Daily GK Updates - 19th November, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Manushi Chhillar wins Miss World 2017 title: India’s Manushi Chhillar was crowned the coveted Miss World crown for the year 2017. The win comes 17 years after Priyanka Chopra brought home coveted title in the year 2000. The winner of 2016 title, Puerto Rico’s Stephanie Del Valle passed on her crown to Ms Chhillar at a grand event held in Sanya in China.

2. India’s first mega Coastal Economic Zone to come up at JNPT in Maharashtra: The Union Government has given go-ahead for setting up India’s first mega coastal economic zone (CEZ) at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT) in Maharashtra. The first of its kind mega CEZ will stretch along north Konkan region spread across Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik and Raigarh. About 45 companies across auto, telecom and IT sectors will soon bid for 200 hectares of land to set up manufacturing units in zone.

3. Indira Gandhi’s 100th Birth Anniversary observed: The 100th Birth Anniversary of Ms. Indira Gandhi was observed today. A commemorative programme to mark the anniversary of Gandhi held at Shakti Sthal, New Delhi. Indira Gandhi was the only female Prime Minister of the country. She served as Prime Minister from 1966 to 1977 and from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.

4. Manmohan Singh to get Indira Peace Prize: Former prime minister Manmohan Singh will receive the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development this year for his leadership of the country between 2004 and 2014 and for enhancing India’s stature globally. The award, comprising a cash prize of Rs.25 lakh and a citation. It was instituted by the Indira Gandhi Memorial trust in 1986.

5. Karnataka passes SC/ST promotions bill: Karnataka passed ‘Karnataka Extension of Consequential Seniority to Government Servants Promoted on the Basis of Reservation Bill 2017’. Prior to introduction of this bill, SC had struck down Karnataka Govt.’s provision for providing reservation in promotion for SC/ST employees.

6. Delhi to form ‘Mahila Suraksha Dals’: Deputy CM of Delhi Manish Sisodia said that, the Delhi would form “Mahila Suraksha Dals” to curb crimes against women in the national capital. The government would constitute these teams in coordination with the Delhi Commission for Women. These MSDs will comprise representatives of the local community, both men and women, besides civil defence volunteers & will work at the grassroot-level.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World Toilet Day observed today: The World Toilet Day (WTD) is observed every year across the world on 19 November to raise awareness and inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. The theme for year 2017 is Wastewater. Observance of the day seeks to draw attention of people around world to raise global awareness of the daily struggle for proper sanitation which in fact is a human right along with clean water.

2. NASA launches Joint Polar Satellite System-1: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has launched a next-generation satellite called the Joint Polar Satellite System-1 (JPSS-1) into space. JPSS-1 is a joint venture between NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It was launched into orbit atop United Launch Alliance-built Delta II rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. It will be renamed NOAA-20 when it reaches its final orbit.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Swiss parliamentary panel approves automatic information exchange with India: Paving the way for India to get instant access to details on Indians with Swiss accounts, a key parliamentary panel in Switzerland has approved an automatic information exchange pact between the two countries. The Commission for Economic Affairs and Taxes of the Council of States — a key panel of the Swiss Parliament’s Upper House — approved the proposed pact with India as also with 40 other countries, but suggested strengthening the provisions for individual legal claims.

2. Anand Baiwar becomes Executive Director of SEBI: Markets regulator SEBI said Anand Rajeshwar Baiwar has taken charge as an executive director. An Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer of the 1990 batch, Baiwar assumed office on November 16. Baiwar will look after the investigation department and division of foreign portfolio investors and custodians. Prior to this assignment, he was working as an income tax commissioner in Kolkata.

3. Reliance General Insurance and YES Bank ink bancassurance pact: Reliance General Insurance has signed a comprehensive bancassurance-corporate agency agreement with YES Bank. YES Bank will enable RGI to reach a large base of retail and MSME clients.

SPORTS:

1. Cheteshwar Pujara becomes third Indian to bat on all five days of a Test: Cheteshwar Pujara joined an elite list of players on Monday as he became the third Indian batsman to bat on all five days of a Test match. This was after he came out to the crease on the last day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The two other Indians who have achieved this rare feat are ML Jaisimha and current India head coach Ravi Shastri. 

