Daily GK Updates - 10th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian Army To Commemorate 2019 As ‘Year of next of kin’: The Indian Army is commemorating this year as the ‘Year of Next of Kin’ and plans to reach out to the next of kin of battle casualties, ex-servicemen and serving soldiers to inform them of entitled financial benefits, welfare schemes and help resolve pension-related problems. The Directorate of Indian Army Veterans will be the nodal agency.

2. WTO Ministerial Meeting of Developing Countries to Held New Delhi: A WTO Ministerial meeting of developing countries is being hosted by India in New Delhi. Sixteen developing countries, Six Least Developed Countries (LDC) (Argentina, Bangladesh, Barbados, Benin, Brazil, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Egypt, Guatemala, Guyana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Malaysia, Nigeria, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, Uganda) and DG, WTO participated in the meeting.

3. Justice PR Ramachandra Menon sworn in as chief justice of the Chhattisgarh HC: Justice PR Nair Ramachandra Menon was sworn in as the new chief justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court(13th). He was administered the oath by Chhattisgarh Governor Anandiben Patel at Raj Bhavan, Raipur in Chhattisgarh. Currently, he is serving as a Judge of the Kerala High Court.

Note: The Chhattisgarh High Court was established on 1 November 2000 with the creation of the new state of Chhattisgarh upon the reorganisation of the state of Madhya Pradesh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Australian Flight Carrier, Qantas Operated World’s First Zero-waste Flight: The Australian flight carrier, Qantas has operated the world’s first zero-waste commercial flight from Sydney to Adelaide which disposed of all waste through compost, reuse or recycle. The Australian airline Qantas has planned to eliminate 100 million single-use plastics by the end of 2020 and also to reduce 75% of airline’s waste by the end of 2021.

2. Facebook Chooses London as Base For WhatsApp Payments: Facebook has chosen London as the centre for the global roll-out of WhatsApp pay, before the social media giant launches its digital payments service on the mobile messaging platform in India. WhatsApp would hire nearly 100 people in London to focus on the digital payments service and additional operations staff would be hired in Dublin.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Amul To Sponsor Afghanistan In 2019 World Cup: Amul has been announced as the principal sponsor of the Afghanistan cricket team for the upcoming World Cup, slated to be held in England and Wales from (from 30th May to 14 July 2019). The logo of brand Amul will appear on the leading arm of the Afghanistan team playing jerseys as well as on the training kits throughout the showpiece event. The first time, Afghanistan Cricket team will play in the World Cup as a full member. Anand Milk Union Limited (Amul) is an Indian dairy company (formed in 1948), based at Anand in the state of Gujarat.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Bank Credit Grows 13.2% In FY19: Bank credit grew by 13.2% in the financial year 2018-19 as compared to 10.3% in the previous financial year, mainly aided by loans to services and retail sector. Deposit growth also gained momentum, growing by 10% as compared to 6.7% a year ago. Credit growth in services sector till the middle of February was 23.7% and in retail sector it was 16.7%. Credit growth in the industry sector was 5.6%.

2. Max Life Insurance to mark 6th of every month as Protection Day: According to Max Life Insurance Co Ltd, It will dedicate the 6th day of every calendar month as 'Protection Day'. The day aims to increase awareness around the concept of financial protection. As a part of this initiative, a wide range of initiatives will be rolled out across Max Life's network. The Company will also drive a "Super Customer Week", where customers across the board will be educated about various aspects of financial protection.

3. India ratings downgrade Yes Bank with a negative outlook: India Ratings & Research (Ind-Ra) downgraded Yes Bank’s long-term issuer rating to ‘IND AA-’ from ‘IND AA+’ with a negative outlook citing “quick credit migration in the bank’s certain group exposures”. It estimates that the private lender will need to raise equity of Rs 7,500-8,000 crore in the next two fiscal years. The negative outlook reflects the downside risks to the agency’s estimates of profitability and capital buffers that could emanate from substantial delays in the resolution of certain stressed assets. Yes Bank had also reported its maiden loss of over Rs 1,506 crore in the March 2019 quarter, driven by a near 10-fold spike in provisions.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. RIL Acquires British Toy Retailer Hamleys: Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) acquired British toy retailer 'Hamleys 'in an all-cash deal. RIL has acquired Hamleys in 67.96 million pounds (about Rs. 620 cr). With this announcement, Reliance will get hold of 100% shares of Hamleys Global Holdings Limited (HGHL).

2. TCS once again becomes India's most valued firm; surpasses RIL in m-cap: India's IT conglomerate Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has become India’s most valued firm in terms of market capitalization (market-cap) by displacing Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) to number two position. TCS (market-cap of Rs 8.13 lakh crore) followed by RIL (Rs 7.95 lakh crore), HDFC Bank (Rs 6,24,362.11 crore), Hindustan Unilever (Rs 3,67,880.69 crore) and ITC (Rs 3,67,513.78 crore). The m-cap figure of companies changes daily with stock price movement.

OBITUARIES

1. Tamil novelist Thoppil Mohamed Meeran passes away: Noted novelist and Sahitya Akademi awardee Thoppil Mohamed Meeran (74-years) passed away at his residence at Veerabahu Nagar in Pettai, TIRUNELVELI. Mohamed Meeran authored the novels Oru Kadalora Graamaththin Kathai, Thuraimugam, Koonan Thoppu, Saaivu Naarkkaali and Anju Vannam Theru between 1988 and 2011. He received 8 awards including the Sahitya Akademi Award (1997) and Tamil Nadu Kalai Ilakkiya Perumantram Award (1992).

