Sunday, 9 April 2017

Daily GK Updates - 7th April, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated 3-day National Children’s Film Festival:The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Urban Development M Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated a three-day National Children’s Film Festival in Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh). The aim of the film festival is to expose children to quality cinema and to introduce novel elements beyond films.

2. Two-day national TB summit began in Dharamshala: The two-day national TB summit has begun with the slogan “TB Harga, Desh Jeetega” in Dharamshala, Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

3. Jio complementary offer not in sync with regulations: TRAI: The telecom regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has advised ‘Reliance Jio’ to stop complimentary three-month service offer as it was not in accordance with the regulatory framework.

4. India, Russia ink deal on Unit 1 of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant:India has signed a joint statement with Russia takeover full operational control of Unit 1 of the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (KKNPP). It formally marks the full transition. The agreement was signed between representatives of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) and the ASE Group of Companies, a subsidiary of ROSATOM State Atomic Energy Corporation of Russia.

5. Government launches Cyber Physical Systems programme: Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) programme dealing with self-driven cars, autonomous unmanned vehicles and aircraft navigation systems The programme is still at a nascent stage. Rs. 3,000-crore has been has been conceived for it and it will first take root in some of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. April 7: World Health Day: The World Health Day (WHD) is observed every year on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO). WHD 2017 theme: “Depression: Let’s talk”. It seeks to encourage people to come forward for treatment.

2. India & Israel sign defense deals worth over 2 billion USD: India and Israel have signed megdefensece deals worth over 2 billion USD for advanced surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems to destroy hostile aircraft, missiles, and drones at a range of 70-km. The major deal was for the joint project between the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) for the Barak-8 medium-range SAM systems to initially include one regiment of 16 launchers and 560 missiles for the Indian Army.

3. India & UK to set up 240 mn pound fund for green energy: India and the United Kingdom (UK) have decided to set up a 240-million Pound fund to finance clean energy projects. India had in 2015 set up the Rs 40,000 crore National Infrastructure and Investment Fund (NIIF) to finance greenfield as well as brownfield projects. The Green Growth Equity Fund will be a sub-fund of NIIF. The fund will focus initial investments in India’s rapidly growing energy and renewables market.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. PV Sindhu reaches career-best World No.2 ranking: P V Sindhu (21-year) has jumped three places to achieve world number two ranking (career-best) in the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) ranking. She has become only the second Indian woman after Saina Nehwal to break into the top-five of the world rankings. The women's singles chart is led by Tai Tzu Ying (Chinese Taipei) with 87911 points.

BANKING & FINANCE:

2. NEFT transfers to be faster as RBI cuts clearance time: The NEFT settlement cycle will be reduced from hourly batches to half hourly batches. According to RBI, 11 additional settlement batches will be introduced at 8.30 am onwards.

Daily GK Updates - 6th April, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Haryana government to provide Rs 21,000 to families for third girl child:The Haryana government will provide Rs 21,000 to all those families whose third girl child was born under the 'Aapki Beti, Hamari Beti' scheme (after August 24, 2015).

2. Jhargram becomes 22nd Bengal district: The Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee has declared 'Jhargram' as the 22nd district of the state. Jhargram has been formed by bifurcating West Midnapore district.

3. Union Cabinet approves setting up Rail Development Authority: The Union Cabinet has cleared approved setting up an independent rail regulator, named Rail Development Authority (RDA). It will be based in Delhi and will be set up through an executive order. It will be responsible for recommending passenger fares, setting performance standards for rail operations and creating level playing policy for private sector participation.

4. CCEA approves extension of implementation of CCTNS Project by one year: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved t extension of the implementation phase of the Crime and Criminals Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) Project for another year beyond 31 March 2017. The proposal in this regard was forwarded by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. The extension will help in achieving the remaining objectives of the project comprehensively.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 6th April: United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace: The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) is observed across the world on 6th April every year to recognize the power of sport in promoting peace and erasing cultural barriers worldwide. The day has been celebrated each year since 2014. The date commemorates the inauguration of the first Olympic games of the modern era, in Athens (Greece) in 1896.

