Daily GK Updates - 19th August, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Railway Ministry launches ‘Digital Screens’ at 22 stations : The Railways Ministry has made “digital screens” operational at 22 stations as an innovative low-cost solution to spread awareness among the public about the opulent heritage of Indian Railways.the project aims at showcasing the legacy of Indian Railways through one to two-minute-long movie clips.The short films will showcase heritage buildings, locomotives and much more to make people aware of the rich heritage of Indian Railways.

2. Telangana Government launches Disaster Response Force in Hyderabad : Telangana Govt. has launched its own Disaster Response Force (DRF) vehicles in Hyderabad to swiftly deal with emergency situations.DRF vehicles provided to this force will be parked at 24 locations with Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).It will help DRF staff to reach the emergency spots in no time.Disaster Response Force (DRF) is a state level dedicated disaster force trained in tackling of urban flooding, tree falls, structural collapses and any other site of normal emergencies.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.19^th August: World Humanitarian Day observed today : The World Humanitarian Day (WHD) is observed across the world every year on 19th August to recognize the work of humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes.The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the spirit that inspires humanitarian work around the globe.The 2018 World Humanitarian Day campaign: #NotATarget

2.19^th August:  World Photography Day being observed today : The 'World Photography Day' observed to inspire photographers across the planet to share a single photo with the world.On this day, camera persons take stock of the different kind of photography that has come to the fore.On August 19 in 2010, World Photo Day hosted its first global online gallery.

3. Sushma Swaraj inaugurates ‘Panini language laboratory in Mauritius : The External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has inaugurated 'Panini Language Laboratory' at Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) at Port Louis in Mauritius.She called on Pravind Kumar Jagnauth (Prime Minister of Mauritius) and discussed further deepening of the special ties between the two nations.The Lab has been gifted by the Government of India to help MGI in the teaching of all Indian languages in Mauritius.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Infosys CFO Ranganath resigns : The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Infosys (India’s second-largest software services company) ‘MD Ranganath’ has abruptly stepped down from his position.Deputy CFO at Infosys Jayesh Sanghrajka is likely to replace Mr. Ranganath as the company’s next finance chief.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY :

1.India successfully tests indigenously Anti-Tank Guided Missile ‘HELINA’ in Pokhran : Indigenously-developed guided bombs- Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon and anti-tank guided missile 'Helina' has been successfully tested at separate firing ranges in Rajasthan.The weapon system tested for its full range was released smoothly from the launch platform.The indigenously designed and developed guided bombs Smart Anti Airfield Weapon (SAAW) has been also successfully flight tested from IAF aircraft at Chandan range in Jaisalmer.

SPORTS:

1.Mitchell Johnson announces retirement from all forms of Cricket : Australian cricketer Mitchell Johnson has announced the retirement from all forms of cricket.Johnson played 73 Tests in the Baggy Green, claiming 313 wickets (the fourth most for an Australian).He also played 153 ODIs before retiring from international cricket in 2015.Johnson was awarded the International Cricket Council's Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year) in 2009.

OBITUARIES:

1. Former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan passes away : Former United Nations Secretary-General and Nobel Peace Prize winner ‘Kofi Atta Annan’ (80-years) passes away after a short unspecified illness.Ghanaian diplomat Mr Annan served as the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations (January 1997 to December 2006).Mr Annan was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with the UN in 2001 "for their work for a better organized and more peaceful world"