Daily GK Updates - 8th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. LS Secretary General got one-year extension : The tenure of Snehlata Shrivastava has been extended by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan for one year.She was scheduled to retire on 30 November 2018 but after the extension, she will retire in  30 November 2019.She is the first woman Secretary General of the Lok Sabha.She has served as Secretary in the Ministry of Law and Justice and as Special/Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.

2. Proposed Ganga bill bans ports, jetties : According to a proposed ‘Ganga Act’, the government has banned the construction of jetties, ports or ‘permanent hydraulic structures’ in the Ganga river.The Bill lays down a host of restrictions to ensure the ‘uninterrupted, ecological flow’ of the river. The proposed act is formally called the National River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Conservation and Management) Bill, 2018.

3. New record created in Ayodhya : A new world record was set in Ayodhya on 7 November 2018 with over three lakh ‘diya’ lit up simultaneously.A total of 3,01,152 diyas were lit up simultaneously for five minutes.The record was created at the Deepotsav event on the banks of the Sarayu river.The target was to illuminate a total of 3.35 lakh diya on both sides of the ghats at Ram Ki Paidi.

4. JNPT planning to host edible oil refinery : Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) is planning to host an edible oil refinery to maximise revenue and ensure captive cargo.The raw material for the refinery will be imported from abroad and a considerable part of the finished products will be sent out through the sea.The port already has a liquid cargo terminal in addition to the 4 container terminals.The port is situated in Maharashtra

5. ‘Bhubaneswar Me Wi-Fi’ launched  : Odisha Government launched the ‘Bhubaneswar Me Wi-Fi’ project in Bhubaneswar on 5 November 2018.The project is implemented by Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL).It will initially have 100 hotspots enabled locations with 275 access points.One wi-fi hotspot would be able to handle 150 users at a given point of timeBSCL is a Special Purpose Vehicle incorporated by Odisha Government.

6. Mo bus’ service launched in Odisha : Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched the ‘Mo bus’ service in Bhubaneswar on 6 November 2018.The newly-launched buses feature free Wi-Fi, CCTV surveillance, public information display system and on board announcements.The bus service will come up with ‘Mo Bus’ mobile app through which citizens can book their tickets and also get to know the locations of the vehicle.

7. West Bengal to observe ‘Rosogolla Day’ : The West Bengal government will observe ‘Rosogolla Day’ on November 14.The day will be observed to commemorate the first anniversary of the State’s famous sweet getting Geographical Indication (GI) tag as ‘Bengal’s Rosogolla’.On 14 November 2017, West Bengal got the GI tag for ‘Bengal’s Rosogolla’.The GI tag is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a particular place.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. European defence coalition launched in Paris : Defence ministers from European countries met in Paris on 7 November 2018 and launched a jointmilitary force known as the ‘European Intervention Initiative’ or EI2.The military force could rapidly be deployed in response to a conflict or natural disaster.Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Portugal, Britain and Finland are part of this initiative.

2. India loses row over safeguard duty at WTO : India lost a major trade dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 6 November 2018.A dispute settlement panel upheld Japan’s complaint that India’s imposition of safeguard duty on imports of hot-rolled steel flat products during September 2015 and March 2018 violated core global trade rules.Japan launched the dispute settlement proceedings against India in 2017.

3. ASEAN member countries offer concession : Several Asian member countries of the proposed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have offered India a concession on the extent to which it needs to open up its markets.India can now open up 83% of its market against the earlier 92%.The RCEP is a proposed trade agreement between the ASEAN countries and the six free trade agreement partners.

4. Tesla names new chair to replace Elon Musk : Electric carmaker Tesla has appointed Robyn Denholm as the Chairman of the company’s board of directors, replacing Elon Musk.She will also be leaving her role as CFO and Head of Strategy at Telstra, Australia’s largest telecommunications company.She has been on the Tesla board as an independent director since 2014.Elon Musk will remain the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Tesla.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. ECB norms for infra firms eased : The Reserve Bank of India has liberalised the norms governing external commercial borrowings (ECBs) for infrastructure creation.

The minimum average maturity requirement for ECB in the infrastructure sector has been reduced to three years from earlier five years.Additionally, the average maturity requirement for mandatory hedging has been reduced to five years from earlier ten years.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. Study finds that 3 moons orbit the Earth : A team of astronomers and physicists has confirmed that the dust clouds orbit the Earth.These dust clouds move with the Earth and Moon at a stable 4,00,000 kilometres from the Earth.The dust clouds is also known as ‘Kordylewski’ clouds. The first glimpse of the clouds was seen only in 1961 by Polish astronomer Kazimierz Kordylewski.