2. India to host Asia Cup of Road Racing (ACRR): Round 3 of FIM Asia Cup of Road Racing (ACRR) was held at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, India. Top bikers will participate in round three of the FIM ACRR. India will be represented by Sai Rahil Pillarisetty and Israel Vanlalhruaizela, who are fourth in the standings after the first two rounds in Thailand and Taiwan.

OBITUARIES:

1. Former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna dies at 49: Former World No 2 Jana Novotna died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her family, at 49 on Sunday. She had been battling with cancer for a long time. The player from Czech Republic won 17 Grand Slam titles through her career – 12 in doubles, four in mixed doubles and her solitary Slam in singles came at Wimbledon in 1998. She beat Frenchwoman Nathalie Tauziat in the final and thus became the last Czech player to win a Slam until Petra Kvitova won in 2011.

Daily GK Updates - 26th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Shashi Shanker appointed CMD of ONGC: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed Shashi Shanker as Chairman and Managing Director of ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation), till 31st March 2021.

2. The Ship 'TARASA' commissioned into Indian Navy: The Ship 'TARASA' has been commissioned into the Indian Navy at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai. INS Tarasa (T94) is a patrol vessel of the Car Nicobar-class of Indian Navy and the last ship in the series of four Water Jet Fast Attack Craft.

3.  Rajnath Singh launches PENCIL Portal: The Union Home Minister Mr Rajnath Singh has launched a web portal called 'PENCIL' (Platform for Effective Enforcement for No Child Labour) for effective implementation of National Child Labour Project (NCLP). PENCIL portal has five components (Child Tracking System, Complaint Corner, State Government, National Child Labour Project, and Convergence) and developed by the Labour Ministry.It was felt that an online portal which connects the Centre to the state government, district and to all project societies would provide a mechanism for implementation.

4. Odisha Govt. launches ‘Sampurna Yojana’: Odisha state Govt. has launched ‘Sampurna Yojna’ scheme for pregnant women, in Odisha. Under this Sishu Abond Matru Mrityuhara Purna Nirakaran Abhijan(Sampurna) scheme, Rs 1,000 will be provided as transportation cost particularly to expectant mothers to facilitate institutional delivery in remote and inaccessible areas in the state.

5. ISRO’s Mars Orbiter Mission completes 3 Years in orbit: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stated that its Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) which has completed three years in its Martian orbit is in good health and continues to work as expected. On the occasion of completion of three years in its Martian orbit released MOM second-year science data from September 24, 2014, to September 23, 2016.

6. Banaj Devi to receive Sarala award: Noted Odia poet and short story writer Banaj Devi will be honoured with the 38th edition of the prestigious Sarala award. She will be honoured for her short story compilation ‘Kathapua’. The annual Sarala Puraskar, recognised as one of the foremost literary awards of the State, comprises a cash award of ₹5 lakh along with a citation.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India raises market access, barriers issue with Indonesia: India has raised the issue of market access and regulatory barriers that its companies are facing in Indonesia in sectors like pharma, dairy, and bovine meat. The issues were discussed during a meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu and his Indonesian counterpart Enggartiasto Lukita in New Delhi.

2. US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis arrives in New Delhi on a two-day visit: Today, the US Defence Secretary ‘Jim Mattis’ arrived in New Delhi on a two-day visit to India.He will discuss the joint efforts to advance common goals through a broader strategic exchange of views.Mattis is the first Cabinet Minister of the Trump Administration to visit India.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. SBI launches chatbot to help customers in banking activities: lives on multiple customer interaction platforms in partnership with Payjo. Artificial intelligence banking platform ‘Payjo’ has launched an AI-powered chat assistant for State Bank of India (SBI) to addresses customer enquiries. The chat assistant, ‘SBI Intelligent Assistant (SIA)’ will help customers with everyday banking tasks just like a bank representative.

2. SBI lowers min balance: SBI has lowered the minimum average monthly balance, requirement in a savings account to Rs. 3,000 from Rs. 5,000 and also revised downwards penalties for non-adherence.

Bank has decided to treat metro & urban centres in the same category.

