Daily GK Updates - 7th August, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. CO sensors developed by IISc: Researchers at Indian Institute of Science have developed a highly sensitive nanometre-scale carbon monoxide sensor by employing an innovative fabrication technique. Nanostructure-based gas sensors are very effective due their high surface-to-volume ratio.

2. National Handloom Day celebrated: National Handloom Day is being observed to give an impetus to sector & encourage use of hand-made loom in the country. 7th August has been chosen due to its special significance as it was on this day that Swadeshi Movement was launched in 1905.  1st National Handloom Day was observed on 7th August, 2015 in Chennai.

3. Chabahar Port to start by 2018 – Nitin Gadkari: According to Nitin Gadkari the strategic Chabahar Port will be operational by 2018. As per an MoU signed, India is to equip & operate 2 berths in Chabahar Port Phase-I with capital investment of $85.21 million & annual revenue expenditure of $22.95 million on a 10-year lease.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UK agrees to pay $47billion to leave EU: Britain is prepared to pay up to €40 billion (USD47 billion dollars) as part of a deal to leave the European Union.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

1. Britannia’s largest plant set to come up in Maharashtra: India’s leading FMCG Britannia Industries would set up its largest plant in Maharashtra in a food park at Ranjangaon. The park would have the largest biscuits manufacturing plant with six lines, along with cake and rusk.

2. TCS to start GST Shiksha hub for small and medium enterprises: TCS iON has announced its partnership with Laghu Udyog Bharati to launch GST-related content to help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. It aims to provide relevant information on GST to all MSMEs on a real-time basis, helping them to be updated on any GST-linked development.

3. FB has the maximum profit per employee: Facebook which employed 20,658 persons in past quarter made roughly Rs 1.2 cr per employee. Microsoft made Rs 33 lakhs & Alphabet Rs 29 lakhs per employee, 4 times less profit per employee than FB.

4. Luxury cars to cost more as GST council recommends car cess hike from 10% to 25%: Sport Utility Vechicles, mid-sized, large, and luxury cars will cost more as the GST (Goods and Services Tax) Council has approved a proposal to hike cess on them to 25%.

SPORTS:

5. Kerala HC lifts life ban imposed on cricketer Sreesanth: He was banned in 2013 for his alleged spot fixing in IPL & was charged alongside 2 of his Rajasthan Royals teammates, Ajit Chandila & Ankeet Chavan. This comes as a relief for Sreesanth.

6. Alexander Zverev wins Citi Open title at Washington: German Alexander Zverev won over South African Kevin Anderson at the Citi Open in Washington.

7. India wins bronze in wheelchair basketball world meet: The Indian men and women’s wheelchair basketball teams won Bronze at the 4th Bali Cup International Tournament for Wheelchair Basketball.

Daily GK Updates - 6th August, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Venkaiah Naidu elected as Vice President of India: M Venkaiah Naidu was elected as the 13th Vice-President of India. He defeated Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson Gopalkrishna Gandhi by 272 votes.

2. India will have 100% literacy rate in next 5 years: Union HR Development Minister Prakash Javedkar said class 6 to 12 students are being trained to educate illiterate members of their families. The literacy rate of 18% in the post-independence era has gone up to 80% now in India.

3. Rajiv Kumar - new Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog: Noted economist Rajiv Kumar has been named as the next Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog, think-tank that replaced Planning Commission. He will succeed Arvind Panagariya, who had recently quit as Vice Chairman of Niti Aayog.

4. Pindra district launches SwachhtaBandhan and Bhai No. 1 campaigns, “toilets” gifted: To promote cleanliness and sanitation amongst the villagers, the local govt. has come up with unique ideas. Under the campaign brothers gifted “toilets” to their sisters on the day of Rakshabandhan. This will ensure that the practice of “open defecation” is curbed to some extent.

5. Government merges NCRB with BPRD: National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has been merged with another central police organisation the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) by the government. BPRD Director General will head the merged new entity, NCRB Director, an Additional DG rank post will report to the former.

6. S. Aparna appointed as ED to World Bank to represent India: S. Aparna, an IAS officer from Gujarat cadre has been appointed as Executive Director, World Bank to represent constituency of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan & Sri Lanka for 3 years. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared her name for the position.

7. Akshay Kumar appointed as the brand ambassador of the UP Cleanliness Mission: He promised to proactively work towards making UP the open defecation free state, a cause in line with the theme of his upcoming movie Toilet Ek Prem Katha. The state government aims to make Uttar Pradesh open defecation free by October 2, 2018.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Japan marks 72 years since world’s first atomic bomb attack: US dropped an atom bomb on the city of Hiroshima in 1945 at the end of World War II. The bomb claimed the lives of 1.4 lakh people followed by another bombing in Nagasaki three days later.

