Daily GK Updates - 16th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. WHO declares India as Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus free: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared India as Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus free. In this regard, WHO presented certificates to the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda.

2. Over 14 lakh LPG connections released under PMUY: Over fourteen lakh LPG connections have been released to the women of BPL families under the PradhanMantriUjjwalaYojana (PMUY). According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the scheme is currently under operation in 487 districts of 17 states.

3. 74 schemes of 17 ministries and departments brought under DBT: The GOI has been brought 74 schemes of 17 Ministries and Departments under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Addressing the members of Consultative Committee of his Ministry in New Delhi, Finance Minister ArunJaitley stated that DBT is a very important scheme as it transfers the benefit to the targeted beneficiaries.

4. Indian Naval ship visits Port Kelang, Malaysia: Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri, Shakti and Kirch have arrived at Port Kelang on a four day visit, as part of deployment of the Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea and Western Pacific.

5. Tata Advanced Systems signs deal with Bell Helicopter: Tata Advanced System (TASL) and Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company have signed an agreement to work together in support of India’s aviation and defense modernization initiatives. The agreement was inked with an emphasis on ‘Make in India’.

6. MP cabinet approves setting up of Happiness Department in State:In Madhya Pradesh, the Shivraj cabinet has given its nod to set up Happiness Department in the state. This department will work as knowledge resource centre on the subject of happiness. A state Happiness Institute will also be established under the Happiness Department.

7. Maharashtra CM launches virtual, digital classrooms across 32 ITIs in state: Maharashtra Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis has launched the facility of virtual and digital classrooms across 32 ITIs in the state on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day (15th July). According to him, the facility of virtual classrooms will bridge the urban-rural divide and open the doors of knowledge. Mr.Fadnavis asked students to master their passion, and assures that jobs will come in plenty due to the power of skill development.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. RBI sets up an Inter-Regulatory Working Group on Fin Tech and Digital Banking: The group has been set up in view of the growing significance of Fintech innovations, and their interactions with the financial sector as well as financial sector entities. It will review and appropriately reorient the regulatory framework, and respond to the dynamics of the rapidly evolving Fintech scenario. The Working Group will be headed by SudarshanSen, Executive Director of RBI, and has 12 members. It has been asked to submit its report within six months from the date of its first meeting.

2. India and ADB sign 100 million USD loan agreement for Cauvery Delta Project in Tamil Nadu: The Union Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a 100 million US dollars loan agreement to strengthen key irrigation and drainage system and improve water management in the Vennar sub-basin of the Cauvery delta in Tamil Nadu.

3. RBI asks banks to exchange upto 20 soiled notes free of charge: The Reserve Bank of India has asked banks to exchange up to 20 pieces of soiled currency notes with a maximum value of Rs. 5,000 over the counter free of charge in an effort to improve customer service. However, if the number of notes to be exchanged is more than 20, banks can levy service charge.

SPORTS:

4. Misbah-ul-Haq becomes oldest captain to score Test hundred: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has scored 110 against England at Lord's and with this, the 42 years and 47 days old cricketer became the oldest captain to score Test hundred. Misbah is also the oldest visiting player to play a Test on English soil in the last 31 years.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS:

5. Book titled ‘Who moved my interest rate’ authored by former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao to be released on 27^th July 2016.

Daily GK Updates - 15th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India becomes 1^st country to become YAWS-free: India achieves yet another public health milestone, becomes first country to be declared free of Yaws, an infection of the skin and bones, much ahead of WHO global target year of 2020.

2. President to inaugurate India Skills Competition today: President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the first edition of India Skills Competition today, on the occasion of the World Youth Skills Day in New Delhi. Skill India will be celebrating its first anniversary on the occasion.

3. Vice President Hamid Ansari reached UlaanBaatar to attend 11^th Asia-Europe Meeting-AESM-Summit: Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has reached UlaanBaatar, the capital of Mongolia. He is leading the India delegation for two days 11th Asia-Europe Meeting- ASEM-Summit starting from today. The theme for the summit is "20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity".

4. Congress announces Sheila Dixit as Chief Ministerial candidate for UP Assembly elections: The Congress has announced the Senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit name as the Chief Ministerial candidate by the party for upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

5. Government revises time schedule for making payments under Income Declaration Scheme 2016: The Government has revised the time schedule for making payments under Income Declaration Scheme 2016. As per the revised schedule, a minimum amount of 25 % of the tax, surcharge and penalty can be paid by 30th of November this year and the further amount of 25 % by 31st of March next year. The balance amount can be paid on or before 30th of September.

