Daily GK Updates - 28th February, 2017

                     NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Hyperloop One asks Indian public to vote for preferred route: High-speed transport system developer Hyperloop One on Tuesday launched a poll asking the Indian public to vote for their preferred route from among the proposed five. The proposed route from Mumbai to Old Delhi will have a travel time of 80 minutes, while the one from Chennai to Bengaluru will take 20 minutes.

2. India's first dedicated heliport opens in Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju on Tuesday inaugurated India’s first integrated heliport in Rohini, New Delhi. The ₹100-crore project, built by Pawan Hans Limited, will feature nine parking bays, and an air-conditioned passenger terminal which can hold up to 150 people. The heliport is expected to reduce congestion at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.

3. India's largest paramilitary force without a regular chief: India's largest paramilitary force, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has been rendered without a regular chief after its Director General (DG) K Durga Prasad retired without a successor being named. However, the Home Ministry has issued an order giving CRPF Additional DG Sudeep Lakhtakia an additional charge of the post of DG till the appointment of a regular successor.

4. February 28: National Science Day : The National Science Day (NSD) i.e. Rashtriya Vigyan Diwas is celebrated every year on February 28 in India. The 2017 theme is “Science and Technology for Specially Abled Persons”. This day marks the epoch-making discovery of Raman Effect by Indian physicist Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman (CV Raman) on February 28, 1928. This discovery was awarded with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. This day is celebrated as science festival in the entire nation by organising science exhibitions, seminars, workshops, symposiums and many other activities.

5. Nand Kumar Sai takes charge as Chairperson of NCST : Senior tribal leader from Chhattisgarh and ex-parliamentarian Nand Kumar Sai (71) took charge as Chairperson of National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) in Delhi. He succeeds Rameshwar Oraon, whose tenure had ended on October 31, 2016. He will have tenure of three years and has been given the rank of Union Cabinet Minister.

6. INS Viraat to be decommissioned on March 6: INS Viraat, the second aircraft carrier in the Indian naval fleet, will be decommissioned on March 6, Vice Admiral Girish Luthra said on Monday. INS Viraat holds a Guinness world record for being the oldest surviving aircraft carrier. It was first commissioned in the Indian Navy in 1987 after serving the United Kingdom's Royal Navy for 27 years

7. Gopal Baglay replaces Vikas Swarup as MEA Spokesperson:The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday appointed the 1992 batch Indian Foreign Service officer Gopal Baglay as the new MEA Spokesperson. Baglay has replaced Vikas Swarup, who has been appointed as the Indian High Commissioner to Canada. Prior to this appointment, Baglay served as the Joint Secretary of Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan division of the ministry.

8. Prabhu flags off Humsafar express between Sriganganagar and Tiruchirapalli: The union Railways minister Suresh Prabhu has flagged off via video conferencing new 'HumsafarExpress' between Sriganganagar and Tiruchirapalli.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Saudi king brings 459 tons of luggage, 2 limos on Asia trip: Saudi Arabia's King, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is heading to Indonesia with 459 tonnes of luggage, 2 Mercedes-Benz limousines and his own private electric elevator on his month-long Asia trip. He is also to bring 1,500 people in his entourage including 10 ministers on his Indonesian visit. The trip is aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between Asia and Saudi.

                      OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. 15-year-old Indian para shooter sets junior world record: India's 15-year-old para shooter Avani Lekhara shot a junior world record score of 244.4 at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Al Ain, UAE, winning a silver medal at the competition last week. Another Indian shooter, Pooja Agarwal, also won a silver medal at the tournament. Notably, both Indian shooters were making their international debuts at the competition.

2. Govt felicitates Dipa Karmakar, 6 Olympians from NE states: The Union Government on Tuesday felicitated Dipa Karmakar, besides six other Olympians from northeast states, as part of their outreach to sportspersons from those states. The athletes, who were awarded ₹2 lakh each, included women's hockey team captain P Sushila Chanu, archer Bombayla Devi and boxer Shiva Thapa. Union ministers Kiren Rijiju and Jitendra Singh were present at the event

BANKING/FINANCE:

4. Over 10 lakh bankers go on nationwide strike:Banking operations across the country came to a halt today as over 10 lakh bankers went on a nationwide strike against the government's "anti-people banking reforms". Around 85,000 branches of commercial banks and over 1 lakh branches of co-operative banks are on strike. Clearance of 40 lakh cheques totalling around ₹22,000 crore is expected to be affected.

