Daily GK Updates - 11th August, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. AzimPremji, Shiv Nadar in Forbes list of 100 richest tech tycoons: Wipro Chairman AzimPremji and HCL co-founder Shiv Nadar are the only two billionaires from India in Forbes' list of the world's 100 richest people in technology. They are ranking in the top 20 ahead of Google boss Eric Schmidt and Uber CEO Travis Kalanick. Premji ranks 13th on the list with a net worth of $16 billion and Nadar comes in on the 17th spot with $11.6 billion of net worth.

2. Cabinet approvals: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister NarendraModi has given its ex-post facto approval for amendments to Section 44 and consequential amendments of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 by introducing the Lokpal and Lokayukta (Amendment) Bill, 2016 in the Parliament.

3. Jaitley launches data bank portal of MSMEs: Finance Minister ArunJaitley has launched a data bank Portal of micro, small and medium enterprises, MSME in New Delhi. The portal aims to gather information about micro, small and medium enterprises.

4. CBDT constitutes committee to review media policy: Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has constituted a new committee to "review" the existing media policy for communicating the activities of the board and the income tax department to the public. The 9 member committee will be headed by Mr.Gopal Mukherjee.

5. IRCTC signs MoU with DRDO to get ready-to-eat food straight out packet: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has signed a MoU with Defence Food Research Laboratory of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for Transfer of Technology of Retort Pouch Processed Foods so that ready-to-eat food can be warmed and eaten straight out of the packet.

6. Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry join UDAY scheme: Madhya Pradesh and the Union Territory (UT) of Puducherry have signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Power to join the UjwalDiscom Assurance scheme that will save the state Rs 17,515 crore  and for the UT it is expected to be around Rs.72 crore. With these two MoUs being signed, the total number of states and union territories who are a part of UDAY has risen to 16.

7. IKEA lays the foundation for its first store at Hyderabad: Ikea, a global leader in retail furniture, has laid the foundation for its first store in India in Hyderabad. The store is expected to open somewhere in July–August next year and is likely to see an investment of about Rs. 700 crore.

8. BHEL appoints Akhil Joshi as its Director: Power plant equipment manufacturer, Bharat Heavy Electricals limited (BHEL) has appointed Akhil Joshi as the Director (Power).

9.  Microsoft appoints Sriram Rajamani as MD of its India Lab.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Bill Maris, the CEO and founder of Google Ventures quits: Bill Maris, the chief executive, and founder of Alphabet Inc's, venture capital arm of GV, is leaving the company. Maris, who will leave on Friday, will be replaced by GV managing partner David Krane.

2. Intel buys AI startupNervana Systems run by Indian-origin entrepreneur: Tech giant Intel has acquired California-based deep learning startupNervana Systems, run by an Indian-origin entrepreneur, allowing the chip maker to foray into the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. SainaNehwal is the brand ambassador for ITC’s Savlon.

2. India’s sole weightlifter out of Rio Olympics: India's only weightlifter at the Rio Olympics, SathishSivalingam was ousted from the men's 77 kg weightlifting event at the Games.

Daily GK Updates - 10th August, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi launches ‘Yaad Karo Kurbani’ celebrations: Prime Minister NarendraModi has launched YaadKaroKurbani (remember the sacrifices) celebrations at the birthplace of freedom fighter Chandra Shekhar Azad at Alirajpur, Madhya Pradesh. The YaadKaroKurbani is a 15-day programme aimed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Quit India Movement (QIM) and 70 years of Independence.

2. PM Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalitha jointly dedicated Kundankulam Nuclear Plant Unit-1 to the nation: The first unit of Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant has jointly dedicated to the nation by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, Prime Minister NarendraModi and Russian President Vladimir Putin through video conferencing. It has been built with Russian expertise following a pact between the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and Soviet leader Mikahil Gorbachev in November 1988.

3. NITI Aayog ties up with US EIA to set up a portal on energy data: NitiAayog has inked a pact with US Energy Information Administration (EIA). The think tank is working to develop India's energy data agency which would take 3-4 years to develop. The web portal will host all the data related to energy sector including oil & gas, coal, solar & thermal energy etc.

4. Government to set up committee to review e-commerce rules: The government has decided to set up a committee to look into all issues including foreign direct investment norms pertaining to the fast-growing e-commerce industry in the country. The committee will be headed by the NITI Aayog CEO Mr. Amitabh Kant.

