Daily GK Updates - 21st December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Modi’s approval to India’s first Rail and Transportation University: The Union Cabinet chaired by PM Narendra Modi has approved the Ministry of Railways’ initiative to set up India’s first ever National Rail and Transport University. The university set up in Vadodara, Gujarat will skill its human resources and build capability. The University will be set up as a Deemed to Be University under de novo category as per the UGC Regulations, 2016.

2. Laser fences to be set up in poorly inhabited areas: Laser fence will be installed at certain points along India’s open borders with Nepal and Bhutan to prevent infiltration. Laser fence would be put up at one location each along the 1,751-km Indo-Nepal & 699-km Indo-Bhutan boundaries. The laser fences will be deployed in areas that are “uninhabited” due to difficult geographical terrain and are prone to smuggling and other terror activities.

3. Justice Umesh Salvi takes charge as acting NGT Chairman: Justice Umesh Dattatraya Salvi (Judicial Member, NGT) took charge as the acting Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) following the retirement of Justice Swatanter Kumar. He will continue in office until the date a new chairperson is appointed or the date of his superannuation.

4. ‘R-MITRA’ app for security of passengers: Eastern Railway has launched a mobile application “R-MITRA” (Railway Mobile Instant Tracking Response & Assistance) for security of passengers. It is launched especially for the safety of women passengers. It is an attempt to prevent and detect crime against passengers during travel.

5. ‘Chillai Kalan’ – harsh winter season, begins in Kashmir Valley:  the traditional 40-day long period of harsh winter known as the ‘Chillai Kalan’ has begun in the Kashmir Valley. Chillai Kalan is a period of forty extremely cold days starting from 21st of December. This is the date on which Winter Solstice is observed in the Northern Hemisphere. Chillai Kalan is followed by a period of another 20 days of Chillai Khurd and 10 days of Chillai Bacha.

6. Indian Navy conducts naval exercise with Oman Navy – Naseem Al Bahr: Indian Naval Ships Trikand and Teg are deployed to Oman for bilateral exercise ‘Naseem Al Bahr’ or ‘Sea Breeze’. The first exercise Indian Navy with Royal Navy of Oman was conducted in 1993 and this year marks 24 years of Indian Navy -Royal Navy of Oman bilateral exercises.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. A first in the world - France bans all gas and oil production by 2040: France’s parliament has approved a law banning all exploration and production of oil and natural gas by 2040. Under the law, existing drilling permits will not be renewed and no new exploration licenses will be granted in France or its overseas territories. The French government claims the ban is a world first.

2. UK Tops Forbes’ List of Best Countries: The United Kingdom has topped Forbes’ rankings of best countries in the world for business in 2018. The list ranks 153 countries on 15 factors including property rights, innovation, taxes and red tape. The UK is followed by New Zealand and the Netherlands, while India was ranked 62nd on the list. The UK’s $2.6 trillion economy is the fifth largest in the world.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. ‘World’s smallest’ DRAM chip by Samsung: Samsung Electronics developed the world’s smallest DRAM chip. The “2nd-generation” 8-gigabit DRAM chips with improved energy efficiency and data processing performance will be used in mobile devices and high-speed graphics cards. The advantage of DRAM is the structural simplicity of its memory cells. Only 1 transistor and a capacitor are required per bit, compared to 4 to 6 in SRAM.

2. IGNOU to offer World’s first Sand Art certificate course: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will launch world’s first online certificate course in sand art in March 2018. It will help sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik’s dream come true. Pattnaik said he wanted India to become the first country across the globe to offer such training to sand artists. The course will provide desired skills to the persons.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI puts Bank of India under PCA: After an on-site inspection, RBI has put Bank of India under the PCA framework. This action will contribute to the overall improvement in risk management, asset quality, profitability, efficiency, etc of the bank. To ensure that banks don’t go bust, RBI puts in place some trigger points to assess, monitor, control and take corrective actions. These are known as Prompt Corrective Action.

SPORTS:

1. Lionel Messi wins La Liga Best Player Award: Lionel Messi, the star forward of Barcelona, has received La Liga’s top scorer and best player awards for the 2016-2017 football season. Messi scored 37 goals in league action last season to earn his fourth Pichichi award.

Daily GK Updates - 20th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. NITI Aayog seeks methanol economy fund: NITI Aayog, the government’s policy-making body, will soon move a Cabinet note outlining the roadmap for a methanol mission for India through a Rs 5,000-crore methanol economy fund. It will kickstart generation of this alternative energy source from January 1, 2018. The Aayog will hold a high-level meeting of its task force on methanol economy following which a roadmap will be laid out.

