Current Affairs 12th August 2016

National News:

• Mobile Standards Alliance of India (MSAI) and the Nirbhaya Jyoti Trust launch ‘I Feel Safe’ safety app for women
• The ambitious Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and System (CCTNS) project will be operationalised by 31st of March next year
• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing and ratification of an Agreement between India and Croatia on Economic Cooperation
• Cabinet approves amendment to Lokpal and Lokayukta Bill
• First Indian channel on skill development launches in Pune
• Bihar agrees to implement Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
• Madhya Pradesh and Puducherry join UDAY power discoms reforms
• Union Finance Minister ArunJaitley will on Thursday launch a data bank to gather information about micro, small and medium enterprises
• Government notifies national ‘Early Childhood Care and Education’ policy

International News:

• India, US push for $30 mn energy storage research initiative
• Libya pro government forces capture Islamic State headquarters in Sirte

New Appointments:

• Bill Maris, the chief executive and founder of Alphabet Inc’s venture capital arm GV, is leaving the company
• ITC’s Savlon engages Saina Nehwal as its brand ambassador

Banking:

• Syndicate Bank has embarked on a large scale transformation program called “Project Ananya” that focuses on improved customer service and offering latest in digital banking services

Business & Economy:

• Tata Chemicals has entered into an agreement with Norwegian company Yara International ASA to sell its Babrala urea plant and distribution business in Uttar Pradesh for $400 million (Rs.2,670crore)

Awards & Honours:

• Wipro Chairman Azim Premji and HCL co-founder Shiv Nadar are the only two billionaires from India in Forbes’ list of the world’s 100 richest people in technology, ranking in the top 20 ahead of Google boss Eric Schmidt and Uber CEO Travis Kalanick

Science & Technology:

• Accenture and LinkedIn are jointly organising “HackFest 2016”, a platform for students to solve real-world business and human challenges through innovative (original and new) ideas

Sports:

• SaniaMirza-Martina Hingis split due to poor results
• Rio 2016: Archers DeepikaKumari, Bombayla Devi & boxer Manoj Kumar enter pre quarterfinals; Shooters disappoint again