SIPVS Knowledge is Power
1) Which public sector bank on 14 February 2018 disclosed that it has found fraudulent transactions totalling over $1.77 billion (Rs. 11,500 crore) in one of its branches in Mumbai? – Punjab National Bank (PNB)
Explanation: Indian banking sector was rocked as country’s second largest public sector bank Punjab National Bank (PNB) on 14 February 2018 disclosed that it has detected fraudulent transactions amounting to more than $1.77 billion (Rs. 11,500 crore) involving billionaire jeweller Nirav Modi, his wife, brother and partners.
– The bank informed the stock exchanges that the fraud was detected in one of its branches in Mumbai (Kalaghoda branch) and that it has referred the matter to law enforcement agencies. PNB’s deputy manager Gokulnath Shetty and another official Manoj Kharat were charged in the case, who had fraudulently issued Letters of Undertakings (LoUs) to 3 diamond firms (Diamonds R Us, Solar Exports and Stellar Diamonds) for raising buyers’ credit.
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2) Who was elected as South Africa’s new president by ruling party legislators on 15 February 2018 after the resignation of Jacob Zuma a day earlier? – Cyril Ramaphosa
Explanation: Cyril Ramaphosa, a senior leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and a deputy of outgoing President Jacob Zuma was elected as the new President of South Africa on 15 February 2018. He was the only candidate nominated for election in the parliament after two opposition parties said they would not participate.
– Ramaphosa is South Africa’s fifth President since majority rule started after the end of apartheid in 1994.
– Earlier on 14 February 2018 President Jacob Zuma resigned from the post in a nationally televised address. He resigned after the ANC instructed him to step down or face a parliamentary motion of no confidence that he would almost certainly lose. He left the post after years of scandals that damaged the stature of the ruling ANC party.
3) China welcomed the Chinese New Year on 16 February 2018 with start of 15-day celebrations. This New Year is observed as the year of which animal? – Dog
Explanation: The Chinese New Year 2018 that started from 16 February 2018 is being observed as the “Year of the Dog”. The Chinese Zodiac is made up of 12 animals, which change on a rotating cycle. The dog is the symbol of loyalty and honesty and people who are born on this year are said to be faithful and trustworthy. Last year was the year of the fire rooster – known for being trustworthy, punctual and responsible (especially at work).
– Chinese New Year is celebrated in China and countries that have a significant Chinese population, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Mauritius, Australia, and the Philippines.
– Chinese New Year, also known as the “Spring Festival” or the Lunar New Year, is one of the most celebrated events across the globe. Every year, Chinese New Year starts on the new moon occurring between 21 January and 20 February. It is an opportunity to honour deities as well as ancestors. It is believed that they originated during the Shang Dynasty when people held ceremonies in honour of gods and ancestors at the beginning of the year.
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4) Which state government on 13 February 2018 announced that it would not participate in the National Health Protection Scheme, the ambitious healthcare programme that was announced in this year’s Union Budget? – West Bengal
Explanation: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on 13 February 2018 announced that it would not provide financial support to the National Health Protection Scheme, touted as the world’s biggest government-funded healthcare programme.
– Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced the National Health Protection Scheme, which seeks to provide health cover of Rs. 5 lakh to 10 crore households, in the Union Budget 2018. The expenditure for the mega healthcare programme will be borne jointly by the centre and the states. However, the West Bengal government decided not to contribute as it feels that it already has its own health insurance scheme that is faring well.
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5) What is the name of the first woman from Pakistan’s tiny minority Hindu community who was nominated for the upcoming Senate elections by country’s main opposition party Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) on 12 February 2018? – Krishna Kumari
Explanation: Krishna Kumari is poised to become the first woman from Pakistan’s tiny minority Hindu community to be elected to country’s upper house (the Senate) after she was nominated by the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) for the upcoming Senate elections to be held on 3 March 2018.
– If she wins, Krishna Kumari will be the first female Hindu lawmaker in Pakistan since 1947 when Pakistan gained independence from Britain. Pakistani parties usually nominate wealthy or influential people for the Senate.
– Kumari has worked as a social worker and also for a Pakistani charity seeking to create awareness among people about the importance of education and the struggle to achieve basic human rights.
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Source: nirdeshak.com