2. Sri Lankan Navy commissions AOPV, an India built vessel: Sri Lankan Navy has commissioned an India-built state-of-the-art Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel. Built at Goa Shipyard, SLNS Sayurala is 1st ever platform purchased from a foreign ship builder to boost search & rescue capabilities.

3. Paul Kagame elected as the President of Rwanda: This will be his third consecutive term as the president. He won international praise for stability and economic development he brought in Rwanda since the 1994 genocide

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

1. SEBI asks banks to disclose default in payment to banks within a day: SEBI has made it mandatory for companies to disclose any instance of default on payment of interest or repayment of principal to banks within a day of default. It is expected the banks have Rs. 10 trillion of stressed assets.

SPORTS:

2. India beat Sri Lanka in Test Series: India defeated Sri Lanka by 53 runs in the second Test to clinch 8th successive Test series win. Virat Kohli is now only behind Ricky Ponting who won 9 test series consecutively.

3. Mo Farah wins 6th world championship gold: British runner Mo Farah won gold in Men’s 10,000 meter race in London. He now has 10 consecutive global track distance titles.

4. Justin Gatlin stuns Usain Bolt: In his farewell 100m, Bolt clocked a time of 9.95 seconds but was left behind by Justin Gatlin who clocked 9.92 seconds to claim Gold.

5. Vijender wins WBO boxing title: Indian professional boxer Vijender Singh outslugged his Chinese opponent Zulpikar Maimaitiali to win his 2nd WBO boxing title. He retained his WBO Asia Pacific super middleweight title & claimed opponent’s WBO Oriental Super Middleweight belt.

Daily GK Updates - 5th August, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Mughalsarai to be renamed after Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay: The place where Pt. Deen Dayal died, the Mughalsarai junction, is to be renamed after him. The station, located in UP, is on is located on the main Howrah-Delhi Grand Chord line.

2. Delhi Police ties up with Uber for quick access to “Himmat”: Uber is collaborating with Delhi Police to allow quick access to Himmat, a women safety mobile app, through the rider app. This is Delhi Police’s first partnership with a technology company to intensify its focus on safety of women in the city.

3. Actor Sharada selected for the prestigious Prem Nazir award: National award winner Uravasi Sharada has been selected for this year’s Prem Nazir Award. Apart from the National Awards, she has been bestowed with several prestigious awards such as the Kerala State Film Awards, Filmfare Awards South, and Nandi Award.

4. $329 million loan pact with AIIB: India has signed a loan agreement with Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) for financing of $329 million for Gujarat Rural Roads Project. This will connecting the rural areas of Gujarat with better road connectivity.

5. Assam to distribute 13 lakh Soil Health Cards among farmers: Atul Bora, the Agriculture Minister of the State said that already more than 1 lakh 41 thousand cards have been distributed and the remaining are being distributed aggressively. The soil cards are given after testing the type of soil and nutrient quality. Through the soil cards instructions are given as to which part of the farm or field need which micro-nutrient because of deficiencies.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. US Army orders to stop the use of Chinese-made drones: US Army has ordered its members to stop using drones made by Chinese manufacturer SZ DJI Technology because of “cyber vulnerabilities” in the products.

2. JK Rowling is the World’s highest earning author: Harry Potter creator JK Rowling has been named the world’s most highly-paid author by Forbes with earnings of $95m this year.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

1. Indian Oil Corp (IOC) to buy 50% in GSPL: Board of Indian Oil Corporation has given its in-principle approval for acquiring up to 50% equity in GSPL LNG terminal in Gujarat for an estimated Rs 750 cr. GSPL is a joint venture between GSPC and Adani.

2. Canara Bank hits overseas bond market: Canara Bank has hit the international bond market with a USD 400-million issue as part of its USD 2-billion medium term note programme. The lender is likely to raise USD 400 million through bond sale issue, which will be drawn through its London branch and will be listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.

3. Indusind crosses 1 trillion market capitalization, 6th Indian bank to do so: IndusInd Bank has become the 6th listed Indian bank to join club of lenders that have seen their market capitalisation soar past Rs1 trillion mark. HDFC, ICICI, SBI, Kotak and Axis are other bank that have market capitalisation over 1 trillion mark.

  

SPORTS:

4. Jadeja becomes the second fastest Indian to reach the 150 wicket mark: Ravindra Jadeja has become the 2nd fastest Indian to reach 150 Test wickets, behind teammate Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin had reached the milestone in 29 Tests while Jadeja managed it in 32 games.

