Daily GK Updates - 17th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

 1. Bengaluru is highest paying city for talent: With an average annual CTC for talent across all levels and functions standing at about Rs 11 lakh, Bengaluru topped the list of salary trends this year.Pune stands second at around Rs 10 lakh, followed by NCR and Mumbai with an average annual CTC of a little under Rs 10 lakh and around Rs 9 lakh, respectively.The report has been published by Randstad India

2. Kochi to host India Skills Kerala 2018: Kerala will host the India Skills Kerala 2018 – in Kochi from April 28 to 30, as part of the World Skills India 2018. The event is aimed at identifying and training talents to get medals at the World Skills Competition Kazan 2019.The proposed India Skills Kerala 2018 is an avenue provided to the youngsters in the State to showcase their vocational skills.

3. Pilgrimage train flagged off from Sambalpur: A special pilgrimage train for senior citizens, under the ‘Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana’, has been flagged off from Sambalpur station by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.The train will take senior citizens to Shirdi, Nasik and Trimbakeshwar during the seven-day tour.The Odisha government has signed an MoU with the IRCTC for the pilgrimage plan.

4.Target revised for PMGSY from 2022 to 2019: The Government has said that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is well on its way to achieve the target by March 2019.The scheme, since its inception in 2000, has been able to provide connectivity to more than one lakh fifty thousand habitations. This centrally sponsored programme is implemented in partnership with the respective state governments.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World Haemophilia Day Observed On April 17: World Haemophilia Day is recognized worldwide on 17th April every year to increase awareness of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.It was started by the World Federation of Haemophilia.It also helps to raise funds for patients who cannot afford haemophilia treatment.The theme for World Haemophilia Day 2018 is “sharing knowledge”.

2. UK joins International Solar Alliance: The United Kingdom joined the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s four-day visit to Britain.The UK’s partnership will involve providing expertise and advice to the alliance, but no monetary contributions.The UK became 62nd country to join ISA, which includes countries like France, Australia, Bangladesh, Tuvalu, Benin, UAE, Brazil

3. New York Times, New Yorker won Pulitzer: The New York Times and The New Yorker won the Pulitzer Prize for public service on April 16.The Washington Post won the Pulitzer in the investigative category for relentless reporting that influenced the outcome of the 2017 Senate race in Alabama. The New York Times and The Washington Post shared the Pulitzer in national reporting for coverage of Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1. Yes Bank launches overdraft facility for MSMEs: Yes Bank recently announced the launch of ‘YES GST’, an OD (over draft) facility for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).Through this first-of-its-kind, industry first initiative, an MSME can avail OD up to Rs. 1 crore, based on their annual turnover, backed by GST returns.This OD facility can be availed by a MSME against mortgage of residential or commercial property.

2. M&M joins Rs 1-trillion m-cap club: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd entered the coveted Rs 1 trillion market capitalisation club, after its share price hit a fresh 52-week high on the BSE. Following the jump in its m-cap, M&M has joined the ranks of Ultra Tech Cement, PowerGrid Corporation, and IndusInd Bank. The company’s market capitalisation (m-cap) jumped to Rs 1,01,829.91 crore.

SPORTS:

1. Yuki Bhambri back in top-100: Tennis star Yuki Bhambri today broke back into the top-100 for the first time since February 2016.As per the latest rankings, he jumped 22 places to a career-best rank of 83.This follows his title-winning performance at the Taipei Challenger. This is the best rank an Indian has achieved in ATP singles chart since Somdev Devvarman touched a career-high 62 in July 2011.

Daily GK Updates - 11th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. ‘Project Dhoop’ launched by FSSAI: Food safety regulator, FSSAI, launched an initiative Project Dhoop to encourage schools to shift their morning assembly to around noon-time to ensure maximum absorption of Vitamin D in students through natural sunlight. The move comes in the backdrop of rising incidence of Vitamin D deficiency in the country. The initiative urges schools to conduct their morning assembly between 11 am and 1 pm.

2. Government to install water ATMs in Haryana: The Haryana government has prepared Water ATM Policy to provide clean drinking water to people at public places in cities. Under this policy, public places such as bus-stands, railway stations, parks, bus stops, parking areas and markets would be identified. There would be a distance of 400 meters between two water ATMs which could be adjusted according to the convenience of people.

