Daily GK Updates - 1st November, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Suresh Chukkapalli appointed as Consul General of Korea: Suresh Chukkapalli, Chairman of Phoenix Group of Hyderabad, has been appointed as Honorary Consul General in Hyderabad by the Republic of Korea.

2. Five states celebrate their Foundation Day: Five states — Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka — are celebrating their foundation day today, Wednesday, November 1.

3. ERO-Net launched in Rajasthan: Rajasthan’s Chief Electoral Officer Ashwini Bhagat launched the Election Commission’s web-based project, ERO-Net. By using this, voters can register their names on electoral rolls. It could not identify multiple entries of a voter.

4. India tops list of new TB cases in 2016: According to ‘Global TB Report 2017’ released by World Health Organization (WHO), India has topped the list of seven countries, accounting for 64% of the 10.4 million new tuberculosis cases worldwide in 2016. Tuberculosis is a contagious disease which affects the lung and is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. The World Bank Releases Doing Business Report 2018: According to the World Bank’s released report, 'Doing Business 2018: Reforming to Create Jobs', India ranked 100th (earlier 130th) among the 190 countries, assessed by the Doing Business Team. The Doing Business Report assesses covers 10 indicators which span the lifecycle of a business. India is the only country in South Asia and BRICS economies to feature among most improved economies of the DB Report this year. India's rank has improved in 6 of the 10 indicators and Distance to Frontier (DTF) has improved in 9 of the 10 indicators.

2. World Vegan Day 2017 observed: In 1994, the Chair of the Vegan Society Louise Wallis decided to set November 1 as World Vegan Day. Veganism is practiced both as a diet (to abstain from all food items using animal products) as well as a philosophy (which rejects the commodity status of animals). One who practices either of the two is said to be a vegan.

3. Jackson named top-earning dead celebrity: Michael Jackson, who died in the year 2009 is still generating millions of dollars. Jackson named top-earning dead celebrity for the 5th time. He was an American singer, songwriter, and dancer.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. TV Narendran appointed as Global CEO of Tata Steel: Tata Steel Ltd promoted T V Narendran as chief executive officer and managing director globally. Narendran is 52 years old. He was serving as Managing Director (India and South East Asia) for the past four years.

SPORTS:

1. Diya Chitale wins silver medal at ITTF World Cadet Challenge: Indian table tennis player Diya Chitale won a silver medal in the girls’ doubles category of the 2017 ITTF World Cadet Challenge, in Suva, Fiji.  Diya also won a gold medal in the Team event, as part of Team Asia.

2. Heena Sidhu wins Gold at Commonwealth Shooting Championships: Ace Indian shooter Heena Sidhu has bagged gold in women’s 10m Air Pistol event at Commonwealth Shooting Championships in Brisbane, Australia. Heena shot a score of 240.8 in the finals to beat Australia’s Elena Galiabovitch, who has to settle for silver after posting 238.2. India also got its second medal through Deepak Kumar as he won bronze in men’s 10m Air Rifle event.

3. Birendra re-elected as President of IWLF: Birendra Prasad Baishya was re-elected as President of the Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) in the Annual General Body Meeting. The newly formed Executive Committee of IWLF consists of seven vice-presidents, and Sahdev Yadav has become the secretary general.

OBITUARIES:

1. Kannada writer and journalist, Khadri Achyuthan, dies at 71: Veteran Kannada writer and journalist Khadri Achyuthan died after a brief period of illness at 71 years age. He has also contributed to the coinage of new Kannada words. He is a veteran journalist, author, academic and translator of various literary works.He has written a book in Kannada on ISRO. He has worked on Kannada translations of Sardar Patel and Dr. Ambedkar.

Daily GK Updates - 29th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt. approves Rs. 7,000 crore for 6 New IIT Campuses: The Union Cabinet has approved over Rs 7,000 crore for construction of permanent campuses of six new IITs across the country. Campuses will be built at Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Palakkad (Kerala), Dharwad (Karnataka), Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir), Bhilai (Chhattisgarh) and Goa.

