Daily GK Updates - 13th April, 2018

                 NATIONAL UPDATES

1. 5,000MW solar park to come up in Dholera: Gujarat Government approved setting up a 5000 MW capacity solar park at the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR), which would be the largest such entity in the world after its completion. The solar power generation project would be set up in 11,000 hectares of land. The project will contribute significantly in achieving the target of producing 175 gigawatts of electricity by 2022.

2. Jayant Sinha to head task force for UAV tech :The Government has formed a task force under the Chairmanship of MoS Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha for fast-tracking the roll-out of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle technology. The Task Force will focus on R&D, acquisition and commercialisation, regulatory framework and preference for Make in India. The task force will submit its report within 6 months of its constitution.

3. NBCC ties up with Skill Development Institute NBCC (India) Ltd: under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs signed MoU with the Skill Development Institute Bhubaneswar, for the construction of the institute. This will facilitate empowering the youth in Odisha with relevant skill sets and train them in various disciplines. NBCC has pledged to impart training to 40,000 workers (including both onsite and offsite) in the next five years.

4. Bhanu Sharma appointed Banks Board Bureau’s Chairman: The government appointed Bhanu Pratap Sharma as the new Chairman of Banks Board Bureau, which primarily recommends senior executive appointments in state-run banks. Sharma will replace former Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai, whose term ended on March 31. Notably, Sharma is the former Secretary of Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World’s first long-distance electric bus line : The world’s first long-distance electric bus line was inaugurated in Paris on 12th April.The bus will cover the 160 kilometres between Paris and Amiens in northern France in just over 2 hours.The bus can travel as far as 250 kilometres on one 5-hour battery charge. It emits no pollutants at all and creates less noise than conventional buses

2. AIIB decides to invest in India: The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a $140 million loan for enhancing rural connectivity in Madhya Pradesh. The project, co-financed with the World Bank, aims to improve the rural road connectivity and management for residents of about 5,640 villages.The project will benefit around 1.5 million rural residents through improved livelihood, education and mobility.

OTHER UPDATES

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY:

1. 2nd magnetic field created by Earth found: The European Space Agency has created the most detailed map ever of the elusive oceanic magnetism generated by Earth’s lithosphere. While Earth’s magnetic field is majorly generated within the outer core, a small fraction comes from magnetised rocks in the crust and the upper mantle. This lithospheric magnetic field is 20,000 times weaker than global magnetic field at satellite altitude.

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1. Startups with up to ₹10 cr to get concession: The government has allowed startups to avail tax concession if total investment including funding from angel investors does not exceed ₹10 crore. Several startups and investors had raised concerns over the ‘angel tax’ saying it could discourage investments. The tax was levied on capital raised by startups in excess of the fair market value of their shares.

SPORTS:

1. Discus thrower Seema Punia won silver medal: India’s Seema Punia bagged her fourth successive medal at the Commonwealth Games by winning silver in women’s discus throw final with a throw of 60.41m in Gold Coast.The 34-year-old has now won three silver medals (2006, 2014 and 2018) and one bronze (2010) at the Games.Another Indian athlete Navjeet Dhillon won bronze in the same event.

2. Sushil Kumar won his 3rd straight CWG gold: Indian wrestler and Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar bagged his third straight Commonwealth Games gold medal after winning the men’s Freestyle 74 kg event.The 34-year-old wrestler won the final 10-0, having dominated all previous opponents with scorelines of 11-0, 10-0, and 4-0.Sushil has a silver and a bronze in Olympics and was crowned world champion in 2010.

3. Rahul wins India’s first wrestling gold at CWG: Rahul Aware bagged India’s first wrestling gold medal at the Commonwealth Games 2018.He beat Canada’s Steven Takahashi in the final of men’s Freestyle 57 kg event.Before the final, the 26-year-old had claimed two dominating victories with the scorelines 11-0 and 10-0, while he defeated Pakistan’s Muhammad Bilal 12-8 in the semi-final.

Daily GK Updates - 10th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India’s first electric locomotive flagged off: Prime Minister flagged off the country’s first high-powered electric locomotive assembled in Madhepura in Bihar. This first locomotive is part of a joint venture of the railways with Alstom, signed in 2015 and the first major FDI project in the rail sector. India will join countries like Russia, China, Germany and Sweden that have 12,000 horsepower & above capacity electric locomotives.

2. Andhra Pradesh becomes the second state to get happiness department: The Andhra Pradesh government will soon constitute a Happiness Commission that will take up a series of programmes to promote “happiness” in the state. The commission, which will work under the department of planning, will be headed by Chief Minister. AP became the second state in the country to introduce an exclusive ministry for happiness in April 2017. Madhya Pradesh is the first state.

3. Goa govt to launch app-based taxi service: The Goa government has decided to launch its own app-based taxi service to some key tourist destinations in the coastal state. The state-run Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) invited the taxi operators to register with the new mobile application-based transport service.

