Daily GK Updates - 9th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Cabinet decides to open a central tribal university in Andhra Pradesh : The Union Cabinet has approved an amendment to the Central Universities Act- 2009 for setting up of a Central Tribal University in Andhra Pradesh.A fund of 420 crore rupees has been granted as the first phase expenditure towards the establishment of the University.The Cabinet has also given in-principle approval for leasing out six airports through Public Private Partnership.

2.  Lok Sabha Secy Gen gets a one-year extension : The Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan has extended the tenure of Snehlata Shrivastava (first female Lok Sabha Secretary General) for one year.She is a 1982 batch IAS officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre.Her extension will be effective from the 1st of December to the 30th of November next year.

3. Uttarakhand celebrates its 18th formation day :  Uttarakhand state is celebrating its 18th formation day with much fanfare and gaiety (after separation from Uttar Pradesh).Uttarakhand’s Governor Baby Rani Maurya reviewed the ceremonial parade at Police line in Dehradun and honoured police personals for rendering excellent service.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Vice President Naidu embarks on the three-day visit to France : The Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu will attend the Paris Peace Forum being held to commemorate the centenary of the end to the First World War.The Heads of State, Heads of Government of over 50 countries and their representatives are participating in the centenary activities.Mr Naidu will attend the ceremony to commemorate the armistice of World War I at Arc de Triomphe.He will also address the Indian community and will inaugurate the Indian War Memorial at Villers Guislain.

2. Parliamentary elections to be held on 23^rd December in Bangladesh : According to Bangladesh Chief Election Commissioner of KM Nurul Huda, Parliamentary elections of Bangladesh will be held on 23rd December 2018.All preparations for an election were already completed, the last date for filing of nominations is 19^th November 2018.The ruling Awami League has urged the poll body to stick to its poll plan.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. World Bank inks USD 172 million project agreement with AP : The Central Govt. & Andhra Pradesh (AP) state governments and the World Bank have signed the loan agreement of USD 172.20 million projects to enhance agricultural productivity, profitability, and climate resilience of poor and marginalized farmers in Andhra Pradesh.This project will help to enhance agricultural productivity, profitability, and climate resilience of poor and marginalised farmers in Andhra Pradesh.

SPORTS:

1. Bajwa shoots historic skeet gold at Asian Shotgun Championship : Angad Vir Singh Bajwa has won a gold with a world record score in the men's skeet final at 8th Asian Shotgun Championship in Kuwait.He became the first Indian skeet shooter to win a continental or world level event.Angad shot a perfect 60 out of 60 in the final round to claim top spot ahead of Di Jin  (China), shot 58.

Daily GK Updates - 5th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 1st India-Nepal passenger train : The first passenger train to run on ‘broad gauge’ between India and Nepal is likely to run from December 2018.The train will run from Jayanagar in Bihar to Kurtha in Dhanusa district in south-eastern Nepal.An immigration check-post is likely to be established at Jayanagar station.No visa will be required for Indian and Nepalese nationals crossing the border through this stretch.

2. AR Rahman launched his biography : AR Rahman released his biography, ‘Notes of a Dream: The Authorized Biography of AR Rahman’, in Mumbai on 3 November 2018.

The book has been written by author Krishna Trilok.AR Rahman has won six National Film Awards, two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, and fifteen Filmfare Awards

3. Ayurveda Day celebrated on 5th November : Ayurveda Day was observed on 5th November 2018.Ministry of AYUSH observes Ayurveda Day every year on ‘Dhanawantari Jayanti’ (Dhanteras).On this occasion, Ministry is organising a ‘National Seminar on Entrepreneurship and Business Development in Ayurveda’ in association with NITI Aayog on 4th & 5th November 2018.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India to extend USD 310 m loan for Zimbabwe : India would extend a US$ 310 million loan to Zimbabwe to finance a rehabilitation project for a thermal power plant that would entail upgrading the station and extending its lifespan.Hwange is Zimbabwe’s second biggest power plant with an installed capacity of 920 MW.The decision was taken during a meeting between Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

2. Changsha declaration’ signed in China : More than 20 countries have committed to ‘Changsha declaration’ on agricultural and rural development in Changsha, China on 2 November 2018.The ‘Changsha Declaration’ aims to ramp up the efforts towards South-South Cooperation, an initiative working to eliminate hunger and malnutrition through the mutual sharing and exchange of good practices, resources.

