Daily GK Updates - 28th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. GAAR will be effective April 1, 2017, onwards: CBDT: The Union Finance Ministry has announced that the General Anti Avoidance Rule (GAAR) will be effective from the 1 April, 2017. In this regard Income Tax (IT) department has issued a slew of clarifications on implementation of GAAR, seeking to address concerns of foreign investors over implementation of the anti-evasion measure.

2.India ranked 79th in the Corruption Perception Index 2016: India has been ranked at 79th spot out of 176 countries in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for the year 2016 released by the Berlin-based corruption watchdog Transparency International (TI).

3. PSU oil companies, Andhra Pradesh govt ink pacts:The public sector oil companies such as the HPCL, ONGC and the GAIL have signed MoUs for investing ₹1.65 lakh crore in Andhra Pradesh on several projects, many of them in the Krishna-Godavari basin, according to Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas DharmendraPradhan.

4. Telangana signs MoU for aero skill academy: The Telangana government has signed a memorandum of agreement with French firm Aerocampus Aquitaine, known for aircraft maintenance skill training, to create a world-class aero skill academy.

5. Andhra Pradesh Launches Rs 100 cr fund of funds for Fintech Startups:The Andhra Pradesh under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced Rs 100-crore fund of funds on January 25, 2017 to invest in Fintech startups.

6. ISRO successfully ground-tests Cryogenic Upper Stage engine meant for rocket GSLV-Mark-III:ISRO successfully ground-tests Cryogenic Upper Stage engine meant for rocket GSLV-Mark-III

7.Students’ start-up launches food pre-ordering app: Fed up with waiting endlessly after ordering food in a canteen Some students of National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) at Surathkal in Mangalurutaluk have found a solution for it with an app to pre-order food in canteens within their campus.

8.Indian Hotels appoints Chandrasekaran non-executive Additional Director: Tata group hospitality firm Indian Hotels Co today announced the appointment of Tata Sons Chairman-designate N Chandrasekaran as non-executive Additional Director.

9. Indian Navy’s Theatre Level Exercise, TROPEX 17 Begins:The Theatre Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX), an annual Indian Navy exercise kicked started off the Western Seaboard. 

10. Surya NamaskarYajna Recognised in US Congress: The annual “Surya NamaskarYajna” or “Health for Humanity Yogathon” has been recognized in the US House of Representative on the occasion of its 10th anniversary.

11. Sri Venkateswara College wins Great Britain debate in Delhi:The Delhi edition of the Great Britain Debate organised by the British High Commission and hosted by the Lady Sri Ram College was won by Anmol Sharma and SidaqBatra of Sri Venkateswara College.

12. President appoints BanwarilalPurohit as Governor of Meghalaya:President Pranab Mukherjee has given Governor of Assam BanwarilalPurohit additional charge of Meghalaya.  Besides, President also gave Governor of Nagaland PB Acharya additional charge of Arunachal Pradesh.

13. Dr Vijay Bhatkar appointed new vice-chancellor of Nalanda University:President Pranab Mukherjee has appointed Dr Vijay Bhatkar, architect of India’s first supercomputer the Param series, as the chancellor of Nalanda University.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Scientists creates world’s first stable semi-synthetic organism: Researchers from The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI), US have created world’s first stable semi-synthetic organism, a single-celled bacterium with an expanded genetic code.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. 119 banks connected with Aadhaar-enabled payment system: Minister:The government stated that 119 banks are connected with the Aadhaar-enabled payment system and 33.87 crore transactions have taken place through Aadhaar-enabled payment systems.There are 111 crore Aadhaar enrolments done so far out of the total population of 125 crore in India.

2.SBI Launches Wealth Management Product SBI Exclusif in Kochi: The State Bank of India has launched a new wealth management product named 'SBI Exclusif' in Kochi, Kerala. Later it will be rolled out in other cities of the state during the course of the year.

SPORTS:

3. DragonBall Z Fans Can Rejoice As Tokyo 2020 Unveils Son Gokuas Olympics Ambassador:In order to woo the young audiences at the 2020 Olympics, the organisers of the Tokyo Games have unveiled Japan's cult anime character Son Goku as its ambassador. 

4. Sports Ministry reconstitutes committee to identify athletes under TOP Scheme:The Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has reconstituted TOP committee with objective of identifying and supporting potential medal prospects for 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games under Target Olympic Podium (TOP) scheme.

