Daily GK Updates - 30th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Face-off between Indian and Chinese troops: India and China have deployed around 3,000 troops each on the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction. Kailash Mansarovaryatra through Nathu La was also cancelled in the wake of the face-off between Indian and Chinese troops over a disputed area along the Sino-Indian border. Yesterday, Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat arrived in Sikkim to review the security situation amid a stand-off between the two countries’ troops along the border in the area.

2. Govt. appoints Rajesh Shah as NIFT Chairperson:Shri Rajesh V. Shah has been appointed as Chairperson on the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Fashion Technology(NIFT) by The Union Govt. (Ministry of Textiles). He has replaced ShriChetanChauhan, who resigned from the post after being made the Sports Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

3. Rajiv Kumar appointed as Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh: Rajiv Kumar (1981 batch- IAS Officer) has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of the state by The Uttar Pradesh Govt. He succeeds Rahul Prasad Bhatnagar, will now serve as the Chairman of the Greater Noida Authority and also as the Investment Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh in New Delhi.Earlier, Kumar was a Secretary in the Union Shipping Ministry.

4. PM Modi inaugurates filling of Aji Dam at Rajkot by Narmada water: Prime Minister NarendraModi has inaugurated the SauniYojna, a project which will fill the Aji dam near Rajkot with Narmada waters in Gujarat. He also launched Smart Rajkot Hackathon where the urban local body will engage with young students to find innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of various government departments.

5. 'NALSA' launches web application for free legal services to prisoners:A web application for free legal services to prisoners and the Legal Services Management System has been launched by The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).The State Legal Services Authorities and District Legal Services Authorities can feed the data for each individual prison inmate in the jails within their authority through this web application.

6. Uttarakhand gets award of excellence at international meet:At the 2nd Global Skill Development Summit held in ParisUttarakhand state has conferred with the award of excellence for innovations and extensive use of IT for skilling the state's youth.Pankaj Kumar Pandey (Project Director of Uttarakhand Skill Development Committee) has received the honor on behalf of the state govt.

7. Dr. Jitendra Singh launches new program ‘COMMIT’ for State Government officials

A new training program Comprehensive Online Modified Modules on Induction Training (COMMIT) for State Government officials has been launched by The Union Minister Dr.Jitendra Singh. This training program will improve the public service delivery mechanism and provide citizen-centric administration through capacity building of officials who interact with the citizens on a day-to-day basis.In the current financial year 2017-18, COMMIT will be launched in six states of Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal initially on the pilot basis.

International UPDATES:

1. Germany legalises same-sex marriage: A bill passed by the German Parliament has legalized same-sex marriage.It grants full marital rights, including child adoption, to gay and lesbian couples. Chancellor Angela Merkel voted against the Bill.Merkel said she hoped the Parliament’s approval would lead to more “social cohesion”

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. ISL gets recognition from AFC; two national leagues now:The Indian Super League (ISL)has been granted official recognition by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Now, there will be two national leagues in the country from 2017-18 and the winner of the I-league will participate in the AFC Champions League qualifiers.The champions of the 10-team ISL that will run for five months beginning November will get an AFC Cup qualifying slot.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY:

2.  IndiGo interested in buying Air India’s overseas business:After govt. had put up Air India for disinvestment yesterday, Private airline IndiGo has expressed interest in buying its international business. Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv NayanChoubey confirmed the news. IndiGo has a 40% market share and projected profitability for nine consecutive years.

Daily GK Updates - 29th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Centre makes linking of existing Aadhaar with PAN of taxpayers mandatory from 1st July:The Union Govt. has made mandatory to link Permanent Account Number (PAN)of taxpayerswith Aadhaar numberswith its effect from 1st July 2017.The Government has also made quoting of the 12-digit biometric Aadhaar or the enrolment ID, must at the time of application of permanent account number (PAN).Earlier, an amendment to tax proposals in the Finance Bill for 2017-18 had made Aadhaar mandatory for filing income tax returns and provided for linking of PAN with Aadhaar to check tax evasion through the use of multiple PAN cards.

2.  Indian Vice-Presidential Election 2017 to be held on 5 August: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the election for the post of Vice-President of India.The election for the Vice President will be conducted through a secret ballot on 5 August 2017 where only members of both the Lok Sabha (545-MPs) and Rajya Sabha (245-MPs) will get to vote.