3. India ranked 12th in web-borne threats : According to a recent report by Kaspersky Lab, India is ranked 12th worldwide when it comes to the dangers associated with surfing the web.In the third quarter (July- September), 32.8% of the users were attacked by web-borne threats in India.Kaspersky Lab products detected 48,093,743 Internet-borne malware incidents on the computers of KSN participants in India.

4. World Tsunami Awareness Day observed on 5 Nov : The ‘World Tsunami Awareness Day’ is observed on 5 November.The day is observed in order to raise tsunami awareness and share innovative approaches to risk reduction.In 2018, World Tsunami Awareness Day will align with the International Day for Disaster Reduction and the ‘Sendai Seven Campaign’. 

5. India, Zimbabwe signed six agreements : India and Zimbabwe signed six agreements on 3 November 2018.The agreements were signed on mining, Information and communications technology (ICT), visa waiver and traditional medicine.MoUs were also signed between the two countries on cooperation in the field of arts, culture and heritage.India also accepted Zimbabwe’s request to supply 10 ambulances to the African nation.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI starts process to set up PCR : The Reserve Bank has initiated steps to set up a wide-based digital Public Credit Registry (PCR).PCR will capture details of all borrowers, including wilful defaulters and also the pending legal suits in order to check financial delinquencies.PCR will also include data from entities like market regulator SEBI, the Corporate Affairs Ministry and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. NASA grants $7 Million For new life detection : NASA has awarded nearly $7 million for a fresh interdisciplinary project to detect new, non-Earth-like life on Mars, Jupiter and Saturn’s icy moons.The Laboratory for Agnostic Biosignatures (LAB) will lay the groundwork for characterising potential biosignatures, or signs of life.The LAB is a consortium of 15 team members from universities and institutions around the world.

SPORTS:

1. Subhankar Dey won SaarLorLux Open : In Badminton, Subhankar Dey has won the SaarLorLux Open at Saarbrucken in Germany on 5 November 2018.He defeated Rajiv Ouseph of Britain in finals.This is Subhankar’s first title of 2018.In March 2018, he had finished runner-up in the Kabal International tournament at the Czech Republic.

2. Lilima Minz received ‘Ekalabya Puraskar’ : Woman Hockey player Lilima Minz was honoured with the prestigious ‘Ekalabya Puraskar’ on 4 November 2018.She was part of the squad that represented the country in the 2016 summer Olympics.The award comprises a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh along with a citation.The Ekalabya Puraskar has been instituted by ‘IMPaCT’, the social wing of the Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys.

Daily GK Updates - 2nd November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Jharsuguda Airport renamed as “Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda” : The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved renaming of Jharsuguda Airport (in Odisha) as “Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda”.Veer Surendra Sai was an Indian freedom fighter and tribal leader who sacrificed his life fighting against the British East India Company.It will fulfil the long-pending demand of the Odisha Government, which reflects the sentiments of the local public of the respective area.

2.PM Modi launches Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Support and Outreach Programme : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Support and Outreach Programme in New Delhi.The MSME Outreach Programme will run for 100 days covering 100 Districts throughout the country. The Union Ministers are likely to visit these districts to appraise the entrepreneurs about various facilities being extended to MSME sector by the Government and financial institutions.

3.  The fourth NITI Aayog- DRC Dialogue held in Mumbai : The Fourth Dialogue of the NITI Aayog - Development Research Centre (DRC) of the State Council, Peoples' Republic of China was held in Mumbai.The Chinese delegation was led by Mr. Li Wei (President of DRC) and the Indian delegation was led by Dr Rajiv Kumar (Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Malayalam film Olu to be the opening film at 49th IFFI : According to Jury for the Indian Panorama, Malayalam film Olu will be the opening film at the 49th ternational Film Festival of India (IFFI) -2018 in Goa.The Feature Film Jury of thirteen members was headed by acclaimed film director and screenwriter, Rahul Rawail.July also selected the Marathi film Kharvas directed by Aditya Suhas Jambhale as the Opening non-feature film.

