Daily GK Updates - 19th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. HRD Minister releases UGC guide to the student induction programme: The Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank released the UGC Guide ‘Deeksharambh’ in New Delhi. The guide will help new students to build bonds with fellow students and faculty members in the new environment.

Note: ‘Deeksharambh’ is a guide to Student Induction Programme (SIP) to help new students adjust and feel comfortable in the new environment, inculcate in them the ethos and culture of the institution. To promote Deeksharambh, UGC will shortly conduct awareness and training programmes for teachers in different regions in the country.

2. Lok Sabha passes Finance Bill 2019: The Lok Sabha has passed the Finance Bill, 2019 that will give effect to the proposals of the Central Government for the year 2019-20. The Finance Bill contains tax proposals for the current fiscal. The proposed amendments will promote 'Make in India' and Startups. 

Note: Union Finance Minister of India: Nirmala Sitharaman.

3. BSE, Haryana govt sign pact to facilitate MSMEs raise capital: BSE has inked a pact with Haryana government to encourage and support state's micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to raise capital. The Government of Haryana and BSE intend to facilitate SMEs in raising funds through BSE's dedicated platform for SME's "BSE SME" where small companies can list and raise productive capital, gain visibility and credibility vis-a-vis large corporates.

Note: Capital of Haryana: Chandigarh; Chief Minister: Manohar Lal Khattar; Governor:Satyadev Narayan Arya; Managing Director & CEO of BSE: Ashish Kumar Chauhan.

           

4. Health Ministry signs MoU for enhanced cooperation to end TB by 2025: Union Health Ministry has signed an MoU with Ministries of Ayush, Defence and Railways to strengthen the efforts towards a TB-Free India by 2025. The MoU was signed in the presence of Minister of State for Health Ashwini K Choubey and Minister of AYUSH Shripad Nayak. Around 28 lakh people contract the disease every year in the country and four lakh people die every year.

Note: Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects your lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are spread from one person to another through tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.

5. GeM, SAIL signs pact to set up project management unit: Government eMarketplace and Steel Authority of India has signed an MoU to set up GeM Organizational Transformation Team - Project Management Unit (GOTT-PMU). With this MoU, SAIL has become the first public sector undertaking to establish GOTT PMU for transforming their procurement landscape and increasing their footprint on GeM.

Note: CEO of Government e Marketplace (GeM): Radha Chauhan; Chairman of SAIL: Anil Kumar Chaudhary.

6. Cabinet approves Rs 1,600 cr for Dibang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal: Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved 1,600 crore rupees for Dibang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh. The project is envisaged as a storage-based hydro-electric project with flood moderation as the key objective. This is the largest ever Hydro Electric Projects to be constructed in India with a height of 278 metres, once completed. The Union Cabinet also approved the doubling of a vital railway line connecting Guwahati with New Bongaigaon at a cost of 2,042 crore rupees. The project will be completed by 2022-23 and will be executed by the construction organisation of the Northeast Frontier Railway. It also cleared seven amendments to the insolvency law that seeks to put in place a 330-day deadline for the corporate resolution process.

Note: CM of Arunachal Pradesh: Pema Khandu. Governor: B. D. Mishra.

7. Cabinet extends 15th Finance Commission's term up to 30th Nov: The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the term of Fifteenth Finance Commission up to 30th November this year. It will enable the Commission to examine various comparable estimates for financial projections in view of reforms and the new realities to finalise its recommendations for the period 2020-2025. Cabinet has also approved the proposed amendment to enable Fifteenth Finance Commission to address serious concerns regarding the allocation of adequate, secure and non-lapsable funds for defence and internal security of India.

Note: The Fifteenth Finance Commission was constituted by the President on 27th November 2017. It was to submit its report on the basis of its Terms of Reference by 30th October this year covering a period of five years commencing from 1st April 2020.

8. Garbage Cafe scheme launched in Ambikapur city of Chhattisgarh: The Municipal Corporation of Ambikapur has launched a ‘Garbage Cafe scheme’ (India’s first garbage cafe) at Ambikapur city in Chhattisgarh. Under this scheme, a person fetching a kilo of plastic waste to the garbage cafe will be assured of a full meal. Those collecting at least 500 grams will benefit from a substantial breakfast. Earlier, Ambikapur was ranked second cleanest city in India after Indore.

9. Prakash Javadekar inaugurates 10th Jagran film festival: Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Minister Prakash Javadekar has inaugurated the 10th Jagran Film Festival at Siri Fort Auditorium in New Delhi. He highlighted the importance and impact of cinema on the life of people and termed that it is a medium which connects people. He recalled the historical development of cinema in India and the growing impact of Indian cinema as a transporter of India’s soft power.

Note: Jagran Film Festival (JFF) is perhaps the world's largest travelling film festival rooted in India, conducted since 2010. The festival is a Jagran Prakashan Group initiative aimed at promoting the appreciation of the cinematic art beyond the major metropolitan cities of India to smaller towns.

10. "Kargil: Untold stories from the War" Book released: "Kargil: Untold stories from the War", the book published by Penguin Random House, is authored by Rachna Bisht Rawat. On the 20th anniversary of the Kargil War, a new book will revisit the freezing battle grounds of the 1999 conflict through untold stories of its bravest soldiers.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. European Union fines chipmaker Qualcomm $271 million: European Union has fined US based chipmaker Qualcomm $271 million, accusing it of "predatory pricing" to drive a competitor out of the market. Baseband chipsets are key components of mobile devices which enables it to connect to the internet. Qualcomm sold these products at a price below cost to key customers with the intention of eliminating a competitor.

2. Sri Lanka signs agreement with India to upgrade railway lines: Sri Lanka has signed an agreement with India to upgrade tracks in a key railway segment connecting the north and south at a cost of $ 91.26 million. This is the first time in 100 years that the 130 km-long-tracks, running from Maho town in the North Western Province to Omanthai in the Northern Province, are being upgraded. The contract agreement for concessional financing was signed in Colombo between the Government of Sri Lanka and IRCON International Ltd (India). India has so far upgraded around 300 km of railway track and provided modern signalling & telecommunication system for around 330 km in Sri Lanka.

