Daily GK Updates - 19th September, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Kovind launches logo & web portal of Gandhi's 150th birth anniversary : President Ram Nath Kovind has launched the logo and the web portal for the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Father of the Nation) at Rashtrapati Bhawan.The designs of the logo with the colour guide are available on the website of gandhi.gov.in.The Logo Branding will be done in Trains, Air India aircrafts, State Roadways Buses, Government websites, Government advertisements besides Public Sector Undertakings.The two years long celebrations (2nd Octobers, 2018 to 2020) will be held across the country and all over the globe to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

2. Union Home Secretary launches ‘E-Sahaj’ Portal for grant of security clearance : Mr. Rajiv Gauba (Union Home Secretary) has launched an online ‘e-Sahaj’ portal for grant of Security Clearance.The online portal will facilitate an applicant to submit the application online and view the status of his application from time to time.The process has become standardized, resulting in a process which will be faster, transparent and easy to monitor.

3. Varun and Anushka signed as ambassadors of Skill India Campaign : Bollywood stars Varun Dhawan and Anushka Sharma have been signed on to promote and endorse the Skill India Mission.They will dedicate time to promote India's skilled talent and their fine work by engaging with them across different parts of the country.

4. Uttarakhand ranked best among states in PMGSY : Uttarakhand state has been ranked the best among states in the country for the construction of a maximum number of roads under the PMGSY during 2017-2018.The state constructed a maximum of 1,839 km roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (target for the year 2017-18 - 1,500 km).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Germany launches world's first hydrogen-powered train : The world’s first hydrogen train is now zooming along a 62-mile stretch of track in Germany.The hydrogen engines can hit a top speed of 140 kilometers per hour (87 miles per hour) and the trains have a range of about 600 miles.The vehicles are powered by fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity.The hydrogen train Created by Alstom (French company).

2. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani arrives in New Delhi : Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani arrived in New Delhi on a day-long visit to India.During the visit, Mr Ghani met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House (in Delhi) and discuss the issues related to bilateral ties and matters concerning regional security.India Foundation will host the civic reception for the visiting dignitary.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. India Post Payments Bank, Bajaj Allianz join hands ‘to provide insurance to all’ : India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) and private life insurer Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Co Ltd (BALIC) have entered into a strategic partnership to provide life insurance solutions.This partnership will leverage IPPB’s last mile reach for building awareness about life insurance.Both the companies came together to formally sign the Corporate Agency Agreement.

SPORTS:

1. World Champion Kevin Mayer sets new world record in Decathlon at Talence in France : The World champion Kevin Mayer (26-year) set a new world record in the decathlon with 9,126 points at the Decastar meet at the Decastar event in Talence, France.Mayer surpassed previous holder American Ashton Eaton’s 9045 points recorded at the 2015 world championships in Beijing.