Daily GK Updates - 2nd July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address ‘Mann Ki Baat’ to be broadcast in Bangladesh:The programme which reaches crores of people in real time featuring PM Modi talking on various subjects related to social, economic and political  which have international audience soon. Mann Ki Baat will be broadcast in Bangladesh on All India Radio's upcoming Bangla language service channel AkashvaniMaitree, for which AIR has made arrangements to receive comments and voice messages from Bangladeshi citizens.

2. Military grants recognition to Paralympic Committee of India: The Sports Ministry has announced that it has granted recognition to the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), giving a huge confidence boost to the several para-athletes who have qualified for Rio Paralympics.

3. President Pranab Mukherjee presents BC Roy National Awards for 2008, 2009 and 2010: President of India, Pranab Kumar Mukherjee has presented the Dr.Bidhan Chandra Roy Award national awards for 2008, 2009 and 2010 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.These awards were presented on the occasion of National Doctors’ Day observed on July 1 to pay honour and tribute to India’s most famous physician Dr.Bidhan Chandra Roy.Top Five Awardees are Dr. Mammen Chandy, Prof. Rajeshwar Dayal, Dr.Rohit V. Bhatt, Dr. Neelam Mohan and Prof. Mohan Kameswaran.

4. Maharashtra target of planting 2 crore trees in state crossed: Maharashtra government started an initiative for plantation of about 2 crores trees. The initiative was flagged off by Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis along with Finance and Forest Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar.

5. India jumps 19 places on World Bank Logistics Performance Index, moves to 35^th rank: India improved its ranking in the World Bank group's (WBG) bi-annual "Logistics Performance Index 2016", jumping from 54th in 2014 to 35th in 2016. This was announced by the World Bank Group in its recent launch of the report.

6. Radha Mohan Singh launches a web-based app CMRS:The Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Minister, ShriRadha Mohan Singh has launched Crop Manager for Rice-based Systems (CMRS) a web-based App for better crop and Nutrient management released for Bihar farmers in a program organised at ICAR-RCER in Patna.

7. Rapid Rural Police Response System launched in Punjab: A Rapid Rural Police Response System was launched across Punjab to ensure prompt and effective police response in the state's over 12,000 villages.Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, who launched the scheme, also flagged off 400 new motorcycles and 220 new Bolero jeeps under the new system.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                               

1. RIL, SBI sign shareholder agreement for payments bank of JV: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has signed a shareholder agreement with State Bank of India (SBI) have signed Subscription and Shareholders Agreement to set up payments bank.According to the agreement, Reliance Industries will be the promoter with a 70 % equity contribution in the payments bank and SBI as joint venture will have 30 % equity contribution.

2. State Bank of India launches two new digital offerings: The country's largest lender State Bank of India has launched 2 new digital offerings on the occasion of 61st State Bank Day.SBI has partnered with Flipkart to offer its consumers the facility of pre-approved EMI Facility on purchases. Under this partnership SBI will provide overdraft facility to pre-qualified set of customers for transacting on Flipkart for a minimum purchase of Rs. 500.

OBITUARIES:

3. Renowned Marathi literary scholar R C Dhere no more: R C Dhere, a recipient of the Sahitya Academy Award in 1987 for his book 'Sri Vitthal- A Mahasamanvayak (Lord Vitthal- A great coordinator)', carved a niche for himself by tracing the roots of Maharashtra's folk traditions and literature with an extensive research that highlighted the influence of saints on Maharashtrian ethos.

Daily GK Updates - 1st July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Suresh Prabhu launches NIVARAN portal: Shri Suresh PrabhakarPrabhu, Minister of Railways has launched "NIVARAN portal", an online system for redressal of service related grievance of serving and former railway employees.

2. Indigenously built Tejas inducted into IAF: The Indian Air Force (IAF) inducted the first squadron of the indigenously made Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas into its fleet. An induction ceremony to induct two Tejas aircrafts was held at the Aircraft Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru, which included a multi religious prayer.

3. D K Hota assumes charge as BEML chairman: D K Hota has been appointed as Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) with effect from July 1.

4. India’s first integrated defence communication network launched: India's first integrated defence communication network was launched, enabling the army, air force, navy and the Special Forces Command to share situational awareness for a faster decision-making process.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NASA tests rocket booster for space mission: A booster for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket in the world, has been successfully tested, an advance that may pave the way for future human exploration in deep space, including the journey to Mars.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. SBI Digital Village Initiative: Balal village in Kasargode district in the state of Kerala is one of the 21 villages selected across the country by the State Bank of India under the SBI Digital Village initiative, which will be launched by the SBI Chairperson on State Bank Day (1st July).