6. Reserve Bank of India sets up panel to review cyber threats: Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday announced setting up of the inter-disciplinary standing committee on cyber security to review the threats inherent in existing and emerging technology. The 11-member committee will study the adoption of various security standards and protocols, and suggest appropriate policy interventions for strengthening cyber security and resilience, the central bank said.

Daily GK Updates - 27th February, 2017

                     NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Attack planned on PM Modi's life ahead of Mau rally: Police: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's election rally at Mau in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, Mau ASP RK Singh has reportedly said there was a threat to PM's life during the visit. Rasool Pati, an accused in the murder of BJP leader Haren Pandya, has planned to attack PM's convoy with rocket launchers and explosives, police reportedly said.

2. Chandigarh might face total liquor ban from April 1:As the Supreme Court judgement banning liquor shops along state and national highways takes effect from April 1, all liquor shops in Chandigarh might face closure. On record, all major roads in Chandigarh are listed as state highways and fall under the judgement. The categorisation was done two decades back so that the Union Territory administration could maintain the roads.

3. Indian music, food at Buckingham Palace for Year of Culture: The Buckingham Palace in London has said it will serve an "Indian-themed menu" at the launch of the UK-India Year of Culture. The day will begin with a band playing Indian songs, including Jai Ho by AR Rahman, at the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Furthermore, the menu will be prepared by Royal Chefs and chefs from Indian restaurant Veeraswamy.

4. Situation in Kashmir better than 2016: CRPF Chief: Outgoing CRPF Chief K Durga Prasad has said that the situation in Jammu and Kashmir is better as compared to the condition in the year 2016. "Things in Kashmir are not as bad as they are being made out to be," he added. His statement comes after Congress leader P Chidambaram said that India had nearly lost Kashmir.

5. India, ADB ink $375 million loan pact for East Coast Economic Corridor:India and Asian Development Bank (ADB) has signed $375 million pact for loans and grants to develop 800 km Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor. It is the first phase of a planned 2,500-km East Coast Economic Corridor. Earlier in September 2016, ADB had approved $631 million in loans and grants for the industrial corridor.

6. India, Germany ratify 2011 Pact on Social Security Investment:India and Germany have ratified a comprehensive Social Security Agreement (SSA) to improve investment flows between the two countries. The agreement was signed in October 2011 and its instruments of ratification were exchanged in February 2017. It will come into force from May 1, 2017.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 153 French MPs urge Prez to recognise State of Palestine: As per reports, 153 French parliamentarians have signed a letter to outgoing President Francois Hollande urging him to officially recognise the State of Palestine before his term ends. "France must demonstrate its determination to break the deadlock on this conflict by solemnly reaffirming...that the Palestinian people have the right to be granted the title of a State," the letter read.

2. US mulls leaving UN Human Rights Council: Report:US President Donald Trump's administration is considering to withdraw the country's participation from the UN Human Rights Council over its alleged inefficiencies and anti-Israel behaviour. The potential withdrawal will be a "misguided and shortsighted" step and will set back UN efforts to protect human rights around the world, global rights NGO Human Rights Watch said.

                       OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. India's Ankur Mittal wins silver at Shooting World Cup : Indian shooter Ankur Mittal won silver in the men's Double Trap event at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi on Monday. Mittal finished the final with 74 points, only one point behind gold medal winner, Australia's James Willett. The Indian shooter had earlier won a gold (2014) and bronze (2016) at the Asian Shooting Championships.

Daily GK Updates - 26th February, 2017

                     NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Each person must teach 125 people how to use BHIM app: PM: During the 29th edition of PM Narendra Modi's radio address 'Mann ki Baat', he asked every citizen to teach how to download the BHIM app to at least 125 people. He especially asked people to teach small businesses how to transact through the app. The app should reach every Indian citizen in honour of Babasaheb Ambedkar's 125th anniversary, PM added.

