Daily GK Updates - 24th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India’s first AC local to start in Mumbai: India’s first air-conditioned local will ply between Churchgate and Virar from December 25. The first service of the 12-coach EMU will commence at 2:10 pm. The services will replace 12 existing non-air conditioned services. This will be the first train with automatic doors in the suburban system.

2. Uttarakhand CM launches his biography: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has launched his biography ‘Trivendra Ek Zindaginama – Khairasain ka Sooraj’. It has been written by Nandan Singh Bisht, a doctor.

3. Dhirendra Pal appointed as UGC chairman: Professor Dhirendra Pal Singh, director, National Assessment and Accreditation Council was appointed the chairperson of UGC. He has been serving as director of NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) since August 2015.

4. Gujjars, 4 Others get 1% Reservation in Rajasthan: Rajasthan government announced 1% reservation within the 50% legal limit, for Gujjars and four other communities. The five communities that have been declared eligible for this reservation are: Gujjar, Banjara, Gadia-Lohar, Rebari and Gadaria These 5 communities were listed in the OBC category in 1994. The additional quota is given in the ‘More Backward Classes’ category.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Henrietta Fore appointed to head UNICEF: UN has appointed Henrietta Fore, a former head of the USAID as the new Executive Director of United Nations Childrens’ Fund. Henrietta Fore was the first woman to be appointed Administrator of the US Agency for International Development.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ ECONOMY:

1. Govt. launches Gold Purity Standard – Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya: India’s first home-grown high purity gold reference standard – the Bharatiya Nirdeshak Dravya (BND-4201) - was launched at the India Government Mint, Mumbai. BND-4201, which is the reference material for gold of ‘9999’ fineness will ensure purity of gold.

2. India’s most trusted Brand: Patanjali: Patanjali has been ranked as India’s most trusted Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Brand by the Brand Trust Report India Study 2017. SK Tijarawala, Spokesman, HH Swami Ramdev, took to his Twitter handle to announce this news, along with the picture of the certification.