Daily GK Updates - 6th November. 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Naidu launched ‘Jaipur Foot’ camp in Malawi : Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu inaugurated a ‘Jaipur Foot’ camp in Malawi.The camp was launched under the ‘India for Humanity’ programme, which honours Mahatma Gandhi’s service to humanity.The Indian government partnered with Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayta Samiti for ‘India for Humanity initiative’.The ‘India for Humanity’ was launched on 2 October 2018.

2. Lucknow stadium renamed after Vajpayee : The newly-built ‘Ekana International Stadium’ has been renamed after former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Lucknow.The stadium will now be known as ‘Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee International Cricket Stadium’.UP Governor Ram Naik has approved the government proposal to this effect. 

3. Jayant Sawarkar to get Maha lifetime award : Noted Marathi actor Jayant Sawarkar will be honoured with the Maharashtra government’s ‘Natvarya Prabhakar Panshikar Lifetime Achievement’ award in the field of theatre.The ‘Sangeetacharya Annasaheb Kirloskar Lifetime Achievement’ award will be given to tabla artist Vinayak Thorat.Both awards comprise cash prizes of Rs 5 lakh, citation and memento each.

4. Anupam Kher got ‘Distinguished Fellow’ award : Anupam Kher was honoured as a ‘Distinguished Fellow’ by IndiaGlobal – a leading think-tank that works on issues concerning non-resident Indians.The actor was given a fellowship on November 3, 2018 at the 3rd IndiaGlobal Summit.The event was held at the prestigious MIT Sloan School of Management in Boston, and was facilitated by MIT Sloan India Business Club.

5. Ram Mohan Roy award for N. Ram : Veteran journalist and The Hindu Publishing Group Chairman N. Ram has been chosen for the prestigious Raja Ram Mohan Roy Award 2018.The award is presented by the Press Council of India (PCI) for his outstanding contribution to journalism.Ruby Sarkar, the chief correspondent of Deshbandhu, and Rajesh Parshuram Joshte of Daily Pudhari, have been named joint winners for ‘Rural Journalism’.

6. Guidelines for ‘Operation Greens’ issued : Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has approved the operationalisation strategy for Operation Greens.Operation Greens was announced in the Budget speech of 2018-19 with an outlay of Rs 500 crores.It was launched to stabilise the supply of Tomato, Onion and Potato (TOP) crops and to ensure availability of TOP crops throughout the country round the year without price volatility.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Earth’s ozone layer is finally healing : According to a new United Nations report, earth’s protective ozone layer is finally healing from the damage caused by aerosol sprays and coolants.The upper ozone layer above the northern hemisphere should be completely repaired in the 2030s and the gaping Antarctic ozone hole should disappear in the 2060s.The ozone layer had been thinning since the late 1970s.

2. UN Pledging Conference held : The 2018 ‘United Nations Pledging Conference for Development Activities’ was held on 5 November 2018.About 19 countries pledged a total of USD 425.69 million at the Pledging Conference.India pledged contributions of USD 13.36 million for the various UN agenciesIndia’s pledged contributions include $4.5 million to the UN Development Programme.

3. ‘Preventing the environment from War’ observed : The ‘International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict’ is observed every year on 6 November.The aim is to educate people about the damaging effects of war and armed conflict on the environment.The day was declared by the United Nations on 5 November 2001.

4. India allowed to buy Iranian oil-US : India is one of the eight countries to receive temporary exemptions from U.S. sanctions on Iran that came into effect on 5 November 2018.The other countries that have been exempted are China, Italy, Greece, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Turkey.U.S. said that each country on the list had demonstrated ‘significant reductions’ of the purchase of Iranian crude over the past six months.

5. MoU signed between India & South Korea : A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea on 5 November 2018.The MoU was signed in the field of sports cooperation.The cooperation under this MoU may include areas like exchange of coaches, athletes, and experts.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI imposed Rs 1 cr fine on Fino Payments Bank : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a fine of Rs 1 crore on Fino Payments Bank for opening new accounts despite directions not to do so until further order on 5 November 2018.This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers vested in RBI under the provisions of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.Fino Payments Bank started its operations in June 2017.