5. First Solar India commissions 130 MW of solar power plants in AP, Telangana: The local subsidiary of the Nasdaq-listed First Solar, First Solar Power India, has announced the commercial operation of 80 MW and 50 MW solar power plants in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

6. Maneka Gandhi kicks off a campaign to mark 11 August as Daughters’ Day:The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched a social media campaign to mark the Daughters Day to be celebrated on 11th August 2016 by tweeting a picture with her daughter-in-law and grand-daughter.

7. NHAI signs MoU with IIT Kharagpur for Research Project: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with IIT-Kharagpur for the research project on Laboratory and Field investigations on Paneled Cement Concrete Pavements for Highways.

8. Rajeev Krishnan appointed as Managing Director of Max Hypermarkets India.

9. ACC has approved appointments of four GMs as Executive Director in various banks: The Appointment Committee of Cabinet (ACC) has approved appointments of four G Ms as Executive Directors in various banks.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China launches a satellite to get accurate images of earth: China has launched a new high-resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging satellite Gaofen-3 from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in northern Shanxi Province.

2. TakehikoNakao re-elected for second term as ADB President: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Governors has unanimously re-elected TakehikoNakao as President of ADB for a further 5 years beginning on 24 November 2016.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. Dinesh Kumar Khara appointed as the MD of State Bank of India.

SPORTS:

2. England Speedster James Anderson dethrones R Ashwinfron the top spot in ICC Bowlers Ranking.

OBITUARIES:

3. Yesteryear Tamil Actress Jyothilakshmi passed away at the age of 63.

4. Veteran Tamil writer-producer Panchu Arunachalam passed away.

Daily GK Updates - 9th August, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Maharashtra Government launches ‘Quit India 2’ movement to mark its 75^th anniversary: To mark the 75th anniversary of Quit India Movement, Maharashtra Government launched Quit India 2-from Swaraaj to Suraaj initiative. The initiative would emphasize on freedom from illiteracy, farmer suicide, wastage of water, addiction among youth and corruption.

2. Vodafone renews multi-million dollar IT deal with IBM: India’s second largest mobile operator Vodafone has renewed its multi-million dollar agreement for IT infrastructure with tech giant IBM for another five years.

3. Reliance General enters ‘Bancassurance’ deal with co-operative bank: Non-life insurer Reliance General Insurance Company Ltd. has announced a bancassurance tie-up with ShamraoVithal Co-operative Bank (SVCB). As per the deal, the Reliance General will distribute its insurance products to the customers of SVCB having a network of 194 branches.

4. MSTC joins hands with Mahindra INTERTRADE: Mahindra Intertrade, a part of Mahindra Group has entered into a partnership with MSTC, a Government of India enterprise, to set-up country's first integrated auto recycling facility.

5. IromSharmila ends 16-year-long fast: Human rights activist IromChanuSharmila (44) today has ended her 16-year-long fast against Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 and was granted bail by an Imphal court on Rs.10,000 personal bond.

6. Mr. K M Hanumantharayappa appointed as the new Chairman of Central Silk Board assumes charge.

7. PawanMunjal reappointed as the CMD and CEO of Hero MotoCorp.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples observed on 9^th August: The International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is observed on August 9 each year to promote and protect the rights of the world’s indigenous population. The theme for 2016 International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples is 'Right to Education'.

2. Apple buys US machine learning startupTuri: Apple has confirmed that it has bought US machine learning startupTuri as Silicon Valley giants focus on a future rich with artificial intelligence.

3. Job policy Monster sold for USD 429 million: Amsterdam-based human resource consulting firm Randstad Holdings has announced that it would acquire job portal Monster Worldwide for USD 429 million in cash. Post-acquisition, Monster will keep its brand name and will operate as a separate entity.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. RBI: 3^rd Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy Statement 2016-17: Mr.Rajan, whose term ends on September 4, maintained repurchase (repo) rate at 6.5 %, cash reserve ratio (CRR) at 4 %, Reverse Repo Rate - 6.00%, Marginal Standing Facility Rate (MSF)- 7.00%, Bank Rate- 7.00% , Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)- 21%. While the Growth forecast at 7.6% for the current fiscal and Inflation target remains 5% for January 2017.

2. HDFC Board gives Green Signal to HDFC Life-Max merger: The HDFC board has approved the merger of Max Life and Max Financial Services with its insurance arm HDFC Standard Life Insurance.

