Daily GK Updates - 31st August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar launches Innovation Cell & ARIIA : Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar has launched the Innovation Cell and Atal Ranking of Institutions on Innovation Achievements, ARIIA in New Delhi.The Innovation cell, an initiative of the Ministry, has been established at the premises of All India Council for Technical Education with a view to foster the culture of innovation in all Higher Education Institutions across the country.

2.“Mil -Banche” programme organized in govt schools of MP state : In Madhya Pradesh, in a first of its kind initiative, “Mil -Banche”, an interactive programme between schools and society was organized in all government schools of the state today.More than 80 thousand volunteers have expressed their desire to give gifts to the schools like books or any other gifts which will useful for students.This programme is being organized in the state for multi-dimensional development of children through language skill up-gradation, reading other books in addition to textbooks.

3. 'Krishna Kutir' largest home for widows inaugurated in UP' : A special home to the house around 1,000 widows was inaugurated at Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh by Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.'Krishna Kutir' -- said to be largest such facility constructed by a government -- was constructed on 1.4 hectares at a cost of 57.48 crores,".It was constructed by the Ministry of Women and Child Development under its "Swadhar Greh scheme" through National Building Construction Corporation.

4. Kashmir gets its first Muslim woman pilot : Thirty-year-old Iram Habib has become the first Kashmiri Muslim woman to become a pilot.Habib will join a private airline next month.Iram succeeds Tanvi Raina, a Kashmiri Pandit, who joined Air India as the Valley’s first woman pilot in 2016.In April last year, 21-year-old Ayesha Aziz, also from Kashmir, became India’s youngest student pilot.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Germany to provide euro 120 mn soft loan for Clean Ganga Mission: Envoy : Germany will provide a soft loan of 120 million euros (approx. Rs 990 crore) to India as part of its contribution to the ongoing river Ganga cleaning programme.“The purpose of the project is to reduce the inflow of untreated wastewater in River Ganga and, thus, to improve the water quality of the river,”.This project also includes construction of 13 sewage pumping stations

2. Vostok-2018: Russia to hold the largest military exercise in September :

 Russia will conduct its biggest war games since at least the 1980s, with around 300,000 troops and 1,000 aircraft.The Vostok-2018 exercises will be carried out from September 11 to 15 in the country's east with the participation of China and Mongolia.Vostok-2018 will involve the participation of units from the Russian Army, Air Force, and Navy.China and Mongolia will also participate in Vostok 2018.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. PM to launch India Post Payments Bank tomorrow : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the India Post Payments Bank(IPPB) at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi tomorrow.India Post Payments Bank has been envisioned as an accessible, affordable and trusted bank for the common man to help speedily achieve the financial inclusion.The payments bank, where the Indian government holds 100 percent equity, will leverage the vast network of the Department of Posts (DoP) that has more than three lakh postmen and Grameen Dak Sewaks

2.  ADB, India Sign $346 Million Loan to Improve State Highways in Karnataka : Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved USD 346 million loans to finance road improvement across a dozen districts in Karnataka.ADB and the Government of India signed a USD 346 million loan agreement to finance improvement of over 400 kilometers of state highways that will enhance connectivity and access to economic centers across 12 districts in Karnataka.

SPORTS:

1. Swapna Barman becomes first Indian heptathlete to win Asian Games gold : Swapna Barman daughter of a rickshaw puller became the first Indian woman to achieve a top podium finish in the grueling heptathlon event at the Asian Games.She has six toes in both her feet and produced her career-best performance by logging 6026 aggregate points from the seven events.

2. Jinson Johnson won gold in men's 1500 m at the 2018 Asian Games : Jinson Johnson won gold in the men's 1500 metres at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.Earlier, Johnson had won silver in the 800m final.Johnson was pipped for gold by compatriot Manjit Singh in the 800m race but he did not give any chance to his rivals to win the race in 3 minutes 44.72 seconds.

