Daily GK Updates - 17th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Record production of Foodgrain in 2017-2018 : Aided by a normal monsoon last year, India’s production of foodgrains touched a record 279.5 million tonnes in 2017-18.This was estimated in the third advance estimate of crop production released by the Agriculture Ministry on 16th May.The higher year-on-year food production is due to a larger harvest of rice and a record crop of pulses.

2. New method to solve PSU disputes : Cabinet has approved a mechanism within the government for speedy resolution of commercial disputes of central public sector enterprises without cases going to courts.A new two-tier mechanism will be put in place of the existing Permanent Machinery of Arbitration mechanism to resolve such commercial disputes.Cabinet decision is based on the recommendations of the Committee of Secretaries.

3. Mangaluru is the best in waste management : The Union government has selected Mangaluru as “India’s best city in solid waste management”.It was selected under the categories of cities having a population between three lakh and 10 lakh under Swachhata Survekshan 2018.The survey by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs assessed 4,203 urban local bodies under the aegis of the Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban).

4. Delhi to become the most populous city : According to new United Nations estimates, Delhi is projected to become the most populous city in the world around 2028.Tokyo is the world’s largest city with an agglomeration of 37 million inhabitants, followed by New Delhi with 29 million, Shanghai with 26 million.The projected population size of New Delhi in 2028 is about 37.2 million, surpassing Tokyo’s 36.8 million.

5. Aadhaar not mandatory for getting pension : The government clarified that Aadhaar has not been made mandatory for getting pension for government employees.The government said that Aadhaar is an additional facility to enable the use of technology for submission of life certificate without visiting banks.There are about 48.41 lakh Central Government employees and 61.17 lakh pensioners.

6. Gujarat Governor given additional charge of MP : Gujarat Governor Om Prakash Kohli was given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh while the state’s Governor Anandiben Patel is on leave.Patel was appointed Madhya Pradesh Governor in January after she resigned as Gujarat’s Chief Minister in 2016 citing her 75-year age.She had replaced Kohli who had been handling the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh from August 2016.

7. Yeddyurappa takes oath as the CM of Karnataka : BS Yeddyurappa of Bharatiya Janata Party took oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka.This comes after the Supreme Court refused to stay state Governor Vajubhai Vala’s decision to invite BJP, which fell short of the majority mark, to form the government.Yeddyurappa has been given 15 days to prove BJP’s majority.

8. India’s first solar powered railway station : Guwahati now has India’s first railway station run by solar power.Around 2352 solar modules with a capacity of generating 700 kwp has been set up over the roof of the Guwahati railway station.The solar-powered station is aimed at reducing carbon-footprint as well as cut down power costs drastically.The solar power plant will save Rs 67 lakh worth of electricity.

                                                                  INTERNATIONAL UPDATES: 

1. MoU between India & Morocco in legal field : The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for signing of the MoU for cooperation in the legal field between India and Morocco.The MoU will allow both the countries to share their experience and expertise in the field of law and legislation.The MoU will give an opportunity to the Lawyers, Law Officers and law students to discuss issues in the field of law and justice.

2. NPCIL won Russian award for ‘Atom on Wheels’ : Nuclear Power Corp of India has won the top award in public communication category at the 10^th anniversary of international event ATOMEXPO.NPCIL won the award for its “Atom on Wheels” campaign started in 2016 to spread awareness in rural areas about the benefits of nuclear energy.The campaign mounted on wheels covered 6 lakh rural population in 6 states with material on nuclear technology

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Blockchain-based trade finance network : Infosys has formed a blockchain-based trade finance network with 7 private-sector banks, to increase security and efficiency in the banking sector.Blockchain allows all stages of transactions to be securely shared between network members, as opposed to each bank working independently.Lenders currently testing its trade finance network are ICICI, Axis and Yes Bank among others.

2. BSE is first to get US SEC recognition : The BSE has received the recognition certificate of ‘Designated Offshore Securities Market’ (DOSM) from the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).This will help in the sale of securities to US investors through the BSE platform without registration of such securities with the US SEC.The BSE becomes the first bourse in India to receive the DOSM recognition .

