Daily GK Updates - 4th February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Head of state of Monaco Prince Albert II arrives in New Delhi : The head of state of Monaco, Prince Albert II has arrived in New Delhi on a week-long visit to India. Prince Albert will attend the India-Monaco Business Forum afternoon followed by a round-table on energy and climate. Prince Albert II will visit Udaipur in Rajasthan.

2. President Opens Rashtrapati Bhavan's annual 'Udyanotsav' : President ‘Ram Nath Kovind’ has opened the annual Udyanotsav of Rashtrapati Bhavan. About 10,000 programmed Tulip bulbs in 8 varieties of different colour were imported from the Netherlands and have been planted in the Mughal Gardens. The people will also be able to visit the Spiritual Garden, Herbal Garden, Bonsai Garden and Musical Garden.

3. National Road Safety Week launched : The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched the National Road Safety Week with a host of initiatives planned for generating awareness and sensitizing people about safe road usage.The Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari flag off a motor car rally to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, Rajghat, New Delhi.The rally will travel through places historically associated with Gandhiji, both in India, as well as in Bangladesh and Myanmar.It will conclude at Yangon in Myanmar on the 24th of this month, covering a total distance of 7250 km.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.World Cancer day being observed today :  The world cancer day is being observed on 4th February every year to raise awareness about cancer, its treatment and to encourage methods of its prevention. The primary goal of the day is to reduce the illness and related deaths by 2020. This year, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is launching a new three years (2019-2021) campaign with the theme: “I Am and I Will.” The Union Government has started AMRIT scheme in order to provide relief to poor people from the rising cost of Cancer drug.

2. Sri Lanka celebrates 71st Independence Day : Sri Lanka celebrated the 71st Independence Day in a grand ceremony at the Galle Face Green in Colombo.Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih attended the function as the guest of honour.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India's tourism sector registers 19% growth in 2018 : According to Union Minister K J Alphons, the country's tourism sector fetched 234 billion US Dollar revenue last year, registering a growth of over 19%.The country is ranked third in the tourism sector, according to the 2018 report of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).This revenue was contributed by 87 per cent domestic and 13 per cent foreign tourists

SPORTS:

1. Vani Kapoor becomes first Indian to Grab Australian LPGA Card : Vani Kapoor has become the first Indian golfer to receive Australian Women's PGA Tour (LPGA) card. Vani played 71, 78 and 69 cards in the first qualifying tournament played at Balatar Golf Club. He is jointly tied 12th with a score of 218. In this 81 participants had participated, out of which the top 20 will get an opportunity to play in the Australian LPGA.

2. Haryana Hammers beats Punjab Royals to win PWL 4 : Haryana Hammers defeated two-time defending champion Punjab Royals 6-3 in the final to lift the Pro Wrestling League season 4 title at the Gautam Buddha University indoor stadium, Greater Noida.The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is an Indian sports wrestling promotion that was established in 2015.It was initiated by ProSportify and Wrestling Federation of India.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Rishi Kumar Shukla takes charge as CBI Director : Senior IPS officer 58-year- old Rishi Kumar Shukla (1983 batch- Madhya Pradesh Cadre) has been appointed as the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) Director for a period of two years. Rishi Kumar Shukla has served as the DGP of Madhya Pradesh.Earlier, M Nageswara Rao was appointed as interim chief of the CBI (No. 3) after the government stepped in between the fight of CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

2.Nilambar Acharya appointed Country’s ambassador to India : Former Nepal’s law minister Nilambar Acharya has been appointed as the Country’s Ambassador to India.Mr. Acharya was Law Minister in the interim government (in 1990). Earlier, Mr Acharya has been served as a member of Eminent Persons Group formed by India and Nepal on bilateral relations. The post of Nepalese ambassador to India was lying vacant science Deep Kumar Upadhyay resigned in October 2017 to join politics.

3.  Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF 2019) : It is India’s largest multi-cultural street festival, has started in Mumbai.Mumbai is a densely populated city on India’s west coast. A financial center, it’s India’s largest city. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city’s also famous as the heart of the Bollywood film industry.

4. Bharat Rang Mahotsav : The 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav has inaugurated in New Delhi.It is organized by National School of Drama and is inaugurated by Minister of State for Culture (I/C), Mahesh Sharma.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty : USA has suspended its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia from 2nd February onwards.The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was a 1987 arms control agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union.Uzbekistan has lifted the ban on teaching Political Science in the country. It was banned in 2015 under a decree issued by President Islam Karimov as it is a western pseudoscience which does not support the “Uzbek model” of development.

