Daily GK Updates - 3rd July, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. GST to be positive for India says Moody’s Investor Service: According to the Moody's Investors Service, Implementation of the GST will be positive for India's rating as it will lead to higher GDP growth and increased tax revenues.GST is likely to contribute to productivity gains and higher GDP growth by improving the ease of doing business, unifying the national market and enhancing India's attractiveness as a foreign investment destination.Both will be positive for India's credit profile, which is constrained by a relatively low revenue base.

2. Govt. imposes 10% customs duty on imported mobile phones, parts: In order to boost domestic manufacturing, the Union Government has imposed basic customs duty on mobile phones and certain parts to 10%. Inputs and raw material to manufacture parts of specified electronics goods, including mobile phones will also continue to be exempt from basic customs duty. However, present exemption from basic customs duty on specified parts of mobiles will continue.

3. Arunachal Pradesh launches e-Inner Line Permit program: To assist visitors to apply for and obtain the mandatory ILP, Chief Minister Pema Khandu has launched a web portal ‘arunachalilp.com’. The e-Inner Line Permit (eILP) programme is a digital step for hassle-free entry of domestic visitors to the state.

4. Foundation stone of country’s biggest Global Skill Park laid in Bhopal: The foundation stone of the country’s biggest Global Skill Park in Bhopal  was laid today. The 37-acre land has been allotted in Narela Shankari area of Bhopal for the Global Skill Park.The park will be constructed at a cost of 645 crore rupees. Training will be imparted to 1000 students every year by trainers of international standard. The park will function on the spirit of With Industry -For Industry.

5. Madhya Pradesh sets record with plantation of over six crore saplings in a day: MP launched a massive plantation drive at Amarkantak of Anooppur district to save the environment and conservation of the Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh. Over six crore saplings were planted in twenty-four districts of Narmada basin in just 12 hours. Arrangements were made to record the whole event for the Guinness World Record.

6. Haryana CM launches immunization campaign from Gurugram: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal has launched the immunization campaign from Gurugram by administering polio drops to the children of age 0-5 years. The Campaign is being carried out in 13 districts of the state.The 451 transit teams have been formed in each district of the state to achieve the target of covering all children in the slum areas and brick kilns.

International UPDATES:

1. WHO declares end of Ebola outbreak in Congo: The World Health Organisation has declared the end of the most recent outbreak of Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).It was DRC’s eighth outbreak of EVD since the discovery of the virus in the country in 1976. It killed four of the eight people infected in the central African country.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Jeff Horn stuns Pacquiuao in WBO welterweight world title fight:  At Suncorp Stadium Jeff Horn has defeated legendary Manny Pacquiao by a unanimous decision in Brisbane, Australia.Horn put up an incredible performance to claim Pacquiao's WBO welterweight championship.

 2. Germany wins maiden Confederations Cup title 2017: Germany won the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup by defeating Chile 1–0 in the final to win their first title at St Petersburg, Russia.Germany defeated Chile by a solitary goal, Lars Stindl put Germany ahead in the first half against the run of play, and Germany then held on to the lead. Germany has been a four time world cup winner. 

Daily GK Updates - 2nd July, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 1.  Nitin Gadkari kick-starts national green highways mission: A plantation drive on 1,500 kilometers of National Highways has been launched by the Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari under the National Green Highways Mission in New Delhi. The launch has been announced at a workshop yesterday organized by the National Green Highways Mission on the theme “Green Highways Projects: Way Ahead”. The project has a huge potential to generate jobs and can prove to be a game-changer for agriculture and rural economy.

2. Kerala government bans e-cigarettes: Kerala becomes second state in India to ban e-cigarette.Punjab was the first state to ban e-cigarettes in November 2014under the provisions of Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003. Kerala Government has banned e-cigarettes following study reports that the use of e-cigarettes could lead to cancer and heart diseases.Orders have been issued banning manufacture, sale, marketing and advertising of e-cigarettes in the State.

