Daily GK Updates - 23rd September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt to launch LPG Panchayat as backup to Ujjwala Yojana to distribute LPG connections: The union govt. has launched a country-wide LPG Panchayat as a backup to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to distribute LPG connections among the rural areas. The panchayat was formally launched at Mota Ishnapur village in Gandhinagar district of Gujarat. One lakh LPG Panchayats will be activated across the country under the scheme during the next one and a half year.

2. Harshvardhan launches Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana: Dr. Harshvardhan has launched 'Pt Deen Dayal Upadhayay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana' which will experiment and endeavour to formulate and implement appropriate S&T Interventions for Sustainable Development through cluster approach in Uttarakhand. This project has been inspired by teachings and ideals of ‘Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhayay’ whose birth centenary is being celebrated this year.

3. Subramanian to get extension as CEA to govt.: The government has decided to extend the term of Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian by one year until October 2018. Subramanian was appointed India’s Chief Economic Adviser in October 2014. His term was for three years, which was to end on October 16.

4. Stage set for the setup of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) in India: NITI Aayog has signed an agreement with Geneva-based International Road Federation for cooperation in the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems & to design a policy framework for the same. ITS policy will cover various sectors including traffic management, electronic enforcement of traffic rules & regulations. It would also cover fleet management & monitoring & education in the field of ITS.

                                                       INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Professor C.N.R Rao, becomes the first Asian to be chosen for the prestigious Von Hippel Award: Eminent scientist, Professor C.N.R Rao, has become the first Asian to be chosen for the prestigious Von Hippel Award for his immense contribution in materials research. The award citation noted Rao’s immense work on novel functional materials, including nanomaterials and 2D materials and superconductivity. The award is the US-based Materials Research Society’s highest honour.

2. Hui Ka Yan Becomes Asia’s Richest Man: Hui Ka Yan, the chairman of big China real estate developer China Evergrande Group, has become Asia’s richest man. Hui’s estimated fortune of $42.2 billion puts him ahead of Tencent Holdings Chairman Ma Huateng ($39.1 billion) and Alibaba Group Chairman Jack Ma ($38.9 billion).

3. NATO wraps up exercise Dynamic Monarch: 9 NATO Allies wrapped up a submarine search and rescue exercise, Dynamic Monarch 2017, off the coast of Marmaris in southwestern Turkey. The exercise demonstrated the importance of cooperation for NATO-led naval missions & involved a wide array of equipment & up to 1,000 military and civilian personnel.

4. China imposes limit on oil supply to North Korea: China will limit oil exports to North Korea under UN sanctions over its nuclear and missile development and it will be limited to 2 million barrels per year and sales of liquefied natural gas hasbeen banned outright (from 1st January).

5. Iran tests new ballistic missile: Iran has tested a new ballistic missile ‘Khorramshahr’ that can carry multiple warheads and has a range of 2,000km. The Khorramshahr missile has become smaller in size and more tactical. Iran unveiled the ballistic missile as its president stepped up pressure on the United States by defending its right to strengthen military defenses.

                                         OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.SBI launches India’s bond index series at London Stock Exchange: The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched India’s first bond index series for overseas investors at the London Stock Exchange (LSE).With the launch of this index alongside FTSE Russell, SBI intention is to give people a benchmark based on which they can make investment calls. The FTSE SBI Bond Index Series “demonstrates SBI’s commitment to play befitting leadership role” in development of India’s bond market.

2. Samsung’s Bixby Voice now works in India: Bixby is meant to do additional and on-phone tasks which Samsung hopes will make getting things done faster and easier. Bixby Voice can be triggered by saying “Hi Bixby” to a sleeping device also.

3. SpiceJet, Cleartrip team up with Google Flights: SpiceJet & Cleartrip have teamed up with Google Flights to help air travellers explore possible destinations & view live ticket prices. Launched in India in 2015, Google Flights offers travellers the facility to explore destinations & find best flights at affordable prices.

SPORTS:

4. Deborah Herold wins two Silver medals on day 7 of Asian Indoor Games: Indian cyclist Deborah Herold bagged two more Silver medals in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. She bagged a silver medal in the six-lap Keirin event in track cycling, and also finished second in the Team sprint event with Alena Reji. Earlier, India also won a Silver medal through Malaprabha Yallappa Jadhav in Women's Kurash, a Martial Arts event.Current, India won ninth medals (5 Gold, 6 Silver and 5 Bronze medals).