Daily GK Updates - 30th September, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India celebrated the 2nd Anniversary of Surgical Strikes as Parakram Parv during 29th to 30th September 2018. : The Parakram Parv celebrations were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at ‘Combined Commanders’ Conference in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Exhibition to highlight the valour and accomplishments of the Indian Army was also organised by Konark Corps at Jodhpur Military station.

2. Review Committee for Competition Act – 2002 : Government has constituted A Competition Law Review Committee to review the ‘Competition Act-2002’.The Chairperson of the Committee ‘Injeti Srinivas’ will be Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

3. Telecom giant Bharti Enterprises to join hands with Andhra Pradesh Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu called on Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder, and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises. The various IT-based initiative of Andhra government, Mittal expressed his willingness in joining hands with the state government.

4. Vice-president Venkaiah Naidu will inaugurate Worlds largest dome in Pune on Oct 2  The 160 ft dome will be inaugurated at the Maharashtra Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Loni-Kalbhor campus, on October 2, the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. With 160 feet diameter and 263 feet height, this would be one of the largest domes in the world. Earlier the largest dome was at Vatican city with 136 feet diameter and 448 feet height. On October 2, the World Parliament of Science, Religion and Philosophy, organised in the name of the philosopher-saint Dnyaneshwara and Jagadguru Saint Tukaram Maharaj will be inaugurated.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.International Current Affairs : The observance of this day seeks to recognize contribution of unsung heroes behind international diplomacy who work as language professionals to facilitate dialogue and contribute to development and strengthens world peace and security. Theme of International Translation Day 2018 : "Translation: promoting cultural heritage in changing times"

2.India And UN Signed A Five-Year Sustainable Development Framework Amitabh Kant and United Nations Resident Coordinator in India, Yuri Afanasiev, signed the Government of India-United Nations Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) for 2018-2022, at a special signing ceremony. The NITI Aayog is the national counterpart for the UN in India for the operationalization of the UNSDF.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. World Cup Finals – Archery : Archer Deepika Kumari won bronze in World Cup Finals.Abhishek Verma won a bronze in the men’s compound event.

2. Bajrang Punia with JSW Sports : Bajrang Punia has signed up with athlete management firm JSW Sports.He is current Asian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

3. 2018 World Wrestling Championships : Senior World Wrestling Championships will be held in Budapest, Hungary.It will start from Oct 20 to Oct 28.

Daily GK Updates - 29th September, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ravi, former Editor-in-Chief of The Hindu, elected PTI chairman : Ravi, the publisher of The Hindu Group of Newspapers, unanimously elected Chairman of Press Trust of India (PTI), the country’s largest news agency.Vijay Kumar Chopra, the chief editor of Punjab Kesari Group of newspapers, unanimously elected Vice Chairman of PTI.Ravi, 70, succeeds Viveck Goenka, Chairman and Managing Director of the Express Group.

2.Mary Kom has been named brand ambassador of Tribes India : Five-time world champion boxer MC Mary Kom was named as the brand ambassador of TribesIndia, an initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched the "Punch Tantra" collection to promote tribal artifacts and named Mary Kom as the brand ambassador of "Tribes India"- an initiative to promote tribal artifacts.Punch Tantra is an exclusive collection, which comprises a range of ethic and traditional tribal handicrafts and handloom products, was also unveiled during the event.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Typhoon Trami hit Japan's southern island of Okinawa : Typhoon Trami hit Japan's southern island of Okinawa with a maximum speed of 216 kilometres per hour today.Officials said, at least five people have been injured so far but no one is feared dead.However, the number may rise.

2. Nearly 400 killed in Indonesian quake, tsunami : Nearly 400 people were killed when a powerful quake sent a tsunami barrelling into the Indonesian island ofThe national disaster agency put the official death toll so far at 384, all of them in the tsunami- struck city of Palu but warned the toll was likely to rise.Some 540 people were badly injured, it added.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1.  India's external debt declines 2.8 percent $514.4 billion at end-June- RBI :According to the RBI, India's external debt declined 2.8 percent to USD 514.4 billion at June-end over the previous quarter       on account of a decrease in commercial borrowings, short-term debt, and non-resident Indian (NRI) deposits.at end-June 2018, the external debt was placed at USD 514.4 billion, recording a decrease of USD 14.9 billion over its level at end-March 2018.As per the RBI, the decrease in the magnitude of external debt was primarily due to valuation gains resulting from the appreciation of the US dollar against the Indian rupee and major currencies.

