Daily GK Updates - 14th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India and Ghana sign three agreements: India and Ghana have signed three bilateral agreements to strengthen co-operation in varied fields. These agreements were signed after delegation-level talks between President Pranab Mukherjee and his Ghanaian counterpart John Dramani Mahama in Accra. The signed agreements include one for visa waivers for holders of diplomatic and official passports and one for setting up a Joint Commission, the third agreement was for collaboration in diplomatic training between the Indian Foreign Service Institute and a Ghanaian institute of the same standing. 

2. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish kumar launched child labour tracking system : Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has inaugurated 'Child Labour Tracking System (CLTS)' in order to keep a track of rescued child labour for their proper rehabilitation besides announcing financial help of Rs 25,000 for every rescued child labour to be given from Chief Minister's Relief Fund.

3. Indian Railways launches Janani Sewa, optional catering scheme on pilot basis: The Union Ministry of Railways has launched three passenger service initiatives namely- a Janani Sewa for mothers, optional catering in Rajdhani, and Shatabdi trains on a pilot basis and a children’s menu on trains. These services have been launched by Union Railways minister Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi.

4. Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad takes charge as Chief Justice of Manipur High Court: Justice Rakesh Ranjan Prasad, the senior-most Judge of the Manipur High Court has assumed charge as the Chief Justice of the High Court. 

5. Maharashtra reports India’s 1^st case of Harlequin Ichthyosis: With the birth of a baby girl in Nagpur, India has reportedly recorded its first ever case of a baby born with a rare genetic disorder called ‘Harlequin Ichthyosis’. The disease, which affects 1 in 3 lakh babies, causes thickening of the skin all over the body with cracks in between and makes babies prone to infection.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 14^th June: World Blood Donor day: Every year, the World Blood Donor Day is being observed across the world on 14 June to raise the public awareness about the need for safe blood donation. 

2. Microsoft to buy LinkedIn for $26bn: Software giant Microsoft has announced that it is going to acquire professional social platform LinkedIn for $196 per share. However, the acquisition is still subject to approval by other LinkedIn shareholders and regulators.

3. Israel for the first time wins UN committee chair: Israel has been elected to chair a UN committee for the first time in the world body's 71-year history, triggering strong protests from Arab countries and the Palestinians.   

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. Axis Bank launches India’s first certified green bond at London Stock Exchange: Axis Bank has launched India’s first internationally-listed certified green bond to finance climate change solutions around the world at London Stock Exchange (LSE).

2. RBL Bank to launch scheme for fintech entrepreneurs: RBL Bank is going to set launch an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR) programme for fintech start-ups in the next 9-12 months.

SPORTS:

3. Donald Carr, a former England Cricket captain dies aged 89.

4. Indian men’s 4x400m relay team breaks 18 year old national record: The Indian men's 4x400m relay team has created a new national record, clocking 3:02.17 at the International Sprint and Relay Teams Cup at Erzurum, Turkey.

5. USA wins FINA Women Water Polo World League Super Final: The USA Women’s Senior National Team has won gold at the FINA Women Water Polo World League Super Final.
 

6. Usain Bolt wins the 100m in 9.88 seconds at Racer Grand Prix 2016: Olympic champion Usain Bolt has won 100 metres race in 9.88 seconds at the inaugural Jamaica National Racers Grand Prix.

7. Lewis Hamilton wins 2016 Canada Grand Prix of Formula 1: Mercedes racing driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain has won the Formula 1 Canada Grand Prix title. To win the title, he overcame Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel in the final race held in Montreal, Canada.

Daily GK Updates - 13th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Pranab Mukherjee embarks on a six-day visit of three African nations: He has begun his six-day three nation visit to Ghana, Ivory Coast and Namibia. This is the maiden visit of any India President to Ghana and Ivory Coast whereas to Namibia, such a visit comes after two decades.