4. Fast-track court to try drug cases in Manipur: Manipur Chief Minister Biren Singh inaugurated a special court at Cheirap Court Complex in Imphal to try drug-related cases. The fast-track court will facilitate the speedy trial of offences relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

5. DGAAD imposes anti-dumping duty on phosphorus pentoxide: Based on the recommendation of the Directorate General of Anti-Dumping and Allied Duties, the revenue department has imposed an anti-dumping duty on import of Phosphorus Pentoxide from China. The duty has been imposed for five years. Phosphorus Pentoxide is used as a powerful desiccant and dehydrating agent and is a useful building block and reagent in the chemical industry.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World Homoeopathy Day to be observed: A two-day scientific convention is being organised in New Delhi by Ministry of AYUSH on the occasion of World Homoeopathy Day, on 10-11th April 2018. World Homoeopathy Day is observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of the founder of Homoeopathy, Dr. Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann. The theme of this convention is “Innovate: Evolve; Progress: Exploring Science since 40 years”.

2. India-Nepal agree to develop inland waterways: India and Nepal recognised the untapped potential of inland waterways, in order to contribute towards the overall economic development of the region. Prime Minister of India and Nepal took the landmark decision to develop the inland waterways for the movement of cargo. The new initiative would enable cost-effective and efficient movement of cargo.

OTHER UPDATES

BANKING / FINANCE:

1. NABARD comes out with PCA for RRBs: NABARD has come out with a ‘Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework’ for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs). The framework is aimed at enabling RRBs that fail to meet prudential requirements like capital adequacy to take self-corrective action. The PCA will be invoked if RRBs fail to meet the ‘capital to risk-weighted assets ratio’, assets (NPAs), and profitability (return on assets).

2. SBI launches UK subsidiary: The SBI has announced the launch of its UK subsidiary, SBI (UK) Limited, with an initial capital commitment of 225 million pounds from its parent entity. SBI became the first foreign bank in the UK to segregate its retail division from its wholesale business. SBI operates seven branches in London.

SPORTS:

1. Heena Sidhu won gold medal in 25m Pistol: Heena Sidhu won India’s 11th gold medal in pistol shooting at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. Heena Sidhu has become the first Indian athlete to win two medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. India has so far won 20 medals, including eleven gold, four silver and five bronze.

2. Lionel Messi named UN Tourism ambassador: The UN World Tourism Organization has appointed FC Barcelona’s Argentine star Lionel Messi as an ambassador to promote responsible tourism. The UN body defines “responsible tourism” as tourism that “helps maximise the sector’s benefits”.

Daily GK Updates - 31st March, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India’s first female doctor’s birthday celebrated with a Google Doodle: Google celebrated the 153rd birth anniversary of Anandi Gopal Joshi, India’s first female doctor on 31st March with a doodle dedicated to her. Anandi Joshi was born on this day in Maharashtra in 1865. There is a crater on Venus named after her.

2. NMR to run to meet the demand: The unique Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) in Tamil Nadu, which has been conferred Heritage status by UNESCO, will run special train services from today till 24th June this year to cater to popular demand during summer holidays. The Southern Railway has informed that the special services will be provided on Saturdays and Sundays during the period.

3. Long term capital gains tax and other taxes to begin from April 1: Several budget proposals, including the reintroduction of the tax on long-term capital gains (LTCG) exceeding Rs. 1 lakh from the sale of shares, will come into effect from April 1. The 2018-19 Budget had reintroduced 10% tax on long-term capital gains. Tax proposals like the reduced corporate tax of 25% on businesses on turnover of up to Rs. 250 crore will come into effect.

4. Chandra Bhushan appointed as the Deputy Election Commissioner: Chandra Bhushan Kumar has been appointed as Deputy Election Commissioner. Bhushan is a 1995 batch IAS officer of union territories cadre. He has been appointed to the post for five years, an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).

5. Vineet Joshi appointed as DG of National Testing Agency: Vineet Joshi was appointed the first Director-General of the National Testing Agency (NTA) on 30th March. NTA is an independent body dedicated to conducting entrance tests for higher education in India. NTA, which was approved by the Union cabinet last October, will conduct entrance tests entrusted to it by any department or ministry.

6. ‘Pucca House’ for all in MP by 2022: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan a state-wide campaign will be launched from April 1-14 for registration of unorganized labourers. Also, Pucca houses will be constructed for all laborers registered under Chief Minister’s Unorganized Labourer Welfare Scheme by the year 2022. 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. 9th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in Tokyo: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj attended the 9th India-Japan Strategic Dialogue in Tokyo. Japanese FDI in India during 2016-17 was USD 4.7 billion, an increase of 80% over the last year. India’s import from Japan for 2016-17 was USD 9.76 billion. India and Japan concluded a Special Strategic and Global Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in 2014.

2. China launches a pair of Beidou satellites: China successfully sent pair of twin Beidou-3MEO satellites – Beidou-30 and Beidou-31 –into space as part of its third and final stage of launching its domestic Beidou (Compass) satellite navigation system. They were launched on board Long March-3B carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in south-west China's Sichuan Province. It was a 269th mission for the Long March rocket family.  