2. Assam launches “Assam Darpan” portal: Assam Chief Minister launched a web portal ‘Assam Darpan’ where details of government schemes and projects would be available to the people. The platform has been developed as a part of the Digital India Programme.

3. A coffee table book on the Department of Defence Production released: Nirmala Sitharaman released a coffee table book on the Department of Defence Production, titled ‘A journey towards self-reliance’. “A journey towards self-reliance” is the first ever coffee table book on DDP. It narrates the post-independence years of development, production of arms, ammunition and defence equipment, with a view to achieve self-reliance for the Armed Forces of India.

4. OPV Vikram handed over to the Indian Coast Guard: An offshore patrol vessel (OPV), entirely developed in-house by Larsen and Toubro and the country’s first-ever such defence craft to be built in a private shipyard, was handed over to the Coast Guard. The vessel is named as “Vikram”. This is the first of the seven vessels for which the Rs 1,432-crore contract was made.

5. Shipping Ministry offers grant to JNPT: Shipping Ministry announced that it has sanctioned Rs 25 cr to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust and another Rs 50 cr to the Karwar port in Karnataka. Funds are given for development of coastal berth under the flagship Sagarmala project. Sagarmala project was launched by Union Shipping Ministry in 2015, with an aim to modernize India’s Ports which will contribute in country’s economic growth.

6. New initiative named #AsktheSpokesperson launched: The Ministry of External Affairs launched the “#AsktheSpokesperson” initiative on Twitter, to create better awareness and understanding of foreign policy issues to general public. It is launched on Twitter handle @MEAIndia. Initiative will be a regular feature to engage and educate the public about foreign policy matters in simplified terms.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Catalonia gets independence from Spain: Catalonia declared independence from Spain after lawmakers in the autonomous region voted to declare independence.

The decision was made during a secret vote in Barcelona on 27th October 2017. After the declaration, the Spanish government dismissed the Catalan President Carles Puigdemont and his cabinet. It allowed Madrid to directly administer the region.

2. World’s first hydrogen-based tram becomes operational: The world’s first hybrid electric tram powered by hydrogen fuel cells has started running in China. With water being its only emission, the tram emits no pollutants. No nitrogen oxides will be produced as the temperature of the reaction inside hydrogen fuel cells is controlled under 100 degrees Celsius.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India is the second largest smartphone market in the world now: India has overtaken the United States and become the 2nd largest smartphone market in the world, according to independent analyst Canalys. Canalys has released a report recently that states, India has become the second largest smartphone market in the world. The 1st position is occupied by China.Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, and Lenovo are considered the top five vendors in India

2. First Insurance Policy for Cancer patients:  Star Health and Allied Insurance (SHAI) has introduced first-ever health insurance cover for people already diagnosed with cancer. This insurance policy has been named ‘Star Cancer Care Gold’. It covers the risk of recurrence, the spread of cancer (metastasis) and second cancer (second malignancy). Policy has two sum-insured options – Rs. 3 lakh and Rs. 5 lakh.

SPORTS:

1. Patna Pirates won Pro Kabaddi Title: Pardeep Narwal scored incredible 24 points to steer Patna Pirates to third consecutive Pro Kabaddi title. Pardeep, who had scored 76 points in three playoffs, helped Patna come from behind and thump Gujarat Fortunegiants 55-38 in the summit clash of Pro Kabaddi season 5.

2. England wins first-ever FIFA U-17 title: England won the 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup for the very first time after a 5-2 win over European U17 champions Spain. The final was held in Kolkata.

Daily GK Updates - 28th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Infantry Day celebrated by Indian Army: On 27th October 2017, Infantry Day was celebrated by the Indian Army. Wellington Military Station celebrated the 70th Infantry Day on 27th October 2017. A wreath laying ceremony was organized at the war memorial of the Madras Regimental Centre. October 27 is celebrated as Infantry Day by the Indian Army as it was on this day that an Infantry Company of the First Battalion of the Sikh Regiment was airlifted from Delhi to Srinagar to liberate Kashmir from the invading tribals who were supported by Pakistan Army.

