General Knowledge and Current Affairs Pack 2016-08-31 01:00

2. Ahead of Prachanda' s India visit, Delhi making waves in Kathmandu
3. Ahead of Reliance Jio launch, India' s leading telecom operator, Bharti Airtel on Monday launched Mega Saver Pack for prepaid customers across India.
4. Ahead of the impending launch of Reliance Jio' s 4G services, telecom operator Reliance Communications on Tuesday announced app-to-app 4G calling at Re 1.The Anil Ambani-led firm will bundle 300 minut...
5. Ahead of the US-India-Afghanistan trilateral talks scheduled at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in September, Washington said it wanted New Delhi to continue its constructive role in Afghanistan.
6. a heartening development.&quot
7. A History of the Uzbeks: From the Silk Road to the Soviet Union
8. AIADMK members walk out after Speaker rejects demand for discussion
9. AIADMK memebers walk out of Puducherry Assembly on budget debate
10. AIIB, Silk Road Fund "crucial'  for developing countries in Asia
11. AI-powered business intelligence is the future
12. Airbus selects Safran' s data loading systems for A320 family
13. Air carriers have been instructed to take additional measures to ensure air security during charter flights.
14. Aircel Cellular Ltd on Tuesday filed an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging a Madras High Court' s decision that upheld Department of Telecom' s move to collect ₹3,273 crore from the mobile operat...
15. Aircel launches new mobile internet packs for customers in Karnataka
16. Air Force Seeks Medal of Honor for Sergeant Who Died in 2002
17. 'Air Force Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, who died in an attack by Al-Quaida and Taliban forces, is being considered for the Medal of Honor. (US Air Force photo)'
18. Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) Declamation Contest 2016 was conducted on 30 Aug 16 at Air Force Auditorium Subroto Park New Delhi. Out of total of 22 contestants, 10 contestants bagged trophies for winners and runner ups
19. Airport MRT safety assured with operations around corner: officials
20. Airtel comes up with "innovative'  data offer to counter Jio
21. Airtel cuts data price by 33%, as Reliance Jio threat looms
22. Airtel reports highest revenue market share in Q1Y17
23. Airtel slashes rates for prepaid data plan to battle Jio
24. Airtel's Rs 51 per GB data versus industry norm of Rs 250-plus comes with an upfront payment of Rs 1,498 for a year
25. Airtel, Vodafone and Idea cut tariff; bundle plans ahead of Jio entry
26. Airtel, Vodafone, Idea cut tariff, bundle plans ahead of Reliance Jio entry
27. Airtel, Voda, Idea cut tariff, bundle plans ahead of Jio entry
28. Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: Films she was offered
29. AITA retains same Indian team for Spain Davis Cup tie
30. Ajei Gopal, 54 will become the CEO of Pennsylvania-based ANSYS with effect from January 1 next year
31. Ajei Gopal to be named CEO of US company ANSYS
32. A joint statement has been signed by insurance companies, warning govts of risks of continuing to fund production of oil, coal and gas
33. A judge dismissed a request to review a sexual assault case in which David Becker was given two years on probation after being initially charged with rape.
34. A K Bhattacharya: Arun Jaitley's Budget firsts
35. 'Akira' came at the right time of my career: Sonakshi
36. A large cache of explosives and weapons was seized in Kapisa province close to capital Kabul by the operatives of the Afghan intelligence. The National Directorate of Security (NDS) said ...
37. A law intended to improve the safety of abortion by medication tripled the rate of complications because it stopped physicians from following latest research
38. A leading Australian daily today said it will not be publishing more confidential data on the Indian Scorpene Class submarines...
39. Alex Campbell
40. Alex Hales's stunning century provided the platform for England to post the highest ever one-day international total of 444 for three as they beat Pakistan by 169 runs at Trent Bridge.
41. Alex Williams, a lecturer in Sociology at City University London, believes that a four-day week will not only cut down on pollution from commuting, but will also help save electricity costs.