2.  RBI slaps Rs 5 crore penalty on Karur Vysya Bank : The Reserve Bank of India has imposed a penalty of Rs 5 crore on Karur Vysya Bank for non-compliance of its directives.According to an RBI statement on Friday, the penalty was imposed for non-compliance with its directions on "Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms, reporting of frauds, and on the need for discipline at the time of opening of current accounts".

SPORTS:

1. India lift Asia Cup for the 7th time : India has lifted the Asia Cup for a record seventh time.In the final of Asia Cup 2018, India defeated Bangladesh by 3 wickets on the final ball of the match to successfully defend the title. India won the toss and chose to field.At one time Bangladesh was 120 for no loss but the team was all out on 222 in 48.3 overs. Opener Liton Das scored 121, his maiden ODI ton.

Kuldeep Yadav bagged 3 wickets.

Daily GK Updates - 28th September, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 1.PM Modi inaugurates Parakram Parv in Jodhpur : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the’ Parakram Parv’ at the Combined Commanders' Conference in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.The Parakram Parv has commemorated the second anniversary of the surgical strikes and is being organised by the Konark Corps at the Jodhpur Military station.Similarly, around 53 locations in 51 cities across the country will be showcasing the events highlighting valour of Indian Armed Forces in general and Special Forces in particular.

2. NABARD hosts B2B Grameena Habba in Bengaluru : NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) has organized "Grameena Habba" at Premachandra Sagar Hall near Ashoka Pillar in Jayanagar.Grameena Habba is an exhibition cum sale of rural artisan products to provide a platform for weavers, rural artisans, and craftsmen, rural entrepreneurs to display and sell their products.About 40 artisans from across the state is displaying their products for sale.

3.Hardeep Singh Puri inaugurates International conference on plastics recycling and waste management : Hardeep Singh Puri (Housing and Urban Affairs Minister) has inaugurated the International conference on plastics recycling and waste management: Opportunity and Challenges, in New Delhi.Puri emphasized on solid waste management and said, urban rejuvenation has to be green & sustainable and government's flagship programmes.

4.Rajni Kant Misra appointed BSF chief & S S Deswal to head SSB : Rajni Kant Misra (IPS officer- 1984-batch -UP cadre) has been appointed as the director general of the Border Security Force (BSF).Misra is at present serving as the SSB chief.About two-lakh strong BSF guards India's frontier with Pakistan and Bangladesh.Mr. S S Deswal (IPS officer-1984-batch-Haryana cadre) has been appointed as the director general of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Commerce Ministers of India & Bangladesh hold Bilateral Meeting in Dhaka : The Union Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation minister Suresh Prabhu and Tofail Ahmed (Commerce Minister of Bangladesh) hold the bilateral meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh.They reiterated their commitment to further strengthen the bilateral relations on the basis of friendship, trust, and understanding for the mutual benefit of the people of Bangladesh and India.

2. High-Level meeting on Tuberculosis at 73rd Session of UNGA held in New York : The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare minister J P Nadda addressed at the ‘High-Level Meeting on Tuberculosis at the 73rd session of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York (USA).By launching the TB Free India Campaign, India has shown personal commitment to tackle TB head-on as India plans to eliminate TB by 2025.In the current year, India has allocated USD 430 million for implementation of the Plan, which is an increase of 54% over last year.

3. World Rabies Day being observed today : The World Rabies Day is observed on 28th September (since-2007) across the world to raise awareness about the rabies disease and its preventable measures.The day also marks the anniversary of French chemist and microbiologist Louis Pasteur's death, who developed the first rabies vaccine.The World Rabies Day 2018 theme is Rabies: Share the message. Save a life.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. 8th Asian Yoga Sports Championship begins in Thiruvananthapuram : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has inaugurated the 8th Asian Yoga Sports Championship in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.The pan-Asian yoga event is being held in the country for the second time, organized by Asian Yoga Federation.Competitions would be held under various age groups in six categories including Asian yogasana sports competition, artistic yoga, artistic pair yoga, rhythmic yoga, free flow dance competition, and professional yogasana sports competition.Nearly 450 participants representing 12 Asian countries showcasing their yoga skills will take part in the four-day event.