2. India-UAE cultural celebrations festival launched at Abu Dhabi: The India & UAE cultural celebrations festival has been launched in Abu Dhabi with a tribute video featuring the Mahatma Gandhi and late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Virat Kohli' named Wisden's Leading Cricketer in the World for 2016:Indian captain Virat Kohli has been named Wisden's Leading Cricketer in the World for 2016. Kohli becomes the third Indian to be bestowed with the honor, with Virender Sehwag (2008 and 2009) and Sachin Tendulkar (2010).

BANKING & FINANCE:

2. RBI first Bi-monthly Policy 2017-18: The Bi-monthly policy has been released based on the assessment of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) remains unchanged at 25 per cent. Reverse repo rate under the LAF has been increased to 6.00 per cent from earlier rate of 75%. Marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate have been reduced 50 per cent from earlier rate of 6.75%. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)remains unchanged at 4%. RBI has forecasted Gross Value Added (GVA) growth at 7.4% in the financial year 2017-18 and 8.1% in FY19.

3. Aditya Birla Group gets RBI license to start payments bank: Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank Ltd has become the seventh entity to receive a final license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to set up a payments bank. The group's outfit Aditya Birla Idea Payments Bank is a 51:49 joint venture (JV) between Aditya Birla Nuvo Ltd (ABNL) and telecom major Idea Cellular.

Daily GK Updates - 5th April, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. National conference on Communicating India to be organized: A national conference on communicating India was inaugurated by the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore in New Delhi. The conference has been organized by ‘the Vivekananda International Foundation’ in collaboration with the India Media Centre, University of Westminster, London, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library and the Indian Institute of Mass Communication with the association of Prasar Bharati.

2. ‘Gunotsav’ program in Assam launched in 8 districts: The Gunotsav program has been launched in 8 districts of Assam to improve elementary education. The districts include Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Barpeta and Kamrup Metro. over 9 lakh students in 2,000 schools will be covered under the programme in the next 3 days in the first phase.

3. Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission to go paperless:The Union government has approved Rs 5.24 crore e-governance project for Himachal Pradesh (HP) under good governance and best practices in India. Himachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (HPPSC) is all set to launch e-Governance Project to start paperless functioning, making it the first PSC of the country to do so.

4. 5th April: National Maritime Day: 5th April is being observed as National Maritime Day of India every year. The National Maritime Day was first celebrated on 5th April, 1964. On this day in 1919, navigation history was created when the first ship of The Scindia Steam Navigation Company Ltd."SS Loyalty" journeyed to the United Kingdom.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Lenin Moreno wins Ecuador presidential election: Lenin Moreno has won the Presidential election after a tight contest with his right-wing opponent Guillermo Lasso.

2. Japan officially recognises Bitcoin as currency: Japan has officially recognized bitcoin and digital currencies as legal money along the lines of other fiat currencies with effect from April 1, 2017. The recognition comes after implementation of a new law amending Banking Act in Japan for legalizing these currencies.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. India ranks 3rd in WADA doping charts: India was ranked third for the third year in a row in a doping violation report published by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for 2015.

2. Indian Premier League 10 to kick off today: Today, the Indian Premier League (10th) will begin with defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the season opener at the ‘Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket stadium’ in Hyderabad.

BANKING & FINANCE:

3. RBI Board clears proposal to introduce Rs 200 notes: The board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cleared a proposal to introduce banknotes of Rs200 denomination. The decision was taken at the RBI board meeting held in Mumbai in March 2017. The process of printing the new Rs 200 notes is likely to begin after June 2017 once the government officially approves the new denomination.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

4. ‘Amazon India’ launches ‘Classroom’ for new sellers: Amazon India has launched an initiative a virtual training programme "Amazon Classroom" to help teach them the nuances of online selling. The program focusses on areas such as order processing, adding products and managing returns that are required to operate a successful online business. New sellers can now perform demos of their seller account dashboard through interactive courses at their own pace.

HONOURS & AWARDS:

5. Dawit Isaak awarded 2017 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize: An imprisoned Eritrean-Swedish journalist ‘Dawit Isaakhas’ will receive the 2017 UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. Isaak was chosen for the prestigious award in recognition of his courage, resistance, and commitment to freedom of expression.

Daily GK Updates : 4th April, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. No of beneficiaries under Ujjwala Yojana crosses 2 crore mark: Government: The number of beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for providing free of cost LPG (cooking gas) connections to BPL households has crossed 2 crore mark since its launch in May 2016. The success of the scheme shows that how it is serving as a novel means of women empowerment and achieving the goals of providing clean fuel and a better life to the people.

