Daily GK Updates - 7th February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. CCEA approves Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme of Prasar Bharti : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme of Prasar Bharti.An amount of 1054 Crore rupees have been approved for a three years period.CCEA also approved the creation of Agri-Market infrastructure fund for development and up-gradation of Gramin Agriculture Markets.A corpus of 2 thousand crore rupees will be created with NABARD.CCEA also approved the continuation of the Central Sector Scheme of Exploration of Coal and Lignite for a period of 3 years from 2017-18.

2. Smriti Irani launches India Size project in Mumbai : The Textile Minister Smriti Irani has launched the India Size project (first-of-its-kind project in the history of the country) in Mumbai.The objective of the India Size to arrive at a standard Indian Size for the ready-to-wear clothing industry.India size project will benefit manufacturers, consumers and generate data which will help tap into the potential of the sector.The Minister also launched a Study of Apparel Consumption in India, study report will release by July 2019.

3. Arunachal's Nyishi tribe celebrates Boori Boot Yollo festival : The Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh is celebrating its Boori Boot Yollo festival (52nd) to welcome spring and a successful harvest. Boori Boot Yollo is observed every year in the month of February. The festival witnessed the grand display of Punu/Jajin and Boori Yapa dance.

4. BPRD to organize 2nd National Conference of Micro Missions of National Police Mission : Former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir N. N. Vohra has inaugurated the 2nd National Conference of Micro Missions of National Police Mission in New Delhi.The conference has been organised by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD).It will discuss the issues of skills and competence at the grass-root level, Attitudinal changes in Police, Gender sensitization, harnessing technology and Community Policing.

5. Cabinet approves the establishment of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog : The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for the establishment of Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog for conservation, protection and development of cows and their progeny.It will lead to the development of the cattle population in the country including the development and conservation of indigenous breeds.Rashtriya Kamdhenu Aayog was announced in the budget on the 1st of this month.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Trump nominates US treasury diplomat David Malpass to head World Bank : Donald Trump (US President) has nominated senior Treasury official ‘David Malpass’(62-years) as the chief of the World Bank for a five-year term. He would replace Jim Yong Kim, if voted by the Directors of the World Bank Group. Traditionally, the World Bank Group President has always been an American citizen nominated by the United States (the largest shareholder in the World Bank Group).At present, David Malpass is the Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs.

2. Macedonia signs accord to join NATO : Macedonia formally signed an agreement to join NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to become the 30th member of the US-led alliance.According to Macedonia’s Foreign Minister Nikola Dimitrov, the country will never walk alone once in the alliance.The admittance of a new member highlighted that all European nations who meet the entrance criteria could join the regional alliance.The Macedonia-NATO accord follows a deal with Greece ending a 27-year-old dispute over Macedonia's name.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. RBI cuts repo rate by 25 basis points to 6.25% : The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) decided to reduce the key policy rate or the repo rate by 25 bps to 6.25% in bimonthly policy review of 2018-19.The three-day policy review meeting by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) began headed by RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das in Mumbai.Reduce the policy repo rate under the liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) by 25 basis points from 6.5% to 6.25% with immediate effect.

SPORTS:

1. Vidarbha grab second successive Ranji Trophy Title 2018 : Vidarbha defeated Saurashtra by 78 runs to retain the Ranji Trophy 2018-19 edition (85th season) at the Vidarbha Cricket Association in Nagpur.Left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate (Vidarbha), with eleven wickets in the match to steer Vidarbha to domestic glory.The Ranji Trophy is a domestic first-class cricket championship played in India between teams representing regional and state cricket associations.

Daily GK Updates - 6th February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. UP Govt. forms SIT on Sikh riots of Kanpur in 1984 : Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a four-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the circumstances that led to riots in Kanpur in 1984, following the assassination of then prime minister Indira Gandhi.The four-member SIT will be headed by retired UP Director General of Police, Atul, submit its report in 6 months.In August 2017, the apex court had issued a notice to the state government on a petition seeking a SIT probe of the riots.At least 125 people were killed in 1984 riots in Kanpur after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

2. Indus River dolphin declared as state aquatic animal of Punjab : Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has declared the endangered Indus River dolphin as the state aquatic animal.Dolphin mostly found in the lower parts of the Indus River in Pakistan between Chashma and Kotri barrages in the Indus River.As per the WWF report, the number of dolphins presently is 1816.Punjab has Black Buck as its state animal and Baaj as the official state bird.