6. SIT on black money recommends ban on cash transactions above 3 lakh rupees:The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money has recommended ban on cash transactions of above 3 lakh rupees in a day and a separate law to declare such transactions as illegal and punishable. It has also suggested upper ceiling of cash holding at 15 lakh rupees to curb illegal wealth in the economy. The SIT felt that the cash transaction limit can only succeed if there is a limitation on cash holding. The panel said, in case any person or industry required holding more cash, it may obtain necessary permission from the Commissioner of Income Tax of the area. The SIT headed by retired Justice M B Shah, submitted its fifth report to the Supreme Court.

7. Centre approves projects involving investment of over 19 crores for Mewat and Sirsa districts of Haryana: The Central Government has approved the projects involving an investment of 19 crore 50 lakh rupees for Mewat and Sirsa districts of Haryana, under Multi-Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP). These districts include Sirsa, Palwal, Mewat, Yamunanagar, Fatehabad and Kaithal.

8. West Bengal government sets target to construct toilets across all villages of the state by March 2019: The West Bengal government has set a target to construct toilets across all villages of the state by March 2019 to enable open defecation free (ODF) rural Bengal.

9. MaharshiDayanand University signs MoU for collaborative studies with GVF: MaharshiDayanand University (MDU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with non-profit public organization namely Global Village Foundation (GVF) for collaborative studies and research on social and economic public policies.

10. Rajesh KumarChaturvedi appointed as the CBSE Chairman.

11. BHEL commissions 250 MW power plant at Bhavnagar district in Gujarat.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

2. GM HarikaDronavalli wins Fide Women’s Grand Prix trophy in China: India's Grand Master HarikaDronavalli has won the Fide Women’s Grand Prix trophy in Chendu in China.

3. India jumps 11 places to 152^nd in football rankings: India made a big leap of 11 places to occupy 152nd spot in the latest world football rankings issued by FIFA. India beat Laos 6-1 and 1-0 in the home and away play-off matches to make it to the 2019 Asian Cup qualifying tournament.

OBITUARIES:

5. India’s Olympic Silver Medallist Joe Antic passed away: Hockey Olympian Joe Antic has passed away in Mumbai. He was 90 years old. He represented the country in the Rome Games where Pakistan won the final between the arch-foes 1-0. Mr. Antic was also a part of the hockey squad that finished runner-up, again to Pakistan, in the Asian Games which held at Jakarta.

Daily GK Updates - 14th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Operation ‘Sankat Mochan’ launched to evacuate Indian citizens from South Sudan: The Union Government has launched ‘Operation SankatMochan’ to evacuate the Indians from South Sudan.Two C17 aircraft of Indian Air Force left for Juba with Minister of State for External Affair VK Singh onboard.

2. Ashok Patnaik appointed new National Intelligence Grid Chief: Senior IPS officer Ashok Patnaik was appointed CEO of the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID).

3. Cabinet approves revised cost estimate of Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi has also given its approval for Revised Cost Estimate (RCE) of Rs. 7290.62 crore for the ongoing 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (HEP) in Bhutan.

4. Cabinet approves revival of defunction Fertilizer Units in Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi has approved the revival of defunct Fertilizer Units in Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni. These include two closed urea units of Fertilizer Corporation India Limited (FCIL) at Sindri (Jharkhand) and Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Barauni (Bihar) unit of Hindustan Fertilizers Corporation Limited (HFCL).

5. Cabinet approves official amendment to the Bill for change of name to ‘Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi has also given its ex-post facto approval for the Official amendment to the Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015 for change of name from “Rajendra Central Agricultural University” to “Dr.Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University”.

6. HAL, Safran to set up support centre in India for helicopters:Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and French firm Safran Helicopter Engines have agreed to establish a support centre in India for national and international rotorcraft customers.

7. Cabinet allocates Rs 12,000 crore to impart skill training to 1 crore people over the next 4 years: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi has approved the PradhanMantriKaushalVikasYojana (PMKVY) with an outlay of Rs.12000 crore to impart skilling to one crore people over the next 4 years (2016-2020).

