Daily GK Updates - 12th August, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Chhattisgarh: 15-km long national flag unfurled in Raipur: Thousands of students and members of several social organisations unfurled a 15-km long national flag by forming a human chain in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. The event, organised by Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam Foundation, entered the Champions Book of World Records (for the longest tricolour). Thousands of people and students from various schools created a human chain while holding the 15-km long tricolour from Amapara Chowk to Pt Ravishankar Shukla University.

Note: CM of Chhattisgarh: Bhupesh Baghel; Governor of Chhattisgarh: Anusuiya Uikey.

2. CBSE hikes exam fees for SC/ST by 24 times, general to pay double: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has increased the fees of Class 10 and 12 board examinations for SC and ST students from Rs 50 to Rs 1,200. According to the revised norms, the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe students will have to pay Rs 1,200 for five subjects, while earlier they were supposed to pay Rs 50 for the same, a hike of 24 times. The general category students, who were paying Rs 750 earlier, will now pay Rs 1,500 for five subjects. The students enrolled in CBSE schools abroad will have to pay Rs 10,000 for five subjects for both Class 10 and 12. Earlier it was Rs 5000.

Note: The students appearing for the Class 10 board exams are registered for it when in Class 9, and those appearing for Class 12 are registered when in Class 11.

3. Eid-ul-Azha being celebrated with religious fervour & gaiety: The festival of sacrifice ‘Eid-ul-Azha’ is being celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across the country. The faithful will offer Eid prayers in Eidgahs and mosques. The festival is an ode to the virtues of devotion, faith and sacrifice and inspires feelings of brotherhood, compassion and unity. In the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for three days. In the international (Gregorian) calendar, the dates vary from year to year shifting approximately 11 days earlier each year.

Note: Eid al-Adha also called the "Festival of the Sacrifice", is the second of two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year (the other being Eid al-Fitr) and considered the holier of the two. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God's command. But, before Abraham could sacrifice his son, God provided a lamb to sacrifice instead. In commemoration of this intervention, an animal is sacrificed ritually and divided into three parts. One share is given to the poor and needy, another is kept for home, and the third is given to relatives.

4. Dr Vikram Sarabhai's 100th Birth Anniversary”: The country is celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of scientist and innovator Dr Vikram A Sarabhai. He is considered as the father of India's space program. The lander of Chandrayaan-2, India's second mission to the moon, is named 'Vikram' to honour the late Dr Vikram Sarabhai.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. South Korea will remove Japan from preferred trade list: South Korea has decided to remove Japan from its preferred trade list. South Korea has taken this decision because Japan has failed to uphold international principles while managing its export controls on sensitive materials. Preferred trade list is a list of nations receiving preferential treatment in trade.

Note: Japan Capital: Tokyo; Currency: Japanese yen; PM: Shinzo Abe. South Korea Capital: Seoul; Currency: South Korean won.

2. International Youth Day: 12 August: The International Youth Day (IYD) is observed every year on 12th August (first in 2000) to draw attention to a given set of cultural and legal issues surrounding youth. The theme for International Youth Day 2019 is “Transforming education”. International Youth Day 2019 will examine how Governments, young people and youth-led and youth-focused organizations, as well as other stakeholders, are transforming education and how these efforts are contributing to the achievement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Note: On 17 December 1999, the International Youth Day (IYD) was instituted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) by passing resolution 54/120.

3. World Elephant Day: 12 August: The World Elephant Day (WED) is celebrated on 12th August every year to raise awareness about the Elephant. The goal of International Elephant Day is to create awareness of the urgent plight of African and Asian elephants and to share knowledge and management of captive & wild elephants. On 12 August 2012, the first international Elephant Day was celebrated.

Note: As per the census conducted in 2017, the Elephant population in India is estimated at 29,964.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Rafael Nadal wins Montreal Masters title: Rafael Nadal wins in Montreal to win 35th Masters crown. He defeated Russian Daniil Medvedev by 6-3, 6-0. With the win, he also extended his record haul of Masters 1000 titles. Nadal has successfully defended a hard court title for the first time in his career.

2. Chennai Lions beat Dabang Delhi to win UTT:  Chennai Lions wins the Ultimate Table Tennis league. They defeated Dabang Delhi in the finals by 8-1. Chennai Lions collected the winner’s share of Rs. 75 lakh while Delhi settled for Rs. 50 lakh. Petrissa Solja, Tiago Apolonia, Sharath Kamal and Petrissa starred for the Chennai Lions.

