Daily GK Updates - 2nd November, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM NarendraModi launches ‘Saur Sujala Yojana’ in Chhattisgarh: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the "Saur Sujala Yojana" in Chhattisgarh that would provide solar powered irrigation pumps to farmers at a subsidized price. Chhattisgarh would be the first state to implement the scheme. Under the scheme, solar powered irrigation pumps of 3HP and 5HP capacity worth Rs 3.5 lakh and Rs 4.5 lakh respectively would be distributed to the farmers by March 31, 2019. The beneficiaries would get the pumps at the subsidised price.

2. SEBI tightens norms for credit rating agencies: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on 01st November 2016 tightened rules for credit rating agencies, prescribing more disclosures on suspension and withdrawal of ratings. The capital markets regulator also directed agencies to disclose the nature of their compensation arrangements with rated entities, including exchange of gifts.

3. Sushil Chandra takes charge as Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman.

4. Australia announces 19 grants worth $6.3 million for projects with India: In a bid to boost ties with India, the Australian government on 02nd November 2016 has announced 19 grants worth $6, 30,000 dollars for several projects in the field of education, science, sports, arts and culture. The successful grants include an exchange between TAFE NSW and India's Centurion University to share expertise for training indigenous learners, collaboration between University of New South Wales and Indian scientists to develop effective new water purification systems for the country's water supply.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. ICICI Bank launches overdraft facility for salaried home loan borrowers: ICICI Bank has launched a credit facility against home loans for salaried customers. The Home Overdraft facility will enable a salaried customer to seek loans up to Rs. 1 crore for personal needs against his/her property.

SPORTS:

2. M S Dhoni most valued athlete among Indians, Federer globally: Forbes Fab 40: Team India’s limited-overs cricket skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni remains the most valued Indian athlete in 2016, despite a drop in his brand value when compared with last year, shows the Forbes Fab 40 list released recently. Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer toppled golf great Tiger Woods as the most valued athlete globally. With a brand value of $36 million, Federer gained two notches from third last year, while Woods dropped four spots to stand fifth on the latest edition of the list. Among other top athletes on the list is Argentine football star Lionel Messi, ranked eighth. He was not among the top 10 last year.

3. Lewis Hamilton wins 2016 Mexican Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton outpaced Mercedes team-mate NicoRosberg to win the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix. Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo ended on the third spot in the race.

4. MiroslavKlose confirms retirement and joins Germany coaching staff: MiroslavKlose, the top scorer in World Cup history, is ending his playing career and will join Joachim Löw’s coaching staff as he studies for his pro licence, the German football association (DFB) have confirmed.

5. India’s Palpreet Singh included in 2016 NBA D-League Draft: Palpreet Singh, winner of National Finals of ACG-NBA Jump, India's first national basketball Talent search program, was selected 11th in the fourth Round of the NBA D-League Draft held in New York.Satnam Singh, who became the first Indian to be drafted into the NBA when he was selected 52nd overall by the Dallas Mavericks in the 2015 NBA Draft, represents the Texas Legends, the minor league affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks.

Daily GK Updates - 1st November, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM inaugurates Chhattisgarh foundation day celebrations; unveils Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Chhattisgarh's 16th foundation day celebrations in Naya Raipur. The Prime Minister will later address people gathered on the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee ground, where the 5-day long Rajyotsava is being held. Chhattisgarh Governor B D Tandon and Chief Minister Raman Singh are also present at the site. Mr Modi unveiled the statue of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya in Naya Raipur. He also dedicate to people, 'Ekatma Path' and the Bus Rapid Transport System in the city.

2. Twitter India head Rishi Jaitly quits: Rishi Jaitly, Twitter's India head who helped popularise the adoption of the micro-blogging website among government departments to respond to citizen queries, has quit the company.

3. Kerala becomes open defecation free state: Kerala has become the third Open Defecation Free (ODF) state in the country. The announcement was made on the state’s foundation day on 01st November, 2016. Earlier, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim had declared themselves Open Defecation Free.

