Daily GK Updates - 21st July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Chandrayaan-2 moon mission to take off on July 22 at 2.43 pm: ISRO: India’s second mission to the Moon ‘Chandrayaan-2’ will now lift off at 2.43 pm on July 22 with scientists resolving the technical glitch in GSLV-MkIII-M1 rocket that led to the aborting of the launch three days ago. Chandrayaan-2 was originally scheduled to take off in the first week of January but was rescheduled for 2.50 am on July 15. It was again postponed after a technical snag was observed in the rocket GSLV Mk-III, which is the most powerful and heaviest rocket of Isro.

Note: ISRO Headquarters: Bengaluru, Founder: Vikram Sarabhai, Founded: 15 August 1969

2. Kerala to set up India’s first space tech park in Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government will set up the country’s first space tech park at Thiruvananthapuram’s Knowledge City. The move is aimed at making the city a manufacturing hub for space-related technology. A space museum named after former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam will also be a part of the infrastructure. The state government has issued orders to allot the land required for the facility. This will be an added attraction. The entire investment will be made by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a major space research centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Note: Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram, Chief minister: Pinarayi Vijayan

3. Amit Shah to head panel on Air India sale: Home Minister Amit Shah will head a reconstituted group of ministers (GoM) on Air India disinvestment and Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has been dropped from the panel, sources said. The panel, which is to work out modalities for the sale of Air India, will now have four Ministers: Mr. Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Railway Minister Piyush Goyal and Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Note: The panel: Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism (AISAM) was first set up in June 2017.

4. Anandiben Patel Replaces Ram Naik as UP Governor, 5 Others Transferred: In a major rejig, Madhya Pradesh Governor and former Chief Minister of Gujarat Anandiben Patel has been transferred and appointed as the new Governor of Uttar Pradesh after the Centre appointed six new Governors in MP, UP, West Bengal, Bihar, Nagaland and Tripura. Senior Supreme Court advocate Jagdeep Dhankhar was appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal, replacing Keshari Nath Tripathi. BJP member Ramesh Bais has been appointed as the Governor of Tripura, replacing Kaptan Singh Solanki. Lal Ji Tandon, who is at present the Governor of Bihar, has been transferred and appointed as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh. Tandon replaces Anandiben who has now got the charge of Uttar Pradesh, while Phagu Chauhan has been appointed as the Governor of Bihar and RN Ravi has been appointed as the Governor of Nagaland.

State	New Governors
Madhya Pradesh	Lal Ji Tandon
Uttar Pradesh	Anandi Ben Patel
Bihar	Phagu Chauhan
West Bengal	Jagdeep Dhankhar
Tripura	Ramesh Bais
Nagaland	RN Ravi
Andhra Pradesh	Biswa Bushan
Chhattisgarh	Anusuiya Uikey
Gujrat	Achrya Devrat
Himachal Pradesh	Kalraj Mishra

5. Ajay Bhadoo appointed as Joint Secretary to President Ram Nath Kovind: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shri Ajay Bhadoo, IAS (GJ:1999) as Joint Secretary to the President for a tenure co-terminus with the President. Vadodara Municipal Commissioner (VMC) Ajay Bhadoo has been deputed as the Joint Secretary to President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, making way for a change of guard at the VMC. Bhadoo has been the municipal commissioner of Vadodara since July 2018 and is also the chairman of the Vadodara Urban Development Authority (VUDA).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Benjamin Netanyahu becomes the longest serving Prime Minister of Israel: Benjamin Netanyahubecame the longest serving Prime Minister of Israel.He overthrew the record set by David Ben-Gurion, Israel's founding father and first leader. Netanyahu has spent 4,876 days, more than 13 years, in office as on 20 July, 2019. Netanyahu is the Israel's youngest-ever Prime Minister as won his first election in 1996, at the age of 46.

Note: Israel President: Reuven Rivlin, Capital: Jerusalem, Currency: New shekel (ILS)

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Golden Girl’, Hima Das bags fifth gold medal of the month: Making a sensational comeback to her favourite event, Hima Das won her fifth gold of the month in the 400-metre race at the Czech Republic. The 19-year-old athlete, whose season-best before the win was 52.88 seconds, recorded her best timing: 52.09 seconds, in the 400-metre event. 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. On July 13, she won her third 200m gold at the Kladno Athletics Meet in the Czech Republic with a time of 23.43. What really got everyone talking was how she improved her time with every win.

