Daily GK Updates - 12th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Anupam Kher appointed new FTII chairman: Veteran actor Anupam Kher has been appointed as the new chairperson of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). He will succeed Gajendra Chauhan. FTII is considered as a premier institute for training in Cinema and Television, established in 1960.

2. SMC to do aerial survey of Tapi for potable water: To meet the demand of potable water in future, the Surat Municipal Corporation started a heliborne survey of Tapi riverbed and its banks. The SMC has thus become the first civic body in the country to carry out a scientific study to find out potable water.

3. Kovind to inaugurate two-day conference of Governors & LGs: President Ram Nath Kovind has inaugurated two-day Conference(48th) of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The session will start with a presentation by NITI Aayog on the possible elements of ‘New India 2022’. The second session will be on Higher Education in States and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to Make Youth Employable. 27 Governors and 3 Lieutenant Governors (LG) of States and Union Territories (UT) are attending the Conference.

4. 42 mini food parks to be set up by 2019: The government will be setting up, mini food parks to raise the processing level. Minister of  Food Processing, said all 42 sanctioned mega food parks will be operational by 2019. This will be done under the new ₹6,000 crore SAMPADA scheme approved by the government recently

5. Gujarat govt to set up 16 new GIDC townships to encourage SMEs: The Gujarat Govt. will set up 16 new Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) townships in 2400-hectare area to encourage the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This township will attract 15,000 industrial units and about 20,000 crore rupees investments is likely to come up in the state following this policy. Garment makers will get Rs. 4,000 subsidies per woman worker and Rs. 3500 rupees subsidy per male worker.

6. Maharashtra launches ‘MahaLabharthi‘ to enable people know about Govt. schemes: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis launched ‘MahaLabharthi‘ web portal that will help people get information about all the government schemes that they are eligible for. The portal will allow people to apply for the welfare schemes. The web portal, https://www.mahalabharthi.in, works on the basis of personal, educational and professional information provided by a person while registering on it.

7. Maharashtra adopts climate change policy: Maharashtra cabinet approved a climate change adaptation policy that will focus on developing environment-friendly villages and cities. A special cell will be set up for the effective implementation of the policy. It is done to mitigate the impact of climate change on Maharashtra.

8. Schemes to boost Skill India Mission launched: The Committee on Economic Affairs has approved two new World Bank supported schemes of Rs. 6,655 crore. The two schemes are Skills Acquisition and Knowledge Awareness for Livelihood Promotion (SANKALP) and Skill Strengthening for Industrial Value Enhancement (STRIVE). They are outcome focused schemes marking shift in government’s implementation strategy in vocational education and training.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. SpaceX launches 10 satellites: SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket carrying 10 satellites to bolster the global data communications network for Virginia-based company, Iridium.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Direct tax collections in the first half of the current financial year rise 15.8%: The Direct Tax Collections in the first half of the current fiscal shows growth of 15.8%.

The provisional figures of Direct Tax collections up to September 2017 show that net collections are at 3.86 lakh crore rupees which is higher than the corresponding period of last year. Net Direct Tax collections represent 39.4% of the total budget estimates of Direct Taxes for the financial year 2017-18.

2. India holds second position in pharma workforce: In a LinkedIn report, India ranked as the second largest market for pharmaceuticals and biotechnology workforce. The report stated that India contributes 13.7 % to the global pharmaceuticals and biotechnology workforce.

BANKING/FINANCE:

3. SBI to setup largest Innovation Centre: State Bank of India announced the setting up of its 15,000 square feet Innovation Centre in Navi Mumbai. It will be the largest Innovation Centre by any financial services company in India.

SPORTS:

4. Indian Pair Win Gold at World Archery Youth Championship 2017: India’s Mixed pair of Jemson Ningthoujam & Ankita Bhakat has won the gold medal at World Archery Youth Championship in Rosario, Argentina. This is India’s first world title at the youth championships since Deepika Kumari’s victories in 2009 and 2011.

5. FIFA suspends the Pakistan Football Federation: The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has suspended the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) with immediate effect due to the verdict of the Bureau of the FIFA Council.Now, the Pakistan Football Federation representative and club teams are not entitled to take part in international competitions.

Daily GK Updates - 11th October 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Uttarakhand Government launches 'solar briefcase' for remote areas: Uttarakhand Govt. and Swan Cultural Center & Foundation (a charitable funding agency) have launched ‘Solar Briefcase’ to provide electricity to far-flung areas in the hill state.101 families located in remote areas were provided solar briefcases & power packs by the Hans foundationThe Hans foundation in collaboration with the State Government has decided to provide off grid power to the deprived families by distributing 15,000 solar briefcases in Uttarakhand.Earlier in the day CM Rawat handedover the first Power pack to the temple committee of Kedarnath.

2.Bihar to provide reservation to persons with disabilities in government jobs: Bihar state cabinet has approved reservations for persons with disabilities in govt. jobs and educational institutions.The provision has been brought in accordance with the Persons With Disabilities Act, 2016.The cabinet also approved the establishment of a state advisory board for the empowerment of 'Divyangjan' as envisaged in the Act.Secretaries of various departments will serve as members of the board and it will also comprise representatives from districts.