Daily GK Updates - 30th August, 2018

                                         NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Assam govt extends AFSPA : Assam government has extended the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, AFSPA for another six months in the entire state.The official notification said that the state governor has declared the entire State of Assam as the ‘disturbed area’ up to six months.The Act gives special rights and immunity to security forces in carrying out various operations in disturbed areas.

2. Cabinet approves O-SMART scheme : Cabinet approved implementation of an umbrella scheme-Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources Modelling and Science (O-SMART).The scheme covers a total of 16 sub-projects, which address ocean development activities such as services, technology, resources, and science.The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the schemeimplementation at an overall cost of Rs 1623 Cr.

3. ADB sign $375mn loan for Irrigation : The government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $375 million loan agreement to expand irrigation networks and system efficiency of Madhya Pradesh.The project will develop 125,000 hectares of new, highly efficient and climate resilient irrigation networks.The project aims to double farming incomes by benefiting over 800,000 people in Madhya Pradesh.

4. Book on Weather Information Portal released : Shri R K Singh​ released a book on “Weather Information Portal for Indian Power System”.This reference document has been developed by Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO) in collaboration with IMD to facilitate enhanced utilization of Weather Portal in all spheres of Power Sector.Shri R K Singh is the Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy.

4. Book on Weather Information Portal released : Shri R K Singh​ released a book on “Weather Information Portal for Indian Power System”.This reference document has been developed by Power System Operation Corporation Limited (POSOCO) in collaboration with IMD to facilitate enhanced utilization of Weather Portal in all spheres of Power Sector.Shri R K Singh is the Minister of State (IC) for Power and New & Renewable Energy.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. MoU between India and Bulgaria : The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between India and Bulgaria for strengthening cooperation in the field of Tourism.The main objectives of the MoU are to expand cooperation in the tourism, exchange information and data related to tourism etc.Bulgaria is a potential tourism market for India that received approx 5288 tourists from Bulgaria in 2017.

2. PM’s visit to Nepal : PM Narender Modi is on a two-day visit to Nepal, to participate in the Fourth BIMSTEC Summit.During the visit, he will interact with all the leaders of BIMSTEC to enrich regional cooperation, enhance trade and enhance collective efforts to build a prosperous Bay of Bengal region.He will also review the progress that has been made in bilateral ties with Nepal since his last visit.

3. RCEP meeting in Singapore : Trade ministers of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) bloc, including India and China, met in Singapore.RCEP is a mega trade pact that aims to cover goods, services, investments, economic cooperation and intellectual property rights.The bloc comprises 10 ASEAN members and their 6 FTA partners- India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

4. Joint military exercise ends in Russia : The fifth edition of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Peace Mission Exercise 2018, ended in Chebarkul, Russia.The Indian delegation led by Lt. Gen Satish Dua, participated for the first time in the exercise.In this exercise, Pakistan and Indian participated for the first time.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. RBI expects economic growth rate at 7.4% : RBI on the release of its annual report said that real GDP growth for 2018-19 is expected to increase at 7.4% against 6.7% in the previous year.RBI also said that its monetary policy will work to achieve the medium-term target for retail inflation of 4 %.According to RBI the rise in growth rate is due to pick up in industrial activity and the good monsoon.

DEFENCE:

1. INS Teg lends assistance to MV Vela : INS Teg, a warship of the Western Naval Command, provided assistance to MV Vela, a Norwegian owned ship in Gulf of Aden.

INS Teg dispatched a specialist team for recovery damaged anchor and cable and assisted the crew of MV Vela.MV Vela and the Combined Task Force expressed their gratitude to the ship and the Indian Navy.

SPORTS: 

1. Dutee Chand won silver in women’s 200m : India’s Dutee Chand won the Silver medal in the women’s 200m event at the 18th Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta.She crossed the finishing line in 23.20s behind Bahrain’s Edidiong Odiong who clinched the gold in 22.96s and the bronze went to China’s Wei Yongli (23.27s).She won two medals at the Asian Games as she won silver earlier in the women’s 100m.

