Daily GK Updates - 21st May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Anti-Terrorism Day: 21 May: Today, the nation is paying homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 28th death anniversary. The Anti -Terrorism Day is observed on 21st May every year in our country to make the people aware of the anti-social act of terrorism and its impact on human suffering and lives. 0n 21st May 1991 the seventh Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was killed in Tamil Nadu in a campaign by the terrorist and then, V.P. Singh government has decided to observe 21st May as Anti-Terrorism Day. He served as the prime minister from 1984 to 1989.

2. Maharashtra Govt. signs ordinance to bring medical admissions under SEBC quota: C Vidyasagar Rao (Maharashtra Governor) has signed an ordinance to provide quota under the Socially and Economically Backward Class (SEBC) Reservation Act, 2018, to candidates from the Maratha community seeking admission to post-graduate medical and dental courses. The ordinance was issued by the Governor on the recommendation of the state government to protect the admissions of students in the PG courses. The ordinance is aimed to further explain the intent of the state government to provide quota for the Maratha community.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Joko Widodo re-elected as president of Indonesia: Joko Widodo (57-years) has been re-elected as Indonesia's president after last month's vote, beating former general Prabowo Subianto. According to the elections commission, Widodo and his vice-presidential running mate Ma'ruf Amin won the election by a 55.5% to 44.5% margin over Subianto and Sandiaga Uno. On 20 October 2014, Joko Widodo (also known as Jokowi) became the seventh president of Indonesia.

2. Pakistan appoints Mueenul Haq as High Commissioner to India: Pakistan has appointed career diplomat Mueenul Haq (current ambassador to France) as the High Commissioner to India. Earlier, Mr Haq has served as chief of protocol at the Foreign Office. The post of High Commissioner to India fell vacant after Sohail Mehmood was appointed Pakistan's new foreign secretary. Prime Minister Imran Khan approved appointments of over two dozen ambassadors in various countries including India, China and Japan.

3. Volodymyr Zelenskiy takes oath as Ukraine's new President: In Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy (41-years) took oath as the country's new President. Mr. Zelenskiy announced the dissolution of the parliament in his speech. Zelinskiy became Ukraine's youngest post-Soviet President after he scored a landslide election victory against incumbent Petro Poroshenko. Mr Zelensky a former television star, acted the part of the Ukrainian president in a popular comedy series. He scored a landslide victory in last month's presidential election.

4. 21st May: World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development: The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development is observed on 21st May every year. The World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, is an opportunity to help communities understand the value of cultural diversity and learn how to live together in harmony. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this holiday due to UNESCO's Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity in November 2001. This day was created as a result of the destruction of the Buddha statues of Bamiyan in Afghanistan in 2001.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Brooks Koepka Returns to World No. 1 after 4th Major Title: Brooks Koepka (of USA) returned to the top of the world rankings after his nerve-jangling second straight US PGA Championship victory at Bethpage Black. The 29-year-old American has now won four major titles in his last eight starts and is the first man to ever hold back-to-back titles in two majors at the same time.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Reliance Beats Indian Oil Corporation, Becomes Biggest Indian Company: Reliance Industries has toppled state-owned Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) to become the country’s biggest company by revenue. The Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate, in the 2018-19 fiscal year that ended March 31, reported a turnover of Rs 6.23 lakh crore. In comparison, IOC posted a turnover of Rs 6.17 lakh crore for the fiscal. 

2. SBI Ties up with FMCG Arm of the Art of Living: The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced a strategic partnership with the FMCG arm of The Art of Living - Sri Sri Tattva. Under this partnership, YONO users can avail a discount of 15% on the entire range of products offered by Sri Sri Tattva such as food, personal care, healthcare, homecare, BYOGI apparels and Shankara skincare products.

3. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank appoints Nitin Chugh as next MD and CEO: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited has appointed Nitin Chugh as the next Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (from 1st December 2019). Nitin Chugh will join the bank by August 2019 as President and will work closely with Samit Ghosh, existing MD and CEO to ensure a smooth transition. He will take over as the MD and CEO from December 1, 2019, upon the Samit Ghosh's retirement.

Note: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited is a bank licensed under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 to carry out small finance bank business in India. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank received Scheduled Bank status from the Reserve Bank of India in August 2017.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Indian Peacekeeper to Be Honoured Posthumously by UN: Police Officer Jitender Kumar, an Indian peacekeeper is among the 119 military, police and civilian personnel will be honoured with a prestigious UN medal 2019 for courage and sacrifice in the line of duty. Police Officer Jitender Kumar made the supreme sacrifice while serving in the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Central African country of Congo. He will be honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold Medal as the world organisation observes the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. 

2. Kapil Sharma Acknowledged as Most Viewed Stand-up Comedian in India and Abroad: Comedian-actor Kapil Sharma has been acknowledged as the most viewed stand-up comedian in India and abroad by the World Book of Records London. Having started his career as a stand-up comedian, Kapil initially performed on several comedy shows. 

OBITUARIES

1. Three-time Formula 1 World Champion Niki Lauda passes away: Austrians former Formula One driver Niki Lauda (70-years) passed away. Three-time world champion Niki Lauda was hugely admired, respected and liked within F1. He won two titles for Ferrari and one for McLaren. He came back from a horrific accident that left him severely burned and injured in 1976. He competed in 171 races and won 25.

