Daily GK Updates - 12th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Customs & Postal department holds joint conference : Indian Customs & Department of India Posts held a First ever Joint Conference in New Delhi to deliberate on streamlining imports & exports by post.Imports & exports by post are the 6th highest cited citizen grievances under Centralized Public Grievance Redress & Monitoring System.Customs & DGFT have worked together since a year to liberalise, reform & align laws relating to imports by post

2. India’s first Lithium-Ion charger : President Ram Nath Kovind unveiled India’s first, indigenous lithium-ion battery charger, developed by Ampere Vehicles in New Delhi.

The lithium-Ion charger project is supported by Technology Development Board of the Ministry of Science and Technology as part of the Make-in-India initiative.The unveiling event took place on the occasion of National Technology Day.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NASA to fly a helicopter on Mars : NASA will send a small helicopter to Mars, in the first test of a heavier-than-air aircraft on another planet.The Mars helicopter will be bundled with the US space agency’s Mars rover when it launches in 2020.The helicopter is specifically designed to fly in the atmosphere of Mars, which is 100 times thinner than Earth’.

2. Trump axes funding for NASA system : The Trump administration has eliminated funding for NASA’s research program that tracks greenhouse gases around the world.The Carbon Monitoring System (CMS), a $10m (£7m)-a-year project tracks the world’s flow of carbon dioxide from space.The US’s environmental policy has shifted under Trump administration, which wants to bolster the US’s fossil fuel industry.

3. Cholera vaccination campaign began in Yemen : The 1^st vaccine campaign against cholera in Yemen has started, a year & a half after an epidemic was triggered by war & a health and sanitation crisis.According to WHO, there have been more than 1 million cases of cholera in Yemen & 2,275 recorded deaths since Nov 2016.The oral vaccination campaign started in four districts in Aden aims to target around 350,000 people.

4. KISS Humanitarian Award 2018 : Nobel Peace award winner & the founder of Grameen Bank Prof. Muhammad Yunus has been conferred with the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award 2018.Prof Yunus is the second Nobel laureate to be conferred the award.KISS Humanitarian Award is an international award given to someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the society in various fields relating to social issues.

5. India and Myanmar sign 7 agreements : India & Myanmar have signed 7 agreements during the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit to Myanmar.The 7 agreements signed included one on land border crossing that will enable people from both countries to cross the land border with passport & visa for accessing health & education services.MoU on training of Myanmar foreign service officers was also signed during the meeting.

6. International Nurses day celebrated : International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12 with a view to create awareness among the public about the role and responsibilities of nurses.This year the theme of the day is ‘Nurses: A voice to lead – Health is a Human Right’.International Nurses day also marks the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

OTHER UPDATES: 

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. SEBI asks listed firms to split CMD post : SEBI has asked listed companies to split the post of Chairman and Managing Director by April 2020.SEBI has also made it compulsory for them to have six independent directors on board, including a women director.The changes, which were first recommended by Kotak Bank chief Uday Kotak-led committee on corporate governance in 2017, have now been accepted and notified by SEBI.

2. RBI puts Dena Bank under corrective action : RBI has initiated prompt corrective action against Dena Bank in view of high non-performing assets, restricting the bank from giving new loans & new hiring.Prompt Corrective Action comes after Dena Bank posted a loss for the third year in a row with net NPA’s close to 12%.Though several banks are under the PCA framework currently, Dena Bank is the first lender to have fresh lending curbed.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Kerala & NTPC sign MoU for solar power : The Kerala State Electricity Board has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Thermal Power Corporation for increasing solar power generation in the state.The MoU also includes an agreement to set up a 15 MW solar power unit at the NTPC complex in Kayamkulam.The possibility of setting up solar plants at reservoirs, open space & top of buildings will also be explored.

2. Tea industry records highest ever production : Achieving a historic feat, the Indian tea industry has recorded the highest ever production of 1,325.05 million kg as well as the export of 256.57 million kg during 2017-18.Total tea production in 2017-18 went up by 74.56 million kg or 5.96%, as compared to the corresponding figure in 2016-17.Growth in exports was majorly driven by 5 countries – Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, China & Russia.

3. Agreement in field of Renewable Energy : India and Peru have signed an agreement in the field of Renewable Energy at Lima, Peru.The pact was signed in the presence of Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and the Prime Minister Cesar Villanueva Arevalo.Vice President’s visit comes at a time when India is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations with Peru.

