Daily GK Updates - 14th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Pongal being celebrated with traditional gaiety in Tamil Nadu Today (14 January 2017): In Tamil Nadu, Pongal the harvest festival is being celebrated with traditional gaiety and grandeur on 14 or 15 January of each year. 

2. India's First Madame Tussauds Museum in Delhi Unveils Wax Figures of Big B, Lady Gaga: India is all set to get its first wax museum in June 2017 unveils Wax Figures of Amitabh Bachchan, Lady Gaga. Madame Tussauds, the legendary wax attraction entertainment hotspot is all set to open its doors in capital New Delhi.

3. Kerala launched its First Solar Powered Boat Aditya: The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the first solar-powered boat of the state water transport department, Aditya on January 12, 2017 at a function held in Vaikom boat Jetty in Kerala.

4. Airtel’s Payments Bank Starts Operation with Initial Investment of Rs. 3000 Crore: Airtel Payments Bank the first payments bank started its nationwide operations on January 12, 2017 with an initial investment of Rs 3,000 crore and offering an interest rate of 7.25 per cent for savings accounts. 

5. Car carrier service starts between Gujarat and Mangaluru: In line with Government of India's policy of implementing the vision for coastal shipping, tourism and regional development, New Mangalore Port Trust (NMPT) has introduced Car carrier service between Gujarat and Mangaluru.

6. 4th International Kite Festival begins in New Delhi: Professional kite flying experts from across India and the globe are taking part in the three-day festival, which will have an exhibition on the history of kites as well. 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Ecuador takes chair of UN group of 134 developing countries: Ecuador has taken over from Thailand as chair of the Group of 77 which promotes the interests of the 134 developing countries it represents at the United Nations, including China.

2. Pepsico sells land parcel to Wadhwa Group for ₹ 190 cr: American snack and beverage giant PepsiCo India has sold a 2.5 acre land parcel in the Central suburb Chembur to The Wadhwa Group for ₹ 190-200 crore.

3. US lifts 20-year economic embargo on Sudan: The United States has announced the end of a 20-year economic embargo on Sudan, lifting trade and financial sanctions in an effort to foster ties with the Sudanese government.  

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Premier Badminton League 3: PV Sindhu finally prevails over Saina Nehwal: Rio Olympics silver medallist P V Sindhu produced a disciplined performance to outwit Saina Nehwal in straight games in a much-anticipated encounter as Chennai Smashers entered the finals of the Premier Badminton League season 2 with a 4-1 win over Awadhe Warriors. 

Daily GK Updates - 13th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Minimum monthly pension increased by 9,000 for central government employees:The Government of India has increased the minimum monthly pension to 9,000 per person, besides a two-fold hike in exgratia amount for central government employees.

2. NITI Aayog Estimates the GDP Growth of 8 Percent for 2016-17:NITI Aayog has projected the India GDP growth rate of 8 Percent for 2016-17 based on the appraisal document for the Twelfth Five-Year Plan.

3. Retail inflation fell 3-year low of 3.41% in Dec from 3.63% in Nov 2016:Retail inflation fell to a nearly 3-year low of 3.41 % in December 2016, from 3.63 % in November 2016.

4. Global unemployment to rise by 3.4 million in 2017: ILO:Global unemployment is expected to rise by 3.4 million in 2017 despite a likely modest pick-up in economic growth at 3.4% this year and 3.6% in 2018, against a six-year low of 3.1% in 2016,  a new report by the International Labour Organisation.

5.Industrial production grows 5.7% in November 2016: Allaying fears of a slowdown following demonetisation, the country's industrial production grew 5.7% in November 2016, compared to a contraction of 3.4% in November 2015.

6. World’s first gender literature fest to be held in Patna: The world’s first ‘Gender Literature Festival’ is scheduled to be held in Patna, Bihar in the second week of April 2017 The main aim of the fest to create a platform, to exchange ideas, and to share and learn experiences of renowned people in the field of gender literature. 

