DAILY GK UPDATES 14TH JANUARY 2017

DAILY GK UPDATES 14TH JANUARY 2017

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Pongal being celebrated with traditional gaiety in Tamil Nadu Today (14 January 2017): In Tamil Nadu, Pongal the harvest festival is being celebrated with traditional gaiety and grandeur on 14 or 15 January of each year. 

 

2. India's First Madame Tussauds Museum in Delhi Unveils Wax Figures of Big B, Lady Gaga: India is all set to get its first wax museum in June 2017 unveils Wax Figures of Amitabh Bachchan, Lady Gaga. Madame Tussauds, the legendary wax attraction entertainment hotspot is all set to open its doors in capital New Delhi.

 

3. Kerala launched its First Solar Powered Boat Aditya: The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the first solar-powered boat of the state water transport department, Aditya on January 12, 2017 at a function held in Vaikom boat Jetty in Kerala.

 

4. Airtel’s Payments Bank Starts Operation with Initial Investment of Rs. 3000 Crore: Airtel Payments Bank the first payments bank started its nationwide operations on January 12, 2017 with an initial investment of Rs 3,000 crore and offering an interest rate of 7.25 per cent for savings accounts. 

 

5. Car carrier service starts between Gujarat and Mangaluru: In line with Government of India's policy of implementing the vision for coastal shipping, tourism and regional development, New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) has introduced Car carrier service between Gujarat and Mangaluru.

 

6. 4th International Kite Festival begins in New Delhi: Professional kite flying experts from across India and the globe are taking part in the three-day festival, which will have an exhibition on the history of kites as well. 

 

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ecuador takes chair of UN group of 134 developing countries: Ecuador has taken over from Thailand as chair of the Group of 77 which promotes the interests of the 134 developing countries it represents at the United Nations, including China.

2. Pepsico sells land parcel to Wadhwa Group for ₹ 190 cr: American snack and beverage giant PepsiCo India has sold a 2.5 acre land parcel in the Central suburb Chembur to The Wadhwa Group for ₹ 190-200 crore.

 

3. US lifts 20-year economic embargo on Sudan: The United States has announced the end of a 20-year economic embargo on Sudan, lifting trade and financial sanctions in an effort to foster ties with the Sudanese government. 

 

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Premier Badminton League 3: PV Sindhu finally prevails over Saina Nehwal: Rio Olympics silver medallist P V Sindhu produced a disciplined performance to outwit Saina Nehwal in straight games in a much-anticipated encounter as Chennai Smashers entered the finals of the Premier Badminton League season 2 with a 4-1 win over Awadhe Warriors. 

DAILY GK UPDATES 13TH JANUARY 2017

DAILY GK UPDATES 13TH JANUARY 2017

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Minimum monthly pension increased by 9,000 for central government employees: The Government of India has increased the minimum monthly pension to 9,000 per person, besides a two-fold hike in exgratia amount for central government employees.

 

2. NITI Aayog Estimates the GDP Growth of 8 Percent for 2016-17: NITI Aayog has projected the India GDP growth rate of 8 Percent for 2016-17 based on the appraisal document for the Twelfth Five-Year Plan.

 

3. Retail inflation fell 3-year low of 3.41% in Dec from 3.63% in Nov 2016: Retail inflation fell to a nearly 3-year low of 3.41 % in December 2016, from 3.63 % in November 2016.

 

4. Global unemployment to rise by 3.4 million in 2017: ILO: Global unemployment is expected to rise by 3.4 million in 2017 despite a likely modest pick-up in economic growth at 3.4% this year and 3.6% in 2018, against a six-year low of 3.1% in 2016,  a new report by the International Labour Organisation.

5. Industrial production grows 5.7% in November 2016: Allaying fears of a slowdown following demonetisation, the country's industrial production grew 5.7% in November 2016, compared to a contraction of 3.4% in November 2015.

6. World’s first gender literature fest to be held in Patna: The world’s first ‘Gender Literature Festival’ is scheduled to be held in Patna, Bihar in the second week of April 2017 The main aim of the fest to create a platform, to exchange ideas, and to share and learn experiences of renowned people in the field of gender literature. 

 

7. TCS elevates Rajesh Gopinathan as new chief executive: Tata Consultancy Services has appointed Rajesh Gopinathan, the current chief financial officer, as CEO of the company.  He replaces N Chandrasekaran, who has been named the chairperson of Tata Sons.

 

8. NTPC inks pact to take over Chhabra thermal power plant: State-run NTPC has signed a non-binding agreement with Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd and Rajasthan Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd to take over Chhabra Thermal Power Plant.

 

9. Mahindra Asset Management launches Mahindra Mutual Fund Dhan Sanchay Yojna scheme:Mahindra Asset Management Company Pvt. Ltd (MAMCPL) launched an open-ended scheme Mahindra Mutual Fund Dhan Sanchay Yojna scheme to generate long-term returns through investment in equity and debt.

10. Government to sell 51% stake in Pawan Hans:Moving ahead with the strategic sale of Pawan Hans, the government sell its entire 51% stake and transfer the management control of the helicopter service operator.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. XCMG China to invest $150 m in manufacturing unit in India: XCMG, a China-headquartered global construction machinery company, will invest ₹150 million in a new manufacturing unit in India for construction and material-handling machines.

2. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe signs 1 trillion yen aid package to the Philippines: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has signed a 1-trillion yen, about 8.7 billion dollars, aid package over the next five years to the Philippines, meant to improve economic and political relations between the two island nations.

 

3. Manish Tewari appointed senior fellow of US think tank: Congress leader and former Union Minister Manish Tewari was appointed as the senior fellow of US-based think tank Atlantic Council.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Ashish Shelar appointed as MCA president: BJP Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar has been appointed as Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) president. Sylar takes over from the former ICC president SharadPawar.

 

2. Consulate General of India in Dubai announces launch of 'Diplomats Cricket Championship Cup: Consulate General of India in Dubai has announced launch of the 'Diplomats Cricket Championship Cup' in association with the Skyline University College, Sharjah, to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and harmonious relationship among the diplomatic missions of UAE.