Daily GK Updates - 11th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Union Govt. sanctions Rs. 75 crores for setting up LPG bottling plant in Meghalaya: The union govt. has sanctioned Rs. 75 crores for setting up a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) bottling plant in Meghalaya. The new bottling plant will be constructed at an existing site located in Shillong itself. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the state government in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma.

2. Govt. launches door-to-door campaign against TB: The union health ministry Jagat Prakash Nadda has launched a door-to-door campaign for early diagnosis, detection and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) in the country. Through this campaign, health department workers, ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and TB supervisors will make door-to-door visits to find TB patients and give them free medical treatment till they are cured.Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease usually caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body.

3. Giriraj Singh launches Public Procurement Portal MSME SAMBANDH: The Minister of State for MSME Shri Giriraj Singh has launched Public Procurement Portal ‘MSME Sambandh’ for Public Procurement Portal for MSMEs (Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises).The objective of the portal is to monitor the implementation of the Public Procurement from MSEs by Central Public-Sector Enterprises (CPSEs).It will help MSMEs in participating in the procurement process.

4. Alappuzha has been included in top 5 global cities by the UNEP list: Alappuzha, the coastal town of Kerala, has been recognised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as one of the five models across the world for fighting the pollution menace. It has been recognized for its decentralised waste management system. Alappuzha, often called “the Venice of East”, has been listed in the UNEP environment report entitled, ‘Solid approach to waste: how five cities are beating pollution’ alongside cities like Osaka in Japan, Ljubljana in Slovenia, Penang in Malaysia and Cajica in Colombia.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. The 11th Ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO): The 11th Ministerial conference of the 164-member World Trade Organization (WTO) has started in Buenos Aires, Argentina on December 10, 2017. At the meeting, India is represented by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu who will be pushing for a permanent solution to the public food stock-holding issue which is crucial for operating the food security programme. In it, he will not only have to safeguard the interests of Indian farmers, but will also have to put his foot down on blocking introduction of new issues such as e-commerce. During the course of the 4-day deliberations, the developing nations will resist the efforts by the developed nations to formally set aside the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) and place new issues including e-commerce on the negotiating table.

2. Melbourne to test terrorism alarm system: Melbourne will test a terrorism alarm system this month after police thwarted two alleged plots targeting Christmas-New Year crowds and a lone driver killed six pedestrians in the last year in Australia’s second-largest city. Loudspeakers are being installed at more than 90 sites across downtown Melbourne as part of the alarm system that will be tested on December 28.

       OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Pradeep Singh Kharola takes over as Air India CMD: Senior IAS officer Pradeep Singh Kharola on Monday took charge as the Chairman and Managing Director of Air India. Kharola assumed charge from Rajiv Bansal. A 1985-batch Karnataka cadre officer, Kharola would be steering the national carrier at a time when the government has started the process for its strategic disinvestment.

SPORTS:

1. FIFA lifts ban on Kuwaiti football: The international football federation (FIFA) has officially lifted a two-year ban on Kuwait's football federation. In 2015, FIFA banned Kuwait's national football federation over alleged government interference in the running of the country's football governing body.

2.Jitu Rai, Heena Sidhu win medals at 10th Asian Championship in Japan: Pistol aces Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu bagged a bronze each at the 10th Asian Championship 10m Rifle/Pistol in Wako City, Japan.Jitu won an individual bronze in the men's 10m Air Pistol and Heena claimed an individual bronze in the women's 10m Air Pistol. India won individual bronze through Anmol Jain in the junior men's 10m Air Pistol as well as the Team silver in the event.

Daily GK Updates - 10th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India’s first mobile food testing lab unveiled in Goa: The Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar has launched India’s first mobile food testing laboratory enabling on-the- spot food safety tests in Goa.The vehicle is equipped to conduct on-the-spot tests to check food quality and curb adulteration, also check hygiene level of water.The mobile laboratory costs (Rs.45 lakh) has been fully funded by the union govt.

2. ASEAN India Connectivity Summit (AICS) begins in New Delhi: Two-day ASEAN India Connectivity Summit (AICS) began in New Delhi. The theme of the Summit is “Powering Digital and Physical Linkages for Asia in the 21st Century”. The Summit aims at accelerating existing connectivity prospects, identifying issues of concern, evolving suitable policy recommendations and developing strategies to enhance economic, industrial, trade relations between ASEAN & India.