Daily GK Updates - 20th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Govt plans introducing artificial intelligence system in MCA 21 portal: The Union government has planned to introduce artificial intelligence system in the MCA 21 portal as it seeks to make the compliance process easier as well as ensure routine enforcement activities are done round-the-clock on autopilot basis. MCA 21 is the electronic backbone for the dissemination of information to all stakeholders, including the regulator, corporate and investors. All filings under the company’s law are submitted to the ministry through this portal.

Note: MCA 21 allows electronic filings of various documents under the Companies Act, 2013 and has fully automated all processes related to enforcement and compliance monitoring under the Act.

2. The Government of Meghalaya approved the establishment of the Farmers Commission: The Government of Meghalaya has approved the establishment of a commission for monitoring the problems of farmers. According to the proposal passed in the 'Kisan Parishad' by the Agriculture Department, the proposal for the formation of the Kisan Commission was given. The first 'Kisan Parishad' of its kind in the country was organized in December 2018 and it was attended by scientists and bureaucrats besides farmers to discuss issues related to the state’s agricultural conditions.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will attend the meeting of SCO Foreign Ministers in Bishkek: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will attend the foreign ministers' meet of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. Swaraj's Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi will also attend the meeting. This will be the second Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) meeting that India will be attending as a full member of SCO. 

2. Units of world measurement were redefined: After decades of unprecedented laboratory work, the  world's scientific and technical community has  adopted a resolution to redefine the four of the seven base units unanimously in a historic decision , these units are  kilograms (SI unit of weight), Kelvin (temperature Key SI unit), Mole (SI unit of substance), and ampere (current SI unit). This decision has now enabled scientists and researchers to fully base the SI units on the fundamental qualities of nature; it will ensure their continued refinement and improvement for the coming years. Basic constants are unchanged of time and place and have been successfully replaced by units based on artifacts, and by connecting all the seven base units with fundamental constants / quantum standards, a new era has been opened for the quantum world.

3. World Bee Day: 20th May:  To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators (such as bees, butterflies, bats and hummingbirds), the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development, the UN designated 20 May as World Bee Day. 20 May coincides with the birthday of Anton Janša, who in the 18th century pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia and praised the bees for their ability to work so hard, while needing so little attention.

4. World Metrology Day: 20 May: World Metrology Day is observed every year on 20 May. The theme for World Metrology Day 2019 is International System of Units - Fundamentally better.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. BFA launches two new formats of game ‘AirBadminton’ & ‘Triples’: The world body governing Badminton (BFA) has launched two new formats of the game ‘AirBadminton’ and ‘Triples’ with new dimensions of the court and an innovative shuttlecock called 'Airshuttle'. AirBadmintion will be outdoor sports (Traditional badminton- indoor game). In Triples format, the match will be played between a team of three players each with the presence of at least one female. Infrastructure won't be a hindrance for people interested in Airbadminton as it can be played in different environments like grass in parks, on sands in beaches and the streets and bylanes.

2. ICC releases the official song for World Cup 2019: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the official song of the 2019 ICC World Cup as the countdown to the tournament enters the final two weeks. The official song ‘Stand By’ is collaboration between new artist LORYN and one of the UK’s most successful and influential acts, Rudimental. It will be played in ground and city events across the tournament.

Note: The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is the 12th edition of the Cricket World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by England and Wales, from 30 May to 14 July 2019. It is the fifth time that the Cricket World Cup will be held in England and Wales, following 1975, 1979, 1983 and 1999 World Cups.

3. Double Olympic Bethlean Champion Dahlmeier announces Retirement at the age of 25: Germany’s double Olympic biathlon champion Laura Dahlmeier announced her retirement at the age of just 25 after struggling with health issues. She has won seven world championship gold medals, and in 2018 in Pyeongchang, she became the first female biathlete to win both the sprint and the pursuit at the same Olympics. 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Indian short film wins Nespresso Talents award in Cannes: Indian filmmaker Achyutanand Dwivedi's film, "Seed Mother" (three-minute film) has won the third prize in the international section of Nespresso Talents 2019 in Cannes. The Nespresso 2019 first prize in the international section was won by New Zealand's Josh Morrice for "Subak", about rice cultivation in Bali. The second prize went to Mexican filmmaker Marco Aurelio Celis' "Ruffo". The film "Seed Mother" celebrates the exceptional spirit of Rahibai Soma Popere, a woman who champions the use of local seeds and traditional methods of farming in villages of Maharashtra. The theme of this year was ’We Were We Were It’, whose purpose is to search the world, to experience diversity and to share experience and knowledge through food.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. BSNL has partnered with Google to expand WiFi footprint in India: State-run telco BSNL has announced that it has joined hands with internet major Google to expand its WiFi footprint across the country. The new initiative will help the customers to use BSNL high-speed internet services on WiFi. Google has previously completed the rollout of RailWAccording to an Analysys Mason study, public Wi-Fi will connect 40 million new users to the internet by 2019.

2. Debt card transactions increase by 27% on PoS terminals in March 2019: RBI statistics: According to the RBI data, in March 2019, the total number of financial transactions done by people using their debit card has increased by 15%. Compared to March 2018, the financial transactions made by debit card on POS terminals increased by 27%. Actually, the total number of financial transactions done by people using the debit card at ATMs is 891 million for March, which is 15% more than the 775 million in March 2018.

