Daily GK Updates - 16th February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Ashwani Lohani appointed as Air India CMD : Former Railway Board Chairman Ashwani Lohani (1980-batch IRSME) has been appointed as the Chairman and managing director (CMD) of Air India.Lohani will take over from Pradeep Singh Kharola.Earlier, Pradeep Singh Kharola (IAS officer -1985 batch- Karnataka cadre) has been appointed as the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.In December 2018, Mr Lohani retired as the Railway Board chairman.

2. BP Sharma re-employed as Pawan Hans CMD : The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved re-employment of B P Sharma as the chairman and managing director (CMD) of Pawan Hans Limited for a period of five monthsSharma took over as the CMD of Pawan Hans in March 2015.Pawan Hans has a fleet of more than 50 helicopters.

3. President Kovind directs that Finance and Corporate Affairs portfolios be assigned to Jaitley : President Ram Nath Kovind has directed that the Finance and Corporate Affairs portfolios be assigned to Union Minister Arun Jaitley.Mr Jaitley, who left for New York last month, returned home last week after undergoing medical treatment.On 23rd of January, the charge of the Finance Ministry and Corporate Affairs was given to Union Minister Piyush Goyal on a temporary basis.

4. PM Narendra Modi flags-off Vande Bharat Express : PM Narendra Modi flags off India's first semi-high-speed train ‘Vande Bharat Express’ (codenamed Train 18) without any flower decorations. A two-minute silence observed before the launch in memory of at least 37 CRPF soldiers who lost their lives in one of the deadliest attacks in J&K. The Vande Bharat Express will run between Delhi and Varanasi at a maximum speed of 130 km/hr and is expected to cover a distance of 750 kilometres in eight hours.

5. Challachitram National film festival to begin from 1st March :  Challachitram National Film Festival will be held at Guwahati in March 2019, with a special award for entries from the north-eastern region.  The theme of this three-day film festival is 'Our Heritage, Our Pride'.  Chalachitram is a Guwahati-based organisation working for showcasing the heritage and culture of the northeast to a national and international audience through films.

6.New book ‘What Marx Left Unsaid’ released by Manish Tewari : Indian Politician Manish Tewari has released ‘What Marx Left Unsaid’ ‘Production of Skills by Means of Skills’ at Indian International Centre, New Delhi. The book has been authored jointly authors by 3 generations of the same family Dr. Malay Chaudhari, Dr. Arindam Chaudhari and Che Kabir Chaudhari. The book speaks about why human beings must earn as per their skills, which will in turn determine their ability to contribute to society.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India withdraws most favoured nation status to Pakistan : India has announced withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status for Pakistan, following the Pulwama terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.The decision was taken during the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting (CCS) in New Delhi.India had granted the status to Pakistan in 1996, a year after WTO’s formation.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Sportstar Aces Lifetime Achievement Award for Prakash Padukone : Badminton legend Prakash Padukone has been honoured for the Lifetime Achievement at the Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai. In the Sportsman of the Year (Cricket) category, India skipper Virat Kohli and pacer Jasprit Bumrah were declared as joint winners. Indian women's cricket team opener Smriti Mandhana bagged the Sportswoman of the Year (Cricket) award.

OBITUARIES:

1. England’s Legendary Goalkeeper Gardon Banks passed away : Famous goalkeeper Gordon Banks (81-years) passed away in England.He was widely considered as one of the greatest Goalkeeper of his generation.Gordon Banks was named as FIFA (The Federation Internationale de Football) Goalkeeper of the year six times and earned 73 caps for England between 1963 to 1972. Banks was suffering from kidney cancer for the second time since 2016.

Daily GK Updates - 15th February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Sushil Chandra appointed new Election Commissioner : President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) Chairman Sushil Chandra (Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer-1980 batch) as an Election Commissioner.Chandra's tenure as chairman of the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) was to expire in May 2019.He will fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of O.P. Rawat.Mr. Chandra  completed his B. Tech from IIT Roorkee and LLB from Dehradun.

2. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan pension scheme comes into effect from today : The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan scheme (announced in the interim Budget) has been implemented. Under the scheme, workers of the unorganised sector will receive a minimum assured pension of three thousand rupees per month after attaining the age of 60 years. The workers whose monthly income is 15 thousand rupees per month or less and belong to the entry age group of 18 to 40 years are eligible for the scheme. During the receipt of the pension (if the subscriber dies) the spouse of the beneficiary will be entitled to receive 50%of the pension.

3. Indian army Carried Out the annual exercise named ‘Exercise Topchi’ : Indian Army showcased its artillery firepower by using ultralight Howitzers and indigenous Swathi weapon-locating radar at the annual ‘Exercise Topchi’ at Deolali Camp near Nashik, Maharashtra.There were a showcase of display of rockets, missiles, surveillance, and target acquisition radars, remotely piloted aircraft and hi-tech equipment in addition to gunfire.The precision displayed while delivering the explosives in the target area stunned all those present.

4. India’s first Aqua Mega Food Park Commissioned in Andhra Pradesh : Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal commissioned the Godavari Mega Aqua Food Park in West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh (through video conferencing).The mega park has been set up in 57.81 acres at a cost of Rs 122.60 croreIt will be the first Mega Aqua Food Park operationalised exclusively for fish and marine products processing in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

5. 44 CRPF personnel martyred in a suicide attack in Kashmir : India lost 44 of its bravest Jawans of CRPF (country's largest paramilitary force)  in an absolutely abhorrent, cowardly attack in Awantipora, Pulwama in Kashmir.This after a Jaish dastard rammed a vehicle carrying explosives weighing 350 kgs into a CRPF truck.

6. P Chidambaram’s Book “Undaunted: Saving the Idea of India” launched : Former Vice President Hamid Ansari has launched the new book of P Chidambaram (former Finance Minister) named “Undaunted: Saving the Idea of India” at Nehru Memorial Museum in New Delhi. The book is a collection of essays on the country’s atmosphere of fear and how the constitutional values are being threatened.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Bradley Cooper wins the Best Director from PETA for ‘A Star Is Born’ :  Bradley Cooper (43-years) has been awarded the ‘Oscat’ by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).The animal rights organisation awarded Cooper “for his enlightened decision to cast his own canine companion in ‘A Star Is Born’ rather than using one supplied by a notorious animal exhibitor”.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. NTPC signs a pact with SBI for Rs 5K crore term loan : State-owned power NTPC has signed a term loan agreement for Rs 5,000 crore with State Bank of India.This loan has a tenure of 15 years and will be utilised to part finance the capital expenditure of NTPC.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. CCEA approves CLCS-TUS with a total outlay of Rs. 2900 crore : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy and Technology Up-gradation Scheme (CLCS-TUS) with a total outlay of 2900 crore rupees.The objective of the scheme is to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by integrating various ongoing schematic interventions aimed at up-grading technology through the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy (CLCS).The scheme will facilitate technology up-gradation improvement in Quality of products by MSMEs, enhancement in productivity, reduction in waste.

2. Centre increases MSP of Sugar by 2 Rs/Kg : The Union Government has increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of sugar from 29 rupees to 31 rupees per kilogram for the year 2018-19, considering the rising arrears of sugarcane growers.With this step, the appropriate amount will be available to sugar mills, which will enable them to pay the sugarcane farmers on time.

SPORTS:

1. Prajnesh Gunneswaran breaks into men's singles top 100 : Prajnesh Gunneswaran has made it to the top-100 of Men's Singles Tennis rankings.He ranked 97th with a jump of six places.Prajnesh is the third Indian player to break into the top-100 barrier after Somdev Devvarman and Yuki Bhambri.He reached the semi-finals of the ATP Chennai Challenger last week to ensure his entry into the coveted bracket.

Daily GK Updates - 14th February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Cabinet approves Patna Metro Rail project : The Union Cabinet approved the Patna Metro Rail Project to boost transport facilities in the capital city of Bihar.The Cabinet has also hiked the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Raw Jute by Rs 250  to Rs 3950 per quintal for 2019 -20 season.The MSP is expected to ensure appropriate minimum prices to the farmers and step up investments in jute cultivation.