Daily GK Updates - 27th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 68th Republic Day: Ashok Chakra to Havildar Hangpan Dada for sacrificing his life for nation: Havildar Hangpan Dada, who killed four terrorists before laying down his life in Kupwara on May 26 last year, has been awarded Ashok Chakra, the highest peace time gallantry award.

2. India ranks sixth on eight great powers in 2017: American foreign policy magazine: India is ranked at the sixth spot, behind China and Japan, in a list of eight great powers for the year 2017 by a leading American foreign policy magazine which is topped by the US.

3. Telangana ranks 2nd in Walnut’s cashless score card: Telangana ranked second in the `Cashless India Scorecard’ prepared by Walnut app to track the growth of digital payments in the country.The scorecard is meant for comparing how each state is moving towards a cashless economy post- demonetisation based on an aggregate and anonymised analysis of Walnut’s over five million user data.

4. Kerala CM Inaugurates e-Health Kerala scheme at Peroorkada Hospital: The Chief Minister of Kerala, PinarayiVijayan launched the IT Project, e-Health Kerala which is named JeevanRekha , at Peroorkada Model Government Hospital

5. Mysuru gets India’s 1st post office passport kendra: The Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar inaugurated India’s first Post  Office Passport SevaKendras (POPSK) at Metagalli post office in Mysuru.

6. Arunachal launches ‘DulariKanya’ scheme to check infant mortality:Arunachal Pradesh launched ‘DulariKanya’, a special scheme to check infant mortality in the state.

7.RBI Prohibits FDI in Non-Cooperative Countries: The Reserve Bank of India has prohibited the Indian entities on January 25, 2017 from making direct overseas investments in any entity that is located in ‘non co-operative countries and territories’, as identified by the inter-governmental body Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

8. Meghalaya Governor resigns after allegations of sexual misconduct: Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan has resigned after a controversy was triggered by reports in local media, which accused him of sexual misconduct. 67-year-old Shanmuganathan tendered his resignation from the post.

9. Sena medal for 3 soldiers who gunned down BurhanWani: 3 personnel from the Rashtriya Rifles unit of the Indian Army have been awarded the Sena Medal for killing HizbulMujahideen commander Burhan Wani.

10. The annual cultural extravaganza of the Indian Institute of Management-Ahmedabad (IIM-A), Chaos-2017, kicked off, with the theme of wanderlust.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Trump appoints Indian-American attorney to key White House post: US President Donald Trump has appointed prominent Indian-American attorney UttamDhillon to a key White House position.Dhillon, who served as chief oversight counsel for the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee.

2. Pharmaceutical Firm Johnson & Johnson to Buy Actelion for $30 Billion:The U.S. healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson buys Switzerland based bio-pharmaceutical firm, Actelion, for $30billion (27.9 billion euros).

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. Karnataka Bank inks pact with Tirth Agro Technology:Karnataka Bank Ltd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Rajkot-based Tirth Agro Technology Pvt Ltd (manufacturer of agricultural equipment and implements) for financing agricultural mechanisation.

SPORTS:

2. Delhi Dynamos appoint Ashish Shah as new CEO:Indian Super League side Delhi Dynamos announced that they have appointed Ashish Shah as their new CEO.  

3. Sumo wrestler becomes first Japanese athlete to receive highest honour in 19 years:Japan based sumo wrestler Kisenosato was promoted to the highest rank of the wresting, Yokozuna on January 25, 2017 after winning his first title at the New Year Grand Sumo  Japan Wrestler Tournament with a 14-1 record.

4.Usain Bolt Loses an Olympic Medal due to Positive Doping of Team-Mate Nesta Carter:Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt will have to hand back one of his nine Olympic gold medals won in the 4x100m relay event at the 2008 Beijing Olympics due to his Jamaican team-mate Nesta Carter who was tested positive for a banned substance.

AWARDS:

5.National Geoscience Award for Keshav Krishna: A Keshav Krishna, a scientist at the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) has been selected for the National Geoscience Award for 2016.The award given by the Union Ministry of Mines is in recognition of his work in the field of geo-environmental studies.

OBITUARIES:

6.Russian envoy Alexander Kadakin passes away: .Russian Ambassador Alexander Kadakin, a fluent Hindi-speaking career diplomat considered a great friend of India, passed away at a hospital here after a brief illness.

