Daily GK Updates - 20th April, 2017

­­­NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Govt further extends deadline for deposits under PMGKY to 30th April: The Union Government has extended the last date to make deposits under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojna’ (PMGKY) to 30th of April 2017 (started in Dec 2016) for those availing the scheme and have already paid tax, surcharge, and penalties. The scheme provided last chance to holders of undisclosed income to come clean by paying tax and penalty.

2. Govt. relaxes curb on export of organic farm produce: The union government has relaxed restrictions on exports of certain organic agricultural and processed products like wheat, non-basmati rice to boost their overseas shipments. It has also increased the annual quantitative ceiling on the export of organic pulses and lentils from existing 10,000 tons to 50,000 tons per annum.

3. UP Govt decides to change sugarcane price fixation policy from next crushing season: The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to change its ‘sugarcane price fixation policy’ from next crushing season. The Chief Minister, Adityanath, has asked the millers to ensure the payments to the sugarcane farmers within 14 days.

4. NDMA to conduct first mock exercise on forest fire: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has conducted its first mock drill exercise on forest fire in Uttarakhand, The fire officials from all the districts and other departments of the state will participate in the exercise.

5. Union Home Minister inaugurates 2-day Civil Services Day function: The union Home minister Mr. Rajnath Singh has inaugurated a two-day 11th civil services day function in New Delhi. Singh has asked civil servants to interpret and implement rules and regulations with an open and progressive mindset. Three Breakaway Sessions on subjects related to Agriculture, Energy and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship has also organised.

6. India develops National Action Plan to combat Antimicrobial Resistance: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare announced the finalization of India’s comprehensive and multi-sectoral National Action Plan at the ‘Inter-Ministerial Consultation on AMR containment’ held at New Delhi. The Ministers signed a ‘Delhi Declaration’ to contain Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

7. Centre extends Ceasefire with Naga rebel groups till April 27, 2018: The union government has extended the ceasefire with the two Naga armed factions, namely, National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Reformation (NSCN-R) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Neakpao-Kithovi (GPRN/NSCN) till April 27, 2018.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Australia announces sweeping changes to Citizenship laws: Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has made sweeping changes to Citizenship laws unveiling tighter requirements for new applicants. This announcement follows the recent scrapping of the 457 visa program for foreign workers, which was used majorly by the Indians.

2. India contributes USD 2,50,000 to Election Assistance Division of UN: India has contributed USD 2,50,000 to the UN Election Assistance Division to help other countries to hold elections and develop their electoral systems.

3. 20th April: UN Chinese Language Day: The ‘UN Chinese Language Day’ is observed every year on 20th April to promote the use of Chinese language in United Nations (UN). The day was chosen as the date for the Chinese language to pay tribute to Cang Jie, a mythical figure who is presumed to have invented Chinese characters about 5,000 years ago.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Video gaming to be featured as a full sport at the 2022 Asian Games: The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) will feature Video gaming as a full sport at the 2022 Asian Games. According to OCA, the decision to include e-sports was taken to reflect “the rapid development and popularity of this new form of sports participation among the youth.” Hence, e-sports would be introduced as a medal sport to the official program of the Asian Games at Hangzhou, China.

BANKING, FINANCE & ECONOMY:

2. Finance Ministry approves 8.65% interest rate on EPF for 2016-17: According to the Labour Minister Bandaru Dattatreya, the Finance Ministry has approved 8.65% interest rate on EPF for 2016-17. Earlier, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation trustees had approved 8.65% rate on EPF in December last year.

BUSINESS:

3. Amazon launches Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote in India: The global e-commerce major ‘Amazon’ has launched the 'Amazon Fire TV Stick' with Voice Remote in India. Fire TV Stick is the powerful streaming media device that plugs into an HD Television and lets customers access thousands of movies, TV shows, apps, and games. It will compete with devices like Google Chromecast, Amkette's EvoTV and Apple TV.

3. Myntra acquires Bengaluru-based ‘InLogg’: Flipkart-owned online fashion retailer 'Myntra' has announced that it has acquired ‘InLogg’. 'InLogg' is a Bangalore-based technology platform that provides end-to-end logistics solutions for the e-commerce sector.

HONOURS & AWARDS:

4. Saira Banu, Jackie Shroff get Raj Kapoor awards: Veteran actress ‘Saira Banu’(72-year) has been selected for the prestigious Raj Kapoor ‘Lifetime achievement award’ of the Maharashtra. Actor Jackie Shroff (60- year) is selected for the Raj Kapoor ‘Special contribution award’. Noted Marathi actors Vikram Gokhale and Arun Nalawade have been selected for the coveted V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement and ‘V. Shantaram’ Special Contribution annual awards.