Friday, 3 March 2017

Daily GK Updates - 1st March, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NFHS 4 shows improved sex ratio, decline in infant mortality rate: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare unveiled last National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) for 2015-16. It has shown positive trends in key health indicators, including an decline in infant mortality rate (IMR) and improvement in sex ratio at birth during 2015-16. The survey was conducted after collecting information from 6 lakh households, 7 lakh women and 1.3 lakh men. For the first time it provides district level estimates

2. Three Forest Research Institutes develop High-Yielding Varieties of Plant Species: Three institutes of Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun have developed 20 high-yielding varieties of plant species. These three institutes are Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun Tropical Forest Research Institute (TFRI), Jabalpur and Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore. ICFRE’s Variety Releasing Committee (VRC) has granted approval for the release of these varieties of plant species. These developed varieties had gone through stringent long field trials and testing before release. Key Facts

3. Hard work more powerful than Harvard: PM Modi: After the latest GDP growth data despite the Centre's demonetisation move, PM Modi on Wednesday said, "Hard work is much more powerful than Harvard." "On the one hand are those who talk of what people at Harvard say and on the other is a poor man's son who through his hard work is trying to improve the economy," he added.

4. Govt. to allow online filing of officers' performance reports: The Centre has decided to amend the rules to allow online filing of performance reports of IAS and IPS officers. The move will reportedly help in checking delayed submission of the confidential reports and claims of bias in giving low ratings to an officer. The rules would be applicable to members of all India services – IAS, IPS and IFoS.

5. India's GDP grew 7% in December quarter despite note ban: India's GDP growth came in at 7% in the December quarter, despite the government's decision to demonetise high-value currency. However, the pace of growth did slow from the 7.4% growth logged in the second quarter of this fiscal.

7. MEITY to promote digital transactions in place of NITI Aayog: The Union Government has shifted the responsibility of promoting digital transactions in the country to the Union Ministry of IT and Electronics (MEITY) from NITI (National Institution for Transforming India) Aayog. In this regard, Government already has changed the business transaction rules to enable MEITY to promote digital transactions, including digital payments.

8. 4th India-CLMV Business Conclave held in Jaipur: The fourth edition of India – CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Vietnam) Business Conclave was held in Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. The two-day conference organised by Department of Commerce and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) held deliberations on manufacturing, renewable energy, agriculture and skilling among others sectors in the region.

9. World Bank CEO visits Asia's largest slum Dharavi in Mumbai: World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva has visited Asia's largest slum Dharavi in Mumbai. Earlier, Georgieva had also travelled in a Mumbai local train. Georgieva is on her first official visit to India. She will see the operations of World Bank-supported suburban rail system in Mumbai and meet key policy-makers including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, RBI Governor Urjit Patel, among others.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Pakistan must vacate illegally occupied PoK: India at UN: India has urged the United Nations Human Rights Council to ask Pakistan to fulfil its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions and vacate illegally occupied PoK. Pakistan has had territorial ambitions over Kashmir since 1947, and it illegally occupies 78,000 square km Indian territory in Kashmir, India said. India also asked Pakistan to stop inciting violence in Indian territory.

2. FCC Chairman Ajit Pai calls net neutrality rules a 'mistake': Ajit Pai, the recently-appointed Chairman of Federal Communications Commission, which regulates broadband in the US, has called net neutrality rules "a mistake". Pai added, "Rules developed to tame 1930s monopoly were imported into 21st century to regulate the internet." Net neutrality is the principle that data on the internet should not be priced differentially based on users or content.

3. China to build underwater observatory in S China Sea: Report: China will build its first national underwater observatory in the disputed South China Sea, according to reports. Such a platform will reportedly allow the country to keep a check on underwater physical, chemical, and geological dynamics in real time. South China Sea has been a disputed territory with China claiming almost all of the waters.

4. Trump orders new agency for victims of crime by immigrants: US President Donald Trump on Monday said he has ordered Homeland Security to create an office called VOICE – Victims Of Immigration Crime Engagement. Trump gave examples of Americans in the audience whose loved ones were killed by illegal immigrants. He condemned the shooting of an Indian engineer while adding that the US would be protected against "radical Islamic terrorism."

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Jitu Rai sets world record to win gold at ISSF World Cup: Indian shooter Jitu Rai won the gold in the 50-metre air pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in Delhi on Wednesday, with a world record finals' score of 230.1. This is Jitu's third medal in the competition, having won a gold earlier in the 10-metre air pistol mixed team event, and a bronze in the men's 10-metre air pistol.