Daily GK Updates - 16th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Railways to install ‘panic button’ : With a view to strengthen security of women passengers in trains, North Eastern Railway plans to deploy women police personnel on trains during night hours as well as install ‘panic buttons’ in coaches.Currently, women passengers have to depend on either on helpline numbers.Among the other measures proposed to ensure women safety are having a different colour on the women coaches.

2. Frozen Cattle Semen Station is being set up : Frozen Semen Station is being set up in Maranga, Purnea under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission with 100% contribution from the Central Government.Rashtriya Gokul Mission aims to conserve and develop indigenous breeds to increase milk productivity & was initiated in December 2014.Rashtriya Gokul Mission is a ​focused project under National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development

3. Meeting of stakeholders on ‘Samarth’ held : A meeting of stakeholders on Samarth – Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector under the Skill India Mission was held on 14th May.The broad objective of the new scheme is to skill the youth for gainful and sustainable employment in the textile sector covering the entire value chain of textiles, excluding spinning and weaving.The scheme targets to train 10 lakh persons

4. 4th Global Exhibition on Services Inagurated : President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, inaugurated the 4th Global Exhibition on Services and launched a portal on 12 Champion Sectors in Services in Mumbai on 15th May 2018.Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Maharashtra Government, Confederation of Indian Industry & Services Export Promotion Council took this initiative.The President also launched a portal on 12 Champion Sectors in Services.

5. Ambika Sharma to head USIBC India office : The US-India Business Council (USIBC), a premier business advocacy organisation, named Ambika Sharma as its India head.Ms. Sharma was Director General for International at the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).Formed in 1975, USIBC is the premier business advocacy organization, comprised of top-tier US and Indian companies advancing US-India commercial ties.

6. Mukul Rohatgi appointed as eminent jurist : Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi has been appointed as an eminent jurist in the selection committee for appointment of the Lokpal.The post of eminent jurist in the Lokpal selection panel was lying vacant since the death of senior advocate P P Rao.Rohatgi was appointed as Attorney General of India after the Narendra Modi government assumed power in May 2014.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India gives NRs 180 million for river training : India has provided the largest sum of Rs 180.74 mn Nepali rupees for river training in Nepal to control floods that also affect India during the monsoon season.India has so far given 13 instalments since 2008 to Nepal for river training works totalling to over NRs 4.68 bn.River training & construction will carry on near the Indian border in 3 rivers – Lalbakeya, Bagmati & Kamla.

2. International Day of Living Together in Peace : The UN General-Assembly declared 16 May the International Day of Living Together in Peace.The Day aims to uphold the desire to live and act together, united in differences and diversity, in order to build a sustainable world of peace, solidarity and harmony.The Day invites countries to further promote reconciliation to help to ensure peace and sustainable development.

3. International Day of Families : International Day of Families is observed on 15^th of May every year to promote awareness of issues relating to families.This year the theme of the International Day of Families is “Families & inclusive societies”.The year 1994 was proclaimed as the International Year of Families by the UN.The symbol of International Day of Families consists of a solid green circle with an image in red.

4. First essential diagnostics list : World Health Organisation has published its 1^st essential diagnostics list, a catalogue of tests needed to diagnose the most common conditions as well as a number of global priority diseases.The step was taken to address the problem of people’s inability to access diagnostic services.List focuses on vitro tests like tests of blood & urine.

5. Mark Tully chosen for RedInk Award 2018 : Veteran British journalist and former BBC India correspondent Sir William Mark Tully has been chosen for 2018 RedInk award for lifetime achievement in journalism.Tully worked with the BBC for 30 years before resigning in July 1994. He held the position of Chief of Bureau, BBC, Delhi, for 20 years.The RedInk awards for excellence in journalism are instituted by the Mumbai Press Club.

