Daily GK Updates - 29th March, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Former Governor's Book Titled ‘Indian Fiscal Federalism’ Launched  : The Chairman of 15th Finance Commission of India, N.K. Singh launched the book “Indian Fiscal Federalism”. The book has been written by Dr. Y. V. Reddy, former Governor of RBI and Chairman of the 14th Finance Commission of India along with Dr. G. R. Reddy, Advisor (Finance) to the Government of Telangana.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Israelis discover 'world's longest salt cave' : Israeli researchers have discovered the world’s longest salt cave named ‘Malham’. The cave stretches for over 10-kilometres (6.25 miles), through Mount Sodom (Israel's largest mountain) and spills out to the southwest corner of the adjacent Dead Sea. It was mapped out over two years by cavers from nine countries, led by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

2. Nepal Investment Summit 2019 commences in Kathmandu :  Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli has inaugurated "Nepal Investment Summit 2019" at ‘Hotel Soaltee’ in Kathmandu. Over 600 investors (265 from China, 120 from India) and delegates from 40 countries including India are participating in the two-day summit.The main objective of the event is to project Nepal as a favourable investment destination. Summit will unveil potential opportunities for investment in various sectors in Nepal including Hydropower, Tourism, Infrastructure, Industry, Transport, Agriculture and Information and Communication Technology.

3. India, Bangladesh start cruise service :  India and Bangladesh have started a cruise service that would take passengers through the Sunderbans to Dhaka. The objective of the move to strengthen inland waterway routes between the two countries.The MEA (External Affairs Ministry) official said, as the movement of goods starts using inland waterways, so goods from India can go in the cheapest possible form up to Narayanganj and Dhaka in Bangladesh. People would have the option to travel through the Sunderbans on luxury vessels up to Dhaka and back with border formalities being done at the crossing points in both countries.

4. Pakistan approves the proposal to open Sharda Peeth corridor :  The Pakistan government has approved a proposal to establish a corridor to visit Sharda Peeth in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Sharda Peeth is an ancient Hindu temple and cultural site in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. It will be the second religious tract after Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan-controlled territory that will connect the two neighbouring nations. The Sharda Peeth (130km from Srinagar) went under the control of Pakistan after Partition in 1947.

5. UN council passes a resolution to combat terrorist financing : The UN Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously passed the first-ever resolution ordering members to enforce laws against terror financing. It demands all states "ensure that their domestic laws and regulations establish serious criminal offences" to collect funds or financial resources to terrorist groups or individual criminals. The Security Council takes the lead in determining the existence of a threat to the peace or act of aggression.

6. Venezuela′s Juan Guaido barred from public office for 15 years :  According to Venezuela's Comptroller General Elvis Amoroso, Venezuela has barred opposition leader Juan Guaido from holding public office for 15 years. The decision was taken following an investigation that shows irregularities in his financial records. The decision will be for the maximum period established in the decree with the scope, courage and strength of the law against corruption.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1.Govt. decides to infuse around Rs 5000 Cr into Bank Of Baroda :  The Union Government has decided to infuse around 5,042 crore rupees into Bank of Baroda (BoB) ahead of the merger of two other public sector lenders Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda. The merger of Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda would be effective from 1st April 2019. In September 2019, the 'Alternative Mechanism' (AM) headed by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had decided to merge Dena Bank and Vijaya Bank with Bank of Baroda.

2. Bank of Baroda set to Develop Digital Agri Platform ‘Baroda Kisan’ : Bank of Baroda (BoB) has signed an MoU with agriculture services companies to develop an agriculture digital platform ‘Baroda Kisan’ for agricultural requirements solutions.The initiative is being executed by ITCoE of Bank of Baroda, in partnership with IBM India. Bank of Baroda (BoB) has signed the agreement with Skymet Weather Services, Weather Risk Management Services, BigHaat, Agrostar India, EM3 Agri Services, and Poorti Agri Services.

SPORTS:

1. Breakdancing makes next move to Olympic status at Paris 2024 :  The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended adding breakdancing, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games when the full membership meets in June. IOC President Thomas Bach said at a news conference in Switzerland that making the Olympics more affordable and responsive has been a key aim for the committee. He said the addition of these four sports to the Paris medal program offers the opportunity to connect with the young generation.