Note: Chairman & Managing Director, IRCON: Sunil Kumar Choudhury.

3. Ebola outbreak declared global health emergency in DR Congo: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ‘Ebola crisis’ in the Democratic Republic of Congo a public health emergency of international concern. The UN health agency made the announcement days after the virus was confirmed in Goma, a major regional crossroads in north eastern Congo on the Rwandan border. According to Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO director-general), it was time for the world to take notice of the epidemic and called for a redoubling of efforts to battle it back. More than 1,600 people have died since August in the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in history, which is unfolding in a region described as a war zone. This is the fifth such declaration in history.

Note: Ebola virus disease (EVD) or Ebola, is a viral hemorrhagic fever of humans and other primates caused by ebolaviruses. The virus spreads through direct contact with body fluids, such as blood from infected humans or other animals.

4. First, ever use of Indian waterway to transport Cargo from Bhutan to Bangladesh: The first-ever use of an Indian waterway to transport cargo from Bhutan to Bangladesh via India. A shipment of stone aggregates was formally received at Narayangunj by Riva Ganguli Das (Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh) along with Sonam T. Rabgye (Ambassador of Bhutan to Bangladesh). The Indian cargo ship MV AAI carrying stone aggregates from Bhutan arrived in Narayanganj in Bangladesh through the Indo-Bangladesh protocol route.  The stone aggregates were transported by trucks from Phuentsholing in Bhutan which is 160 kms from Dhubri jetty in Assam before being shipped to Bangladesh through the Brahmaputra. The transport of cargo through this route will cut short travel time by 8 to 10 days and reduce transportation cost by 30 per cent. It will also be a more environmentally friendly mode of transport.

5. India permits 1,239 tonnes of raw sugar export to the US: The Union government has permitted the export of 1,239 tonnes raw sugar under its tariff-rate quota (TRQ) to the US, which enables shipments to enjoy relatively low tariff. TRQ is a quota for a volume of exports that enter the US at relatively low tariffs. After the quota is reached, a higher tariff applies to additional imports. Directorate General of Foreign Trade in a public notice said that an additional quantity of 1,239 tonnes of raw cane sugar to be exported to the US under TRQ up to September 30, 2019. The country enjoys duty-free sugar exports to the US for up to 10,000 tonnes annually under preferential quota arrangement.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Sarabjot Singh wins India's ninth gold in ISSF Junior World Cup: In Shooting, India’s Sarabjot Singh (17-year) shot a 239.6 to bag the men's 10 metres air pistol gold medal in ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany. This is India's ninth yellow metal at ISSF Junior World Cup event. Now, India remains on top of the medal standings with nine gold, nine silver and four bronze for a total of 22 medals.

Note: The 2019 ISSF Junior World Cup is the annual edition of the ISSF Junior World Cup, governed by the International Shooting Sport Federation.

2. Inzamam-ul-Haq decides to step down as Pakistan chief selector: Former Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq has decided to step down as Pakistan chief selector. According to Inzamam-ul-Haq, he would not seek an extension or renewal of his contract, which is due to expire by the end of this month. Inzamam came under severe criticism as the chief selector after Pakistan failed to qualify for the knockouts in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup.

3. ICC suspends Zimbabwe Cricket: International Cricket Council has suspended Zimbabwe for failing to ensure there is no government interference in its running of the sport. ICC funding has been withdrawn and the country will be barred from participating at ICC events. Zimbabwe's Test status was suspended by the ICC in June 2004.

Note: ICC Chairman: Shashank Manohar; ICC of Headquarter:Dubai, UAE; The 13th edition of ICC Cricket World Cup will be held in India from February 9 to March 26, 2023.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Bimal Jalan panel report on surplus RBI reserves 'finalised': Bimal Jalan led six-member panel on Economic Capital Framework (ECF), formed by RBI has finalised its report on surplus RBI reserves. The panel has recommended that surplus reserves held by the central bank should be transferred to the government in tranches over three to five years. 

Note: RBI Governor: Shaktikant Das; Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1 April 1935, Kolkata.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. P T Usha nominated for IAAF Veteran Pin: Former Olympic track and field athlete P T Usha has been nominated for the International Association of Athletics Federations Veteran Pin for her ‘long and meritorious service to the cause of World Athletics’. She will receive the pin during the opening ceremony of the 52nd IAAF Congress in Doha.

Note: IAAF CEO: Jon Ridgeon.

2. Sachin Tendulkar inducted into ICC’s Hall of Fame 2019: Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar (46-years) and South African pace legend Allan Donald (52-years) and  Australian woman cricketer Cathryn Fitzpatrick  have been inducted into the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Hall of Fame 2019. Sachin Tendulkar (retired in November 2013) has 34,357 runs across formats and is the only batsman to have 100 international hundreds under his belt. Allan Donald is one of the finest bowlers to have played the game and had 330 Test and 272 ODI wickets to his credit before calling it quits in 2003. Fitzpatrick is the second-highest wicket-taker of all time in women’s cricket with 180 ODI scalps and 60 in Tests.

Note: The ICC Cricket Hall of Fame recognises the achievements of the legends of the game from cricket's long and illustrious history. It was launched by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in Dubai on 2 January 2009, in association with the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations (FICA), as part of the ICC's centenary celebrations; Other Indians on the list are Bishan Singh Bedi, Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid; ICC Chairman: Shashank Manohar, Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

DEFENSE

1.  INS Sagardhwani embarks on mission Sagar Maitri: INS Sagardhwani embarked on a two-month-long Sagar Maitri Mission-2 from Southern Naval Command in Kochi. INS Sagardhwani is an oceanographic research vessel of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Sagar Maitri is a unique initiative of the DRDO to promote closer cooperation in socio-economic aspects as well as greater scientific interaction, especially in ocean research among Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries.

Note: Chief of DRDO: G Satheesh Reddy.

