Daily GK Updates - 30th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Finance Minister Arun Jaitley released the book “Making of New India” : President Shri Ram Nath Kovind received the first copy of the book “Making of New India: Transformation under Modi Government”, from Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Shri Arun Jaitley.Mr. Jaitley formally released it at a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.This book contains fifty-one essays on themes ranging from economy to diplomacy, education to public health.

2. 8 more States achieve 100% household electrification under Saubhagya scheme : According to Power Minister R K Singh, Eight more States have achieved 100% household electrification under Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (Saubhagya).The states are Madhya Pradesh, Tripua, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Sikkim, Telangana and West Bengal.With this, a total of 15 States in the country have 100% household electrification.Around 2.1 crore connections have been released under Saubhagya so far.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President of India Inaugurates the 2nd International Ambedkar Conclave : The President Shri Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated the 2nd International Ambedkar Conclave in New Delhi.This International Ambedkar Conclave is a part of the commemoration of Constitution Day.The Conclave is being organised by the Forum of SC and ST Legislators and Parliamentarians and the Dr Ambedkar Chamber of Commerce.

2. Air forces of the US & India to hold joint exercise 'Cope India 2019' : Air forces of the United States and India will participate in a 12-day joint exercise 'Cope India 2019' at two air force stations in West Bengal.The exercise will be held from 3rd to 14th December at Air Station Kalaikunda and Air Station Arjan Singh (Panagarh).The exercise showcases the efforts and commitment of the two nationsto a free and open Indo-Pacific region.The Cope India exercise is being held after a gap of eight years, with the last one having taken place in 2010.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.  Electronics company LG Brian Kwon as mobile business President : resident of LG’s Home Entertainment Company Brian Kwon will leader the Mobile Communications (MC) Company.Current president Hwang Jeong-hwan will focus fully on as head of LG’s Convergence Business Development Office.It comes after LG’s mobile business posted a loss of USD 410 million this year, including a USD130.5 million net loss in the last quarter

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. NASA's InSight spacecraft successfully lands on Mars after a six-month journey : NASA's robotic InSight lander successfully landed on Red Planet Mars after the six-month journey.The spacecraft has been designed to dig deep into the rocky surface of the Mars to reveal its secrets.The lander sent signals indicating that its solar panels are open and collecting sunlight on the Martian surface.The Insight lander touched down near Mars' equator on the western side of a flat, smooth expanse of lava called Elysium Planitia.

SPORTS:

1. Magnus Carlsen wins the World Chess Championship 2018 : Current World champion Norwegian Magnus Carlsen (26-year-old) beat American Fabiano Caruana 3-0 and regain his World Chess Championship title-2018 in London, England.Rapid chess was used as a tie-breaker, with Carlsen winning three consecutive games.Carlsen won USD 625,000 as the winner, and Caruana received USD 511,400 as the runner-up.

Daily GK Updates - 29th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Arvind Saxena appointed UPSC chairman : Shri Arvind Saxena (1978-batch - Indian Postal Service officer) has been appointed as the chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).Earlier, Mr. Saxena has been performing duties of the post of acting Chairman, UPSC (Since 20^th June 2018). The term of Mr. Saxena appointment will be till 7^th August,2020(attains the age-65 years), or till further orders.

2. A.M. Naik appointed as Chairman of National Skill Development Corporation : The Group Chairman of Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T) Shri A.M. Naik has been appointed as the Chairman of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.NSDC has developed a unique model combining skill development with strong industry partnerships.Shri Naik was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his outstanding contribution to the economic growth of the country.

3. UGC to set up a consortium for approved journals : The University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to set up a Consortium of Academic and Research Ethics (CARE) which will prepare a fresh list of credible quality journals in the non-science disciplines.According to commission, the percentage of research articles published in poor quality journals is reported to be high in India which has adversely affected its image.Members of CARE will prepare lists of quality journals in their respective disciplines within a defined timeframe.

4. Himachal Pradesh first state to launch pan-India single emergency number :

The Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has launched the India’s first Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) at Mandi, Himachal Pradesh.All emergency numbers, including 100 (for police), 101 (for fire), 102 (for ambulance) and disaster response have been integrated into countrywide one number, 112.

5. Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport to be renamed after Vajpayee : The Uttarakhand government has decided to rename the Dehradun's Jolly Grant airport after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.The proposal to rename the airport was approved by the state cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.The cabinet also gave its nod to the setting up of the Uttarakhand State Agency For Public Services to ensure time-bound delivery of services and redressal of complaints.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Commemoration Day being observed across UAE today : Commemoration Day being observed across UAE in recognition of the sacrifice and dedication of Emirati martyrs who have given their lives in the field of civil, military and humanitarian service.It is a day to remember and honour those who gave their lives for their country. According to Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi (Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan), Commemoration Day is a national occasion to remember the ultimate sacrifice of the noblest sons of the United Arab Emirates who gave up their lives for the glory of this great nation, to defend its security and interests.

2. Donbass wins the Golden Peacock at IFFI 2018: Donbass’ has won the coveted Golden Peacock Award at the 49thInternational Film Festival of India (IFFI). The Golden Peacock Award carries a cash prize of Rs 40 lakhs to be shared equally between the Producer and the Director (Sergei Loznitsa), Trophy and the citation.Donbass tells the story of a hybrid war taking place in a region of Eastern Ukraine, involving an open armed conflict alongside killings and robberies perpetrated on a mass scale by separatist gangs.

3. PM Narendra Modi to take part in the 13th G-20 summit : The Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Buenos Aires (Capital of Argentina) to take part in the 13th G-20 summit.The theme of the summit is ‘Building Consensus for a Fair and Sustainable Development’.During the G20 summit, India will highlight the need for reformed multilateralism which reflects the contemporary realities and can effectively strengthen collective action for global good.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Finance Minister to present interim Budget for 2019-20 fiscal on 1st February 2019 : Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will present the interim Budget for 2019-20 fiscal on 1st of February next year.The work for preparation of interim Budget has already commenced and is now gaining momentum.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. ISRO launches India's first hyperspectral imaging satellite : The Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) reliable workhorse PSLV-C43 rocket successfully lifted off with earth observation satellite HysIS (hyperspectral imaging satellite) along with 30 foreign satellites from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Prades.The 30 commercial satellites (1 micro and 29 nano) from eight countries, combined weight is 261.5 kg.HysIS can provide hyperspectral imaging capabilities for a variety of purposes, including agriculture and forestry.

Daily GK Updates - 28th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Suresh Prabhu launches ‘logo’ and 'Brochure' of Logix India : The Union Minister ‘Suresh Prabhu’ has launched the ‘logo’ and ‘brochure’ of ‘Logix India 2019’ in New Delhi.The three-day (31^st Jan to 2^nd Feb 2019) mega logistics event is being organized by the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) to improve logistics cost effectiveness and operational efficiencies for India’s global trade.FIEO will also focus on investment opportunities in infrastructure development, warehouse consolidation, technology integration and IT enablement and skilling of manpower.India ranked 44th in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index 2018.As per the Economic Survey 2017-18, India’s logistics industry which is worth around USD 160 billion is likely to touch USD 215 billion in the next two years.

2. ADB to provide 75 mn loan for water supply project in Karnataka : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide a USD 75 million loan for a water supply project in four coastal towns of Karnataka.The project would ensure round the clock water supply in four towns (Kundapura, Mangalore Puttur and Udupi).The objective of the water supply project to improve urban water resourceiit management in selected river basins in Karnataka through modernisation and expansion of urban water supply and sanitation infrastructure

3. Arunachal to host first Literature Festival : The first edition of ‘Arunachal Literature Festival’ is being organized at Dorjee Khandu Convention Centre in Itanagar (28 to 30th November).The theme of the Arunachal Literature Festival is ‘building bridges through literature’.Renowned writers and poets will be participating from all over the country during the festival.The festival organized by the State Information and Public Relation Department ((IPR).

4. Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi flag off the 2nd Edition of HAUSLA Sports Meet in New Delhi : The Union Minister Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi flag off the HAUSLA-2018 Sports Meet at Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.The HAUSLA- 2018’ sports meet is part of various events like painting competition, athletics meet, football, chess competition and speech writing.According to Maneka Gandhi, the union government has provided platforms like ChildLine, e-Box for raising their grievance of any kind pertaining to child sexual abuse and harassment.