2. GST could raise India's GDP growth to over 8%, says IMF:The adoption of GST could help raise India's medium-term GDP growth to over 8% and create a single national market for enhancing the efficiency of the movement of goods and services, IMF has said. Further, IMF said that the implementation of a robust GST regime should be a key priority for the country, given its growth-enhancing effects.

                     INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Tom Perez to lead US Democratic Party: US Democrats on Saturday elected former Labor Secretary Tom Perez as the Democratic National Committee Chairman to head the opposition to Republican President Donald Trump. Perez, who had served in the Barack Obama administration, won over Keith Ellison by getting 235 out of 435 votes of the Democratic National Committee and immediately declared Ellison as his deputy.

2. EU states back over ₹4 lakh crore exit bill for UK:EU member states, including Germany, Italy and France, have backed a European commission demand that trade talks can only start once Britain agrees to pay a hefty Brexit 'divorce bill'. The bill is likely to total €60 billion (over ₹4.2 lakh crore). It will reportedly include the UK's share of the cost of projects and programs it previously agreed to

                       OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1.  Hyderabad girl sets world record for playing marathon carrom: Sixteen-year-old Shaik Husna Sameera from Hyderabad and 22-year-old Allada Pavan, who is now employed in Bengaluru, officially entered the Guinness World Records for 'Longest marathon carrom playing'. They played carrom for 34 hours 45 minutes and 56 seconds at a stretch, breaking the previous record of 32 hours and 45 minutes set in 2005.

2. World's first robot table tennis tutor sets Guinness record: FORPHEUS, developed by Japan-based Omron Corporation, has been given the Guinness World Records title for being the 'First robot table tennis tutor'. The robot possesses unique technological intelligence and educational capabilities and is known for playing better than humans. It encourages players to play at their best by showing supportive messages on the LED screen placed on the table's net.

3. Jitu Rai, Heena Sidhu win 10m pistol gold at ISSF World Cup:Indian shooters Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu clinched the gold medal in the 10m pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup in Delhi on Monday. The duo defeated Japan in the event's final to hand India its second medal at the World Cup. Earlier, Pooja Ghatkar had won the women's 10m air rifle bronze medal at the competition.

Daily GK Updates - 25th February, 2017

                      NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. DU clashes: DCW orders enquiry into attacks on women by cops: The Delhi Commission for Women has ordered an enquiry into the alleged attacks on women by policemen during violence at Delhi University's Ramjas College. The commission has also issued a notice to Delhi Police. The college had witnessed a clash between members of AISA and ABVP over an invite sent to JNU student Umar Khalid for the English department seminar.

2. Special pilgrims train launched for Northeast region: The Indian Railway Catering And Tourism Corporation and the North East Frontier Railway today launched a special pilgrim train 'Aastha Circuit' for the Northeastern region. The train started its journey from Kamakhya and would return after a trip of seven days. The entire trip would cost ₹6,161 per person and would include meals, sleeper-class accommodation and local transport.

3. India clears deal with Israel to jointly develop a missile: The Indian government has cleared a ₹17,000-crore deal with Israel to jointly develop a medium-range surface-to-air missile (MR-SAM) for the Army. The MR-SAM, a land-based version of the long-range surface-to-air missile (LR-SAM) for the navy, will have a strike range of up to 70 km. The deal envisages 40 firing units and around 200 missiles.

                      INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 'Obama 17' campaign for Obama to become French President: A French petition launched on Monday calls on the former US president Barack Obama to run in this year's French Presidential elections, which will be held in April and May. Called "Obama17", the petition aims to garner 10 lakh signatures by March 15. Notably, the country's law requires presidential candidates to be French citizens, which Obama is not.

2. Trump promises greatest military buildup in American history: US President Donald Trump on Friday pledged a "massive" increase in military spending, saying he will implement "the greatest military build-up in American history". Trump outlined plans for strengthening the US military in both offensive and defensive capabilities. "A strengthened military will make America's defence bigger... nobody is going to mess with us. Nobody," Trump added.