3.  India's First Blood Bank for Cattle to Come up in Odisha: The first blood bank for cattle is all set to come to Odisha, making it the first state in the country to have a blood bank for cattle. The blood bank would be established on the premises of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.25 crores.

4.  India's communication satellite GSAT-17 successfully launched: The third satellite launched by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) India's communication satellite GSAT-17 has been successfully launched from Kourou in French Guiana.GSAT-17 with a lift-off mass of about 3,477 kg carries payloads in Extended C-band, Normal C-band, and S-band to provide various communication services. The Satellite carries equipment for meteorological data relay and satellite-based search and rescue services being provided by earlier INSAT satellites.The satellite will provide the continuity in services of aging two satellites and widen the country's horizon to mobile satellite services as well as to Antarctica areas.

5. Indian-American Krishna R Urs appointed as new US Ambassador to Peru: Indian-American Krishna R Urshas been appointed as the new US Ambassador to Peru. At the present Urs is Charge d' Affaires of the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain. Krishna specialized in economic issues and developed extensive policy experience in the Andean region of South America.

6. AP CM Naidu gives away Rs 50 lakh cash prize to shuttler Kidambi Srikanth: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu gave away 50 lakh cash prizes and offered Group 1 post to Badminton Champion Kidambi Srikanth and Rs.15 lakh cash prize for his Coach P. Gopi Chand. He also announced the allocation of 1000 square yards house site to the player in Amaravati. Naidu announced that a sports university would come up in Amaravathi and invited National Badminton Coach P. Gopi Chand to set up an academy in Amaravati.

7. India becomes the first country to contribute one lakh US dollars to UN fund: India has become the first country to contribute one lakh US Dollars to a UN fund to help developing countries actively participate in the discussion of tax issues.The UN Trust Fund for International Cooperation in Tax Matters has received its first financial voluntary contribution from India.

International UPDATES:

1. China launches its Biggest Naval Destroyer: China has launched its most powerful naval destroyer, the Type 055, at the Shanghai port. The naval destroyer is one among the largest warships in the world. It is equipped with new air defence, anti-missile, anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.“The new ship will be a great boost to China’s marine exploration capability,” Zhong Ziran, director of China Geological Survey said.

2. Trump Travel Ban: New Visa Rules: For visa applicants from six Muslim-majority countries and all refugees, the Trump administration has set new criteria that require a close family or business tie to be eligible to enter the United States. The move was taken after the Supreme Court partially restored President Donald Trump’s executive order that was widely criticised as a ban on Muslims. People from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen as well as most refugees have to prove their eligibility.

3. Sharjah named World Book Capital for 2019 by UNESCO: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) city Sharjah has been declared the ‘World Book Capital’ for the year 2019 by UNESCO.The city has been chosen by an international committee of UNESCO experts for the quality of its literary and cultural activities and the efforts to make books accessible to the entire population of the country.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE:

1. RBI starts printing Rs 200 notes: The Reserve Bank of India has begun printing Rs 200 notes at one of its government facilities, according to a report in The Economic Times. The apex bank has not yet commented on the report, which quoted two unidentified officials.The new notes have additional security features to thwart counterfeiting operations, an official said.

Daily GK Updates - 28th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.NPPA announces provisional ceiling prices of 761 medicines including anti-cancer & HIV: Bhupendra Singh, the chairman of The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), has announced provisional ceiling prices of 761 medicines (including anti-cancer, HIV, diabetes, and antibiotic) with a majority being reduced ahead of the GST implementation. The actual increase or decrease in prices after the rollout of new indirect tax regime is expected to be in the range of 2-3% depending on states.These prices will be notified as formally revised ceiling prices immediately after GST notification.

2. Last date extended for 6 months for conversion of PIO cards: For applying the conversion of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards, the Union Govt. has extended the last date for to 31st December 2017. Earlier, the facility was available till 30th June 2017.The PIO card was first implemented in 2002 as a benefit to foreign nationals who could establish at least a third-generation tie to the Indian origin.

