Daily GK Updates - 19th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India tops list of migrants living abroad at 17 million: According to the International Migration Report of the UN, India has topped the list of people living abroad at 17 million with about 5 million Indians residing in the Gulf region alone. The number of migrants from India now reside in multiple destination countries, including the UAE at 3 million, the US and Saudi Arabia at 2 million each. Mexico(2nd), Russia(3rd), China(4th), Bangladesh(5th), Pakistan Syria(6th), and Ukraine also have large migrant populations living abroad (around 6 to 11 million each).International migration makes an important contribution to population growth in many parts of the world and even reverses population decline in some countries or areas.

2. Construction activities to be prohibited within 50 meters from river Ganga in hilly areas-NGT: According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) revised order, Construction activities will be prohibited within 50 metres from the edge of river Ganga in hilly areas. It will now be treated as No Development Zone where no construction including commercial or residential buildings can come up. The area falling between 50-100 meters will be considered as "regulatory" zone and ban on construction activity in this area till the state comes with a specific policy.

3. Goa celebrating 56th Liberation day today: Goa is celebrating its 56th Liberation Day. The state was liberated on this day in 1961 from Portuguese control after almost 450 years of colonial rule. The Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar unfurled the national flag and took a salute at the Goa Liberation Day celebrations in state capital Panaji.

4. Losar Festival being celebrated in Ladakh: The Losar festival being celebrated in Ladakh region to mark the new year, the celebrations continue for three days to nine days in the different parts of Ladakh region of Jammu Kashmir. Prayer flags are hoisted in important religious places to welcome the new year. Losar Festival is celebrated by making symbolic meals and offerings.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. UK govt extends pilot student visa scheme to 23 more universities: Britain's Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis has announced extending a pilot student visa scheme to 23 more universities. Now, Indian and other non-EU students will get six-month time to find a job after finishing their course. Last year, the scheme was introduced on a pilot basis in four British varsities Oxford, Bath, Cambridge and Imperial College London.

2. India to host meeting of WTO member countries on food security: According to the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu, India will host a meeting of WTO member countries in February to muster support for food security and other issues. The union govt is trying to call a meeting of almost 30 to 40 countries in Delhi to help the multi-lateral process. India has been keenly pushing agriculture issues at the World Trade Organisation.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Bharti Airtel to acquire Millicom’s operations in Rwanda: Telecom operator Bharti Airtel Limited has signed an agreement with Millicom International Cellular S.A. to acquire its Rwanda’s operation ‘Tigo Rwanda’. Tigo’s 370 million customers will join the network of Airtel Rwanda. Now, Airtel Rwanda will be the second largest operator in the country with revenues of over USD 80 million and a revenue market share of over 40%. At present, Airtel operates in 15 African countries apart from India and South Asia.

2. Skill Development Ministry & Maruti Suzuki sign Mou to impart skill training: The Skill Development Ministry & Maruti Suzuki have signed an agreement to impart training to youth and enhance their employment potential in New Delhi. As part of the agreement, Maruti Suzuki will ensure that not less than 80% of trainees are placed with Maruti Suzuki or its business partner. Maruti Suzuki will develop specific training module as per the need of the automobile industry in consultation with DGT.

SPORTS:

1.  Mo Farah wins BBC's sports personality of the year award: Four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah (World 10,000m champion) has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017.He won his third successive world 10,000m gold medal in London in August. Farah becomes the first long-distance runner to win the Sports Personality award since Paula Radcliffe in 2002.