Daily GK Updates - 18th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

           

1.  Cabinet approves setting up of NMC: The Union Cabinet has approved National Medical Commission Bill, 2019. The bill provides for setting up of a National Medical Commission in place of Medical Council of India and repeal the Indian Medical Council Act 1956. The features of the bill include, the Common final year MBBS Exams will be known as National Exit Test (NEXT) which would serve as Licentiate Exam, for entrance to Post Graduate medical course and as screening test of foreign medical graduates.

Note: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare: Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

2. SC forms a panel to frame Emergency Plan to prevent the extinction of Indian birds: The Supreme Court of India has constituted a three-member high powered committee to urgently frame and implement an emergency response plan for the protection of two Indian bird species namely ‘Great Indian Bustard’ and the ‘Lesser Florican’ that are facing extinction at an alarming rate. The 3 Member panel comprising of: Dr Deepak Apte – Director of Bombay Natural History Society. Dr Dhananjai Mohan – Chief Conservator of Forests of Uttarakhand. Dr Asad R Rahmani – Former Director of Bombay Natural History Society.

Note: The Supreme court also sought responses from the Centre and State governments, where these two species of birds are prominently found, on a plea of wildlife activists.

3. Uttarakhand to host first ever Himalayan states conclave: Uttarakhand will host the first ever Himalayan states conclave here on July 28 where the prime focus will be on sustainable development. The conclave will host the Chief Ministers of the Himalayan states - Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura, Mizoram and Nagaland, along with administrators and specialists.

Note: Uttarakhand CM: Trivendra Singh Rawat, Governor: Baby Rani Maurya, Capital: Dehradun

4. Internet Saathi' programme to be expanded to Punjab, Odisha: Google India and Tata Trusts initiative is aimed at facilitating digital literacy among women in rural India named "Internet Saathi". This initiative will be expanded to villages in Punjab and Odisha. This programme has now reached 2.6 lakh villages in 20 states. In Punjab, the programme will cover around 5,000 villages. In Odisha, it will cover over 16,000 villages.

Note: Chief of "Internet Saath" Google India: Neha Barjatya.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Palau Becomes 76th Country to Join ISA: Palau, an archipelago of over 500 islands in Oceania, became the 76th signatory countryto join the International Solar Alliance. The International Solar Alliance is a group of 121 solar resource-rich countries with headquarters in Gurugram, India.  The organisation aims to deploy over 1,000 gigawatts of solar energy and mobilise more than USD 1,000 billion into solar power by 2030, according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Note: Capital of Palau: Ngerulmud; Currency of Palau: U.S. Dollar.

2. The UK expands its Go Global programme to India to boost startups: The UK government has expanded its Go Global initiative to India with the aim of giving Indian Startups the most innovative and cutting-edge start-ups the skills they need to grow their business. This will also help the startups in India to build links with the UK’s digital sector and will pave the way for future economic partnerships.

Note: Go Global programme is an innovative scheme supporting start-ups to work with UK expertise to take their firms to the next level.

3. Nelson Mandela International Day: 18 July: The United Nations observes 18 July every year as Nelson Mandela International Day.  The day acknowledges the Nelson Mandela's contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world. Nelson Mandela Day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change.

Note: Headquarters of United Nations: New York, USA; Founded: 24 October 1945. Mr Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. ISSF Junior World Cup: Anish Bhanwala claims gold medal in 25m rapid fire pistol: Indian shooters Anish Bhanwala claimed the gold medal in 25m rapid fire pistol competition at ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany. India has so far won eight gold, seven silver and three bronze medals in the tournament. Indian shooters, Adarsh Singh came fourth with a score of 17.

Note: The 2019 ISSF Junior World Cup is the annual edition of the ISSF Junior World Cup, governed by the International Shooting Sport Federation.

2. Athletics: Hima Das wins fourth gold in 15 days: Star Indian sprinter Hima Das (19-years) has won a gold medal in the 200m race at the Tabor Athletics Meet in the Czech Republic. Hima won the race in 23.25 seconds, which had a mediocre field with most of the competitors representing clubs of the Czech Republic. Hima's compatriot VK Vismaya was second with a season of best 23.43 seconds. This was Hima's fourth gold since July 2 when she ran her first competitive race in Europe. In men's 400m, Muhammad Anas won in 45.40 seconds, while compatriots Tom Noah Nirmal came second with a season-best effort of 46.59 seconds.

3. Deepika Kumari clinches silver at 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games test event: India's top-ranked woman archer ‘Deepika Kumari’ clinched silver medal at the ‘2020 Tokyo Olympic Games test event’. This was Deepika's first individual final in a world event since she won a gold at the third stage of the World Cup in Salt Lake City in June last year. In the men's category, India had a forgettable outing with country's top-ranked Atanu Das making a second-round exit, losing to Bae Jaehyeon of Korea 4-6.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Andhra Bank launches AI chatbot in Telangana: Andhra Bank MD & CE0 J Packirisamy has launched an Artificial Intelligence interactive assistant chatbot named ‘ABHi’ (www.andhrabank.in). Customers can connect and know details from 'ABHi' through website www.andhrabank.in over Mobile/Desktop browser, Facebook Messenger and over voice using Google Assistant. With ABHi, customers will be able to get the information instantaneously 24x7. The Bank's AI-powered chatbot-ABHi uses latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithm to understand the customer query and fetch the relevant information from the possible knowledge base in a matter of milliseconds.

2. ADB cuts India’s GDP growth rate from 7.2% to 7% for FY20: Asian Development Bank lowered India's GDP growth rate from 7.2% to 7% for the current fiscal year. India is expected to grow by 7% in 2019 and 7.2% in 2020, slightly slower than projected in April, ADB said in its supplement to the Asian Development Outlook 2019.

