Daily GK Updates - 24th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. National Girl Child Day to be celebrated today: National Girl Child Day will be celebrated at a special function in New Delhi in view of exemplary achievements by nation's daughters during last year.They presented commendable performance at the Olympics and Paralympics besides historic induction of the first batch of female fighter pilots into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

2. Rescheduled Education Loan will not be considered for computing NPAs: RBI: In a bid to encourage banks to provide loans for education, the Reserve Bank of India RBI has declared that rescheduling the period of payment of education loans due to the inability of the borrower because of unemployment will not be treated as restructured accounts for computing NPAs.

3. T-Hub launches ‘GIS Innovation Hub’ powered by Esri India: T-Hub, the start-up engine catalysing innovation, today announced the launch of ‘GIS Innovation Hub’ (GIH) for start-ups. The GIH is powered by Esri India, the Geographic Information System (GIS) software and solutions provider.The facility was inaugurated by Jack Dangermond, Co-founder, President and CEO of Esri Inc.

4. Jharkhand Annual Budget 2017-18: The Chief Minister of Jharkhand Raghubar Das presented the state’s annual budget for 2017-18 on January 23, 2017 under the theme of Garib Kalyan Varsh The main focus of the budget is on agriculture, education and skill development, rural development and eliminating poverty.

5. Stamp Cover on Sindhu, Sakshi and Dipa released by Postal Department: The Indian postal department released a special stamp cover titled Golden girls of India – Pride of Nation on January 21, 2017 during a district-level philatelic exhibition in Agartala to honor the sporting personalities in the country. The special covers feature the 2016 Olympic medalist gymnast Dipa Karmakar, shuttler PV Sindu and wrestler Sakshi Malik. They were also awarded the nation’s highest sports award Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna in 2016.

6. BCSBI to organise ‘know your rights’ programme: To educate awareness on banking codes at grass root level, The Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI) will organise know your rights programme in all the states.For this, the organisation will adopt a three-fold approach in the awareness programme focussing Tier II cities, metros and other backward areas, Anand Aras, CEO, BCSBI said.

7. Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously passes Jallikattu Bill: Tamil Nadu assembly under the chairmanship of Chief Minister O Panneerselvam unanimously passed the Jallikattu Bill on January 23, 2017 to replace the ordinance issued on January 21, 2017 to allow the states traditional sport. The bill amends the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, making Jallikattu a permanent sport in rural Tamil Nadu.

8. Uber to bring Food Delivery app ‘UberEATS’ in India: Transportation app Uber will soon launch its on-demand food delivery app ‘UberEATS’ in the Indian market. UberEATS is currently available in 58 cities globally, including Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Taipei. The new app will give consumers, restaurant partners, and delivery partners more options across India.

9.  Guided Pinaka rocket successfully test fired: The guided Pinaka rocket was successfully test—fired for the second time from launch complex—III of the Integrated Test Range (ITR) launch pad at Chandipur.Defence sources said the test was conducted at 12:45 pm and Pinaka rocket mark-II, equipped with navigation, guidance and control kit, was transformed into a “guided Pinaka".

10. Kyoto Protocol: Government gives nod to ratify second commitment period: The Centre gave its nod to ratify the second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol that commits countries to contain the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). The Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave its approval to ratify the second commitment period of the international treaty, which was adopted by nations in 2012. So far, 65 countries have ratified the second commitment period.

11. Vodafone to invest Rs 3000 crore in West Bengal in next 3 years.

12. New Universal Rail Mill worth Rs 1200 crore inaugurated in Bhilai Steel Plant: Moving towards the Make in India initiative, the Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh inaugurated the new Universal Rail Mill at Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) of Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) on January 23, 2017 and flagged off the mills first and world’s longest single rail of 130 meters from the new Universal Rail Mill (URM). 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nepal launches 10-year plan to reduce depending on India for Vegetable Imports: In a move to decrease dependence on vegetable imports from India, the Nepal Government has launched a 10-year plan to boost domestic production. The 10-year scheme aims to adopt modern farm techniques to boost vegetable productivity in the country and make the country self-reliant in food.