2. Renowned Bengali actor Mrinal Mukherjee passes away: The Veteran film and TV actor of Bengali Cinema, Mrinal Mukherjee(74-years) passed away due to cancer and liver problems. Mukherjee had worked for over five decades in the Bengali film industry as well as Bengali TV serials and theatres.

Daily GK Updates - 9th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 158th birth anniversary of Tagore: 9 May:  Today, the 158th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore is being celebrated all over West Bengal. Rabindra Nath Tagore reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Note: Rabindranath Tagore was the Author of the "profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse" of Gitanjali. In 1913, he became the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. His compositions were chosen by two nations as national anthems: India's Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh's Amar Shonar Bangla.

2. Chhattisgarh Deploys 1st Anti-Naxal Women Commando Unit: The Chhattisgarh police for the first time has inducted women commandos in the District Reserve Guard (DRG), its frontline anti-Naxal force. Comprising 30 women led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Dineshwari Nand, have received extensive training in jungle combat. 

3. IIT-B researchers develop ‘Made in India’ microprocessor: Engineers from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have developed a microprocessor called AJIT, the first to be conceptualised, designed, developed and manufactured in India. It can be used inside a set-top box, as a control panel for automation systems, in a traffic light controller or even robotic systems. The project was funded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and IIT Bombay. Mumbai-based company ‘Powai Labs‘invested in the venture, and will own, market and support the product. In the first stage, AJIT has been manufactured in the government-owned Semiconductor Laboratory, Chandigarh.

4. SC Collegium recommends names of Justices Gavai, Surya Kant for elevation as apex court judges: The five-member Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi has recommended the names of Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant to the Centre for their elevation as apex court judges. Currently, Justice Gavai is Judge of the Bombay High Court and Justice Kant is the incumbent Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The apex court is presently functioning with 27 judges against the sanctioned strength of 31 judges.

5. Meeting of Regional Heads of Customs Administration of Asia Pacific Region of WCO Held in Kochi: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has organised a 2-Day meeting of the Regional Heads of Customs Administration of Asia Pacific Region of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) in Kochi. This meeting was chaired by Mr Pranab Kumar Das, Chairman, CBIC.

6. MNRE Holds ‘Chintan Baithak’ With Stakeholders of Renewable Energy Sector: Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) held a ‘Chintan Baithak’ with the stakeholders of the Renewable Energy sector in New Delhi. The ‘Baithak’ (meet) was chaired by Secretary, MNRE, Anand Kumar and saw good participation from Renewable Energy (RE) sector including the representatives of major RE developers, equipment manufacturers, financers, regulators, think-tanks, industry bodies and skill developers.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Vice President Naidu embarks on 4-day visit to Vietnam: Vice President Venkaiah Naidu will embark on a four-day official visit to Vietnam. The visit is expected to enhance India’s comprehensive strategic partnership with the Southeast Asian nation. The Vice President will participate in the 16th United Nations Day of Vesak at Tam Chuc pagoda in Vietnam's northern Ha Nam province. During his visit, Mr Naidu will also deliver the keynote address at the inaugural session of the event themed as "Buddhist Approach to Global Leadership and Shared Responsibilities for Sustainable Societies."

2. 5th United Nations Global Road Safety Week: The Fifth United Nations (UN) Global Road Safety Week is being held from 6 to 12 May 2019. The theme for the weekly event in 2019 is “Leadership for road safety”. The UN Global Road Safety Weeks and its’ campaigns are coordinated by United Nations Road Safety Collaboration, chaired by the World Health Organization (WHO).

3. Singapore Passes Laws to Combat Fake News: Singapore's Parliament passed a law to curb the spread of fake news under which offenders may face up to 10-year jail or fines of up to S$1 million (over Rs5.12 crore). The law empowers the government to direct social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to carry corrections or remove content it considers to be fake news. 

4. India and China Sign Protocol for Export of Indian Chilli Meal: Commerce Secretary, Anup Wadhawan and Vice Minister, General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), Li Guo, held a meeting in New Delhi to discuss trade-related issues of pending Indian request for clearance of agricultural products. Both sides agreed to resolve market access issues expeditiously in order to achieve the vision of the leaders of both India and China by promoting a more balanced trade. At the end of the meeting, a protocol was signed for export of chilli meal from India to China.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Indian Boxers Win 6 Medals at 36th Feliks Stamm International Boxing:  Indian boxers finished with a rich haul of six medals, including two gold at the 36th Feliks Stamm International Boxing Tournament in Warsaw, Poland. Gaurav Solanki and Manish Kaushik bagged one gold each. Indian boxers also clinched a silver and three bronze.  The 22-year-old Solanki out-punched England's William Cawley 52 kilogram on his way to the coveted yellow metal. In 60-kilogram weight category, Kaushik beat Morocco's Mohamed Hamout.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SBI Card raises Rs. 700 crores from banks: SBI Card raised Rs. 700 crores from several financial institutions including its parent State Bank of India (SBI) in the second half of FY19. SBI Cards and Payment Services Pvt. Ltd (SBI Card) raised Rs. 100 crores from ICICI Securities Primary Dealership Ltd, Rs. 250 crores from State Bank of India and Rs. 50 crore each from Canara Bank and Axis Bank by issuing non-convertible debentures (NCDs) at 9.15% coupon. The company also raised another Rs. 250 crores from Axis Bank through a coupon of 9.55%.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Airtel, Hughes To Combine Their India VSAT Operations: Sunil Mittal led telecom major Bharti Airtel and Hughes Communications India (HCIL) have decided to combine their VSAT(Very Small Aperture Terminal) satellite communications operations in India. The transaction is subject to approvals by relevant authorities. HCIL is the India unit of Hughes Network Systems, LLC, the global leader in broadband satellite networks and services. VSAT refers to the provision of data services using satellites and is used extensively by banks and ATMs. 