Bank has also decided to exempt pensioners, beneficiaries of social benefits from govt & minors from the requirement of minimum balance in savings account

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

3. Two Indians on list of most powerful women in International Business: Two Indian women have featured on Fortune’s list of Most Powerful Women in business outside the US.Managing Director and CEO of ICICI Bank Chanda Kocchar was ranked 5th and MD and CEO of Axis Bank Shikha Sharma was ranked at 21.

4. Niranjan Hiranandani elected as the President of NAREDCO: National Real Estate Development Council, a leading industry body of real estate sector, is under the aegis of Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Niranjan Hiranandani has been elected as the new president of realtors body NAREDCO.

SPORTS:

5. Lakshmanan wins 5,000m gold in Athletics Nationals: Reigning Asian champion Govindan Lakshmanan of Services cruised to victory in the men’s 5000-metre race on the opening day of the 57th National Open Athletics Championships at the Nehru Stadium in Chennai.Lakshmanan has recently won gold in the 3,000m event at the Asian Indoor Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Daily GK Updates - 25th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Narendra Modi launches 'Saubhagya' scheme for electrification: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the ‘Saubhagya’ scheme in New Delhi, to mark the birth anniversary of ‘Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya’. The scheme ‘Saubhagya’ will provide subsidy on equipment like transformers, meters, and wires and expected to cover all rural families after expected electrification of all villages by the end of 2017. Prime Minister also inaugurated ONGC’s new corporate office that was renamed Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Urja Bhawan, from Rajiv Gandhi Urja Bhawan.

2. Bibek Debroy to head Modi’s Advisory Council: NITI Aayog member Bibek Debroy will head the Economic Advisory Council constituted by PM Modi. The council will analyse any issue  economic or otherwise referred to it by the Prime Minister and will advise him on it. The council has 3 part-time members – Surjit Bhalla, Rathin Roy, Ashima Goyal.

3. Bharat Dynamics Limited  to supply MRSA Missiles to the Indian Army: Bharat Dynamics Limited, a defence PSU has a signed contract with Research Centre Imarat for supply of Medium Range Surface-to- Air Missiles to Indian Army. The contract has been signed for production, deliveries and product support of MRSAM system for the Indian Army.

4. West Bengal gets USD 300 Million ADB loan: The board of Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a USD 300 million loan facility for carrying forward fiscal reforms in West Bengal. The full effect of reforms would take at least 5 years to materialize and a follow-on program would be needed to carry these forward.

5. Chief Economic Adviser to get one-year extension: According to the Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian will get one-year extension (till October 2018).He has been quite vocal in his stand on RBI's monetary policy and has openly supported the need for a rate cut. Subramanian had assumed the office of India's CEA in October 2014 after the government picked him up out of many aspirants for the coveted job.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Shinzo Abe to dissolve lower house of Japan: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has said he would dissolve Parliament’s lower house for a snap election, as he seeks a fresh mandate to overcome “a national crisis.” Abe said he needed a fresh mandate to proceed with plans to use tax hikes to increase social spending & take a tough stance towards North Korea.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Masala bonds to be treated as ECBs from 3rd Oct.: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) relaxed norms for issuance of rupee-denominated overseas bonds (masala bonds).They will be treated as external commercial borrowings from October 3, thereby freeing up more investments by FPIs. From 3rd October, masala bonds will no longer form part of the limit for FPI investments in corporate bonds.

2. Apple tops the list of “Most valuable brands”: Apple and Google have once again take the two top spots in a list of the world’s 100 most valuable brands, according to rankings by consultancy group Interbrand.

3. RIL becomes world’s 3rd largest energy company in the world: Reliance Industries has jumped 5 places to rank as world’s 3rd-biggest energy company behind Russian gas firm Gazrpom & German utility E.ON, according to Platts Top 250 Global Energy Company Rankings.

SPORTS:

4. Wrestler Bajrang wins gold in Asian Indoor Games: Wrestler Bajrang (India) beat Daichi Takatani (Japan) in the men's freestyle 65kg final to win the gold in Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games.Now, Indians added four medals including a gold on the ninth day of the games at Ashgabat in Turkmenistan. Two women wrestlers Sheetal Tomar and Navjot Kaur also grabbed a bronze each. Krishnan Sasikiran won the third bronze in men's standard individual chess.India now stands at 12th place in the medals tally with 6 Gold, 7 Silver, and 11 Bronze.

