Daily GK Updates - 30th December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 30th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. 78th Session of Indian History Congress starts in Kolkata: The 3 day long 78th session of the Indian History Congress began in Kolkata. The Indian History Congress will have 6 sections this time – Ancient India, Medieval India, Modern India, Countries Other than India, Archaeology and Contemporary India. The aim of conducting Indian History Congress is for promotion and encouragement of the scientific study of Indian History.

2. Lok Sabha passes bill for GST cess hike: Lok Sabha approved a bill to hike cess on luxury vehicles from 15% to 25% with a view to enhance funds to compensate states for revenue loss following the rollout of GST. The GST (Compensation to States) Amendment Bill, 2017, was passed by the Lower House.

3. India leads in global milk production-Radha Mohan Singh: Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said during the past 3 years, India has outpaced the global milk production with an annual growth rate of 5.53% compared with the 2.09% achieved globally. India has been the largest producer of milk in the world for the past 15 years. Milk production, which was around 17-22 million tonnes in the 1960s, has increased to 163.7 m tonnes in 2016-17

4. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe appointed President of ICCR: Vinay Sahasrabuddhe appointed as the new President of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. This appointed has been approved by the President of India Ram Nath Kovind. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe is the BJP's national Vice President and a Rajya Sabha member from Maharashtra.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. George Weah elected as the Liberian President: George Weah has been elected as Liberia’s president. The former football star George Weah won the presidential election, defeating the vice-president, Joseph Boakai, in a runoff with 61.5% of the vote.

2. NASA’s “Girl of the Year” dollin collaboration with the American Girl: NASA, is collaborating with American Girl, a doll and book company, to inspire children to dream big and reach for the stars. The focus of the collaboration is the “Girl of the Year” doll for 2018, an 11-year-old aspiring astronaut named Luciana who wants to be the first person to put boots on Mars. NASA wants to encourage girls and boys to pursue their dreams.

3. China successfully tests its first Photovoltaic road: The first photovoltaic (solar) highway based on home-grown technology was successfully tested in Shandong province of China. The photovoltaic highway is constructed using solar panels which have a thin sheet of transparent concrete on top of them, protecting the surface. It has wireless charging systems for electric vehicles (EVs). The photovoltaic panels of the highway are built to transfer energy to electric vehicles passing on top of them. With this, China became the second country in the world to construct a photovoltaic highway. In 2016 France had introduced world’s first photovoltaic road fitted with solar panels.

OTHER UPDATES

SCIENCE/ TECHNOLOGY:

1. ISRO to launch 31 satellites in one go on January 10: ISRO would launch 31 satellites, including India’s Cartosat-2 series earth observation space craft, in a single mission on January 10. The mission will be the first ‘Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle’ (PSLV) mission after the unsuccessful launch of the navigation satellite IRNSS-1H in August this year. The mission’s main payload would be India’s Cartosat-2 series earth observation satellite.

2. World’s largest Human Genome Research Project launched in China: The world’s largest human genome research project of 100,000 people was launched by China. The aim of the project is to document their genetic makeup for a study that aims to help generate the precision medicines of the future. It is the country’s first large project detecting the genetic links between health and sickness.

3. SpaceX unveils its biggest rocket-Falcon Heavy: SpaceX’s biggest rocket till date, the Falcon Heavy, has been raised on the Cape Canaveral launchpad for the first time. The rocket will look to push forward Elon Musk’s vision of making humans an inter-planetary species. It will have its maiden journey out of Earth’s orbit next month.

BUSINESS/ ECONOMY:

1. India’s first foreign-owned ARCgets approval from RBI: US buyout giant, KKR & Company, has become the first foreign investor to fully own an asset reconstruction company (ARC) in India. It received approval from the Reserve Bank of India. The New York-headquartered investor plans to set up a separate managed company to put bad loans and bring in expertise to revive the assets.

SPORTS:

1. Jitu Rai bags men’s 50m pistolat Thiruvananthpuram: Ace Indian marksman Jitu Rai won the men’s 50m pistol national title with a new national record score of 233 at the 61st National Shooting Championship in Thiruvananthapuram. Rai’s score of 233 was a new record in the finals of the event.

2. Ronaldo bags the ‘Globe Soccer's Best Player’ award for 2nd year in a row: Real Madrid player Cristiano Ronaldo has bagged the Globe Soccer's Best Player for the second year in a row. He received this honour for the fourth time in his career. The award is organised by the EFAA (European Association of Football Agents) and ECA (European Clubs Association).

Daily GK Updates - 29th December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 29th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Triple Talaq Bill Passed in Lok Sabha: The Lok Sabha passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriages) Bill 2017 making instant triple talaq illegal with up to three years in jail for the husband. The proposed law would only be applicable on instant triple talaq or ‘talaq-e-biddat’. The bill will now be sent to the Rajya Sabha for approval.