Daily GK Updates - 4th August, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Government disinvests 6.83% of equity in Hindustan Copper Limited: The Union Govt. has disinvested 6.83% of the paid up equity in Hindustan Copper Limited through offer for sale. The government is likely to get approximately 400 crore Rupees from this disinvestment.

2. Lok Sabha passes Banking Regulation Bill, will replace BR Act 1949: Banking Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2017, which was promulgated in May, was passed in Lok Sabha. It will replace Banking Regulation Act 1949, giving govt power to authorise RBI to issue directions to banks to initiate insolvency resolution in case of a default. Bill empowers RBI to issue directives for resolution & appoint authorities to advise banking companies on stressed asset resolution.

3. Government ends 10-yr pact with GVK-EMRI before the schedule: Department of Health & Family Welfare has terminated its 10-year contract with GVK-EMRI which provides emergency response service 108 Arogya Kavacha. Decision was taken citing certain shortcomings of GVK-EMRI group such as delay in providing services, shortage in manpower & not addressing employees’ grievances.

4. Non-performing teachers beyond 50 to be retired compulsorily – Bihar Govt.: Bihar Govt. has decided to compulsory retire non-performing head masters, teachers, and education department officials above the age of 50 years. Those teachers had failed thrice in the assessment test would also be removed.

5. Telangana will become the first state in India to bring AI in public health screening: Telangana government has signed an agreement with Microsoft India to adopt cloud-based analytics solution for Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram. It will also use of Microsoft Intelligent Network for Eyecare, the artificial intelligence platform with multiple stakeholders, for eye screening.

6. Bengaluru to have country’s first Heli-taxi service: The Kempegowda International Airport will become the first airport in the country to have a helicopter-taxi (heli-taxi) service for those who cannot afford to spend time battling traffic to travel across the city. The service, which will be operated by Thumby Aviation Private Limited, is expected to take off within three months.

7. Tata Memorial ties up with IDA for early detection and prevention of Oral Cancer: Tata Memorial Centre has joined hands with Indian Dental Association to start India’s 1st digital initiative for prevention & early detection of oral cancer.

The 2 launched a special course on Oral Cancer on World Head and Neck Cancer Day to create awareness of oral cancer.

8. Lok Sabha passes NABARD (Amendment) Bill: Lok Sabha has passed NABARD  (Amendment) Bill, 2017 by voice vote that seeks to amend National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Act, 1981. The Bill allows central govt to increase authorise capital of Bank from Rs. 5,000 cr to Rs.30,000 cr.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. USISPF set up: A new representative body — US- India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) — is being set up to further enhance business relations between the two countries. The body will work closely together with businesses and government leaders to achieve its goals of driving economic growth

2. Israel launches first environmental research satellite VENμS: Israel launched the country’s first environmental research satellite from a launch site in French Guinea. It in a joint venture between the Israel Space Agency (ISA) and its French counterpart CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales).

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

1. Bharat 22 Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) launched: Bharat 22 will comprise shares of 22 companies. ETF will have a single company cap of 15%, while a sectoral cap of 22% will also be in place. Bharat-22 ETF will comprise of the government’s holding in SUUTI, CPSE ETF and PSU banks.

2. Mohammad Mustafa has been appointed as CMD of SIDBI: The Appointments Committee of the cabinet has approved his appointment to the post for a period of three years.

3. Toyota, Mazda tie-up over electric vehicles: Japanese auto giant Toyota and smaller rival Mazda agreed a capital tie-up to focus on joint development of electric vehicles. The move comes as the automotive industry is faced with a major shift towards greener transport and greater use of information technology.

SPORTS:

4. Neymar becomes world’s most expensive footballer: Brazil’s football star Neymar become the world’s most expensive footballer at Rs.1,680 crores. Paris based Saint-Germain (PSG) signed him for a five year deal from Barcelona.

5. World Athletics Championships begins in London: 25 Indian athletes are taking part in this event. India has taken part in every championship since the first one in 1983.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd August, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian Army develops app for soldiers: The Indian Army has developed a mobile application named ‘Humraaz’ through which serving soldiers can track details like postings and promotions. With the help of this app, soldiers can view their monthly salary slips and Form 16 too. The app has been developed in-house by the Army.

2. Lok Sabha passes 2 bills extending CGST, IGST to J & K: Lok Sabha has passed 2 bills extending Central GST and Integrated GST to Jammu and Kashmir. The step will ensure greater economic integration of the state with rest of the country.