5. P.V. Sindhu for Padma Bhushan: Olympic silver medallist shuttler P.V. Sindhu has been recommended for the prestigious Padma Bhushan by the Sports Ministry. World No. 2 Sindhu has been in stellar form since winning a silver medal at Rio Olympics and is the second athlete after MS Dhoni to have been nominated for the honour this year.

6. Vaishnavi clinches Belgian Junior title: Indian shuttler Vaishnavi Reddy has clinched the women’s singles Under-19 title at the Belgian Junior Open badminton tournament. She defeated top seed Vivien Sandorhazi in a three-game final at Herstal.

Daily GK Updates - 24th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Andhra CM Naidu declares 2017 as e-Pragati Year: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu declared the year of 2017 as e-Pragati year. The flagship program will help the government to make real-time governance. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the Andhra Pradesh Sports Policy 2017.

2. “Make in India” push for body armours: NITI Aayog has been asked to set up an inter-ministerial empowered committee to prepare a roadmap to ‘encourage domestic manufacturing’ of lightweight body armours for army & para-military forces. Committee will be headed by Niti Aayog member V K Saraswat and will have representatives from DRDO, DIPP, Ministry of Defence & Home Affairs.

3. President Ram Nath Kovind’s first foreign trip will be to Africa: President Ram Nath Kovind will make his first foreign trip as head of state to the strategically-significant African continent in the first week of October. The President will visit to Ethiopia and Djiboui. Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia is the seat of African Union, had hosted the first India-Africa summit outside India in 2012.

4. Govt unveils new PPP policy: Govt. has announced new public-private partnerships to promote private investments in affordable housing in line with its Housing for All target by 2022. 8 PPP options for the private sector to invest in affordable housing segment were announced by the minister of housing & urban affairs Hardeep Singh. The assistance of up to Rs.2.50 lakh per house will be available for building houses on private lands.

5. Rajiv Mehrishi takes oath as the new CAG: Former home secretary Rajiv Mehrishi took over as the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India. Mehrishi succeeded Shashi Kant Sharma.President Ram Nath Kovind administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mehrishi (62) at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. Mehrishi will have a tenure of about three years.

6. “The Shershah of Kargil” - The biography of Captain Vikram Batra Unveiled: Kargil war hero Captain Vikram Batra was martyred at the tender age of 24. The biography of Captain Vikram Batra "The Shershah of Kargil" has been written by 21-year-old Deepak Surana.

7. Books on Indian values, morals a must as per the New Multi-Purpose Stall policy of Indian Railways: Books on Indian culture & morals are now to be displayed for sale at all platform kiosks, a new stall policy to all zonal railways has mandated. Railway Board has instructed all general managers to ensure that such books are found in stalls, under its new Multi-Purpose Stall policy.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Angela Merkel Wins 4th Term as Chancellor of Germany: Angela Merkel won a fourth term as chancellor in Germany elections that lifted the far-right party Alternative for Germany into parliament for the first time since the immediate aftermath World War II.

2. India, US, Afghanistan Join Hands for 1st Trade Show in Delhi: For the first time, India, US and Afghanistan will hold a joint trade and investment show in Delhi, as New Delhi steps up to its role of being a bigger development partner to Afghanistan. The trade event, sponsored by the US and hosted by India, will be inaugurated by Afghan CEO Dr Abdullah.

3. DRUZBA 2017, Pak-Russia joint military drill started: The joint exercise DRUZBA 2017 between special forces of Pakistan and Russian armies started in Minralney Vody, Russia. Pakistan and Russia are holding two-week long joint military drill focusing on counter-terrorism operations to enhance military ties between the two countries.