Daily GK Updates - 27th September, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  President Kovind clears ordinance to set up a committee to run Medical Council of India : President Ram Nath Kovind has given assent to promulgate an Ordinance to set up a committee to run the Medical Council of India (MCI) until Parliament passes legislation to replace the body with a new commission.The notification also stated that until a new council was reconstructed board would be constituted to take over the functioning of MCI.Earlier, the union cabinet cleared the Ordinance.

2. Cabinet approves National Digital Communication Policy : The union cabinet has approved the National Digital Communication Policy 2018 which aims to provide universal broadband connectivity at 50 megabit per second (MBPS) to every citizen.It will also provide one Gbps connectivity to all Gram Panchayats by 2020 and 10 Gbps by 2022.This estimated speed is much faster than the present speed being provided to Gram Panchayats and will enable fast Internet surfing and download of data.

3. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates ‘Lok Manthan 2018’ in Ranchi : Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated a national literary and intellectual conference ‘Lok Manthan 2018’ at Khel Gaon in Ranchi.This four-day event is being organized by the Department of Culture of Jharkhand Government in association with an NGO to have discussions on present social and cultural issues facing the country.

4.  Vice president M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurates Smart City Expo India-2018:

Vice president M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated three days long ‘Smart City Expo India-2018’ in Jaipur, Rajasthan.The object of this expo is to have discussions among different experts and groups to utilize benefits of new technology, town planning, capacity management, challenges before socio-economic development and development of networking in the Smart City sector.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. The World Tourism Day being observed today : The World Tourism Day (WTD) is being observed annually on 27th September (since-1980) to raise awareness about the importance of tourism.The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the role of tourism within the international community and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide.The theme of 2018 is ‘Tourism and the Digital Transformation’.

2.  27th September: World Maritime Day  : The World Maritime Day is being observed across the world on 27th September (last Thursday of September) to highlight the importance of shipping safety and maritime security.The theme of 2018 is ‘IMO 70: Our Heritage – Better Shipping for a Better Future’.

3.  Narendra Modi & Emmanuel Macron get UN Champions of the Earth Award : Prime Minister Narendra Modi awarded with the prestigious UN's (United Nations) Highest Environmental Award for championing the International Solar Alliance.According to UN Environment, Mr. Modi and Emmanuel Macron (French President) have been awarded in the Policy Leadership category, for their efforts regarding their International Solar Alliance.The award also recognizes the efforts for promoting new areas of co-operation on environmental action.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Govt. increases customs duties on 19 items : The union government has increased Custom Duty on 19 items, including jet fuel, ACs and refrigerators to curb imports of non-essential goods (operational since midnight).The total value of imports of these items in the year 2017-18 was about 86 thousand Crore rupees.The government has also announced an import duty of 5% on aviation turbine fuel (earlier it was nil).Curbing non-essential imports is part of the five-pronged steps announced by the government to check to widen the Current Account Deficit and capital outflows.

DEFENCE:

1.  IAF successfully test-fires air-to-air ‘Astra’ missile : The indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) ‘Astra’ has successfully test-fired by the Indian Air Force from Su-30 aircraft Air Force Station, Kalaikunda in West Bengal.Astra is the best in class weapon system and has undergone more than twenty developmental trials.This effort for building a state-of-the-art BVRAAM by Defence Research and Development Organisation together with IAF completed the development phase of the weapon system successfully.

Daily GK Updates - 26th September, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Dr. Harsh Vardhan inaugurates air pollution mitigation devices in Delhi :The Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has inaugurated the air pollution control device WAYU (Wind Augmentation Purifying Unit) for traffic junctions at ITO intersection and Mukarba Chowk in Delhi.The air pollution control device 'WAYU' has been developed by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research - National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI) and funded by the Department of Science and Technology.It consumes only half a unit of electricity for 10 hours of running and has a maintenance cost of only Rs. 1,500 per month, can purify the air in 500 square meters area.

2. Finance Ministry launched mobile app ‘Jan Dhan Darshak : The union finance Ministry has launched Mobile Application ‘Jan Dhan Darshak’ as a Part of Financial Inclusion (FI) initiative.This app will act as a guide for the common people in locating a financial service touch point at a given location in the country.Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance and National Informatics Centre (NIC) have jointly developed this app as a part of the financial inclusion initiative.

3. NITI Aayog to Organize Conference on Empowerment of Women SHGs : Tribal Affairs Minister Shri Jual Oram has inaugurated a Conference on Empowerment of Women SHGs & Organic Farmers Co-operatives from Dantewada, Bastar Region.NITI Aayog has Organized Conference in collaboration with the Tribal Affairs Ministry and Tribal Co-operative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).

