Daily GK Updates - 18th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Railways to invest Rs3,000 crore to mechanize, automate yards: The Indian Railways plans to spend around Rs3,000 crore to make smart yards in order to mechanize maintenance and repair work of rakes, ending a century-old practice of manual inspections. According to the proposal, 40 of the 100 yards that the national carrier has would be automated and mechanized at an average cost of around Rs70-75 crore each. To start with, yards at Mughalsarai and Tughlakabad will be made smart yards.

2. Govt. planning one Ayurveda hospital in every district: Honourable PM, inaugurating the All India Institute of Ayurveda, appealed to the private sector to channel some of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds towards the development of yoga and Ayurveda. Modi also said his government was working to establish an Ayurveda hospital in every district. The Prime Minister also released the “Ayurvedic Standard Treatment Guidelines” developed by the AYUSH ministry. The Pharmacopoeia Commission of Indian Medicine and Homoeopathy is also working for the standardization of traditional Indian medicines.

3. Govt. plans to revive Gorakhpur, Barauni, Sindri fertilizer plants using US LNG: India’s biggest gas utility plans to use some of the liquefied natural gas it gets from the US to restart three idled fertilizer plants, according to people with knowledge of the matter. State-run GAIL India Ltd plans to supply the factories in eastern India with more than a third of the LNG it’s contracted to buy from the US. The company will connect them by pipelines to supply the imported gas.

4. Asian University Rankings 2018- IIT Bombay top among Indian universities, IISc slips: IIT Bombay was ranked 34th in Asia, followed by IIT Delhi (41), IIT Madras (48) and IISc Bengaluru at 51, according to Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) Asian University Rankings for 2018. Nanyang Technological University, Singapore has emerged as the Top University in Asia.

5. 1 million Maharashtra farmers to get farm loan waiver benefits today: The first set of one million farmers in Maharashtra will get the benefit of loan waivers on 18 October, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced in Mumbai. The farmers are spread across all districts of Maharashtra and the amount on account of loan waiver will be deposited directly into their accounts on 18 October.

6. I-T dept launches 'online chat' to answer taxpayers' queries: The income tax department has launched an 'online chat' service for taxpayers so that they can seek answers to their basic queries and doubts relating to direct tax issues. A window has been hosted on the main page of the department's website with a prominent icon stating 'Live Chat Online- ask your query'.

7. ICAI seeks post graduation status for CA qualification: Chartered accountants’ apex body the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) said it has sought post graduation degree status for CA qualification. Besides, the CA intermediate programme should be accorded the graduation degree status. In this regard, ICAI has recently written a letter to the corporate affairs ministry. According to the release, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), back in 1984, had recognised chartered accountancy along with graduation to be equivalent to a post graduate degree in commerce or allied disciplines for the purpose of registration to PhD programme.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. George Saunders wins 2017 Man Booker Prize: US author George Saunders wins Britain’s renowned Man Booker Prize, which was awarded for his first full-length novel ‘Lincoln in the Bardo’.

2. 40% decline in Indians looking for work in US: US president Donald Trump's anti-immigration stance and Britain's exit from the European Union last year have resulted in a lower number of Indians looking for jobs in these countries.
There has been a 38% and 42% drop in Indians looking to move to the US and UK respectively in the last one year (September 2016 to October 2017), compared to the corresponding previous year, data from job site Indeed showed. Overall, there has been a 5% decrease in Indians looking to move abroad in search of job opportunities, the report added.

3. China's prospects are bright but challenges severe-Jinping at Communist Party’s National Congress: Chinese President Xi Jinping trumpeted his nation's prospects as bright but made a rare acknowledgement of severe economic challenges as he opened the Communist Party's twice-a-decade National Congress. Among the grave issues Xi said were insufficiently addressed are a widening income gap and problems in employment, education, medical care and other areas. Xi has been consolidating his already considerable power and is expected to get a second five-year term as party leader at the gathering.

