Daily GK Updates - 30th April, 2017

­­­­NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Uma Bharti launches Water Conservation Programme for Bundelkhand: Union Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation Minister Sushri Uma Bharti today launched Bundelkhand water conservation program at Bandri in Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh (MP). The objective is to effectively improve ground water conditions in stressed blocks, ensure sustainability of resource both quantitatively and qualitatively.

2. Today – Day of Remembrance for all victims of Chemical Warfare: The Day of remembrance of all victims of chemical Warfare was observed on April 29 by the United Nations (UN). This commemoration will provide an opportunity to pay tribute to the victims of chemical warfare, as well as to reaffirm the commitment of the Organization.

3. E-Taxi trial run to begin in Nagpur: India’s first electric taxi (e- taxi) trial in the country would be launched in Nagpur from May 24. Mahindra and Mahindra are set to provide 200 taxis for the initiative. Electric car taxi is one of the ambitious projects and forms as a part of its United Nations Development Program (UNDP) millennium goals to tackle pollution.

4. IOC to build new oil terminal in Bihar: The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has planned to build a new oil terminal at Motihari in Bihar to supply fuel to Nepal via the planned pipeline up to Amlekganj in Nepal. The 69-km Motihari-Amlekganj pipeline will be built at a cost of Rs.325 crore. In August 2015, India and Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a product pipeline.

5. ISRO to launch five satellites by 2017- end to boost communication capability: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch five communication satellites by the year-end. The satellites launched by the ISRO and their purposes in the areas of weather forecasting, disaster management, space exploration, geo-spatial applications, education, and agriculture.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. North Korea once again test-fires ballistic missile: North Korea has test-fired a ballistic missile defying global pressure and warnings from the United States and its mainly, China. The test was conducted from the Pukchang region present in the north of the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. The missile launched is expected to be a medium-range weapon known as a KN–17 and appears to have disintegrated within minutes of taking off.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING & FINANCE

1. Paytm to invest 10,000 crores in banking, financial services: Paytm will invest Rs 10,000 crore in its banking and financial services in the next three years and hopes to get the final approval for its payments bank operations. The Paytm operates a mobile wallet and e-commerce marketplace over 1.5 billion transactions on its platform, the company now aims to cross the 4.5 billion mark this year.

2. Google CEO Pichai was paid 1,285 cr as compensation in 2016: Google CEO Sundar Pichai received a compensation package of $200 million (1,285 crore) from parent firm Alphabet in his first year at the helm of the company. Pichai received a salary of $650,000 in 2016 besides a $198.7 million stock award, roughly double of his stock in 2015.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

3. Hero MotoCorp named Indian MNC of the Year: World’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp was adjudged the ‘Indian MNC of the year' by All India Management Association. Brand Hero has expanded to 35 countries spread across Asia, Africa and Central and South America in a very short span of time since charting its solo journey in 2011. Hero’s manufacturing plant is situated in Vila Ricca, Colombia.

Daily GK Updates - 29th April, 2017

­­­­NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Shah Rukh Khan becomes first Indian actor to deliver Ted Talk in Canada: Bollywood Superstar Shah Rukh Khan has become the first Indian actor to deliver TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design) speech in Vancouver, Canada. He also collaborated with TED to host the Hindi version of the famous talk show.

2. Govt launches Test & Treat policy for HIV patients: The Union Health Minister ‘JP Nadda’ has launched ‘the Test and Treat policy’ for providing treatment to patients suffering from Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in New Delhi. The union government will provide Anti- Retroviral Therapy (ART) treatment to the patients free of cost.

3. IIT Council decides to increase female representation in institutes: According to union human resource development minister Prakash Javdekar, the council of IITs (51st meeting) has decided to increase female representation in IITs from eight to twenty percent. An amount of Rs. 75,000 will be released per month from Prime Minister’s Scholarship scheme to promote research and innovation in IITs.

4. India's first book village to come up in Maharashtra's Bhilar: A hamlet in Satara district of Maharashtra is all set to embrace the tag of India's first 'village of books'. The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, will inaugurate the initiative pustakanche gaon on 4th May 2017. The concept is inspired by Britain's Hay-on-Wye a Welsh town known for its bookstore and literature festivals.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Day of Remembrance for all victims of Chemical Warfare: The Day of remembrance of all victims of chemical Warfare was observed on April 29 by the United Nations (UN).