2. 15-year-old Indian para shooter sets junior world record: India's 15-year-old para shooter Avani Lekhara shot a junior world record score of 244.4 at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Al Ain, UAE, winning a silver medal at the competition last week. Another Indian shooter, Pooja Agarwal, also won a silver medal at the tournament. Notably, both Indian shooters were making their international debuts at the competition.

3. India wins bronze at World Women's Chess Championship: Indian grandmaster Harika Dronavalli has won a bronze medal at the 2017 Women's World Chess Championship in Tehran. Harika lost to China's Tan Zhongyi in a semi-final tie-breaker to settle for bronze for the third time in a row. Harika attained the title of Grandmaster in 2011 and is ranked eighth in the world among female players.

BANKING

4. HDFC, ICICI, Axis to levy ₹150 after four transactions a month: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Axis Bank have started charging a minimum of ₹150 per transaction for cash deposits and withdrawals beyond four free transactions in a month. The banks will charge ₹5 per thousand rupees or ₹150, whichever is higher, after the free transactions. The banks reportedly said there has been no directive from the government in this regard.

5. Get all accounts on net banking by March 31: Govt to banks: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked banks to get all the accounts enabled with net banking by March 31 this year. A third of all bank accounts across the country are not linked to the internet yet, the government said. One lakh common service centres already launched by the government will help the banks on the move.

Daily GK Updates - 28th February, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Hyperloop One asks Indian public to vote for preferred route: High-speed transport system developer Hyperloop One on Tuesday launched a poll asking the Indian public to vote for their preferred route from among the proposed five. The proposed route from Mumbai to Old Delhi will have a travel time of 80 minutes, while the one from Chennai to Bengaluru will take 20 minutes.

2. India's first dedicated heliport opens in Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju on Tuesday inaugurated India’s first integrated heliport in Rohini, New Delhi. The ₹100-crore project, built by Pawan Hans Limited, will feature nine parking bays, and an air-conditioned passenger terminal which can hold up to 150 people. The heliport is expected to reduce congestion at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

3. India's largest paramilitary force without a regular chief: India's largest paramilitary force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been rendered without a regular chief after its Director General (DG) K Durga Prasad retired without a successor being named. However, the Home Ministry has issued an order giving CRPF Additional DG Sudeep Lakhtakia an additional charge of the post of DG till the appointment of a regular successor.

4. February 28: National Science Day : The National Science Day (NSD) i.e. Rashtriya Vigyan Diwas is celebrated every year on February 28 in India. The 2017 theme is “Science and Technology for Specially Abled Persons”. This day marks the epoch-making discovery of Raman Effect by Indian physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (CV Raman) on February 28, 1928. This discovery was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. This day is celebrated as science festival in the entire nation by organising science exhibitions, seminars, workshops, symposiums and many other activities.

5. Nand Kumar Sai takes charge as Chairperson of NCST : Senior tribal leader from Chhattisgarh and ex-parliamentarian Nand Kumar Sai (71) took charge as Chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in Delhi. He succeeds Rameshwar Oraon, whose tenure had ended on October 31, 2016. He will have tenure of three years and has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister.

6. INS Viraat to be decommissioned on March 6: INS Viraat, the second aircraft carrier in the Indian naval fleet, will be decommissioned on March 6, Vice Admiral Girish Luthra said on Monday. INS Viraat holds a Guinness world record for being the oldest surviving aircraft carrier. It was first commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1987 after serving the United Kingdom's Royal Navy for 27 years

7. Gopal Baglay replaces Vikas Swarup as MEA Spokesperson:The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday appointed the 1992 batch Indian Foreign Service officer Gopal Baglay as the new MEA Spokesperson. Baglay has replaced Vikas Swarup, who has been appointed as the Indian High Commissioner to Canada. Prior to this appointment, Baglay served as the Joint Secretary of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan division of the ministry.