2. Kannada litterateur Kuppali honoured with a Google doodle on his birth anniversary: Google is honouring the contribution of Kuvempu by dedicating a doodle to the winner of the first Kannada Jnanpith on the occasion of his 113th birth anniversary. The renaissance of Kannada literature was heralded by the publication of Kuvempu’s Sri Ramayana Darshanam, which was awarded the Jnanpith Award, half a century ago. It is also the golden jubilee of his novel Malegalalli Madumagalu.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Ramendra Kumar felicitated in Sri Lanka: Noted writer Ramendra Kumar, whose stories feature in Sri Lankan text books, has been felicitated in the neighbouring country for his contribution to children’s literature. Kumar is an award-winning writer with 32 books to his credit.

2. UNESCO recognizes Panama’s hats: Cultural authorities at UNESCO have recognized the artisans of Panama for their distinctive woven hats. Panama’s real contribution to the world’s hat heritage is the pintao, or painted hat, handmade from five different plants and a dose of swamp mud.

3. India gives medical assistance to Yemen: India provided medical assistance worth about $1 million to Yemen in response to a request from the Yemeni government.

As part of its commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to Yemen, India has been a member of the ‘Friends of Yemen’ Group.

4. Russia launches satellite for Angola: Russia on Tuesday launched a rocket carrying Angosat-1, the first national telecoms satellite for Angola. The Zenit-2SB rocket carrying Angosat to orbit was supplied by Ukrainian maker Yuzhmash, making the launch a rare joint project between the two countries since 2014. The Angosat project was agreed by Russia and Angola in 2009.

OTHER UPDATES

SCIENCE/ TECHNOLOGY:

1. Spider named after Bob Marley:Scientists have named new water adapted species of spider after Bob Marley, as a homage to his famous song “High tide or low tide.” The species of water-adapted spider was first discovered in the year 2009, when the sea along the coastline of Queensland in Australia receded and revealed the population of spider. The study was published in the Evolutionary Systematic journal.

BUSINESS/ ECONOMY:

1. India’s first bitcoin trading app by Pluto: Cryptocurrency dealer Pluto Exchange announced the launch of India’s first mobile application for transacting in virtual currencies. The Pluto Exchange mobile app offers a solution to the coordination problem between payment processors, financial gateways, and banks. By using a four-digit personal identification number, users can now buy, sell, store and spend bitcoins via a mobile number.

SPORTS:

1. Viswanathan Anand wins World Rapid Chess Championship in Riyadh: Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand has won the World Rapid Chess Championship in Riyadh. He remained unbeaten through the tournament and bagged the top position on a tie-break after a three-way tie with Russians Vladimir Fedoseev and Ian Nepomniachtchi at 10.5 points from a possible 15. The World Rapid Chess Championship is a tournament to determine the World Champion in chess played under rapid time controls.

DEFENCE:

1. India Test-Fires AAD Supersonic Missile: India successfully test-fired its indigenously developed Advanced Air Defence supersonic interceptor ​missile from Odisha. It is capable of destroying any incoming ballistic missile at low altitude. This was the 3rd supersonic interceptor test carried out this year. The interceptor is a 7.5 m long single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile equipped with a navigation system.

Daily GK Updates - 27th December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 27th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Jai Ram Thakur sworn-in as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh: Jai Ram Thakur, along with his 11 ministers, took the oath of secrecy from Himachal Pradesh’s Governor Acharya Devvrat at the historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla. The Ministers who took oath include Mahendra Singh, Suresh Bhardwaj, Anil Sharma and Vipin Singh Parmar. Thakur is elected to ‘Himachal Pradesh Assembly election 2017’ from Seraj in Mandi.

2. Centre gives fund for border development: Home Ministry has released Rs 167 crore to 9 states – Rajasthan, Punjab, West Bengal, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar and Sikkim, under the Border Area Development Programme. BADP is fully funded by Central Government. Under this programme, development work is carried out in all villages which are located within the 0-10 km of the international border.

3. IAF conquers ‘Seven Summits’: After scaling of Mt Everest in 2005, IAF launched a unique and unprecedented series of mountaineering expedition ‘Mission Seven Summits’. It had the aim to fly the tricolour and the IAF flag on the highest peaks in every continent. A team comprising 5 IAF mountaineers, led by Capt RC Tripathi has successfully scaled Mt Vinson in Antarctica, thus completing the assigned Mission.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. ‘World Economic League Table’ Report: Indian economy will surpass Britain and France in 2018 and will thus become the 5th largest economy. This is as per 2018 World Economic League Table released by Centre for Economics and Business Research. USA economy will be able to retain its No. 1 position for a year longer than what was anticipated in the last report. In 2032, China is likely to overtake the US as world’s No. 1 economy.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India’s first pod taxi on the way:The much-awaited India’s first pod taxi project has moved a step closer to reality. The projected Rs 4000-cr pod taxi scheme is also known as Personal Rapid Transit. It will run from Delhi-Haryana border to Rajiv Chowk in Gurgaon on a PPP (public-private partnership) basis.