2. Chandrababu Naidu receives ‘Golden Peacock Award’: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu received the Golden Peacock Award, at the 17th London Global Convention, held in London. Chandrababu Naidu received the ‘Golden Peacock Award’ under the category, Global Leadership in Public Service and Economic Transformation. The Golden Peacock Award was instituted by the Institute of Directors (IOD) of India in 1991.

3. EDII bags AICTE award for supporting start-ups: Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) has received an award from All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for supporting start-ups. The premier Institute received the award for its contribution towards promoting and mentoring technology start-ups. The award was given during the International Science Festival’s Start-up Summit 2017 at Chennai.

4. Ram Gopal Bajaj selected for Kalidas Samman 2017: Actor-director Ram Gopal Bajaj is selected for Kalidas Samman 2017 for his work in the field of theatre. The award is instituted by the Madhya Pradesh government.

5. Vrindavan and Barsana declared sacred sites by UP government: Vrindavan and Barsana towns in Mathura district has now become the sacred pilgrimage sites. Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government issued an order notifying Vrindavan and Barsana district as “sacred pilgrimage sites”. No meat and liquor shops will be allowed in these towns anymore. The state government has recently merged Vrindavan, a former Nagar Palika Parishad, with the Mathura municipal board to create Mathura Nagar Nigam.

6. India to build houses in Sri Lanka: India and Sri Lanka signed two agreements for construction of 1,200 houses through 50 model villages in Sri Lanka. 1200 houses will be constructed with Indian grant assistance of 600 million rupees. Indian Government had committed 50000 houses for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the war-affected Northern and Eastern part of Sri Lanka.

7. Karnataka approves transgender policy: Karnataka cabinet approved a policy which seeks to provide legal protection to transgender community and thereby safeguard them from social and sexual exploitation. The objective of this policy is to remove the stigma attached to the community and integrate them into mainstream of the society.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Jacinda Ardern becomes the PM of New Zealand:  Jacinda Ardern was officially sworn in as the Prime Minister of New Zealand. At the age of 37, Ardern is the youngest New Zealand PM in 150 years. She is also the country’s third woman leader and says she will lead a government that is active, focused, empathetic and strong.

2. Burundi becomes the first country to leave International Criminal Court: African country Burundi has withdrawn from International Criminal Court (ICC) with effect from October 27, 2017 and has thus become the first nation to do so. International Criminal Court is an international tribunal located in Hague, Netherlands. It has authority to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. RIL crosses Rs. 6 Trillion market capitalization: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) became the first Indian company to cross Rs 6 trillion market capitalization after its shares surged over 75% so far this year and hit a fresh lifetime high. Currently, its market cap is at Rs 6.02 trillion. The recent rally in the stock was due to tariff hike by its telecom arm Reliance Jio which, analysts expect, will improve the company’s profitability.

2. Jeff Bezos becomes the world’s richest person: According to Forbes magazine, Jeff Bezos surpassed Bill Gates as the richest person in the world. The fortune of Amazon’s founder reached some $90.6 billion, compared with the $90.1 billion that the online edition of the magazine attributes to Gates.

3. First SAP Leonardo Centre launched in Bengaluru: The Leonardo Centre in Bengaluru is the first in Asia Pacific Japan region and the fourth SAP Leonardo Center globally. The Leonardo Centre in Bengaluru will consist of digital transformation elements like IoT, Blockchain, Analytics, Machine Learning, Big Data, Data Intelligence and SAP Cloud Platform.

4. ADB signs $65.5 mn loan with Indian Government: Asian Development Bank has signed a USD 65.5 million loan agreement with Government of India for checking coastal erosion on the western coast of Karnataka. This is the second tranche of a USD 250 million financing facility under the Sustainable Coastal Protection and Management Investment Programme. Funds procured through this loan will be deployed for immediate coastal protection needs.