2. ‘HAMESHA VIJAYEE’ exercise in Rajasthan being conducted: In a significant show of strength, formations of Southern Command are conducting a major exercise called ‘HAMESHA VIJAYEE’ in the deserts of Rajasthan. The exercise being conducted from 16 to 22 December 2017 is to evaluate the capability of the armed forces to strike deep into enemy territory in an integrated air-land battle.

3. LED Lights at all Railway Stations in India: Ministry of Railways is actively working to provide 100% LED lighting for its most of the Non-traction Energy needs. Under this 100% LED initiative, Ministry of Railways has decided to make all railway stations 100% LED lit by the end of current financial year i.e. by 31 March 2018.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Shree Saini crowned Miss India USA 2017: Shree Saini, a resident of Washington state, was crowned Miss India USA 2017. The 21-year-old, who is a student at the University of Washington, said she wants to lead a life dedicated to service. Shree, who had a pacemaker implanted at the age of 12 is an inspiration for all. Cancer surgeon Kavita Malhotra from Florida was declared Mrs India USA 2017.

2. International Human Solidarity Day: The United Nations’ (UN) International Human Solidarity Day is annually held on December 20 to celebrate unity in diversity.

It also aims to remind people of the importance of solidarity in working towards eradicating poverty. It is a day to encourage debate on the ways to promote solidarity for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Apple appoints Michel Coulomb as India head: Apple has named Michel Coulomb as the head of sales for its operations in India, a key market for the iconic iPhone maker. He succeeds Sanjay Kaul, who has stepped down from the post.

2. Ola acquires foodpanda India: Germany’s Delivery Hero sold its foodpanda India business to Ola in return for shares in the Indian ride-hailing firm. Under the agreement, Ola will also commit to investing $200 million in foodpanda India. The partnership with Ola will allow Delivery Hero to further consolidate markets where it strategically makes sense to collaborate with leading local players.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. AU Bank joins hands with Sahaj e-Village: AU Small Finance Bank has announced signing a MoU with Sahaj e-Village. MoU is signed for extending its banking service in remote areas through Business Correspondent Agent model. With this MoU, AU Bank will be able to further foster its mission of financial inclusion and greater customer outreach. The Sahaj Agents will gather information, counsel, and services to these customers.

2. Yes Bank-EIB invest $400 million: Indian private sector lender Yes Bank has jointly invested $400 million with European Investment Bank (EIB) in new solar and wind projects in the country. The bank is also exploring investments in the electric vehicle segment. The new financing programme will streamline financing for a range of renewable energy projects being built and operated.

Daily GK Updates - 19th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. India tops list of migrants living abroad at 17 million: According to the International Migration Report of the UN, India has topped the list of people living abroad at 17 million with about 5 million Indians residing in the Gulf region alone. The number of migrants from India now reside in multiple destination countries, including the UAE at 3 million, the US and Saudi Arabia at 2 million each. Mexico(2nd), Russia(3rd), China(4th), Bangladesh(5th), Pakistan Syria(6th), and Ukraine also have large migrant populations living abroad (around 6 to 11 million each).International migration makes an important contribution to population growth in many parts of the world and even reverses population decline in some countries or areas.

2. Construction activities to be prohibited within 50 meters from river Ganga in hilly areas-NGT: According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) revised order, Construction activities will be prohibited within 50 metres from the edge of river Ganga in hilly areas. It will now be treated as No Development Zone where no construction including commercial or residential buildings can come up. The area falling between 50-100 meters will be considered as "regulatory" zone and ban on construction activity in this area till the state comes with a specific policy.

3. Goa celebrating 56th Liberation day today: Goa is celebrating its 56th Liberation Day. The state was liberated on this day in 1961 from Portuguese control after almost 450 years of colonial rule. The Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar unfurled the national flag and took a salute at the Goa Liberation Day celebrations in state capital Panaji.

4. Losar Festival being celebrated in Ladakh: The Losar festival being celebrated in Ladakh region to mark the new year, the celebrations continue for three days to nine days in the different parts of Ladakh region of Jammu Kashmir. Prayer flags are hoisted in important religious places to welcome the new year. Losar Festival is celebrated by making symbolic meals and offerings.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. UK govt extends pilot student visa scheme to 23 more universities: Britain's Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis has announced extending a pilot student visa scheme to 23 more universities. Now, Indian and other non-EU students will get six-month time to find a job after finishing their course. Last year, the scheme was introduced on a pilot basis in four British varsities Oxford, Bath, Cambridge and Imperial College London.