International UPDATES:

1. Kaushik Basu takes appointed as President of International Economic Association: Economic Advisor, Kaushik Basu has taken over as the president of the International Economic Association (IEA) for three years. He has served as India’s chief economic adviser and chief economist at the World Bank. At present, Mr.Basu is the C. Marks Professor of International Studies and professor of economics in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University.

2. Cyber-attack that hit Ukraine spreads to other countries: A massive cyber-attack began with Ukraine’s government offices and airports. It has spread to other countries, including India, the United Kingdom, Russia and Spain. Cyber security experts believe that the virus, named Petrwrap or Petya, could be a ransomware attack, similar to the WannaCry breach in May that had affected more than three lakh people.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE:

1. World’s First Automated Teller Machine (ATM) celebrates its 50th Birthday: The world’s first ATM was opened on 27th June 1967 by Barclays Bank in Enfield, London, celebrated its 50th anniversary. To celebrate its the anniversary, Barclays transformed the ATM at its ‘Enfield branch’ into gold. The ATM machines were the brainchild of Scottish inventor ‘Shepherd-Barron’.

SPORTS:

2. Roger Federer  defeats  Alexander Zverev to lift ninth Halle Open title:  In the finals the 2017 Halle Open Men’s Singles title.Swiss Legend ‘Roger Federer’ has defeated ‘Alexander Zverev’ 6-1, 6-3.

3. One-year ban and fined for media remarks – Lasith Malinga: After pleading guilty to a breach of contract by speaking to the media without permission, Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has been suspended for one year. Malinga will also be fined 50% of the match fee from his next one-day International (ODI).

4. India finish second in Junior Shooting World Championship: The Indian shooting squad has finished second at the ISSF Junior World Championship with three Gold, two Silver, and three Bronze medals in Suhl, Germany. India picked up a gold and silver in the team and individual sections of the 25m pistol junior men's event. China topped the tally in the rifle/pistol tournament with 19 medals, including eight gold. India also won the team bronze in the 25m pistol junior women's event.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY:

5. Google fined  2.42 billion euros by European Commission: The European Commission has fined Google 2.42 billion euro (USD 2.7 Billion) for breaching the anti-trust rules by illegally favoring its shopping service. Google has abused its market dominance by offering an illegal advantage to its another product, its comparison shopping service.

6. Flipkart - the only Indian firm in MIT’s Smartest Companies 2017: On MIT Technology Review’s 50 Smartest Companies list for 2017,E-commerce major Flipkart is the only Indian company on the list.MIT cited Flipkart’s competitiveness against Amazon and its use of artificial intelligence to improve product search on its website the main reasons for this place.

Daily GK Updates - 27th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. J & K Governor appointed as president of IIC: Jammu & Kashmir Governor N NVohra has been appointed the president of the India International Centre (IIC), one of the premier cultural institutions in the country. The appointment was made after eminent jurist Soli Sorabjee quit the presidential post.

2. Union Minister Kalraj Mishra launches Digital MSME Scheme: To boost Digital India Mission, the Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Kalraj Mishra has launched a Digital MSME Scheme at a function in New Delhi. This scheme revolves around Cloud Computing, which is emerging as a cost-effective and viable alternative in comparison to in-house Infrastructure installed by MSMEs.In this scheme, MSMEs can use the internet to access common as well as tailor-made IT infrastructure including software for managing their business processes.

3. SC refuses to pass interim order on Aadhaar: SC refused to pass interim order on govt order making Aadhaar mandatory for social welfare schemes. The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, refused to pass an interim order on the government’s notification making Aadhaar mandatory for using benefits of various social welfare schemes, news agency PTI reported.

4. Govt. clears proposal for setting up new airport in Greater Noida: According to Civil Aviation Minister, Ashok Gajapathi Raju, the Govt. has cleared the proposal for setting up a new airport in Jewar in Greater Noida. The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority has notified 3,000 hectares of land for a world-class international airport. The airport is scheduled to be operational in five-six years.