OBITUARIES

1. Former billiards player Derek Sippy passes away: Former billiards player, coach and administrator Derek Sippy (60-years) passed away in Mumbai. He served the BSAM in various capacities and was its secretary for several years. He was the Indian team's coach at recently concluded Asian Under-21 Boys Snooker and Asian Women Snooker tournament in Chandigarh.

2. The first Chronicler of Partition Prof. Kirpal Singh passes away: The first chronicler of Partition Prof. Kirpal Singh (95-years) passed away in Chandigarh. Prof. Singh started building an archive in 1954. He began his journey in Partition’s historiography in 1953 as a young lecturer at Khalsa College, Amritsar. The turning point came in 1962 when then chief minister Partap Singh Kairon offered to send him to the UK to collect papers related to Punjab.

3. Dr. NR Madhava Menon passes away: Father of Modern Legal Education, Prof N.R. Madhava Menon (84 years) has passed away. He is known for changing the face of Indian legal education by pioneering the establishment of National Law Schools. He is credited with the conceptualization of five-year integrated LLB course, in place of the earlier 3-year course. Menon was bestowed with the Padma Shri in 2003 for his outstanding contribution to public services. A book "Turning Point" published by Universal Law Publishers, Delhi (2010) is on the life and works of Prof. Menon.

4. Renowned Economist Baidyanath Mishra Passes Away: Renowned economist Baidyanath Mishra passed away due to old-age related problems. He was 99. Mishra had started his career as a lecturer in Ravenshaw University in Cuttack in 1949. He was vice-chancellor of Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT) from 1981 to 1985. He was also the chairman of the State Planning Board from 1985 to 1990.

Daily GK Updates - 8th May, 2019

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World Red Cross Day: 8 May: The ‘World Red Cross Day’ is observed on 8th May annually to commemorate the birth anniversary of 'Henry Dunant'. Henry Dunant was the founder of the Red Cross as well as the founder of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This day is dedicated to the people who suffer from food shortage, natural calamities, war as well as disease of the Epidemic. The theme for World Red Cross Day 2019 is “#love” or simply "love". In 1901, Henry Dunant has received the first Nobel Peace Prize together with Frédéric Passy.

2. India's Jagjit Pavadia re-elected to International Narcotics Control Board: India's Jagjit Pavadia has been re-elected to the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for another five-year term. Ms Pavadia has been a member of the INCB since 2015 and her current term is set to expire in 2020. Jagjit Pavadia Pavadia has held several senior positions in the Indian Revenue Service for 35 years in the Government of India, including Narcotics Commissioner of India, Central Bureau of Narcotics.

3. Laurentino Cortizo wins Presidential elections of Panama: Businessman & politician: Laurentino Cortizo (66-year) has won Panama's presidential election with 33.27% of the vote in support. Chairman Rómulo Roux lost a close race, polling just around 31% of the vote. Cortizo was also a member of the National Assembly between 1994 and 2004, serving a year as chamber president. Due to constitutional term limits, Outgoing President Juan Carlos Varela is ineligible for a second consecutive term.

4. Stevo Pendarovski elected new President of North Macedonia: Stevo Pendarovski (56 years) has won the 2019 Macedonian presidential elections with 51.66% vote to become the President-elect of North Macedonia. The president must be a citizen of North Macedonia, be over 40 years of age and have lived in North Macedonia for at least ten of the previous fifteen years.

5. India, Bangladesh to produce a movie on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: India and Bangladesh will jointly produce a movie based on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and a documentary on Bangladesh Liberation War. The movie will be directed by acclaimed India’s filmmaker Shyam Benegal. Prasar Bharati has decided to carry Bangladesh TV on DD Free Dish platform without charging carriage fees. As a reciprocal gesture, Bangladesh Delegation announced that a Doordarshan channel will be adopted on the soon to be launched DTH platform of Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Delegation assured full cooperation in ensuring smooth logistics for shooting the movie in Bangladesh.

6. India re-elected as an observer to inter-governmental forum Arctic Council: India and Finland re-elected as an observer to inter-governmental forum Arctic Council. The Arctic Council promotes cooperation, coordination and interaction among Arctic states on common issues, particularly on sustainable development and environmental protection. Observer status is open to non-Arctic states approved by the Council at the Ministerial Meetings that occur once every two years. The Arctic Council is a high-level intergovernmental forum that addresses issues faced by the Arctic governments and the indigenous people of the Arctic.

7. Microsoft unveils tool “ElectionGuard” for secure, verifiable voting: Microsoft has launched software named “ElectionGuard” to help countries ensure secure and verifiable voting. The tool “ElectionGuard” will enable end-to-end verification of elections, open results to third-party organisations for secure validation, and allow individual voters to confirm their votes were correctly counted. However, it should be noted that “ElectionGuard” is not designed to support internet voting and is aimed at supplementing and improving the paper ballot systems. "ElectionGuard" provides each voter a tracker with a unique code that can be used to follow an encrypted version of the vote through the entire election process via a web portal provided by election authorities.

