Daily GK Updates - 19th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. CBDT signs 7 advance pricing agreements to cut tax litigation with Indian taxpayers: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed seven Unilateral Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) with Indian taxpayers in a moving design to reduce tax litigation.

2. Parliament passes Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2016: The bill seeks to establish a Regional Centre for Biotechnology, an institution of education, training and research, under the auspices of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the National Capital Region. It also confers upon it the status of an institution of national importance.

3. Rs 28,000 crore released under MGNREGA: The Centre has released more than Rs. 28,000 crore so far this year to States under MGNREGA to clear the last year’s liabilities and for running the programme in the on-going year.

4. Herbalife associates with IOA as Nutrition Partner: Herbalife International India, a global premier nutrition company, has entered into a two-year exclusive partnership with Indian Olympic Association to be the official nutrition sponsor of the Indian Olympic contingent to Rio De Janeiro.

5. Dabur acquires South African cosmetic firm Discaria Trading: Homegrown FMCG major Dabur has stated that it has acquired South Africa-based Discaria Trading (PTY) Ltd for an undisclosed amount. The South Africa based firm is engaged in manufacturing and trading of cosmetics.

6. Tata STRIVE skill development centre launched in Hyderabad:Tata STRIVE, an initiative of Tata Community Initiatives Trust, has been launched its first Skill Development Centre (TSSDC) centre. The centre will equip the youth in the State with skills in BPO, banking, financial services, insurance and retail industries to make them employable. The 17,000-sq ft facility in Kukatpally was inaugurated by Telangana IT and Industries Minister KT Rama Rao.

7. Odisha-born bureaucrat GuruprasadMohapatra appointed as chairman of AAI.

8. Navjot Singh Sidhu resigns as RajyaSabha MP: Navjot Singh Sidhu, former Indian cricketer and Member of Parliament has resigned from his RajyaSabha seat on the first day of the Monsoon Session. Sidhu’s resignation was accepted with immediate effect by RajyaSabha Chairman Hamid Ansari.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. NASA announces discovery of 104 new planets outside solar system: NASA has announced the discovery of 104 new planets outside our solar system including four that could have Earth-like, rocky surfaces. Scientists discovered the exoplanets in Hawaii using Kepler space telescope.

2. SpaceX launched space station docking port: US space firm SpaceX has launched supplies to the International Space Station, including a crucial docking port for future American commercial crew vehicles. The SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft lifted off on the company's Falcon 9 rocket on time from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

3. World Bank Group appoints Paul Romer as Chief Economist: World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim has appointed Paul Romer as World Bank Chief Economist with effect from September 2016. Romer is a widely respected economist and a successful entrepreneur.

3. Malcolm Turnbull sworn in as Australia’s PM.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. Government allocates Rs 22,915 crore capital to 13 PSU banks for FY17: The Narendra Modi government has allocated Rs 22,915 crore capital to meet the capitalization needs of 13 Public Sector Banks (PSBs) in the current fiscal. This is in line with its Indradhanush initiative, aimed at restoring banking sector health. The maximum capital infusion will be for State Bank of India (SBI) at Rs 7,575 crore and the least for Allahabad Bank at Rs 44 crore.

SPORTS:

2. Pakistan’s Yasir Shah scales number one spot in ICC Test Rankings: Wrist spinner Yasir Shah has scaled the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings becoming the first Pakistani bowler to do so since Mushtaq Ahmed in December 1996.

OBITUARIES:

3. Legendary singer Mubarak Begum Shaikh passed away at the age of 80: Rajasthan-born Mubarak Begum is known for the evergreen song 'Kabhi tanhaiyon mein hamari yaad ayegi' from the 1961 movie 'Hamari Yaad Aayegi', which is, till this day, regarded as a classic rendition.