3. Indian junior shuttlers win 6 medals at Bulgarian Open: Indian junior shuttlers have won six medals (gold-3, silver-1 and bronze-2) at the Bulgarian Junior International Championships which concluded in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria. The gold medals were won by Samiya Imad Faruqui in women's singles, the duo of Edvin Joy and Shruti Mishra in Mixed Doubles and pair of Tanisha Crasto and Aditi Bhatt in women's doubles. Men's doubles combination of Ishan Bhatnagar and Vishnuvardhan settled for the silver medal. Malvika Bansod and Meiraba Luwang won a bronze each in other singles events.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. RBL Bank launches India's first health-focused credit card: Private sector bank, RBL Bank and digital healthcare platform Practo have partnered to launch an industry-first co-branded health credit card. This credit card is powered by Mastercard. RBL Bank's new credit card offers benefits like online consultations with doctors and a free health check-up.

Note: Managing Director & CEO of RBL Bank: Vishwavir Ahuja; Headquarter: Mumbai.

BUSINESS AND FINANCE

1. Reliance Jio & Microsoft partners to offer cloud infrastructure for businesses: Reliance Jio and Microsoft announced a partnership to accelerate the digital transformation in India. Under this deal, Microsoft will bring in the Azure Cloud on Jio Network and target the enterprise and business users seeking a technological shift.

Note: Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft: Satya Nadella. Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited: Mukesh Ambani.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. Lionel Messi Wins UEFA Goal of the Season Award 2018-19: Barcelona's Lionel Messi has been awarded UEFA's Goal of the Season award 2018-19for his free-kick against Liverpool. Cristiano Ronaldo was runners-up in the UEFA award for the goal he scored for Juventus against his former team Manchester United.

OBITUARIES

1. Singer-songwriter David Berman passes away: Singer-songwriter David Berman (52-years) who formed the indie group 'Silver Jews' in the 1990s passed away. Berman had suffered from drug addiction for years and had survived several overdoses and one suicide attempt. The 'Silver Jews' that recorded six studio albums between 1994 and 2008 rarely performed live. Berman also authored two books of poetry, 'Actual Air,' and 'The Portable February.

Daily GK Updates - 11th August, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Home Minister Amit Shah releases book on VP M Venkaiah Naidu’s two years in office: Home Minister Amit Shah today released a book titled “Listening, Learning & Leading” chronicling the two years in office by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. The book was released in Chennai at a function organised by Information and Broadcasting Ministry. The Vice-President and the Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar were present on the occasion.

2. Jharkhand Govt launched Mukhyamantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu launched the Jharkhand government’s ‘Mukhya Mantri Krishi Ashirwad Yojana’ under which money would be directly transferred into the bank accounts of farmers in the state. Benefit- Under the scheme, the government will give Rs 5,000 to those farmers having one acre or less agricultural land, Rs 10,000 to those having two acres, Rs 15,000 for having three acres, Rs 20,000 for having four acres and Rs 25,000 for having five acres of agricultural land.

Note: Jharkhand Capital: Ranchi; Governor- Draupadi Murmu; Chief Minister: Raghubar Das

3. Every child to get Rotavirus vaccine: The Health Ministry has drawn an ambitious plan under the 100 days agenda of the newly elected government, wherein it has been decided to provide Rotavirus vaccine to every child across all States and Union Territories by September, 2019. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan  said that diarrhoea was one of the biggest killers in children and Rotavirus was one of the most common causes of severe diarrhoea in children less than 2 years of age.

4. Green Signal for Shaheed Dweep in Andaman & Nicobar: The environment ministry’s expert committee on Coastal projects has given the go ahead for construction of a ₹172 crore premium category island resort at ‘Shaheed Dweep’ in Andaman & Nicobar. The move comes within months of the green ministry easing up coastal zone rules and the Centre announcing ambitious island development projects in Anadman & Nicibar and Lakshadweep.

Note:  Anadman & Nicibar Capital: Port Blair

5. 9 year old, Elangbam Valentina Devi made Manipur green ambassador: 9-year-old girl from Manipur, Elangbam Valentina Devi, has been made the brand ambassador of the Chief Minister’s Green Manipur Mission and all official tree-plantation activities taken up in the State. Recently a video surfaced over the internet in which Elangbam could be seen crying after few trees were cut due to the expansion of the road. Here love towards trees was recognized by the government and hence she has been chosen as the green ambassador of the state Manipur.