2. India to host meeting of WTO member countries on food security: According to the Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu, India will host a meeting of WTO member countries in February to muster support for food security and other issues. The union govt is trying to call a meeting of almost 30 to 40 countries in Delhi to help the multi-lateral process. India has been keenly pushing agriculture issues at the World Trade Organisation.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Bharti Airtel to acquire Millicom’s operations in Rwanda: Telecom operator Bharti Airtel Limited has signed an agreement with Millicom International Cellular S.A. to acquire its Rwanda’s operation ‘Tigo Rwanda’. Tigo’s 370 million customers will join the network of Airtel Rwanda. Now, Airtel Rwanda will be the second largest operator in the country with revenues of over USD 80 million and a revenue market share of over 40%. At present, Airtel operates in 15 African countries apart from India and South Asia.

2. Skill Development Ministry & Maruti Suzuki sign Mou to impart skill training: The Skill Development Ministry & Maruti Suzuki have signed an agreement to impart training to youth and enhance their employment potential in New Delhi. As part of the agreement, Maruti Suzuki will ensure that not less than 80% of trainees are placed with Maruti Suzuki or its business partner. Maruti Suzuki will develop specific training module as per the need of the automobile industry in consultation with DGT.

SPORTS:

1.  Mo Farah wins BBC's sports personality of the year award: Four-time Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah (World 10,000m champion) has been voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2017.He won his third successive world 10,000m gold medal in London in August. Farah becomes the first long-distance runner to win the Sports Personality award since Paula Radcliffe in 2002.

Daily GK Updates - 18th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Meghalaya launches India’s first social audit law: Meghalaya state has become the first Indian state to operationalize ‘The Meghalaya Community Participation and Public Services Social Audit Act, 2017’, a law that makes a social audit of government programmes and schemes a part of government practice. It was launched by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma at a national convention in Shillong.

2. PM Modi dedicates Tuirial Hydropower project to the nation: PM Narendra Modi has inaugurated the 60-megawatt Tuirial hydroelectric power project from Aizawl, Mizoram.Now, the Mizoram had become the third power- surplus state in the north-east after Sikkim and Tripura. Prime Minister also inaugurated the Shillong - Nongstoin Rongjeng Tura road. The hydropower project would produce ‘251 million units’ of electrical energy every year.

3. Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates eastern India’s First CNG Station for scooters: The Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan has inaugurated eastern India’s first compressed natural gas (CNG) stations for scooters in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. He also inaugurated CNG-run scooters and CNG stations for three-wheelers at Chandrasekharpur and Patia area in Bhubaneswar. The CNG stations were part of GAIL’s Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga and City Gas Distribution (CGD) projects in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. International Migrants Day 2017 observed globally: The UN’s (United Nation) International Migration Day(IMD) is being observed every year on 18th December to protect the rights of migration workers and members of their families. The theme of this year is Safe Migration in a World on the Move.

2. WHO Certifies Gabon as Polio-Free: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Gabon (central African country) "polio-free country", given the lack of new reported or suspected casesThe UN health agency nonetheless recommended taking the necessary steps to continue monitoring for possible signs of the disease. Since 1988, Cases of polio have decreased by 99%, when polio was endemic in 125 countries and 350,000 cases were recorded worldwide.

3. Sebastian Pinera wins Chile's presidential election: Former president Sebastian Pinera has won Chile's presidential election. With 98.44% of the ballots counted, Pinera had won 54.57% in the run-off vote, to 45.43% for senator Guillier. He has replaced Michelle Bachelet. Sebastian Pinera was President of Chile between 2010 and 2014 too.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. World Inequality Report 2018:  India’s top 1% earners received 22% of national income in 2014. Since the beginning of deregulation policies in the 1980s, the top 0.1 per cent earners have captured more growth than all of those in the bottom 50 per cent combined.

SPORTS:

1. India wins 10 medals in Wushu Sanda Asian Cup: India has won 10 medals (5-Silver and 5 Bronze) in the first Wushu Sanda Asian Cup in Guangzhou, China. The Silver medal winners were: Praveen in 48kg, Mukesh Chaoudhary (70kg), Rajender Singh (90kg), Arunpama Devi (60kg) and Vishakhaptnam Malik (70kg).The bronze medals were won by Uchit Sharma (52kg), L Budhdhachandra Singh(56kg), Rajani Deori (75kg), Y Sanathoi Devi (52kg), and Pooja Kadian(65kg).

2. India beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets; win series 2-1: The hosts India have clinched the One-Day International (ODI) series 2-1 against Sri Lanka and recorded their eighth successive win in a bilateral contest.Earlier, India defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the third and final cricket ODI at Visakhapatnam.The victory target of 216 runs was overhauled by making 219 for 2 in 32.1 overs.Player of the Series: Shikhar Dhawan.