5.  Kiren Rijiju inaugurates 14th formation Day of NDMA : The Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju has inaugurated the 14th Formation Day of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in New Delhi.The theme of this year’s Formation Day is ‘Early Warning for Disasters’.NDMA also released training manual for masons on Hazard-Resistant Construction and “Gujarat floods 2017: A Case Study”

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nepal govt launches Social Security Scheme : Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has launched a Social Security Scheme for formal sector workers of the country in Kathmandu.It was very necessary to strengthen the system in which the government is accountable to its people.People of all ages and categories would be included in the scheme.The new social security scheme is contribution based and it will cover health and medical facilities, safe motherhood, accident and physical incapacity security, security to dependent family members and security at old age.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. BCCI announces two-year ban for age frauds : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced doubling of the ban for age frauds in cricketers sport.According to BCCI, any cricketer who is found guilty of tampering his/her date of birth will be disqualified and barred from participating in any BCCI tournament for a period of 2 years.Earlier, a cricketer faced a ban of one year.

OBITUARIES:

1.  Singer Mohammed Aziz passes away : Well-known singer ‘Mohammed Aziz’ (64-year) passed away in Mumbai.Mohammed Aziz recorded over 20,000 songs in his three-decade-long career.Some of Aziz’s famous songs include, "Mard Taangewala" (first break in Bollywood) 'Imli Ka Boota', 'Aap Ke Aa Jaane Se', 'Ek Dusre Se Karte Hai Pyar Hum’, 'Roz Roz Aankhon Tale', 'Aankhon Hi Aankhon Main', 'Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka' and 'My Name is Lakhan'.Mohammed Aziz made his singing debut with Bengali film 'Jyoti'.

2. Oscar-Winning Director Bernardo Bertolucci passes away : Italian filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci (77-year) passed away at his home in Rome(Itley).Bertolucci won Oscars with “The Last Emperor” and whose erotic drama “Last Tango in Paris” enthralled and shocked the world

Daily GK Updates - 27th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sunil Arora appointed new Chief Election Commissioner : Election Commissioner 62-years-old Sunil Arora (1980-batch IAS officer of the Rajasthan cadre) has been appointed the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Mr Arora (take over on 2^nd December) succeeds the incumbent CEC Mr Om Prakash Rawat (retired on Saturday). He has worked in ministries such as finance, textiles and the Planning Commission. Arora has graduate (BA Honours) and postgraduate (MA) degrees in English from Panjab University in the Union Territory of Chandigarh.

2. Vice President lays foundation stone for Kartarpur corridor : Vice President of India Sri Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone of the Dera Baba Nanak - Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in an event at Mann village of Gurdaspur district of Punjab, India.The corridor will connect ‘Dera Baba Nanak’ (in Gurdaspur district-India) to the ‘Gurdwara Darbar Sahib’ (in Kartarpur in Narowal district of Pakistan).The corridor will provide smooth and easy passage to Sikh pilgrims to visit ‘Gurdwara Darbar Sahib’ in Pakistan throughout the year (completed by 23^rd November 2019).

3. Government to set up National Sports Stadium for differently-abled in Meghalaya : According to Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot, A stadium of international standard for differently-abled persons (estimated cost of over Rs 200 crore) will be set up in Meghalaya.The decision was taken after Conrad Sangma (Meghalaya Chief Minister) came forward with the proposal and provided 50 acres of land for the same.The stadium is expected to be completed before National Games 2022.

4. National festival for CCI children ‘HAUSLA-2018’ inaugurated in New Delhi :The Shri Rakesh Srivastava (the Secretary, Ministry of Women and Child Development)  has inaugurated the four-day National Festival for Children of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) ‘Hausla 2018’ in New Delhi.'Hausla 2018' has seen the participation of more than 600 children from CCIs across 18 states.The theme for the event is 'child safety'.The objective of the event was to provide a national platform to the children from CCIs to showcase their talent, realise their hidden talents and to take it forward in their lives.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Monaco to host 2019 Laureus awards in February : The 19th edition of Laureus World Sports Awards will be held in Monacoon 18^th February 2019.The Laureus World Sports Awards (considered ‘Oscars of sports) celebrate global sporting achievements across the calendar year.Last year, tennis great Roger Federer won the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award for a record fifth time.Serena Williams won the Sportswoman of the Year recognition for the fourth time.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Centre & ADB sign 200 million USD loan pact to upgrade state highways in Bihar : The Union Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a 200 million USD loan agreement to finance widening and upgrading of about 230 Kilometers State Highways in Bihar.The agreement was signed by Sameer Kumar Khare (Additional Secretary in the Finance Ministry) and Rajeev P. Singh (Officer-in-Charge of ADB's India Resident Mission) in New Delhi. This loan will help the State government to upgrade all State Highwaysto meet the minimum two-lane standard with better surfaces and improved road safety.

