Daily GK Updates - 13th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Minimum monthly pension increased by 9,000 for central government employees:The Government of India has increased the minimum monthly pension to 9,000 per person, besides a two-fold hike in exgratia amount for central government employees.

2. NITI Aayog Estimates the GDP Growth of 8 Percent for 2016-17:NITI Aayog has projected the India GDP growth rate of 8 Percent for 2016-17 based on the appraisal document for the Twelfth Five-Year Plan.

3. Retail inflation fell 3-year low of 3.41% in Dec from 3.63% in Nov 2016:Retail inflation fell to a nearly 3-year low of 3.41 % in December 2016, from 3.63 % in November 2016.

4. Global unemployment to rise by 3.4 million in 2017: ILO:Global unemployment is expected to rise by 3.4 million in 2017 despite a likely modest pick-up in economic growth at 3.4% this year and 3.6% in 2018, against a six-year low of 3.1% in 2016,  a new report by the International Labour Organisation.

5.Industrial production grows 5.7% in November 2016: Allaying fears of a slowdown following demonetisation, the country's industrial production grew 5.7% in November 2016, compared to a contraction of 3.4% in November 2015.

6. World’s first gender literature fest to be held in Patna: The world’s first ‘Gender Literature Festival’ is scheduled to be held in Patna, Bihar in the second week of April 2017 The main aim of the fest to create a platform, to exchange ideas, and to share and learn experiences of renowned people in the field of gender literature. 

7. TCS elevates Rajesh Gopinathan as new chief executive: Tata Consultancy Services has appointed Rajesh Gopinathan, the current chief financial officer, as CEO of the company.  He replaces N Chandrasekaran, who has been named the chairperson of Tata Sons.

8. NTPC inks pact to take over Chhabra thermal power plant: State-run NTPC has signed a non-binding agreement with Rajasthan RajyaVidyutUtpadan Nigam Ltd and Rajasthan UrjaVikas Nigam Ltd to take over Chhabra Thermal Power Plant.

9. Mahindra Asset Management launches Mahindra Mutual Fund DhanSanchayYojna scheme: Mahindra Asset Management Company Pvt. Ltd (MAMCPL) launched an open-ended scheme Mahindra Mutual Fund DhanSanchayYojna scheme to generate long-term returns through investment in equity and debt.

10. Government to sell 51% stake in Pawan Hans:Moving ahead with the strategic sale of Pawan Hans, the government sell its entire 51% stake and transfer the management control of the helicopter service operator.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. XCMG China to invest $150 m in manufacturing unit in India: XCMG, a China-headquartered global construction machinery company, will invest ₹150 million in a new manufacturing unit in India for construction and material-handling machines.

2. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe signs 1 trillion yen aid package to the Philippines:Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has signed a 1-trillion yen, about 8.7 billion dollars, aid package over the next five years to the Philippines, meant to improve economic and political relations between the two island nations.

3. Manish Tewari appointed senior fellow of US think tank: Congress leader and former Union Minister Manish Tewari was appointed as the senior fellow of US-based think tank Atlantic Council.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1.AshishShelar appointed as MCA president: BJP Mumbai unit chief AshishShelar has been appointed as Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) president. Sylar takes over from the former ICC president SharadPawar.

2. Consulate General of India in Dubai announces launch of 'Diplomats Cricket Championship Cup: Consulate General of India in Dubai has announced launch of the 'Diplomats Cricket Championship Cup' in association with the Skyline University College, Sharjah, to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and harmonious relationship among the diplomatic missions of UAE.