2. New India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia : Sanjiv Ranjan has been appointed as new Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia.Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a sovereign state largely situated in the northwest of South America, with territories in Central America. Colombia shares a border to the northwest with Panama, to the east with Venezuela and Brazil and to the south with Ecuador and Peru.

4. Ballistic Missile ‘Nasr’ : Pakistan successfully has test-fired the short range surface-to-surface ballistic missile ‘Nasr’.Prime minister: Imran Khan. Capital: Islamabad.President: Arif Alvi. Currencies: Pakistani rupee, Rupee

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.India’s Unemployment Rate : Acc. to NSSO’s Periodic Labour Force Survey, India’s unemployment rate hit a 45 year high of 6.1% in 2017-18. Unemployment is higher in urban areas which is 7.8% as compared to 5.3% in rural areas.

2. Central Statistical Office’s GDP Prediction : Central Statistical Office under Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation has revised the GDP Growth forecast to 7.2% from earlier 6.7% for 2017-18.It shows the effect of demonetization was not as severe as predicted ea

SPORTS:

1. Footballer Ki Sung-yueng has retired : South Korean Midfielder Ki Sung-yueng has announced his retirement from International Football.He currently plays as a central midfielder for Newcastle United in English Premier League.

2. Regatta Cup 2019 : INS Dronacharya team has won Regetta trophy in the ‘Kochi Area Pulling Regatta 2019’ of the Southern Naval Command.The Boat Pulling Regatta is a traditional naval sporting activities conducted by the Navy.

3. ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 : The 13th edition of Men’s Cricket World Cup will be played in India in 2023.The upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 scheduled in England and Wales.

Daily GK Updates - 2nd February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. LT Gen Rajeev Chopra takes over as Director-General of NCC : Lieutenant General Rajeev Chopra took over the reins of National Cadet Corps (NCC) as its Director General.Lt Gen Chopra (Commissioned in the Madras Regiment) is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.He has commanded a Brigade in Eastern Command and was Inspector General of HQ IGAR (South) in the insurgency-torn state of Manipur.

2. Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar assumes charge as Vice Chief of Naval Staff : Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.He served as the Navigating Officer of Indian Naval Ships Beas, Nilgiri, Ranvir and Vikrant.An alumnus of Sainik School, Amaravathi Nagar and National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, Pune, he was commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 1982.

3.  Punjab Govt. approves ‘Smart Village Campaign’ worth of Rs 385 Crores : The Punjab government has approved a rural development scheme ‘Smart Village Campaign’ to supplement the ongoing works to build village infrastructure and provide essential amenities.The scheme would be financed with funds (Rs 384.40 crore) from the 14th Financial Commission and MGNREGA works.The objective of the ‘Smart Village Campaign’ to improving the condition of rural areas by supplementing the ongoing government schemes for building infrastructure and providing essential amenities.

4.  PM Narendra Modi launches two Railway projects in West Bengal : Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation, the Railway electrification of 294 kilometres long Andal- Sainthia-Pakur-Malda and Khana- Sainthia Sections in West Bengal. Electrification of this section will enable ease of transportation of coal, stone chips and ballast to North and North East India in a seamless manner.He will also dedicate the 20 kilometre-long Hijli- Narayangarh third line to the nation 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Suman Kumari becomes Pakistan’s first Hindu woman judge : Justice Suman Kumari has become the first Hindu woman in Pakistan to be appointed as a civil judge.Suman, who hails from Qambar-Shahdadkot.The first judge from the Hindu community was Justice Rana Bhagwandas (the acting chief justice between 2005 and 2007)Hinduism remains the second (only 2%) largest religion in Pakistanafter Islam.

2. 8th Annual Pulicat Day being observed today : 8th annual pulicat day being observed to create awareness among people about the importance of protecting the lagoon.The day is celebrated as the world wetlands day, with activities like catamaran race, rangoli competition, quiz and drawing competition for children, heritage walk and folklore programs.This year’s World Wetlands Day under the theme of “Wetlands and Climate Change”.It highlights the importance of healthy and intact wetlands to one of the most pressing challenges of our times: climate change

3. India bags the Award of Excellence for 'Best in Show' at New York : India received the award of excellence for ‘Best in Show’ during the Closing Bell Ceremony at New York Times Travel Show 2019(NYTTS 2019).It is the largest travel show in North America, held in New York, USA. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India participated as the ‘Presenting Partner’ in the New York Times Travel Show (NYTTS 2019).

