Daily GK Updates - 29th December, 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Government links LPG subsidy to income: Union Government has decided to link LPG subsidy to income of consumers in order to ensure that the subsidy benefits go to the targeted group. Henceforth, the LPG subsidy will not be available to LPG consumers if the consumer or his/her spouse has taxable income of more than ten lakh rupees. 

2. Ministry of Women and Child Development launches e-office: Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) has introduced e-office, an initiative which will help provide efficient services to the people by digitizing more than 12000 files. It was launched by WCD minister Maneka Gandhi. Various modules of this e-office are Knowledge Management System, File Management System, Leave Management System and Tour Management System.

3. 18^th India-Iran Joint Commission meeting held in New Delhi: The session was co-chaired by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Ali Tayebnia, Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance of Iran. There were discussion about progress in trade and economic cooperation, possibilities in cooperation in railways. India stressed that connectivity afforded by Indian participation in Chahabar Port will facilitate linking Afghanistan and Central Asia with India.

4. Reports of Vijay Kelkar Committee on Revisiting & Revitalizing PPP Model released: The 9-member committee was headed by Former Finance Secretary Vijay Kelkar. The committee recognised the PPP Model in infrastructure as a valuable instrument to speed up infrastructure development in India.

5. Amitabh Kant got additional charge of CEO of NITI Ayog: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet gave Amitabh Kant the additional responsibility of being CEO of NITI Ayog. Kant will replace incumbent Sindhushree Khullar who is set to retire on 31^st December 2015.

6. Bharat Petroleum commissioned Crude Distillation unit in Mumbai: It commissioned a new 6-million tonne Crude Distillation Unit at its Mumbai refinery, which will take the capacity of its oldest facility to 12 million tonne per annum.

7. Civil Aviation Ministry gave clearance for four Greenfield airports: The three airports will be located in Andhra Pradesh and one international airport at Dholera, Gujarat.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China launched Gaofen-4 dual use geostationary satellite: It successfully launched Gaofen-4 Earth observation satellite towards a geostationary orbit from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre. Launched as a part of the China High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS), Gaofen-4 can see an oil tanker on the sea with a huge CMOS camera.

2. Guinea free of Ebola, WHO announced: Guinea was declared Ebola free by the World Health Organisation two years after the virus’ deadliest-ever outbreak began in the country, killing more than 11000 people in the West African region.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. Reserve Bank of India released report of Deepak Mohanty Committee on Medium-term Path on Financial Inclusion: The 14-member committee headed by RBI Executive Director Deepak Mohanty with an objective of working out a medium-term measurable action plan for financial inclusion.

2. HDFC Bank cuts lending rate by 0.05%.

SPORTS:

3. Gujarat clinched maiden Vijay Hazare trophy by defeating Delhi by 139 runs in the final played M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: This was the 14^th season of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

OBITUARIES:

4. Oscar winning cinematographer Haskell Wexler passed away in California (US) at the age of 93: He had penned the script for the first Star Trek episode, The Man Trap.

5. Former Army Chief O P Malhotra died at the age of 93.

Daily GK Updates - 28th December, 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Reliance Jio launched 4G telecom services: Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd (RJIL) or Reliance Jio launched 4G telecom service. The service was launched at the Reliance Corporate Park in Navi Mumbai to mark the birth anniversary of Dhirubhai Ambani, founder of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL). 

2. AP Government signed MoU with Microsoft India on technology initiatives: Government of Andhra Pradesh signed a MoU with Microsoft India on a range of technology initiatives. The MoU was signed after a meeting between Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella in Hyderabad.

3. Indigenously developed Air-to-Air missile Astra successfully test fired: Indigenously developed Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile, Astra was successfully test fired. The test was conducted by the Indian Air Force off the coast of Odisha near the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Balasore.

4. Make in India Week to start form February 13: Taking a cue from the biennial investor congregation Vibrant Gujarat Summit-held every alternate year in Gujarat, the Central Government is organising ‘Make in India Week’ in Mumbai during February 13-18, 2016. The week-long event, being organised by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP), Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, will have investors meet for the manufacturing sector under Make in India.