6. Cochin Shipyard launched two ro pax vessels: The Cochin Shipyard has launched two ro-pax (roll-on roll-off passenger) vessels. The ro-pax was designed and built by the Cochin Shipyard for the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI). The vessels were the third and fourth in a series of 10 vessels, eight ro-pax and two ro-ro vessels, ordered by the IWAI. The vessels would be operated in National Waterways 1 and 2. The vessels are capable of accommodating 200 passengers each and will have eight crew members and can carry two trucks and four cars. Equipped with all life-saving gear, they are built to IRS standards.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Papua New Guinea has highest number of living indigenous languages: United Nations report said that the Papua New Guinea has the highest number of living indigenous languages in the world with 840. India stands fourth with 453. UN observes the year 2019 as its International Year of Indigenous Languages. UN's Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues reported that nearly 40% of the estimated 6,700 languages spoken around the world were in danger of disappearing and endangered. Totally 7,111 living languages worldwide has been listed so far. The most widely spoken languages worldwide are Chinese, Spanish, English, Hindi and Arabic. These 5 languages covers around 40% of the total worldwide languages.
Note: Papua New Guinea Capital: Port Moresby; Currency: Papua New Guinean kina (PGK); Governor: General: Bob Dadae; Prime Minister: James Marape

2. US approve 12 multi mission Seahawk helicopters to South Korea: The US government has approved the sale of 12 multi-mission Seahawk helicopters to South Korea worth $800 million. The announcement was made after the US President Donald Trump announced that South Korea had agreed to pay more for US military presence in their country. The proposal will improve the Republic of Korea Navy’s capability to perform anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare missions. The sale will assist the Republic of Korea in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.

3. Trump Identifies India among 20 Drug Transit, Narcotic-Producing Countries: US President Donald Trump has designated India among the over 20 major drug transit or illicit drug-producing countries. In a memorandum to secretary of state Mike Pompeo, Trump said that a country’s presence on the list is not necessarily a reflection of its government’s counter-narcotic efforts or level of cooperation with the US. The countries identified in the list are Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Burma, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Bajrang wins gold at Tbilisi, Vinesh makes Medved final: India’s top two wrestlers continued their impressive run this season with Bajrang Punia defending his title at Tbilisi Grand Prix and Vinesh Phogat reaching her fourth final at Medved event. Bajrang prevailed 2-0 over Iran’s Peiman Bibyani in the 65kg final of the men’s free style competition in the capital city of Georgia. It is the fourth gold of the season for the Asian Games champion Bajrang after standing atop the podium at Dan Kolov, Asian Championship and Ali Aliev tournament. At the Medved event in Minsk, Belarus, Vinesh outclassed local wrestler Yafremenka 11-0 in the 53kg semifinals to be in line for her fourth consecutive gold.

2. Hyderabad Open badminton: Indian Badminton champion Sourabh Verma has defeated Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew 21-13 14-21 21-16 to win the Hyderabad Open. The final event was held at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad. Sourabh also won the Slovenian International in May 2019 recently. 

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. India’s first Corporate Credit Card for Startups and SMEs launched by EnKash: Business-to-business payments startup EnKash has launched India’s first corporate credit card for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The card is named ‘Freedom Card’. The Freedom Card by EnKash would give SMEs and startups the facility to avail credit for immediate needs and to manag Business-to-business payments startup EnKash has launched India’s first corporate credit card for sm e their liquidity.

2. Anurag Adlakha appointed Chief Financial Officer at Yes Bank: Anurag Adlakha has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of Yes Bank. Anurag Adlakha will take over from Raj Ahuja, who will now take over as group chief strategy officer, responsible for leading the strategy, planning and projects function of the bank.

3. Max Life Insurance launches 'Speed Dial - your partner for life' initiative’: Max Life Insurance Co Ltd announced the launch of the one-of-its-kind initiative, 'Speed Dial Max Life Insurance - Your Partner for Life' further reinforcing its customer obsession. Max Life Insurance Company will endeavour to assign every customer a dedicated relationship manager, known as the 'Partner for Life' for all their policy-related service needs. Through this unique initiative, the 'Partners for Life' will act as enablers to provide a one stop solution on call, shortening the average wait time a customer has to go through, to get their queries answered. They will also educate customers on the company's digital service solutions and new products offerings, if inquired.