DEFENCE:

1. SpaceX launched most powerful Falcon 9 yet : SpaceX blasted off its newest & most powerful Falcon 9 rocket, known as the Block 5, carrying the first high-orbit communications satellite for Bangladesh.The satellite will provide broadband connectivity to rural areas throughout Bangladesh.Block 5 Falcon 9 is eventually meant to carry astronauts to the International Space Station, with the first launch tentatively planned for Dec 2018.

SPORTS:

1. Indian judokas win 3 medals : Indian judokas won 3 medals on the opening day of Asian Cadet Judo Championships in Lebanon.Rohini S Mohite from Maharashtra won a gold medal in the 40kg category while Tababi Devi Thanjam of Manipur emerged as a champion in the 44kg category.India has sent a 40-member team for the 12th Asian Cadet Judo Championships.

Daily GK Updates - 11th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Railways to pay compensation if person dies : The Supreme Court held that the Indian Railways must pay compensation in case of death or injury while boarding or deboarding trains.It added that in case of an accident or untoward incident, the Railways must pay compensation whether or not there has been a wrongful act, neglect or fault on the part of the administration.The railways cannot plead negligence on the part of the victims

2. India’s clean energy capacity touches 70 GW : Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has stated that India’s installed clean energy capacity has already touched 70 GW as per data compiled on March 31, 2018.100 billion units of electricity was generated through renewables during last fiscal, which also is the highest ever so far.R K Singh has reaffirmed government’s commitment to meet target of having 175 GW by 2022

3. Mrinalini Sarabhai’s 100th birth anniversary : Google Doodle on 11th May celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Mrinalini Sarabhai, the renowned Indian classical dancer. Mrinalini married notable physicist Vikram Sarabhai who is considered to be the Father of the Indian Space Program.Mrinalini was awarded the Padma Shri in 1965 and Padma Bhushan in 1992.She was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship New Delhi in 1994.

4. Pawan Kalyan unfurls ‘largest’ Indian flag : The largest Indian flag was unfurled at NTR Stadium in Hyderabad to pay tribute to martyrs of India’s First War of Independence of 1857.The flag, measuring 183 feet in length and 122 feet in breadth, was unfurled by Tollywood actor and Jana Sena party president Pawan Kalyan.The flag is prepared by an organisation called ‘Vibrants of Kala.

5. Arunachal’s biggest solar plant inaugurated : Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu inaugurated the state’s biggest solar power plant at Energy Awareness Park.The plant, with a capacity of one megawatt, was commissioned on April 1 at an estimated investment of Rs 8.50 crore.With the commissioning of the solar plant, import of energy from other states will reduce considerably.

6. 19th National Technology Day : The country observed 19th National Technology Day on 11th May to commemorate the successful carrying out of the nuclear test at Pokhran in Rajasthan.On the same day, India performed successful test firing of the Trishul Missile and test flying the first indigenous aircraft ‘Hansa-3’.The country started observing the day as National Technology Day every year since 1999.

7.Nirmal Singh elected JK Assembly speaker : BJP legislator & former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh has been elected as the Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.Singh, who is an MLA from Billawar constituency in Jammu region, was elected as the Speaker by a voice vote in a one-day special session of the J&K Assembly.Singh defeated Congress MLA from Bandipora, Usman Majeed.

8. Green Ambassador of Sikkim : The Sikkim Government has nominated Bollywood singer Mohit Chauhan as the Green Ambassador of the state.Chauhan has been nominated as the Green Ambassador for promoting Sikkim as a Green Destination, nationally and internationally, on a voluntary basis.Sikkim is known for its rich biodiversity and abundant natural resources due to environment-friendly policies.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Israel launched airstrikes against Iran : Israel and Iran were engaged in their most direct confrontation to date after Iranian forces stationed in Syria fired nearly 20 missiles targeting Israel-occupied territory and Israel Defence Forces responded with airstrikes.This marks Israel’s most significant military action in Syria since the civil war started in 2011.The two countries have been engaged in a proxy war for years.

2. World’s second oldest rock is from Odisha : A rock sample was recovered nearly eight years ago from Champua in Odisha’s Kendujhar district.Scientists have found in the rock a grain of magmatic zircon (a mineral that contains traces of radioactive isotopes).It is an estimated to be around 4,240 million years old — a discovery of great promise to study the earth’s early years.