2. India Post payments bank proposal gets cabinet nod: The Union Cabinet has granted its approval to set up India Post’s payments bank, 650 branches of which will be made operational by September 2017. The payments bank will be managed with a professional setup, headed a chief executive officer, and will have representations from various other government departments including the Department of Posts, Department of Expenditure and Department of Economic Services among others.

SPORTS:

3.  Gurpreet Singh Sandhu makes history again, becomes first Indian to feature in Europa League: Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was named in Norwegian club Stabaek FC's squad for their Europa League qualifying match against Welsh Premier League side Connah's Quay Nomads FC, making him the first from the country to play in the continental competition.

4. Sameer Mon emerges fastest athlete of 56^th National Inter-State Athletics: Sameer Mon, the veteran sprinter of India, won gold in 100 meter dash in 10.60 seconds at the 56th National Inter-state Senior Athletics Championships in Hyderabad.

OBITUARIES:

5. World famous futurist, writer Alwin Toffler dies at the age of 87: Alvin Toffler, the Famous author of Future Shock, passed away on in Los Angeles, United States. He was 87.

Daily GK Updates - 30th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Anti-submarine torpedo Varunastra inducted in Navy:Indigenously-built heavyweight anti-submarine torpedo Varunastra has been successfully inducted in the navy, making India one of the 8th countries to have the capability to design and build such a system.

2. Viswanathan Anand honoured with ‘HonorisCausa’ Doctor of Science degree: Five-time World Champion ViswanathanAnand was conferred the "HonorisCausa" Doctor of Science by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) during its 49th convocation ceremony. The 46-year-old Anand was bestowed with the degree by NITI aayog chairman ArvindPanagariya.

3. Union Cabinet approved MoU between UPSC and Royal Civil Service Commission of Bhutan: The MoU will strengthen the existing relationship between RCSC and UPSC. It will facilitate sharing of experience and expertise of both the parties in the area of recruitment.

4. Royal Enfield announces collaboration with Flipkart to sell its accessories:  E-commerce major Flipkart and Royal Enfield have entered into collaboration where flipkart will sell complete range of accessories of Royal Enfield.

5. India successfully test fires ballistic missile ‘Barak-8' off Odisha coast:The missile was launched from test fired from launch pad no-3 of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. The Barak-8 is India’s new surface to air missile which is developed jointly with the Israel.

6. ICMR signs agreement to provide healthcare through solar based solutions:The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has signed MoU with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), a policy research institution, to launch a new ‘Initiative on Solar for Healthcare’.

7.  Maharashtra, Tata Power to ink pact for 1,000 MW for Mumbai: The Maharashtra government is reportedly planning to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tata Power for sourcing 1,000 MW from the upcoming Dherand Thermal Project. 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Malaysia gets 2 women Shariah HC judges: Two women have been appointed as judges of Malaysia’s Islamic Shariah High Court for the first time in the history of the judiciary of the Muslim-majority country. Noor Huda Roslan, 40, and NenneyShuhaidahShamsuddin, 41. Shariah High Court deals with exclusively Islamic laws, having jurisdiction upon every Muslim in Malaysia.

2. China Launches 2nd Shijian-16 Satellite:China has successfully launched its second Shijian-16 series satellite for space research and experiments. The first Shijian-16 satellite was launched in October 2013.

3. Rodrigo Duterte sworn-in as new Philippine President after a landslide election victory: After a landslide election victory in May, Rodrigo Duterte was sworn in as the 16th president of the Philippines and promised to make sweeping changes to the country's political system.

4. World Bank, ISA sign agreement for collaboration in solar energy: The World Bank Group has signed an agreement with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), to collaborate on increasing solar energy use around the world with the goal of mobilising $1 trillion in investments by 2030.

OTHER UPDATES: 

AWARDS:

1. Four Indian-Americans honoured with 2016 Great Immigrants Award in US: Four Indian-Americans have been honoured with prestigious Great Immigrants: The Pride of America Award 2016. They are among 42 distinguished US personalities representing more than 30 countries of origin around the world honoured with this year’s award. 