2. Microsoft surpasses Apple to become the most valuable US Company :Microsoft has become the most valuable US company with USD 753.3 billion in market capitalization, past Apple (USD 746.8 billion) for the first time since 2010.Currently, Amazon with USD 736.6 billion is at third and Alphabet (the parent company of Google) with USD 725.5 billion is at the fourth spot.Now, the investors are betting big on companies with robust Cloud services and software services which are witnessing an increased demand.

SPORTS:

1. The inaugural ceremony of Men's Hockey World Cup 2018 held in Bhubaneswar : The opening ceremony of the 14th edition of Men's Hockey World Cup (HWC) held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.Around 1,100 artists, star actors Shahrukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit and AR Rahman (music composer) have performed at the ceremony.Meanwhile, matches for the World Cup will commence at Kalinga Stadium from tomorrow.

Daily GK Updates - 26th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 26th November: National Milk Day : The National Milk Day (NMD) has been observed on 26th Novemberacross India to mark the birth anniversary of the Father of the White Revolution Dr. Verghese Kurien.The idea of observing National Milk Day was first mooted by Indian Dairy Association (IDA) in 2014 on the lines of World Milk Day that is observed on 1st June every year under the aegis of UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).Dr. Kurien he was conferred with many accolades such as Ramon Magsaysay Award, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Krishi Ratna, World Food Prize, Padma Vibhushan, etc.

2.  26th November: Constitution Day being Celebrated : The Constitution Day in India is being celebrated every year on 26th of November.The constitution of India (supreme law of India) was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on 26th of November 1949 and came into force on 26th January in 1950.The day is celebrated to value and preserve the rich heritage of composite culture and to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform.

3. Andhra Pradesh Government launched Bhuseva and Bhudaar web portal : Andhra Pradesh Government has launched ‘Bhuseva’ and ‘Bhudaar’ web portal through which people can view land records online.People can get land record online through these portals using Aadhaar card.The Bhudaar security policy was also launched to provide security to the land records of farmers.The Bhudaar card can be generated by the landowner or property owner from Bhuseva web portal.

4. President pays tribute to 26/11 Mumbai Attack Victims :  President Ram Nath Kovind on November 26, 2018 paid tributes to the victims of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks on its 10th anniversary.  In a tweet, the President said that ten years after the Mumbai terror attacks, his thoughts were with families and individuals who suffered.  He also added saying that the country salutes those from the police and security forces who made the supreme sacrifice that day and that India remains honour-bound to securing justice and defeating terrorism. 

5. Dehradun airport to be renamed after Vajpayee : The Uttarakhand government on November 25, 2018 decided to rename the Dehradun airport after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpaye.  The proposal to rename the Jolly Grant airport after Vajpayee was approved by the state cabinet at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. The cabinet also gave its nod to the setting up of the Uttarakhand State Agency For Public Services to ensure time-bound delivery of services and redressal of complaints. The cabinet cleared a total of 27 proposals, including convening a three-day Winter Session of the Assembly from December 4

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. IFFI nominates 12 movies for ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal : The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has nominated 12 movies for this year’s International Council for Film, Television and Audio-visual Communication (ICFT) UNESCO Gandhi Medal.  Of these 12 films, two are from India and the rest are foreign movies. The two Indian movies competing for the honour are Tamil film ‘Baaram’ and Ladakhi movie ‘Walking with the Wind’.

