Daily GK Updates - 7th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao led to improvement in sex ratio at birth: According to the union govt., there has been an improvement in sex ratio at birth in 104 districts selected for the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme.Out of the total 161 districts where the programme is being implemented, an increasing trend in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) is visible in 104 districts.Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme aims at checking female infanticide and educating the girl child.Now. Ministry of Women and Child Development plans to extend this programme to all the districts of the country with the focus on the 56 of the total 161 districts that have shown a decline in SRB.­­

2. World Dental Show-2017 opens in Mumbai: The three days international exhibition 'World Dental Show 2017' has been opened in Mumbai, showcasing the evolving global technologies and techniques in dentistry.Indian Dental Association (IDA) hosted the exhibition which has witnessed participation from the international exhibitors are displaying their latest dental wares in 250 well-furnished stalls.Through WDS 2017, an unparalleled opportunity to learn, share knowledge, socialize and to experience the state-of-the-art technology and equipment related to the world of dentistry

3. ISRO to set up research center in Guwahati: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will set up a research center for start-ups, academicians, environmentalists, and entrepreneurs in Guwahati, Assam.ISRO will explore the possibility of using geospatial technology, which includes data generated through global positioning system (GPS), geographical information systems (GIS) and satellite remote sensing for expediting the development of Assam.

4. Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya & UP Sign MoU to boost culture and tourism: Uttar Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh & Meghalaya have signed a MoU under the ‘Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat’ program to boost cultural ties.Under the program, the states will connect with each other to know more about the culture, heritage, and traditions of each other.The programme will enhance the interaction between people of diverse cultures living in different states and union territories, with the objective of promoting greater mutual understanding among them.

                 

                   INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.US approves sale of THAAD missiles to Saudi: The US State Department has approved the sale of missile system worth over $15 billion to Saudi Arabia.The deal includes 44 THAAD launchers and 360 missiles along with five control stations and radars.

2.Govt reduces GST rates on 27 products and services: The govt introduced a 0.1% GST rate for merchant exporters, offering relief from the full-applicable GST rates.GST on products like sliced dried mangoes and services like zari work is reduced from 12% to 5%.

                              OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.Vijaya Bank inks MoU with HPCL for Digital Payments: Vijaya Bank has joined a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) for enabling all HPCL retail outlets with BHIM/UPI merchant solutions.This rollout will empower all petrol pump attendants and LPG delivery personnel to accept digital payments.Customers can make payments by scanning a payment QR code (using BHIM Vijaya or any BHIM app) that supports payments via UPI.

SPORTS:

1. John Hastings retires from the Test & ODI Cricket: Australian fast bowler ‘John Hastings’ (31-years) has called it quits from Test Match and ODIs, citing recurring injuries as the reason.Hastings wants to solely focus on T20 cricket.He has represented Australia in 1 test, 29 ODIs and 9 T20Is.In 2016, Hastings was the world's leading ODI fast bowler after picking up 29 wickets in 15 matches.

OBITUARIES:

1.Filmmaker Kundan Shah passes away: The Director Kundan Shah (69-year) passes away due to heart attack in Mumbai.Mr. Shah best known for films like 'Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron' (1983), 'Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa' (1993) and TV shows like 'Nukkad' (1986) and 'Wagle Ki Duniya' (1988).

2.Former union minister Purushottam Lal Kaushik passes away: Former Union minister and socialist leader Purushottam Lal Kaushik (87-years) passed at his home in Chhattisgarh's Mahasamund district.He had served as tourism and civil aviation minister (1977- 1979) and Information and Broadcasting Ministry (July 1979-January 1980).