2. DAC approves proposals to buy Barak missiles for naval warships: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) of the Union Defence Ministry has approved proposal to procure fresh batch of Barak surface-to-air missiles (SAM) for the Indian Navy’s warships from Israel. The procurement of the missiles will enhance India’s maritime capability in view of the changing security dynamics in the Indian Ocean region (IOR).

3. IISc ranked India’s top university in 2017 NIRF Survey: The Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Bengaluru was adjudged as the best Indian university in the 2017 National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) released by Union Human Resource Development Ministry. This year it is second edition NIRF survey and was released as part of the India Rankings 2017 for the Educational Institutions.

4. India, Malaysia inks 7 agreements: India and Malaysia have inked seven agreements to foster deeper relationship between the two countries. The agreements were exchanged in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart Najib Abdul Razak in New Delhi who was on six day state visit to India.

5. Government launches Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana in Nellore: The Union Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has launched Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana in Nellore District of Andhra Pradesh. The Scheme aims at providing physical aids and assisted-living devices for senior citizens belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) category.

6. Government withdraws subsidy to mild hybrid vehicles under FAME scheme: The Union Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises has withdrawn subsidy given to mild hybrid vehicles under FAME India (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India) scheme. Earlier, mild hybrid, strong hybrid, plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles were given incentives under the FAME India scheme.

7. SASEC countries pledges to improve intra-regional connectivity to boost trade & tourism: India and six other South Asian countries of South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) have pledged to improve intra-regional connectivity to boost trade and tourism. Decision in this regard was taken at the Finance ministers of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Myanmar meeting held in New Delhi to reshape SASEC. They also came out with the SASEC Vision for 2025 and adopted operational plan 2016-25.

8. Madhya Pradesh CM launches ‘MP e-nagarpalika’ app: The Madhya Pradesh chief minister ‘Shivraj Singh Chouhan’ has launched an app named “MP e-NagarPalika” to provide various municipal services online in the state. The primary goal of the project is to provide municipal services to citizens through multiple service delivery channels and ensure accessible, convenient, transparent, and timely delivery of services. The Citizens can file online complaints and subsequently track the status of their complaints online and apply online for Birth, marriage, and Death Registration.

9. J&K bans polythene manufactured below 50 microns: The Jammu & Kashmir state government has imposed ban on the use of polythene bags manufactured below fifty microns in the state. The new guidelines and regulations would facilitate proper recycling of plastic waste, reducing its impact on the ecology.

10. Union Textiles Minister launches PowerTex India Scheme:The union Textiles minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani has launched a comprehensive scheme for power loom sector development ‘PowerTex India’ in Bhiwandi, Thane district, Maharashtra. The scheme will especially benefit small power loom weavers. PowerTex India van was also flagged off for publicity of PowerTex scheme across the country.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Scientists identify fungus that eats plastic: Scientists from Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have identified a soil fungus Aspergillus tubingensis that uses enzymes to rapidly break down plastic materials. The plastic-eating fungus was found Islamabad, Pakistan. The new discovery in an advance can help to deal with plastic waste problem that threatens our environment in safer and more effective way

2. SASEC countries pledges to improve intra-regional connectivity to boost trade & tourism: India and six other South Asian countries of South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) have pledged to improve intra-regional connectivity to boost trade and tourism. Decision in this regard was taken at the Finance ministers of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Myanmar meeting held in New Delhi to reshape SASEC. They also came out with the SASEC Vision for 2025 and adopted operational plan 2016-25.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. FIFA bans former Guatemala FA president Brayan Jimenez for life:FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) has banned Guatemala's former football chief ‘Brayan Jimenez’ for life from all football-related activities at national and international level. He was banned for accepting bribes worth several hundred thousand dollars in exchange for media and marketing rights for key matches.

BUSINESS & BANKING:

2. Income Tax communication between AO and taxpayer now online:Income Tax department-related proceedings between the taxpayer and the tax man from the new fiscal will be conducted online. This is a part of its initiative to minimise human interface between the assesse and the Assessing Officer (AO) thereby reducing complaints of harassment and corruption. A new link or window called 'e-proceeding' will soon be introduced on the e-filing website of the department, which is used by taxpayers to file their Income Tax Returns (ITRs) at present.