42. Alison Brie, OITNB creator team up for wrestling comedy
43. All budding athletes, kick back your menstrual pain with ease!
44. Alleging that forces across the border are fomenting trouble in violence-hit Kashmir, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has said that "a small percentage" of people in the Valley are holding the majority to ransom.
45. Alleging that the cement manufacturing companies in the country colluded to create an artificial demand and hike the price, members of the Confederation of Real Estate Developers'  Associations of Indi...
46. All-party delegation positive outcome of J&K oppn-PM meet: NC
47. All-party delegation to J-K: It's good government finally realised need for it after 50 odd days, says Kharge
48. All-party delegation to J&K: It's good government finally realised the need for it, says Kharge
49. Almost 300 offences have been reported across the UK since Pokemon Go launched this summer, with Sergeant Neil Dewson-Smyth, of Cheshire Police, saying the figures were 'worrying'.
50. Alphabet Executive Leaves Uber Board
51. Alphabet's David Drummond steps down from Uber board amid growing competition
52. Al-Shabab attack outside Somali president&#039
53. Al-Shabab attack outside Somali president's palace kills at least 10
54. Although genetic variants are scattered throughout the human genome, scientists have largely ignored the stretches of repetitive genetic code known as 'junk' DNA in their search for differences that influence human health and disease. Now, researchers have discovered that variation in these overlooked regions can affect the stability of the genome and the proper function of the chromosomes that package our genetic material, leading to an increased risk of birth defects, infertility, and cancer.
55. Although the center of Tropical Depression 9 moved away from Cuba and into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, western Cuba was still getting drenched from the system.
56. Although they like to project a squeaky-clean image, Silicon Valley companies use the same tactics as their counterparts in the old economy. A recent court case has revealed how Uber has used private investigators.(...)
57. Alveo launches fourth residential tower at former FTI property in Taguig
58. A major fire broke out today in a residential and commercial district of the United Arab Emirates' capital, witnesses said, but there was no immediate report of casualties.
59. A man has been acquitted by a court due to non-examination of the complainant who died during pendency of trial.
60. A man is offering a $5000 reward for "crooks" who stole Trump signs from his yard. CNN's Jeanne Moos has the rewarding details.
61. 'Amaq News Agency of the Islamic State (IS) reported that long-standing IS spokesman Abu Muhammad al-'Adnani was killed in Aleppo, Syria.
62. Amaq News Agency on August 3&hellip
63. A massive gas-based power plant that could meet the increasing power demands of the city is coming up in north Bengaluru. 
64. Amazon Dash: One-click internet shopping buttons launched in UK
65. Amazon Echo Now Lets You Control Your Sonos Speakers
66. Amazon Is Opening More Brick-and-Mortar Bookstores
67. Amazon is planning a pilot program in which a select group of workers will only need to log 30 hours a week, The Washington Post reports.
68. Ambitious Plastomac Company to hold AGM
69. A member of an auto-lifters gang that used sophisticated technology to steal particular makes of a prominent car brand has been arrested, police said today.
70. A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed between the IALA (The International Association
71. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Central Reserve Police Force and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) in the presence of Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh here today.
72. America-India bhai-buy?
73. American actor Stephen Lang says he would be visiting India as he has a lot of friends in the country.
74. Americans are the last people who should sermon morality to the world Interview conducted by Desislava Pateva with Mohammed Ibrahim,…
75. A Metropolitan Magistrate Court on Tuesday granted the Central Crime Branch (CCB) Police a one-day custodial interrogation of SRM University Chancellor T.R. Pachamuthu. When the magistrate sought his...
76. Am I a good person? You asked Google – here' s the answer
77. Amid Africa' s Strong Growth Prospects, Collective Drive Can Ensure "No One Is Left Behind' , Secretary-General Says at Nairobi Event Opening Session
78. Amid another failed monsoon, the Karnataka government is caught between the devil and the deep sea over releasing Cauvery water to irrigation canals and to Tamil Nadu.