2. Indonesia Open final to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi won: Star badminton player P.V. Sindhu had to be content with a runner-up finish at the Indonesia Open after losing the title clash in straight games to Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, in Jakarta. Sindhu lost the final of the BWF Tour Super 1000 tournament 15-21 16-21 to the fourth seed. The Olympic silver medallist had come into the contest with a favourable 10-4 head-to-head record against the Japanese.

Note: Indonesia Capital: Jakarta, Currency: Indonesian rupiah, President- Joko Widodo

3. Indian bodybuilder Ravinder Malik clinches Mr South Asia title: Indian bodybuilder Ravinder Kumar Malik has clinched Mr. South Asia title. He has crowned the overall champion at 12th South Asian Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship in Kathmanduon. Malik, the winner of 80 kg category, was adjudged best bodybuilder among the winners of nine senior men’s weight categories. Afghanistan won team championship by securing a top position with 535 points. Host Nepal finished second with 445 points, while India remained third with 380 points.

4. Delhi’s Prithu becomes India’s 64th Grandmaster: Delhi’s Prithu Gupta has become India’s 64th Grandmaster, crossing the Elo threshold of 2500 points after beating IM Lev Yankelevich in the fifth round of the Portuguese League 2019. Gupta, who picked up the sport as a nine-year-old, has achieved the sensational feat at the age of 15 years, 4 months and 10 days. His achievement came 31 years after Viswanathan Anand had become India’s first Grandmaster.

OBITUARIES

1. LJP MP Ram Chandra Paswan passes away: Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) MP from Bihar’s Samastipur Ram Chandra Paswan died on Sunday afternoon following a brief illness. He was 57. Ram Chandra Paswan, the younger brother of Union minister and LJP chief Ram Vilas Paswan, passed away at 1.24 p.m. at the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital here. He was admitted to the hospital last week after suffering a heart attack.

Daily GK Updates - 20th July, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  Culture Minister inaugurates architectural illumination of Safdarjung Tomb: Culture Minister has inaugurated the architectural illumination of the historic Safdarjung Tomb in New Delhi. A total of 213 technologically advanced LED lights have been used to highlight the 17th century monument. The consumption of LED lights is approximately 62 percent less than conventional light fixtures. Archaeological Survey of India has taken up the project to illuminate the important monuments of Delhi to highlight the archaeological magnificence of historical monuments.

Note: Minister of State (Independent Charge): Prahlad Singh Patel.

2. Vivek Kumar appointed as private secretary to PM Modi: Indian Foreign Service officer Vivek Kumar (IFS officer-2004 batch) has been appointed as Private Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Currently, Mr Kumar is working as the Director in the Prime Minister's Office. Mr Kumar's appointment will come into effect from the day of the assumption of charge.

3. Commerce and Industry Minister to launch Global Innovation Index: Commerce and Industry Minister will launch the Global Innovation Index (GII) on 24th July 2019 in New Delhi. The launch of GII will reveal the innovation rankings of economies. Theme for 2019: Evaluating the Medical Innovation Scenario of the Next Decade. The GII has been a charter for assessing the innovation capabilities of national economies worldwide.

Note: Commerce and Industry Minister: Piyush Goyal.

4. Haryana government, NSE sign pact for growth of MSMEs: National Stock Exchange (NSE) has signed a pact with the Haryana government to help boost the growth of MSME sector in the state. As per the memorandum of understanding, NSE will support the Haryana government in enhancing the financing opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the state, through listing on NSE's SME exchange platform, NSE Emerge.

5. Kerala will host Women Startup Summit 2019: The Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) is hosting the Women Startup Summit on August 1. The summit will be hosted in association with the Indian Women Network floated by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), at the Integrated Startup Complex, Kochi. Successful women leaders, startup founders, policymakers and women entrepreneurs will participate in the summit. The theme of this summit is ‘Developing an Inclusive Entrepreneurship Ecosystem’. About 20 women startups shortlisted from the “She Loves Tech” national grand challenge will be showcased in the summit.

6. Tamil Nadu carves out two new districts taking total number to 35: The Tamil Nadu government has announced the creation of two new districts in the state, taking the total number of districts to 35. Tenkasi District would be carved out of Tirunelveli. Chengalpet District would be carved by splitting Kanchipuram district.

7. WB govt to sign MoU with British Council to brush up spoken English skills of polytechnic students: The West Bengal government has decided to sign an MoU with the British Council for brushing up the English-Speaking skills of the students studying in Polytechnic Colleges in the state. The move is aimed to improve English speaking capacity for job seekers students. According to Technical Education Department sources, an enquiry to assess job readiness of students was conducted recently and communication in English was found as a major hurdle.