International UPDATES:

1. US Designates Syed Salahuddin a Global Terrorist: In a strong message to Pakistan, hours before the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, US State Department designated Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist.India welcomed the move and said it will vindicate India’s stance on cross-border terrorism.This puts counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the US at the front and centre of the relationship, and addresses one of India’s main concerns on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

2. PM Narendra Modi arrives in Netherlands on final leg of tour: After concluding his visit to the US with Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands the final leg of his three-nation tour. Mr.Modi will hold bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on global issues including counter-terrorism and climate change.He will also address the Indian diaspora in that country.This year, the two countries are celebrating 70 years of the establishment of Indo-Dutch diplomatic relations.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. ISSF Junior World Championship: India won Team Bronze in 25- meter Rapid Fire Pistol Men Junior Shooting World Championship in Suhl, Germany. The trio of Anish, Anhad Jawanda, and ShivamShukla notched up a combined score of 1711 to claim third place and take India's overall tally from the competition to two Golds, one Silver, and one Bronze medal. Earlier, Anish won the 25-meter standard pistol gold on the opening day of the competition.

2. Srinivas Gokulnath becomes First Indian to Solo finish Race Across America: Srinivas Gokulnath has created history by becoming the first Indians to complete the 4,900-km Race Across America (RAAM) in the solo 18-59 age category. Srinivas Gokulnath finished the distance in 11 days and 18 hours and Samarth took 11 days and 21 hours to finish the race. Among the 9 persons who managed to finish the race, Gokulnath (Aerospace medicine specialist) stood 7th while and Amit Samarth finished at number 8. The race was won by Christoph Strasser.

3. Ravi Shastri to apply for the post of Indian cricket team’s coach: Ravi Shastri has finally decided to apply for India cricket coach’s position.Having the full backing of the India captain Virat Kohli and the Board of Control for Cricket in India officials, he is clear favourite for the job. Among others to apply for the position are Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody and Lalchand Rajput.

4. BCCI to form committee to implement Lodha panel reforms: In order to analyze best and quick way of execution to implement the ‘Lodha panel’ reforms, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to form acommittee as ordered by the Supreme Court.The committee will go into each and every action point necessitated by the principal judgment and only those exceptional and limited areas of difficulty will be brought to the notice of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators which will thereafter decide a course of action.

5. Vivo retains IPL title sponsorship rights: Chinese mobile company Vivo has retained IPL title sponsorship rights for the next 5 years for Rs 2,200 crore, this winning bid is a 554% increase over the previous contract. Oppo was the next highest bidder at Rs 1,430 crore, reported The Times of India. Oppo also happens to be a Chinsese company.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

6. SpiceJet tops Bloomberg Intelligence Index as world’s best performing airline stock: SpiceJet’s stock is up 124%, making it the world’s best performing airline stock, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The Indian airline has earned a market value of 1.2 billion dollars (approximate Rs 9,000 crore) in 2017.

Daily GK Updates - 26th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Haryana govt to implement health insurance scheme for poor:The state govt. will implement a health insurance scheme in the state to provide free health services to the poor said the Haryana Chief Minister ManoharLal.The Haryana government will bear the cost of the premium.The state govt. has also promised to establish medical colleges in every district to meet the shortage of doctors in government hospitals.

2. Arunachal Pradesh govt. raises the retirement age of employees to 60 years: As decided by the Arunachal Pradesh Govt. the retirement age of regular state government employees will be increased to 60 from the existing 58.  The matter was under consideration of the state government for past many months and was discussed in the cabinet on two separate occasions.

3. Assam govt to construct 9000 km of roads under PMGSY in next one year: Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMSSY), the Assam govt. has decided to construct 9 thousand kilometers of roads in the next one year.720 new bridges will be constructed and another 1000 wooden bridges will be converted to reinforced concrete or RCC during this period.

4. Big Boost to Skill India Mission: USD 250-million loan from World Bank: The World Bank has cleared a USD 250-million loan for the Skill India Mission. The USD 250-million Skill India Mission Operation (SIMO), approved by the World Bank board of executive directors, will increase the market relevance of short-term skill development programmes (3-12 months or up to 600 hours) at the national and state level. The mission aims at making Indian youth more employable through reskilling.