4. Sebastian Kurz - World's youngest leader in waiting: "Whizz-kid", "Basti Fantasti", "Messiah" are just some of the monikers given to Austrian conservative Sebastian Kurz , the world's youngest leader in waiting. His People's Party (OeVP), revamped by the 31-year-old as a more hardline "movement", was projected to have come first in Sunday's election with some 31.5 percent of the vote.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Airtel plans to phase out 3G in two years, offer VoLTE nationwide: Bharti Airtel Ltd plans to phase out its 3G service in two years and upgrade all subscribers using the service to faster 4G networks in a move that will help India’s largest telecom operator save on costs and improve user experience. The entry of Reliance Infocomm has accelerated the growth of 4G in India.

2. Mahindra Logistics IPO to open on 31 October: Mahindra Logistics, Mahindra Group’s logistics arm, on Wednesday said it will launch its Rs700 crore initial public offering (IPO) on 31 October. The public offering will close on 2 November. The public issue of Mahindra Logistics comprises 19,332,346 equity shares that are up for sale. This includes 9,666,173 shares, amounting to 13.74% stake, by parent firm Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd.

Daily GK Updates - 17th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. First-ever Indo-Russia Tri-Services Exercise INDRA – 2017 to commence: The first ever Tri-Services Joint Exercise between Indian and Russian Armed Forces will be conducted in the Eastern Military District of Russia from 19th to 29th Oct 2017. Exercise INDRA-2017 will strengthen mutual confidence, inter-operability and enable sharing of best practices between both the armed forces.

2. Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan awarded UN medal: Fifty Indian peacekeepers stationed in South Sudan have been awarded the UN Medal for their professionalism and service in protecting civilians and building durable peace in the conflict-ridden country. The Indian peacekeepers are part of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

3. Karnataka needs its own flag-CM: Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah has invoked Kannada pride, saying the government is firm on Karnataka having a state flag.  Karnataka State government had constituted a nine-member committee to study and submit a report.

4. Bus service between Nepal's Rolpa and New Delhi begins: A direct bus service commenced between New Delhi and Rolpa district in Nepal. It will run once a week.

5. Gopal Gowda gets Mandd Sobhann award: Renowned Konkani folk artist Gopal Gowda has been chosen for this years Kalakar Puraskar. The prize is instituted by Mandd Sobhann, an organisation with the aim of protecting Konkani identity.

6. “Beyond The Dreamgirl” – Autobiography of Dreamgirl Hemamalini released: Autobiography of Hema Malini, “Beyond The Dreamgirl” was released on her 69th birthday. Beyond The Dreamgirl, published by HarperCollins India, will give readers an in-depth look into her life. It is divided into 23 chapters, covering her childhood, teens, Bollywood, rise as an actor, romance, colleagues, marriage.

7. Prabha Varma to get Padma Prabha Puraskaram: Prabha Varma, an eminent poet, lyricist and journalist has been selected for this year’s Padma Prabha Puraskaram for her contribution to Malyalam literature. Padma Prabha Puraskaram is conferred for contributions to the field of Malayalam literature.

8. Vasundhara Raje opens up expansion of Annapurna Rasoi Yojna in 191 urban areas in Rajasthan: The scheme to provide quality food to the needy of all categories at affordable rates was being implemented in the selected cities and government has now expanded it in all the urban areas. People will get breakfast for five rupees and lunch and dinner for 8 rupees under the scheme.

9. Punjab cabinet approves entertainment tax on DTH and local cable connections: The move follows a proposal mooted by the local government department, allowing all the urban local bodies and gram panchayats to levy such a tax. These local bodies will be eligible to impose and collect a nominal entertainment tax of Rs 5 per DTH connection and Rs 2 per local cable connection per month with the enactment of The Punjab Entertainments & Amusements Taxes (Levy & Collection by Local Bodies) Bill 2017.

