Daily GK Updates - 18th June, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Assam Transport Minister launches State Transport Corporation's ‘Chalo’ app: Assam Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary launched the State Transport Corporation's ‘Chalo’ app for Guwahati. The app will help commuters to know about the live arrival time of their bus so they can plan their travel accordingly. People can also track the live GPS position of their bus on a map. Mr Patowary also unveiled a one-of-a-kind transport map for the State Transport bus network in Guwahati that has been developed by Chalo.

2. World Food India to be held in November 2019: The second edition of World Food India to be held from 1st to 4th November 2019 in New Delhi, which will position India as Food Processing Destination of the World. The tagline of the event will be “Forging Partnerships for Growth”.

Note: Union Minister for Food Processing Industries: Smt Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

3. J P Nadda appointed BJP working president: Senior BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader J P Nadda has been appointed as the BJP working President (till January 2020). The decision was taken at the BJP Parliamentary Board meeting held at party headquarters in New Delhi. Mr Nadda will remain the working president till the BJP’s membership drive and organisation elections are over.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Lt General Faiz Hameed Appointed Pakistan ISI Chief: Pakistan has appointed Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed as the new Director General of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He was previously serving as the head of the Counter Intelligence wing in the ISI. Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed replaced Lieutenant Gen Asim Munir.

Note: The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is the premier intelligence agency of Pakistan, operationally responsible for gathering, processing, and analyzing national security information from around the world. The ISI consists primarily of serving military officers drawn on secondment from the three service branches of the Pakistan Armed Forces (Army, Air Force, and Navy).

2. Bahrain to ban plastic products from next month: Bahrain will start phasing out the use of plastic products from 21st of next month. The first phase will focus on single-use plastic bags as well as banning the import of non-biodegradable plastic bags. Later phases will witness a permanent ban on the use of plastic bags at certain malls and supermarkets. Bahrain has joined several leading countries in banning the import of plastic waste, following the United Nations' call to mitigate ocean pollution and climate change.

3. Autistic Pride Day: 18th June: Autistic Pride Day is being observed on 18th June every year. Autistic pride recognizes the importance of pride for autistics and understands it not as a disease but as a difference.  Autistic Pride Day was initiated by Aspies For Freedom, a group that raises public awareness about autism rights.

Note: ‘Autism Spectrum Disability’ is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders characterized by social impairments, communication difficulties, restrictive and repetitive pattern of behaviour. It is a lifelong condition which usually occurs in the first three years of life.

4. Sustainable Gastronomy Day: 18 June: Sustainable Gastronomy Day is celebrated around the world on 18th June. It emphasizes the need to focus the world’s attention on the role that sustainable gastronomy can play.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Virat Kohli becomes the fastest batsmen to reach 11,000 runs: Indian skipper Virat Kohli (30-years) became the fastest batsman to reach the 11,000 runs (in 230 ODIs) mark in the ODI cricket. Virat Kohli broke Tendulkar's record, achieved the 11000 runs mark against England in 2002 in his 284th ODI. He achieved the feat in the match between India and Pakistan in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.

List of 5-top 11000 run Scorers in ODIs 

S. No	Player	Match Date	Inns
1.	V. Kohli (India)	16th Jun 2019	222
2.	S. Tendulkar (India)	28th Jan 2002	276
3.	R. Ponting (AUS)	24th Feb 2008	286
4.	S. Ganguly (India)	11th Jan 1992	288
5.	J. Kallis (SA)	9th Jan 1996	293

2. Gary Woodland won the 119th US Open: Gary Woodland won the 119th US Open, capturing his first Major title after defeating two-time defending champion Brook Koepka.

Note: The United States Open Championship is the annual open national championship of golf in the United States.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Facebook launches cryptocurrency "Libra": Facebook has announced a digital currency called Libra that will allow its billions of users to make financial transactions across the globe. Libra is being touted as a means to connect people who do not have access to traditional banking platforms. Technology to make transactions with Libra will be available as a standalone app as well as on WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger platforms as early as 2020.

2. Fitch cuts India growth forecast to 6.6% for 2019-20 fiscal: In its latest Global Economic Outlook, the global rating agency Fitchlowers India's growth forecast from 6.8% to 6.6% for the current fiscal, as manufacturing and agriculture sectors showed signs of slowing down over the past year. Fitch also retained its GDP growth forecast for the next fiscal (2020-21) at 7.1% and 7.0% for 2021-22.

3. RBI gets a new executive director: Dr. Rabi N. Mishra has been elevated from principal chief general manager to Executive Director in the Reserve Bank of India. Mishra's portfolio now includes non-banking and Co-op bank supervision as well as the College of Supervisors. Current strength of Executive directors in RBI is 12.