Daily GK Updates - 18th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Three Indian sites listed among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites: The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has listed Chandigarh's Capitol Complex and Sikkim's national park home to the world's third highest peak Mount Khangchendzonga among its World Heritage Sites, approving all three nominations linked to India this session.

2. India’s first e-court opened in Hyderabad: India's first e-court has opened at High Court of Judicature at Hyderabad. It is the common high court for the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

3. Government launches Transforming India portal: Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad has launched a website 'Transforming India', a repository for real-time sharing of the impact of various governance initiatives with citizens.

4. Government releases Rs 100 crore towards co-contribution in APY: The Government has released Rs 100 crore towards its co-contribution for Atal Pension Yojana (APY) for 2015-16. APY provides minimum guaranteed pension ranging between Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 per month for the subscriber from the age of 60 years. The same amount of pension is paid to the spouse in the case of the subscriber's demise.

5. Commerce Ministry starts e-marketplace for goods procurement: The Commerce Ministry has launched an e-marketplace for online purchase of goods and services by various central government ministries and departments which aimed at bringing in more transparency and streamlining the government procurement of goods and services.

6. Vice President Hamid Ansari unveils Gandhi’s stone statue:Vice President Hamid Ansari has unveiled a stone statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Pethub Monastery in the Mongolian capital which is seen as a symbol of India-Mongolia cultural and spiritual ties.

7. Pema Khandu was sworn in as Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh: PemaKhandu has sworn in as the ninth Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh while Chowna Mein has sworn in as the Deputy Chief Minister. With this, Mr.Khandu became the youngest Chief Minister in the country.

8. Delhi CM launches live interactive programme TalktoAK: Delhi Chief Minister ArvindKejriwal has launched a live interactive programme, titled 'TalkToAK', aimed at directly engaging with the Delhiites, where people from across the country can ask him questions over the phone, by sending text messages and through social media.

9. Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme opened for subscription: The fourth tranche of the Sovereign Gold Bonds scheme has opened for subscription. The bond can be purchased from the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange, besides all Bank branches, select Post Offices and the Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited.

10. Coimbatore-based Air Carnival commences operations: Low-cost airline with pink and white themed Air Carnival has launched its operations with its maiden flight from Coimbatore to Chennai. The airline, which is based in Coimbatore, will focus on short-haul services with ATR72-500 aircraft.

11. Dabur and DRDO unit tie up for high altitude medicinal plants: Dabur, a leading ayurvedic FMCG firm has tied up with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO's) unit Defense Institute of High Altitude Research (DIHAR), Leh, to promote sustainable cultivation of high-altitude medicinal plants in Ladakh.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. 18^th July: Nelson Mandela International Day observed: Nelson Mandela International Day is an annual international day in honour of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on 18 July, Mandela's birthday. The day is aimed at inspiring individuals to take action to help change the world for the better.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

2. Dipika Pallikal Karthik and Saurav Ghosal clinch National Squash titles at the 73^rd Senior National Squash Championship in the women and men category respectively.

3. Vijender Singh beats Kerry Hope to clinch WBO Asia Pacific title: Vijender Singh, the boxing star from India, has clinched the WBO Asia Pacific Super Middleweight title at the Thyagraj Stadium, New Delhi.

Daily GK Updates - 17th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Terrapin 3 Acquisition Corporation acquires Yatra Online for $218 million: Yatra Online, Inc. and Terrapin 3 Acquisition Corporation entered into a definitive merger agreement. The transaction values Yatra at an enterprise value of 218 million dollars (1458 crore rupees).Yatra in its statement said that it intends to be listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol"YTRA" following completion of the transaction.

2. NalandaMahavihara inscribed as 33^rd World Heritage Site in India: The ruins of ancient NalandaMahavihara known as old Nalanda University of Bihar on got inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.With this, Nalanda University ruins became the second World Heritage Site in Bihar after Bodhgaya's Mahabodhi temple and 33rd such site in India.