3. Uma Shankar appointed RBI Executive Director: Uma Shankar, chief general manager (CGM) in charge of the Reserve Bank of India’s financial inclusion and development department has taken over as executive director (ED) in the central bank.EDs are selected by a committee involving the governor and deputy governors from among the CGMsCurrently, RBI has 11 EDs and each of them supervises the 34 departments headed by CGMs at the central bank.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. 10th December: World Human Rights Day: The World Human Rights Day is being observed to honor the United Nations General Assembly's adoption and proclamation.The theme this year is, 'Let's stand up for equality, justice, and human dignity'.This year, the Human Rights Day kicks off a year-long campaign to mark the upcoming 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

2. The “Bodhi Parva: BIMSTEC Festival of Buddhist Heritage”: India hosted the ‘Bodhi Parva: BIMSTEC Festival of Buddhist Heritage’ in New Delhi from December 8 to 10, 2017 as part of celebrations of 20th anniversary of BIMSTEC. The purpose of the fest is to emphasize and raise awareness of BIMSTEC’s rich and common heritage. It was inaugurated by Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the union minister of state for Culture (Independent Charge).

OTHER UPDATES

SPORTS:

1. Australia beat Argentina 2-1 to win gold in Hockey World League: Australia defeated Rio Olympics champions Argentina 2-1 in the final of the Hockey World League to win gold at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar (Odisha). In the third-fourth place classification match, India defeated Germany 2-1 and reclaimed the bronze medal.India had also won the bronze in the last edition of the tournament in Raipur in 2015.

2. Bergamasco appointed Performance Director for women's boxing: According to the BFI official, Italian coach Raffaele Bergamasco hasbeen elevated to the position of Performance Director for senior women pugilists. Raffaele Bergamasco was behind India's best-ever medal haul at AIBA Women's Youth Boxing Championship.

OBITUARIES:

1. Pioneer of DNA fingerprinting Lalji Singh passes away: The pioneer of DNA fingerprinting technology in India Lalji Singh passed away. He was the former Vice-Chancellor (25th) of Benares Hindu University (BHU) (2011 to 2014).Mr. Singh considered the father of DNA fingerprints, who worked in the area of the molecular basis of sex determination, wildlife conservation, forensics and evolution and migration of humans.

Daily GK Updates - 9th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Mamta Kalia Selected for Vyas Samman – 2017: Eminent Hindi litterateur & playwright Mamta Kalia has been selected for ‘Vyas Samman-2017’ for her novel Dukkham Sukkham. The book, 'Dukkham Sukkham' was published in 2010. Currently, she is the editor of Mahatma Gandhi International Hindi University's quarterly magazine ‘Hindi’.

2.  Kacheguda becomes first energy-efficient rail station: Kacheguda railway station (South Central Railway) has earned the unique distinction of being the First Energy Efficient ‘A1 Category’ Railway Station on Indian Railways. The station has achieved 100% energy efficiency replacing 1,312 conventional lights with light-emitting diode (LED) lighting. Around 370 ceiling fans too were replaced with Brushless DC Electrical (BLDC) motors energy efficient fans and 12 air conditioners with energy efficient inverter type air conditioners.

3. India declared free from Trachoma, a bacterial infection of eye: According to the Health Minister J P Nadda, India has been declared free from infective Trachoma which is a contagious bacterial infection of the eye. The Survey results indicate that active Trachoma is no longer a public health problem in the country. It causes inflamed granulation on the inner surface of the lids. Releasing the National Trachoma Survey Report (2014-17).This has been possible due to efforts that included the provision of antibiotic eye drops, personal hygiene, availability of safe water, improved environmental sanitation and availability of surgical facilities for chronic Trachoma.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. International Anti-Corruption Day being observed today: International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) has been observed annually on 9th December to raise public awareness of corruption and what people can do to fight it. The 2017 joint international campaign focuses on corruption as one of the biggest impediments to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).2017 Theme: United against corruption for development, peace, and security. Every year USD 1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated USD 2.6 trillion are stolen annually through corruption.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Govt fixes sovereign Gold bond rate at Rs 2,890 per gram: The union govt. has fixed the issue price of Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) at Rs. 2,890 per gram for the next subscription period under Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2017-18.The next subscription period is 11th to 13th of this month. The government had floated Series-3 of Sovereign Gold Bonds 2017-18 (from 9th of October to 27th of December 2017).The government in consultation with the RBI has decided to allow a discount of Rs. 50 per gram from the issue price to those investors who apply online and the payment is made in digital mode.