3. President Kovind to confer Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards :  President Ram Nath Kovind has given the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2017 at Rashtrapati Bhawan. Forty-two artists from the fields of Music, Dance and Theatre has been awarded. In the field of Music, eleven eminent artists have been selected, while nine artists each from Dance and Theatre have been chosen for the award. Ten artists will be awarded in the category of Traditional, Folk and Tribal Music. 

4. Shehri Samridhi Utsav launched across the Country : Shehri Samriddhi Utsav has begun with a series of rallies led by women’s’ Self-Help Group (SHGs), across the length and breadth of the country.These rallies spread awareness about DAY-NULM in urban poor communities.Job Melas and fairs to market the products made by women microentrepreneurs were also organized by many states and will continue over the next two weeks.

5. Kerala becomes 1st state to set up price monitoring and research unit : Kerala has become the first Indian State to set up a Price Monitoring and Research Unit (PMRU) to track violation of prices of essential drugs and medical devices under the Drugs Price Control Order (DPCO).The move comes more than five years after the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) proposed such a system for the States and the Union Territories.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 6th February: International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation : International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a United Nations-sponsored annual awareness day that takes place on 6th February as part of the UN's efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation.Female genital mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures that involve altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.It is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

2. UAE to build church, mosque named after Saint Francis and Grand Imam : UAE leaders have announced to the construction of the ‘Church of Saint Francis’ and ‘Mosque of Grand Imam Ahmad AI- Tayyeb’ in Abu Dhabi in honour of the two religious’ leaders. They will serve as beacons to uphold the values of tolerance, moral integrity and human fraternity in the UAE. UAE had also granted 55000 squares meters of land for the construction of a Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi.

3. Dinesh Bhatia appointed as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Argentina : The Union government has appointed Dinesh Bhatia as the next Ambassador of India to Argentina.Currently, He is the Consulate General of India at Toronto.India’s envoy to Argentina Sanjiv Ranjan has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Colombia.

OTHER UPDATES:

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY:

1.  ISRO launches GSAT31 from French Guiana : India’s communication satellite GSAT-31 has been launched successfully from Kourou Launch Base, French Guiana (at Indian time- 2:31 am). The Ariane-5 (VA 247) rocket placed it in the intended Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit in 42-minutes. It was immediately taken control by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists from its Hassan facility in Karnataka. GSAT-31 (India’s 40th communication satellite) will provide transponder capacity for DTH television and connectivity to services like VSATs for ATMs, stock-exchanges, Digital Sign.

Daily GK Updates - 5th February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Special postage stamp on Kumbh Mela released : Union Minister of state for Communications Mr Manoj Sinha has released a special postage stamp of the Indian Postal Department on Kumbh Mela.It is a commemorative postal stamp (cost-5 rupees) on Second Shahi Snan holy bath of Mauni Amavasya.Mr Sinha said the target to set up Passport Seva Kendra in all Lok Sabha constituencies will be achieved by end of this month.

2. 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav inaugurated in New Delhi : Minister of State for Culture, Dr Mahesh Sharma has inaugurated the 21-day-long nationwide theatre spectacle ‘Bharat Rang Mahotsav’ in New Delhi.It is the international theatre festival of India, Organized by National School of Drama (NSD).The 20th BRM comes with 111 national and international acts in its basket that includes folk and other traditional theatre forms, invitee plays, and productions by the students of the National School of Drama.The National School of Drama (NSD) is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India.

3. Kala Ghoda Arts festival inaugurated in Mumbai : India’s largest multi-cultural street festival ‘Kala Ghoda Arts Festival’(KGAF) begins in South Mumbai, Maharashtra.The theme of KGAF 2019 is retrospection. KGAF 2019 has been celebrated in two glorious decades of art and culture through cinema, theatre, dance, literature and sculpture. The festival will end on 10th February 2019.