2. PM Modi to inaugurate two-day Conference of Tax Administrators on June 16: He will inaugurate the two day Annual Conference of Senior Tax Administrators of Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) on 16^th June at VigyanBhavan in New Delhi.

3. Panel to list RBI Governor Candidates: The Government has made a selection committee headed by cabinet secretary P K Sinha to shortlist the candidates for Reserve Bank of India Governor.

4. SEBI issues stricter KYC, disclosure norms for P-notes: The aim is to make it tougher to use these offshore instruments without disclosing the money-trail and details of their users.

5. Union Governments proposes yoga medals for paramilitary force: The ministry has proposed instituting ‘yoga medals’ for central paramilitary troops for displaying exceptional skills in the discipline.

6. Tata Power acquires Welspun’s renewable energy assets for 10,000 crore.

7.  Dr. M Beena appointed as the new MD of Kerala Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (KINFRA).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Day against Child Labour has been observed on 12^th June: The theme for this year is ‘End child labour in supply chains-it’s everyone’s business.

2. China launches 23^rdBeiDou Navigation Satellite: The satellite launched from the Xichang Satellite launch centre in southwest China’s Sichuan Province will support China’s global navigation and positioning network.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. SainaNehwal lifts Australian Open Super Series Badminton Trophy: The Ace Indian shuttler defeated Chinese Sun Yu 11-21, 21-14, 21-19 at the final played at Sydney.

OBITUARIES:

2. Actor AchyutLahkar passed away at the age of 85: The Canadian was nicknamed ‘Mr. Hockey’ and was considered one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time.

Daily GK Updates - 12th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sikkim becomes the first state to launch open government data portal: It has become the first state in the country to have an open government data portal linked ‘sikkim.data.gov.in’. The open government data portal facilitates free use; reuse and redistribution of data produced or commissioned by the government or government controlled entities by anyone.

2. India ranked 141 out of 163 countries on 2016 Global Peace Index: Iceland has topped the list followed by Denmark while Syria is considered to be the least peaceful country.

3. Union Power Ministry launches Surya Mitra Mobile App: The app will serve customers at their doorsteps with quality installation, repair and Observation and Measurements (O&M) in the field of renewable energy.

4. Satya Pal Jain appointed as part-time member of the 21^st Law Commission of India.

5. Union Ministry of Civil Aviation proposes passenger centric amendments to Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs): The ministry is committed to ensure that flying for most Indians becomes a pleasant experience along with the growth of Airline Industry.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Iceland scientists turn carbon dioxide into stone under Carbfix project: Scientists of Iceland found a technique to capture and store the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in deep underground by turning it into rock. This technique will provide a safer and faster way to limit global warming.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. SainaNehwal lifts Australian Open Super Series Badminton Trophy: The Ace Indian shuttler defeated Chinese Sun Yu 11-21, 21-14, 21-19 at the final played at Sydney.

OBITUARIES:

2. Veteran Journalist InderMalhotra passed away at the age of 86: He worked as the resident editor of The Statesman in New Delhi.

Daily GK Updates - 11th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India Post launches logo and tagline design contest for India Post Payments Bank: India Post wants to involve the people of India in designing the DNA of the India Post Payments Bank by conducting a contest for the design.

2. NIIF, Qatar Investment Authority signed MoU to facilitate investment in Indian Infrastructure sector: The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) Ltd signed a MoU with the Qatar Investment Authority to facilitate investment in Indian infrastructure sector.

3. National Research and Development Corporation (NRDC) inks MoU with Andhra Pradesh government to establish smart agribusiness platform networks.

4. Researchers in Assam developed two rice variants, Ranjit Sub-1 and Bahadur Sub-1, for submerged areas.

5. Indian Reserve Battalion to be named after MaharanaPratap: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced that a new Indian Reserve Battalion in Rajasthan will be named after MaharanaPratap as ‘MaharanaPratap Reserve Battalion’.