2. Turkish Parliament approves Presidential rule paving way for referendum: The parliament of Turkey approved a constitutional reform on January 21, 2017 to strengthen the powers of the presidency by introducing presidential rule in the country and has led the way for a referendum on the issue by the public. If the bill will be passed then the President Tayyip Erdogan would serve the office until 2029.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Virat becomes fastest batsman to score 1000 runs as ODI Captain.

Daily GK Updates - 23rd January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Nation pays homage to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose on his 120^th birth anniversary: It was on this day in 1897, Netaji was born in Cuttack, Odisha. A number of functions have been organised in different parts of the country to mark the occasion. In Delhi, floral Tributes will be paid to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose in the Central Hall of Parliament. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tribute to Netaji. In a series of tweets, Mr Modi stated that Netaji's valour played a major role in freeing India from colonialism.

2. Three-day ArogyaMitra Conference begins in Silchar, Assam: Assam State Governor BanwarilalPurohit inaugurated the ArogyaMitra conference on 21 January 2017 till 23 January 2017 at Silchar. The three day conference has been organised by the south Assam zone of the NGO, KeshabSmarakSanskritiSurabhi at the campus of Veterinary College, Ghungoor.Aim of the Conference Make available minimum free medical services to the people of isolated and backward places.

3. No-more Visa-Free facility for Indians in Hong Kong: Hong Kong has withdrawn the visa-on arrival facility for Indians travelling to Hong Kong effective from January 23, 2017. From now, the Indian nationals must apply for and successfully complete pre-arrival registration online before they can visit or transit the HKSAR visa-free.

4. Kerala CM inaugurates ‘Jyothirmaya’:Kerala Chief Minister PinarayiVijayan inaugurated the 4 lakh square feet latest IT building, ‘Jyothirmaya’ at the Infopark.Dedicating the 9-storeyed building, constructed over six acres of land  80,000 job opportunities will be created when the buildings constructed during second phase of development at Infopark become fully operational.

5. AP government announces compensation of Rs 5 lakh for families of those who lost lives in Hirakhand Express accident: Andhra Pradesh government have announced a compensation of 5 lakh rupees for the families of those who lost lives in the Hirakhand Express accident and belonging to the state. Odisha government has also declared a compensation of similar amount for those belonging to Odisha.

6. Kwality Ltd signs MoU with Bank of Baroda for Rs 4000 crore loan to farmers: Mumbai based dairy firm Kwality Ltd has signed a MoU with Bank of Baroda on January 20, 2017 to provide Rs. 4000 crore loans to one lakh farmers out of the established networks from whom the company procures milk. The MoU aims to provide financial assistance to improve socio-economic lives of farmers and encourage them towards digitisation.

7. 100 % FDI under consideration in Food Processing sector: Minister of State for Food Processing Industries SadhviNiranjanJyoti stated 100% Foreign Direct Investment in food processing sector is being actively considered by the Union Government. Addressing a conclave organized by the ASSOCHAM in Chennai on the sunrise sector.

8. Ex-BCCI President Anurag Thakur to head Himachal Olympic Association: Ex-BCCI president Anurag Thakur unanimously elected head of the Himachal Pradesh Olympic Association (HPOA) for a four-year term.Anurag Thakur, who had to step down as BCCI President owing to the Supreme Court ruling on Lodha Committee reforms.

9.  CCI approves merging MakeMyTrip with Ibibo Group: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) approved the proposed merger of online travel firm MakeMyTrip’s Indian travel business with rival Ibibo Group.

10. TeamIndus proposes nameplate on the Moon for Rs 500: A Bengaluru start-up TeamIndus proposes nameplate on the Moon for Rs.500.Indians are being offered the opportunity to leave their name on the moon, for a price. Space start-up TeamIndus will get the names of public ‘donors’ micro-engraved on a small-sized aluminium object, which will be placed on the lunar surface when its lander descends on the moon.