4.  SC constitutes committee over prison reforms : The Supreme Court (SC) has constituted a three-member committee headed by the apex court's Justice (retd.) Amitava Roy to look into the problems in prisons across the country and suggest measures to tackle them.The Government officials will also assist the committee and submit a report before the top court in a stipulated time period.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  India ranks 96th on Economic Freedom Index; HK, Singapore retain top spot : According to the Centre for Civil Society (CCS) in conjunction with Canada’s Fraser Institute, India’s rank was still placed 96th (last year 98th) among 162 countries in this year’s report on Economic Freedom in the World.Hong Kong and Singapore again topped the index, Russia (87^th) and South Africa (94^th) are ahead of India while China (108^th) and Brazil (144^th) are behind.India improved its score on parameters such as legal system and property rights, access to sound money, freedom to trade internationally and regulation of credit, labour, and business.

2. Nepalese celebrate Indra Jatra festival : The famous Indra Jatra festival (eight-day long) is being celebrated with gaiety and religious fervor in Kathmandu (Nepal).President Bidya Devi Bhandari and thousands of people attended the Indra Jatra celebrations.The annual festival Indra Jatra is observed to worship the god Devraj Indra, the lord of rain and good harvest.Indra Jatra is mainly celebrated by the Newar community of Kathmandu valley and some other parts of the country.

3. ‘India - Uzbekistan: Dialogue of Cultures’ exhibition inaugurated in New Delhi : Shri Arun Goel (Secretary, Ministry of Culture) has inaugurated the exhibition “India - Uzbekistan: Dialogue of Cultures” at National Museum in New Delhi (till 24^th October).The exhibit will showcase ancient Uzbek manuscripts for onlookers to delve into the historical legacy of the two great nations.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FIANANCE:

1. ADB approves USD 500 mn for Tamil Nadu water supply, sewerage, drainage infra : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved financing of up to USD 500 million for a multi-tranche financing facility (MFF).It will develop climate-resilient water supply, sewerage, and drainage infrastructure in at least 10 cities in Tamil Nadu.The country's first solar-powered sewage treatment plant on a pilot basis will also be part of the programme.

DEFENCE:

1.  Defense Acquisition Council approves procurement of one thousand engines for T-72 tanks : Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved procurement of 1,000 engines for fitment in T-72 tanks of the Army at an approximate cost of over 2,300 crore rupees.The engines will enhance mobility, agility, and acceleration of T-72 tanks making them more versatile and effective in the battlefield.The DAC has also approved several amendments to Defence Procurement Procedure 2016, the manual governing the defense procurements.

OBITUARIES:

1. Hindi commentator Jasdev Singh passes away : Renowned Hindi commentator Jasdev Singh(87-year) passed away after the prolonged illness.He started his career in All India Radio in 1955 at their Jaipur station.He also did commentary for the Republic Day celeb for 48 long years (from 1963).Mr. Singh covered 9 Olympics, 6 Asian Games & countless Independence Day & Republic Day broadcasts.Jasdev was conferred with the Padma Shri (in 1985) and the Padma Bhushan(in 2008).

Daily GK Updates - 25th September, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Anil Kumar Chaudhary appointed as new SAIL chairman : Anil Kumar Chaudhary has been appointed as the new chairman and Managing Director of the Steel Authority of India (SAIL), country's largest steel making company.Currently, Mr. Chaudhary is serving as the Director (Finance) in SAIL.Chaudhary joined SAIL in 1984 as junior manager (F&A).SAIL is the largest steel-making company in India and one of the seven Maharatnas of the country's Central Public Sector Enterprises.

2.  Andhra Pradesh gets 1st rank in Ease of Living Index under AMRUT : Andhra Pradesh state has topped the charts among States in terms of “Ease of Living Index-2018” rankings launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).It was followed by Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.The three States were awarded best performing States at the National Dissemination Workshop on Ease of Living Index, 2018

3. Arunachal CM launches GeM in state : Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu has launched the nation-wide mission for the promotion of GeM (Government e Marketplace), aimed at bringing in more transparency and streamlining the government procurement.More than 26,000 government agencies have been incorporated in the Government e Marketplace (GeM).The objective of the launch is to accelerate the adoption and use of GeM by the state government and its agencies.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian actress Jaya Prada appointed Nepal's tourism goodwill ambassador : Indian actress Jaya Prada (60-year) has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for four years, for the promotion of Nepal tourismThe Nepal government has decided to observe the year 2020 as the 'Visit Nepal Year' campaign.

