Daily GK Updates - 9th August, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Maharashtra Government launches ‘Quit India 2’ movement to mark its 75^th anniversary: To mark the 75th anniversary of Quit India Movement, Maharashtra Government launched Quit India 2-from Swaraaj to Suraaj initiative. The initiative would emphasize on freedom from illiteracy, farmer suicide, wastage of water, addiction among youth and corruption.

2. Vodafone renews multi-million dollar IT deal with IBM: India’s second largest mobile operator Vodafone has renewed its multi-million dollar agreement for IT infrastructure with tech giant IBM for another five years.

3. Reliance General enters ‘Bancassurance’ deal with co-operative bank: Non-life insurer Reliance General Insurance Company Ltd. has announced a bancassurance tie-up with ShamraoVithal Co-operative Bank (SVCB). As per the deal, the Reliance General will distribute its insurance products to the customers of SVCB having a network of 194 branches.

4. MSTC joins hands with Mahindra INTERTRADE: Mahindra Intertrade, a part of Mahindra Group has entered into a partnership with MSTC, a Government of India enterprise, to set-up country's first integrated auto recycling facility.

5. IromSharmila ends 16-year-long fast: Human rights activist IromChanuSharmila (44) today has ended her 16-year-long fast against Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 and was granted bail by an Imphal court on Rs.10,000 personal bond.

6. Mr. K M Hanumantharayappa appointed as the new Chairman of Central Silk Board assumes charge.

7. PawanMunjal reappointed as the CMD and CEO of Hero MotoCorp.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples observed on 9^th August: The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. The theme for 2016 International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is 'Right to Education'.

2. Apple buys US machine learning startupTuri: Apple has confirmed that it has bought US machine learning startupTuri as Silicon Valley giants focus on a future rich with artificial intelligence.

3. Job policy Monster sold for USD 429 million: Amsterdam-based human resource consulting firm Randstad Holdings has announced that it would acquire job portal Monster Worldwide for USD 429 million in cash. Post-acquisition, Monster will keep its brand name and will operate as a separate entity.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. RBI: 3^rd Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement 2016-17: Mr.Rajan, whose term ends on September 4, maintained repurchase (repo) rate at 6.5 %, cash reserve ratio (CRR) at 4 %, Reverse Repo Rate - 6.00%, Marginal Standing Facility Rate (MSF)- 7.00%, Bank Rate- 7.00% , Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)- 21%. While the Growth forecast at 7.6% for the current fiscal and Inflation target remains 5% for January 2017.

2. HDFC Board gives Green Signal to HDFC Life-Max merger: The HDFC board has approved the merger of Max Life and Max Financial Services with its insurance arm HDFC Standard Life Insurance.

SPORTS:

3. Abhijeet Gupta retains Commonwealth Chess Championship crown: Grandmaster and former world junior champion Abhijeet Gupta has added another feather to his cap by retaining the Commonwealth Chess championship crown. As the title was also won earlier by him in 2015.

OBITUARIES:

4. Former Arunachal Pradesh KalikhoPul passed away at the age of 46: Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress rebel KalikhoPul was found dead at his residence in Itanagar. He was 46 years old. He allegedly hanged himself. According to initial reports, he was suffering from depression and was extremely upset after his appointment was struck down by the Supreme Court.

5. Yoga Guru TKV Desikachar passed away at the age of 78.