Daily GK Updates - 23rd January, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. PM Modi inaugurates Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose museum at Red Fort : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose museum at Red Fort (in Delhi) to mark the leader's 122nd birth anniversary. The museum showcases various artefacts related to Subhash Chandra Bose and Indian National Army. The Prime Minister also visited the Yaad-e-Jallian Museum, which provides an authentic account of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre(held on 13th April 1919).The museum also showcases the heroism, valour and sacrifices made by Indian soldiers during the World War-I.

2.  RPF Women Squad ‘JOYMATI BAHINI’ launched in Guwahati : In Assam, Railway Protection Force (RPF) of Lumding Division has formally launched ‘JOYMATI BAHINI’, comprising women sub-inspector and constables of the RPF at Kamkhaya Railway Station in Guwahati.The Objective of the Joymati Bahini is to strengthen women security around Guwahati region within railway premises and trains.

3. AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik inaugurates World Integrated Medicine Forum 2019 : AYUSH Minister Shripad Naik has inaugurated the 2nd World Integrated Medicine Forum 2019 in Goa. (23rd - 25th 2019).The organizers of the forum are the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy, under the Ministry of AYUSH.International drug regulators dealing with homoeopathic/traditional medicines from various countries like France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Russia, Brazil, Cuba, South Africa, Thailand, and Malaysia are expected to participate.

4. Gadkari lays foundation stones of Namami Gange projects in Agra, Mathura : Union Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stones of 6 Namami Gange projects in Agra and Mathura. The first is an integrated sewerage infrastructure for the city on Hybrid Annuity Mode with ‘One-City-One-Operator’ approach and reuse of treated sewage water in Mathura refinery. Rehabilitation of sewerage infrastructure and augmentation/ upgradation of STP at Vrindavan at a sanctioned cost of 33.82 crore rupees.

5.  Nitin Gadkari dedicates to nation Kerrian Gandyal bridge in Kathua : Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkaridedicated to the nation Kerrian Gandyal bridge in Jammu and Kashmir.The 1.2 km long bridge has been constructed over river Ravi in Kathua district at a cost of rupees 158.84 crore.This will reduce the distance between the two cities from 45 kms to 8.6 kms and benefit over 2,20,000 people living on the two sides – Kathua (Jammu) and Pathankot(Punjab).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  India Ranks 80th On Global Talent Competitiveness Ranking: SurveyIndia has moved up one position to rank 80th on the global talent competitive index,but remains a laggard among the BRICS nations. Switzerland continues to top the list, released on the first day of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting at Davos by INSEAD business school in partnership with Tata Communications and Adecco Group.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1.  BCCI announces a bonus of Rs 20 lakh each for senior selection committee members : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a bonus of 20 lakh rupees each for the senior selection committee members following India's maiden Test series win in Australia.Virat Kohli led India to a historic 2-1 win in the four-Test series before capping the Australian tour with a maiden 2-1 triumph in the ODI series.Earlier, The BCCI had announced cash awards of 15 lakh rupees per match for each of the playing eleven that featured in India's maiden Test series win on Australian soil. 

2. Mohammed Shami becomes the fastest Indian bowler to reach 100 ODI wickets :

Mohammed Shami has become the fastest Indian bowler to claim 100 ODI wickets (in the 56th match), during the ODI match against New Zealand at Napier. Earlier, India’s record held by Irfan Pathan (in 59th matches) in 2006.Currently, the World record held by the Rashid Khan (Afghanistan leg-spinner), reached the mark in just 44 ODI games.

Daily GK Updates - 22nd January, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian Navy begins coastal defence exercise off the Indian coast :  The largest defence exercise coordinated by Indian Navy, 'Sea Vigil'has begun in entire 7516.6 km coastline and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of India.It will involve all 13 coastal states and union territories along withmaritime stakeholders including fishing and coastal community.It's a build-up towards the major theatre-level tri-service exercise TROPEX conducted by the Navy.Sea Vigil and TROPEX together will cover the entire spectrum of maritime security including the transition from peace to conflict.

