Daily GK Updates - 4th March, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi launches ‘Setu Bharatam’ Project to boost infrastructure: PM Narendra Modi has launched Rs 50,000 crore ‘Setu Bharatam’ programme to build bridges for safe and seamless travel on National Highways.

2. Kerala Government has taken first of its kind initiative by launching the Air Ambulance.

3. Alappuzha backwaters to get India’s first solar ferry: A 75-seater solar powered passenger ferry, the first of its kind in the country, is quietly taking shape at Aroor in Alappuzha district of Kerala.

4. Government proposes 10 member Kashmiri Pandit Panel: The Government of India has proposed to constitute a committee of Kashmiri Pandits to monitor implementation of packages for rehabilitation of the displaced community. The committee panel will consist 10 members. 

5. Flipkart launches commerce advertising platform: Leading e-commerce company Flipkart launched its own advertising platform, Brand Story Ads, with over 50 leading brands on board. Yes Bank, L’Oreal, Micromax, Intel, Gillete, Datsun and Sony have signed up with Flipkart to launch their ad campaigns on the platform.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World’s costliest train station opened in New York at 9/11 site: The world’s most expensive train station in the world opens at the World Trade Centre site in New York, USA.

2. Veteran singer Stevie Wonder honoured with Global Green Hero Award at the 13^th Annual Global Green USA Pre Oscar party.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. SWIFT Financial Messaging launched in India: Financial messaging services provider SWIFT launched its service in India, bringing with it a unified messaging protocol that can link banks, financial intermediaries, regulators and stock exchanges and clearing agencies through one suit that can secure transactions by keeping records in a dematerialised form.

SPORTS:

2. Mumbai U-23 Cricket team clinched Col CK Nayudu Trophy 2015-16 defeating Madhya Pradesh.

AWARDS:

3. Manoj Kumar to be conferred Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the Year 2015.

4. Veteran playwright and director Ratan Thiyam selected for 11^th Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) for 2016.

OBITUARIES:

5. Veteran Left Chief Ashok Ghosh died at the age of 94.

6. Former Lok Sabha Speaker P A Sangma passed away at the age of 68 due to heart attack.