3. SBI cuts lending rates by 0.15%: The State Bank of India (SBI) has reduced its benchmark lending rate by 0.15 %.The minimum lending rate (Base rate) of the bank has been reduced from 9.25 percent to 9.1 %. With this reduction, EMIs for the bank's new as well as existing borrowers who have taken housing or car loans at the base rate will come down by at least 0.15 per cent.

OBITUARIES:

4. Hindustani classical vocalist ‘Kishori Amonkar’ passes away:Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist ‘Kishori Amonkar’ (84-years) passed away in Mumbai after a brief illness. Amonka was considered one of the pre-eminent representatives of Hindustani tradition and as an innovative exponent of the ‘Jaipur Gharana’ (musical tradition of Jaipur). She was a performer of the classical genre khyal and the light classical genres ‘thumri’ and ‘bhajan’.

5. British black power activist ‘Darcus Howe’ passes away:Britain’s one of the most prominent black activists of his generation ‘Darcus Howe’ (74-year) passed away due to cancer. ‘Howe’ was a leader of the UK’s little-chronicled black power movement. He battled institutional racism and challenged the prevailing view that racism wasn't a problem in modern-day Britain.

Daily GK Updates : 3rd April, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Government launches BS-IV grade fuels: Government has formally launched Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) grade transportation fuel across the country to keep carbon emission in check. The launch came days after the Supreme Court banned sale and registration of BS-III vehicles from 1 April, 2017. It sets target of ushering in BS-VI fuel by April 2020 by skipping BS-V fuel. All state-run oil marketing companies will provide BS-IV-compliant fuel at their 53,500 retail fuel stations across the country.

2. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates India’s longest road tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, country’s longest road tunnel that links Kashmir Valley with Jammu by an all-weather route. The 9-km-long tunnel passes through the lower Himalayan mountain range on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway 44. It cuts the distance between Jammu and Srinagar to around 250 km from the current 350 km.

3. Myanmar becomes 7th member of SASEC: Myanmar became the 7th member of South Asia Sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program of Asian Development Bank (ADB). It was officially made member at the SASEC Finance Ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi and chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

4. Government launches PowerTex India scheme for powerlooms: The Union Ministry of Textiles has launched PowerTex India, a three-year comprehensive scheme for Powerloom Sector Development. The PowerTex India scheme aims to boost common infrastructure and modernisation of the powerloom sector in the country.

5. 19th commonwealth forestry conference to begin in Uttarakhand:Today, 19th Commonwealth Forestry Conference (CFC) 2017 has been inaugurated by the Uttarakhand Governor, K.K. Paul at Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. The 5-day conference is being organized on the theme ‘Forests for Prosperity and Posterity’. The international conference is being organized in association with the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Commonwealth Forestry Association of UK.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Myanmar becomes the seventh member of SASEC: Myanmar has become the 7th member of South Asia sub-regional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) program of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It was officially made member at the SASEC Finance Ministers’ meeting held in New Delhi and chaired by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

2. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak Visits India: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak on a six day visit to India was given the ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhawan in New Delhi by India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Narendra Modi visited Malaysia in November 2015.

3. Germany '1st NATO member' to launch cyber command: Germany is the first NATO state to launch a “self-contained” cyber command unit designed to shield IT and weapons systems from growing attacks. The Bundeswehr’s Cyber and Information Space (CIR) boasts a status equal to that of the army, navy, and air force.
German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen announced the creation of the cyber command two years ago in a bid to protect the military from mounting online attacks.
About Germany: Western European country
Capital: Berlin
Currency: Euro
President: Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Chancellor: Angela Merkel

4. 1st-ever civilian nuclear-powered submarine designed in Russia:Russian scientists are developing first ever civilian nuclear-powered submarine to conduct seismological surveys and search for natural resources under ice in the Arctic, the Russian Foundation for Advanced Research Projects (RFARP) said.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. P.V. Sindhu lifts India Open badminton title 2017: The Rio Olympic silver-medallist Indian shuttler P.V. Sindhu (21-year) has defeated top seed Carolina Marin (Spain) in straight sets 21-19, 21-16 at the India Open badminton championship 2017 at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in New Delhi. Sindhu had last defeated Marin in the BWF Super Series in Dubai last year. Earlier, Sindhu entered into the final after beaten Saina Nehwal (India).Carolina Marin defeated the Akane Yamaguchi (Japan) in the other semifinals.