2. North Korea once again test-fires ballistic missile: North Korea has test-fired a ballistic missile defying global pressure and warnings from the United States and its mainly, China. The test was conducted from the Pukchang region present in the north of the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING & FINANCE

1. RBI says, banks cannot refuse to accept faded or scribbled notes: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has said, banks cannot refuse to accept faded notes or those with scribbles. Such banknotes have to be treated as ‘soiled notes’ and dealt with according to the RBI's ‘clean note policy’.

SPORTS

2. Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Men's Hockey tournament begins in Ipoh: The Sultan of Azlan Shah Cup Men's Hockey tournament began in Ipoh, Malaysia today. Six nations (India, Malaysia, Australia, Great Britain, Japan, and New Zealand) are taking part in the 8-day tournament which will be held in a round-robin format.

3. Mann Kaur becomes world’s oldest person to complete Auckland Sky Walk Athlete: Mann Kaur has become the oldest person to sky walk around Auckland’s famous landmark Sky Tower and set a new world record on the field.

Daily GK Updates - 28th April, 2017

­­­­NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Union Minister Uma Bharti launches 'Jal Sanrakshan Karyakram-Bundelkhand': The Union Water Resources and River Development Minister Uma Bharti has launched the "Jal Sanrakshan Karyakram - Bundelkhand " at Baandri in Sagar district, Madhya Pradesh. This programme is a part of special efforts being made by the union govt for speedy implementation of water conservation schemes.

2. ISRO develops "Solar Calculator" Android App: An android App 'Solar Calculator' has been developed by Space Applications Centre (SAC), ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) Ahmedabad for the computation of solar energy potential. It is a very useful tool for installation of PV solar panels for tapping solar energy. The App provides monthly/yearly solar potential (in kWh/m2) and minimum/maximum temperature at any location. It also displays the location on the satellite image and provides azimuth/elevation angles as well as day length over different time periods in a year.

3. Puducherry farmers to get free power: The Pondicherry govt. has announced that the farmers of Puducherry will get free power supply from this month for pump sets used for irrigation purpose.

4. Plan for Common Engineering Entrance Exam put on hold: The Ministry of Human Resources and Development has put on hold the plan for conducting a single entrance test for admission to engineering courses throughout the country till a consensus is reached with the states.

5. Tripartite MoU signed for broadband services to Post Offices: A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between BBNL, Department of Posts and BSNL to provide broadband connectivity of BharatNet to Post Offices in rural areas. BSNL would provide broadband services. The infrastructure expenses and the operational expenses would be paid by the Department of Posts. BBNL would facilitate and coordinate the entire project.

6. E-taxi trial run to begin in Nagpur: The country’s first electric taxi trial in the country would be launched in Nagpur from May 24. The first project of its kind will be undertaken by Nagpur Municipal Corporation. Mahindra and Mahindra is set to provide 200 taxis for the initiative.

7. Bhubaneswar becomes 1st Indian city to win Pierre L’enfant Awards-2017: Bhubaneswarhas won Pierre L’enfant Planning Excellence and Achievement Awards-2017, instituted by the American Planning Association. Smart city ‘Bhubaneswar’ has received this award for good and advanced town planning and engaging its residents in the planning process.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. El Salvador becomes 1st country in world to ban metals mining: El Salvador has become the first country in the world to ban the mining of metals for environmental protection. The new law entered into force after being signed by President Salvador Sanchez Ceren. It will protect poor rural communities threatened by proposed mining projects.

2. US places India once again on IPR ‘priority watch’ list: The US Trade Representative’s (USTR) office has once again placed India on the ‘priority watch’ list in this year’s Special 301 report despite the country rolling out National IPR Policy last year. India has been placed in ‘priority watch’ list owing to USTR’s view that India has not made adequate changes in its intellectual property (IP) laws and regulations.

3. India and Cyprus ink four agreements: India and Cyprus have signed four agreements following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades in New Delhi. Cyprus will also award its highest civilian honour, the Grand Collar of the Order of Makarios III, on President Pranab Mukherjee.

4. World Day for Safety and Health at Work observed today: The World Day for Safety and Health at Work to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally is observed on 28^th April every year. The day is observed mainly by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as an awareness-raising campaign to raise awareness of safety in the workplace. The theme of this year is ‘Optimize the collection and use of OSH data’.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Kerala hosts country’s first ever transgender athletic meet: Kerala organised the country’s first-ever transgender one-day athletic meet in Thiruvananthapuram. The event saw appreciable participation.