OTHER UPDATES

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY:

1. SpaceX confirms the successful launch of 10 satellites: SpaceX has confirmed successful deployment of all 10 communications satellites to low-Earth orbit. The Iridium-NEXT satellites were launched for satellite operator Iridium Communications. The Iridium-5 NEXT Mission marked the fifth set of 10 satellites that SpaceX has launched for its customer’s Iridium NEXT global satellite constellation.

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1. International Yachting Festival begins in Vishakhapatnam: International Yachting Festival was inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh on 29th March. The festival is being conducted by Andhra Pradesh Government and is being held from March 29 to April 1. The Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) is facilitating necessary support for conducting the festival.

2. Logistics startup, Rivigo, to tie up with IDFC & YES Bank: Rivigo is tying up with YES Bank, IDFC and 10 other financial institutions to make cheaper funds available to truck owners and operators on its platform. The funds will be available at an interest rate of 1-2% per month, lower than the usual industry standard of 2-3%. Rivigo is a homegrown logistics start-up that owns as well as acts as an aggregator of trucks.

Daily GK Updates - 28th March, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. IM-PDS scheme approved for implementation: A new central sector scheme namely “Integrated Management of Public Distribution System” has been approved for implementation during 2018-19 and 2019-20. The key objectives of the scheme are to integrate PDS systems of States/UTs with Central System, the introduction of National Portability etc. The new scheme will bring more transparency and efficiency in distribution of foodgrains.

2. Department of Posts launches “Cool EMS Service”: Department of Posts has launched the “Cool EMS Service” which will come into force from 29th March. Cool EMS service is one-way service from Japan to India which allows customers in India to import Japanese food items for personal use which is allowed under Indian regulations Initially, Cool EMS Service will be available in Delhi only.

3. Govt approves guarantee for IRFC Bonds: Ministry of Finance has approved Government guarantee of Rs. 5,000 crore in the current financial year for Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) bonds to be subscribed by Life Insurance Corporation, LIC. The guarantee fee for the aforesaid amount has also been waived by Ministry of Finance. The decision will ease the flow of borrowed funds for Ministry of Railways to undertake projects.

4. India’s first insect museum opened in TN: An insect museum which is fully dedicated to insects and is claimed to be the first of its kind in the country was opened in Tamil Nadu. It would display insects preserved as specimens as also live ones depicting their different developmental stages, images, videos and models of their unique behaviour, habits and habitats. The theme of the museum is “Bugs are kings”.

5. President confers the Gallantry Awards: President Ram Nath Kovind presented Gallantry Awards and distinguished service decorations at the Defence Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The President presented three Kirti Chakra, India’s second highest military decoration and 17 Shaurya Chakra in the grand ceremony. President Kovind honoured Kirti Chakra to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Commandant Chetan Cheetah.

6. Rs 350 coin to be released: The government will come out with a Rs 350 commemorative coin to mark the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, which was celebrated in 2016. The reverse side will bear the picture of “Takht Shri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib” in the centre. He was born on 2 December 1666 in Patna. The years ‘1666’ and ‘2016’ in international numerals will be on the left and right periphery of the coin.

7. Indu Bhushan is the CEO of Ayushman Bharat: Indu Bhushan was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Centres ambitious Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission (ABNHPM). He is the Director General of East Asia Department, Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila, Philippines. The ABNHPM has the benefit cover of Rs 5 lakh per family per year.

8. India and ADB sign loan agreement for the development of Himachal Pradesh: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and India signed $80 million loan to help modernize technical and vocational education and training institutions ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh. The Project will establish a polytechnic for women, 6 city Livelihood Centers, and 7 Rural Livelihood Centers. The project will support the skill initiatives of Government of Himachal Pradesh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World Theatre Day observed on 27th March: World Theatre Day is celebrated annually on the 27th March by ‘International Theatre Institute’ Centres and the International Theatre Community. World Theatre Day was initiated in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute. One of the most important of these is the circulation of the World Theatre Day Message. The first World Theatre Day Message was written by Jean Cocteau in 1962.

2. UAE becomes the first Arab Country to have Nuclear Power: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrated the completion of the first-ever Nuclear Power Plant not only in the country but the whole Arab Gulf Region. The $20 billion Barakah Plant west of Abu Dhabi has been constructed by a consortium led by Korea Electric Power Corp in nine years. It’s one of the four nuclear reactors being constructed with South Korea’s cooperation.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1. Microsoft opens Garage innovation site in India: Microsoft inaugurated Garage facility, a maker space for employees, its first in Hyderabad and the 2nd largest in the world after its Redmond Garage facility. Microsoft Garage provides a platform to employees who want to explore ideas, build prototypes or experiment with existing products. India is Microsoft’s 2nd largest work location after Redmond, which employees close to 45,000 people.

Daily GK Updates - 24th March, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. 2025 – The end of TB in India: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a campaign to eradicate tuberculosis (TB) from India by 2025, five years ahead of the globally-set deadline. After inaugurating the Delhi End-TB Summit Modi launched the TB-free India Campaign to take the activities under the National Strategic Plan for TB Elimination forward in a mission mode for ending the epidemic by 2025. A target has been set to end TB globally by 2030. Mr. Modi stated that India has targeted to eliminate Tuberculosis by 2025.

