Daily GK Updates - 18th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt. saved Rs 65,000 cr through DBT says Javadekar: According to the union Human Resource Development (HRD) minister Prakash Javadekar, the union govt. has saved 65 thousand crore rupees through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in various public schemes. DBT enables linking of Aadhar card to bank accounts and other subsidized services availed by citizens.  It is being used to plug the loopholes in the system due to which the government incurred losses.

2. Bahubali fame SS Rajamouli receives ANR award: Venkaiah Naidu, honoured SS Rajamouli with ANR National Award for his contribution to Telugu Film Industry. Bahubali franchise made SS Rajamouli a name to reckon with in the entire world.

3. YC Modi appointed as the new Director General of NIA: Senior Indian Police Service officer Y C Modi was appointed as the new director general of National Investigation Agency. He will replace Sharad Kumar, who is set to retire on Oct 30.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian Yoga expert Bishnu Ghosh and his family on Japanese postage stamps: Japanese postal department has released postage stamps on yoga legend Bishnu Ghosh & his family members to acknowledge the role played by them in spreading Indian postural yoga in Japan. Stamps on Bishnu Charan Ghosh, his son Biswanath, daughter Karuna & Karuna’s father in law Asutosh Ghosh were released in Japan.

2. Mercedes Araoz as the new Prime Minister of Peru: Araoz replaces Fernando Zavala, who was forced to resign under Peru’s constitution because of the no-confidence vote.

3. Tunisia lifts ban on Muslim women marrying non-Muslim men: Tunisia has abolished a 44 yr old ban on Muslim women marrying non-Muslims as president seeks to secure equal rights for country’s female population. Until now a non-Muslim man who wished to marry a Muslim Tunisian woman had to convert to Islam & submit a certificate of his conversion as proof.

4. Riz Ahmed becomes the first Asian man to win an Emmy for acting: Riz Ahmed has become the first man of Asian descent to win an acting award at the Emmys. He is a British actor of Pakistani descent. Ahmed bagged Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series award for his portrayal of Nasir “Naz” Khan in ‘The Night Of’.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

1. M&M enters into alliance with Ford: Mahindra & Mahindra has entered into a strategic alliance with Ford Motor to explore cooperation in the sphere of products, technologies and electrification of cars amongst other areas. Both companies will collaborate and work together for a period of up to three years.

2. Reliance’s Unlimit & IBM to collaborate: Reliance Group’s Unlimit & IBM have announced a collaboration to co-create IoT solutions for industry verticals, including automotive & industrial automation. IBM will provide its Watson IoT Platform to collect & connect data, including sensor data, from devices.

3. SEBI allows REITs, InvITs to raise funds: Market regulator, Securities & Exchange Board of India, has allowed Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvIT) & Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to raise capital by issuing debt securities. SEBI introduced the concept of strategic investor for REITs on similar lines of InvITs.

SPORTS:

4. India at Ahmet Cormet Boxing Championships: India has  bagged one gold, four silver, and three bronze medals at the Ahmet Comert Boxing Championships for youth women boxers held in Istanbul, Turkey. India’s Soniya won the Gold in the 48kg category. The silver winners for India were Niharika Gonella (75kg), Shashi Chopra (57kg), Parveen (54kg), and Ankushita Boro (64kg).

5. Lewis Hamilton wins Singapore Grand Prix: Mercedes-AMG F1’s Lewis Hamilton claimed a stunning victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.

6. Gayle completes a century of “sixes” in T20s: West Indies opener Chris Gayle has added one more feather to his cap as he became the 1st batsman to complete a century of sixes in T20Is. Gayle reached the milestone during the lone T20I against England in his 52nd match.

Daily GK Updates - 17th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sardar Sarovar Dam dedicated to the nation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the Sardar Sarovar Dam, almost 56 years after its foundation stone was laid. The foundation stone of the dam was laid on 5 April 1961 by the country’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The dam on the river Narmada has been described as ‘Gujarat’s lifeline’ as it aims to provide drinking water to 131 urban centres and 9,633 villages.

2. Indian Railways announces “sleeping time”: According to a circular issued by railway board, passengers in reserved coaches can only sleep between 10 pm & 6 am to allow others to sit on the seats for the rest of the time. Until the circular was issued, the existing permissible time for sleeping was between 9 pm and 6 am. The circular, however, makes an exception for sick and disabled passengers, and pregnant ladies.

3. Centre releases new Metro Rail policy: Housing & Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri released new Metro Policy for expanding the metro network across various cities in the country. The Policy empowers States to make rules & regulations & set up permanent Fare Fixation Authority for timely revision of fares. It also makes Public Private Partnership component mandatory for availing central assistance for new metro projects.