8. USAF successfully tests Laser System ‘SHiELD’ to shoot down missiles: The United States Air Force (USAF) has successfully conducted the test of a laser weapons system called the Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) at the US Army’s White Sands Missile range in New Mexico. It successfully shot down multiple air-launched missiles while in flight. The SHiELD is an Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD) Program which is capable of shooting down multiple missiles in flight. It would be mounted on aircraft to demonstrate self-defence of aircraft and protect the fighter jets against surface-to-air (SAM) and air-to-air (AAM) missiles attack.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Chess: TePe Sigeman & Co International tournament begins in Sweden: In chess, the TePe Sigeman & Co International tournament begins in Malmo, Sweden. Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin (14-years) is training his sight to become the youngest Indian to break the 2600 rating barrier from this event. According to the World Chess Federation (FIDE), the tournament will have eight players with an average rating of 2663, making it a Category 17 tournament. India’s No. 2 Grand Master Pentala Harikrishna will open his campaign against Persson while Nihal is set to meet Saric in the opener.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. e-Governance Services India ties up with IIT-Kanpur to upscale Unnat Bharat Abhiyan: Common Service Centre’s (CSC) e-Governance Services India Limited has tied up with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Kanpur to upscale ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’. Under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, IIT-Kanpur has brought together 15 leading higher education institutions from Uttar Pradesh. These institutes will adopt gram panchayats and equip them with all citizen-centric services through CSCs. ‘Unnat Bharat Abhiyan’ is an initiative of the Ministry of HRD. It aims to find solutions to accelerate sustainable growth in rural India. 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Trump awards highest US civilian honour to Tiger Woods: US President Donald Trump presents the Presidential ‘Medal of Freedom’ to Golfer Tiger Woods (43-years) during a ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. Woods is only the fourth and the youngest golfer ever to have received the highest American civilian award. Tiger Woods is considered one of the greatest golfers of all time. Mr Woods won the Masters tournament last month, his first major title since the 2008 US Open, capping a remarkable comeback from personal turmoil and physical injuries.

Note: The Medal of Freedom is America’s highest honour for civilian accomplishment. Presidents can award the medal of freedom to any person, living or dead, who have made “an especially meritorious contribution” to the security or national interest of the United States, world peace, or to a significant public or private endeavour.

OBITUARIES

1. West Indies cricketer Seymour Nurse passes away: Former West Indies batsman Seymour Nurse (85-years) passed away following a prolonged illness. He played 29 Tests between 1960 and 1969 and scored 2523 runs at an average of 47.60. The middle-order batsman from Barbados made 9489 runs in 141 First-Class matches at 43.93. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1967.

Daily GK Updates - 7th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Gujarat Assembly Passes Act to Allow Shops & Businesses Remain Open 24X7: ‘Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2019’ passed by Gujarat Assembly which came into force from May 1, 2019. The Act will allow the shops and other businesses in the state to operate 24×7. The Act replaced the Gujarat Shops and Establishments Act, 1948which prevented shops and other businesses from operating between 12 to 6 a.m. 

2. Last captive white tiger Bajirao dies at 18: The last captive white tiger ‘Bajirao’ at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park in Mumbai died at the age of 18. He was suffering from chronic ankylosis on the left shoulder and chronic senile generalised arthritis for the last four years. The tiger’s autopsy carried out by the pathology department of BVC indicated multiple organ failures along with old age as the probable cause of death.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Japan’s First Privately Developed Rocket 'Momo-3' Reached Outer Space: A Japanese aerospace start-up Interstellar Technology Inc. has successfully launched a first privately developed rocket ‘Momo-3’ into space.  The unmanned Momo-3 was launched from a test site in Taiki on the northern Japanese island of Hokkiado and reached about 110 kilometers (68 miles) in altitude before falling into the Pacific Ocean after 10 minutes of flight time.

2. ADB Launches $5 Billion Healthy Oceans Action Plan: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched a $5 Billion Action Plan for Healthy Oceans and Sustainable Blue Economies for the Asia and Pacific region at the 52nd Annual Meeting of ADB’s Board of Governors in Fiji. It will expand financing and technical assistance for ocean health and marine economy projects to $5 billion from 2019 to 2024.

3. SpaceX Launches Falcon 9 Rocket With Dragon Spacecraft: Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (Space X) launched its 17th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) by using Falcon 9 rocket with Dragon Spacecraft. The 213-foot-tall rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This mission is a part of NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program, which uses commercial spacecraft to deliver cargo to the ISS.

4. The US Air Force Successfully Tested A Laser System To Shoot Down Multiple Missiles: The US Air Force Research Laboratory tested a laser system called Self-Protect High Energy Laser Demonstrator (SHiELD) at the US Army’s White Sands Missile range in New Mexico which successfully shot down multiple air-launched missiles while in flight. The system is designed for the purpose of protecting the aircraft from incoming surface-to-air and air-to-air launched missiles. 

5. IBSA Sherpas Meet Concluded In Cochin:  The IBSA (India, Brazil & South Africa) Sherpas’ Meeting, following the 9th IBSA Trilateral Ministerial Meeting, was held in Cochin. Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Mr. T.S. Tirumurtiled the Indian delegation. Sherpas reviewed the progress made under IBSA, since their last meeting. The Sherpas also appreciated the work done by the IBSA Fund on Poverty and Hunger Alleviation which funded 31 projects spread over in 20 countries.