SPORTS:

1. India wins five medals at 10th Asian Airgun Shooting Championships: India won five medals at the 10th Asian Airgun Shooting Championships in Japan.Ravi Kumar won an individual bronze in the men's 10-metre air rifle, while Arjun Babuta won individual silver in the corresponding junior men's event. India also bagged three team silver medals in each of the three air rifle events. Olympic bronze-medallist Gagan Narang missed out on an individual podium finish.This will be the same range where the shooting competitions for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics will be hosted.

Daily GK Updates - 8th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. President Kovind  presents Presidential Colours to Submarine Arm of Navy: President Shri Ram Nath Kovind awarded the Presidential Colour to the Submarine Arm of the Indian Navy at the Command headquarters in Vishakhapatnam. The award of Presidents Colour is the highest honour which can be bestowed upon any military unit. Earlier, President has inaugurated the Naval Maritime Aircraft Museum in Vishakhapatnam, featuring the maritime patrol aircraft Tupolev-142M. It was on this day in 1967 that the Naval Ensign and the National Flag were hoisted on the first Indian Naval Submarine, Kalvari.

2. NGT holds Sri Sri's AOL Foundation responsible for damage to Yamuna floodplains: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) headed by Justice Swatanter Kumar has held the Art of Living (AOL) Foundation of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar responsible for the damage caused to the Yamuna floodplains due to the holding of the World Cultural Festival organized by it in March 2016. According to the NGT, AoL is responsible for the damage caused to the Yamuna floodplains in terms of the report submitted by the expert committee.The amount of five crore rupees which was submitted by it earlier will be used for the restoration of the floodplains.

3. Health Minister J.P. Nadda directs CM's to implement Clinical Establishments Act: The Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda has directed all the Chief Ministers to adopt and implement the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 so that malpractice in private hospitals can be curbed. The effective implementation of the Act would deter clinical establishments from indulging in unethical practices and ensuring that they discharge their duties responsibly towards the patients. The Act has been enacted by the Central government to provide for registration and regulation of all clinical establishments in the country with a view to prescribing the minimum standards of facilities and services provided by them.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. The new Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan: Azar A.H.Khan has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan. Presently, he is Consul General in the Consulate General of India. He is expected to take up his assignment shortly.

2. USA country has officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel: United States has officially recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. With this, the United States will be the first country to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which is claimed by both Israelis and Palestinians. At present, Jerusalem is the seat of the modern Israeli government.

3. 7th International Ground Water Conference (IGWC-2017) on ground water Vision 2030: The 7th International Ground Water Conference (IGWC-2017) will be hosted by India in New Delhi with a theme of “Ground water Vision 2030- Water Security, Challenges and Climate Change Adaptation” from December 11 to 13, 2017. The conference has been organized by the National Institute of Hydrology (NIH), Roorkee and Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under the aegis of Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. EPFO opens new facility for over 4.5 crore members: The Retirement fund body Employees' Provident Fund Organisation(EPFO) has opened a new facility to allow consolidation or merger of their multiple PF accounts (4.5 crore members) with the current Universal Account Number(UAN).Now, the subscribers of the EPFO can merge as many as 10 previous accounts with their UAN at one go.The EPFO has made it easy with this facility with an objective of having one employee, one EPF account.Earlier, The EPFO has already issued a direction to its over 120 offices earlier this week to use this service and ensure multiple accounts are consolidated as early as possible.

2. RBI rationalizes charges on debit card transactions: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has come out with differentiated merchant discount rates (MDR) for debit card transactions, prescribing separate caps for small and large traders to promote digital payments. MDR charges for small merchants with an annual turnover of up to 20 lakh rupees has been fixed at 0.4% with a cap of 200 rupees per transaction by debit cards through Point of Sale (PoS) machines or online transactions.MDR charges would be 0.9% with a cap of 1,000 rupees per transaction with an annual turnover of a merchant is over 20 lakh rupees. For accepting payments via QR (quick response) code based transactions, the charge will be 0.3% subject to a cap of 200 rupees per transaction. The directions will come into effect from 1st January.

