Daily GK Updates - 20th August, 2015

DAILY GK UPDATES - 20TH AUGUST, 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

   I.   Ashwani Lohani, a tourism veteran, to steer Air India as CMD: He has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of Air India succeeding Rohit Nandan.

II.          Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) compliant vehicles throughout the country from April 1, 2017:  Ministry of Road Transport and Highways: This step has been taken by the ministry in order to reduce air pollution due to vehicles. As per the guidelines, all newly manufactured four-wheeled vehicle that are compliant with the BS-IV standards will be allowed to be registered and move on roads.

III.    YouTube tied-up with Whistling Woods International to set up YouTube Space: Google-run video sharing portal YouTube has tied up with WWI to set up YouTube Space in Mumbai, a collaboration and production facility for YouTube video creators. WWI is a film, communication and media arts institute owned by SubhashGhai, Bollywood Director.

IV.     SM Khan headed team constituted by Union Government to assess situation in FTII.

V.      Prasar Bharti and Digital Television Russia inked MoU: The MoU signed at New Delhi is aimed at co-producing TV programmes, repackaging and dubbing popular programs from both countries. It also covers technology modernisation, news exchange and programmes.

VI.   The Union Government issued final notification demarcating the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Okhla Bird Sanctuary.

VII.    Himachal to make Sanskrit mandatory in Government schools: HP CM Virbhadra Singh announced that Sanskrit will be introduced as a mandatory subject in all Government Schools of the state.

VIII.Karnal Singh assigned additional charge of Director of the Enforcement Directorate.

IX.     Allahabad High Court directed government servants, politicians to send children to government schools: This step has been taken to improve the condition of education of these schools.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

  I.       AnupamKher named Advocate for UN’s ‘HeForShe’ campaign: Acclaimed Actor AnupamKher has been named an advocate for the United Nations’ campaign on gender equality.

II.      Government approves pact between India and Seychelles to curb black money: With an intention of curbing black money generation, the government approved signing and ratification of the Tax information exchange agreements between India and Seychelles.

III.     Forbes’ World’s Top 100 Innovative Companies: Three Indian companies Hindustan Unilever (41), Sun Pharma Industries (71) and Tata Consultancy Services (64) have been named among the top 100 innovative companies by Forbes. California based Tesla Motors has topped the list.

IV.    US launched biggest NATO airborne drills since Cold War in Europe: The US military has launched the largest NATO airborne drills dubbed as ‘Swift Response 15’ since the end of the Cold War to enhance security and stability in the European region that will see soldiers from 11 NATO member states.

V.       Australian Government appoints Former Cricketer Adam Gilchrist as ambassador to India for education.

VI.    World Humanitarian Day observed with theme ‘Inspiring the World’s Humanity’: It was observed on 19^th August 2015.

VII.    Pakistan and Russia signed defence agreement that includes the sale of four Mi-35 helicopters: Both the countries signed the landmark deal that includes the sale of four Mi-35 Hind E attack helicopters to Pakistan. The Mi-35 is an exceedingly modernised version of the Mi-24 (Hind) combat helicopter with new onboard equipment and avionics.

VIII. Haryana, Maryland agreed to cooperate in biotechnology, life sciences: Haryana CM M L Khattar and Lt. Governor of Maryland B.K Rutherford have agreed to explore the possibilities of cooperation in the field of bio-technology, life sciences and agriculture, cyber security and engineering. Haryana CM is on a 10 day trip to the US and Canada.

IX.     Bangladesh becomes the first country in the world to receive funds from UN for Solar Home Systems.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

  I.        Reserve Bank of India grants in-principle nod for 11 payments banks: It granted ‘in-principle’ approval to 11 entities including Reliance Industries, Aditya Birla Nuvo, Vodafone and Airtel to set up payments banks and proposed such licences ‘on tap’ in future.

SPORTS:

II.       Aditi Chauhan becomes India’s 1^st woman to play in English league football: Aditi Chauhan, India’s international football goalkeeper made her debut for the women’s team of the West Ham United in the opening game of the season against Coventry City.

III.      Olympic Champion Sebastian Coe elected as President of IAAF:He was elected as the 6^th president of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF). The British Olympian was elected as the president at the 50^th IAAF Congress in Beijing, China.

AWARDS:

IV.      Historian BabasahebPurandare conferred with Maharashtra Bhushan Award 2015.

V.      Debut Novelist Zia Haider Rahman won the James Tail Black Award 2015: The Bangladeshi Novelist won the award for his debut novel ‘In the light of what we know’.

OBITUARIES:

   VI.    Uttar Pradesh Minister ChitranjanSwarup passed away: Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Parliamentary AffairsChitranjanSwarup has passed away at the age of 70 following a prolonged illness.