Note: RBI 25th Governor: Shaktikant Das, Headquarters: Mumbai, Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. "Amazon India" best place to work in the country: Randstad rates Amazon India as country’s most attractive employer brand. Microsoft India emerged as the runner-up. As per the study, salary and employee benefits continue to be the top driver, while choosing an employer for the Indian workforce, followed by work-life balance and job security.

Note: CEO of Amazon: Jeff Bezos

OBITUARIES

1. Egypt′s former President Mohammed Morsi passes away: Former president of Egypt ‘Mohammed Morsi’(67-years) passed away after collapsing during a session in court. Morsi was on trial for espionage and had just addressed the court when he blacked out. He was country's first democratically elected president and a member of Egypt's most powerful Islamist group, the now-banned Muslim Brotherhood. Morsi had been in custody since his removal by the military after mass protests in 2013. He served as Egyptian President from 30 June 2012 – 3 July 2013. 

Daily GK Updates - 17th June, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 1st session of 17th Lok Sabha has begun: First session of 17th Lok Sabha has started. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the first MP to take oath in the 17th Lok Sabha. The inaugural session of the new Lok Sabha has started with the swearing in of its members. All the members will be administered the oath by the Pro-Tem Speaker Virendra Kumar. The first session of the 17th Lok Sabha will continue till June 26. 

2. Central Government granted the approval to set up of e-Foreigner Tribunal (e-FT) in Assam: The Union Government has permitted to set up e-Foreigner Tribunal (e-FT) in Assam. It is a quasi-judicial authority which assesses the question of the authenticity of a person’s citizenship. It should be set up by July 31, 2019, when the final list of National Register of Citizens (NRC) is published. The proposed integrated e-FT IT system will be implemented across the state for effective monitoring and resolution of cases registered with Foreigner Tribunal.

3. ADB approves Rs 1,650 cr infra projects in Tripura: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a project worth Rs 1,650 crore to develop infrastructure in 7 districts of Tripura. The ADB will provide Rs 1,650 crore, out of which 80 per cent will be grant-in-aid and the state will have to repay 20% loan in due course of time. The project will be taken up in Khowai, Ambassa, Dharmnagar, Kailashahar, Udaipur, Bishramganj and Belonia.

4. Assam govt to set up Skill University at Darrang district: Assam government will set up a Skill University at the cost of 850 crore rupees at Darrang district. This will be perhaps the first skill university of the country with a capacity of 10 thousand seats. The International Yoga Day will be observed at 459 centres of the Skill Development Mission.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Zuzana Caputova sworn in as Slovakia’s first female President: Anti-corruption campaigner Zuzana Caputova (45-years) was sworn in as Slovakia’s first female president. Caputova scored a convincing victory against Smer-SD candidate Maros Sefcovic. Her allies from the Progressive Slovakia/Together party hope to use the momentum to unseat the ruling party in a 2020 general election. Caputova is the fifth president in modern Slovak history.

Note: The President of the Slovak Republic is the head of state of Slovakia and the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces. Slovakia Capital: Bratislava, Currency: Euro

2. Brazil development bank’s head resigns: The head of Brazil's powerful state development bank ‘Joaquim Levy’ (former finance minister) quit, fueling a political crisis. Levy's sudden departure follows a tumultuous week for a government less than six months into its term, in which Bolsonaro fired his third minister.

Note: BNDES is one of the largest development banks in the world (after the Chinese Development Bank, which boasts assets of around RMB 7.52 trillion, or around $1.2 tn). The BNDES has three integral subsidiaries: FINAME, BNDESPAR and BNDES Limited. Together, the three companies comprise the BNDES System.

3. Union Power Minister participated in G20 Ministerial Meeting: Union Power Minister Raj Kumar Singh participated in G20 Ministerial Meeting on Energy Transitions and Global Environment for Sustainable Growth in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, Japan on 15-16 June, 2019.

Note: Japan Capital:Tokyo, Currency: Japanese yen, PM: Shinzo Abe

4. World Day to Combat Desertification: 17 June:  In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 17 the "World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought" to promote public awareness of the issue. The slogan for World Day to Combat Desertification 2019 is “Let's grow the future together”. India will host the 14th session of Conference of Parties (COP-14) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), from 7 to 18 October 2019, in New Delhi. 

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. FIH Series Finals: India beat South Africa 5-1 in title clash: In the FIH Men's Series Finals, India defeated South Africa by 5 goals to one in a summit clash at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The goals were scored in the 2nd, 11th, 25th, 36th and 50th minutes.

2. Indian men's recurve team bags Silver Medal in Archery World Championships: Indian men's recurve team bagged a silver medal in the Archery World Championships at Den Bosch in The Netherlands, thus ending India's campaign with one silver and two bronze medals in the Championships. The Indian trio of Tarundeep Rai, Atanu Das and Pravin lost to Chinese team of Ding Yiliang, Wei Shaoxuan and Feng Hao 6-2 in the summit clash. The men's recurve team was playing in the final of World Championships after a gap of 14 years. This was India's sixth silver at the World Championships where the country is yet to win a gold medal. This was also for the first time since 2014 that the Indian men's team made the final of a world event. The silver and two bronze at the 2019 World Championships took India's overall count to eight medals in the premier biennial competition.