2. Pather Panchali' is only Indian movie to feature in BBC's 100-best foreign language films : Satyajit Ray's epic masterpiece 'Pather Panchali' has been included by BBC's 100 best foreign language films (only film from India) to feature in the  list.Pather Panchali released in 1955, was placed at number 15 in the list, which has been topped by Akira Kurosawa's 'Seven Samurai'.27 of the highest-rated films were in French, followed by 12 in Mandarin, and 11 each in Italian and Japanese

3. Netherland to be partner country for 25th DST-CII technology Summit 2019 : According to Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Netherlands will be the Partner Country of 25th DST – CII Technology Summit to be organized in 2019.There is a great scope to explore a closer partnership between the two countries to leverage emerging digital technologies.India and the Netherlands are addressing unmet needs and opening new collaborative avenues together in areas such as water, health, agriculture, high tech systems and IT.

OTHER UPDATES:

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1.China launches the new high-orbit satellite : China successfully launched a high orbit satellite to boost its home-grown BeiDou global satellite navigation system being built to rival United States Global Position System (GPS).The satellite was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the southwestern Sichuan Province.It is the first BeiDou-3 satellite in high orbit (36,000 km) above the Earth, meant to serve countries in the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

DEFENCE:

1. India-Japan military exercise Dharma Guardian-2018 begins in Mizoram : First-ever two-week-long India-Japan military exercise ‘Dharma Guardian-2018’ has begun at a jungle warfare school in Mizoram’s Vairengte. The Japanese contingent is represented by 32nd Infantry Battalion, while the Indian side by 6/1 Gorkha Rifles.It will be to enhance tactical skills against global terrorism and increase interoperability between the two forces.

3. Decommissioned carrier INS Viraat to become a floating museum : The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the conversion of decommissioned carrier INS Viraat into a floating museum.It will make the new generation familiar with the glorious history of INS Viraat.The carrier will be housed on a concrete foundation near Nivati Rocks in Sindhudurg in Konkan region of the state.The project worth 852 crore rupees will be implemented through public-private-partnership (PPP).

SPORTS:

1. Mary Kom named as brand ambassador of women’s world C’ship : Olympic medallists Mary Kom has been named as the brand ambassador of the upcoming 10th edition of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Women World  hampionship. The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) also unveiled the logo and anthem at the launch of the 2018 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, to be held at the IG Stadium in New Delhi (from November 15-24)

Daily GK Updates - 1st November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Senior IPS officer S S Deswal appointed ITBP chief : Senior IPS officer S S  Deswal (IPS officer -1984 batch -Haryana cadre) has been appointed the chief of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) till 31st August, 2021.He has been appointed in place of R K Pachnanda.Shri Deswal will hold the additional charge of the post of DG, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) till further orders.

2.Anupam Kher resigns as FTII Chairman : Actor Anupam Kher has resigned as the chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) citing commitments to an international TV show in the U.S.Due to those commitments, Mr. Kher has informed the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting that he will not be present in the country for nearly nine months between 2018-19.Anupam Kher was appointed as the FTII chairman on 11^th October 2017 (replaced Gajendra Chauhan).

3. J&K State Administrative Council approves the J&K Municipal Laws (Amendment) bill, 2018 : The State Administrative Council (SAC) of Jammu and Kashmir under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik has approved "The Jammu and Kashmir Municipal Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2018”.SAC has also approved honorarium for Sarpanchs and Panchs to be elected in the ensuing Panchayat elections.The SAC hoped that the provision would infuse enthusiasm among the elected Panchayat members- the election for which is being held in nine phases.

4.  Madhya Pradesh celebrates its 63rd Foundation Day today : Madhya Pradesh is celebrating its 63rd Foundation Day in all the districts of the state with traditional pride and grandeur.Madhya Pradesh was founded on November 1, 1956, and now is the second largest Indian state in size with an area of 3 Lakh 8 thousand sq. km.Madhya Governor Smt. Anandiben Patel congratulated the people of the state on the foundation day. the theme for the celebrations is the heritage of MP and all performances will revolve around folk and classical performances.