10. FDDI Act 2017 comes into force: Footwear Design & Development Institute (FDDI) has been declared an ‘Institute of National Importance’ under Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India. The FDDI bill was passed by the Parliament in July 2017. FDDI is a premier Institute, serving as a ‘One stop solutions provider’ in footwear, leather and allied industry.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day for the Eradication of Poverty observed: The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is observed every year on 17th October. The theme of 2017 is ‘Answering the Call of October 17 to end poverty: A path toward peaceful and inclusive societies’.

2. The Democratic Republic of Congo wins seat on UN Human Rights Council: The Democratic Republic of Congo has been elected to the UN Human Rights Council today despite opposition from the United States. Congo was among the 15 countries who won seats on the council during a vote at the UN General Assembly.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Amazon, Microsoft launch learning interface ‘Gluon’: Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft have teamed up to launch an open-source and deep learning interface ‘Gluon’. It will help developers to deploy machine learning models across several platforms. The interface would give developers a place where they can prototype, build, train and deploy machine learning models.

2. Mahindra launches ‘Prerna’ project: Mahindra & Mahindra has launched a programme, Prerna, to empower women working in the agriculture sector. It aims to address these issues with the promotion of women friendly, efficient and ergonomic farm tools and equipment.

3. Selena Selvakumar wins triple gold at Egypt Junior Table Tennis Championship: India’s young paddler top-seeded Selena Selvakumar has won the triple gold medal at the Egypt Junior and Cadet Open Table Tennis Championship. She won singles and doubles gold medal apart from the team championship gold.

Daily GK Updates - 16th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Pranab Mukherjee’s new book “Coalition Years” launched: The Coalition Years begins its journey in 1996 and explores the highs and lows that characterized sixteen years of one of the most tumultuous periods in the India’s political history.

2. Rajasthan becomes the first state to call attention and adjournment motions online: Rajasthan State assembly has become the first in India to call attention and adjournment motions and proposals online from legislators. The new online system was inaugurated by Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Kailash Meghwal.

3. Andaman LG Joshi launches Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana in Andaman and Nicobar islands: Lt. Governor of Andaman and Nicobar islands, Devendra Kumar Joshi, has launched Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana at DBRAIT auditorium in Port Blair. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana  (PMMVY) is a Maternity Benefit Programme that is implemented in all the districts of the country in accordance with the provision of the National Food Security Act, 2013.

4. Nirmala Sitharaman commissions INS Kiltan into Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam: It is the third of the four Kamorta-class corvettes being built under Project 28. INS Kiltan has been designed by the Indian Navy's in-house organization Directorate of Naval Design and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers in Kolkata.

5. Singer T M Krishna wins Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration: TM Krishna is a pre-eminent vocalist in the Carnatic tradition of Indian classical music and has been an activist who has worked to break down caste-barriers in the society. The award is given for promotion national integration.

6. Water carnival to promote Madhya Pradesh Water Tourism: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurated a two-and-a-half-month-long water carnival which will be held until January 2. The carnival will be held at Hanuwantiya Island in the backwaters of Indira Sagar Dam in Khandwa district of the state.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Food Day observed: World Food Day is dedicated to tackling global hunger. It is observed every year on 16th October. It promotes worldwide awareness and action for those who suffer from hunger and for the need to ensure food security and nutritious diets for all. It marks the foundation of Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in 1945. The theme for 2017 World Food Day is "Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development".

2. Poorvi GB wins the “Best Performer” title at ‘Little Miss World’: 12-year old Indian girl Poorvi G B has been awarded the ‘best performer’ subtitle at the ‘Little Miss World 2017’ pageant held in Greece recently. She is the first Indian kid to win a title in the international beauty pageant and talent competition.

3. Iceland gives the world its first ‘negative emissions’ power plant: World’s first ‘negative emissions’ power plant started operating in Iceland. The term negative emission in this context indicates that the power plant eliminates more carbon dioxide (CO2) than it produces. It has been accomplished by a climate-startup named Climeworks by refitting a geothermal plant in Iceland. 