2. Pakistan launches a nationwide anti-polio vaccination drive : Pakistan has launched a massive nationwide three days anti-polio vaccination drive so that no one was left out.It has been touted as the final push against the crippling disease to cover 38.6 million children less than five years of age.A country must have no cases for three consecutive years in order to be considered to have eradicated polio by the World Health Organisation.

3. Statue of Nelson Mandela unveiled at United Nations : A statue of Nelson Mandela has been unveiled at the United Nations to honor the late South African leader's birth.This year marks the 100th anniversary of Mandela's birth, and the U.N. is declaring 2019-2028 the "Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the dedication today that Mandela embodied the highest values of the United Nations peace, forgiveness, compassion and human dignity.

4. India to organize 'Gandhi March' in the Netherlands : According to Indian Embassy in Hague, India will organize 'Gandhi March' from the iconic Peace Palace at the Hague to Grote Kerk to launch the two-year long celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.The 'Gandhi March' will see the participation of people of all nationalities and around 20 ambassadors of different countries.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.  Instagram co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger resign : Instagram Co-founders ‘Kevin Systrom’ (Chief Executive Officer) and ‘Mike Krieger’ (Chief Technical Officer) announced to resign from their respective positions in the social media company.They founded the photo-sharing app ‘Instagram’ in 2010 and sold it to Facebook (in 2012 for) about USD 1 billion in cash and stock.Instagram has seen explosive growth since its founding, with an estimated 1 billion monthly users and 2 million advertisers.

2. BSNL inks deal with Softbank, NTT to roll out 5G, IoT service : Telecom firm BSNL has inked a pact with Japan's Softbank and NTT Communications to roll out 5G and internet of things technology in India.Under the agreement with Softbank, BSNL will look at collaborating with the Japanese firm for its satellite constellation BSNL has signed an agreement with Nokia and Cisco as well for developing 5G ecosystem.

SPORTS:

1.  Croatian footballer Luka Modric wins FIFA's best player of the year award : Croatian footballer Luka Modric (33-year) has been named the world's best male player at the Best FIFA Football Awards in London.He beat former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah to the award.Brazil and Orlando Pride forward Marta won the best female player award.France's Didier Deschamps was named best men's coach.

OBITUARIES:

1.Former BCCI president BN Dutt passes away : Former BCCI president iswanath Dutt’ (92-year) passed away after suffering from acute lung infection.Mr. Dutt was best known in Indian cricket fraternity as Jagmohan Dalmiya's mentor.Dutt was the BCCI president in 1989 after a six-year stint as the vice-president of the parent body from 1982-88.

Daily GK Updates - 24th September, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.PM Modi inaugurates Sikkim's first airport at Pakyong : Prime Minister ‘Narendra Modi’ has inaugurated the Sikkim's first airport at Pakyong (about 30 km from Gangtok).It will improve connectivity and benefit the people of Sikkim.The Pakyong airport is situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet above the sea level, built at a cost of over 600 crore rupees.Commercial flights will begin from 4^th October when Spice jet will start its daily Kolkata-Sikkim flights.

2.PM Modi launches world’s largest healthcare scheme : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched Centre's flagship ‘Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) from Ranchi,Jharkhand.Under this scheme, over 10 crore families will be provided health assurance worth five lakh rupees each, every year.The scheme will become operational from 25^th September on the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay.The ambitious Ayushman Bharat scheme, renamed the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Abhiyan (PMJAY) aims to provide coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family annually.

3. Arjun Ram Meghwal inaugurates 2-day National Orientation workshop on NeVA : The Union Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal has inaugurated the two-day National Orientation workshop on National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA).Mr. Meghwal has also launched the new website of the NeVA and administered the Swachhata Pledge to over 200 delegates.This digital intervention is a big step to increase transparency, accountability and decreases the scope of corruption in the functioning of House.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 23 September: International Day of Sign Languages : International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) is celebrated annually across the world on 23rd September every year.The first International Day of Sign languages has been celebrated in 2018 under the theme “With Sign Language, Everyone is Included!”.The choice of 23^rd September is the same date that the WFD was established in 1951.