8. Indian-American Professor named US university dean: He received his doctoral degree from De Montfort University in England, a master of science in mechanical computer aided engineering from Strathclyde University in Scotland and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from University of Rajasthan in India.

9. Kerala launches ‘world’s first’ digital student incubator: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched SV.CO, purportedly world’s first digital student incubator, as a digital makeover of the Startup Village in Kochi.SV.CO will constitute the second phase of development of Startup Village and is designed to help thousands of college-goers make an early start in entrepreneurship, according to a spokesman.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Theresa May takes over as Britain’s Brexit PM, appoints Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary: British politician, Theresa May  became Prime Minister of United Kingdom (UK) after meeting Queen Elizabeth II. She succeeds David Cameron, who had resigned in the wake of Brexit referendum that ended his six-year-long stint as the Prime Minister of Britain. She became UK’s second-ever female Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher (in office from 1979-1990).

2. Emirates named world’s best airline in 2016 Skytrax awards: he top 5 best airlines: Emirates (1st), Qatar Airways (2nd), Singapore Airlines (3rd), Cathay Pacific (4th), ANA All Nippon Airways (5th).

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. BSE introduces ‘Paperless SIP’: Leading stock exchange BSE is introducing 'Paperless SIP' (systematic investment plans) that would allow mutual fund investors to make transactions through various modes of payments.The additional feature on BSE's mutual fund platform - StARMF - would allow MF distributors to register SIPs for their clients, who can pay SIP amounts through various modes.

Daily GK Updates - 13th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. INS Karna commissioned by Indian Navy: Indian Navy has commissioned INS Karna, an independent base of Marine Commandos (MARCOS) at Bheemunipatanam Naval Base, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It was commissioned by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba at the commissioning ceremony held at Bheemunipatanam Naval Base.

2. NajmaHeptulla and G M Siddeswara quit Modi cabinet: Union ministers NajmaHeptulla and GM Siddeshwara resigned.Dr Heptulla, the Minority Affairs Minister, was replaced by Minister of State Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who has been given independent charge. The portfolio held by Mr.Siddeshwara - junior minister for Heavy Industries - will be taken over by Babul Supriyo, who was the junior minister for Urban Development.

3. Bangladesh and India sign Rampal Power Plant construction agreement: Bangladesh and India have signed a landmark deal for the construction of a 1,320-megawatt coal-fired power plant, the biggest project under bilateral cooperation that would mark the transition from electricity export to generation level.

4. Pokhra-New Delhi direct bus service launched: The first direct bus service between Pokhara (Nepal) and New Delhi (India) was launched to connect South Asia’s two important cities. This bus service was flagged off by Nepal Home Minister Shakti BahadurBasnet and India’s ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae from Pokhara (Nepal’s famous tourist spot).

5. K V R Murthy appointed as the new CMD of Jute Corporation of India Ltd.

6. SRK, Akshay Kumar join Taylor Swift in Forbes highest paid celebrity list:Bollywood stars Shahrukh Khan and Akshay Kumar were the only Indian celebrities to make way for the Forbes list of world’s highest paid celebrity. Musician Taylor Swift with $170 million in her earning bag seized the top spot on the list. Football star Cristiano Ronaldo sparked in the Forbes list after claiming Euro cup title for Portugal under his captainship and got 5th rank in the list with earnings of 88 Million dollars.

7. IDFC Bank acquires GramaVidiyal: IDFC Bank has announced it had acquired Tamil Nadu-headquartered microfinance institution GramaVidiyal in an all-cash deal.

8. Cabinet approves stake sale in NBCC India: The Centre has cleared a proposal to sell its stake in state-owned construction company NBCC India with an aim to meet the Rs. 56,500-crore PSU disinvestment target in 2016-17.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. SBI signs MoU with IIT Bombay to promote start-ups: India’s top public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), (IIT) Bombay’s technology business incubator, to promote innovation by start-ups in the financial sector.

2. HDFC Bank to sell Masala Bonds: Housing Development Finance Corp (HDFC) is set to become the first Indian company to sell masala bonds, a rupee-denominated bond sold to foreign investors and listed on an overseas exchange.