4. NHCP commissions 50 MW wind power project in Rajasthan: State-run NHPC has announced commissioning of a 50 MW wind power project in Rajasthan. NHPC has commissioned its 50 MW wind power project in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

5. Centre notifies rules for Real Estate Act for five UTs: The Centre notified the rules for Real Estate Act, thatseeks to regulate the housing sector besides bringing transparency and ensuring timely completion of projects, which will be applicable for five Union Territories-The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep. 

6. Finance Ministry releases Rs 1093 crore for restoration of infrastructure in J&K: The finance ministry released first installment of special assistance of Rs 1,093.34 crore for repair and permanent restoration of damaged public buildings in Jammu and Kashmir in pursuance of the announcement made by the Prime Minister last November.A total sum of Rs 2,000 crore has been provided for permanent restoration of damaged Infrastructure such as schools, colleges, hospitals, bus stations and other critical public infrastructure under Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan for J&K.

7. India and Palestine inks MoU to setup Palestine-Indo Techno Park in Ramallah: India and Palestine on 31st October 2016 signed a MoU for setting up a Palestine-India Techno Park in Ramallah, Palestine. During the visit of President Pranab Mukherjee to Palestine in October last year, the announcement for setting up of park was made.India has announced a grant of $12 million for setting up the park with payment of $3 million each on half-yearly basis for two years.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. EU and Canada sign Ceta free trade deal: The EU and Canada signed a free trade deal on 31st October 2016 that was almost derailed last week by objections from French-speaking Belgians, exposing the difficulties of securing agreement from 28 member states as Britain prepares for Brexit talks. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau and top EU officials signed the comprehensive economic and trade agreement, known as Ceta, paving the way for most import duties to be removed early next year. However, the treaty needs the approval of at least 38 national and regional parliaments, including the UK’s, to take full force.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. Banks to report fraud of Rs 1 crore and above to CVC: With several high-ticket alleged frauds like Vijay Mallya loan default case coming to fore, Central Vigilance Commission has now made it mandatory for the public sector banks to report to it all such matters involving funds over rupees one crore.

Daily GK Updates - 31st October, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Benami Transactions Act to curb black money comes into effect: The new law to prohibit benami transactions will come into effect from 1st of next month (01st November 2016). Parliament had passed the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016 to curb black money. After coming into effect, the existing Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988 will be renamed as the Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions, PBPT, Act, 1988. The new legislation provides for seven years imprisonment and fine for those indulging in illegal transactions.

2. 47^th International Film Festival of India to be held in Goa in November: SEVEN MARATHI films — including four feature and three non-feature films — have made the cut to be screened at the Indian Panorama of the 47th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa from November 20 to 29. The blockbusters like Sultan, National-award winning Baahubali and Airlift will be screened at the upcoming 47th International Film Festival of India.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Spain breaks deadlock and re-elects Rajoy as Prime Minister: Mariano Rajoy, Spain's acting prime minister and leader of its center-right Popular Party, was re-elected after winning a parliamentary vote. Mr Rajoy has led a caretaker administration since losing his overall majority in an election last December. A repeat election in June failed to end the impasse but strengthened his hand.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. World Bank appoints Kristalina Georgieva as Chief Executive: Kristalina Georgieva, a former head of EU humanitarian affairs and vice-president of the European commission, has been appointed chief executive of the World Bank.

SPORTS:

2. SaniaMirza retains world number ranking in Women’s Doubles for the 2^nd consecutive year: Ace Indian tennis star Sania Mirza will end the season as world's top doubles Tennis player for the second straight year. Sania finished this season with seven Women's Tennis Association, WTA titles, a Grand Slam and a semi-final finish in the year ending WTA Finals in Singapore.

3. India beat Pakistan in final to win Asian Champions Trophy: India celebrated Diwali by winning gold medal in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy by beating arch-rivals Pakistan 3-2 in the final in Malaysia. This is the second time India have won the title of this tournament. India won the inaugural tournament in 2011.