4. India-US commence military exercise Yudh Abhyas: Indian & U.S. armies have started the 13th iteration of their Yudh Abhyas series of joint military exercises at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington. The exercise will focus primarily on counter-terrorism operations & will also included strategic consultations b/w senior armed forces officers on both sides.

5. Indigenous artillery gun sets new world record: Indigenous artillery gun, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System has set a new world record in range by hitting targets at a distance of 48 km. ATAGS is a 155mm, 52 calibre towed artillery gun being developed in mission mode by DRDO as a part of Army’s artillery modernisation programme.

6. President’s medal for former DIG D Roopa, the only woman officer to get it: Former DIG D Roopa, who highlighted in a report alleged irregularities at Central jail in Bengaluru, including preferential treatment to V K Sasikala, was conferred the President’s Medal. The award was presented to Roopa for her meritorious service by Governor Vajubhai Vala at a ceremony at Raj Bhavan.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. AV500W – the first unmanned attack helicopter, now for sale: China has put on display its 1st unmanned combat helicopter AV500W for foreign buyers in a bid to enlarge scope to market its military drones abroad. It is capable of carrying 120 kg of weapons & equipment.

2. Iron Union 5 - US & UAE military exercise: The ground forces of the United Arab Emirates and the United States are holding a joint military exercise in Abu Dhabi. Codenamed, ”Iron Union 5,” the joint military exercise is an extension of a series of ”Iran Claw” exercises.

3. NASA’s Cassini spacecraft ends 20-year journey: NASA’s $3.9 bn Cassini spacecraft ended its 20-year-long groundbreaking journey with a fiery plunge into Saturn’s crushing atmosphere. Cassini began its mission to Saturn in 1997, reaching the ringed planet in 2004.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. PV Sindhu wins Korea Open: PV Sindhu avenged her World Championship loss in Glasgow by beating Nozomi Okuhara 22-20, 11-21, 21-18 in the Korea Open 2017 women’s singles final to clinch her 3rd Superseries title. Sindhu made history by becoming the first Indian to win the Korea Open.

2. Rashid Khan from Afghanistan – the youngest cricketer to claim 100 wickets: Afghanistan leg-spinner Rashid Khan has become the youngest cricketer to take 100 T20 wickets. Rashid Khan, who is just five days away from his 19th birthday, took 3/22 for Bamd-e-Amir Dragons during SCL 2017 game against Boost Defenders to reach the landmark.

Daily GK Updates - 16th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Assam passes PRANAM (Parents Responsibility and Norms for Accountability and Monitoring) Bill: The Assam Employees’ Parents Responsibility and Norms for Accountability and Monitoring Bill-2017 – better known as the Assam Employees PRANAM Bill – is aimed at ensuring that employees do not neglect their loved ones in times of need. The bill has provisions for deducting 10% of an employee’s pay and transferring it to the account of the relative concerned. Another 5% would be deductible if the employee has a differently abled sibling.

2. Jaipur's National Institute of Ayurveda enters Guinness Book: National Institute of Ayurveda of Jaipur has entered the Guinness Book for 'Most people receiving Nasya Panch Kararma simultaneously'. 733 Ayurvedic practitioners performed Nasya Karma, which has been registered in the Guinness Book of records.

3. Salman Khan receives Global Diversity Award at Britain’s House of Commons: The Global Diversity Award is given to people of immense stature in terms of what they have done for diversity in the world. Salman Khan was honored for his contribution to the Indian film industry as an actor, producer, television personality, singer, and philanthropist.

4. Top athletes to get a monthly stipend of Rs. 50000: Ministry of sports & youth affairs has decided to pay a monthly stipend of Rs 50,000 to each elite athlete preparing for the coming Commonwealth & Asian Games. The govt has selected 152 athletes under the TOP scheme, stipend will be paid with effect from Sept 1.

5. India, Japan sign open sky agreement: India and Japan signed an agreement that will allow their airlines to operate unlimited number of flights between the two countries. The open sky agreement will be signed in accordance with the National Civil Aviation Policy (NACP), 2016.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day for Preservation of Ozone Layer observed today: The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is observed every year on 16th September for the preservation of the Ozone Layer. This year, the theme for the Day is 'Caring for all life under the sun'. The day marks the commemoration of the date of signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987 on substances that deplete the Ozone layer.

2. Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon tabbed for IOC ethics chair: Former Secretary-General of United Nations (UN) ‘Ban Ki-moon’ has been elected as Chair of Ethics Commission of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the four-year term. He succeeds Youssoupha Ndiaye of Senegal.

