Daily GK Updates - 6th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Akash missile successfully tested: The Akash missile was successfully tested with indigenous radio frequency seeker from a test range in Odisha. The state-of-the-art indigenous missile targeting an UAV 'Banshee', was fired from the launch complex-III of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. Akash is Surface to Air Missile (SAM) with a range of 25 km and carries a 55- kg fragmentation warhead that is triggered by proximity fuse. This was the first supersonic surface-to-air missile (SAM) with indigenous seeker that has been test fired.

2. India’s first state to endorse Centre’s stand on triple talaq: Uttar Pradesh has become the first State to endorse the Central government’s draft bill that makes instant triple talaq a cognisable and non-bailable offence. The draft law, which provides for three-year imprisonment and a fine to a man trying to divorce his wife by uttering “talaq” three times, got the State government’s approval.

3. MP passes bill awarding death for rape: Madhya Pradesh assembly has unanimously passed a bill that will see rapists of girls 12 years or below being hanged till death. The development comes after the NCRB report revealed that MP recorded the highest number of rape cases in the country. The bill also proposes punishment for disrobing, stalking or sex on the pretext of marriage. The jail term increases for 2nd or subsequent offences.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. 3rd DRC-NITI Aayog Dialogue held in China: The 3rd edition of the Dialogue between the NITI Aayog and the Development Research Council of China was held in Beijing, China.The meeting was co-chaired by Vice Chairman NITI Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar, and Mr Li Wei, President (Minister), DRC.The meeting provides an important platform for both sides to discuss key macroeconomic issues impacting both countries and areas of mutual interest. The 2nd Dialogue was held in New Delhi in November 2016. The next 4th NITI Aayog - DRC Dialogue will be held in India in 2018.

2. ISA to be a legal entity: International Solar Alliance which aims at increasing solar energy deployment in member countries, will become a treaty-based international intergovernmental organization. ISA is an Indian initiative jointly launched by PM Modi & President of France on 30 Nov 2015 in Paris, on sidelines of COP-21.

3. US to recognise Jerusalem as capital: President Donald Trump will recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital despite intense Arab, Muslim and European opposition. In recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, US becomes the first country to do so since the foundation of the state in 1948. Israel has always regarded Jerusalem as its capital city, while the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Akshay Kumar to promote agri-schemes: Akshay Kumar will promote govt’s flagship agriculture schemes like soil health card & crop insurance. Union Agriculture Ministry has roped in the actor for television advertisements to intensify the publicity of the agri-schemes. Besides soil health card scheme, he will promote Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana & others.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI keeps key interest rate unchanged in 5th Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy statement: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced its Fifth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy statement for 2017-18 today.The monetary policy committee of Reserve Bank of India kept interest rates (Repo Rate) unchanged at 6 percent.The reverse repo rate under the LAF remains at 5.75 percent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.25 percent.The next bi-monthly monetary policy statement will be released on 07 February 2018.

SPORTS:

1. IOC bans Russia from 2018 Winter Olympics Games: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics Games. The decision was announced by the IOC president Thomas Bach and his board members on the findings and recommendations of a 17-month investigation on the state-sponsored doping at the 2014 Games hosted by Russia in Sochi. The 2018 Winter Olympics Games will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

2. India wins South Asian badminton title: India has won the first-ever South Asian Regional Badminton Team Championship by defeating Nepal in the finals. Nepal started off well, winning the 1st game 21-19. However, Indians came back stronger & won the next 2 games 21-14, 21-11. Indian team, which came into the Final without losing a single match, continued their good run with Aryaman Tandon drawing 1st blood in boys’ singles competition.