2. Rakesh Bhatnagar appointed BHU Vice Chancellor: JNU professor Rakesh Bhatnagar has been appointed as the vice-chancellor of the Banaras Hindu University. He will take charge from BHU Registrar Neeraj Tripathi, who had been holding the additional charge of the top post since October last year. He is a JC Bose National Fellow and has won the ICMR award for developing a recombinant vaccine against anthrax.

3. m-Kerala app launched: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan launched M-Kerala, a unified app for all government services at #FUTURE 2018. It is a first-of-its-kind digital tech summit in the state. Kerala also becomes the state with the largest public Wi-Fi deployment in the country. The internet penetration in the state is at 52%. #FUTURE is Kerala's first-ever Global Digital Summit and was inaugurated by P Vijayan in Kochi.

4. Lingayats community gets minority status: The Karnataka Government declared minority status to the Lingayats community. This comes days after the CM Siddaramaiah-led government accepted the suggestions of Nagamohan Das committee to grant a separate religion status to the Lingayats community. The decision was critised by the Veerashaiva Lingayat Samanvaya Samiti and termed as politically motivated move.

5. India-Egypt Joint Commission Meeting held: The 7th India-Egypt Joint Commission Meeting led by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry was held in New Delhi.  Both the sides reviewed the progress in the areas of political, trade & investment, S&T, cybersecurity, capacity building, security, space, and culture. India and Egypt are two of the world's oldest civilizations that have enjoyed cordial relations based on commonality of views on regional and international issues.

6. Andhra Government launches Naipunya Ratham: Andhra Pradesh Govt has launched, NAIPUNYA RATHAM or World on Wheels, a multi-utility vehicle that aims to bring technology to remote corners. It will facilitate & look to improve digital literacy, digital skills & create an awareness on various govt schemes that are underway in Andhra Pradesh. Govt has allotted Rs 300 crore for the project & will be setting up 1000 skill development centres.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World Tuberculosis Day observed: Each year we commemorate World Tuberculosis Day on March 24 to raise public awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. The date marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB. The theme of World TB Day 2018 - “Wanted: Leaders for a TB-free world”.

2. John Bolton selected as the US National Security Adviser: The 45th President of USA Donald Trump announced that the former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will be the New US National Security Adviser. He would replace present National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster.

3. Vizcarra sworn in as Peru’s new president: Martin Vizcarra was sworn in as Peru’s new president after his predecessor Pedro Pablo Kuczynski abruptly resigned over a corruption scandal. He had earlier served as Peru’s first vice president and his country’s ambassador to Canada. Vizcarra, while taking oath, has vowed to eliminate economic corruption from the country.

OTHER UPDATES

BANKING / FINANCE:

1. Allahabad Bank gets the nod for ABFL merger: According to the officials of Allahabad Bank, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs has allowed the amalgamation of its wholly own subsidiary - All Bank Finance Ltd (ABFL)-with the lender.  The bank's board had approved the proposed merger in December 2016. The ABFL offers a basket of fee-based financial services such as trusteeship services, investment advisory and portfolio management services, distribution of Mutual Funds schemes and other corporate services including valuation of security and so on.

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1. ISRO ties-up with BHEL to manufacture Li-ion cells: ISRO has entered into a Technology Transfer Agreement (TTA) with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), to transfer the technology for the manufacture of space grade Li-Ion cells. The TTA was signed at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru. ISRO uses Li-Ion batteries as power sources for satellite and launches vehicle applications due to their high energy density, reliability and long cycle life. This Li-ion cell Technology Transfer will enable BHEL to produce space grade Li-Ion cells which can meet the country’s space programme requirements.

2. Balesh Sharma is the new CEO of Vodafone Idea India: Vodafone Group Plc’s Indian unit and Idea Cellular, which are in the process of merging their operations to create the country’s biggest telecoms carrier, named Vodafone veteran Balesh Sharma as the new chief executive for the combined venture. Sharma is currently the chief operating officer at Vodafone India. Akshaya Moondra, the current chief financial officer at Idea, will become the finance chief at the combined firm. Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman of Idea’s parent Aditya Birla conglomerate, will be the non-executive chairman of the merged telecoms company.

3. Jio, Saavn to create digital music platform: Reliance Jio Director Akash Ambani, has signed an agreement for merging the digital music service Saavn with JioMusic to create a digital media platform with global reach. The total value of the deal will be over $1 billion. As part of the deal, additionally, Reliance will be acquiring a partial stake from the existing shareholders of Saavn for $104 million.

Daily GK Updates - 15th March, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Asia Pacific Regional Conference (IACP) inaugurated: Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the two-day Asia-Pacific Regional Conference of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in New Delhi. The theme of the conference is "Challenges to Policing in 2020 - How is Cyber Space shaping our approach to Cybercrime and Terrorism, how do we perform within it and take advantage of it".