3. Stuggart comes out as the Least Stressed City in the world and Baghdad comes out as the most stressed one: According to 2017 Global Least & Most Stressful Cities Ranking, Stuttgart is the least stressed out city across the globe, with 4 of top 10 relaxing cities situated in Germany. Luxembourg stood at 2nd spot while Hanover was at 3rd place in the ranking.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India Signs 76 Million Dollar with JICA to Upgrade Alang-Sosiya Shipyards: India has signed a loan deal of 76 million dollars with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for a project to upgrade the environment management plan at Alang-Sosiya ship recycling yards. The total cost of the project will be 111 million dollars and executed by Gujarat Maritime Board (completed by 2022).

2. Abanti Sankaranarayanan appointed as Chairman of ASCI: The Advertising Standards Council of India has appointed Abanti Sankaranarayanan as the chairman of its board.

3. Amazon ties up with Bank of Baroda to provide loans: Amazon has tied up with Bank of Baroda to offer micro loans to its sellers. Loans will be extended in the range of Rs 1 lakh to Rs 25 lakh at an annual interest rates b/w 10.45% & 11.5% RPT.

SPORTS:

4. A book – “Unstoppable: My Life So Far” authored by Maria Sharapova released: The book titled ‘Unstoppable: My Life So Far’ authored by Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova. The book talks about Sharapova’s rise from nowhere to tennis stardom and the unending fight to stay on top.

OBITUARIES:

5. Swami Bhaskar Das passes away: The major litigant in Ayodhya's disputed structure case Swami Bhaskar Das passed away due to cardiac arrest in Uttar Pradesh. He was the Chief of Nirmohi Akhara and main priest of Hanumangarhi temple in Ayodhya.

6. World’s oldest person dies aged 117: The oldest person in the world, Violet Mosse Brown, has died in Jamaica aged 117. Known as ‘Aunt V’ to friends, she was born in Trelawney on March 10, 1900 and lived there all of her phenomenally long life.

Daily GK Updates - 15th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. National Engineer’s Day observed: Nation is celebrating Engineer’s Day to mark 156th birth anniversary of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvarayya, one of the greatest engineers India has produced. Visvesvaraya was not only known for his contributions in field of engineering but was also called precursor of economic planning in India. It is noteworthy that he received India’s highest honour Bharat Ratna in 1955.

2. Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar announced: The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) has been awarded National level Rajbhasha Keerti Award for the third consecutive year. The award has been given to The Marine Products Export Development Authority for the best Implementation of Official language in the organisation. Vijaya Bank has bagged the first prize under the Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar (Region C) for the year 2016-17.

3. President Ram Nath Kovind launches nation-wide campaign Swacchata Hi Sewa: President Ram Nath Kovind has launched a nation-wide campaign Swacchata Hi Sewa from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh. He also administered nation-wide ‘Swachhta Hi Seva pledge’ initiating parallel action in all the two lakhs 50 thousand plus Gram Panchayats and cities in India. The objective of the campaign is to mobilize people and reinforce the public movement for sanitation to contribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s dream of a Clean India.

4. Centre for Animal Law to be set up at NALSAR, Hyderabad: India’s first Centre for Animal Law has been established at the city-based NALSAR University of Law. Centre will create curriculum on animal welfare laws, including developing topics for research. Centre will also conduct workshops on animal laws & animal welfare issues. Humane Society International, India will work with NALSAR University to steer and coordinate the activities of the centre

5. India’s forex reserves top $400 billion: India’s forex reserves surged by USD 2.604 billion to reach an all-time high of USD 400.726 billion. The foreign currency assets, a major component of the overall reserves, increased by USD 2.568 billion to USD 376.209 billion, according to data by the RBI. The country’s reserve position with the IMF also increased by USD 21.4 million to USD 2.304 billion.

6. 10 lakh students to play football under Maha Mission 1 Million: It will not only create football players and lovers of the game, but will also help in overall development of the state. The FIFA U17 World Cup is happening for the first time in India and it being held in Maharashtra.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Democracy Day being observed today: In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolved to observe 15th September as the International Day of Democracy with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy. This year's theme of democracy and conflict prevention focuses on the critical need to strengthen democratic institutions to promote peace and stability.

2. Indus Water Treaty talks begin in Washington: A two day high-level talk between India and Pakistan on technical issues of the Indus Waters Treaty has begun in Washington. IWT was signed in 1960 after 9 years of negotiations b/w India & Pakistan with the help of the World Bank, which is also a signatory.