At present, there are 148 Polytechnic Colleges across the state.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Upender Singh Rawat named India's next Ambassador to Panama: IFS officer Upender Singh Rawat has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to Panama. He will succeed Ravi Thapar.

Note: Capital of Panam: Panama City; Currency: Panamanian Balboa.

2. Sanjeev Kumar Singla appointed as India's Ambassador to Israel: Senior diplomat Sanjeev Kumar Singla has been appointed as the next Indian Ambassador to Israel.  Earlier he was serving as Private Secretary (PS) to Prime Minister of India. He will replace Pavan Kapoor, who assumed charge as the Ambassador to Israel in 2016.

Note: Israel Capital: Jerusalem; Currency: Israeli new shekel.

3. International Chess Day : 20 July: The International Chess Day is celebrated annually on July 20, the day the International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded. The idea to celebrate this day as the international chess day was proposed by UNESCO, and it has been celebrated as such since 1966, after it was established by FIDE. FIDE, which has 181 chess federations as its members, organizes chess events and competitions around the world on this day. As recently as 2013, the international chess day was celebrated in 178 countries.

Note: International Chess Federation (FIDE) was founded in 1924.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Indian Men & Women's teams win Commonwealth Table Tennis title: India has made a record by winning gold in both men’s and women’s category of the 21st Commonwealth Table Tennis Championship taking place in Odisha. The Indian men's team won the final match defeating England 3-2. The Indian women's team defeated England 3-0 in final match to won the gold for the first time in the history of the commonwealth games.

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

2. North Korea wins Intercontinental Cup title: North Korea wins the 2nd edition of Intercontinental Cup football tournament. North Korea beats Tajikistan in the finals held in Ahmedabad. North Korea, Tajikistan, India and Syria participated in the event.

3. Sports Minister launches AIFF Golden Baby Leagues Handbook: Sports Minister has launched the All India Football Federation’s Golden Baby Leagues handbook 2019-20. The launch marked the renaming of the ‘AIFF Baby Leagues’ to ‘AIFF Golden Baby Leagues’, with emphasis being laid for ages under 6 to under 12 both for girls and boys. The handbook is a guide to help the stakeholder to organize the Golden Baby League.

Note:  Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports: Kiren Rijiju.

4. India’s mixed relay silver at Asiad set to be upgraded to gold: India is in line to get the Asian Games gold in 4x400 mixed relay event held in Jakarta 2018, as Kemi Adekoya of Bahrain was handed a 4 year ban by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) for failing a dope test.  India’s mixed relay team of Muhammed Anas, Hima Das, Arokia Rajiv and M. R. Poovamma had won the silver in the event at the Asian Games 2018. Kemi Adekoya had also won the 400m hurdles gold at the Asian Games with India’s Anu Raghavan finishing fourth. Hence, Anu Raghavan is in line for the bronze medal.

Note: 19th Asian Games are to be held in Hangzhou, China (2022).

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. NABARD to raise Rs 60,000 crore via non-convertible debentures in 2019-20: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) will raise long-term funds of Rs 60,000 crore through nonconvertible debentures in the current financial year 2019-20. The own requirement of funds for NABARD is assessed at Rs 30,000 crore. The remaining Rs 30,000 crore will be for the Centre to cover the shortfall in various schemes in rural development and sanitation in FY20. NABARD has already raised Rs 11,000 crore in the first quarter ended June 30, 2019.

Note: Chairman of NABARD- Harsh Bhanwala.

2. No changes made in ITR forms after 1st April 2019: CBDT: According to the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) official statement, no changes have been made in any of the Income-tax Return (ITR) forms since the notification made on 1st April 2019. There were reports in social media that the taxpayers were facing difficulties in filing return of income in ITR-2 and ITR-3 due to large scale changes in the ITR form. The software utility is a dynamic process and is continuously taken up as per the feedback received from the filers to ease their experience in electronic filing of returns. 

DEFENCE

1. India, China to carry out major military exercise ‘Hand in Hand’: India and China will carry out a major military exercise called ‘Hand-in-Hand’ in December, 2019. The exercise will take place at Umroi, Meghalaya. It will be based on counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Note: Capital of China: Beijing; Currency: Renminbi.

OBITUARIES

1. Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit passes away: Former Delhi Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Shiela Dikshit (81 years) passed away at Escorts Fortis hospital in Delhi. She was suffering from a heart ailment for a long time. Dikshit served at the Chief Minister of Delhi for a period of 15 years from 1998 to 2013. Presently, she was holding the office of Delhi Congress president. 

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.