- To re-convert waste water to clean water and contribute in cleanliness drive of Swachh Bharat.
- Local Treatment of Urban Sewage Streams for Healthy Reuse (LOTUSHR) project and 2 bio toilets supported by DBT-BIRAC and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
First-ever ‘dial-FIR’ scheme launched by Uttar Pradesh Police
Key Highlights:
- On September 17, 2018, the UP police launched the ‘e-FIR’ or ‘dial-FIR’ scheme for the first time in the country.
- To help the citizens lodge a report and FIR online.
- It would be made possible by the collection of photographic data of 1 lakh small and big criminals through the new 22,000 ipads.
Banking
PayU India got nod from RBI to operate Its own NBFC subject to KYC compliance
Key Highlights:
- On September 17, 2018, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved PayU India to operate its own non-banking financial company (NBFC).
- The approval from the central bank is subject to “certain pending RBI compliance”.
- It has already crossed Rs 100 crore ($16 million) mark for credit issuance
- The company has spent about $265 million over the past five years in India.
- Its payment facility called LazyPay witnessed around 10,000-11,000 transactions per day.
- In September 2016, the company had acquired Citrus Pay for $130 million.
DAC approved projects worth Rs 9,100 Crores
Key Highlights:
- On September 18, 2018, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman approved the procurement of equipment for the Defence Forces worth Rs 9,100 crores.
- The Akash Missile is an upgraded version of Akash missiles and will have 360 degree coverage and seeker technology.
- The IUWBA has been developed by DRDO Lab DEBEL.
- It will be used as a safety gear and emergency escape by crew of tanks.
Sports
Hangzhou in China to host 2022 Asian Para Games
Key Highlights:
- On 16th September 2018, Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) confirmed that Hangzhou in China will host the 4th edition of Asian Para Games in 2022.
- Already, Hangzhou was confirmed as the host of 2022 Asian Games. Now, it has also been announced as the host of Asian Para Games 2022.
- The confirmation has been done following the visit of APC officials to Hangzhou in July 2018 when they met Zhong Wenjing, Chairman of Hangzhou Disabled Federation and other officials and also visited the sports facilities.
- Nearly, 5.5 % of the total population of 9.5 million people in Hangzhou city are said to have an impairment.
Static GK:
- Asian Paralympic Committee President: Majid Rashed
- Asian Paralympic Committee CEO : Tarek Souei
- Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
German insurers Allianz sign up with IOC as Olympic sponsor for 10 years
Key Highlights:
- On September 18, 2018, German insurer Allianz signed up as a global Olympic sponsor for a 4-Games period of 10 years between 2021 and 2028.
- The insurer will become the IOC’s 14th top sponsor.
- It would start from 2019 and with a pilot project in four key markets: Australia, China, France and Spain.
Lewis Hamilton wins Singapore Grand Prix
Key Highlights:
- On 16th September 2018, Lewis Hamilton won the Singapore Grand Prix at Marina Bay Street Circuit, in Singapore.
- Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton won the 1st position. He was followed by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the 2nd spot. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel finished in the 3rd place.
- With this victory, Lewis Hamilton has increased his chances of winning this year’s Formula One World Championship. Also, this is his fourth career win in Singapore.
Medved International Wrestling tournament at Minsk, Belarus
Key Highlights:
- From 14th to 16th September 2018, Medved International Wrestling tournament was held in Minsk, Belarus.
- Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik won a silver medal in the 62 kg category, as she lost to Hungary’s Marianna Sastin 2-6 in the final.
- Also, India’s Pooja Dhanda won a Bronze medal in the 57 kg category.
Kenyan marathon master Eliud Kipchoge smashes world record
Key Highlights:
- On 16th September 2018, Kenya’s Eliud Kipchoge created a new marathon world record by clocking 2hr 1min 39sec, in Berlin, Germany.
- liud Kipchoge has broken Dennis Kimetto’s previous record of 2hr 2min 57sec set on the same course 4 years ago, by his new record of 2hr 1min 39sec. The total race distance was 42.195km.
- He has bettered the previous world record by 1min 18sec. This is the largest single improvement on the marathon world record since Derek Clayton improved the mark by 2min 23sec in 1967.
Awards
Dr. Raghupati Singhania conferred with highest civilian honour of Mexico
Key Highlights:
- On September 17, 2018, Dr. Raghupati Singhania was awarded the ‘Mexican order of the Aztec Eagle’ by Her Excellency Ms. Melba Pría, Ambassador of Mexico to India on the eve of 128th National Day of Mexico.
- It is the highest honour given to non-nationals by the Government of Mexico.
- He is the Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.
- He was awarded for his exemplary leadership, his noteworthy services towards humanity and his efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between India and Mexico.
Satyarup Siddhanta, Mousumi Khatua created history by climbing Asia’s highest volcanic peak Mount Damavand
Key Highlights:
- Mountaineers Satyarup Siddhanta and Mousumi Khatua created history by climbing Asia’s highest volcanic peak Mount Damavand in Iran.
- Mount Damavand has an altitude of 5,609 metres. Sulphur discharge near its peak can cause irreparable damage if exposed for a longer duration.
- The expedition team consisted of 3 members: Satyarup Siddhanta, Mousumi Khatua Siddhanta and Bhaswati Chatterjee.
- They left for Iran on 6th September 2018. They scaled the summit in a very short duration to avoid health hazards due to sulphur exposure.
Appointments
Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma signed as ambassadors of Skill India Campaign
Key Highlights:
- Actors Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma have been signed as ambassadors of Skill India Campaign to promote the Skill India Mission, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Skill India is led by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). It aims to standardise vocational training.
- Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma’s upcoming movie “Sui Dhaaga – Made in India”, honours India’s entrepreneurs and skilled workforce like homegrown artisans, craftspeople and weavers.
S Jaishankar, ormer foreign secretary joins board of USISPF
Key Highlights:
- On September 18, 2018, Former foreign secretary S Jaishankar joined the board of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF).
- He is currently president of Global Corporate Affairs for the Tata Group.
- He was the Foreign Secretary from January 2015 to January 2018.
- He also held prominent posts in the Indian Foreign Service such as High Commissioner to Singapore, Ambassador to China, and Ambassador to the US.
S Jaishankar, former foreign secretary joins board of USISPF
Key Highlights:
- On 14th September 2018, Tajinder Mukherjee took charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of National Insurance Company Limited (NIC).
- Previously, she was the General Manager and Chief Underwriting Officer of New India Assurance.
- She has more than 33 years of experience. She joined the United India Insurance Company in 1983.
Obituaries
Ganpatrao Andalka, the former Asian Games champion wrestler, passed away in Pune
Key Highlights:
- On September 18, 2018, former Asian Games champion wrestler Ganpatrao Andalka (83), passed away in Pune.
- He participated in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and had bagged the coveted “Hind Kesari” title in 1960.
- He also won Gold and Silver medals in two different weight categories in the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games.
- He was a recipient of the Arjuna award (1964) and the Maharashtra government’s ‘Shiv Chhatrapati Award’ in 1982 for his contribution to wrestling.
Independent India’s first woman IAS officer Anna Rajam Malhotra dead
Key Highlights:
- On 17th September 2018, India’s first woman IAS officer post-Independence, Anna Rajam Malhotra, passed away at her home in Andheri, Mumbai.
- Anna Rajam Malhotra was 91 years old. She was born as Anna Rajam George in Ernakulum, Kerala, in July 1927.
- She joined the civil services in 1951 in the Madras cadre. She also served as chairperson of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT).
- In 1989, she received the Padma Bhushan award. She had worked under 7 chief ministers of Tamil Nadu.