2. Arpinder Singh clinches gold : Arpinder Singh clinched India’s first men’s triple jump gold in 48 years, with a jump of 16.77m in the Asian Games.India’s last Asian Games gold medal in men’s triple jump had come in 1970 from Mohinder Singh Gill.Ruslan Kurbanov of Uzbekistan took the silver with a best jump of 16.62m, while Shuo Cao of China was third with an effort of 16.56m.

Daily GK Updates - 29th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Odisha inks MoU for malaria-free state : Odisha government signed a MoU with an America-based agency ‘Malaria No More’ and Indian agency ‘Malaria Elimination Trust’ to make the state malaria-free.The two agencies will prepare the roadmap for public awareness and will work with the various organization in the state.Earlier this year 1.13 crore mosquito nets medicated with larvicides were distributed in the state.

2. New science & tech council to advise PM : A 21-member committee has been set up to advise Prime Minister Narendra Modi on science, technology, and innovations. Vijay Raghavan, the principal scientific adviser to the Government of India will head the committee.Secretaries of at least 10 central ministries, related to science, technology, energy, and education, are special invitees to the panel.

3. $250 mn to support electricity distribution : The Government of India, Government of Rajasthan and World Bank signed a $250 Million agreement to support electricity distribution sector reforms in Rajasthan.It is the second electricity distribution reform policy for Rajasthan. The first closed in March 2017.The program will support the distribution sector, provide incentives to employees, reducing the costs of energy procurement etc.

4. India celebrates its National Sports Day : The National Sports Day is celebrated every year on August 29 on the birth anniversary of Indian hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand.This year, though, the date has been postponed to September 25 so the Indian athletes could return from Asian Games 2018.On this day, Arjuna and Khel Ratna awards are conferred by the President of India to celebrate the achievements of athletes in the country.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. N Korea to host Asian Youth Championships : The 2019 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships will be held in the North Korean capital Pyongyang.At the Asian Games weightlifting in Jakarta, which North Korea has dominated winning seven golds.The Asian Weightlifting Federation and North Korea’s Sports Minister Kim Il Guk signed an agreement for North Korea to hold the championships from October 27, 2019.

2. First SAARC ACB Forum in Kathmandu : The First SAARC Agri Cooperative Business Forum began in Kathmandu.The theme of three-day Forum is the ‘Organizing and Strengthening Family Farmers’It is being co-organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Asian Farmers’ Association with the support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development

3. 1. G20 Digital Economy meeting in Argentina : The G20 Digital Economy Ministerial Meeting was held in Salta, Argentina.The theme of the meeting was ‘Building consensus for fair and sustainable development’.The meeting took place as part of Sherpa Track for 2018 G20 Leaders’ Summit, which is to be hosted by Argentina by end of 2018.

4. India’s next High Commissioner to UK : Senior diplomat Ruchi Ghanashyam has been appointed as India’s next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.Ghanashyam is a 1982 batch Indian Foreign Service officer and is currently Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs.She succeeds Y K Sinha who had assumed the charge in December 2016.

5. Google launched Project Navlekha : Google has launched the Project Navlekha, which in Sanskrit means “a new way to write”.Project Navlekha will empower offline newspapers and magazines in India to bring their content online.Google is using its expertise in artificial intelligence for Project Navlekha, which will quickly render any PDF with Indian language content into editable text.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. DBS Named Best Bank for digital innovation : DBS Bank has been named the world’s best bank by Global Finance magazine.It shows a reflection of its ability to invest in digital innovation while still maintaining stable operations for its customers.DBS is the first Asian bank to receive the accolade from the New York-based publication, which last year gave the title to ING Bank.