11. Ecotourism project set up at Purulia: Priya Entertainments Pvt Ltd has set up an ecotourism project at Khairabera, foothills of Baghmundi, in Purulia district of West Bengal. The adventure camp is located 300 km from the city.Bookings for luxury tents, individual cottages and camping tents can be made through the website, www.ecoadventureresorts.net.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. China commissions its 31^st Stealth Warship: In a move to rapidly expand its naval fleet, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy commissioned its 31st stealth warship with the commissioning of the 31st Type—056 class corvette warship, CNS Ezhou, China. China Commissions its 31st Stealth Warship to become the world’s largest fleet of modern corvettes.

2. 2017 World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting held in Davos, Switzerland: The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017 was held in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The theme of 47th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2017 is Responsive and Responsible Leadership.The inaugural had musical concert by violinist Anne- Sophie Mutter.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Sunish wins ITF Juniors title: DhruvSunish finally got the taste of ITF Juniors title when he won the boys singles crown downing Kazakhstan's DostanbekTashbulatov at the DakshinKalikataSansad clay courts.

OBITUARIES:

2. Urdu poet, lyricist NaqshLyallpuri died at the age of 88.

Daily GK Updates - 22nd January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Himachal Pradesh beats Kerala in learning outcomes: ASER: The Annual Status Education Report (ASER) 2016 found that Himachal Pradesh is doing well in many regards, on the education front, as compared to the rest of the states. It has the country’s highest reading and mathematics learning levels, shooting past even Kerala, which has an almost spotless track record of maintaining its position as the most literate state.

2. Gujarat: Over 3.5 lakh people sing national anthem, set new world record: More than 3.5 lakh people in Gujarat’s Rajkot district set a new world record by singing the national anthem at an event. The feat took place at the installation of a Khodiyar goddess idol at the newly-built KhodalDham temple in the town.

3. Bihar forms world’s longest human chain of 11,000 kilometres: Bihar on 21st January 2017 claimed to have formed the world's longest human chain, covering an estimated distance of 11,292 kilometres, involving over two crore citizens against alcoholism and liquor. 

4. Special Task Force for women safety reconstituted: A special task force (STF) for women safety has been reconstituted under the Chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor (L-G)?Anil Baijal with his approval, the Delhi government’s Home Department said in a communication sent to the Delhi High Court .

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. With Russia's help, India to increase train speed to 200 kmph: Russian Railways is helping India's national transporter increase the speed of its passenger trains up to 200 km per hour. Russian Railways is at present collaborating with Indian Railways on a 575-km stretch between Nagpur and Secunderabad and submitted a preliminary report last week.

2. Apple named most innovative company of 2016: Technology giant Apple has emerged as the most innovative company for 2016, according to Boston Consulting Group’s (BCG's) annual list which ranks world’s 50 most innovative firms for the 11th straight year. 

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1.PNB launches Contactless Credit Card: In another digitization initiative, Punjab National Bank (PNB) has launched a Contactless Credit Card. This new credit card, which has been named PNB Wave N Pay --Contactless Card, was launched by Usha Ananthasubramanian, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, PNB in New Delhi on 21st January 2017.

SPORTS:

2. Saina Nehwal wins Malaysian Masters Grand Prix Gold tournament: India's ace shuttler Saina Nehwal has won the Malaysia Masters Grand Prix Gold title at Sarawak in Malaysia. Saina, the top seed in the tournament, defeated Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand in straight games 22-20, 22-20.

Daily GK Updates - 21st January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India's biggest aircraft carrier ship INS Vikramaditya first to have ATM onboard: The largest warship of the Indian Navy, INS Vikramditya, will be equipped with its own dedicated ATM. It will cater to over two thousand naval personnel deployed on the aircraft carrier.India's largest public sector bank State Bank of India is providing the Navy the services for the ATM which will be on the satellite link. A currency chest will also be provided to keep running the ATM.

2. Bihar: Govt to launch NashaMukt campaign to make state addiction-free: Bihar: Govt to launch NashaMukt campaign to make state addiction-free make the state addidction-free. Over two crore people are likely to participate in human chains formed across the state on the occasion. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said ‘nashamukti’ in Bihar will herald a new era in the state as no one will be permitted to use intoxicating substance and tobacco products.