SPORTS:

1. Sangram & Amanpreet won medal at ISSF World Cup: Sangram Dahiya and Amanpreet Singh won a silver and a bronze each in the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Cup Final in New Delhi on October 27. Sangram shot 76 out of 80 targets, three behind gold medallist Hu Binyuan of China. Amanpreet finished behind gold medallist Damir Mikec of Serbia and silver winner Oleh Omelchuk of Ukraine.

2. Gokul becomes the second player to be signed by NBA G-League Side: Gokul Natesan is the 97th pick in the NBA draft. He became the second Indian-origin player to be signed by an NBA G-League side. Natesan, 23, was picked by Canton Charge, a minor league affiliate team of Cleveland Cavaliers, completing a remarkable journey of the computer science graduate, who shuffled between playing college basketball and designing apps.

3. Puducherry becomes an associate member of BCCI: Puducherry has now become the associate member of BCCI. The Committee of Administrators (COA) selected Cricket Association of Puducherry (CAP) as an associate member of the BCCI. Now, Puducherry can also now host both international matches and the Board’s domestic games.

OBITUARIES:

1. Malayali writer, Punathil Kunjabdulla, passes away: Eminent Malayalam writer Punathil Kunjabdulla passed away in Kozhikode. He was a doctor by profession. He was a well-known Malayalam writer. He had published more than 45 books, including 7 novels, 15 short story collections, memoirs, an autobiography and travelogues.

2. Manikchand Group’s Chairman passes away: Rasiklal Dhariwal, an industrialist popularly known as the ‘gutkha baron’, died due to parotid gland cancer, at Ruby Hall Clinic, in Pune. He was the Chairman of Manikchand Group.

Daily GK Updates - 27th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India-North Korea ties could act as conduit for communications - Rex Tillerson: India's diplomatic ties with North Korea could act as a "conduit for communications", US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said amidst tensions between Washington and Pyongyang over the latter's nuclear missile tests. India had informed the US that it has "minimal" trade with North Korea, and that there was a small Indian embassy in Pyongyang which should stay there so that some channels of communication remain open.

2. India, France discuss ways to ramp up strategic ties: India and France on Friday held wide-ranging talks aimed at further boosting defence and security ties, with a focus on co-development of military platforms, and enhancing cooperation in the maritime sphere.  Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her French counterpart Florence Parley deliberated on a host of key issues, including the regional security situation, transfer of critical technology for various defence projects and ways to ramp up overall strategic ties.

3. Senior journalist Vinod Verma arrested in extortion case: The police arrested the journalist from his residence in Indirapuram in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad. The case was registered against Verma at the Pandri Police Station of Raipur district under sections 384 and 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).  Verma, who is currently working with Amar Ujala as the Editor, had also worked with BBC for several years.

4. US Senate Committee confirms Kenneth Juster's nomination as US envoy to India: Ken Juster who has served as Under Secretary of Commerce from 2001-2005 will replace Richard Verma. The position has been lying vacant since January 20, 2017. Juster also played a key role in enhancing the India-US ties under the Bush administration.

5. Awaiting law on Buyer Safety: Government will bring in a new law to crack down on misleading advertisements and set up a central authority to fast-track redressal of consumers' grievances, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday .  The proposed law, awaiting Cabinet approval, provides for fine up to Rs 50 lakh and up to three years' ban in case of misleading endorsement by celebrities while manufacturers would face fine and jail term for similar offence.

6. Non-Aadhaar cell verification only for NRIs, visitors: Government is looking to provide non-Aadhaar based verification for mobile phones only for certain categories. It is also seeking to ease the verification process for those with Aadhaar. The government is looking to provide non-Aadhaar based verification for mobile phones only for certain categories, such as NRIs and foreign tourists. It is also seeking to ease the verification process for those with Aadhaar. Telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan said the government had already simplified the process by providing for verification through a one-time password (OTP), app and a voice-recognition system. Using OTP, subscribers will be able to authenticate phone numbers which were not mentioned during Aadhaar registration. So, multiple phones can be verified using the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.