OBITUARIES

1. I M Pei, The Master Architect Passes Away: I M Pei, a dominant figure in American architecture for more than three decades who designed the Louvre’s crystal pyramid, has passed away. He was 102. Pei’s more than 50 projects included the Musee d’Art Moderne in Luxembourg (2006) and the 72-story Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong (1989). He was honored with the American Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal in 1979; the Grande Medaille d’Or from the Academie d’Architecture de France; and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the USA.

Daily GK Updates - 19th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. DoT panel submits report on scope of 5G trials, experimental: The 5G committee led by Abhay Karandikar (Director IIT Kanpur) has submitted its recommendations to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on what should be the quantum, duration, and price of the spectrum for trial in India. The DoT is in process of examining the recommendations on the fifth-generation or 5G technology trials in the country, in addition to the committee views for the next auction which would be tabled before the Digital Communication Commission (DCC).

2. FB is partnering with tech start-up incubator T-Hub: Facebook is partnering with tech start-up incubator T-Hub to launch the 2nd edition of the India Innovation Hub Accelerator program. It aims at supporting start-ups that are focused on building products and services using AI in the domains of gender equality, decent work, and economic opportunity, innovation infrastructure, climate change, and peace and justice. The start-ups selected for the program would receive support to scale their efforts and improve their products and services, to better tackle fundamental challenges facing the region. Facebook would provide technical support, mentorship, and training on the use of Facebook products and tools, and access to dozens of experts within the company

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Australian PM Scott Morrison wins federal elections: In Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison's Liberal-National Coalition won the federal elections. Prime Minister Morrison has declared victory after his coalition defied opinion polls and secured a surprise win over the opposition Labor Party. 

2. Amazon Returns to Restaurant Delivery with Massive Investment in Deliveroo: Amazon with an aim to expand its market and strengthen its delivery services partnered with U.K. Food-Delivery Startup Deliveroo. Amazon is the biggest investor in Deliveroo's latest round of fundraising, which in total raised $575m (£450m). The backing from Amazon gives Deliveroo a boost against rivals such as JustEat and Uber Eats. The delivery company aims at “investing heavily in expanding the company’s tech team” at its U.K. Headquarters in the City of London

3. Doubts raised over Pakistan's battle against terror financing at APG meet in China: A 10-member delegation of Pakistan, led by Finance Secretary Mohammad Younas Dagha, attended the two-day meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The meeting took place in the Chinese city of Guangzhou. The APG submits FATF its analysis of the compliance report submitted by Pakistan which will become the basis for the FATF to decide whether to exclude Pakistan from its grey list or not.

4. Three day Asia Pacific naval and maritime event, IMDEX ASIA 2019 Singapore: Two warships, INS Kolkata and INS Shakti, are participating in IMDEX as also several Indian engineering and shipbuilding firms, including the Larsen & Toubro and the BrahMos aerospace corporation. After IMDEX, the Indian ships along with a Navy P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft will participate in the 26th edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) scheduled from May 16 to 22. SIMBEX is the longest uninterrupted naval exercise that India has with any other country.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. 2nd India Open International Boxing Tournament to be held in Guwahati: The Second India Open International Boxing tournament will be held in Guwahati . India will field a strong contingent of 38 men and 37 women in the tournament including Mary Kom in 51-kilogram category. The competition will be held in a total of 18 categories, 10 in men and 8 in women. The gold medalist will get 2500 US dollar and Silver medalist will earn 1000 US dollar.

2. Rafael Nadal and Karolina Pliskova wins Italian Open men’s and women’s single respectively: Czech fourth seed Karolina Pliskova swept past Britain's Johanna Konta 6-3, 6-4 to win the WTA Italian Open in Rome. Rafael Nadal posts a win against Novak Djokovic to earn his ninth WTA Italian Open title with a 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 victory over the world No. 1 in Rome.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Bharatpe launches India's first UPI "Bahi Khata" for merchants: BharatPe - India's first Fintech start-up enabling payments for merchants through interoperable UPI QR codes, has announced its foray into merchant services with a new app. The app allows merchants to record their cash/credit (Udhar) sales customer wise, request accounts receivable from customers via SMS payment links, and keep track of accounts payable to suppliers, among other services. Some of the prominent features on BharatPe's app for merchants include UPI Khata (Ledger), Managing Supplier Bills, Cashback, Settlements and Refer and Earn. 

2. Kerala has become the first Indian state to tap into the masala bond market: Kerala government has opened masala bond trading on the London Stock Exchange by ringing the iconic bell. The state-owned Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) started its ‘masala bond’ issue of Rs 2,150 crore on the bourses. The idea of masala bonds was reportedly put forward by state finance minister Thomas Issac in order to raise funds to rebuild infrastructure in the state which recently saw devastating floods. The bond is guaranteed by the Kerala government. After the bond issue debut, Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board became the first sub-sovereign entity in India to tap the offshore rupee international bond market.

3. IDBI’s pilot scheme for fin tech NBFCs to boost digital lending towards SME’s: To give a fillip to digital lending, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has put together a pilot scheme to extend financial assistance of up to ₹10 crore to new-age fintech non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) engaged in financing small businesses and other income-generating activities. SIDBI has set the exposure cap for lending to a single new-age fintech NBFC at 30 percent of NOF of the new-age fintech NBFC, subject to a maximum cap of ₹10 crore. As per the scheme, new-age fintech NBFCs should hold in trust the underlying securities/ receivables on behalf of SIDBI. SIDBI will charge a minimum upfront fee of 0.075 percent to 0.25 percent of the sanctioned assistance, plus applicable taxes.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Nancy Pelosi: receives JFK Profile in Courage Award: The USA’s House of Representatives (lower house of US) Speaker Nancy Pelosi was honoured with 2019 John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. Pelosi has served in House of Representatives since 1987. She was recognized for putting national interest above her party’s interest, or her efforts to pass former President Barack Obama’s 2010 health care law (Obama Care) and also for helping Democrats reclaim control of U.S. House during 2018 elections. The award was presented at John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.