5. Karan Adani appointed as the new CEO of Adani Ports and SEZ (APSEZ).

6. Wicked Ride launches utility bike rental service: Wicked Ride, a start-up founded in 2014 by Vivekanand H.R, Anil G and Varun Agni, has launched its brand ‘Apna Ride’ for utility bike rentals, targeted primarily at budget conscious bike enthusiasts. The service will be available at Bengaluru, Mysore and Jaipur and bookings can be done through www.apnaride.com.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China amended One Couple, One Child Policy: China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, country’s top law making body, gave its approval to amending One Couple, One Child Policy. The amended policy, which will come into force on January 1, 2016, will lift the restrictions on couples from having only one child.

2. China adopted Anti-terrorism Bill, 2015; first counter terrorism law in history: China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, country’s top legislation approved Anti-Terrorism Bill, 2015 to address terrorism at home and help maintain world security.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Pakistan spinner Yasir Shah banned by ICC after being tested positive for banned substance.

2. Shiva Keshavan clinched silver at Asian Luge Championships: He grabbed a silver medal in the 18^th edition of the Asian Luge Championships held in Nagano, Japan.

AWARDS:

3. CRI Pumps bags export quality excellence award: Pump manufacturing major CRI Pumps has bagged ‘Export Quality Excellence’ award for the 11^th time in a row. The Joint Managing Director of CRI Pumps G Selvaraj, received the EEPC award.

4. Globe Soccer Awards 2015 conferred: The Globe Soccer presented the sixth edition of the Globe Soccer Awards 2015 to the winners at a ceremony held in Dubai, UAE. Best Player of the Year: Lionel Messi, Best Club of the Year: F C Barcelona etc.

OBITUARIES:

5. Renowned Science fiction writer George Clayton Johnson died at the age of 86: He had penned the script for the first Star Trek episode, The Man Trap.

Daily GK Updates - 27th December, 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Action plan for ‘Start up India’ to be unveiled on January 16: Seeking to boost entrepreneurship at the grass root level, PM Modi said that the action plan for ‘Start up India’ will be unveiled on January 16^th, 2016. 

2. Indian Oil Corporation tops in 2015 Fortune 500 companies in India list: State run Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has emerged as the country’s biggest company in terms of annual revenue as per an annual list of 2015 Fortune 500 companies in India. IOC was followed by Mukesh Ambani led private sector Reliance Industries

3. Tech Mahindra launches contactless wallet MoboMoney: IT Major Tech Mahindra has launched first of its kind ‘Tap N Pay’ contactless digital payment wallet MoboMoney for the Indian masses. MoboMoney has been billed as India’s first commercial Near Field Communication (NFC) ecosystem rollout that would allow consumers to convert cash into e-cash for making payments.

4. Union Government brings 376 drugs under the NLEM: The Union Government has added 106 drugs including that of HIV/AIDS, Cancer and Hepatitis C to the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM).

5. Union Government announced 4 new IT-based initiatives for citizen-centric health services: The initiatives include three applications, namely Kilkari, Mobile Academy and M-cessation and a dedicated toll free number 1800-11-6666 which will provide round the clock counselling and treatment support services for TB patients.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Seychelles Government allows India to build Naval Base on its Assumption Island: Seychelles Government allowed India to build Naval Base on the Assumption Island in the Indian Ocean region (IOR) as a joint project between both countries. India’s first Naval Base project has acquired significance following China acquiring its first African naval base in Djibouti (near Horn of Africa).

OTHER UPDATES:

OBITUARIES:

1. Former Chief Justice of Karnataka and Kerala High Courts Justice V S Malimath died at the age of 86.

Daily GK Updates - 26th December, 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi goes to Lahore, makes a Christmas date with history: With two unannounced stops, in Kabul and Lahore on Christmas day, PM Modi rewrote the recent history of geopolitics in the region. 

2. Good Governance Day observed on 25^th December 2015: Good Governance Day was observed on 25^th December to mark the birth anniversary of former-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

3. Direct-selling FMCG firm Amway India announced Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar as its brand ambassador to promote Nutrilite range of the products.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Bangladesh signs $12.65 billion deal with Russia for nuclear power plants: Bangladesh’s state-run Atomic Energy Commission signed a deal with Russia to set up two nuclear power plants, each with 1200 MW capacity, an investment totalling $12.65 billion. The work will begin early next year at Ruppur in Iswardi, 160 km from Dhaka.