2. Odisha Government hikes Old-Age Pension : The Odisha Government has announced a hike of Rs 200 per month in the social security pension under Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY).It will come into effect from 15th February 2019.The Madhu Babu Pension Yojana (MBPY) is a pension scheme under the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities for the disabled, old age persons in the state of Odisha.

3. Ranjani Murali wins ‘Woman’s Voice Award’ at AKLF 2019 : US Based Indian poet Ranjani Murali has been awarded the “Woman’s Voice Award” at the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF).The award carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh apart from a citation.The Objective of the award is to recognize and encourage creative writing by women in India. The Award carried a cash prize of Rs 1 Lakh along with a citation.

Ranjani’s first book “Blind Screens” was published in July 2017.

4. BJP MP Anurag Thakur honoured with Sansad Ratna Award : Himachal Pradesh BJP, Member of Parliament (MP) Lok Sabha ‘Anurag Thakur’ has been bestowed with Sansad Ratna Award for his distinguished performance as a parliamentarian under Jury Committee Special Award category.He has become the first BJP MP to receive the Jury Committee award.12 parliamentarians were honoured with the Sansad Ratna award.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Andry Rajoelina sworn in as President of Madagascar : Andry Rajoelina has been sworn in as President of Madagascar at the capital city of Antananarivo.High Constitutional Court had declared him as the winner with 55.66% of the votes.The oath-taking ceremony was attended by a delegation from 35 countries  and international organizations.It is the first time in the history of the country since its independence that a democratic power transfer and a peaceful power transition took place between two elected Presidents.

2. Nepal’s Central Bank announces the ban of Indian Notes above Rs100 : According to Nepal’s central bank circular, Indian currency of Rs. 200, Rs.500 and Rs. 2,000 denominations cannot be carried and used for trading.Under the new regulation, Nepali citizens cannot carry these denominations to countries other than India.Indian notes of Rs 100 or below, are allowed for trading and conversion.It could affect Indian tourists visiting the Himalayan nation where Indian currency is widely used.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI approves the appointment of V Vaidyanathan as MD, CEO of IDFC First Bank :

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has approved the appointment of V Vaidyanathan as Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IDFC First Bank for three years period.In December 2018, IDFC Bank and non-banking financial company Capital First completed their merger, creating a combined loan asset book of Rs 1.03 lakh crore for the merged entity IDFC First Bank.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India Steel 2019 Exhibition and Conference begins in Mumbai : India Steel 2019 Exhibition and Conference has begun in Mumbai.The event provided an opportunity for all the stakeholders to deliberate and identify ways to contribute toward building a robust roadmap for the further growth of the steel sector.Around 10 thousand business visitors both from India and abroad are expected to visit.The three-day event organised by the Ministry of Steel will help chart out the future growth path of the steel industry.

2. IMF: India's economy is poised to pick up this year : According to The International Monetary Fund (IMF) report, India will grow at 7.5% this year and 7.7% in 2020.It’s an impressive over one percentage point ahead of China's estimated growth of 6.2% in these two years.The IMF attributed the pick up to lower oil prices and a slower pace of monetary tightening.Earlier, Price water house Cooper's Global Economy Watch said that India is likely to surpass the United Kingdom in the world's largest economy rankings this year.

SPORTS:

1.  Virat Kohli named Captain of ICC's Test, ODI teams of Year : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the men’s Test and ODI teams of the year.Virat Kohli (30-years) has become the first player to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Cricketer of the Year, as well as the ICC Men's Test Player of the Year and the ICC ODI Player of the Year awards.Kohli has also been named the captain of ICC's Test and ODI teams of 2018 for a fabulous run in international cricket.

2. Indonesia Masters badminton tournament begins in Jakarta : Indonesia Masters badminton tournament has begun in Jakarta, Indonesia.Olympic silver medalist PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth will look to continue their impressive run when they start their campaign at the tournament.Sindhu will begin her campaign against former Olympic gold medallist China's Li Xuerui.