3. Joshna Chinappa wins record 17th National Title in Squash: Joshna Chinappa made a record for the most number of national titles after beating her Tamil Nadu state-mate Sunayna Kuruvilla. Joshna broke an age-old landmark set by Bhuvneshwari Kumari who held the record for 27 Years winning consecutive titles from 1976 to 1991.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Jammu and Kashmir Bank now under RTI, CVC guidelines: The Jammu and Kashmir Bank will now come under the purview of Right to Information Act and Central Vigilance Commission (CVC)guidelines as per the decisions taken by the Board of Directors of the Jammu and Kashmir Bank to ensure greater transparency and accountability.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. 44th Matri Shree Media Awards: Twenty-nine journalists from print and electronic media and a social activist felicitated with the Bharat Mata Shield at the 44th Matri Shree Media Award ceremony.

Note: The Matri Shree Media Awards was constituted during the Emergency to felicitate people for their contribution towards journalism. The first award was presented to journalist Lala Jagat Narayan.

2. Suman Rao from Rajasthan Crowned Miss India 2019: Suman Rao from Rajasthan has won the Femina Miss India World 2019 beauty pageant during a star-studded ceremony at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Indoor Stadium in Mumbai. Shivani Jadhav from Chhattisgarh clinched Femina Miss Grand India 2019 title and Shreya Shanker from Bihar won Miss India United Continents 2019 title during the grand finale of the beauty pageant. Now, Suman Rao will represent India at Miss World 2019 in Thailand. Telangana's Sanjana Vij was adjudged as Miss India Runner Up 2019.

Daily GK Updates - 16th June, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 20th Anniversary of the Victory at Kargil: The nation will celebrate this year the 20th anniversary of victory in Kargil warwith the theme ‘Remember, Rejoice and Renew’. The year 2019, marks the 20th anniversary of victory in ‘Operation VIJAY’ popularly known as the ‘Kargil War’. The Kargil War will always be remembered for its strategic and tactical surprises, the self-imposed national strategy of restraint in keeping the war limited to Kargil - Siachen Sectors and swiftly executed tri-services military strategy and plans. The ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas’ celebrations for the year 2019 will be spread over three days from 25-27 July 2019 and will be organized at Dras and New Delhi. It will be celebrated with the theme ‘Remember, Rejoice and Renew’.

2. Two female scientists Ritu Kridhal and Vanitha to head Indias 2nd Moon mission Chandrayaan-2: For the first time, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has appointed two women scientists - Ritu Karidhal (as mission director) and Muthayya Vanitha (as project director) - to head the India's second Moon mission Chandrayaan-2. ISRO Chairman K Sivan announced that close to 30 percent of the ISRO team working on Chandrayaan 2 are women. Ritu Karidhal was referred as the 'Rocket Woman of India'. She became famous with the launch of the Mars Orbiter Mission where she was the deputy operations director. Muthayya Vanitha received the Best Woman Scientist award in 2006 by the Astronomical Society of India.

3. ISRO for 1st time opens its laboratories for Indian school students: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has, for the first time, opened its laboratories for Indian school students to undergo two-week training from this year. The first batch of 108 students drawn from all states and Union Territories recently completed their exposure in its laboratories in Bengaluru, Sriharikota, Thiruvananthapuram and other places. The training module has been devised as part of its Yuva Vigyanik Karyakram (YUVIKA).

About YUVIKA: Uva VIgyani KAryakram (YUVIKA), also known as “Young Scientist Programme”. Launched in: March 2019. Objective: To impart basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications to the school children with the intent of arousing their interest in the emerging areas of Space activities.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. World's Highest Weather Stations Installed Atop Mount Everest: A team of Tribhuvan University and National Geographic Society scientists and researchers have installed the world's highest, fully automated weather stations atop Mount Everest. Total five weather stations, including one at a record height of 27,657 feet, were installed on the Earth's highest mountain above sea level.

2. Sarah Huckabee Sanders to step down as White House Press Secretary: After serving more than three years, Sarah Huckabee Sanders is stepping down from her current position as White House Press Secretary. Sanders, 36, worked on the communications team of Trump’s 2016 campaign, and later joined the White House as deputy press secretary when Trump took office. She has been appointed as the White House Press Secretary in July 2017, after Sean Spicer resigned from the position.

