Daily GK Updates - 14th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. New Rajdhani between Delhi-Mumbai sans Flexi-Fare: Ministry of Railways is introducing a new Special Rajdhani Express between Delhi and Mumbai from 16th October, 2017. It is done to fulfill the long overdue demand of passengers and to provide faster and convenient connectivity to passengers between two metros Delhi and Mumbai. Flexi Fare shall not be applicable in this train.

2. Mahesh Sharma inaugurated Deep Dharohar: Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture inaugurated “Deep Dharohar”. The festival was inaugurated by the lighting of 1000 diyas by the participating artists and artisans and children from organisations. The Minister released a book entitled ‘Living Traditions, Tribal and Folk Paintings of India’ published under the matrix of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

3. MK Sanu to get Mathrubhumi Literary award: Eminent critic, biographer and orator M K Sanu is chosen for the Mathrubhumi Literary Award for 2016 in recognition of his rich contribution to the Malayalam literature. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a citation and a statuette.

4. IWAI raises Rs. 660 crore through Bonds: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has raised Rs. 660 crore as “GOI Fully Serviced Bonds”. The resources raised by way of bonds are in addition to the budgetary support from the Government of India.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day for Disaster Reduction observed: The International Day for Disaster Reduction was started in 1989, after a call by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction. It is held on 13 October every year. The 2017 campaign seeks to raise global awareness about effective actions and practices taken to reduce exposure to disaster risk at the community level.

2. G-20 FMCBG meeting held in Washington: On 13th October 2017, the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting was held in Washington D.C., US. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley participated in the meeting.

3. The Safe Cities Index 2017 released: Japan’s capital Tokyo has topped Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index 2017. Indian cities Delhi and Mumbai have ranked 43rd and 45th respectively. Safe Cities Index is a report by London-headquartered Economist Intelligence Unit owned by ‘The Economist Group’.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Mastercard’s Innovation Centre to be set up in India: US-based fintech company Mastercard has announced the launch of its global research and development arm Mastercard Labs in Pune, India. After Singapore, this will be the second Mastercard Labs in Asia-Pacific, and ninth in the world. The initiative aims to bring and harness new commerce, payment and technology ideas at a fast pace in the country. Ajay Banga is the CEO of Mastercard.

2. HPCL to trade lubricants in Myanmar, first Indian oil company to do so: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), a public sector oil company has started selling lubricants in Myanmar. HPCL becomes first Indian oil company to trade lubricants in Myanmar HPCL’s venture in Myanmar.

3. HSBC names John Flint as next chief executive: HSBC has appointed John Flint as its next chief executive. He will take over from current chief executive Stuart Gulliver.

BANKING/FINANCE:

4. HDFC Bank launches SmartUp zones for StartUps: In a bid to become preferred banker for the start-up community in India, HDFC Bank has announced the launch of SmartUp zones in its branches across India. An exclusive area inside the branch premises of HDFC Bank (to be referred as SmartUp Zones) will be dedicated to start-ups.

SPORTS:

5. Staubli to become first female referee at FIFA U17 World Cup: Switzerland’s Esther Staubli is set to become the first female referee to officiate a match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. This is in line with FIFA’s objective to further develop women’s football.

6. India Qualify For 2019 AFC Asian Cup: Indian football team qualified for the 2019 Asian Cup after they pumped in three goals for a convincing 4-1 win over Macau with two matches still to go in the qualifying round. This is the third time the country has qualified for the continental showpiece.