5.  J&K: Governor Satya Pal Malik flags off SAUBHAGYA RATH from Raj Bhawan Jammu : Governor Mr Satya Pal Malik flagged off ‘SAUBHAGYA RATH’ comprising 20 vehicles each for one District of Kashmir and Jammu divisions from Raj Bhawan, Jammu.The SAUBHAGYA RATH under ‘Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana’ - SAUBHAGYA shall move in each district for one month, to rule out the possibility of any household remaining un-electrified.A total of 2,26,367 households (Out of 3,57,405) were already proposed under the ongoing Deen Dayal Upadhaya Gram Jyoti Yojana -(DDUGJY)' and other allied schemes.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Japan joins International Solar Alliance : Japan has announced to join the group International Solar Alliance (ISA).Japan will be the 71st country to sign and 48th country to ratify the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Framework.The primary objective of the alliance is to work for efficient exploitation of solar energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

2. Qatar sets up a support fund for migrant workers Qatar has set up a support fund for foreign workers who run into difficulties for not being paid.The fund would support and care for workers, secure their rights and provide a healthy and safe work environment for them.The changes are part of a three-year agreement signed by Qatar last November with the UN's International Labour Organization to oversee reform.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India jumps 23 places to 77th in ease of doing the business ranking : India has jumped 23 places (now 77^th rank) in ease of doing business ranking (last year-100th place).Now, India is recognised as among top ten improvers for the 2nd consecutive year.The biggest gain was in construction permit where India climbed 129 ranks to 52nd place on the back of targeted government effort to remove hurdles

SPORTS:

1. Pankaj Advani wins the second leg of Asian Snooker Tour in Jinan, China  : World champion (19^th times) Pankaj Advani has won the second leg of the Asian Snooker Tour in Jinan, China.He has become the first Indian to win an Asian Snooker Tour event. Advani delivered a power-packed performance to outclass China's Ju Reti 6-1 in the final.

2. Sri Lanka's bowling coach Nuwan Zoysa suspended by ICC : According to an ICC release, Sri Lanka's bowling coach Nuwan Zoysa has been suspended with immediate effect by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and charged with match-fixing. Mr Zoysa has 14 days from tomorrow to respond to the charges. Zoysa has been charged with articles which relate to match-fixing and encouraging players to influence results.

Daily GK Updates - 31st October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.PM Modi dedicates Sardar Patel’s ‘Statue of Unity’ to the nation : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the ‘Statue of Unity’ (world's tallest Statue) on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Surat, Gujarat.

The Statue of Unity (bronze statue) is the tallest statue (182-metre) in the world, taller than China's Spring Temple Buddha statue (153-metre) and almost double the height of the Statue of Liberty (93 metres) in the US.The statue of unity located on the Sadhu Bet island (near Rajpipla) on the Narmada river, located between the Satpura and the Vindhya mountain ranges.

2. 31st October: National Unity Day : The ‘National Unity day’ (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is being celebrated every year on 31st October in India.The objective of this event is to pay tribute to the Iron man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on his birth anniversary by remembering his extraordinary works for the country.The Union Home Minister Raj Nath Singh has flagged off the Run for Unity from Major Dhyanchand Stadium, New Delhi.It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who really unified the country.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Malala Yousafzai to be honoured by Harvard University : According to the Harvard’s Kennedy School, Nobel Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai (20-year) will be honoured by Harvard University for her work promoting girls' education.Yousafzai will be conferred with the Gleitsman Award 2018 at a ceremony on 6th December this year.The Gleitsman Award provides 125,000 US dollars for activism that has improved quality of life around the world.Now, Yousafzai is a student at Oxford University in England.

2. VP Naidu embarks on the seven-day visit to three South African countries :

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu embarked on a seven-day visit to three South African countries (Botswana, Zimbabwe and Malawi).In the first leg of his visit, Mr Naidu will meet his Botswana counterpart Slumber Tsogwane and hold delegation-level talks.He will also inaugurate the 13th Annual Global Expo Botswana 2018.During his visit to Zimbabwe, the Vice President will call on President Emerson Mnangagwa.On his final leg of the visit to Malawi, Mr Naidu will call on its President Peter Arthur Mutharika.