2. Sri Lanka's SC forms bench to decide upon President’s proclamation :  Sri Lanka's Supreme Court has constituted a seven-judge bench to decide upon President’s proclamation to dissolve the parliament. A three-judge bench of Supreme Court had earlier issued stay order after several parties filed petitions against dissolving of Parliament and further hearing will be held next week to decide upon the matter.  Another court of appeal has decided to take up the petition of Quo Warranto filed by 122 MPs challenging Mahinda Rajapaksa’s authority to hold the office of Prime Minister on November 30, 2018 after a no-confidence motion was passed in Parliament against him. 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Bhavani Devi wins gold in Senior Commonwealth Fencing Championship : India's Bhavani Devi (first Indian) has won the gold medal in the Sabre event in the Senior Commonwealth Fencing Championship 2018 in Canberra, Australia. She defeated England's Emily Ruaux 15-12 in the final. Earlier, Bhavani Devi won a silver medal in the Tournoi Satellite Fencing Championship in Iceland.

2. Sameer Verma retains the Syed Modi International C'ships title : Ace Indian shuttler Sameer Verma has clinched the Men's Singles title of Syed Modi International Badminton Championships against Guangzu Lu (China), to retain the title. With this win, Verma sealed his spot in the BWF World Tour Finals. Men’s doubles pair of Satwik Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and women’s doubles players Ashwini Ponnappa and Sikki Reddy also settled for silver in their respective finals.

OBITUARIES:

1. Former Union Minister Ambareesh passes away :  Kannada actor and politician Ambareesh passed away on November 24, 2018 due to cardiac arrest, sources said. He was 66. A former Union minister, Ambareesh was rushed to a private hospital at around 9 pm after he complained of breathing problems and died shortly thereafter. He is a three-time Lok Sabha member and also a former state minister, had not been keeping well in recent years. He is survived by actress Sumalatha and a son.Known as a "rebel star", Ambareesh had acted in over 200 films and had carved a niche for himself in the Kannada film industry.

Daily GK Updates - 25th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Delhi government launched Open Transit Data platform : To increase transparency and build transport solutions, the transport department of the Delhi government has launched the Open Transit Data platform which provides real-time datasets free of cost.It is a major step to promote collaboration and co-creation of innovative and inclusive transport solutions for the people of Delhi.The portal was designed and developed by IIIT Delhi on behalf of the Delhi government.

2. Bihar CM unveils 70 ft tall Lord Buddha's statue in Rajgir : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled a 70-feet tall statue of Lord Buddha (made of pink sandstone) at Rajgir in Nalanda district, Bihar.it is the second tallest statue of Buddha in the country.The statue has been installed above a 16-metre radius pedestal in the middle of Lake Ghora Katora.

3.  Amitabh Bachchan receives Sayaji Ratna award : Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has been awarded the third Sayaji Ratna Award for contribution to social causes.Earlier, N R Narayana Murthy (Infosys co-founder) and Ratan Tata (noted industrialist) have been given the award earlier.In 2013, The Baroda Management Association had instituted the award to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the ruler, known for undertaking major social reform measures during his rule in the early twentieth century.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UNICEF appoints singer Nahid Afrin as first 'Youth Advocate' of the northeastern region : Popular singer 17-year-old ‘Nahid Afrin’ (from Assam) has been appointed as the first 'Youth Advocate' of the northeastern region by the UNICEF (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to fight for child rights.The UNICEF engages 'Youth Advocates' to harness their voice as agents of change in society.Nahid made her playback debut in the 2016 Bollywood film 'Akira'starring Sonakshi Sinha in the lead.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. UN selects Noida & Greater Noida to participate in Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative : The United Nations (UN) has selected Uttar Pradesh's Noida and Greater Noida to participate in its Global Sustainable Cities 2025 initiative.The twin-cities in Gautam Buddh Nagar district, adjoining the national capital, have been selected in the "University City" category ahead of Mumbai and Bengaluru as the only invitee from India.Overall 25 cities across the world have been selected in five categories by the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) cities initiative

SPORTS:

1.  Mary Kom becomes the first female boxer to win 6 gold medals at World C'ships : India's MC Mary Kom (35-year) defeated Hanna Okhota (Ukraine) by 5-0 in the 48kg light flyweight to clinch an unprecedented 6^th gold medal at the women’s World Championships in New Delhi.Now, Mary Kom has become the first female boxer to win six gold medals at world championships .Mary Kom had won gold in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010 editions of the Women's World Boxing Championship and was tied at five gold medals with Katie Taylor of Ireland.