8. Prabhu flags off Humsafar express between Sriganganagar and Tiruchirapalli: The union Railways minister Suresh Prabhu has flagged off via video conferencing new 'HumsafarExpress' between Sriganganagar and Tiruchirapalli.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Saudi king brings 459 tons of luggage, 2 limos on Asia trip: Saudi Arabia's King, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is heading to Indonesia with 459 tonnes of luggage, 2 Mercedes-Benz limousines and his own private electric elevator on his month-long Asia trip. He is also to bring 1,500 people in his entourage including 10 ministers on his Indonesian visit. The trip is aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Asia and Saudi.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. 15-year-old Indian para shooter sets junior world record: India's 15-year-old para shooter Avani Lekhara shot a junior world record score of 244.4 at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Al Ain, UAE, winning a silver medal at the competition last week. Another Indian shooter, Pooja Agarwal, also won a silver medal at the tournament. Notably, both Indian shooters were making their international debuts at the competition.

2. Govt felicitates Dipa Karmakar, 6 Olympians from NE states: The Union Government on Tuesday felicitated Dipa Karmakar, besides six other Olympians from northeast states, as part of their outreach to sportspersons from those states. The athletes, who were awarded ₹2 lakh each, included women's hockey team captain P Sushila Chanu, archer Bombayla Devi and boxer Shiva Thapa. Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Jitendra Singh were present at the event

BANKING/FINANCE:

4. Over 10 lakh bankers go on nationwide strike:Banking operations across the country came to a halt today as over 10 lakh bankers went on a nationwide strike against the government's "anti-people banking reforms". Around 85,000 branches of commercial banks and over 1 lakh branches of co-operative banks are on strike. Clearance of 40 lakh cheques totalling around ₹22,000 crore is expected to be affected.

6. Reserve Bank of India sets up panel to review cyber threats: Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday announced setting up of the inter-disciplinary standing committee on cyber security to review the threats inherent in existing and emerging technology. The 11-member committee will study the adoption of various security standards and protocols, and suggest appropriate policy interventions for strengthening cyber security and resilience, the central bank said.

Daily GK Updates - 27th February, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Attack planned on PM Modi's life ahead of Mau rally: Police: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election rally at Mau in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, Mau ASP RK Singh has reportedly said there was a threat to PM's life during the visit. Rasool Pati, an accused in the murder of BJP leader Haren Pandya, has planned to attack PM's convoy with rocket launchers and explosives, police reportedly said.

2. Chandigarh might face total liquor ban from April 1:As the Supreme Court judgement banning liquor shops along state and national highways takes effect from April 1, all liquor shops in Chandigarh might face closure. On record, all major roads in Chandigarh are listed as state highways and fall under the judgement. The categorisation was done two decades back so that the Union Territory administration could maintain the roads.

3. Indian music, food at Buckingham Palace for Year of Culture: The Buckingham Palace in London has said it will serve an "Indian-themed menu" at the launch of the UK-India Year of Culture. The day will begin with a band playing Indian songs, including Jai Ho by AR Rahman, at the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Furthermore, the menu will be prepared by Royal Chefs and chefs from Indian restaurant Veeraswamy.

4. Situation in Kashmir better than 2016: CRPF Chief: Outgoing CRPF Chief K Durga Prasad has said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is better as compared to the condition in the year 2016. "Things in Kashmir are not as bad as they are being made out to be," he added. His statement comes after Congress leader P Chidambaram said that India had nearly lost Kashmir.

5. India, ADB ink $375 million loan pact for East Coast Economic Corridor:India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed $375 million pact for loans and grants to develop 800 km Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. It is the first phase of a planned 2,500-km East Coast Economic Corridor. Earlier in September 2016, ADB had approved $631 million in loans and grants for the industrial corridor.

6. India, Germany ratify 2011 Pact on Social Security Investment:India and Germany have ratified a comprehensive Social Security Agreement (SSA) to improve investment flows between the two countries. The agreement was signed in October 2011 and its instruments of ratification were exchanged in February 2017. It will come into force from May 1, 2017.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 153 French MPs urge Prez to recognise State of Palestine: As per reports, 153 French parliamentarians have signed a letter to outgoing President Francois Hollande urging him to officially recognise the State of Palestine before his term ends. "France must demonstrate its determination to break the deadlock on this conflict by solemnly reaffirming...that the Palestinian people have the right to be granted the title of a State," the letter read.

2. US mulls leaving UN Human Rights Council: Report:US President Donald Trump's administration is considering to withdraw the country's participation from the UN Human Rights Council over its alleged inefficiencies and anti-Israel behaviour. The potential withdrawal will be a "misguided and shortsighted" step and will set back UN efforts to protect human rights around the world, global rights NGO Human Rights Watch said.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. India's Ankur Mittal wins silver at Shooting World Cup : Indian shooter Ankur Mittal won silver in the men's Double Trap event at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi on Monday. Mittal finished the final with 74 points, only one point behind gold medal winner, Australia's James Willett. The Indian shooter had earlier won a gold (2014) and bronze (2016) at the Asian Shooting Championships.

