Daily GK Updates - 21st April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Schemes to facilitate access to justice: Union Minister of Law and Justice Ravi Shankar Prasad inaugurated 3 welfare initiatives that would facilitate access to justice for the poor.Prasad launched the schemes, namely, ‘Pro-bono (in public interest) legal services’, ‘Tele-law service’ and ‘Nyaya Mitra’, which aim to connect those in need of legal aid with lawyers through use of technology.

2. India’s first industrial Robot:TAL Manufacturing Solutions Ltd, a subsidiary of Tata Motors Ltd. has created India’s first industrial robot called BRABO.BRABO—short for “Bravo Robot”—has been priced between Rs 5-7 lakh and can even be bought on equated monthly instalments, or EMIs. It was manufactured at the TAL’s Pune factory.

3.LIC appoints new MD and CEO: Life insurance Corp of India has appointed Vinay Shah as the new managing director and chief executive director of its mortgage loan arm and listed entity LIC Housing Finance.He succeeded Sunita Sharma.Shah has been with LIC since 1983. Prior to this assignment, he was executive director marketing.

4.Country’s first village of books: India’s first village of books will open on May 4 in Panchgani, Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra.The Maharashtra government has got 75-odd artists to paint the walls of the 25 premises at Pustakanche Gaon (village of books).The village includes nearly 25 premises, which include 3 temples, 2 schools, 7 houses and several lodges and homestays spread on a stretch of 2 km in Bhilar village.

5.National nutrition scheme in Assam: Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi has assured to bring the national nutrition scheme on track in Assam in a meeting with Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.They also discussed the modalities to strengthen the scheme.The Union Minister also hailed the state government’s role in conservation of rhino and other endangered species in national parks and sanctuaries.

  INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Italian mayor wins Unesco Peace Prize: The UNESCO has awarded its Peace Prize to Giuseppina (Giusi) Nicolini, the mayor of the Italian island of Lampedusa, for her commitment to saving the lives of migrants and refugees.Lying closer to Tunisia than it does to Sicily, Lampedusa is the first European landfall for people fleeing war and economic hardship in Africa and the Middle East.

2. RBI opens banking ombudsman in Jammu: The Reserve Bank has opened a new ombudsman office in Jammu as part of its efforts to expand banking grievances complaint cells across the country.Earlier all complaints were under the jurisdiction of New Delhi.There are two banking ombudsman offices in New Delhi.The office in Jammu will have the jurisdiction over entire Jammu and Kashmir

3.China to host BRICS Film Festival: The 2017 BRICS Film Festival will be held in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province from June 23 to 27.Chinese director Xie Fei will be the president of the festival jury.The first BRICS Film Festival was held in New Delhi, India, last September

4. Former Iranian President disqualified: Iran’s former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has been disqualified from running in next month’s presidential election.The decision was taken by the Guardian Council, a clerical body charged with vetting candidates for the May 19 election.Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had previously urged him not to run.

5. Mongolia launches its first satellite: Mongolia launched its first satellite as part of its efforts to make use of new technology to diversify its resource-dependent economy.The 1,227-megahertz satellite, called Mongol Sat-1, will help landlocked Mongolia expand its television, telecoms and broadband services.The satellite was launched in partnership with Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS)

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India 8th on FDI confidence index: India has climbed one spot to the eighth rank in the 2017 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Confidence Index.The index shows that investor confidence in India has been growing steadily over the last two years, making it one of the top two emerging market performers on the FDI Index, along with China.

SPORTS:

1. Video gaming at 2022 Asian Games: Video gaming will be featured as a full sport at the 2022 Asian Games, with competitors in electronic sports set to receive medals for their digital prowess. The Olympic Council of Asia says it will introduce esports to the official program of the Asian Games at Hangzhou, China. It will also be a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia.

Daily GK Updates - 20th April, 2018

                 NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. The impeachment motion against CJI: Opposition parties led by Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad have submitted an impeachment motion against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra to Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu.Around 60 opposition leaders signed the motion, while TMC and DMK MPs refrained from it.The move comes after CJI-led Supreme Court bench dismissed petitions seeking a probe into Judge BH Loya’s death.

2.Chhattisgarh to Distribute Free Smartphones: Chhattisgarh govt. will start distributing smartphones to over 50 lakh people for free from May under the Sanchar Kranti Yojana.Under the scheme, 40 lakh phones will be given to women heads of households in villages having population of more than 1,000. Smartphones will help to apprise people with the government’s welfare schemes and about the processes to avail benefits.