3. First SCO tourism ministerial meeting : 1^st tourism ministerial meeting between the members of Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held in Wuhan, China.The meeting approved an action plan that will serve as a guideline for tourism cooperation between SCO member states from 2019 to 2020.The plan specifies measures taken to improve tourist experience & safety, develop tourist products & promote smart tourism.

4. Mahathir Mohamad sworn in as Malaysia’s PM : Mahathir Mohamad has been sworn in as the Prime Minister of Malaysia again after a shock election victory.Mahathir’s coalition defeated the governing Barisan Nasional coalition, led by PM Najib Razak, which has been in power for more than 60 yrs.The victory capped a dramatic comeback for Mahathir, who ruled the country for 22 yrs.92 year old, Mahathir becomes the oldest PM in the world

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. New monetary limits for public sector banks :Monetary threshold for public sector banks to report frauds to departments of CBI for a probe has been revised.Frauds of min. Rs 3 cr & to Rs 25 cr have to be reported to either CBIs Anti-Corruption Branch or to Economic Offences Wing.According to RBI, cases of frauds involving more than Rs 25 cr & up to Rs 50 cr should be given to CBIs Banking Security & Fraud Cell.

SPORTS:

1. Nadal breaks record : Spanish world number one Rafael Nadal broke a 34-year-old record by winning his 50th straight set on clay, the most consecutive sets won by a player on a surface.Nadal eased past Argentine Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-4 in the round of 16 of Madrid Open to storm into the quarter-final round and broke John McEnroe’s long-standing record in Open Era.Nadal is a Spanish professional tennis player.

Daily GK Updates - 10th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Stanford University to partner with UP : Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Sidharth Singh has said that the Stanford University in the United States will partner with UP to combat diseases like Japanese encephalitis and acute encephalitis syndrome.Companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin also want to set up their plants in India, Singh added.Singh had led a delegation to the US to get investments from the country.

2.Kerala Government to provide free internet : The Kerala Government will set up a Joint Venture company to launch its new optic fibre network.The Kerala Fibre Optic Network Limited will implement the Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON) project.The K-FON initiative is being implemented to provide speedy internet connectivity to government offices and educational institutions and to the public at an affordable rate.

3. Biggest City Gas Distribution Auction :  India has launched its biggest auction of city gas distribution networks, offering permits for selling compressed & piped natural gas in 86 geographical areas.The 9th CGD licensing round would help bring gas coverage to 174 districts in 22 states & UTs, covering 29% of the country’s area.The cities for which CGD licenses are on offer include Bhopal, Ahmednagar & Ludhiana among others.

4. India’s longest rail bridge on Brahmaputra : Bogibeel bridge, India’s longest rail-cum-road bridge on the Brahmaputra connecting Dibrugarh to Dehamji is expected to be open for public by October 2018.The bridge will boost defence logistics along the China border and reduce travel time for rail passengers and road users.The bridge will make Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh easily accessible from Dibrugarh.

5. Delhi government amended Minimum Wages Act : President Ram Nath Kovind has given his assent to the Delhi government’s Bill to amend the Minimum Wages Act.Under the amended act, employers violating labour rules in the city will now face fine ranging from Rupees 20,000-50,000 and jail term between one to three years.For an unskilled worker, the minimum wages is Rs 13,350 per month while for semi-skilled, it is Rs 14,698.

6. Telangana govt to launch Rythu Bandhu scheme : Telangana Government launched the “Rythu Bandhu Scheme” (Farmers’ investment support scheme) at Karimnagar district on 10th May.Under the scheme, the farmers will get ₹4,000 each an acre in the Kharif and Rabi seasons to take care of the credit needs ahead of the farm seasons.The government has excluded about 11 lakh tenant farmers from the scheme.

7. Green licence plates for e-vehicles : To promote electric vehicles in India, the government has approved green licence plates bearing numbers in white fonts for private e-vehicles & yellow for taxis.The purpose behind distinctive number plates is their easy identification for preferential treatment in parking beside other proposed benefits like concessional toll.India at present has 1 to 1.5 lakh electric vehicles.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India, Panama signed two agreements : India and Panama have signed two agreements on the exemption of Visas for holders of Diplomatic and Official Passports and in the field of Agriculture.Two centres for Biodiversity and Innovation will be set up by India in Panama.Both the countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation in tax information, air services, traditional medicines, culture and space.

2. India, Ethiopia held bilateral talks : India and Ethiopia vowed to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as defence, counter-terrorism, and trade and investment during the 2nd Joint Committee Meeting between the two countries.External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Dr Gebeyehu led their respective delegations.Both sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia.