OBITUARIES:

2. Pioneer of modern art in painting and pottery, K G Subramanyam passes away: Renowned sculptor and painter KG Subramanyan passed away in Vadodara, Gujarat following a brief illness. He was 92. He was multifaceted artist credited with being one of the pioneers of Indian modern art and was also a freedom fighter.

Daily GK Updates - 29th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Majuli in Assam becomes India’s first island district:Majuli was in news as the Government of Assam approved its up gradation as a district.With this approval, Majuli has become the first island district in the country.

2. FSSAI signs MoU with ASCI: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) signed MoU with each other to put check on the issues of misleading as well as uncorroborated advertisements in the food and beverage sector.

3. V Sasi elected Deputy Speaker in Kerala: V Sasi of the CPI (M), representing the Chirayinkeezh constituency, has been elected the Deputy Speaker of the 14th Kerala Legislative Assembly.

4. Amul signs up as official sponsor of Indian team to the Olympics: The Company will launch a series of advertising campaigns for milk and other dairy products to promote this association. In addition, the company’s products will also sport special branding to promote this association.

5. Exercise ‘Jalrahat’ commences in Assam: As a measure for counter operation during Natural calamities, exercise ‘Jalrahat’ commenced at Narangi Cantt in Assam which is a joint initiative by State Govt and Armed Forces for relief during floods.

6. Govt. launches web portal to keep a check on environmental approvals for mining of minerals:A new web portal has been launched for online submission and monitoring of environmental approvals for mining of sand and minor minerals. Launchingthe web portal at a workshop on mining of sand and minor minerals.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NASA tests rocket booster for space mission: A booster for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS), the most powerful rocket in the world, has been successfully tested, an advance that may pave the way for future human exploration in deep space, including the journey to Mars.

2. Suzuki Motors appoints scion Toshihiro Suzuki as CEO: Suzuki Motor Corp has appointed Toshihiro Suzuki, son of Chairman Osamu Suzuki, as its next chief executive effective the same day, as the Japanese automaker attempts to recover from a vehicle testing scandal.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. Cabinet clears pay hike for 1 cr. govt employees, pensioners: More than 1 Cr. central government employees will get a pay hike after the Cabinet approved the implementation of the recommendations of the Seventh Central Pay Commission.

SPORTS:

2.  India's Sanjeev Rajput wins silver in ISSF: Sanjeev Rajput, a doyen shooter of India bagged a silver medal for India in men's 50-metre rifle 3 position events at the on-going series of sport activities of ISSF World Cup in Baku.

Daily GK Updates - 28th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India ranked 105th on WEF's Human Capital Index:India has been ranked 105th out of 130 countries on the World Economic Forum's Human Capital Index, which measures countries’ ability to nurture, develop and deploy talent for economic growth. 

2. Defence Ministry gives the nod for purchase of 145 Ultra-Light Howitzers guns from the US: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Union Defence Minister ManoharParrikar has given its approval for the purchase of 145 Ultra-Light Howitzers (ULH) guns from the US.The procurement of ULH will be through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route from the US and it will cost around 750 million dollars. As part of this deal, 25 ULH guns will come to India directly from the US in a fly-away condition.

3. Rajnath Singh inaugurates h.q. of Jharkhand's special anti-Maoist force: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has inaugurated the newly constructed headquarters of Jharkhand's special anti-Maoist force 'Jharkhand Jaguar' in Jharkhand's capital city Ranchi. The headquarters will pave the way for the further strengthening of the force. 

4. Odisha government to provide education loan at 1% interest:Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has launched a new scheme KalingaSikshaSathiYojana with an aim to provide education loan at 1 % interest to students for pursuing higher studies. The State government dedicated this scheme to former Chief Minister BijuPatnaik on his Birth Centenary. 

5. PM releases book titled “The Birds of Banni Grassland”:Prime Minister NarendraModi has released a book titled “The Birds of Banni Grassland” in New Delhi. The Book is a compilation of the research work, relating to more than 250 species of birds found in the Banni area of Kutch, Gujarat. 

6. Sujoy Bose appointed as the CEO of NIIF:The Union government has appointed Mr.Sujoy Bose as the Chief Executive Officer of National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) Ltd. His appointed for the post has been made by a search-cum-selection committee which was constituted under the chairmanship of economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das.