2. Roger Federer wins Miami Open 2017: Swiss professional tennis player Roger Federer has won Miami open 2017, defeating Rafael Nadal (Spain) in the final 6–3, 6–4 at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne, Florida, United States.

It is Federer's 26th Masters 1000 singles title of his career and the 91 singles title overall.

3. Paes wins the first title of the season in Challenger tournament:Indian professional tennis player Leander Paes & Canadian Adil Shamasdin has won the first title of the season Leon Challenger Tour tennis tournament's men's doubles trophy after a straight-set win in Mexico. They defeated Luca Margaroli (Switzerland) and Caro Zampieri (Brazil) 6-1, 6-4 in the title clash.

With this win, Paes clinched his 20th ATP Challenger title.

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

4. Five State Banks & Bharatiya Mahila Bank merge with SBI: The five associates banks (State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of Travancore) and the Bharatiya Mahila Bank became part of the State Bank of India. Now, SBI catapulting the country's largest lender to among the top 50 banks in the world. The total customer base of the bank has reached 37 crores with a branch network of around 24,000 and nearly 59,000 ATMs across the country. The merged entity will have a deposit base of more than 26 lakh crore rupees and advance levels of 50 lakh crore rupees.

5. Tax evasion over Rs. 5-crore will be non-bailable offense under new GST regime: A tax evasion of over five crore rupees under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime would be non-bailable offense. The union government has set a target date of 1st of July for roll-out of the GST, which will subsume central excise, service tax, VAT, and other local levies. Cognizable offense means a serious category of offenses in respect of which a police officer has the authority to make an arrest without a warrant and to start an investigation with or without the permission of a court. The Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST) Act have empowered the officers from Police, Railways, Customs, village officers, and any other government officers to assist CGST and SGST officers under the GST regime.

Daily GK Updates : 2nd April, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Asia's longest tunnel: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 9.2 km long Chenani-Nashri all-weather road tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The road tunnel will reduce the travel time between the two state capitals of Jammu and Srinagar by approximately two hours.The two-lane Chenani-Nashri tunnel is Asia's longest bi-directional highway tunnel, which will cut the distance between Jammu and Srinagar to around 250 km from the current 350 km. The world's sixth road tunnel has a transverse ventilation system enabled and controlled by ABB software. It also boasts features like Integrated Traffic Control System (ITCS), Video Surveillance System, FM Rebroadcast System, Entrance Detection Control System and Active Firefighting System. There are 124 closed-circuit TV cameras for surveillance inside the tunnel. In case of a traffic violation, the control room will inform the traffic police deployed outside the tunnel, who will fine the violators on the spot.

2. Second annual meeting of BRICS New Development Bank held in New Delhi: A new financial order built by the emerging BRICS economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. New Delhi is playing host to Second Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank (NDB) also known colloquially as BRICS bank. This is the first time the meet is happening in India. MOUs were signed between NDB and European Investment Bank (EIB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) and International Investment Bank (IIB). India has sought USD 2 billion loans for various projects from the NDB. India has also signed a 350 million dollar loan agreement with NDB for financing Development and Upgradation of Major District Roads in Madhya Pradesh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. .World Autism Awareness Day: 02nd April 2017: The World Autism Awareness Day 2017 has been observed across the world on 2 April 2017. The theme for this year is "Toward Autonomy and Self-Determination". World Autism Awareness Day is an internationally recognised day, encouraging Member States of the United Nations to take measures to raise awareness about children with autism throughout the world.

2. American singer & song writer Bob Dylan accepts Nobel literature award: American singer and song writer Bob Dylan has finally accepted his Nobel Prize for literature, more than three months after the awards ceremony. The academy, which awards the coveted prize, ended prolonged speculation as to whether the 75-year-old troubadour would use a concert stopover in Stockholm to accept the gold medal and diploma awarded to him. They were handed to Dylan at a "private ceremony in Stockholm, Sweden" attended by 12 academy members and Sara Danius, the academy's permanent secretary.

