Daily GK Updates - 16th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Railways flags off 1^st time-tabled freight train: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has flagged off India's first timetabled freight train, named ‘Cargo Express’, from Delhi to Bengaluru. The move aims to reduce the delay and uncertainty over the time schedule for delivery of goods. 

2. Union Cabinet, approvals on 15^th June, 2016: The Union Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval to the MoU for the cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sector between India and Taiwan. Besides, the cabinet also gave its nod to the signing of Air Services Agreement between both the countries. The MoU was signed between Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre in India and India-Taipei Association in Taipei, Taiwan.

3. President reaches Windhoek on the last leg of 3-nation tour to Africa: President Pranab Mukherjee has reached Windhoek, the capital of Namibia on the last leg of his three-nation tour to Africa. He was received on his arrival at Hosea Kotako international airport by the deputy Prime Minister Ms. Nandi Ndaitwah Netumbo. 

4. HRD Minister Smriti Irani launches Vidyanjali in New Delhi: Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani has launched Vidyanjali, a school volunteer programme in New Delhi. Vidyanjali is an initiative under Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat, to enhance community and private sector involving government-run elementary schools across the country.

5. 3,049 people perform largest Karma dance in Madhya Pradesh enters Guinness world records: During the recent event in District Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, 3,049 people registered their spot in the Guinness book of world records for performing largest Karma Naach dance ever. The people took part in the dance to celebrate the culture and history of the Gond tribes of central India.

6. Petroleum Minister visiting St Petersburg to represent India at the SPIEF: Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of State (I/C) for Petroleum and Natural Gas is going to visit St Petersburg, Russia on two days meet holding on 16th and 17th June, to represent India at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF). 

7.  Kiran Bedi launches a mobile app to help senior citizens in distress: The “HelpAge SOS App’’ was launched by Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi at Raj Nivas. The app provides for an SOS-Save our seniors button to immediately reach to the counsellor desk of Help Age for rendering emergency help and assistance, apart from health related information.

8. Uber enters into pact with Tata Group: Tech-based car-hailing company Uber has entered into an agreement with Tata group to help its drivers own Indica and Indigo cars with less hassle. While Tata Capital Financial Services and Tata Motors Finance will offer loans at "competitive'’ interest rates, ‘affordable’ insurance would be offered by Tata AIG as a package.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Russia launches most powerful nuclear icebreaker Arktika:  Russia's new Project 22220 nuclear-powered icebreaker dubbed Arktika was launched from the Baltic Shipyard in Russia's second largest city of St. Petersburg.   

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. Karnataka Bank gets Award: Karnataka Bank Ltd has bagged CFBP (Council for Fair Business Practices) Jamnalal Bajaj award for fair business practices.

SPORTS:

2. India won the three matches ODI Series against Zimbabwe: India has won the three-match One-Day International (ODI) series against Zimbabwe 3-0. In the third and final match played at Harare, India defeated Zimbabwe by 10 wickets. The ODI series will be followed by 3 Twenty-20 matches that will begin on 18 June 2016.

3. “A new World”- the official slogan for Rio Olympics: The Rio 2016 organising committee revealed the official slogan for the first Olympic and Paralympic Games in South America – “A new world” – while also unveiling the medals, 52 days from the start of the quadrennial extravaganza. 

AWARDS:

4. Margaret Atwood awarded 2016 PEN Pinter prize: Canadian poet, novelist and environmental activist Margaret Atwood was awarded the 2016 PEN Pinter Prize. Atwood will receive her award at a public event at the British Library on 13 October 2016.

5. Indian Diabetes Specialist Dr Shashank S Shah wins Vivian Fonseca Scholar Award 2016: Pune-based diabetes specialist Shashank S Shah was conferred with the Vivian Fonseca Scholar Award 2016. He was selected for his research  titled Gastric Bypass vs. Medical/Lifestyle Care for Type 2 Diabetes in South Asia with BMI 25-40 kg/m2 — The COSMID Randomised. It is one of the pioneering bariatric surgeons in India and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in Asia.

OBITUARIES:

6. Assam Pradesh Congress President Anjan Dutta passes away: Assam Pradesh Congress President (APCC) Anjan Dutta has passed away in New Delhi. He was undergoing treatment at AIIMS for past several days. He was 64 years old.

Daily GK Updates - 15th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President Pranab Mukherjee receives the highest civilian award of Ivory Coast: President Pranab Mukherjee has been awarded the highest civilian award of Ivory Coast, 'the National Grand Crois’.

2. Cabinet approves SBI takeover of units: A cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the takeover by State Bank of India (SBI) of several subsidiaries.

3. India to provide Rs48 mn aid for college building in nepal: India has pledged a financial assistance of Rs 48.84 million to Nepal for the construction of a college building in the capital Kathmandu.

4. Jalmarg Vikas Project on river Ganga to enable commercial navigation: Jal Marg Vikas is a project on the river Ganga that is being developed between Allahabad and Haldia to cover a distance of 1620 kilometers.

5. Union Governments launches scheme for setting up 1000 MW CTU- connected wind power: The Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched a scheme for setting up of 1000 Mega Watt (MW) Wind Power Project connected to transmission network of Central Transmission Utility (CTU).

6. Railways Ministry sings an agreement with Odisha govt. for the development of railways infrastructure: Ministry of railways has signed an agreement with Government of Odisha for the formation of a joint venture Company to develop the railway infrastructure in the state.

7. Haryana government approves Rs25 cr agriculture project: Haryana government has approved a Rs 25 crore project that will benefit 75,000 farmers. The decision has been taken by the state level steering committee, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary D S Dhesi.         

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Florida bank issues first US credit card for use in Cuba: A small regional Florida bank, Stonegate Bank has made history by issuing the first credit card that can be used in Cuba. That could make it easier for Americans to travel and work on an island largely.

2. Peter Thomson elected as the President of 71^st session of United Nations General Assembly.

3. Deutsche bank Asia Chief executive Gunit Chandra quits: Germany’s largest lender, Deutsche Bank has announced that Gunit Chadha, who is serving as Chief Executive officer for Asia-Pacific region would leave the company next month on 17th of July. At present, he is handling 16 countries which include, India, China in Asia Pacific.   

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. DCB bank launches Adhaar enabled ATM in Bengaluru: DCB Bank has launched Bengaluru's first ATM that accepts Aadhaar number and Aadhaar fingerprint (biometric) instead of ATM/Debit Card and PIN to dispense cash.

2. DBS Bank appointed Niraj Mittal as institutional banking head: DBS Bank India, a part of Asia's foremost financial services group DBS Group Holdings Limited, has announced the appointment of Mr. Niraj Mittal as the Managing Director and Head of Institutional Banking for the country.

3. RBS India Chief Brijesh Mehra to head RBL corporate banking:

Kolhapur-headquartered, a small sized but fastest growing private sector lender RBL Bank (formerly known as The Ratnakar Bank Limited) has announced the appointment of Brijesh Mehra as the head of corporate banking at RBL. 

SPORTS:

4. India set for the Maiden show at U17 futsal World cup: India are set to make their maiden appearance in the Under 17 Futsal World Cup next month, after being invited by the sport's governing body, the Association Mundial de Futsal (AMF), as a wild card to take part in the event.

OBITUARIES:

5. Renowned Hindi writer Mudrarasksha passes away: Distinguished Hindi writer, activist, thinker and cultural personality Mudrarakshasa has passed away after following a prolonged illness in Lucknow. He was 82 years old.

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.