6. World Asthma Day 2019: 7 May: World Asthma Day is an annual event organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) on the first Tuesday in May to increase awareness about asthma and aims to improve the lives of people with asthma across the world. This year it was observed across the globe on May 7, 2019. The theme of World Asthma Day 2019 was ‘STOP for Asthma’.

Note: In 1998, the first World Asthma Day was celebrated in more than 35 countries in conjunction with the first World Asthma Meeting held in Barcelona, Spain.

7. Chandrayaan-2 to be launched in July this year: According to ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), India's second lunar mission Chandrayaan-2 will be launched on a day between 9 and 16 July this year. Chandrayaan-2’s lander will touch down near the Moon's south pole on 6th September. The National space agency said Chandrayaan-2 will have three modules in it, an orbiter, a lander named Vikram and a rover known as Pragyan. Chandrayaan-2 will be launched using India's most powerful rocket GSLV-Mark-3.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Dragan Mihailovic Appointed As Coach Of Indian Volleyball Team: The Volleyball Federation of India appointed Serbian Dragan Mihailovic as head coach of the men’s national team in a move linked to the long term goal of Olympic Games qualification. Mihailovic has more than 25 years of experience as a coach. The VFI also announced the appointment of Pryemyslaw Gaszyoski and Valadimir Radosevic as the team’s physio trainer and physiotherapist respectively.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI Enhances Housing-Loan Limits Under Priority Sector Lending For RRBs, SFBs: The Reserve Bank of India has decided to enhance the housing loan limits for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Small Finance Banks (SFBs) for eligibility under priority sector lending, in a bid to give them a level playing field with other Scheduled Commercial Banks. Henceforth, housing loans given by RRBs and SFBs to individuals up to INR 35 lakh in metropolitan centers (with population of 10 lakh and above) and INR 25 lakh in other centers.

2. Mastercard Announces $1 Billion Investment In India: Global card payments brand Mastercard has announced its plan of investing $1 billion in India operations over the period of next 5 years. About $350 million of the total amount would be invested in setting up a local payments processing center as per the Reserve Bank of India’s mandate to store all payments data locally. The rest of the investment will go towards existing services and expanding capacity among others. This is the first such processing center of the company outside of the US and could provide service markets such as Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Vodafone Idea signs multi-million Dollar IT deal with IBM: Information Technology major ‘IBM’ announced signing a multi-million-dollar with Vodafone Idea Limited to deliver an enhanced customer experience to millions of connected consumers and businesses in India. This partnership will offer Vodafone Idea with a hybrid cloud-based digital platform to enable engagement with its 387 million subscribers. The new infrastructure platform would help remove constraints to the exponential growth of data usage driven by increasing consumption of video, streaming and digital commerce.

2. Microsoft Unveils Its Own Blockchain-Based Service: Microsoft has unveiled fully-managed Azure Blockchain Service that would simplify the formation, management, and governance so that businesses can focus on workflow logic and application development.  Instead of supporting cryptocurrency transactions, Azure Blockchain Service will let businesses develop their applications on its Cloud-based platform.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. G D 'Robert' Govender Conferred with V K Krishna Menon Award: GD 'Robert' Govender, an Indian-origin journalist in South Africa, has been honoured in the UK with 2019 V K Krishna Menon award for his outstanding contribution as a pioneer of decolonised journalism. The South Africa-born journalist was awarded posthumously during an event to mark the 123rd birth anniversary of the Indian diplomat and politician V K Krishna Menon. 

2. Israel honours 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War Hero Lt. Gen JFR Jacob: Israel honoured Lt. Gen. (retd) Jack Farj Rafael (JFR) Jacob, with a plaque on the Wall of Honour at the Ammunition Hill. Lt. Gen. (retd) JFR Jacob negotiated the historic surrender of Pakistani troops in Dhaka after the 1971 Bangladesh’s liberation war. Ammunition Hill was a fortified Jordanian military post in the northern part of Jordanian ruled East Jerusalem. Lt. Gen. Jacob (died in 2016 at the age of 92 years) served as a Lieutenant General in the Indian Army and later as a Governor of two Indian states-Goa and Punjab.

Note: The Wall of Honour at the Ammunition Hill pays tributes to the heroism and courage of Jewish soldiers who fought in the defence of their countries they lived in “implementing values of bravery, loyalty, commitment and dedication to a mission, leadership, creativity, camaraderie and sanctity of life”.

OBITUARIES

1. Noted Writer, Academician Maramraju Satyanarayana Rao Passes Away: Prominent writer and academician, Maramraju Satyanarayana Raopassed away following a cardiac arrest. He was 84. He was born at Jayyaram village in Mahabubabad district in Telangana. He had worked as professor of political science and registrar of Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad.

Daily GK Updates - 6th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Justice Ravindra Bhat becomes CJ of Rajasthan High Court: The senior most judge of the Delhi High Court Justice Shripathi Ravindra Bhat was sworn in as new Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court (36th). Justice Bhat was administered the oath office by Governor Kalyan Singh at a special function in Raj Bhawan in Jaipur. He was appointed as an additional judge of the Delhi high court in 2004 and became a permanent judge on February 20, 2006.