3. Commonwealth Heads of Govt Meeting begins: The two-day 25th Commonwealth heads of Govt meeting began in London.The Summit focuses on peace, prosperity, security, trade and investment. Discussions on strengthening cooperation in the fight against global terrorism & cyber crime are expected.It is after 20 years that the UK is hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Govt Meeting.PM Narendra Modi is attending the summit for the first time.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.New partnership announced between India-UK: The British government announced a new trade partnership between India-UK.India would be investing more than 1 billion pounds in UK which will aid in creating 5,750 British jobs.The new partnership was announced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi had talks with the British Prime Minister Theresa May.

2.Scientists in Spain create a new record: Researchers based out in Spain cramp down light to lesser than a nanometer,that is, a space of 1 atom.The team did so by squeezing plasmons into a gap between graphene and metal.This is the smallest confinement done till date.This work was performed in collaboration with MIT (USA) and University of Minho (Portugal).

3.Jim Bridenstine to be the new NASA chief: US Senate has confirmed President Donald Trump-nominated Representative Jim Bridenstine to serve as NASA’s 13th administrator.His confirmation following a vote in the Senate ends the longest span of time that NASA has operated without a permanent leader.Bridenstine, a pilot in US Navy Reserve currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee & Science, Space & Technology Committee

4. Cuba gets its first non-Castro President: Cuba has selected First Vice President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez as the sole candidate to succeed Raul Castro as president of Cuba.Miguel is the first leader outside the Castro dynasty to lead the country since the 1959 revolution.Raul Castro will remain head of the Communist party, designated by the constitution as “the superior guiding force of society and the state”.

5. Spielberg becomes 1st director to gross $10b: Three-time Oscar winning filmmaker Steven Spielberg has become the first director to gross more than $10 billion at the box office.Spielberg’s latest film ‘Ready Player One’ has helped him achieve this milestone.Spielberg is unlikely to lose the top spot any time soon as his closest rivals – Peter Jackson, Michael Bay and James Cameron all are currently around the $6 billion figure.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India, Eritrea to sign MoU: To facilitate a structured dialogue for strengthening bilateral cooperation among themselves, India & Eritrea will sign a MoU on Foreign Office Consultations.India & Eritrea enjoy cordial relations in political, commercial, education and other areas.Over the years, India has provided Eritrea with capacity building assistance in legislative drafting, technical scholarships & food aid.

2.Yes Bank got RBI’s nod to open offices: Yes Bank has received the Reserve Bank of India’s approval to open two representative offices in London and Singapore.The opening of these new offices will help in further diversification andexpansion of financial services to the NRI diaspora.Yes Bank opened its first representative office in Abu Dhabi in April 2015.

3. Standard Chartered ties up with Zoho: Standard Chartered Bank has announced an alliance with Zoho to offer solutions to enhance corporate banking experience.Bank’s business account holders can now pay their suppliers & automate reconciliation right from Zoho Books. The collaboration with Zoho offers clients a revolutionary experience, enabling them to interact seamlessly, resulting in simpler reconciliation & faster payments.

4. Tata Sons appoints new Group Chief HR Officer: Tata Sons has appointed long-time group employee Nupur Mallick as its new Group Chief Human Resource Officer.Currently, Mallick is director, Human Resources for Tata Consultancy Services in the UK and Ireland.She will take over from S. Padmanabhan who will continue to be executive chairman of Tata Business Excellence Group and head, Sustainability Group.

SPORTS:

1. India to bid for 2026 Youth Olympics: Indian Olympic Association has decided to bid for 2026 Youth Olympics as well as the 2032 Summer Olympics.The bidding process for 2026 Youth Olympics is likely to start in early part of 2020.Besides India, Thailand has also expressed interest to host the 2026 Youth Olympics.IOC chief Thomas Bach, who is on a 2 day visit to India, said India has the capability to host big Olympic events.

Daily GK Updates - 19th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Petrol pumps to be closed on Sundays: Beginning 14 May, petrol pumps in eight states will be closed on Sundays.Nearly 20,000 outlets in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra and Haryana would be shut for 24 hours on Sundays, starting 14 May.The decision was made in view of the Prime Minister’s call during his recent “mann ki baat” programme to conserve oil to save the environment

2. Sri Lanka to offer India port development: Sri Lanka is now set to allow India to jointly develop the Trincomalee port in northeastern part of the country.Sri Lanka has readied an MoU for joint development of the project and that it’s likely to be signed during PM Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Colombo.Sri Lanka, however, has backed China’s ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative about which India has serious reservations.