3. KRAS unit inaugurated at Hyderabad: KRAS, a joint venture b/w Kalyani Strategic Systems & Rafael Advanced Defense Systems of Israel inaugurated their state-of-the-art facility at Hyderabad. KRAS would be India’s first private sector advanced defence sub-systems manufacturing entity.

4. No detention policy in schools to be scrapped: Cabinet has approved scrapping of no-detention policy in schools till Class 8. Policy was introduced under RTE 2009 according to which schools were not allowed to fail or expel a student up to Class 8. It will now allow states to detain students in class V & class VIII if they fail in the year-end exam.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Wray to replace Comey as FBI director: The US Senate has  confirmed Christopher Wray as the man to lead the FBI. He will replace James Comey, who was abruptly fired by US President Donald Trump amid the investigation into Russian meddling in last year’s presidential election.

2. BRICS Agriculture Research Platform – Nod from Cabinet: Cabinet has approved a MoU between India & BRICS countries to set up BRICS Agriculture Research Platform.

Proposal was presented by Narendra Modi to establish BRICS Agriculture Research Centre during 7th BRICS Summit in Russia.

3. Germany tests face recognition surveillance: Germany has test launched a face recognition surveillance system at Berlin’s railway station that would contribute to anti-terrorism efforts. It aims to determine whether cameras can automatically recognize faces of specific persons & single them out from crowd. When a criminal/terrorist suspect enters/exits public transport facility, the system would immediately warn police to take prompt action.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

1. IRCTC launches cash-on-delivery for tatkal tickets: Railways has announced that people can now book their ticket under the tatkal quota on  IRCTC website & can pay later. For tatkal tickets IRCTC users will be able to pay via cash, debit card or credit card by opting to have tickets delivered at their doorstep.

2. Airtel and Telenor receive NCLT nod: The proposed merger between Bharti Airtel and Telenor India has been approved by the National Company Law Tribunal. Airtel will get 43.4 units of 4G spectrum in 1800 MHz band once the Telenor deal is concluded.

3. Google’s Internet Saathi programme reaches one lakh villages: Google India has reached a milestone of 100,000 villages with its Internet Saathi programme which was launched as a pilot in Rajasthan in July 2015 along with Tata Trusts.

Google will also be expanding the program in two new states – Haryana and Bihar.

SPORTS:

4. Paralympian Jhajharia recommended for Khel Ratna: Two-time Paralympic gold-medallist Devendra Jhajharia became the first paralympian to be recommended for the country’s highest sporting honour – the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. He won a gold in javelin at 2016 Rio Paralympics, is the only Indian to win 2 Paralympic golds. He had won his medals in the javelin throw event.

OBITUARIES:

4. Renowned scientist Pushpa Mitra Bhargava passes away: Renowned scientist Pushpa Mitra Bhargava passed away due to illness. Bhargava was a recipient of over 100 national & international awards and the Legion d'Honneur of France in 1998.

Daily GK Updates - 2nd August, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Committee of Experts to identify key data protection issues formed: A Committee of experts under the chairmanship of B N Srikrishna, to study and identify key data protection issues and recommend methods for addressing them, has been formed. The committee will also suggest a draft Data Protection Bill. Protection of Data is expected to provide a big boost to Digital economy of the country.

2. BSE appoints Dhirendra Swarup as the new Chairman: Bombay Stock Exchange has appointed Dhirendra Swarup as its new Chairman. Swarup, who was functioning in the capacity of a Public Interest Director with BSE replaces incumbent Sudhakar Rao.

3. India and Somalia sign agreement: India & Somalia have signed a bilateral agreement for transfer of sentenced persons, deepening humanitarian cooperation b/w 2 countries. Agreement was signed by Sushma Swaraj and Foreign Minister of Somalia Yusuf Garaad Omar.

4. Jharkhand clears bill Religious Freedom Bill 2017 to ban ‘forceful’ conversions: Jharkhand cabinet has approved draft of a bill that will ban religious conversion by force or allurement. It aims for tougher action on forced conversions of minor girls & women from scheduled tribes. Anyone found violating it will be liable for 3 years’ imprisonment or Rs 50,000 fine or both.

5. Contest for designing logo for 'Women of India Festival' launched: The Women and Child Development Ministry has launched a contest for designing a logo for the 'Women of India Festival' to be held at ‘Dilli Haat’ in October 2017.

6. e-RaKAM portal to sell agricultural produce launched: Govt has launched a portal e-Rashtriya Kisan Agri Mandi  which will provide a platform to sell agricultural produce. It is developed by MSTC Limited & supported by marketing & logistics partner CRWC Limited.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Shahid Abbasi elected as interim Pakistan PM: Pakistan’s parliament has elected Shahid Abbasi as country’s new PM, after Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif.