3. PM Modi addresses Combined Commanders Conference at Dehradun: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) at Dehradun in Uttarakhand . The day-long conference, to be hosted at the Indian Military Academy, will be attended by all Army commanders and their equivalents from the Air Force and the Navy. This will be the first CCC for the three military chiefs since taking over as head of their services last year (2016).

4. Tamil Nadu: Govt to promulgate ordinance to conduct Jallikattu: Tamil Nadu government will be promulgating an ordinance to conduct Jallikattu and Chief Minister O Paneerselvam has appealed to youngsters and all organizations to call off their protest as jallikattu.Prime Minister provide full support of central government in efforts made by Tamil Nadu to conduct jallikattu.

5. Shri Kalraj Mishra Inaugurates Workshop on MSME Cooperation among IORA: Union Minister of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Shri Kalraj Mishra inaugurated a Workshop on MSME Cooperation amongst Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Member countries in New Delhi.The Ministry of MSME finalised the MoU on MSME Cooperation with Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) member countries.This finalized MoU will be signed at an appropriate forum soon. The MoU will come into effect after 5 countries signs it.

6. Over 3.81 lakh Winners of Rs 61 cr in NITI Aayog’s Lucky Draw Scheme:According to a statement by NITI Aayog, till date over 3.81 lakh consumers and 21,000 merchants have been declared as the winner of the NITI Aayog’s lucky draw schemes namely Lucky GrahakYojana (LGY) for consumers and Digi-DhanVyaparYojana (DVY) for merchants.

  

7. Dharamsala declared the second capital of Himachal Pradesh: Dharamsala town in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh has been declared as the second capital city of the state by the Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. Dharamshala is located about 250 km from the state capital Shimla and has a unique significance and history of its own. It is of special value to the lower areas of the state comprising Kangra, Chamba, Hamirpur and Una districts.

8. ISKCON’s Govardhan eco village bags UN award: ISKCON’s Govardhan eco village in Thane district has been conferred with the UNWTO Award for Innovation in the category of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) at the annual United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Awards for Excellence and Innovation in Tourism at Madrid in Spain. Govardhan eco village become the first village in India has recognized by UN in the NGO sector.ISKCON'sGovardhan eco village bags UN award.The village received this honour for its initiative of eco-tourism as a catalyst for rural development.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Donald Trump sworn in as 45th US President: Mr Donald Trump has taken over as the 45th President of the United States, he took over the reins from Barack Obama 20 January 2017 Mr Trump, 70, took the oath of office in front of about 8 lakh people who braved chilly weather to gather on the National Mall in the center of the capital to celebrate the occasion.He was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice John Roberts. Donald John Trump is an American businessman, television personality, politician, and the 45th President of the United States.

2. WEF, UCSB partner to protect world's $2.5 trn ocean economy:The World Economic Forum and the UCSB's Marine Science Institute have announced a partnership to improve health of world's oceans and maritime resources. The new partnership aims to protect world's USD 2.5 trillion ocean economy.This partnership will harness the potential of public-private cooperation and the fourth industrial revolution to help the international community meet the ocean sustainable development goal.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. Co-operative banks can't accept deposits under PMGKY: Govt:Government has clarified that Co-operative Banks are not authorised to accept deposits under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Deposit Scheme (PMGKDS). The scheme allows assessees to disclose previously unaccounted and undeclared income under its ambit. The PMGKDS permits voluntary declarations of previously undisclosed income with an effective tax rate of 50% and requireassessees to deposit a further 25% of such wealth into a four-year interest-free deposit.The scheme was launched on 17th of last month and will remain open for declarations upto 31st March this year.

2. Kerala Gramin Bank to propagate financial literacy among school children: Aimed at propagating financial literacy among school children, Kerala Gramin Bank has conceived a novel programme called FI@School.