4. ICT Academy Bridge 2019’ conference inaugurated in Tamil Nadu :  Dr M. Manikandan, Minister for Information Technology of Tamil Nadu has inaugurated ‘ICT Academy Bridge 2019’ conference in the city that The conference was organized under the theme “Fostering India for Industry 4.0”, by ICT Academy. It witnessed more than 1,000 participants from government, industry and academia.

5. CJI Ranjan Gogoi inaugurates Andhra Pradesh High Court : The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogai has inaugurated the new two-storied building of Andhra Pradesh High Court at Nelapadu in Amaravathy. Amaravati region has 16 court halls and the building costing Rs 150 Crore houses a 2.70 lakh square feet office space.Now, Andhra Pradesh is getting its own court four and half years after the state bifurcation.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. IORA meet on Disaster Risk Management : Twenty-two countries and nine dialogue partners of Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) has been deliberated on developing a draft Work Plan for Disaster Risk Management in IORA at a meeting in New Delhi. They will also discuss the need for establishing a Disaster Risk Management Core Group to take forward the agreed objectives under the Work Plan.

OTHER UPDATES:

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. P V Bharathi appointed as the CEO of Corporation Bank :  PV Bharathi has taken charge as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Corporation BankEarlier, Bharathi (first woman CEO of the Corporation bank) was the Executive Director in Canara Bank.She joined as an officer in Canara Bank in 1982 and handled key responsibilities in branches, regional offices, circle offices and the head office.

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2018-19 (Series 6) : The Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme 2018-19 (Series 6) has been opened from Monday (continue till 8th Feb 2019).  The issue price of the Bond during this sub ion period will be three thousand three hundred twenty-six rupees per gram with the settlement date of 1st of February. The Centre in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has decided to allow a discount of 50 rupees per gram from the issue price to those investors who apply online and make the payment through digital mode.

SPORTS:

1. Smriti Mandhana becomes world No.1 women’s ODI batter : As per the latest rankings released by the ICC, Indian women’s cricket team left-handed opener ‘Smriti Mandhana’ (22-years) has become the number-1 batter in latest ICC ODI rankings. Earlier, she was named ICC Women’s Player of the Year 2018.Recently, she played a key role in India’s maiden ODI series on New Zealand soil.In the 15 ODIs, Smriti has played since the beginning of 2018, she has scored two centuries and eight half-centuries.

Daily GK Updates - 4th February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Head of state of Monaco Prince Albert II arrives in New Delhi : The head of state of Monaco, Prince Albert II has arrived in New Delhi on a week-long visit to India. Prince Albert will attend the India-Monaco Business Forum afternoon followed by a round-table on energy and climate. Prince Albert II will visit Udaipur in Rajasthan.

2. President Opens Rashtrapati Bhavan's annual 'Udyanotsav' : President ‘Ram Nath Kovind’ has opened the annual Udyanotsav of Rashtrapati Bhavan. About 10,000 programmed Tulip bulbs in 8 varieties of different colour were imported from the Netherlands and have been planted in the Mughal Gardens. The people will also be able to visit the Spiritual Garden, Herbal Garden, Bonsai Garden and Musical Garden.

3. National Road Safety Week launched : The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has launched the National Road Safety Week with a host of initiatives planned for generating awareness and sensitizing people about safe road usage.The Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari flag off a motor car rally to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti, Rajghat, New Delhi.The rally will travel through places historically associated with Gandhiji, both in India, as well as in Bangladesh and Myanmar.It will conclude at Yangon in Myanmar on the 24th of this month, covering a total distance of 7250 km.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1.World Cancer day being observed today :  The world cancer day is being observed on 4th February every year to raise awareness about cancer, its treatment and to encourage methods of its prevention. The primary goal of the day is to reduce the illness and related deaths by 2020. This year, Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is launching a new three years (2019-2021) campaign with the theme: “I Am and I Will.” The Union Government has started AMRIT scheme in order to provide relief to poor people from the rising cost of Cancer drug.