7. TCS elevates Rajesh Gopinathan as new chief executive: Tata Consultancy Services has appointed Rajesh Gopinathan, the current chief financial officer, as CEO of the company.  He replaces N Chandrasekaran, who has been named the chairperson of Tata Sons.

8. NTPC inks pact to take over Chhabra thermal power plant: State-run NTPC has signed a non-binding agreement with Rajasthan RajyaVidyutUtpadan Nigam Ltd and Rajasthan UrjaVikas Nigam Ltd to take over Chhabra Thermal Power Plant.

9. Mahindra Asset Management launches Mahindra Mutual Fund DhanSanchayYojna scheme: Mahindra Asset Management Company Pvt. Ltd (MAMCPL) launched an open-ended scheme Mahindra Mutual Fund DhanSanchayYojna scheme to generate long-term returns through investment in equity and debt.

10. Government to sell 51% stake in Pawan Hans:Moving ahead with the strategic sale of Pawan Hans, the government sell its entire 51% stake and transfer the management control of the helicopter service operator.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. XCMG China to invest $150 m in manufacturing unit in India: XCMG, a China-headquartered global construction machinery company, will invest ₹150 million in a new manufacturing unit in India for construction and material-handling machines.

2. Japanese PM Shinzo Abe signs 1 trillion yen aid package to the Philippines:Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has signed a 1-trillion yen, about 8.7 billion dollars, aid package over the next five years to the Philippines, meant to improve economic and political relations between the two island nations.

3. Manish Tewari appointed senior fellow of US think tank: Congress leader and former Union Minister Manish Tewari was appointed as the senior fellow of US-based think tank Atlantic Council.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1.AshishShelar appointed as MCA president: BJP Mumbai unit chief AshishShelar has been appointed as Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) president. Sylar takes over from the former ICC president SharadPawar.

2. Consulate General of India in Dubai announces launch of 'Diplomats Cricket Championship Cup: Consulate General of India in Dubai has announced launch of the 'Diplomats Cricket Championship Cup' in association with the Skyline University College, Sharjah, to promote sportsmanship, camaraderie, and harmonious relationship among the diplomatic missions of UAE.

Daily GK Updates - 12th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Youth Day, the birthday of Swami Vivekanand being observed: 12 January: 12 January of every year is observed as National Youth Day, the birthday of Swami Vivekananda a grateful nation is celebrating Swamiji's hundred fifty-fourth birth anniversary with much fanfare.

2. Government to add 40 more towns to Smart Cities list: The government will add by next month 40 more cities to the list of towns it wants to develop as Smart Cities by providing funds for initiating urban reforms, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said today. The addition of 40 new cities will take the total Smart Cities to 100.

3. Telangana to host International Kite Festival from January 12, 2017: The second international kite festival coinciding with the 'MakarSankranti' fest would be held for six days from January 12, 2017 in Hyderabad and two other districts in Telangana. Telangana Tourism, which is organizing the International Kite Festival-2017, committed to a social cause of raising awareness about the importance of education and empowerment of girl children and expects a footfall of around 50,000 visitors.

4. Arunachal Pradesh signs MoU with NDDB to promote dairy development: With a view to promoting the dairy sector and rural livelihoods in Arunachal Pradesh, the border state has signed a MoU with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) during the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2017.

5. India’s annual Haj quota increased by 34,500, biggest hike in three decades: Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Saudi Arabia's Haj and Umrah Minister Dr Mohammad Saleh bin TaherBenten inked an agreement in this regard in Jeddah, increasing the size of India's Haj quota from 1,36,020 to 1, 70,520.

6. AllahbadMaghMela begins: The month-long MaghMela festival began on 12 January 2017 at Sangam in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. Thousands of Pilgrims, saint and seers are taking holy dip at Sangam on the occasion of PaushPurnima.The month-long kalpwas also began with the holy bathing.