                       OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Pak man crushes world record 77 cans with elbow in 60 sec:Martial arts expert Muhammad Rashid from Pakistan has set a Guinness World Record for the 'Most drink cans crushed with elbow in one minute', destroying 77 full cans in 60 seconds. As per the rules, the cans must be unopened at the beginning and then crumpled to a minimum width of 3 cm. The attempt was organised in Italy.

2. Man sets world record for longest golf putt with 120m shot: Australian YouTube channel, How Ridiculous' Brett Stanford has set a new Guinness World Record for the 'Longest golf putt-non-tournament'. Stanford managed the shot which has been confirmed as being from a distance of 135.67 yards (120.6 m), more than the length of a football field. Stanford's shot beat the record that had stood since 2001.

BANKING

3. Criminal case on Axis Bank on illegal Aadhaar biometrics use: The Unique Identification Authority of India has filed a criminal complaint against Axis Bank and two other firms for allegedly storing Aadhaar biometrics and using them in an unauthorised manner. The breach was detected after UIDAI found 397 transactions done with the same fingerprint. This would not have been possible without core biometrics being used without authorisation, an official said.

4. Bitcoin price surges to three-year high of $1,219:Digital currency Bitcoin has jumped to a three-year high of $1,219.24 amid speculations that the first Bitcoin exchange-traded fund in US will receive regulatory approval. This comes after a volatile start of the year, when Bitcoin surged over 20%. The currency then plunged 35% after China warned domestic Bitcoin exchanges that they risk being closed if they violate currency regulations.

Daily GK Updates - 24th February, 2017

                     NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi unveils 112-foot tall Shiva statue in Coimbatore: PM Narendra Modi on Friday unveiled a 112-foot tall Lord Shiva statue in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on the occasion of Mahashivratri. According to reports, the statue, dedicated to Shiva's Adiyogi form, has been funded by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation.

2. Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit in Gujarat to be developed under HRIDAY: The Union Ministry of Urban Development approved development of 6 km long Bet Dwarka Darshan Circuit in Gujarat under Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY). Decision in this regard, was taken HRIDAY National Empowered Committee meeting chaired by Urban Development Secretary in New Delhi.

3. Sikkim becomes 22nd State to join UDAY: Sikkim became 22nd state in the country to join Union Government’s Ujwal DISCOM Assurance Yojana (UDAY). In this regard, Central Government and the state government have signed MoU for operational improvement of Sikkim’s Power Distribution Department.

4. CBEC launches mobile application for GST updates: The Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) has launched a mobile application for Goods and Services Tax (GST) to inform the taxpayers of the latest updates on GST. The app has been launched inline Union Government’s flagship Digital India initiative. It enables taxpayers to be well informed of the latest updates on GST.

5. Indian Railways unveils Antyodaya Express: Indian Railways has unveiled Antyodaya Express, a new train for the unreserved passengers. It was unveiled by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi’s Safdarjang station. The first Antyodaya Express is slated to start between Mumbai (Maharashtra) and Tatanagar (Jharkhand) and second between Ernakulam and Howrah.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Israel denies visas to 'hostile' Human Rights Watch staff:Accusing the human rights NGO of "extreme, hostile and anti-Israel agenda", Israel has denied visas to the staff of Human Rights Watch (HRW). Israel also accused HRW of engaging "in the service of Palestinian propaganda, while falsely raising the banner of human rights". HRW condemned the move saying it "should worry anyone concerned about Israel’s commitment to basic democratic values".

2. WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement comes into effect: The Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Goods of World Trade Organisation (WTO) came into effect with its ratification by two-thirds members of WTO including India. The TFA in Goods was adopted by the WTO Members in 2014. It aims to streamline, simplify, standardise and ease customs procedures and norms. It will help to cut trade costs around the world.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. India's Pooja Ghatkar wins bronze at Shooting World Cup: India's Pooja Ghatkar won bronze in the women's 10-metre air rifle on the opening day of the International Shooting Sports Federation World Cup at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges in Delhi on Friday. The 28-year-old, gold medallist in the Asian Airgun Championship 2014, opened India's account in the tournament and claimed her maiden World Cup medal.