3. ‘Ramayana Month’ begins in Kerala: Kerala on 16 July 2016 started observing Ramayana month in the temples. In Malayalam it is termed as the Ramayana Masam. The Ramayana Month starts with the commencement of Malayalam month ‘Karkidakam’.During this month the temples and homes of the state recites Adhyatma Ramayanam  Kilippattu written by medieval devotional poet Thunjath Ezhuthachan for the 30 days. Ezhuthachan is regarded as the father of Malayalam literature.

4. Rare Marbled Map butterfly sighted in Eastern Ghats: Rare Marbled Map butterfly was sighted in Eastern Ghats near PM Kota village of Maredumillimandal in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. This is the first time that the Marbled Map butterfly species, usually found in the north-east, was sighted in South India.

5. Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi appointed as Chairman of CBSE.

6. K V R Murthy appointed as CMD of Jute Corp of India.

7. Supreme Court ordered restoration of NabamTuki Government in Arunachal Pradesh: For this purpose, it also quashed the Kalikho Pul government that came into power on 19 February 2016 after Governor J P Rajkhowa ordered dismissal of Nabam Tuki led government of the state.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Peru declares Zika emergency in 11 states: The Peru Government declared Zika health emergency across the northern half of the country.The emergency was declared after 102 people have been confirmed to be infected with the virus, 34 of which are pregnant women.

OTHER UPDATES:

BOOKS AND AUTHORS:

1. Book titled ‘Courage and Commitment’ authored by Margaret Alva released.

Daily GK Updates - 16th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. WHO declares India as Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus free: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared India as Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus free. In this regard, WHO presented certificates to the Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda.

2. Over 14 lakh LPG connections released under PMUY: Over fourteen lakh LPG connections have been released to the women of BPL families under the PradhanMantriUjjwalaYojana (PMUY). According to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the scheme is currently under operation in 487 districts of 17 states.

3. 74 schemes of 17 ministries and departments brought under DBT: The GOI has been brought 74 schemes of 17 Ministries and Departments under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Addressing the members of Consultative Committee of his Ministry in New Delhi, Finance Minister ArunJaitley stated that DBT is a very important scheme as it transfers the benefit to the targeted beneficiaries.

4. Indian Naval ship visits Port Kelang, Malaysia: Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri, Shakti and Kirch have arrived at Port Kelang on a four day visit, as part of deployment of the Eastern Fleet to the South China Sea and Western Pacific.

5. Tata Advanced Systems signs deal with Bell Helicopter: Tata Advanced System (TASL) and Bell Helicopter, a Textron Company have signed an agreement to work together in support of India’s aviation and defense modernization initiatives. The agreement was inked with an emphasis on ‘Make in India’.

6. MP cabinet approves setting up of Happiness Department in State:In Madhya Pradesh, the Shivraj cabinet has given its nod to set up Happiness Department in the state. This department will work as knowledge resource centre on the subject of happiness. A state Happiness Institute will also be established under the Happiness Department.

7. Maharashtra CM launches virtual, digital classrooms across 32 ITIs in state: Maharashtra Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis has launched the facility of virtual and digital classrooms across 32 ITIs in the state on the occasion of World Youth Skills Day (15th July). According to him, the facility of virtual classrooms will bridge the urban-rural divide and open the doors of knowledge. Mr.Fadnavis asked students to master their passion, and assures that jobs will come in plenty due to the power of skill development.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. RBI sets up an Inter-Regulatory Working Group on Fin Tech and Digital Banking: The group has been set up in view of the growing significance of Fintech innovations, and their interactions with the financial sector as well as financial sector entities. It will review and appropriately reorient the regulatory framework, and respond to the dynamics of the rapidly evolving Fintech scenario. The Working Group will be headed by SudarshanSen, Executive Director of RBI, and has 12 members. It has been asked to submit its report within six months from the date of its first meeting.