Daily GK Updates - 10th August, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. President approves Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019: President has approved the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019. The bill amends the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The act aims to make Indian roads safer, reduce corruption and use technology to overhaul the country's transportation system. Some main features of the act are: The Bill proposes a scheme to allow cashless treatment of victims in a road accident during the golden hour. The golden hour is defined as the time period of up to one hour following a traumatic injury, during which the likelihood of preventing death through prompt medical care is the highest. The Bill proposes to increase the minimum compensation for hit and run cases. In case of the death, the compensation has been raised from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 2,00,000, and in case of grievous injury it will be from Rs. 12500 to Rs. 50,000. The law has proposed stiffer penalties for traffic rule violations such as over-speeding, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of alcohol and other offences such as not wearing a helmet or driving without licence.

2. 'One Nation, One Ration Card' to be rolled out in India by June 1, 2020: "One Nation One Ration Card" scheme to be rolled out in India from June 1, 2020. To implement the scheme successfully, the centre has kick started inter state portability of ration card pairing two states each. The pairs are made between Telangana-Andhra Pradesh as well as Maharashtra-Gujarat. This means that beneficiaries living in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh can buy their quota of ration from the Public Distribution System (PDS), also called ration shops, in either of the states.
Note: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution: Ram Vilas Paswan.

3. KVIC launches "Leather Mission" on World Tribal Day: The Khadi and Village Industry Commission has launched "Leather Mission" on World Tribal Day. Under this mission, the commission will give leather kits to the leather artisans across the nation. KVIC also distributed 50 leather kits and 350 bee-boxes in Rajasthan's Sirohi district on the World Tribal Day.
Note: Chairman of KVIC: Vinai Kumar Saxena.

4. President hosts 'At Home' reception for Freedom Fighters: The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, hosted an ‘At Home’ reception for freedom fighters. The reception was hosted on the occasion of the 77th anniversary of Quit India Day (August 9) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. On the occasion, the President honoured and felicitated 78 freedom fighters from across the country.

5. UP's "Vriksharopan Mahakumbh" drive creates world record: Uttar Pradesh's "Vriksharopan Mahakumbh" drive has created world record after planting more than 22 crore saplings. The drive was launched on the occasion of 77th anniversary of Quit India Movement. More than 22 crore saplings were planted at 12.2 lakh locations under the drive in state. Another record of "largest distribution of saplings in the world" was created when 76823 saplings were distributed free in just 6 hours in Prayagraj.

Note: Chief Minister of UP: Yogi Adityanath; Governor of UP: Anandiben Patel.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 3rd International Electric Vehicle (EV) Conclave held in Manesar: The 3rd International Electric Vehicle Conclave was inaugurated at the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar, Haryana. The Conclave was held to create a knowledge sharing platform to ensure flow of information at all levels in the automotive sector. The conclave was organized by ICAT in association with India Energy Storage Alliance with a focus on new trends and challenges in the field of electric mobility.

2. India signs UNISA; experts call for local laws supporting treaty: India has signed a key UN convention on International Settlement Agreements, even as experts called for local laws to support the treaty’s implementation in business contracts. The United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements (UNISA) was signed by India’s High Commissioner to Singapore Jawed Ashraf. 46 countries signed the treaty named Singapore Convention on Mediation.

3. World's thinnest '2D' gold measures just two atoms: Scientists at the University of Leeds have created the world's thinnest gold measuring just two atoms thick or million times thinner than a fingernail. In its 2D form, gold becomes flexible that adds to its potential of being used more efficiently such as in bendable screens, electronic inks, medical diagnostic tests, and water purification systems.

4. Mountaineering team to hoist Indian flag atop Mount Elbrus on Independence Day: An expedition team of mountaineers were flagged off by Union Minister of State for Defence Shripad Yesso Naik to Mount Elbrus in Russia. The team is aiming to hoist the Indian national flag atop the mountain on Aug 15, on the occasion of the 73rd Independence Day of India. The expedition team of eight professionals from Himalayan Mountaineering Institute (HMI) in Darjeeling, led by its principal GP Captain Jaikishan.

The team will also perform 'asanas' atop the mountain in an attempt to showcase the importance of Yoga to the international community.

