Daily GK Updates - 17th October,2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

   I.       M K Surana appointed as new HPCL Chairman.

II.        Civil Aviation Minister inaugurates International Civil Helicopters Conclave 2015: Union Minister of Civil Aviation P Ashok GajapathiRaju inaugurated the International Civil Helicopters Conclave 2015 in New Delhi.

III.   G R Chandak appointed as Director of Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderbad, under the Department of Biotechnology.

IV.    Association for Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), the industry body for mutual funds, elected Leo Puri of UTI AMC as its new chairman and retained A Balasubramanian as Vice-chairman.

V.     Mumbai Metro Users can now recharge their smartcards on Paytm: Paytm, a leading mobile commerce platform, has tied up with the Mumbai metro to offer online ticketing and recharges on the ‘Paytm platform’.

VI.      PM Modi says India proud to host India-Africa Summit: Ahead of the India-Africa summit, he said India was proud to host the event which reflects a desire by the two sides to engage more intensively for better future. Representatives of 54 African Nations including the heads of state and government of around 40 countries and powerful African Union are expected to participate in the four day India-Africa Summit beginning on October 26.

VII. Aditya Birla Group launched online fashion store Abof.com.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

  I.     Nepal elects first woman as Parliament Speaker: Nepalese lawmakers elected the country’s 1^st woman speaker of the parliament following formation of a new government after promulgation of the constitution. Parliament unanimously elected UCPN-Maoist lawmaker OnsariGhartiMagar as the speaker of the house.

II.      China launches new communication satellite for HK firm: China put into orbit a new communication satellite APSTAR-9 in a commercial mission by the Long March-3B carrier rocket for the Hong Kong based APT Satellite Company Ltd.

III.   Pakistan and Russia signed agreement to build 1100 km Gas pipeline: The pipeline will be stretching from Karachi on Arabian Sea to the eastern city of Lahore.

IV.  China and Indonesia signed 5.5 billion USD deal to build high-speed railway in Indonesia: The project will be implemented by state-owned China Railway International and a consortium of Indonesian State Companies.

V.    International Day for the Eradication of Poverty Observed globally: It was observed on 17^th October 2015 with a theme ‘Building a sustainable future: Coming together to end poverty and discrimination’.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

  I.        RBI formed Financial Inclusion Fund with 2000 crore rupees corpus: The fund was formed by merging the Financial Inclusion Fund (FIF) and Financial Inclusion Technology Fund (FITF). The new FIF will be administered by the reconstituted Advisory Board constituted by Union Government and will be maintained by NABARD.

SPORTS:

II.       Indian lifters sweep team trophies at Commonwealth Championship: India bagged top honours in senior men, senior women, junior men, junior women and youth girls’ categories, while finishing runners-up in the youth boys division.

AWARDS:

VI.   Shah Rukh Khan receives honorary doctorate from Edinburgh University: Shah Rukh Khan received the degree of Doctor HonorisCausa from the University Chancellor HRH The Princess Royal in Edinburgh.

VII. Bank of Baroda has conferred poet, lyricist and advertising guru Prasoon Joshi with Maharaja SayajiraoBhashaSamman.

OBITUARIES:

   I.     Admiral RadhakrishnaHariramTahiliani (Retd) passed away at the age of 85. He served as the 11^th Chief of Naval Staff from Dec 1984 to ovember 1987.

Daily GK Updates - 22nd September 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

   I.            EMI-EMC and NFTR test facilities inaugurated at BEL-Ghaziabad: Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI)-Electro Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) test facility and Near Field Test Range (NFTR) were inaugurated at the Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) – Ghaziabad by Chairman Chief of Staff Committee (COSC) Arup Raha.

II.            Supreme Court issued notice to Telangana Government on omission of 26 castes from state BC list: It was done followong a petition filed by SettiBalija Youth Association.

III.            Union Government released Draft National Encryption Policy: The Department of Electronics and Information Technology (Deity) released the policy to encourage use of encryption technologies and product among governmental agencies, businesses and citizens for more secure communications and financial transactions in the cyber space.

IV.            Indian Coast Guard commissioned indigenously built vessels Apoorva and C-421: They were commissioned at the Naval Dock in Mumbai by Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of Western Naval Command SPS Cheema.

V.            Rajasthan Assembly passed Rajasthan Vexation Litigation Prevention Bill 2015: The objective of the bill is to prevent filing of baseless cases and to check the misuse of law for personal benefits. With this Rajasthan became the 5^thstate in India after Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Madhya Pradesh.