2. India and ADB sign 100 million USD loan agreement for Cauvery Delta Project in Tamil Nadu: The Union Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a 100 million US dollars loan agreement to strengthen key irrigation and drainage system and improve water management in the Vennar sub-basin of the Cauvery delta in Tamil Nadu.

3. RBI asks banks to exchange upto 20 soiled notes free of charge: The Reserve Bank of India has asked banks to exchange up to 20 pieces of soiled currency notes with a maximum value of Rs. 5,000 over the counter free of charge in an effort to improve customer service. However, if the number of notes to be exchanged is more than 20, banks can levy service charge.

SPORTS:

4. Misbah-ul-Haq becomes oldest captain to score Test hundred: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has scored 110 against England at Lord's and with this, the 42 years and 47 days old cricketer became the oldest captain to score Test hundred. Misbah is also the oldest visiting player to play a Test on English soil in the last 31 years.

BOOKS AND AUTHORS:

5. Book titled ‘Who moved my interest rate’ authored by former RBI Governor Duvvuri Subbarao to be released on 27^th July 2016.

Daily GK Updates - 15th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. India becomes 1^st country to become YAWS-free: India achieves yet another public health milestone, becomes first country to be declared free of Yaws, an infection of the skin and bones, much ahead of WHO global target year of 2020.

2. President to inaugurate India Skills Competition today: President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the first edition of India Skills Competition today, on the occasion of the World Youth Skills Day in New Delhi. Skill India will be celebrating its first anniversary on the occasion.

3. Vice President Hamid Ansari reached UlaanBaatar to attend 11^th Asia-Europe Meeting-AESM-Summit: Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has reached UlaanBaatar, the capital of Mongolia. He is leading the India delegation for two days 11th Asia-Europe Meeting- ASEM-Summit starting from today. The theme for the summit is "20 Years of ASEM: Partnership for the Future through Connectivity".

4. Congress announces Sheila Dixit as Chief Ministerial candidate for UP Assembly elections: The Congress has announced the Senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit name as the Chief Ministerial candidate by the party for upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.

5. Government revises time schedule for making payments under Income Declaration Scheme 2016: The Government has revised the time schedule for making payments under Income Declaration Scheme 2016. As per the revised schedule, a minimum amount of 25 % of the tax, surcharge and penalty can be paid by 30th of November this year and the further amount of 25 % by 31st of March next year. The balance amount can be paid on or before 30th of September.

6. SIT on black money recommends ban on cash transactions above 3 lakh rupees:The Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money has recommended ban on cash transactions of above 3 lakh rupees in a day and a separate law to declare such transactions as illegal and punishable. It has also suggested upper ceiling of cash holding at 15 lakh rupees to curb illegal wealth in the economy. The SIT felt that the cash transaction limit can only succeed if there is a limitation on cash holding. The panel said, in case any person or industry required holding more cash, it may obtain necessary permission from the Commissioner of Income Tax of the area. The SIT headed by retired Justice M B Shah, submitted its fifth report to the Supreme Court.

7. Centre approves projects involving investment of over 19 crores for Mewat and Sirsa districts of Haryana: The Central Government has approved the projects involving an investment of 19 crore 50 lakh rupees for Mewat and Sirsa districts of Haryana, under Multi-Sectoral Development Programme (MSDP). These districts include Sirsa, Palwal, Mewat, Yamunanagar, Fatehabad and Kaithal.

8. West Bengal government sets target to construct toilets across all villages of the state by March 2019: The West Bengal government has set a target to construct toilets across all villages of the state by March 2019 to enable open defecation free (ODF) rural Bengal.

9. MaharshiDayanand University signs MoU for collaborative studies with GVF: MaharshiDayanand University (MDU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with non-profit public organization namely Global Village Foundation (GVF) for collaborative studies and research on social and economic public policies.