Daily GK Updates - 21st January, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Tripura’s official logo for Tea : Tripura Govt. has unveiled an official logo for the state’s tea. This logo features landmark the ‘Neermahal’.Neermahal is a former royal palace built by King of Tripura Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur of the erstwhile Kingdom of Tripura, India in the middle of the lake Rudrasagar in 1930 and was completed by 1938. It is situated in Melaghar, 53 kilometers away from Agartala, the capital of Tripura. 

2. Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor : Nirmala Sitharaman has inaugurated the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor in the Tiruchirapalli.It is India’s second defence industrial corridor after Aligarh, UP being the first one.

3. 2019 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas : The 15th edition of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2019 has started from 21 Jan to 23 Jan, 2019 in Varanasi, UP. It is celebrated once in every two years.Theme of PBD 2019 – Role of Indian Diaspora in building New IndiaPrime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Kumar Jugnauth will be the Guest.The decision to celebrate Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD) was taken by the former Indian Prime Minister, late Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.The 1st PBD was celebrated on 9th January, 2003 in New Delhi. January 9 was chosen as the day to celebrate PBD as it was on this day in 1915 that Mahatma Gandhi, had returned to India from South Africa.The 14th PBD held during 7–9 January 2017 at Bengaluru, Karnataka was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

4. Khelo India Youth Games: Maharashtra finish top with 228 medals : The Khelo India Youth Games (2nd edition) concluded in Pune with the hosts Maharashtra walking away with the overall trophy.Maharashtra amassed 228 medals (85 gold, 62 silver and 81 bronze).Haryana were second with total 178 medals (62 gold, 56 silver and 60 bronze) while Delhi was third with total 136 medals (48 gold, 37 silver and 51 bronze) for a total of 136 medals.Union Minister for Human Resource Development, Prakash Javadekar presented the glittering Trophy to the Maharashtra sportspersons at a closing ceremony held at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. GLOBAL INVESTORS SUMMIT 2019 : Global Investor Summit 2019, investment promotion event of Government of Madhya Pradesh supported by DIPP,Government of India, is scheduled to be held on 23rd & 24th February 2019 at Brilliant Convention Centre, in Indore Madhya Pradesh.Himachal Pradesh will also hold a global investor summit in Dharamsala on June 10 and 11.

2. New President of Madagascar : Andry Rajoelina was sworn in as President of Madagascar.Madagascar is a huge island nation off the southeast coast of Africa. It’s home to thousands of animal species, such as lemurs, found nowhere else, plus rainforests, beaches and reefs. Near the busy capital, Antananarivo, is Ambohimanga, a hillside complex of royal palaces and burial grounds, as well as the “Avenue of the Baobabs,” a dirt road lined by massive centuries-old trees.

3. Airport after boxing legend Muhammad Ali : Louisville in Kentucky state of USA will rename its airport after boxing legend Muhammad Ali.Muhammad Ali was an American professional boxer, activist, and philanthropist. Nicknamed “The Greatest”, he is widely regarded as one of the most significant and celebrated sports figures of the 20th century and one of the greatest boxers of all time.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. BBI’s 11-member working group : The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India has set up a 11-member working group for the concept of ‘Group Insolvency’ and to suggest a suitable framework for the same.This group is under the Chairmanship of former SEBI chief UK Sinha The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India is the regulator for overseeing insolvency proceedings and entities like Insolvency Professional Agencies, Insolvency Professionals and Information Utilities in India.

2. India Steel 2019 : India Steel 2019 Exhibition and Conference will be held in Mumbai from 22nd to 24th January, 2019.It will be organised by Ministry of Steel to formulate the help chart out the future growth path of the steel industry.