3. World's largest Airport 'under one roof' opened in Istanbul : The world's largest airport terminal "under one roof" has been officially opened in Istanbul, with a capacity to serve 90 million passengers.Overall the first phase has cost 7.5 billion Euro.The airport has been envisioned to have a total capacity of up to 200 million passengers (once all four phases are completed) in the next 10 years.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.  IBM acquired Red Hat for USD 34 Billion in its biggest purchase : America's IBM has acquired software company Red Hat in a USD 34 billion cash and debt deal, marking its biggest ever acquisition till date.The open source, enterprise software maker ‘Red Hat’ founded 25 years ago, valued at about USD 20.5 billion at the end of trading.

2. Seychelles launches world’s first Sovereign Blue bond : The Republic of Seychelles has launched the world’s first Sovereign Blue Bond.Sovereign Blue Bond is a financial instrument designed to support sustainable marine and fisheries rojects.The bond demonstrates the potential for countries to harness capital markets for financing the sustainable use of marine resources.The bond raised USD 15 million from international investors

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. New SBI ATM withdrawal limits to come into effect from today : The Country’s largest bank SBI has reduced the daily cash withdrawal limit for Classic and Maestro debit cards to Rs. 20,000 per day (earlier, Rs. 40,000).New ATM cash withdrawal rules for SBI account holders will come into effect from today (31^st October).Now, SBI account holders having higher daily cash withdrawal requirements can apply for other debit card variants that have a higher daily withdrawal limit.

2. SBI & Hitachi payments form a joint venture : State Bank of India (SBI) and Hitachi Payment Services India (payments solution provider) has entered into an agreement to form a joint venture for establishing a card acceptance and digital payment platform.SBI will have a majority stake in the proposed joint venture.Hitachi Payment Services India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi Group, Japan.

Daily GK Updates - 24th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. STAPCOR – 2018 was inaugurated : Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan inaugurated the International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs (STAPCOR – 2018) at Bangaram coral Island in Lakshadweep on 22 October 2018.The theme of the conference is “Reef for Life”.The conference was organised Lakshadweep Administration with the technical support of the Zoological Survey of India.

2. M Nageshwar Rao appointed as CBI director : M Nageshwar Rao was appointed as the interim director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on 24 October 2018.M Nageshwar Rao, a 1986 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Odisha cadre, was working as the Joint Director in the investigating agency. The decision came after the CBI Director, Alok Verma and Special Director, Rakesh Asthana went on leave.

3. Tezpur Univ professor won INSA Teachers Award : Tezpur University professor Ashis Mukherjee has been awarded the prestigious “Indian National Science Academy (INSA) Teachers Award (2018)”.He has been awarded for his consistent and high-level of teaching, and inspiring and mentoring students to take up careers in Science and Technology.The award is one of the highest recognition for science and technology teachers in the country.

4. Govind Mathur to be acting CJ of Allahabad HC : Justice Govind Mathur has been appointed as the acting Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court  ollowing retirement of Chief Justice D B Bhosale.Justice Mathur initially practised in the Rajasthan High Court and later appointed as a judge of Rajasthan High Court.He was transferred to the Allahabad High Court in November, 2017.

5. ‘Main Nahin Hum’ portal launched : Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Main Nahin Hum’ portal on 24 October 2018.The portal, which works on the theme ‘Self4Society’, will enable IT professionals and organisations to bring together their efforts towards social causes on one platform.The portal is expected to help catalyse greater collaboration towards the service of the weaker sections of society.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi awarded Seoul Peace Prize 2018 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the Seoul Peace Prize 2018.He has been awarded for his contribution to high economic growth in India and world through ‘Modinomics’.The Seoul Peace Prize was established in 1990 to commemorate the success of the 24th Olympic Games held in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

2. 45 Indian companies participate in SIAL : Paris Forty-five Indian companies are participating in the SIAL Paris exhibition – the largest international market place for food service professionals. SIAL Paris is the leading exhibition of food service products. SIAL Paris is held every two years, and is famous for culinary demonstrations by famous chefs every day.

3. United Nations Day observed on 24 October : United Nations Day is observed every year on 24 October.United Nations day has been in observance since 1948.The day commemorates the anniversary of the UN Charter that came into force in 1945.With the ratification of UN Charter by the majority of its signatories, the UN officially came into being.

