Bidder Information Management System and Bhoomi Rashi-PFMS Linkage Portals Launched

The Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari launched Bidder Information Management System (BIMS) and Bhoomi Rashi and PFMS linkage – two IT initiatives of the Road Transport & Highways Ministry. 
BIMS is aimed at streamlining the process of pre-qualification of bidders for EPC Mode of contracts for National Highway works with enhanced transparency and objectivity. Bhoomi Rashi, the portal developed by MoRTH and NIC, comprises the entire revenue data of the country, right down to 6.4 lakh villages. PFMS is a web-based online software application developed and implemented by the Office of Controller General of Accounts (CGA). 

Source-  Press Information Bureau (PIB)

International Conference on ‘Sustainable Growth through Material Recycling’ Inaugurated In New Delhi

NITI Aayog’s International Conference on “Sustainable Growth through Material Recycling: Policy Prescriptions” was inaugurated by the Union Minister of Road Transport, Highways & Ganga Rejuvenation, Nitin Gadkari at Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra in New Delhi. 
The day-long conference brought together a host of experts for identifying policy prescriptions for the development and growth of material recycling in India towards creating more jobs, reduce dependence on exports, protect the environment and take steps towards adopting circular economy concepts. 

Source- Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 
  • NITI- National Institution for Transforming India.
  • NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman- Rajiv Kumar, CEO- Amitabh Kant.

Indo-Thailand Joint Exercise ‘Maitree 2018’ Begins in Thailand

Exercise ‘Maitree’ is a joint military exercise between Indian Army and Royal Thai Army which  is running on in Thailand. It is a platoon level exercise which comprises of infantry component. 
The exercise will emphasize to hone the tactical and technical skills in joint counter insurgency and counter-terrorist operations in the rural and urban scenario under UN mandate. 
Source- Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 
  • Thailand Capital: Bangkok, Currency: Thai baht. 

NITI Aayog Identified 117 Districts As Aspirational Districts For RUSA Scheme

NITI Aayog has identified 117 districts as ‘Aspirational Districts’. These districts have been selected on the basis of composite index which includes published data of deprivation enumerated under Socio-Economic Caste Census, Health &Nutrition, Education and Basic Infrastructure. 
During the second phase of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), central assistance is provided for opening of new Model Degree Colleges(MDCs) in  ‘Aspirational Districts’ identified by NITI Aayog and in unserved & underserved districts in North Eastern and the Himalayan States. 

Source- Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 

  • Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), launched in 2013 aims at providing strategic funding to eligible state higher educational institutions. 

Italian Bike-Maker Benelli Signs MoU For Plant in Telangana

Italian motorcycle-maker Benelli signed an MoU with Telangana government and Adishwar Auto Ride International (AARI) for setting a manufacturing facility. 
The group company would initially start assembling CKD (completely knocked down) kits of the bike for Benelli to assemble, manufacture bikes and import exclusive range of the bikes from Italy and SouthEast Asian regions. 
Source- DD News

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 
  • Established in 1911, Benelli is one of the oldest Italian motorcycle-manufacturer and has presence in over 60 countries such as America, Africa, Europe and Asia Pacific regions. 

Saudi Arabia Freezes Trade Ties With Canada

Saudi Arabia has announced that it is freezing all new trade and investment with Canada over its interference in its internal affairs. 
The Saudi foreign ministry expelled the Canadian ambassador and recalled its own envoy in Canada.

Source- AIR World Service

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 
  • Saudi Arabia Capital: Riyadh, Currency: Saudi riyal. 
  • Canada Capital: Ottawa, Currency: Canadian dollar. 

Startup India Launches Academia Alliance Programme

Startup India has launched the Startup Academia Alliance programme, which is a unique mentorship opportunity between academic scholars and startups working in similar domains, to fulfill the Indian Government’s mission to promote the spirit of entrepreneurship in the country.
The initiative aims to create lasting connections between the stakeholders of the startup ecosystem by creating a bridge between the academia and industry and implement the third pillar on which the Startup India Action Plan is based – Industry-Academia Partnerships and Incubation.
Source- The Indian Express

PepsiCo’s Indra Nooyi To Step Down As CEO

PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi will step down in October after serving for 12 years as the top boss at the global beverage giant, PepsiCo. Indian-origin Indra Nooyi was the first ever woman to be appointed the CEO at PepsiCo, in the year 2006. 
She will be succeeded by company President Ramon Laguarta, who has held the post since 2017. She will remain chairman till 2019. 

Source- The Financial Express

Japan Pips China To Become World’s 2nd Largest Stock Market

Japan has pipped China as the world’s number two stock market, according to a Bloomberg report. At one of the time, the Chinese market was worth $6.09 trillion next to Japan’s $6.17 trillion. 
Both markets are ranked after the US which is the world’s largest at just over $31 trillion. China lost to Japan after Chinese stocks and currency fell this year amid a trade spat with the US. 
Source- Business Today

Static/Current Takeaways Important for Indian Bank PO Exam 2018- 
  • Japan Capital- Tokyo, Currency- Japanese yen, PM- Shinzo Abe. 

GST Council Announces Cashback For Digital Transactions

In the 29th meeting, GST council approves cash incentives to promote Digital transactions. Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announces 20%  Cashback upto Rs 100 for the Digital Transactions done via BHIM, Rupay or USSD mode.

The meeting was held in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal. It was focused on the concerns and suggestions of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. In the meeting, it was decided to create a sub-committee headed by MoS Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
Source- DD News