10. Rajesh KumarChaturvedi appointed as the CBSE Chairman.

11. BHEL commissions 250 MW power plant at Bhavnagar district in Gujarat.

OTHER UPDATES:

SPORTS:

2. GM HarikaDronavalli wins Fide Women’s Grand Prix trophy in China: India's Grand Master HarikaDronavalli has won the Fide Women’s Grand Prix trophy in Chendu in China.

3. India jumps 11 places to 152^nd in football rankings: India made a big leap of 11 places to occupy 152nd spot in the latest world football rankings issued by FIFA. India beat Laos 6-1 and 1-0 in the home and away play-off matches to make it to the 2019 Asian Cup qualifying tournament.

OBITUARIES:

5. India’s Olympic Silver Medallist Joe Antic passed away: Hockey Olympian Joe Antic has passed away in Mumbai. He was 90 years old. He represented the country in the Rome Games where Pakistan won the final between the arch-foes 1-0. Mr. Antic was also a part of the hockey squad that finished runner-up, again to Pakistan, in the Asian Games which held at Jakarta.

Daily GK Updates - 14th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Operation ‘Sankat Mochan’ launched to evacuate Indian citizens from South Sudan: The Union Government has launched ‘Operation SankatMochan’ to evacuate the Indians from South Sudan.Two C17 aircraft of Indian Air Force left for Juba with Minister of State for External Affair VK Singh onboard.

2. Ashok Patnaik appointed new National Intelligence Grid Chief: Senior IPS officer Ashok Patnaik was appointed CEO of the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID).

3. Cabinet approves revised cost estimate of Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project in Bhutan: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi has also given its approval for Revised Cost Estimate (RCE) of Rs. 7290.62 crore for the ongoing 1020 MW Punatsangchhu-II Hydroelectric Project (HEP) in Bhutan.

4. Cabinet approves revival of defunction Fertilizer Units in Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi has approved the revival of defunct Fertilizer Units in Gorakhpur, Sindri and Barauni. These include two closed urea units of Fertilizer Corporation India Limited (FCIL) at Sindri (Jharkhand) and Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Barauni (Bihar) unit of Hindustan Fertilizers Corporation Limited (HFCL).

5. Cabinet approves official amendment to the Bill for change of name to ‘Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi has also given its ex-post facto approval for the Official amendment to the Rajendra Central Agricultural University Bill, 2015 for change of name from “Rajendra Central Agricultural University” to “Dr.Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University”.

6. HAL, Safran to set up support centre in India for helicopters:Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and French firm Safran Helicopter Engines have agreed to establish a support centre in India for national and international rotorcraft customers.

7. Cabinet allocates Rs 12,000 crore to impart skill training to 1 crore people over the next 4 years: The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister ShriNarendraModi has approved the PradhanMantriKaushalVikasYojana (PMKVY) with an outlay of Rs.12000 crore to impart skilling to one crore people over the next 4 years (2016-2020).

8. Indian-American Professor named US university dean: He received his doctoral degree from De Montfort University in England, a master of science in mechanical computer aided engineering from Strathclyde University in Scotland and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from University of Rajasthan in India.

9. Kerala launches ‘world’s first’ digital student incubator: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched SV.CO, purportedly world’s first digital student incubator, as a digital makeover of the Startup Village in Kochi.SV.CO will constitute the second phase of development of Startup Village and is designed to help thousands of college-goers make an early start in entrepreneurship, according to a spokesman.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

1. Theresa May takes over as Britain’s Brexit PM, appoints Boris Johnson as Foreign Secretary: British politician, Theresa May  became Prime Minister of United Kingdom (UK) after meeting Queen Elizabeth II. She succeeds David Cameron, who had resigned in the wake of Brexit referendum that ended his six-year-long stint as the Prime Minister of Britain. She became UK’s second-ever female Prime Minister after Margaret Thatcher (in office from 1979-1990).

2. Emirates named world’s best airline in 2016 Skytrax awards: he top 5 best airlines: Emirates (1st), Qatar Airways (2nd), Singapore Airlines (3rd), Cathay Pacific (4th), ANA All Nippon Airways (5th).