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. Union Bank of India launches bilingual app-Sahyog: Union Bank of India has launched an Android app, Union Sahyog, as part of its drive to digitise customer-facing banking services. The Union Sahyog app is bilingual, which offers both English and Hindi language.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

2. Federer wins Shanghai Masters:  Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal of Spain by 6-4

6-3 to win the final match of Shanghai Masters tennis tournament.

3. Mohun Bagan lift the Governors Gold Cup: Mohun Bagan has won the 37th All India Governor's Gold Cup football tournament (10th times) by defeating Partha Chakra by 1-0 margin at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok. The Sikkim Gold Cup (Sikkim Governor's Gold Cup) is an Indian football tournament held in Sikkim organized by Sikkim Football Association (SFA).

OBITUARIES:

4. Veteran film-maker Lekh Tandon passes away: Lekh Tandon is best known for films like Amrapali, Agar Tum Na Hote and Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye, Swades, Chennai Express and Rang De Basanti.

Daily GK Updates - 15th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. New Bureau of Indian Standards Act brought into effect: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has brought into effect new Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Act 2016. The Act replaced Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 1986. It aims to help in ease of doing business in the country, enhance ‘Make In India’ campaign and ensure availability of quality products and services to the customers.

2. India on solid growth track – Christine Lagarde: The combination of fiscal consolidation, lower inflation and structural reforms will deliver more employment and jobs to the Indian workforce, said Christine Lagarde, Managing Director, IMF. She said, though the IMF has scaled down India’s GDP forecast to 6.7% for 2017, India is on a much more “solid growth track”.

3. Guinness World Record created – 149000 students attend a session on biology: At the second day of the India International Science Festival in Chennai, a new Guinness World Record for the Largest Biology Lesson was created. One thousand forty-nine students participated in the record-breaking session. The World record had students from Class 9 and Class 10. The biology lesson was delivered by Ms Lakhsmi Prabhu from Shri Shankar senior Secondary School.

4. Arvind Kejriwal – “In theatres now”:  A documentary on Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal is being released. Titled as ‘An Insignificant Man’, the film will hit theatres on November 17. Directed by Khushboo Ranka and Vina Shukla, An Insignificant Man, is a non-fiction political thriller that chronicles the rise of Arvind Kejriwal from a social activist to the chief minister of Delhi.

5. Namita Gokhale nominated for Centenary National Award for Literature: Eminent writer Namita Gokhale has been nominated for the first Centenary National Award for Literature, for her outstanding literary contributions. The award has been conferred by the Asam Sahitya Sabha, which is regarded as one of the most prestigious literary bodies in India.

6. World’s largest combustion research centre inaugurated at IIT Madras: The world’s largest combustion research centre which will impart a major boost to the Indian scientific community was inaugurated at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. The National Centre for Combustion Research and Development as inaugurated by NITI Aayog member V K Saraswat.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. In a first, woman to head Saudi sport federation: For the first time, a princess has been named to head a Saudi multi-sports federation. Princess Rima Bandar bin Sultan has become “the first woman to lead a federation” covering sporting activities for men and women.

2. International Day of Rural Women: The International Day of Rural Women is observed on October 15 to recognise the services of rural women in food production and food security. This day was first observed on October 15, 2008, after being approved by the United Nations. The 2017 Theme is “Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls”

3. Audrey Azoulay elected as UNESCO DG: Former French Culture Minister Audrey Azoulay was elected as new Director-General of UNESCO – the UN’s education, science and culture agency. With this, she becomes first Jewish Director of UNESCO.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. MPEDA - 12% growth in seafood export: The Marine Products Export Development Authority is looking at a 10-12 percent growth in seafood exports in the current fiscal. According to MPEDA, seafood exports in 2016-17 reached a record $5.8 billion.