5. HRD Ministry appoints panel to work on new education policy: To work on a New Education Policy a new nine-member panel has been appointed by The Union Human Resource Development (HRD). The panel will be headed by space scientist K Kasturirangan. Expected to recast India's education, the experts and educationists have been chosenfrom wide-ranging backgrounds policy.The panel has been appointed keeping in mind that the members bring expertise related to the diverse areas of education.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed worldwide:  To raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugsrepresent to society and particularly to young people, The United Nations (UN) International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed every year on 26th June. The theme for 2017 is ‘Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe’.

2. China releases Nobel Laureate Liu Xiaobo: After being diagnosed with terminal liver cancer last month, China’s jailed Nobel peace prize laureate Liu Xiaobo has been granted medical parole. Liu, who has about three years of his 11-year sentence to serve, was diagnosed on May 23 and was released days later, said lawyer Mo Shaoping. The 61-year-old democracy campaigner was being treated at a hospital in the north-eastern city of Shenyang.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING & FINANCE:

1.IDFC appoints Sunil Kakar as MD & CEO for 3 years: Appointment of Sunil Kakar as the Managing Director (MD) and CEO of the company is being by the board of directors of IDFC Ltd for the next 3 years with effect from July 16, 2017. Prior, Kakar had worked with Max New York Life Insurance Company since 2001 as CFO. Earlier, the board has approved the resignation of veteran banker ‘VikramLimaye’ from the post of MD and CEO who is set to join leading stock exchange NSE as its new Managing Director and CEO.

2. RBI says banks have no liability for loss of valuables kept in their lockers: In response to a Right to Information query,The Reserve Bank of India has said that public sector banks have no liability for theft of valuables kept in their lockers, reported PTI. The unanimous reason given by the RBI and 19 other PSU banks is that the relationship they have with customers with regard to lockers is that of “lessee (landlord) and lessor (tenant)

SPORTS:

3. Yashaswini wins gold in ISSF Junior World Championship:At the women's 10-meter air pistol event in the ISSF Junior World Championship Rifle/Pistol competition in Suhl, Germany, India's Yashaswini Singh Deswal has won a gold. Her effort helped India consolidate their second position in the medals tally with two gold, one silver, and one bronze.India also won a team bronze in the men's 10-meter pistol event.

Daily GK Updates - 25th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Haryana govt to implement health insurance scheme for poor: To provide free health services to the poor Haryana state govt. will implement a health insurance scheme in the state says, the Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal. The Haryana government will bear the cost of the premium.The state govt. will establish medical colleges in every district to meet the shortage of doctors in government hospitals.

 2. 3rd Slum YuvaDaud flagged off in New Delhi: The 3rd Slum Yuva Daud was flagged by the Sports Minister Vijay Goel and Environment Minister Dr.Harshvardhan in New Delhi. Thousands of youth from Delhi slums participated in the run which started from Kasturba Gandhi Polytechnic, Pitampura and ended at Pitampura Sports Complex.

3. MSMEs minister announces sanctioning a Technology Centre for Tripura: Sanction of Rs 20 crores has been announced by the Union Minister of MSMEs Kalraj Mishra for a Technology Centre for Tripura. This centre will be utilized for bamboo and rubber related enterprising works, which will benefit the youth of the state.

4. 24/7 helpline for women launched: Manipur government has launched a toll free 24/7 helpline number 181 for women in the state. Aiming to fight and reduce crime against women in the state the helpline will provide a 24-hour telecom service to women affected by violence, seeking support and information.This scheme is available and designed for all 16 districts of the state and for this purpose District level nodal officers have been appointed.

5. The book titled ‘The Emergency-Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour released:To mark the anniversary of the Emergency and to honor all those who fought for the restoration of democracy in the country in the mid-1970s the Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu & Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani have launched the book ‘Emergency – Indian Democracy’s Darkest Hour’ in Gandhinagar. The book is written by the chairman of Prasar Bharati, Surya Prakash.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Day of the Seafarer observed by IMO:  The Day of the Seafarer (DotS) was observed on 25 June by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) with the theme 'Seafarers Matter'. This year's theme aims to particularly engage ports and seafarer centres to demonstrate how much seafarers matter to them. The Day was proclaimed with an aim to recognize the unique contribution made by seafarers from all over the world to international seaborne trade and civil society as a whole.