Daily GK Updates - 26th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nation celebrates its 68^th Republic Day: India celebrates its 68th Republic Day today (26th January 2017). On January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into force, and Republic Day is celebrated to honour that day. On this day in 1950, the first President of India, Dr Rajendra Prasad took the oath. President Pranab Mukherjee has started the ceremony by hoisting the Indian flag, following which the Republic Day Parade from Rajpath. The parade starts from Rajpath and ends at Red Fort in Delhi. Every year on Republic Day, India invites a visiting head of state, who is the state guest of honour (chief guest) for the ceremony. This year's guest of honour is the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

2. Madhya Pradesh CM announces total ban on polythene bags: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a total ban on polythene carry bags from May 1, 2017 across the state. "Use of polythene carry bags and their littering was affecting environment and cleanliness.

3. DU becomes first public varsity with ‘monumental’ flag: DU is the first public university in the country to get a monumental flagpole, according to the Flag Foundation of India. The 100-feet high flag was hoisted by former MP Naveen Jindal.

4. MakeMyTrip launches India’s 1^st social luxury travel magazine: India's largest online travel portal MakeMyTrip has launched the first ever social luxury travel magazine called 'Luxury Travel Times'. The mobile-only magazine is targeted at luxury travellers and is released through innovative ad platforms like Facebook Canvas &Instagram-Stories.

5. BurjKhalifa lights up in ‘Tricolour’ to mark 68^th Indian Republic Day: The LED shows were to be held on both days along with complimenting Dubai Fountain shows. In addition to the shows, the Indian Consulate in Dubai has a flag-hoisting ceremony at the consulate premises by Consul General Anurag Bhushan, followed by flag-hoisting at the Indian High School grounds in OudMetha, Dubai.

6. Gujarat Government pardons 439 prisoners on Republic Day eve:Gujarat government has ordered released of 439 prisoners on humanitarian grounds on the eve of 68th Republic Day. Over half of these prisoners were serving the life sentence in different jails in Gujarat. The decision to pardon the remaining sentences of these 439 prisoners was taken by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. US President Trump orders 2,000-mile wall to be built on Mexico border: President Donald Trump has signed directives to build a wall along the US border with Mexico and crack down on US cities that shield illegal immigrants, proceeding quickly on sweeping and divisive plans to kerb immigration and boost national security. The Republican President is also expected to take steps in the coming days to limit legal immigration, including executive orders restricting refugees and blocking the issuing of visas to people from several Muslim-majority Middle Eastern and North African countries including Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Libya and Yemen.

OTHER UPDATES:

OBITUARIES:

1. US Emmy award-winning actress Mary Tyler Moore has passed away: Emmy award-winning US actress Mary Tyler Moore has passed away at the age of 80. She was best known for her television roles in the 1960s sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show and the eponymous The Mary Tyler Moore Show in the 1970s.

Daily GK Updates - 25th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. National Voters’ Day being observed on 25^th January 2017: 25th January is also the foundation day of the Election Commission, which came into being on this day in 1950. The Commission's objective through National Voters’ Day is to increase enrolment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones. The Day is also utilized to spread awareness among voters regarding effective participation in the electoral process.

2. List of Padma Awardees: Padma Vibhushan awardees: SharadPawar, MurliManohar Joshi, K.J.Yesudas, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, P.A. Sangma, Sunder LalPatwah, VishwaMohanBhat. Padma Shri awardees: BasantiVisht, Chemanchari K. Nair, Sadhu Meher, T. K. Murthy, Emrat Khan, L. Birender Kumar Singh, Baoa Devi, TilakGitai, KailashKher, MukundNaik, SukriBommagowda, AnuradhaPodwal, WareppaNaba Nil, T. K. Vishwanathanan, KanwalSibal, G. VenkataSubbaiah, AkkithamAchuthanNamboothiri, BirkhaBahadurLimbooMuringla, Eli Ahmed, BhavnaSomaya, KashinathPandit,Harkishan Singh, Dr MukutMinz, SanjeevKapoor, Ashok Kumar Bhattacharya, H. R. Shah,AnuradhaKoirala, Dr Mapuskar, KarimulHaque, ViratKohli, Sakshi Malik, DipaKarmakar, VikasGowda, Srijesh, M. Thanghavelu.