SPORTS:

1. Saudi Arabia hosts world chess games: Saudi Arabia hosted a world chess tournament for the first time at the APEX Convention Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The tournament is called the King Salman World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships. It has around 400 international players. 16 players are participating from Saudi Arabia.

Daily GK Updates - 26th December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 26th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Vijay Rupani sworn-in as the CM of Gujarat: Vijay Rupani was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat state. Governor of Gujarat, Om Prakash Kohli, administered the Oath of Office and Secrecy to 21 ministers including Mr. Rupani and his deputy Nitin Patel. Along with Mr. Rupani as Chief Minister and Nitin Patel as his Deputy, a total of 19 ministers nine of them in cabinet rank and 10 MoS were sworn in.

2. Only 1.7% Indians paid income tax in AY 2015-16: Just over 2 crore Indians, or 1.7 % of the total population, paid income tax in the assessment year (AY) 2015-16, according to data released by the I-T department. The number of income-tax return filers increased to 4.07 crore in assessment year 2015-16 (FY 2014-2015) from 3.65 crore in the previous year. Only 2.06 crore actually paid tax as the others claimed income below taxable limits.

3. Uttar Pradesh introduces Kisan Uday Yojana power scheme: UP has launched Kisan Uday Yojana, for the poor in the state to mark Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s birth anniversary. Lohban and Gausana, the two villages of Mathura district have been covered for 100 per cent electrification. The government has a target of covering 16 million by 2018-end, driven by Yogi Adityanath government’s motto ‘Prakash hai to vikas hai’.

4. Teesta Rangit Festival to revive tourism in the hills: Darjeeling will host the 5-day Teesta Rangit Tourism Festival 2017. The 4-month strike has severely affected tourism, one of the biggest sources of income in the Darjeeling hills. The festival will be held in phases in different hill towns. It will be held from Dec 27 to 29 in Darjeeling; Dec 28 and 29 in Kurseong; Dec 29 and 30 in Kalimpong; and Dec 30 and 31 in Mirik.

5. First runway on sea bridge in Lakshadweep: India is all set to get its first runway on a ‘sea bridge’, as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been given a nod to extend Lakshadweep’s Agatti Airport. The task will be carried out by building an RCC platform on the beach and shallow area which will allow bigger ATRs to operate on the island.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World’s largest amphibious aircraft developed by China: China has launched homegrown AG600, the world’s largest amphibious aircraft. The plane is codenamed Kunlong. With a wingspan of 38.8 metres (127ft) and powered by four turboprop engines, the aircraft is capable of carrying 50 people and can stay airborne for 12 hours. The amphibious aircraft has military applications but will be used for fire fighting and marine rescue.

2. World’s longest glass bridge opened to public in China: The world’s longest glass bridge has been opened in China to the public. Though it has a capacity to hold 2000 people, only 500 would be allowed at a time Located in Shijiazhuang, the bridge lies 218 meters above hanging between the two cliffs in Hongyagu Scenic Area in Pingshan county. The bridge is 488 meters long & 2 meters wide

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Solar-based cold storagedeveloped at IARI: Engineers at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi have developed a solar-powered on-farm storage structure. It can increase the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables in regions where cold storage facilities are absent. It is designed by Pramod Kumar Sharma & others, which can retain the quality and freshness of fruits & vegetables for an additional period of up to five days.

Daily GK Updates - 24th December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 24th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India’s first AC local to start in Mumbai: India’s first air-conditioned local will ply between Churchgate and Virar from December 25. The first service of the 12-coach EMU will commence at 2:10 pm. The services will replace 12 existing non-air conditioned services. This will be the first train with automatic doors in the suburban system.

2. Uttarakhand CM launches his biography: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has launched his biography ‘Trivendra Ek Zindaginama – Khairasain ka Sooraj’. It has been written by Nandan Singh Bisht, a doctor.

3. Dhirendra Pal appointed as UGC chairman: Professor Dhirendra Pal Singh, director, National Assessment and Accreditation Council was appointed the chairperson of UGC. He has been serving as director of NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) since August 2015.

4. Gujjars, 4 Others get 1% Reservation in Rajasthan: Rajasthan government announced 1% reservation within the 50% legal limit, for Gujjars and four other communities. The five communities that have been declared eligible for this reservation are: Gujjar, Banjara, Gadia-Lohar, Rebari and Gadaria These 5 communities were listed in the OBC category in 1994. The additional quota is given in the ‘More Backward Classes’ category.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Henrietta Fore appointed to head UNICEF: UN has appointed Henrietta Fore, a former head of the USAID as the new Executive Director of United Nations Childrens’ Fund. Henrietta Fore was the first woman to be appointed Administrator of the US Agency for International Development.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ ECONOMY:

1. Govt. launches Gold Purity Standard – Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya: India’s first home-grown high purity gold reference standard – the Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND-4201) - was launched at the India Government Mint, Mumbai. BND-4201, which is the reference material for gold of ‘9999’ fineness will ensure purity of gold.