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. BSE introduces ‘Paperless SIP’: Leading stock exchange BSE is introducing 'Paperless SIP' (systematic investment plans) that would allow mutual fund investors to make transactions through various modes of payments.The additional feature on BSE's mutual fund platform - StARMF - would allow MF distributors to register SIPs for their clients, who can pay SIP amounts through various modes.

Daily GK Updates - 13th July, 2016

NATIONAL UPDATES:

1. INS Karna commissioned by Indian Navy: Indian Navy has commissioned INS Karna, an independent base of Marine Commandos (MARCOS) at Bheemunipatanam Naval Base, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. It was commissioned by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba at the commissioning ceremony held at Bheemunipatanam Naval Base.

2. NajmaHeptulla and G M Siddeswara quit Modi cabinet: Union ministers NajmaHeptulla and GM Siddeshwara resigned.Dr Heptulla, the Minority Affairs Minister, was replaced by Minister of State Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who has been given independent charge. The portfolio held by Mr.Siddeshwara - junior minister for Heavy Industries - will be taken over by Babul Supriyo, who was the junior minister for Urban Development.

3. Bangladesh and India sign Rampal Power Plant construction agreement: Bangladesh and India have signed a landmark deal for the construction of a 1,320-megawatt coal-fired power plant, the biggest project under bilateral cooperation that would mark the transition from electricity export to generation level.

4. Pokhra-New Delhi direct bus service launched: The first direct bus service between Pokhara (Nepal) and New Delhi (India) was launched to connect South Asia’s two important cities. This bus service was flagged off by Nepal Home Minister Shakti BahadurBasnet and India’s ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae from Pokhara (Nepal’s famous tourist spot).

5. K V R Murthy appointed as the new CMD of Jute Corporation of India Ltd.

6. SRK, Akshay Kumar join Taylor Swift in Forbes highest paid celebrity list:Bollywood stars Shahrukh Khan and Akshay Kumar were the only Indian celebrities to make way for the Forbes list of world’s highest paid celebrity. Musician Taylor Swift with $170 million in her earning bag seized the top spot on the list. Football star Cristiano Ronaldo sparked in the Forbes list after claiming Euro cup title for Portugal under his captainship and got 5th rank in the list with earnings of 88 Million dollars.

7. IDFC Bank acquires GramaVidiyal: IDFC Bank has announced it had acquired Tamil Nadu-headquartered microfinance institution GramaVidiyal in an all-cash deal.

8. Cabinet approves stake sale in NBCC India: The Centre has cleared a proposal to sell its stake in state-owned construction company NBCC India with an aim to meet the Rs. 56,500-crore PSU disinvestment target in 2016-17.

OTHER UPDATES:

FINANCE/BANKING:                                 

1. SBI signs MoU with IIT Bombay to promote start-ups: India’s top public sector bank, State Bank of India (SBI), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Society for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SINE), (IIT) Bombay’s technology business incubator, to promote innovation by start-ups in the financial sector.

2. HDFC Bank to sell Masala Bonds: Housing Development Finance Corp (HDFC) is set to become the first Indian company to sell masala bonds, a rupee-denominated bond sold to foreign investors and listed on an overseas exchange.

SPORTS:

3. ICC has released Test, ODI and T20I Rankings: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released the official ICC men’s Team Rankings from Test, One Day International (ODI) and T20I cricket.India held the second position in the latest ICC Test rankings with 112 rating points followed by Pakistan and England. Australia leads the Test rankings with 118 rating.Top 3 teams in ICC ODI Rankings: 1. Australia 2. New Zealand 3. India, Top 3 teams in ICC T20 Rankings: 1. New Zealand 2. India 3. West Indies.

OBITUARIES:

4. William H McNeill, the prize-winning world historian died at the age of 98.