3. Cabinet Approvals-January 24, 2017: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi approved the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bill, 2017 on January 24, 2017 that aims to declare IIMs as Institutions of National Importance.

ii. Cabinet gave its ex-post facto approval on for interest waiver for the two months of November and December, 2016 for farmers accessing short term crop loans from Cooperative Banks.

iii. As a part of government’s commitment for financial inclusion and social security the Union Cabinet has given its post-facto approval to launch Varishtha Pension BimaYojana 2017 (VPBY 2017) on January 24, 2017.

iv. Union Cabinet on January 24, 2017 approved a new scheme for promotion of Rural Housing in the country.

v. PM Modi gave approval for the ratification of the Second Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol on containing the emission of Green House Gases (GHGs) which was adopted in 2012. Till date, 65 countries have ratified the Second Commitment Period.

vi. Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi approved the proposal of India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) on January 24, 2017 for redevelopment of PragatiMaidan by setting up of a world class Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre (IECC) at PragatiMaidan, New Delhi.

4. SC for daily drug dosage regimen for TB patients: The Supreme Court gave the government nine months to replace the thrice-a-week dosage norm of tuberculosis drugs with a daily dosage regimen recently approved by the World Health Organisation to curb relapse and deaths during treatment.

5. Assam launches ‘Chief Minister’s Award’ to reward districts adopting digital payments: The Chief Minister’s Award would be given to the best performing district of the state that adopts digital payment methods and also educate larger section of the society about the cashless transaction.The winning district’s Deputy Commissioner would be presented a prize of Rs 50,000 at the end of financial year 2016-2017 after March 31, 2017.

6. India and UAE sign 14 agreements after delegation level talks between PM Modi and visiting crown prince of Abu Dhabi:India and the UAE inked 14 agreements in various areas including in defence, maritime transport, comprehensive strategic partnership, shipping, agriculture and allied sector, trade, oil storage and management, energy efficiency, road transport and highways and prevention and combating human trafficking. The agreements were signed after delegation level talks between Prime Minister NarendraModi and visiting Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

7. UN appoints director of UNIC in New Delhi: DerkSegaar has been appointed Director of the New Delhi based United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) covering India and the Kingdom of Bhutan by the UN Secretary-General AntónioGuterres.

8. Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS) launched by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry for rubber growers: The Minister of Commerce & Industry, SmtNirmalaSitharaman launched Rubber Soil Information System (RubSIS) in New Delhi to provide the detail RubSISabout the soil quality to the rubber growers to enhance productivity besides reducing the cost of production. RubSIS is an online platform developed to recommend application of appropriate mix of fertilizers to the specific plantations of rubber growers depending upon their soil nature.

9. PVR launches theatre on Demand Service VKAAO: Vkaao is an online platform that will enable consumers to watch any movie of their PVRchoice at a theatre of their choice. It would empower the viewers to choose what they want to watch, when and where. 

10. India UK join hands to launch project to tackle Delhi air pollution risks: India has partnered with the British experts over a project that aims to study the air pollution level in Delhi and health problems associated it.The project ‘ASAP-Delhi: An Integrated Study of Air Pollutant Sources in the Delhi National Capital Region’ would be led by University of Birmingham and would also involve experts from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, the Indian National Physical Laboratory and the University of Surrey.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nikki Haley confirmed as new US envoy to UN.

2. Trump signs executive orders to advance Keystone XL, Dakota Access pipelines: US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to advance controversial Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines. His latest actions to overturn the policies of former President Barack Obama, the nation's chief executive he replaced recently.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Mattew Hayden inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.

2. Retired Watson bags Australia’s T20I Player of the Year award.

3. Kremlin to host 2018 FIFA World Cup finals: The draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals hosted by Russia will take place in the Kremlin the country’s Football Union (RFU) chief Vitaly Mutko stated. Mutko, Russia’s deputy prime minister, stated FIFA had approved the plan, which world football’s ruling body later confirmed.The World Cup finals draw ceremony will take place.