2. India offers Madagascar USD 80 million LoC: India has decided to offer Madagascar a USD 80 million Letter of Credit (LoC) for agriculture and mechanization. Madagascar is straddled in the Indian Ocean and alongside the strategic Mozambique channel. The island country is the fourth largest in Africa, in terms of size. Madagascar is also a member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

3. India ranks 78th on energy transition index: India has been ranked at 78th among 114 countries on the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) energy transition index. The index listed countries based on their ability to balance energy security, environmental sustainability and affordability. The overall list was topped by Sweden, followed by Norway at the 2nd position and Switzerland at the 3rd rank.

4. IATA partners with civil aviation ministry: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the National Aviation University to enhance human resource availability in India’s aviation industry. The 3 parties to the MoU formalised this partnership on sidelines of Wings India 2018. India is expected to be 3rd largest aviation market in the world.

5. AYUSH Drug QOL-2C for Cancer Patients: Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) has undertaken the development of a coded drug AYUSH QOL-2C for cancer patients. The clinical studies were conducted at St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru and AIIMS, New Delhi in breast cancer patients. The study was also conducted at Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Jaipur in lung cancer patients.

6. Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement between India and Iran: The Union Cabinet has approved an Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes on income between India and Iran. The Agreement will stimulate flow of investment, technology and personnel from India to Iran & vice versa. The agreement will improve transparency in tax matters and will help curb tax evasion and tax avoidance.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. First-ever female director of CIA: Gina Haspel, the newly nominated first-ever female director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), is a career intelligence officer with more than 30 years' experience. Ms. Haspel, 61, has extensive overseas experience and has served as chief of the station on several postings. Her leadership positions in Washington include deputy director of the National Clandestine Service - the CIA agent that co-ordinates clandestine operations - and chief of staff for the director of the National Clandestine Service.

2. India and Madagascar ink deal: India and Madagascar have signed an agreement under which, both the countries will explore various ways of co-operation in the field of defence. An amended air service agreement was also signed to support efforts towards improving connectivity between the two countries. The Madagascar President decorated President Ramnath Kovind with second highest civilian honour Grand Cross.

3. Damascus the cheapest and Singapore the costliest city in the world: New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai are among the cheapest cities in the world, according to an Economist Intelligence Unit’s “The Worldwide Cost of Living” survey. Syria’s capital, Damascus is the cheapest city in the world. Singapore is the world’s most expensive city.

The Worldwide Cost of Living is a biannual survey that compares 400 individual prices across 160 products and services.

4. Finland is the happiest nation on earth-UN Report: Finland has overtaken Norway to become the happiest nation on earth, according to the UN’s 2018 World Happiness Report. Burundi in East Africa is the unhappiest place in the world. For the first time, the UN also examined the happiness levels of immigrants in each country. The World Happiness Report is an annual publication from the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

OTHER UPDATES

DEFENCE:

1. IAF lands its heaviest aircraft, C-17 Globemaster, in Arunanchal Pradesh: The Indian Air Force (IAF) for first time flawlessly landed its largest transport US-manufactured aircraft, C-17 Globemaster at strategic Tuting Advanced landing ground in Arunachal Pradesh. The landing of this aircraft is seen as part of IAF’s move to strengthen its overall operations in the border state. The aircraft is used for airlift missions, transporting troops and cargo.

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1. Amazon’s debit card launched: Amazon.com Inc launched its first-ever debit card in Mexico, part of a push to encourage shoppers without bank accounts to buy online. Part of the challenge is attracting consumers who are wary of online fraud and do not have access to credit and debit cards. Less than a third of adults in Mexico have credit cards, according to a 2017 government report.

Daily GK Updates - 13th March, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal formed: The Centre constituted a three-member Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal to adjudicate the dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over sharing the river's water. Supreme Court Judge AM Khanwilkar will be the Chairman of the tribunal, with Justice Ravi Ranjan of the Patna High Court and Justice Indermeet Kaur Kochhar of the Delhi High Court being the other two members.  The apex court had sought to refer the dispute to a Tribunal for adjudication under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

2. Medal for Excellence in Police Investigation: The Government has approved to institute the “Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Investigation” to promote high professional standards of Investigation of Crime in the State/UT Police and Central Investigating Agencies. A total of 162 medals will be awarded every year. The names of awardees will be declared on 15th August every year.

3. Sitanshu Kar becomes the new PIB Chief: All India Radio’s News Services Division (NSD) director general Sitanshu Kar will be the next head of the Press Information Bureau (PIB). Kar, a senior Indian Information Service (IIS) officer, will take charge as PIB head on May 1. Doordarshan News DG, Ira Joshi will hold additional charge of DG of AIR’s NSD with immediate effect.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. A USD 100 m Line of Credit to Mauritius: India announced a new Line of Credit of USD 100 million for defense procurement by Mauritius as the two sides signed many agreements on the second day of President Ram Nath Kovind's visit. The agreements were signed after President Kovind held delegation-level talks with Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth and members of his Cabinet. 