About Award:  It is an an annual award that was created in 1989 by members of President J.F. Kennedy’s family. It seeks to honor J.F. Kennedy and to recognize and celebrate quality of political courage which he admired most. The award recognizes a public official (or officials) at local, federal or state level whose actions speaks of qualities of politically courageous leadership.

Daily GK Updates - 18th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. GSI Report: Arunachal Has Highest 35% of India’s Graphite Deposits: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its report revealed that about 35 % of India’s total Graphite reserves are found in Arunachal Pradesh. This is the highest found in the country. 

Note: Geological Survey of India (GSI) was founded in 1851 with primary goal of finding coal deposits for the Railways. It is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines and it is headquartered in Kolkata.

2. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra to begin from 8th June: The annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra (organized by the External Affairs Ministry) will be held from 8th June to 8th of September. There will be 18 batches consisting of 60 Yatris via the Lipulekh route, and 10 batches consisting of 50 Yatris via the Nathu La route which is fully motorable and involves very little trekking. This year 2996 applicants (2256 male & 740 female) had successfully registered online at the website for the Yatra. Vijay Gokhale (Foreign Secretary) conducted the computerized draw for the selection of Yatris who had registered for the Yatra.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 3rd India-Botswana Hold Foreign Office Consultations in Delhi: The third round of Foreign Office Consultations between India and Botswana was held in New Delhi. The Indian side was led by Joint Secretary, East and Southern Africa in the Ministry of External Affairs Dr. Neena Malhotra. The Botswana side was headed by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of International Affairs and Cooperation of Botswana Government, Tapiwa Mongwa. Botswana Capital: Gaborone, Currency: Botswana pula.

2. 11th India-Iran Joint Consular Committee Meeting Held in New Delhi: The 11th Joint Consular Committee Meeting between India and Iran took place in New Delhi. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the status of ongoing cooperation in consular and visa related issues and to discuss ways and means to further expand people to people contacts and promote friendly exchanges between India and Iran.

3. Israel proposes India to be the focus country in Jerusalem Film Festival, 2020: Israel proposes India to be the focus country in Jerusalem Film Festival, 2020 at Cannes Film Festival. Indian delegation met Ms Eti Cohen, Director of Film Department and Council, Israel who announced the recommendation. Israel also proposed the idea of making concept-based films in India, with a focus on regional and small budget films. India has been positioned prominently on the Pocket Guide of Marche Du Film, Cannes Film Market, which celebrates Indian cinema as the world’s largest film industry.

4. Madan B Lokur appointed judge of Supreme Court of Fiji: Justice Madan B Lokur (Retired Indian Judge) has been appointed to the Supreme Court of Fiji as a judge of its non-resident panel. He will join the office from August 15, 2019 and has been appointed for a term of 3 years. He was appointed as judge of Supreme Court of India on 4 June 2012. He retired as Supreme Court judge on 31 December 2018, after a term of more than 6 years.

5. International Museum Day: 18 May: International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18 to raise awareness about the importance of museums as “means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples. International Council of Museums organized the first International Museum Day in 1977. Theme of International Museum Day 2019: “Museums as Cultural Hubs: The future of tradition”.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. ICC World Cup 2019: USD 10 million On Offer, Winner to Earn 4 million: Ten million US Dollars or a little more than 70 crore rupees are on offer in the upcoming ICC men's cricket World Cup 2019. The 46-day tournament will be played across 11 venues in the United Kingdom from 30th of May. Besides a trophy, the World Cup winner will earn a cash award of 4 million US dollars (about 28 crore rupees) which is the highest prize money on offer in the history of the tournament. 

2. Cricket World Cup 2019 teams to have dedicated anti-corruption Officer: The International Cricket Council has appointed a dedicated anti-corruption officer attached with all the 10 participating teams to deliver a corruption-free tournament. The officials will be assigned to a team from the warm-up matches to the end of the competition, staying in the same hotel as the players and travelling with them to training and matches. Prior to this, ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit had anti-corruption personnel deployed at each venue.

Note: The 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup is the 12th edition of the tournament that is scheduled to be hosted by England and Wales from 30 May to 14 July 2019.

3. International Army Games to be held in India for the first time in Rajasthan: India will host a part of the International Army Games at Jaisalmer to promote cordial relations with the participating countries (from 24 July to 17 August 2019). The event will witness the participation of the Mechanised Infantry Scout Teams of eight countries including Russia who is the founding member of this format of International Army Games. International Army Games is an international military sports event organised by the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation since 2015 and is participated by around 32 countries. The 2019 event will be held in 32 disciplines and hosted by 10 countries including Russia, India, China, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Iran, Mongolia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. HDFC Capital launches 'HeART' to mentor real estate technology companies: HDFC Capital Advisors (a subsidiary of HDFC Ltd) has launched a new initiative called 'HDFC Affordable Real Estate and Technology Program (HeART) to mentor, partner and invest in real estate technology companies. The HeART will support businesses which are innovating and building technology solutions to enhance the supply of affordable housing. As part of the HeART initiative, it will provide a platform to real estate technology companies with innovative products aimed at creating efficiencies and lowering costs in each part of the development cycle of a real estate project. This shall be an ongoing initiative that aims to foster collaboration between technology companies and the real estate sector and thereby create value for the entire affordable housing chain.