3. President presents Lal Bahadur Shastri National award to Bindeshwar Pathak: President Ram Nath Kovind has presented 18th Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award to ‘Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak’ for Excellence in Public Administration, Academics, and Management.Bindeshwar Pathak has contributed immensely in the direction of getting rid of the practice of manual scavenging.

4. Anupam Kher has been appointed as the new chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII): Film actor Anupam Kher has been appointed as the new chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). He succeeded Gajendra Chauhan. Kher has worked in more than 500 films and over 100 plays in last three decades. He was conferred the Padma Shri in 2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016 by the Indian government. Dulhaniya Le Jayenge and Maine Gandhi Ko Nahi Maara. He has also been a part of international projects such as Bend It Like Beckham, Lust, Caution, and David O Russell’s 2013 Oscar-winning Silver Linings Playbook.

               INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Nisha Desai Biswal appointed as President of USIBC: Former Indian-American assistant secretary of South and central Asia ‘Nisha Desai Biswal’ has been appointed as the President of US India Business Council (USIBC).In 1975, the U.S. India Business Council (USIBC) was formed as a business advocacy organization to enlighten and encourage the private sectors of both India and US to enhance investment flows.She previously served as the Assistant Administrator for Asia at the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

2. International Day of the Girl Child being observed today: The International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) is observed every year across the world on 11th October (6th- edition) to recognize girls’ rights and challenges girls face around the world.The theme of 2017 is “EmPOWER Girls: Before, during and after crises".On the occasion, Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Sanjay Gandhi addressed a panel discussion on the Role of Sports in the Empowerment of Girls in New Delhi.

                             OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Mastercard lab to help India on inclusive digital economy goal: Mastercard has launched its first technology lab in the country (in Pune) to help India move towards digital economy and financial inclusion.This lab will be Mastercard's ninth such establishment in the world and the second in Asia Pacific after Singapore.Earlier this year, Mastercard co-innovated with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and other payments brands to develop Bharat QR.The QR (quick response) code is the world's first interoperable data acceptance solution that streamlines local electronic payments infrastructure.

2.IMF trims India growth forecast for current financial year to 6.7 %:According to the latest World Economic Outlook, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has trimmed India’s growth forecast for 6.7% from its earlier estimate of 7.2% for the financial Year 2017-18.It cited the lingering impact of demonetization and transition cost to the Goods & Services Tax (GST) For the slowdown.India is expected to regain the fastest growing major economy tag next year when it is forecast to grow 7.4%, slower than earlier estimate of 7.7% but higher than China's 6.5%.Earlier this month, RBI lowered its growth forecast for 2017-18 to 6.7% from 7.3%.

3. The India’s GDP forecast 7% for FY18 :The World Bank (WB), in its biannual economic update “South Asia Economic Focus (Fall 2017)”, has reduced India’s GDP growth forecast to 7.0% for 2017-18 from 7.2% estimated earlier. As per report, the unexpected slowdown in India’s growth story is because of the delayed consequence of demonetization, sharp decline in the growth rate of public expenditures and uncertainty created by the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST). Apart from WB, Both the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as well as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have also cut their growth projections for India to 7% and 6.7%, respectively, for fiscal 2017-18.

SPORTS:

1.Iceland, Smallest Country to Qualify for Football World Cup 2018: Iceland created history by qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. This is the first time that Iceland qualified for the World Cup.Iceland became the smallest country to clinch a position at the 21st FIFA World Cup. The previous smallest country to have reached the World Cup was Trinidad & Tobago.

Daily GK Updates - 10th October, 2017

                 NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Jagdish Mukhi takes oath as Governor of Assam: Prof. Jagdish Mukhi (74-years) has been administered the oath of office by Gauhati High Court Chief Justice, Ajit Singh at a function in Gauhati.Earlier, Prof Mukhi served as the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.The governors of the states have similar powers and functions at the state level as that of the President of India at Union level.The governor acts as the nominal head whereas the real power lies with the chief ministers of the states and their councils of ministers.

2. J&K govt launches Aadhaar enrolment drive for students: The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) govt. has started an Aadhaar enrolment drive for nearly 14 lakh school children in the state.Aadhaar enrolment centres have been set up in Phase-1 in six districts of the state which includes Shopian, Pulwama, Anantnag, Dodha, Kishtwar, and Samba.The rest of the districts will be covered in Phase-2 for which the necessary equipment, machinery, and other measures are being undertaken.

3.Haryana government to provide 50 pc subsidy on onion seed: Haryana Govt. has decided to provide 50% subsidy on onion seed on the first-come-first-serve basis to encourage farming of kharif onion in the state.The maximum amount limit of subsidy on the onion seed is 500 rupees per kg seed or 50%, whichever is less would be provided.The maximum quantity of seed provided is 10 kg per hectare per farmer.Now, farmers can obtain the seed of different varieties of kharif onion from seed sales centres of Haryana Seed Development Corporation and National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation by just depositing their share of the amount according to rules.