SPORTS:

1. Cristiano Ronaldo wins fifth Ballon d'Or award: The Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has won the Ballon d'Or for a fifth time to move level with rival Lionel Messi at a ceremony in Paris.The award caps a year in which Ronaldo has won LaLiga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup with Real Madrid, as well as helping Portugal qualify for the 2018 World Cup.Ronaldo previously won the award in 2008, 2013, 2014 and 2016.

Daily GK Updates - 7th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Armed Forces Flag Day observed today: The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed every year on 07thDecember.The day observed since 1949, has become a tradition to remember the sacrifices and commemorate the honour to the soldiers, airmen and sailors.Flag Day is an opportunity for every Indian citizen to contribute most generously to the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund.

2. BR Ambedkar International Centre inaugurated in New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the BR Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on December 7, 2017 to encourage research and original thinking among the youth. The purpose of the centre is to promote the thoughts and teachings of Dr Ambedkar. It will be an important place for research on social and economic issues. The prime minister also unveiled two statues of the Dalit icon at the centre in Janpath.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. ISA become Treaty-based International Intergovernmental organization: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has become the treaty-based international intergovernmental organization one month after Guinea became the 15th country to ratify it.Till now, 46 countries have signed and 19 ratified Framework Agreement of International Solar Alliance (ISA).It is the first treaty-based international government organisation to be based in India.Its secretariat is located on the campus of National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), Gwalpahari, Gurgaon, Haryana.

2. Taj Mahal named second-best UNESCO world heritage site: According to a survey, the Taj Mahal of Agra, India is the second-best UNESCO world heritage site in the world. The survey was conducted by the world’s largest travel portal TripAdvisor which lists the UNESCO Cultural and Natural heritage sites which are rated by travellers around the globe. Angkor Wat of Cambodia named as the Best UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taj Mahal is followed by Great Wall, China; Machu Picchu, Peru; Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil; Sassi of Materia, Italy; Auschwitz, Poland; Old City of Jerusalem, Israel; Historic areas of Istanbul, Turkey; and Historic Krakow, Poland.

3. Venezuela Airlines banned from European Union skies: The Airline of Venezuela Avior has been barred from European Union skies after a committee determined it no longer meets international safety standards. The European Commission announced that Avior had been added to a list of international airlines prohibited from flying within the union because the European Aviation Safety Agency detected unaddressed safety deficiencies. Avior operates flights within Venezuela, throughout Latin America and to Miami, Florida.

4. Australia passes Marriage Equality Law: Australia’s parliament has legislated for marriage equality, passing a bill almost unanimously to allow two people, regardless of sex, to marry. Australia, which changed the law in 2004 to say that marriage is only between a man and a woman, now becomes the 25th country to recognise same-sex marriage. Four members of the House of Representatives voted against the bill and some abstained.

5. Godrej Aero gets new contract for BrahMos Missile airframes: Godrej Aerospace has won the deal from BrahMos Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. (BAPL) for supply of additional 100 units airframe fuel management systems for BrahMos Air-Launched Cruise Missile. Godrej Aerospace had recently completed the supply of its 100thairframe for the missile. Since 2000, it has been associated with BrahMos. It is a unit of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. RBI retains GDP growth projection at 6.7% for FY'18: In its Fifth Bi-monthly Monetary Policy Statement, 2017- 18 the Reserve Bank retained economic growth projection for 2017-18 at 6.7 percent. Also, the central bank has retained the projection of real GVA growth for 2017-18 of the October resolution at 6.7 percent. The central bank raised the inflation forecast for the remainder of the current financial year to 4.3-4.7 percent. The 6-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), headed by Reserve Bank of India Governor Urjit Patel, kept the repo rate unchanged at 6 percent and reverse repo at 5.75 percent.

SPORTS:

1. Gurdeep creates three national records in IWF C'ships: Lifter Gurdeep Singh has created three new senior national records in +105 Kilogram weight category in IWF World Weightlifting Championships at Anaheim in USA.He created national records in snatch, clean and jerk, and the total lift.He finished at 13th rank with a total lift of 388kg (172 + 216).He advanced his own earlier national record of 171kg by one kilogramme.In the total lift also, he advanced the earlier national record of 384kg.