3. Balram Bhargava to be new ICMR chief: Balram Bhargava has been appointed the new Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research and Secretary of the Department of Health Research notification by the appointments committee of the cabinet. Balram Bhargava is currently a senior consultant cardiologist at the AIIMS and will carry out this role until 2021.

4. Rajesh Ranjan appointed DG CISF: Rajesh Ranjan, a 1984 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). He is at present Special Director General of the Border Security Force (BSF). The CISF provides security to various government installations including the airports of the country.

5. Rakesh Bharti Mittal new CII President: Bharti Enterprises Vice-Chairman Rakesh Bharti Mittal assumed the office of the President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for 2018-19. Uday Kotak, Founder and CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank took over as President-Designate of CII for 2018-19. Vikram Kirloskar is the new Vice-President of CII for the current fiscal.

6. Rishad Premji appointed as NASSCOM Chairman: IT industry body NASSCOM had appointed Wipro Chief Strategy Officer and board member Rishad Premji as its Chairman for 2018-19. NASSCOM has appointed WNS Group CEO Keshav Murugesh as the Vice Chairman. NASSCOM is a trade association of Indian IT and Business Process Outsourcing industry.

7. Google marks birth anniversary of KL Saigal: Google is marking the 114th birth anniversary of actor – singer Kundan Lal Saigal with a doodle of the late maestro. Saigal was Bollywood’s first legitimate ‘superstar’, and appeared in 36 films made in three languages, and sang 185 songs in his 15 – plus – year career.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. First India-Nordic Summit in Stockholm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet leaders of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark & Iceland for the first India-Nordic Summit in Stockholm on April 17. Narendra Modi will be the first Indian PM to visit Stockholm since 1988. The six leaders will exchange views on regional and global issues such as environment and climate, trade and investment and discuss areas of future cooperation.

2. China launches Yaogan-31 remote sensing satellites: China has launched the first group of China’s Yaogan-31 remote sensing satellites into space on 10th April The satellites were carried by a Long March-4C rocket. The mission also sent a micro nanotechnology experiment satellite into orbit. The satellites will be used for electromagnetic environment surveys and other technology tests.

OTHER UPDATES

SPORTS:

1. Shreyasi Singh wins the gold at Double Trap event: Shooter Shreyasi Singh won the gold medal in women’s double trap event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. The bronze medal went to Scotland.

2. Ankur Mittal grabs bronze in shooting at CWG:Shooter Ankur Mittal won a bronze medal in the men’s double trap finals at the ongoing 21st Commonwealth Games. Ankur won the silver medal in the World Championships in Moscow 2017 and he also won silver and gold medal in the ISSF World Cup.

3. 2018 Asia Cup moved out from India to UAE: The 2018 Asia Cup, that was earlier scheduled to be held in India, has now been moved out to the United Arab Emirates. The decision was taken following a meeting of the executive board of the Asian Cricket Council held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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 - 9th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Indian President awarded with the highest civilian honour of Equatorial Guinea:  President Ram Nath Kovind was conferred with the “Condecoracion”, the highest honour accorded to a non-citizen by the government of Equatorial Guinea. President Kovind was bestowed with the medal of the ‘Gran Colar de la Independencia’ by the President of Equatorial Guinea. The award was given for his contribution to the cause of development, security and world peace.

2. Patna tops in 4G connectivity – OpenSignal Report: Patna topped in 4G connectivity among 20 of India’s largest cities. It has emerged ahead of the cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, said a report from OpenSignal, a wireless coverage mapping company.

3. PM Ujjwala Yojana inaugurated in Delhi: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) scheme in Delhi on 7th April and distributed new LPG connections and cylinders to beneficiaries here. During the event, about 400 LPG connections were handed over to families belonging to below poverty line category. The PMUY was launched at Yamuna Sports Complex in the national capital.

4. Haryana Govt. to support TB patients: Haryana government has decided to provide special benefits, including nutritional support, to tuberculosis patients in an effort to eliminate the infectious disease by 2025. The government would provide nutritional support of Rs 500 per month during treatment to notified TB patients. Free services would be provided to TB patients in government hospitals of Haryana, including X-Ray.