2.  Ibrahim Mohamed Solih wins the presidential election of Maldive : Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Opposition leader) has won the Maldives' presidential election.Mr. Solih has secured 58.3% of the popular vote.The Maldives is a South Asian sovereign state, located in the Indian Ocean, situated in the Arabian Sea.The President of the Maldives is the head of state and government of the Republic of the Maldives, and the commander-in-chief of the Maldives National Defence Force.

3.  Assamese film ‘Village Rockstars’ is India’s official entry for Oscars 2019 : According to the Film Federation of India (FFI), Assamese film ‘Village Rockstars’ is India’s official entry for Oscars 2019 in the Best Foreign Language film category.Village Rockstars is the story of a young girl Dhunu (10-years) who wants to be a guitarist.Village Rockstars is only the second Assamese film to win the Swarna Kamal for Best Feature Film at the National Film Awards, after Jahnu Barua’s 1987 film Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai.Indian filmmaker Rima Das is the Director of the film, Village Rockstars

4. Lucknow Metro first from India to get RoSPA award : The Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) has become the first ever metro rail corporation from India to bag the International 'Royal Society For The Prevention Of Accidents' (RoSPA) Award at a function in Glasgow, UK.LMRC has been given the Silver Award for its Phase 1A (North-South Corridor) in the Project/Infrastructure category for the year 2018.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India's growth to accelerate to 7.8% in next fiscal, says Fitch : According to Credit rating agency ‘Fitch’, India's economic growth will accelerate to 7.8% in the current financial year (earlier 7.4 percent).Forecast for the next two fiscals (2019-20 and 2020-21) have been shaved by 20 basis points (100 basis points means 1%) to 7.3 percent.According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), India's projected GDP growth of over 7% for the current fiscal.

SPORTS:

1. Deepak Punia settles for silver medal at junior world wrestling championship : India's Deepak Punia settled for a silver after losing the 86kg freestyle final to Arif Ozen (Turkey) at the junior world wrestling championship in Slovakia.India ended the championship with seven medals (4- silvers and 3 bronze).

OBITUARIES:

1. Renowned filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi passes away : Renowned filmmaker Kalpana Lajmi (64-years) passed away at the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai.She was known for her women-oriented films like ‘Rudaali’, ‘Daman’, ‘Darmiyaan’.Lajmi was suffering from a chronic kidney disease and liver failure. Lajmi's last movie as a director was "Chingaari" in 2006, based on a novel "The Prostitute and the Postman" by Bhupen Hazarika, who was her partner.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd September, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 1.Health Ministry Partners With Dell And Tata Trusts : The main aim is to provide a technological platform for nationwide prevention, control, screening and management program of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Anupriya Patel, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare released the user manual for NCD application under Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) IT Solutions.  

2. Goa holds inaugural Naval Flight Test Seminar :There were also a series of papers which were presented on weapon integration on service aircraft and towards building and sustaining the training for Naval Experimental Test Pilots and Flight Test Engineers. The industry participation was from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Boeing Defence and Dassault Aviation, in addition to the retired and serving experimental test crew from Indian Navy.  

3.  Gujarat clears desk for RoRo ferry services expansion : Around 54,639 passengers have already traveled through RoRo ferry services. Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had launched the highly prestigious Ghogha-Dahej ferry service. 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India and Morocco signed the revised Air Services Agreement : The agreement will enable the airlines of each side to enter into code share with airlines of other party. It will also provide greater freedom in mounting direct flights. The revised Agreement is the outcome of three meetings of delegation from two countries who had worked towards liberalization of markets between the two countries and updating of the existing Air Services Agreement.

2. India and Pakistan foreign ministers to meet in New York : On Pakistan's request, India agreed to a meeting between Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly next week. India's Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj will be in New York from September 24 to 30. Swaraj’s last significant meeting with a Pakistan leader was in December 2015

.