2. Myntra ropes in Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma as first brand ambassadors: Star couple Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma have been roped in as the first official brand ambassadors of Flipkart-owned ecommerce platform, Myntra. Its campaign ‘Go Myntra-la-la’ brings alive the joyful experience of shopping and kicks-off with an ad film starring the star couple.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India to attend G-7 meet in France: India will be attending the Group of 7 industrialised nations meet organised by France in Biarritz in August along with Australia, Chile and South Africa, in a sign of the recognition of India’s growing economic heft in the international arena. According to analysts, the invitation clearly reflects the strong strategic connect between India and France.

2. Pakistan appoints ex-IMF official as new SBP governor: Pakistani economist Dr Reza Baqir has been appointed as the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) for a period of three years. He will replace Tariq Bajwa, who was removed from his post. Currently, Dr Reza Baqir (Harvard and Berkeley University of California alumnus) is serving in the IMF as senior resident representative to Egypt. The government also appointed Ahmed Mujtaba Memon as the chairman of the FBR - the tax collection body.

3. Sri Lanka lifts a temporary ban on social media platforms: In Sri Lanka, the temporary ban on several social media platforms has been lifted. Meanwhile, security operations continue all over the country as secondary schools opened today for the first time after attacks, but attendance has been reported low. Government primary schools up to grade 5 are scheduled to open next week. Security arrangements are being made at every school and the public has been asked not to park cars close to schools.At least 257 people, including 42 foreigners, were killed when nine suicide bombers attacked eight locations including five-star hotels and churches all over the country.

4. Nepali girl dances for 126 hours straight to set new World Record: Nepali dancer Bandana Nepal (18-years) dances continuously for 126 hours to set a Guinness World Records on "Longest Dancing Marathon by an Individual" at a function in Kathmandu. Bandana Nepal broke the record set by India’s Kalamandalam Hemlatha who danced continuously for 123 hours and 15 minutes (in 2011). Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli honoured the girl Bandana Nepal for achieving the feat.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Indian boxers win six medals at 36th Feliks Stamm International Boxing: Indian boxers finished with a rich haul of six medals, including two gold at the 36th Feliks Stamm International Boxing Tournament in Warsaw, Poland. Solanki (22-years) out-punched England's William Cawley 5-0 in 52 kilograms on his way to the coveted yellow metal. Kaushik beat Morocco's Mohamed Hamout 4-1 in 60 kilograms weight category. Indian boxers also clinched a silver and three bronze.

2. Shahid Afridi’s book “Game Changer”: So it turns out we know little about Pakistan’s former cricket captain Shahid Afridi. In a new book, called ‘Game Changer’, Boom Boom – as he is popularly called – has decided to come clean – about his age, his experiences and THAT infamous match-fixing scandal. And in doing so, he’s done some explosive revealing. Book is co-authored by journalist Wajahat S Khan.

3. Saurav & Joshna win Asian Individual Squash Championship titles: Ace Indian squash players Saurav Ghoshal and Joshna Chinappawon their respective Asian Individual Squash Championship titles in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Saurav Ghoshal defeated Leo Au Chun Ming (Hong Kong) 11-9, 11-2, 11-8 to win the men's title.  Joshna Chinappa retained her title as she beat top seed Annie Au (Hong Kong) 11-5, 6-11, 11-8, 11-6 in the women's final event. Ghoshal who had become the first Indian male player to reach top ten of the world rankings is the finalist of the previous edition.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. GST collections touch an all-time high of over Rs 1.13 lakh crore in April: The Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection scaled an all-time high of over 1.13 lakh crore rupees last month, up from 1.06 lakh crore rupees in the previous month. According to Finance Minister statement, out of the total gross GST revenue collected in April, Central GST is 21 thousand 163 crore rupees, State GST is 28 thousand 801 crore rupees, Integrated GST is 54 thousand 733 crore and cess is 9 thousand 168 crore rupees.

2. Foreign exchange reserves rise by 4.3 Billion: According to RBI data, the country's foreign exchange reserves soared by USD 4.368 billion to USD 418.515 billion in the week to April 26. Foreign currency assets rose by USD 4.387 billion to USD 390.421 billion. According to the data Gold reserves remained unchanged at USD 23.303 billion. The special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund was down by USD 5.9 million to USD 1.449 billion. The country's reserve position with the Fund also declined USD 13.6 million to USD 3.341 billion.

Note: Foreign exchange reserves (FX reserves) are the foreign currencies held by a country's central bank. Reserves are held in one or more reserve currencies, mostly the United States dollar and to a lesser extent the Euro.

3. RBI imposes fines on PPIs for violating norms: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has imposed penalties on five prepaid payment instrument (PPI) issuers, of Rs 3.05 crore was imposed on Vodafone m-pesa and Rs 1 crore each on Mobile Payments, PhonePe, Private and GI Technology, for violation of regulatory norms. RBI has imposed the penalty of Rs 29,66,959 and Rs 10,11,653 on Western Union Financial Services Inc, USA, and MoneyGram Payment Systems Inc, USA, respectively, for non-compliance of regulatory guidelines. Also, a penalty of Rs 5 lakh has been imposed on Y-Cash Software Solutions.