4. Vice President inaugurates 3rd International Conference on Yoga: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu has inaugurated the third International Conference on Yoga in New Delhi.The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Yoga for Wellness’.Experts will deliberate on the scope of yoga in integrated medicine, and control of cancer, depression, gynecological disorders and pain management.Around 500 delegates from 44 countries are attending the conference to provide a common platform to AYUSH and allopathy practitioners, researchers, academicians, policymakers and students.

5. UP Cabinet approves digitalization of land maps: Uttar Pradesh state Cabinet presided by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has approved digitalization of land maps in 70 districts of the state.Rs. 5.21 crore has been made available for the digitization work.The maps will be available online and help check malpractices in a big way.

                INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India’s rank at 8th in the world’s most valuable nation brands: India has been ranked 8th out of 100 countries on a list of most valuable nation brands, according to Brand Finance’s Nation Brands 2017 report. The list is topped by US, followed by China, Germany, Japan and United Kingdom. In terms of valuation, India’s National Brand Value in 2017 is $2.04 trillion, down one percent from last year’s $2.06 trillion. However, India’s brand rating has improved from ‘AA-‘ to ‘AA’. Despite a rating improvement, India does not feature in the list of 10 best performing nation brands. Iceland topped the ‘Top 10 best performing nation brands’ list. Brand Finance measures the strength and value of the nation brands of 100 leading countries using a method based on the royalty relief mechanism employed to value the world’s largest companies.

                              OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Commerce & industry ministry okays eight industrial licenses for explosives: The commerce and industry ministry has approved eight industrial licenses for explosives.These industrial licenses for explosives with proposed investment of 51 crore rupees are likely to create 1,171 jobs.Industrial licensing was abolished for most of the industries but permits are needed for defense and explosives segments.

2. Gujarat cuts VAT on petrol, diesel by 4%: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has announced to reduce 4% VAT on petrol and diesel prices.Petrol price has been cut by Rs 2.93 per litre, while diesel price has been slashed by Rs 2.72 a litre.Reduction in VAT will cost the state exchequer around Rs 2,316 crore annually.Now, the current 24 % VAT on petrol and diesel will now come down to 20%.

3. IIT-Kharagpur  has signed a MoU with Samsung for digital academy: IIT-Kharagpur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Samsung India for the setting up of a digital academy on the institute’s campus. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the institute will host the Samsung Innovation Lab and train students on the Internet of Things (IoT) through Tizen-based operating systems, commonly used by the company for its mobile phones and home appliances. The academy was a part of Samsung’s corporate social initiative that aims at bridging the digital divide in the country by imparting skills to students on cutting-edge technology, Through this partnership with IIT-KGP, the academy planned to train over 100 students in the next three years. The course would be taught over 14 weeks through classroom lectures, assignments, lab room sessions, self-study and mini projects.

Daily GK Updates - 9th October, 2017

                 NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. GoM Set Up to Review Composition Scheme:  A group of ministers (GoM) has been set up under Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to make the composition scheme more attractive and also revisit GST rates on restaurants. The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had constituted the GoM.With only 15.50 lakh businesses out of the total 98 lakh registered under the goods and services tax (GST) regime opting for the composition scheme, the GST Council has decided to set up the GoM to examine measures to make it more attractive.

                   INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Rajesh Nath has been conferred the ‘Cross of the Order of Merit’, the highest civilian honour of Germany: Rajesh Nath, the managing director of VDMA India, has been conferred the ‘Cross of the Order of Merit’, the highest civilian honour awarded to individuals for their services to Germany. The award, also known as Bundesverdienstkreuz or Federal Cross of Merit was instituted in 1951 and is Germany’s only honour that is awarded to both Germans and foreigners for achievements in the economic, social, political or intellectual realms.

                                OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. PNB MetLife Appoints Ashish Srivastava as MD & CEO: PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Ltd (PNB MetLife),a life insurer, has appointed Ashish Srivastava as a new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the company.Prior to this elevation, Srivastava was an interim CEO at PNB MetLife. Srivastava joined PNB MetLife in 2013 as the Head of HR for the India business.

SPORTS:

1.India's Anupama Ramachandran wins World Open U-16 Snooker Championship: Anupama Ramachandran (India) has won the World Open Under-16 Snooker Championship title at St. Petersburg in Russia.In the Girls category, she defeated top seed Keerthana Pandian 3-1.In boy category, Dylan Emery of Wales has claimed the title.Total 73 cueists from across the world have participated in this championship.

2.Rafael Nadal wins 2107 China open title: Top-ranked 16-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal (Spain) has won 2017 China 0pen title in Beijing.Rafael Nadal defeated Nick Kyrgios (Australia) 6-2, 6-1 to win his 6th ATP title of the year.In the women’s event, Caroline Garcia (France) defeated world no.1 Simona Halep(Romania) in straight sets of 6-4, 7-6 .