  

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Exports rose to $25.9 billion in April 2018 : India’s exports rose by 5.17% year-on-year to USD 25.9 billion in April 2018 on back of good show by sectors like engineering, pharmaceutical & chemicals.Non-petroleum and non-gems and jewellery exports in April 2018 were valued at USD 19.8 billion as against USD 17.7 billion in April 2017, showing an increase of 11.73%.India recorded a trade surplus in services sector at USD 6.5 billion.

2. India 3rd largest solar market in world : According to Mercom Communications India, India emerged as the third largest solar market in the world in 2017 behind China and the US.As per the report, India set a new record with 9.6 GW of solar installations in 2017, which was more than double the 4.3 GW installed in 2016.The robust growth boosted the country’s total solar installed capacity to 19.6 GW as of December 2017.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. Fastest growing black hole discovered : Scientists have discovered the fastest-growing black hole known in the universe.The energy emitted from this newly discovered supermassive black hole, also known as a quasar, was mostly ultraviolet light but also radiated x-rays.The discovery of the new supermassive black hole was confirmed using the spectrograph on the ANU 2.3 metre telescope to split colours into spectral lines.

SPORTS:

1. Dhoni to be the brand ambassador of Netmeds : Online pharmacy Netmeds has appointed cricketer Mahendra Singh Dhoni as its brand ambassador.The company, which has positioned itself as ‘India ki Pharmacy’, chose Dhoni due to his strong appeal across all sectors and all demographics.Netmeds currently has an inventory of 35,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) of prescription drugs and 5,000 SKUs of OTC products.

2. Shashank Manohar to serve as ICC chairman : Former BCCI president Shashank Manohar will serve a second term as the independent chairman of the International Cricket Council.Manohar, who became the first independent ICC chairman in 2016, will continue for a second two-year term following his unopposed election.During the last two years, Manohar has led to significant reform in the sport.

Daily GK Updates - 15th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Lt Gen Sukhdeep takes over as DGAR : Lieutenant General Sukhdeep Sangwan has taken over the charge as the Director General of Assam Rifles.Lt Gen Sanwagn has taken over as the 20th Director General of the Force which is popularly called as Sentinels of the North East.Lt Gen Sangwan has also participated in Operation Blue Star, Operation Vijay and Operation Parakram.

2. E-Way Bill system in Assam & Rajasthan : The E-way bill system for intra-State transport of goods in Assam and Rajasthan will roll out on May 16 and May 20 respectively.This would take the total number of States under the system to 21.E-Way Bill system for inter-State movement of goods has been rolled out from 01st April 2018.E-Way Bill is electronically generated for the consignment/movement of goods from one place to another.

3. Government unveiled Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy : Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy.The objective of the policy is to provide a framework for the promotion of large grid-connected wind-solar PV hybrid system for efficient utilization of transmission infrastructure and land.It also aims at reducing the variability in renewable power generation and achieving better grid stability.

3. Environment Ministry launched GSDP : The Union Environment Ministry launched its full-fledged Green Skill Development Programme (GSDP) that aims to train over 5.5 lakh workers in environment and forest sectors in the country through 30 courses by 2021.Environment minister Harsh Vardhan also unveiled a related mobile app (GSDP-ENVIS).The GSDP was launched last year as a pilot project in 10 districts of the country.

4. Mangeshkar conferred with Swara Mauli award : Lata Mangeshkar has been honoured with the Swara Mauli title by spiritual guru Vidya Narsimha Bharati Swami.It is for the second time that Lata Mangeshkar has been honoured with the Swara Mauli title.The veteran singer has several awards to her credit in her over seven-decade-long career, including three National Awards.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi, Putin to hold informal summit : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Russia on May 21 for an informal summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the city of Sochi.The two leaders will discuss their respective national developmental priorities and bilateral matters.This informal summit in Sochi is in keeping with the tradition of regular consultations between India and Russia at the highest levels.

2. WHO launched ‘REPLACE’ : WHO has launched a comprehensive plan to “REPLACE” to eliminate industrially-produced artificial trans fats from global food supply by 2023.REPLACE stands for review dietary sources, promote the use of healthier fats, legislate, assess changes, create awareness and enforce.REPLACE package is the first time WHO is calling for the elimination of something other than a noncommunicable disease.