BANKING/FINANCE:

2. TCS ranked world's third most valuable brand in IT services: Indian IT services major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been ranked the world's third most valuable brand in IT services industry by brand valuation firm Brand Finance. The brand value of TCS is estimated at $9,081 million. IBM topped the brand value list, followed by Accenture. Indian IT services companies Infosys and HCL are also ranked among the top ten.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd February, 2017

                     NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India-China first Strategic Dialogue held in Beijing: The first Strategic Dialogue between India and China was held in Beijing, capital of China to shore up bilateral ties. The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and China’s Executive Vice Foreign minister Zhang Yesui.

2. CCEA approves doubling of solar power capacity to 40000 MW: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the enhancement of capacity from 20,000 MW to 40,000 MW of the Scheme for Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects. The capacity of the solar park scheme was enhanced after considering the demand for additional solar parks from the States.

3. CCEA approves $854.4 million investment for 900-MW Arun 3 hydropower project in Nepal: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved investment for the generation component of 900-MW Arun 3 hydropower project for an estimated Rs. 5723.72 crore ($854.4 million). The project is located on Arun River in Sankhuwasabha district of eastern Nepal. It is expected to be completed within five years from the date of financial closure, which is planned for September 2017.

4. South Asian Lit Fest denied permission to invite Pak writers:The South Asian Literature Festival was denied permission to invite delegates from Pakistan this year, FOSWAL Founder and President Ajeet Cour said. The three-day festival, which began today in New Delhi, is based on the theme of 'Beyond Borders' and 'Endeavouring for peace and tranquillity in the region'. Meanwhile, all the other SAARC countries are participating in the festival.

5. South Asian Lit Fest denied permission to invite Pak writers:The South Asian Literature Festival was denied permission to invite delegates from Pakistan this year, FOSWAL Founder and President Ajeet Cour said. The three-day festival, which began today in New Delhi, is based on the theme of 'Beyond Borders' and 'Endeavouring for peace and tranquility in the region'. Meanwhile, all the other SAARC countries are participating in the festival.

6. Union Cabinet approves agreement between India and Poland for cooperation in agriculture: The Union Cabinet has given its approval for signing of an Agreement between India and Poland on cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors. Decision in this regard was taken by the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. 

7. Union Cabinet approves Air Services Agreement between India and Greece: Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Air Services Agreement (ASA) between India and Greece. At present there is no ASA between India and Greece. The delegations both countries in September 2016 had finalized the text of ASA. The agreement is as per latest International Civil Aviation

8. SC refuses to hear plea to include Urdu in NEET: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to hear the plea filed by the Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) seeking inclusion of the Urdu language in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This comes after an official notification, the NEET will be held in 10 languages - Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya and Kannada.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Mohamed Abdullahi inaugurated as Somalia's President: Mohamed Abdullahi, has been inaugurated as the President of Somalia in the country's capital Mogadishu on Wednesday. "Multiple challenges are ahead of our government. Therefore, I am telling people that because of the limited resources we have, our achievements will be limited," said Mohamed.

2. Need ₹29k cr to prevent 'catastrophe' of S Sudan famine: UN: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that the organisation needs $4.4 billion (over ₹29,000 crore) by end of March to prevent a "catastrophe" of hunger and famine in South Sudan, Nigeria, Somalia and Yemen. More than 2 crore people face starvation in the four countries, Guterres added. So far, the UN has raised just $90 million (over ₹600 crore).

3. China making buildings for missiles in South China sea: US: China has nearly finished building almost two dozen structures on artificial islands in the South China Sea that appear to be designed to house long-range surface-to-air missiles, according to US officials. The new concrete structures appear to be 20 meters long and 10 meters high, with roofs which appear to be able to open and close, the officials added.

4. Cressida becomes 1st woman to head Scotland Yard in 188 yrs: Britain has appointed Cressida Dick as the next commissioner of London's Metropolitan Police, making her the first woman to head Scotland Yard in its 188-year history. The 56-year-old, who will control a £3 billion budget and head 43,000 officers, joined the force in 1983.