Daily GK Updates - 26th February, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Each person must teach 125 people how to use BHIM app: PM: During the 29th edition of PM Narendra Modi's radio address 'Mann ki Baat', he asked every citizen to teach how to download the BHIM app to at least 125 people. He especially asked people to teach small businesses how to transact through the app. The app should reach every Indian citizen in honour of Babasaheb Ambedkar's 125th anniversary, PM added.

2. GST could raise India's GDP growth to over 8%, says IMF:The adoption of GST could help raise India's medium-term GDP growth to over 8% and create a single national market for enhancing the efficiency of the movement of goods and services, IMF has said. Further, IMF said that the implementation of a robust GST regime should be a key priority for the country, given its growth-enhancing effects.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Tom Perez to lead US Democratic Party: US Democrats on Saturday elected former Labor Secretary Tom Perez as the Democratic National Committee Chairman to head the opposition to Republican President Donald Trump. Perez, who had served in the Barack Obama administration, won over Keith Ellison by getting 235 out of 435 votes of the Democratic National Committee and immediately declared Ellison as his deputy.

2. EU states back over ₹4 lakh crore exit bill for UK:EU member states, including Germany, Italy and France, have backed a European commission demand that trade talks can only start once Britain agrees to pay a hefty Brexit 'divorce bill'. The bill is likely to total €60 billion (over ₹4.2 lakh crore). It will reportedly include the UK's share of the cost of projects and programs it previously agreed to

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Hyderabad girl sets world record for playing marathon carrom: Sixteen-year-old Shaik Husna Sameera from Hyderabad and 22-year-old Allada Pavan, who is now employed in Bengaluru, officially entered the Guinness World Records for 'Longest marathon carrom playing'. They played carrom for 34 hours 45 minutes and 56 seconds at a stretch, breaking the previous record of 32 hours and 45 minutes set in 2005.

2. World's first robot table tennis tutor sets Guinness record: FORPHEUS, developed by Japan-based Omron Corporation, has been given the Guinness World Records title for being the 'First robot table tennis tutor'. The robot possesses unique technological intelligence and educational capabilities and is known for playing better than humans. It encourages players to play at their best by showing supportive messages on the LED screen placed on the table's net.

3. Jitu Rai, Heena Sidhu win 10m pistol gold at ISSF World Cup:Indian shooters Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu clinched the gold medal in the 10m pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup in Delhi on Monday. The duo defeated Japan in the event's final to hand India its second medal at the World Cup. Earlier, Pooja Ghatkar had won the women's 10m air rifle bronze medal at the competition.

Daily GK Updates - 25th February, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. DU clashes: DCW orders enquiry into attacks on women by cops: The Delhi Commission for Women has ordered an enquiry into the alleged attacks on women by policemen during violence at Delhi University's Ramjas College. The commission has also issued a notice to Delhi Police. The college had witnessed a clash between members of AISA and ABVP over an invite sent to JNU student Umar Khalid for the English department seminar.

2. Special pilgrims train launched for Northeast region: The Indian Railway Catering And Tourism Corporation and the North East Frontier Railway today launched a special pilgrim train 'Aastha Circuit' for the Northeastern region. The train started its journey from Kamakhya and would return after a trip of seven days. The entire trip would cost ₹6,161 per person and would include meals, sleeper-class accommodation and local transport.

3. India clears deal with Israel to jointly develop a missile: The Indian government has cleared a ₹17,000-crore deal with Israel to jointly develop a medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) for the Army. The MR-SAM, a land-based version of the long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) for the navy, will have a strike range of up to 70 km. The deal envisages 40 firing units and around 200 missiles.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 'Obama 17' campaign for Obama to become French President: A French petition launched on Monday calls on the former US president Barack Obama to run in this year's French Presidential elections, which will be held in April and May. Called "Obama17", the petition aims to garner 10 lakh signatures by March 15. Notably, the country's law requires presidential candidates to be French citizens, which Obama is not.