SPORTS:

1. Chennai Open chess : P Shyaam Nikhil of Chennai and GM Maxim Lugovskoy of Russia are in a joint lead in the 11th Chennai Open International Grand Master chess tournament.Chess is believed to have originated in India sometime before the 7th century. The game was derived from the Indian game chaturanga, which is also the likely ancestor of the Eastern strategy games xiangqi, janggi, and shogi. Chess reached Europe by the 9th century, due to the Umayyad conquest of Hispania. The pieces assumed their current powers in Spain in the late 15th century; the rules were standardized in the 19th century.

1.Tata Steel Chess : Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has secured a victory over Shakhriayar Mamedyartov of Azerbaijan in Tata Steel Chess at Wijk aan Zee, the Netherlands.He share the lead with Norway’s Magnus Carlsen.

Daily GK Updates - 20th January, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura celebrating their statehood day : Manipur, Meghalaya and Tripura are celebrating theirstatehood day.On this day in 1972, all the three states became full-fledged states under the North Eastern Region (Reorganisation) Act, 1971.

2. Trivendra Rawat flags off the air services from Dehradun to Amritsar : Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat flagged off the air services from Dehradun to Amritsar from Jolly Grant Airportin Dehradun.Rawat said that work to connect several cities of the country with Dehradun is being done and expansion of air services in the state is being done expeditiously.

3.  Nirmala Sitharaman launches TN Defence Industrial Corridor : Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched a series of projects as a part of the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor in Tiruchirppalli.This will be the country's second defence industrial corridor after the first one was launched in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh August 2018.The Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor will include Chennai, Hosur, Salem and Coimbatore, Tiruchirappalli as the nodes.This will also help the industry to integrate with the global supply chain of Defence manufacturing. 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Bharat Ratna CNR Rao has chosen for Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials : Eminent scientist and recipient of Bharat Ratna C N R Rao has been chosen for the first Sheikh Saud International Prize for Materials Research by the Centre for Advanced Materials of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).The Prize committee unanimously decided to award this to Professor Rao which involves a plaque, a medal and a cash prize of 1 lakh USD.The award will be presented to Mr. Rao during the International Workshop on Advanced Materials at Ras Al Khaimain UAE on 25thFebruary 2019.

2. World's oldest man Masazo Nonaka dies at 113 : The world's oldest man, Masazo Nonaka (Japan) has passed away in the north of Japan's Hokkaido island at the age of 113.According to the Kyodo News agency, Nonaka, who was officially recognized as the oldest male in the world by Guinness World Records last April.The record-holder Masazo Nonaka was born in 1905 in the town of Ashoro.The Japanese are traditionally considered to be one of the most long-living people on the planet.

3.  The World Economic Forum annual meet to begin in Davos : The World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meet has begun in Davos, Switzerland.The theme of the event would be 'Globalization 4.0: Shaping a Global Architecture in the Age of the Fourth Industrial Revolution'.World leaders from across the globe will flock to the ski resort town on the Swiss Alps for five days to discuss what's ailing the world amid fears of the global economy sleepwalking into a crisis.

4.Rio de Janeiro will be World Capital of Architecture for 2020 - UNESCO : According to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro will be the World Capital of Architecture for 2020.Rio (defeated Paris and Melbourne) will be the first city to receive the title under a program launched together by UNESCO and the International Union of Architects (UIA) in November 2018.The city will host the World Congress of UIA, in July 2020, an event that occurs every three years.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. HDFC Standard Life Insurance renamed to HDFC Life Insurance :HDFC Standard Life Insurance has changed its name to HDFC Life Insurance following the receipt of relevant approvals from regulatory authorities.With a view to aligning the corporate name of the company with its brand name, the corporate name has been changed to HDFC Life InsuranceThe change in name is effective right off the bat and the company will henceforth operate under the name HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd.

OBITUARIES:

1. Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Mary Oliver passes away :  The Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet Mary Oliver (83-years) passed away at her home in Florida, USA.Oliver (author of more than 15 poetry and essay collections) wrote brief, direct pieces that sang of her worship of the outdoors and disdain for greed, despoilment and other human crimes.