2. PNB Gets Top Rank In Digital Transaction : Punjab National Bank (PNB) has announced that the Department of Financial Services report has rated it as number one state-owned bank in terms of digital transactions.The bank is also rated as the sixth overall amongst all banks in India for digital performance.The bank is rated as ‘Good’ by the government with a score of 71 which is the highest category of performance.

3. World Bank signed $300mn agreement with India : The Government of India and the World Bank signed a $220 million Loan Agreement and $80 million Guarantee Agreement for the India Energy Efficiency Scale-Up Program.The program will be implemented by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).It will help to avoid lifetime emissions of 170 million tons of CO2 by replacing traditional machinery with energy efficient equipment.

SPORTS:

1. Historic bronze in men’s TT at Asiad : The Indian table tennis men’s team won a historic bronze medal after losing against South Korea in Asian Games 2018.This is the first first-ever bronze medal in Table Tennis at Asian Games.The team comprising G Sathiyan, Achanta Sharath Kamal and A Amalraj fight against the lopsided Koreans and lose the game by 0-3.

2. India won silver and bronze in Kurash : India bagged two medals at Asian games 2018 in Kurash, a form of wrestling indigenous to Central Asia.Pincky Balhara and Malaprabha Yallappa Jadhav won silver and gold respectively in debut of Kurash at Asian Games 2018.The 19 year old Pincky lost 0-10 to favourite Gulnor Sulaymova of Uzbekistan in the gold medal clash.

3. Manjit Singh won gold in men’s 800 m : Manjit Singh clinched gold in men’s 800 m track and field event at Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta.This is Manjit’s first major international medal, he completed the 800 m race in 1 min and 46.15 seconds.In the event Jinson Johnson of India and Abubaker Abdalla of Qatar won Silver and Bronze respectively.

Daily GK Updates - 28th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Government announces regulations for safe commercial usage of drones : The Union Government has announced regulations for safe commercial usage of drones, effective from 1st December 2018.The regulations are intended to enable visual line-of-sight daytime-only and a maximum of 400 feet altitude operations.Airspace has been partitioned into the Red Zone (flying is not permitted), Yellow Zone (for controlled airspace) and the Green Zone (for automatic permission).These progressive regulations will encourage a vast Made in India drone industry.The DGCA has defined remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) as an unmanned aircraft piloted from a remote pilot station.

2. TN CM inaugurates India's tallest film studio : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami has inaugurated India's tallest Film Studio ‘MGR Centenary Film Studio’.The 56 feet tall, 361 feet long and 100 feet wide studio was constructed using funds collected by the Federation of Film Employees Union of South India (FEFSI), at Paiyanur.

3. Union Govt. signs MoU with 6 states for Lakhwar Yamuna basin project in Uttarakhand : The union govt. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the six Upper Yamuna basin states for the construction of Lakhwar multi-purpose project in Uttarakhand.The states are Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi (UT). The Union Minister for Ganga Rejuvenation Nitin Gadkari inked the MoU with the Chief Ministers of these states in New Delhi for the project worth 3966.51 crore rupees. 

4. Country's first flight powered by Biofuel lands at IGI Airport, New Delhi : The country’s first test flight powered by Biofuel landed at Indira GandhiInternational Airport (IGIA) New Delhi.The test flight took off from Dehradun.Developed countries (Canada, Australia and US) have already conducted these test flights, India would be the first developing nation to experiment that.Spice Jet is the first Indian airline to fly on biofuel.

5. Odisha CM launches a programme to identify young talents : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched a programme, aimed at identifying and giving recognition to the young achievers of the state.The “Mu Hero, Mu Odisha” (I am Hero-I am Odisha) programme is an initiative of the state government to be conducted by the Biju Yuva Vahini (BYV) members.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 4th Asian Electoral Stakeholders Forum : It has begun in Colombo,Sri Lanka.

The aim is to have a platform for constructive discussion of elections and democracy in the region.Theme:-‘Advancing Election Transparency and Integrity: Promoting and Defending Democracy Together’.