3. India designated as guest country at Guadalajara International Book Fair in Mexico: India designated as the Guest of Honour at the 33rd Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (Guadalajara International Book Fair)in Mexico, the National Book Trust. The book fair will held from November 30 - December 8, India pavilion at the fair will showcase over 35 Indian authors and artists, along with 15 publishing houses. Ancient and rare manuscripts including "Mahabharata" and "Ramayana" will be put on exhibition, along with photo books, handicrafts, and paintings.The exhibition will run parallel to the book fair in the pavillion
They will feature art by 40 renowned Indian women artists including Arpana Caur, Paula Sengupta, and Seema Kohli.  The "Festival of India" will showcase folk, classical and contemporary cultural programmes.

4. June month is celebrated as the LGBTQ Pride month: June month is celebrated as the Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LGBTQ) Pride month all over the world. The LGBTQ pride month is celebrated to commemorate the anniversary of Stonewall riots at Stonewall Inn in New York, a gathering space for LGBTQ community during the 60s. It provides role models, builds community, and represents a civil rights statement about the contributions of the LGBT community. The month is observed by United States, United Kingdom, Canada. Note: LGBT History Month originated in the United States. It was first celebrated in 1994. The commemoration of the month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

5. International Day of Family Remittances: 16 June: On 16th June 2019, International Day of Family Remittances was observed all over the world. This day recognize the contribution of migrant workers to their families and communities back home, and to the sustainable development of their native countries. The IFAD’s (International Fund for Agricultural Development) Governing Council in 2015 declared 16 June as International Day of Family Remittances. The first International Day of Family Remittances was celebrated on 16 June, 2015.
Note: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD): Formation- 1977, Headquarter- Rome, Italy.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Australia and Qatar to be guest nations at the 2020 Copa America: Australia will be one of the two guest nations at the 2020 Copa America. Qatar will also return to 2020 tournament, which will be co-hosted by Argentina and Colombia. Qatar and Japan are the guest nations in 2019 Copa, which started on June 15 in Brazil. This year’s Copa America broadcast to a record 178 countries.

About Copa America: It is a men's international football tournament contested between national teams from CONMEBOL (South American Football Confederation). Founded: 1916, President of CONMEBOL: Alejandro Dominguez, Headquarters: Luque, Paraguay

2. Peter Gilchrist lifted Pacific International Billiards Championship title: Peter Gilchrist of Singapore defeated India’s Sourav Kothari (Kolkata) to win the 2019 Pacific International Billiards Championship at the Yarraville Club in Melbourne, Australia.

Daily GK Updates - 15th June, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi chairs the fifth meeting of Governing Council of NITI Aayog: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the fifth Governing Council Meeting of NITI Aayog at Rashtrapati Bhawan. The meeting attended by Defence Minister, Home Minister, Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister, Agriculture Minister, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister as ex-officio members. The agenda before the Meeting include rain-water harvesting, drought situation and relief measures, aspirational districts programme, transforming agriculture, and security-related issues with a specific focus on Left Wing Extremism districts. So far, four meetings of the Governing Council have been held under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister with the Chief Ministers and Lt. Governors of the states and union territories and other members of NITI Aayog.

Note: The first meeting was held on 8th February 2015, at which the Prime Minister laid down the key mandates of NITI Aayog such as fostering cooperative federalism and addressing national issues through active participation of the states.

2. Govt directed TV channels to display title, credits in serials in regional languages too: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry directed all satellite TV channels to display the cast, credits and titles of Hindi and regional language serials that they broadcast in the respective languages too. These orders were being issued for cinema too to promote Indian languages.

3. Udupi’s Amasebailu becomes Karnataka’s first solar-powered Gram Panchayat: Amasebailu in Kundapura Taluk of Udupi district has become Karnataka’s first solar-powered Gram Panchayat. Over 1800 houses were provided solar lamps at a total cost of 2.13 crore rupees. The project was funded by Centre and State Government in the ratio of 30:20 and the rest was paid by the Panchayat and charitable organizations. According to Amasebailu Charitable Trust President A G Kodgi, the solar lamps have a guarantee of five years and any faulty lamps will be replaced by the supplier within the guarantee period.

4. DGT, Cisco and Accenture sign MoU to skill youth for the digital economy: Directorate General of Training under the aegis of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Ministry has joined hands with Cisco and Accenture to skill the youth for the digital economy through its Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). Nearly 15 lakh students across all the ITIs in India can access the digital learning module via the Bharat Skills portal. This programme will equip students enrolled in ITIs across India with skills for the digital economy over the next two years. The initial phase of the in-classroom training programme is being rolled out across 227 ITIs in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Bihar and Assam, targeting more than one lakh youth.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India, France to hold mega air exercise ‘Varun’ in July: The Indian and French air forces will carry out a two-week-long mega air exercise in France (from 1st July). It will provide an opportunity to a sizeable number of IAF pilots to have a close look at the Rafale jets being operated by the French Air Force. A fleet of Sukhoi 30 fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will engage in dogfights with France's Rafale multirole aircraft in simulated scenarios as part of the 'Garuda' exercise.