2. Trump promises greatest military buildup in American history: US President Donald Trump on Friday pledged a "massive" increase in military spending, saying he will implement "the greatest military build-up in American history". Trump outlined plans for strengthening the US military in both offensive and defensive capabilities. "A strengthened military will make America's defence bigger... nobody is going to mess with us. Nobody," Trump added.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Pak man crushes world record 77 cans with elbow in 60 sec:Martial arts expert Muhammad Rashid from Pakistan has set a Guinness World Record for the 'Most drink cans crushed with elbow in one minute', destroying 77 full cans in 60 seconds. As per the rules, the cans must be unopened at the beginning and then crumpled to a minimum width of 3 cm. The attempt was organised in Italy.

2. Man sets world record for longest golf putt with 120m shot: Australian YouTube channel, How Ridiculous' Brett Stanford has set a new Guinness World Record for the 'Longest golf putt-non-tournament'. Stanford managed the shot which has been confirmed as being from a distance of 135.67 yards (120.6 m), more than the length of a football field. Stanford's shot beat the record that had stood since 2001.

BANKING

3. Criminal case on Axis Bank on illegal Aadhaar biometrics use: The Unique Identification Authority of India has filed a criminal complaint against Axis Bank and two other firms for allegedly storing Aadhaar biometrics and using them in an unauthorised manner. The breach was detected after UIDAI found 397 transactions done with the same fingerprint. This would not have been possible without core biometrics being used without authorisation, an official said.

4. Bitcoin price surges to three-year high of $1,219:Digital currency Bitcoin has jumped to a three-year high of $1,219.24 amid speculations that the first Bitcoin exchange-traded fund in US will receive regulatory approval. This comes after a volatile start of the year, when Bitcoin surged over 20%. The currency then plunged 35% after China warned domestic Bitcoin exchanges that they risk being closed if they violate currency regulations.

Daily GK Updates - 24th February, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi unveils 112-foot tall Shiva statue in Coimbatore: PM Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled a 112-foot tall Lord Shiva statue in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on the occasion of Mahashivratri. According to reports, the statue, dedicated to Shiva's Adiyogi form, has been funded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation.

2. Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit in Gujarat to be developed under HRIDAY:The Union Ministry of Urban Development approved development of 6 km long Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit in Gujarat under Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY). Decision in this regard, was taken HRIDAY National Empowered Committee meeting chaired by Urban Development Secretary in New Delhi.

3. Sikkim becomes 22nd State to join UDAY: Sikkim became 22nd state in the country to join Union Government’s Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY). In this regard, Central Government and the state government have signed MoU for operational improvement of Sikkim’s Power Distribution Department.
4. CBEC launches mobile application for GST updates: The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has launched a mobile application for Goods and Services Tax (GST) to inform the taxpayers of the latest updates on GST. The app has been launched inline Union Government’s flagship Digital India initiative. It enables taxpayers to be well informed of the latest updates on GST.

5. Indian Railways unveils Antyodaya Express: Indian Railways has unveiled Antyodaya Express, a new train for the unreserved passengers. It was unveiled by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi’s Safdarjang station. The first Antyodaya Express is slated to start between Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Tatanagar (Jharkhand) and second between Ernakulam and Howrah.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Israel denies visas to 'hostile' Human Rights Watch staff:Accusing the human rights NGO of "extreme, hostile and anti-Israel agenda", Israel has denied visas to the staff of Human Rights Watch (HRW). Israel also accused HRW of engaging "in the service of Palestinian propaganda, while falsely raising the banner of human rights". HRW condemned the move saying it "should worry anyone concerned about Israel’s commitment to basic democratic values".

2. WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement comes into effect: The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Goods of World Trade Organisation (WTO) came into effect with its ratification by two-thirds members of WTO including India. The TFA in Goods was adopted by the WTO Members in 2014. It aims to streamline, simplify, standardise and ease customs procedures and norms. It will help to cut trade costs around the world.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. India's Pooja Ghatkar wins bronze at Shooting World Cup: India's Pooja Ghatkar won bronze in the women's 10-metre air rifle on the opening day of the International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in Delhi on Friday. The 28-year-old, gold medallist in the Asian Airgun Championship 2014, opened India's account in the tournament and claimed her maiden World Cup medal.

BANKING/FINANCE:

2. TCS ranked world's third most valuable brand in IT services: Indian IT services major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been ranked the world's third most valuable brand in IT services industry by brand valuation firm Brand Finance. The brand value of TCS is estimated at $9,081 million. IBM topped the brand value list, followed by Accenture. Indian IT services companies Infosys and HCL are also ranked among the top ten.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd February, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India-China first Strategic Dialogue held in Beijing: The first Strategic Dialogue between India and China was held in Beijing, capital of China to shore up bilateral ties. The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and China’s Executive Vice Foreign minister Zhang Yesui.