2. Pakistan issues its first transgender passport: Pakistan has issued its first third-gender passport to a transgender activist, Farzana Riaz, a transgender activist said the new passport would help her campaign globally on behalf of her community. Farzana’s new passport mentions her gender as X and not as a male or female.In 2009, Pakistan became one of the first countries in the world to legally recognise a third sex, allowing transgenders to obtain identity cards.

3. China develops world’s most powerful submarine detector: A major breakthrough in magnetic detection technology which could find hidden metallic objects, including minerals and submarines has been achieved by china. The device works from air and can be used to pinpoint the location of minerals buried deep beneath the earth.The device could also be used on civilian and military aircraft.The technology could be used to detect minerals on land, and in the ocean to nail down submarines.

OTHER UPDATES:

AWARDS:

1. Manushi Chhillar wins Femina Miss India World 2017 Title: Manushi Chillar who hails from Haryana has won Femina Miss India 2017 title at the grand finale. A total of 30 participants participated for the crown of Femina Miss India 2017. The winner will represent India at Miss World 2017.First runner-up: Sana Dua (Miss J&K). Second runner up: PriyankaKumari (Miss Bihar).

SPORTS:

2. Kidambi Srikanth wins Australia Open Super Series: Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth won his fourth Super Series title in the Australian Open summit clash in Sydney. Srikanth beat Olympic champion Chen Long) 22-20, 21-16 to win the Series title.Now, Srikanth is only the fifth player in the world to contest three successive Super Series finals (Singapore and Indonesia prior)

Daily GK Updates - 24th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Maharashtra government to launch ‘My Plant’ mobile app on tree plantation: Maharashtra Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has announced to launch (on 1st July) a mobile app named 'My Plant', which would help in recording data about tree plantations in the state. Using this app, people and organizations can feed the data about the saplings they have planted with the Forest Department.

2. Govt. launches portal on weather information: At the meeting of the Forum of Regulators, The Union Minister of State (IC) Shri Piyush Goyal has launched Weather Portal for Power Sector in association with POSOCO and IMD. The portal provides regional weather information to help & manage power distribution for the current day and up to next 7 days. The weather information on the portal will also help in better planning for infrastructure availability to ensure cost effective and reliable supply.

3. Commemorative postage stamp on 50 years of Passports Act released: To mark the completion of 50 years of the Passports Act-1967, a new commemorative postage stamp. The passport rules have been reformed in the recent past and efforts are being to provide the passport to the citizens at the earliest and at his/her door steps. Now, no one should have to travel more than 50 kilometres to get his or her passport.

4. Maharashtra govt. enters into agreement with Ola for skill development: Cab aggregator ‘Ola’ and the Maharashtra govt. entered into an agreement to train 20,000 youth to become micro-entrepreneurs in the field of passenger transport in the next five years. The state govt intends to develop skills of youth and create jobs and through the Pramod Mahajan Kaushalya Vikas Yojana, youth in different sectors are being trained to become entrepreneurs.

5.Venkaiah Naidu presents 100 volumes of CWMG to Sabarmati Ashram: The Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu has presented the 100 volumes of The Collected Works of Mahatma Gandhi (CWMG) published by the Publications Division to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad. To ensure that Gandhian thoughts reach the new generation readers, all these restored editions have also been made available as e-Books, and are available for online sale. The Publications Division is working in coordination with Gandhian institutions to bring out restored editions of heritage books on Mahatma Gandhi.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India & Russia agree to roadmap for development of defense cooperation: For the development of bilateral defense cooperation, India and Russia have agreed to a roadmap at the meeting of the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation in Moscow. The 17th meeting held under the Co-Chairmanship of the Defence Minister Arun Jaitley (India) and the Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (Russia). The roadmap includes specific activities to be concluded by both sides and aims to enhance cooperation in the field of political and military dialogue, exercises, exchange of visits, military cooperation and training of military personnel.

OTHER UPDATES:

AWARDS:

1. West Bengal wins prestigious UN Public Service Award: The state of West Bengal has received the ‘2017 UN Public Service Award’. The award has been given for the 'Kanyashree Prakalpa'. Department of Women Development and Social Welfare (DWD&SW), Government of West Bengal has designed the ‘Kanyashree Prakalpa’, a conditional cash transfer scheme with the aim of improving the status and well-being of the girl child in West Bengal by incentivizing schooling of all teenage girls and delaying their marriages until the age of 18 years.