3. Textiles India 2017: India’s first-ever mega trade event: India’s first ever mega trade event was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, at Helipad Ground, Gandhinagar. Textile India 2017 is the first summit of its kind. This maiden initiative is a collaborative effort of several Export Promotion Councils under the Ministry of Textiles, with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) being the industry partner.This mega exhibition showcases India’s strength in the entire gamut of textile and apparel value chain, from fibre to fashion.

International UPDATES:

1. Swedish Major General PerGustaf Lodin  appointed to head UN mission: Major General PerGustaf Lodin of Sweden is appointed as Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission for the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan. Lodin succeeds Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi of Ghana, who completes his two-year assignment.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE:

1. SBI launches a Digital Village: By adopting them as SBI Digital Villages State Bank of India has embarked on transforming the villages into cash less eco-system.The Bank will formally launch this initiative in 21 villages on the occasion of State Bank Day, which have moved on to the digital platform.SBI plans to bring 100 villages under this initiative across the country by the end of FY 17.

SPORTS:

2. Ravi Shastri resigns from ICC post: Ravi Shastri, a former India captain and Team Director has resigned from his post as media representative in ICC's prestigious Cricket Committee. The chairman of ICC Cricket Committee is current Team India coach Anil Kumble. The official reason is his busy media commitments as commentator, TV expert and columnist.

3. Recognition granted to Paralympic Committee of India: The Union Sports Ministry has granted recognition to Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced temporary lifting of suspension on it.This recognition gives a huge confidence boost to the several para-athletes who have qualified for 2016 Rio Paralympics. Due to internal conflicts between different groups and persons the IPC had suspended PCI in April2015 , which were undermining the development of Paralympic Movement in India.Indian para-athletes were not allowed to participate in any IPC-sanctioned competition, including 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

Daily GK Updates - 1st July, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. KK Venugopal to be new Attorney General of India:  K K Venugopal, a noted constitutional expert and senior advocate has been cleared for appointment as the Attorney General of India. He would become a law officer for the second time after being an Additional Solicitor General during the Morarji Desai government. Venugopal is the recipient of ‘Padma Vibhushan’ and ‘Padma Bhushan’.

2. India launches historic indirect tax regime GST:  The Goods and Services tax regime has been launched at the stroke of midnight on 1 July 2017. The launch was organized in the Central Hall of Parliament on the midnight of 30 June - 1 July 2017 in the presence of President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker of LokSabha and Union Finance Minister among other dignitaries.The GST launch was marked by the speech of Prime Minister NarendraModi, who dubbed the tax regime as the ‘Good and Simple Tax’.

3. BHEL signs pact with Japanese firm for manufacturing coaches for metro trains: An agreement has been signed by The Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)  with Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd (KHI) of Japan to manufacture stainless steel coaches and bogies for metro rail.The agreement covers establishing engineering, design, and manufacturing facilities at BHEL using Japanese technology.It will also entitle BHEL for all technological advances and upgrades.

4. Govt lowers interest rate by 0.1 % on small saving schemes for July-Sep quarter:  The union govt. has lowered interest rate on small saving schemes by 0.1% for the July- September quarter this year. The rates of small saving schemes like PPF (Public Provident Fund) - 7.8%, KisanVikasPatra (7.5 %) & mature in 115 months, have been lowered across the board compared to the April-June quarter.Samriddhi Account Scheme (girl child savings scheme) will offer 8.3% annually, from 8.4% at present.

5. AK Jyoti of Gujarat cadre will be next Chief Election Commissioner: Achal Kumar Jyoti will be the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India.He would take charge from incumbent Nasim Zaidi, retire from his post on 6 July 2017.Currently, Jyoti is the Election Commissioner of India along with O P Rawat.

6. National Doctor's Day: 1st July: The National Doctors’ Day is celebrated every year on 1st July in India to honour the legendary physician and the 2nd Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy. This is a vital day for doctors as it provides them with an opportunity to reflect on their career and remind them about practicing the art and science of Medicine and Surgery in an ethical manner. Dr. Roy was honoured with the country's highest civilian award Bharat Ratna.

International UPDATES:

1. Carrie Lam sworn-in as Hong Kong’s new leader :Chinese President Xi Jinping sworn in the new leader of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, on Saturday as the region marked 20 years of its handover to China from Britain.She is Hong Kong’s first female leader. The Chinese president warned against “impermissible” challenges to Beijing’s authority.

2. International Day of Cooperatives 2017: International Co-operative Day is an annual celebration of the co-operative movement observed on the first Saturday in July since 1923 by the International Co-operative Alliance. The theme for the 2017 International Day of Cooperatives is Co-operatives ensure no-one is left behind.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY:

1. SN Subrahmanyan new CEO & MD of Larsen & Toubro: SN Subrahmanyan has been appointed as the CEO and managing director(MD) of Larsen & Toubro. He replaced AM Naik, who will continue as Non-Executive Chairman for three years.

Daily GK Updates - 30th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Face-off between Indian and Chinese troops: India and China have deployed around 3,000 troops each on the Sikkim-Bhutan-Tibet tri-junction. Kailash Mansarovaryatra through Nathu La was also cancelled in the wake of the face-off between Indian and Chinese troops over a disputed area along the Sino-Indian border. Yesterday, Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat arrived in Sikkim to review the security situation amid a stand-off between the two countries’ troops along the border in the area.

2. Govt. appoints Rajesh Shah as NIFT Chairperson:Shri Rajesh V. Shah has been appointed as Chairperson on the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Fashion Technology(NIFT) by The Union Govt. (Ministry of Textiles). He has replaced ShriChetanChauhan, who resigned from the post after being made the Sports Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

3. Rajiv Kumar appointed as Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh: Rajiv Kumar (1981 batch- IAS Officer) has been appointed as the Chief Secretary of the state by The Uttar Pradesh Govt. He succeeds Rahul Prasad Bhatnagar, will now serve as the Chairman of the Greater Noida Authority and also as the Investment Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh in New Delhi.Earlier, Kumar was a Secretary in the Union Shipping Ministry.

4. PM Modi inaugurates filling of Aji Dam at Rajkot by Narmada water: Prime Minister NarendraModi has inaugurated the SauniYojna, a project which will fill the Aji dam near Rajkot with Narmada waters in Gujarat. He also launched Smart Rajkot Hackathon where the urban local body will engage with young students to find innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of various government departments.

5. 'NALSA' launches web application for free legal services to prisoners:A web application for free legal services to prisoners and the Legal Services Management System has been launched by The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA).The State Legal Services Authorities and District Legal Services Authorities can feed the data for each individual prison inmate in the jails within their authority through this web application.

6. Uttarakhand gets award of excellence at international meet:At the 2nd Global Skill Development Summit held in ParisUttarakhand state has conferred with the award of excellence for innovations and extensive use of IT for skilling the state's youth.Pankaj Kumar Pandey (Project Director of Uttarakhand Skill Development Committee) has received the honor on behalf of the state govt.

7. Dr. Jitendra Singh launches new program ‘COMMIT’ for State Government officials

A new training program Comprehensive Online Modified Modules on Induction Training (COMMIT) for State Government officials has been launched by The Union Minister Dr.Jitendra Singh. This training program will improve the public service delivery mechanism and provide citizen-centric administration through capacity building of officials who interact with the citizens on a day-to-day basis.In the current financial year 2017-18, COMMIT will be launched in six states of Assam, Haryana, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal initially on the pilot basis.

International UPDATES:

1. Germany legalises same-sex marriage: A bill passed by the German Parliament has legalized same-sex marriage.It grants full marital rights, including child adoption, to gay and lesbian couples. Chancellor Angela Merkel voted against the Bill.Merkel said she hoped the Parliament’s approval would lead to more “social cohesion”

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. ISL gets recognition from AFC; two national leagues now:The Indian Super League (ISL)has been granted official recognition by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Now, there will be two national leagues in the country from 2017-18 and the winner of the I-league will participate in the AFC Champions League qualifiers.The champions of the 10-team ISL that will run for five months beginning November will get an AFC Cup qualifying slot.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY:

2.  IndiGo interested in buying Air India’s overseas business:After govt. had put up Air India for disinvestment yesterday, Private airline IndiGo has expressed interest in buying its international business. Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv NayanChoubey confirmed the news. IndiGo has a 40% market share and projected profitability for nine consecutive years.

Daily GK Updates - 29th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Centre makes linking of existing Aadhaar with PAN of taxpayers mandatory from 1st July:The Union Govt. has made mandatory to link Permanent Account Number (PAN)of taxpayerswith Aadhaar numberswith its effect from 1st July 2017.The Government has also made quoting of the 12-digit biometric Aadhaar or the enrolment ID, must at the time of application of permanent account number (PAN).Earlier, an amendment to tax proposals in the Finance Bill for 2017-18 had made Aadhaar mandatory for filing income tax returns and provided for linking of PAN with Aadhaar to check tax evasion through the use of multiple PAN cards.

2.  Indian Vice-Presidential Election 2017 to be held on 5 August: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the election for the post of Vice-President of India.The election for the Vice President will be conducted through a secret ballot on 5 August 2017 where only members of both the Lok Sabha (545-MPs) and Rajya Sabha (245-MPs) will get to vote.

3.  India's First Blood Bank for Cattle to Come up in Odisha: The first blood bank for cattle is all set to come to Odisha, making it the first state in the country to have a blood bank for cattle. The blood bank would be established on the premises of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology at an estimated cost of Rs. 3.25 crores.

4.  India's communication satellite GSAT-17 successfully launched: The third satellite launched by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) India's communication satellite GSAT-17 has been successfully launched from Kourou in French Guiana.GSAT-17 with a lift-off mass of about 3,477 kg carries payloads in Extended C-band, Normal C-band, and S-band to provide various communication services. The Satellite carries equipment for meteorological data relay and satellite-based search and rescue services being provided by earlier INSAT satellites.The satellite will provide the continuity in services of aging two satellites and widen the country's horizon to mobile satellite services as well as to Antarctica areas.

5. Indian-American Krishna R Urs appointed as new US Ambassador to Peru: Indian-American Krishna R Urshas been appointed as the new US Ambassador to Peru. At the present Urs is Charge d' Affaires of the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain. Krishna specialized in economic issues and developed extensive policy experience in the Andean region of South America.

6. AP CM Naidu gives away Rs 50 lakh cash prize to shuttler Kidambi Srikanth: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu gave away 50 lakh cash prizes and offered Group 1 post to Badminton Champion Kidambi Srikanth and Rs.15 lakh cash prize for his Coach P. Gopi Chand. He also announced the allocation of 1000 square yards house site to the player in Amaravati. Naidu announced that a sports university would come up in Amaravathi and invited National Badminton Coach P. Gopi Chand to set up an academy in Amaravati.

7. India becomes the first country to contribute one lakh US dollars to UN fund: India has become the first country to contribute one lakh US Dollars to a UN fund to help developing countries actively participate in the discussion of tax issues.The UN Trust Fund for International Cooperation in Tax Matters has received its first financial voluntary contribution from India.

International UPDATES:

1. China launches its Biggest Naval Destroyer: China has launched its most powerful naval destroyer, the Type 055, at the Shanghai port. The naval destroyer is one among the largest warships in the world. It is equipped with new air defence, anti-missile, anti-ship and anti-submarine weapons, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.“The new ship will be a great boost to China’s marine exploration capability,” Zhong Ziran, director of China Geological Survey said.

2. Trump Travel Ban: New Visa Rules: For visa applicants from six Muslim-majority countries and all refugees, the Trump administration has set new criteria that require a close family or business tie to be eligible to enter the United States. The move was taken after the Supreme Court partially restored President Donald Trump’s executive order that was widely criticised as a ban on Muslims. People from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen as well as most refugees have to prove their eligibility.

3. Sharjah named World Book Capital for 2019 by UNESCO: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) city Sharjah has been declared the ‘World Book Capital’ for the year 2019 by UNESCO.The city has been chosen by an international committee of UNESCO experts for the quality of its literary and cultural activities and the efforts to make books accessible to the entire population of the country.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE:

1. RBI starts printing Rs 200 notes: The Reserve Bank of India has begun printing Rs 200 notes at one of its government facilities, according to a report in The Economic Times. The apex bank has not yet commented on the report, which quoted two unidentified officials.The new notes have additional security features to thwart counterfeiting operations, an official said.

Daily GK Updates - 28th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.NPPA announces provisional ceiling prices of 761 medicines including anti-cancer & HIV: Bhupendra Singh, the chairman of The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), has announced provisional ceiling prices of 761 medicines (including anti-cancer, HIV, diabetes, and antibiotic) with a majority being reduced ahead of the GST implementation. The actual increase or decrease in prices after the rollout of new indirect tax regime is expected to be in the range of 2-3% depending on states.These prices will be notified as formally revised ceiling prices immediately after GST notification.

2. Last date extended for 6 months for conversion of PIO cards: For applying the conversion of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards, the Union Govt. has extended the last date for to 31st December 2017. Earlier, the facility was available till 30th June 2017.The PIO card was first implemented in 2002 as a benefit to foreign nationals who could establish at least a third-generation tie to the Indian origin.

International UPDATES:

1. Kaushik Basu takes appointed as President of International Economic Association: Economic Advisor, Kaushik Basu has taken over as the president of the International Economic Association (IEA) for three years. He has served as India’s chief economic adviser and chief economist at the World Bank. At present, Mr.Basu is the C. Marks Professor of International Studies and professor of economics in the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University.

2. Cyber-attack that hit Ukraine spreads to other countries: A massive cyber-attack began with Ukraine’s government offices and airports. It has spread to other countries, including India, the United Kingdom, Russia and Spain. Cyber security experts believe that the virus, named Petrwrap or Petya, could be a ransomware attack, similar to the WannaCry breach in May that had affected more than three lakh people.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE:

1. World’s First Automated Teller Machine (ATM) celebrates its 50th Birthday: The world’s first ATM was opened on 27th June 1967 by Barclays Bank in Enfield, London, celebrated its 50th anniversary. To celebrate its the anniversary, Barclays transformed the ATM at its ‘Enfield branch’ into gold. The ATM machines were the brainchild of Scottish inventor ‘Shepherd-Barron’.

SPORTS:

2. Roger Federer  defeats  Alexander Zverev to lift ninth Halle Open title:  In the finals the 2017 Halle Open Men’s Singles title.Swiss Legend ‘Roger Federer’ has defeated ‘Alexander Zverev’ 6-1, 6-3.

3. One-year ban and fined for media remarks – Lasith Malinga: After pleading guilty to a breach of contract by speaking to the media without permission, Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga has been suspended for one year. Malinga will also be fined 50% of the match fee from his next one-day International (ODI).

4. India finish second in Junior Shooting World Championship: The Indian shooting squad has finished second at the ISSF Junior World Championship with three Gold, two Silver, and three Bronze medals in Suhl, Germany. India picked up a gold and silver in the team and individual sections of the 25m pistol junior men's event. China topped the tally in the rifle/pistol tournament with 19 medals, including eight gold. India also won the team bronze in the 25m pistol junior women's event.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY:

5. Google fined  2.42 billion euros by European Commission: The European Commission has fined Google 2.42 billion euro (USD 2.7 Billion) for breaching the anti-trust rules by illegally favoring its shopping service. Google has abused its market dominance by offering an illegal advantage to its another product, its comparison shopping service.

6. Flipkart - the only Indian firm in MIT’s Smartest Companies 2017: On MIT Technology Review’s 50 Smartest Companies list for 2017,E-commerce major Flipkart is the only Indian company on the list.MIT cited Flipkart’s competitiveness against Amazon and its use of artificial intelligence to improve product search on its website the main reasons for this place.

Daily GK Updates - 27th June, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. J & K Governor appointed as president of IIC: Jammu & Kashmir Governor N NVohra has been appointed the president of the India International Centre (IIC), one of the premier cultural institutions in the country. The appointment was made after eminent jurist Soli Sorabjee quit the presidential post.

2. Union Minister Kalraj Mishra launches Digital MSME Scheme: To boost Digital India Mission, the Union Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Kalraj Mishra has launched a Digital MSME Scheme at a function in New Delhi. This scheme revolves around Cloud Computing, which is emerging as a cost-effective and viable alternative in comparison to in-house Infrastructure installed by MSMEs.In this scheme, MSMEs can use the internet to access common as well as tailor-made IT infrastructure including software for managing their business processes.

3. SC refuses to pass interim order on Aadhaar: SC refused to pass interim order on govt order making Aadhaar mandatory for social welfare schemes. The Supreme Court, on Tuesday, refused to pass an interim order on the government’s notification making Aadhaar mandatory for using benefits of various social welfare schemes, news agency PTI reported.

4. Govt. clears proposal for setting up new airport in Greater Noida: According to Civil Aviation Minister, Ashok Gajapathi Raju, the Govt. has cleared the proposal for setting up a new airport in Jewar in Greater Noida. The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority has notified 3,000 hectares of land for a world-class international airport. The airport is scheduled to be operational in five-six years.

International UPDATES:

1. US Designates Syed Salahuddin a Global Terrorist: In a strong message to Pakistan, hours before the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, US State Department designated Hizbul Mujahideen leader Syed Salahuddin as a global terrorist.India welcomed the move and said it will vindicate India’s stance on cross-border terrorism.This puts counter-terrorism cooperation between India and the US at the front and centre of the relationship, and addresses one of India’s main concerns on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

2. PM Narendra Modi arrives in Netherlands on final leg of tour: After concluding his visit to the US with Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Netherlands the final leg of his three-nation tour. Mr.Modi will hold bilateral talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on global issues including counter-terrorism and climate change.He will also address the Indian diaspora in that country.This year, the two countries are celebrating 70 years of the establishment of Indo-Dutch diplomatic relations.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. ISSF Junior World Championship: India won Team Bronze in 25- meter Rapid Fire Pistol Men Junior Shooting World Championship in Suhl, Germany. The trio of Anish, Anhad Jawanda, and ShivamShukla notched up a combined score of 1711 to claim third place and take India's overall tally from the competition to two Golds, one Silver, and one Bronze medal. Earlier, Anish won the 25-meter standard pistol gold on the opening day of the competition.

2. Srinivas Gokulnath becomes First Indian to Solo finish Race Across America: Srinivas Gokulnath has created history by becoming the first Indians to complete the 4,900-km Race Across America (RAAM) in the solo 18-59 age category. Srinivas Gokulnath finished the distance in 11 days and 18 hours and Samarth took 11 days and 21 hours to finish the race. Among the 9 persons who managed to finish the race, Gokulnath (Aerospace medicine specialist) stood 7th while and Amit Samarth finished at number 8. The race was won by Christoph Strasser.

3. Ravi Shastri to apply for the post of Indian cricket team’s coach: Ravi Shastri has finally decided to apply for India cricket coach’s position.Having the full backing of the India captain Virat Kohli and the Board of Control for Cricket in India officials, he is clear favourite for the job. Among others to apply for the position are Virender Sehwag, Tom Moody and Lalchand Rajput.

4. BCCI to form committee to implement Lodha panel reforms: In order to analyze best and quick way of execution to implement the ‘Lodha panel’ reforms, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to form acommittee as ordered by the Supreme Court.The committee will go into each and every action point necessitated by the principal judgment and only those exceptional and limited areas of difficulty will be brought to the notice of Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators which will thereafter decide a course of action.

5. Vivo retains IPL title sponsorship rights: Chinese mobile company Vivo has retained IPL title sponsorship rights for the next 5 years for Rs 2,200 crore, this winning bid is a 554% increase over the previous contract. Oppo was the next highest bidder at Rs 1,430 crore, reported The Times of India. Oppo also happens to be a Chinsese company.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

6. SpiceJet tops Bloomberg Intelligence Index as world’s best performing airline stock: SpiceJet’s stock is up 124%, making it the world’s best performing airline stock, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday. The Indian airline has earned a market value of 1.2 billion dollars (approximate Rs 9,000 crore) in 2017.