79. Amid power tussle, Hong Kong fund lifts its stake in China Vanke
80. Amid ruins, Italy mourns quake victims
81. Among those browser users affected are those who synced passwords to third-party sites.
82. A move of the Task Force on Swachh Mangaluru headed by Mayor Harinath to reward the best cleanest ward in the city with monetary benefit received a setback at a meeting of the Mangaluru City Corporat...
83. Amtrack reveals $2bn project to bring 186mph trains to US
84. Amtrack reveals America's 'bullet train': $2bn project will bring 186mph next generation trains to Washington, New York and Boston by 2021
85. A mysterious figure with red eyes: Has the ghost of a monk killed by Henry VII been caught on camera at Glastonbury Abbey? 
86. An Afghan official said the Taliban have overrun a district headquarters in eastern Afghanistan.
87. An all party meeting conducted by the Mallannasagar Land Oustees'  Struggle Solidarity Committee demanded for lifting of Section 144 in the villages scheduled for submergence under the Mallannasagar p...
88. An all party meeting conducted by the Mallannasagar Land Oustees'  Struggle Solidarity Committee demanded for lifting of Section 144 in the villages scheduled for submergence under the Mallannasagar pr...
89. An American-Canadian couple held hostage by the Taliban for four years have urged their governments to pressure Kabul to change its policy on executions of captured insurgents, according to a new video which surfaced today.
90. An arbitration court in The Hague infuriated China in July when it ruled that China had no historical title over the South China Sea and it had breached the Philippines' sovereign rights.
91. An Army jawan was killed in firing from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir tonight.
92. A native Arabic speaker, he often served as a bridge to the Arab world.
93. An atmospheric scientist from the University of Reading has created a new visualization to show how a trip from New York to London changes with each day,
94. An attack submarine that is sponsored by first lady Michelle Obama and will be named for her home state has been delivered to the US Navy.
95. An autistic boy from Devon has received thousands of birthday cards, gifts and messages from strangers around the world after his mother's online plea went viral.
96. and along with promoting his upcoming flick &#039
97. Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary S.P. Tucker, who is due to retire on Wednesday, has been given a three-month extension by the government.The General Administration Department issued an order on Tuesday...
98. Andhra University will bear the cost of mess charges for all differently abled students in the campus, whose parent' s income is less than Rs. 1 lakh per annum. This was decided at the Executive Counci...
99. And more of the week's top financial advice
100. Andre Agassi has been retired for 10 years -- but a herd of 150 lookalikes are coming to the U.S. Open clad in mullets and neon, circa 1980.<img
101. An earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter Scale hit off Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, the US Geological Survey (USGS) said.
102. An eminently readable book that will delight any cineaste for its sheer passion for cinema and for the delightful theoretical dexterity with which it weaves a complex and rich web of information and analysis. By C.S. VENKITESWARAN
103. An empire and a company ruling by force needed sedition to prop up its iniquitous regime. A free country doesn't
104. An evacuation is underway at Los Angeles International Airport after reports of a shooter at one of the terminals
105. A 'new age of man' has arrived: Scientists declare the dawn of the human-influenced Anthropocene era
106. A newly inducted Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel quenching his thirst...
107. A new paper reveals that Americans are spending about 20% more on prescription drugs now compared to just a few years ago.
108. A new study describes the mechanism by which caffeine counteracts age-related cognitive deficits in animals. The study shows that the abnormal expression of a particular receptor -- adenosine A2A, a target for caffeine -- in the brain of rats induces an aging-like profile: namely, memory impairments linked to the loss of stress controlling mechanisms.
109. A new study from one of the world's most sophisticated traffic research facilities enables researchers to measure pedestrian reactions to virtual reality scenarios. Researchers have determined that a child pedestrian's ability to safely cross the road is hindered more during a cell phone conversation than an adult's.
110. A new study has found that plants regulate their leaf temperature with some independence from the surrounding air temperature, a trait that increases carbon uptake through photosynthesis.