SPORTS:

3. Abhijeet Gupta retains Commonwealth Chess Championship crown: Grandmaster and former world junior champion Abhijeet Gupta has added another feather to his cap by retaining the Commonwealth Chess championship crown. As the title was also won earlier by him in 2015.

OBITUARIES:

4. Former Arunachal Pradesh KalikhoPul passed away at the age of 46: Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister and Congress rebel KalikhoPul was found dead at his residence in Itanagar. He was 46 years old. He allegedly hanged himself. According to initial reports, he was suffering from depression and was extremely upset after his appointment was struck down by the Supreme Court.

5. Yoga Guru TKV Desikachar passed away at the age of 78.

Daily GK Updates - 8th August, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi launches Mission Bhagiratha and lays foundation stone of key development projects in Telangana: Prime Minister NarendraModi has launched the Telangana government's ambitious Mission Bhagiratha at Komatibanda Village, Gajwel, in Medak District of Telangana. The scheme has been launched by the State Government with an objective to provide safe drinking water to all.The Prime Minister also laid the Foundation Stones for important development projects. These included the 1600 MW Thermal Power station of NTPC at Ramagundam, revival of a Fertilizer Plant at Ramagundam, KalojiNarayanaRao University of Health Sciences, Warangal, and Manoharabad-Kothapalli Railway line.

2. Odisha Government launches special assistance scheme for elderly weavers: The Odisha government launched a special assistance scheme- ‘BaristhaBunakarSahayataYojana’  for elderly weavers to mark the National Handlooms Day (7th August). It has been launched by the state Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik with an aim to improve the financial condition of over 8,000 weavers, who have been working in this field for the last 20 years.

3. Union Minister HRD Minister PrakashJavadekar inaugurates Chhattisgarh’s first IIT: Union Human Resource Development Minister PrakashJavadekar has inaugurated the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Raipur at the Government Engineering College campus.

4. IRCTC signs MoU with Manipur Government to provide hospitality and tourism services: Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) and the Manipur government have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which seeks to provide improved hospitality and tourism services to their customers by making 'joint use of their capabilities and facilities'.

5. Zydus acquires derma brand Melgain from IssarPharma: Ahmedabad-headquartered Zydus Group has acquired Melgain brand from Hyderabad based IssarPharma for an undisclosed sum that would marketed in India by Liva Healthcare.

6. Sitaraman Shankar appointed as Network 18 Managing Editor:Network18 has appointed Sitaraman Shankar as Managing Editor - Special Projects. Shankar will work across all digital and TV news properties.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Over 1000 dancing robots set Guinness Record in China: A new Guinness World Record for the most robots dancing simultaneously has been set in China where 1,007 robots shimmied in unison, nearly double the previous record.

2. First ever Pizza-ATM opens in the US: The first-ever 'Pizza ATM' has been installed at a university campus of US by French- based company Paline, which developed the ATM. The pizza vending machine on the campus of Xavier University (XU) in Ohio can hold seventy 12-inch pizzas and dispense them fresh and hot in just three minutes.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. Former RBI Deputy Governor AnandSinha joins IDFC Bank Board: This comes after VinodRai, the former comptroller and auditor general (CAG) of India, who served as a nominee director representing IDFC Limited on the board of IDFC Bank, stepped down after serving on the board for a year.

2. Syndicate Bank launches new products: ArunShrivastava, MD & CEO of Syndicate Bank has launched new products to ease customer transactions. The first products launched by the bank was the fund transfer based on ‘Aadhaar Number through NUUP’, using an ordinary mobile phone without internet connection. While the other one was ‘Fund Transfer through IMPS’ at any branch for instantaneous credit to any bank account.

SPORTS:

3. Gymnast DipaKarmakar becomes first Indian to qualify for Vault Finals: DipaKarmakar, the Indian Gymnast, created history by becoming the first Indian gymnast to enter the Olympic final at the Rio Olympic Centre. The 22-year-old qualified for the final round in the Individual vault final of artistic gymnastics after finishing eighth on the standings.

OBITUARIES:

4. Australia’s surfing champion Bernard Farrelly died at the age of 71: Australian surfing champion Bernard Farrelly, best known as Midget for his slight size, has passed away. He was 71 years old. He won the first official surfing World Championship at Sydney's Manly Beach in 1964 and dominated the sport as it gained popularity during that decade.