Note:  President of ADB Bank: Takehiko Nakao;  HQ of ADB Bank: Manila, Philippines.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. L&T Infotech acquires AI firm Lymbyc for Rs 38 crore: Larsen & Toubro Infotech Ltd acquires AI firm Lymbyc for Rs 38 crore. Lymbyc’s expertise in data discovery, agile analytics and ability to process large data sets, will enhance LTI’s Mosaic platform to provide differentiated analytics solutions. Lymbyc  is a Bengaluru-headquartered company known for its capabilities in analytics and data sciences space.

Note: CEO of Larsen & Toubro Infotech Ltd: Sanjay Jalona; CEO of Lymbyc: Satyakam Mohanty.

2. Ebix acquires Yatra Online in $337.8 million: US company, Ebix has announced the acquisition of travel portal Yatra Online for $337.8 million. Now, Yatra has become the part of Ebix’s EbixCash travel portfolio, forming India’s one of the “largest and most profitable” travel services companies. Yatra will continue to serve customers under its brand, alongside EbixCash’s two other travel brands 'Via' and 'Mercury'. Ebix is a provider of on-demand software and e-commerce services.

Note: CEO of Yatra Online: Dhruv Shringi; CEO of Ebix: Robin Raina.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Govt's ''Find the Incredible You'' campaign wins PATA award: The "Find the Incredible You" campaign of the Tourism Ministry has won the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Gold Award, 2019. The campaign focuses on digital and social media and the promotion of niche tourism products of the country. The campaign won the award under the "Marketing - Primary Government Destination" category. According to an official release, this year's awards attracted 198 entries from 78 organisations and individuals worldwide. As part of the 2.0 campaign, five new television commercials were produced by the ministry, which was aired globally on television and social media. To take the campaigns to the next level, the 'Incredible India 2.0'campaign was launched in September 2017. The campaign strategy was to shift the focus from the external experience of tourist destinations to the internal experience of travellers themselves.

Note: PATA Gold Awards are given to tourism industry organizations and individuals making an outstanding contribution towards the successful promotion of the travel industry throughout the Asia Pacific Region.

Daily GK Updates - 17th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Govt to increase coal production to one billion tone by 2022-23: GoI plan to increase the total production of coal in the country to 1 billion tone by 2022-23. Coal minister said that the gap between demand and supply of coalcannot be bridged completely as there is insufficient domestic availability of coking coal.

Note: Union Coal Minister of India: Prahlad Joshi.

2. Rajya Sabha passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019: The Rajya Sabha passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2019. The Bill aims the establishment of a Central University and Tribal University in Andhra Pradesh. The total outlay for the Central University project is Rs 902.07 crore and for Tribal University is Rs 836 crore. 

Note: Union HRD Minister of India: Ramesh Pokhriyal; Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh: Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy;Governor: E.S.L. Narasimhan.

3. Health Ministry to launch a "Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan" in Delhi: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will launch a Jan Jagrukta Abhiyaan in Delhi to accelerate measures for prevention and control of Vector Borne Diseases like Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya. It will start from 17th to 19th July, 2019 in Delhi through active involvement of people’s representatives, officers from Government of India, Government of NCT Delhi, all three Delhi Municipal Corporations, New Delhi Municipal Council, Railways and Cantonment board and other stakeholders to combat malaria, dengue and chikungunya.

Note: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare: Dr Harsh Vardhan.

4. National Digital Health Blueprint released: Union Health Minister released National Digital Health Blueprint, bringing in the National Digital Health Eco-system that can ensure the availability of healthcare services on a wider scale. The objective is to establish state-of-the-art digital health systems, for managing the core digital health data, the infrastructure required for its seamless exchange.

Note: Union Health Minister of India: Dr Harsh Vardhan.

5. President appoints Governors for Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh: President Ramnath Kovind has appointed BJP senior leader Biswa Bhushan Harichandran (84-years) as Andhra Pradesh governor. He replaced ESL Narasimhan, serving as the governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Senior tribal BJP leader Anusuiya Uikey as Governor of Chhattisgarh. Anusuiya Uikey has replaced Anandiben Patel, who as Governor of Madhya Pradesh was also holding the charge of Chhattisgarh.

6. Maharashtra govt hikes compensation for kin of Jawans killed in the line of duty: Maharashtra state cabinet headed by CM Devendra Fadnavis has decided to increase the compensation from 25 lakh to one crore rupees for families of security personnel hailing from the state who lay down their lives in the line of duty. A cabinet note stated that personnel wounded in a conflict will get monetary compensations ranging from 20 lakh to 60 lakh rupees each, depending on the severity of their injury.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India, Italy to set up a fast-track mechanism to facilitate investment: India and Italy have decided to set up a fast track mechanism to facilitate investors and companies. The meeting was attended by Lorenzo Angeloni (Ambassador of Italy to India) and Ramesh Abhishek (Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)) in New Delhi. The fast-track system in Italy aims to identify and solve problems faced by Indian companies and investors.

Note: DIPP HQ: New Delhi; DIPP Established in: 1995.

2. China gifts warship 'P625' to Sri Lanka: China has gifted warship 'P625' to Sri Lanka. As a new member of the Lankan Navy, the 'P625' frigate will be mainly used for offshore patrol, environment monitoring and anti-piracy combats. The Type 053 frigate was commissioned into China's People's Liberation Army Navy in 1994 as the Tongling.

Note: China Capital: Beijing, Currency: Renminbi; Sri Lanka Capital: Colombo, Currency: Sri Lankan rupee.

3. European Commission elects first female president: German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen (60-years) has been elected as the European Commission's first female president. Leyen's nomination was approved by 383 votes (required 374), at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Von der Leyen was nominated to become the first woman in Brussels' top job last month by the leaders of the bloc's 28 member states, to the annoyance of many MEPs.

Note: The President of the European Commission is the head of the European Commission, the executive branch of the European Union. The President of the Commission leads a cabinet of Commissioners, referred to as the college, collectively accountable to the European Parliament.

4. 13th Meeting of India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee: 13th meeting of the India-UK Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) was held in London. Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways and Secretary of State for International Trade of the UKparticipated in the meeting. The 14th meeting of the JETCO would take place in New Delhi in 2020.