2. Sri Lanka celebrates 71st Independence Day : Sri Lanka celebrated the 71st Independence Day in a grand ceremony at the Galle Face Green in Colombo.Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih attended the function as the guest of honour.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. India's tourism sector registers 19% growth in 2018 : According to Union Minister K J Alphons, the country's tourism sector fetched 234 billion US Dollar revenue last year, registering a growth of over 19%.The country is ranked third in the tourism sector, according to the 2018 report of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).This revenue was contributed by 87 per cent domestic and 13 per cent foreign tourists

SPORTS:

1. Vani Kapoor becomes first Indian to Grab Australian LPGA Card : Vani Kapoor has become the first Indian golfer to receive Australian Women's PGA Tour (LPGA) card. Vani played 71, 78 and 69 cards in the first qualifying tournament played at Balatar Golf Club. He is jointly tied 12th with a score of 218. In this 81 participants had participated, out of which the top 20 will get an opportunity to play in the Australian LPGA.

2. Haryana Hammers beats Punjab Royals to win PWL 4 : Haryana Hammers defeated two-time defending champion Punjab Royals 6-3 in the final to lift the Pro Wrestling League season 4 title at the Gautam Buddha University indoor stadium, Greater Noida.The Pro Wrestling League (PWL) is an Indian sports wrestling promotion that was established in 2015.It was initiated by ProSportify and Wrestling Federation of India.

Daily GK Updates - 3rd February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1.Rishi Kumar Shukla takes charge as CBI Director : Senior IPS officer 58-year- old Rishi Kumar Shukla (1983 batch- Madhya Pradesh Cadre) has been appointed as the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) Director for a period of two years. Rishi Kumar Shukla has served as the DGP of Madhya Pradesh.Earlier, M Nageswara Rao was appointed as interim chief of the CBI (No. 3) after the government stepped in between the fight of CBI Director Alok Verma and Special Director Rakesh Asthana.

2.Nilambar Acharya appointed Country’s ambassador to India : Former Nepal’s law minister Nilambar Acharya has been appointed as the Country’s Ambassador to India.Mr. Acharya was Law Minister in the interim government (in 1990). Earlier, Mr Acharya has been served as a member of Eminent Persons Group formed by India and Nepal on bilateral relations. The post of Nepalese ambassador to India was lying vacant science Deep Kumar Upadhyay resigned in October 2017 to join politics.

3.  Kala Ghoda Arts Festival (KGAF 2019) : It is India’s largest multi-cultural street festival, has started in Mumbai.Mumbai is a densely populated city on India’s west coast. A financial center, it’s India’s largest city. On the Mumbai Harbour waterfront stands the iconic Gateway of India stone arch, built by the British Raj in 1924. Offshore, nearby Elephanta Island holds ancient cave temples dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The city’s also famous as the heart of the Bollywood film industry.

4. Bharat Rang Mahotsav : The 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav has inaugurated in New Delhi.It is organized by National School of Drama and is inaugurated by Minister of State for Culture (I/C), Mahesh Sharma.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty : USA has suspended its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty with Russia from 2nd February onwards.The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty was a 1987 arms control agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union.Uzbekistan has lifted the ban on teaching Political Science in the country. It was banned in 2015 under a decree issued by President Islam Karimov as it is a western pseudoscience which does not support the “Uzbek model” of development.

2. New India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia : Sanjiv Ranjan has been appointed as new Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia.Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a sovereign state largely situated in the northwest of South America, with territories in Central America. Colombia shares a border to the northwest with Panama, to the east with Venezuela and Brazil and to the south with Ecuador and Peru.

4. Ballistic Missile ‘Nasr’ : Pakistan successfully has test-fired the short range surface-to-surface ballistic missile ‘Nasr’.Prime minister: Imran Khan. Capital: Islamabad.President: Arif Alvi. Currencies: Pakistani rupee, Rupee

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1.India’s Unemployment Rate : Acc. to NSSO’s Periodic Labour Force Survey, India’s unemployment rate hit a 45 year high of 6.1% in 2017-18. Unemployment is higher in urban areas which is 7.8% as compared to 5.3% in rural areas.

2. Central Statistical Office’s GDP Prediction : Central Statistical Office under Ministry of Statistics and Programme implementation has revised the GDP Growth forecast to 7.2% from earlier 6.7% for 2017-18.It shows the effect of demonetization was not as severe as predicted ea

SPORTS:

1. Footballer Ki Sung-yueng has retired : South Korean Midfielder Ki Sung-yueng has announced his retirement from International Football.He currently plays as a central midfielder for Newcastle United in English Premier League.