VI.            VikramPawah appointed as Managing Director of Harley Davidson’s India operations.

VII.            Aditya Birla Group announced sale of Australian copper mine for 10.75 million US dollars: Aditya Birla Mineral Limited (ABML) announced the sale of its closed Birla Mt Gordon (BMG) copper mine in Queensland, Australia to Lighthouse Minerals Holdings Pvt Ltd.

VIII.            Bharat Dynamics ties up with Electronics Corporation of India Ltd (ECIL): Two public sector units have joined hands to develop missile electronics and weapon support systems for major defence projects.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

   I.            Cow declared as National Animal of Nepal: Cow was declared as the National animal of Nepal as per the new secular constitution of Nepal unveiled by Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav at a special ceremony held in Parliament at Kathmandu.

II.            UN Broadband Commission released State of Broadband Report 2015: As per the report the global broadband growth is slowing down sharply as 4 billion people are still offline.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

I.               Richie Richardson appointed to Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees: He will replace Sri Lanka’s RoshanMahanama who stepped down from the position.JavagalSrinath is the only Indian in the 7 member panel.

II.               Indian Wushu team won 12 medals at Pars International Cup in Tehran: The tally of medals comprise of one gold, four silver and seven bronze medals. India’s Budhachandra Singh won the gold medal.

OBITUARIES:

   I.            British-born author Jackie Collins died of breast cancer at the age of 77.

Daily GK Updates - 20th September 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

   I.            ‘E-Vidyavahini’ computer literacy vehicle launched: Taking forward the ‘Digital India Mission’, Faridabad Deputy Commissioner launched ‘E-Vidyavahini’, a computer literacy vehicle that will travel to the urban and rural belts of the district.

II.            ISRO gets Sri Lanka’s approval for SAARC satellite project: Sri Lanka has given its approval for SAARC satellite project, one of the mandatory requirements for ITU registration before the launch even as the ISRO waits for nod from other countries.

III.            ASTROSAT, India’s first astronomical mission, set for September 28^th launch: ASTROSAT, satellite for the first dedicated Indian astronomy mission aimed at studying celestial objects is scheduled for launch on 28^th September 2015.

IV.            Gujarat Government to set up new SRP battalion to boost security: In a bid to strengthen security at critical installations like power plants, ports and dams, Gujarat Government has decided to create an additional battalion of the State Reserve Police of 1200 armed personnel.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

   I.            21^st International Day for Prevention of Ozone Layer celebrated: The 21^st International Day for the prevention of Ozone layer was celebrated on 16^th September.

II.            India was ranked 34^th, gaining 14 positions compared to last year in the Grant Thornton Global Dynamism Index (GDI): The GDI ranks the business growth of 60 leading countries.

III.            8.3 magnitude earthquake jolts Chile; Tsunami warnings issued: In Chile, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake hit Illapel, the capital of Choapa province. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre issued Tsunami warnings for Chile, Peru and Hawaii.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

  I.         LIC to infuse Rs 143 crore in Corporation Bank: State owned Corporation Bank said LIC will infuse 143 crore rupees into the bank by way of preferential equity. The capital infusion into the bank by LIC will be by way of issue equity shares on preferential basis to the country’s largest insurer.

SPORTS:

II.               Mandeep receives Arjuna Award: Commonwealth Games and Asian Championship silver medallist boxer MandeepJangra received his Arjuna Award from the Union Sports Minister SarbanandaSonowal.

AWARDS:

   I.       ChandaKochar to get Asia Game Changer Award: ICICI Bank CEO ChandaKochar is among the three Indians selected for this year’s Asia Game Changer Award given by Asia Society to honour true leaders making a positive contribution to the future of Asia.

Daily GK Updates 19th September, 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

   I.            PM launches Rs 45K crore scheme to strengthen power distribution from Varanasi: He has launched the Rs 45000 crore Integrated Power Development Scheme (IPDS) which will strengthen distribution networks and ensure 24 X 7 power supply to all by 2022.

II.            64 Netaji secret files released, Mamata wants centre to follow: 64 secret files relating to NetajiSubhash Chandra Bose that could help throw light on his mysterious disappearance- an enduring enigma for seven decades- were released by the West Bengal Government with CM Mamata Banerjee asking the centre to follow the suit.

III.            Union Government presented VishwakarmaRashtriyaPuraskar and National Safety Awards 2013: 28 VishwakarmaRashtriyaPuraskarwere shared between 132 individuals and 98 individuals were given the NSA 2013.