3. Sulabh founder awarded Nikkei Asia Prize : The founder of Sulabh International, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, has been honoured with the Nikkei Asia Prize in Japan for his contribution to Asia’s development.Pathak is among the three who have been conferred with the award.Nikkei Inc., one of the largest media corporations in Japan, has been presenting the awards since 1996.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANACE:

1. India-dedicated investment fund : China’s largest bank, Industrial & Commercial Bank of China has launched country’s 1^st India-dedicated publicly offered investment fund.The fund will invest in exchange-traded funds listed on more than 20 exchanges in Europe & US that are based on Indian market.The bank said that the Indian market offers the best opportunity for Chinese investors due to the prospects of double-digit growth

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India to clock GDP growth of 7.7% : India’s GDP is expected to grow by 7.7% in January-March, up from 7.2% in the preceding quarter, says a Nomura report.According to the report, despite the moderation in March, industrial production growth averaged 6.2% in the January-March period.The report further noted that India is expected to witness cyclical recovery led by both investment and consumption.

DEFENCE:

1. Mountaineering Expedition to Mt. Bhagirathi-II : Indian Army Women Officers’ Mountaineering Expedition to Mt. Bhagirathi-II (6512 metres) consisting of 9 women officers, was flagged off by Director General of Military Training.Mt. Bhagirathi-II is located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Gangotri National Park.The expedition aims at encouraging women in the field of adventure where dauntless courage, will-power & determination is put to test.

2. China aims to deliver amphibious aircraft : China’s amphibious aircraft, stated to be the largest in the world is expected to be delivered to customers by 2022.Code-named Kunlong, the plane (AG600) is designed to be the world’s largest amphibious aircraft.It will mainly be used for maritime rescue, fighting forest fires and marine monitoring, according to its state-owned manufacturer.

SPORTS:

1. Heena Sidhu clinched gold : Indian Shooter Heena Sidhu clinched the gold medal in the women’s 10m air pistol at the International Shooting Competitions 2018 in Hannover, Germany.Heena was in a rollicking form in the final where she was tied with France’s Mathilde Lamolle on 239.8 points. She won the tie to win the gold ahead of Mathilde.The finish marks a strong build-up to next week’s ISSF World Cup in Munich.

OBITUARIES:

1.Physicist EC George Sudarshan passed away : Famous theoretical physicist EC George Sudarshan passed away in Texas, USA.He worked in the subjects of quantum Zeno effect, optical coherence, open quantum system, non-variance groups among others.In 2007, the Kerala-born scientist was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award.

Daily GK Updates - 14th May, 2018

  NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt to link 200 more mandis to Enam : The government will link additional 200 wholesale mandis to the online trading platform eNAM this fiscal and also encourage inter-mandi transactions.Online trading on the eNAM platform can be done through the website, trading platform or the Mobile App.At present, 585 regulated ​mandis in 14 States are linked with the electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) launched in April 2016.

2. ITBP to get more men and material : The Union government has decided to boost the manpower and infrastructure of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).Nine new battalions, a strategic sector headquarters on the front, a dozen patrol camps and 47 new border outposts along the China border over the next few years will be created.The Ministry of Home Affairs has given its in-principle approval.

3. IMD to add 30 Doppler radars in country : The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will add 30 Doppler radars in the next two-three years across the country.Doppler radars provide precise information about thunderstorms, dust storms, hailstorms, rainfall and wind patterns.With a radius of 250km, they help in issuing nowcasts 2-3 hours prior to severe weather events.The first Doppler radar was installed in Chennai in 2002.

4. India fast losing mangrove cover : According to the report, India has ranked ninth in the area of mangrove forests it lost between 2000 and 2015, but the rate of loss is only half the global average.The report has been published by the Woods Hole Research Center, a think tank based in Massachusetts, USA.While Malaysia, Myanmar, Brazil, and Thailand were other countries to lose maximum cover during the period of study.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. SAWEN’s 1st meeting in India : The South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN), an inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement agency, held its first-ever meeting in India.SAWEN was launched in Bhutan in 2011.In 2016 the Union Cabinet gave permission to adopt the statute of SAWEN.Its member countries are India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, Pakistan & Maldives.