BANKING & FINANCE

2. Paytm launches ‘Digital Gold’, Makes Gold Investment Digital: ‘Paytm’ has launched the first wealth management product ‘Digital Gold’ on its platform to allow customers to buy and sell gold through electronic platform. ‘Digital Gold’ has been launched in partnership with gold refiner MMTC-PAMP.

Daily GK Updates - 27th April, 2017

­­­­NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi launches affordable airfare scheme ‘UDAN’: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated flights under the Regional Connectivity Scheme Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN) by flagging off the Alliance Airlines flight on Shimla-Delhi sector from Jubbar Hatti airport near Shimla.

2. Venkaiah Naidu launches MyMSME Mobile app: The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has launched 'MyMSME app' and website portal of MSME facilitation council in New Delhi. My MSME mobile application is for all Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) in India and other stakeholders. This application acts as a source of all information related to MSME’s Policies, Registration, Services, Schemes, etc.

3. India & Sri Lanka sign MoU on Economic Cooperation: India and Sri Lanka has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on economic co-operation in the presence of PM Modi and Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe in New Delhi. The MoU proposes Indian investment in the development of port and oil tank farms in Trincomalee, setting up of an LNG power plant, piped gas supply in Colombo and also aims to undertake highway, railway projects in Sri Lanka.

4. India to host 18th World Road Meeting: The International Road federation (IRF) has announced that India will host the 18th World Road Meeting on 13th November 2017. The theme of World Road Meeting 2017 is ‘Safe Roads and Smart Mobility: The Engines of Economic Growth’. Around 4000 delegates across the world will discuss important issues facing in mobility sector.

5. India successfully test-fires Agni-III ballistic missile: Today, India successfully carried out a fresh user trial of 3,000 kilometer range Agni-III ballistic missile from Abdul Kalam Island off Odisha coast.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Wikipedia founder to launch new site to tackle fake news: The founder of Wikipedia Jimmy Wales is going to launch a news site "Wikitribune" to tackle the spread of false information. The site will be jointly run by journalists and a community of volunteers who will verify the stories before publishing them.  The site will ensure that journalists only write articles based on facts that they can verify.

2. UNESCO to screen Indian short film as part of World Press Freedom Day celebrations: UNESCO to screen Rahul V. Chittella’s short film “Azaad” as a part of World Press Freedom Day event that is scheduled to be held from May 1-4 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

3. Trump introduces biggest tax reform plan in US history: US President Donald Trump has introduced biggest tax reform plan in the history of United States. As per the proposals of the new plan, major cuts have been made in the income tax rate. The income tax rates have been slashed from 39.6% to 35%. The new plan has also sharply slashed the business taxes too.

4. NASA launches Super Pressure Balloon from New Zealand: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully launched a stadium-sized,heavy-lift Super Pressure Balloon (SPB) from Wanaka, a scenic spot on New Zealand's South Island.

OTHER UPDATES:

HONOURS & AWARDS

1. Srishti Kaur wins Miss Teen Universe 2017: Srishti Kaur was crowned ‘Miss Teen Universe 2017’ in the event held at the Ruben Dario National Theatre in Nicaragua’s capital Managua.

Daily GK Updates - 26th April, 2017

­­­­NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurates Centenary Celebrations of Osmania University: President Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the three-day Centenary Celebrations of the Osmania University and also took part in the first convocation of the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) in Hyderabad. Osmania University is the largest institute in Asia with the maximum number of affiliated colleges.

2. Haryana launches mobile app 'Kilkari' to create awareness among pregnant women: Chief Minister of Haryana Mahohar Lal Khattar has launched a mobile-based application 'Kilkari' to create awareness among pregnant women, parents, and health workers.

3. Northeast India's largest IT hub opens in Tripura: Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Sarkar has inaugurated the Northeast India's largest Information Technology (IT) hub at Agartala to boost employment and e-governance besides to export software technology. This IT hub would help to create employment opportunities for the IT educated youth and to further extend the e-governance to the doorstep of people.

4. India to host 18th World Road Meeting: The International Road federation (IRF) has named India to be the host of the 18th World Road Meeting (WRM 2017). WRM 2017 will be held on November 13, 2017. The theme of this year’s WRM is ‘Safe Roads and Smart Mobility: The Engines of Economic Growth’. India has been chosen to hold this event to reflect the growing importance of the country as a market for transport infrastructure and services.