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Govt. renames DIPP as Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade : In an official order, The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has been renamed as the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade with a mandate to deal with matters related to start-ups, facilitating ease of doing business among others.The order has been approved by President Ram Nath Kovind.The newly-named department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will look into matters related to promotion of internal trade, including retail trade, welfare of traders and their employees, facilitating ease of doing business and start-ups.

SPORTS:

1. Qatar wins Asian Football Champions 2019 : Qatar national football team beat Japan 3-1 to win the AFC Asian Cup 2019 crown in Abu Dhabi.Ali Almoez, Abdel Aziz Hatim and Akram Afif scored to give Qatar national football team a 3-1 victory against Japan.Takumi Minamino scored for Japan.For the first time, the Asian Cup final tournament was contested by 24 teams.

Daily GK Updates - 1st February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 33rd Surajkund International Crafts Mela begins : The cultural extravaganza Surajkund International Crafts Mela (33rd) has been inaugurated at Faridabad (Haryana).This year Maharashtra is the theme state and Thailand is the Partner Nation.At least 20 countries and all the states of India will be participating in the Mela.Artistes will showcase the art, culture, heritage, handicrafts, and cuisine of the state.

2.  Gupteshwar Pandey appointed as new Bihar DGP :  Senior IPS officer (1987-batch) Gupteshwar Pandey has taken charge as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Bihar.He succeeds current DGP K S Dwivedi (retired). Earlier, Mr Pandey served as an SSP and SP in 26 districts of Bihar. Currently, Mr Pandey was serving as the Director General (Training) of Bihar Police.

3. Air India resumes its services from New Delhi to Najaf in Iraq : Air India is resuming its services from New Delhi to the holy city of Najaf in Iraq after 25 years. Indian Ambassador to Iraq Dr Pradeep Rajpurohit said, the services will commence from the 14th of next month, and it is initially being planned for twice a week. Najaf is a city some 160 kilometres from Baghdad. It is an important pilgrimage place considered sacred by Shia Muslims.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Minister Rajvardhan Singh inaugurates Jharkhand International Film Festival : The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajvardhan Singhhas inaugurated the second Jharkhand International Film Festival in Ranchi (1st-3rd Feb 2019).The objective of promoting the Festival is to encourage states that have showcased the potential of promoting cinema.It will also promote Jharkhand as a filming destination, while simultaneously giving a fillip to tourism in the region.

2. Scientists develop an artificial pancreas smartphone app for diabetics  : Scientists have developed an artificial pancreas smartphone (iAPS) app that will help in regulating blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.This app is capable of interfacing wirelessly with glucose monitors, insulin pump devices, and decision-making algorithms.The app is effective in regulating glucose levels under challenging conditions and is suitable for use in unconstrained environments.

3. Dubai Airport retains the top position as World’s busiest airport : Dubai International Airport (DXB) retained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international customer numbers for the fifth consecutive year with annual traffic for 2018 with Indian travellers emerging as the largest source of traffic for the airport which registered a record footfall of over 89 million.It overtook the crown of the world’s busiest hub for international travel from London’s Heathrow in 2014.

4.  The International Year of the Periodic Table : The United Nations has announced, 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements to highlight its first publication in 1869.It will help to raise the profile of how chemistry can provide solutions to global challenges in agriculture, education, energy and health.The periodic table as we know it today was first designed by the Russian scientist Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Union budget 2019-20 presented by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal : Today, The Interim Union Budget 2019-20 presented by the Union Finance Minister Piyush Vedprakash Goyal in Lok Sabha.An interim budget is a temporary financial document that helps a business or public agency get through a period that's shorter than a typical budget cycle, which is normally one year.An Interim Budget gives the complete financial statement, very similar to a full Budget.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. Dilip Sadarangani appointed as the Chairman of Federal Bank : Kerala based private sector lender Federal Bank has appointed Dilip Sadarangani as the part-time chairman.He has played key roles in setting up of IT infrastructure in different banks in India, Australia and Kuwait.Reserve Bank has cleared the appointment of Sadarangani (in bank’s board since 2013).Sadarangani holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Management from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management, University of Bombay.

SPORTS:

1. Mithali raj becomes the first woman to play 200 ODI matches : India’s women's cricket team Captain Mithali Raj (36-year) has become the first woman to play 200 matches in the ODI (One-day Internationals) format when she played against New Zealand in Hamilton.She already holds the record for being the most capped woman in one-day internationals.Mithali's international career is fourth-highest behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Javed Miandad.