2. Kimberley Process Intersessional Meeting 2019 held in Mumbai: The Intersessional meeting of Kimberley Process (KP) will be hosted by India from 17th to 21st June 2019 in Mumbai. Besides this, two special forums regarding Diamond Terminology and Artisanal Mining – Small Steps to Larger Outcomes, will be held during the Intersessional. India is one of the founder members of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and is the Chair of Kimberley Process for the year 2019 with the Russian Federation as Vice Chair. Alok Vardhan Chaturvedi, Director General, Directorate General of Foreign Trade, has been designated as KP Chair 2019 and Rupa Dutta, Economic Adviser, Department of Commerce, is India’s KP Focal Point.

Note: The Kimberley Processis a joint initiative involving Government, the international diamond industry and civil society to stem the flow of Conflict Diamonds. KPCS has 55 members representing 82 countries including EU with 28 members.

3. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: 15 June: The World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is being observed across the globe on 15th June every year. It represents the one day in the year when the entire world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations. Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world.

4. NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope to Retire in 2020: After nearly 16 years of exploring the cosmos in infrared light, NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope will be switched off permanently on Jan. 30, 2020. Spitzer is a small but transformational observatory. It captures infrared light, which is often emitted by “warm” objects that aren’t quite hot enough to radiate visible light. Spitzer has lifted the veil on hidden objects in nearly every corner of the universe, from a new ring around Saturn to observations of some of the most distant galaxies known.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. India static at 101st in FIFA rankings: The Indian football team remained static at 101st place in the FIFA rankings. India had finished third in the King’s Cup in Thailand. The Indian team is at 18th spot among the Asian countries led by Iran (20th), Japan (28), Korea (37), Australia (43) and Qatar (55) form the top five in Asia. Belgium continued to top overall world rankings, followed by France, Brazil, England, and Portugal.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. ZestMoney offers first-of-its-kind EMI insurance: India’s largest and fastest growing consumer lending technology company ZestMoney, partnered with Digit Insurance to offer EMI insurance to the company’s five million customers. The policy will cover EMI cost in the event of hospitalization, death or permanent disability. The insurance product is specifically designed for ZestMoney’s customers which can be availed while applying for a loan on the digital platform.

2. HDFC sells further 4.22% stake in Gruh Finance for ₹899 crore: Mortgage lender HDFC has sold over 4.22% stake in subsidiary Gruh Finance Ltd (Gruh), which is proposed to be amalgamated with Bandhan Bank for ₹899.43 crore. Post the completion of the aforesaid sale of shares, Gruh would cease to be a subsidiary of the Corporation. Gruh is engaged in the business of providing home loans and is registered with the National Housing Bank as a housing finance company.

3. RBI asks banks to grout ATMs to wall, pill or floor to enhance security: Based on the recommendations of the Committee on Currency Movement (CCM), the Reserve Bank have directed banks to ensure their ATMs are grouted to a wall, pillar, or floor by September-end, except those installed in high secured premises such as airports, to enhance the security of the cash vending machines. The committee to review the entire gamut of security of treasure in transit is chaired by Shri D.K. Mohanty.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail (ABFRL) acquires Jaypore: Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd (ABFRL) will acquire ethnic wear brands Jaypore and TG Apparel & Decor Pvt Ltd to strengthen its position in the branded fashion space. Jaypore E-Commerce Pvt. Ltd sell ethnic fashion merchandise under its own brand ‘Jaypore’ for Rs. 110 crores. The board also approved entering into a share purchase agreement with the existing shareholders of TG Apparel & Decor Pvt Ltd, which retails ethnic fashion, both online and offline.

2. Trade deficit in the month of may widens to a six-month high: India’s trade deficit expanded to a six-month high of $15.4 billion in May, with import growth outpacing export growth. According to data released by the commerce ministry, exports grew 3.93% in May, while imports rose 4.31%.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Akshaya Patra wins BBC award: Akshaya Patra, a non-profit organization, has been awarded the BBC World Service Global Champion Award. It runs one of the world’s largest school meals project in India.

2. 45 individuals to get Bal Sahitya Puraskar and Yuva Puraskar: The Sahitya Akademi announced the name of 22 winners for Bal Sahitya Puraskar and 23 winners for Yuva Puraskar. The winners of both the awards will receive a casket containing an engraved copper plaque and a cheque of Rs 50,000.  Six books of children’s poetry, including works by Vijay Sharma (Dogri), Naji Munauwar (Kashmiri), and Sanjay Chaubey (Sanskrit); five story books by authors including Govind Sharma (Hindi), Mohammad Khalil (Urdu), and Swmim Nasrin (Assamese); and five authors for their total contribution in children’s literature won the Bal Sahitya Puraskar.