                       OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. India break Pak's record of playing Tests at most venues: Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, which is hosting the ongoing India-Australia Test match, is the 80th different venue where India have played a Test match, the most by any team. India is followed by Pakistan who have played Tests at 79 different venues. Notably, India have played most number of Tests (40) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

2. Under-17 FIFA WC tickets to cost less than ₹100:Ticket for the Under-17 FIFA World Cup matches, the first-ever FIFA event being held in India, would cost the fans less than ₹100, the Tournament Director said on Thursday. The Director also said Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium would be ready well in advance and work would be 90% complete before the final inspection in March last week.

  

3. India's Harika enters semis of World Chess Championship:Indian Grandmaster Harika Dronavalli has entered the semi-finals of the Women's World Chess championship, after defeating Georgia's Nana Dzagnidze in the quarter-finals. 26-year-old Harika will face ninth seed China's Tan Zhongyi in the semi-finals of the tournament being held in Tehran. Harika has made it to the semifinals of the tournament for the third time in her career.

Daily GK Updates - 22nd February, 2017

                     NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Government launches Cyber Swachhta Kendra in New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched Cyber Swachhta Kendra in New Delhi for Botnet cleaning and Malware analysis. It was launched by Union Minister of Electronics and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad as part of Union Government’s ambitious digital India initiative to create a secure cyber space by detecting botnet infections. Besides, minister also launched some cyber security tools. They are

USB Pratirodh: It is a desktop security solution to protect from USB mass storage device threats.

AppSamvid: It is a desktop solution to protect systems by allowing installation of genuine applications through white listing. It helps in preventing threats from malicious applications.

M-Kavach: It is an indigenously developed mobile application to address the security threats in mobiles.

2. Punjab bans gutkha, pan masala, food products having tobacco:T he Punjab government on Wednesday said it has prohibited the manufacture, storage, sale or distribution of food products containing tobacco or nicotine like gutkha and pan masala in the state for one year. The ban also applies on processed, flavoured, scented, and chewing tobacco, whether they are packaged or unpackaged or sold as one or separate products, an official said.

3. Cabinet approves ₹8,100-cr investment to set up solar parks: The Cabinet has approved an investment of ₹8,100 crore for setting up at least 50 solar parks and ultra mega solar power projects, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday. The investment would double the solar power production target to 40,000 MW. Notably, the government has laid down a plan to achieve 100 GW solar power capacity by 2022.

4. India holds total wealth of over ₹415 lakh crore: Report: India held a total wealth of $6.2 trillion (over ₹415 lakh crore) as of December 2016, a New World Wealth report has revealed. Further, India is home to over 2.6 lakh millionaires and 95 billionaires, the report stated. India was also among the top five countries which saw the maximum outflow of millionaires in 2016, at around 6,000.

5. Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre appointed chairman of Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal: Chief Justice JS Khehar has appointed Justice Abhay Manohar Sapre as the chairman of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

6.  National Biodiversity Congress 2017 held in Kerala:The National Biodiversity Congress (NBC) 2017 was held in Thiruvananthapuram, capital of Kerala. The event is hosted by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board. 

NBC is one of the significant biodiversity mega events of the country. It aims to identify practical, evidence-based case studies at the regional level to support the plan of action. The focal theme of 2017 NBC was “Mainstreaming Biodiversity for Sustainable Development”.

7. Arunachal CM Pema Khandu inaugurates Composite Regional Centre in Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in the presence of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju inaugurated the Composite Regional Centre at Itanagar Banquet Hall, Arunachal Pradesh. To create resources and infrastructure required for developing services for persons with disabilities with an outlay of Rs.20 Crore. The centre is established under the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Kolkata.

8. Delhi to get India's first heliport: The first heliport in India will be inaugurated by Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju in North Delhi on (28 February 2017). 

