Daily GK Updates - 16th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1.Odisha CM inaugurates bridge connecting Jharsaguda district with Sambalpur: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated a ‘2.5 km long bridge’ constructed over river Ib (a tributary of Mahanadi) that will connect Jharsaguda district with Sambalpur. It will help connect the coal region of Brajarjnagar & Belpahar in Jharsuguda district with Sambalpur & boost economic activities in the area.The bridge has been constructed at a cost of over 117 crore rupees.It will reduce the distance between Lakhanpur and Sambalpur by 50 kilometers.

2. Himachal Pradesh Celebrates its 71st Foundation Day: Himachal Pradesh celebrated its 71st foundation day with much fanfare and gaiety. Several cultural events were organized across the state. It may be recalled that the hill state came into existence after the merger of 30 odd princely states in 1948. The main event was held at Ridge Maidan in Shimla, where Chief Minister Jairam Thakur reviewed the ceremonial Parade presented by police, home guards and NCC cadets.

3. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Launched in Telangana: Launching the ‘Gram Swaraj Abhiyan’ in Telangana, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan stated the number of LPG distribution points in the State will be increased to 1,000 from the existing 707 for quicker and efficient delivery of gas cylinders.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1.  NASA to launch washing machine-sized spacecraft: NASA is to launch a washing machine-sized spacecraft that aims to vastly expand mankind's search for planets beyond the solar system.The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is scheduled to launch today from Cape Canaveral, Florida.Its main goal over the next two years is to scan more than 200,000 of the brightest stars for signs of planets circling them and causing a dip in brightness known as a transit.

2. PM Modi leaves on 5-day visit to Sweden & UK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting two European countries Sweden, Germany and the UK for bilateral meetings and for the India-Nordic Summit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).In the first leg, Prime Minister will attend the first-ever India-Nordic Summit in Stockholm which is being co-hosted by India and Sweden.In the second leg (Wed-Fri) of his visit. Mr. Modi will address a unique event ‘Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath’ in London on Wednesday.The Prime Minister will also participate in the CHOGM being hosted by the United Kingdom.

3. Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Begins in London: The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2018) has begun in London, the UK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the event on 19th and 20th of April. The theme of the summit is 'Towards a Common Future'. The biennial event has brought together delegates from 53 Commonwealth nations.

4. UN launches Road Safety Fund: United Nations’ Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed announced the launch of the ‘UN Road Safety Trust Fund’ to stimulate action that can save lives and prevent injuries and sufferings associated with road accidents. The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the development arm of the UN in Europe, is designated as the Secretariat for the Trust Fund. A contribution ofUSD 1500 to the fund could help save one life and prevent 10 serious injuries.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank Pips SBI to Become India’s 2nd Most Valuable Bank: Shares of private lender Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd beat India’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) for the first time to become the second most valued bank in the country. Data from BSE showed that Kotak Mahindra Bank has a market capitalization of Rs2,22,560.69 crore after its shares rose 1.7%. SBI market capitalization stood at Rs2,22,043.74 crore. Its shares were trading at Rs248.80 on BSE, down 1% from its previous close.

SPORTS:

1. India ends the campaign in third spot with 26 Gold Medals at CWG 2018 : India has eventually finished their 21st Commonwealth Games campaignon the third spot at Gold Coast, Australia.Legendary Boxer MC Mery Kom leading Indian delegation carrying tricolor in a colorful ceremony.Indian competitors ended their campaign in the third place, with 66 medals including 26 Gold, 20 Silver and 20 Bronze medals.Australia stood first in the medal tally with 198 medals (80 Gold, 59 Silver and 59 Bronze) followed by England 136 medals.

2. Indian Swimmer Double Crosses Bangla Channel, Sets World Record: Pune-based 17-year-old swimmer Sampanna Ramesh Shelar has set a world record to double cross the Bangla Channel. Shelar, is the first person to swim to and fro from Saint Martin's Island Jetty to Teknaf in Bangladesh also known as the Bangla Channel. He has completed the journey of 32.2 kilometres in 9 hours and 10 minutes.