7. Rakesh Asthana's promotion was a unanimous decision – CVC: Chief vigilance commissioner K V Chowdary on Thursday asserted that the decision to elevate CBI additional director Rakesh Asthana as special director was taken unanimously by members of the selection committee.

8. NIA charges Zakir Naik for radicalization: NIA has chargesheeted the "televangelist" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for heading an 'unlawful association'.The agency accused him of inciting youth to take up terror acts and join global terror outfits like Islamic State. The agency has chargesheeted the "televangelist" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for heading an 'unlawful association' and accused him of inciting youth to take up terror acts and join global terror outfits like Islamic State.  Naik's NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), banned in 2016 under the UAPA, as well as private firm Harmony Media Pvt Ltd were named as co-accused for having conspired with Naik to promote enmity and hatred between different religious groups and insulting certain sects of Islam and other religions . Under the guise of preaching Islam, Zakir Naik made a fortune, receiving huge sums from within India and abroad over the years that he camouflaged as "friendly loans and gifts" and donations by "well-wishers".  In order to establish systematic money laundering by Naik, the NIA collected and analysed thousands of financial documents of 13 entities and 40 individuals, including his companies, NGOs, associated firms, directors and real estate agents, apart from scrutinising 85 bank accounts.

9. Kashmir talks: Interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma meets Mehbooba Mufti: Centre's newly-appointed special representative for holding a sustained dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir Dineshwar Sharma on Thursday met state Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and discussed broad contours of the proposed talks with all stake holders. The meeting which took place at Kashmir House on Prithviraj Road here comes two days after the Centre announced appointment of Sharma as its special representative to initiate dialogue, in a fresh move aimed at bringing peace to the troubled state.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Pentagon chief Jim Mattis accuses North Korea of threatening 'catastrophe': US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis accused North Korea today of building a nuclear arsenal to "threaten others with catastrophe" and said the Trump administration remains committed to compelling the North to accept complete nuclear disarmament.  Calling the North a threat to global order, Mattis stood inside the Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas and pledged solidarity with the South.

2. Japan to propose strategic dialogue with US, India and Australia: Japan will propose a strategic dialogue among the leaders of the three countries aimed at counteracting China's expansion under OBOR. PM Shinzo Abe is expected to propose the idea to US President Trump on November 6. Japan foreign minister said the aim was to promote high-quality infrastructure investment across Asia to Africa.

3. Tillerson's visit to India highlights emerging ties between two countries: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, during his maiden visit to India, discussed strengthening India-US partnership, India's leadership on peace and security in the India-Pacific region and its vital role in Trump administration's South Asia strategy, a top US official said. Divulging the details of Tillerson's maiden visit to India, State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert here said the top Trump official met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.

4. Australian court disqualifies deputy PM Barnaby Joyce for dual citizenship: Australia's High Court rules deputy PM Barnaby Joyce, four others other lawmakers ineligible. Joyce will be able to stand for re-election, having renounced the New Zealand citizenship he unknowingly inherited from his father.

5. India, US to implement HOSTAC to strengthen maritime security: To strengthen maritime security, India and the United States have agreed to implement the programme for Helicopter Operations from Ships other Than Aircraft Carriers (HOSTAC), the Pentagon has said.  A decision in this regard was taken by Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and her US Counterpart Jim Mattis during their meeting in Philippines on Wednesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting-Plus.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. U-17 World Cup a success but no commitment on U-20 bid-Infantino: Infantino declared India a football continent and said that FIFA will continue to work with them "Having seen the U-17 World Cup in India, I can say that it was worth allotting this to India," Infantino said Infantino refrained from giving any commitment on India's bid to host the U-20 World Cup in 2019.