The heliport, built by state-owned Pawan Hans, consists of a terminal building, nine parking bays and four hangars with a parking capacity of 16 helicopters. It was built at an investment of Rs. 100 crore.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Islamic court legalises 'test tube babies' in Pakistan: Pakistan's top Shariat court has legalised using 'test tube baby' method of conceiving for married couples with medical complications. It is lawful only if the sperm belongs to the actual father and the egg of the actual mother and the child is born by the actual mother, the court added. The court further declared the practice of surrogacy as "un-Islamic".

2. An international zip line connects Spain and Portugal:A zip line connecting Spain and Portugal, is known to be the first cross-border zip line in the world.

The 720-metre-long zip line joins the two countries, allowing people to reach Portugal within a minute.

On reaching Portugal, the participants gain one hour because of the time zone change.

                       OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1.  India beat South Africa in final of ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2017: India beat South Africa by one wicket in the final of ICC Women World Cup Qualifier 2017 at Colombo, Shri Lanka.

2. India win 'Handball-on-skates' World Championship: India won the men's Roll Ball World Cup Championship as they beat Iran 8-7 in the final on Wednesday. India also won the tournament in the women's category, defeating Iran 6-4 in the final. Roll Ball is a combination of roller-skating, handball, and basketball, and it was invented by an Indian sports teacher Raju Dabhade in 2003.

3. Blind World Cup winning Indian players to get ₹5 lakh each: India's Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Vijay Goel announced on Wednesday on Twitter that ₹5 lakh each will be given to the members of India's T20 World Cup for the Blind winning team as a cash reward.

4.  Dustin Johnson dominates Genesis Open to overtake world No. 1: American professional golfer Dustin Hunter Johnson  has claimed No 1 Position in  Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career.

This feat comes after he ended up with a world-class performance by winning Genesis Open 2017 at Riviera.

5. Milind Soman becomes 'Ultraman' by racing barefoot for 517.5 km:National level swimmer-turned-model Milind Soman (51-year) has completed an extremely high endurance event called ‘Ultraman’ a 517.5 km race on in Florida.

The challenge requires participants to complete a 10-kilometre open water swim, a 423-kilometre-long bike ride and an 84-kilometre ultra-marathon run.

Earlier, he completed the toughest triathlon in the world to become India’s Iron Man.

BANKING/FINANCE:

6.  SIDBI, Vijaya Bank combine to provide concessional loans to micro, small units: Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vijaya Bank for providing concessional finance to micro and small enterprises (MSEs).

The MoU aims at promoting and strengthening units in the MSE segment through concessional funding  that is at the marginal cost of funds-based lending rate (MCLR) of Vijaya Bank under refinance from SIDBI.

7. Microsoft to deploy Azure Stack in Andhra Pradesh: The chief minister Chandrababu Naidu and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella singed an MoU during an event called ‘Microsoft Future Decoded’ in Mumbai. Under the MoU, Microsoft Azure Stack for the first time in the world will be used to migrate live applications currently hosted in Hyderabad State Data Centre (SDC) to Vizag data centre.

Daily GK Updates - 21st February, 2017

                     NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India, Rwanda sign MoUs in innovation, aviation and visa requirements: India and Rwanda have inked three agreements in the fields of innovation, aviation and visa requirements to boost bilateral relations. These agreements were signed in Kigali in the presence of Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari and Rwandan Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi during a business forum meet.

2. Government launches SAATHIYA Resource Kit and SAATHIYA SALAH mobile app for adolescents: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched SAATHIYA Resource Kit and SAATHIYA SALAH mobile app for adolescents as part of the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) programme. The kit and app will help Peer Educators (Saathiyas) who are introduced under the RKSK programme. The Saathiyas act as catalyst for generating demand for adolescent health services and also impart age appropriate knowledge on key adolescent health issues to their peer groups.

3. India is world’s largest arms importer: Report: India has been the world's largest importer of major arms in the last five years, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). India, which received most of its arms from Russia, accounted for 13% of the total global arms import between 2012-16. SIPRI also revealed that the US was the top arms exporter.

4. Pak rejects report on Army's advice to 'read book on India': Pakistan Army on Monday dismissed a media report claiming that General Qamar Javed Bajwa urged officers to read a book on how India succeeded in keeping military out of politics. The said book provides details on the changes made in the structure and recruitment pattern of the Indian Army to suit the Indian democracy.