2. India’s most trusted Brand: Patanjali: Patanjali has been ranked as India’s most trusted Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Brand by the Brand Trust Report India Study 2017. SK Tijarawala, Spokesman, HH Swami Ramdev, took to his Twitter handle to announce this news, along with the picture of the certification.

Daily GK Updates - 22nd December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 22nd December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. National Mathematics Day- 22nd December: Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan’s birth anniversary on December 22 is celebrated as National Mathematics Day. It was in 2012 that then PM Manmohan Singh declared December 22 as National Mathematics Day. In 1917, Ramanujan was elected to be a member of the London Mathematical Society. In 1918 he also became a Fellow of the Royal Society, becoming the youngest person to achieve the feat.

2. Mamang Dai wins Sahitya Akademi Award: Authors Mamang Dai & Ramesh Kuntal Megh have won this year’s Sahitya Akademi award for their work The Black Hill, a novel, and Vishw Mithak Sarit Sagar, a literary criticism, in English and Hindi respectively. Sahitya Akademi announced its annual Sahitya Akademi Awards in 24 languages.

3. Kohli becomes India’s most valued celebrity (in terms of brand value): For the first time, a cricketer, Virat Kohli has emerged as the top-ranked celeb with a brand value of $144 million. In 2016, SRK was on the top spot with $131.2m brand value. He has slipped to the second rank this year, with a brand value of $106m.

4. Salman Khan tops Forbes India Celebrity List: With earnings of Rs232.83 crore, actor Salman Khan has topped the Forbes India Celebrity 100 list 2017 for the second consecutive year. While Shah Rukh Khan featured in the second spot with earnings of Rs170.50 crore, Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli came third with Rs100.72 crore earnings. Akshay Kumar and Sachin Tendulkar featured in the fourth and fifth spots respectively.

5. India’s first design university starts its operations: India’s first and only design university, World University of Design opened its campus at Sonipat, Haryana. WUD offers country’s largest creative course catalog – 23 specialized UG and PG programs in various design arenas.

6. Offshore Patrol Vessel ICGS ‘Sujay’ commissed: Indian Coast Guard Ship “Sujay”, the sixth in the series of six 105m Offshore Patrol Vessel was commissioned at Goa. ‘Sujay’ meaning ‘Great Victory’ is projection of Indian Coast Guard’s will and commitment “To serve and Protect” the maritime interest of the nation. This 105 meter OPV has been designed and built indigenously by Goa Shipyard Ltd.

7. NHAI creates Highways Investment Promotion Cellcreated: The NHAI has created a National Highways Investment Promotion Cell for attracting domestic & foreign investment for highways projects. The cell will focus on engaging with global institution investors, construction companies for building investor participation in road infrastructure projects. The primary focus of NHIPC will be to promote foreign and domestic investment in road infrastructure

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Scientists discover new frog species: Scientists have discovered a new frog species from its home in the fast flowing streams in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Subansiri district. The new species discovered from Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary has been named as Odorrana arunachalensis, after the state where it was discovered.

OTHER UPDATES

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. DARPAN Project launched for financial inclusion: Manoj Sinha launched DARPAN- “Digital Advancement of Rural Post Office for A New India”. It is a project to improve the quality of service, add value to services and achieve ‘financial inclusion’ of the unbanked rural population. The goal of the IT modernization project with an outlay of Rs. 1400 Crore is to provide a low power technology solution to each Branch Postmaster.

SPORTS:

1. Shooting excluded from 2022 Commonwealth Games: Shooting has been excluded from the Commonwealth Games 2022 edition. At the same time, the push to bring cricket back into the fold has gathered momentum, with Commonwealth Games Federation. The CGF declared Birmingham as the host city on Thursday after Durban, the original pick, had pulled out earlier this year due to financial constraints.

2. International Youth Sailing Competition to be held in Nellore:Krishnapatnam Port in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, is hosting the 9th edition of International Youth Sailing Competition of India from December 27th to December 31st 2017. The event is the largest sailing competition in the country and is organised by the Navayuga Sailing Academy.

3. Birmingham to Host Commonwealth Games: The central English city of Birmingham will host the Commonwealth Games in 2022. The 2022 Commonwealth Games were originally given to Durban in 2015, but the South African city was stripped of the event this year because of financial difficulties. The multisports event was last in Britain in 2014 when it was held in Glasgow.

Daily GK Updates - 21st December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 21st December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Modi’s approval to India’s first Rail and Transportation University: The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved the Ministry of Railways’ initiative to set up India’s first ever National Rail and Transport University. The university set up in Vadodara, Gujarat will skill its human resources and build capability. The University will be set up as a Deemed to Be University under de novo category as per the UGC Regulations, 2016.