3. RBI imposes Rs 75 lakh penalty on Bombay Mercantile Cooperative Bank.

Daily GK Updates - 20th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. CBDT Clarifies No TDS or Advance Tax Credit for Income under PMGKY:The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) on cleared that income declared under PradhanMantriGaribKalyanYojna (PMGKY) would not be entitled to get any credit by way of advance tax paid or the tax deducted at source (TDS) or tax collected at source (TCS). 

2. Government Launches Web-Portal ‘ShaGun’ for Monitoring SarvaShikshaAbhiyan:PrakashJavadekar launched a dedicated web portal ‘ShaGun’ on  for continuous monitoring of the elementary education scheme SarvaShikshaAbhiyan (SSA) and promote the development of education sector of India.

3. PM to address 3 day National Conference in Kutch:Prime Minister NarendraModi has delivered inaugural address on a three-day National Conference of Central and State Ministers and Secretaries of Tourism, Culture and Sports in Kutch, Gujarat.

4. UDAN scheme set for take-off: The first flight is likely to take off next month under the government's ambitious regional connectivity scheme UDAN with the AAI receiving 43 initial proposals from 11 bidders for 190 routes under the regional air connectivity scheme UDAN.The scheme UDAN (UdeDeshKeAamNaagrik), seeks to boost regional air connectivity and provides various incentives to airlines..

5. India, UAE to hold 1st strategic dialogue in New Delhi:Ahead of the visit of the UAE crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , who will be the Chief Guest at the Republic Day function this year, India UAE is scheduled to hold their first strategic dialogue in New Delhi.

6. PM NarendraModi inaugurates second Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi:Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi inaugurated the second edition of Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi. The conference has been organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and Delhi based prestigious think tank Observer Research Foundation.The theme of the three day conference is “The New Normal: Multilateralism in a multipolar world”. 

7. Govt inks MoU with National Yuva Cooperative Society to set up 1,000 JanaushadhiKendras:The government has signed an agreement with the National Yuva Cooperative Society to set up 1,000 JanaushadhiKendras across the country and targets to open such medical stores in every block and gram panchayat to provide quality medicines at an affordable price.

8. Centre releases Rs 2,207cr to J&K as special assistance during current financial year:Centre has sanctioned over 2,207 crore rupees to Jammu and Kashmir as special assistance during current financial year to expedite completion of area-specific schemes. 

9. 10th Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) Begins in Jaipur:The 10th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) was inaugurated Jaipur Literature Festival at the historic Diggi Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan jointly by Chief Minister VasundharaRaje, veteran lyricist Gulzar, American poet Anne Waldman and spiritual writer SadhguruJaggiVasudev.

10. Entrepreneurship Development Scheme inaugurated in Mizoram:Mizoram Chief Secretary Lalmalsawma inaugurated the Entrepreneurship Development Scheme (EDS) under the New Economic Development Policy (NEDP).

11. Suresh Prabhu unveils Mission 41k energy plan for Railways:Indian railways, minister Suresh Prabhu unveiled Mission 41k, a plan that would save Rs 41,000 crore over 10 years through an integrated energy management system, reported Livemint.

12. 9.2 lakh cr rupees remonetised till date:RBI Governor Urjit Patel appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance and briefed the panel about government's recent decision to demonetise high value currency.

13.World Bank Sanctions Rs 1,376 Cr For Tripura Power Upgradation:Washington based World Bank has sanctioned Rs 1,376 crore for upgradations and improvement of the Tripura power system network on this was announced by Tripura’s power minister ManikDey.

14. Delhi Police commissioner Alok Verma appointed next CBI chief:A 3-member committee headed by PM Modi selected Alok Kumar Verma as next CBI chief for a period of 2 years. Verma, a 1979-batch IPS officer, has been Delhi Police chief for the last 11 months. Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana was acting as CBI's interim director.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Lloyd’s Gets Final Approval from IRDAI to Open First Branch in India: London’s insurance giant Lloyd has received the final approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) on to set up its first branch in India.