2. Cabinet approves the proposal for extension of tenure of NCSK beyond March 2019 : The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for Extension of tenure of the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis (NCSK) beyond 31st of March 2019 for three years.The Union Cabinet approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Saudi Arabia on cooperation and mutual assistance in Customs Matters.

3. Rajasthan passes 5% quota bill for Gujjars, four other communities : Rajasthan government has passed a Backward Classes, Amendment Bill, 2019 to provide 5% quota in jobs and educational institutions to ‘Gurjars’ and four other communities.The state government has also decided to increase the ceiling of creamy layer from Rs. 2.5 lacks to Rs. 8 lacks.

4. Bihar govt announces universal old age pension scheme ‘Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojna’ : Bihar government has announced a universal old age pension scheme - Mukhyamantri Vridhajan Pension Yojna (MVPY) for all people above 60 years of age (except retired senior citizens of govt. service).Currently old age pension scheme is applicable to only the BPL category. All will be eligible for RS. 400 monthly Pension irrespective of caste, religion or community. The Scheme will come into force from the 1st of April 2019.

5. AYUSH Minister launches e-AUSHADHI portal : Shripad Yesso Naik (Minister of State (IC) for AYUSH) has launched the e-AUSHADHI portal, for online licensing of Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Homoeopathy drugs and related matters at New Delhi.The new ‘e-AUSHADHI portal’ is intended for increased transparency, improved information management facility, improved data usability and increased accountability.This e-portal is an acronym for Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy Automated Drug Help Initiative.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.British Academy Film Awards announced : The film "The Favourite" won seven honours in British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA)- 2019 in London.The Favourite won best actress for Olivia Colman and best supporting actress for Rachel Weisz, Outstanding British Film, Original Screenplay, Costume Design, Production Design, Makeup and Hair.Also, Netflix production 'Roma' also had a successful night picking up four prizes - best film, best director, best cinematography and best film not in the English language.

2. Women with four children to get life tax exemption in Hungary : According to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, women in the country with four children or more will be exempted for life from paying income tax.The move aims at boosting the country’s population.For women who raise at least four children, a subsidy of USD 8,825 will be given for the purchase of a seven-seat vehicle.A low-interest loan of 35,300 US dollars for women under the age of 40 who are marrying for the first time will be introduced.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI penalises banks for violating various norms : The Reserve Bank has imposed a monetary penalty of two million rupees each on HDFC Bank, IDBI Bank and KotakMahindra Bank for non-compliance of various Know Your Customer/ Anti-Money Laundering norms.RBI also imposed a monetary penalty of 1.5 Crore rupees each on Allahabad Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Indian Overseas Bank for non-compliance of norms related to monitoring end use of funds, exchange of information, classification and reporting of frauds and on the restructuring of accounts.A penalty of 1 crore rupees was imposed on Andhra Bank for the same reason.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Retail inflation declines to 2.05 per cent in January : As per data released by the ministry of statistics and Programme Implementation, the Retail Inflation declined marginally to 2.05% in January over the last month on the continued decline in food prices.The retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Dec 2018 has also been revised downward to 2.11% from the earlier estimate of 2.19%

In January 2018, inflation was 5.07%.

SPORTS:

1. ‘Clouded Leopard’ to be Mascot for National Games 2022 : Clouded Leopard (Meghalaya's state animal) will be the mascot for the National Games 2022, coinciding with the 50th year of the creation of the state.This decision was taken at the 1st National Games 2022 executive committee meeting chaired by Meghalaya Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh.The clouded leopard is one of the wild cats that live throughout the forests of Garo, Khasi and Jaintia Hills. An estimated 14,450 athletes and officials are expected to visit Meghalaya during the Games.

Daily GK Updates - 13th February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Let’s Talk On Air: Conversations with Radio Presenters’ released :The book titled “Let’s Talk On Air: Conversations with Radio Presenters” has been released on World Radio Day (WRD-2019) in Mumbai.The book has been authored by Rakesh Anand Bakshi.This book is depicted as a comprehensive guide on radio-presenting in India.This book explains the lives of 14 popular radio presenters in India from the legendary Ameen Sayani to present-day RJs who have been entertaining us via the airwaves.