4. World Development Information Day: 24 October The United Nations’ (UN) World Development Information Day is observed every year on October 24.The aim is to draw the attention of the world to development problems and the need to strengthen international cooperation to solve them.The General Assembly in 1972 established World Development Information Day.

5. India, Iran, Afghanistan held meeting : India, Afghanistan and Iran held their first trilateral meeting on Chabahar port project on 23 October 2018 in Tehran.The Indian delegation was led by Secretary (Economic Relations) TS Tirumurti.The Afghan and Iran delegations were led by respective deputy ministers of Transport.The next meeting of the Coordination Council will be held in India in the first half of 2019.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI lifted ban on Fino Payments : Fino Payments Bank has been allowed to open new accounts by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).Fino Payments Bank had been unable to enrol new customers since the end of May 2018 after RBI found the bank to be non-compliant with the operational guidelines laid down by it.According to RBI’s guidelines for payments banks, a customer can make deposits of up to ₹1 lakh per account in a year.

Daily GK Updates - 21st October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurates 'Vishwa Shanti Ahimsa Sammelan' in Maharashtra : President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated a three-day 'Vishwa Shanti Ahimsa Sammelan' at Mangi Tungi in Nashik district of Maharashtra.The conference has been organized by Bhagwan Rishabhdev Murti Nirmaan Samiti.The President has also given the first international 'Bhagwan Rishabhdev Award' to Teerthanker Mahaveer University based in Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh.President Kovind also released a book, titled 'Sarvoccha Digambar Jain Pratima', on the occasion.The award carries a cash prize of 11 lakh rupees, a memento, and a citation.

2. Ustad Chand Khan Lifetime Achievement Award for Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt : Hindustani classical music instrumentalist 'Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt' will be honored with the annual Ustad Chand Khan Lifetime Achievement Award.Pandit Bhatt is best known for his Grammy award winning album "A Meeting by the River".The award founded in 1940 by Ustad Chand Khan Sahab to conserve and promote an awareness of both the rich and heterogeneous cultural tapestry through focus on the classical arts.

3. Prime Minister dedicates National Police Memorial to the Nation : The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated the National Police Memorial to the nation, on Police Commemoration Day.PM Modi also announced an award in the name of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, to honor those involved in disaster response operations. The award would be announced every year, recognizing the bravery and courage displayed in saving the lives of people, in the wake of a disaster

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Hindustani classical music instrumentalist 'Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt' will be honored with the annual Ustad Chand Khan Lifetime Achievement Award :Pandit Bhatt is best known for his Grammy award winning album "A Meeting by the River".The award founded in 1940 by Ustad Chand Khan Sahab to conserve and promote an awareness of both the rich and heterogeneous cultural tapestry through focus on the classical arts.

2. 7th Meeting of Education Ministers of SCO Member States held in Astana : The 7th meeting of education ministers of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was held in Astana, Kazakhstan.The Minister of State for Human Resource Development Dr. Satya Pal Singh participated on behalf of Government of India.The objective of SCO is military cooperation between members. It also works towards intelligence-sharing, counter-terrorism operations in Central Asia.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Ethiopian Belihu wins Delhi Half Marathon men's race : Ethiopia's Andamalak Belihu overcame stiff competition from compatriot Amdework Walelegn in the men's elite field to win his maiden Airtel Delhi Half Marathon.Belihu improved on his personal best timing to clock 59.18 seconds Walelegn clinched the Silver), while Kenya’s Daniel Kipchumba grabbed the third sport Among the Indians, runners Abhishek and Sanjivani Jadhav topped in the men’s and women’s category

2.  Grappler Bajrang Punia enters 65 kg Final of World Wrestling Championships in Hungary : Star Indian grappler Bajrang Punia (24-years) has booked a place in the 65 kg Final at the World Wrestling Championships in Budapest, Hungary.In a thrilling semi-final, Bajrang Punia edged past Cuba's Alejandro Valdes, 4-3 to put himself in contention for a historic World Championship gold medal.Olympian Sushil Kumar (in 2010) is the only Indian to have won the coveted yellow metal at the event.Bajrang had won a bronze at the Championships in 2013

OBITUARIES:

1.Japanese Nobel Chemistry laureate Shimomura passes away : Japanese-born Marine biologist Osamu Shimomura has passed away in Japan’s southern city of Nagasaki.Shimomura, one of three scientists who won the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry for the discovery and development of a jellyfish protein that contributed to cancer studies.Shimomura was born in Kyoto and studied in Nagasaki, where he survived in Aug. 9, 1945, U.S. atomic bombing.In 1951. After earning a chemistry degree, he moved to Princeton University, where he found the protein from 10,000 jellyfish samples on America’s West Coast.