2. ISSF World Cup Final - Sangram wins silver in double trap: Dahiya won India's second medal of the day, a silver in the men's double trap. Dahiya shot 76 out of 80 targets, three behind gold medallist Binyuan (79). This is Dahiya's first-ever medal in senior level, having won a gold at the Asian Shooting for juniors back in 2009.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Reliance Nippon AMC IPO oversubscribed 81 times so far: The initial public offer of Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management (RNAM) was oversubscribed 81.22 times so far on the last day of bidding on Friday.  The IPO to raise an estimated Rs 1,542.42 crore received bids for 3,47,95,79,988 shares against the total issue size of 4,28,40,000 shares (excluding anchor portion), according to NSE data till 4:15 pm.

2. Maruti Suzuki Q2 net profit rises by over 3%: Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Friday posted over 3 per cent growth in its quarterly profit. Net profit for the second quarter ended September 30 stood at Rs 2,484 crore registering a growth of 3.4 per cent over the same period previous year. The company said it sold a total of 4,92,118 vehicles in Q2, a growth of 17.6 per cent over the same period of the previous year. Sales in the domestic market stood at 4,57,401 units, a growth of 19.4 per cent while exports were at 34,717 units.

Daily GK Updates - 4th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. SECURE Himalayas project launched: The Centre has launched a six-year project for conservation of Himalayan ecosystem. SECURE, which stands for, Securing Livelihoods, Conservation, Sustainable use and Restoration of High Range Himalayan ecosystems, is meant for specific landscapes.

2. Satyapal Malik became new Bihar governor: Satyapal Malik, a former lawmaker and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP’s) national vice-president took oath as the governor of Bihar. The position was vacant after Ramnath Kovind became the President.

3. India to help Myanmar in police training, MoU signed: The Cabinet gave ex-post facto approval to a MoU between India and Myanmar on upgradation of the Women’s Police Training Centre at Yamethin, Myanmar. MoU was signed on September 6.

4. National waterway on Krishna River: Vice president Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone of the 2,890-km National Waterway-4 at Amravati in Andhra Pradesh. The first phase involves development of a water channel from Muktyala to Vijayawada on Krishna river along with 4 floating terminals and 3 fixed terminals to handle cargo operations.

5. President of India reaches Djibouti: Indian president, Shri Ram Nath Kovind reached Djibouti on October 3, 2017 in the first leg of his state visit to two African countries – Djibouti and Ethiopia. This is President Kovind’s first overseas visit after assuming office.

6. Allahabad to have Turtle Sanctuary: In order to protect the rich aquatic biodiversity of river Ganga from escalating anthropogenic pressures a Turtle sanctuary is built in Allahabad. The Sanctuary along with a River Biodiversity Park at Sangam have been approved under Namami Gange programme.

7. Women’s health scheme ‘Sanitease’ launched: The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has launched ‘Sanitease’ under its social development activity, Swachhagraha, to promote women’s health and hygiene, especially in rural areas. The objective of ‘Sanitease’ is to create awareness and provide logistics for women specially in the rural parts of the state.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 2017 Chemistry Nobel Prize announced: Swiss researcher Jacques Dubochet and Americans Joachim Frank and Richard Henderson won the 2017 Nobel Prize for Chemistry. They got the nobel for developing cryo-electron microscopy which simplifies and improves the imaging of biomolecules.

2. Aung Suu Kyi stripped of “Freedom of Oxford” honour: An honour bestowed on Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi by the city of Oxford has been withdrawn as a reaction to her perceived inadequate response to the plight of Rohingya Muslims in the country. The ‘Freedom of Oxford’ had been granted to her in 1997 for her long struggle for democracy by the Oxford City Council.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. CRPF constable wins gold at Wushu Worlds: Rohtak player Puja Kadian created history by becoming first Indian wushu player to win a gold medal in the World Championships in Kazan, Russia. Kadian, who is a head constable with CRPF, became the world champion with a win over Evgeniya Stepanova of Russia in the women’s 75 kg event.