Daily GK Updates - 31st January, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Piyush Goyal receives Carnot Prize 2018 : The Union Minister Piyush Goyal received the fourth annual Carnot Prize 2018 by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design.Piyush Goyal  decided to donate award money (USD 25,000) to International Solar Alliance to institute the Diwakar Award. The Diwakar award will recognise every year, an outstanding organisation that has been working for special children and maximising the use of solar energy.

2. Civil Aviation Ministry launches first GI Store in Goa : The Union Civil Aviation minister Suresh Prabhu has inaugurated country’s first Geographical Indication (GI) Store at International Airport at Dabolim, Goa.The store jointly set up by Airport Authority of India (AAI) and The Cashew Export Promotional Council of India (CEPCI).The GI stores will promote local products made by the artisans and handicrafts at the airport.Soon, AAI will sign an agreement with all the state Government in the country to promote their local produce at the airport.

3.  Telangana govt declares 2nd February to be appointing day : The Telangana government has declared 2nd February as 'appointing day' for the newly elected Sarpanches of the Gram Panchayats in the state.The Telangana State Election Commission has held elections to over 12000 Gram Panchayats and over 1 lakh 13 thousand wardmembers in three phases during the month following the High Court order.Over 34 thousand candidates contested for Sarpanch posts while over 2 lakh candidates competed forward members during these apolitical elections.

4. Alphons inaugurates First Swadesh Darshan project in Sikkim : The Union Minister for Tourism K J Alphons inaugurated the project “Development of North East Circuit” in Gangtok.The NE circuit consists of Rangpo– Rorathang- Aritar- Phadamchen- Nathang- Sherathang- Tsongmo - Gangtok-Phodong-Mangan-Lachung-Yumthang-Lachen-Thangu-Gurudongmer-Mangan-Gangtok-Tuminlingee-Singtam.

5. Power Minister RK Singh lays the foundation stone of Regional testing laboratory of CPRI :  The Union Minister Shri R K Singh laid the foundation stone of Regional testing laboratory of Central Power Research Institute(CPRI) at Nashik, Maharashtra.

Manufacturers in the western region will be greatly benefited as they can test their products close to their manufacturing units.This shall help the power utilities in the country to install reliable and quality equipment in the power system network. 

6. PM Modi dedicates National Salt Satyagraha Memorial to the nation : Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated grand and iconic ‘National Salt Satyagraha Memorial’ to the Nation at Dandi, Gujarat.The Memorial has been constructed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) at Dandi (Gujarat) in commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.The memorial also has 24-narrative murals depicting various events and stories from the historic 1930 Salt March.It has been completed in 20 months and within the sanctioned amount of Rs. 72.23 crores.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Scientists create AI-based system that translates thoughts into speech : The first time, Scientists have created an artificial intelligence (AI) based system that directly translates thoughts into intelligible, recognisable speech. The research will help people who cannot speak regain their ability to communicate with the outside world.The technology developed by researchers from Columbia Universityin the United States can reconstruct the words a person hears with unprecedented clarity.

2. Africa Centre for Climate and Sustainable Development : ‘Africa Centre for Climate and Sustainable Development’ is set up by Italian Government in partnership with the United Nations to fight climate change and boost sustainable development in Africa.It is located near the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in central Rome.

3. World Leprosy Eradication Day 2019 : World Leprosy Eradication Day 2019 was observed on 30th January.Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is a contagious infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae. Theme is ‘Ending Discrimination, Stigma, and Prejudice’

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.South India MSME Summit 2019 : South India MSME Summit 2019 will be held at Bengaluru.The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, a branch of the Government of India, is the apex body for the formulation and administration of rules, regulations and laws relating to micro, small and medium enterprises in India.

SPORTS :

1. Pro Wrestling League : Haryana Hammers and Punjab Royals are in the Final of Pro Wrestling League.The Pro Wrestling League is an Indian sport wrestling promotion that was established in 2015. It was initiated by ProSportify and Wrestling Federation of India.Number of teams: 6 .Most recent champion(s): NCR Punjab Royals (2nd title).  Tournament format: League Format.

Daily GK Updates - 30th January, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Anti-Leprosy Day being observed today : The ‘Anti-Leprosy Day’ being observed every yea r on the Martyrdom Day of Mahatma Gandhi to make people aware of the real need to fight the infectious disease.A campaign Leprosy Awareness Campaign ‘Sparsh’ has been organized in all the Gram Sabhas throughout the country by the Central Leprosy Division of the Health Ministry.The campaign carries important information about the disease to help affected people.