5. Free chemotherapy in 10 Maharashtra districts: The Maharashtra state government will introduce free chemotherapy facility in 10 districts from June. This facility will be made available at district hospitals of Nagpur, Gadchiroli, Pune, Amravati, Jalgaon, Nashik, Wardha, Satara, Bhandara and Akola in the first phase. The initiative would help patients save in lodging and travelling expenses.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. India-Nepal petroleum products pipeline launched: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli launched the Rs 3.24 billion India-Nepal petroleum products pipeline from Motihari, Bihar to Amlekhgunj, Nepal on 7th April. This is the first international cross-country pipeline project in India. The Motihari-Amlekhgunj Pipeline project was approved by Indian Oil in September 2015.

2. Hungarian elections - PM Orban’s party wins: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz-KDNP coalition won the general elections in Hungary on 8th April. Former radical Jobbik party came second with 20% of the vote, and MSZP-P (Socialist-Dialogue) third with 12.13%

OTHER UPDATES

DEFENCE:

1. UAE, Malaysia conclude military exercise, Desert Tiger: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Malaysia concluded “Desert Tiger 5” joint military exercise aimed at sharing expertise and enhancing joint military actions. The Desert Tiger series is an annual joint exercise between the two countries.

SPORTS:

1. Vettel wins Bahrain Grand Prix: Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel won Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix in his 200th race start. It was Vettel’s second win in as many races this season, the 49th of his career.

2. Mehuli Ghosh clinches silver medal in Shooting at CWG: Indian shooters Mehuli Ghosh and Apurvi Chandela bagged silver and bronze respectively in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle competition at Commonwealth Games 2018. Singapore bagged the gold medal.

With this feat, India now stands third on the points table with 17 medals in total, including seven in shooting alone.

3. Weightlifter Pardeep wins silver at CWG: Indian weightlifter Pardeep Singh won a silver medal in the sport at Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018. Last year, Pardeep had claimed a surprise gold medal in his first senior competition in the 105kg category.

4. Shooters bag gold, bronze for India: Indian shooters Jitu Rai and Om Prakash Mitharwal won gold and bronze medals respectively at Commonwealth Games 2018. In the men’s 10m air pistol event at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games 2018, Rai shot a total of 235.1 points, thus, registering a new Games record. Mitharwal bagged the silver medal after shooting a total of 214.3 points.

India has won five medals so far in shooting alone.

5. Manika Batra won gold medal in Table Tennis: Manika Batra inspired India to a historic gold medal with her stunning singles victories, as she defeated defending champions Singapore 3-1 to claim the gold medal in TT at Commonwealth Games 2018. This is India’s first ever gold at the multi-sport event.

Daily GK Updates - 8th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India’s forex reserves at all time high: The country’s foreign exchange reserves hit a life-time high of 424.361 billion US dollar. Previously, the reserves had touched a record high of 421.914 billion dollar on February 9, 2018. Gold reserves remained unchanged at 21.614 billion US dollar.

2. Anushka Sharma wins Dadasaheb Excellence Award: Anushka Sharma will be awarded the Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Award 2018 for being a path-breaking producer. The actress has been appreciated for breaking new grounds as a film producer, along with her brother Karnesh Sharma. Three movies produced by Anushka, NH 10, Phillauri and Pari belonged to three different genres, thriller, romance and horror.

3. Tripura launches the state version of PMKVY: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has launched the state component of Pradhanmantri Kaushal Vikas Yojna (PMKVY) in Agartala. He has assured that the target to give training to more than 1 lakh 16,000 youths by 2020 will be achieved. Tripura is the first state in the country to implement pilot project for accreditation for skilled candidates.

4. Kerala to issue brain death certificate: Kerala has become the first state to adopt a standard operating procedure (SOP) for determining brain death cases. According to the SOP, a medical board comprising four doctors-at least one should be from the government service-will be authorised to declare a patient brain dead. To check any misuse, the SOP defines brain dead and state of coma in detail.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. UK’s first permanent Middle East military base: UK has opened its first permanent military base in the Middle East in more than 4 decades in the Persian Gulf country of Bahrain. The £40m UK Naval Support facility ‘Jufair’ at Mina Salman will be staffed by up to 500 soldiers, sailors and airmen. Both the countries hope that this base will increase military cooperation between the Royal Navy and its Bahraini counterpart.