2. Harmanpreet Kaur named the captain of ICC Women's World Twenty20 XI : India's batting star Harmanpreet Kaur has been named as captain of the ICC Women's World Twenty20 XI, which also featured opener Smriti Mandhana and leg-spinner Poonam Yadav A selection panel of ICC has picked up the team based on the players' performances in the tournament.Three players from England, two from Australia and one each from Pakistan, New Zealand and the Windies have also been named in the eleven.

Daily GK Updates - 24th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Vijay Kumar Dev appointed Delhi chief secretary : Senior IAS officer Vijay Kumar Dev (1987 batch from AGMUT  cadre) has been appointed as the chief secretary of Delhi.He replaced Anshu Prakash (transferred last week as the additional secretary of the Department of Telecommunications).Earlier, Mr. Dev has served as the chief election officer of Delhi

2. Cabinet clears mandatory jute packaging of 100% food grains : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given its approval to expand the scope of mandatory packaging norms under the Jute Packaging Material (JPM) Act, 1987.The CCEA approved that 100% of the food grains and 20% of sugarshall be andatorily packed in diversified jute bags.The decision to pack sugar in diversified jute bags will give an impetus to the diversification of the jute industry.The CCEA also approved the establishment of National Facility for Airborne Research with a financial commitment of 130 crore rupeesduring 2020-21 and beyond.

3. Malaria cases declined by 24% in India : According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India is the only country to have recorded a substantial decline in malaria cases in 2017 out of the 11 highest burden countries worldwide.India accounted for 4% of global malaria cases in 2017.As reflected in this year's World malaria report, India registered a 24% reduction in cases over 2016, largely due to substantial declines of the disease in the highly malarious state of Odisha.

4. Tripura Governor inaugurates 7th International Tourism Mart in Agartala : Tripura Governor Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki has inaugurated the “7th International Tourism Mart for the North-East States”.This is an annual event organised in the North Eastern region with the objective of highlighting the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets.It brings together the tourism business fraternity and entrepreneurs from the eight North Eastern States.  

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Millie Bobby Brown named UNICEF’s youngest-ever Goodwill Ambassador : Emmy-nominated British actress ‘Millie Bobby Brown’ (14-year) has been appointed as UNICEF’s newest Goodwill Ambassador.She is joined by stars and leaders in entertainment, government, sport and business who are rallying for children in support of their rights.In addition to these high-profile advocates, countries around the world are appointing UNICEF Youth Ambassadors and collaborating with Youth Advocates.

2. S.P. Ganguly awarded Mexican Order of Aztec Eagle : The  Mexican government has honoured Indian academician Shyama Prasad Ganguly (first Indian Academician) with 'Orden Mexicana del Águila Azteca' (Mexican Order of the Aztec Eagle), the highest civilian honour given to a foreigner by Mexico.He was awarded for disseminating Spanish language and Mexican culture to strengthen Mexico-India cultural relations.Mr. Gaguky is the former professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

3.Filmmaker Nandita Das to receive FIAPF Award : Filmmaker Nandita Das will be honoured with the International Federation of Film Producers ssociations (FIAPF) Award at the 12th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) in Brisbane.She will be presented the award in recognition of her achievement in film in the Asia Pacific region.Nandita Das started her career as an actor in films like "1947 Earth", "Fire" and "Hazaar Chaurasi Ki Maa".

4. MEA Sushma Swaraj co-chaired 9th meeting of India-Lao PDR Joint Commission : The union external Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has co-chaired the 9th Meeting of India-Lao PDR Joint Commission on Bilateral Co-operation with her counterpart Saleumxay Kommasith in Vientiane.The two sides have reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations covering areas of Defence, Agriculture, Trade and Investment, Science and IT, Energy and Mining among others.