2. US senator passes away : US senator John McCain has passed away at 81 after a battle with brain cancer. The long-time Republican was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called glioblastoma in July, 2017..He served as a pilot in the US Navy during the Vietnam War.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1.  SBI changes names, IFSC codes of nearly 1,300 branches after merger

: The state bank of India (SBI) has changed names and IFSC codes of nearly 1,300 branches across the country.SBI branches have been changed across the country as per the SBI list enlisting the old and new IFSC codes after rationalisation/merger with associate banks and BMB.The merger of associates and BMB had helped SBI reduce 1,805 branches and rationalise 244 administrative offices.As result of merger, SBI witnessed the addition of around 71,000 new employees to its earlier workforce of around 2 lakhs.

SPORTS:

1. PV Sindhu wins the silver medal in Asian Games 2018 : Indian badminton player PV Sindhu has won the historic individual silver medal at the 2018 Asian Games.She lost 13-21 16-21 to Chinese Taipei's Tai Tzu Ying (World No 1) in just 34 minutes.It is the first time that India has won two individual medals at the Asian Games with Saina Nehwal clinching a bronze.

2.  Neeraj Chopra wins India 1st Javelin Gold in Asian Games 2018 : Indian javelin thrower ‘Neeraj Chopra’ has become the first Indian to win gold medal at the Asian Games 2018.Chopra managed a personal best throw of 88.06 to bag the top prize in the javelin throw.This was also India's first-ever gold medal in the javelin throw at the Asian Games.

3. Japan wins first ever title at FIFA U-20 women's world cup France 2018 : Japan women's National Team (U-20) has won the U-20 Spain Women's National Team at the final of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018.Takarada Saori was named as the Player of the match with her goal and an assist.Takarada was also awarded the Adidas Bronze Boot as well as the Adidas Silver Ball, while Minami was awarded the Bronze Ball.Japan received the Fair-play award as a team and the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup France 2018 has closed its curtains.

OBITUARIES :

1. Former Bengal cricketer Gopal Bose (71-years) passed away in London : Gopal Bose played 78 first-class matches with an average of 30.79.For India, he played alone ODI (One Day International) against England in Oval where he scored 13 runs

Daily GK Updates - 27th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. A Report on ‘The Urban Commute and How it Contributes to Pollution and Energy’ : Centre for Science and Environment-(CSE) has analysed 14 cities of India in pollution and energy consumption from urban daily commute in a report.Bhopal is on the lowest in overall emissions.Delhi and Hyderabad are at the top of the list.

2. Krishi Kumbh 2018 : UP Government to organise global farmers meet ‘Krishi Kumbh’ on October 26-28.It will incorporate all aspects of rural economy such as agriculture, horticulture, dairy, pisciculture, beekeeping, food processing, animal husbandry.

3. Atal Ji Ne Kaha- A Book : Narendra Modi has launched a book on former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee:-‘Atal Ji Ne Kaha’.It has been written by Brijendra Rehi.

4. India’s first inter state connected wind power project : Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has commissioned the auction for a 126 MW wind power capacity project ((ISTS)) in Bhuj,Gujarat.Ministry of New Renewable Energy or MNRE is a ministry of the Government of India. The ministry is currently headed by R. K. Singh, a Minister of State-In Charge.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indra Nooyi honoured with Asia Game Changer of the Year award 2018 : India-born PepsiCo’s Chairman & CEO Indra Nooyi will be honoured with the 2018 Asia Game Changer of the Year award by global cultural organisation Asia Society.The 2018 Asia Game Changer Awards will be given to the individuals or institutions who have broken barriers and in inspired their fellow citizens of the world.Nooyi would be stepping down as CEO of PepsiCo after 12 years at the helm.