SPORTS:

3. ICC has released Test, ODI and T20I Rankings: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the official ICC men’s Team Rankings from Test, One Day International (ODI) and T20I cricket.India held the second position in the latest ICC Test rankings with 112 rating points followed by Pakistan and England. Australia leads the Test rankings with 118 rating.Top 3 teams in ICC ODI Rankings: 1. Australia 2. New Zealand 3. India, Top 3 teams in ICC T20 Rankings: 1. New Zealand 2. India 3. West Indies.

OBITUARIES:

4. William H McNeill, the prize-winning world historian died at the age of 98.

Daily GK Updates - 12th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India, Kenya ink seven agreements: MoU on Cooperation in the field of standardisation, expertise sharing and mutual trade between Bureau of Indian Standards and Bureau of Kenya Standards, MoU on Cooperation in the field of National Housing Policy Development and Management, the line of Credit Agreement for US $15 million (first tranche of US $30 million) to IDB Capital Limited, Kenya, for the development of various small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya, the line of Credit Agreement for the US $29.95 million to the Government of Kenya for the upgrade of Rift Valley Textiles Factory (RIVATEX East Africa Limited), Kenya, revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), a bilateral agreement on the exemption of Visa for holders of Diplomatic passports and MoU on Defence Cooperation were in the list.

2. D Rajkumar appointed CMD of BPCL and Utpal Bora appointed as CMD of Oil India Ltd.

3. HDFC Bank’s AdityaPuri named best banking CEO in Asia: AdityaPuri, the chief executive and managing director (MD) of the second largest private sector lender HDFC Bank, has been ranked as the best banking CEO in Asia by the investor community.

4. Ministry of Health launches Nationwide Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDFC): Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Shri J P Nadda, Ministry of Health launched nationwide Intensified Diarrhoea Control Fortnight (IDCF) to be observed from July 11-23.

5. Maharashtra Police launches 4 apps: The four applications Pratisaad Ask, Police Mitra, Vahanchoritakrar and Railway helpline app were launched by Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis in Nagpur.With the launch of these apps, dependency on police emergency number 100 would reduce substantially and citizens can reach out to police to report any emergency situation or crime like robbery or assault on women 24X7.

6. Karnataka trade body inks pact with Sanya City:The Karnataka Region Economic and Trade Organisation (KRETO) and the Sanya People Municipal Government, China, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to foster trade between Sanya City and Karnataka.

7. Lafarge to sell India assets to Nirma for $1.4 billion: Lafarge-Holcim has entered into an agreement with Nirma Ltd to sell its entire 100% holding in cement maker Lafarge India for an enterprise value of $1.4 billion.

8. Sun Pharma introduces anti-cancer product in Europe: Sun Pharma has announced rollout of Gemcitabine InfuSMART in Europe. InfuSMART is a technology in which oncology products are developed in a ready-to-administer (RTA) bag.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nepal’s first woman chief justice sworn in: Justice SushilaKarki took charge as the first woman chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court after her name was endorsed by a parliamentary panel.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Jinson Johnson, Dharambir Singh and RenjithMaheshwari qualify for Rio Olympics 2016: Sprinter Dharambir Singh and Jinson Johnson along with Triple jumper RenjithMaheshwari were the latest athletes to join the line for representing the country at the Olympics in Brazil.

AWARDS:

2. President confers the 51^stJnanpith Award on Dr.RaghuveerChaudhari.

Daily GK Updates - 11th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Tathagata Roy sworn-in as Governor of Arunachal Pradesh: Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy was sworn-in as the acting Governor of Arunachal Pradesh. Roy has been given the additional charge of Governor of Arunachal Pradesh during the leave of absence of incumbent Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa.

2. DRDO inks pact with IITs for Centre for Propulsion Technology: The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has signed an agreement with IIT-Bombay and Madras to establish a bi—nodal ‘Centre of Propulsion Technology’ (CoPT) at the two institutions.

3. Talgo train clocks 120kmps during Mathura-Palwal trial: Spanish train Talgo commenced its second phase trial from Mathura at 120km per hour speed with senior officials from Spain and Railways on-board.The trial between Mathura and Palwal will go on for 25 days and the speed will go up to 180 kmph this time.

4. Bill introduced in US to prevent Indian firms from hiring staff on H-1B, L1 visas: A bipartisan group of two US lawmakers has introduced in the House of Representatives a legislation, which if passed by the Congress would prevent Indian companies from hiring IT professionals on H-1B and L1 work visas. The bill if passed would prevent Indian companies from hiring IT professionals on H-1B and L1 visas that will prohibit firms from hiring H-1B employees on certain grounds.