Note: Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways: Piyush Goyal; Secretary of State for International Trade of the UK: Liam Fox.

5. India, Uzbekistan exchange views on combating terror financing: The 8th meeting of India-Uzbekistan Joint Working Group onCounter-Terrorism was held in New Delhi. The Joint Working Group reviewed threats posed by terrorist groups worldwide and in their respective regions including cross border terrorism. The meeting was co-chaired by Mahaveer Singhvi, the Ministry of External Affairs' Joint Secretary for Counter-Terrorism and Ambassador Farhod Azriev of Uzbekistan.

6. Christine Lagarde resigns as managing director of IMF: International Monetary Fund (IMF) managing director Christine Lagarde has resigned ahead of a decision on her nomination to become head of the European Central Bank (ECB). Her resignation has been accepted by the IMF Executive Board, which will come into effect from 12 September. If the European Council approves Ms Lagarde's ECB nomination, she will become the central bank's first-ever female leader, responsible for the Euro and the monetary policy of the eurozone. The former French cabinet minister has been heading the IMF since 2011.

Note: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international organization, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It consists of 189 countries working to foster global monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

7. World Day for International Justice: 17 July: World Day for International Justice (or International Criminal Justice Day) is being observed globally on 17th July every year to recognise the strengthening system of international justice. The day (17th - July) was chosen because it is the anniversary of the adoption of the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the International Criminal Court.

Note: On 1 June 2010, at the Review Conference of the Rome Statute held in Kampala (Uganda), the Assembly of State Parties decided to celebrate 17 July as the Day of International Criminal Justice

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Anahat Singh, Neel Joshi claimed titles at Dutch Junior Open tournament: Anahat won the girls’ U13 title while Joshi won the boys’ U17 title. Two Indian players managed to win the titles on the final day of the Dutch Junior Open squash tournament in Amsterdam (Netherlands).

Note: Capital of Netherlands: Amsterdam; Currency of Netherlands: Euro.

2. India will host ISSF World Cup 2020: International Shooting Sport Federation approved India's application to host the ISSF World Cup stages. World Cup will be held in New Delhi from March 15 to 26, 2020. The last edition of ISSF World Cup was held in Munich, Germany.

Note: President of ISSF: Vladimir Lisin.

3. 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis C'ship begins: Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal  inaugurated the 21st edition of Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship at the Jawaharlal Indoor Stadium in Cuttack, Odisha. The event will witness the top players from India, Australia, England, Malaysia, Scotland and Singapore among other nations competing for coveted titles. Ghana, Guyana and Pakistan pulled out of the 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships.

Note: Chief Minister of Odisha: Naveen Patnaik; Governor: Ganeshi Lal.

4. Vijayveer wins his 3rd gold at ISSF Junior Shooting World Cup:  Vijayveer Sidhu picked up his third gold medal of the ongoing ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, combining with Rajkanwar Singh Sandhu and Adarsh Singh to clinch the men's 25m pistol.  For Adarsh, it was his second gold of the competition. India maintained its top spot at the medal standings after day three with 7 gold 7 Silver and 2 Bronze in a total of 16 medals won so far. China is second with 5 Gold 3 Silver and 5 bronze. 

Note: National Rifles Association of India President: Shri Raninder Singh.

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

1. Broadband Readiness Index for Indian States and Union Territories: The Department of Telecom (DoT) and the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) signed a MoU to develop a Broadband Readiness Index (BRI) for Indian States andUnion Territories (UT).  The first estimate will be made in 2019 and subsequently every year until 2022.

2. Coca cola appoints Sarvita Sethi in M&A role: Global beverages major Coco-Cola announced top level changes in its india and southwest asia unit with the appointment of Sarvita Sethi as Vice president, M&A and New Ventures and Harsh Bhutani as Vice-president finance (CFO).

Note: Coca-Cola President and COO: Brian Smith. Coca-Cola HQ: Atlanta, Georgia, United States.

3. U.S. sets $5 bn fine for Facebook: U.S.'s Federal Trade Commission have approved a $5 billion penalty to be levied on Facebook. The penalty has been approved to settle a probe into the social network’s privacy and data protection lapses. It would be the largest penalty ever imposed by the FTC for privacy violations.

Note: Facebook Headquarters: California, US; CEO: Mark Zuckerberg; US President: Donald Trump; Capital: Washington, D.C; Currency: US Dollar.

4. OYO Hotels & Homes acquires co-working firm Innov8: OYO Hotels & Homes has formally announced its acquisition of co-working venture Innov8. OYO will operate the firm Innov8 as an independent brand, and alongside its existing co-working operations.

Note: CEO of OYO: Ritesh Agarwal; Founder of Innov8: Ritesh Malik.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. The Sangeet Natak Akademi announces winners for 2018: The 44 artists were selected from the field of Music, Dance, Theatre, Traditional, Folk, Tribal Music, Dance, Theatre, Puppetry and Overall contribution or scholarship in the Performing Arts for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for the year 2018. Zakhir Hussain (Tabla Maestro), Sonal Mansingh (dancer), Jatin Goswami (dancer and choreographer) and K Kalyanasundaram Pillai (Bharatnatyam exponent) have been selected in the Akademi Ratna category.

Diwan Singh Bajeli and Puru Dadhich have been selected for the Akademi Award 2018 in the field of Overall Contribution/Scholarship in the Performing Arts.

The artistes include, Mani Prasad (Hindustani Vocal), Tarun Bhattacharya (for Hindustani Instrumental-Santoor), Radha Sridhar (for Bharatanatyam), Akham Lakshmi Devi (for Manipuri), Rajiv Naik (for Playwriting) and Malini Awasthi (in Folk Music).

Note: The Sangeet Natak Akademi (since 1952) is an Autonomous Body under the Ministry of Culture.

The honour of Akademi Fellow carries purse money of Rs.3,00,000 and Akademi Award carries Rs 1,00,000 besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.