AWARD AND HONOURS

1. UNDRR Confers Dr P.K. Mishra with Sasakawa Award 2019: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) conferred Sasakawa Award 2019 for Disaster Risk Reduction to Dr. Pramod Kumar Mishra, Additional Principal Secretary to Prime Minister of India. The award was announced at the Award Ceremony during the ongoing 6th Session of Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2019 at Geneva.

Note: The United Nations Sasakawa Award is the most prestigious international award in the area of Disaster Risk Management.

2. Anil Kapoor to be felicitated by Council of European Chambers of Commerce: Bollywood Actor Anil Kapoor will be felicitated by the Council of European Chambers of Commerce (CEUCC) in India and European Union delegation as part of the Europe Day celebrations in Mumbai. Europe Day is celebrated every year on 9th May to mark the formation of the European Union (EU).  The actor will be honoured for his decade-long support to promoting the cause of children’s rights and his collaboration with the EU and Plan India in their girls’ rights endeavours.

DEFENCE

1. Indian Navy Successfully Test-Fires MRSAM Missile: The Indian Navy has successfully test-fired a Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM), achieving a significant milestone to enhance its anti-air warfare capability. The test-firing of the missile was undertaken on the western seaboard by Indian naval ships Kochi and Chennai.

2. Indian Coast Guard Ship Vigraha Decommissioned: The Indian Coast Guard ship (ICGS) Vigraha was decommissioned at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It is a frontline offshore patrol vessel (OPV). It was commissioned into service on April 12, 1990. It has played an instrumental role in protecting the east coast of India for 29 years of service from 1990 to 2019.

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran Telugu Actor Rallapalli Venkata Narasimha Rao Passes Away: Veteran Telugu actor Rallapalli Venkata Narasimha Rao passed away in Hyderabad following a cardiac arrest. He was 74. He was a five-time winner of the prestigious Nandi award in undivided Andhra Pradesh.

2. Former swimming champion M B Balakrishnan passes away: Former Swimming Champion MB Balakrishnan (29-years) passed away in road accident in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. She won the 100m and 200m backstroke events at the South Asian Games.

Daily GK Updates - 17th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NSG Commandos Summit Mount Everest in Maiden Attempt: Commandos of the premier counter-terror force National Security Guard (NSG) created history as they scaled the Mount Everest (world's highest peak) in their maiden attempt. A seven-member team of NSG, led by Lt Col J P Kumar, successfully unfurled the Indian flag at the 8,848-metre tall peak. Sudeep Lakhtakia is the Director General of NSG.

2. Justice A K Sikri appointed NBSA Chairperson: Justice Arjan Kumar Sikri (former judge of Supreme Court of India) has been appointed Chairperson of the News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA). He succeeds Justice R.V. Raveendran who completes his term on 25th May 2019. The NBSA is a self-regulatory body that implements the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards and Guidelines for its member news broadcasters.

3. Indian delegation meets Film Commissioners at Cannes Film Festival: The Indian delegation led by Information and Broadcasting Secretary ‘Amit Khare’ met Film Commissioners of participating countries at Cannes Film Festival. The delegation highlighted the opportunity of utilizing the abundant talent pool of skilled professionals and technicians and projected the possibility of India emerging as a major post-production hub. The focus of the discussion was the exploration of co-production opportunities with the participating countries and forge opportunities of collaborations for films. During the meeting, Israel proposed India to be the focus country in Jerusalem Film Festival, 2020.

4. Workshop on Artificial Bio Organs held in Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) has organized a one-day workshop on Organ Bio Printing at the Kalam Convention Center, AMTZ Campus in Visakhapatnam. The workshop aims to strengthen Indo-Australian Cooperation and achieve the development of the 3D printing industry in both countries. The workshop explored 3D printing, an innovative technology that covers all medical disciplines and offers new opportunities in diagnostics and therapy.

Note: An artificial organ is an engineered device or tissue that is implanted or integrated into a human — interfacing with living tissue — to replace a natural organ, to duplicate or augment a specific function or functions so the patient may return to normal life as soon as possible.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 11th Joint Consular Committee meet between India, Iran held in Delhi: The 11th Joint Consular Committee meeting between India and Iran took place in New Delhi. Both sides discussed the early conclusion of Agreement on Mutual Legal Assistance on civil and commercial matters and extending the longer duration of e-Visa for each other nationals on reciprocity. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the status of ongoing cooperation in consular and visa related issues and to discuss ways and means to further expand people to people contacts and promote friendly exchanges between India and Iran. 

2. Donald Trump Unveils Merit-Based Immigration System: US President Donald Trump has rolled out a merit-based immigration system from which foreigners, including hundreds and thousands of Indian professionals and skilled workers, waiting to get Green Cards or permanent legal residency stand to benefit. As per the proposed system, permanent legal residency would be given based on points for their age, knowledge, job opportunities and civic sense. The proposals significantly increase the quota for skilled workers from the existing nearly 12% to 57%.

3. Taiwan Becomes First Country In Asia To Legalise Same-Sex Marriage: Taiwan has approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, a landmark decision that makes the self-ruled island the first place in Asia to pass gay marriage legislation. The successful bill includes limited adoption rights for same-sex couples.