2. Regatta Cup 2019 : INS Dronacharya team has won Regetta trophy in the ‘Kochi Area Pulling Regatta 2019’ of the Southern Naval Command.The Boat Pulling Regatta is a traditional naval sporting activities conducted by the Navy.

3. ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 : The 13th edition of Men’s Cricket World Cup will be played in India in 2023.The upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 scheduled in England and Wales.

Daily GK Updates - 2nd February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. LT Gen Rajeev Chopra takes over as Director-General of NCC : Lieutenant General Rajeev Chopra took over the reins of National Cadet Corps (NCC) as its Director General.Lt Gen Chopra (Commissioned in the Madras Regiment) is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasla and Indian Military Academy, Dehradun.He has commanded a Brigade in Eastern Command and was Inspector General of HQ IGAR (South) in the insurgency-torn state of Manipur.

2. Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar assumes charge as Vice Chief of Naval Staff : Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar assumed charge as Vice Chief of the Naval Staff.He served as the Navigating Officer of Indian Naval Ships Beas, Nilgiri, Ranvir and Vikrant.An alumnus of Sainik School, Amaravathi Nagar and National Defence Academy, Khadakvasla, Pune, he was commissioned into the Executive Branch of the Indian Navy on 01 Jul 1982.

3.  Punjab Govt. approves ‘Smart Village Campaign’ worth of Rs 385 Crores : The Punjab government has approved a rural development scheme ‘Smart Village Campaign’ to supplement the ongoing works to build village infrastructure and provide essential amenities.The scheme would be financed with funds (Rs 384.40 crore) from the 14th Financial Commission and MGNREGA works.The objective of the ‘Smart Village Campaign’ to improving the condition of rural areas by supplementing the ongoing government schemes for building infrastructure and providing essential amenities.

4.  PM Narendra Modi launches two Railway projects in West Bengal : Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation, the Railway electrification of 294 kilometres long Andal- Sainthia-Pakur-Malda and Khana- Sainthia Sections in West Bengal. Electrification of this section will enable ease of transportation of coal, stone chips and ballast to North and North East India in a seamless manner.He will also dedicate the 20 kilometre-long Hijli- Narayangarh third line to the nation 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Suman Kumari becomes Pakistan’s first Hindu woman judge : Justice Suman Kumari has become the first Hindu woman in Pakistan to be appointed as a civil judge.Suman, who hails from Qambar-Shahdadkot.The first judge from the Hindu community was Justice Rana Bhagwandas (the acting chief justice between 2005 and 2007)Hinduism remains the second (only 2%) largest religion in Pakistanafter Islam.

2. 8th Annual Pulicat Day being observed today : 8th annual pulicat day being observed to create awareness among people about the importance of protecting the lagoon.The day is celebrated as the world wetlands day, with activities like catamaran race, rangoli competition, quiz and drawing competition for children, heritage walk and folklore programs.This year’s World Wetlands Day under the theme of “Wetlands and Climate Change”.It highlights the importance of healthy and intact wetlands to one of the most pressing challenges of our times: climate change

3. India bags the Award of Excellence for 'Best in Show' at New York : India received the award of excellence for ‘Best in Show’ during the Closing Bell Ceremony at New York Times Travel Show 2019(NYTTS 2019).It is the largest travel show in North America, held in New York, USA. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India participated as the ‘Presenting Partner’ in the New York Times Travel Show (NYTTS 2019).

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Govt. renames DIPP as Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade : In an official order, The Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has been renamed as the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade with a mandate to deal with matters related to start-ups, facilitating ease of doing business among others.The order has been approved by President Ram Nath Kovind.The newly-named department under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will look into matters related to promotion of internal trade, including retail trade, welfare of traders and their employees, facilitating ease of doing business and start-ups.

SPORTS:

1. Qatar wins Asian Football Champions 2019 : Qatar national football team beat Japan 3-1 to win the AFC Asian Cup 2019 crown in Abu Dhabi.Ali Almoez, Abdel Aziz Hatim and Akram Afif scored to give Qatar national football team a 3-1 victory against Japan.Takumi Minamino scored for Japan.For the first time, the Asian Cup final tournament was contested by 24 teams.