7.  Indian bags UN honour for corporate sustainability initiative:An Indian social entrepreneur ZubaidaBai, has been named among 10 "champions and pioneers" by United Nation chief Ban Ki-moon under the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative that calls on companies to align with universal principles of human rights, environment, and anti-corruption.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. IMF clears payment of USD 501 million to Pakistan: Washington DC-based the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cleared the payment of $501 million for Pakistan. The Executive Board of the IMF has completed the eleventh review of Pakistan’s economic performance under a three-year program supported by an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement. 

2. Gudni Johnson wins Iceland’s Presidential elections:GudniJohannesson has won the Iceland’s presidential election. He is a history professor who ran as an independent in the election and was able to secure 39.1% of the vote. 

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. N S Vishwanathan appointed as the new deputy governor of RBI: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has cleared the appointment of NS Vishwanathan as the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). He is currently working as an executive director at the RBI since April 2014 and overseeing the banking regulation and non-banking department. He would succeed H R Khan, who will retire on July 3. 

SPORTS:

2. National Inter-State Senior Athletics C’ships begins in Hyderabad: The 56th National Inter-State Senior Athletics Championships, a qualifying event for the Rio Olympics, has begun in Hyderabad today.  As many as 744 athletes, including 264 women from 26 states will take part in the five-day event.

3. India maintains the third position in ICC ODI team rankings:According to ICC Ranking released in Dubai, India has maintained its number three position in the ICC ODI team rankings which is being headed by world champions Australia. Australia has got 123 rating points while India got 110 points. The second place was occupied by New Zealand with 113 rating points.

AWARDS:

4. Two Indians get Queen’s Young Leaders Award 2016:Two Indians, KartikSawhney, and Neha Swain, have won the 2016 Queen's Young Leaders award in the United Kingdom which has been presented by Queen Elizabeth at the British monarch in Buckingham Palace. The name of these awardees has been announced last year in December. 

OBITUARIES:

5. Founder of Titan, Xerxes Sapur Desai has passed away: Xerxes Sapur Desai, the man who founded India's largest watchmaker company 'Titan Co Ltd', has passed away following a prolonged illness in Bengaluru. He was 79 years old. 

6. NSCN (IM) Chairman IsakChishiSwupassed away at the age of 87.

Daily GK Updates - 27th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India became 35^th full member of Missile Technology Control Regime: India on 27 June 2016 became the 35th full member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). This entry would be mutually beneficial to enhance global non-proliferation norms.The instrument of accession to MTCR for India was signed in New Delhi by Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar. The entry also marks India's first entry into any multilateral export control regime.

2. Anju Bobby George and PullelaGopichand taken as members of Khelo India: Khelo India is a national programme launched by the Union Government for the development of sports in the country.George, India's lone athletics World Championship medal winner and Gopichand, the chief national badminton coach are the two sportsperson who were included in the seven-member committee of Khelo India.The committee will be headed by Sports Secretary Rajiv Yadav.

3. PM Modi launches Smart City Mission Projects in Pune: Prime Minister NarendraModi has launched the ‘Smart City Mission’ involving 83 projects from 20 different cities in the country. The Smart City Mission’ projects launched included 14 projects of Pune (Maharashtra) and 69 projects from 20 different shortlisted cities in the country to be implemented at a cost of 1,770 crore rupees.

4. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurates 22^nd meeting of Eastern Zonal Council at Ranchi: The meeting started with the review of the progress of implementation of the recommendations made by last year Eastern Zonal Council of 2015 that was held at Patna. In today's meetings, there are altogether 19 agenda points sponsored by participating four states, besides 10 Revised Agenda Points.

5. Suresh Prabhu flags off maiden train between Sonepat-Jind: Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has flagged off a maiden train on 81-km railway line between Sonipat and Jind and stressed on the need to create infrastructure to promote growth and to meet future challenges.

6. BHEL commissions two hydel units in Afghanistan: State-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has commissioned two units of 14 Megawatts each at Salma Hydro Electric Project in Afghanistan.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Expanded Panama Canal reopens after 9 years of work: Newly renovated and expanded Panama Canal reopened for bigger business on 26 June 2016.The first ship to cross the canal using the third set of locks was a modern New Panamax vessel, the Chinese-owned container ship Cosco Shipping Panama.

2. Scientists develop bio-ink for 3D printing with stem cells: A group of scientists at the University of Bristol developed a new stem cell-containing bio-ink that allows 3D printing of complex living tissues.The new stem cell-containing bio ink allows 3D printing of living tissues, known as bio-printing.