2. Rohan Bopanna and Smriti Mandhana got Arjuna Award: Sports and Youth Affairs Minister conferred Arjuna Awards to Rohan Bopanna (tennis player) and Smriti Mandhana (Women cricketer). Rohan Bopanna had won the Gold medal in tennis men’s double category in Asian Games 2018. Smriti Mandhana was the ICC women’s player of the year 2018. The award carries a cash prize of 500,000, a bronze statue of Arjuna and a scroll.

Note: The Arjuna Awards (started in 1961) are given by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India to recognize outstanding achievement in sports.

3. Indian entries bag six awards at SAARC Film Festival:  Director Kaushik Ganguly's Bengali film 'Nagarkirtan', has won 4 awards in SAARC film festival. The movie was honoured with 'Best Feature Film', 'Best Director', 'Best Actor' and 'Best Original Score' awards. Two other Indian films have won awards at the fest,'Na Bole Wo Haram', a 20-minute film by debutant director Nitish Patankar, bagged the 'Best Short Film' award, while 'Walking With the Wind' by Praveen Morchhale received the Special Jury award for direction and story.

Defense

1. Israel Aerospace signs $50 million deal with Indian navy: Israel Aerospace signs $50 million follow-up deal with Indian navy. Under the deal, Israel Aerospace Industries will provide complementary missile systems to the Indian navy and India's MDL Shipyard. The agreement also involves a range of maintenance and other services for sub-systems of Israel Aerospace's naval medium range surface-to-air missile.

Obituaries

1. Raja Dhale co-founder of Dalit Panther passes away: Raja Dhale, one of the founders of the radical outfit Dalit Panther passed away.  Mr. Dhale along with others in 1972 founded Dalit Panther, a youth-based organisation inspired by the Black Panther outfit of African Americans in the US, with an aim to raise the voice of Dalits more aggressively in the State.

2. 1971 war hero Lt Gen Gharaya passes away: Retired Lt Gen Joginder Singh Gharaya, who was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in the 1971 Indo-Pak war and Kirti Chakra in the 1947 Hyderabad operations, passed away. Lt Gen Joginder Singh Gharaya was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment in 1945 and commanded a brigade in the Jessore Sector on the eastern front during the 1971 war.

3. Lt Gen Jacob (1971 war hero) passes away: Lt Gen J F R Jacob (92-years) passed away after a prolonged illness. Lt Gen J F R Jacob (Retd) negotiated the surrender of Pakistani troops in Dhaka following the 1971 war and the liberation of Bangladesh. Jacob, then a Major General, served as the Chief of Staff of the Indian Army's Eastern Command during the war. Jacob joined the army at the age of 19 and also fought in World War II and the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 before he retired in 1978. Post-retirement, he also served as the Governor of the west Indian state of Goa and north Indian state of Punjab.

Daily GK Updates - 16th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. ‘LaQshya’ to improve quality of care in the labour room, maternity Ots: The Union Government has launched “LaQshya” (Labour room Quality improvement Initiative) to improve the quality of care in the labour room and maternity operation theatres. It’s a multipronged approach focused on Intrapartum and the immediate postpartum period. The initiative primarily focuses on reducing preventable maternal and new-born mortality and morbidity due to haemorrhage retained placenta, preterm, preeclampsia and eclampsia, obstructed labour, puerperal sepsis, newborn asphyxia, and newborn sepsis.

2. Hrithik Roshan-starrer Super 30 made tax-free in Bihar: Vikas Bahl's ‘Super 30’ has been made tax-free in Bihar by the state government. The state's Deputy Chief Minister Sushil  Kumar Modi announced no entertainment tax will be levied from the film in Bihar. ‘Super 30’ is based on the life of Patna-based mathematician and teacher Anand Kumar. The teacher runs a coaching programme called Super 30 for underprivileged students to prepare them for IIT entrance exams. The film was released on 12th July 2019.

Note: If a movie is declared tax free it means the state has waived off the entertainment tax (similar to VAT or service tax) levied by the state governments.  The movie halls/producers collect the tax from moviegoers and pay it government.

3. ECI Appoints Sh B Murli Kumar as Special Expenditure Observer for Election to 8 – Vellore PC, Tamil Nadu: The Election Commission of India has appointed Ex- DG IT Chennai Sh B Murli Kumar (ex IRS – 1983) as Special Expenditure Observer for 8-Vellore Parliamentary Constituency that goes to polls now on 5th August 2019. It may be recalled that on 14th April 2019, the Commission had made a recommendation to the Hon’ble President of India, under Article 324 of the Constitution read with Section 21 of the General Clauses Act, 1897, to rescind the Election to 8-Vellore Parliamentary Constituency, Tamil Nadu.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Thailand’s new Cabinet sworn in, ending rule by army junta: Thailand’s new Cabinet has been sworn in, creating a nominally elected government after five years of military rule but keeping power in the hands of the same allies of the army. Prayuth Chan-ocha, who as army commander seized power in a 2014 coup and then served as junta leader and Prime Minister, returns to serve again as Prime Minister. This time he was elected by a parliamentary vote after a March general election gave pro-military parties a majority. The election was held according to laws enacted by Prayuth’s junta aimed at disadvantaging established political parties.

Note: Thailand Capital: Bangkok, Currency: Thai baht

2. Former SC Justice AK Sikri Appointed As International Judge Of Singapore International Commercial Court: The former Supreme Court Justice AK Sikri has been appointed as an international judge of the prestigious Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC). Sikri has been appointed to the post from 1 August this year by the President of the Republic of Singapore. The former SC judge’s term will expire on 4 January 2021.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Amir Khan wins WBC international welterweight title: Olympic silver medallist Amir Khan clinched the WBC international welterweight title. He knocked out Australian Billy Dib in the fourth round of his bout in the inaugural Super Boxing League held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is a British professional boxer who was also Britain’s youngest boxer to win a silver medal in the lightweight division at the 2004 Olympics at the age of 17.