4. Saudi Arabia Approves Permanent Residency for First Time: The Saudi government has approved for the first time a scheme that gives permanent residency to certain expatriates, allowing them to own real estate in the kingdom and reside with their families without a Saudi sponsor. The "Privileged Iqama" system will offer a permanent residence scheme and one that can be renewed annually to highly skilled expatriates and owners of capital funds.

5. China blocks all language editions of Wikipedia: China has broadened its block of online encyclopedia Wikipedia to include all language editions. China's online censorship apparatus 'Great Firewall' blocks a large number of foreign sites in the country, such as Google, Facebook and The New York Times. Wikipedia is a multilingual online encyclopedia with exclusively free content based on open collaboration through a model of content editing using web-based applications such as web browsers, called wiki.

Note: Wikipedia was launched on January 15, 2001, by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger. It is the largest and most popular general reference work on the World Wide Web and is one of the most popular websites by Alexa rank as of April 2019.

6. International Day of Light: 16 May: May 16th is celebrated globally as the International Day of Light. 2019 marks the global celebration of the second edition of the event. It is an official observance of UNESCO that provides an annual focal point for the continued appreciation of light and the role it plays in science, culture, and art, education, sustainable development, communications, and energy.

7. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day: 17 May:  The World Telecommunication and Information Society Day (WTISD) is observed every year on 17th May to mark the anniversary of the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention (ITC) and the creation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The WTISD raise awareness of the possibilities that the use of the Internet and other information and communication technologies (ICT) can bring to societies and economies, as well as of ways to bridge the digital divide. The 2019 theme of WTISD is “Bridging the standardization gap”.

8. Jeffrey Rosen Confirmed As US' Next Deputy Attorney General: Jeffrey Rosen was confirmed as the United States' latest deputy attorney general by the US Senate after his predecessor, Rod Rosenstein, left the department. Rosenstein oversaw Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigations into Russian collusion in the 2016 Presidential elections, before stepping down from his post in April.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Appoints Nitin Chugh As Next MD and CEO: Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited has appointed Nitin Chugh as its next Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) from December 1, 2019. Bank’s current MD and CEO, Samit Ghosh is retiring on November 30, 2019. The bank has received the approval of its application for Chugh's appointment, from the Reserve Bank of India. 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. IBM Garage To Co-Create AI-based Automation Solutions with HDFC ERGO: IBM India has tied-up with HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company, India's third-largest non-life insurance provider in the private sector, to co-create new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based solutions. Leveraging IBM Garage that uses data-driven insights to develop end-to-end strategies and solutions for business transformation, teams from HDFC ERGO and IBM Services will work together to develop and test new solutions. 

2. BSE Launches BSE StAR MF App for Its Mutual Fund Platform: Leading stock exchange BSE has launched ‘BSE StAR MF’ app to enable more participation and help mutual fund distributors process transactions faster. As per the BSE, this mobile app supports real-time client registration and paperless transactions, creates and uploads mandate for SIPs, generates the basket of multiple orders, tracks and allows the distributor to analyse his business at his fingertips. BSE MD & CEO: Ashishkumar Chauhan.

DEFENCE

1. Indian armed forces conduct ‘Exercise Bull Strike’ at teressa Island: The military drill ‘Exercise Bull strike’ was conducted to showcase joint operations capability of the armed forces. During the exercise, the army personnel got the chance to display their prowess by undertaking company level airborne operation at Teressa island, Andaman Nicobar. 170 troops from three services carried out para drop operations in a Combat Free Fall and Static Line mode.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Prime Minister of Australia Bob Hawke passes away: Former Prime Minister of Australia Bob Hawke (89-years) passed away. He was the longest-serving Prime Minister (Labor Party) served from 1983 to 1991. He is also accredited to create Australia’s universal healthcare system ‘Medicare’.

Daily GK Updates - 16th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Lokpal Website Launched: The website of the Lokpal www.lokpal.gov.in has been launched. It was inaugurated by Chairperson Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose in presence of all the Members of Lokpal in New Delhi. It provides basic information about the working and functioning of the anti-corruption ombudsman. The Lokpal is the first institution of its kind in India established under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 to inquire and investigate into allegations of the corruption against public functionaries.

2. Sikkim Statehood Day: 16th May: President Ram Nath Kovind has greeted the people of Sikkim on their statehood day. It was on 16th May 1975 that Sikkim officially merged with the Indian union and became the 22nd state of the country.

3. Captain Aarohi Pandit Becomes 1st Woman In World To Cross Atlantic Ocean Solo In a LSA: Captain Aarohi Pandit, a 23-year-old pilot from Mumbai became the world's first woman to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo in a Light Sports Aircraft (LSA). She achieved the feat when she landed her tiny aircraft at Iqaluit Airport in Canada, after a gruelling 3,000 km long flight, under adverse and extreme weather conditions. 

4. Election Commission curtails campaigning in West Bengal: Election Commission curtailed the campaigning in the West Bengal state following Kolkata violence. Campaigning for the seventh and last phase of Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal end at 10 PM on Thursday.  According to Deputy Election Commissioner Chandra Bhushan Kuma, for the first time, such an action (Article 324) has been taken using constitutional powers of the poll panel. Nine Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal will go to polls in the last phase on Sunday. The Commission also ordered the removal of State's Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya and Additional Director General, CID, Rajeev Kumar from their posts.