2. Nation remembers Mahatma Gandhi on his 71st death anniversary :  Nation remembered the ‘father of the Nation’ Mahatma Gandhi on his 71st death anniversary.President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have paid tributes Bapu at Rajghat in New Delhi.Gandhi was the pioneer of non-violence and practised it throughout his life.Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Gandhi on 30th January 1948(at 5:17 P.M.) in the compound of Birla House (now Gandhi Smriti) by firing three bullets into his chest.

3. Telangana to set up 'Save Tiger Protection Force' : The Telangana government has decided to form a 'State Tiger Protection Force' to save the Tiger (Big Cat ) population in the State.The STPF armed (112-member) will be headed by an Assistant Conservator of Forests to protect the tiger population in Amarabadand Kawal Tiger Reserves.The State Forest Protection Committee headed by Chief Secretary S K Joshi took the decision to form the STPF at its meeting.The Committee decided to act tough against those felling forest trees and committing other related crimes.

4. Odisha announces Jiban Sampark Project : Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik has announced “Jiban Sampark” project for the welfare of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups at the annual Adivasi Mela-2019. The Jiban Sampark Project undertaken in association with UNICEF to generate awareness among Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) in Odisha.The focus areas of Jiban Sampark Project are skill development, empowering communities, cooperation and innovation among the groups.

5. Maharashtra govt launched a special scheme to curb infant deaths : The Maharashtra government has launched a special scheme to curb infant deaths.The scheme is applicable only for the first child and will benefit around four lakh women across the state.Each kit (Cost around Rs. 2000) contains a blanket, a small mattress, a towel, a thermometer, baby oil, shampoo, toys, nail-cutter, gloves, socks, among other things.Child Development Minister Pankaja Munde distributed baby-care kits to the children born in primary health centres and government hospitals.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Poonam Khetrapal Singh re-appointed Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia : Poonam Khetrapal Singh has been appointed as the Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia, for a second five-year term. She is the first woman to become regional director of WHO South-East Asia Region.Dr Khetrapal Singh started her five-year term as Regional Directoron 1 February 2014.

2. UAE & Saudi central banks launch common digital currency called 'Aber' :The central banks of the UAE and Saudi Arabia have launched a common digital currency called "Aber".It will be used in financial settlements between the two countries through Blockchains and Distributed Ledgers technologies.It will establish an additional means for the central financial transfer systems of the two countries and enable banks to directly deal with each other in conducting financial remittances.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. GST on Haj reduced from 18% to 5%: Naqvi : According to Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Goods and Services Tax (GST) on 'Haj' has been reduced from 18% to 5%This will significantly lower the airfare thus saving Haj pilgrims’ 113 crore rupees this year.First time since the independence, 2,340 women from India will go on 2019 Haj without Mehram.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI to inject Rs 37,500 crore through OMO in February : The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to conduct the purchase of government securities under Open Market Operations (OMOs) for an aggregate amount of Rs 375 billion (Rs 37,500 crore) in February this year to increase liquidity.Three auctions of Rs 125 billion each during the 2nd, 3rd and 4th week of February 2019(no auction during the first week).RBI has been monitoring the evolving liquidity conditions and durable liquidity requirements of the system.A central bank uses OMO as the primary means of implementing monetary policy.

SPORTS:

1.  ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2020 fixtures announced : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced fixtures for the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 (Australia) in 2020.The men's event will take place later in the year from 18 October to 15th November.20The women's T20 World Cup will take place from 21st February to 8 March in 2019, culminating with the final on International Women’s Day.This edition marks the first occasion when the men and women tournaments will be held as standalone events in the same year and in the same country.

2. Jean-Luc wins round-the-World Sailing Race : French sailor Jean-Luc Van Den Heede (73-years) has won the round-the-world yacht race after 212 days alone at sea without modern instruments.He became the oldest to complete the 30,000-mile Golden Globe race.19 sailors who started out in July 2018, only 5 were still in the race.The race involves solo sailors navigating with a sextant and paper maps and communicating only occasionally with the outside world via short-wave radio.

Daily GK Updates - 29th January, 2018

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Beating Retreat ceremony held at Vijay Chowk, New Delhi :  Beating Retreat ceremony held at the historic Vijay Chowk (the victory square) in New Delhi. This year, 15 Military Bands, 15 Pipes and Drums Bands from Regimental Centres and Battalions are participating in Beating the Retreat ceremony. The event will end with the ever-popular tune of 'Sare Jahan Se Acha'. The 'Beating Retreat' ceremony is held here every year on 29thJanuary, marking the culmination of the four-day-long Republic Daycelebrations.