2. India to construct hydroelectric power facilities under Indus Waters Treaty: The World Bank has allowed India to construct hydroelectric power facilities on tributaries of the Jhelum and Chenab rivers under the Indus Waters Treaty. It is noteworthy that Pakistan is opposed to the construction of hydroelectric power plants being built by India in Jammu and Kashmir.

3. US imposes sanctions on Venezuela President: US govt has imposed sanctions on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, following irregularities in the election of a new legislative body to redraft the constitution. Maduro’s assets under US jurisdiction are now frozen.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Dhanraj Pillai awarded with Bharat Gaurav: Former India hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay was honoured by East Bengal football club on its foundation day with its highest award, Bharat Gaurav, for contribution to the field of hockey.

2. Veer Dev Gulia wins Bronze: Veer Dev Gulia bagged a bronze medal on the opening day of the competition at Tampere in Finland. In the Men's 74 kg freestyle category, Gulia finished third after beating Yamasaki Yajuro of Japan, 8-5 in the bronze medal play-off bout.

BANKING & FINANCE:

3. Reserve Bank of India announces its third bi-monthly policy review: Repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) reduced by 25 basis points from 6.25 per cent to 6.0 per cent with immediate effect. The reverse repo rate under the LAF stands adjusted to 5.75 per cent. The marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the Bank Rate are at 6.25 per cent. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) remains unchanged at 4 percent.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

4. Sanjay Baru appointed as new Secretary General of FICCI: Sanjaya Baruhas been named new secretary general of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He will replace A Didar Singh and will assume the charge from September 1.

Daily GK Updates - 1st August, 2017

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Union Govt. orders LPG prices to be hiked by Rs. 4 per month: The Union Govt. has ordered state-run oil companies to raise the price of subsidized cooking gas (LPG) by four rupees (excluding tax) per cylinder every month to eliminate all the subsidies by March 2018. The order came into effect on 1st June 2017.

2. Arvind Panagariya, the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, resigns: Arvind Panagariya has resigned as the vice-chairman of NITI Aayog. He will return to academia in US & August 31 will be his last day in office.

3. Mukesh Ambani becomes Asia’s 2nd richest person – Bloomberg Index: Mukesh Ambani has surpassed Hong Kong business tycoon Li Ka-shing to become Asia’s second richest man. Ambani’s total net worth stood at $35.2 billion making him the 19th richest person in the world as per Bloomberg Index. Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba.com remains Asia’s richest person.

4. Lt. Gen. Abhay Krishna has been appointed as head of Army’s Eastern Command: He was heading Army’s South Western Command & has vast experience of Sikkim sector, he succeeds Lt. Gen. Praveen Bakshi.

5. Rajya Sabha passes Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill, 2017 with amendments: The Rajya Sabha (RS) passed the Constitution (123rd Amendment) Bill -2017 with amendments to create a new commission with constitutional status for the OBCs at par with the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

6. Use of 5 harmful metals in firecrackers banned: Supreme Court has imposed a ban on use of 5 harmful metals in firecrackers as they cause enormous air pollution. A bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur prohibited use of lithium, mercury, arsenic, antimony, lead metals which are used in manufacturing of firecrackers.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Indian Army participates in tank race as a part of International Army Games: Indian Army team participated in a tank race competition in Russia along with groups from several countries. “Tank Biathlon” commenced at Alabino Ranges on 29 July, Indian Army participated in it with T-90 tanks. It is an international event conducted as part of International Army Games held every year since 2013 in Russia

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

1. Los Angeles will host the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in 2028: Los Angeles formally announced its bid for the 2028 Summer Olympics after agreeing on a deal that paves the way for Paris to host in 2024. Both cities had lobbied hard to host the 2024 games.

BANKING & FINANCE:

2. Airtel Payments Bank ties up with HPCL: Airtel Payments Bank has entered into partnership with Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited to give further boost to digital payments in the country. All 14,000 HPCL fuel stations will act as banking points for Airtel Payments Bank.

2. RBI slaps Rs 3-cr penalty on Union Bank: RBI has imposed Rs 3 cr penalty on Union Bank of India for non-compliance of know-your-customer norms.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY:

3. Sameer Garde named the President of Cisco India: Cisco has named former Philips Healthcare executive, Sameer Garde as president for its India and Saarc operations. Garde will be responsible for Cisco’s senior-level external engagement, including those with government and industry associations.

4. Facebook acquires AI startup Ozlo: Ozlo specialises in understanding text-based conversations & can provide answers to questions which do not have simple “yes” or “no” answers.