BANKING & FINANCE:

2.RBI amends Banking Ombudsman Scheme: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the scope of Banking Ombudsman Scheme, under which banks could be penalized for miss-selling third-party products like insurance and mutual funds via mobile or electronic banking. It enables a customer to lodge a complaint against the bank for its non-adherence to RBI instructions in India. As per the amendment, the pecuniary authority of the Banking Ombudsman to pass an award has been doubled to 20 lakh rupees.

3. Govt. asks banks to deposit junked notes at RBI by July 20: By 20^th July this year all the banks and post offices are permitted to deposit junked Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes with the Reserve Bank. This is the second window (earlier till 31st Dec) the govt. has provided to banks, post offices and cooperative banks for depositing the junked notes with RBI. They should get the exchange value by credit to the account of such subject to the satisfaction of the RBI of the conditions specified.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt. announces another 30 cities under Smart City Mission: The Urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu has announced the names of another 30 cities for development as smart cities under Smart City Mission in New Delhi. Out of the Forty-five cities contested for 40 available smart city slots, only 30 were selected. With this the total investment approved under the smart city plans of 90 cities has gone up to ₹1,91,155crore under the Smart City Mission, which was launched on June 25, 2015.

2. ISRO’s PSLV-C38, carrying 31 satellites, lifts off from Sriharikota: Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) workhorse rocket PSLV C-38 blasted off from the first launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The rocket carrying the Cartosat-2 series satellite for the defense forces, along with 30 co-passenger satellites.Out of the 30 co-passenger nano-satellites, 29 belong to foreign customers from 14 countries Austria, Belgium, Britain, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia.

3. EPFO, HUDCO to ink pact for housing subsidy under PMAY: To enable members of its housing scheme to avail subsidy and interest subvention under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana’ Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) in New Delhi. Now, the EPFO allows its subscribers for withdrawing up to 90% of their EPF accumulations to buy homes. The eligibility condition has been relaxed for such withdrawal and now membership period of EPFO reduced from five years to three years.

4. Jeevandas Narayan appointed as MD of Manappuram Home Finance: Manappuram Finance has appointed Jeevandas Narayan as the Managing Director (MD) and Subhash Samant as CEO of its fully-owned home loans subsidiary, Manappuram Home Finance Pvt. Ltd.

5. Govt. launches ‘VAJRA’ scheme to attract Indian scientists abroad: To bring together the Indian scientists abroad and India-based researchers for conducting joint researches in India. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched a scheme named 'Visiting Advanced Joint Research Faculty' (VAJRA). The idea of the scheme is to bring the best of the world to India and conduct research here.

6. Passports to be in both English and Hindi: Sushma Swaraj, the Union External Affairs Minister, has announced that passports would now be in both Hindi and English (not just in English). Earlier, the personal details in passports are printed only in English. She also announced 10% reduction in passport fee for applicants who are under 8 and over 60 year.

7. Rural Haryana declares itself as 5th ODF under Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin: Under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin Rural Haryana has declared itself as the fifth open defecation free (ODF) state in India.Haryana has joined the states of Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, and Uttarakhand, which were the first four states to be declared ODF.Nationally, the sanitation coverage has increased from 42% to over 64% in just two-and-a-half years since the launch of SBM.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Russian Diplomat Vladimir Voronkov appointed as Chief of United Nations Counter-Terrorism Centre: To head the newly established UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT), The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has appointed Russian diplomat Vladimir Voronkov. Voronkov has been given the rank of Under-Secretary-General. The United Nations General Assembly has approved the establishment of a new United Nations office of counter-terrorism.

OTHER UPDATES:

AWARDS:

1. Azim Premji honoured with Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy: For his efforts to reform public school system in India Wipro Chairman Azim Premji is honored with the 2017 Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy. He is now among the nine philanthropists with the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy which is considered as the most prestigious prize in philanthropy.