DEFENCE

1. Launch of Fourth Scorpene Class Submarine – VELA: Vela, the fourth Scorpene class submarine being constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited for the Indian Navy, was launched 06 May 2019, by Mrs Veena Ajay Kumar, wife of Dr Ajay Kumar, IAS, Secretary Defence Production, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion. This event reaffirms the steps taken by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL) in the ongoing ‘Make In India’ programme, which is being actively implemented by the Department of Defence Production (MoD). The submarine was towed to Mumbai Port Trust, for separation from the pontoon, after which she will undergo rigorous trials and tests, both in harbour and at sea before delivery to the Indian Navy.

Daily GK Updates - 5th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. HUL appoints Razdan, Sanzgiri as EDs: Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) has announced the appointments of Anuradha Razdan as executive director, Human Resources, and Vibhav Sanzgiri as executive director, Research and Development. Both Ms. Razdan and Dr. Sanzgiri will join HUL’s management committee with effect from June 1. Ms. Razdan joined HUL as a management trainee in 1999 and has now returned to India after a stint in Unilever. She succeeds B.P. Biddappa, who is moving to a global role with Unilever. Dr. Sanzgiri joined HUL in 1997 and has held global and regional R&D roles in skin care and skin cleansing categories.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. King Maha Vajiralongkorn crowned Rama X of Thailand: Thailand has crowned its new King Maha Vajiralongkorn, marking the first ascension of a new monarch in seven decades. The key rituals of the elaborate three-day coronation ceremony began in Bangkok. King Vajiralongkorn is the tenth monarch of the Chakri dynasty, which has reigned since 1782. The last coronation was held in 1950 for the king’s father Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thailand has been run by an arch-royalist junta since 2014. The monarchy takes primacy in the country but it is buttressed by the army.

2. North Korea launches ‘short-range projectiles’: U.S. President Donald Trump voiced confidence that Kim Jong-un would not “break his promise”, following what if confirmed would be North Korea’s first short-range missile launch for more than a year. Since their historic summit meeting in Singapore in 2018, Mr. Trump has said Mr. Kim remains committed to the “complete denuclearisation” of the Korean peninsula.

3. More than 1,000 dead in DR Congo Ebola epidemic: More than 1,000 people have now died of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities said, as aid workers warned that the highly contagious virus combined with insecurity in the restive region was creating a “deeply worrying situation.” The current outbreak is the second deadliest on record, after an epidemic killed more than 11,300 people in West Africa in 2014-2016.

4. India, Australia agrees to further deepen counter-terrorism co-operation: India and Australia have agreed to further deepen counter-terrorism co-operation through regular exchange of information and sharing of best practices on countering extremism and radicalization. The two countries held the 11th Meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism at Canberra. In a release, the External Affairs Ministry said, the two sides discussed contemporary counter terrorism challenges such as financing of terrorism, the use of the internet for terror purposes, radicalization and Foreign Terrorist Fighters.

5. World Laughter Day: 5 May 2019: World Laughter Day is being observed worldwide on the first Sunday of May every year (5th May 2019). It is a day to raise awareness about laughter and its many healing benefits. The first time this day was celebrated on May 10, 1998, by Dr. Madan Kataria (founder of the worldwide Laughter Yoga movement) in Mumbai.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Diamond league: Semenya wins Doha 800m in first race since gender ruling defeat: Caster Semenya won the 800 metres at the Doha Diamond League meeting in her first race since losing her appeal over a controversial gender ruling, claiming “actions speak louder than words”. The South African, a two-time Olympic champion, timed 1min 54.98sec to defeat Burundi’s Francine Niyonsaba, who clocked 1min 57.75sec and Ajee Wilson of the United States in 1min 58.83sec. Semenya’s victory could be her last over 800m before new International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) rules governing testosterone levels come into operation on May 8.

2. Saurav Ghosal,Joshna Chinappa to play for titles of Asian Individual Squash Championship: Ace Indian Squash players - Saurav Ghosal and Joshna Chinappa - will play for the titles of the Asian Individual Squash Championship in Kuala Lumpur. Ghosal, Men's top seed, will take on Leo Au Chun Ming of Hong Kong, while Joshna, the reigning champion, will face Annie Au, also from Hong Kong

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI slaps Rs 11 lakh fine on Yes Bank for violating money transfer norms: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) vide its speaking order dates April 22, 2019, imposed a penalty of Rs 11,25,000 under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007 on Yes bank. The RBI has identified certain violations of its circular of 2011 on Domestic Money Transfer – Relaxations and master directions issued in October 2017 on issuance and operation of prepaid payment instruments in connection with certain product features for an open loop prepaid card (co-branded) previously issued by the bank.

DEFENCE

1. After 36 years, Indian Navy’s frontline missile destroyer INS Ranjit to be decommissioned: INS Ranjit, the Indian Navy’s frontline missile destroyer, will be decommissioned at the naval dockyard in Visakhapatnam on May 6 after having served for 36 years. INS Ranjit was the third of the five Kashin-class destroyers built by erstwhile USSR, and was commissioned in 1983. INS Ranjit was constructed as Yard 2203 in the 61 Communards shipyard in the town of Nikolev in present-day Ukraine. The keel of the ship was laid on 29 June 1977 and she was launched on 16 June 1979. The ship was given its Russian name “Lovkly” which means “Agile.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Sports Editor Krishnan passes away: S. Krishnan, The Hindu’s former Sports Editor, passed away here on Saturday. He was 74 and is survived by his daughter, son-in-law and grandson. A grandson of Kasturi Srinivasan, The Hindu’s former Editor, Krishnan was an active sportsman in his youth and dabbled in cricket and tennis besides playing table tennis. He used to write a column on horse racing under the pseudonym Spotlight in the Saturday Sports supplement during the 1970s before being appointed as the Sports Editor of The Hindu in September, 1980. 