3. WB Govt brings Social Security Yojana:West Bengal Government has introduced the Social Security Yojana by converging five separate beneficiary schemes for workers in the unorganised sectors and for self-employed people.Around 5 crore people will benefit from the Yojana, with around 1 crore getting direct benefits.The State Government has started another scheme – State Nutrition Mission.

4.New Film Institute in Itanagar: Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu announced that a Film Institute will be set up in Itanagar.Mr Naidu said that the institute will start functioning from a temporary campus with an introduction of 10 week short term course from 15th of May this year.An investment of 200 crore rupees will be made for the institute for the students of North East region.

5. UP airport to be named after Gorakhnath: UP state cabinet has decided to name an upcoming airport terminal at Gorakhpur Air Force station after Mahayogi Gorakhnath.Mahayogi Gorakhnath is known as the founder of the Nath monastic movement.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is the head priest of the Gorakhnath Math.He is also a five-time MP from Gorakhpur.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.China Names places in Arunachal Pradesh: China has announced its own names for six places in Arunachal Pradesh.China claims the state as ‘South Tibet’, while India says Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and is inseparable from the country.The names announced by China are Wo’gyainling, Mila Ri, Qoid ngarbo Ri, Mainquka, B mo La and Namkapub Ri.

2. UK parliament votes on snap election: Britain’s parliament is to vote on holding a snap election in June.Prime Minister Theresa May is seeking to make strong gains against the opposition ahead of gruelling Brexit negotiations.An early election would therefore be the fourth big vote in four years after the general election of 2015.

3.UN to issue stamps for Yoga Day: United Nations will issue special stamps commemorating the International Yoga Day on June 21 this year.UN Postal Administration will issue the new special event sheet to commemorate Yoga Day that has been marked annually since 2015.The special sheet consists of stamps with images of the sacred Indian sound “Om” and various yogic postures.

4. India, Russia to hold combat exercise: In the first such tri-Service wargames, India will hold a major combat exercise with Russia this year.The Indra exercise, to be held in Russia, will include assets and manpower from the Army, Navy and IAF.

This is the first time India will deploy the three services together for an exercise with a country.Moscow Conference on International Security will be held on April 25-26.

5.World Liver Day being observed today:The World Liver day is observed on the 19th April every year to spread awareness about the second largest organ ‘liver’ in the body.This year, the theme of World Liver Day 2018 is 'Riding New Waves in Liver Diagnosis, Staging & Treatment'.Liver diseases can be caused by hepatitis A, B, C, alcohol, and drugs.According to WHO (World Health Organization), liver diseases are the 10th most common cause of death in India.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Goldman Sachs for Flipkart merger talks: Bengaluru-based ecommerce marketplace Flipkart has appointed Goldman Sachs as an advisor for the “proposed acquisition” of rival Snapdeal.Last week, Flipkart had announced its acquisition of eBay.in as part of a $1.4 billion fundraising round.Snapdeal has raised about $1.65 billion from about two dozen investors, including SoftBank and SoftBank-backed Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba.

Daily GK Updates - 18th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. District plan to acelerate growth by 3%: Govt has decided to set up a district plan to accelerate growth of districts by 3%.An addition of 3% growth at the district level will ensure that 5 trillion dollars target for the Indian economy becomes achievable.The initiative will begin with 6 districts, including Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, VaLt Gen PP Malhotra takes over as DG NCC

2. Lieutenant General PP Malhotra has assumed the charge as Director General of National Cadet Corps (NCC):, the largest uniformed youth organization in the world.Prior to assuming his present appointment, he was the Chief Engineer of the Army’s premier Northern Command.Lt Gen Malhotra’s distinguished professional career includes various regimental, staff and command appointments.ranasi in UP, Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh & Solan in HP.

3. Digital platform for MSME exporters launched:Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu launched FIEO GlobalLinker- A digital platform for MSME exporters to digitise their businesses & join a global community of growing businesses.It will help in expanding India’s multi-focused export strategy & also aid in connecting art & artisans to market.

4. HRD Ministry to launch Study In India portal:HRD Ministry will launch ‘Study in India’ portal that aims to target foreign students to be admitted in Indian institutes

It will enable students from 30 countries to apply for different courses from 150 Indian institutions.study in India programme’s objective is to target foreign students by branding India as an attractive education destination.