Daily GK Updates - 22nd June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt. launches web portal for smooth GST implementation: To facilitate taxpayers with regard to addressing issues related to Information Technology Services and Electronics goods, The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (E&I) has launched a dedicated webpage for smooth GST implementation. The Webpage can be accessed through Ministry’s Web Portal http://meity.gov.in. Any Individuals, Companies, and Entrepreneurs in IT and Electronics sector can visit the webpage for sector-specific information. The webpage also enables filing of grievances in relation to the implementation of GST.

2. Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu launches PMC's municipal bond listing at BSE: The Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has launched the listing of Pune Municipal Corporation’s (PMC) Municipal Bonds program, at the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). This is India’s largest Municipal Bond Programme for Pune 24x7 Water Supply Project. It is the first time after ten years that any municipal corporation has issued bonds worth value of Rs. 2264 crore and any profits made in this will directly go to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

3. Chandrababu Naidu lays foundation stone for Airport at Orvakal: Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandra Babu Naidu has laid the foundation stone of the Greenfield Airport at Orvakal in Kurnool district. At a cost of Rs. 120 crores, the airport will be constructed on 2,000 acres land. The construction of this airport will attract a number of industries resulting in enhanced growth in businesses and more job opportunities.

4. Guwahati Intl Documentary Film Festival begins in Guwahati: The Assam Governor Banwarilal Purohit has inaugurated the Guwahati International Documentary Film Festival (GIDFF) in Guwahati, Assam. He invited filmmakers to explore the beauty of the North East. The event is being organized by Films Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Film and Television Institute. Total twenty-seven documentary and animation films will be showcased in the festival (till 24th of June).

5. Meghalaya Govt. signs two MoUs with SBI for digital transaction: The Meghalaya govt. has signed two Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with the State Bank of India (SBI) for their SBIePay and SBI CMP facilities, as a part of an initiative towards migrating government transactions to digital mode. After Goods and Services Tax(GST), the MoUs are expected to give dealers and other citizens for conducting financial transactions with the state government on a digital platform.

6. Aadhaar must for benefits under govt's TB control scheme: In order to avail benefits under a central government scheme, people suffering from tuberculosis (TB) will have to submit their Aadhaar number. According to the Health Ministry notification The Health Ministry also asked those who do not have Aadhaar card to get themselves enrolled by 31st August 2017. The notification will be effective in all the states and Union territories except Assam, Meghalaya and Jammu and Kashmir. The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme under the National Health Mission aims at promotion of universal access to tuberculosis care with early diagnosis and regular treatment completion.

7. ADB& India sign USD 275 million loan agreement for upgrading small towns in Madhya Pradesh: For improving urban services in 64 small towns in the State of Madhya Pradesh, The Union Govt. has signed a loan agreement of USD 275 million with the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The project is decided to be carried out in the design-build-operate model operation and maintenance to ensure better sustainability of the water service operation and financial viability. The project will run for almost five years with an expected completion date of June 2022.

8. Karnataka waives Rs 8,165 crore worth farm loans: The Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah has announced a crop loan waiver of Rs. 50,000 per farmer. The State is going to incur Rs. 8,165 crores in additional expenditure through the loan waiver. The move is expected to help about 22.27 lakh state farmers who had taken loans from various cooperative banks. The Karnataka government's decision comes in the wake of similar announcements made by the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra and Congress-ruled Punjab governments.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. SEBI decides to ease entry norms for FPIs: Markets regulator SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has decided to ease the entry norms for overseas investors by permitting a direct access to Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) from eligible jurisdictions. The regulator has rationalized fit and proper criteria for FPIs as well as simplified broad-based requirements for such investors. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) will issue a discussion paper on easing registration of FPI.SEBI has decided to expand the eligible jurisdictions for grant of FPI registration to category I FPIs by including countries having diplomatic tie-ups with India.

2. Govt sells 2.5% stake in Larsen & Toubro, raises Rs. 4,200 Crores: The Union Govt. has sold its 2.5% stake in Larsen & Toubro (L&T) to state-run entities, including SBI and LIC, for about Rs. 4,200 crores. The transaction was done through the Specified Undertaking of the Unit Trust of India.

OBITUARIES:

3. Italian fashion legend Carla Fendi passes away: The public face of the company famous colourful 'baguette' bags, an Italian fashion legend Carla Fendi passed away in Rome.