5. 16th May: National Dengue Day: The Government of India (GoI) has declared 16th May as National Dengue Day to mark the toll from the deadly disease ‘Dengue’ (transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquito). The day has been taking in terms of lives and to reaffirm nationwide efforts to tackle the scourge by using both education and medical intervention. Dengue is a viral disease which includes symptoms such as high-grade fever 2 to 7 days and headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India Signs ‘Christchurch Call to Action’: India signed the ‘Christchurch Call to Action’ in Paris. The agreement came in the backdrop of the attacks on mosques in March and is aimed at stopping the abuse of the Internet by extremists. India was represented by Ajay Prakash Sawhney, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

2. Nepali Sherpa Kami Rita Scales Mt Everest For 23rd Time, Creates World Record: Nepalese Sherpa climber Kami Rita has scaled Mount Everest for a 23rd time, breaking his own record for the most successful ascents of the world's highest peak. He first scaled Everest in 1994. He reached the 8,850-metre (29,035-feet) summit with other climbers via the Southeast Ridge route. 

3. Taiwan Expo 2019 begins in New Delhi: Tien Chung-Kwang (Representative of Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre) and James CF Huang (Chairman of Taiwan External Trade Development Council) have inaugurated the three-day event ‘Taiwan Expo 2019’ in New Delhi. There are 10 theme pavilions at the expo focusing on green products, health care, agriculture, tourism, biotechnology and electrical equipment. 150 exhibitors are showcasing their products in 230 stalls.

4. Trump declares a national emergency over IT threats: US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency to protect American computer networks from foreign adversaries. Mr. Trump signed an executive order which effectively bars US companies from using foreign telecoms believed to pose a security risk to the country. Several countries (including the US) have raised concerns that the company's products could be used by China for surveillance.

5. Sri Lanka declares National Vesak week from May 15th: Sri Lanka has declared a National Vesak week to mark the Vesak celebrations, one of the most significant events for Buddhist followers. The festival will be held under tight security and people have been encouraged to organize celebrations at Buddhist temples and not in public places in the wake of Easter Sunday attacks last month. The state Vesak festival will be held in Galle under the patronage of the President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe on Friday and Saturday. The Chief Prelates of four Buddhist chapters have requested the public to give priority to spiritual practices and not to conduct public celebrations that draw crowd due to the present security situation in the country.

6. Conference on Asian Civilizations Dialogue (CDAC) Organised in China: The Chinese Ministry of Education organised the ‘Conference on Asian Civilizations Dialogue (CDAC)’ in collaboration with UNESCO in Beijing. The theme of the event is ‘Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Asian Civilizations and a Community with a Shared Future’. As part of this conference, the Ministry also organized the parallel panel: Safeguarding the Diversity of Asian Civilizations. The objective of the dialogue to bring together a number of internationally renowned experts to deliberate and discuss the major challenges facing the rapprochement and peaceful coexistence of Asian Civilizations in today’s context.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. China to Host 2023 Asian Cup Football Tournament: China has become the sole contender to host Asian Cup Football tournament in 2023 after South Korea has announced to withdraw its bid to host the game. The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced that it had pulled out to strategically focus on a joint bid with North Korea to host the Women's World Cup in the same year.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. SIDBI Launched A Pilot Scheme For Fintech NBFCs: To give a fillip to digital lending, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has put together a pilot scheme to extend financial assistance of up to Rs 10 crore to new-agefintech non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) engaged in financing small businesses and other income-generating activities. SIDBI has set the exposure cap for lending to a single new-age fintech NBFC at 30% of NOF of the new-age fintech NBFC, subject to maximum cap of Rs10 crore. 

2. RBI Releases Vision document for e-payment system: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a vision document for ensuring a safe, secure, convenient, quick and affordable e-payment system. The move comes as the apex bank expects the number of digital transactions to increase more than four times to 8,707 crores (in December 2021). The 'Payment and Settlement Systems in India: Vision 2019 - 2021', with its core theme of 'Empowering Exceptional E-payment Experience', envisages achieving "a highly digital and cash-lite society" through the goal posts of competition, cost-effectiveness, convenience and confidence (4Cs).

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Infosys Foundation’s FCRA Licence Cancelled: The Home Ministry has cancelled the registration of Bengaluru-based NGO Infosys Foundation for alleged violation of norms in receiving foreign grants. All non-government organizations (NGOs) are mandatorily required to be registered under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act or FCRA to receive foreign funding.

2. Tech Mahindra Partners With French Based Firm Rakuten Aquafadas: IT services firm Tech Mahindra and French digital content publishing firm Rakuten Aquafadas signed an MoU to collaborate on building enhanced customer experience offerings. Rakuten Aquafadas and Tech Mahindra aim to build a Customer Experience Offering leveraging the suite of software that Rakuten Aquafadas provides for digital publishing.

3. India’s Overall Exports Registered Positive Growth Of 1.34% In April 2019: According to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry data, India’s overall exports, combining Merchandise and Services, in April 2019 is estimated to be around 44 billion US dollars with a positive growth of 1.34% over April 2018. Overall imports in April 2019 is estimated to be around 53 billion dollars with a positive growth of 4.5% over the corresponding period of 2018. 

Daily GK Updates - 15th May, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India to Co-Chair Consultative Group of Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery: India is unanimously chosen as co-chair of the Consultative Group (CG) of Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) for the fiscal year 2020. The decision was taken during the CG meeting of GFDRR held in Geneva, Switzerland, on the margins of the 6th Session of the GPDRR 2019. The CG Meeting was co-chaired by Africa Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, the European Union (EU) and World Bank. This is the first time that the country has been afforded the opportunity of co-chairing the CG meeting of GFDRR.