111. A new study might tempt some sleep apnea patients to unplug their machines. Continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, does not reduce the risk of heart attacks or other cardiovascular emergencies in sleep apnea patients with heart disease, the researchers say.
112. A new study reveals a counterintuitive cellular strategy that may protect insulin-producing cells from destruction during type 1 diabetes. Nearly one out of every 11 people is diagnosed with diabetes in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Although a person can develop type 1 diabetes at any time, it is usually diagnosed during childhood and there is no way to prevent or cure it.
113. An explosives-laden vehicle exploded inside the Chinese Embassy compound in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Aug. 30, killing the driver and injuring several bystanders, state-run Kabar news agency reported.
114. Angry farmers lock minister' s office
115. An image grab taken on Oct. 2, 2013 from a video uploaded on YouTube on July 8, 2012, of the spokesman for the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), Abu Mohammad al-Adnani al-Shami, speaking next to an Islamist flag at an undisclosed location. The Islamic State (IS) group announced on Aug. 30, 2016 that Adnani was killed in Syria's northern city of Aleppo.
116. 'Animal Farm' immunity receptors only work in a crowd, researchers find
117. An Indian Couple Has Been Banned From Everest for 10 Years After They Lied About Climbing It
118. An innocent black man was punched, Tasered and arrested by police officers. A jury awarded him $18.
119. An inter-bank Athappookkalam competition will be held by the NABARD Recreation Club on the NABARD office compound here on September 4. Call: 94463 45835. — Staff Reporter...
120. An intriguing radio spike spotted last year could point toward an intelligent extraterrestrial civilisation, but follow-up observations so far have come up empty
121. An intriguing radio spike spotted last year could point toward an intelligent extraterrestrial civilisation, but follow-up observations so far have come up empty
122. An Italian bishop issued a veiled critique of the suspected shoddy construction behind the high death toll of Italy' s earthquake and warned during a state funeral Tuesday that the rebuilding effort must not become a “looting” of state coffers.
123. Ankara [Turkey], Aug. 27 (ANI): Turkey on Saturday arrested three former top Turkish diplomats on charges related to the recent failed coup attempt by a section of the military.
124. Ankshu Ecstasy of TGR Projects India, a prominent residential project, has even constructed the entire apartment complex despite being denied environmental clearance.
125. An MNS corporator has complained to police that a construction firm allegedly refused to sell him an apartment in a western suburb because of his food preferences.
126. An employee of an IT firm was raped at knifepoint by an unidentified man at her paying guest (PG) accommodation in Parappana Agrahara police station limits on Monday.
127. Announcement on SCS, package soon: Sujana
128. Annual General Meetings of Reliance Industries have always been a major draw. This time what's evoking particular interest is that Chairman Mukesh Ambani, perhaps, would give some insights into the group's largest project till date -- the $21-billion Jio 4G telecom services.
129. An oil deal between Iraq and the autonomous Kurdish region acknowledges the realities of the political and economic fragility of both governments.
130. An old-world charm
131. An Olympic champion is thanking a 7-year-old Atlanta girl who found his gold medal in a pile of trash weeks after it got stolen.
132. An ongoing retrospective of artist Laxman Shreshtha' s oeuvre personifies abstraction.
133. An open letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan on the difference between racism, xenophobia, protectionism, nuclear proliferation, torture, war crimes, fanboy support—and the GOP.
134. An Opinion on J&K: Fighting done by Fools & Thinking done by Cowards
135. An Oregon teen thought the picturesque Willamette River would be the perfect backdrop for her senior photos. What the soon-to-be South Eugene High School senior didn't count on? A naked photo bomber.
136. Another Littoral Combat Ship Breaks Down During Pacific Transit
137. A notorious field commanders of the Jaish Al-Islam militant group, Mohammad Ghanoum, has been killed in clashes with the Syrian Army and…
138. Anthropologists from at the University of Utah have disproved the long-held theory that an abundance of single men leads to outcomes of crime, violence and broken homes.