5. DARPAN-PLI App launched by Manoj Sinha: MoS for Communication, Manoj Sinha launched DARPAN-Postal Life Insurance App in New Delhi.The App will help in collection of premium for Postal & Rural postal life insurance policies at Branch Post offices anywhere in India, with online updation of policies.It will help Department of Posts in providing better after-sales service to customers, particularly those living in rural areas.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World Heritage Day celebrated: World Heritage Day is an annual event celebrated on 18 April of each year.The day aims to spread awareness of the importance of protecting & preserving various sites around that have achieved world heritage status.This year’s theme is Heritage for Generations emphasizing on inter-generational transfer of knowledge.There are 36 sites in India that have been declared as World Heritage.

2. India, Sweden to cooperate in Smart Cities: India & Sweden have agreed to deepen their cooperation in Smart Cities initiative, transport & energy sectors.The 2 countries will exchange knowledge & explore cooperation on smart cities, including transit-oriented urban development, air pollution control & waste management.Both sides will also exchange know-how & explore cooperation in areas of electro-mobility as well as renewable fuels

3. US to restrict movement of Pakistani diplomats:US has notified Pak that the diplomats at their embassy in Washington & consulates in other cities would not be able to travel beyond 40 kms of their offices without permission from May 1.Diplomats would need to apply for permission at least 5 days ahead of an intended travel outside the imposed 40 kms radii.

4. India ranked 10th in Innovation Index: India was ranked 10^th on a new Commonwealth Innovation Index which was topped by UK, Singapore & Canada.The index has been created in partnership with United Nations World Intellectual Property Organisation & its annual Global Innovation Index. It is aimed at providing a tool that allows member states, organisations & citizens to benchmark themselves against 53 countries of Commonwealth.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Facebook introduces new privacy choices:Facebook would begin rolling out changes to how it handles private data this week to comply with forthcoming EU rules.Under the new policy, FB users will be asked to review & make choices about ads they receive, including whether they want Facebook to use data from third parties.FB has recently been rocked by disclosures about hijacking of personal data on tens of millions of its users.

2. India to grow at 7.4% in 2018:IMF in the latest World Economic Outlook has projected India to grow at 7.4% in 2018 & 7.8% in 2019.India in 2018 & 2019 would re-emerge as one of the fastest growing major economies.IMF said the implementation of GST will help reduce internal barriers to trade, increase efficiency & improve tax compliance.

SPORTS:

1. Bihar, NE states recommended for Ranji Trophy: Sourav Ganguly-led technical committee of BCCI has unanimously recommended reinstatement of Bihar & inclusion of northeastern states in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy.The northeastern states played BCCI U-19 tournaments last season as the Board wanted to gradually integrate them into the system.Ranji Trophy 2018-19 season is proposed to have 4 Groups with the introduction of pre-quarterfinals.

Daily GK Updates - 17th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

 1. Bengaluru is highest paying city for talent: With an average annual CTC for talent across all levels and functions standing at about Rs 11 lakh, Bengaluru topped the list of salary trends this year.Pune stands second at around Rs 10 lakh, followed by NCR and Mumbai with an average annual CTC of a little under Rs 10 lakh and around Rs 9 lakh, respectively.The report has been published by Randstad India

2. Kochi to host India Skills Kerala 2018: Kerala will host the India Skills Kerala 2018 – in Kochi from April 28 to 30, as part of the World Skills India 2018. The event is aimed at identifying and training talents to get medals at the World Skills Competition Kazan 2019.The proposed India Skills Kerala 2018 is an avenue provided to the youngsters in the State to showcase their vocational skills.

3. Pilgrimage train flagged off from Sambalpur: A special pilgrimage train for senior citizens, under the ‘Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana’, has been flagged off from Sambalpur station by Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.The train will take senior citizens to Shirdi, Nasik and Trimbakeshwar during the seven-day tour.The Odisha government has signed an MoU with the IRCTC for the pilgrimage plan.

4.Target revised for PMGSY from 2022 to 2019: The Government has said that the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is well on its way to achieve the target by March 2019.The scheme, since its inception in 2000, has been able to provide connectivity to more than one lakh fifty thousand habitations. This centrally sponsored programme is implemented in partnership with the respective state governments.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. World Haemophilia Day Observed On April 17: World Haemophilia Day is recognized worldwide on 17th April every year to increase awareness of haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders.It was started by the World Federation of Haemophilia.It also helps to raise funds for patients who cannot afford haemophilia treatment.The theme for World Haemophilia Day 2018 is “sharing knowledge”.