3. NDB invests $1.5 billion in 7 projects in 2 years of operation: The BRICS-backed New Development Bank (NDB) has invested in seven projects totaling $1.5 billion in about two years of its operation. NDB began operations in July 2015. Seven projects have been done so far which aggregate around $1.5 billion. Six of them are in the renewable energy sector and one in transport financing. The New Development Bank was created with an objective of financing infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries. The Bank seeks to complement the efforts of other multilateral development institutions. And, it also seeks to establish a network of global, regional and local partnerships with multilateral and national development banks as well as other institutions and market players.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Jepkosgei smashes three world records at Prague Half Marathon: Kenya's Joyciline Jepkosgei has broken the world half marathon record as well as the 10km and 15km marks at the Prague Half Marathon on the way to winning the IAAF Gold Label Road Race in one hour, four minutes and 52 seconds. The 23-year-old, who was competing in just her fifth half marathon, clocked splits of 30:05 and 45:37 to improve the 10km and 15km world records. Defending champion Violah Jepchumba of Kenya finished second in 65:22, with Fancy Chemutai third.

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

2. Post merger, SBI begins operations as unified entity: The State Bank of India, the country's largest lender has started functioning as unified entity from 01st April 2017 post merger of its five associate banks, besides Bharatiya Mahila Bank. The five associate banks merged with the SBI are State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Patiala and State Bank of Travancore. With the merger, the SBI joins the league of top 50 banks globally in terms of assets. ii. The total customer base of the bank reaches 37 crore with a branch network of around 24,000 and nearly 59,000 ATMs across the country. The merged entity now has a deposit base of more than Rs 26 lakh-crore and advances level of Rs 18.50 lakh crore.

Daily GK Updates : 1st April, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India becomes associate member of IEA: India, world’s 3rd largest energy consumer has joined International Energy Association (IAE) as associate member. India will also now have a greater say in global energy issues. With India as a associate member, IEA now formally covers 70% of the world’s energy consumption, thus increasing its relevance.

2. Cabinet approves ratification of 2 ILO conventions on prohibiting child labour: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for ratification of two fundamental conventions of International Labour Organization (ILO) concerning with Child Labour. They are Minimum Age Convention (No 138) and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention (No 182). Now these conventions will be legally binding.

3. Barmer-Munawab, Pipad Road-Bilara rail routes declared as Green Corridors: The North Western Railway has declared the Barmer-Munawab and Pipad Road-Bilara rail routes in Rajasthan as Green Corridors. With this total number of green corridors has increased to five. The 114-km-long Manamadurai– Rameswaram stretch of Southern Railway was India’s first ‘Green corridor’. Okha-Kanalus and Porbandar-Wasjaliya railway sections of Gujarat also have been declared green corridors.

4. CCEA approves amendments in Mega Power Policy 2009: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved amendments in the Mega Power Policy, 2009 to push 31 GW stranded projects entailing an investment of Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The initiative mainly aims at bringing down power tariff for making electricity more affordable and achieving the ambitious goal of 24X7 power for all.

5. CCEA allows unrestricted export of all certified organic agricultural products: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved removal of all quantitative ceilings on individual organic products and allowed unrestricted exports of all organic and organic processed products. The removal of quantitative ceilings will be irrespective of any existing or future restriction/prohibition on the export of their basic product (non-organic). However, in respect of organic pulses and lentils, the quantitative ceiling on exports will continue but enhanced from the existing 10,000 MT per annum (MTPA) to 50,000 MTPA. in view of their acute shortage in the country.

6. CCEA approves amendment to New Urea Policy-2015: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval for amendment in Para 5 of New Urea Policy (NUP), 2015. The amendment is related to the production beyond Re-Assessed Capacity (RAC) and inclusion of Para 8 in NUP 2015 to protect the production beyond RAC by urea units and boost indigenous urea production in the country.

7. Government launched two mobile apps- echallan and mParivahan: The government has launched two mobile apps, echallan and mParivahan, that provide access to various services and information, and enable citizens to report any traffic violation or road accident. 'eChallan' is an integrated enforcement solution to manage traffic violations. 'mParivahan' is an empowering app for the citizen which provides access to various services, information and utilities related to the transport sector.

8. Vanaja N. Sarna - New Chairperson of CBEC: Vanaja N. Sarna (Internal Revenue Service:1980) has been appointed as the Chairman of Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC). She has replaced Najib Shah. Sarna has served Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) in several capacities over the last 36 years.

9. IIT-Madras signs MoU with Indian Army: The Indian Army has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M). The objective of the agreement is to identify and enhance the critical technological areas that can be enhanced in the armed forces.