139. Anti-dumping duty to help domestic steel firms overcome weak demand:ICRA
140. Antipsychotic medications are associated with an increased risk of pneumonia in persons with Alzheimer's disease, according to new research. The risk of pneumonia was the highest at the beginning of antipsychotic treatment, remaining elevated also in long-term use. No major differences were observed between the most commonly used antipsychotics.
141. Antipsychotic medications linked to increased risk of pneumonia in persons with Alzheimer's disease
142. Anti-Terrorism Squad Detaining Minority Youths Illegally: Sharad Pawar
143. Anti-whaling activist group Sea Shepherd announced its 11th whale defense campaign Tuesday with the launch of a custom-built vessel, which it claims will have the requisite muscle to take on Japanese whaling fleets.
144. Antrix gearing to launch 68 small satellites in early 2017
145. Antrix hits payload dirt in global small satellite surge
146. Antrix, the commercial arm of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is planning to send into orbit 68 small satellites from countries across the world early next year.“These 68 small satellites ...
147. Antwerp, Belgium—Women in burkinis and bikinis join forces in Antwerp at an August 27 protest against several French towns'  attempts to ban the full-body swimsuits favored by some Muslim women wishing to cover up while swimming. Video of French police forcing women on beaches to take off their burkinis drew comparisons to the morality police in Saudi Arabia and Iran, and France' s highest court suspended such bans on the grounds that they violated fundamental liberties. The bans were a reaction to a string of attacks by Islamist militants that have left France grappling with balancing security and religious tolerance.
148. A number of opposition activists in Venezuela have been arrested for allegedly planning violence at an anti-government demonstration later this week. President Nicolas Maduro, who addressed the nation in a televised speech, accused them of fomenting a coup
149. Anuradha Rao is MD, CEO of SBI Mutual Fund
150. Any curbs would be aimed at weeding out the weak, said a senior executive with the state backed auto l manufacturers' association, and they may push as many as 90% of EV start ups toward extinction.
151. An year on, PSB executives and analysts say the plans are drifting, even as they praise the government's objective
152. A one-day seminar for life skill trainees and practitioners was conducted by CONCERN Charitable Trust at its LEAD (Lifeskill Education And Development) Training Centre, Seethammadhara, on Tuesday.Arou...
153. A panel for IT Examination and Cyber Security initiatives of banks has been set up; IT exams were also initiated in two banks
154. A passion for programming and computer Olympiad medals took teen from Mumbai to Boston.
155. A place to dump “mad” people: that was the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Chennai, when it was first conceived. Much has changed since then in the world of psychiatric care, but the 1,800-bed i...
156. Apparel retailer Easybuy targets 50 stores by 2018
157. Apple’s iPhone Jamboree Is Coming September 7
158. Apple and Google Face Long Battle With the EU
159. Apple faces bill of billions over its Irish tax affairs
160. Apple Getting Ready to Give its Macs a Powerful Overhaul
161. Apple hit with record 13 bn euro Irish tax bill
162. Apple hit with record EU tax bill
163. Apple holds Europe to ransom: Tech giant threatens to cut jobs in EU after Brussels orders it to pay back £11BILLION in tax over 'illegal' sweetheart deal with Irish government 
164. Apple Inc was the largest weight on US stock indexes on Tuesday after antitrust regulators ordered the company to pay about $14.5 billion in back taxes to the Irish government, but gains in bank share...
165. Apple iPhone 7, Apple Watch 2 To Launch on September 7
166. Apple ordered by EU to repay $13bn in back taxes
167. Apple ordered by EU to repay $13bn in back taxes" Apple ordered by EU to repay $13bn in back taxes
168. Apple Ordered to Pay $14.5 Billion in Back Taxes
169. Apple-related stocks draw buying from Taipei to Shenzhen
170. Apple's $14.5 billion EU tax bill: What you need to know
171. Apple tax: Downing Street says tech giant 'welcome' to come to UK after EU orders Ireland to claw back £11bn 
172. Apple to be hit with multi-million euro tax demand
173. Apple to launch iPhone 7, other new offerings on September 7
174. Apple vs. the E.U. Is the Biggest Tax Battle in History
175. Applying Armstrong' s expertise with testing unique flight configurations, the center managed the development of the pad-launch-abort system flight test for NASA's next-generation spacecraft, Orion.