5. Somnath Temple, Charminar among new places chosen for Swachh iconic places initiative: The government has announced the names of ten new Iconic places under the Phase II of Swachh Iconic Places initiative. Swachh Iconic Places (SIP) is an initiative of Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation under Swachh Bharat Mission. The ten new iconic places that will be undertaken in Phase II of Swachh Iconic Places initiative are: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Mahakaleshwar Temple (Ujjain), Char Minar (Hyderabad), Church and Convent of St. Francis of Assissi (Goa), Adi Shankaracharya’s abode Kaladi in Ernakulam, Gomateshwar in Shravanbelgola, Baijnath Dham (Devghar), Gaya Tirth (Bihar) and Somnath temple in Gujarat.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. White House names Randolph Ailes as new Director of Secret Service: The White House has named a retired Marine Major General Randolph Ailes as the new Director of the Secret Service. Ailes was in the Marine Corps for 35 years, has been the acting deputy commissioner of Customs and Border Protection and previously oversaw the agency's air and marine division.

2. India and Armenia sign three agreements: India has signed three MoU (memorandum of understanding) with Armenia in Yerevan, on peaceful uses of outer space, on cooperation in youth matters and a program of cultural cooperation for the years 2017-2020. The two countries are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic ties.

3. China launches first indigenously built aircraft carrier: China has launched its first indigenously built aircraft carrier following the 68th-anniversary celebrations of the foundation of the Chinese navy.

4. 26th April: World Intellectual Property Day: The World Intellectual Property Day is observed annually on 26th April to learn about the role that intellectual property rights play in encouraging innovation and creativity. The Day is organized by World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This year's theme of the day is: ‘Innovation – Improving Lives’.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1.  Arjuna Awardee, Subrata suspended for dope taint, will go for B sample test: The Arjuna Awardee India's top goalkeeper Subrata Paul has been provisionally suspended after failing a dope test. Now, Paul will go for the 'B' sample test and claimed that he will prove his innocence.

2. India wins 16 medals at US Open Karate Championship: India finished with three gold, two silver and 11 bronze medals at the US Open Karate Championship held in Las Vegas. Shaifali Agarwal (gold medal) and Abhishek Sengupta (silver medal) have won in two different individual events. India also won a gold medal in the team event.

3. Manpreet Kaur wins shot put gold at Asian Grand Prix, sets new national record: Shot putter Manpreet Kaur broke her own 2015 national record at the Asian Grand Prix in Jinhua, China. Her performance in the event has helped her to earn a gold medal and qualify for the World Championships to be held in London in August 2017.  

BANKING & FINANCE

4. ‘Yes Bank’ ties up with Paisabazaar.com: Yes Bank has announced the alliance with 'Paisabazaar.com' to offer conditionally approved loans to the latter’s existing customers. The aim of tie up is to make the process of availing a loan easy and seamless and act as a one-stop financial solution provider for all retail lending needs of the customer.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

5. MTDC inks pact with Etihad, Jet Air to promote tourism: The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has signed an agreement with Etihad and Jet Airways to attract visitors to the state and to leverage on the airline's expanding international network. Etihad and Jet Airways will provide information to its users on less-explored but high potential destinations in Maharashtra. There will be joint marketing activities to promote Maharashtra as a leisure destination.

Daily GK Updates - 25th April, 2017

­­­­                     NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 10 Rajaji Marg being readied as Mukherjee's retirement home: The bungalow, 10 Rajaji Marg is being readied as the retirement home of President ‘Pranab Mukherjee’ (July 2017). Earlier, the bungalow was occupied by former President APJ Abdul Kalam until his death in 2015. The 10 Rajaji Marg house is spread over an area of 11,776 sq. feet with the ground floor housing a library and an attached reading space.

2. Central University for Divyangs to be set up in Uttar Pradesh: According to the HRD Minister ‘Prakash Javadekar’, the Government will set up a Central university for Divyangs in Uttar Pradesh. Under the Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, HRD ministry has instructed to make ramps and install lifts to facilitate ‘Divyangas’ at all educational institutions. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been instructed to make arrangement for special training of instructors providing education to Divyangs.

3.  Ballabhgarh of Haryana renamed as Balramgarh: The Haryana chief minister 'Manohar Lal Khattar' has announced to change the name of Ballabhgarh to Balramgarh. Ballabhgarh is a town and a tehsil (sub-district) in Faridabad District of Haryana and is part of the National Capital Region (NCR).