5. Dumping duty imposed on PTA imports from 5 countries: The Finance Ministry has imposed definitive anti-dumping duty on purified terephthalic acid (PTA) imports from China, Iran, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia. An anti-dumping duty is a protectionist tariff that a domestic government imposes on foreign imports that it believes are priced below fair market value.

6. Union Government constitutes cyber cell:The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) is taking measures to protect women and children from harassment and trolling on social media platforms. Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi announced a cyber-cell in New Delhi to keep a check in this regard.

7. Aircel, Airtel 4G Spectrum Trading Deal approved by DoT: Telecom Ministry is believed to have cleared the Rs 3,500-crore 4G spectrum trading deal between service providers BhartiAirtel and Aircel.Airtel has entered into an agreement with Aircel to acquire rights to use 4G spectrum of Aircel in eight telecom circles for Rs 3,500 crore.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China Navy conducts Combat Drill in the South China Sea: The Chinese navy conducted combat drills near its southern island province of Hainan and the Paracel islands in the South China Sea, the ministry of defence said on July 9.

2. Astronomers discover planet with 3 suns located 340 light years from Earth: A team of astronomers led by the University of Arizona discovered a planet HD 131399Ab which is unlikely any other known world – one with, by far, the widest known orbit within a multi-star system.Located about 340 light years from Earth in the constellation Centaurus, HD 131399Ab is believed to be about 16 million years old, making it one of the youngest exoplanets discovered to date.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Serena Williams and Venus Williams won women’s doubles of Wimbledon Open 2016.

2. Lewis Hamilton wins 4^th British Grand Prix of his career.

3. Portugal wins Euro 2016 football championship by defeating France 1-0.

OBITUARIES:

4. Indian football legend Amal Dutta passed away at the age of 86.

Daily GK Updates - 10th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Andhra Pradesh decided to conduct ‘Smart Pulse Survey’ of 1.48 crore households: Andhra Pradesh government has decided to conduct a 'Smart Pulse Survey' for collecting socio-economic data of 1.48 crore households in the state. The survey started on 8 July 2016 will end on 30 July 2016.

2. Zydus, Medicines Patent Pool inks agreement for Bristol-Myers Squibb’s daclatasvir tablets: ZydusCadila, a leading global healthcare firm inked a non-exclusive, royalty free agreement with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP). Under the pact they will be manufacturing global pharma major Bristol-Myers Squibb’s daclatasvir tablets used for the treatment of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).

3. Union Government launched National Green Highways Mission: Under this initiative, plantation drive on 1500 km of National Highways was launched at a cost of about 300 crore rupees. The greening project has a huge potential to generate jobs and can prove to be a game-changer for agriculture and rural economy.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. US sanctions North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un for human rights abuses: The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on 6 July 2016 designated top officials of the North Korean regime along with Kim Jong-Un and for their ties to North Korea’s notorious abuses of human rights.

2. New Tarantula species named after Nobel laureate Gabriel Garcia Marquez: Scientists has named a newly discovered species of tarantula (a big hairy spider) as KankuamoMarquezi after the famed Colombian novelist and 1982 Nobel Prize in Literature winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The species was discovered in large number in an isolated mountain range in Caribbean Colombia.  It was named after him as homage to the country where it was found.

3. Russian leader Putin signs ‘Big Brother’ law: Russian President Vladimir Putin signed the “anti-terrorist” legislation adopted by the lower and upper houses of parliament.This anti-terror amendment is dubbed as Big Brother by US intelligence contractor turned privacy activist Edward Snowden. It boosts the surveillance powers for the security services by requiring communication providers to store users’ calls, messages, photographs and videos for six months, and the Metadata for up to three years.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. SBI launches social media banking platform SBI Mingle: The State Bank of India (SBI) on 1 July 2016 launched SBI Mingle, a social media banking platform for Facebook and Twitter users. The platform was launched by SBI Chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya, on the occasion of 61st State Bank Day that is observed on 1 July every year. To avail services from this platform, customers will have to register for it through a simple one time registration process using either their social account number or their ATM/Debit Card details.

SPORTS:

2. Andy Murray beat Milos Romanic to win the Wimbledon 2016 grand slam.