OBITUARIES

1. DMK MLA K Rathamani passes away in Puducherry: DMK MLA Rathamani (69-years) passed away at Jipmer hospital in Puducherry. He was suffering from cancer and recently got admitted into the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education JIPMER, Puducherry. He represented the Vikkiravandi Assembly Constituency. With his death, the number of vacancies in the assembly has gone up to two.

Daily GK Updates - 14th June, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Culture Minister inaugurates the exhibition ‘Astitva': Shri Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State (I/C) of Culture & Tourism, GoI inaugurated the exhibition titled "Astitva: The Essence of Prabhakar Barwe”, at National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Global Peace Index 2019: India Ranks 141st, Iceland Tops: India's rank has slipped five places to 141 among 163 countries on the Global Peace Index 2019, while Iceland remains the most peaceful country and Afghanistan the least peaceful nation, as per the report by Australian think tank Institute for Economics & Peace. In South Asia, Bhutan topped the index with 15th rank, followed by Sri Lanka 72, Nepal 76 and Bangladesh 101. The neighboring country Pakistan has been ranked 153rd on the index.

2. World's Highest Weather Stations Installed atop Mount Everest: A team of Tribhuvan University and National Geographic Society scientists and researchers have installed the world's highest, fully automated weather stations atop Mount Everest. Total five weather stations, including one at a record height of 27,657 feet, were installed on the Earth's highest mountain above sea level. 

3. World Blood Donor Day: 14th June: World Blood Donor Day is being observed across the globe on 14th June every year to raise awareness of the need for regular blood donations to ensure the quality, safety and availability of blood and blood products for patients in need. This year the theme is ‘Blood Donation and Universal Access to Safe Blood Transfusion’, as a component of achieving universal health coverage. The day also strongly encourages more people to donate blood so that the donor population does not decline and patients requiring transfusion have timely access to safe blood. The slogan - Safe Blood for All - has also been adopted.

Note: World Blood Donor Day is one of eight official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO). The host country for World Blood Donor Day 2019 is Rwanda. Rwanda Capital- Kigali, Currency- Rwandan franc

4. Dr S. Jaishankar to attend CICA Summit in Dushanbe: Dr S. Jaishankar (External Affairs Minister) will attend the two days 5th Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, CICA, Summit in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. During the Summit, CICA Leaders are likely to deliberate on the existing and emerging issues of common concern to the members and underline implementation of confidence-building measures for developing Asia into a prosperous, secure and peaceful region. The theme of the 5th Summit is "Shared Vision for a Secure and More Prosperous CICA Region. The Summit will adopt a Declaration covering issues of cooperation within CICA.

Note: CICA is a pan-Asia forum for enhancing cooperation and promoting peace, security and stability in Asia. India is a member of CICA since its inception and late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had participated in the first CICA Summit held in 2002 in Almaty.

5. Four Indian movies selected to be screened at South Korea's Film Festival 2019: Among 288 movies from over 29 countries, four Indian movies to be screened at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival 2019. The Bollywood movies which will be screened include Gully Boy, Andhadhun and Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi and one Tamil movie which will be screened is Super Deluxe.

Note: South Korea Capital- Seoul, Currency-South Korean won

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. IAAF To Be Renamed World Athletics: The IAAF Council approved the global governing body’s new name and logo at the 217th IAAF Council Meeting in Monaco. The athletics body’s new name, ‘World Athletics’, builds upon the organization’s restructuring and governance reform agenda of the past four years to represent a modern, more creative and positive face for the sport.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Rating agencies will now have to disclose the probability of defaults: SEBI: According to the Sebi circular, rating companies will now create a uniform probability of default benchmark for each rating category on their website, for one-year, two-year and three-year cumulative default rates, both for the short term and long term. Rating agencies also have to disclose factors that could potentially impact the rating of the instruments and it also include an assessment of financials.

Note: SEBI Headquarter: Mumbai, Chairperson: Ajay Tyagi

2. RBI to infuse Rs 12,500 crore into the financial system through bond purchase: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will infuse Rs 12,500 crore into the financial system through bond purchases under the Open Market Operation (OMO). The RBI uses open market operations (OMO) for injecting liquidity into the system through the purchase of government bonds (G-Sec). Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have invested USD 1 billion in Indian debt markets so far in June. The OMO will take place on June 20, taking the total infusion so far in June to 27,500 crores, as against OMO purchases worth Rs 25,000 crore in May.

3. Government reduces ESI contribution rate from 6.5% to 4%: According to Ministry of Labour and Employment, The Union government has reduced the rate of the contribution made by employees and employers under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Act from 6.5% to 4%. This includes a reduction of 1.5% in employers’ contribution to 3.25% (from 4.75%) and 1% reduction in employees’ contribution to 0.75% (from 1.75%). It will benefit 3.6 crore employees and 12.85 lakh, employers. The new rate will be effective from the 1st of next month. Similarly, reduction in the share of contribution of employers will reduce the financial liability of the establishments leading to improved viability of these establishments.