7. Khanderi, the second Scorpene class submarine launched: Khanderi, the second Scorpene class submarine that has superior stealth and the ability to launch a crippling attack with torpedoes as well as tube-launched anti-ship missiles whilst underwater or on the surface, launched at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai. Khanderi is named after the Island fort of Maratha forces, which played a vital role in ensuring their supremacy at sea in the late 17th century. Khanderi is also the name for Tiger Shark.

8. Vedanta launches smart class project in Chitradurga: Vedanta Foundation and Vedanta Sesa Goa Iron Ore, in collaboration with the Karnataka Directorate of Education, have launched a pilot project to promote digital education in schools across the State. The Deputy Director of Public Instruction, Chitradurga district, RevanaSiddappa, has launched ‘The Smart Class’ project.

9.  Helped by HDFC Bank, Tamil Nadu temples to go digital: Helped by HDFC Bank, five temples in Kanyakumari district in southern Tamil Nadu have introduced digital wallets and PoS to enable their devotees to pay donations. The temples that have introduced digital mode include ArulmighuThanumalayaSwamy Temple: Suchindrum, ArulmighuBhagavathi Amman Temple: Kanyakumari, ArulmighuNagaraja Temple: Nagercoil, ArulmighuBhagavathi Amman Temple: Mondaikadu and ArulmighuKumaraswamy Temple: Velimalai.

10. Anjani Portland Cement commissions new plant: Anjani Portland Cement has commissioned a 16-megawatt (MW) coal-based captive power plant at its cement unit in Telangana. Anjani Cement is a high-quality cement prepared from the finest raw material Owing to optimum water demand.

11. VikramPawah appointed as the new president for BMW Group India.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Bank projects global growth at 2.7% in 2017: World Bank projected a global growth of 2.7% in 2017, even as it observed that stagnant global trade, subdued investment and heightened policy uncertainty marked another difficult year for the world economy. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim stated that global economic growth is forecast to accelerate moderately to 2.7% in 2017 after a post-crisis low of 2.3% in 2016.

2. Norway becomes the 1^st country to cease FM radio broadcasting: Norway has become the first country to cease FM radio broadcasting. The northern county of Nordland has stopped broadcasting using analogue frequencies as the Government plans to roll out digital-only radio over the course of the year.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. P R Sreejesh becomes member of FIH Athletes’ Committee: The Indian hockey team captain PR Sreejesh has become a member of International Hockey Federation Athletes' Committee.

AWARDS:

2. Tisca Chopra wins Best Actress Award for Chutney: Actress Tisca Chopra named as Best Actress for Chutney at the Jio Filmfare Short Film Awards. Popular actress Tisca Chopra stated that winning her first Filmfare Award for short film Chutney is extra special as it’s a project she not just acted in, but also produced and co-wrote.

Daily GK Updates - 11th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Post demonetization, World Bank drops India’s growth rate to 7%: The World Bank has decelerated India's growth for 2016-17 fiscal to 7% from its previous estimate of 7.6%.The World Bank stated that immediate withdrawal of a large volume of currency in circulation and subsequent replacement with new notes in India contributed to slowing growth.

2. India and Kenya sign agreements in the area of agriculture: India and Kenya have signed agreements in the area of agriculture which was inked after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister NarendraModi and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta in New Delhi. India is collaborating with Kenya to raise agricultural productivity and the Loan of Credit Agreement of 100 million dollars signed for farm mechanization will open a new dimension of engagement between the two countries.

3. India, France strengthen 50 years space bond, ink pact for satellite launch: Indian Space Research Organisation and French Space agency (CNES) has signed a partnership agreement in satellite launch technology. The agreement was signed between ISRO Chairman Kiran Kumar and CNES President Jean-Yves Le Gall in the presence of visiting French Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Marc Ayrault.

4. Modi inaugurates Nobel Prize exhibition in Gujarat: Prime Minister NarendraModi has inaugurated the 'The Nobel Prize' exhibition at Science City in Gandhinagar. 'The Nobel Prize: Ideas Changing the World' contains several original artifacts, both from Alfred Nobel himself and from a number of Nobel Laureates.