2. Japan activated its 1st marine unit since WW2: Japan has activated its 1st marine unit since 2nd World War to counter invaders from occupying Japanese islands. The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes amphibious ships & assault vehicles. After WW2, a clause was written into Japan’s constitution which stated that armed forces with potential to wage war would not be maintained.

OTHER UPDATES

DEFENCE:

1. Indo-Korean joint exercise SAHYOG- HYEOBLYEOG: Indo-Korean joint anti-piracy, search & rescue exercise ‘SAHYOG- HYEOBLYEOG 2018’ was conducted off the Chennai coast. The joint exercise is a part of ongoing cooperative arrangements b/w the 2 coast guards for the past 12 years. The exercise aims to develop working level co-operation & enhance inter-operability in the fields of maritime search & rescue, anti-piracy operations.

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY:

1. NASA’s first flight to Sun: NASA’s Parker Solar Probe — humanity’s first mission to the Sun — is undergoing final preparations. The mission is scheduled for launch on July 31, 2018. Parker Solar will orbit directly through the solar atmosphere – the corona – closer to the surface than any human-made object has ever gone.

BANKING / FINANCE:

1. ICICI Bank becomes the first bank to live on SWIFT’s new payment service: ICICI Bank has become first Indian bank to go live on SWIFT’s Global Payment Innovation, an improved cross-border payments service. The service enables real-time payments tracking across correspondent banks & has a facility to track payments instructions across correspondent banks globally. The announcement of the service comes weeks after the discovery Rs 12,900-crore Nirav Modi scam at PNB

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1. CCI may be a trouble for Flipkart-Amazon merger: The possible coming together of online retailers Amazon and Flipkart is likely to face close scrutiny on competition issues.

Engaged in intense competition, home-grown Flipkart and Amazon India are leading players in the Indian online retail market place. The combined market share of the two parties, which is around 80 percent is most likely to  pose challenges to the deal.

Daily GK Updates - 7th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Two new languages discovered in India: A professor of the University of Hyderabad has discovered two new languages- ‘Walmiki and Malhar’. These languages are spoken in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Walmiki is spoken in Koraput of Odisha and on the bordering districts of Andhra Pradesh. The second language Malhar is spoken in a remote and isolated hamlet about 165 km away from Bhubaneswar.

2. ‘Quit Addiction’ helpline number on all tobacco products: All tobacco products will have a national toll-free number printed on them from September tto assist users to quit the addiction. The toll-free number will help in creating awareness among tobacco users and give them access to counselling services to effect behaviour change. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified new sets of health warnings for all tobacco product packs.

3. Govt. bans the import of “love hormone” oxytocin: The Union government banned imports of the hormone oxytocin to stop its misuse in the livestock industry. It causes hormonal imbalances and shortens the lives of milch animals. Oxytocin is released naturally in the human body and is often called as “love hormone”. The government has decided to rely on domestic production to satisfy requirements of the hormone.

4. Ganga Hariteema Yojana launched in UP: In Uttar Pradesh, “Ganga Hariteema Yojana” (Ganga Greenery Scheme) has been launched in 27 districts of the state located on the bank of river Ganga. The objectives of the schemes include enhancing green cover in the catchment areas of the river Ganga and to control the land erosion. Plantation will be carried out in one-kilometre areas from the banks of the river under the scheme.

5. “Uzhavan” App for farmers launched by TN government: Tamil Nadu government has launched the bi-lingual “Uzhavan” (farmer) app that will allow ryots to have access to nine types of services. The app can be used by farmers to get information on farm subsidies, book farm equipment and details about crop insurance. The app is available in Tamil and English language & includes information on the availability of seeds and fertilisers at stores.