2. Sharath Kamal voted IOC Sportsperson of the Year: Sharath Kamal was voted the Sportsperson of the Year in the annual Indian Oil Sports Conclave at an impressive function in New Delhi. The other nominees were cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, Grandmaster B Adhiban, hockey player Simranjeet Singh and table tennis player Manika Batra. Sharath Kamal is a professional table tennis player from Tamil Nadu, India. Recently he received the fourth highest civilian award, Padma Shri.

Note: Sharath Kamal is the first Indian table tennis player ever to become nine times Senior National Champion hence breaking the record of Kamlesh Mehta (eight times National Champion).  

3. Kiran More appointed interim USA Cricket Coach: Former India wicketkeeper-batsman ‘Kiran More’ (56-years) has been appointed the interim coach of the senior USA cricket team. He will replace the head coach Pubudu Dassanayake (resigned in July 2019). The USA Cricket has also appointed Sunil Joshi (former India spinner) as spin bowling advisor, and Pravin Amre and Kieran Powell as advisors for the batting department. Earlier, Kiran More (played for India in 49 Tests and 94 ODIs) had served as the chairman of the Indian selection committee and the wicketkeeping-consultant of Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

4. India bags 2 Gold medals at ISSF Junior World Cup in Germany: India bagged two Gold and one Silver medal in the Women’s 10-meter Air Rifle event at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany. In the Individual section of the category, Elavenil Valarivan claimed the top honours with a total score of 251.6, while another Indian Mehuli Ghosh settled for a Silver with 250.2 points. India also clinched a Gold in the team section by creating a junior world record. The effort ensured that India remain at the top of the medals tally with 14 medals, six Gold, six Silver and two Bronze. China is second with two Gold and a total of six medals.

5. Hima Das wins third gold in less than 2 weeks: Hima Das won the women’s 200m event for her third international triumph in less than two weeks at the Kladno Athletics Meet in Czech Republic. Hima clocked a much improved time of 23.43 seconds to win the gold. She has a personal best of 23.10 sec in 200m. This was her third international gold in 11 days. In her first competitive 200m race of the year, the 19-year-old Assam runner had clocked 23.65 seconds on her way to gold at the Poznan Athletics Grand Prix in Poland on July 2. After that, she won her second 200m gold at the Kutno Athletics Meet, also in Poland, on July 7 with a time of 23.97 seconds.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBI fines Union Bank and SBI for flouting norms:  The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has penalised State Bank of India (SBI) and Union Bank of India for violating certain regulatory guidelines. SBI was fined Rs. 7 crores for non-compliance with the directions issued by the RBI on Income Recognition and Asset Classification (IRAC) norms, code of conduct for opening and operating current accounts and reporting of data on Central Repository of Information on Large Credits (CRILC), and fraud risk management and classification and reporting of frauds. The central bank also imposed a Rs 10 lakh fine on Union Bank of India for non-compliance with the directions on the cybersecurity framework in banks. According to RBI, the statutory inspection of the bank with reference to its financial position as on 31th, March 2017 revealed that the lender had violated those norms.

2. HDFC Bank, CSC launch credit card for village entrepreneurs and small traders: HDFC Bank and Common Services Centres (CSCs) on Tuesday launched a co-branded ‘Small Business Money Back Credit Card’ for small traders and village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs). The credit card is specifically designed for VLEs and VLE-sourced customers. It would give users easy access to credit for their day-to-day business expenses, according to a statement. The card was launched by HDFC Bank MD Aditya Puri and CSC Chief Dinesh Kumar Tyagi. Personalised cards were handed out to a few women entrepreneurs during the occasion. CSCs act as access points for delivery of various services and there are 3.6 lakh such centres operating across the country. Note: HDFC BANK CEO/MD: Aditya Puri, Headquarters: Mumbai, Founded: August 1994, India

OBITUARIES

1. Boxing legend ‘Sweet Pea’ Whitaker passes away: Former Olympic boxing gold medallist and four-weight World Champion ‘Pernell Whitaker’ (55-years) passed away after he was hit by a vehicle in Virginia. Pernell Whitaker won world titles at lightweight, light welterweight, welterweight and light middleweight. He enjoyed a successful professional career after winning gold as a lightweight at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Whitaker retired from fighting in 2001 and worked as a trainer. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007.

2. Computer password inventor Fernando Corbato, dies aged 93: Computer pioneer Fernando Corbato, who first used passwords to protect user accounts, has died aged 93. Dr Corbato introduced the basic security measure while developing methods that let more people use a computer at the same time. He developed a technique, called time-sharing, that divided up the processing power of a computer so it could serve more than one person at once.

Daily GK Updates - 15th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Over 30 lakh persons enrolled under "PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme": Under "Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme", total 30,85,205 persons have been enrolled. This voluntary and contributory pension scheme is  benefited for unorganized workers. Under this scheme assures the minimum monthly pension of 3000 rupees to the beneficiaries after attaining the age of 60 years.

Note: Union Labour and Employment Minister: Santosh Kumar Gangwar.

2. Kalraj Mishra appointed Himachal Pradesh Governor: President Ram Nath Kovind has appointed Kalraj Mishra as the Governor of Himachal Pradesh. Acharya Devvrat has been transferred from Himachal Pradesh and appointed as the governor of Gujarat. 

Note: CM of Gujarat : Vijay Rupani; CM of Himachal Pradesh: Jai Ram Thakur.

3. Chandrakant Kavlekar to be the new Deputy CM of Goa: Chandrakant Kavlekar to be the new Deputy Chief Minister of Goa. He will replace Vijai Sardesai as the deputy chief minister of Goa.

Note: Chief Minister of Goa: Pramod Sawant; Governor: Mridula Sinha.

4. Navjot Singh Sidhu resigns as Punjab Cabinet Minister: Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu (56-years) has resigned from Punjab Cabinet. According to Navjot Singh Sidhu, he sent his resignation to Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi on 10th June and would send it to Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh also. Mr Sidhu had been sulking after being stripped of key portfolios in the Punjab cabinet reshuffle in June.

On 6th June 2019, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had divested Sidhu of the Local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the power and new and renewable energy portfolio.