Note: The ESI Act 1948, under the labour ministry, covers employees with salary up to Rs 21,000 (earlier-Rs.15000). Benefits provided under the ESI Act are funded by the contributions made by the employers and the employees. It will facilitate further enrolment of workers under the ESI scheme and bring more and more workforce into the formal sector.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Facebook backs Meesho in first startup investment in India: Social networking giant Facebook has picked up a minority stake in social-commerce company Meesho in its first startup investment in the country. Bengaluru-based startup connects re-sellers to manufacturers to sell goods via social media platforms.

Note: Facebook Headquarters: California, US, CEO: Mark Zuckerberg

OBITUARIES

1. Poet, lyricist Pazhavila Ramesan passes away: Poet and lyricist Pazhavila Ramesan (83-years) passed away at a private hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. Pazhavila Ramesan was a recipient of Kerala Sahithya Akademi Award for overall contribution. He had also penned songs for films like Asamsakalode, Malooty, Uncle Bun, Vasudha and others. Ramesan had also served as the director of Kerala Bhasha Institute for a long time.

Daily GK Updates - 13th June, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Cabinet clears NDIAC Bill, 2019: The Union Cabinet has cleared the New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) Bill, 2019. The Bill provides for setting up of an independent and autonomous body for institutional arbitration. It also aims to acquire and transfer the undertakings of International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution to New Delhi International Arbitration Centre (NDIAC) w.e.f 2nd March 2019.

2. India accounts for 12% of the world’s internet users: According to the annual report on internet trends by venture capitalist Mary Meeker, India accounts for 12% world’s internet users. China has the largest base, accounting for 21% of all internet users globally, and the US comes third at 8%.

3. DU scientists discover frog in Assam and name it after Northeast: A team of scientists from Delhi University and the Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with researchers from Indonesia and the US, have discovered a new species of ‘paddy frog’ from Northeast India, primarily Assam. The frog belongs to the microhylid genus Micryletta, a “group of narrow-mouthed frogs”. The new species has been named ‘aishani’, derived from the Sanskrit word ‘aishani’ or aisani meaning Northeast.

4. Union Cabinet extends the President’s rule in J&K for another six months: The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the extension of President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir for another six months (from 3rd July). President's rule is the suspension of state government and imposition of direct central government rule in a state. Jammu Kashmir has been under President's rule since 20th December 2018. According to Election commission, Assembly elections in J&K will be held after Amarnath Yatra ends in August 2019.

Note: Under Article 356 of the Constitution of India, if a state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions, the Central government can take direct control of the state machinery. Subsequently, executive authority is exercised through the centrally appointed governor, who has the authority to appoint other administrators to assist them. Chhattisgarh and Telangana are the only states where the president's rule has yet to be imposed.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi reaches Kyrgyz capital Bishkek to attend SCO summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Bishkek (capital of Kyrgyzstan) to attend the meeting of Council of Heads of States of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Presidents, Prime Ministers (8 member countries) and 4 head of states as observers are participating in this multilateral international forum. The China-led SCO meets once a year and adopts decisions and guidelines on all important matters of the organisation. Prime Minister Modi had also attended the last CHS meeting in Qingdao (China) on 9-10th June 2018.

Note: In July 2015 in Ufa, Russia, the SCO decided to admit India and Pakistan as full members and both the countries officially joined SCO as full members during the Astana Summit in 2017.

Afghanistan will also be one of the focus areas in the summit.

2. UAE and Germany reaffirm joint commitment to fight against terrorism: The United Arab Emirates and Germany have reaffirmed their joint commitment to fight against terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms. A Joint statement issued in Berlin at the end of the two-day visit ofCrown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Germany. The two sides agreed on rallying efforts on counter-terrorism issues, exchanging of expertise and information on combating terrorism and strengthening individual training and capacity-building in that regard.

3. International Albinism Awareness Day observed on 13th June: The International Albinism Awareness Day is being observed on 13th June with an aim to end multiple forms of discrimination that is faced by people who suffers from albinism. The theme of the 2019 International Albinism Awareness Day is ‘Still Standing Strong’. Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited difference present at birth, and it is still profoundly misunderstood, socially and medically.

4. New app to help students wishing to study in the U.S.: The U.S. Embassy organised its fifth annual ‘Student Visa Day’ and launched ‘EducationUSA India’. It is a mobile application to provide Indian students with “current, comprehensive and accurate information about studying in the U.S.”.It was launched by the Embassy in collaboration with the United States-India Educational Foundation.

5. China appoints Sun Weidong as new envoy to India: China has appointed veteran diplomat Sun Weidong (former envoy to Pakistan) as its new envoy to India. He will succeed Luo Zhaohui, who has been appointed as Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. Currently, Sun Weidong is the Director General of the Policy and Planning Department of the Foreign Ministry.