2. Claire Polosak, a woman umpire, all set to make a history: Claire Polosak is going to make history with her umpiring debut in JLT Cup one-day match between New South Wales and Cricket Australia XI, scheduled to be held on Sunday at the Hurstville Oval in Sydney. Polosak will become the first woman to officiate a first-class men’s domestic fixture.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

3. MobiKwik partners with IRCTC Rail: Digital payments firm MobiKwik announced its partnership with IRCTC Rail connect app, which will allow customers book railway tickets using the former’s payment gateway. Mobikwik’s Payment Gateway currently powers payments for more than 3,000 e-commerce websites and apps.

BANKING/FINANCE:

4. Rajnish Kumar to be next SBI chairman: Rajnish Kumar has been appointed as the next chairman of State Bank of India. He will take over Arundhati Bhattacharya, whose term will come to an end this week.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Kovind declares Rural Gujarat as Open Defecation Free: President Ram Nath Kovind has declared the Rural Gujarat as ODF (Open Defecation Free) at a function held at Kirti Mandir in Porbandar. He has felicitated rural women for achieving ODF status for rural Gujarat.

2. 1.80 metres tall bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi unveiled at Rajghat: The Vice-President of India M.Venkaiah Naidu unveiled a 1.80 meter tall bronze statue of Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his ‘148 Birth Anniversary’ at Rajghat Samadhi Complex, New Delhi. The famous message of Mahatma Gandhi “Be the Change You Wish to See” is inscribed on the front side.

3. Khandu announces to make Arunachal Open Defecation Free by this year-end: Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced that Arunachal Pradesh shall be Open Defecation Free by 31th December this year. Sikkim is the only state in North East to achieve ODF free status and Arunachal to be the next.

4. Third National Wildlife Action Plan unveiled: India unveiled the third National Wildlife Action Plan for 2017-2031 spelling out the future road map for wildlife conservation. The third National Wildlife Action Plan is unique as this is the first time India has recognized the concerns relating to climate change impact on wildlife.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 2017 Nobel Physics Prize announced: Rainer Weiss, Kip Thorne & Barry Barish were awarded Nobel Prize in Physics for decisive contributions to LIGO detector & observation of gravitational waves. Waves which were predicted by Einstein 100 yrs ago, came from a collision b/w 2 black holes & took 1.3 bn yrs for the waves to arrive at LIGO detector.

2. King Salman - First Saudi monarch to visit Russia: King Salman of Saudi Arabia will arrive in Russia to conduct the first official visit to the country by a Saudi king.

Main topic of talks in Moscow will be Syria, where Russia & Saudis are backing different sides in the 6 year-long conflict.

3. Nepal and India to conduct joint tiger count: Nepal & India are going to conduct a joint head count of tigers in national parks, forests & sanctuaries of Nepal & India using the same camera tapping method. Conservation authorities & experts from both countries would install cameras in various locations & capture & track down their movements.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Indian GDP to hit USD 6 trillion by 2027 on digital leap - Morgan Stanley report: According to the Morgan Stanley report, India is likely to be the world's fastest-growing large economy in the next 10 years. Morgan Stanley expects digitization will provide an enhancement of 50-75 bps to GDP growth and forecasted, India will grow to a 6-trillion-dollar economy and achieve upper-middle income status by 2026-27.

2. India to be the fastest growing oil market: According to Moody’s Investors Service, India will surpass China as fastest-growing petroleum product market in Asia with fuel consumption rising 6% in 2018 As economic activity in China dials back, Moody expects its refined product demand growth will moderate to 2.5 -3 % in 2017-18.

3. Yatra partners OYO to expand inventory: Yatra Online has tied up with OYO to bring hospitality firm’s inventory on its platform. It brings OYO’s inventory onto a online travel agent platform & with this Yatra’s total hotel inventory will expand to over 70,000 hotels.