6. “Gram Swaraj Abhiyan” on Ambedkar Jayanti: The Prime Minister has announced that on the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti a “Gram Swaraj Abhiyan” would be organised starting from 14th April to 5th May 2018. This Abhiyan will reach out to poor households, spreading awareness about government welfare schemes and other initiatives. Universal coverage under 7 welfare programmes in 21058 villages has been contemplated under this Abhiyan.

7. Chhattisgarh awarded ‘State of the Year’ at IBL awards: Chhattisgarh bagged the ‘State of the Year’ Award under the ‘business leader” category as part of the India Business Leadership for the increase in business and services activities. Union Information Technology and Electronics Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad gave the award at India Business Leader Awards. Chhattisgarh has been ranked 4th in World Bank’s list of ‘Ease of Doing Business’.

8. First tulip garden in Jammu and Kashmir: Jammu got its first tulip garden at Sanasar in Ramban district of Jammu region. This is the first tulip garden of Jammu region and second after the tulip garden of Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir. The garden has been set up on half an acre area of land adjacent to the Sanasar lake.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World Health Day observed: The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of World Health Organization. This year marks the 70th anniversary of World Health Day. The theme for this year was “Universal health coverage: everyone, everywhere” and the slogan is “Health for All”.

2. Sugar tax comes in UK to save children from tooth decay: Britain rolled out a sugar tax on soft drinks in an attempt to tackle obesity and tooth decay in children. All revenues raised through the tax will directly fund new sports facilities in schools as well as healthy breakfast clubs. The other countries which have introduced such similar taxes are Mexico, France and Norway.

OTHER UPDATES

DEFENCE:

1. IAF’s biggest combat exercise “Gagan Shakti” to be held: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to conduct its biggest ever combat exercise along Pakistan and China borders. The exercise – Gagan Shakti, 2018- will take place from April 10 to 23. For the first time, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will be taking part in the exercise and will perform both the offensive and defensive roles.

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY:

1. RH300 sounding rocket launched from Kerala: The RH300 sounding rocket, developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre as part of a study to enrich available atmospheric data, was launched on 6th April from the Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station in Kerala. This was the 21st launch of RH300 sounding rocket. The RH-300 MKII sounding rocket is utilised to study the Equatorial and lower ionosphere regions of the atmosphere.

BANKING / FINANCE:

1. FPI investment limit in Govt Securities hiked: The Reserve Bank of India, in consultation with the Government, hiked the foreign portfolio investors (FPI) investment limit in Central government securities (G-Sec). FPIs will now be allowed to invest up to 5.5% of outstanding stock of G-secs in 2018-19 and 6% of outstanding stock of securities in 2019-20. The central bank also set a 9% limit for FPI investment in corporate bonds.

SPORTS:

1. Paes becomes most successful doubles player: Leander Paes created a new world record by becoming the most successful doubles player in Davis Cup history after winning his 43rd match. Paes combined with Rohan Bopanna to create the new record.

He made his Davis Cup debut in 1990 alongside Zeeshan Ali. Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi weaved the longest unbeaten winning streak of 24 matches.

2. Sathish Sivalingam wins Gold medal at CWG 2018: Weightlifter Sathish Sivalingam won the gold medal by winning the men’s 77kg event at Commonwealth Games 2018. In the previous Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Sathish had won gold. Hence he became the first ever male Indian weightlifter to win gold in two different editions of the Commonwealth Games.

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 - 27th March, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Mission Sambhav launched in Assam: Assam Chief Minister launched the ‘Mission Sambhav’ campaign, which aims at spreading the message of toilet construction in 33 districts of the state. The central theme of the campaign is to reach out to more than one lakh families without a toilet, on a single day. The scheme aims to promote mass mobilisation through public representatives, local units of security forces, NGOs, and colleges

2. “E-Tribes India” launched: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched The Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India’s (TRIFED) websites-www.tribesindia.com, www.trifed.in and Retail Inventory Software and M-commerce app. TRIFED has developed its own website i.e., tribesindia.com for sale of all its products and to tap m-commerce. ‘Tribes India’ Banners at Amazon, Snapdeal, Paytm & GeM will be launched.