2. CCEA approves doubling of solar power capacity to 40000 MW: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the enhancement of capacity from 20,000 MW to 40,000 MW of the Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects. The capacity of the solar park scheme was enhanced after considering the demand for additional solar parks from the States.

3. CCEA approves $854.4 million investment for 900-MW Arun 3 hydropower project in Nepal: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved investment for the generation component of 900-MW Arun 3 hydropower project for an estimated Rs. 5723.72 crore ($854.4 million). The project is located on Arun River in Sankhuwasabha district of eastern Nepal. It is expected to be completed within five years from the date of financial closure, which is planned for September 2017.

4. South Asian Lit Fest denied permission to invite Pak writers:The South Asian Literature Festival was denied permission to invite delegates from Pakistan this year, FOSWAL Founder and President Ajeet Cour said. The three-day festival, which began today in New Delhi, is based on the theme of 'Beyond Borders' and 'Endeavouring for peace and tranquillity in the region'. Meanwhile, all the other SAARC countries are participating in the festival.

5. South Asian Lit Fest denied permission to invite Pak writers:The South Asian Literature Festival was denied permission to invite delegates from Pakistan this year, FOSWAL Founder and President Ajeet Cour said. The three-day festival, which began today in New Delhi, is based on the theme of 'Beyond Borders' and 'Endeavouring for peace and tranquility in the region'. Meanwhile, all the other SAARC countries are participating in the festival.

6. Union Cabinet approves agreement between India and Poland for cooperation in agriculture: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of an Agreement between India and Poland on cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. Decision in this regard was taken by the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

7. Union Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Greece: Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Greece. At present there is no ASA between India and Greece. The delegations both countries in September 2016 had finalized the text of ASA. The agreement is as per latest International Civil Aviation

8. SC refuses to hear plea to include Urdu in NEET: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hear the plea filed by the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) seeking inclusion of the Urdu language in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This comes after an official notification, the NEET will be held in 10 languages - Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya and Kannada.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Mohamed Abdullahi inaugurated as Somalia's President: Mohamed Abdullahi, has been inaugurated as the President of Somalia in the country's capital Mogadishu on Wednesday. "Multiple challenges are ahead of our government. Therefore, I am telling people that because of the limited resources we have, our achievements will be limited," said Mohamed.

2. Need ₹29k cr to prevent 'catastrophe' of S Sudan famine: UN: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that the organisation needs $4.4 billion (over ₹29,000 crore) by end of March to prevent a "catastrophe" of hunger and famine in South Sudan, Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen. More than 2 crore people face starvation in the four countries, Guterres added. So far, the UN has raised just $90 million (over ₹600 crore).

3. China making buildings for missiles in South China sea: US: China has nearly finished building almost two dozen structures on artificial islands in the South China Sea that appear to be designed to house long-range surface-to-air missiles, according to US officials. The new concrete structures appear to be 20 meters long and 10 meters high, with roofs which appear to be able to open and close, the officials added.

4. Cressida becomes 1st woman to head Scotland Yard in 188 yrs: Britain has appointed Cressida Dick as the next commissioner of London's Metropolitan Police, making her the first woman to head Scotland Yard in its 188-year history. The 56-year-old, who will control a £3 billion budget and head 43,000 officers, joined the force in 1983.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. India break Pak's record of playing Tests at most venues: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, which is hosting the ongoing India-Australia Test match, is the 80th different venue where India have played a Test match, the most by any team. India is followed by Pakistan who have played Tests at 79 different venues. Notably, India have played most number of Tests (40) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

2. Under-17 FIFA WC tickets to cost less than ₹100:Ticket for the Under-17 FIFA World Cup matches, the first-ever FIFA event being held in India, would cost the fans less than ₹100, the Tournament Director said on Thursday. The Director also said Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium would be ready well in advance and work would be 90% complete before the final inspection in March last week.

3. India's Harika enters semis of World Chess Championship:Indian Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli has entered the semi-finals of the Women's World Chess championship, after defeating Georgia's Nana Dzagnidze in the quarter-finals. 26-year-old Harika will face ninth seed China's Tan Zhongyi in the semi-finals of the tournament being held in Tehran. Harika has made it to the semifinals of the tournament for the third time in her career.