2. Alibaba Becomes Worldwide Sponsor of Olympic Games through 2028: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Chinese e-commerce firm Alibaba Group entered into a long-term partnership through 2028 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. This makes Alibaba the worldwide sponsor of Olympic Games through 2028.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Punjab Royals bagged ProWrestling League Season 2 title: Punjab Royals have bagged the Pro Wrestling League Season 2 title.In the summit clash in New Delhi, the Punjab team beat Haryana Hammers 5-4.Punjab reigned supreme with their foreign imports Vladimir Khinchegashvili, VasilisaMarzaliuk and IliasBekbukatov, besides India's Nirmla and Jitendra doing the damage in the crucial ties of the day. 

Daily GK Updates - 19th January, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. DigiDhanMelas:  Consumers, Merchants win prizes worth Rs 61 crore: Over three lakh 80 thousand consumers and twenty-one thousand merchants have won prize money worth around 61 crore rupees at 24 Digi-Dhan Melas across the country. This was disclosed by the Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in New Delhi Government’s efforts to give a boost to the digital payment systems and cashless economy have evoked good response from the people. People from different age groups, occupations and walks of life have taken part in a big way in the Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojana giving a fillip to digital transactions.

2. Cabinet approvals: 18^th January 2017:

a. Cabinet approves MoU between India and Serbia for cooperation in the field of Information Technology and Electronics.

b. Cabinet approves India’s Membership in the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), South Korea 

c. Cabinet approves MoU on cooperation on Youth matters between India and Russia 

d. Cabinet apprised of the MoU between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for cooperation in the field of outer space

e. Cabinet approves MoU between India and Vietnam In the field of cyber security

f. Cabinet approves Trade Agreement negotiations with Peru

g. Cabinet gives approval to the package for supporting Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) – Augmentation of Corpus of Credit Guarantee Trust Fund for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE)

h. Cabinet approves the Establishment of Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Jharkhand

i. Cabinet approves MOU between India and the United Arab Emirates for cooperation in the field of Small and Medium Enterprises and Innovation

j. Cabinet approves MOU between India and the United Arab Emirates for cooperation in the field of agriculture and allied sectors

k. Cabinet approves amendment in Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme

l. Cabinet approves MoU between India and the United Arab Emirates on Institutional Cooperation in Maritime Transport

m. Cabinet approves MoU between India and the United Arab Emirates on the Mutual Recognition of Certificates of Competency as per the provisions of the Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping (STCW, 78) and amendments thereof

n. Cabinet approves the exclusion of States from the investments of National Small Savings Fund

o. Cabinet approves MoU between India and the United Arab Emirates on Bilateral Cooperation in the Road Transport and Highways sector

p. Cabinet approves the introduction of the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2017 to repeal 105 Acts.

3. Bengaluru named most dynamic city in the world in WEF Report: India’s IT Hub, Bengaluru has been ranked at the top position in the 2017.Momentum Index released the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting being held in Davos. The index identifies the most dynamic cities of the world.From India six cities have find place in top 30 most dynamic cities.Besides Bengaluru other Indian cities in the list includes Hyderabad (5), Pune (13), Chennai (17), Delhi (23) and Mumbai (25).

4. Government clears 6 FDI proposals worth Rs 1186.5 crore: The government has cleared six foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals totalling ₹1186.5 crore. These include four from pharmaceutical companies including Sanofi-Synthelabo and Boehringer Ingelheim.

5. Only cash deposits can be declared under PMGKY: Undisclosed income in assets such as jewellery, stock or immovable property or in foreign bank accounts will not be accepted under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY). The Central Board of Direct Taxes on stated that only undisclosed income in domestic bank accounts, post offices or stashed elsewhere will be accepted under the scheme.

6. Cabinet clears proposals for listing 5 PSU general insurers: The five general insurance companies are the New India Assurance Company Ltd, United India Insurance Company Ltd, Oriental Insurance Company Ltd, National Insurance Company Ltd and General Insurance Company Ltd. The Centre's shareholding would be divested from 100% to 75% in one or more tranches over a period of time, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters after a Cabinet meeting.