Daily GK Updates - 7th August, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Vijay Rupani takes oath as Gujarat Chief Minister: 60 year old BJP leader Vijay Rupani has sworn-in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat at the Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar today.He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by the Governor OP Kohli.While Nitin Patel has sworn in as the Deputy CM of the state.

2. Modi launches PMO App at MyGov Anniversary event: Prime Minister NarendraModi has launched the new PMO app at a function organised by MyGov in New Delhi. The app would correspond to the website of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

3. 2^nd National Handloom Day celebrated on 7^th August: The second National Handloom Day has been celebrated all over the country, on today (August 7). As the first National Handloom Day was celebrated last year and Hon’ble Prime Minister was the Chief Guest in the main event held in Chennai on 7th August, 2015.

4. Odisha Government launches new website of State Home Department: The Odisha government has launched a new website of the state Home department to enable the differently-abled persons to see and hear the website.

5. Telangana signs MoU with ISRO for water resources info system: Telangana Irrigation Department has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Space Research Organisation for setting up a Telangana Water Resources Information System (TWRIS) on the ‘Bhuvan’ web portal.

6. Tamil Nadu CM gives cash awards to five sportspersons:Five sportspersons from Tamil Nadu, including a differently-abled woman who had won honours in international contests, have been given cash awards by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa which includes JenithaAnto of Tiruchirappalli has presented with a cheque for Rs 25 lakh for winning an international chess tournament for the differently abled held in Serbia last month. Anto had won the tournament for the fourth time. The other receiver of the cash awards are- C Ajith Kumar, R Naveen, L Samayasri, and S Priyadarshini.

7. Kathakali dance troupe in Egypt for the first time: A nine-member Kathakali dance troupe has performed first time in Egypt. The Kathakali dance troupe was a part the 14th Summer Festival organized by Bibliotheca Alexandrina. And as part of their tour, the Indian dance troupe will performe in different places including Port Said Cultural Palace, Ismailia Cultural Palace.

8. CSS Corporation appoints Manish Tandon as its new CEO.

9. K KKhurana has been appointed as the new head for BHEL Corporate R&D.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Taxis in Dubai to promote Kerala Tourism: Kerala Tourism has rolled out a promotional campaign in Dubai targeting Arab travellers and showcasing the state's backwaters and waterfalls on taxis plying in the bustling metropolis, with the onset of the outbound tourism season in the Middle East.

OTHER UPDATES:

OBITUARIES:

1. ‘Vietnam Veedu’ Sundaram passes away at the age of 76: Veteran South Indian film director and scriptwriter “Vietnam Veedu’ Sundaram has passed away in Chennai. He was 76 years old. Sundaram was born in Tiruchi and 'Vietnam Veedu' became part of his name after he wrote the script, first for theatre and then for the film, starring SivajiGanesan.

Daily GK Updates - 6th August, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Government aims to roll out GST from April 01, 2017: The Union Finance Minister ArunJaitley announced that the Government has set the ambitious target to roll out of the Goods and Services Tax, (GST) from 1st April 2017.This announcement was made after RajyaSabha had passed The Constitution (122nd Amendment) (GST) Bill, 2014.

2. Union Government fixes an inflation target of 4% for five years: The Union Government has set an inflation target of 4 % for the next five years with a range of plus/minus 2 % for the next five years under the monetary policy framework agreement with the Reserve Bank.

3. South India’s first Doppler weather radar inaugurated: ISRO chairman A S Kiran Kumar has inaugurated a 'C Band Polarimetric Doppler Weather Radar' at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram. It is first of its kind in South India. While Prime Minister NarendraModi had inaugurated the first Doppler weather radar in Cherrapunji which was built by the ISRO and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) in May.

4. Centre launches nation-wide breastfeeding programme: Centre has launched a nation-wide breastfeeding programme "MAA - Mother's Absolute Affection" with an aim to enhance optimal breastfeeding practices in New Delhi.

5. Finance Minister ArunJaitley inaugurated India’s International Footwear Fair: A three day long India's International Footwear Fair (IIFF) has been launched by the Finance Minister ArunJaitley on August 5th in New Delhi.

6. Railway, Chhattisgarh government ink agreement for the formation of JV:The Ministry of Railways has signed an agreement with the Chhattisgarh government for the formation of a joint venture (JV) company for focused resource mobilisation, implementation and monitoring of critical rail projects.

7. Naidu launches SwachhSurvekshan for 500 cities: Union Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu has launched Swachh Survekshan-2017 for 500 cities in the country with an idea to make competitive environment make the cities clean in New Delhi. The main objective of SwachSurvekshan is not to point out shortcomings but to suggest ways to improve the state of cleanliness in the particular area.