2. Anti-Defection Bill approved in Maldives: The Maldives Parliament has approved the anti-defection bill with retrospective effect amidst the boycott by opposition MPs. According to the bill, MPs elected on political party tickets will lose their seat if they leave their party, get expelled, or switch parties.  The bill would take effect from 13th July 2017, meaning that the 12 MPs that switched to the Opposition last year would lose their seats. The bill was passed with 35 votes as opposition MPs continued to boycott the settings.

3. Vietnam’s Nguyen crowned “Miss International Queen”: Vietnam’s Nguyen Huong Giang has been crowned this year’s “Miss International Queen” in Thailand at one of the world’s top beauty pageants for transgender women. The winner fended off 26 competitors, from different parts of the world, to clinch the coveted crown. The popular contest has been running since 2004.

4. World Ocean Summit 2018 concluded in Mexico: World Ocean Summit was held recently in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. The summit is for business, government and environmental leaders to talk about the problems faced by the world’s seas and to come up with solutions to protect the planet’s vast ocean resources. World Ocean Summit’s vision is of an ocean with robust health and vital economy.

OTHER UPDATES

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY:

1. New planets found near our solar system: A new planet near the habitable zone around a bright cool star has been found. The scientists have confirmed the existence of 15 new planets – including one ‘Super-Earth’ that could harbour liquid water – orbiting small, cool stars near our solar system. These stars, known as red dwarfs, are of enormous interest for studies of planetary formation and evolution, the study states.

DEFENCE:

1. India tops list of arms and ammunition buyers: Arms import by India increased by 24% between 2008-2012 and 2013-2017 period as per data on international arms transfers released by International Peace Research Institute. India is followed by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, China, Austrailia, Algeria, Iraq, Pakistan and Indonesia as the world top importers. The largest arms suppliers to India are Russia (62%), US (15%) and Israel (11%).

BANKING / FINANCE:

1. ICICI Bank launches online overdraft facility for MSMEs: ICICI Bank has launched instant overdraft ‘InstaOD’ facility for MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) customers in a completely online and paperless manner. Customers can get overdraft facility up to Rs 15 lakh for a year anytime, anywhere using the bank’s Internet and mobile banking app. The new facility will enable a few lakh of pre-qualified current account customers of the bank to instantly avail of the facility without visiting a branch and submitting physical documents. ICICI Bank will also offer the facility for instant online sanction of the overdraft facility to MSME customers of other banks shortly.

2. SBI reduces non-maintenance charges in Savings Accounts: The country’s largest lender, SBI State Bank of India slashed charges for non-maintenance of Average Monthly Balance (AMB) in savings accounts by nearly 75 percent. The revised charges will be effective from April 01, 2018 and will benefit over 25 crore customers. The charges for non-maintenance of AMB for customers in Metro and Urban centers have been reduced from a maximum of Rs 50 per month to Rs 15 per month. Similarly, for Semi-Urban and Rural centers, the charges have been reduced from Rs 40 every month to Rs 12 and Rs 10 GST charges will be applicable over and above the rates specified above.

Daily GK Updates - 9th March, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. President gives Nari Shakti Puraskar: On the occasion of International Women’s Day, President Ram Nath Kovind conferred Nari Shakti Puraskars to 30 eminent women and  9 distinguished Institutions in recognition of their service towards society and women’s empowerment. Women and Organisations from fields of science, sport, art, etc have been awarded. The awardees were finalised by the Ministry of Woman and Child Development.

2. Prakriti to be 1st ITBP Woman Combat Officer: Prakriti has been inducted as the first direct-entry combat officer in the border guarding force, ITBP. She has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and is right now based in an ITBP unit in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh. The ITBP is the last of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to induct women officers in combat roles after the government first allowed it to enroll them in 2016.

3. Women Transforming India Awards 2018: The nominations for the Women Transforming India Awards were opened during the launch of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) at NITI Aayog. The theme of the Awards for the year 2018 is ‘Women and Entrepreneurship’. NITI’s flagship event, which it has organised in partnership with United Nations, will also have the collaboration of DICE Districts.

4. Diu becomes the first UT to run 100% on solar power: Diu has become the first and only Union Territory to be fully solar energy efficient. Diu has made expeditious progress in the field of solar power generation as it has become the first UT in the country where more than 100% of the energy requirement is met by solar power. Diu generates a total of 13 megawatts of electricity from solar power generating facilities daily.

5. Passive euthanasia gets legal sanction: The Supreme Court of India allowed passive euthanasia after citing that persons have right to die with dignity. The SC also allowed an individual to draft a living will specifying that they not be put on life support if they slip into an incurable coma in the future. In a ‘living will’, a person can make a statement in advance that their life should not be prolonged by putting ventilator.

6. Government launches ‘SUVIDHA’: The government announced the launch of ‘Suvidha’, the 100% Oxo-biodegradable Sanitary Napkin, under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). SUVIDHA napkins would be physically available at all Janaushadhi Kendras in the country by May 28, 2018 – World Menstrual Hygiene Day. It would ensure ‘Swachhta, Swasthya and Suvidha’ for the underprivileged Women of India.