6. Kassyam-Jomart Tokayev takes oath as the new president of Kazakhstan: The career diplomat Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (66-year) took the oath of office as the new president of Kazakhstan during a ceremony at the Palace of Independence in the capital, Nur-Sultan. He was acting president following the surprise resignation of Nursultan Nazarbayev (78-years) in March 2019. The transition comes amid rising dissent in Kazakhstan.

Note: The President of the Republic of Kazakhstan is the head of state, commander-in-chief and holder of the highest office within the Republic of Kazakhstan.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Kohli is the sole Indian in the list of top-paid athletes: Virat Kohli, ranked 100th, remains the sole Indian in the Forbes list of world’s highest-paid athletes with estimated annual earnings of $25 million. The list is headed by Barcelona and Argentina football superstar Lionel Messi.

2. Indian team for Senior Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships announced: Gymnastics Federation of India (GFI) has announced the Indian teamfor the Senior Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships to be held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (19th to 22nd June 2019). The four men's team comprises Rakesh Kumar Patra, Yogeshwar Singh, Debang Dey and Arik Dey. Pranati Nayak, Shraddha Talekar, Pranati Das and Papiya Das are in the women's team.

3. Indian men's archery team secure Olympic quota for the 2020 Tokyo Games: Indian men's archery team (Tarundeep Rai, Atanu Das and Pravin Jadhav) secured the Olympic quota for the 2020 Tokyo Games. Indian team storming into the quarterfinals of the World Championships with a 5-3 win over Canada in the Netherlands. This is for the first time after 2012-London Olympics that Indian men could secure a team quota.

4. Badminton star Lee Chong Wei retires after cancer battle: Malaysian badminton star Lee Chong Wei (36 years) announced his retirement after Cancer battle. Lee Chong Wei (three-time Olympic silver medallist) was diagnosed with early-stage nose cancer last year but despite intensive treatment in Taiwan. Lee was ranked first as a singles player for 199 consecutive weeks from 2008 to 2012. He collected a swathe of honours but never won a world or Olympic title.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. HCL to roll out “Tech Bee” programme: HCL Technologies is all set to roll out “Tech Bee” programme, a company initiative under which it trains and hires students who have completed XII th standard, across several states. Tech Bee is a HCL’s early career programme in which company provides students an opportunity to start early and become financially independent and trendsetters. Enrolled students are paid stipend of Rs 10,000 per month.

2. Dell has emerged as the most trusted brand in India in 2019: TRA: According to a report released by brand analytics firm TRA Research, “Dell” has emerged as the most trusted brand in India in 2019. With 31% Brand Trust Index (BTI) difference from Dell, auto brand Jeep makes a dramatic entry in the second spot. LIC and Amazon are ranked on the third and fourth spots and Apple iPhone emerged as India’s fifth most trusted brand.

Note: Dell is an American based multinational computer technology company. CEO of Dell: Michael S Dell

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. JNU to confer alumni award to Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and S Jaishankar: Jawaharlal Nehru University will confer the distinguished alumni award to Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Executive Council of the University has approved a proposal in this regard. The two ministers will be awarded during the third convocation of JNU to be held in August this year. Ms. Sitharaman had completed her MA and M Phil degrees while Mr. Jaishankar completed his M Phil and doctoral research form JNU.

Note: S Jaishankar is the current Minister of External Affairs. Nirmala Sitharaman is the Minister of Finance and Minister of Corporate Affairs.

2. Priyanka Chopra to be honoured with a humanitarian award by UNICEF: Priyanka Chopra, a global UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for Child Rights is going to be honoured with Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award by UNICEF at the UNICEF SNOWFLAKE BALL.

Note: UNICEF: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. Headquarter: New York, USA, Founded on 11th Dec 1946

DEFENCE

1. India successfully test fires hypersonic cruise missile: India successfully conducted a first test flight of the indigenously developed Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) from a base off the Odisha coast. The only other countries that possess this technology are the US, Russia, and China. The HSTDV is an unmanned scramjet (allowing supersonic combustion) demonstration vehicle that can cruise up to a speed of Mach 6 (or six times the speed of sound) and rise up to an altitude of 32 km in 20 seconds. It has a range of uses, including missiles of the future, and energy-efficient, low cost and reusable satellite-launch vehicle.

OBITUARIES

1. Veteran journalist Rajanath Singh 'Surya' passes away: Veteran journalist and former Rajya Sabha MP Rajanath Singh ‘Surya’ (82-years) passed away after a brief illness in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. A staunch RSS leader Mr Surya had worked in various newspapers and he was a well-known columnist.

2. Poet, lyricist Pazhavila Ramesan passes away: Poet and lyricist Pazhavila Ramesan passed away. He was 83 years old. He was a recipient of Kerala Sahithya Akademi Award and had also penned songs for films like Asamsakalode, Malooty, Uncle Bun, Vasudha and others.