5. Railway Minister launches new IRCTC app to promote digital ticketing: To promote ease of ticketing through digital transactions, railway minister Suresh Prabhu released the new passenger mobile the application named ‘IRCTC Rail Connect app’.

6. BIS revises Indian Standard on gold hallmarking: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has revised Indian Standard on gold hallmarking, which is effective from January 1, 2017. The hallmarked gold jewellery will now be available in three grades of 14 karat, 18 karats, and 22 karats.The cartage will also be marked on jewellery in addition to fineness for a convenience of consumers.

7. Health Ministry to launch Measles-Rubella vaccine to roll out in February 2017: Health Minister J P Nadda to launch Measles-rubella vaccine to roll out in Goa, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Puducherry and Tamil Nadu between February 3 and 4, 2017 and the pneumonia vaccine will be introduced in Himachal Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from March 17.

8. Former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat’s biography released: Former wrestler and Coach Mahavir Singh Phogat made his way to the launch of his authorized biography 'Akhada' in Chandigarh. Sports journalist SaurabhDuggal released the biography.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. The US calls for India, Pakistan & Afghanistan partnership on counter-terrorism: The United States has called for a partnership between India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan on counter-terrorism operations. State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner told reporters in Washington that the security of the three countries is linked with one another.

2. China launches 1^st commercial space mission with new rocket: China has successfully sent three satellites into space in its first commercial mission using an updated version of the low-cost Kuaizhou-1A rocket, amidst the Communist giant's determined bid to expand its ambitious space program. The rocket, carrying the satellite JL-1 and two CubeSats XY-S1 and Caton-1, blasted off from north-western China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Gansu.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. World Cup: FIFA to expand the competition to 48 teams: The Federation Internationale de Football Association FIFA has decided that the World Cup will be expanded to host 48 teams, up from 32. An initial stage of 16 groups of three teams will precede a knockout stage for the remaining 32 when the change is made for the 2026 tournament. The sport's world governing body voted unanimously in favor of the change at a meeting in Zurich.

2. Jimmy Adams appointed new West Indies Cricket director.

3. Yana Kudryavtseva, 13-time gymnastics world champion, retires aged 19: Russian rhythmic gymnast Yana Kudryavtseva has retired from competition aged just 19, Kudryavtseva won 13 world championships from 2013 to 2015, making her the early favorite for the all-around gold medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, but a foot fracture disrupted her preparations.

Daily GK Updates - 10th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi inaugurated the 8^th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2017 at Gandhinagar: Prime Minister NarendraModi inaugurated the 8th Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2017 at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar. This year's biennial flagship event of the state is hosting Prime Ministers, Presidents, Deputy Prime Ministers and ministers of several countries apart from CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.

2. DigiDhanMela organised in Chandigarh: A DigiDhanMela has been organized in Chandigarh to promote digital transactions. AIR correspondent reports that in this unique meal, many visitors including housewives, students and shopkeepers are getting training in the Digital Pathshala where experts of financial institutions are explaining everything through demonstrations.

3. Amitabh Bachchan presented with US embassy award for fight against tuberculosis: Megastar Amitabh Bachchan was given an award by the US Embassy in appreciation for his invaluable contributions to the US-India partnership on tuberculosis. The award was presented by US Ambassador to India Richard R. Verma to the legendary actor who is also a tuberculosis survivor and brand ambassador for the initiative.

4. Maharashtra government launches India’s largest Wi-Fi service: Maharashtra government has launched India’s largest public WiFi service called 'MumbaiWifi'. The facility, inaugurated by Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis in Mumbai and initially provide 500 Wifi hotspots across various locations like VidhanBhawan, Kalanagar in Bandra, Bombay High Court, and Mumbai Police Commissioner’s office.

5. Haryana to set up ‘Prarambh School for Teachers Education’ in Jhajjar: In Haryana, the State level Prarambh School for Teachers Education would be set up at village Silani in district Jhajjar over an area of 10 acres.