2. Laser fences to be set up in poorly inhabited areas: Laser fence will be installed at certain points along India’s open borders with Nepal and Bhutan to prevent infiltration. Laser fence would be put up at one location each along the 1,751-km Indo-Nepal & 699-km Indo-Bhutan boundaries. The laser fences will be deployed in areas that are “uninhabited” due to difficult geographical terrain and are prone to smuggling and other terror activities.

3. Justice Umesh Salvi takes charge as acting NGT Chairman: Justice Umesh Dattatraya Salvi (Judicial Member, NGT) took charge as the acting Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) following the retirement of Justice Swatanter Kumar.He will continue in office until the date a new chairperson is appointed or the date of his superannuation.

4. ‘R-MITRA’ app for security of passengers: Eastern Railway has launched a mobile application “R-MITRA” (Railway Mobile Instant Tracking Response & Assistance) for security of passengers. It is launched especially for the safety of women passengers. It is an attempt to prevent and detect crime against passengers during travel.

5. ‘Chillai Kalan’ – harsh winter season, begins in Kashmir Valley:  the traditional 40-day long period of harsh winter known as the ‘Chillai Kalan’ has begun in the Kashmir Valley. Chillai Kalan is a period of forty extremely cold days starting from 21st of December. This is the date on which Winter Solstice is observed in the Northern Hemisphere. Chillai Kalan is followed by a period of another 20 days of Chillai Khurd and 10 days of Chillai Bacha.

6. Indian Navy conducts naval exercise with Oman Navy – Naseem Al Bahr: Indian Naval Ships Trikand and Teg are deployed to Oman for bilateral exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ or ‘Sea Breeze’. The first exercise Indian Navy with Royal Navy of Oman was conducted in 1993 and this year marks 24 years of Indian Navy -Royal Navy of Oman bilateral exercises.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. A first in the world - France bans all gas and oil production by 2040: France’s parliament has approved a law banning all exploration and production of oil and natural gas by 2040. Under the law, existing drilling permits will not be renewed and no new exploration licenses will be granted in France or its overseas territories. The French government claims the ban is a world first.

2. UK Tops Forbes’ List of Best Countries: The United Kingdom has topped Forbes’ rankings of best countries in the world for business in 2018. The list ranks 153 countries on 15 factors including property rights, innovation, taxes and red tape. The UK is followed by New Zealand and the Netherlands, while India was ranked 62nd on the list. The UK’s $2.6 trillion economy is the fifth largest in the world.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. ‘World’s smallest’ DRAM chipby Samsung: Samsung Electronics developed the world’s smallest DRAM chip. The “2nd-generation” 8-gigabit DRAM chips with improved energy efficiency and data processing performance will be used in mobile devices and high-speed graphics cards. The advantage of DRAM is the structural simplicity of its memory cells. Only 1 transistor and a capacitor are required per bit, compared to 4 to 6 in SRAM.

2. IGNOU to offer World’s first Sand Art certificate course: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will launch world’s first online certificate course in sand art in March 2018. It will help sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik’s dream come true. Pattnaik said he wanted India to become the first country across the globe to offer such training to sand artists. The course will provide desired skills to the persons.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI puts Bank of India under PCA: After an on-site inspection, RBI has put Bank of India under the PCA framework. This action will contribute to the overall improvement in risk management, asset quality, profitability, efficiency, etc of the bank. To ensure that banks don’t go bust, RBI puts in place some trigger points to assess, monitor, control and take corrective actions. These are known as Prompt Corrective Action.

SPORTS:

1. Lionel Messi wins La Liga Best Player Award: Lionel Messi, the star forward of Barcelona, has received La Liga’s top scorer and best player awards for the 2016-2017 football season. Messi scored 37 goals in league action last season to earn his fourth Pichichi award.

Daily GK Updates - 20th December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 20th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. NITI Aayog seeks methanol economy fund: NITI Aayog, the government’s policy-making body, will soon move a Cabinet note outlining the roadmap for a methanol mission for India through a Rs 5,000-crore methanol economy fund. It will kickstart generation of this alternative energy source from January 1, 2018. The Aayog will hold a high-level meeting of its task force on methanol economy following which a roadmap will be laid out.

2. ‘HAMESHA VIJAYEE’ exercise in Rajasthan being conducted: In a significant show of strength, formations of Southern Command are conducting a major exercise called ‘HAMESHA VIJAYEE’ in the deserts of Rajasthan. The exercise being conducted from 16 to 22 December 2017 is to evaluate the capability of the armed forces to strike deep into enemy territory in an integrated air-land battle.

3. LED Lights at all Railway Stations in India: Ministry of Railways is actively working to provide 100% LED lighting for its most of the Non-traction Energy needs. Under this 100% LED initiative, Ministry of Railways has decided to make all railway stations 100% LED lit by the end of current financial year i.e. by 31 March 2018.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Shree Saini crowned Miss India USA 2017: Shree Saini, a resident of Washington state, was crowned Miss India USA 2017. The 21-year-old, who is a student at the University of Washington, said she wants to lead a life dedicated to service. Shree, who had a pacemaker implanted at the age of 12 is an inspiration for all. Cancer surgeon Kavita Malhotra from Florida was declared Mrs India USA 2017.