2. Sushil Kumar quits as National Sports Observer for wrestling: The double Olympic medallist Sushil Kumar has resigned from the post of a National Sports Observer for wrestling. He was among the 12 national observers appointed by the then Sports Minister Vijay Goel in March.Earlier, Boxing Champion Mary Kom had resigned as the national observer for boxing after Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that active sportspersons will not be considered for this position.

Daily GK Updates - 6th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Akash missile successfully tested: The Akash missile was successfully tested with indigenous radio frequency seeker from a test range in Odisha. The state-of-the-art indigenous missile targeting an UAV 'Banshee', was fired from the launch complex-III of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur. Akash is Surface to Air Missile (SAM) with a range of 25 km and carries a 55- kg fragmentation warhead that is triggered by proximity fuse. This was the first supersonic surface-to-air missile (SAM) with indigenous seeker that has been test fired.

2. India’s first state to endorse Centre’s stand on triple talaq: Uttar Pradesh has become the first State to endorse the Central government’s draft bill that makes instant triple talaq a cognisable and non-bailable offence. The draft law, which provides for three-year imprisonment and a fine to a man trying to divorce his wife by uttering “talaq” three times, got the State government’s approval.

3. MP passes bill awarding death for rape: Madhya Pradesh assembly has unanimously passed a bill that will see rapists of girls 12 years or below being hanged till death. The development comes after the NCRB report revealed that MP recorded the highest number of rape cases in the country. The bill also proposes punishment for disrobing, stalking or sex on the pretext of marriage. The jail term increases for 2nd or subsequent offences.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. 3rd DRC-NITI Aayog Dialogue held in China: The 3rd edition of the Dialogue between the NITI Aayog and the Development Research Council of China was held in Beijing, China.The meeting was co-chaired by Vice Chairman NITI Aayog, Dr. Rajiv Kumar, and Mr Li Wei, President (Minister), DRC.The meeting provides an important platform for both sides to discuss key macroeconomic issues impacting both countries and areas of mutual interest. The 2nd Dialogue was held in New Delhi in November 2016. The next 4th NITI Aayog - DRC Dialogue will be held in India in 2018.

2. ISA to be a legal entity: International Solar Alliance which aims at increasing solar energy deployment in member countries, will become a treaty-based international intergovernmental organization. ISA is an Indian initiative jointly launched by PM Modi & President of France on 30 Nov 2015 in Paris, on sidelines of COP-21.

3. US to recognise Jerusalem as capital: President Donald Trump will recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital despite intense Arab, Muslim and European opposition. In recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, US becomes the first country to do so since the foundation of the state in 1948. Israel has always regarded Jerusalem as its capital city, while the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Akshay Kumar to promote agri-schemes: Akshay Kumar will promote govt’s flagship agriculture schemes like soil health card & crop insurance. Union Agriculture Ministry has roped in the actor for television advertisements to intensify the publicity of the agri-schemes. Besides soil health card scheme, he will promote Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana & others.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI keeps key interest rate unchanged in 5th Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy statement: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced its Fifth Bi-Monthly Monetary Policy statement for 2017-18 today.The monetary policy committee of Reserve Bank of India kept interest rates (Repo Rate) unchanged at 6 percent.The reverse repo rate under the LAF remains at 5.75 percent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate at 6.25 percent.The next bi-monthly monetary policy statement will be released on 07 February 2018.

SPORTS:

1. IOC bans Russia from 2018 Winter Olympics Games: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has banned Russia from the 2018 Winter Olympics Games. The decision was announced by the IOC president Thomas Bach and his board members on the findings and recommendations of a 17-month investigation on the state-sponsored doping at the 2014 Games hosted by Russia in Sochi. The 2018 Winter Olympics Games will be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

2. India wins South Asian badminton title: India has won the first-ever South Asian Regional Badminton Team Championship by defeating Nepal in the finals. Nepal started off well, winning the 1st game 21-19. However, Indians came back stronger & won the next 2 games 21-14, 21-11. Indian team, which came into the Final without losing a single match, continued their good run with Aryaman Tandon drawing 1st blood in boys’ singles competition.