7. President Mukherjee to inaugurate 28^th Dantan Gramin Mela in West Bengal: President Pranab Mukherjee is due to inaugurate the 28th Dantan Gramin Mela in West Midnapore district in West Bengal. He is on a 4-day visit to West Bengal. The fair will display the rural handicraft skills of the people of the region.

8. Anandam Scheme launched in MP to help poor: Aanandam scheme will help the poor people to get the daily needs like like jackets, sarees, blankets, utensils, school bags from the wealthy people. For this particular place is alloacted in each district to collect these items. The people who wishes to help others can visit website www.anandsansthanmp.in to become Anandak under Anandam Scheme Non-Government organisations, Government employees, cultural and business organisations can participate in this programme.

9.  Meghalaya’s Mawlynnong village becomes a role model for cleanliness: Mawlynnong village in Meghalaya has become a role model for other states in maintaining cleanliness known as Asia’s cleanest village. Mawlynnong has become tourists’ hotspot.The Secretary of the village committee stated that, all 90 families of the village constructed toilets in 1989.

10. West Bengal set to give Legal Protection to Hilsa fish: The West Bengal State Department of Fisheries has announced to protect the endangered Hisla Fish from getting extinct and thus has proposed to introduce law to arrest anyone found in illegal catching, buying or selling of Hilsa fish weighing less than 500 grams.

11. Bharti AXA General appoints Sanjeev Srinivasan as CEO, MD.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Scientists names 3 diseases that could cause next global health emergency: Scientists have named three relatively little-known diseases they think could cause the next global health emergency. A coalition of governments and charities has committed 460 million dollars to speed up vaccine development for Mers, Lassa fever and Nipah virus. They are asking funders at the World Economic Forum Davos for another 500 million dollars.

2. 30 more countries to join Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank: The Foreign Ministry spokesperson of China, Hua Chunying stated that thirty more countries have applied for joining the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) besides 57 founding members. It was officially established with 57 founding members and authorized capital of USD 100 billion.China is the largest shareholder of the bank having 26.6% voting shares. India is the second largest shareholder with 7.5% followed by Russia 5.93% and Germany with 4.5%.

3. NASA set to explore iron-rich Asteroid 16 Psyche: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has given its approval to explore an iron-rich asteroid 16 Psyche as a part of its mission to learn more about the history and composition of the celestial body.

4. World witnesses hottest year on record in 2016: The globally average temperature in 2016 was about 1.1 degree Celsius higher than the pre-industrial period, according to a consolidated analysis by the World Meteorological Organization.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:

1. PNB, India Post Bank team up: Punjab National Bank and India Post Payments Bank have signed a memorandum of understanding, whereby PNB will provide technology platform for pilot launch of IPPB on receipt of regulatory nod from the Reserve Bank of India. IPPB has been incorporated under the Department of Posts with 100 per cent government equity.

2. ICICI Prudential acquires 8.41% stake in FinoPaytech for Rs 100 crore: ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has acquired 8.41 per cent stake in FinoPaytech Ltd (FPL) for a total consideration of Rs 100 crore. FPL provides technology-based solutions and services related to financial inclusion. Earlier this month, FPL was granted payment bank licence by the RBI.

SPORTS:

3. KapilDev inducted into Legends Club Hall of Fame: Cricket icon KapilDev was inducted into Legends Club ‘Hall of Fame’ at the Cricket Club of India on January 17, 2017.Former India player and Legends Club president MadhavApte presented Kapil with a citation.

4. Despite difficulties, Indian Women Boxers score 6 medals in Serbia: The 10-member team returned to the country early this morning with 6 medals after finishing third in the competition behind powerhouses Kazakhstan and Russia. Haryana-girl Neeraj (51kg), competing in his maiden international tournament, stood out with a gold medal, while Sarjubala Devi (48kg), Priyanka Chaudhary (60kg), Pooja (69kg) and SeemaPunia settled for silver medals. Veteran KavitaGoyat (75kg) was the lone bronze-medallist.

OBITUARIES:

5. C V Vishveshwara, Pioneer of Black Hole discovery passed away at the age of 78.