Note: GFDRR is a global partnership that helps developing countries better understand and reduce their vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change. India became a member of CG of GFDRR in 2015 and expressed its interest to co-chair in last meeting of CG held in October 2018.

2. MoU Signed for Rudraksh Plantation in Ganga Basin: A tripartite MoU was signed between National Mission for Clean Ganga, HCL Foundation and INTACH for taking up a project of ‘Plantation of Rudraksh Trees in Uttarakhand’ as a part of CSR initiative under the ‘Namami Gange’ Programme. The project aims at planting 10,000 Rudraksh trees in the catchment area of river Ganga in Uttarakhand in association with local community and other stakeholders. 

3. The Union Government extends the ban on LTTE for five years: The Union Government has extended the ban on the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) for another five years. The ban has been extended under sub-sections (1) and (3) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 with immediate effect.

Note: LTTE was founded on 5th May 1976 by Velupillai Prabhakaran. Its aim was to secure an independent state of Tamil Eelam in the north and east in response to the state policies of successive Sri Lankan governments towards Tamils.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. International Day of Families: 15 May: In 1993, the General Assembly decided in a resolution that 15 May of every year should be observed as The International Day of Families. It is observed to promote awareness of issues relating to families and to increase the knowledge of the social, economic and demographic processes affecting families The Theme for 2019 International Day of Families is “Families and Climate Action: Focus on SDG 13". 

2. UN Imposed Sanctions on Terror Group ISIS Khorasan: The UN has imposed sanctions on terror group ISIS-Khorasan (ISIS-K) for its links with Al-Qaeda and involvement in several attacks in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The United Nations Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee sanctioned Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant - Khorasan (ISIL-K). It is now subject to the assets freeze, traveling ban and arms embargo.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. HDFC ERGO launches 'Mosquito Disease Protection Policy': HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company has announced to launch the 'Mosquito Disease Protection Policy'. This new policy will cover an individual against common mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue Fever, Malaria, Chikungunya, Japanese Encephalitis, Kala-azar, Lymphatic Filariasis and Zika Virus. According to the report published by National Health Profile 2018, there has been an alarming rise in dengue cases in India, an increase of 300%   between 2009 - 2017. These diseases also lead to hospitalisation adding burden on expense or affecting the No Claim Bonus of any standard Health Insurance

2. HDFC Partners with IMGC for Home Loans: Housing finance major HDFC Limited has partnered with India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation (IMGC) to offer a mortgage-guaranteed home loan product. The partnership aims to make it possible for HDFC to further penetrate the home loan market and access an enlarged customer base, helping them to own a home of their choice. 

3. Airtel, HDFC Life Insurance Tie Up To Offer Free Cover: Bharti Airtel and HDFC Life Insurance have tied up to offer life cover for customers who get a prepaid recharge done. Airtel’s new Rs249-prepaid bundle (which will include 2 GB data, unlimited calls across networks, and 100 SMSes per day) will also offer a cover worth Rs4 lakh from HDFC Life.

4. Paytm Partners with Citibank to Launch 1st Credit Card- 'Paytm First Card': Digital payments company Paytm, in association with Citibank, launched its first credit card called Paytm First Card.  The card is issued by Citibank and doesn't involve any hidden fees or charges. Paytm First Card comes with unlimited cash back and will be accepted in India as well globally.

5. BharatPe Ropes in Salman Khan as Brand Ambassador: Merchant service and UPI payments app BharatPe has roped in Bollywood actor Salman Khan as its brand ambassador. 

6. RBI Appoints R Gandhi On YES Bank Board: The Reserve Bank of India has appointed its former Deputy Governor, R Gandhi, on the board of private sector lender YES Bankas an additional director. The appointment has been done in exercise of powers conferred under sub-section (1) of Section 36AB of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. WPI Inflation Slides To 3.07% in April: Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation for April eased to 3.07%, from 3.62% in April 2018. The latest WPI print was also lower than 3.18% recorded in March this year. Build up inflation for the financial year so far was 0.75%, lower than 0.86% in the corresponding period of the previous year. The overall WPI print for April was dragged down by a sharp decline in manufactured products (which accounts for two-third weightage in the WPI basket), which came in at a 30-month low of 1.7% (2.16% in March 2019).

DEFENCE

1. Indian Navy's 1st Full-Fledged SSB Opened at Kolkata: The Indian Navy's first full-fledged Services Selection Board (SSB) was inaugurated by Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba at Diamond Harbour near Kolkata, West Bengal.  The SSB (Kolkata) spread over 27 acres located on the banks of Hooghly that was previously occupied by a Naval Coastal Battery. This is the fifth SSB of the Indian Navy. The other boards are located in Bhopal, Bengaluru, Visakhapatnam and Coimbatore. 

2. Maj Gen A K Dhingra Appointed As 1st Special Operations Division Commander: Ace Special Forces operative and Sri Lanka war veteran Major General AK Dhingra has been appointed as the first head of country's first tri-services Special Operations Division comprising commandos from all three services. The Armed Forces Special Operations Division has been set up by the government to undertake joint operations by three services and will have elements from the Army's Parachute Regiments SF, Marine Commandos (MARCOS) of the Navy and the Garud Commandos of the Indian Air Force.