2. International Human Solidarity Day: The United Nations’ (UN) International Human Solidarity Day is annually held on December 20 to celebrate unity in diversity.

It also aims to remind people of the importance of solidarity in working towards eradicating poverty. It is a day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Apple appoints Michel Coulomb as India head: Apple has named Michel Coulomb as the head of sales for its operations in India, a key market for the iconic iPhone maker. He succeeds Sanjay Kaul, who has stepped down from the post.

2. Ola acquires foodpanda India: Germany’s Delivery Hero sold its foodpanda India business to Ola in return for shares in the Indian ride-hailing firm. Under the agreement, Ola will also commit to investing $200 million in foodpanda India. The partnership with Ola will allow Delivery Hero to further consolidate markets where it strategically makes sense to collaborate with leading local players.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. AU Bank joins hands with Sahaj e-Village: AU Small Finance Bank has announced signing a MoU with Sahaj e-Village. MoU is signed for extending its banking service in remote areas through Business Correspondent Agent model. With this MoU, AU Bank will be able to further foster its mission of financial inclusion and greater customer outreach. The Sahaj Agents will gather information, counsel, and services to these customers.

2. Yes Bank-EIB invest $400 million: Indian private sector lender Yes Bank has jointly invested $400 million with European Investment Bank (EIB) in new solar and wind projects in the country. The bank is also exploring investments in the electric vehicle segment. The new financing programme will streamline financing for a range of renewable energy projects being built and operated.

Daily GK Updates - 19th December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 19th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India tops list of migrants living abroad at 17 million: According to the International Migration Report of the UN, India has topped the list of people living abroad at 17 million with about 5 million Indians residing in the Gulf region alone. The number of migrants from India now reside in multiple destination countries, including the UAE at 3 million, the US and Saudi Arabia at 2 million each. Mexico(2nd), Russia(3rd), China(4th), Bangladesh(5th), Pakistan Syria(6th), and Ukraine also have large migrant populations living abroad (around 6 to 11 million each).International migration makes an important contribution to population growth in many parts of the world and even reverses population decline in some countries or areas.

2. Construction activities to be prohibited within 50 meters from river Ganga in hilly areas-NGT: According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) revised order, Construction activities will be prohibited within 50 metres from the edge of river Ganga in hilly areas. It will now be treated as No Development Zone where no construction including commercial or residential buildings can come up. The area falling between 50-100 meters will be considered as "regulatory" zone and ban on construction activity in this area till the state comes with a specific policy.

3. Goa celebrating 56th Liberation day today: Goa is celebrating its 56th Liberation Day. The state was liberated on this day in 1961 from Portuguese control after almost 450 years of colonial rule. The Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar unfurled the national flag and took a salute at the Goa Liberation Day celebrations in state capital Panaji. 

4. Losar Festival being celebrated in Ladakh: The Losar festival being celebrated in Ladakh region to mark the new year, the celebrations continue for three days to nine days in the different parts of Ladakh region of Jammu Kashmir. Prayer flags are hoisted in important religious places to welcome the new year. Losar Festival is celebrated by making symbolic meals and offerings.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. UK govt extends pilot student visa scheme to 23 more universities: Britain's Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis has announced extending a pilot student visa scheme to 23 more universities. Now, Indian and other non-EU students will get six-month time to find a job after finishing their course. Last year, the scheme was introduced on a pilot basis in four British varsities Oxford, Bath, Cambridge and Imperial College London.

2. India to host meeting of WTO member countries on food security: According to the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu, India will host a meeting of WTO member countries in February to muster support for food security and other issues. The union govt is trying to call a meeting of almost 30 to 40 countries in Delhi to help the multi-lateral process. India has been keenly pushing agriculture issues at the World Trade Organisation.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Bharti Airtel to acquire Millicom’s operations in Rwanda: Telecom operator Bharti Airtel Limited has signed an agreement with Millicom International Cellular S.A. to acquire its Rwanda’s operation ‘Tigo Rwanda’. Tigo’s 370 million customers will join the network of Airtel Rwanda. Now, Airtel Rwanda will be the second largest operator in the country with revenues of over USD 80 million and a revenue market share of over 40%. At present, Airtel operates in 15 African countries apart from India and South Asia. 

2. Skill Development Ministry & Maruti Suzuki sign Mou to impart skill training:The Skill Development Ministry & Maruti Suzuki have signed an agreement to impart training to youth and enhance their employment potential in New Delhi. As part of the agreement, Maruti Suzuki will ensure that not less than 80% of trainees are placed with Maruti Suzuki or its business partner. Maruti Suzuki will develop specific training module as per the need of the automobile industry in consultation with DGT.