3. Bank of England launches 10 pound plastic note after Jane Austen: A new plastic 10 pound note featuring renowned author Jane Austen has gone into circulation in Britain. Austen is the first female writer to feature on a British banknote, replacing a paper 10 pound note which featured a portrait of naturalist Charles Darwin.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. HDFC Bank is India’s top most brand: HDFC Bank has topped the list of the country’s top 50 brands according to a report released by WPP Plc and Kantar Millward Brown. HDFC Bank’s brand value is estimated at $17.97 billion, followed by Airtel at $10.23 billion.

2. Suzuki to set up India’s first Lithium-Ion battery unit: Suzuki Motor will invest more than Rs 1,150 cr along with Japanese partners Toshiba & Denso to set up India’s first lithium ion battery facility in Gujarat. It will cater to Maruti Suzuki as well Toyota’s range of electric vehicles of the future.

3. Hong Kong Central comes out as the most expensive office location: According to CBRE, Connaught Place has slipped one position to become 10th most expensive office location in the world with an annual rent of $111 per sq ft. Bandra Kurla Complex is at 16th rank while Nariman Point is at 30th position in CBRE’s latest report. Hong Kong’s (Central) ranked first with overall prime office rent of USD 269 per sq ft per year, followed by Beijing (Finance Street).

SPORTS:

4. Goa to host 36th National Games: The Indian Olympic Association has formally awarded to Goa the rights to host the 36th National Games.

Daily GK Updates - 14th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Foundation stone for bullet train of India laid by Modi and Abe: Prime Minister Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe laid the foundation stone for India’s first bullet train between Ahmedabad & Mumbai. The Rs 1.10 lakh cr train project b/w Ahmedabad and Mumbai is expected to be completed by 2022. The project is a joint venture b/w Indian Railways & Japan’s Shinkansen Technology.

2. Hindi day celebrated across the country: Hindi Divas is an annual day celebrated on 14 September in India. It serves to promote & propagate Hindi language. It was on this day in 1949 that the Constituent Assembly adopted Hindi written in Devanagari script as the official language of the country. Hindi Divas is also celebrated as the birth anniversary of Beohar Rajendra Simha, who contributed in highlighting the importance of Hindi.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. First global map of water on Moon created: Scientists have created 1st map of water trapped in uppermost layer of Moon’s soil which may prove useful to future lunar explorers. Scientists from Brown University used a new calibration of data taken from Nasa’s Moon Mineralogy Mapper, which flew aboard Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft to quantify how much water is present on a global scale.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Brian Acton leaves WhatsApp: Brian Acton, the co-founder of WhatsApp (which was later acquired by Facebook) has announced that he is leaving the company to start a non-profit venture of his own. Acton had co-founded WhatsApp with Jan Koum in 2009 and agreed to sell it to Facebook in 2014 for approximately $19 billion in cash and stock.

2. JNPCT wins Container Terminal of the Year award at Gateway Awards: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Container Terminal was awarded “Container Terminal of the Year” Award for above 0.6 mn TEUs category at Gateway Awards. JNPCT won for its proactive strategies to ease congestion, smooth delivery of containers & revamping of infrastructure to support trade amidst adverse conditions.

3. Smaaash, a digital gaming firm, raises Rs280 crores: Sachin Tendulkar-backed sports-based entertainment company Smaaash Entertainment has raised Rs 280 cr through debt & equity. Smaaash owns and operates sports-centric digital entertainment centres for games such as cricket, football, go-karting, bowling & a host of virtual games.

4. HSBC ties up with Sa-Dhan: HSBC has entered into an agreement with microfinance industry association Sa-Dhan to develop digital ecosystem for India’s unbanked segment. HSBC Bank will provide technology expertise to train & educate microfinance consumers at grassroots level.

Daily GK Updates - 13th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. MoEIT  launches hackathon: Ministry for Electronics & Information Technology has launched a nationwide hackathon ‘OpenGovDataHack’ to support & showcase potential ideas from inner India. NIC & IAMAI have collaborated to conduct hackathon at Jaipur, Chennai, Noida, Bhubaneswar, Patna, Hyderabad & Surat. It aims to enable participants to develop their ideas into apps/infographics primarily by use of open government data.

2. Bill to increase tax-free gratuity approved: Centre has approved an amendment Bill that increases limit of tax-free gratuity up to Rs 20 lakh for employees belonging to public as well as private sector. The current upper ceiling on gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, is Rs 10 lakh.

3. India grants Citizenship to Chakmas, Hajong refugees: Centre is all set to grant citizenship to Chakma & Hajong refugees who have been living in Arunachal Pradesh for more than half a century. Citizenship will not entitle these refugees to the rights enjoyed by Scheduled Tribes in the state. Chakmas & Hajongs were inhabitants of Chittagong Hill Tracts of East Pakistan. They had to flee when their land was submerged by Kaptai dam in the 1960s.