DEFENCE:

1. INS Arihant completes Nuclear Triad : INS Arihant, India’s first nuclear-powered submarine, successfully completed its first deterrence patrol.This means that INS Arihant is now prowling the deep seas carrying ballistic missiles.Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear (SSBN) submarine is part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command.The vessel has been designed by the Indian Navy’s Submarine Design Bureau

SPORTS:

1. Elavenil Valarivan won bronze medal : Elavenil Valarivan won the bronze medal at the 11th Asian Shooting Championship in Kuwait on 6 November 2018.Elavenil shot 227.9 in the corresponding Women’s event to claim the bronze medal.Shi Mengyao of China won the gold medal while Xu Hong won the silver medal at the event. 

2. Divyansh won silver medal in men’s shooting : India’s junior shooter Divyansh Singh Panwar won a silver medal in the 11th Asian Shooting Championship in Kuwait city on 6 November 2018.Divyansh shot 251.4 in the final of 10m Air Rifle Junior Men’s event.Wang Yuefeng from China won the gold medal, who shot a Junior World and Asian record score of 252.

3. Gafur Rakhimov elected president of AIBA : Uzbek businessman Gafur Rakhimov was elected president of the International Boxing Association (AIBA) Rakhimov beat his only opponent, former boxer Serik Konakbayev of Kazakhstan.The International Boxing Association (AIBA) is a sports organisation that sanctions amateur (Olympic-style) boxing matches and awards world and subordinate championships.

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 - 4th November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Delhi's Signature Bridge opens for public : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has inaugurated the iconic ‘Signature Bridge’ over river ‘Yamuna’. in Delhi.The Signature Bridge (675 metres long) is a cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge, spans Yamuna river at Wazirabad section, connecting Wazirabad to East Delhi.The pylon of the Signature bridge is the tallest structure in Delhi and is double the height of Qutb Minar, with 154-metre high viewing box, which acts as selfie points for people.It is the country's first asymmetrical cable-stayed bridge.

2.Ministry of Drinking Water & Sanitation announces Swachh Bharat World Toilet Day Contest  : The Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has announced Swachh Bharat World Toilet Day Contest for districts and States.The purpose of the Contest is to encourage all districts in India to re-intensify the sanitation movement with a special focus on Open Defecation Free-ODF Sustainability. Top 10 District Collectors, top 3 State Mission Directors and State Secretary in-charge of Sanitation will be recognized and awarded by the Swachh Bharat Mission.The Contest does not apply to the five States of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram

3.National Seminar on Entrepreneurship & Business Development in Ayurveda begins in New Delhi : A two-day National Seminar on Entrepreneurship and Business Development in Ayurveda has begun in New Delhi.The seminar has been organised by the AYUSH Ministry.The seminar is expected to develop awareness among stakeholders about business opportunities, encouraging young entrepreneurs to use modern technologies and highlight opportunities at the global level.

4. Noted Malayalam writer M Mukundan wins Ezhuthachan award : Noted Malayalam writer M Mukundan (76- years) has been selected for the highest literacy prize ‘Ezhuthachan Puraskaram 2018’. The award is being given for his overall contributions to the language and literature.

5. Super 30 founder Anand Kumar to be honoured with education award in Dubai : Veteran Mathematician 45-year old Anand Kumar (Super 30 founder) will be awarded for his ‘pioneering’ contribution to the field of education and illuminating the lives of many talented students (on 8^th November).Mr Anand will be honoured with 'Global Education Award' by 'Malabar Gold & Diamonds', a flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading Indian business conglomerate

6.IIT-Madras creates ‘Shakti’, India’s first microprocessor : The Indian Institute of Technology-Madras (IITM) have designed and booted up India’s first icroprocessor ‘Shakti’.An open-source high-level synthesis language ‘Bluespec’ was used in making the chips.The Shakti microprocessor can be used in low-power wireless systems and networking systems besides reducing reliance on imported microprocessors in communication and defence sectors.It could be used in mobile computing and other devices.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.18th Indian Ocean Rim Association Council of Ministers Meeting Held in Durban : The 18th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers Meeting was held in Durban, South Africa. Gen. (Dr.) VK Singh (Retd.), Minister of State for External Affairs, attended the IORA Council of Ministers Meeting.

This meeting took place during the on-going celebrations of the 150th year of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the 100th birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela.The Indian Ocean Rim Association is an inter-governmental organisation which was established on 7^th  March 1997.