5. Delhi Metro park with artworks made from junk inaugurated:A 10-acre park constructed by the Delhi Metro, which features artworks made using waste materials, was inaugurated on Monday by National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar. A Delhi Metro statement said the Prakriti Metro Park features several art installations, "which carry pertinent messages on a range of issues." There is also a 'rain forest' and an artificial lake.

6. Drilling begins for India's 1st undersea bullet train line: Test drills for the construction of the first undersea bullet train route in India have begun, a senior Railway Ministry official said. The 7-kilometre route will form part of the country's first bullet train project, the 508-kilometre Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed rail corridor. The corridor, set to cost ₹1 lakh crore, will feature multiple underground and underwater passages.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Australia most preferred nation to migrate for millionaires: Australia witnessed the largest number of millionaire inflows at 11,000 in 2016, as per the latest New World Wealth report. The US stood second with 10,000 migrations while 3,000 millionaires moved to UK. Australia was preferred over others because of its healthcare system and locational advantages while doing business in emerging nations like China, Singapore, and India, the report stated.

2. Azerbaijan Prez names wife as country’s First Vice President: Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday appointed his wife Mehriban Aliyev as the First Vice President of the country, according to reports. The position was created after a constitutional referendum in September last year. According to Azerbaijan's constitution, the First Vice President takes over the country's presidency if the president is unable to perform the duties.

3. China bans all coal imports from North Korea: China has announced it is suspending all coal imports from North Korea until the end of the year in compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions over North Korea's nuclear program. With coal being North Korea's largest export item, the country is believed to have been dependent on China for trade since its economy collapsed in the late 1990s.

4. Trump names Lt Gen HR McMaster as National Security Adviser:US President Donald Trump has named Lt Gen HR McMaster as the US National Security Adviser, calling him "a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience". McMaster earlier served in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he worked on a government anti-corruption drive. This comes after Michael Flynn resigned last week from the post amid allegations of improper contacts with Russian officials.

5. 21 February: International Mother Language Day observed: International Mother Language Day (IMLD) is a worldwide annual observance held on 21st February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The theme of 2017:"Towards Sustainable Futures through Multilingual Education".

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. 1152 Indians have world record for largest Taekwondo display:The largest Taekwondo display at a single venue consists of 1,152 participants and was achieved at an event held in Hyderabad, as recognised by the Guinness World Records. The event was organised by martial arts teacher Jayanth Reddy in December 2016. To establish the record, all participants had to perform the martial arts routine simultaneously for at least ten minutes

2. India women score 8 in last 2 balls to win WC Qualifier 2017: India won the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier 2017 after clinching a last-ball win in the final against South Africa on Tuesday. Needing eight of last two balls, stand-in skipper Harmanpreet Kaur hit a six, followed by a double to seal the victory. South Africa were earlier bowled out for 244, with Indian spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad taking three wickets.

BANKING/FINANCE:

4. Jio to charge for data from Apr 1, voice calls to stay free: Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Tuesday announced that Reliance will start charging for data from its customers from April 1. However, all domestic voice calls to any network will be free across India, and there will be no roaming charges. Notably, Jio has achieved its target of 100 million subscribers within 170 days of its launch.

5. Reliance Jio added 7 customers every second of every day: Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani on Tuesday said that new entrant Reliance Jio on average has added nearly 7 customers on its network every second of every day. Ambani further stated that within 170 days since its launch, Jio has crossed the 100 million customer mark. By 2017 end, Jio network will cover 99% of the country’s population, he added.

6. Verizon, Yahoo cut takeover price by ₹2,300 crore over hacks:Telecom major Verizon Communications on Tuesday said it would buy Yahoo's core business for $4.48 billion, lowering its original offer by $350 million (over ₹2,300 crore). The payment has been reduced over two data breaches revealed by Yahoo after the deal was finalised. The deal, which was first announced in July, had been delayed after Yahoo disclosed the data breaches.