2. Ferrari 250 GTO-Most Expensive Car : The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was sold for Rs 338 crore.It is the world record for the most expensive car sold at an auction.A 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO sold this weekend at the RM Sotheby’s auction at Monterey, California, for a world record auction price of $US48.4 million ($66m)

3. BeiDou - A Twin navigation satellite : It was launched by China from Xichang Satellite Launch Center.The rocket used for this purpose is Long March-3B carrier carrier used to power navigation and communications satellites into high-altitude orbits

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1.  ICICI Bank with Manchester United : ICICI Bank is in agreement with Manchester United to issue a range of co-branded credit and debit card.Bank will offer two types of credit card – Manchester United Platinum Credit Card and Signature Credit Card.

SPORTS:

1. Asian Games 2018 Athletics : Neeraj Chopra won historic javelin gold medal.Dharun Ayyasamy won silver medal in men’s 400m hurdles.Sudha Singh won silver medal in women’s 3000m steeplechase.

Daily GK Updates - 26th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. G Satheesh Reddy appointed the chairman of DRDO : The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed Dr G Satheesh Reddy (Scientific Advisor of Defence Minister) as Secretary, Department of Defence Research and Development & Chairman of Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) for a period of two years.His appointment will be effective from the date of assumption of charge.DRDO was formed in 1958 by the merger of the Technical Development Establishment and the Directorate of Technical Development and Production with the Defence Science Organisation.

2. U K Varma appointed ASSOCHAM Secretary General : The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has appointed former bureaucrat Uday Kumar Varmaas its new Secretary General.He succeeds DS Rawat.He has extensive administrative experience at the highest levels of administration both in the Madhya Pradesh government and central government.Mr Varma retired from the position of Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India in 2013.

3. 26^th August: Sanskrit Divas : The Sanskrit Divas is observed every year on Shravan Purnima (26^thAugust 2018).The Special functions are being organised in different parts of the country to mark the day.Special programmes and different competitions on Sanskrit are being organised at Lal Bahadur Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth New Delhi.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sushma Swaraj inaugurates 3rd Indian Ocean Conference in Hanoi : The union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated the two- day 3rd Indian Ocean Conference in Hanoi (capital of Vietnam).This conference will serve as a platform to the countries to come closer and exchange better views on the economic & strategic importance of the region and neighbourhood.The theme for the year is “Building Regional Architectures”.This year around 43 countries are participating while 28 ministers and officials are set to address the event.

2. Fourth Asian electoral stakeholder forum (AESF-IV) begins in Colombo : The fourth Asian electoral stakeholder forum (AESF-IV) has begun in Colombo (Sri Lanka) to discuss the state of elections and democracy in the region.The two-day forum is being held for the first time in South Asia with support from the Election Commission of Sri Lanka and the Asian network for free elections (ANFREL).The AESF will be attended by more than 250 delegates from 45 countries.The theme is, 'Advancing Election Transparency and Integrity: Promoting and Defending Democracy Together'.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1.  Punjab National Bank gets top rank in digital transaction : According to Punjab National Bank (PNB), a Department of Financial Services report has rated it as number one state-owned bank in terms of digital transactions.The Nirav Modi scam-hit bank is also rated as the sixth overall amongst all banks in India for digital performance.

SPORTS:

1. Tejinder Pal Singh Toor wins a Gold medal in Shot-Put : India's Tejinder Pal Singh Toor (23-year) wins the Gold medal in Men's Shot Put at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia.He won the event with an Asian Games record throw of 20.75 meters.It's the eighth men's Shot-Put gold for India in Asian Games history.

OBITUARIES:

1. US Senator John McCain passes away : US Senator John McCain (81-year) passed away after losing a battle with brain cancer.McCain was also a Republican presidential nominee in 2008. A fighter pilot during the Vietnam War, he spent more than five years as a prisoner of war after his plane was shot down.While in the custody he suffered torture that left him with lasting disabilities.

