Daily GK Updates - 27th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India became 35^th full member of Missile Technology Control Regime: India on 27 June 2016 became the 35th full member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). This entry would be mutually beneficial to enhance global non-proliferation norms.The instrument of accession to MTCR for India was signed in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar. The entry also marks India's first entry into any multilateral export control regime.

2. Anju Bobby George and PullelaGopichand taken as members of Khelo India: Khelo India is a national programme launched by the Union Government for the development of sports in the country.George, India's lone athletics World Championship medal winner and Gopichand, the chief national badminton coach are the two sportsperson who were included in the seven-member committee of Khelo India.The committee will be headed by Sports Secretary Rajiv Yadav.

3. PM Modi launches Smart City Mission Projects in Pune: Prime Minister NarendraModi has launched the ‘Smart City Mission’ involving 83 projects from 20 different cities in the country. The Smart City Mission’ projects launched included 14 projects of Pune (Maharashtra) and 69 projects from 20 different shortlisted cities in the country to be implemented at a cost of 1,770 crore rupees.

4. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates 22^nd meeting of Eastern Zonal Council at Ranchi: The meeting started with the review of the progress of implementation of the recommendations made by last year Eastern Zonal Council of 2015 that was held at Patna. In today's meetings, there are altogether 19 agenda points sponsored by participating four states, besides 10 Revised Agenda Points.

5. Suresh Prabhu flags off maiden train between Sonepat-Jind: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has flagged off a maiden train on 81-km railway line between Sonipat and Jind and stressed on the need to create infrastructure to promote growth and to meet future challenges.

6. BHEL commissions two hydel units in Afghanistan: State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has commissioned two units of 14 Megawatts each at Salma Hydro Electric Project in Afghanistan.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Expanded Panama Canal reopens after 9 years of work: Newly renovated and expanded Panama Canal reopened for bigger business on 26 June 2016.The first ship to cross the canal using the third set of locks was a modern New Panamax vessel, the Chinese-owned container ship Cosco Shipping Panama.

2. Scientists develop bio-ink for 3D printing with stem cells: A group of scientists at the University of Bristol developed a new stem cell-containing bio-ink that allows 3D printing of complex living tissues.The new stem cell-containing bio ink allows 3D printing of living tissues, known as bio-printing.

3. China launches first Dark Sky Reserve in Tibet to limit light pollution: China in the fourth week of June 2016 launched its first dark sky reserve in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet.The purpose of the dark sky reserve is to limit light pollution and preserve sites for making astronomical observations.

4. International Day in Support of Victims of Torture observed on 26^th June 2016: The day is held annually to speak out against the crime of torture. It also seeks to honour and support victims and survivors throughout the world.

5. International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed with theme ‘Listen First’: 2016 theme Listen First is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. AIIB approves first loans for projects in four countries: The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved first set of loans totalling US 509 million dollars to finance projects in four countries namely- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Tajikistan.

SPORTS:

2. Lionel Messi retires from international football after Copa America final loss to Chile: Lionel Messi, the Barcelona star, on 26 June 2016 announced his plans to retirement from international football.The announcement from the foot balling great of his generation came just hours after he missed the penalty in the Copa America final. His team, Argentina lost 4-2 on penalties to Chile after a 0-0 draw in MetLife Stadium.

3. JituRai wins silver in ISSF World Cup: Shooter JituRaiwon silver in the 10 m Air Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

4. Defending champions Chile beat Argentina 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win the 2016 Copa America Football tournament.

5. N Srinivasan re-elected President of Tamil Nadu Cricket Association for 15^th term.

6. Argentina women win record seventh FIH Champions Trophy title defeating Netherlands 2-1.

7. Wimbledon 2016 kick starts from 27^th June at the All England Club in London: This is the 130^th edition of the third Grand Slam of the season.

AWARDS:

8. International Indian Film Academy IIFA Awards 2016 presented in Madrid, Spain: Best Film: BajrangiBhaijaan, Best Director: Sanjay LeelaBhansali for BaajiraoMastani, Best Actor: Ranveer Singh for BaajiraoMastani, Best Actress: DeepikaPadukone for Piku, IIFA Award for the Woman of the Year:  Priyanka Chopra.

9. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar awarded Honorary Fellowship in UK: National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) have awarded Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with an Honorary Fellowship in the UK for his contributions to world peace and culture.