2. India and Russia signed 16 pacts to deepen bilateral cooperation: India and Russia signed 16 agreements/Memorandum of Understanding to deepen bilateral cooperation in the fields of energy, security, technology, etc. The pacts were signed after the conclusion of the 16^th India-Russia Annual Summit in Moscow.

3. India-origin Software Engineer wins UK award: An Indian-origin software engineer named Nandagopal Lakshminarayanan has won a prestigious award in the UK for creating an innovative electronic smart key system which enables the creation and management of keys and locks that cannot be copied or picked. 

4. World Bank to give $35 million to Pakistan for Indus River Basin:  The World Bank has approved an additional financial assistance to Pakistan of $35 million to support improved management, planning and development of water resources in the Indus River Basin in Pakistan.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Sri Lankan wicket-keeper Kusal Perera faces 4-year ban on being tested positive for a banned substance.

OBITUARIES:

2. Veteran Bollywood actress Sadhna passed away at the age of 74 in Mumbai.

Daily GK Updates - 25th December, 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian Oil, Oil India sign MoU with Roseneft: Indian Oil Corporation and Oil India Lt have signed a memorandum of understanding with Russian national oil company Roseneft for cooperation in geologic survey, exploration and production of hydrocarbons in select onshore areas in Russia.. 

2. Amazon India unit signs MoU with NIESBUD: Amazon India’ seller services unit has signed a MoU with the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development aimed at encouraging more small businesses grow their venture profitably online.

3. ICICI Bank to sell railway tickets on website: ICICI Bank has tied up with railways e-ticketing platform IRCTC to sell rail tickets through its website.

4. Uttarakhand Governor Krishna Kant Paul released a commemorative stamp on renowned Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant.

5. Aam Admi Party (AAP) Government launched free Wi-fi services aboard half a dozen Delhi Transport Corporation buses on trial basis.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi inaugurates new Afghan Parliament built by India in Kabul: PM Modi received a warm embrace and welcome by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul for delegation level bilateral talks and for inaugurating the new Afghan Parliament building.

2. Reliance Defence signs $6 billion pact with Russian arms firm as Modi visits Moscow: Reliance Defence signed a manufacturing and maintenance deal potentially worth $6 billion with Russia’s Almaz-Antley, the maker of an air defence system that sources said the Indian military was poised to buy.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. Reserve Bank of India invites applications for Innovative Payment Solutions: India’s central bank has invited applications for ‘Payment System Innovation Awards’ to encourage innovative solutions in the field of Payment and Settlement System. With this initiative, the RBI is hoping to transform the way transactions are processed in the world’s fastest growing economy.

SPORTS:

2. Former wicket-keeper Syed Kirmani nominated for 2015 Col. C K Naydu Lifetime Achievement Award.

OBITUARIES:

3. Veteran Bollywood actress Sadhna passed away at the age of 74 in Mumbai.

Daily GK Updates - 24th December, 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. North India’s first cable bridge inaugurated at Basohali town of J&K: The Basohali town is located in Kathua district of Jammu & Kashmir was in news as the Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar dedicated the 1^st cable-stayed bridge of North India to the nation. 

2. India’s first indigenously designed and built warship INS Godavari decommissioned.

3. Indian American Rakesh K Jain selected for US National Medal of Science 2015.

4. 30^th National Consumer Right Day observed across the country on 24^th December 2015.

5. Idea became third mobile operator to launch 4G service in India: Idea Cellular became the third largest mobile operator in India to launch 4G services in India. Earlier, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone India had launched 4G services in India.

6. Gautam H Bambawale appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan.

7. Bihar Government banned 15-year old diesel vehicles from plying on Patna roads: Bihar Government banned 15-year old diesel vehicles from plying in the capital, Patna. The decision was taken in view of increasing pollution.

8. Biocon launched generic version of Hepatitis-C drug Harvoni in India: The generic version of the drug named Harvoni will be sold under the brand name CIMIVIR-L.