6. Union Government to introduce International Yoga Award Scheme: The AYUSH Ministry is working on the scheme and it will start giving the award from 2017. It is an initiative to promote yoga.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Iceland scientists turn carbon dioxide into stone under Carbfix project: Scientists of Iceland found a technique to capture and store the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in deep underground by turning it into rock.

2. NATO launches biggest ever Joint Military Exercise Anaconda-16 in Poland: The exercise involves some 31000 troops from Poland, the US and 17 other NATO member nations and from five partner nations.

OTHER UPDATES:

AWARDS:

1. Indian-origin Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharya awarded Regius Professorship in Manufacturing by Queen Elizabeth II.

2. Ridley Scott to receive American Cinematheque Award for his valuable contributions to the International Film Industry.

OBITUARIES:

3. Gordie Howe, the legendary ice hockey player died at the age of 88: The Canadian was nicknamed ‘Mr. Hockey’ and was considered one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time.

Daily GK Updates - 10th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Suresh Prabhu flags off Champaran Satyagrah Express train in Bihar: In Bihar, Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has flagged off ChamparanSatyagrah Express train at a function in Motihari.

2. Maharashtra to observe 21^st of every month as Yoga Day across all schools, colleges and universities in the state.

3. Centre announces new Print Media Advertisement Policy with an objective to promote transparency and accountability in issuing of advertisements in print media.

4. India signs up to Europe-led clampdown on tax evasion and corruption: India has joined a group of nearly 40 countries that have signed a Europe-led clampdown on tax evasion and corruption. Besides India, some of the other countries outside Europe include Nigeria, Afghanistan, Mexico and UAE.

5. Nepal Deputy PM Mr Kamal Thapa to land in Delhi today for three-day visit.

6. Food Corporation of India inks pact with Adani Group for construction of two silos to store wheat, at an estimated cost of about of Rs 80 crore.

7.  TATA Power Solar bagged the MNRE Award: The Company has won the award in the Channel Partner/EPC contractor category at the National Excellence Awards 2016 instituted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for the first time.

8. Internet Saathi, a joint initiative of Google and Tata has been launched in West Bengal: Internet search engine Google and Tata Trusts’ joint initiative Internet Saathi was launched in Kolkata, West Bengal. The initiative aims at reducing the digital gender gap in rural areas of India such as Purulia, where girls have now been trained to use the internet and teach others in turn.

9.  MTNL Chairman Narendra Yadav steps down.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. MajorGeneral Per Lodin appointed to head UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. Axis Bank launches India’s first certified green bond at London Stock Exchange: Axis Bank has launched India’s first internationally-listed certified green bond to finance climate change solutions around the world at London Stock Exchange (LSE).

SPORTS:

2. Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes 2016 list of World’s Highest-Paid Athletes.

3. Euro 2016 to kick off in Paris today amid tight security.

AWARDS:

4. Akhil Sharma wins 100,000 pounds Dublin International Literary Award for his novel ‘Family Life’.

OBITUARIES:

5. BJP MLA from Madhya Pradesh RajendraDadu passed away in a road mishap at the age of 62.

Daily GK Updates - 9th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India ranked 141 on Global Peace Index: India has been ranked 141 on the 2016 Global Peace Index, falling behind countries like Burundi and Serbia on the 163-country list. India was ranked 143 on last year’s list. Meanwhile, Iceland was named the world’s most peaceful country.

2. India becomes the third largest oil consumer: According to recently released BP Statistical Review of World Energy, India has surpassed Japan to become the world’s third largest oil consumer.

3. ADB approves $100 million loan for irrigation system in TN: Asian Development Bank has approved a USD 100 million (around Rs 660 crores) loan to strengthen a key irrigation system and improve water management in the Vennar sub-basin of Cauvery Delta in Tamil Nadu.

4. Naresh Goyal re-elected to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Board of Governors.

5. P Rama Mohan Rao appointed as the new Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu.

6. G Kalyanakrishnan took over as the new Chief Executive for Nuclear Fuel Complex.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Bank cuts global growth forecast to 2.4%: The World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim has slashed the global growth forecast of 2016 by 0.5% to 2.4%.