3. China launched new satellite : China successfully launched a hyperspectral imaging satellite for comprehensive observation of the atmosphere, including air pollution.The Gaofen-5 satellite was launched off the back of a Long March 4C rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi Province.It will help reduce China’s dependence on foreign hyperspectral satellite data.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. YES Bank to launch water-security programme :  YES Bank is all set to roll out a capacity building project with farmers in Haryana and Rajasthan under its ‘Livelihood and Water Security’ CSR initiative.The overall focus of the programme would be on sustainable agricultural practices and digital literacy.The programme would be rolled out initially across 15 districts (eight districts in Haryana and seven in Rajasthan).

2. Walmart to buy control of Flipkart : Walmart had agreed to pay $16 billion for about 77% stake in Flipkart.It will be the biggest ever acquisition in India by a foreign firm surpassing the about $13 billion Vodafone spent in 2007 for buying Hutchison’s Indian business.The Walmart entered India in a joint venture with the Bharti Group in 2007 & started cash-and-carry stores named ‘BestPrice Modern Wholesale’ in 2009.

DEFENCE:

1. Army’s Vijay Prahar exercise in Rajasthan ends : Indian Army’s ‘Vijay Prahar’ exercise in which over 25,000 troops of the Jaipur based South Western Command participated culminated in Rajasthan’s Suratgarh.Fighting equipments including tanks, attack helicopters, drones and fighter aircraft were used in the month-long exercise.The concept of ‘Air Cavalry’ employing attack & weaponized helicopters was also validated during the exercise.

2. India to station fighter planes in Andaman : India has decided to station fighter airplanes in Andaman & Nicober Islands to strengthen India’s hold over the crucial Malacca, Sunda, and Lumbok Strait.This is the first time fighter airplanes will be positioned in Andaman and Nicobar islands since World War II.The Malacaa, Sunda and Lumbok straits are narrow ocean passes that connect the Indian Ocean to the South China Sea.

SPORTS:

1. Six CWG stars join TOPS : Six Commonwealth Games medallists from the track and field, shooting and weightlifting disciplines were inducted into the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS)The objective of TOPS, launched by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, is to identify & support the potential medal prospects for 2020 Olympic Games.The selected athletes are provided financial assistance for their training.

Daily GK Updates - 9th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. New sheep insemination technique developed : Scientists at the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), have come up with a new laparoscope-assisted insemination technique for sheep.The minor invasive laparoscopic technique involves passing a rigid fiber-optic laparoscope into the abdomen through a small incision.Scientists said the new technique would help achieve up to 60% survival in the birth of lambs.

2. Nisha Bhalla conferred with ‘WEF 2018’ award : Holistic coach and consultant, Nisha Bhalla was felicitated at the recently concluded Annual WEF 2018 Awards.Nisha was presented the ‘Excellent Woman of Excellence’ award for her spiritual service.Women Economic Forum is the largest global gathering of women entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide that recognises the most successful women across all fields.

3. First integrated smart cities control centre : Madhya Pradesh has launched country’s first Integrated Control & Command Centre for all the 7 smart cities of the state in Bhopal.The centre would enable authorities to monitor the status of various smart civic amenities in real-time through the sensors connected to it.Smart City Mission, is an urban renewal program by the govt that aims to develop 100 smart cities across the country.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UN Chief announced climate summit for 2019 : UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has announced that a climate summit to review the Paris Agreement commitments will take place in September 2019 in New York.In March 2018, Guterres appointed former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg as his Special Envoy for Climate Action who was tasked to support UN in its climate strategy.In 2017, US withdrew itself from the Paris Agreement.

2. Modi among the top 10 most powerful people : PM Modi has been ranked 9^th among the top 10 most powerful people in the world by Forbes.The list is topped for the first time ever by the Chinese President Xi Jinping, who dethroned Russian President Vladimir Putin as the most influential person on the planet.Forbes said that Modi has emerged as a key figure in the international effort to tackle climate change.

3. Nasa, Uber team up to get flying taxis : NASA and Uber have signed an agreement to explore putting flying taxis in the skies over US cities.NASA will begin simulations for so-called “urban air mobility” vehicles that also include delivery drones.NASA said the goal is to create a rideshare network that will allow residents to hail a small aircraft the same way Uber users can now use an app to call a car.