SPORTS:

1. Ankita Raina wins ITF's tournament in Singapore : India's Ankita Raina has won the International Tennis Federation's25,000-dollar Women's tournament in Singapore.In the Final, Ankita defeated top seed and world number 122 Arantxa Rus of the Netherlands, 6-3. She toppled four seeded players in the tournament to win her first title of the season and eighth overall.

Daily GK Updates - 19th January, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  PM Modi inaugurates National Museum of Indian Cinema in Mumbai : Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has inaugurated the country’s first National Museum of Indian Cinema (NMIC) in Mumbai.The museum has been built by NBCC (India) Limited, at a cost of Rs. 140.61 crore.The objective of the Museum is to take its visitors through an absorbing journey of over a century of Indian cinema in a storytelling mode with the help of visuals, graphics, artefacts, interactive exhibits and multimedia expositions.

2.  The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) celebrated its 14th Raising Day : The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is celebrating its 14th Raising Day.NDRF was raised on 19th January 2006, as a specialized force capable of responding to any type of disaster in the country and abroad.It is strategically deployed across the nation as per the vulnerability profile.NDRF has proved its mettle and the people and political leadership of the country have immense faith in it.

3. ISRO to launch two unmanned space missions in 2020 and 2021 : According to ISRO Chairman Dr K Sivan, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will send two unmanned mission to space in December 2019 and in July 2021.Country's first manned space flight - Gaganyaan - will send three humans into space for seven days by December 2021.ISRO's unmanned test missions for Gaganyaan in 2021 will carry humanoids not animals.

4. Manu Sawhney appointed ICC's chief executive officer :The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed media professional Manu Sawhney as its new chief executive officer (CEO).He is replacing incumbent David Richardson, who will step down at the end of this summer's ODI World Cup in England.Sawhney will work alongside outgoing CEO Richardson to ensure a smooth transition of leadership before assuming control in July.Sawhney is the former CEO of Singapore Sports Hub and Managing Director of ESPN Star Sports.

5. Pocharam Srinivas Reddy elected as Speaker of Telangana Assembly : Former Agriculture Minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy (69-years) has been unanimously elected as the Speaker of Telangana.Srinivas Reddy is a veteran Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader.Pro-tem speaker Mumtaz Ahmed Khan formally declared Mr Reddy elected as the Speaker of the Assembly.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Dr Rattan Lal honoured with 2019 Japan Prize : According to Japan Prize Foundation, India born professor Dr. Rattan Lal will be the recipient of the 2019 Japan Prize for his contributions in the field of ‘Biological Production, Ecology’.

Dr Rattan Lal is the University Professor of Soil Science at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, U.S.ADr Yoshio Okamoto will be the recipient of the 2019 Japan Prize on of “Materials and Production” field.Each laureate will receive a certificate of recognition, commemorative gold medal and cash award of 50 million Japanese yen (USD 450,000) in a ceremony on 8^th April 2019 in Tokyo.

2. Macedonia renamed as ‘The Republic of Northern Macedonia’ : The Parliament of Macedonia has passed the resolution to amend the constitution of the country to rename as the ‘Republic of Northern Macedonia’.The name change will help resolve a decades-long dispute with neighbouring Greece opening the way for Skopje to join NATO and the European Union.

3. Justice Asif Khosa takes oath as new Chief Justice of Pakistan : Justice Asif Saeed Khosa took oath as the 26th Chief Justice of Pakistan.President Arif Alvi administered the oath to the new Chief Justicewho took office after the retirement of Chief Justice Saqib Nisar.Justice Khosa studied at the University of the Punjab and Cambridge University.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Vinesh Phogat to be nominated in Laureus World Comeback of Year Award : Ace Indian female wrestler Vinesh Phogat (24-year) has become the first Indian athlete to receive a nomination in the prestigious Laureus World Comeback of the Year Award.She has been nominated alongside US TourChampionship winner Tiger Woods.Vinesh (from Haryana) made a sensational comeback after battling a long injury lay-off to win a gold medal at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and Jakarta Asian Games.