3. India becomes the 3rd largest electricity producer: India’s electricity production grew 34% from 2010 to 2017, and the country now produces more energy than Japan and Russia. India produced 1,160.10 billion units (BU) of electricity in the financial year (FY) 2017. With a production of 1,423 BU in FY 2016, India was the 3rd largest producer and the third largest consumer of electricity in the world, behind China and the United States.

4. Asia’s largest tulip garden in Srinagar opens to public: Kashmir’s Tulip Garden in Srinagar was opend on March 25. The garden is situated on the foothills of Zabarwan range in Srinagar. The garden was conceived, conceptualized and created by then Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad, in 2006-07. In 2014, it was declared as the 2nd best tulip garden in the world by World Tulip Summit Society.

5. India ranks 109th globally in data speed: India, the largest consumer of mobile data in the world, ranks 109th when it comes to mobile Internet download speeds according to Ookla’s Speedtest index. Norway is positioned at the top with an average download speed of 62.07 Mbps. Singapore leads in the fixed broadband front, with a download speed of 161.53 Mbps.

6. India is the 4th largest automobile market: India’s automobile sales, including passenger and commercial vehicles, grew 9.5 percent and more than 4 million units in 2017 were sold, making the country world’s fourth-largest automobile market. India beat Germany to take the 4th position. Maruti Suzuki India, which makes up 80 percent of the market, continues with its lead in passenger vehicles.

7. ‘National Conference on Down Syndrome’ held: A ‘National Conference on Down Syndrome’ was organised by the National Trust under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 26th March. Down Syndrome is a chromosomal condition associated with intellectual and learning disabilities. On 19th December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly declared to observe 21st March as World Down Syndrome Day.

8. Vijay Raghavan as Scientific Adviser: Krishnaswamy Vijay Raghavan was appointed Principle Scientific Adviser to the government of India on 26th March. Vijay Raghavan was serving as secretary of the Department of Biotechnology since January 2013. Vijay Raghavan will succeed physicist Rajagopala Chidambaram.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. ISA and India sign host country agreement: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), signed the Host Country Agreement. The Agreement will give ISA a juridical personality and gives it power to contract, to acquire and dispose off movable and immovable properties, to institute and defend legal proceedings. Under this agreement, ISA shall enjoy such privileges, applicable tax concessions and immunities as are necessary for ISA’s Headquarter to independently discharge its function and programmes.

OTHER UPDATES

SPORTS:

1. Manu Bhaker-Anmol wins air pistol mixed gold at ISSF: Manu Bhaker and Anmol secured the gold medal in the ISSF Junior World Cup by winning the mixed 10m air pistol event. The silver and bronze medals were both awarded to China. Genemat Sekhon bagged an individual bronze medal in the junior women’s shooting. Overall, India occupied the second placed with 17 medals, including seven gold.

2. Anish Bhanwala won gold in Shooting: Anish Bhanwala secured an individual gold medal at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Sydney. The bronze medal was awarded to another Indian team comprising Sandhu, Japtyesh Singh Jaspal and Mandeep Singh. India is now placed second in the overall standings with 15 medals, comprising 6 gold, 3 silver and 6 bronze.

Daily GK Updates - 25th March, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. NCERT launches dedicated portal for supply of textbooks: National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) decided to supply the required number of textbooks to all Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) affiliated schools for the academic session 2018-19. Discussing the issue of publishing and providing textbooks with the CBSE, NCERT has launched a dedicated web portal (www.ncertbooks.ncert.gov.in) for the supply of textbooks to schools and individuals. It has also enlarged its distribution network of vendors across the country. The details of such (895) vendors have been uploaded on the NCERT website for the convenience of the schools and parents. 

2. The 5th India Maize Summit held: Union Agriculture Minister, Radha Mohan Singh had addressed the 5th India Maize Summit in New Delhi. The aim of the summit was to harness the potential of maize, technological innovations, promoting producer aggregation and linkages that are required.

3. Chattisgarh wins the “Water Digest Award”: Chhattisgarh bagged the National 'Water Digest Award' for Water Conservation-Diversion and for increasing the irrigation capacity in the State. This is the first time that Chhattisgarh Water Resources Department had been given national Award during the past 17 years. 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Venezuela to eliminate 3 zeros from currency: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has decided to eliminate three zeros off the country’s inflation-ridden currency, the bolivar. This new monetary denomination, which replaces the one he established in January 2017, will help the government fight the “economic war of financial persecution”. 500 bolivars, the new maximum denomination of the country’s bills will amount to only $0.01.