10. Govt decides to liberalize e-visa regime from existing 30 days to 4 months: Today, India has decided to liberalize e-visa regime by increasing the time limit for seeking the entry permit from existing 30 days to a maximum of four months. The duration of stay for foreigners, coming into the country through select categories of e-visa, has also been extended to two months. The liberalization of the visa regime will considerably facilitate entry of foreigners into India for tourism, business, and medical purposes. Under the new simplified visa regime, three new sub-categories (e-tourist visa, e-business visa, and e-medical visa) for grant of e-visa.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Mega-conference of world parliamentarians begins in Dhaka: Today, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has inaugurated the 4-day mega Conference of world parliamentarians in Dhaka. She has also released a commemorative stamp and launch the IPU web television. Around 687 members of 131 national parliaments around the world are participating in the conference. The conference promising to focus on ways and means to end political & economic inequality and uphold democracy and human rights. The Conference will also adopt a resolution to guarantee the financial inclusion of women as drivers of development.

2. Japan commits 371 bn yen assistance for infra projects in India: Japan has committed an 'Official Development Assistance' (ODA) of 371.345 billion yen (about Rs 21,590 crore) under 2016-2017 for various infrastructure projects, including the dedicated freight corridor, in India. The notes in this regard were exchanged in New Delhi between S Selvakumar, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs and Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India.

3. Radhamohan Singh to inaugurate International center for Foot and Mouth Disease: Today, the Union Agriculture Minister 'Radha Mohan Singh' has inaugurated an International research centre for Foot and Mouth disease of cattle and buffalos at Argul,(Khurda district) Odisha. The research center has been constructed in joint collaboration of UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation & Indian Council of Agricultural Research to conduct research on the viral disease of cattle and buffaloes. The research center has the facility for safe handling and storage of live Foot and Mouth disease virus that essentially is required for control of the disease. This center will also serve as a regional resource laboratory for countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS & FINANCE:

1. RBI to set up separate Enforcement department: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will set up a separate enforcement department to monitor banks in case they violate regulations. The Enforcement Department will start operations from 1^st April, 2017. The department will develop a broad policy for enforcement and initiate action against the regulated entities for violation consistent with such policy.

2. Withdrawal of service charge on e-tickets of train extended till 30th June:According to Railway ministry, the withdrawal of service charge on online booking of train tickets has been extended upto 30^th June 2017 to promote the use of digital modes of payment. Earlier, the union government had decided to give incentive to the passengers for booking tickets online by withdrawing service charge on them from 23^rd November, 2016 to 31^st March, 2017.

3. India signs First Loan Agreement with New Development Bank: India has signed a loan agreement with the New Development Bank (NDB) for USD 350 million funding for a project involving development and up gradation of major district roads (approx 1,500 km) in Madhya Pradesh. The objective of the project is to up gradation of major district roads in the state to improve connectivity with the national and state highway networks. This is the first loan agreement for the New Development Bank assisted project in India.

4. Karnataka Bank & SBI Card launch co-branded credit card: The Karnataka Bank Limited and SBI Card have launched co-branded credit cards ‘Karnataka Bank Platinum SBI Card’ and ‘Karnataka Bank SimplySAVE SBI Card’ for the customers of Karnataka Bank.‘Karnataka Bank Platinum SBI Card’ has been designed keeping in mind the premium customers, offers features in line with their lifestyle and spending patterns. ‘Karnataka Bank SimplySAVE SBI Card’ is aimed at value-conscious consumers and offers rewards and features that enable customers to maximise their savings on their regular spends.

HONOURS & AWARDS:

5. Awards for Transformation Leadership: Chandrababu Naidu selected for US-Business Council award of "Transformative Chief Minister." The electronics and IT secretary Aruna Sundarrajan would also receive Transformation leadership awards at the Summit.

6. 'Barmer-Munawab' & 'Pipad Road-Bilara' rail routes declared as Green Corridors: The North-Western Railway has declared the ‘Barmer-Munawab (119 km)’ and ‘Pipad Road-Bilara (41 km)’ in Rajasthan, rail routes as Green Corridors. The trains in the section have been equipped with bio-toilets to ensure zero discharge of human waste on the rail tracks under the ‘Swachh Rail-Swachh Bharat’ initiative. Now, the total number of green corridors has increased to three.