Daily GK Updates - 4th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Postage Stamp to Commemorate 750th Birth Anniversary of Sri Vedanta Desika Released: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu released a postage stamp to commemorate the 750th birth anniversary of Sri Vedanta Desikan in New Delhi. The stamp has been released by Indian postal department. Born in 1268 CE, Vedanta Desikan was Sri Vaishnava philosopher and one of the most brilliant stalwarts of Sri Vaishnavism in the post-Ramanuja period. The basis of his spiritual teachings was peace and humanity.

2. BHEL successfully commissions two units of a lift irrigation project in Telangana: The Central Public Sector undertaking Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has successfully commissioned two motor - pump set units for the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Scheme (LIS) in Telangana. Under the scheme, 89 cubic metres per second of water will be lifted to a height of 106 metres from the Sripada Yellampalli reservoir to Medaram reservoir and will be used for irrigation and water supply in nearby drought-prone areas. In Telangana, BHEL has so far commissioned 27 pump-motor projects totalling to 753 MW.  

3. Gates Foundation Appoints Sanjay Ubale as India Policy Head: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have hired Sanjay Ubale, head of the infrastructure and urban solutions at Tata Sons, as its policy director for India. Sanjay will oversee the Seattle-based charity's healthcare, poverty alleviation, and educational activities in the country. Ubale, who has spent over a decade at Tata Group, was previously the CEO of Tata Realty & Infrastructure.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UK Parliament 1st In World to Declare Climate Emergency: The UK parliament became the first national legislative body in the world to declare a climate change emergency.
ii. It also calls for the government to work towards carbon neutrality before 2050 and for ministers to draft proposals within the next 6 months to restore the country's environment and create a "zero waste economy."

2. US Air Force General Tod Wolters sworn in as NATO Commander: US Air Force General Tod D. Wolters has been sworn in as the top military officer of the 29-nation NATO military alliance. The former pilot Mr Wolters has served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He became Supreme Allied Commander Europe at a ceremony at NATO's military headquarters in Mons in southern Belgium. He will also be the commander of U.S. forces in Europe.

3. International Firefighters' Day: 4th May: International Firefighters' Day (IFFD) is observed on May 4. It was instituted after a proposal was emailed out across the world on January 4, 1999 due to the deaths of five firefighters in tragic circumstances in a bushfire in Australia. Symbol of International Fire Fighters Day is the red and blue ribbon. The IFFD ribbons are linked to colours symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water. These colours also are internationally recognised as representing emergency service.

4. Coal Miners Day: 4th May: Coal Miners Day is observed every year on 4 May to highlight the toughest profession and the people working in coal mines. This day show appreciation for the sacrifices, honour the accomplishments and remember the tragedies that these hardworking individuals experience

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Spain legend Xavi Hernandez announces retirement from football: Barcelona legend from Spain Xavi Hernandez (39 years) has announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the current season. Xavi helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012. He holds a Barcelona record with 767 appearances and helped the club win 25 titles, including four Champions Leagues and eight Spanish leagues.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Paytm President Bhushan Patil Resigns: Bhushan Patil, president at Paytm, has quit the company. Patil, who joined Paytm after a five-year stint with Alibaba, had initially joined the Noida-based company to look after its cross border commerce business. Patil joined Paytm in March 2016.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Asia-Pacific to Grow 5.7% in 2019: ADB: The Asia-Pacific region s expected to grow at 5.7% in 2019. According to the bank’s Asian Development Outlook 2019 report released in April, developing Asia which comprises 45 nations ranging from China to Tuvalu is projected to grow by 5.7% in 2019. However, the growth outlook for developing Asia is expected to moderate to 5.6 % in 2020.

2. IGNOU to launch a course on GST: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) will launch an awareness programme on Goods and Services Tax (GST) from its July 2019 session. The program will be launched in collaboration with the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The programme would be beneficial to people who are engaged in maintaining accounts and filing of various indirect tax returns. It would also benefit entrepreneurs engaged in small-scale business ventures as it gives an overview of the procedures and formalities to comply under the GST Act.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Dr Devi Prasad Shetty honoured with PC Chandra Puraskaar 2019: Padma Bhushan Dr Devi Prasad Shetty has been honoured with the 27th Lifetime PC Chandra Puraskaar 2019 at the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre. Dr Shetty is India’s most reputed cardiac surgeons and humanitarian. Swami Suviranandaji Maharaj, the General Secretary of Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission, Belur Math graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and gave away the award.

DEFENCE

1. India to Purchase 10 Kamov-31 Choppers from Russia for INR 3,600 cr: The defence ministry has approved the procurement of 10 Kamov Ka-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control helicopters for the Indian Navy. The cost of the deal would be around Rs 3,600 crore and the 10 helicopters would be deployed on the aircraft carriers and warships of the Navy including the INS Vikrant and Grigorovich-class frigates.

 OBITUARIES

1. Chewbacca Actor Peter Mayhew From ‘Star Wars’ passes away: English-American actor Peter Mayhew (74-years) passed away at his North Texas home. Peter Mayhew best known for portraying Chewbacca in the Star Wars film series. He played the character in all his live-action appearances from the 1977 original to 2015's The Force Awakens before his retirement from the role. Mayhew was also an active philanthropist.