SPORTS:

1.  Mo Farah wins BBC's sports personality of the year award: Four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah (World 10,000m champion) has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017.He won his third successive world 10,000m gold medal in London in August. Farah becomes the first long-distance runner to win the Sports Personality award since Paula Radcliffe in 2002.

Daily GK Updates - 18th December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 18th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Meghalaya launches India’s first social audit law: Meghalaya state has become the first Indian state to operationalize ‘The Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017’, a law that makes a social audit of government programmes and schemes a part of government practice. It was launched by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma at a national convention in Shillong.

2. PM Modi dedicates Tuirial Hydropower project to the nation: PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 60-megawatt Tuirial hydroelectric power project from Aizawl, Mizoram.Now, the Mizoram had become the third power- surplus state in the north-east after Sikkim and Tripura. Prime Minister also inaugurated the Shillong - Nongstoin Rongjeng Tura road. The hydropower project would produce ‘251 million units’ of electrical energy every year.

3. Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates eastern India’s First CNG Station for scooters: The Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated eastern India’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) stations for scooters in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He also inaugurated CNG-run scooters and CNG stations for three-wheelers at Chandrasekharpur and Patia area in Bhubaneswar. The CNG stations were part of GAIL’s Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga and City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. International Migrants Day 2017 observed globally: The UN’s (United Nation) International Migration Day(IMD) is being observed every year on 18th December to protect the rights of migration workers and members of their families. The theme of this year is Safe Migration in a World on the Move.

2. WHO Certifies Gabon as Polio-Free:The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Gabon (central African country) "polio-free country", given the lack of new reported or suspected casesThe UN health agency nonetheless recommended taking the necessary steps to continue monitoring for possible signs of the disease. Since 1988, Cases of polio have decreased by 99%, when polio was endemic in 125 countries and 350,000 cases were recorded worldwide.

3. Sebastian Pinera wins Chile's presidential election: Former president Sebastian Pinera has won Chile's presidential election. With 98.44% of the ballots counted, Pinera had won 54.57% in the run-off vote, to 45.43% for senator Guillier. He has replaced Michelle Bachelet. Sebastian Pinera was President of Chile between 2010 and 2014 too.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. World Inequality Report 2018:  India’s top 1% earners received 22% of national income in 2014. Since the beginning of deregulation policies in the 1980s, the top 0.1 per cent earners have captured more growth than all of those in the bottom 50 per cent combined.

SPORTS:

1. India wins 10 medals in Wushu Sanda Asian Cup: India has won 10 medals (5-Silver and 5 Bronze) in the first Wushu Sanda Asian Cup in Guangzhou, China. The Silver medal winners were: Praveen in 48kg, Mukesh Chaoudhary (70kg), Rajender Singh (90kg), Arunpama Devi (60kg) and Vishakhaptnam Malik (70kg).The bronze medals were won by Uchit Sharma (52kg), L Budhdhachandra Singh(56kg), Rajani Deori (75kg), Y Sanathoi Devi (52kg), and Pooja Kadian(65kg).

2. India beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets; win series 2-1: The hosts India have clinched the One-Day International (ODI) series 2-1 against Sri Lanka and recorded their eighth successive win in a bilateral contest.Earlier, India defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third and final cricket ODI at Visakhapatnam.The victory target of 216 runs was overhauled by making 219 for 2 in 32.1 overs.Player of the Series: Shikhar Dhawan.

3. Sushil Kumar & Sakshi Malik win gold at Commonwealth Wrestling Championships: India’s Sushil Kumar clinched the gold medal at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships, in South Africa. He defeated Akash Khullar (New Zealand) in the final of the 74kg freestyle category. India’s Parveen Rana won a bronze medal in the same category. Sakshi Malik won the gold medal in the women's freestyle category. She defeated Tayla Tuahine Ford (New Zealand) by a score of 13-2 in the final.

4. PV Sindhu settles for silver at Dubai World Badminton Superseries Finals:Indian shuttler P V Sindhu lost to Yamaguchi in the final in Dubai World Badminton Superseries. She went down fighting against Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in three games, 21-15 12-21 19-21.

5. Former Brazil midfielder Kaka announces retirement from football: The former Milan and Real Madrid midfielder, Kaka, announced his retirement from football. Kaka won 92 caps for Brazil, scoring 29 goals and featuring at three World Cups, forming part of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2002.

Daily GK Updates - 17th December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 17th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Bill to replace Medical Council of India: Union cabinet has approved a bill to replace the Medical Council of India with a new commission to ensure transparency and reform. The draft bill also proposes a common entrance exam and licentiate exam which all medical graduates will have to clear to get practicing licences. Bill proposes a govt-nominated chairman & members, who will be selected by a committee under the Cabinet Secretary.

2. Nod for mandatory e-Way Bill: GST council has decided to go for early implementation of e-Way Bill for inter-state movement of items from Feb 1 and uniform mandatory compliance from June 1 next year. The bill will bring uniformity across the states for seamless inter-state movement of goods. An e-Way Bill is required for movement of goods worth more than Rs 50,000.