2. Pakistan tops in 2016 Malware Infection Index: Pakistan has topped the list of 19 countries figuring in the 2016 Malware Infection Index (MII) in the Asia-Pacific region.

3. International Monetary Fund approved 1.5 billion US dollar loan to Sri Lanka.

4. Thailand becomes the first Asian country to eliminate mother to child HIV as per a report released by WHO.

5. Names of 4 new Periodic Table elements announced: The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) has announced the names proposed for the new elements, whose discovery helped complete the seventh row of the Periodic Table in December last year. The names proposed for the elements with atomic numbers 113, 115, 117 and 118 were Nihonium (Nh), Moscovium (Mc), Tennessine (Ts) and Oganesson (Og) respectively.

6. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree awarding the Order of Friendship to the United Nations Secretary-General Ban-ki-moon.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Maria Sharapova banned for two years over doping by the International Tennis Federation.

OBITUARIES:

2. Former Kerala Assembly Speaker T S John passed away.

3. Veteran Journalist K K Katyal passed away in Delhi at the age of 88.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS:

4. Book titled ‘The Unseen Indira Gandhi’ authored by Dr K P Mathur released.

Daily GK Updates - 8th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. List of Top 30 Programmes launched by Modi Government: Pradhan Mantri Jan DhanYojana, Deep Dayal Upadhyaya Antyodaya Yojana, Mission Housing for All, Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, MUDRA Bank Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana were on top in the list.

2. Mirza Imtiyaz Judicial Commission constituted to probe Mathura violence.

3. Shahid Rasool takes charge as Director of Commonwealth Education Media Centre for Asia.

4. Rajasthan Government launches Mobile App Raj Vayu on Air Quality Index: The information provided on Raj Vayu is based on the data collected by sophisticated air quality monitoring equipment and weather sensors.

5. Union Government launched Surya Mitra mobile app: Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal launched Surya Mitra mobile app at National Workshop on Rooftop Solar Power in New Delhi. The app will be very useful in the field of Renewable energy to serve customers at their doorsteps with quality installation, repair and Observations and Measurements (O&M) services.

6. India signed MoU with USA to facilitate hassle-free entry of Indians to US: The agreement was signed as a part of America’s International Expedited Traveller Initiative which is also known as the Global Entry Programme. India became the 9^th country to sign the agreement with US.

7.  Rajiv Gauba Committee on Decongestion of Traffic in Delhi submitted its report to the Union Ministry of Urban Development.

8. Exercise Desert Eagle-II, which was the second in the series of bilateral exercises between Indian Air Force (IAF) and United Arab Emirates Air Force (UAE-AF) concluded in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Monetary Fund approved 1.5 billion US Dollar loan to Sri Lanka: The funding is aimed at meeting balance of payments needs arising from external environment and pressures, raising revenue through new taxes and financing the additional budget spending.

2. Forbes released World’s 100 Most Powerful Women 2016 list: The list is topped by German Chancellor Angela Merkel for the sixth consecutive year, while US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yelled grabbed the 2^nd and 3^rd spot.

3. No detention for illegal migrants under 2008 Return Directive: EU Court: The European Court of Justice ruled that non-EU (European Union) migrants who illegally entered an EU member state should not face detention.

4. World Oceans Day observed across the world on 8^th June 2016 with theme ‘Healthy oceans, healthy planets’: The main focus of this year’s theme is on curbing the plastic pollution.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Lucknow to host Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016: The men’s Hockey Junior World Cup 2016 will be played between 8 December and 18 December 2016, while the women’s Hockey World Cup will be played in Santiago, Chile.

2. Tintu Luka won silver in 800m at Josef Odlozil Memorial Athletics Meet in Prague.

OBITUARIES:

3. Composer of Nepali National Anthem, Amber Gurung passed away at the age of 78: He was suffering from Diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.

4. Chess Grandmaster Viktor Korchnoi died at the age of 85 in Switzerland.