6. Flipkart replaces Binny Bansal with Kalyan Krishnamurthy as CEO.

7. Gionee signs ViratKohli as brand ambassador.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 11^th World Hindi Day: 10 January: The Hindi language is not only spoken by Indians across the globe but it celebrated by people internationally. And, today (10th January 2017), we are observing World Hindi Day honour this Indo-Aryan language.

2. Pakistan fires ‘first submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile’: The launch of the nuclear-capable Babur-3 missile has a range of 450 km (280 miles) and was fired from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean, is likely to heighten long-running tension between India and Pakistan.

3. McDonald’s sell China Operation for $2.08 billion: US fast-food giant McDonald’ announced to sell its businesses in mainland China and Hong Kong for $2.08 billion to Citic, a state-owned conglomerate, and the Carlyle Group, a private equity firm. Citic Limited, Citic Capital Holdings, Carlyle Group and McDonald's will form a company that will act as the franchisee responsible for the chain's business in mainland China and Hong Kong for 20 years.Citic and Citic Capital will have a stake of 52%, Carlyle will take 28%, and McDonald's will hold 20% of the new company.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Eight-year old Kashmiri boy AbbuAmmaz becomes national boxing champion: An eight-year old boy from Jammu and Kashmir's RajouriAbbuAmmaz has won gold medal in Thai Boxing Championship at the national level.

2. Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri named as FIFA Coach of the Year 2016.

AWARDS:

3. 2017 Golden Globe Awards: The 74th Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony was organized at Beverly Hills, California, United States (US). The Golden Globe Awards are the annual awards that honor the best in Motion Pictures and American Television for the previous year. This year, La La Land, a romantic musical comedy-drama film won in all the seven categories including the top award of best musical or comedy. Veteran actress Meryl Streep was bestowed with the Cecil B. DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award.

Daily GK Updates - 9th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Petrol pump owners defer their decision to not to accept credit, debit card payments for fuel sales till 13 January 2017: Petrol pump owners deferred till January 13 their decision to not accept credit and debit card payments for fuel sales after banks put off the move to levy the transaction charge. To promote cash-less transactions, the government had waived the Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on fuel purchase post demonetisation for consumers.

2. Government of India renames disability department-‘divyang’ replaces ‘viklang’: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities will now be known as ‘DivyangjanSashaktikaranVibhag’ in Hindi and dropped the word ‘viklangjan’ from its previous nomenclature.

3. EPFO makes Aadhar mandatory of its pensioners and members: Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has made Aadhaar mandatory for its about 50 lakh pensioners and around four crore subscribers. Central Provident Fund Commissioner VP Joy stated that the pensioners as well as members would have to provide Aadhaar or a proof that they have applied for it by 31 January 2017 to remain the beneficiary of social security schemes of EPFO.

4. PM NarendraModi inaugurate Vibrant Gujarat Global Trade Show: Prime Minister NarendraModi will be on a two-day visit to Gujarat from 9 january 2017, he will inaugurate the 8th edition of 'Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2017' along with series of other programs. The four-day 'Vibrant Summit Summit will be inaugurated at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar.

5. Piyush Goyal unveiled world’s largest street light replacement programme in SDMC: Power Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled world's largest street light replacement programme in South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) area. Mr Goyal will also launch a mobile app called Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) Complaint App for SDMC, wherein users can now lodge complaints about faulty street lights.

6. Vijaywada to host 1^stDigiDhanMela in Andhra Pradesh: In Andhra Pradesh Vijayawada will be host to the first DigiDhanMela in the State this afternoon. DigiDhanMelas are being organised across the country to promote cashless transactions. Union Minister for Urban Development and Information Broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will launch the Mela at Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium, Vijayawada.

7. Blind challenge Car Rally in Bhopal: The 11th annual Blind Challenge Car Rally was organised in Bhopal,to raise awareness about the issues concerning the visually-impaired. As part of the rally, drivers are navigated by blind persons tasked with reading the route given to them in Braille.