3. UIDAI suspends Airtel eKYC licence: UIDAI has temporarily barred Airtel & Airtel Payment Bank from conducting Aadhaar-based SIM verification of mobile customers using eKYC process. The action follows allegations of Airtel using Aadhaar-eKYC to open payments bank accounts of its subscribers without their informed consent. UIDAI also objected to allegations about such accounts being linked to receive LPG subsidies.

4. Pension for AP’s transgenders: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a scheme to provide a pension of Rs 1500 to transgenders above 18 years of age in the state. Under this scheme the transgenders will be provided ration cards, plots and scholarships, also skill development for financial stability. After Kerala and Odisha, Andhra Pradesh becomes the next state to sanction pension scheme for the transgender community.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Women to drive trucks, bikes in Saudi: After allowing women to drive, Saudi Arabia has now permitted females to drive trucks and ride bikes.Women involved in road accidents or who commit traffic violations will be dealt with at special centres that will be established and run by women. Saudi Arabia was the only country in the world where women were barred from receiving a driver’s license.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Vodafone India appoints Dawar as its CFO: Vodafone India has appointed Manish Dawar as its Chief Financial Officer with effect from January 1, 2018. Dawar will replace Thomas Reiten, who after completing a 4 year stint with Vodafone India, will be moving to a new senior role within the Vodafone Group. He will report to Sunil Sood, MD and CEO, Vodafone India.

SPORTS:

1. International Wheelchair Cricket Tournament in Nepal: The first ever International Wheelchair Cricket Tournament has commenced in Nepal’s Kathmandu. The tournament has participation of teams from Nepal, India & Bangladesh which is supported by Sushil Koirala Memorial Foundation & technical assistance from Kathmandu Cricket Training Center. The first ever series of Wheel Chair competition will conclude with the final match between Nepal & Bangladesh.

Daily GK Updates - 16th December, 2017

Daily GK Updates - 16th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Nation celebrates Vijay Diwas today: Vijay Diwas is commemorated every 16th December in India, as it marks its military victory over Pakistan in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. On December 16, 1971, Lieutenant General AAK Niazi (chief of Pakistani forces), along with 93 thousand troops, surrendered to the allied forces, comprising the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini. Bangladesh is also celebrating its Victory Day. 

2. Railway extends use of CCTV cameras for monitoring cleanliness: The Railways has extended the use of CCTV cameras for monitoring cleanliness activities at major railway stations. The national transporter has also intensified the enforcement of the Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at railway premises) Rules, 2012.

3. R Hemalatha takes Charge as Director of National Institute of Nutrition: R Hemalatha has been appointed as the new Director of the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad. Hemalatha has served as secretary of the Nutrition Society of India, is a fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences and a fellow of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences.

4. Bengali poet ‘Joy Goswami’ to get Moortidevi Award 2017: Renowned Bengali poet Joy Goswami will be given the Moortidevi Award for the year 2017 for his poetry collection titled ‘Du Dondo Phowara Matro’. ‘Du Dondo Phowara Matro’ is an autobiographical account of the poet’s life featuring his close ones including a pet cat. The Moortidevi award consists of a Saraswati Statue, a Citation Plaque and cash award of Rupees 4 lakhs. 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1.  Indo-Maldives joint military exercise Ekuverin in Karna: The two-week long Indo-Maldives joint military exercise, ‘Ekuverin’ has begun at Belagavi, Bengaluru. The bilateral annual exercise is a joint military training between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).The annual exercise held alternatively in India and Maldives since 2009.'Ekuverin' means 'friends' in the Maldivian language.

OTHER UPDATES

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. SBI starts state bank Rewardz Scheme: The State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced a loyalty program “State Bank Rewardz” for its valued customers. The program gives the SBI customers several opportunities to earn reward points and earn many times faster at Max Get More partner outlets. 

2. J&K bank launches ‘Sahafat Finance Scheme’: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) bank’s chairman & CEO Parvez Ahmadhas launched a special financial scheme "J&K Bank Sahafat Finance Scheme" for journalists of the state. It will enable journalists to buy cameras, laptops, tablets, and books. The minimum loan amount for the purpose has been fixed at Rs 50,000 while as the maximum cap is Rs 3 lakhs.

SPORTS:

1. Roger Federer named BBC overseas sports personality of the year: Swiss tennis player Roger Federer has been voted BBC overseas sports personality of the year for a record fourth time. Federer will be honored during Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Liverpool. Federer became the first man to win Wimbledon eight times and extended his record to 19 Grand Slam titles in 2017.

2. FIFA bans the head of Brazilian football federation: FIFA ethics committee has suspended the head of the Brazilian football federation Marco Polo Del Nero for 90 days over a breach of its rules. Del Nero was accused of accepting a 6.5 million Euro commission. The decision bans Del Nero from any football-related activities during this period.