2. UK joins International Solar Alliance: The United Kingdom joined the India-led International Solar Alliance (ISA) ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s four-day visit to Britain.The UK’s partnership will involve providing expertise and advice to the alliance, but no monetary contributions.The UK became 62nd country to join ISA, which includes countries like France, Australia, Bangladesh, Tuvalu, Benin, UAE, Brazil

3. New York Times, New Yorker won Pulitzer: The New York Times and The New Yorker won the Pulitzer Prize for public service on April 16.The Washington Post won the Pulitzer in the investigative category for relentless reporting that influenced the outcome of the 2017 Senate race in Alabama. The New York Times and The Washington Post shared the Pulitzer in national reporting for coverage of Russian interference in the 2016 elections.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS / ECONOMY:

1. Yes Bank launches overdraft facility for MSMEs: Yes Bank recently announced the launch of ‘YES GST’, an OD (over draft) facility for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).Through this first-of-its-kind, industry first initiative, an MSME can avail OD up to Rs. 1 crore, based on their annual turnover, backed by GST returns.This OD facility can be availed by a MSME against mortgage of residential or commercial property.

2. M&M joins Rs 1-trillion m-cap club: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd entered the coveted Rs 1 trillion market capitalisation club, after its share price hit a fresh 52-week high on the BSE. Following the jump in its m-cap, M&M has joined the ranks of Ultra Tech Cement, PowerGrid Corporation, and IndusInd Bank. The company’s market capitalisation (m-cap) jumped to Rs 1,01,829.91 crore.

SPORTS:

1. Yuki Bhambri back in top-100: Tennis star Yuki Bhambri today broke back into the top-100 for the first time since February 2016.As per the latest rankings, he jumped 22 places to a career-best rank of 83.This follows his title-winning performance at the Taipei Challenger. This is the best rank an Indian has achieved in ATP singles chart since Somdev Devvarman touched a career-high 62 in July 2011.

Daily GK Updates - 16th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1.Odisha CM inaugurates bridge connecting Jharsaguda district with Sambalpur: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has inaugurated a ‘2.5 km long bridge’ constructed over river Ib (a tributary of Mahanadi) that will connect Jharsaguda district with Sambalpur. It will help connect the coal region of Brajarjnagar & Belpahar in Jharsuguda district with Sambalpur & boost economic activities in the area.The bridge has been constructed at a cost of over 117 crore rupees.It will reduce the distance between Lakhanpur and Sambalpur by 50 kilometers.

2. Himachal Pradesh Celebrates its 71st Foundation Day: Himachal Pradesh celebrated its 71st foundation day with much fanfare and gaiety. Several cultural events were organized across the state. It may be recalled that the hill state came into existence after the merger of 30 odd princely states in 1948. The main event was held at Ridge Maidan in Shimla, where Chief Minister Jairam Thakur reviewed the ceremonial Parade presented by police, home guards and NCC cadets.

3. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana Launched in Telangana: Launching the ‘Gram Swaraj Abhiyan’ in Telangana, the Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan stated the number of LPG distribution points in the State will be increased to 1,000 from the existing 707 for quicker and efficient delivery of gas cylinders.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1.  NASA to launch washing machine-sized spacecraft: NASA is to launch a washing machine-sized spacecraft that aims to vastly expand mankind's search for planets beyond the solar system.The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is scheduled to launch today from Cape Canaveral, Florida.Its main goal over the next two years is to scan more than 200,000 of the brightest stars for signs of planets circling them and causing a dip in brightness known as a transit.

2. PM Modi leaves on 5-day visit to Sweden & UK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting two European countries Sweden, Germany and the UK for bilateral meetings and for the India-Nordic Summit and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).In the first leg, Prime Minister will attend the first-ever India-Nordic Summit in Stockholm which is being co-hosted by India and Sweden.In the second leg (Wed-Fri) of his visit. Mr. Modi will address a unique event ‘Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath’ in London on Wednesday.The Prime Minister will also participate in the CHOGM being hosted by the United Kingdom.

3. Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Begins in London: The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2018) has begun in London, the UK. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take part in the event on 19th and 20th of April. The theme of the summit is 'Towards a Common Future'. The biennial event has brought together delegates from 53 Commonwealth nations.

4. UN launches Road Safety Fund: United Nations’ Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed announced the launch of the ‘UN Road Safety Trust Fund’ to stimulate action that can save lives and prevent injuries and sufferings associated with road accidents. The UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the development arm of the UN in Europe, is designated as the Secretariat for the Trust Fund. A contribution ofUSD 1500 to the fund could help save one life and prevent 10 serious injuries.