BANKING/FINANCE:

2. IndusInd bank to buy Bharat Financial: IndusInd Bank agreed to an all-share deal to buy Micro-lender Bharat Financial Inclusion Ltd. This acquisition would boost IndusInd’s presence in microfinance lending and rural banking. IndusInd will give Bharat Financial’s shareholders 639 of its shares for every 1,000 shares they own in Bharat Financial. The deal would help IndusInd become a dominant player in the microfinance industry.

Daily GK Updates - 14th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. New Rajdhani between Delhi-Mumbai sans Flexi-Fare: Ministry of Railways is introducing a new Special Rajdhani Express between Delhi and Mumbai from 16th October, 2017. It is done to fulfill the long overdue demand of passengers and to provide faster and convenient connectivity to passengers between two metros Delhi and Mumbai. Flexi Fare shall not be applicable in this train.

2. Mahesh Sharma inaugurated Deep Dharohar: Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture inaugurated “Deep Dharohar”. The festival was inaugurated by the lighting of 1000 diyas by the participating artists and artisans and children from organisations. The Minister released a book entitled ‘Living Traditions, Tribal and Folk Paintings of India’ published under the matrix of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.

3. MK Sanu to get Mathrubhumi Literary award: Eminent critic, biographer and orator M K Sanu is chosen for the Mathrubhumi Literary Award for 2016 in recognition of his rich contribution to the Malayalam literature. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, a citation and a statuette.

4. IWAI raises Rs. 660 crore through Bonds: The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has raised Rs. 660 crore as “GOI Fully Serviced Bonds”. The resources raised by way of bonds are in addition to the budgetary support from the Government of India.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day for Disaster Reduction observed: The International Day for Disaster Reduction was started in 1989, after a call by the United Nations General Assembly for a day to promote a global culture of risk-awareness and disaster reduction. It is held on 13 October every year. The 2017 campaign seeks to raise global awareness about effective actions and practices taken to reduce exposure to disaster risk at the community level.

2. G-20 FMCBG meeting held in Washington: On 13th October 2017, the G-20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting was held in Washington D.C., US. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley participated in the meeting.

3. The Safe Cities Index 2017 released: Japan’s capital Tokyo has topped Economist Intelligence Unit’s Safe Cities Index 2017. Indian cities Delhi and Mumbai have ranked 43rd and 45th respectively. Safe Cities Index is a report by London-headquartered Economist Intelligence Unit owned by ‘The Economist Group’.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Mastercard’s Innovation Centre to be set up in India: US-based fintech company Mastercard has announced the launch of its global research and development arm Mastercard Labs in Pune, India. After Singapore, this will be the second Mastercard Labs in Asia-Pacific, and ninth in the world. The initiative aims to bring and harness new commerce, payment and technology ideas at a fast pace in the country. Ajay Banga is the CEO of Mastercard.

2. HPCL to trade lubricants in Myanmar, first Indian oil company to do so: Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL), a public sector oil company has started selling lubricants in Myanmar. HPCL becomes first Indian oil company to trade lubricants in Myanmar HPCL’s venture in Myanmar.

3. HSBC names John Flint as next chief executive: HSBC has appointed John Flint as its next chief executive. He will take over from current chief executive Stuart Gulliver.

BANKING/FINANCE:

4. HDFC Bank launches SmartUp zones for StartUps: In a bid to become preferred banker for the start-up community in India, HDFC Bank has announced the launch of SmartUp zones in its branches across India. An exclusive area inside the branch premises of HDFC Bank (to be referred as SmartUp Zones) will be dedicated to start-ups.

SPORTS:

5. Staubli to become first female referee at FIFA U17 World Cup: Switzerland’s Esther Staubli is set to become the first female referee to officiate a match at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. This is in line with FIFA’s objective to further develop women’s football.

6. India Qualify For 2019 AFC Asian Cup: Indian football team qualified for the 2019 Asian Cup after they pumped in three goals for a convincing 4-1 win over Macau with two matches still to go in the qualifying round. This is the third time the country has qualified for the continental showpiece.

