Current Affairs of 10th September, 2015

[10/09/2015]

 Union Cabinet approved 100 percent FDI in white label ATMs through automatic route

The Union Cabinet on 9 September 2015 approved 100 percent Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in white label Automated Teller Machines (WLAs). White label ATMs are those that are being set up by non-bank entities.

In contrast to the earlier norm of going through the approval route, this decision by the cabinet allows foreign investments through the automatic route.

However, any non-bank entity intending to set up WLAs should have a minimum net worth of 100 crore rupees as per the latest financial year's audited balance sheet, which is to be maintained at all times.

Election Commission of India announced election dates for Bihar Assembly polls

Election Commission of India(ECI) on 9 September 2015 announced the election dates for Bihar Assembly polls. The election to be held in 5 phases between 12 October and 5 November 2015 and counting will take place on 8 November 2015. The elections will be held as the five year term of the current Assembly is due to expire on 29 November 2015.

With this announcement of the dates, the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect. The elections will see deployment of central paramilitary forces at all polling booths to oversee the effective management of the electoral process at the field level mainly in respect of voter awareness and facilitation.

Bihar has a total of 243 assembly seats, of which 38 are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 2 for Scheduled Tribes. 47 constituencies are affected by Left Wing Extremism. A total of 62779 polling stations will be set up for 6.68 crore electorates. 

Besides, this is the first time when the EVMs will be carrying photos of the candidates in any general election to prevent the namesake problem.

Acclaimed writer Jhumpa Lahiri awarded with 2014 National Humanities Medal by White House

Short story writer and novelist Jhumpa Lahiri was on 3 September 2015 named as a recipient of the 2014 National Humanities Medal by the White House, United States. The medal will be conferred onto her by President Barack Obama at a ceremony at the White House later in September 2015.