2. Modi, Oli launch Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service : PM Modi & his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli has jointly inaugurated a direct bus service b/w Janakpur & Ayodhya – the two sacred cities for Hindus.Janakpur the birthplace of Sita will now be connected with Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram through the bus service.The places are significant in the Ramayana tourism circuit that falls under the Indian Govt’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. World Bank agrees to a grant for Bangladesh : The World Bank (WB) is going to provide Bangladesh with a grant to meet the basic needs of around one million Rohingyas who fled from Myanmar.A WB team will be visiting Bangladesh to discuss the issue with the government.As per the WB’s conditions, the entire fund that the WB has finally agreed to provide Bangladesh with will have to be spent for the Rohingyas only.

2. Fino Payments Bank to offer net banking : Fino Payments Bank launched a suite of digital products that can be accessed online and through mobile phones.Fino had launched its mobile banking app BPay in 2017.The latest initiatives include Unified Payments Interface (UPI), BHIM app- using which customers can access UPI and make P2P payments.

DEFENCE:

1. Army finalised ammunition project : The Army has finalised a mega ₹15,000-crore project under which a range of ammunition for its critical weapons and tanks will be produced indigenously.The implementation of the project is being monitored by the top brass of the Army and the Defence Ministry.The immediate aim of the project is to create an inventory of all major weapons to enable the forces to fight a 30-day war.

2. Coast Guard ship Vikram arrives in Mangaluru : Indian Coast Guard vessel Vikram, the first in the class of seven new-generation offshore patrol vessels under the union government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, arrived at Mangaluru.The ship is built with an integrated platform management system to enable special control capabilities.The ship is also designed to carry a twin-engine light and heavy helicopters.

3. Book released by Chief of Army Staff : Gen Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff has released the book ‘Across the Bench – Insight into the Indian Military Judicial System’.The book is written by Lt Gen Gyan Bhushan, former Army Commander and Member ‘A’, Armed ForcesTribunal, Lucknow Bench.The book deals with military judicial system vis-a-vis command & management issues within the military establishments.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1. Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organisation have reported progress in the development of an environment-friendly propellant to power satellites and spacecraft.The effort is to replace the conventional hydrazine rocket fuel, a highly toxic and carcinogenic chemical, with a greener propellant.ISRO has started working on propellant blend based on hydroxylammonium nitrate.

  

SPORTS:

1. Lewis Hamilton wins Spanish Grand Prix : Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton has extended his lead at the summit of the Formula One championship after a crushing win at the Spanish Grand Prix.Finland’s Valtteri Bottas was second while the Dutch Max Verstappen stood third.It was the first one-two of the season for Mercedes, which had been slower than Ferrari in the past few races.

OBITUARIES:

1. Film-theatre actor Kalasala Babu passes away : Noted Malayalam film-theatre actor Kalasala Babu, known for a number of villainous and character roles, passed in Kochi.A multi-faceted actor, Babu had tried his hand in all three major formats of acting- theatre, movies and television serials, in his career spanning over three decades.Babu had started a troupe, ‘Kalasala,’ and came to be known in the industry as Kalasala Babu.

Daily GK Updates - 13th May, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Scheme for sexual assault, acid attack victims : Supreme Court has approved ‘Compensation Scheme for Women Victims/Survivors of Sexual Assault/Other Crimes-2018’ a scheme for mandatory grant of compensation to victims of sexual assault & acid attack.The scheme has been prepared by National Legal Services Authority in consultation with Centre.A victim of gangrape would now get a minimum compensation of Rs 5 lakh up to a max of Rs 10 lakh.

2. TNAU seed centre bags award : The seed centre at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)  has bagged an award for excellence in research on seed technology.The best performance centre award was presented at the annual group meeting of the all-India coordinated research project on national seed projects.All agricultural universities under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research participated in the meet.