Daily GK Updates - 24th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. National Girl Child Day to be celebrated today: National Girl Child Day will be celebrated at a special function in New Delhi in view of exemplary achievements by nation's daughters during last year.They presented commendable performance at the Olympics and Paralympics besides historic induction of the first batch of female fighter pilots into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

2. Rescheduled Education Loan will not be considered for computing NPAs: RBI: In a bid to encourage banks to provide loans for education, the Reserve Bank of India RBI has declared that rescheduling the period of payment of education loans due to the inability of the borrower because of unemployment will not be treated as restructured accounts for computing NPAs.

3. T-Hub launches ‘GIS Innovation Hub’ powered by Esri India: T-Hub, the start-up engine catalysing innovation, today announced the launch of ‘GIS Innovation Hub’ (GIH) for start-ups. The GIH is powered by Esri India, the Geographic Information System (GIS) software and solutions provider.The facility was inaugurated by Jack Dangermond, Co-founder, President and CEO of Esri Inc.

4. Jharkhand Annual Budget 2017-18: The Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das presented the state’s annual budget for 2017-18 on January 23, 2017 under the theme of Garib Kalyan Varsh The main focus of the budget is on agriculture, education and skill development, rural development and eliminating poverty.

5. Stamp Cover on Sindhu, Sakshi and Dipa released by Postal Department: The Indian postal department released a special stamp cover titled Golden girls of India – Pride of Nation on January 21, 2017 during a district-level philatelic exhibition in Agartala to honor the sporting personalities in the country. The special covers feature the 2016 Olympic medalist gymnast Dipa Karmakar, shuttler PV Sindu and wrestler Sakshi Malik. They were also awarded the nation’s highest sports award Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2016.

6. BCSBI to organise ‘know your rights’ programme: To educate awareness on banking codes at grass root level, The Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI) will organise know your rights programme in all the states.For this, the organisation will adopt a three-fold approach in the awareness programme focussing Tier II cities, metros and other backward areas, Anand Aras, CEO, BCSBI said.

7. Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passes Jallikattu Bill: Tamil Nadu assembly under the chairmanship of Chief Minister O Panneerselvam unanimously passed the Jallikattu Bill on January 23, 2017 to replace the ordinance issued on January 21, 2017 to allow the states traditional sport. The bill amends the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, making Jallikattu a permanent sport in rural Tamil Nadu.

8. Uber to bring Food Delivery app ‘UberEATS’ in India: Transportation app Uber will soon launch its on-demand food delivery app ‘UberEATS’ in the Indian market. UberEATS is currently available in 58 cities globally, including Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Taipei. The new app will give consumers, restaurant partners, and delivery partners more options across India.

9.  Guided Pinaka rocket successfully test fired: The guided Pinaka rocket was successfully test—fired for the second time from launch complex—III of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) launch pad at Chandipur.Defence sources said the test was conducted at 12:45 pm and Pinaka rocket mark-II, equipped with navigation, guidance and control kit, was transformed into a “guided Pinaka".

10. Kyoto Protocol: Government gives nod to ratify second commitment period: The Centre gave its nod to ratify the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol that commits countries to contain the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval to ratify the second commitment period of the international treaty, which was adopted by nations in 2012. So far, 65 countries have ratified the second commitment period.

11. Vodafone to invest Rs 3000 crore in West Bengal in next 3 years.

12. New Universal Rail Mill worth Rs 1200 crore inaugurated in Bhilai Steel Plant: Moving towards the Make in India initiative, the Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh inaugurated the new Universal Rail Mill at Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) of Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) on January 23, 2017 and flagged off the mills first and world’s longest single rail of 130 meters from the new Universal Rail Mill (URM). 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nepal launches 10-year plan to reduce depending on India for Vegetable Imports: In a move to decrease dependence on vegetable imports from India, the Nepal Government has launched a 10-year plan to boost domestic production. The 10-year scheme aims to adopt modern farm techniques to boost vegetable productivity in the country and make the country self-reliant in food.

2. Turkish Parliament approves Presidential rule paving way for referendum: The parliament of Turkey approved a constitutional reform on January 21, 2017 to strengthen the powers of the presidency by introducing presidential rule in the country and has led the way for a referendum on the issue by the public. If the bill will be passed then the President Tayyip Erdogan would serve the office until 2029.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Virat becomes fastest batsman to score 1000 runs as ODI Captain.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nation pays homage to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his 120^th birth anniversary: It was on this day in 1897, Netaji was born in Cuttack, Odisha. A number of functions have been organised in different parts of the country to mark the occasion. In Delhi, floral Tributes will be paid to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in the Central Hall of Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tribute to Netaji. In a series of tweets, Mr Modi stated that Netaji's valour played a major role in freeing India from colonialism.