4. Mobile phone ban on Rohingya refugees: Bangladesh has banned telecom companies from selling mobile phone connections to Rohingya refugees, citing security concerns for the latest restrictions. Ban could be lifted once biometric identity cards were issued to these refugees

5. Saudi Arabia allows women into stadium: Saudi Arabia has allowed women into a national stadium for the first time as it launched celebrations to mark the 87th anniversary of its founding. This marks a shift from previous celebrations in the kingdom where women are effectively barred from sports arenas. This measure represents another step into relaxing some norms as part of its “Vision 2030” plan for economic and social reforms.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Sports Ministry Recommends P.V. Sindhu for Padma Bhushan: Olympic silver medallist shuttler P.V. Sindhu has been recommended for the prestigious Padma Bhushan, country’s third highest civilian award, by the Sports Ministry.She is two-time bronze medallist at World Championship. In March 2015, Sindhu was awarded India’s fourth highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri.

2. India bags 4 more Medals at 5th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan: In the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, India bagged four medals. Sajan Prakash of India finished second with the silver medal in the Men's 100-metre butterfly event. Divya Gurling Shilwant and Pratiksha Chandrakant Parhar bagged a bronze each in women's Alysh classic in 70 kg and 75 kg categories in the Belt Wrestling Discipline.Wrestler Keduovilie Zumu from Nagaland won the bronze medal in the 90 kg category of Kazakh Kuresh style belt wrestling. India is at 11th spot in the medals tally with 5 gold, 7 silver and 7 bronze.

3. ICC to probe into Sri Lanka cricket: The International Cricket Council has launched an anti-corruption investigation in Sri Lanka. ICC, however, did not specify if any particular series involving the country is under the scanner.

4. India Becomes World No. 1 in Both ODIs and Tests: India beat Australia by 5 wickets in the third ODI played between the two sides at Indore. The victory helped them to pip South Africa to claim the no. 1 spot in the ICC ODI rankings. This now means that India is now at the top of both the Test and ODI rankings.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

5. Amazon buys 5% equity in Shoppers Stop: Shoppers Stop has approved a proposal to sell 5% equity in the company for Rs179.25 cr to Amazon NV Holdings LLC. Shoppers Stop will use the funds to continue its investments in expanding physical and online retail businesses. The two retailers will conduct “joint marketing” initiatives while Shoppers Stop will open Amazon Experience Centres where Amazon can showcase its brands.

6. ‘Fly Now Pay Later’ Scheme launched by Etihad Airways now: UAE’s carrier Etihad Airways has launched a ‘fly now and pay later’ scheme which provides people with an option of paying ticket fare in monthly instalments. The initiative is designed to allow families to book flights with convenience. Etihad Airways is the first in Gulf region to offer fully automated online instalment plans

7. Acko gets final IRDA license: Indian insurance sector regulator IRDAI has given the final nod to online non-life insurer Acko General Insurance. The company is looking to start operations by Dec selling mostly auto, travel & health insurance products to retail customers through an online channel.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt to launch LPG Panchayat as backup to Ujjwala Yojana to distribute LPG connections: The union govt. has launched a country-wide LPG Panchayat as a backup to the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to distribute LPG connections among the rural areas. The panchayat was formally launched at Mota Ishnapur village in Gandhinagar district of Gujarat. One lakh LPG Panchayats will be activated across the country under the scheme during the next one and a half year.

2. Harshvardhan launches Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana: Dr. Harshvardhan has launched 'Pt Deen Dayal Upadhayay Vigyan Gram Sankul Pariyojana' which will experiment and endeavour to formulate and implement appropriate S&T Interventions for Sustainable Development through cluster approach in Uttarakhand. This project has been inspired by teachings and ideals of ‘Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhayay’ whose birth centenary is being celebrated this year.

3. Subramanian to get extension as CEA to govt.: The government has decided to extend the term of Chief Economic Adviser Arvind Subramanian by one year until October 2018. Subramanian was appointed India’s Chief Economic Adviser in October 2014. His term was for three years, which was to end on October 16.

4. Stage set for the setup of Intelligent Transport System (ITS) in India: NITI Aayog has signed an agreement with Geneva-based International Road Federation for cooperation in the field of Intelligent Transportation Systems & to design a policy framework for the same. ITS policy will cover various sectors including traffic management, electronic enforcement of traffic rules & regulations. It would also cover fleet management & monitoring & education in the field of ITS.

