Daily GK Updates - 5th January, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Swachh Sarvekshan 2018-world’s biggest cleanliness survey launched: The world’s biggest cleanliness survey ‘Swachh Sarvekshan Survey 2018’ was launched in India. It will be conducted from the 4th of January to 10th of March. The cleanliness survey was launched in 2016 as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The main objective of Swachh Survekshan is to encourage large-scale citizen participation and create awareness.

2. Higher education in India improves, GER increases: According to the latest survey reports, the country’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education has registered an increase from 24.5% in 2015-16 to 25.2% in 2016-17. GER is a statistical measure for determining the number of students enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate and research level studies within the country.

3. Goa to ban PVC based plastic-Manohar Parrikar: Goa will ban PVC-based plastic from May 30, and no plastic packaging will be allowed in the State from December 19. Goa also plan to make littering a punishable offence soon.

4. India excludes Pakistan from SAARC Initiative: India has excluded Pakistan from the list of SAARC member countries with which it will be connecting its state-of-the-art National Knowledge Network. Through NKN scientific databases will be shared and remote access to advanced research facilities will be provided.

5. Goa to host 3rd edition of Science Film Festival: Goa will be hosting the third edition of the Science Film Festival of India in January 2018. The festival, titled SCI-FFI Goa, is being organised by the state-based Vigyan Parishad, Goa Department of Science and Technology. The competition aims to boost the culture of science films, all the films submitted should be related to science and technology.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. US puts Pakistan on watch list: The US State Department has placed Pakistan on a Special Watch List for what it claims are “severe violations of religious freedom”. The State Department said it has also re-designated 10 countries as “countries of particular concern”.

OTHER UPDATES

BANKING/ FINANCE:

1. RBI initiates PCA against Allahabad Bank: The Reserve Bank of India has initiated ‘prompt corrective action’ (PCA) against Allahabad Bank over its high bad loans. High net non-performing assets and a negative return on assets for two years in a row have prompted the action. Usha Ananthasubramanian is the MD & CEO of Allahabad Bank, which is headquartered in Kolkata.

BUSINESS/ ECONOMY:

1. Salman Khan appointed as brand ambassador of Emami: Emami Group said it has roped in Bollywood star Salman Khan as the brand ambassador for its edible oil business, which is a part of Emami Agrotech Ltd. The move is aimed at giving much needed recognition to the agri products of Emami.

SPORTS:

1. Meghalaya to host the 39th edition of National Games, 2022: Meghalaya signed the Host City Contract with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for hosting the 39th National Games in 2022. The tripartite contract was signed between the IOA, the Meghalaya State Olympic Association and the state government.