4. BPL & DPL income revised in Haryana: The Haryana Government has revised the limit of annual income of families living Below Poverty Line (BPL) and those living below Double the Poverty Line (DPL) in both rural and urban areas of the state for various bank-assisted and National Scheduled Caste Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC)-assisted schemes. The limit of annual income of BPL families has been raised to Rs 49,000 from Rs. 40,500 (living in rural) and Rs. 60,000 from Rs. 51,500 (living in urban areas). The limit of annual income for the families living below DPL would Rs 98,000 (rural areas) and Rs 1.2 lakh (urban areas).

5. IIITM-K develops app for coffee growers:  Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management-Kerala (IIITM-K) has launched an application named Kaapi Soil Health Management and Monitoring (Kshemam) app to provide soil nutrient information and fertiliser recommendation for coffee plantation owners. The app will help in proper identification of optimum levels of fertiliser use.

                      INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. First malaria vaccine to be tested in Kenya, Ghana and Malawi in 2018: The World Health Organization has announced that it is ready to test the first malaria vaccine in the real world setting in 2018. The aim of the testing will be to ascertain whether the vaccine will work under real world circumstances or not. Kenya, Ghana and Malawi have been chosen for taking part in the pilot project. The vaccine, RTS,S, also known as Mosquirix, was produced by Glaxo SmithKline in 1987 in a public-private partnership with the PATH Malaria Initiative and with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

2. World Malaria Day being observed today: The ‘World Malaria Day being observed every year across the world on 25th April to create awareness among the people about this vector-borne disease. This year WHO has made ‘ending malaria for good’ its theme for World Malaria Day 2017.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Manpreet Kaur bags Gold at Asian Grand Prix Meet in China: Indian shot putter ‘Manpreet Kaur’ (26-year) has clinched a gold in the first leg of the Asian Grand Prix Athletics Meet in Jinhua, China. Manpreet came up with the best throw of 18.86 metre and Bian Song (China) finished second with 17.96m. She also qualified for the IAAF World Championships to be held in August in London.

HONOURS & AWARDS:

2. 'K. Viswanath' wins Dadasaheb Phalke award 2016: Renowned filmmaker and actor ‘Kasinadhuni Viswanath’ (87-year) has won the 'Dadasaheb Phalke award' for the year 2016 for his outstanding contribution to the film industry. He will be the 48th recipient of the award. The award consists of a golden lotus, a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh and a shawl.

3. Moushumi Chatterjee gets BFJA lifetime achievement award: Veteran actress 'Moushumi Chatterjee' has received the lifetime achievement award at the 80th Bengal Film Journalists' Association (BFJA) awards. Bengali film actor Prosenjit Chatterjee has given the best actor award for his role in ‘Sankhachil’. Rituparna Sengupta was given the best actress crown for her role in ‘Rajkahini’.

4. Prafulla Samantara selected for Goldman Environmental Prize from Asia region: Environmental activist Prafulla Samantara has been selected for ‘Goldman Environmental Prize’ from Asia region for championing the cause of State’s Dongria Kondh tribals and safeguarding their land & culture. The prize also known as Green Nobel prize and Samantara is the sixth Indian to win the prize.

Daily GK Updates - 24th April, 2017

­­­­                     NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Maharashtra govt signs MoU with India Railway to expand green cover: The Maharashtra government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Railways to expand the green cover. Trees will be planted on the land adjacent to the railway tracks in the state. The state Forest department has planned to plant 4 crore trees across the state till 1st July 2017.

2. April 24: National Panchayati Raj Diwas: In India, April 24th is celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Diwas every year. This day marks the passing of the Constitution (73rd Amendment) Act, 1992 that came into force with effect from 24 April 1993. The passage of 73rd amendment is hailed as a defining moment in history as it permits states to take steps to organize village panchayats and provide them with necessary powers and authority necessary to facilitate them to function as units of self-government.

3. India becomes World No.2 LPG importer: India has become world’s second largest LPG importer, a position that was previously occupied by Japan. China remains as the world’s top importer.

                      INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  1st India-Indonesia Energy Forum held in Jakarta: The Union Minister ‘Piyush Goyal’ and Indonesia’s Energy and Mineral Resources Minister ‘Ignasius Jonan’ have participated in the first Indian-Indonesia Energy Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia. Major Indian companies in oil and gas sector, like ONCG Videsh Limited, Petronet LNG Limited, Gas are participating in this forum.

2. A new freight train connects Russia with China: A freight train connecting Russia with China arrived in Ganzhou an inland city in Jiangxi province, carrying goods from Moscow. The freight train travelled more than 7,000 km, before reaching Ganzhou in eastern China.