Daily GK Updates - 30th October, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi pays tribute to Sardar Patel on his 141^st birth anniversary: Prime Minister NarendraModi on Monday paid rich tribute to SardarVallabhbhai Patel on his 141st birth anniversary. The day is being celebrated as ‘RashtriyaEktaDiwas’ (National Unity Day). Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the founding fathers of the Indian Republic, played a key role in the country’s struggle for independence.

2. Ease of doing business: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana top in 2016 all-India ranking: Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has released the report on State-wise Ease of Doing Business rankings on 31st October 2016. The rankings are on the basis of 340-point business reform action plan and their implementation by the States. This covers the period from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. Andhra Pradesh and Telengana topped the all-India ranking with 98.78 per cent each, followed by Gujarat with 98.21 per cent; Chhattisgarh with 97.32 per cent and Madhya Pradesh with 97.01 per cent.

3. Vigilance Awareness Week commences on 31^st October: The Central Vigilance Commission, as part of its efforts to promote probity in public life and to achieve a corruption free society, observes Vigilance Awareness Week every year. The week in which 31st October, the birthday of late Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel falls is observed as Vigilance Awareness Week. The observance of the Vigilance Awareness Week has commenced from today (31st October 2016), with pledge taking by public servants in the Ministries/Departments/Central Public Sector Enterprises/Public Sector Banks and all other Organizations.

4. Maharashtra tops NITI Aayog’sagri marketing index: Maharashtra is the top State in the implementation of agricultural reforms and offers the best environment for doing agri-business, according to an assessment by the NitiAayog. Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are in the next three positions in the 'Agricultural Marketing and Farm Friendly Reforms Index' which is based on a number of criteria identified by NitiAayog.

5. November 1 to be observed as ‘No Tobacco Day’ in Punjab: Punjab government will observe November 1 as ‘No Tobacco Day’ in an effort to discourage tobacco use in the state. Chief MinisterParkash Singh Badal has issued directions to all the deputy commissioners in this regard.

6. Kerala CM PinarayiVijayan launches paddy cultivation in land set apart for airport: Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan has launched paddy cultivation in AranmulaPuncha near Cochin. The programme, under the HaritaKeralam project, is part of the Government’s earnest efforts to revive paddy cultivation at AranmulaPuncha that has been lying fallow for the past several years.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

2. After seven years, Jhulan Goswami becomes World No. 1 bowler again: Affectionately known as the ‘Chakdaha Express’ back home in Bengal, Jhulan Goswami is only one of two women’s national team cricketers still remaining from the 2005 World Cup squad, that finished second in South Africa. Now, seven years after reaching the pinnacle of the sport, the 33 year old has pipped England pacer Katherine Brunt to become the world number 1 bowler.

Daily GK Updates - 29th October, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. After Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh becomes India’s second open defecation Free State: The newly acquired status will entitle Himachal Pradesh to receive World Bank funding under Rs 9,000 crore projects to sustain sanitation campaign

2. Odisha Govt. comes up with a new scheme to provide legal assistance to deprived sections: The Odisha government has come up with a new scheme to provide legal assistance to the deprived sections of the society at the grassroots level in all its 6,812 gram panchayats across the state.

3.India ranks poorly in Commonwealth youth index: India has ranked very poorly at 133 in a new Global Youth Development Index compiled by theCommonwealth Secretariat on the countries' prospects for young people in employment, education, health, civic and political spheres.

4. IIID to conduct 'Design Yatra' in Kozhikode:India's first 'Design Yatra' will be conducted in Kerala's Kozhikode city between October 29-31, during which competitions, heritage walk, talks and interaction with students will be conducted. Launched by Institute of Indian Interior Designer in February this year, the yatra is aimed at spreading awareness and taking designs to the masses and is scheduled to travel to 29 Indian cities.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Bangladesh introduces temporary ban on catching Hilsa Fish: Bangladesh has arrested more than 900 fishermen and deployed the army to patrol its waterwaysafter introducing a temporary ban on catching hilsa in an effort to save the hugely popular fish.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. India Wins Its First Ever International Medal in Roller Skating at Asian Championships: The team of Indian Roller Skaters claimed their first ever International medal in the sport. Vikram Ingale, Nikhilesh Tabhane and Dhanush Babu have won India’s first ever senior international roller.