                                                       INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Professor C.N.R Rao, becomes the first Asian to be chosen for the prestigious Von Hippel Award: Eminent scientist, Professor C.N.R Rao, has become the first Asian to be chosen for the prestigious Von Hippel Award for his immense contribution in materials research. The award citation noted Rao’s immense work on novel functional materials, including nanomaterials and 2D materials and superconductivity. The award is the US-based Materials Research Society’s highest honour.

2. Hui Ka Yan Becomes Asia’s Richest Man: Hui Ka Yan, the chairman of big China real estate developer China Evergrande Group, has become Asia’s richest man. Hui’s estimated fortune of $42.2 billion puts him ahead of Tencent Holdings Chairman Ma Huateng ($39.1 billion) and Alibaba Group Chairman Jack Ma ($38.9 billion).

3. NATO wraps up exercise Dynamic Monarch: 9 NATO Allies wrapped up a submarine search and rescue exercise, Dynamic Monarch 2017, off the coast of Marmaris in southwestern Turkey. The exercise demonstrated the importance of cooperation for NATO-led naval missions & involved a wide array of equipment & up to 1,000 military and civilian personnel.

4. China imposes limit on oil supply to North Korea: China will limit oil exports to North Korea under UN sanctions over its nuclear and missile development and it will be limited to 2 million barrels per year and sales of liquefied natural gas hasbeen banned outright (from 1st January).

5. Iran tests new ballistic missile: Iran has tested a new ballistic missile ‘Khorramshahr’ that can carry multiple warheads and has a range of 2,000km. The Khorramshahr missile has become smaller in size and more tactical. Iran unveiled the ballistic missile as its president stepped up pressure on the United States by defending its right to strengthen military defenses.

                                         OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.SBI launches India’s bond index series at London Stock Exchange: The State Bank of India (SBI) has launched India’s first bond index series for overseas investors at the London Stock Exchange (LSE).With the launch of this index alongside FTSE Russell, SBI intention is to give people a benchmark based on which they can make investment calls. The FTSE SBI Bond Index Series “demonstrates SBI’s commitment to play befitting leadership role” in development of India’s bond market.

2. Samsung’s Bixby Voice now works in India: Bixby is meant to do additional and on-phone tasks which Samsung hopes will make getting things done faster and easier. Bixby Voice can be triggered by saying “Hi Bixby” to a sleeping device also.

3. SpiceJet, Cleartrip team up with Google Flights: SpiceJet & Cleartrip have teamed up with Google Flights to help air travellers explore possible destinations & view live ticket prices. Launched in India in 2015, Google Flights offers travellers the facility to explore destinations & find best flights at affordable prices.

SPORTS:

4. Deborah Herold wins two Silver medals on day 7 of Asian Indoor Games: Indian cyclist Deborah Herold bagged two more Silver medals in the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games at Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. She bagged a silver medal in the six-lap Keirin event in track cycling, and also finished second in the Team sprint event with Alena Reji. Earlier, India also won a Silver medal through Malaprabha Yallappa Jadhav in Women's Kurash, a Martial Arts event.Current, India won ninth medals (5 Gold, 6 Silver and 5 Bronze medals).

Daily GK Updates - 22nd September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. B Sambamurthy appointed as NPCI Board’s interim-Chairman: The Board of National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has appointed B Sambamurthy as the interim Chairman of the Board. He will replace M Balachandran.

2.  Ministry of Environment to hold quiz on environment ‘Prakriti Khoj’: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change will hold a quiz on environment ‘Prakriti Khoj’ throughout the country. The quiz is aimed at increasing environmental awareness in the mind of people.

3. Himachal Pradesh becomes first Indian state to launch electric bus service: The Himachal Pradesh Govt. has launched the first electric bus service on 51km ecologically fragile between Manali and Rohtang Pass.Now, the HP state has become the first in the world to ply electric buses at an altitude of 13 thousand feet.The move was made amidst concern over increasing environmental degradation in the Rohtang Pass area due to plying of diesel taxis.each electric bus has a capacity to carry 30 passengers and can cover 200 km with the fully charged batteries.