9. Lok Sabha passed The Payment of Bonus (Amendment) Bill, 2015: The Bill will allow doubling of wage ceiling for calculating bonus of factory workers. The bill seeks to amend the Payments of Bonus Act, 1965. It seeks to raise the eligibility limit for payment of bonus from a salary of 10000 rupees to 21000 rupees a month.

10. Lok Sabha passed The National Waterways Bill, 2015: The bill identifies additional 101 waterways as National Waterways.

11. Union Ministry of Environment notified norms for Coal-based Thermal Power Plants: The Union Ministry of Environment and Forests and Climate Change notified norms of emission standards for coal-based thermal power plants in India. Beginning 2017, thermal plants across India will have to cut particulate matter emissions by as much as 40% and reduce their water consumption by nearly one-third.

12. Union Government launched two Mobile Apps for Farmers: The apps namely Crop Insurance and AgriMarket Mobile were launched by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh.

13. Pandorum Technologies developed India’s first Artificial Liver Tissue using 3D printing.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. OPEC released 2015 OPEC World Oil Outlook: The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries released the 2015 OPEC World Oil Outlook (WOO). As per the report, oil and gas, combined, are expected to supply around 53% of the global energy demand by 2040. 

2. UN adopted resolution to observe 5 November as World Tsunami Awareness Day: The creation of the day is aimed at raising awareness among people in the world of the dangers of tsunami and stressing the importance of early warning systems in order to mitigate the damage. The proposal was first suggested by the Japan Government after the third UN Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan.

3. UN Security Council backed Libya unity accord; urged to implement it in 30 days: The United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution endorsing an agreement between Libya’s rival camps on forming a unity government. 

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. RBI extended deadline to exchange pre-2005 notes to 30 June 2016: The Reserve Bank of India extended the deadline for exchanging pre-2005 currency notes of various denominations by another six months to June 30, 2016.

OBITUARIES:

2. Senior Telugu actor Chilukoti Kashi Viswanath passed away at the age of 69.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd December, 2015

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Rajya Sabha passed Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Bill 2015: With this passage, the bill awaits the President’s nod to be qualified as an act as it was already passed in the Lok Sabha. Most importantly, the bill permits juveniles between the ages of 16-18 years to be tried as adults for heinous offences.  

2. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar approved Patna Metro Rail project: The state government will now send the proposal for the union government’s clearence.

3. Union Government approved Lucknow Metro Rail Project Phase-1A: The project will be implemented by the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC), which will be reconstituted into a 50:50 jointly owned company of Union Government and Government of Uttar Pradesh.

4. CCEA approved 3000 crore rupees scheme for integrated development and management of fisheries: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs gave its approval for implementation of an umbrella scheme for integrated development and management of fisheries. It will cover development and management of inland fisheries, aquaculture, marine fisheries and all activities undertaken by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) towards realizing Blue Revolution.

5. CCEA approved investment of 5000 crore rupees into ONGC Videsh.

6. Pawan Kumar Agarwal appointed as the CEO of FSSAI.

7. Jet Airways appointed Amit Agarwal as Chief Financial Officer.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Philippines became the first Asian country to approve world’s first ever dengue vaccine: The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration approved the dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia for the prevention of disease.

2. Zimbabwe announced to adapt Chinese currency Yuan: Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa announced that the country has planned to adopt the Chinese Yuan as legal tender. It will be done in return for debt cancellation worth 40 million dollars.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. RBI created dedicated helpline for guiding Start-ups in India on Forex Matters: The Reserve Bank of India created a dedicated helpline (email) for start-ups in India in order to offer assistance on Forex Matters to them for undertaking cross border transactions within the ambit of the regulatory framework.

SPORTS:

2. Winners of the 2015 ICC Awards announced in Dubai, UAE: Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year-Steven Smith (Aus), ICC Test Cricketer of the Year-Steven Smith (Aus), and ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year-A B de Villiers.

3. FIFA’s independent Ethics Committee banned Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini from football for 8 years.

4. International Tennis Federation announced winners of 2015 World Champions: Men’s World Champion-Novak Djokivic, Women’s World Champion-Serena Williams.