5. Goa cabinet reshuffled; four BJP ministers inducted: The Goa cabinet was reshuffled with the induction of four BJP ministers Michael Lobo, Chandrakant Kavlekar, Jennifer Monserratte and Philip Nery Rodrigues. Governor Mridula Sinha administered the oath of office and secrecy to the new ministers at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula near Panaji. Earlier today, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant dropped ministers Vijai Sardesai, Vinod Palyenkar, Jayesh Salgaonkar and Rohan Khaunte before inducting four new BJP ministers. Deputy Speaker of Goa Legislative assembly Michael Lobo resigned before taking oath as a minister. On Wednesday, 10 of the total 15 Congress MLAs in the Goa legislative assembly had split to merge with the BJP.

Note: The 40-member Goa assembly currently has 27 BJP legislators, five Congress MLAs, three each from Goa Forward Party and independents, and one each from Nationalist Congress Party and Maharasthrawadi Gomantak Party.

6. Chandrayaan-2 launch called off due to technical snag: ISRO: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has called off the launch of India's second mission to Moon ‘Chandrayaan-2’ onboard GSLV MkIII-M1 due to a technical snag. The countdown for the launch scheduled for 2.51 AM was stopped 56 minutes and 24 seconds before lift-off following the announcement from the Mission Control Centre. ISRO Associate Director (Public Relations), BR Guruprasad, revised launch date will be announced later. The lift-off of the three-component spacecraft comprising an orbiter, the lander and the rover was scheduled from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Note: The Chandrayaan-2 was supposed to explore the uncharted lunar south pole, 11 years after ISRO's successful first lunar mission - Chandrayaan-1. Chandrayaan-2 onboard the heavy-lift rocket Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle GSLV-MkIII-M1 (nicknamed Baahubali) would have taken 54 days to accomplish the task of landing on the Moon. Chandrayaan-2 would make India the fourth country to soft-land a rover on the lunar surface after Russia, the US and China.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 2nd formal discussion on holy Gurdwara of Kartarpur Sahib: 2nd formal discussion on holy Gurdwara of Kartarpur Sahib between India and Pakistan was held in Wagah. Agreements made in the discussion were: Pakistan agreed to allow visa-free travel for the Indian passport holders and Overseas Citizenship of India card holders seven days a week. 5,000 pilgrims will be allowed to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara per day throughout the year. The pilgrims will be allowed to travel as individuals or in groups and also on foot.

Note: Pakistan Capital: Islamabad; PM: Imran Khan; President: Arif Alvi.

2. France celebrates 14th july as its "National day": The French government marked the national day on July 14th. The day is also known as Bastille Day. This is the 230th anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison which took place in Paris on 14 July 1789. Armed forces from France and allied countries will march, drive, ride and fly over the central Champs Elysee.

Note: President of France: Emmanuel Macron; Capital of France: Paris; Currency of France: Euro, CFP Franc.

3. World Youth Skills Day: 15th July: The United Nations observes 15 July every year as World Youth Skills Day. This year the UN’s observance of the World Youth Skills Day will shed light on the mechanisms needed to operationalize lifelong learning and raise awareness about the importance of youth skills development.

Note: Headquarters of United Nations: New York, USA; Founded: 24 October 1945; Secretary General of the United Nations: Antonio Guterres.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Kiran More appointed USA cricket team's interim coach: Former India wicket keeper-batsman Kiran More will take charge as the interim coach of the senior USA cricket team. He will replace the head coach Pubudu Dassanayake. Kiran More was also appointed as the USA's director of cricket in June 2019.

2. Sreeshankar wins gold at Tatyana Kolpakova International Athletics: M. Sreeshankar has won the long jump gold at the Tatyana Kolpakova International athletics. The tournament was held in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan).

Note: Capital of Kyrgyzstan: Bishkek; Currency of Kyrgyzstan: Kyrgyzstani Som.

3. India wins three gold medals in Yasar Dogu Ranking series: India has secured three Gold Medals in the Yasar Dogu Ranking series wrestling tournament being held in Turkey. Rahul Awaare (in 61 Kg), Seema Bisla( in 50 Kg) and Manju Kumari (in 59 Kg) categories clinched the yellow metal. Utkarsh Kale secured a Bronze in 61 Kg category. Commonwealth and Asian Gold medal winner Vinesh Fogat in 53 kg category and Dipak in 86 kg competition have stormed into the finals. Sumit, Vicky and Sonba Tanaji will compete for the bronze medal.

4. Pardeep Singh creates new Commonwealth record in the clean & jerk category: Pardeep Singh has created a new Commonwealth record in the clean and jerk category on the way to a gold medal as Indian weightlifters continued their impressive run on the Commonwealth Championships in Apia (Samoa). Pardeep smashed the record in the clean and jerk event by lifting 202 kg.  His earlier successful attempt of 148 kg took his total to 350 kg. Two-time Commonwealth Games medallist Vikas Thakur clinched the silver medal in the men's 96 kg event, lifted a total of 338 kg (153kg&185kg). India ended their campaign with a rich tally of 35 medals in the youth, junior and senior categories, breaking numerous national, Commonwealth, world and Asian records.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Retail inflation increases marginally to 3.18 pc in June: As per the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation data, Retail inflation increased marginally to 3.18% in June this year over the previous month, mainly due to the rise in food prices. The retail inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) stood at 3.05 per cent (in May) and 4.92 per cent (in June) last year. As per the CPI data released by the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the food inflation was 2.17% in June this year, up from 1.83 per cent in the preceding month.

Note: Inflation is a quantitative measure of the rate at which the average price level of a basket of selected goods and services in an economy increases over a period of time. It is the constant rise in the general level of prices where a unit of currency buys less than it did in prior periods.

OBITUARIES

1. Bangladesh ex-dictator H.M. Ershad passes away: Bangladesh’s former military dictator H.M. Ershad passed away. He became the president of Bangladesh in December 1983 and ruled the country till 1990. Note: Bangladesh Capital: Dhaka, Currency: Taka, Prime Minister: Sheikh Hasina.