8. Maharashtra Government to provide as many as 1,200 Wi-Fi hotspots in Mumbai: Chief Minister of Maharastra Government Mr.DevendraFadnavis has stated that Maharashtra government will provide as many as 1,200 wi-fi hotspots in the megapolis as a part of transforming Mumbai into a Smart City.

9. Javadekar inaugurated transit campus of IIT in Jammu: Union Minister for Human Resource and Development PrakashJavadekar has inaugurated the transit campus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) at village Jagti, Tehsil Nagrota in Jammu.

10. Kolkata hosts 64-day long theatre festival: The Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC), an autonomous organization under Government of India's Ministry of Culture, has organized a 64-day-long theatre festival in Kolkata. The festival- Kolkata Theatre Festival 2016- will showcase as many as 245 theatres of several groups at Bharatiyam Cultural Multiplex in Kolkata's satellite town Salt Lake.

11. IBM and Apple open first global development hub in India: IBM in partnership with Apple has launched a new global development hub at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru. The hub mainly aims to help the clients in India complete digital mobility process platform.

12. Mercedes-Benz India appoints Michael Jopp as Vice-President, Sales and Marketing.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China successfully launches the first satellite for mobile telecommunication: China has successfully launched the first Tiantong satellite for mobile telecommunication at southwestern China's Xichang Satellite Launch Centre, with the Long March-3B carrier rocket.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Olympics 2016 opens with a glittering ceremony in Rio De Janerio: The 31st Summer Olympic Games has opened in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro, with a vibrant opening ceremony at the Maracana Stadium. Acting Brazil President Michel Temer declared open the Games. The theme of Rio De Janerio Olympic is world peace and environment. 

Daily GK Updates - 5th August, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Vijay Rupani to be CM of Gujarat while Nitin Patel his Deputy: In a surprise move, BJP state chief Vijay Rupani has been named as the new Chief Minister of Gujarat while Nitin Patel as Deputy CM after a meeting of the BJP legislators at State Party headquarter.

2. First Tech Meet of Hydrocarbon Vision 2030: The first technology two-day meet under the Hydrocarbon Vision 2030 for Northeast India has begun in Guwahati and deliberate various issues regarding implementation of the document which envisages an investment of Rs 1,30,000 crore.

3. Goa to implement 7^th Pay Commission from Nov 1: Goa Chief Minister LaxmikantParsekar has stated that the 7th Pay Commission recommendations would be implemented in the state from November 1st. While the pending arrears from January to October 2016 would be deposited in the employee provident fund (PF) and National Pension System (NPS).

4. Odisha opens 100 new multi-purpose calamity shelter units: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has dedicated 100 multi-purpose shelter houses to the people of Odisha for use during floods and cyclones with an aim to ensure zero casualty during calamities.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. RBI imposes penalty on two cooperative banks of Chhattisgarh: Reserve Bank of India has imposed the penalty on two cooperative banks of Chhattisgarh under the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The ZilaSahakariKendriya Bank Maryadit, Raipur, and Raipur Urban Mercantile Cooperative Bank Limited are the two on which RBI imposed the penalty of five lakh rupees each.

2. Corporation Bank launches group credit life insurance scheme: Mangalore-based mid-sized public sector bank, Corporation Bank has launched ‘group credit life insurance scheme’ of LIC of India in Mangaluru.

3. Vinod Rai steps down from IDFC Bank’s board: Former Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India VinodRaihas stepped down from private sector lender IDFC Bank’s board. However, he will continue to be the non-executive independent chairman of IDFC Ltd.

  

SPORTS:

4. Nita Ambani elected as the first Indian woman member of IOC: Noted sports promoter and founder chairperson of Reliance Foundation, Nita Ambani has been elected as an individual member of International Olympic Committee. With this, she became the first Indian woman to join the prestigious body which governs Olympic sports in the world.

5. IBJA announces awards for Indian medal winners at Rio Olympics: India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) has announced 500 gms Sovereign Gold Bonds and silver to the Indian medal winners at the Rio 2016 Olympics. The Sovereign Gold Bonds of 500 gms will be awarded to the Gold Medal winners and 1 kg silver will be awarded to Silver Medal winners.

OBITUARIES:

6. Assamese Litterateur Mahim Bora passed away at the age of 92.