3. I&B ministry to set up web portal : The information and broadcasting ministry will set up a dedicated web portal to disseminate information on filming facilities available in the country.The portal will also provide an overview of such locations. Applications for shooting permission will be accepted through the site.The portal will allow online payments and issuing permissions.

4. UNDP to set up skill development centre : United Nations Development Programme will soon set up a skill development centre at ‘Bharosa,’ in Hyderabad.‘Bharosa,’ an initiative of Hyderabad City Police, is a state-of-the-art centre to support women and children who are victims of violence.The centre will empower vulnerable & marginalised women by imparting skills training

5. Maharashtra signs MoU with Centre’s GRIHA council : Maharashtra govt has signed a MoU with Centres Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Council to train state PWD officials to rate govt buildings.With this, Maharashtra has become the first state in the country to sign such a MoU.As per the agreement, the GRIHA Council would train PWD’s civil & electrical engineers & architects to rate govt buildings as per its parameters

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China’s aircraft carrier begins sea trials : China’s first domestically developed aircraft carrier has begun sea trials.The 50,000-metric tonne vessel will become the country’s second aircraft carrier, and the first to be entirely built and designed inside of China.Few countries in the world have aircraft carriers. Besides India, the US, Russia, the UK, France, Italy,Thailand and China operate a total of 18 aircraft carriers.

2. North Korea pledges to dismantle nuclear site : North Korea will commence dismantling its nuclear test site later this month in a bid to uphold its pledge to discontinue nuclear tests.The tunnel complex located in the northeastern part of the country which was used for nuclear testing will be destroyed completely.The announcement comes after US President Donald Trump announced that he will hold a meeting with Kim Jong-un in Singapore.

3. World Migratory Bird Day : The World Migratory Bird Day is a two-day programme observed on the second weekend of the month of May to highlight the urgency to protect migratory birds and their habitats.The theme of the World Migratory Bird Day 2018 is “Unifying our Voices for Bird Conservation”.India sees over 200 species of birds migrate to the country during winters from the Asian and European regions.

4. UN’s top nuclear inspector resigns suddenly : UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency has informed that its top inspector, Tero Varjoranta, has quit with immediate effect.Varjoranta, who was in the role for almost 5 yrs, will be replaced by Massimo Aparo, an Italian nuclear engineer.The move comes just days after US President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would withdraw from the 2015 Iran nuclear accord.

5. Nepal to hold BIMSTEC 2018 : Nepal’s PM, KP Oli has announced to host the 2018 Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical & Economic Cooperation summit. BIMSTEC is an international organisation of 7 nations of South & South East Asia, including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan & Nepal.BIMSTEC aims to enhance technological & economic cooperation among South & South East Asian countries.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Industrial output growth at 4.4% : Industrial output grew by 4.4% in March, the slowest in five months, due to a fall in capital goods production and deceleration in mining activity.Industrial growth measured by the Index of Industrial Production in 2017-18 too decelerated to 4.3% from 4.6% in the previous fiscal.The IIP grew by 4.4% in March 2017, the same as in March 2018 according to Central Statistics Office.

DEFENCE:

1. Indian Army tests ‘Air Cavalry’ concept : The Indian Army has tested in the desert terrain of Rajasthan the military concept of ‘Air Cavalry’.The ‘Air Cavalry’ concept was used by the US Army to locate and assault enemy ground forces during the Vietnam War.Under the ‘Air Cavalry’ concept, attack helicopters are fully integrated with tanks and mechanised ground forces.

SPORTS:

1. Kvitova won third Madrid Open title : Petra Kvitova outlasted her Dutch opponent Kiki Bertens 7-6 (8-6) 4-6 6-3 in the finals to clinch the third Madrid Open title.Kvitova, the victor in Spain in 2011 and 2015, becomes the first woman to win the tournament three times.Kvitova has now claimed four titles in 2018 after triumphs in St Petersburg, Doha and Prague.

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.