2. Dera Baba Nanak land check post designated as an immigration centre : As per Home ministry notification, The Union Government designated Dera Baba Nanak land Check post in Gurdaspur districtof Punjab as an authorised immigration checkpoint to exit and entry for visiting Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan.All classes of passengers with valid travel documents can exit or enter through the post.The government also appointed the Chief Immigration Officer as the Civil Authority for the purpose.Earlier (On 26th November 2018), Vice President M Venkaiah Naidulaid the foundation stone of the Dera Baba Nanak-Kartarpur Sahib Corridor at an event at Mann village in Gurdaspur district.

3. I&B Ministry organizes the first annual conference of Media Units :  The  Information and Broadcasting Ministry has organized the first annual conference of Media Units in New Delhi.The conference has been chaired by Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore.The objective of the conference to give a unique platform to the officers of the Indian Information Service working in different Media Units to converge at an All-India level.

4. PM Narendra Modi addresses CREDAI YouthCon -19 in New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the CREDAI YouthCon -19at Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi.The theme for this YouthCon is Next Generation.Mr. Modi also visited the exhibition organized by Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Association of India (CREDAI).The annual conference will bring together the next generation of real estate builders and developers to enlighten their young minds and share their thinking and approach.

5. Meghalaya Govt. to rename Dikkibandi stadium after P A Sangma : The Meghalaya state Cabinet presided over by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has decided to rename the Dikkibandi Stadium in Tura town after P. A. Sangma (former Lok Sabha Speaker & CM Meghalaya).The Dikkibandi Stadium was formerly known as MP stadium.Earlier, the recommendations received from the state naming authority tasked with the job to name roads and institutions after personalities.

6. 'Sapta Shakti' Command of Indian Army conducting 'Exercise Rahat' in Jaipur :Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise `Exercise Rahat´ concluded in Jaipur, Rajasthan.Indian Army was represented by Jaipur based Sapta Shakti Command.The exercise was conducted in three places, in Jaipur it was in the form of a tabletop exercise and at Kota and Alwar it demonstrated on-ground capability and coordination among various stakeholders.With a view to co-operating efforts for humanitarian assistance and Disaster Relief operations, NDMA coordinated the exercise.

7. Himachal’s first mega food park inaugurated in Una : The Union Minister of Food Processing Harsimrat Kaur Badal has inaugurated the mega food park at Village Singha in Una District, Himachal Pradesh.This is the first Mega Food Park operationalized in the State of Himachal Pradesh at a cost of Rs 107.34 crore.It will boost to the food processing sector by adding value and reducing food wastage at each stage of the supply chain with a particular focus on perishables

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian Historian Sanjay Subrahmanyam wins Israel’s Dan David Prize 2019 : Noted Indian historian Sanjay Subrahmanyam has won Israel's prestigious Dan David Prize 2019 for his work on inter-cultural encounters between Asians, Europeans and people of North and South America during the early modern era.He shares the USD 1 million award in this category with Prof Kenneth Pomeranz of the University of Chicago.The award in the "Present" category was won jointly by Reporters without Borders and Professor Michael Ignatieff for "Defending Democracy”.

2. 13th February: The World radio day : The World Radio Day (WRD) is celebrated every year on 13th February to celebrate radio as the medium for entertainment, information and the mode of communication.The theme for this year is "Dialogue, Tolerance and Peace ".In 2012, the day was celebrated following its declaration by the UNESCO General Conference.

3. India and Norway launched an initiative to Combat Marine Pollution : The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change signed a Letter of Intent establishing the India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative together with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Earlier, Both countries have signed MoU (Memorandum of understanding) to establish the India-Norway Ocean Dialogue during the Norwegian Prime Minister’s visit to India in January.Both the governments launched the first Joint initiative under this new partnership.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Jeremy Lalrinnunga clinches silver in men's 67-kg category : Youth Olympics gold medallist Jeremy Lalrinnunga (16-years) has won the silver in men's 67-kilogram category in the EGAT's Cup International Weightlifting Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.Lalrinnunga lifted 131 kilograms in the snatch and 157 kilograms in clean and jerk for a total of 288 kilograms.The promising Mizoram weightlifter is, however, far behind the gold winner, Deni (Indonesia) total lifted 303 kilograms and won the Gold medal.