3. Sushil Kumar & Sakshi Malik win gold at Commonwealth Wrestling Championships: India’s Sushil Kumar clinched the gold medal at the Commonwealth Wrestling Championships, in South Africa. He defeated Akash Khullar (New Zealand) in the final of the 74kg freestyle category. India’s Parveen Rana won a bronze medal in the same category. Sakshi Malik won the gold medal in the women's freestyle category. She defeated Tayla Tuahine Ford (New Zealand) by a score of 13-2 in the final.

4. PV Sindhu settles for silver at Dubai World Badminton Superseries Finals: Indian shuttler P V Sindhu lost to Yamaguchi in the final in Dubai World Badminton Superseries. She went down fighting against Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in three games, 21-15 12-21 19-21.

5. Former Brazil midfielder Kaka announces retirement from football: The former Milan and Real Madrid midfielder, Kaka, announced his retirement from football. Kaka won 92 caps for Brazil, scoring 29 goals and featuring at three World Cups, forming part of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2002.

Daily GK Updates - 17th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Bill to replace Medical Council of India: Union cabinet has approved a bill to replace the Medical Council of India with a new commission to ensure transparency and reform. The draft bill also proposes a common entrance exam and licentiate exam which all medical graduates will have to clear to get practicing licences. Bill proposes a govt-nominated chairman & members, who will be selected by a committee under the Cabinet Secretary.

2. Nod for mandatory e-Way Bill: GST council has decided to go for early implementation of e-Way Bill for inter-state movement of items from Feb 1 and uniform mandatory compliance from June 1 next year. The bill will bring uniformity across the states for seamless inter-state movement of goods. An e-Way Bill is required for movement of goods worth more than Rs 50,000.

3. UIDAI suspends Airtel eKYC licence: UIDAI has temporarily barred Airtel & Airtel Payment Bank from conducting Aadhaar-based SIM verification of mobile customers using eKYC process. The action follows allegations of Airtel using Aadhaar-eKYC to open payments bank accounts of its subscribers without their informed consent. UIDAI also objected to allegations about such accounts being linked to receive LPG subsidies.

4. Pension for AP’s transgenders: The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a scheme to provide a pension of Rs 1500 to transgenders above 18 years of age in the state. Under this scheme the transgenders will be provided ration cards, plots and scholarships, also skill development for financial stability. After Kerala and Odisha, Andhra Pradesh becomes the next state to sanction pension scheme for the transgender community.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Women to drive trucks, bikes in Saudi: After allowing women to drive, Saudi Arabia has now permitted females to drive trucks and ride bikes. Women involved in road accidents or who commit traffic violations will be dealt with at special centres that will be established and run by women. Saudi Arabia was the only country in the world where women were barred from receiving a driver’s license.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Vodafone India appoints Dawar as its CFO: Vodafone India has appointed Manish Dawar as its Chief Financial Officer with effect from January 1, 2018. Dawar will replace Thomas Reiten, who after completing a 4 year stint with Vodafone India, will be moving to a new senior role within the Vodafone Group. He will report to Sunil Sood, MD and CEO, Vodafone India.

SPORTS:

1. International Wheelchair Cricket Tournament in Nepal: The first ever International Wheelchair Cricket Tournament has commenced in Nepal’s Kathmandu. The tournament has participation of teams from Nepal, India & Bangladesh which is supported by Sushil Koirala Memorial Foundation & technical assistance from Kathmandu Cricket Training Center. The first ever series of Wheel Chair competition will conclude with the final match between Nepal & Bangladesh.

Daily GK Updates - 16th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Nation celebrates Vijay Diwas today: Vijay Diwas is commemorated every 16th December in India, as it marks its military victory over Pakistan in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. On December 16, 1971, Lieutenant General AAK Niazi (chief of Pakistani forces), along with 93 thousand troops, surrendered to the allied forces, comprising the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini. Bangladesh is also celebrating its Victory Day.

2. Railway extends use of CCTV cameras for monitoring cleanliness: The Railways has extended the use of CCTV cameras for monitoring cleanliness activities at major railway stations. The national transporter has also intensified the enforcement of the Railways (Penalties for activities affecting cleanliness at railway premises) Rules, 2012.

3. R Hemalatha takes Charge as Director of National Institute of Nutrition: R Hemalatha has been appointed as the new Director of the National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad. Hemalatha has served as secretary of the Nutrition Society of India, is a fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences and a fellow of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences.

