Daily GK Updates - 1st August, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Suresh Prabhu flags off Agartala-Delhi train 'Tripura Sundari Express': Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has flagged off maiden broad-gauge train service between Agartala and Delhi, ‘Tripura Sundari Express’.The ‘Tripura Sundari Express’ will run weekly between Agartala and AnandVihar in Delhi. The rail link was developed at an expense of 968 crore rupees.

2. Andhra Pradesh signs MoU with Japan to develop food value chain: Under the MoU, Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) will encourage direct investments by Japanese companies in the fields of agriculture and food-related industry in Andhra Pradesh.

3. IRCTC's app tie-up with Mobikwik for e-cash payments: Mobile Payments CompanyMobiKwik and Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) have announced an exclusive partnership, wherein MobiKwik will power e-cash payments on IRCTC's e-catering app, Food on Track. 

4. NTPC commissions NP Kunta power project:NTPC Ltd has commissioned a 50 MW (1X50 MW) capacity solar photovoltaic power project of NP Kunta Ultra Mega Solar Power Project Stage-I at Anantapuramu in Andhra Pradesh.

5. Justice DB Bhosale sworn-in as Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court: Justice DilipBabasahebBhosale has sworn-in as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. His oath of the office was administered by Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik. 

6. DilipRath assumes additional charge as NDDB chairman:DilipRath took over as the chairman of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), after the department of personnel and training (DoPT), Government of India gave him the additional charge of the post until the appointment of a regular incumbent. 

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1.Oracle India Joins SBI To Foster Digital Skills Initiative: Global software major, Oracle India has announced corporate citizenship collaboration with State Bank of India (SBI) and launched the 'D-Change' programme which will support education and learning, women's empowerment and rural skills development in the country.

2. ICICI Bank reduces MCLR by 0.05%:Country's largest private sector lender ICICI Bank has announced a 0.05% reduction in its marginal cost of funds based lending rate (MCLR).

SPORTS:

3. India to host Kabaddi World Cup in October:International Kabaddi Federation has announced the selection of India for hosting "The 2016 Kabaddi World Cup".

4. Patna Pirates wins 4th season of Pro Kabaddi League:The Patna Pirates have won the fourth edition of STAR Sports-ProKabaddi League by defeating Jaipur Pink Panthers in the final match played at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad (Telangana). 

5.Lewis Hamilton wins 2016 German Grand Prix title of Formula One:Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has won the 2016 German Grand Prix title of Formula One. It was his fourth consecutive win in the 2016 season and overall fifth title of the 2016 season.

AWARDS:

6. Syed Nayeemuddin conferred Mohun Bagan Ratna: The Mohun Bagan FC has conferred club’s highest decoration Mohun Bagan Ratna (jewel) on legendary Indian Footballer Syed Nayeemuddin.With this, he became the 16th recipient of the prestigious award, which is bestowed upon a person for making a seminal contribution to the success of the club. He is also the only sportsperson awarded with the prestigious Arjuna and Dronacharya Awards for football.