Daily GK Updates - 27th December, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Karnataka Government launches 25 bio-diesel buses in the state: In an effort to reduce pollution caused by diesel buses, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has launched 25 bio-diesel buses in the state. These eco-friendly buses will ply on four routes, including Tirupati and Chennai.

2. Central Government of India releases Rs 1,982 crore for Andhra Pradesh’s Polavaram project: The Centre has released Rs 1,982 crore for the multipurpose Polavaram irrigation project in Andhra Pradesh through National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), which sanctioned the long term irrigation fund under Prime Minister KrishiSinchayeeYojana.

3. Government of India releases special stamp on freedom fighters and Hardayal Municipal Heritage Public Library: Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications has brought out a Special Cover on freedom fighter 'Shri Gaya Prasad Katiyar' and a set of eight Commemorative Postage Stamps on 'Personalities Series: Bihar' & a stamp on 'Hardayal Municipal Heritage Public Library'.

4. Farmers get additional 60 days to repay crop loan: RBI: In a relief to farmers hit by demonetisation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has given an additional 60 days to repay their crop loans due in November-December, 2016 and prompt repayment would be eligible for the extra 3% interest subsidy.

5. Registration of Pakistani Hindus as Indian Citizen reduced from Rs 15,000 to Rs 100: The registration fees for Hindus and other minority community people from three neighboring countries comprising Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, to register as Indian citizens have been reduced drastically to Rs 100 from Rs 15,000.

6. Odisha Government launches Malaria Control Programme DAMAN: The Odisha government has decided to intensify state sponsored malaria elimination scheme 'Daman' (DurgamaAnchalare Malaria Nirakaran) in eight remote districts of the state.

7. Maharashtra CM launched ‘Transform Maharashtra’ initiative: Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis launched an initiative 'Transform Maharashtra' at IIT Bombay's 'Mood Indigo' festival. Under it, the chief minister will address issues related to youth in governance.

8. Odisha names Mega Lift Irrigation Scheme after the freedom fighter ParbatiGiri: The State Cabinet of Odisha on December 24 named the Mega Lift Irrigation Scheme worth Rs. 7,600 crore, after the noted freedom fighter and social reformer ParbatiGiri as a mark of respect for her immense contribution to the freedom movement and service to the poor and needy.

9.  Actor MithunChakraborty resigns from RajyaSabha: Actor MithunChakraborty has resigned from the RajyaSabha citing health issues. The 66-year-old actor was nominated to the Upper House by West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

10. Salman Khan launches his app ‘BeingInTouch’ on 51^st birthday: The app will provide access to Salman's social media accounts, along with his unseen pictures and videos. The app users can also avail discounts from various brands on the app.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China passes Environment Tax Law to curb pollution: China has passed a new law to levy environment tax on polluters, especially on heavy industries. The environment tax law was adopted by the legislature, the National People’s Congress (NPC) standing committee at a meeting in Beijing.

2. Dr Barbara Jatta becomes first ever female director of Vatican Museum: Dr Barbara Jatta (54) has appointed as the first female director of Vatican Museums by Pope Francis. It will be effective from January 2017 Jatta is currently working as the Deputy Director of the museums Since June 2016.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. KVGB launches ‘Bank Sakhi’ scheme: The Karnataka Vikas Grameen Banks (KVGB) has come up with ‘Bank Sakhi’ innovative scheme for employing women in villages to promote and improve the cashless transactions in rural areas. The Bank Chairman S Ravindran revealed that the bank would appoint women business correspondents called 'Bank Sakhi' in select villages where this scheme would be implemented.

2. IDFC Bank rolls out Aadhaar Pay for cashless payments to merchants: IDFC Bank has announced the nationwide launch of IDFC Aadhaar Pay, the country’s first Aadhaar-linked cashless merchant solution that uses a retailer’s own Android smartphone to enable cashless payments.

SPORTS:

3. Yuki Bhambri wins $10,000 ITF Hong Kong F4 Fortunes: It was his 11th title on the ITF Pro Circuit. He defeated Shintaro Imai of Japan who has been placed at second position.

OBITUARIES:

4. Former Sri Lankan PM Ratnasiri Wickremanayake passed away at the age of 83.