Daily GK Updates - 14th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. 65th National Film Awards list: The 65th National Film Awards were announced in Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi. Here is a list of the important awards and its winners:

Best Hindi Film – Newton

Best Actor – Riddhi Sen for ‘Nagar Kirtan’.

Best Actress – Sridevi for ‘Mom’.

Best Director – Jayaraj for ‘Bhayanakam’.

Best Film – Village Rockstars (Assamese).

Best Action Direction – ‘Baahubali 2: The Conclusion’.

2. Vinod Khanna awarded Dadasaheb Phalke award: Veteran Hindi film actor Shri Vinod Khanna was awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for his contribution to Indian Cinema.This was announced during the 65th National Film Awards.The Dadasaheb Phalke Award is India’s highest award in cinema.

3. NGT panel to inspect lakes in Bengaluru: Following orders from the National Green Tribunal, a committee constituted by the tribunal is set to carry out an inspection, of the Bellandur, Agara & Varthur lakes in Bengaluru.The bench is headed by NGT Acting Chairperson Jawad Rahim. Committee shall inform the tribunal of the extent of hydrophytes in the lakes, along with the incidents of fire that have taken place till April 10, 2018.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. India, U.K. in talks over education: India and the United Kingdom are holding talks to seal an agreement on mutual recognition of educational qualifications.It is likely to feature in official discussions during the upcoming London visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India last month signed an agreement on mutual recognition of educational degrees with France, during the visit of President Emmanuel Macron to Delhi.

2. US, UK, France launch air strikes in Syria: The US has launched air strikes in Syria along with the UK and France, in response to the chemical attack that killed dozens of people last week. Explosions were reported in Syria’s capital Damascus, moments after US President Donald Trump announced the military action. The US intends to “sustain [the strikes] until Syrian regime stops its use of chemical weapons”.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1.  Indian economy to grow 7.3%: ADB India’s economic growth will rise to 7.3% this fiscal and further to 7.6% in the next financial year, retaining the fastest-growing Asian economy tag, on back of GST and banking reforms.

SPORTS:

1. First ever all-Indian badminton CWG final: PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal won their respective semi-finals on Saturday to set up the first-ever all-Indian women’s badminton singles’ final at the Commonwealth Games.CWG 2010 gold medalist Saina defeated Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour 21-14, 18-21, 21-17 while CWG 2014 bronze medalist Sindhu beat Canada’s Michelle Li in straight sets.The women’s singles final will take place on Sunday

2. Neeraj Chopra won javelin throw gold at CWG: Neeraj Chopra became the first-ever Indian to win gold in javelin throw at the Commonwealth Games.The 20-year-old junior world record holder hurled the javelin to a distance of 86.47m to bag India’s 21st gold at the Commonwealth Games 2018.The medal was India’s first gold and overall third in athletics at CWG 2018.

3. Naman won India’s 1st boxing medal at CWG: Nineteen-year-old Naman Tanwar won India its first boxing medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, winning a bronze in the men’s 91 kg category.Naman lost out to Australia’s Jason Whateley in the semifinal of the event to secure the bronze.

4. Mary Kom won boxing gold at CWG: Five-time world champion and Olympic bronze medallist MC Mary Kom has become the first Indian woman boxer to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.Mary Kom achieved the feat after defeating Northern Ireland’s Kristina O’Hara in the 45-48kg category final at Gold Coast.