Daily GK Updates - 25th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. U K Varma appointed ASSOCHAM Secretary Gen : Industry chamber ASSOCHAM appointed former bureaucrat Uday Kumar Varma as its new Secretary General.He succeeds DS Rawat who held the position for nearly 14 years.Varma retired from the position of Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India on June 30, 2013.

2. A book on Atal Bihari Vajpayee launched : A book on the former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has been launched.The title of the book is “Atal Ji Ne Kaha“.The book has been authored and compiled by Brijendra Rehi.The book is a rich repository of the former Prime Minister’s select speeches and photographs besides having three interviews by the author.

3. 1st cruise line service to begin on 1st Oct : The maiden sail of the country’s first luxury cruise line service between Mumbai and Goa will begin on October 1 2018.The Ministry of Shipping is investing Rs 1,000 crore to build a cruise terminal in the Mumbai port area on the east coastline.The name of the cruise liner is ‘Angriya‘ and was build in 1997.

4. WB launches world’s first blockchain bond : The World Bank (WB) has launched a blockchain-only bond.Named bond-i, or Blockchain Offered New Debt Instrument, the bond will be created and managed with distributed ledger technology.The World Bank mandated Commonwealth Bank of Australia to arrange the world’s first blockchain bond.The World Bank bonds carry an AAA rating.

5. Released a report on pollution : Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) released a report on air and travel-related pollution loads caused by urban transport.The report, titled “The Urban Commute,” was released on 24th August 2018.The report made an assessment of the 14 most populous cities of India.Among the 14 cities, Bhopal has the lowest particulate matter, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide load.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sushma Swaraj to visit Vietnam and Cambodia : External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will leave for a four-day visit to Vietnam and Cambodia on 27th August 2018.In Vietnam, the Minister will co-chair the 16th meeting of the Joint Commission along with her Vietnamese counterpart.She will also inaugurate the 3rd edition of the Indian Ocean Conference.It will be the Minister’s first official visit to Cambodia

2. 2nd Protocol Amending CECA Signed : India and Singapore signed the Second Protocol amending the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).The signing of the Second Protocol, amending CECA, will boost bilateral trade between India and Singapore.CECA was the first comprehensive agreement covering trade in goods, services and investments, which India had signed.The CECA was signed on 29th June, 2005.

3. Exercise SCO Peace Mission 2018 begins : Exercise Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Peace Mission 2018, formally started on 24 August 2018 at Chebarkul, Russia.India is participating in the drill for the first time since becoming a full member of the SCO in June 2017.The SCO was established in Shanghai in 2001, with China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan as founding members.

OTHER UPDATES:

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. INS Vikramaditya will be upgraded : INS Vikramaditya is going to be fitted with marine hydraulic system for the first time as part of its upgrade that will give an edge to the air-capable wing of the ship.It is India’s only aircraft carrier.The marine hydraulic systems are used for refuelling, cleaning and pressurization of hydraulic systems of aircraft and helicopters.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Prasar Bharati & Mizzima Media signed MoU : Prasar Bharati and Mizzima Media of Myanmar signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 24th August 2018.The Agreement will realize cooperation and collaboration in various fields of broadcasting.It also envisions sharing covering a wide range of genres, including culture, entertainment, education, science, news and sports.

SPORTS:

1. Joshna won bronze medal medal in squash : Joshna Chinappa bagged bronze medal in squash women’s singles at the Asian Games 2018 after losing her semi-final tie.She was defeated by Malaysia’s Sivasangari Subramaniam.It is the first individual medal for Joshna at the Asian Games.Joshna secured a medal despite losing her match as both the losing semi-finalists in squash get the bronze medal without any bronze medal play-off.

2. Dipika won bronze in women’s squash : India’s squash player Dipika Pallikal won a bronze medal at the Asian Games on August 25, 2018.She was defeated by Malaysia’s Nicole David.Dipika had won a bronze at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon.This was her second medal at the Asian Games.