Arun Jaitley Resumes Charge As Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister

Union Minister Arun Jaitley is back as the Finance Minister after a three-month interval to recuperate from a kidney transplant surgery.
In Mr Jaitley’s absence, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal was holding the additional charge of the Finance and Corporate Affairs portfolio. 
Source- The Hindu

Veteran Journalist Kuldip Nayar Passes Away

Eminent Indian writer and journalist Kuldip Nayar passed away in New Delhi following a brief illness. He was 95. Mr. Nayar was originally born in Sialkot in 1923.
His famous autobiography was “Beyond The Lines”. He was also the High Commissioner of India to the U.K. and nominated member of the Rajya Sabha. 
Source- The Hindu

4th BIMSTEC Summit To Be Held in Kathmandu

The fourth Summit of Heads of State/Government of Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will be held at Kathmandu in Nepal on August 30 and 31. 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the summit. During the two-day Summit, leaders of member states will review progress achieved so far in the areas of cooperation and provide guidance to the future work of the BIMSTEC. 
Source- The Hindu

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 
  • BIMSTEC is a regional economic bloc comprising seven member states lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. 
  • The group was formed in 1997 and it brings together Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka Myanmar and Thailand. 
  • Nepal is the current chair of BIMSTEC. 

President Kovind Inaugurates International Buddhist Conclave in New Delhi

President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the International Buddhist Conclave in New Delhi. The theme of the conclave is ‘Buddha Path – The Living Heritage’ which aims to showcase Buddhist Heritage in India and boost tourism to the Buddhist sites in the country. 
The Ministerial level delegation from ASEAN countries will participate in the conclave along with delegates from 29 countries including US, UK, Germany, France and Russia. This year Japan is the partnering country for the Buddhist conclave. 
Source- AIR World Service

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 
  • Ram Nath Kovind is the 14th President of India. 
  • Dr. Rajendra Prasad was the first President of Independent India. 

Asian Games 2018: Rahi Sarnobat 1st Indian Female Shooter To Win Asiad Gold

Shooter Rahi Sarnobat won the women’s 25m Pistol event at Asian Games 2018 in Indonesia. With this, she becomes the first ever Indian female shooter to win gold in the history of Asian Games. 
Manu Bhaker who had won gold at Commonwealth Games 2018, finished sixth in the event. India have now two gold medals in shooting at the Asiad 2018. 
Source- The Indian Express

Static/Current Takeaways Important for RRB PO/Clerk Exam 2018- 

  • The Host cities for Asian Games 2018 are Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia. 
  • Bhin Bhin, Kaka, and Atung are the mascots of the 2018 Asian Games. 

VVS Laxman Pens Autobiography ‘281 And Beyond’

Veteran cricketer VVS Laxman, known for the suppleness of his wrists, has penned down his autobiography titled, “281 and Beyond”. The book will be released this year in November. 
The book will be released by the Westland Publications. The title has been borrowed from the Hyderabad stylist’s fabulous series-turning innings of 281 against Australia at the Eden Gardens in 2001. 
Source- Business Standard

Warne’s Autobiography ‘No Spin’ To Come Out In October

Spin legend Shane Warne will talk about his extraordinary cricketing career and his life off the pitch besides unveiling several unknown facts in his autobiography titled ‘No Spin’ which will be published in October 2018.
“No Spin” is the true story behind the headlines, in Warne’s own voice, and challenges some of the enduring myths and untruths that surround him. 
Source- News18

1st Ever IAF-RMAF Joint Air Exercise Begins In Malaysia

The first-ever joint air exercise involving the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) commenced at Subang Air Base in Malaysia. 
India has been eyeing a foothold at the strategically important Subang Air Base. The main aim of the exercise seeks to deepen defence and military ties between the two countries. 
Source- Business Standard

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 
  • Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa is the present Chief of Air Staff. 

Chhattisgarh Announces Renaming Of Naya Raipur To Atal Nagar

In a tribute to the late former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Chhattisgarh Cabinet approved the proposal to rename Naya Raipur as ‘Atal Nagar’. Chief Minister Raman Singh made the announcement after a Cabinet meeting. 
The Bilaspur University will be known as Atal Bihari Vajpayee University while the Narrow Gauge Line will be called Atal Path. The Central Park, which is being constructed beside collectorate, will be named as Atal Park. 
Source- Times Now

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 
  • Naya Raipur is the proposed administrative capital of Chhattisgarh. 
  • Anandiben Patel is the present Governor of Chhattisgarh. 

Forbes Released List Of Highest Paid Female Athletes: Serena Williams Tops, PV Sindhu Ranks 7th

Serena Williams (with earnings of $18.1 million) was the highest paid female athlete for a third consecutive year in 2018, according to “List Of Highest Paid Female Athletes 2018” published by Forbes. 
Dane Caroline Wozniacki, who captured her maiden grand slam title at Australian Open 2018, was second on the list with combined earnings of ($13 million). Indian badminton player P.V. Sindhu was at seventh place with earnings of $8.5 million. 
The Top 5 Highest Paid Female Athletes On The List Are: 
1. Serena Williams ($18.1 million), 
2.  Dane Caroline Wozniacki ($13 million),
3. Sloane Stephens ($11.2 million),
4. Garbine Muguruza ($11 million),
5.  Maria Sharapova ($10.5 million).
Source- The Forbes

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 
  • Forbes- American Business Magazine, Founded in- 1917.
  • Headquarters- New York City, USA.