8. 1^st student startup fund has Rs 200 crore: Gujarat government has come up with India's first student startup and innovation policy, which aims to provide Rs 200 crore in the form of grants to ideas developed by them. The policy aims to support over 1,000 innovation per year and create pre-incubation support in all universities of the state.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. SBI Pension Funds appoints Kumar Sharadindu as MD & CEO.

2. Bank of India to reduce its interest rates: The Bank of India has reduce its interest rates on retail loans, including home and vehicle loan. The bank earlier reduced its minimum lending rates or marginal cost of funds based lending rates (MCLR) by up to 90 basis points. The rate on home loans has been lowered to 8.65 per cent for women borrowers, while for others the rate has been set at 8.70%. The bank has reduced the interest rates for vehicle loans to 9.35 per cent. For loan against property, the new rates are set in the range of 10.50-11 per cent. The rates for women borrowers will be 0.5% lower than the others.

SPORTS:

3. Roberto Bautista Agut beats Daniil Medvedev, wins Chennai Open 2017: Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut won the men’s singles title of the Chennai Open 2017. Agut beat Russian 20-year-old Daniil Medvedev 6-3 and 6-4 to claim the first ATP tournament of the season.

4. Olympic Champion David Rudisha to be Mumbai Marathon event ambassador: Reigning Olympic and world 800m champion and world record holder, David Rudisha is the International Event Ambassador for the 14th Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon to be held on January 15, 2017.

OBITUARIES:

5. Former Iranian President Rafsanjani dies: Former Iranian President Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani died Sunday after suffering a heart attack. He was 82. Rafsanjani, who served two terms as Iran's president from 1989 to 1997, continued to be an influential figure in Iranian politics.

Daily GK Updates - 8th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Budget session of Parliament to begin from January 31^st, 2017: The Budget session of Parliament convened to start from January 31, a day before the Union Budget is likely to be presented. President Pranab Mukherjee has summoned the RajyaSabha to meet on January 31, 2017. A similar notification is also expected from the LokSabha secretariat. The practice of separate railway Budget presentation is being scrapped from this year. The railway estimates will be part of the Union Budget.

2. PM Modi and Portuguese PM Antonio Costa inaugurate PBD Convention at Bengaluru: In his key note address at the 14th PravasiBhartiya Divas celebrations, Mr Modi said, the Indian diaspora represents the best of Indian culture, ethos and values. Indians abroad are valued not just for their strength in numbers.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China to build world’s highest altitude telescopes in Tibet: China is setting up the world's highest altitude gravitational wave telescopes in a Tibet prefecture close to Line of Actual Control with India with a budget of $18.8 million to detect faintest echoes resonating from the universe which may reveal more about the Big Bang theory. Construction has started for the first telescope, code-named Ngari No 1, 30 km south of Shiquanhe Town in Ngari Prefecture, said Yao Yongqiang chief researcher with the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

2. China’s forex reserves fall by USD 320 billion in 2016: China's Central Bank says, the country's foreign currency reserves shrank last year, marking large annual losses for the 2nd year in a row. Officials at the People's Bank of China said that foreign reserves stood at over three trillion dollars as of the end of December, 2016. For the year as a whole, China's foreign exchange reserve fell nearly 320 billion dollars from a year earlier, following a drop of more than 512 billion dollars in 2015.

3. Donald Trump names Dan Coats as new National Intelligence Director.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Sania wins Brisbane’s women’s doubles title but loses no.1 rank: In his key note address at the 14th PravasiBhartiya Divas celebrations, Mr Modi said, the Indian diaspora represents the best of Indian culture, ethos and values. Indians abroad are valued not just for their strength in numbers.

2. Djokovic wins Qatar Open tennis title: Novak Djokovic has won the Qatar Open tennis title. In an epic final in Doha, the Serbian defeated Andy Murray of UK by 6-3 5-7 6-4.