Daily GK Updates - 20th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. GSI to organise an exhibition of rocks, minerals : The Geological Survey of India (GSI) will organise a two-day exhibition ‘Bhusampada 2018’ of rocks, minerals and fossils from 22 October 2018.Various scientific instruments being used in surveys, mineral exploration, remote sensing, earthquake geology will be displayed at the exhibition.The event will provide a suitable platform for students to interact with geo-scientists.

2. Punjab extends 50% reservation for women : The Punjab Cabinet decided to extend the enhanced 50% reservation for women in the matter of rotation for the office of the panchayat sarpanch to the office of the chairperson of panchayat samitis and zila parishads.The state government had enhanced reservation for women in these bodies from 33% to 50% in 2017.The cabinet has now approved amendments to the Punjab Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.

3. 73.9% Indians are holders of H-1B visa : The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a report titled – ‘H-1B petitions by gender and country of the birth fiscal year 2018’.Nearly three out of every four H-1B visa holders as of October 5 are Indian citizens. There were as many as 419,637 foreign nationals working in the U.S. on H-1B visas.Indians account for 73.9% of the total H-1B visa holders in the U.S.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Modi, Wickremesinghe held talks in Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe on 20 October 2018.They discussed a range of issues related to bilateral ties, including the progress of India-assisted development projects in the island nation.Wickremesinghe is on a three-day visit to India for boosting ties in a range of areas, including trade, investment and maritime security.

2. World Osteoporosis Day observed on 20 October : World Osteoporosis Day 2018 is observed on October 20.The day is meant to raise awareness about osteoporosis, a condition which causes the bones to become weak and brittle.World Osteoporosis Day 2018 calls for global action in order to improve bone health and prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis.The day is organized by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF).

3. 2019 Military World Games in China : The 2019 Military World Games will be held in China.It will for the first time include badminton, tennis, table tennis and men’s gymnastics.The Military World Games is a multi-sport event for the armed forces being organised by the International Military Sports Council every four years since 1995.India hosted the games in 2007.

4. India, Japan, U.S. plan joint air exercise : India, Japan and the U.S. are set to elevate the bilateral ‘Cope India’ air exercise to a trilateral format.The three countries already conduct naval war games under the expanded Malabar naval exercise.The U.S. had proposed a trilateral air exercise between India, Japan and the U.S.

5. Piyush Goyal received Carnot prize : Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania awarded 4th annual Carnot Prize to Union Minister Piyush Goyal.Carnot Prize is the Kleinman Center’s annual recognition of distinguished contributions to energy policy through scholarship or practice.Carnot Prize is named after French physicist Nicolas Sadi Carnot.Cope India was first conducted in 2004.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Sajaan Jindal elected as treasurer : World Steel Association (worldsteel) has elected JSW Steel CMD Sajjan Jindal as its treasurer.The association has also appointed Tata Steel MD TV Narendran and ArcelorMittal Chief L N Mittal as its members.The new officers are elected for a one-year period.World Steel Association is the international trade body for the iron and steel industry.Its headquarters is in Brussels, Belgium

2. IFC launched $1 billion masala bond programme : International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched a $1 billion masala bond programme to fund its investment activities in India.The first tranche of $100 million under the programme was issued on London Stock Exchange.Masala bonds are rupee-denominated borrowings issued overseas.IFC is a member of the World Bank Group.

DEFENCE:

1. China & ASEAN will hold joint naval exercises : China and Southeast Asian Nations will hold their first joint maritime exercises from 22 October 2018.The navies of China and ASEAN countries will hold ‘ASEAN-China Maritime Exercise’ in the South China Sea.The exercise with China’s navy will include operations like maritime safety, medical evacuation, and search and rescue procedures.