OTHER UPDATES

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Kotak Mahindra Bank Pips SBI to Become India’s 2nd Most Valuable Bank: Shares of private lender Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd beat India’s largest lender State Bank of India (SBI) for the first time to become the second most valued bank in the country. Data from BSE showed that Kotak Mahindra Bank has a market capitalization of Rs2,22,560.69 crore after its shares rose 1.7%. SBI market capitalization stood at Rs2,22,043.74 crore. Its shares were trading at Rs248.80 on BSE, down 1% from its previous close.

SPORTS:

1. India ends the campaign in third spot with 26 Gold Medals at CWG 2018 : India has eventually finished their 21st Commonwealth Games campaignon the third spot at Gold Coast, Australia.Legendary Boxer MC Mery Kom leading Indian delegation carrying tricolor in a colorful ceremony.Indian competitors ended their campaign in the third place, with 66 medals including 26 Gold, 20 Silver and 20 Bronze medals.Australia stood first in the medal tally with 198 medals (80 Gold, 59 Silver and 59 Bronze) followed by England 136 medals.

2. Indian Swimmer Double Crosses Bangla Channel, Sets World Record: Pune-based 17-year-old swimmer Sampanna Ramesh Shelar has set a world record to double cross the Bangla Channel. Shelar, is the first person to swim to and fro from Saint Martin's Island Jetty to Teknaf in Bangladesh also known as the Bangla Channel. He has completed the journey of 32.2 kilometres in 9 hours and 10 minutes.

Daily GK Updates - 15th April, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES

1. Dharmendra to receive Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement award: According to the Maharashtra culture minister, Veteran Bollywood actor ‘Dharmendra’ will be conferred with the prestigious ‘Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement’ and filmmaker ‘Rajkumar Hirani’ with Raj Kapoor Special Contribution awards

2. Smriti Irani inaugurates Home Expo India 2018 : The union minister of Textiles and Information and Broadcasting ‘Smriti Irani’ has inaugurated the three days Home Expo India 2018 (seventh edition) at India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida.The expo is three segmented categories show comprising Housewares, Textiles, and Furniture.Around 650 Indian exporters of all the three categories will be displaying exquisite products of Houseware, decorative, furnishing, flooring, textiles and furniture accessories.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES

1. Nepal: Bisket Jatra to be celebrated in Bhaktapur: The famous nine days annual festival ‘Bisket Jatra’ (Nepali new year) is being celebrated in Bhaktapur and the other parts of Kathmandu valley in Nepal.The Jatra begins four days before the start of new year.The main attraction of Bisket Jatra is chariot procession of Lord Bhairavanath.

OTHER UPDATES

SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY:

1. ISRO carries out fourth and final orbit raising operation of IRNSS-1I: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully carried out its fourth and final orbit raising operation of IRNSS-1I navigation satellite.The targeted perigee height is 35,381 km and apogee height at 35,793 km.Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, IRNSS-1I is the eighth and the last navigation satellite in the constellation.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. L&T, BEL Ink MoU for Defence Products : In line with the efforts to indigenize the defence sector under the 'Make in India' initiative, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed an MoU to cater to the needs of evolving domestic and export markets for defence products and systems.The MoU seeks to leverage the capabilities of both the firms for meeting the growing requirements of the Indian Armed Forces

2. PNB Launches Products to Mark Foundation Day :  State-run Punjab National Bank (PNB) launched new products such as pre-approved credit card and UPI solution to mark its 124th foundation day.esides, the bank announced its UPI partnership with the expense management app WALNUT that comes embedded with features such as bill reminders, bill-split and instant paperless loans.

SPORTS:

1.  Saina first Indian shuttler to win two singles gold in Commonwealth Games: Ace Indian shuttler ‘Saina Nehwal’ defeated PV Sindhu 21-18, 23-21 in women's singles final to clinch a gold medal in women’s badminton singles at the 21st Commonwealth Games.Now, she became the first Indian shuttler to have won two singles gold medals in badminton in Commonwealth Games.Earlier, Saina had won a gold medal in 2010 Commonwealth Games which were hosted by India.

2.  Kidambi Srikanth wins his first CWG Silver : World number one Indian shuttler Kidambi Srikanth won his career's first Commonwealth Games singles Silver medal.In the final, the 25-year-old Indian lost to Malaysia's Lee Chong Wei, who won his career's third Commonwealth Games singles gold medal. Notably, only three Indian shuttlers have won CWG men's singles title– Prakash Padukone (1978), Syed Modi (1982) and Parupalli Kashyap (2014).