176. Aprilia SR 150 launched in India
177. A prominent African-American pastor who supports Donald Trump apologized Tuesday for a tweet featuring a cartoon of Hillary Clinton in blackface, but said he stood by the message he was trying to convey that Democrats take black voters for granted.
178. AQIM Issues Separate Message on Mount Semmama Attack, Reports Six Tunisian Soldiers Killed at Least
179. AQIM' s Uqba bin Nafi Battalion Claims Attack on Tunisian Soldiers on Mount Semmama
180. A quick verification conducted by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) special cell in Ernakulam on the issue of payment by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to the PWD rest house i...
181. A ramp, provided for the first time between the buildings of Bhavnagar and Rajendra Prasad wards of King George Hospital, was inaugurated by Superintendent M. Madhusudhana Babu on Tuesday.The ramp was...
182. ArcelorMittal and SAIL had inked a MoU in May last year to explore the possibility of setting up an automotive steel manufacturing facility under a JV arrangement in India
183. Areas with more men have HIGHER rates of marriage: Abundance of single males does not make relationships less stable
184. A recent discovery in the study of landslides, using annular shear cell measurements of granular flows, confirms that two flow regimes -- an 'elastic regime' and an 'inertial regime' exist.
185. A record 6,958 refugees and migrants were plucked from flimsy inflatable dinghies and wooden fishing boats on the central Mediterranean Sea during a 30-hour period starting Monday.
186. A record number of overseas investments were made in the UK in the 2015 to 2016 financial year, buoyed by a surge from emerging markets, making the country Europe' s most popular for external financiers.
187. A REMAX system is shown equipped with 12.7 mm machine gun and EOPTRIS 2.0 sensor, mounted on a VBTP-MR Guarani. Source: Iveco
188. A researcher has discovered several new species of trapdoor spider -- and you'd never guess where. Trapdoor spiders spend most of their life underground their true number and diversity has been a bit of a mystery, says the new study.
189. A research group has identified an enzyme whose production is turned off in nerve cells of the frontal lobe when alcohol dependence develops. The deficiency in this enzyme leads to continued use of alcohol despite adverse consequences.
190. A research team has identified the pain transmission mechanism at the molecular level and presented new solutions for the understanding of pain signals and the development of pain treatments.
191. Argentina's Army Attach&#233
192. Argentina's Army Attaché in Washington, DC, has opened a direct acquisition bid process to procure 27 recoilless short-range anti-tank weapons, 27 subcalibre adapters, 5,000 rounds of 7.62 mm tracer ammunition, and 5,000 percussion primers for the subcalibre ammunition.
193. Argentina's newly acquired Islas Malvinas deploys for 'Viekaren XVI'
194. Argentina's World Tango Championships bigger than ever
195. Argentina to acquire recoilless rifles, ground surveillance radar
196. Argentine film director & producer Sergio Neuspillerm and his team found a mysterious island near the Parana River on the northeastern edge of Argentina while using Google Maps. Called 'The Eye', this bizarre island is almost a perfect circle and is surrounded by a tiny channel of clear water - other alien hunters say it is just camouflage for an underwater alien base. The film crew is raising $50,000 to fund an expedition to the island to discover its secrets and the journey will be turned into a documentary film.
197. A rising number of migrants are disregarding Europe’s double strategy for deterring mass migration and stretching Greece’s capacity to absorb more asylum seekers even thinner.
198. ARMED with revenue maps of Bengaluru dating back to 1904, court orders and a diktat from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) began a series of demolitions in...
199. ARM investors approve £24bn SoftBank takeover
200.  
201.