IV.            Sunil Duggal has been appointed as the new CEO of Hindustan Zinc.

V.            Academician SachidanandaMohanty nominated as UNESCO member: The Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Orissa has been nominated as a member for Commission on Education for UNESCO by the president of India. The tenure for this membership is for 4 years.

VI.            Indian Railways developed prototype of Hybrid Vacuum Toilet: It is hybrid because the design is based on both vacuum toilets and bio-toilets. It was developed by the Development cell of the Indian Railway Board and is considered as the 1^st of its kind to be used in any railways in the world.

VII.            Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare banned sale of Diclofenac in multidose vial for human use: From now on, it will be sold only in single dose vial packaging. The decision was based on the recommendation of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and is aimed at protecting vultures from extinction.

VIII.            Metro man E Sreedharan to serve UN High Level Advisory Group on Sustainable Transport: He has been invited by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to serve on his HLAG-ST for a period of three years.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

   I.            8^th Edition of Global Innovation Index 2015 released: The 8^th edition of the Global Innovation Index was released jointly by Cornell University, INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). The index is topped by Switzerland. India’s ranking slipped to 81 compared to 76 in 2014, but it has remained at the top of the regional ranking of Central and Southern Asia.

II.            President and PM of Burkina Faso ousted in a military coup: Members of the Regiment of Presidential Security (RPS) detained the transitional President Michel Kafando and PM Y. Isaac Zida in the capital Ouagadougou.

III.            Japan’s Diet removed restrictions on overseas deployment of Self Defence Forces for military use: The remilitarization bills passed by Japan’s parliament can be termed as historic as they allow Japan to be militarily proactive after 70 years.

IV.            India and Laos ink two MoUs to strengthen bilateral ties: Both the countries have inked two key MoUs on Air Services and Quick Impact Projects under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation (MGC) programme to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. The MoUs were signed in the presence of Vice President Hamid Ansari and his counterpart President of Laos C. Sayasone in the capital city of Vientiane. VP Hamid Ansari is on a four day visit to Cambodia and Laos. It was the 1^st visit of an Indian VP to Laos.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

I.               Ajinkya Rahane honoured with life membership by CCI: Ajinkya Rahane, India’s most consistent batsman in the last couple of years, has been conferred with the Honorary Life Membership by the Cricket Club of India (CCI).

AWARDS:

   I.            Senior Journalist Shekhar Gupta feted with V Krishnamurthy Award: He was presented the award for excellence by Tamil Nadu Governor K Rosaiah.

OBITUARIES:

   I.            Veteran Marathi Cricket Commentator and writer BalPandit died at the age of 86.

Daily GK Updates : 23rd August, 2015

Daily GK Updates : 23rd August, 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

   I.            Google to promote Digital Literacy in Haryana: Search engine giant Google has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the government of Haryana to promote digital literacy in the state.

II.            A P Shah committee recommends MAT relief to FIIs: This recommendation is considered as a big relief to FIIs as government had exempted them from Minimum Alternate Tax starting from April 1, 2015 in the Union Budget for 2015-16 but had not made the clarification retrospective imposition.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

  I.            After war of words, India and Pakistan decide not to talk: National Security Advisor (NSA) level meeting between India and Pakistan has been cancelled after Pakistan NSA Sartaz Aziz said that it cannot be held on the basis of the preconditions set by India.

II.            Rival Koreas hold talks to defuse war fears: South Korea and North Korea held their 1^st high-level talks in nearly a year at a border village to defuse mounting tensions that have pushed the rivals to the brink of a possible military confrontation.

III.            Germany bars marketing of 54 drugs tested by GVK Bio: Germany’s drug regulator has suspended the marketing of 54 medicines clinically tested by India’s GVK Biosciences in compliance with the European Union’s ban on around 700 generic drugs.

IV.            Brain in a Jar: U S Scientists claim to have grown a human brain using stem cells for research purposes: Scientists at Ohio State University have successfully grown a near exact replica of a five week old foetus’s brain. The brain ‘organoid’ was created from reprogrammed skin cells and is about the size of a pencil eraser.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

I.               Back as World No.1, SainaNehwal signs Rs 25 crore deals: The World Championships’ Silver medallist regained top spot ahead of Carolina Marin and also struck a landmark deal with Management Company IOS Sports and Entertainment.

OBITUARIES:

   I.            Former Australian opener Arthur Morris, a member of Don Bradman’s 1948 ‘Invincible’ team, has died at the age of 93.