7. ‘WINGS INDIA 2018’ Event: The four-day biennial event ‘WINGS INDIA 2018′, jointly organized by Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airport Authority of India and FICCI took off in Hyderabad. WINGS INDIA 2018 is a platform for interactions, forging alliances, investments and air connectivity between the States and the global aviation players & stakeholders. The theme of the event is ‘India-Global Aviation Hub’.

8. Mumbai gets 47th rank in wealth index and 16th amongst the costliest global cities: Mumbai ranks 47 on the “city wealth index” of 314 global cities in the Knight Frank Wealth Report 2018. The “city wealth index” is drawn from four major indicators — wealth, investments, lifestyle and future. Mumbai ranked 16th among the top 20 costliest global cities.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. EIB to invest in clean energy projects in India: European Investment Bank (EIB) will be signing a new loan for large and small clean energy projects all over India. The EIB is the world’s biggest financier of climate action and clean energy projects. In 2017 the EIB invested EUR 19.6bn in climate action projects. The EIB signed a partnership with the International Solar Alliance aimed at supporting the initiative.

2. Hinglish to be taught in UK: UK's Portsmouth College has offered to teach its students 'Hinglish', a mix of Hindi and English languages, becoming the country's first educational institution to do so. The course is being introduced partly due to India's growing economic importance and to prepare British students who may take up jobs in India or in Indian companies based in the UK.

OTHER UPDATES

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY:

1. Planctopirus hydrilla, new antibiotic, discovered by scientists: A novel species of a bacterium that produces antibiotic has been discovered by a professor at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) and his researchers. The newly discovered bacterium, Planctopirus hydrilla, may provide a solution to the problem of diseases becoming resistant to a majority of known drugs. The new bacteria would also clean up ammonia waste, a growing environmental concern.

SPORTS:

1. Dharun breaks national record in hurdles: Ayyasamy Dharun broke the men’s 400m hurdles national record and in the process grabbed a Commonwealth Games ticket on the concluding day of the 22nd Federation Cup National Senior Championships. Dharun erased Joseph G Abraham’s over 10-year-old earlier national record of 49.94 made in August 2007 in Osaka.

2. Commonwealth Point of Light award: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II recognised Srishti Bakshi from India as the 26th  Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional service to empowering women in India. Srishti is the founder of the CrossBow Miles movement. Srishti leads workshops for women in rural communities on digital and financial literacy, leadership and health.

3. Virat Kohli named first Brand Ambassador for Uber India: Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli has been named cab-hailing startup Uber’s first Brand Ambassador in India. Kohli will also be involved in a series of marketing and customer experience initiatives.

4. ISSF World Cup 2018- Anjum Moudgil Wins Silver: Indian shooter Anjum Moudgil clinched a silver medal in the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico. It was Anjum’s first World Cup medal. Former junior world champion China’s Ruijiao Pei won the Gold Medal in that event. India thus remained on top of the medals tally with eight medals, while China is in second with two gold, two silver, one bronze.

Daily GK Updates - 5th March, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Silver Jubilee of Losar festival celebrated: Buddhist Community of Itanagar celebrated the silver jubilee of the Losar Festival. The festival was full of cultural presentations from across the state, including the colourful Bhutanese and the Gorkha Cultural programs. For the locals, Losar gives them a good harvesting year ahead. For the Buddhist community, the festival is termed as the ‘New Year’ according to their Buddhist calendar.

2. KHUSHI Scheme launched by Odisha: The Odisha government launched KHUSHI scheme to provide free sanitary napkins to school girls across the state.  The scheme will be implemented by the health and family welfare department of the state at a cost of 70 crores per year. Under the scheme, the state will provide free sanitary napkins to 17 lakh girls studying in Classes 6 to 12 in government and government-aided schools. The announcement was made by the CM of Odisha Naveen Patnaik.

3. Smiriti Irani inaugurates the FICCI Frame: Information and Broadcasting Minister Smiriti Irani inaugurated 2018 edition of FICCI Frame in Mumbai. This year a maiden edition of Content Market has been added with over 70 buyers for a curated slate of new Indian Films. The event will have more than 35 knowledge sessions by experts besides having over 200 high profile speakers from across the world.

4. Conrad Sangma to be the next CM of Meghalaya: National People’s Party (NPP) President Conrad Sangma will be the new chief minister of Meghalaya. NPP came out as the second largest party with 19 seats in the recently held elections which threw a hung verdict. He will replace congress leader Mukul Sangma.

5. “Arogya Karnataka” Scheme launched: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled a healthcare scheme named 'Arogya Karnataka' (Healthy Karnataka) aimed at benefitting about 1.43 crore households in the state. It will provide quality primary, secondary and tertiary treatment to both below-poverty-line (BPL) and above-poverty-line (APL) families in the state. Through the scheme, all households will get free treatment at government hospitals while for households, the state will bear about 30% of the treatment cost.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. The Shape of Water wins the Best Picture Award at Oscars: The Shape of Water has won the Oscar for best picture at the 90th Academy Awards. The Shape of Water is American fantasy drama film directed by Guillermo del Toro and written by del Toro and Vanessa Taylor. Set in Baltimore in 1962, the plot follows a mute custodian at a high-security government laboratory who falls in love with a captured humanoid-amphibian creature.