4. Textiles Minister Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani inaugurates VASTRA 2017: The Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje inaugurated the 6th edition of the four-day international textile and apparel fair, 'VASTRA 2017' in Jaipur, Rajasthan. More than 50 countries and 13 Indian States are participating in VASTRA 2017.VASTRA 2017 is an all-encompassing trade fair and conference on Textiles and Apparel presenting a fusion of the finest and the latest in textiles products.

5. First Scorpene Submarine INS Kalvari delivered to Navy: The first of the Scorpene class submarines, INS Kalvari, was delivered to the Indian Navy by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). The submarine will soon be commissioned into the Indian Navy.The delivery of a submarine means that its trials are over and the Navy has accepted the boat. Commissioning is a ceremony that officially makes it part of the Navy's fleet.

6. ‘Newton’ India’s Official Entry For Oscars 2018: ‘Newton’ will be India’s official entry for the Best Foreign Film category at the Oscars 2018, according to the Film Federation of India.The movie directed by Amit Masurkar, starring Rajkummar Rao, tells the story of a polling officer Newton Kumar who is bent on conducting free and fair elections in the conflict-ridden jungles of Chhattisgarh. 

7. Campaign to sensitise women about cancer: Union minister Anupriya Patel has launched a nationwide health campaign to sensitise women about the early screening and preventive care for cancer. Themed ‘Nurturing the Nurturer’, campaign was launched by FICCI Ladies Organisation in partnership with the Apollo Hospitals group. With cancer cases on the rise in the country, government plans to set up 27 cancer centres in the coming days.

                                               INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World’s first ‘molecular robot’ may help build new drugs: Scientists have created the world's first 'molecular robot' that can be used to build molecules and may help discover novel drugs. The tiny robots developed by researchers at the University of Manchester in the UK can be programmed to move and build molecular cargo using a tiny robotic arm. Each individual robot is capable of manipulating a single molecule and is made up of just 150 carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen atoms.

2. Britain and Saudi Arabia Sign Military Cooperation Deal: Saudi Arabia and Britain signed a framework deal for military cooperation. The agreement came after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed security ties with visiting British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon in the Red Sea port city of Jeddah.The agreement comes as Britain seeks to explore lucrative trade deals outside Europe, including energy-rich Gulf monarchies, after voting to leave the European Union.

                                      OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Birla Group to wind up e-commerce venture ABOF: Aditya Birla Group will shut down its online shopping portal Abof.com by the end of this year, failing to sustain intense competition from the sector giants. Launched in 2015, Abof.com has portfolio across clothing, footwear besides a collection of group’s own brands like Allen Solly and Peter England, among others.

2. Dabur India joins hand with Amazon to market ayurvedic products online: Dabur India has tied up with e-commerce major Amazon for an online ayurveda marketplace which will house all ayurvedic brands and products of the country. The exclusive ayurveda e-marketplace has been hosted by Amazon India and the content is developed by Dabur India.

3. Balraj Joshi appointed CMD of NHPC: Balraj Joshi has been appointed as the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of NHPC, the country’s premier hydro power utility. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved his appointment to the post till December 31, 2019.

BANKING/FINANCE:

4. SBI launches bond index series: State Bank of India in partnership with FTSE Russell has brought out a new index series at the London Stock Exchange. This index will act as a key benchmark for Indian debt for foreign investors looking to invest in Indian debt market. This index is also an important enabler of India-focused funds and is expected to facilitate investment flows.

SPORTS:

5. Sindhu jumps to World No. 2 in BWF women's singles rankings: Indian shuttler PV Sindhu jumped two places to World No 2 (second time in her career) in the latest Badminton World Federation women's singles rankings. In the men's singles rankings, K Srikanth remained unchanged at eighth while B Sai Praneeth and H S Prannoy dropped one place each to be at 17th and 19th positions.

OBITUARIES:

6. Legendary Boxer, Jake LaMotta Passes Away: Jake LaMotta, former boxing champion whose life of violence in and out of the ring was portrayed in the movie "Raging Bull," passed away. He was in his 90s and died of complications of pneumonia. Fighting mostly as a middleweight and known as the "Raging Bull" and "Bronx Bull".