5. World Biofuel Day: 10 August: World Biofuel Day is observed on August 10 annually to create awareness about the importance of non-fossil fuels as an alternative to conventional fossil fuels and highlight the various efforts made by Government in the biofuel sector. 2019 Theme – “Production of Biodiesel from Used Cooking Oil (UCO)”.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. BCCI has agreed to come under NADA ambit: The Board Of Control For Cricket In India has agreed to come under the ambit of the National Anti-Doping Agency. This decision makes Indian Cricket's governing body a sports federation as per government norms. As a result, all cricketers will now be tested by NADA.

Note: Director General of NADA: Navin Agarwal; CEO of BCCI: Rahul Johri.

2. Bangladesh to host Zimbabwe despite ICC ban: Bangladesh will host Zimbabwe for a tri-nation Twenty20 tournament in September despite the African nation being suspended by the International Cricket Council. The ICC suspended Zimbabwe last month over the country's failure to keep the sport free from government interference, putting its participation in multi-nation events in doubt. Afghanistan is the third team in the tournament scheduled to be held from September 13 to 24. Bangladesh was originally scheduled to play a bilateral series against Afghanistan in September, but officials said Zimbabwe had been included in the series following a request from the strife-torn country.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. Indian Bank signs up Corporate Agency pact with Chola MS: Indian Bank has entered into a corporate agency agreement with Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Ltd. Under the agreement, Indian Bank will distribute the latter's insurance products ranging from motor, home, health PA, and travel insurance, and SME and commercial line of business etc. All these products will be distributed through traditional and digital platform to Indian Bank customers.

Note: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Indian Bank: Padmaja Chunduru.

DEFENCE

1. INS Tarkash arrives in Norway for a 3-day visit: INS Tarkash has arrived in Norway for a 3 day visit as part of Western Fleet Overseas Deployment. The ship is part of the Indian Navy's Western Fleet and is under the operational command of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command. INS Tarkash is one of the most powerful frontline frigates of the Indian Navy equipped with a versatile range of weapons and sensors.

Note: Chief of the Naval Staff: Admiral Karambir Singh.

Daily GK Updates - 9th August, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 5595 electric buses sanctioned under FAME scheme: The Department of Heavy Industry has sanctioned 5,595 electric buses under the phase II of Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME) India scheme.  The buses are sanctioned to 64 cities in 22 states and union territories for intracity and intercity operations in order to push for clean mobility in public transportation. The buses are expected to run about 4 billion km during their contract period and are expected to save cumulatively about 1.2 billion liters of fuel over the contract period, which will result into avoidance of 2.6 million tonne of CO2 emission.

2. HRD Ministry launches ‘Samagra Shiksha-Jal Suraksha’ Drive: Union HRD Minister Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ has launched ‘Samagra Shiksha-Jal Suraksha’ drive to create awareness about Water Conservation among all school Children in the country. Inspired by Prime Minister’s impetus to Jal Sanchay, Government of India has launched the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA). This concept of water conservation is essential for students so that they can understand the importance of water and how it is shaping their lives meaningfully, thereby enabling them to participate in water conservation activities in their day to day lives. This drive has been launched by the Department of School Education & Literacy, MHRD to promote water conservation activities for School Students, so that they can become competent, conscientious and committed water citizens of our nation.

Note: Union HRD Minister:  Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

3. President signs National Medical Commission Bill into a law: President Ram Nath Kovind has signed National Medical Commission Bill which was passed by both houses of Parliament. The NMC bill aims at mega reforms in the medical education sector and will replace the nearly 63-year-old Indian Medical Council Act. The bill will ensure probity, quality education and bring down costs of medical education. National Medical Commission Bill will also simplify procedures and provides wider access to people for quality healthcare. The NMC will have eminent medical personalities as members who will be appointed for only one term of four years and will not be eligible for any further extension.

International

4. Manipur tops in Breastfeeding, Infant & Young Child Feeding Practices: Manipur has topped the ranking in Breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices in the country. Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar are at the bottom positions in the report card. National capital Delhi is also among the worst-performing States. The Breastfeeding report card has been developed by devising a composite score based on three indicators namely early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for six months and complimentary feeding at 6-8 months of child's age.

5. Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum in Punjab sets record: The Virasat-e-Khalsa Museum in Punjab’s Anandpur Sahib town is all set to find a place in the Asia Book of Records for becoming the most visited museum in the Indian sub-continent in a single day. The museum had witnessed a record footfall of 20,569 visitors on a single day on March 20, becoming the most visited museum in the Indian sub-continent in a single day.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India & Bangladesh to set up committee for optimum use of water resources: India and Bangladesh have agreed to set up a Joint Technical committee for optimum use of Ganges water. The river Ganga's water is being received by Bangladesh under the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty 1996. Both the countries have also agreed to prepare a framework for interim water-sharing agreement for 8 rivers including Feni, Gumti and Teesta.

Note: Capital of Bangladesh: Dhaka; Currency: Taka; PM: Sheikh Hasina.

2. Rohingya refugees get identity cards in Bangladesh: 5 lakh Rohingya refugees living in Bangladesh have been issued identity documents by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). UNHCR’s Bio-metric Identity Management System (BIMS) fraud-proof cards are being issued jointly by Bangladeshi authorities and UNHCR to all verified refugees over the age of 12. These cards will help in establishing and safeguarding the right of Rohingya refugees to return to their homes in Myanmar. UNHCR’s (BIMS) captures bio-metric data, including fingerprints and iris scans, which secure each refugee’s unique identity as well as other important information such as family links.

Note: UNHCR Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland; UNHCR Head: Filippo Grandi.

3. Iran unveils three new precision-guided missiles: Iran unveiled 3 precision-guided missiles. The new line-up of air-to-air missiles named the "Yasin", "Balaban" and a new series of the "Ghaem" were developed jointly by the ministry and Sa Iran, also known as Iran Electronics Industries.

Note: Iran President: Hassan Rouhani; Capital: Tehran; Currency: Rial.

4. ADB to provide $200 million for rural road project in Maharashtra: Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 200 million loan for improving road infrastructure in 34 districts of Maharashtra. The aim of the project is to connect rural areas with markets and services. Roads in rural areas would be upgraded to all weather standards which will boost links between local residents and economic centres across the state.

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

5. SpaceX launched AMOS-17 communication satellite by Falcon 9: American carrier rocket Falcon 9 lifts off successfully the Israeli AMOS-17 communication satellite into the orbit. The rocket was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Amos-17 is set to replace Amos-5 satellite launched in 2011. Communication with Amos-5 was lost in 2015. Amos-17, built by Boeing, will provide Ka, Ku and C-band signal transmission and expand Israeli communications satellite operator Spacecom’s coverage in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Note: Founder of SpaceX: Elon Musk; Established in: 6 May 2002.

6. UNIDO and National Institute of Solar Energy to partner for skill development program: National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has signed an agreement to initiate a skill development programme for different levels of beneficiaries in the solar thermal energy sector. Under the agreement NISE and UNIDO will engage national and international experts to bring the best practices by developing specialized training material. The agreement is part of the ongoing MNRE-GEF-UNIDO project implemented jointly by UNIDO and to support capacity building and skill development of technical manpower in the Concentrated Solar Thermal Energy Technologies (CST).

7. International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples: 9 August: United Nations observes 9th August every year as International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. The day is celebrated to raise awareness of the needs of these population groups. This year’s observance is dedicated to Indigenous Peoples’ Languages in view of 2019 being marked as the International Year of Indigenous Languages. Theme for year 2019: Indigenous Languages.

Note: On December 23, 1994, The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 9th August as the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples through its resolution 49/214.

8. Nagasaki Day: 9th August: Japan commemorates the 9th August every year as the Nagasaki day. On August 9, 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. It was code named "Fat Man" due to the design of the bomb as it had a wide, round shape. This happened 3 days after dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. An area of about 5 square miles was completely obliterated and around 65,000 people were killed in the bombing. Nagasaki and Hiroshima continue to feel the impact of the destructive bombing even today.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS

1. Hashim Amla retires from international cricket:  South African batsman Hashim Amla has retired from all formats of international cricket. Amla played 124 Tests, 181 ODIs and 44 T20Is between his 15-year-long cricketing career. Scoring more than 18,000 runs, including 55 centuries and 88 other scores in excess of 50. Amla is the second South African cricketer to end his international career this week after fast bowler Dale Steyn.

