Daily GK Updates - 20th February, 2017

                     NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt launches its own QR code BharatQR for cashless payments: The government on Monday launched a QR (quick response) code-based payment solution called BharatQR to allow cashless payments without a card swiping machine. BharatQR has been jointly developed by MasterCard, Visa and Rupay. A customer will scan the BharatQR code to pay directly to a merchant. Currently, BharatQR is integrated into ICICI Bank’s Pockets app and HDFC Bank’s PayZapp.

2. CBI files an FIR against its former Director AP Singh: Following a complaint by the Enforcement Directorate, the CBI on Monday filed a case against its ex-Director AP Singh, meat exporter Moin Qureshi and two others in a money laundering case. The CBI also conducted raids on Singh's residence in connection with the case. Last year, a Look Out Circular was issued against Qureshi to ensure his presence during investigation.

3. Raj Bhawan in Goa becomes cashless:The Raj Bhavan in Goa has turned cashless with all their transactions including household expenses and tour expenditures shifting from regular to plastic money, starting Monday. Governor Mridula Sinha made the first transaction to mark the occasion. The Goa government had announced that the coastal state will increasingly opt for cashless transactions.

4. 1% tax on cash purchase of jewellery for more than ₹2 lakh: Cash purchases of jewellery will attract 1% tax collected at source (TCS) from April 1 if the amount exceeds ₹2 lakh, as against the current threshold of ₹5 lakh. Once the Finance Bill 2017 is passed, jewellery will be treated on par with general goods. This comes amid the government's decision banning cash transactions above ₹3 lakh from April 1.

5. Malana to impose ₹1 lakh fine for drug peddling: Malana, a village in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district known for its cannabis production, has decided to impose a penalty of ₹1 lakh for people indulging in narcotic trade. The Panchayat resolution, which also bans smoking, will come into effect from February 25, Malana's Panchayat pradhan Baghi Ram said. The village had earlier also banned locals from employing Nepalese labour.

6. Barren Island: India’s only live volcano active again: According to scientists from Goa based National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), India’s only live volcano at Barren Island in the Andaman and Nicobar has become active again. After lying dormant for 150 years, Barren Island volcano had erupted in 1991 and since then it is showing sporadic activity. Now it is erupting in small episodes of five to 10 minutes.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Scientists claim discovery of Zealandia a submerged continent in Pacific Ocean: Geologists have claimed discovery of new geological continent named Zealandia submerged beneath the south-west Pacific Ocean. Zealandia is around 4.5-million square km land mass and is 94% under water. Only its highest points — New Zealand and New Caledonia are visible. 

2. February 20: World Day of Social Justice: The World Day of Social Justice is observed every year on February 20 to recognize the need to promote efforts to tackle issues such as poverty, exclusion and unemployment. To mark this occasion, UN and International Labour Office had organised several organisations to spread importance of social justice for people.

2017 Theme: “Preventing conflict and sustaining peace through decent work”

                       OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Kohli 1st Indian athlete to sign a ₹100 cr deal with a brand: Virat Kohli has become the first Indian athlete to sign a deal worth over ₹100 crore with a brand, after signing up with Puma. With the reportedly eight-year-long deal, Kohli will join Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and Thierry Henry as Puma's global ambassador. Puma will launch a signature line of sports lifestyle products with a special logo and brand identity.

2. Tymal Mills most expensive bowler in IPL history at ₹12 cr: England's Tymal Mills became the most expensive bowler in IPL history after the Royal Challengers Bangalore bought the 24-year-old for ₹12 crore during this year's auction on Monday. Mills, whose base price was ₹50 lakh, is also the fourth-most expensive player in the tournament's history behind Yuvraj Singh (₹16 crore), Ben Stokes (₹14.5 crore) and MS Dhoni (₹12.5 crore).

3. 'Rural Olympics' concludes in Ludhiana: Kila Raipur Sports Festival, which is popularly known as the 'Rural Olympics', came to a close in Ludhiana with participants performing daredevil stunts. The three-day festival included events like wrestling, athletics, dog racing and extreme stunts. Stunts, like lifting stacks of bricks and pulling cars with the beard or teeth, were also performed at the event.

BANKING/FINANCE:

4. Savings account weekly withdrawal limit increased to ₹50,000:Beginning from Monday, the maximum cash withdrawal limit from savings account has been increased to ₹50,000 a week from ₹24,000. The relaxation is followed by an RBI notification issued on January 30, announcing the changes in the weekly withdrawal limits effective from February 20. The limits on cash withdrawals from savings bank account will be withdrawn completely from March 13.