Daily GK Updates - 28th October, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.National Ayurveda Day being observed: The National Ayurveda Day is being observed on 28-10-2016. The Ministry of AYUSH is organizing a day-long national seminar on Prevention and Control of Diabetes through Ayurveda in New Delhi. The Ministry will launch Mission Madhumeha through Ayurveda on this occasion. 

2. Union Cabinet approves the establishment of National Academic Depository: The Union Cabinet on 27 October 2016 gave its green signal for establishment and operationalization of a National Academic Depository (NAD).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Antarctica’s Ross Sea declared world’s largest marine reserve: Delegates from 24 countries and the European Union have agreed that the Ross Sea in Antarctica will become the world's largest marine protected area (MPA).

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1.Punjab wins NCC National Games: Punjab Directorate on 27 October 2016 won the 2016 National Cadet Corp (NCC) National Games. Subhash Bhamre, Minister of State for Defence, presented trophies to the winners at the closing ceremony at Delhi Cantonment.

AWARDS:

2. Two Yazidi women, Nadia Murad Basee and Lamiya Aji Bashar, who escaped sexual enslavement by Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Iraq, have won Europe's top human rights award, the Sakharov prize.

OBITUARIES:

3. Japan's Prince Mikasa, world's oldest royal, dies at 100:Japanese Prince Mikasa, uncle of Emperor Akihito, died at the age of 100 on Thursday, 27 October. He was the oldest imperial family member in the world.

Daily GK Updates - 27th October, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Justice Reddy committee on One Rank One Pension submits report:The one-man judicial committee on One Rank One Pension submitted its report to the Defence Minister ShriManoharParrikar.The Central Government had appointed the committee under the Chairmanship of Justice L Narasimha Reddy retired Chief Justice of Patna High Court.

2.Govt notifies revised DTAA with South Korea: India and South Korea on 26 October 2016 signed a revised Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) for the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of fiscal evasion with respect to taxes on income.

3.Sunil Bharti Mittal elected as GSMA Chairman: Bharti Enterprises Founder and Chairman Sunil Mittal has been elected as GSMA (Global System Mobile Association) Chairman for a two-year period from January 2017 through December 2018.

4. Dr. Ajay M. Gondane appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to Australia:Dr. Ajay M. Gondane has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to Australia. Currently he is working as the Additional Secretary (Political) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). 

5. Karnal Singh appointed as chief of Enforcement Directorate:Senior IPS officer Karnal Singh on 25-10-2016 was appointed the chief of Enforcement Directorate(ED), the agency entrusted with probing money laundering cases. 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Ericsson appoints BorjeEkholm as new president, CEO:  Swedish telecom gear maker Ericsson has appointed BorjeEkholm as President and CEO. Ekholm joins Ericsson from his current position as CEO of Patricia Industries, a division within Investor.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. MMTC ties up with major banks to retail gold coins:Public sector major MMTC (Metals and Minerals Trading Corporation of India) has joined hands with HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Andhra Bank to retail gold coins with a new buyback option. 

2. SalimGangadharan to replace AmitabhaGuha as non-executive chairman in South Indian Bank: Former Reserve Bank of India chief general manager SalimGangadharan is appointed as the next non-executive chairman of South Indian Bank.Gangadharan will replace AmitabhaGuha will resign on November 1, 2016.

OBITUARIES:

3.Legendary Kashmiri singer Raj Begum dies: Celebrated Kashmiri singer Raj Begum passed away on 26 October 2016 in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir. Begum was one of the most recognized female singers in the Kashmir Valley.She was 89. She was also awarded with Padma Shri in 2002.