                       OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Bopanna and Cuevas lift men's doubles Monte Carlo Masters: India's Rohan Bopanna and his Uruguayan partner Pablo Cuevas have lifted the men's doubles crown at the Monte Carlo Masters after 6-3, 3-6, 10-4 win over Spain's Feliciano Lopez and Marc Lopez at the Monte Carlo Country Club. The Spanish professional tennis player Rafael Nadal (30-year) has won the Men's Singles title of Monte Carlo Masters Tennis tournament  He defeated Albert Vinolas (Spain) 6-1, 6-3.

2. National Youth Athletics Meet: Haryana is Champion: Haryana emerged champion beating Kerala at the National Youth Athletics Meet. Kerala was at the top place for the last five years. Haryana emerged champions with 166.5 points. Kerala has finished as the runners-up.

HONOURS & AWARDS:

3. GNFC wins Golden Peacock Award: The Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd (GNFC) has won the prestigious “Golden Peacock Award 2017” in the category of Innovative Product/Service for pioneering a cashless township transformation model. The GNFC has won from among 313 applicants for Golden Peacock Global Award for Innovative Product/Service.

4. Newton wins best film honor at Hong Kong International Film Festival: Bollywood film "Newton" has won the Jury Prize for best film at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. The festival started on 11th April, and will go on till 25th April. ‘Newton’ is Amit Masurkar's second film after ‘Sulemani Keeda’ in 2014.

5. Kailash Satyarthi honored with P C Chandra Puraskaar 2017: Nobel laureate (2014) Kailash Satyarthi has been awarded the ‘P C Chandra Puraskar 2017’ for his global crusade against child slavery and exploitative child labour in Kolkata. He was handed over a citation, a trophy and a cheque of Rs 10 lakh.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

6. Google to introduce 'Copyless Paste' feature: Google has introduced the first code for its new feature ‘Copyless Paste’ in its Chrome app running on Android OS. Copyless Paste feature will automatically copy the useful information and will suggest it for pasting in apps where it might be relevant.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd April, 2017

­­­­NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. ISRO to increase frequency of launches to 12 per year: ISRO is planning to increase the frequency of launches to 12 per year from seven at present by building more satellites and lowering the cost of access to space. "Now, we are trying to go up to 8-9 PSLV per year, two GSLV-Mk II and one GSLV-Mk III. Total about 12 per year," ISRO Chairman AS Kiran Kumar said.

2. General Insurance Company sets up base in GIFT City, Gujarat: General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) has become the first reinsurer to open an office at India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).

3. Law ministry launches 3 legal aid services for poor: Aiming at extension of legal aid to marginalized, poor and vulnerable communities, the law ministry launched three initiatives-pro Bono legal services, a tele law service and ‘Nyaya Mitra’ scheme using technology for providing access to justice is in tandem with the Digital India initiative, the primary focus being transparency, good governance and digital delivery of services.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NASA’s Cassini Spacecraft Captures Image of Earth, Moon From Rings of Saturn: NASA released a photo taken from the Cassini spacecraft that shows a tiny-looking Earth from the view of Saturn’s icy rings. The image was taken from the spacecraft on April 12, when Cassini was approximately 870 million miles from Earth.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Supreme Court quashes complaint against Dhoni: The Supreme Court on Thursday quashed a criminal complaint against former India cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni by an Andhra Pradesh resident following his depiction as Lord Vishnu by a business magazine. Quashing the criminal complaint, the bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said that the ingredients of the offense alleged in the criminal complaint amounting to hurting the religious feelings of the complainant are not made out.

BANKING, FINANCE & ECONOMY:

2. Reserve Bank of India signs MoU with the Bank of Guyana: The Reserve Bank of India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on “Supervisory Cooperation and Exchange of Supervisory Information” with Bank of Guyana. The MoU was signed by Dr. Gobind N. Ganga – Governor of Bank of Guyana and Dr. Urjit R. Patel – Governor of Reserve Bank of India.

3. Fino Paytech to help Nabard digitize rural banks across 5 states: Payments technology company and soon-to-be-launched payments bank Fino Paytech to facilitate NABARD to help the rural bank digitization drive in the states of Haryana, MP, Bihar, Gujarat and Maharashtra. Fino will provide over 5000 Aadhaar enabled micro ATMs and financial inclusion gateway services to district central cooperative (DCC) banks and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across these states.