4. India, Guatemala to support each other : India and Guatemala agreed to support each other’s candidature for the non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).Guatemala will support India’s candidature for UNSC membership for 2021-22, while New Delhi will do so in 2031-32 for Guatemala.This is the first ever visit by an Indian Vice President to the Republic of Guatemala.

5. Beijing to hold World Robot Conference : The 2018 World Robot Conference will be held in Beijing from August 15 to 19.The event will see over 12,000 competing teams and 50,000 participants from more than 10 countries and regions.The conference will greatly stimulate passion and innovation in the robot industry as well as help with research and development.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Govt to come out with Producers’ Price Index : The government will come out with a Producers’ Price Index next month for 10 services, including telecom & railways on an experimental basis.The move will help track inflation in these services, which will also include ports, insurance, banking, transportation & air travel.2 major indices are used currently for tracking price movement – Wholesale Price Index  & Consumer Price Index.

DEFENCE:

1. India ranks 4th on Asia-Pacific Power Index : India has been ranked fourth out of 25 nations in the Asia-Pacific region on the Lowy Institute Asia Power Index that measures power across 25 countries.India has been pegged as a “Giant of the Future” while Japan has been pegged as a “Smart Power”.India is ranked fourth on the parameters economic resources, military capability, diplomatic influence and fifth on resilience.

Daily GK Updates - 8th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. New norms for labeling food planned : Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has released new draft regulations on food packaging.All packaged food with at least 5% content from genetically engineered sources need to be labeled so.Foods that exceed norms of sugar and fat will need to carry ‘red’ and ‘green’ labels specifying the extent to which they do so.

2. Government to expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras : Tribal Affairs Ministry will expand Van Dhan Vikas Kendras in Tribal Districts across the country.The aim of the establishment of these Kendras is to provide skill upgradation and capacity building training to increase the incomes of tribals.Van Dhan Vikas Kendra was launched at Bijapur, Chattisgarh on 14th April 2018 for training, providing equipment and tools for primary level processing.

3. India funds flood, earthquake warning systems : India has launched a flood & earthquake early warning systems in Myanmar aimed at helping the country mitigate the effects of natural calamities that affects people every year.Under the Flood Warning System, 12 automatic water level stations and 3 automatic weather stations have been established.Under the Earthquake Monitoring System, 10 telemetered seismic stations have been added.

4. Sensitization Meeting of Stakeholders held :The ‘first sensitization meeting of stakeholders to make Delhi a model Accessible city’ was held in the national capital on May 7.The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities took this initiative to coordinate the meeting of all key stakeholders, sensitize them about the legal mandates.Delhi being the capital city of the country is proposed to be selected for this drive.

5. Pradeep Kumar Sinha got one year extension : Cabinet secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha has got another one-year extension as the country’s top bureaucrat.Cabinet Secretary is the administrative head of the cabinet secretariat & is also the ex-officio chairman of the civil services board.The cabinet secretariat is under the direct charge of the Prime Minister.The cabinet secretariat assists in decision-making in the government.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India, Guatemala signs various agreements : India and Guatemala agreed to work together to combat terrorism.A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on enhancing cooperation in diplomatic academics.A Letter of Intent (LoI) of providing training for the English language to Guatemalan teachers was also signed under the ITEC (Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation) programme.

2. SCO Secretary-General arrived in India : Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Secretary General Rashid Alimov has arrived in India to hold talks with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj & other Union ministers.India became a full member of SCO in 2017, at the summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan.SCO is an intergovernmental international organisation aimed at strengthening mutual trust & neighbourliness among the member states.

3. Asia Media Summit to be hosted by India : The 15th Asia Media Summit (AMS) 2018 is being hosted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India from 10th-12th May​ 2018 in New Delhi.The AMS 2018, an annual summit of the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) Kuala Lumpur, is a prestigious summit in the Asia Pacific Region.The theme of the summit is “Telling Our Stories – Asia and More”.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. BSE to launch commodity derivatives trading : Bombay Stock Exchange has decided to launch trading in the commodity derivatives segment from October 1.BSE will begin commodity derivatives with non-agriculture commodities like metals, energy and base metals.A derivative is a contract between two parties which derives its value/price from an underlying asset.The most common types of derivatives are futures, options, forwards and swaps.

DEFENCE:

1. US and Philippines began military exercises : US and Philippine forces have begun their largest annual military exercises named Balikatan on 7th May.The Balikatan exercises involved combat drills in mock urban settings to train special forces in battling terrorists.In 2017, Balikatan focused mainly on honing humanitarian responses to the Philippines’ frequent natural disasters.