Daily GK Updates - 13th October, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Himachal Pradesh poll dates announced: According to the Chief Election Commissioner A K Joti, Himachal Pradesh (HP) will go to polls on 9th November 2017 in a single phase. The notification for the Assembly polls will be issued on 16th Oct and counting of votes will take place on 18th December.

2. Air Force launches App ‘MedWatch’: On its 85th anniversary, the Indian Air Force has launched an innovative mobile health App named ‘MedWatch’ on the lines of Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Digital India’. ‘MedWatch’, available on the IAF’s AFCEL network, comprises a host of features that will provide authentic health information to all IAF personnel.

3. India-Sri Lanka start “Mitra Shakti 2017”: ‘Mitra Shakti 2017’, a joint exercise between India and Sri Lanka for military co-operation and interoperability, will be conducted at the Aundh Military Camp in Pune between October 13 and 25. It is an effort in India’s response to China’s growing influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region. The aim of this training is to exchange the best of military practices of the two countries.

4. Government launches ‘Sampoorna Bima Gram’ Yojana: Under the Sampoorna Bima Gram Yojana, at least one village having a minimum of 100 households will be identified in each of the revenue districts of the country. It has been decided that its benefits will no longer be confined to government and semi-government employees but also be available to the professionals such as doctors, engineers, management consultants, chartered accountants, lawyers, and bankers. The postal policies have low premium and high bonus, unlike the private ones.

5. Assam Government sanctions Rs 500 crore for development of National Highways: The Assam state government has sanctioned Rs 500 crore for development of National Highways in Barak valley. Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal also laid the foundation stone of a project upgradation and improvement of Silchar airport Road in Cachar.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China develops inexpensive laser gun for counter-terrorism operations: China has developed a new laser gun capable of hitting the targets within 200 meters in one second for counter-terrorism operations. The gun contains a handset for aiming and a backpack containing the power supply with a remote control and laser emitter.

The gun makes no sound or light when fired and it does not recoil, and is inexpensive to maintain.

2. US to withdraw from UNESCO accusing the cultural body of 'anti-Israel bias': The United States (US) will withdraw from the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) accusing the body of anti-Israel bias. It will establish an observer mission to replace its representation at the Paris-based agency.

3. Egypt extends state of emergency for three months: According to a presidential decree released, Egypt has extended for a third time a nationwide state of emergency for three months. In April 2017, the emergency was first declared by President Sisi for 3 months and extended in July for a further three months.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. IIP rises 4.3% in August: The country's industrial production grew at a nine-month high of 4.3% in August 2017 due to a robust performance of the mining and power sectors. Factory output measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production had grown 4% in August 2016.

2. Bharti Airtel to buy Tata Teleservices: The Tata Group has agreed to sell its mobile business to Bharti Airtel BSE. It is done to get rid from the loss-making venture while bolstering the market share and 4G airwaves capacity of the Sunil Mittal-led company. The deal, which has been done on a ‘debt-free, cash-free basis’ will intensify the consolidation process underway in the telecom industry.

3. “Make in India: Sweden 2017” exhibition held: Make in India: Sweden 2017, organized by the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion in Stockholm, from October 12-13 aims to enhance Indo-Swedish cooperation. Delegation is led by the Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Suresh Prabhu. The meeting was held to further strengthen Indo-Swedish economic relationship and explore new avenues of collaboration.

BANKING/FINANCE:

4. SBI launches SME Assist: State Bank of India launched a new product called ‘SME Assist’ to provide a short-term working capital demand loan to its MSME clients. The loans shall be provided on the basis of clients’ input credit claims under GST. These loans will help clients to manage their working capital requirement till the time they get input credit and will thereby ensure stability in operations.

SPORTS:

5. Yuvraj Singh becomes Laureus’ ambassador: Yuvraj Singh has become the first Indian ambassador of Laureus. Laureus works to improve the lives of young people through sport, and uses the power of sport to end violence, discrimination and disadvantage. Laureus consists of Indian cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Kapil Dev.

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.