4. RBI to introduce Rs 100 Coin: Reserve Bank of India will introduce 100 rupees coin to mark the birth centenary of AIADMK founder Late Dr M G Ramachandran. The face of the coin will bear Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar in the centre with Satyamev Jayate inscribed below on it in Devnagari script.

5. Tendulkar launches Mission-24: Sachin Tendulkar has launched Mission-24 – A programme aimed at improving quality of life in one of Mumbai’s poorest wards through collaborative efforts. Under Mission-24, efforts will be made to provide basic amenities to residents of M-East ward that includes slums of Shivaji Nagar, Deonar & Mankhurd.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. First female President of Singapore: Halimah Yacob, a former speaker of parliament from the Muslim Malay minority, did not have to face an election after authorities decided her rivals did not meet strict eligibility criteria. She will be Singapore’s 1st female President & the first Malay head of state in 47 years.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Bharti Airtel, SK Telecom team up: Bharti Airtel & SK Telecom have announced a strategic partnership under which Airtel will leverage latter’s expertise to build advanced telecom network in India. Partnership will work across several areas including developing bespoke software to improve network experience.

2. Force Motors, Rolls-Royce Power tie up for engines: Force Motors has entered into a non-binding joint venture agreement with Rolls-Royce Power Systems AG to produce engines for power generation & rail application for Indian and global markets. Joint venture with Rolls-Royce will be Force Motor’s first step towards diversifying into non-auto segment.

3. M Nagaraja Sharma appointed new CMD of UIICL: The Union government has appointed M Nagaraja Sharma as the chairman and managing director of United India Insurance.

4. Global Human Capital Index released, India at 103rd position: India has been placed at a low 103 rank, the lowest among BRICS economies, on the WEF’s Global Human Capital Index. India was ranked 105th on this list last year, while Finland was on the top which has pushed by Norway to second place this year.

5. Reliance Energy launches ELEKTRA: Reliance Energy has launched a digital assistance robot, ELEKTRA, to handle and resolve consumer complaints within minutes. The bot is powered by artificial intelligence to provide automated machine responses to customer complaints, requests and enquiries.

6. Mahendra Pratap Mall appointed IRCTC CMD: Mahendra Pratap Mall has been appointed as the chairman & managing director of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. The appointments committee of the Union cabinet has approved his appointment to the post for a period of five years.

Daily GK Updates - 12th September, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Online Food Inspection via FoSCoRIS: To bring transparency in food safety inspection & sampling, FSSAI has put in place a nationwide online platform. The web-based FoSCoRIS system will help verify compliance of food safety & hygiene standards by food businesses as per government norms. States have been told to appoint a nodal officer for this purpose & send details of officers of state food authority for integrating them with FoSCoRIS.

2. Kochi to host Coastal Shipping and Inland Water Transportation Summit: Kochi will host the fifth edition of the ‘Coastal Shipping and Inland Water Transportation Business Summit 2017’. The summit will be an initiative to explore the immense potential of coastal shipping and waterways as well as an effort to build a shared commitment and decipher the role that each stakeholder will have to play in integrating the coastal and waterways transport infrastructure.

3. Assam govt. to provide skill development training to 30 thousand surrendered militants: The Assam govt. will provide skill development training to 30 thousand surrendered militants. Another 24 thousand youths in Assam will be trained under the Prime Minister Kaushal Vikas Yojna.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day for South-South Cooperation: The International Day for South-South Cooperation has been observed on 12th September 2017 by United Nations (UN) to work on technical cooperation among developing countries. The day celebrates the economic, social and political developments made in recent years by regions and countries in the south.

2. Two mountains in Pluto named: 2 mountain ranges on Pluto have been named after Tenzing Norgay & Edmund Hillary respectively by International Astronomical Union. These are the 1st geological features to be named following close flyby by New Horizons spacecraft in 2015.

3. London remains world’s top financial centre: London remains the globe’s most attractive financial centre, extending its lead over New York. London was placed first, followed by New York & Hong Kong in the Z/Yen global financial centres index, which ranks 92 financial centres on factors such as infrastructure & access to high-quality staff.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. RIL tops the list of companies in terms of market capitalization: Reliance Industries with market capitalisation of Rs 5,33,070 stood at the top of the list. HDFC Bank has pipped Tata Consultancy Services to become the 2nd most valued company in terms of market capitalisation.

SPORTS:

2. Padukone to get Lifetime Achievement award by BAI: The renowned Indian Badminton legend Prakash Padukone has been selected for the first life time award by Badminton Association of India.