Daily GK Updates - 21st September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Cabinet approves additional investment of Rs 12,000 cr towards supplementary nutrition for children: The Union Cabinet has approved the increase of cost norms for supplementary nutrition provided in Anganwadis and for out of school adolescent girls under Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). It will involve an additional investment of 12 thousand crore rupees over the next three years. Under the ICDS, children between six months to three years are entitled to a morning snack as well as a hot-cooked meal at an Anganwadi center.

2. Cabinet Approves Revamped Khelo India Program at a cost of Rs.1,756 crores: The Union Cabinet has approved the revamped Khelo India program at a cost of Rs.1,756 crores for the period 2017-18 to 2019-20. This marks a watershed moment in the history of Indian sports, as the programme aims at mainstreaming sport as a tool for individual development, community development, economic development and national development.

3. W Bengal govt. announces constitution of a panel to oversee the administration of Darjeeling hills: The West Bengal govt. has constituted a panel to oversee the administration of Darjeeling hills. The state govt. has decided to form a nine-member board of administrators (BoA) which will enjoy the same powers as members of the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA). Binay Tamang has been appointed as the Chairman and Anit Thapa as Vice-Chairman of the Board.

4. Centre to start Helicopter & smaller aircraft services to hilly areas: The Union govt. is planning to start helicopter and smaller aircraft services to hilly areas north-east, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, under UDAN scheme (in the second phase). The second phase of UDAN seeks to connect unserved and under-served airports as well as make flying more affordable with fares capped at Rs. 2,500 (one-hour flights).

5. Floating B4 boat labs to study the Brahmaputra River: The Union Government is planning to safeguard fast-eroding Majuli island — world’s largest riverine island using research carried out on floating Brahmaputra Biodiversity and Biology Boat (B4) labs along Brahmaputra River. The purpose of project is to study changes caused by dams, climate change, human interventions and eventual effects on river eco-system. B4 boat labs will be large barge (or boat) which will be set up on river. It will be well-equipped laboratory with cold storage facilities and other advanced research support system.

6. Centre announces Dusshera bonus for 12L Railways employees: The Centre on Wednesday approved a productivity-linked bonus for over 12 lakh non-gazetted Railways employees, to be paid before the Dusshera holidays. The bonus, equivalent to wages of 78 days, is estimated to cost the Railways ₹2,245 crore. 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day of Peace observed today: It is dedicated to world peace and specifically the absence of war & violence such as might be occasioned by a temporary ceasefire in a combat zone for humanitarian aid access. The theme for 2017 is “Together for Peace: Respect, Safety, and Dignity for All.”

2. Zannah Mustapha wins UNHCR Nansen Refugee Award: A Nigerian lawyer, teacher and peacemaker, Zannah Mustapha, has won the 2017 UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) for his work opening school amid conflict in north-eastern Nigeria. Mustapha founded a school 10 years ago in Maiduguri (the capital of Borno State) which is the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency. The school has stayed open throughout violence, persecution, and abductions which have left over 20,000 killed and millions more displaced.

3. Protesters march against Philippine Prez's 'dictatorship': Around 8,000 people marched in the Philippines on Thursday in protest against President Rodrigo Duterte's leadership which they claim is the emergence of a "dictatorship". The protests against Duterte, who has launched a war on drugs and has threatened martial law, marked the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law under late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1972.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

1. Fino Payments Bank Launches Mobile Banking App: Fino Payments Bank has launched its mobile banking app called BPay. Fino aims to make banking easy for millions of underbanked people in India. The upgraded BPay app is available on Android at present.The mobile banking app enables simple, paperless and convenient banking that allows customers to make bill payments, recharges, fund transfers and buy insurance.

SPORTS:

2. BCCI nominates MS Dhoni for Padma Bhushan award: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has nominated MS Dhoni for the Padma Bhushan award for his contribution to the game. Dhoni is already a recipient of the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and the Padma Shri award.

OBITUARIES:

3. Liliane Bettencourt, heiress to the L’Oreal cosmetics empire and the world’s richest woman, dies at 94: Her death was announced in a statement from Jean-Paul Agon, chief executive officer at L’Oreal Group. She died on Wednesday at her home in Neuilly, a suburb west of Paris, according to a company spokesman.