2. Team India becomes the first team to win Bilateral Series in all formats : Indian cricket team became the first visiting team to win bilateral series across the three formats against Australia Down Under.India defeated Australia in the third ODI to clinch the three-match series 2-1.Now, India became the first visiting side to win a bilateral series (two or more matches) in all three formats in Australia.India registered their first Test series win in Australia earlier this month, while they won a T20I series on Australian soil in 2018

Daily GK Updates - 18th January, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  PM Modi inaugurates 9th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the three-days 9th Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in Gandhinagar, Gujarat (18–20 January 2019).Five countries Heads and more than 30,000 national and international delegates, including CEOs of major companies from India and abroad, are attending the event.There will be an exclusive Round-table Interaction of Prime Minister with Sovereign Wealth Funds, Pension Funds and Institutional Investors.

2. President Kovind inaugurates Gandhian Resurgence Summit at Prayagraj Kumbh :  President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the three- day Gandhian Resurgence Summit at Parmarth Niketan camp at the ongoing Prayagraj Kumbh.About 300 Gandhians from different parts of the country and organisations are participating in the Summit.  Earlier, First Lady Ms Savita Kovind honoured 9 women from traditional boat community for their contribution to the Kumbh. More than one thousand CCTV cameras have been installed in the Mela for the purpose.

3. Suresh Prabhu inaugurated the 10th edition of the India Rubber Expo – 2019 : The Union Minister for Commerce and Industries, Suresh Prabhuhas inaugurated the 10th edition of the India Rubber Expo - 2019(Asia's largest rubber expo) in Mumbai.The event offers a unique opportunity for Indian companies to meet and collaborate with overseas companies.The rubber industry will continue to grow faster, create more employment opportunities, increase exports and add to the economic output of India.The government is working on a comprehensive technologystrategy to increase India’s economy and improve ease of doing business at the micro level.

4. Dr Jitendra Singh inaugurates ISRO's UNNATI programme in Bengaluru : The Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has inaugurated the UNNATI- (Unispace Nanosatellite Assembly & Training) programme organized by ISRO in Bengaluru.

ISRO will train 90 officials from 45 countries in three batches.The course will include theoretical work, as well as training on assembly, integration and testing of nano-satellites.UNNATI is an initiative by ISRO to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first United Nations conference on the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space (UNISPACE-50).

5.  BES EXPO 2019 begins in New Delhi : Amit Khare (Information and Broadcasting Secretary) and R S Sharma (TRAI Chairman) jointly inaugurated the 25th International conference and exhibition on terrestrial and satellite broadcasting ‘BES EXPO 2019’ in New Delhi.Around 300 companies (from 25 countries) are displaying their products at the Expo. On the occasion, an exhibitor's directory was released by the dignitaries and BES awards were presented to the winners.

6. Prabhat Singh appointed DG in NHRC : According to the Personnel Ministry order, Senior IPS officer Prabhat Singh has been appointed as Director General (Investigation) in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) (till 30th April 2020)Currently, Prabhat Singh is Special Director, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).S N Pradhan (1988 batch IPS officer - Jharkhand cadre) has been appointed Director General (DG) of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 2nd World Orange Festival begins in Nagpur today : the second World Orange Festival has been organised in the city of Oranges Nagpur (18th-21st Jan 2019).The festival will showcase and brand the exquisite fruit in order to boost its export.Agricultural experts and scientists from various countries will participate in the workshops and guide farmers.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE:

1. India-Myanmar joint training exercise begins in Chandimandir : India-Myanmar bilateral army exercise ‘IMBEX 2018-19’ (2nd edition) commenced at Chandimandir Military Station at Chandigarh.The aim of this six days joint training programme is to train the Myanmar delegation for participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations under the UN flag.The exercise includes the participation of 15 officers from the Myanmar Army and 15 officers from the Indian Army.