2.  Indo-French Conclave held in Nagpur : Indo-French Conclave signed 12 agreements worth 200 million euro held in Nagpur, Maharashtra.The Indo-French Conclave was organized by Indo French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (IFCCI) and the Embassy of France in India.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Kolkata leads Ease of Moving Index 2018 : The union minister Nitin Gadkari has released the Ola Mobility Institute’s(OMI), India's first Ease of Moving Index, 2018.As part of report findings, Kolkata ranks the highest in terms of affordability of public transportation with 80% of commuters finding Kolkata's public transport reasonable and affordable.Ola Mobility Institute (OMI) is the research and outreach arm of Ola.

DEFENCE:

1. Offshore patrol vessel ICGS Varaha launched : According to Defence Ministry, The Indian Coast Guard has launched a new offshore patrol vessel called ICGS Varaha from a corporate shipyard near Chennai.The vessel has been designed and built indigenously.This is the third in a series of seven similar ships to be handed over to the Coast Guard. The timeline for the delivery of all the vessels is March 2021.ICGS Varaha will soon be fitted with advanced navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machinery.

SPORTS:

1. Indian badminton player Subhankar Dey has won the SaarLorLux Open at Saarbrucken in Germany : He defeated fifth-placed Rajiv Ouseph (Britain), in straight games, 21-11, 21-14.This is Subhankar's first title of 2018.Earlier, he had finished runner-up in the Kabal International tournament at the Czech Republic.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd November, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 1.Atul Goel takes charge as MD, CEO of UCO Bank : Atul Kumar Goel has assumed charge as Managing Director (MD) and CEO (Chief executive officer) of UCO Bank.Earlier, he was executive director of Union Bank of India.Goel takes over from R K Takkar who completed his three-year tenure on 1^st November 2018.UCO Bank (formerly United Commercial Bank) established in 1943 in Kolkata.

2.Railway Ministry launched ‘UTS on Mobile’ facility : The Ministry of Railways has launched the ‘Unreserved Mobile Ticketing’ facility (UTS on Mobile) to enable seamless booking of unreserved tickets in all Zonal Railways.Now, the booking of unreserved tickets on all non-suburban sections across all Zonal Railways will now be made available on mobile.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Doha to host World Corporate Games : The World Corporate Games 2019 will be held for the first time in the Middle East in Doha, organisers of the Games  anounced. The 23rd edition is held under the patronage of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani and will bring together the local, regional and international business sporting community.It will be the first time that the World Corporate Games, established nearly 30 years ago, incorporate eSports and mind sports.

2. India and Japan sign a loan agreement worth Rs. 1817 crore : India and Japan have signed a loan agreement worth of approximately 1817 crores for the construction of Turga Pumped Storage (I).The objective of the Project is to strengthen the capability to respond to a fluctuation in supply and demand of power and to improve the stability of the power supply.In the last few years, the economic cooperation between India and Japan has steadily progressed.

3. India Pavilion inaugurated at Videocittà 2018 in Rome Film Festival : India Pavilion inaugurated at Videocittà 2018 in Rome Film Festival.India Pavilion at Videocitta 2018 showcased Indian films’ heritage, ease of film shooting in India, promoted film shooting locations in India.It is an event focussing on Virtual Reality, Video gaming, Animation, Film Making, etc. was organized along with Rome Film Festival and Mercato Internazionale dell' Audiovisivo (MIA) (the International Audio-Visual Market).

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.  Kirloskar Capital gets RBI nod for NBFC biz : Kirloskar Capital has received RBI licence to start a non-banking financial company (NBFC).Kirloskar Capital is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kirloskar Oil Engines (KOEL), plans to lend more than Rs 1,000 crore over the next three years.Earlier, the company roped in former Indo-Star Capital Finance Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Vimal Bhandari, to head its operations.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1.  Bank of Maharashtra to reinstate CEO, ED : The board of directors of Bank of Maharashtra decided to restore/reinstate the functional responsibilities of RP Marathe, Managing Director and CEO, and RK Gupta, Executive Director, with immediate effect.This move is possibly an indication that these two top executives, who were taken into custody by the Pune police for the bank’s Rs 96.52-crore exposure to DSK Developers, have got a clean chit from the authorities. Earlier, the board, in its meeting held on June 29, had divested these two top executives of all their functional responsibilities.

SPORTS:

1. Azhar Ali announces retirement from ODIs : Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has announced his retirement from ODI cricket in order to prolong his Test career.Azhar has been one of Pakistan's most prolific run-scorers in Test cricket as he scored a triple century and a double hundred in Tests in the UAE and Australia in 2016 & 2017.In January 2018, he played his last ODIs against New Zealand.

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 - 26th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.PM Modi inaugurates farmers' conclave Krishi Kumbha in Lucknow : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated three-day farmers' conclave 'Krishi Kumbh 2018' in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (via video conferencing).The 'Krishi Kumbh' is being organized to promote modern technique and diversification in agriculture that could help in doubling farmers income.The Kumbh will witness Israel & Japan (as official partners) while Haryana & Jharkhand (as partner states).The summit would introduce farmers to the evolving dynamics of farming so that they could increase their earnings by tapping the vast potential in agriculture and post-harvest management of crops.

2. HRD Minister launches web portal of SPARC in New Delhi : The Minister of Human Resource Development (HRD) Prakash Javadekar has launched the web portal “sparc.iitkgp.ac.in.” in New Delhi.SPARC (Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration) scheme aims at improving the research ecosystem of India’s higher educational institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best institutions in the world.SPARC will improve research ecosystem of India’s higher educational institutions by facilitating academic and research collaborations between Indian Institutions and the best institutions in the world from 28 selected nations. 

3.Shri Rajnath Singh attends 57th Raising Day Parade of Indo-Tibetan Border Police : The Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh attended the 57th Raising Day Parade of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.The ITBP jawans are deployed in North East and Left Wing Extremism affected areas.On this occasion, 1 Uttam Jeevan Raksha Padak, 05 President’s Police Medals for istinguished Service, 23 Police medals for meritorious service and 1 Jeevan Raksha Padak were awarded.

4.Maneka Gandhi inaugurates the fifth edition of Women of India National Organic Festival : The Union Women and child development minister Maneka Sanjay ‘Gandhi’ has inaugurated the Women of India National Organic Festival (5^th edition) at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts in New Delhi. (26th Oct to 4th November 2018). The objective of the ten days long ‘Organic Festival’ is to boost organic culture and promote women, organic farmers and entrepreneurs

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NATO's biggest military maneuvers begin in Norway : The NATO's (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) biggest military maneuvers (since the Cold War) has begun in Norway.The wargames bring together around 50,000 personnel from all 29 NATO allies, plus partners Finland and Sweden.Around 65 vessels, 150 aircraft and 10,000 vehicles will also participate in the drill, which takes place in central and eastern Norway, the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. It will go on till November 7.

2.India, Bangladesh sign several agreements for enhancing inland and coastal waterways connectivity : India and Bangladesh have signed several agreements for enhancing inland and coastal waterways connectivity for trade and cruise movements.The two countries have signed an agreement to use Chattogram and Mongla Ports in Bangladesh for movement of goods to and from India.A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has also been signed for movement of passenger and cruise services.

3.China successfully tests world’s largest Cargo Drone : China has successfully tested the world’s largest cargo drone Feihong-98(FH-98), carry a payload of 1.5 tonnes (1,500 Kg). This commercial drone ‘Feihong-98’ has been developed and modified by the China Academy of Aerospace Electronics Technology.The FH-98 has a maximum take-off weight of 5.25 tonnes (flight height of 4,500 metres) a cruising speed of 180 kmph, and a maximum range of 1,200 kms.

4.India wins 2018 CAPAM International Innovations Awards : India has won the prestigious 2018 Commonwealth Association for Public Administration and Management Award.This award celebrates the spirit of innovation in the public service by recognising organisations that have made significant contributions to improve governance and services in the public sector.The Union Government had sent entries for 2018 CAPAM International Innovations Awards, under various categories.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Wipro appoints ex-SBI chief Arundhati Bhattacharya as the Independent director : Former SBI chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya has been appointed as an independent director of Wipro (IT company) for a term of 5 years (from 1^st Jan 2019), subject to the approval of shareholders.Bhattacharya graduated from Kolkata's Lady Brabourne College in 1977 and picked up banking as a career option for supporting the family following her father's retirement from Bokaro Steel plant as an engineer.On 7^th October 2013, Bhattacharya became the first woman to be appointed as chairman of SBI.

SPORTS:

1.Pooja Dhanda wins Bronze Medal in World Wrestling Championships in Budapest : Pooja Dhanda has won a bronze medal in the women's freestyle (57kg weight class) in Wrestling World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.Dhanda defeated Grace Bullen of Norway 10-7.Earlier, Bajrang Punia's had settled for a silver in the 65kg category.

Daily GK Updates - 25th October, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. GoM set up to strengthen safety laws for women at workplaces : The union government has constituted a group of ministers (GoM) to strengthen the legal and institutional frameworks to prevent and deal with sexual harassment of women in workplaces.The four-member GoM headed by Rajnath Singh (union home minister) will examine the existing provisions for dealing with sexual harassment of women in offices. The other members of the GoM are Nitin Gadkari, Nirmala Sitharaman and  Maneka Sanjay Gandhi .

2. Six-member panel set up to resolve stressed assets : The overseeing committee (OC) that is being set up under the inter-creditor agreement (ICA) for resolution of stressed assets will have six members.These members include Janki Ballabh (former Chairman, State Bank of India), MBN Rao (former Chairman & Managing Director, Canara Bank), M Damodaran (former Chairman, SEBI) and HR Khan (former Deputy Governor, RBI).

3. India Mobile Congress 2018 begins in New Delhi : The Indian Mobile Congress 2018 (second edition) has opened in New Delhi's Aerocity.The digital forum is organized by the COAI and brings together industry partners, OEMs, service providers, policymakers and experts to discuss and deliberate on emerging technology, issues, policy guidelines.The theme for this year is "New Digital Horizons Connect, Create, Innovate."

4. Global Agriculture Leadership Summit 2018 opens in New Delhi : Sanjay Agrawal (Secretary Agriculture and Co-operation) has inaugurated the two-day Global Agriculture Leadership Summit 2018 in New Delhi.The theme of the summit is, 'Connecting Farmers to Market'.In the meeting, several issues to double farmers’ income by 2022 were discussed.Pioneer of India's green revolution Professor MS Swaminathan was also present on the occasion.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. M.S. Swaminathan to be awarded World Agriculture Prize : Agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan (Pioneer of India’s Green Revolution) will receive the first World Agriculture Prize instituted by the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA) in New Delhi.The prize will be presented by Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu at Vigyan Bhawan at a special session.The prize has been instituted by the ICFA with an aim to recognize individuals who have served humanity through agriculture.

2. Second Guwahati International Film Festival begins today : Assam Chief Minister ‘Sarbananda Sonowal’ has inaugurated the second Guwahati International Film Festival in Assam.The festival is being organized by Jyoti Chitraban in association with Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Regional Government Film and Television Institute.Total of 108 movies from 50 countries will be screened during the week-long festival, with a special focus on ASEAN countries.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. Satish Kumar Gupta appointed CEO of Paytm Payments Bank : Veteran banker Satish Kumar Gupta has been appointed as managing director (MD) and CEO of Paytm Payments Bank.Gupta comes in after Renu Satti stepped down as CEO in July.Previously, Mr. Gupta had stints as the chief product officer at National Payments Corporation of India and deputy general manager at State Bank of India.

2. PNB Metlife launches AI-powered customer service app 'Khushi' : PNB Metlife has unveiled an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered customer service app ‘Khushi’.The app is designed to be a one-stop shop providing insurance-related information, anytime, anywhere, such as policy features, premium due details besides providing fund value and portfolio details.Khushi app has the ability to understand customer intent and provide tailored responses.

SPORTS:

1. First edition of North East Olympic Games begins in Imphal : Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has declared open the first edition of North East Olympic Games (NEOG) 2018 at main Stadium Khuman Lampark Sports Complex, Imphal.Around 2000 thousand athletes will compete in 12 disciplines including Athletics, Archery, Badminton, Boxing, Football, Judo, Karate-Do, Shooting, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Weightlifting, and Wushu. The NEOG games is being organized by the MOA under the aegis of the North East Olympic Association.

2. West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo retires from international cricket : West Indies all-rounder ‘Dwayne Bravo’  announced his retirement from international cricket.He will continue to play franchise T20 cricket around the world.Dwayne Bravo last represented West Indies in a T20I game vs Pakistan in 2016.Bravo played 40 Tests, 164 ODIs & 66 T20Is for the Windies, made 2986 runs in ODIs and took 199 wickets.

3. Kohli becomes fastest to reach 10,000 runs in the history of ODI Cricket :

India captain Virat Kohli (29-year) has become the fastest batsman to score 10,000 runs in the history of ODI cricket (in just 205 innings).He overtook Sachin Tendulkar, who had reached 10,000 ODI runs (259th innings) in 2001.