Daily GK Updates - 2nd June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Prithvi-II missile successfully test-fired: India has successfully test-fired its indigenously developed nuclear-capable Prithvi-II missile (surface-to-surface) from Chandipur test range in Odisha as part of a user trial by the Army. The missile can carry 500 kg to 1,000 kg of warheads and is thrusted by liquid propulsion twin engines. The missile has a strike range of 350 km.

2. India, Russia ink nuclear plant pact: India and Russia have signed an agreement on setting up the last two units of the Kundankulam nuclear power plant. The fifth and the sixth unit will cost about Rs 50,000 crore with half of it being funded by Russia. The reactors will be built by India’s Nuclear Power Corporation of India and Russia’s Atomstroy export.

3. ‘SPARROW-ITS’ launched: The Union Govt. has launched SPARROW ITS: Smart Performance Appraisal Report Recording Online Window. It is in accordance with Govt’s policy to introduce online Annual Performance Appraisal Report for Group A services.

4. Union Govt. launches web platform INAM-Pro + : The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has launched INAM-Pro + web platform in New Delhi. INAM-Pro+ is an e-commerce platform for construction and infrastructure raw material for government and private procurement.

5. NAAC receives Asia Pacific Quality Network Award 2017: National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) of India has received International Award of Asia Pacific Quality Network (APQN) Quality Award 2017 for International Co-operation in Quality Assurance in Moscow, Russia. APQN Quality award are among the most prestigious International Awards in quality assurance of higher education.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Slovakian Lajcak to be next UNGA president: United Nations General Assembly has elected Miroslav Lajcak to be its next president. He will succeed Peter Thomson in September and chair the assembly’s 72nd session.

2. Global Peace Index 2017, India ranks 137^th: Iceland has been named the world’s most peaceful country, topping the Global Peace Index for the tenth consecutive year. Syria has been named the least peaceful country, followed by Afghanistan. India has moved up 4 position, from 141st last year to 137th this year.

3. Trump announces US withdrawal from Paris Agreement on Climate Change: US President Donald Trump has announced to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change. He said that countries like China and India are benefiting the most from the Paris Agreement.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING & FINANCE:

1. RBI appoints Ganesh Kumar as ED: Reserve Bank of India has appointed S. Ganesh Kumar as the new Executive Director. He will succeed Chandan Sinha.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

2. Sanjiv Singh takes over as IOC Chairman: Sanjiv Singh has taken over as the Chairman of Indian Oil Corporation. He will replace B Ashok.

3. Vinay Dube named Jet Airways CEO: Jet Airways has appointed Vinay Dube as its Chief Executive Officer. He is currently senior vice president, Asia Pacific with Delta Air Lines Inc.