2. World Archery suspends AAI for defying guidelines: The World Archery (WA) suspended the Archery Association of India (AAI) for defying its guidelines by electing two parallel bodies. The decision is effective from 12th August and the last event in which the archers can participate under the Indian flag is the World Archery Youth Championships in Madrid from 19th to 25th of this month. Olympic quota places will be up for grabs at the Asian Championships and Asian Para Championships, to be held in Bangkok in November. India so far have three men's places secured for the next Olympics but has yet to win a women's spot.

3. Former NZ captain Brendon McCullum retires from all forms of Cricket: Former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum announced his retirement from all forms of competitive cricket after the conclusion of the ongoing Global T20 Canada. McCullum, who is playing for Toronto Nationals, had retired from all forms of international cricket in 2016 but continued to ply his trade in various T20 leagues across the globe. The 37-year-old former Black Caps skipper has played 101 Tests in which he scored 6453 runs with 12 hundred and highest score of 302.

In 260 ODIs, he scored 6083 runs with five hundreds while 71 T20 Internationals fetched him 2140 runs.

4. Cricket Australia unveils new transgender inclusive policy: The Cricket Australia has announced new transgender inclusive policy. This policy will enable transgender players to play the game of cricket at the highest levels.  The decision aligns in accordance with the International Cricket Council’s (ICC’s) gender recognition policy and gender diversity guidelines. The policy sets out a testosterone limit for transgender and gender-diverse players who want to play for state and national women’s teams.

BANKING AND FINANCE

1. CAIT launches initiative to accelerate use of digital payments among merchants: Traders body Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has launched an initiative -- Digi Vyapari-Safal Vyapari. This is to accelerate acceptance of digital payments among merchants across the country. For this the CAIT has partnered with HDFC Bank, Mastercard, Common Service Centres (CSCs) of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) and Global Linkers.

AWARDS AND HONOURS

1. 66th National Film Awards: The 66th National Film awards have been announced by Rahul Rawail, head of the Jury for feature films. The Jury unanimously conferred the award for the Most Film Friendly State to "Uttarakhand" for furthering the growth of the film industry in the state including creating an environment for ease of filming in the state.

The list of Award winners under the different categories is mentioned as under:

Sr. No.	Category	Winner
1	Best Feature Film	Hellaro (Gujarati Film )
2	Best non feature film	Son Rise by Vibha Bakshi and The Secret Life of Frogs by Ajay and Vijay Bedi
3	Best Director	Adhitya Dhar for Uri : The Surgical Strike
4	Best Actor	Ayushmann Khuranna for Andhadhun and Vicky Kaushal for Uri : The Surgical Strike
5	Best Actress	Keerthy Suresh for Mahanati
6	Best Supporting Actor	Swanand Kirkire for Chumbhak
7	Best supporting actress	Surekha Sikri for Badhaai Ho
8	Best Popular Film	Badhaai Ho
9	Best film on Social Issues	Padman

2. BAFTA LA to honour Steve Coogan with Charlie Chaplin Award: Actor Steve Coogan will be felicitated with the Charlie Chaplin Award by the British Academy's Los Angeles branch. He will receive the honour during the 2019 Britannia Awards. The Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy recognises the talents whose popularity and cultural impact exemplifies the uniquely transcendent quality of excellent comedy.

3. 4th edition of National Entrepreneurship Awards, 2019: The 4th edition of the National Entrepreneurship Awards, instituted in a bid to recognize and encourage outstanding Indian Entrepreneurs and catalyse a cultural shift in youth for entrepreneurship by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE). The National Entrepreneurship Awards (NEA)2019 aim to honour outstanding young 1st generation entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders for their exceptional contribution in entrepreneurship development.

Note: Minister for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship: Dr Mahendra Nath Pandey.

4.  NITI Aayog to launch the 4th Edition of WTI Awards: The NITI Aayog will launch the 4th Edition of Women Transforming India (WTI) Awards. The WTI Awards is being organized in collaboration with the United Nations to recognize women entrepreneurs from across India. This year’s theme is ‘Women and Entrepreneurship’, in continuation of the theme for WTI Awards 2018. WhatsApp has collaborated with NITI Aayog for WTI Awards 2019 and will be providing support amounting to US$100,000 to the award winners. The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) is a Government of India initiative by NITI Aayog to promote and support aspiring as well as established women entrepreneurs in India, assist and handhold them in their journey from starting to scaling up and expanding their ventures.

Note: CEO NITI Aayog: Amitabh Kant; Vice Chairman: Rajiv Kumar.