2. US launches WTO challenge against China: US has launched a challenge at World Trade Organization against China over intellectual property breaches. US is taking action at WTO to address China’s unfair technology practices that run counter to WTO rules. This comes just as the US prepares to impose tariffs of 25% on imported steel & 10% on aluminum – sanctions that are meant to hit China for flooding world with cheap steel & aluminum

3. Pakistan gets first woman opposition leader: Pakistani lawmaker Sherry Rehman made history by becoming the first woman Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. Rehman of Pakistan Peoples Party was declared as the Leader of the Opposition after she secured support of majority 34 opposition senators in the house of 104. She has served as Pakistan’s ambassador to the US from 2011 to 2013 and was elected to the Senate in 2015.

OTHER UPDATES

DEFENCE:

1. Warship INS Ganga decommissioned: INS Ganga, an indigenously built frigate of the Indian Navy, was decommissioned in Mumbai after over three decades of service. It was Commissioned in December 1985, the ship represented a big step forward in the nation's warship building capability. The special guest of honor for the ceremony was Vice Admiral (Retd) K K Kohli, the first Commanding Officer of INS Ganga.

BANKING / FINANCE:

1. UCO Bank to merge branches in Hong Kong: Following RBI’s ban on letters of undertaking, UCO Bank is planning to merge its two branches in Hong Kong. The ban on LoUs has affected the business of foreign branches & the bank says one branch is enough to cater for customers’ needs.

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1. Ahmedabad airports is the ‘Most Improved Airport’ in Asia Pacific region: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has received the award for the Most Improved Airport in the Asia Pacific region. It is the 1st international award for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport that has over 200 flight movements per day. In 2016-17, it handled over 7.4 million passengers making it the 8th busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic in India.

SPORTS:

1. Smriti creates record for scoring the fastest fifty by Indian woman in T20 Internationals: Smriti Mandhana created history after smashing the fastest fifty by an Indian player in women’s T20I cricket. Mandhana, who was opening the innings for India, achieved the feat in just 25 balls bettering her previous best in 30 balls. The overall record for the fastest fifty in women’s T20Is belongs to Sophie Devine (18 balls) of New Zealand.

2. Pankaj Advani wins Asian Billiards Championship title: Pankaj Advani defended his Asian Billiards Championships title in by demolishing his partner B Bhaskar 6-1. With this win, Advani remains the reigning Indian, Asian & world champion in billiards for 2017-18. This is Advani’s 11th gold medal at Asian level of cue sports. His continental billiards title tally has gone up to 7, in addition to back-to-back Asian Games gold medals in 2006 & 2010

3. Vettel wins Australian Grand Prix: Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel pipped the defending Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton to win the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. It was the 100th podium of Vettel’s career and it came in his 200th Formula One race. He becomes the fourth driver to claim 100 podium finishes, joining Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost.

4. Yuki Bhambri advances in Miami Open: Ace Indian tennis player Yuki Bhambri moved to the second round of Miami Open after beating Bosnia's Mirza Basic 7-5, 6-3.  The Indian Davis Cupper will now face world number 11 and eighth seed American Jack Sock in the next round.  This will be the first meeting between the two after 2013 when Bhambri had beaten Sock in a Challenger event.  Yuki, ranked 107 had qualified for the ATP 1000 series main draw with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Sweden's Elias Ymer in the second and final qualifying round.  Yuki, of late, has created excellent results against top players as he registered the biggest win of his career, shocked world number 12 Lucas Pouille in the second round of Indian Wells Masters.

5. Ball tampering scandal of Australian cricket team: Australian skipper Steve Smith & batsman Cameron Bancroft have admitted to charges of ball-tampering during the 3rd day of the third Test match against South Africa in Cape Town. Bancroft was caught on television cameras appearing to rub a yellow object on the ball during the match. Australia captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner have decided to relinquish their leadership duties.