2. Merkel secures fourth term in power as the Chancellor of Germany: Angela Merkel has secured her 4th term in power after Social Democratic party agreed to form another “grand coalition” govt. with conservative Christian Democratic Union. The decision ends almost 6 months of political uncertainty in Germany, the longest time the country has been without a govt in its post-war history. The deal will form her third grand coalition during her time as the Chancellor.

3. India is the 12th largest holder of US securities: India’s exposure to US government securities rose sharply to a high of $144.7 billion at the end of 2017. In 2017, China was the largest holder of US government securities with holdings to the tune of $1.18 trillion, followed by Japan at $1.06 trillion.

4. Hindu woman elected to Pakistan’s senate: Krishna Kumari Kohli from Pakistan’s Sindh province has become the first ever Hindu Dalit woman Senator. She is a member of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led Pakistan People’s Party. Her election represents a major milestone for women & minority rights in Pakistan. She has actively participated & worked for the rights of downtrodden people of marginalised communities living in Thar and other areas.

5. Oscar Complete List of Winners: The 90th Annual Academy Awards (also known as Oscar Awards) were held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the USA. The Shape Of Water won the top prize - Best Picture. Jimmy Kimmel hosted the ceremony for the second year in a row. He has become the first host since Billy Crystal to do it again.

1.    Best Picture    The Shape Of Water 2.    Best Director    Guillermo del Toro, The Shape Of Water 3.    Best Actress    Frances McDormand, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 4.    Best Actor    Gary Oldman, Darkest Hour 5.    Best Supporting Actress   -Allison Janney, I, Tonya 6.    Best Supporting Actor    Sam Rockwell, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 7.    Best Original Screenplay    Get Out 8.    Best Adapted Screenplay    Call Me By Your Name 9.    Best Animated Feature Film    Coco 10.    Best Foreign Language Film    A Fantastic Woman, Chile 11.    Best Original Score    The Shape Of Water 12.    Best Original Song    Remember Me, Coco 13.    Best Documentary Feature    Icarus 14.    Best Documentary Short    Heaven Is A Traffic Jam On The 405 15.    Best Live Action Short    The Silent Child 16.    Best Animation Short    Dear Basketball 17.    Best Sound Editing    Dunkirk 18.    Best Sound Mixing    Dunkirk 19.    Best Production Design    The Shape Of Water 20.    Best Cinematography    Blade Runner 21.    Best Makeup And Hair    Darkest Hour 22.    Best Costume Design   Phantom Thread 23.    Best Film Editing    Dunkirk 24.    Best Visual Effects    Blade Runner

OTHER UPDATES

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY:

1. Bandicoot robot developed to eradicate manual scavenging: The Bandicoot Robot, developed by a start-up in Kerala, GenRobotics, is a semi-automatic robotic system for manhole and sewer line cleaning. Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), a start-up incubator under the Kerala government, funded the project proposed by GenRobotics to find a solution for manual scavenging. Kerala will become the first state in India to be manual scavenging-free.

2. NASA to launch TESS for the discovery of planets: Launching in April on a two-year primary mission, the observatory could ultimately discover 20,000 planets. Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) will operate as a kind of exoplanet surveillance camera, making its journey around Earth every 13.7 days. The target area for the TESS mission doesn’t exceed 300 light-years distant from Earth.

DEFENCE:

1. DefExpo to be organized: DefExpo 2018 will, for the first time, project India’s Defence manufacturing capabilities to the world. DefExpo 2018 will brand India as a defence exporter of several defence systems and components for all three Services – Army, Navy and Air Force. The DefExpo is being held on sea-shore, along the East Coast road enroute Chennai to Mahabalipuram.

BANKING / FINANCE:

1. RBI tightens PSL norms for banks: RBI has tightened priority sector lending norms for foreign banks by directing them to create sub-targets so that they lend a portion of their loans to small & marginal farmers as well as MSMEs. Move is directed at foreign banks with over 20 branches & will come into force from next financial year. PSL norms mandate foreign banks to lend 40% of their total loan book to the priority sector.

SPORTS:

1. Viswanathan Anand won Rapid event: Viswanathan Anand won the rapid event at the 11th Tal Memorial chess in Moscow. Anand finished with six points out of a possible nine, scoring four wins and four draws. Anand defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi, Alexander Grischuk and Daniil Dubov of Russia and Hikaru Nakamura of United States en route to his final score.

2. Dhoni becomes brand ambassador of Dream 11: Mahendra Singh Dhoni, has become a brand ambassador of gaming platform Dream11. Dhoni will be the new face of the gaming platform’s multi-channel marketing campaigns and brand engagement activities.

Currently the gaming platform has an user base of 2 crore sports fans playing “fantasy cricket, football, kabaddi and NBA.