Daily GK Updates - 15th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. National Engineer’s Day observed: Nation is celebrating Engineer’s Day to mark 156th birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya, one of the greatest engineers India has produced. Visvesvaraya was not only known for his contributions in field of engineering but was also called precursor of economic planning in India. It is noteworthy that he received India’s highest honour Bharat Ratna in 1955.

2. Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar announced: The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has been awarded National level Rajbhasha Keerti Award for the third consecutive year. The award has been given to The Marine Products Export Development Authority for the best Implementation of Official language in the organisation. Vijaya Bank has bagged the first prize under the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar (Region C) for the year 2016-17.

3. President Ram Nath Kovind launches nation-wide campaign Swacchata Hi Sewa: President Ram Nath Kovind has launched a nation-wide campaign Swacchata Hi Sewa from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. He also administered nation-wide ‘Swachhta Hi Seva pledge’ initiating parallel action in all the two lakhs 50 thousand plus Gram Panchayats and cities in India. The objective of the campaign is to mobilize people and reinforce the public movement for sanitation to contribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of a Clean India.

4. Centre for Animal Law to be set up at NALSAR, Hyderabad: India’s first Centre for Animal Law has been established at the city-based NALSAR University of Law. Centre will create curriculum on animal welfare laws, including developing topics for research. Centre will also conduct workshops on animal laws & animal welfare issues. Humane Society International, India will work with NALSAR University to steer and coordinate the activities of the centre

5. India’s forex reserves top $400 billion: India’s forex reserves surged by USD 2.604 billion to reach an all-time high of USD 400.726 billion. The foreign currency assets, a major component of the overall reserves, increased by USD 2.568 billion to USD 376.209 billion, according to data by the RBI. The country’s reserve position with the IMF also increased by USD 21.4 million to USD 2.304 billion.

6. 10 lakh students to play football under Maha Mission 1 Million: It will not only create football players and lovers of the game, but will also help in overall development of the state. The FIFA U17 World Cup is happening for the first time in India and it being held in Maharashtra.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Democracy Day being observed today: In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolved to observe 15th September as the International Day of Democracy with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy. This year's theme of democracy and conflict prevention focuses on the critical need to strengthen democratic institutions to promote peace and stability.

2. Indus Water Treaty talks begin in Washington: A two day high-level talk between India and Pakistan on technical issues of the Indus Waters Treaty has begun in Washington. IWT was signed in 1960 after 9 years of negotiations b/w India & Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory.

3. Bank of England launches 10 pound plastic note after Jane Austen: A new plastic 10 pound note featuring renowned author Jane Austen has gone into circulation in Britain. Austen is the first female writer to feature on a British banknote, replacing a paper 10 pound note which featured a portrait of naturalist Charles Darwin.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. HDFC Bank is India’s top most brand: HDFC Bank has topped the list of the country’s top 50 brands according to a report released by WPP Plc and Kantar Millward Brown. HDFC Bank’s brand value is estimated at $17.97 billion, followed by Airtel at $10.23 billion.

2. Suzuki to set up India’s first Lithium-Ion battery unit: Suzuki Motor will invest more than Rs 1,150 cr along with Japanese partners Toshiba & Denso to set up India’s first lithium ion battery facility in Gujarat. It will cater to Maruti Suzuki as well Toyota’s range of electric vehicles of the future.

3. Hong Kong Central comes out as the most expensive office location: According to CBRE, Connaught Place has slipped one position to become 10th most expensive office location in the world with an annual rent of $111 per sq ft. Bandra Kurla Complex is at 16th rank while Nariman Point is at 30th position in CBRE’s latest report. Hong Kong’s (Central) ranked first with overall prime office rent of USD 269 per sq ft per year, followed by Beijing (Finance Street).

SPORTS:

4. Goa to host 36th National Games: The Indian Olympic Association has formally awarded to Goa the rights to host the 36th National Games.