3.Trump suggested to build wall between Africa and Spain : Spain’s Foreign Minister said that the U.S. President Donald Trump suggested building a wall along the Sahara desert, Africa as on the Mexican border. This is to restrict the arrival of migrants. The wall spans from the Red Sea in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west, or close to 5,000 km.  Spain has become the number one point of entry for migrants coming to Europe by sea or by land from Africa. Many of these migrants cross the Sahara to Morocco and on to Spain across the Mediterranean, or over two high fences into the Spanish overseas territories of Ceuta and Melilla in northern Morocco.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. Madhya Pradesh gets $525 Million Loan for Infra Projects from BRICS Bank :Madhya Pradesh approved a $350-million loan for the Major District Roads Project II of Madhya Pradesh and $175 million for building and upgrading 350 bridges. The loan will be used by the Indian government for on-lending to the Madhya Pradesh government for rehabilitating major district roads with a total length of about 2,000 km to improve the connectivity of the rural interior with the national and state highway networks. The positive impacts of the project also include promoting an inclusive development of the rural communities in Madhya Pradesh and stimulating regional economic development through improved connectivity, 

DEFENCE:

1. DRDO Successfully Flight Tested Tactical Missile Prahar : It is a contemporary weapon system capable of carrying multiple types of warheads and neutralizing a wide variety of targets. About DRDO  Headquarters: New Delhi,  Founded:1958.  Chairman:Dr G Satheesh Reddy.

Daily GK Updates - 22nd September, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Scientist KN Vyas appointed Atomic Energy Commission Chief : Renowned scientist Kamlesh Nilkanth Vyas has been appointed the secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and chairman of the Atomic Energy Commission.Mr. Vyas has been appointed in place of Shekhar Basu.Currently, Mr. Vyas is the Director of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).Mr. Vyas is a Mechanical Engineering graduate from MS University, Vadodara.

2. PM Modi inaugurates new airport in Odisha's Jharsuguda : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched an airport at Jharsuguda (Odisha) and unveils a plaque marking the revival of Fertilizer Plant at Talcher, Odisha.The airport will bring western Odisha on the country's aviation map and facilitate regional air connectivity through the government's UDAN scheme.

3. ISRO technology incubation center inaugurated at NIT Agartala : Biplab Kumar Deb (Tripura Chief Minister) has inaugurated ISRO’s first Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC) at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Agartala via video conferencing from Bengaluru.The Centre was launched at the first edition of ‘Spacetronics’ organized by the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA).

4.  First general assembly of ISA to be inaugurated in Delhi : According to External Affairs Ministry release, the first General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) will be inaugurated on the 2nd of October 2018 in Delhi.The ISA is a major initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in contributing to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement through the rapid and massive deployment of solar energy.

5. Gujarat govt doubles farmers' accident insurance amounts : The Gujarat government has doubled the monetary assistance to farmers under the state-run Farmers' Accident Insurance Scheme.If a farmer dies or suffers a permanent disability in an accident, he or his kins would get Rs 2 lakh (Earlier 1 lakh).A farmer will also be entitled to get Rs 1 lakh instead of Rs 50,000 if he loses one eye or one limb in an accident.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang passes away : Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang (61-year) passed away after battling a ‘serious illness’ in Hanoi.In 2011, he was appointed Minister of Public Security, serving as Vietnam's de-facto top law enforcement officer.Quang became Vietnam's president following the 2016 Community Party Congress.

2. BRICS bank approves USD 525-million loan for infra projects in MP : The New Development Bank (NDB) of the BRICS countries has approved a USD 525-million loan (350+175) to Madhya Pradesh for infrastructure projects.The Board of Directors of the NDB approved a USD 350-million loan for the Major District Roads Project II of Madhya Pradesh and USD 175 million for building and upgrading 350 bridges

3. 3rd edition of MahaBiz 2018 to be held in Dubai : The 3rd edition of acclaimed International Business Conference ‘MahaBiz 2018’ will be held in Dubai (on 12^th- 13^th October 2018).MahaBiz is considered a bridge for business opportunities between Maharashtra state and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.GCC is a political and economic alliance of six middle eastern countries. It includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar.

OTHER UPDATES::

SPORTS:

1. India to host the Women’s World Boxing C’ship : According to the International Boxing Association (AIBA), Women's World Boxing Championships will be held in New Delhi (from 13-25th November).M C Mary Kom will be gunning for a sixth world title at the event.The first edition of the women's world championship was held in the United States in Scranton in 2001.

2.Track Asia Cup: Indian cyclists bag 3 Gold, 3 Silver, 1 Bronze on Day 1 : India won 3- Gold, 3-Silver and a Bronze on the opening day of the 5th Track Asia Cup Cycling at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi.Mayuri Lute won the country's first Gold in the Women's Junior 500 meters race.Indian men's junior team performed as expected in the team sprint event, by defeating Kazakhstan