Daily GK Updates - 26th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.PM Modi inaugurates farmers' conclave Krishi Kumbha in Lucknow : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated three-day farmers' conclave 'Krishi Kumbh 2018' in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (via video conferencing).The 'Krishi Kumbh' is being organized to promote modern technique and diversification in agriculture that could help in doubling farmers income.The Kumbh will witness Israel & Japan (as official partners) while Haryana & Jharkhand (as partner states).The summit would introduce farmers to the evolving dynamics of farming so that they could increase their earnings by tapping the vast potential in agriculture and post-harvest management of crops.

2. HRD Minister launches web portal of SPARC in New Delhi : The Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) Prakash Javadekar has launched the web portal “sparc.iitkgp.ac.in.” in New Delhi.SPARC (Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration) scheme aims at improving the research ecosystem of India’s higher educational institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best institutions in the world.SPARC will improve research ecosystem of India’s higher educational institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best institutions in the world from 28 selected nations. 

3.Shri Rajnath Singh attends 57th Raising Day Parade of Indo-Tibetan Border Police : The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh attended the 57th Raising Day Parade of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.The ITBP jawans are deployed in North East and Left Wing Extremism affected areas.On this occasion, 1 Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, 05 President’s Police Medals for istinguished Service, 23 Police medals for meritorious service and 1 Jeevan Raksha Padak were awarded.

4.Maneka Gandhi inaugurates the fifth edition of Women of India National Organic Festival : The Union Women and child development minister Maneka Sanjay ‘Gandhi’ has inaugurated the Women of India National Organic Festival (5^th edition) at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in New Delhi. (26th Oct to 4th November 2018). The objective of the ten days long ‘Organic Festival’ is to boost organic culture and promote women, organic farmers and entrepreneurs

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NATO's biggest military maneuvers begin in Norway : The NATO's (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) biggest military maneuvers (since the Cold War) has begun in Norway.The wargames bring together around 50,000 personnel from all 29 NATO allies, plus partners Finland and Sweden.Around 65 vessels, 150 aircraft and 10,000 vehicles will also participate in the drill, which takes place in central and eastern Norway, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. It will go on till November 7.

2.India, Bangladesh sign several agreements for enhancing inland and coastal waterways connectivity : India and Bangladesh have signed several agreements for enhancing inland and coastal waterways connectivity for trade and cruise movements.The two countries have signed an agreement to use Chattogram and Mongla Ports in Bangladesh for movement of goods to and from India.A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has also been signed for movement of passenger and cruise services.

3.China successfully tests world’s largest Cargo Drone : China has successfully tested the world’s largest cargo drone Feihong-98(FH-98), carry a payload of 1.5 tonnes (1,500 Kg). This commercial drone ‘Feihong-98’ has been developed and modified by the China Academy of Aerospace Electronics Technology.The FH-98 has a maximum take-off weight of 5.25 tonnes (flight height of 4,500 metres) a cruising speed of 180 kmph, and a maximum range of 1,200 kms.

4.India wins 2018 CAPAM International Innovations Awards : India has won the prestigious 2018 Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management Award.This award celebrates the spirit of innovation in the public service by recognising organisations that have made significant contributions to improve governance and services in the public sector.The Union Government had sent entries for 2018 CAPAM International Innovations Awards, under various categories.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Wipro appoints ex-SBI chief Arundhati Bhattacharya as the Independent director : Former SBI chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya has been appointed as an independent director of Wipro (IT company) for a term of 5 years (from 1^st Jan 2019), subject to the approval of shareholders.Bhattacharya graduated from Kolkata's Lady Brabourne College in 1977 and picked up banking as a career option for supporting the family following her father's retirement from Bokaro Steel plant as an engineer.On 7^th October 2013, Bhattacharya became the first woman to be appointed as chairman of SBI.

SPORTS:

1.Pooja Dhanda wins Bronze Medal in World Wrestling Championships in Budapest : Pooja Dhanda has won a bronze medal in the women's freestyle (57kg weight class) in Wrestling World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.Dhanda defeated Grace Bullen of Norway 10-7.Earlier, Bajrang Punia's had settled for a silver in the 65kg category.