4. Bengali poet ‘Joy Goswami’ to get Moortidevi Award 2017: Renowned Bengali poet Joy Goswami will be given the Moortidevi Award for the year 2017 for his poetry collection titled ‘Du Dondo Phowara Matro’. ‘Du Dondo Phowara Matro’ is an autobiographical account of the poet’s life featuring his close ones including a pet cat. The Moortidevi award consists of a Saraswati Statue, a Citation Plaque and cash award of Rupees 4 lakhs.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1.  Indo-Maldives joint military exercise Ekuverin in Karna: The two-week long Indo-Maldives joint military exercise, ‘Ekuverin’ has begun at Belagavi, Bengaluru. The bilateral annual exercise is a joint military training between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).The annual exercise held alternatively in India and Maldives since 2009.'Ekuverin' means 'friends' in the Maldivian language.

OTHER UPDATES

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. SBI starts state bank Rewardz Scheme: The State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced a loyalty program “State Bank Rewardz” for its valued customers. The program gives the SBI customers several opportunities to earn reward points and earn many times faster at Max Get More partner outlets.

2. J&K bank launches ‘Sahafat Finance Scheme’: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) bank’s chairman & CEO Parvez Ahmadhas launched a special financial scheme "J&K Bank Sahafat Finance Scheme" for journalists of the state. It will enable journalists to buy cameras, laptops, tablets, and books. The minimum loan amount for the purpose has been fixed at Rs 50,000 while as the maximum cap is Rs 3 lakhs.

SPORTS:

1. Roger Federer named BBC overseas sports personality of the year: Swiss tennis player Roger Federer has been voted BBC overseas sports personality of the year for a record fourth time. Federer will be honored during Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Liverpool. Federer became the first man to win Wimbledon eight times and extended his record to 19 Grand Slam titles in 2017.

2. FIFA bans the head of Brazilian football federation: FIFA ethics committee has suspended the head of the Brazilian football federation Marco Polo Del Nero for 90 days over a breach of its rules. Del Nero was accused of accepting a 6.5 million Euro commission. The decision bans Del Nero from any football-related activities during this period.

Daily GK Updates - 15th December, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Jitesh Singh Deo named Mr. India 2017: Jitesh Singh Deo bagged the title of ‘Peter England Mr. India 2017’ at a ceremony held at Bandra Fort in Mumbai. Indian footballer Prathamesh Maulingkar has won the title of Peter England Mr. India Supranational 2017, followed by Abhi Khajuria and Pavan Rao. Jitesh competed with 15 other contestants to grab the coveted title.

2. 3rd World Telugu Conference begins today in Hyderabad: the Vice- President ‘M Venkaiah Naidu’ has inaugurated the third World Telugu Conference in Hyderabad.The 5-day conference will promote Telugu and its literature besides helping the present generation learn more about the Telugu language. Around eight thousand Telugu speaking delegates from 40 countries all over the globe will be taking part. President Ram Nath Kovind will participate in the valedictory function on 19th Dec 2017.

3.  Supreme Court extends deadline for Aadhaar linkage up to 31st March next year: The Supreme Court has extended the deadline till 31st March, 2018 for mandatory linking of Aadhaar with various services and welfare schemes. A five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra also modified its earlier order with regard to linking of Aadhaar with mobile services.

4.  14th Inclusive Finance India summit begins in New Delhi: The 14th Inclusive Finance India Summit has begun in New Delhi to build consensus on strategies and a unified vision for achieving universal financial inclusion in India. The summit offers a platform for a plethora of information to all the thought leaders and industry veterans to debate the issues and challenges involving the Financial Inclusion in the country.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Norway becomes the first nation to shut national broadcasts on FM: Norway has become the world's first country to shut down national broadcasts of its FM network by completing its transition to digital radio. The transition will allow for better sound quality, a greater number of channels and more functions, at a cost eight times lower than FM radio.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Govt. raises customs duty on electronic items: The union finance ministry has raised customs duty on some electronic items including television, mobile phone, projector and water heater in order to boost domestic manufacturing. Now, customs duty on television set has been increased to 15% from the existing 10% and the duty on monitors and projectors has been doubled to 20%.For the push button telephone or mobile, the duty has been raised to 15% from 0, while water heater and hairdressing instrument duty has been doubled to 20%.

SPORTS:

1. Sachin Siwach named ABC’s best youth boxer: The World youth champion Sachin Siwach has been named the Asian Boxing Confederation’s “Best Youth Boxer” of the year 2017. Sachin won after an online poll conducted by the continental body in his category and polled 36.2 % votes.