Daily GK Updates - 7th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Children’s theatre festival in Kolkata : Children of various theatre groups from eight countries besides host India will take part in an International Children’s Theatre Festival in the Kolkata.The eight countries are France, Slovenia, Swaziland, Mexico, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.The festival, organised by the ‘Kolkata Eso Natak Shikhi’, is based on the theme “Safe Drive Save Life, Save Kids’ Life”.

2.Govt to set up marine observation system : India will establish a Marine Observation System Along the Indian Coast (Mosaic).At least six observatories – three along the east coast and and an equal number along the west coast – will be established.The project, to be launched later this year is intended to carry out monitoring, especially the marine coastal pollution.

3. Isro develops desi atomic clock : Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed an atomic clock that will be used in navigation satellites to measure precise location data.The space agency currently imports atomic clocks from European aerospace manufacturer Astrium for its navigation satellites.The atomic clock is currently undergoing a series of qualification tests

4. India to soon begin forecasting of tsunami : India would now be able to foretell the distance a destructive sea wave would travel after it breaches the coast, a prediction that can greatly reduce loss of life and property.The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services has developed a model to predict how far sea water would travel.This would be a Level-3 alert under India’s Tsunami Early Warning System.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India-Malaysia joint exercise enters phase 2 : The second phase of the Indian and Malaysian armies’ joint military exercise ‘Harimau Shakti’ was initiated on May 7.

The exercise was conducted in Hulu Langat forest of Malaysia under harsh and humid conditions.The sappers team from 3 Engineer regiment of the Indian Army are training with the Malaysian Army combat engineers as a part of their first joint exercise.

2.Australia to help save the koala : Australia unveiled a US$34-million plan to help bring its koala population back from the brink, following a rapid decline in the furry marsupial’s fortunes.The Australian Koala Foundation estimates there may be as few as 43,000 koalas left in the wild.Under the Aus$45 million plan, thousands of hectares will be set aside to preserve the marsupial’s natural habitat.

3. Putin to be sworn in as Russian President : Vladimir Putin is to be sworn in for a 4^th term as president of Russia after winning the election in March.He has been in power for 18 yrs, whether as president or prime minister & opponents have likened his tenure to reign of a tsar, or emperor.The country’s best-known opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, was barred from standing against Putin, on grounds of a conviction for embezzlement.

4. World Laughter Day observed on 6th May : Celebrated since 1998, World Laughter Day is an annual event celebrated to raise awareness about laughter and its many healing benefits.World Laughter Day takes place on the first Sunday of May of every year.The first celebration was on May 10, 1998, in Mumbai, India, and was arranged by Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. HPCL begins home-delivery of diesel : After Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), state-owned Hindustan Petroleum Corp Ltd (HPCL) has launched home-delivery of diesel in Mumbai.‘HP Fuel Connect’ will deliver diesel to select customers having fixed equipment, heavy machinery in their premises.IOC had in March launched home-delivery of diesel in Pune.

DEFENCE:

1. BrahMos to attain 76% localisation in 6 mths : BrahMos, the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missile, will be achieving 75% localisation in the next six months. As of today 65% of the value (in BrahMos) is created in India.The Quad launcher is designed for supersonic cruise missiles in an inclined configuration on-board our navy ships.The launcher provides superior firepower as compared to the twin canniste

2. Indian naval commanders conference : Indian Navy commanders will discuss the country’s maritime security and review the naval force’s mission-based deployments in the Indian Ocean Region.The commanders would discuss the optimal utilisation of the Navy’s share of the defence budget.The conference would be addressed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.The conference starts on May 8 and will conclude on May 11.

SPORTS:

1. Aditi finishes T-6th at the Texas Classic : Indian golfer Aditi Ashok has notched up her second successive top-10 finish by finishing Tied-sixth at the Volunteers of America LPGA Texas Classic.This was Aditi’s second top-10 in a row after her Tied-seventh at LPGA Mediheal last week. Aditi is the youngest and first Indian to win the Lalla Aicha Tour School.

2. India won 20 gold at junior athletics meet : India finished on top in the seven-nation competition with 20 gold, 22 silver and eight bronze medals at the 3rd South Asian Junior Athletics Championships in Colombo.Host Sri Lanka bagged rest of the 12 gold medals in the competition along with 10 silver and 19 bronze.The juniors will next represent India at the 18th Asian Junior Athletics Championships to be held in Gifu, Japan.