Daily GK Updates - 1st February, 2019

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 33rd Surajkund International Crafts Mela begins : The cultural extravaganza Surajkund International Crafts Mela (33rd) has been inaugurated at Faridabad (Haryana).This year Maharashtra is the theme state and Thailand is the Partner Nation.At least 20 countries and all the states of India will be participating in the Mela.Artistes will showcase the art, culture, heritage, handicrafts, and cuisine of the state.

2.  Gupteshwar Pandey appointed as new Bihar DGP :  Senior IPS officer (1987-batch) Gupteshwar Pandey has taken charge as the new Director General of Police (DGP) of Bihar.He succeeds current DGP K S Dwivedi (retired). Earlier, Mr Pandey served as an SSP and SP in 26 districts of Bihar. Currently, Mr Pandey was serving as the Director General (Training) of Bihar Police.

3. Air India resumes its services from New Delhi to Najaf in Iraq : Air India is resuming its services from New Delhi to the holy city of Najaf in Iraq after 25 years. Indian Ambassador to Iraq Dr Pradeep Rajpurohit said, the services will commence from the 14th of next month, and it is initially being planned for twice a week. Najaf is a city some 160 kilometres from Baghdad. It is an important pilgrimage place considered sacred by Shia Muslims.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Minister Rajvardhan Singh inaugurates Jharkhand International Film Festival : The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajvardhan Singhhas inaugurated the second Jharkhand International Film Festival in Ranchi (1st-3rd Feb 2019).The objective of promoting the Festival is to encourage states that have showcased the potential of promoting cinema.It will also promote Jharkhand as a filming destination, while simultaneously giving a fillip to tourism in the region.

2. Scientists develop an artificial pancreas smartphone app for diabetics  : Scientists have developed an artificial pancreas smartphone (iAPS) app that will help in regulating blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.This app is capable of interfacing wirelessly with glucose monitors, insulin pump devices, and decision-making algorithms.The app is effective in regulating glucose levels under challenging conditions and is suitable for use in unconstrained environments.

3. Dubai Airport retains the top position as World’s busiest airport : Dubai International Airport (DXB) retained its position as the world’s busiest airport for international customer numbers for the fifth consecutive year with annual traffic for 2018 with Indian travellers emerging as the largest source of traffic for the airport which registered a record footfall of over 89 million.It overtook the crown of the world’s busiest hub for international travel from London’s Heathrow in 2014.

4.  The International Year of the Periodic Table : The United Nations has announced, 2019 as the International Year of the Periodic Table of the Chemical Elements to highlight its first publication in 1869.It will help to raise the profile of how chemistry can provide solutions to global challenges in agriculture, education, energy and health.The periodic table as we know it today was first designed by the Russian scientist Dmitri Ivanovich Mendeleev.

OTHER UPDATES:

BUSINESS/ECONOMY:

1. Union budget 2019-20 presented by Finance Minister Piyush Goyal : Today, The Interim Union Budget 2019-20 presented by the Union Finance Minister Piyush Vedprakash Goyal in Lok Sabha.An interim budget is a temporary financial document that helps a business or public agency get through a period that's shorter than a typical budget cycle, which is normally one year.An Interim Budget gives the complete financial statement, very similar to a full Budget.

BANKING/FINANCE:

1. Dilip Sadarangani appointed as the Chairman of Federal Bank : Kerala based private sector lender Federal Bank has appointed Dilip Sadarangani as the part-time chairman.He has played key roles in setting up of IT infrastructure in different banks in India, Australia and Kuwait.Reserve Bank has cleared the appointment of Sadarangani (in bank’s board since 2013).Sadarangani holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Management from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management, University of Bombay.

SPORTS:

1. Mithali raj becomes the first woman to play 200 ODI matches : India’s women's cricket team Captain Mithali Raj (36-year) has become the first woman to play 200 matches in the ODI (One-day Internationals) format when she played against New Zealand in Hamilton.She already holds the record for being the most capped woman in one-day internationals.Mithali's international career is fourth-highest behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Javed Miandad.