2. India’s second Tulip garden to come up in Uttarakhand : Uttarakhand Government has obtained the permission to develop the Tulip garden  in Pithoragarh district. It will be the second Tulip garden (first in Srinagar, J&K) in the country. The site was selected under the 13 districts, 13 new destinations’ scheme, to attract more tourists to Uttarakhand. It will be developed by ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation), under its CSR program in over 50 hectares of forest land near Chandak hilltop in Pithoragarh district at a cost of Rs. 50 cr.

3. Nagaland CM inaugurates state’s first AstroTurf football pitch :  Nagaland Chief Minister Mr Neiphiu Rio has inaugurated the state’s first Astro Turf Football Pitch (playfield size- 105x66 meters) at Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima. The Astroturf has been installed under norms of FIFA. It will begin the process of sports development regarding football in Nagaland. The State Government is working on a strategic sports infrastructure development plan whereby every district will have quality sports facilities.

4. National Conclave on Technical Textiles at Mumbai :  Ministry of Textiles Smriti Zubin Irani has presided the National Conclave on Technical Textiles in Mumbai. Technical textiles are textile material and products manufactured primarily for technical performance and functional properties. The event will also be a curtain raiser for TechnoTex 2019. As per baseline survey of the technical textile industry in India, there are around 2100 units manufacturing technical textiles in the country.

5. D N Chakraborty gets Assam Republic Day Journalism award :  Assam Government has given the Republic Day Journalism Award 2019 to Veteran journalist Dhirendra Nath Chakraborty. Chakraborty has been honoured for his lifelong contribution to journalism in the state. The award comprises Rupees one lakh in cash, a citation, the Assamese ‘xoraai’ (the bell metal memento presented as an honour), ‘jaapi’ (headgear) and an angavastra.

6. ICAR's 'Kisan Gandhi' tableau wins first prize at R-Day parade :  The ICAR tableau in the Republic Day Parade has won the first prizefor its Kisan Gandhi theme. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research tableau with the theme "Mishrit Kheti, Khushiyon Ki Kheti" portrayed Gandhi with goats and a cow and Kasturba engaged with charkha and caring animals. The tableau showcased a view from Bapu Kuti at Wardha Ashram. Tripura bagged the first prize for the state tableau while tableau from Jammu and Kashmir was adjudged the second and Punjab won the third prize. The theme of Tripura's tableau was 'Empowering Rural Economy the Gandhian Way'.

7. Southern Railway won number one for cleanliness : The Southern Railway has bagged the number one position for cleanliness in all the 17 railway zones in the country. This achievement was under the category of other than Premium Category trains in the recent Trains Cleanliness Survey conducted by IRCTC on all India level. The survey is conducted once a year to periodically monitor the progress of ‘Swachh Rail Swachh Bharat’ mission.

8. Sugarcane juice declared ‘national drink’ of Pakistan :  Pakistan government conducted a Twitter poll and declared sugarcane juice as the “national drink” of the country. According to the poll, 7,616 people or 81% cast their votes favouring sugarcane juice, 15% voted for orange juice while 4% chose carrot. People were asked to decide on the country’s national drink with two other options (orange and carrot).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India signs an agreement with OECD for participation in PISA 2021 : Human Resources Development (HRD) Ministry has signed an agreement with Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for India’s Participation in Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2021.  The question to Indian students will be related to India's perspective only. The student assessment by PISA will ensure learning outcome through education.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Numaligarh Refineries receives 'Best Miniratna PSU' award :  The ‘Numaligarh Refinery Limited’ (NRL) has been awarded the best Miniratna PSU (public sector undertaking) in strategic performance (Financial Category). The award was presented to S K Barua (MD of NRL) by Member of Parliament Manoj Tiwari and Poonam Dhillon at an award function held in New Delhi. The company was awarded for its efforts in the country's growth and strategic performance.

SPORTS :

1. ICC suspends Ambati Rayudu from bowling in International Cricket : Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu has been suspended from bowling in International Cricket by the International Cricket Council (ICC), after having found his bowling action to be illegal.According to ICC, the suspension will remain in place until he is tested and can demonstrate he is able to bowl with legal action.Earlier, Rayudu had been reported for suspect bowling action during the first ODI match between India and Australia in Sydney.