3. China launches first Dark Sky Reserve in Tibet to limit light pollution: China in the fourth week of June 2016 launched its first dark sky reserve in Ngari Prefecture, Tibet.The purpose of the dark sky reserve is to limit light pollution and preserve sites for making astronomical observations.

4. International Day in Support of Victims of Torture observed on 26^th June 2016: The day is held annually to speak out against the crime of torture. It also seeks to honour and support victims and survivors throughout the world.

5. International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking observed with theme ‘Listen First’: 2016 theme Listen First is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug use that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well-being of children and youth, their families and their communities.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. AIIB approves first loans for projects in four countries: The China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved first set of loans totalling US 509 million dollars to finance projects in four countries namely- Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Tajikistan.

SPORTS:

2. Lionel Messi retires from international football after Copa America final loss to Chile: Lionel Messi, the Barcelona star, on 26 June 2016 announced his plans to retirement from international football.The announcement from the foot balling great of his generation came just hours after he missed the penalty in the Copa America final. His team, Argentina lost 4-2 on penalties to Chile after a 0-0 draw in MetLife Stadium.

3. JituRai wins silver in ISSF World Cup: Shooter JituRaiwon silver in the 10 m Air Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup held in Baku, Azerbaijan.

4. Defending champions Chile beat Argentina 4-2 in a penalty shootout to win the 2016 Copa America Football tournament.

5. N Srinivasan re-elected President of Tamil Nadu Cricket Association for 15^th term.

6. Argentina women win record seventh FIH Champions Trophy title defeating Netherlands 2-1.

7. Wimbledon 2016 kick starts from 27^th June at the All England Club in London: This is the 130^th edition of the third Grand Slam of the season.

AWARDS:

8. International Indian Film Academy IIFA Awards 2016 presented in Madrid, Spain: Best Film: BajrangiBhaijaan, Best Director: Sanjay LeelaBhansali for BaajiraoMastani, Best Actor: Ranveer Singh for BaajiraoMastani, Best Actress: DeepikaPadukone for Piku, IIFA Award for the Woman of the Year:  Priyanka Chopra.

9. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar awarded Honorary Fellowship in UK: National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) have awarded Spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar with an Honorary Fellowship in the UK for his contributions to world peace and culture.

Daily GK Updates - 26th June, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Darjeeling Zoo to receive snow leopard from London’s Dudley Zoological Gardens: he Padma Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park in Darjeeling will soon receive a snow leopard from Dudley Zoological Gardens in London. The leopard, named Makalu, is expected to make arrival at the Kolkata airport in an Emeritus Flight.

2. Special package for employment generation and promotion of exports in Textile and Apparel sector approved: The package includes a slew of measures which are labour friendly and would promote employment generation, economies of scale and boost exports.

3. Aadhaar to be linked with caste, domicile certificates: Union Government asked all state governments to link Aadhaar with caste and domicile certificates of school students. Under first-of-its-kind initiative, the states have been asked to ensure that such certificates are issued within 60 days’ time to the students when they are studying either in Class V or VIII.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Day of the Seafarer 2016 observed on 25^th June with theme ‘At sea for all’: The themes highlight the point that seafarers serve at sea not just for the shipping industry or for their own career purposes but for all of us. Day of the Seafarer is observed to give thanks to the seafarers for their contribution to the economy and civil society of the world. The day also acknowledges risks and personal costs borne by them while being in their jobs.

2. Nepal bans citizens from working in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Libya: The decision was made at a cabinet meet after 13 Nepali security guards were killed in a Taliban suicide bombing in Kabul. Nepali nationals killed in Afghanistan were employed as security guards in the Canadian embassy in Kabul. They were killed when militants exploded a bomb in a minibus on 20 June 2016.

3. Scientists developed KiloCore, world’s first 1000-processor computer chip: The scientists unveiled a microchip, named KiloCore, containing 1000 independent programmable processors. The chip has been designed by a team at the University of California, Davis, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

4. Amjad Sabri, a famed Pakistani qawwal shot dead in Karachi.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Sprinter Dutee Chand qualifies for Rio Olympics: Indian sprinter Dutee Chand on 25 June 2016 qualified for Rio Olympics in the women’s 100metre event. She qualified in the games after meeting the qualification mark at 26th International Meeting G. Kosanov Memorial in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

OBITUARIES:

2. Noted Malayalam theatre artist Kavalam Narayana Panicker passed away at the age of 88.