Daily GK Updates - 17th January, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.  C P Joshi elected as Rajasthan assembly speaker : Senior Congress leader C.P. Joshi (68-years) elected as speaker of the 15th Rajasthan Assembly. Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh administered the oath of office.Mr. Joshi has been elected from the Nathdwara assembly constituency.

2.  PM Modi to visit Gujarat inaugurates the Global Trade Show : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Global Tr ade Show in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.Global Trade Show has been organized as a part of Vibrant Gujarat Global Investors Summit 2019 to be held at Mahatma Mandir in Gandhinagar, On Friday.The main theme of this edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit will be “Youth Connect 2019: Shaping A New India - The Story of Billion Dreams”.Prime Minister inaugurates newly constructed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel- SVP Institute of Medical Sciences in Ahmedabad.

2. India’s Satyarup becomes world’s youngest mountaineer to climb 7 peaks, 7 volcano summits : Mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta conquered Antartica's highest point, Mount Sidley.With this feat, he became the first Indian and youngest man (35 years and 262 days) to climb the seven highest peaks and volcanic summits across all continents.Australia's Daniel Bull had done it at the age of 36 years 157 days.According to the in-Reach Satellite, Communicator Satyarup was carrying, he summited Mount Sidley at a temperature of minus 40-degree Celsius.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Yohei Sasakawa to get Gandhi Peace Prize for 2018 : The Union government has announced the names of the winners of the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2015-2018.The Gandhi Peace Prize 2018 will be given to Yohei Sasakawa, Goodwill Ambassador of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for Leprosy Elimination.For 2017, the award is given to Ekai Abhiyan Trust for their contribution to education for rural and tribal childrenFor 2016, the award has been jointly given to Akshaya Patra Foundation for providing mid-day meals to children across the country and Sulabh International for its work towards the emancipation of manual scavengers.

2.  UK PM Theresa May wins the no-confidence vote : British Prime Minister Theresa May has won a confidence vote by 325 votes to 306 - a majority of 19, averting a general election.After her win, Ms May called on MPs to put self-interest aside and work constructively together to find a way forward for Brexit.PM Theresa May (leader of the Conservative Party) was appointed by the Queen on 13 July 2016.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. SBI, other banks agree to finance Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Corridor :  A consortium of banks led by State Bank of India (SBI) has agreed to lend 8,500 crore rupees finance for Nagpur-Mumbai 'Samruddhi Corridor' expressway project.Other lenders include Punjab National Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of Maharashtra as well as the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India.The estimated cost of the project, being constructed by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation, is around 50,000 crores, of which around 26,000 crores are required for the construction of the expressway.

SPORTS:

1. Mohammed Ali Qamar appointed Women’s Boxing team Coach : Mohammed Ali Qamar (38-years) has taken over as the chief coach for the country’s female boxers. He has replaced veteran Shiv Singh. Qamar won India’s first Commonwealth Games gold medal in boxing. Qamar’s CWG gold came in the 2002 Manchester edition in the light flyweight category.

2. Chennai’s Gukesh crowned world’s second youngest grandmaster : Tamil Nadu lad D Gukesh has become 2nd youngest Grand Masterin the world and the youngest Indian to achieve the feat at 12 years, 7 months and 17 days, erasing the mark set by his state-mate R Praggnanandhaa (in June 2018).Now, Gukesh becomes India’s 59th Grand Master.Ukraine’s Sergey Karjakin remains the youngest-ever GM, having achieved the feat at the age of 12 years and seven months in 2002.

OBITUARIES:

1. Malayalam Director Lenin Rajendran passes away :  Noted Malayalam director & screenwriter Lenin Rajendran (67-years) passed away at a private hospital in Chennai.He was a five-time recipient of the Kerala State Film Awards and also received the International Federation of Film Critics Award for the best Malayalam film for his film ‘Makaramanju’.He was also chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation.