Daily GK Updates - 5th July, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Israel names a flower after PM Narendra Modi: A new fast-growing Israeli flower has been named after PM Narendra Modi, in a special gesture to mark the first visit to the Jewish nation Israel. The flower, Crysanthumun, will now be called "Modi".

2. 5% concessional rate on devices for the physically-challenged: The Ministry of Revenue has announced a 5% concessional GST rate on the following assistive devices and rehabilitation aids for physically-challenged person. The concessional 5% GST rate on these devices/equipments would enable their domestic manufacturers to avail of input tax credit of GST paid on their inputs and raw materials. A total of 22 items have the concession.

3. Karnataka launches ‘Elevate 100’ scheme: The Karnataka government has launched the ‘Elevate 100’ scheme to identify and nurture innovative start-ups. The Elevate scheme is the brainchild of the start-up cell, Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS), to help start-ups across the state. The aim is to identify 100 most innovative start-ups in the state to elevate them to the next level of success.

4. TERI ranked second best in the world: The Energy Resources Institute has been ranked as the second best climate think tank in the world. The rankings were released by The International Center for Climate Governance, which focuses on the design of climate policy and related governance issues. TERI conducts research for sustainable development of India and is headquartered in New Delhi.

5. Environment Minister launches plantation drive to mark ‘Van Mahotsav’: The Union Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan has launched a month-long plantation drive ‘Van Mahotsav’ at Ram Lila Park, C. C Colony, and Model Town early this morning in Delhi. Van Mahotsav is usually observed in the first week of July every year and is celebrated on different days in different parts of India.

6. Western Railway renames 'Elphinstone Road' station as 'Prabhadevi': According to the Western Railways notification, the name of ‘Elphinstone Road station has been changed to ‘Prabhadevi’. Prabhadevi is a local deity, whose temple is located in the vicinity of the railway station.

7. President clears ordinance allowing ‘Kambala’: President ‘Pranab Mukherjee’ has approved promulgation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Karnataka Amendment) Ordinance, 2017. It allows conducting ‘kambala’, an annual buffalo race organized in Karnataka.

8. India’s tallest ATC tower at Delhi Airport: The new 101.9-metre air traffic control tower at the Delhi airport — touted to be the country’s tallest — is likely to start operations by December. The tower, among the tallest structures in Delhi, will give a 360-degree view of the airport to the controllers who will be able to see all the three runways, aprons and taxiways.

9. Sanjay Kumar -  the new NDRF Chief appointed: Himachal Pradesh director general of police Sanjay Kumar has been appointed as the new chief of the National Disaster Response Force.

10. Arunachal Pradesh celebrates 'Dree festival': Today, the most popular ‘Dree festival’ of ‘Apatani community’ is being celebrated across the Arunachal Pradesh with traditional pomp and gaiety. ‘Apatanis’ pray their traditional Gods to bring in a bountiful harvest season along with the defeat of destructive forces in the society through this festival.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Most detailed MRI scan carried out at Cardiff University: An advanced MRI machine has produced the world’s most detailed scan of the human brain that could one day be used to better understand schizophrenia, dementia and epilepsy. The scan was carried out at Cardiff University’s Brain Research Imaging Centre. The images were generated using an advanced MRI machine – one of only three in the world.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

1. 22nd Asian Athletics Championships inaugurated at Kalinga Stadium: The 22nd Asian Athletics Championships has been inaugurated at Kalinga Stadium in Odisha capital Bhubaneswar. Over 1,200 athletes and officials from 44 countries in Asia will witness the sporting event which will continue until 9th of this month.

2. Ivory Coast International tournament: Ritika Thaker defeated Simran Singhi to win the singles title in the Ivory Coast International badminton tournament at Abidjan. Later, Ritika and Simran paired together to beat the Nigerian duo of Zainab Momohand Peace Orji in the women’s doubles final.

BANKING & FINANCE:

3. RBI ups FPI investment limit in g-secs: Reserve Bank has raised the FPI investment limit in government securities by 4.7% to Rs 2.42 lakh crore for July-September quarter. Likewise, the foreign portfolio investors will be allowed to raise their investment in state development loans by Rs61 billion to Rs331 billion for September quarter. Hence, the overall limit of FPI investment in government securities goes up to Rs 2580 billion

4. Credit card bill payment exempt from cash dealing limit of Rs 2 lakh: According to Revenue Department, restrictions on cash dealings of two lakh rupees or more will not apply to credit card bill payments. The Finance Act 2017 banned cash transaction of 2 lakh rupees or above with effect 1st of April this year. The move to ban cash transaction above a threshold was aimed at curbing black money by discouraging cash transaction and promoting digital economy.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

5. Microsoft India inks pact with NISA: Microsoft India has signed an agreement with National Independent Schools Alliance to offer Microsoft Aspire School Program (MASP) Pro Plus to over 55,000 member schools. MASP aims to equip schools with technology and innovative learning solutions, modernise campuses, and prepare future- ready students, among others.

6. $100 million venture fund for start-ups by Nilekani: Infosys co-founder and Aadhaar architect - Nandan Nilekani - along with venture capitalist Sanjeev Aggarwal has launched a $100 million venture fund called Fundamentum to back mid-stage startups. The corpus may be extended to $200 million if the fund sees more opportunities.

Daily GK Updates - 4th July, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India successfully test-fires short-range surface-to-air missile: Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QR-SAM) was successfully test-fired by India in all-weather tracked-chassis from a mobile launcher at launch complex III of the Integrated Test Range at Chandipur, Odisha. The QR-SAM weapon system is a quick reaction, network-centric missile system capable of search-on-the-move. QR-SAM system can also engage multiple targets within a range of around 30 km with two vehicle configuration for area air defence.

2. Reliance Jio to launch the world’s longest submarine cable system: Reliance Jio has announced to launch the world’s longest 100Gbps technology-based submarine system. The Asia-Africa-Europe (AAE-1) submarine cable system stretches from Marseille in France to Hong Kong, covering 25000 km.   It will have 21 cable landings across Asia and Europe. The project is a combination of leading telecom service providers from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

3.  Nagaland declared as ‘disturbed area’ under AFSPA for six months:  Under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act Entire Nagaland has been declared as disturbed area for the next 6 months. Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts (AFSPA), are Acts of the Parliament of India that grant special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in what each act terms "disturbed areas". According to The Disturbed Areas (Special Courts) Act, 1976 once declared ‘disturbed’, the area has to maintain status quo for a minimum of 3 months.

4.  Finance ministry removes additional excise duty on tobacco, cigarettes: The GST Constitutional (Amendment) Act permits the Centre to levy excise duty on six items including tobacco and tobacco products. The Finance Ministry has removed additional excise duty on tobacco, cigarettes and pan-masala from 1^st July following the GST implementation. The revenue department also repealed its earlier central excise notification, which deals with excise duty rate on unmanufactured tobacco and chewing tobacco. The other items are petroleum crude, diesel, petrol, natural gas, and ATF.

International UPDATES:

1. US to honor Indian Americans with Great Immigrants Award: Indian-Americans, Shantanu Narayen (Adobe Chief) and Vivek Murthy (former US Surgeon General) will be honored with the Great Immigrants Award for their role in helping advance the country's society, culture and economy.

OTHER UPDATES

SPORTS:

1. Novak Djokovic clinches Eastbourne International Men’s Singles title: Tennis star Novak Djokovic (Serbia) defeated Gael Monfils (France) to clinch the Eastbourne International Men’s Singles title. He defeated Monfils 6-3, 6-4. Czech tennis player Karolina Pliskova defeated Danish Caroline Wozniacki to win the Eastbourne International Women’s Singles title. Pliskova defeated Wozniacki 6-4, 6-4.

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.