OTHER UPDATES:

OBITUARIES:

1. Noted Indian classical musician Ustad Imrat Khan passes away : Classical music stalwart Ustad Imrat Khan (83-years) passed away in the US after a brief illness.Mr. Khan dedicated his life to propagating the Sitar and the surbahar worldwide.Imrat Khan famously turned down the Padma Shri last year saying the recognition had come too late and diminished his achievements.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sangai Festival 2018 : Sangai Festival 2018 aka Manipur Sangai Festival 2018 has begun in Manipur by Manipur Tourism.The festival has been named after the Brow-Antlered Sangai Deer which is known to be gentle.

2. 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak : PM Modi constituted National Implementation Committee (NIC) to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.Head of the committee :- Rajnath Singh, Home Minister.

3. Sashakt Mahila Yojna : Himachal Pradesh Govt. has accorded its approval to implement Sashakt Mahila Yojna in the state.The aim is to empower rural women by providing them an interface for organisation and socio-economic development.

4. Sayaji Ratna Award : Amitabh Bachchan has been honoured with Sayaji Ratna Award for contribution to social causes.Baroda Management Association has instituted a national level Sayaji Ratna Award in 2013 to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the erstwhile ruler of Baroda. BMA is an institution founded in 1957 in Vadodara and is an organization member of All India Management Association.

5. ‘Export Excellence’ Tag to Bhadohid : Carpet city Bhadohi will get ‘Export Excellence’ Tag Under the ‘Towns of Export Excellence’ by Directorate General of Foreign Trade.Bhadohi is a city in Bhadohi district in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is also known as the “Carpet City,” as it is home to the largest hand-knotted carpet weaving industry hub in South Asia. The city is 45 km west of Varanasi.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  World Malaria Report : World Malaria Report has been published by World Health Organisation.India has recorded nearly 24% decline in Malaria Cases in between 2016 and 2017.India is committed to eliminate malaria by 2027, three years ahead of SDG.2. 12th World Congress on Mountain Medicine The 12th World Congress on Mountain Medicine has started in Kathmandu, Nepal. Theme :- ‘Mountain Medicine in the Heart of the Himalayas’.

3. William Goldman passes away : William Goldman has passed away at 87.William Goldman was an American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. He first came to prominence in the 1950s as a novelist, before turning to screenwriting. He won two Academy Awards for his screenplays, first for the western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and again for All the President’s Men.

4. UN environment chief has resigned : UN environment chief Erik Solheim has resigned after an audit report found that he had spent excess travel.Joyce Msuya (Deputy ED of UNEP) will be appointed as acting Executive DirectorThe United Nations Environment Programme, an agency of the United Nations, coordinates the organization’s environmental activities and assists developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India Skills Report 2019 : India Skills Report is compiled by Wheebox (Global Talent Assessment Firm), PeopleStrong (HR Tech Company) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).Employability has increased from 37% to 47.38% in 5 years.

2. Neighbourly App by Google : Google has launched Neighbourly App for the Indian market. It will give hyper local information on neighbourhoods like from information on plumber availability to tuition teachers’ availability.

3. Paytm with LIC : Paytm has partnered with LIC to offer online insurance premium payments on its platform.Life Insurance Corporation of India is an Indian state-owned insurance group and investment company headquartered in Mumbai. It is the largest insurance company in India with an estimated asset value of ₹2,529,390 crore.

4. Expedia Vacation Deprivation Report 2018 : India is ranked 5th in the list of most vacation deprived nation in the world.Expedia Vacation Deprivation Report 2018 is compiled by Expedia(US based travel agency).Expedia.com is a travel booking website owned by Expedia Group. The website can be used to book airline tickets, hotel reservations, car rentals, cruises and vacation packages. Expedia is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington.

SPORTS:

1. Elite Adidas Athletes : Adidas has announced its association with India men’s hockey team skipper Manpreet Singh.The elite list of athletes that includes Hima Das, Swapna Burman, Rohit Sharma, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Dipika Pallikal, Zeel Desai, Nikhat Zareen, Siddhanth Banthia, and Manjot Kalra to name a few.

2. BWF World Junior Championship 2018 : Shuttler Lakshya Sen won the bronze medal in Men’s Single event.LI NING BWF World Junior Championship was organized at Markham, Canada

3. ICC with Google : ICC has partnered with Google to offer the user a viewing experience of the upcoming semi-finals and final of the ICC Women’s World T20.This will include the Casting the Video from ICC Mobile App.