2. Three-day ArogyaMitra Conference begins in Silchar, Assam: Assam State Governor BanwarilalPurohit inaugurated the ArogyaMitra conference on 21 January 2017 till 23 January 2017 at Silchar. The three day conference has been organised by the south Assam zone of the NGO, KeshabSmarakSanskritiSurabhi at the campus of Veterinary College, Ghungoor.Aim of the Conference Make available minimum free medical services to the people of isolated and backward places.

3. No-more Visa-Free facility for Indians in Hong Kong: Hong Kong has withdrawn the visa-on arrival facility for Indians travelling to Hong Kong effective from January 23, 2017. From now, the Indian nationals must apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online before they can visit or transit the HKSAR visa-free.

4. Kerala CM inaugurates ‘Jyothirmaya’:Kerala Chief Minister PinarayiVijayan inaugurated the 4 lakh square feet latest IT building, ‘Jyothirmaya’ at the Infopark.Dedicating the 9-storeyed building, constructed over six acres of land  80,000 job opportunities will be created when the buildings constructed during second phase of development at Infopark become fully operational.

5. AP government announces compensation of Rs 5 lakh for families of those who lost lives in Hirakhand Express accident: Andhra Pradesh government have announced a compensation of 5 lakh rupees for the families of those who lost lives in the Hirakhand Express accident and belonging to the state. Odisha government has also declared a compensation of similar amount for those belonging to Odisha.

6. Kwality Ltd signs MoU with Bank of Baroda for Rs 4000 crore loan to farmers: Mumbai based dairy firm Kwality Ltd has signed a MoU with Bank of Baroda on January 20, 2017 to provide Rs. 4000 crore loans to one lakh farmers out of the established networks from whom the company procures milk. The MoU aims to provide financial assistance to improve socio-economic lives of farmers and encourage them towards digitisation.

7. 100 % FDI under consideration in Food Processing sector: Minister of State for Food Processing Industries SadhviNiranjanJyoti stated 100% Foreign Direct Investment in food processing sector is being actively considered by the Union Government. Addressing a conclave organized by the ASSOCHAM in Chennai on the sunrise sector.

8. Ex-BCCI President Anurag Thakur to head Himachal Olympic Association: Ex-BCCI president Anurag Thakur unanimously elected head of the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association (HPOA) for a four-year term.Anurag Thakur, who had to step down as BCCI President owing to the Supreme Court ruling on Lodha Committee reforms.

9.  CCI approves merging MakeMyTrip with Ibibo Group: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed merger of online travel firm MakeMyTrip’s Indian travel business with rival Ibibo Group.

10. TeamIndus proposes nameplate on the Moon for Rs 500: A Bengaluru start-up TeamIndus proposes nameplate on the Moon for Rs.500.Indians are being offered the opportunity to leave their name on the moon, for a price. Space start-up TeamIndus will get the names of public ‘donors’ micro-engraved on a small-sized aluminium object, which will be placed on the lunar surface when its lander descends on the moon.

11. Ecotourism project set up at Purulia: Priya Entertainments Pvt Ltd has set up an ecotourism project at Khairabera, foothills of Baghmundi, in Purulia district of West Bengal. The adventure camp is located 300 km from the city.Bookings for luxury tents, individual cottages and camping tents can be made through the website, www.ecoadventureresorts.net.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China commissions its 31^st Stealth Warship: In a move to rapidly expand its naval fleet, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy commissioned its 31st stealth warship with the commissioning of the 31st Type—056 class corvette warship, CNS Ezhou, China. China Commissions its 31st Stealth Warship to become the world’s largest fleet of modern corvettes.

2. 2017 World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting held in Davos, Switzerland: The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017 was held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The theme of 47th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017 is Responsive and Responsible Leadership.The inaugural had musical concert by violinist Anne- Sophie Mutter.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Sunish wins ITF Juniors title: DhruvSunish finally got the taste of ITF Juniors title when he won the boys singles crown downing Kazakhstan's DostanbekTashbulatov at the DakshinKalikataSansad clay courts.

OBITUARIES:

2. Urdu poet, lyricist NaqshLyallpuri died at the age of 88.