Daily GK Updates - 5th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Shamli district of UP included in NCR region: The Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh has been included in the National Capital Region (NCR).The decision was taken by the 37th meeting of the National Capital Region Planning Board. Now there are total 23 districts which come under the National Capital Region.

2.  6th International Tourism Mart 2017 begins in Assam: The 6th International Tourism Mart 2017 begins in Guwahati, Assam.The three- day program has been organized by Ministry of Tourism in association with all North Eastern states.The International Tourism Mart is inaugurated by the Jagdish Mukhi, Governor of Assam.The main objective of the mart is to highlight the tourism potential of the region in the domestic and international markets. 

3.  India & Germany sign Umbrella Agreement: India and Germany signed an agreement on the Government to Government Umbrella Agreement concerning the Financial Cooperation in 2016 (II) under the Indo-German Development Cooperation. The agreement was signed to formalize an amount up to Euro 200 million for the Financial Cooperation in form of loan for the project ‘Climate Friendly Urban Mobility III’ and Euro 11 million Accompanying measures in form of a grant for four projects.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. US withdraws from UN Migrant & Refugee pact: The United States has withdrawn itself from a United Nations Migrant & Refugee pact to improve the handling of migrant and refugee situations. In August 2017, the United States pulled out of the Paris-based culture and education body.

2. World Soil Day: World Soil Day is celebrated annually on 5th of December at Food & Agriculture Organization of the UN headquarters in Rome, the regional offices and through national and local events. It aims to communicate messages on the importance of soil quality for food security, healthy ecosystems and human well-being. The Theme for this year Soil Day is ‘Caring for Planet starts from the Ground’.

3. Syrian boy wins ‘Children’s Peace Prize’: Mohamad Al Jounde from Syria has been awarded the International Children’s Peace Prize for his efforts to ensure rights of Syrian refugee children. Al Jounde set up a school together with his family in a Lebanese refugee camp that currently provides 200 children with education. He received the prize from Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 for her work for children’s rights.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Google Maps introduces ‘Motorcycle Mode’: Google has launched a new feature to its Maps application specially, for Indian users called, the Motorcycle Mode. The feature will allow two-wheeler drivers the shortest or the most convenient route for their journey will also show the routes and ETA which are suited best for the bikers. The app will also share details about road blockage or parking trouble near the destination.

2. ADB lends $583mn for RPower’s project: Asian Development Bank has approved debt financing & partial risk guarantee of $583mn to develop Reliance Power’s 750MW power plant & LNG terminal project in Bangladesh. Energy from the power plant will be sold into country’s electricity grid under a long-term power purchase agreement & will significantly improve energy infrastructure in Bangladesh. The total project cost is $1bn (approx).

3. Fitch lowers India’s GDP growth rate to 6.7% for 2017-18: International rating agency Fitch has lowered the India’s GDP growth projection for 2017-18 to 6.7 percent from its earlier forecast of 6.9 percent.It also reduces the GDP growth forecast for 2018-19 fiscal year to 7.3percent from 7.4 percent.

4. Google invests in Dunzo: In its first direct investment in an Indian startup, Google has invested Rs 65 cr in Dunzo, a hyper local concierge & delivery firm. The investment is part of Google’s Next Billion Users push & will see the company lead a $10-12 mn round. Dunzo offers services where customers can use its app to ask for errands such as fetching medicines or buying a cake, for a fee.

5. Book on Indian cinema released by AB: Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan has launched a book based on Indian cinema in Mumbai. The book, titled ‘Bollywood: The Films! The Songs! The Stars!’ is Co-authored by S.M.M. Ausaja, Karan Bali, Rajesh Devraj and Tanul Thakur. It is a coffee table book, which provides historical insights & behind-the-scene exclusives of the most iconic movies made in the history of Indian film industry.

6. Paytm rolls out FASTag across India: Paytm Payments Bank is rolling out Paytm FASTag across the India, with the govt mandating the use of FASTag on every new vehicle sold from Dec 1. The FASTags allow vehicles to pass through 380 toll plazas across India covering 55,000 km without having to stop. Each Paytm FASTtag is linked to a registered Paytm account to facilitate instant automatic deduction of toll charges.